The Shady Oak - Bramhall

Minutes of the Residents meeting and the Shady Oak Public House held at 19.30hrs on Thursday 7th April 2009

Present: Jan Broomhead (Chairman), Lesley Atkinson (Secretary),
John York (Punch Tavern's Area Manager), Linda Barton,
Robert Barton, Bob Knowles, Steve Atkinson, Paula Williams,
Jacqui Chester, Stephen Brundrett, Neil Barham,
Mike Whatmough, Eileen Silver and Joan Forbes.


Apologies: Michael Crowther.


ACTION Minutes of the previous meeting held on 7th April 2009 1. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed to be a true and accurate record. Matters arising from the previous meeting 2. There were no matters arising from the previous meeting. Comments Book 3. The Chairman stated some entries had been made in the Comments Book, these were relayed to all present, and everyone was reminded it is available behind the bar if anyone wished to make an entry. 4. The Chairman also pointed out that everyone was invited to enter their comments into the book whether good or bad and should not be made to feel intimidated for doing so. 5. John York explained that matters raised in the Comments book are addressed immediately whenever possible and the Comments Book has given residents an opportunity for the first time to raise points which trouble them. Matters raised will be dealt with as soon as practicable and some of these matters may need to be dealt with at a later date. 6. Some residents voiced their appreciation of this method of communication. Entries in Comments Book 7. Linda Barton had requested a customer leave her premises as they were creating problems. He was escorted off site. 8. On the 17th April it was stated that noise including swearing was coming from the smoking area. It was pointed out that different people have different perceptions of noise. It was also explained that swearing is an unfortunate by-product of todays society and is extremely difficult to police. Discussion ensued regarding reasonable noise levels and the close proximity of residents who initially were not expecting to see a pub built on the estate. 9. Comments were directed towards the complainant to the effect of “what do you expect when you buy a house near a pub”. The lady explained that initially when Wimpey built the houses it was proposed for a shop and library to be built on Redford Drive. It appeared that Wimpey did not inform those who had committed to purchase houses that they subsequently intended to build a pub instead of a library. 10. Customers were leaving the Shady Oak via the rear of the houses on Winslade Close – two of the residents felt their noise levels were unreasonable. 11. One resident asked if the Noise Limiter levels had been set by an official source, it was explained that the levels are set by Government guidelines and that these had been adhered to. Noise Limiter 12. This has now been fitted to the equipment at the Shady Oak. Trees 13. Steve Brundrett relayed his discussion with Anthony Crookes of Stockport Council regarding the planting of evergreens. Mr Crookes had visited the area to the rear of the Shady Oak to conduct a survey and said that when Punch Taverns had planted their trees, the Council would consider planting Yew, Holly or Hazel trees alongside. 14. Steve had been asked by Mr Crookes if he would be willing to water any newly planted trees initially to ensure growth, he agreed to do this. Mr Crookes had also confirmed he wanted to ensure all trees are maintained, including those in the mudded slope, along the bank of the stream and those parallel with Mr Brundrett’s neighbour Jacqui Chester’s shed and fence. 15. John York asked Mr Brundrett for Mr Crookes’s contact details as he thought it may be helpful for the Council and Punch Taverns to enter into a joint venture on this project, sharing Contractors and resources etc. 16. Discussion ensued regarding the number of years it will take for the trees to grow and therefore creation of a potential noise barrier may take some time. 17. It was also questioned whether or not trees would solve any noise carrying over into neighboring gardens. Discussion ensued regarding style of coverage and what would be the most efficient. Any Other Business 18. Everyone present was informed that the minutes of this and the previous meetings would be available on the Shady Oak website. 19. The Chairman suggested an interim update meeting could be held sometime before the next scheduled meeting and this was considered by the majority present at the meeting to be a good idea. 20. As there were no other matters to discuss, the meeting closed. Future Meeting Dates 21. The next meetings will be held at 1900hrs for 1930hrs on 4th August, 23rd November 2009, 2nd February and 4th May 2010.