The Stepping Hill Area Committee met to discuss a number of local issues, including parking charges, community funding, and traffic regulations. The committee approved funding for community noticeboards and a grant for the Alldis Street & Lake Street Residence Alley. They also recommended that parking charges be introduced at Torkington Park despite local objections.

Free-to-Charged Car Parks

The Stepping Hill Area Committee recommended that Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services, introduce parking charges at Torkington Park despite objections.

The council received one area-specific objection and 21 general objections to the proposed Off-street Parking Places Orders (OSPPOs). The objections covered:

• Impact on specific groups, such as permit holders, school parking, and users of local facilities.
• Potential impact on businesses.
• Concerns about the consultation process.
• Displacement of parked cars onto streets.
• Impact on active travel.
• The rationale for charging.

In response to concerns about the impact on specific groups, the council stated that charges encourage a turnover of vehicles, assisting in providing available parking. They also noted that parking permits are available at a discounted rate for regular users, and that blue badge holders can park for up to three hours without charge.

The council responded to concerns about the impact on businesses by saying that the charges would bring the car park in line with the majority of others in Stockport's district centres. They also stated that the sums raised would contribute to ensuring that other council revenue isn't diverted away from providing essential frontline services.

Community Funding

The committee approved two applications for ward flexibility funding:

• Offerton Community Noticeboards: The committee approved the purchase and installation of three community noticeboards in Offerton at a cost of £1,095.75, funded from the Delegated Ward Budget (Offerton ward allocation).
• Alldis Street & Lake Street Residence Alley: The committee approved a grant of £500 for the Alldis Street & Lake Street Residence Alley towards the cost of plant pots, soil, bulbs, plants, solar lights and an additional bench for use by local residents.

An application from Reddish Men in Sheds for Ward Flexibility Funding was also on the agenda as an item of urgent business¹. The group requested £100 towards the cost of hosting a 'Shed Stories' event at Stockroom, a venue in Merseyway. 'Shed Stories' is described as:

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.

The outcome of this application was not recorded in the decision log.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee considered a joint report on objections received to the proposed introduction of Traffic Regulations Orders on Akesmoor Drive, Brooklyn Road, Mile End Lane and Lakeside Green in Offerton. The committee was asked to determine whether the order be made as advertised, but the decision was not recorded in the decision log.

Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan

The committee reviewed the Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan Update.pdf, which provided an update on the delivery of the Hazel Grove District Centre Action Plan, including recent successes and priorities for the next six months. The committee was asked to note the progress made and provide feedback on ideas for priority projects to which UKSPF² funding could be allocated.

Stockport Homes Group Update

The committee considered a report from the Chief Executive of the Stockport Homes Group providing information relating to the Stockport Homes performance and key information about housing in the area. The committee was asked to comment on and note the report.

Planning Appeals and Enforcement

The committee considered a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, dates for local enquiries, informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area. The committee was recommended to note the report.