Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 September 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive any announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee: -

·         Informed Marple residents that following the petition submitted to the last Area Committee meeting the public toilets in Memorial Park were now opened.

·         Informed Marple residents that for Remembrance Sunday, all Marple Councillors attended various Cenotaphs and other memorials across the wards and laid wreathes on behalf of the people of Stockport.

·         Informed Marple residents that a Covid-19 testing station will be open in Marple from 12 November 2020 with all exits and entrances to the stations via Trinity Way.

·         Informed Marple residents that Councillors were trying to consult with local residents regarding temporary speed humps being installed across Marple and welcomed any views and feedback from local residents via email at marpletraffic@gmail.com. To date over 300 residents had already expressed a view.

·         Councillor Thornley informed Marple residents that on behalf of the Committee he wanted to publicly thank the organisers of the ‘Marple Trails’ who arranged for local primary schools to contribute to the “Halloween Trail” by making scarecrows, decorating houses and mapping the displays across Marple. It was a huge success and allowed local residents to walk through the trail and view the displays.

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 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.

No questions were submitted.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

The Chair informed the Committee that “Shopping in Marple” was scheduled to be part of the “Open Forum” discussions, but agreed that it would be  deferred to a future meeting as it was not appropriate to discuss during the second lockdown as local businesses in Marple were closed.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £120 (£60 from each ward) towards the cost of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged families within the Stockport area with a ‘family gift pack’ each.

The Area Committee considered an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £120 (£60 from each ward) towards the cost of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged families within the Stockport area with a ‘family gift pack’ each. 

RESOLVED – That the application from Autisk for Ward Flexibility Funding on this occasion be declined on the basis that the application was made to all Area Committees across the Borough and would not benefit Marple residents specifically.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the CPR Group for a grant of £370 (£185 from each ward) towards the cost of donating lifesaving billboards to 13 high schools in Stockport. The billboard contains Northwest Ambulance Services step by step guide to learn CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and also features a QR code that allows pupils to download the Northwest ambulances lifesaving video onto their mobile phone.

The Area Committee considered an application from The CPR Group for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £370 (£185 from each ward) towards the cost of donating lifesaving billboards to 13 high schools in Stockport. The billboard contains Northwest Ambulance Services step-by-step guide to learn CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and also features a QR code that allows pupils to download the Northwest ambulances lifesaving video onto their mobile phone.

RESOLVED – (1) That the application for Ward Flexibility Funding be deferred until to the next meeting as Committee members were of the view that more information was required to make a decision. In particular, members wanted clarification on: -

·         Whether all 13 High Schools in Stockport would accommodate the billboards;

·         What was the content of the billboards.

(2) That Democratic Services liaise with the applicant to clarify the concerns raised by the Committee and for this information to be shared with the Committee in advance of the next meeting.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Kids Community Closet Stockport for a grant of £66 (£33 from each ward) towards the cost of purchasing equipment needed for the project as follows:-

·         Storage Crates – to store clean clothing, avoid risk of any pests or rodents getting access to clothes.

·         Shelving and Racking - to house storage crates so clothing does not go damp.

·         Stationery - labelling for crates, delivery tags for drop offs and markers.

·         Basic mobile phone – I am currently using my own personal number.

·          Promotional Material - posters and leaflets for outreach.

·         Bags - packing and delivering bundles of clothes.

The Area Committee considered an application from Kids Community Closet Stockport for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £66 (£33 from each ward) towards the cost of purchasing equipment needed for the project.

RESOLVED – (1) That the application for Ward Flexibility Funding be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee as members were of the view that more information was required to make a decision about the benefits to Marple residents.

(2) That Democratic Services liaise with the applicant to clarify the concerns raised by the Committee and for this information to be shared with the Committee in advance of the next meeting.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The following development applications will be considered by the Area Committee:-

Development applications were submitted.  

