Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

The board approved the updated Section 75 agreement variation and memorandum of understanding for the 2026-27 Better Care Fund. These legal documents provide the governance framework for pooled health and social care funding and other shared investments outside the core pool. This affects procurement because it governs how services are jointly commissioned, funded and risk-managed across the locality.

The committee approved £3,000 from the Marple North ward allocation for a dropped crossing on Morend Road, Mellor. Councillors said the scheme was brought forward by highway officers and would improve safety for residents. This is a small works spend in the highways domain, likely involving civil works, kerbing and pedestrian access improvements.

The committee approved £135 from ward flexibility funding toward Stockport Pride 2026. The applicant explained that the event supports LGBTQ+ visibility and wellbeing, and members accepted that other income sources, including stall fees, sponsors, local funds and Forever Manchester, would cover the wider event cost.

Members agreed delegated budget funding for a Christmas tree at the junction of Hollingworth Road and Stockport Road East. The proposal was framed as a community-enhancing seasonal installation with a successful precedent from the previous year.

The committee approved £600 from ward flexibility funding for Reddish Vale High School Parent Partnership Community to stage a colour run, covering event setup costs so student fundraising can support outdoor space improvements at the school.

The committee approved ward flexibility funding for a new community running and exercise group for mums, babies and families in Woodford. The applicant said the group would remain free and use the grant for starter equipment such as mats and other items; members viewed it as a good fit for start-up community support and mental health/anti-isolation aims.

The committee considered two major school redevelopment planning applications: a full rebuild at Bramall High School and a phased replacement at Moorfield Primary. Discussion focused on construction disruption, travel plans, biodiversity net gain, community use of sports facilities, drainage and temporary parking arrangements, and the need for Natural England/newt licensing on the Moorfield scheme. Members also received a brief update on planning appeals and enforcement matters, including one allowed appeal, one dismissed enforcement appeal, and a new appeal at Chester Road.

The committee spent much of the meeting on flood risk, particularly the Micah Brook/Bramhall Green area and the A555/Spath Brook drainage works, with repeated references to modelling, natural flood management, funding constraints, and resident concerns about insurance, access and emergency vehicles. Members also debated the emerging Local Plan, brownfield/green belt/grey belt policy, planning portal issues, school places and infrastructure pressure from housing growth. Two planning applications were considered: a replacement dwelling on Calwood Avenue and the Bramall High School rebuild, which was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement for biodiversity monitoring.