Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 August 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 August 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair announced that the Council was currently undertaking a number of consultations with regard to the annual budget setting process.  Specifically, it was stated that consultations relating to the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme was running until 4 November 2019; Street Cleansing until 11 November 2019; Libraries until 15 November 2019 and Museums until 18 November 2019.

The Chair then reported that local environmental group MESS (Marple, Mellor and Marple Bridge Energy Saving Strategy) were holding an event at Marple Sixth Form College on Sunday, 29 September to highlight the climate crisis facing the local community.

It was further reported that the Marple Neighbourhood Forum would be holding its third Annual General Meeting on Saturday,12 October 2019 at Marple United Reformed Church.

The Chair then referred to the Area Committee’s Ward Flexibility Budget that was used to provide grants to local community organisations.  It was stated that for the previous two financial years, the Area Committee’s annual allocation of £3,000 per ward had been top sliced by 10% to provide for a ‘Boroughwide Fund’ that would be used to make grants to those organisations whose scope or project extended beyond a single locality in the Borough.  However, this year the Cabinet Member had so far declined to establish a fund, and as a result the Area Committee’s budget had been refunded the £300 per ward that had originally been allocated for this purpose. 

The Chair then extended the thanks and congratulations of the Area Committee to all those who were involved in welcoming the Tour of Britain cycle race to Stockport on 14 September 2019.

Finally, the Chair commented on the introduction of the Open+ self-service library access system that had been introduced at Marple Library following a successful trial in Bramhall. It was stated that there had been some concerns reported over operation of the system during the summer months as the park had become busier and young people had remained in the park for longer in the evenings.  It was stated that the incidents had been reported to the police who were working closely with staff at the library to tackle the issues and work was taking place to identify the main culprits. 

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. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the progress that had been made towards the development of a new swimming pool in Marple.

In response, it was stated that the last official announcement had been made in July 2019 where it had been confirmed that further progress was being made with the project to develop options for providing a replacement leisure centre in Marple.  It was stated that this could incorporate a broader range of community facilities than those offered in the current pool building.  The Council had appointed GT3 Architects to lead the technical team developing concept designs for the scheme and it was anticipated that this phase of work would last 12-15 weeks and it would result in detailed designs being drawn up for a number of options.  Once the detailed designs and options had been completed, there would be a programme of engagement with local residents and other stakeholders.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to the condition of the skatepark at Marple Memorial Park and the options open to the Council to address ongoing issues of noise and litter.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to the potential to make improvements to the facades of empty shops in Marple.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

To consider a presentation from a local community group in respect to Marple Wharf.

Susan Ingham (Director and Chair of the Wharf Marple Community Interest Company) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to the ongoing work to acquire, renovate Marple Wharf and bring back into use to provide numerous activities related to heritage and health and wellbeing including the provision of a Heritage and Visitor Centre including a cafe on the ground floor and a dedicated fitness and well-being centre on the first floor.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The proposed use of the building for the benefit of the wider community was welcomed.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the detrimental impact that other proposed developments within close proximity to the wharf might have on the historic setting of the building.

RESOLVED – That Susan Ingham be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

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.

Karen Barnes (Public Realm Inspector) attended the meeting and submitted a report providing an update on issues relating to public realm and enforcement related matters within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Work was ongoing to contact property owners to ensure that overgrown hedges were cut back along the A6.

·         It was commented that mare’s tail was growing through the newly laid pavement surfacing on Windlehurst Road and that this needed to be addressed.

·         There were a number of blocked gullies on Glossop Road, Marple Bridge that was contributing to issues of excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.

·         Members expressed their appreciation for the work that had taken place to move a bus stop in High Lane to the back of the footway following hedge maintenance and detritus removal work.  It was stated that this had greatly improved the accessibility of the area for all footpath users.

RESOLVED – That Karen Barnes be thanked for her attendance.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a funding application from the Salvation Army.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report on behalf of The Salvation Army, Stockport Citadel for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of a community carol service event.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from The Salvation Army, Stockport Citadel for a grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£50 from each of the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of a community carol service event.

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

The purpose of this report is to update members on the operation of the Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) operated by Road Safety on behalf of the Cabinet Member and the Area Committees.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Nick Whelan on Tel: 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the operation of the Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) operated by Road Safety on behalf of the Cabinet Member and the Area Committees.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Mobile Speed Indicator Devices were an invaluable resource that had the benefit of providing a rich data set that allowed members and officers to understand the speed and volume of traffic within a given locality, but also acted as a deterrent from speeding to motorists.

·         Concern was expressed that notwithstanding the funding allocated by the Area Committee to provide for the relocation of the SIDs within the Marple area, this had not been happening in recent months.

·         It was proposed that a SID be located on Thornway, High Lane to monitor traffic volumes along the highway from Meadway and South Meadway following the opening of the A555.

·         It was noted that there had been technical difficulties in downloading some of the data from the SIDs and that arrangements were being made to make improvements to the efficiency and reliability of this process with the manufacturer,

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That it be noted that the report made a commitment that members would be provided with a breakdown of the data obtained from the Mobile Speed Indicator Devices by 30 September 2019.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to provide further clarification on the failure rate of the Mobile Speed Indicator Devices.

