The Werneth Area Committee met to discuss a number of issues including the Romiley District Centre Action Plan, proposed parking charges, and a funding request from Reddish Men in Sheds. The committee was also scheduled to discuss planning appeals and enforcement notices, and to review progress on previous decisions.

Free-to-charged car parks

The committee was scheduled to consider a report regarding objections to the proposed Off-street Parking Places Orders (OSPPOs) which would introduce parking charges and associated controls at the Guywood Lane and Redhouse Lane car parks.

The report noted that the introduction of charges was agreed at full council as part of the council's overall budget for 2024/25. It also stated that mitigation measures had been included as part of the project, and that revenue raised from car parks is used to fund their maintenance and operation.

According to the report, there were nine area-specific comments and 21 general comments received during the 21-day objection period.

Area-specific comments included concerns about:

• The impact on specific groups, such as permit holders, school parking, and users of local facilities.
• Displacement of vehicles onto nearby streets.
• The impact on public transport.
• The impact on businesses.
• Limited consultation.
• Land ownership/use.

General comments included concerns about:

• The impact on different groups of people.
• Displacement of vehicles onto streets.
• The impact on active travel.
• The impact on businesses.
• The rationale for charging.

The report responded to the concerns, stating that charges encourage a turnover of vehicles, and that parking permits are available for regular users. It also stated that a park-and-stride scheme had been agreed at a number of locations to enable parents/carers to park for 30 minutes at set school collection/drop-off times without charge.

The report stated that the council did not operate any purely commuter car parks, and that the cost of maintaining and operating the sites must be met by the proposed parking charges. It also stated that the proposed charges would bring the car parks in line with the majority of others located within Stockport's district centres.

The committee was asked to recommend that, notwithstanding the objections, the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services makes the Off-street Parking Places Orders as originally advertised.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from Reddish Men in Sheds for Ward Flexibility Funding.

Reddish Men in Sheds (RMIS) requested a grant of £1000 towards the cost of hosting a 'Shed Stories' event at Stockroom in Merseyway. According to the application, 'Shed Stories' is:

a blend of theatre, movement and documentary that celebrates and brings to life the world of 'Men's Sheds'. The play was developed from real-life interviews with Shed attendees and organisers. With over 1200 sheds across the UK there is a lot of rich material.

RMIS stated that the event would be open to all Stockport residents, and that they intended to involve all the local Sheds to create an opportunity for the public to see what each group gets up to and thereby encourage new members.

RMIS stated that the funding would cover the costs of staging the show, including the theatre company's fees, refreshments, and organisational charges. They also stated that Stockroom had offered the venue free of charge, and that they would not charge for tickets at the event.

RMIS stated that they had split the application between all the Wards where their members live, and that it would be ideal if a small contribution could be made from as many areas as possible.

Romiley District Centre Action Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Romiley District Centre Action Plan. The plan reflects local priorities and includes actions that help towards creating a strong, healthy and sustainable District Centre.

The report noted that over the last year, various activities and events have been held and good progress has been made on delivering a number of projects, including:

• Supporting the Christmas Light Switch on in November 2024.
• Working with Sustainable Living Romiley to add greenery and wildflower areas in the precinct car park.
• Repurposing old concrete planters to create a theatre seating area in the car park.
• Installing new fountain planters at six locations throughout the District Centre.
• Installing wall mounted baskets in the precinct.
• Supporting 'Romiley in Bloom'.
• Introducing refuse and recycling containers for the residential properties above the precinct.
• Assisting Romiley Traders Association with illuminated advertising signage.
• Continuing to support the delivery of 'Food on Friday' events.
• Supporting the recent Elvis themed event.

The report also noted that the District Centre Manager continues to regularly engage with small businesses and retailers in Romiley, and supports potential new businesses in finding premises.

The report stated that footfall in Romiley during Quarter 1 (April to June 2025) increased by 5.8% compared to the same period last year, and that the latest vacancy rate for Romiley is 4.3%, which is lower than the Stockport average for District Centres (6.2%) and the national average of 13.7%.

The committee was asked to note the progress made in delivering projects and events, and to provide feedback on ideas for priority projects to allocate the UKSPF¹ funding to, which will be discussed with Romiley Vision Group.

Planning Appeals and Enforcement Notices

The committee was scheduled to consider a report listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area.

The report included an update on enforcement action at 5 Manor Road, Woodley, regarding the construction of a dormer to the rear of the property without planning permission. A notice was served on 31 July 2024, with a compliance date of 28 August 2025.

The report also included an update on a high hedge remedial notice served on 23 August 2023 at 12 Green Croft, Romiley, with a compliance date of 16 February 2026.

The committee was asked to note the report.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

The committee was scheduled to consider a report providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The report detailed area flexibility funding for 2025-26. It noted that the general amount available was £13,834.68, and that total commitments were £3,114.97, leaving a total available of £10,719.71.

The report also detailed the delegated budget for 2025-26 for Bredbury & Woodley and Bredbury Green & Romiley wards.

The committee was asked to note the report.