The Stepping Hill Area Committee met on Tuesday 2 December 2025 to discuss a range of community issues, including policing updates, local funding applications, and a significant development proposal. Key decisions included the approval of funding for an indoor mobile skate park and improvements to a pond at Dial Park allotment, alongside a recommendation to grant planning permission for a new industrial and office development on Pepper Road, subject to conditions.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Police representatives PC Mark Crowley and PC Nikolai Vasilev provided an update on local policing efforts. They highlighted a decrease in anti-social behaviour incidents related to fireworks compared to the previous year, with 249 reports received. Operation Spectre, aimed at tackling knife crime, resulted in 61 stop searches, 10 arrests, and the recovery of one knife. Operation North Star, focusing on night-time economy issues, persistent anti-social behaviour, and retail crime, was also detailed. The officers reported on drug warrants executed in Marple, leading to two arrests for drug supply. Burglaries were reported to be down by 18.4% year-on-year, with detection rates at 12%. The committee heard about ongoing efforts to address parking issues, including cars parking across driveways and abandoned vehicles, with assurances that patrols would be increased in hotspot areas. The police also confirmed the location of two cannabis farms in the Hazel Grove area.

Stepping Hill Hospital Travel Plan

Mr Gareth Hughes, Executive Director of Estates and Facilities for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, provided an update on the Stepping Hill Hospital Travel Plan. He outlined the trust's commitment to improving patient outcomes, supporting staff, and working with the community. Mr Hughes detailed a £100 million infrastructure backlog at Stepping Hill, with only £7 million in capital funding available. He discussed transformation programmes, including Staff Voice and operational model reviews, and strategic workstreams such as the car parking transformation programme and the travel plan. The travel plan aims to reduce single-occupancy car use, minimise impact on the local community, and promote alternative travel. Mr Hughes acknowledged challenges, including the unviability of the park and ride service and safety concerns on the A6 for cyclists. He detailed the car parking transformation programme, which includes reintroducing civil penalty notices, new barrier systems, and a revised parking policy. A temporary car park is planned for the old outpatient site, providing approximately 180-200 spaces, which will alleviate some immediate issues but will result in a net loss of spaces when the failing multi-storey car parks are eventually decommissioned. Mr Hughes stressed the need for collaboration with the council and the community to influence travel behaviours and improve public transport and cycling infrastructure.

Development Application: Pepper Road, Hazel Grove

The committee considered a planning application for the part demolition of Pepper House and the construction of new industrial, office, and café spaces on Pepper Road. The proposal, which includes a business hub with a café, aims to provide high-quality employment accommodation on a designated employment site. While the previous planning permission for a similar scheme remained extant, the current application proposed a reduction in overall floor space and a shift towards more industrial uses. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding the potential impact on residential amenity, including noise, odour, hours of operation, and visual impact. Residents requested robust conditions to mitigate these concerns, particularly regarding the colour of the buildings and the restriction of industrial uses. The applicant, Mr Jack Appleton, highlighted the collaborative work with officers and the benefits of modernising the estate and providing much-needed industrial floor space. He confirmed that the use of general industrial (B2) had been removed from certain blocks closest to residential properties, limiting them to light industrial (E(g)(iii)). The committee ultimately recommended no specific decision on approval or refusal to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, but requested that specific conditions be considered, particularly regarding the materials used for the buildings and the concerns raised by residents. The issue of the loss of the existing soft play centre was also raised, with a commitment to investigate its policy implications.

Ward Flexibility Funding Applications

Two applications for Ward Flexibility Funding were considered and approved. The Coming Home Project received £400 towards establishing a Women's Justice Steering Group, aiming to bring together women with lived experience and partner organisations to inform local service delivery. Dial Park Allotment was granted £1,000 for equipment and materials to improve a pond on their site, promoting biodiversity and community involvement.

Other Decisions

• Hazel Grove Carnival Event: Approval was granted for the Hazel Grove Carnival Association to hold a Carnival Fun Day at Torkington Park on 18 July 2026, subject to the organisers obtaining all necessary paperwork and licences.
• Road Safety Measures: Several road safety initiatives were approved:
  • No Waiting at Any Time restrictions were approved for parts of Bramhall Moor Lane, Dorchester Road, Pennine Road, St John's Road, and Portland Close in Hazel Grove.
  • No Waiting at Any Time restrictions were approved for part of Dialstone Lane in Offerton to improve pedestrian safety at a crossing.
  • The legal advertising of Traffic Regulation Orders for road safety improvements around Norbury Hall Primary School in Hazel Grove was approved.
  • Funding was approved for additional road safety measures along Torkington Road and Offerton Road in Hazel Grove, including pedestrian guard rails and rumble strips.
• Offerton Skate Park: Approval was given for funding to deliver an indoor mobile skate park at Offerton Community Centre on the last Sunday of each month, commencing in October 2025.
• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: The committee noted the report detailing progress on previously agreed decisions and the current position of delegated budgets.

Planning Appeals and Enforcement

The committee noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area. This included a dismissed appeal regarding a dropped kerb and crossover on London Road, Hazel Grove, and active enforcement notices for high hedges on Wellfield Road, Offerton, and Flowery Field, Woodsmoor. An enforcement appeal regarding a mixed-use change from a dwellinghouse to a dwellinghouse and gym on Arundel Avenue, Hazel Grove, was pending a decision.

Stockport Homes Update

An update was received from Stockport Homes, covering their capital programme, repairs, damp and mould issues, tenancy visits, development plans, fire safety, and tenant satisfaction. The committee was recommended to note the report and provide feedback on any additional information they would find useful for future updates.

Other Matters

The committee also noted a report on progress on area committee decisions and reviewed the current position of ward discretionary budgets.

The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February 2026.