(NOTE: Full details of the decisions including conditions and reasons for granting or refusing planning permission and imposing conditions are given in the schedule of plans. The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not therefore referred to in committee minutes unless the committee makes a specific decision on a condition or reason. In order to reduce printing costs and preserve natural resources, the schedule of plans is not reproduced within these minutes. A copy of the schedule of plans is available on the council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/planning. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Change of use of office building to provide 7 no. residential apartments (Use Class C3a), with associated elevational alterations to the exterior of the building, including insertion of windows, doors and rooflights, application of render and cedar cladding, re-roofing, with the construction of two dormer extensions to the rear roof plane, and formation of external roof terraces with balustrading, together with the formation of associated car parking and segregated refuse and recycling provision.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.   

Officer contact: Mark Burgess, 0161 474 3659, mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk 

In respect of plan no. DC076025 for a change of use of vacant office building to provide seven residential apartments (Use Class C3a) with associated external alterations, extensions, external roof terraces, car parking and refuse/recycling provision.

A representative of the applicant spoke in favour of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

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: Vicki Bates, 0161 474 3219, vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee.   

The Committee were informed that the written statement from the Council for the Appeal for Marple Wharf had been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and any decisions from the Planning Inspector would be reported back to the Committee.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Council staff be thanked for the actions taken in relation to the concerns raised at Wybersley Hall Farm, High Lane.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides details relating to an update on the campaign to date, an outline of Phase 2 and also seeks to gain support from all ward committee areas and sets out how members and their communities can get involved going forward.

The Area Committee is recommended to:-

a)    Visit the campaign website (http://www.onestockport.co.uk) and follow the One Stockport social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

b)   Promote the campaign through local networks, encouraging others to visit the website and social media, and download the campaign toolkits.

c)    Share any positive local stories via getinvolved@onestockport.co.uk

d)   Provide advice and input on the proposed activities for Phase 2 and any local outlets or mechanisms which could be used to help further promote the campaign (e.g. local community groups or organisations, local social media groups, local influencers/leaders)

Officer contact: Amy Beasley, 0161 474 4596 or amy.beasley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update to all members on the One Stockport campaign to date, an outline of Phase 2 and detailing how members and their communities can get involved in the future.

Holly Rae (CSS Service Head, Stockport Council) and Nick Yates (Future) also attended the meeting and made a presentation on the One Stockport campaign.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         While there was a strong community feeling across Stockport the campaign required more visible leadership as many people felt the Council was not doing anything.

·         The ‘soft-launch’ of the campaign was a mistake that led to a lack of clarity in the local community over what the campaign was about.

·         Many people in Stockport feel local pride around their district centres or local areas within Stockport rather than in Stockport as a whole.

·         It was suggested that in future the campaign could look at more local branding e.g. One Marple.

·         Comments were made regarding the inclusivity of the project and that the  shift to digital methods would isolate some residents.

·         Members queried where in Stockport the current stories for ‘One Stockport’ were being taken from and whether any had been used from the Marple area.

·         Members recommended that the project look to the Marple Review publication for examples of community heroes that could be incorporated into the One Stockport story.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted. 

(2) That Holly Rae and Nick Yates be thanked for their presentation and attending the meeting.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report provides the details relating to the consultation information for the statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan (CAP) and the taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards (MLS) asking Members to encourage people to participate in the consultation process.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk   

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the consultation information for the statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards and asking Members to encourage people to participate in the consultation process.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         How many people would be using the ‘try before you buy’ scheme and how would it be insured. In response, it was stated that Stockport would get a number of vehicles for residents/businesses to try for up to one month and would be targeted at Hackney Cabs and not private hire with a common scheme to be adopted across Greater Manchester.

·         Why are there no electric charging points within the Clean Air Zone, as currently there is a relatively small number of charging points that are being financed. In response, it was noted that this issue had already been raised with the Government by Greater Manchester (GM) leaders with the debate over funding ongoing and the Government wanting their own funding mechanism for electric vehicles and charging via OLEV to be used rather than Greater Manchester using their own. It was also stated that many residents with electric vehicles charge them at home, and rapid chargers are being considered for placement at local/district centres.

·         It was stated that the taxi licensing plan for uniformity over Greater Manchester did not help with problems such as vehicles with ‘plates’ from other cities operating in Stockport and this needed to be addressed. In response, it was stated that discussions were taking place over national standards and in Greater Manchester funding was being linked to taxis registered within the Greater Manchester are so the incentive would be to register within the GM area.

