Agenda and minutes

To elect a chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Sue Ingham be elected Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a vice –chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council meeting.

That Councillor Craig Wright be appointed vice-chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 March 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Committee.

The Service Director (Place Management) in consultation with the Chair of the Area Committee has approved an application for the holding of dog show’s at Brabyns Park from 29 June – 1 July 2012 and from 14 July – 15 July 2012.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that the Service Director (Place Management) in consultation with the Chair had approved an application for the holding of dog show’s at Brabyns Park from 29 June – 1 July 2012 and from 14 July – 15 July 2012.

The Service Director (Place Management) will attend the meeting and report on this issue.

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) attended the meeting and updated the Area Committee in respect to the decision of the Council Executive who had selected Kirkland Developments as the preferred developer for the Chadwick Street Car Park site in Marple district centre. He reported that the Chadwick Street site, currently a car park, had been identified by the Council as being suitable for a retail development and could contribute to the range and quality of Marple’s retail offer and enhance consumer choice, attracting more shoppers to the area. He further confirmed that a requirement of any development proposal would be to retain parking provision to serve the district centre, public realm improvements and the relocation of the Royal Mail sorting office. The site was offered to the market for expressions of interest and was followed by detailed submissions from five shortlisted candidates. The main criteria upon which the submissions were considered included the quality of the development scheme proposed, its ability to be implemented in accordance with Council planning policy and the level of receipt offered to the Council. Any future development proposals would be subject to full and thorough public consultation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Pass the Baton

The Pass the Baton Event, is a celebration of Stockport’s Greenspaces and the legacy of the Olympic Games 2012.  Friends of the Park Groups,  Sports Clubs, Schools ,Community Groups are working together , supported by Stockport Council to organise this borough wide event.

The date for the event will take place on, Saturday 7th July 2012. On the 6th July there will be a day of school events.

There will be 5 baton routes through Stockport as part of this event . Please see plan below, showing the anticipated route the batons will take before converging in Reddish Vale Country Park for a final celebration. In each of the parks / greenspaces that the batons pass through there will be a smaller parks activity, some will have a sports theme, some a nature theme and some a cultural theme. The smaller events will be organised and delivered by the respective Friends Group / Community Group.  The batons will be carried from park to park by a network of volunteers from the boroughs sports clubs. 

Hawk Green Fun Day - A Community Celebration for all the family organised by the Hawk Green Residents Association, a community group with experience of planning and carrying out similar events on the Green. This family fun day will include music performances from local bands and fun activities for children.

Chadkirk - A Thi Chi demonstration in the country park with the opportunity for Park Users to join in.

The Chair outlined details for the ‘Pass the Baton’ event which would take place on Saturday 7 July 2012 which would be a celebration of Stockport’s Green spaces and the legacy of the Olympic Games 2012.

She further reported that the Marple Area Committee web page would be kept up to date with information relating to Chadwick Street and that the dates for public consultation events relating to the development of the Hibbert Lane site would be advertised as soon as the Council was informed.

www.stockport.gov.uk/marpleareacommittee

She also reported that the Council would be producing a newsletter for Marple and the surrounding areas in the near future.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The Chair announced that this item would be considered in conjunction with agenda item 6 (f) Open Forum – the Community Safety Unit and East Area Neighbourhood Policing Team Annual Report.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting and at local libraries and information centres.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted concerning vandalism on the new Bridleway at Rose Hill and obstructions on the footpaths in the Rose Hill area.

RESOLVED – That these problems be drawn to the attention of the Public Realm Inspector and Greater Manchester Police for consideration.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality  and the condition of the highway.

The local Public Realm Inspector attended the meeting to provide an update in respect to issues affecting local environmental quality and the condition of the highway. The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         80% of annual highway inspections were now complete and any defects identified would be repaired in the next 56 days.

·         Repairs to Strines Road would be completed in the next few weeks.

·         The cutting back of vegetation on Carr Brow was now complete.

·         The first annual weed spray would be completed in the next few weeks.

·         There had been a spate of asbestos related fly tipping in the Marple area all of which had been removed.

·         The excellent repair work carried out at the Manor Road/Grove Road junction.

·         The fly tipping of a tyre on Offerton Road.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and the Public Realm Inspector be thanked for her attendance.

(2) That the Area Committees thanks be extended to Alan Whitfield for his efforts as the Area Conditions Officer for Marple.

To receive petitions from members of the public and community groups.

No petitions were submitted.

Community Safety Unit and East Area Neighbourhood Policing Team Annual Report.

Karen Pimlott, Community Safety Unit and Sergeant Roe, Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting and made a presentation in respect the Community Safety Unit and East Area Neighbourhood Policing Team Annual Report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         How the Neighbourhood Policing Teams were organised geographically and their purpose.

·         Crime statistics for the Marple Area Committee area for the period January – December 2011 and how they compared to the statistics for the previous year.

·         The crime statistics revealed that there had been an 18% drop in all crime for the Marple area with the most notable successes being reductions in burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour.

