The Stepping Hill Area Committee met on Tuesday 29 July 2025. The committee considered funding for a Ukrainian community event and traffic regulation orders on The Fairway and Dovedale Road, Offerton, as well as various traffic calming measures and parking restrictions across the area.

Ward Flexibility Funding for Ukrainian Independence Day Event

The Stepping Hill Area Committee considered an application for £375 in Ward Flexibility Funding for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain – Stockport branch. This funding would contribute to the cost of hosting a summer event on Saturday 23 August 2025 to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine. The event, which commemorates the Declaration of Independence of 1991, would feature Ukrainian music, food, and activities for children. The Stockport branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, established in 1946, aims to promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK. The event is expected to be attended by 80-100 members of the Stockport Ukrainian community, including refugees who have relocated to the area due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Traffic Regulation Order for The Fairway and Dovedale Road, Offerton

The committee considered objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order that would introduce 'No Waiting Monday – Friday 8.00am – 9.30am & 2.00pm – 3.30pm' (Single Yellow Line) restrictions on The Fairway and Dovedale Road, Offerton. Four objections were received, primarily arguing that the restrictions should only apply during school term times, as congestion is low outside of these periods. Objectors also raised concerns about the inconvenience for residents and visitors, and potential difficulties for contractors.

The council's response explained that 'term time only' Traffic Regulation Orders are no longer used in Stockport due to enforcement difficulties, as schools now have varying holiday periods, making it impossible to determine when a restriction is active. The council also highlighted that temporary parking dispensations and suspensions can be requested for specific circumstances, such as building works. The committee considered the objections and the council's response.

Carisbrooke, Hazel Grove 20mph Speed Limit - Objection Report

The committee reviewed objections to proposed traffic calming measures and a 20mph Speed Limit Order for the Carisbrooke area of Hazel Grove. Fifteen objections were received, with many focusing on the proposed speed cushions. Concerns included potential damage to vehicles, increased noise pollution, environmental impact due to stop-start traffic, and the cost of the scheme in light of council tax increases and reduced waste collection services. Some objectors also questioned the necessity of the measures, suggesting that speed cameras would be more effective and generate revenue.

In response, the council stated that the scheme reflects Stockport Council's commitment to implementing 20mph zones, supported by local councillors and residents, and aligns with national initiatives for safer and more sustainable transport. Speed surveys indicated that 85th percentile speeds exceeded 24mph, justifying the need for physical traffic calming. The speed cushions were chosen over full-width humps to allow access for larger vehicles. The council also noted that the scheme is not designed as a revenue-generating measure.

Following consideration of the objections, the committee made a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services regarding the implementation of the traffic calming measures as amended, with some measures removed from smaller lengths of roads, and the 20mph Speed Limit Order as advertised. The removed measures will be replaced by repeater signage, though the council noted that signage is less effective than physical measures. A review will take place after the scheme is operational.

Torkington Primary School - Objection Report

Objections were considered regarding proposed parking restrictions and a 20mph Speed Limit Order around Torkington Primary School as part of the Road Safety around Schools programme. Three objections were received. One objector expressed concern that the proposed restrictions would displace parking problems to other streets, such as Wynchgate Road, Brook Lane, Holly Lane, and Hall Farm Close. They suggested that Torkington Road, being the widest, was better suited to absorb parking. Another objector agreed with some restrictions but disagreed with the extent of the 'No Waiting at Any Time' (NWAT) restrictions, suggesting they should not extend as far as proposed. They also proposed NWAT in other streets and bollards at the junction of Wynchgate Road. The third objector stated that the restrictions would leave them with nowhere to park and would cause issues for roads outside the restricted areas.

The council acknowledged the potential for parking displacement and stated they endeavour to balance the needs of residents with network users. They explained that the 10-metre restriction along Wynchgate Road is to provide clarity and safe access at the junction. The council also noted that Holly Lane and Brook Lane are not adopted highways, so restrictions would only apply to the mouth of the junctions. While acknowledging concerns about Wynchgate Road, Brook Lane, Holly Lane, and Hall Farm Close, the council stated they would consider modifications to mitigate adverse effects. The council also noted that the 20mph speed limit zone has been extended to maintain consistency and reduce signage. The committee made a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services regarding the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Orders and the 20mph Speed Limit Order as originally advertised.

Bramhall Moor Lane, Haven Close, Marsham Road & Penmoor Chase, Hazel Grove

The committee considered a report detailing a proposal for 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on Bramhall Moor Lane at its junctions with Haven Close, Marsham Road, and Penmoor Chase in Hazel Grove. The proposal aimed to improve visibility and safety for road users. Six respondents fully supported the scheme, while three supported it but requested an extension of the yellow lining on Bramhall Moor Lane. Two respondents felt the measures were unnecessary and a misuse of public funds. The council's network management team noted the generally positive response and amended the proposal to extend the yellow lining on the north-east side of Penmoor Chase. The committee made a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services regarding the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

A report was presented detailing the progress made on decisions taken by the Area Committee. This included an update on the Stepping Hill Hospital Travel Plan, where a co-signed letter had been sent to Stepping Hill NHS Trust requesting they expedite the plan, and a local MP had also engaged with the hospital. The report also provided an update on the Area Flexibility Funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

Other Matters Discussed

The committee also received updates on neighbourhood policing from Sergeant Matt Lavassani of Greater Manchester Police, who detailed service improvements, crime statistics, and ongoing operations. Public question time included a query about celebrating the diamond jubilee of the Offerton Estate with flowers, with ward members undertaking to work with Stockport Homes on this project. The committee also noted a report on planning appeal, enforcement appeals, and enforcement notices within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

Additionally, the committee considered a petition regarding a request for a residents' parking scheme on Grove Street, Hazel Grove. The petitioner stated that parking had become increasingly difficult due to neighbouring residents, visitors to Stepping Hill Hospital, and commercial vehicles from a local garage. The petition highlighted concerns about vehicles blocking driveways, parking on junctions, and damage to cars. The petitioner also raised concerns about future parking pressure from a new PureGym. The committee's position on this petition was noted.

The committee also noted a report on the 'Free to Charged Parking' project, which affects the Torkington Park car park within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area. Concerns were raised about the impact of displacement and socio-economic considerations, with assurances that a concession for local residents and free parking for blue badge holders would be in place.

Finally, the committee noted the appointment of Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues and nominations to outside bodies.