·         It was stated that without the financial incentives it would not have much of an impact and that the funding from Government was insufficient and would result in the current goals not being and the risk that the plan would fail.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

NOTE: This item has been placed on the agenda following a recommendation of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

In light of the above, the purpose of this paper is:

·         To seek comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         To seek feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments on the proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The Area Committee was not in favour of the zonal approach to parking and had stated this previously.

·         Members expressed concern with the parking scheme and whether Marple residents would be asked to purchase parking permits to park outside their own homes. In response, it was stated that this would not occur without an agreement with the residents and the Area Committee.

·         It was noted that the report referenced population profiles of Stockport residents and there was a concern that Marple residents would be affected disproportionately.

·         Members sought clarification relating to the costs of carrying out the surveys on parking schemes and whether that cost would be paid by the Area Committee. In response, it was stated that this was currently being looked at by the appropriate Cabinet Member.

·         It was noted that regarding the introduction of electric vehicle charging points and whatever residents parking strategy was agreed that it be kept in line with the Clean Air Plan as previously discussed and that officers coordinate the approach.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The report provides details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Stockport Road, Marple.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorises the Deputy Chief Executive to order the work. 

Officer Contact: Alan Whitfield, 0161 474 3255, alan.whitfield@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Stockport Road, Marple.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee give approval for the following maintenance scheme and authorises the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) to order the work which would be funded by this Area Committee’s Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget:-

Marple North Ward

Remove bollards set in the grass verge outside 182 to 164 Stockport Road, Marple and replace with eighteen wooden bollards.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report provides details relating to the response to residents safety concerns regarding the lack of signage to inform motorists of the nearby playground.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the proposed signage to be installed at two locations on Cote Green Road, Marple Bridge as attached in drawing NM36- Cote Green Road.

Officer Contact: Julie Pelham, 0161 474 4846, julie.pelham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated)  provided details relating to the response to residents safety concerns regarding the lack of signage to inform motorists of the nearby playground.

RESOLVED –  That the Area Committee give approval for the proposed signage to be installed at two locations on Cote Green Road, Marple Bridge as submitted in drawing NM36- Cote Green Road and it is proposed that Traffic sign 1 (TS1) signage will also be located on the northern kerb line of Cote Green as per the drawing submitted. The total costs for supply and installation is £770.48, £47.48 of this will be required from the 2020/21 delegated budget.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Colin MacAlister.

The Chair reported that this item was placed on the agenda at his request.

Councillor Colin MacAlister reported that the Council officers had contacted the developers in July 2020 and were still awaiting a response and that the Council needed to be more proactive and take the appropriate action to progress the issue.

An officer present clarified that the developers were last written to a month ago and made aware that certificates must be provided relating to the condition of the sewers before the road could be adopted.

Members enquired as to whether any legal action could be taken to move the issue forward. In response, it was noted that no legal options or powers were available to the Council at this time.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee request that officers keep sight of this issue and update the Area Committee accordingly.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Colin MacAlister.

The Chair reported that this item was placed on the agenda at his request.

Councillor Thornley reported that the following issues were raised previously at the Committee and have been outstanding for some time: -

·         Edwards Way – Councillors have agreed for this to go ahead and the consultation should begin shortly.

·         Residents Permit Parking – not be discussed until the moratorium is lifted.

·         Strines Road and the corner with Station Road – discussions have taken place with the Highways Team about an alternative scheme in April 2018 and then again in January 2020.  

·         Double yellow lines on the corner of Peacefield/Cross Lane/Buxton Lane/Wood Lane -  no action taken yet. 

RESOLVED – (1) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be recommended to provide an update to the Area Committee.

(2) That Councillor Thornley as the Highway Spokesperson seeks to progress the issues raised with the appropriate officer and provide the Area Committee with an update.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance)

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: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206 charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Committee was informed that any remaining balances from the Ward Flexibility Funding and delegated budgets would be carried over to the next municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.