·         Consultation with the public revealed that 87.3% in Stockport East thought the police were doing an excellent or good job and only 0.3% thought there was a high level of anti-social behaviour in their area.

·         Operation Gotham had been a particularly successful operation to reduce burglaries linked to darker nights. Operation Ness had targeted burglary hotspots and known offenders. Operation Treacle had successfully tackled anti-social behaviour in the period running up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. Operation Alloy had resulted in a 50% reduction in metal thefts in the last six months in the Marple area.

·         Trading Standards ‘Rogue Trader Days’ which had targeted rouge traders in Marple had proved highly successful.

RESOLVED – That the representatives of the Community Safety Unit and Greater Manchester Police be congratulated for their continued efforts to reduce crime in the previous year.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

1.    Mellor Well Dressing

2.    Mellor Business Forum

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted two applications (copies of which had been circulated) for consideration as follows:-

(a) An application from Mellor Well Dressing for funding towards the construction of boards, posters and advertising materials.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £150 (Marple North Ward allocation) to Mellor Well Dressing for funding towards the construction of boards, posters and advertising materials.

(b) An application from Marple Business Forum for funding towards the introduction of a Car Park Rebate Scheme for all SMBC owned Pay and Display car parks in the Marple district.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £1000.00 to Marple Business Forum for funding towards the introduction of a Car Park Rebate Scheme for all SMBC owned Pay and Display car parks in the Marple district.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal and Democratic Services).

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Marple Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by Marple Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report provides the Area Committee with an opportunity to comment on the inclusion of Local Employment & Training benefits within the planning obligations (s106) in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Nick Hill 0161 474 3736 email: nick.hill@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) providing the Area Committee with an opportunity to comment on the inclusion of Local Employment & Training benefits within the planning obligations (s106) in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Service Director (Place Management) and the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Governance)

The report requests the Area Committee to consider whether to dedicate a bridleway over land owned by the Council, Footpath 68 Marple, on a section of Hilltop Drive, as shown marked A-B-C on plan attached at Appendix 1.

The Area Committee is recommended to dedicate a bridleway over land owned by the Council, Footpath 68 Marple, on a section of Hilltop Drive, as shown marked A-B-C on plan attached at Appendix 1.

Officer Contact: Ernest Nama 0161 474 4595 email: ernest.nama@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider whether to dedicate a bridleway over land owned by the Council, Footpath 68 Marple, on a section of Hilltop Drive as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to dedicate a bridleway over the route between points A-B-C as detailed in the report and the suggested access controls adjacent to Marple Hall school but that further discussions be held in relation to the proposed access controls where bridleway 64M meets footpath 64M.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report requests the Area Committee to consider a proposal to introduce a traffic regulation order on George Street, Compstall.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the proposal as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Graham Price 0161 474 4893 email: graham.price@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider the proposed introduction of a traffic regulation order on George Street, Compstall.

RESOLVED – That the following be approved at an approximate cost of £600.00 to be funded via the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

No Waiting at Any Time

George Street, Compstall – South east side from a point approx 25 metres north east of the north easterly kerb line of Thomas Street for a distance of 35 metres in a generally north easterly direction.

George Street, Compstall – North west side from a point approx. 1 metre south west of the projected south westerly kerb line of Thomas Street for a distance of 57 metres in a generally north easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report outlines a proposal to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order on Pear Tree Close, Marple Bridge.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the introduction of a traffic regulation order on Pear Tree Close as detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Graham Price 0161 474 4893 email: graham.price@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Place Management) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to give consideration to the introduction of a traffic regulation order on Pear Tree Close, Marple Bridge.

RESOLVED – That the following be approved at an approximate cost of £575 to be funded via the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

No Waiting at Any Time

Pear Tree Close, Marple Bridge – South west side from a point approx 67 metres north west of the north westerly kerb line of Lower Fold for a distance of approx 41 metres in a generally north westerly, north easterly and south easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Education).

The Area Committee is requested to provide political nominations for the Authority vacancy at All Saints CE Primary School.

Officer contact: Libby Evans on 474 3847 or email: libby.evans@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Education) (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to make a nomination to the Liberal Democrat vacancy at All Saints CE Primary School.

RESOLVED – That the following nomination be approved:-

Name                         School                                   Nominating Group

Sue Ingham              All Saints CE                                    Liberal Democrat

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Area Committee are requested to consider the appointment of Councillors to outside bodies.

The Area Committee is recommended to make nominations to the Outside Bodies identified in the report.

Officer Contact: Stephen Fox 0161 474 3206 email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider appointing representatives to outside bodies.

RESOLVED – That the following appointments be approved:-

Bridge Alms House and Sick Nursing Home – Councillor Shan Alexander

Marple Senior Citizens’ Hall Management Committee – Councillors Sue Ingham and Craig Wright

Walklate Educational Foundation – Mr Philip Harrison

  The Democratic Services Manager to report at the meeting.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager requested the Area Committee to identify a date on which the Pride in Marple Awards 2012 could be held.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make the necessary arrangements for the Pride in Marple Awards to be held on Wednesday 7 November 2012.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Stephen Fox, 0161 474 stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, the current position on Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.