Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 August 2020 and the Extraordinary meeting held on 2 September 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 19 August 2020 and 2 September 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

The following interest(s) w(as)(ere) declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee: -

·         Thanked everyone involved in Marple including the local residents and the Committee for changing the decision of the Government and Northern Rail who have now re-instated a minimal service from Rose Hill Station.

·         Informed Marple residents that on the 14^th and 22^nd October 2020, a vote on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework would be taking place in the Town Hall at the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and the Council Meeting respectively.

·         Informed Marple residents that ‘One Stockport’ would be implementing some measures across Marple, however, these measures are temporary and if it does not work it could be changed. Concern was raised with the Cabinet Member, Councillor David Mellor regarding the lack of consultation with local residents and ward councillors and in response it was noted that Transport for Greater Manchester had provided some Covid-19 funding for ‘safer streets, safer lives’.

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.

Three questions were submitted relating to the Rosehill Primary School and one question submitted relating to the Marple Civic Society as follows: -

Rosehill Primary School: -

·         Residents only parking on Elmfield Drive;

·         School traffic and parking;

·         School would be closing the playground;

·         Multi agency approach to find a solution; and

·         Stockport Council failing to address the issues raised.

In response, it was stated that the issue relating to Rosehill Primary School and Elmfield Drive has been raised previously with the relevant council department but it is taking some time to resolve. This issue has now been magnified by the social distancing rules and sanitising practices put in place by the school. Contact has been made with the school asking the school to cease the queuing system due to the feedback received from residents and parents. Arrangements are now being made to continue engaging with the school to seek a resolution in this matter. A formal response would be shared with the questioners and the Committee. 

Marple Civic Society: -

·         20mph limit on Stockport Roads;

·         Councillors being consulted;

·         Road humps were outdated;

·         Cost benefit analysis; and

·         Proposed limited measures being assessed.

In response, it was stated that there was limited consultation with ward councillors but this was raised with the relevant Cabinet Member who acknowledged the lack of consultation. It was stated that the information was publicised on the Council’s website and was happening in seven other districts across the borough as a result of time limited spending being attached to the funding provided by Transport for Greater Manchester. A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) reported on the receipt of an online petition signed by 113 signatories requesting the reopening of the public toilets in Marple Memorial Park as soon as possible.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to Neighbourhood Services for investigation.

In accordance with the Code of Practice, Churches Together in Marple and Marple, Mellor & Marple Bridge Energy Saving Strategy (MESS) indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements regarding “Litter in Marple”.

·         Vicki Morris representing the Hawk Green Women’s Cricket Team attended the meeting and provided information relating to the women’s cricket team in the area and highlighted the following: -

o   New women’s cricket team started training in the summer;

o   It was currently women’s cricket month;

o   It was the first time that women’s cricket was being televised in 25 years with the England Women’s Team playing the West Indies Women’s Team;

o   It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new people, have fun, be competitive and get some exercise;

o   Next season the Hawk Green Women’s Cricket Team would be competing in the Cheshire Cricket Women’s League in the development league;

o   Winter training season will be underway soon and anyone would be welcomed to join the team on Tuesdays (7.30pm – 9.00pm) at Marple College Sports Hall from 2November 2020.

o   If anyone wanted to get in touch with the team, they could email hawkgreenwcc@gmail.com

RESOLVED – That Vicki Morris be thanked for her attendance.

·         Annette Sharp and Chris Buckley representing the Churches Together in Marple and the Marple, Mellor & Marple Bridge Energy Saving Strategy (MESS) attended the meeting and provided information relating to “Litter in Marple” and highlighted the following: -

o   Agree with looking at preventative and educational campaigns like “not dropping it or tipping it” across the Marple area;

o   Churches in the area would be happy to support any initiative in the borough and also developing eco task groups to support the efforts;

o   There are not enough places to put litter in Marple, because they are either full or not enough;

o   Bins should be more frequently emptied across the area;

o   Consideration should be given to enforcement for littering in the area which could be a dis-incentive for littering;

o   Education in schools and online could raise awareness about litter;

o   Council employees and volunteers are the only two groups of people who clean litter so there needs to be more engagement with people to increase the number of volunteers; and

o   Covid-19 should not prevent people from picking up the litter, as gloves would be required, it would be done outside, observing 2 metres distancing would be practiced as well as hand sanitising.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

o   Contact could be made with Marple Hall School who have a ‘litter picking group’ and could get them involved.

o   Arrangements could be made to have a weekly litter pick for anytime in any areas. People could register and training could be provided with litter picks, bin liners and a badge being provided.

o   The litter initiative could be called the “Once a Week Litter Pick” with promotion being done on social media to raise awareness and see if anyone would be interested.

o   Other Area Committee initiatives could be linked together with the litter-picking for improving Marple including flytipping and the increasing of the wild-flowering of the verges and more rural spaces across Marple.

Councillor Allan informed the Committee that the initiative had been shared with the Neighbourhood Services team and they were very supportive and willing to assist.

RESOLVED – That Annette Sharp and Chris Buckley be thanked for their attendance.

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

There were no applications consider.

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

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

A development application 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 Corporate Director for Place Management & 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/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 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.

Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and front porch. Dropped kerb to rear of the site.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC076377 for a two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and front porch/canopy and a dropped kerb to rear of the site.

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That Planning & Highways Regulations Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Erection of an extension to the side and rear of an existing detached residential dwelling-house.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC077490 for the erection of an extension to the side and rear of an existing detached residential dwelling-house.

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That Planning & Highways Regulations Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer

(Legal & Democratic Governance)

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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

This report assesses the evidence that there is an existing Public Right of Way here which has inadvertently disappeared from the Stockport Definitive Map, and recommends that the omission be rectified.

The Area Committee is recommended to resolve to make a modification order under section 53(2)(b) adding the section of footpath marked between A and B on the attached plan at Appendix B and the Definitive Statement for 205 M amended to read “for 100 meters from Windlehurst Rd to the junction of footpaths 70aHGB and 96HGB”

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4596,  sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Head of Highways and Transportation submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) assessing the evidence that there was an existing Public Right of Way which had inadvertently disappeared from the Stockport Definitive Map, and recommended that the omission be rectified.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the officers for their response to the issue that had been raised previously.

RESOLVED – That the modification order be made under section 53(2)(b) adding the section of footpath marked between A and B on the submitted plan at Appendix B and the Definitive Statement for 205 M amended to read “for 100 meters from Windlehurst Rd to the junction of footpaths 70aHGB and 96HGB”.

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 & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing 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:-

·         It was suggested that the proposal to provide councillors with a free permit covering all residents parking zones in their wards and cabinet members to park across the borough should be removed from the proposed scheme.

·         Members welcomed the flexible approach adopted in the report by having single road schemes, but concern was expressed regarding looking at a broader scheme to avoid problems six months later.

·         It was commented that there was no mention of the residents parking schemes with permits to use public car parks and not pay.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the resident parking schemes that had been paused should now be pushed through as a matter of priority.

·         Members expressed their disappointment with having to fund the survey costs despite having to wait over a year for other schemes to be brought forward which could have meant that the Area Committee spreads the cost over a longer period.

·         It was noted that the Marple Town Centre attracted a lot of shoppers with lots of residential properties nearby that caused problems with parking.

RESOLVED – That the report be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee.

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

On the last week of July and first week of August 2019, extreme rainfall events hit parts of north-west England and the south Pennines, with flooding observed across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The main event day was 31st July 2019.

This report presents the various aspects of the flood events in July and specifically incorporates the draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the various aspects of the flood events that occurred on the last week of July and first week of August 2019 and specifically incorporated the draft Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events that had been undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Clarification was sought regarding what happens next and whether there was a strategic response to the report that addresses the recommendations. In response, it was noted that a lot of work has been undertaken by the Council over the last year in response and there was a programme and an approach in place but it was expensive to do without the resources and budget.

·         Concern was also expressed regarding some aspects of the report that had already appeared in the 2016 report so had not yet been addressed. In response, it was noted that the problems were being addressed and data has been collated to respond to previous reports and this report would be finalised by December 2020 with more details included with a response.

·         It was noted that no flood alerts were received by the Environmental Agency despite the Goyt in Stockport. In response, it was noted that the trigger was the Mersey and because of the pattern of the rivers it was too late to issue any warnings, but discussions were being held about it with the Environmental Agency.

·         It was suggested that the report needed to be made accessible to all with less legal jargons and references.

·         It was also noted that there was also flooding in High Lane including Andrew Lane that flooded houses on the opposite side of the road including Linton Drive.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the number of gully wagons were operational in Stockport. In response, it was noted that there were two gully wagons but it would not have caused any flooding due to the intensity of the rain.

Members were encouraged to submit any additional concerns or omissions from the report directly to the Head of Highways and Transportation for consideration and to be included in the final report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides members with information about a nomination received and to determine whether to include the Sportsman Arms on the list of Assets of Community Value. This nomination is to be considered in accordance with the provisions of Part 5 the Localism Act 2011 and Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the information and recommend that the Sportsmans Arms be added to the List of Assets of Community Value.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth, 0161 218 1934,  paul.edgeworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information about a nomination received and to determine whether to include the Sportsman Arms on the list of Assets of Community Value. This nomination is to be considered in accordance with the provisions of Part 5 the Localism Act 2011 and Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012.

Clarification was sought regarding the renewals for Asset of Community Value Schemes as it was not clear what the process was and residents and made enquiries.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee agreed to list the Sportsmans Arms, Strines, Stockport, SK6 7GE as an Asset of Community Value in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

(2) That a response be sent to the Committee regarding information related to the renewal for Asset of Community Value Schemes.

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

The report provides details regarding a proposal to introduce a ‘No Motor Vehicles Except for Access’ Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Meadway, Daisyway, Beechway and Thornway as shown on attached drawing NM8/5139/Thornway-Meadway/01.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made:

Prohibition of Entry Except for Access:

Thornway from its junction with Wybersley Road

Beechway from its junction with Carr Brow

Daisy Way from its junction with Andrew Lane

Meadway from its junction with Andrew Lane

Officer contact: Eraina Smith, 0161 474 4911,  eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to introduce a ‘No Motor Vehicles Except for Access’ Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Meadway, Daisyway, Beechway and Thornway as shown on attached drawing NM8/5139/Thornway-Meadway/01.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the following orders can be made at a total cost of £4,100 (consultation, including signs on street required for motorists using this route, legal advertising and site works for signage at four entry points) to be funded by the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South Ward) allocation:

Prohibition of Entry Except for Access:

Thornway from its junction with Wybersley Road Beechway from its junction with Carr Brow Daisy Way from its junction with Andrew Lane Meadway from its junction with Andrew Lane.

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

The report provides the findings of a consultation exercise for the reinstatement of traffic calming chicanes on Carr Brow in High Lane and to seek approval for the reintroduction of traffic calming feature and associated signage.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve the following proposals for reinstatement of traffic calming chicanes on Carr Brow in High Lane

Officer contact: Jon Brown, 0161 474 4843,  john.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the findings of a consultation exercise for the reinstatement of traffic calming chicanes on Carr Brow in High Lane and to seek approval for the reintroduction of traffic calming feature and associated signage.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the following proposals for reinstatement of traffic calming chicanes on Carr Brow in High Lane at a cost of £12,000 to be funded by United Utilities: -

·         Northside of Carr Brow outside house number 7

·         Southside of Carr Brow outside house number 18

·         Northside of Carr Brow opposite house number 30

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

The report advises the Committee of objections received to the proposed introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Bramhall Park to A6 walking and cycling scheme, and seek associated approvals.

The Area Committee is asked to note the objections received and make associated recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

Officer contact: Alex Purrier, 07881327112, alex.purrier@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) advising the Area Committee of objections received to the proposed introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders associated with the Bramhall Park to A6 walking and cycling scheme, and seek associated approvals.

It was commented that walking and cycling needed to be encouraged in the Marple area and that members were looking forward to schemes being completed in Marple South and High Lane, Marple Central, Marple Bridge, Mellor and Compstall

RESOLVED – (1) That the Area Committee express its support and endorsement for the recommendations contained within the report.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be recommended to make the orders as advertised.

To consider a report of the  Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer

(Legal & Democratic Governance).

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 8 November 2020.

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

Officer Contact: Charles Yankiah on Tel: 0161 474 3206 or email: 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) 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, 8 November 2020

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following Councillors to lay wreaths on Sunday, 8 November 2020:-

Compstall – Councillor Malcolm Allan

High Lane – Councillor Colin MacAlister

Marple – Councillor Tom Dowse

Mellor – Councillor Becky Senior

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) 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.

Clarification was sought regarding the outstanding amounts of the Ward Delegated Budget and whether these amounts would be carried over to the next financial year if not spent due to Covid-19. In response, it was noted that the current position was that any outstanding amounts would be carried over.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.