The Central Stockport Area Committee met on Thursday 23 October 2025, discussing a range of community engagement initiatives, local development, and traffic regulation matters. Key decisions included approving funding for community events and a new noticeboard, as well as progressing plans for traffic calming measures.

Community Engagement and Funding

The committee heard from North West Community Connection CIC regarding their application for Ward Flexibility Funding. They were granted £280 from the Ward Flexibility Budget, with £160 allocated from the Brinnington & Stockport Central ward and £120 from the Edgeley Ward allocation, to support their Stockport Chinese New Year Celebration in February 2026. This event aims to foster cultural exchange and reduce isolation for Chinese and Hong Kong residents in Stockport.

Additionally, Stockport Community Shed received approval for a £700 grant from the Edgeley Ward allocation of the Ward Flexibility Budget. This funding will support two open days at the Rose Walker Community Centre, designed to inform the local community, organisations, and health workers about the services the Shed provides.

The committee also approved a proposal for the supply and installation of a replacement noticeboard at Woodlands Park at a cost of £1,330, funded from the Area Committee's Delegated Budget (Manor ward allocation). This initiative aims to improve the condition of the park's public information facilities.

Traffic Regulation and Parking

A significant discussion took place regarding traffic regulation orders. The committee gave approval for the legal advertising of a Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) to introduce a 20mph speed limit on Rainham Way, Dunton Green, and Penshurst Road in Brinnington. This decision, funded by the Brinnington & Stockport Central ward allocation, follows resident concerns about speeding in the area.

In contrast, a consultation on a residents' permit parking scheme for a section of Broadhurst Street, Cale Green, did not meet the minimum criteria for progression. While all respondents supported the scheme, only 36% of households participated, falling short of the 51% required by Stockport's Residential Parking Scheme Policy. Consequently, no further action will be taken on this specific proposal, though the committee requested officers to review current consultation policies and procedures, particularly concerning HMOs and the use of digital methods.

Development Applications and Planning Appeals

The committee considered a report on development applications, specifically DC/089940 - Highway Land, Highfield Street, Edgeley, SK3 0JX. This application sought a change of use from highway land to amenity land. Despite the Highway Engineer not objecting, and the proposal retaining a 2m wide pedestrian link, the committee recommended refusal. The reasons cited included a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area due to unnecessary fencing and a reduction in the width of the public access route, which was considered a popular and convenient link for non-motorised traffic.

The committee also noted a report on planning appeals, enforcement appeals, and notices. Councillor Matt Wynne raised concerns about an outstanding enforcement case at Kent Road, referencing case number 25-00173-UNT, DHW, and requested an update from the Planning Legal and Enforcement Teams at the next meeting.

Other Community Updates

Stockport Homes provided an update on their work, covering estate management plans, play area development at the York Street Estate, and addressing damp, mould, and condensation issues. They also shared information on tenancy visits, fire safety, property turnover, and performance metrics. The committee was informed about the development of new homes, with nearly 180 forecast for completion in the current financial year and four new schemes identified for the future.

The committee also approved an application from Cancer Research UK to hold their annual 3k & 5K charity event, Race for Life, at Woodbank Memorial Park and Vernon Park on Sunday, 7 June 2026. This approval is subject to the submission of all necessary paperwork and licenses.

Finally, the committee noted a report on the progress of area committee decisions. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, 4 December 2025.