The Cheadle Area Committee met on Tuesday 2 December 2025. Key discussions included an update on neighbourhood policing efforts, a detailed report on the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Plan, and a planning application for 76 affordable dwellings in Heald Green. The committee also received an update from Stockport Homes and reviewed the financial standing of the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

PC Lewis-Charlie from Greater Manchester Police provided an in-depth update on the Cheadle neighbourhood team's activities. He detailed ongoing operations such as Operation Hutton, a response to a terrorist attack, and Operation Machinise 2, which targeted money laundering in cash-intensive businesses and resulted in the seizure of illegal vapes and cannabis edibles. Operation Treacle, focused on antisocial behaviour during Halloween and bonfire night, saw a reduction in incidents compared to the previous year, though firework-related issues increased. PC Lewis-Charlie also highlighted the National Week of Action for business crime and the Obceptor operation aimed at reducing knife crime.

The committee heard about plans for targeted action against off-road vehicles using a drone unit. Concerns were raised by Councillor Ian Hunter regarding antisocial behaviour around Ashville Crescent and Cheadle High Street, with police urging the public to report any issues. Operation North Star, aligning with the Home Office's National Winter of Action Campaign, was also discussed, focusing on priorities such as violence prevention, domestic abuse, burglary, and retail crime. A series of thefts from motor vehicles in the Cheadle area, often involving insecure vehicles, was also noted.

Councillors asked questions about neighbourhood teams being pulled into response duties, potentially impacting their proactive work. Councillor Jilly Julian inquired about further measures to reduce firework-related offences, particularly given their year-round sale. The licensing officer, who is moving to a new role, was mentioned as a point of contact for ensuring compliance with firework sales regulations. Councillor Graham Greenhalgh expressed appreciation for the visible police presence during remembrance services, and Councillor Anna Charles-Jones thanked the neighbourhood team for their effective handling of an Operation Ford report.

Development Applications: Land to the East of Wilmslow Road, Heald Green

The committee considered a significant planning application for the erection of 76 affordable dwellings on land to the east of Wilmslow Road, Heald Green. The application, previously considered by the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, had been amended to increase the affordable housing provision from 87% to 100%. The proposal also included the erection of a substation and minor revisions to plot layouts.

Officers presented the application, noting that it represented a departure from the local green belt policies but was considered appropriate development in the Green Belt under national planning policy, particularly due to the demonstrable unmet need for affordable housing and the site's sustainable location. The applicant's case for very special circumstances was outlined, focusing on housing supply shortfall, affordable housing delivery, reuse of previously developed land, economic benefits, and biodiversity net gain.

Concerns were raised by residents and councillors regarding the Green Belt implications, overdevelopment, impact on residential amenity, highways safety, and flooding. Stephen Venables, a local resident, spoke about concerns regarding the overloading of current sewers and the Environment Agency's assessment of the area as high risk since recent floods. A supporter of the application highlighted the increased affordable housing provision and its contribution to meeting local needs, including shared ownership, social rent, and rent-to-buy options.

The committee was asked to recommend to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Plan - Scheme 7 (Bruntwood Park)

Nick Wielding, feasibility and client team manager for the council, presented proposals for Scheme 7 of the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Plan, which aimed to provide a new shared-use active travel link in Bruntwood Park between Bruntwood Lane and Cheadle Royal. This route would replace an earlier approved scheme that was deemed too costly and environmentally damaging to construct along the A34 verge.

The consultation on the proposed route through Bruntwood Park revealed mixed opinions. While 42.5% of respondents agreed with the main path proposal, 50.5% disagreed. Support was slightly higher for spurs to access a kiosk and the car park among those living closer to the park. Concerns raised included the necessity of the path, value for money, safety, directness of the route, and environmental impact.

Councillor David Meller expressed concerns about cyclists' speed on newly constructed paths and whether Cheadle Catholic Primary School had been consulted. Councillor Meller also voiced reservations about the safety of cycling through the park compared to a main thoroughfare and the loss of green space. Councillor Ian Hunter questioned the methodology of the consultation, particularly regarding the distance of respondents from the park. Councillor Jilly Julian and Councillor Anna Charles-Jones echoed concerns about the isolation of the proposed route, its suitability for commuting, and potential conflicts with other park users.

The committee was asked to note the consultation results and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approves the proposed measures.

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Mid-Year Report 2025/26

Paula McDonald presented the mid-year financial update for the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust. The report indicated a net increase in the trust's funds of £5,479, bringing the total balance to £363,381 as of 30 September 2025. However, the trust was noted to be in deficit by £5,796 in real terms, a recovery from a dip in March.

Councillor Ian Hunter observed that the fund's performance was in the bottom quartile of its peers, despite market increases elsewhere. He suggested reviewing the investment policy and seeking independent financial advice on the fund's composition. The committee agreed to note the report, continue with existing investment policies of maintaining real terms value and reinvesting dividends, and to request an update on options for seeking financial advice on the investment strategy. It was also agreed not to make funding available for distribution during 2025/26 due to the deficit.

Stockport Homes Update

Emma Crick from Stockport Homes provided an update on the organisation's work and key data relevant to the Cheadle Area Committee. She highlighted the introduction of a Finding the Silences dashboard to identify tenants with minimal contact, aiming to tailor services to their needs. An update on development and new build schemes was given, including Brookhead Lodge, an extra care facility, and other projects in progress or planned. The report also included data on fire safety attendances by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, turnover and bidding for housing, and tenant satisfaction measures.

Councillors expressed appreciation for the regular updates. Councillor Jilly Julian specifically asked about fire safety education programmes, and Emma Crick detailed initiatives related to cooking safety, mobility scooter storage, and the use of specific smoking materials for vulnerable tenants. Councillor Stewart noted the high number of applicants on the housing register and inquired about demand in the Heald Green area. Councillor Hunter raised concerns about an increase in complaint rates and dissatisfaction with the approach to antisocial behaviour in the Cheadle West & Gatley area.

Residents Parking Scheme Petition - New Hey Road Cheadle

The committee considered a report on a petition requesting a residents' permit parking scheme on New Hey Road, Cheadle. A desktop study indicated a shortfall of on-street parking spaces based on projected car ownership. However, the report noted that addressing parking on New Hey Road in isolation could exacerbate issues on adjacent streets, suggesting a zonal scheme would be necessary, with an estimated cost of £6,000.

Councillor Meller commented that while there is a parking challenge, a wider, big picture approach is needed, and he agreed with the recommendation to take no further action at this time due to the cost. The committee noted the report and approved that no further action be taken at this time.

Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Notices

The committee noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Cheadle Area Committee area. This included an ongoing appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a Lidl food store on Stockport Road, Cheadle Heath, and an active enforcement notice at 50 Windsor Avenue, Gatley, concerning an unauthorised boundary wall and hard surfacing. An enforcement appeal was also noted for Nafees Sweet Shop on Finney Lane, Heald Green, regarding an unauthorised shop front.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, declarations of interest, and urgent decisions, none of which required significant discussion. Public question time and open forum sessions did not yield any questions or speakers. Ward flexibility funding applications were also considered, with grants approved for Cheadle Civic Society and The Heald Green Community Apiary.