Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 July 2017 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

No announcements were made.

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 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.

Five public questions were submitted.

The first question related to the collection of rubbish and the emptying of refuse bins after the Marple Carnival.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing within seven days.

The second question related to why the Council prioritised the enforcement of parking in car parks over contraventions of parking restrictions on or adjacent to pedestrian crossings.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing within seven days.

The third and fourth questions related to residents’ concerns over increases in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in The Hollins, Marple and whether there would be an increase in police patrols and the use of CCTV to combat this issue.

In response, it was stated that while the Council could not direct where the police targeted its resources, local councillors were in close contact with community police officers and would raise the issue with them directly. 

The fifth question related to what action the Council could take to address residents’ concerns in relation to the speed of traffic travelling along Cross Lane and Edwards Way, Marple.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Democratic Services Manager be requested to respond to the questioner in writing within seven days.

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.

The Chair reported that the Public Realm Officer was unable to attend this meeting of the Area Committee, however it was stated that a summary of activities with the Public Realm service area had been circulated to members of the area committee separately.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was requested on the progression of the repairs to the gas escape on Arkwright Road, Marple which had continued beyond the anticipated completion date of 7 August 2017.

·         Further information was requested in relation the proposed commencement date for the resurfacing of the footways on Hollins Lane, Marple Bridge which had been placed on hold pending the undertaking of a consultation by Traffic Services.

·         A number of residents had complained about an unpleasant odour which had recently affected a wide area in Marple.  It was stated that although this odour had since passed, the source of the problem had not yet been identified.

·         Residents had expressed concern in relation to the progress of the ongoing United Utilities investigations on Hollywood Road, Mellor.

·         Letters had been sent to residents on Buxton Road, High Lane regarding the encroachment of hedges onto the footway and requesting that these be cut back.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

Ms Suzanne Gilson attended the meeting and submitted a petition signed by 9 signatories requesting the introduction of a residents permit parking schmee on Parkfield Avenue, Marple following concerns that the street was being used by visitors to Marple District Centre.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration for investigation.

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.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that no organisations had indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application for Area Flexibility Funding from the organisers of the Marple Food and Drink Festival.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received on behalf of the Marple Business Forum for a grant of £500 towards the cost of the Marple Food and Drink Festival.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the award of a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) to the Marple Business Forum as a contribution towards the cost of marketing, entertainment and gazebos for the Marple Food and Drink Festival.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to consider.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive

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: Paul Cassidy on Tel: 474 5142 or email: paul.cassidy@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report alerts Councillors and the public to the consultation on the Local Plan Issues Paper which has recently commenced, provides information about consultation events and background to the Local Plan.

The Area Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Steve Johnson on Tel: 474 3171 or email: steve.johnson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the process and timescale for the ongoing consultation on the Local Plan Issues Paper and detailing a proposal to undertake a consultation event for the Marple area at Marple Hall School on Monday, 4 September between 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There were a large number of community groups and organisations within the Marple area that would be able to make a valuable contribution to the development of the Local Plan.

·         It was suggested that the forthcoming Marple Food and Drink Festival would provide an opportune platform to raise awareness of the Local Plan consultation process.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report advises the Committee of an application submitted seeking to establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

The Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Zoe Senior on 0161 218 1517 or email: zoe.senior@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application to establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

In response to a question in relation to the boundaries of the proposed High Lane Neighbourhood Area, it was confirmed that it was possible for the boundary to be altered following the establishment of the Area.

RESOVLED – That the Cabinet Meeting be recommended to request that the Council Meeting give approval to the designation of that part of High Lane as shown on the plan attached to the report at Annex A as the High Lane Neighbourhood Area and the designation of the High Lane Neighbourhood Forum as the neighbourhood forum for the High Lane Neighbourhood Area.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration will attend the meeting and answer questions in relation to road safety concerns on Hibbert Lane and Upper Hibbert Lane.

Sue Stevenson (Head of Highways and Transportation, Stockport Council) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions in relation to road safety concerns on Hibbert Lane and Upper Hibbert Lane.

It was reported that there had been three recorded road traffic incidents on Hibbert Lane and Upper Hibbert Lane with one being classified as slight and two being graded as being more serious.  It was noted that the two more serious incidents had been recorded in the vicinity of the site of former Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College.  It was stated that there would be changes to the highway in that location resulting from the residential development of the former Hibbert Lane Campus which would include a mini-roundabout, improved pedestrian facilities, bus stops and cycle facilities.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Notwithstanding the reduction in pedestrian traffic associated with the former college, residents had concerns in relation to the impact of an increase in vehicular movements from the new residential development along Hibbert Lane.  In response, it was stated that a traffic assessment was completed as part of the planning process which resulted in the highway modifications which were included in the development application.

·         The condition of the existing traffic calming measures along Hibbert Lane and Upper Hibbert Lane was discussed and that further work needed to be done to ensure that they were maintained in good condition.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to poor visibility for vehicles negotiating the Church Lane/ Hibbert Lane mini-roundabout.

RESOLVED – That Sue Stevenson be thanked for her attendance.

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

The report details an application from Marple Guides and Scouts Guides have applied for their annual Bonfire & Fireworks Display Event at Brabyns Park on Saturday 4th November 2017.

The Area Committee are requested to determine the application.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application for the use of Brabyns Park on 4 November 2017 for a bonfire and fireworks display event.

It was commented that following the event held in 2016, there had been some unrest within the locality which would need to be closely monitored in the future.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the application from Marple Guides and Scouts Guides to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display Event at Brabyns Park on Saturday, 4 November 2017.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Malcolm Allan

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Allan.

Councillor Allan reported that following the opening of the expanded skate park at Marple Memorial Park earlier in the year, there had been concerns that the permanent lighting of the facility throughout the night encouraged youths to congregate in the park late at night.  It was suggested that consideration should be given to investigating the potential for those lights at the skate park to be switched off at a set point to ameliorate those concerns.

It was commented that careful consideration would need to be given to the time that that the lights would be switched off to balance the concerns expressed by local residents against the potential for the displacement of young people from the facility to elsewhere within Marple.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to submit a report to a future meeting of the Area Committee identifying potential solutions to those concerns in relating to the lighting of the skate park at Marple Memorial Park.

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

The report details a proposal to introduce traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road from Broadhurst’s Bridge to Barnsfold Road associated with the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road (A6MARR) Complementary and Mitigation Measures (CMM) for High Lane and Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing gives approval to the statutory legal advertising of the traffic calming measures detailed in the schedule within Appendix A; and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertising date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson or Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4351 or 0161 474 4907 or email sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk or nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not include don the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Area Committee could give prompt consideration to the proposed introducation of mitigation measures on Windlehurst Road).

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to introduce traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road from Broadhurst’s Bridge to Barnsfold Road associated with the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Complementary and Mitigation Measures for High Lane and Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing be recommended to give approval to the statutory legal advertising of the traffic calming measures detailed in the schedule within Appendix A to the report and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertising date, the subsequent making of the Orders.

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 on Tel: 474 3206 or email: 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 and on Area Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.