(4) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to make any necessary reimbursements to the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget to reflect the actual number of times the Mobile Speed Indicator Devices had been re-sited in the Marple area.

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

The report requests the Area Committee to give consideration to the installation of a Cycle Stand on Town Street.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Julie Pelham on Tel: 0161 474 3846 or email: julie.pelham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to install two cycle stands close to the kerbline outside The Norfolk Arms Public House, Town Street, Marple Bridge.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the installation of two cycle stands on Town Street, Marple Bridge at a total cost of £490.04, of which £400 had previously been allocated in 2018/19, and as such approval has been given to expenditure for the oustanding sum of £90.04 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

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

The Area Committee is requested to consider the relocation of an existing CCTV camera in Marple Memorial Park to give coverage of the Wheel Sport Facility.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Richard Booker on Tel: 0161 474 4849 or email: richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the relocation of an existing CCTV camera on Hollins House within Marple Memorial Park to provide expanded coverage of the wheel sport facility and sports area in the park.

It was commented that the report proposed that the cost of the relocation be met jointly from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane Delegated Budget ward allocations.  However, it was noted that such an allocation from Marple South & High Lane would prejudice the ability of the Area Committee to make the required separate funding allocation for the proposals contained within Agenda Item 8 ‘Thornway Area - No Motor Vehicles Except for Access’. 

As such, members agreed that it would be appropriate on this occasion for the funding for this scheme to be met wholly from within the Marple North ward allocation.

RESOLVED - That approval to the relocation of an existing CCTV camera on Hollins House within Marple Memorial Park to provide expanded coverage of the wheel sport facility and sports area in the park at a cost of £1,660 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report requests the Area Committee to nominate Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Day Services at Compstall, High Lane, Marple and Mellor War Memorials on Sunday 10 November 2019.

The Area Committee is requested to nominate Councillors as detailed in the report.

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

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint Councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day Services at Compstall, High Lane, Marple and Mellor War Memorials on Sunday, 10 November 2019.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following Councillors to lay wreaths on Sunday, 10 November 2019:-

Compstall      - Councillor Becky Senior

High Lane     - Councillor Aron Thornley

Marple            - Councillor Malcolm Allan or Councillor Steve Gribbon

Mellor             - Councillor Malcolm Allan or Councillor Steve Gribbon

At 7.40 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 7.50 pm

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

The report requests the Area Committee to consider proposals in respect to vehicular access in the vicinity of Thornway, High Lane.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the proposals detailed in the report.

Officer Contact: Eraina Smith on Tel: 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to undertake a consultation with regard to the introduction of a moving traffic regulation order in the form of ‘No Motor Vehicles Except for Access’ on Thornway, Beechway, Daisyway and Meadway, Marple.

It was commented that a Mobile Speed Indicator Device (SID) had previously been sited on Thornway prior to the opening of the A555, the data obtained from this device could be used to establish a baseline for the number of vehicles that used this route.  It was further stated that a SID should be located on Thornway to monitor traffic volumes along the highway from Meadway and South Meadway following the opening of the A555 to determine if this had made an appreciable impact.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the commencement of a consultation with regard to the introduction of a moving traffic regulation order in the form of a ‘No Motor Vehicular Except for Access’ on Thornway, Beechway, Daisyway and Meadway, Marple at a cost of up to £4,100 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward delegation).

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 on Tel: 0161 474 3206 or email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that a number of items had remained on the traffic resume for an extended period of time and it would be useful if timescales could be attached to those items.

·         The Area Committee’s Delegated Budget was being increasingly used to fund items that would ordinarily have been funded from the Strategic Budget and as such was under increased pressure.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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

One development applications was 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 Chief Executive is authorised to determine conditions and reasons and they are not 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 ww.stockport.gov.uk/planningdecisions Copies of the schedule of plans or any part thereof, may be obtained from the Place Directorate upon payment of the Council’s reasonable copying charges).

In connection with single-storey rear extension, porch canopy, covered play area, alterations to fenestration, provision of an accessible parking space and cycle/bin store to facilitate use of the extended building as a 52-child place pre-school day nursery at Kingdom Hall, 67 Edwards Way, Marple.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

In respect of plan no. DC073816 for a single-storey rear extension, porch canopy, covered play area, alterations to fenestration, provision of an accessible parking space and cycle/bin store to facilitate use of the extended building as a 52-child place pre-school day nursery at Kingdom Hall, 67 Edwards Way, Marple,

a member of the public spoke against the application.

It was then

MOVED AND SECONDED – That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposed development would result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety and have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of adjoining properties.

For the motion 2, against 3.

MOTION NOT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (3 for, 2 against) That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report summarises recent appeal decisions, lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries and informal hearings, progress on authorised enforcement action set out by area committee.

The Area Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Vicki Bates on Tel: 0161 474 3183 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries, informal hearings and progress on authorised enforcement action.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details an application from Etherow Sailing Club who have applied to use part of Etherow Park and Lake for their Firework Night on Sunday 3rd November 2019. The event starts at 6.00pm and the Firework display starts 7.00pm.

The Area Committee is requested to determine the application.

Officer Contact: Wayne Bardsley on Tel: 0161 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated)  detailing an application received on behalf of Etherow Sailing Club for the use of Etherow Park and Lake on Sunday, 2 November 2019 for a Firework Night.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted.