Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Steve Gribbon be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To appoint a Vice Chair of the Area Committee until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Shan Alexander be appointed Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 April 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 April 2021 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.

The following interests were declared: -

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee: -

·         Thanked Councillor Colin MacAlister for Chairing the Area Committee remotely last year throughout the pandemic.

·         Informed the Marple residents that: -

o   The ward councillors would keep the community informed regarding any ongoing projects including making the areas around the local schools safer, creating new pedestrian crossings on busy roads, working towards electric vehicle charging points in council owned car parks and delivering roads that are safe for Marple residents in consultation with the highways team and listening to the views of the local residents.

o   The All Saints Primary School would be celebrating the School Church Partnership Award on 30 June 2021 which was awarded to the school for their ongoing work in the community.

o   The Mellor Open Gardens event returns to Mellor on 3^rd and 4^th July 2021 with the monies raised going to Cancer Research UK and the Mary Mellor Parish Centre.

o   The Marple Arts and Heritage Trail starts on 3^rd and 4^th July 2021 from Cross lane and finishes on St Martins’s Road with art work for sale with the monies raised going to the RNLI Lifeboats.

o   The Marple Energy Saving Strategy group (MESS) on 22^nd July 2021 will be having an Orchard Working Party on the triangular field in the vicinity of Strines Road.

o   the Compstall Cricket Club would be celebrating its 150^th anniversary on 11^th July 2021 with a full day of activities including a cricket game and brass band.

o   The local FROG initiative continues with over 40 independent retailers in Marple have sponsored the FROGS in Marple from mid-July 2021.

o   As Covid restrictions continued to be lifted there were a number of local facilities for residents to support again including the Carver Theatre.

o   Regarding the Marple Pool and Marple Hub a second round of consultation was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 which informed the latest stages of work which has been ongoing. (the written statement would be made available upon request).

o   The Canal Towpath Project continues with the group of local volunteers meeting together on Thursdays to repair the towpath.

o   Local Ward Councillors surgeries resume again on Saturdays for members of the public to attend between 10.30am – 12.00pm at the Marple Library.

o   Towpath Volunteer Group would also be visiting the Marple Aqueduct area to make it safe given recent events.

o   The ward councillors would be submitting a question to full Council regarding the work involving Strines Road over the last 4-6 weeks and the impact it has had on local residents who were not aware of what would be taking place.

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

A representative of the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Inspector Shaun Flavell attended the meeting and provided an update on the police activity in the Marple area.

The Committee raised the following concerns: -

·         Use of D-restricted areas of the ward and traffic enforcement and speed watch activities in the rural roads given the increase in traffic. In response, it was noted that the traffic unit would be sourced for support and would be looked through the threat and evidence complaints made. Local residents were encouraged to report speeding through the police website. The Community Speedwatch Scheme was also being looked at with pilots taking place across Greater Manchester (GM), but recent developments have included a pilot scheme in the High Lane area which should be up and running as soon as practicable.

·         Complaints regarding dirt bikes doing laps from Mellor Cross, Mellor Golf Course to Mill Brow and other areas of the Marple Town Centre without helmets and no registration plates as well as on the pavements. In response, it was stated that the off road bikes were a huge problem across Stockport and Greater Manchester with a GMP specialist off road bike unit in place, but whose services were required across the force with only one member of the team left. Support has been requested which would be forthcoming in July 2021, with an operational order being put in place to focus the operation. Local residents were encouraged to make any complaints online relating to anti-social behaviour and off road bikes.

·         Road safety and speeding in the Marple area was a concern for local residents including communicating the results of the ‘speed traps’ events to the local community to prevent and change the culture relating to speeding in the area. In response, it was stated that the GMP were keen on sharing the information, although it may be delayed, but would be happy to share and publicise the outcomes of the ‘speed trap’ events.

·         Consideration to be given to a Strines Road community speed watch programme.

·         Average Speed cameras being piloted in the Marple area, working with the Council and GMP to see what could be done.

·         ASB on Stockport Road and the use of electric scooters relating to complaints being made about the legality and validity of its use on the roads. In response, it was stated that local residents should complain using the online complaints system providing as much detail as possible relating to ASB which would be ‘flagged’ and responded to accordingly.

Inspector Flavell responded to the concerns and reassured the Committee that the issues raised would be looked into.

The GMP were thanked for the ongoing work in the Marple area including responding to the speed watch scheme in High Lane and during the pandemic with the officer presence in the Marple area.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Flavell be thanked for his attendance.

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 as follows: -

(i)            Traffic calming measures to access Lower Fold.

In response, it was stated that local Councillors could request that officers investigate the concerns raised in the question to identify the issues and whether there are any appropriate measures that can be taken.

A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

(ii)          Cycle link from the MIddlewood Way to the A6MARR.

In response, it was stated that there was no scheme to link Middlewood Way to the A6MARR  and at the present time there is no funding available to undertake any  development work to create a scheme.

A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

(iii)         Marple Pool Project update.

In response, the Chair read the following statement: - As part of ongoing work to develop replacement leisure and community facilities, the Council carried out a second round of public engagement between December 2020 and January 2021. This engagement has informed the latest phase of work which the council has been undertaking on the project over the last few months.

The strongest preference expressed in the engagement process was for a scheme which co-located health, community and leisure facilities and incorporated Hollins House into the complex. People welcomed the opportunity to integrate services in a single ‘hub’ and felt that the site presented was the best place to do this. This feedback has helped us to do more detailed work to consider how different functions could best be accommodated in a scheme.

A number of concerns were raised about parking, access and traffic, the potential loss of woodland in the park, the proximity to neighbouring properties and the size of the swimming pool. The Marple Senior Citizens Association expressed a wish to remain in their current building. This feedback has helped us to reconsider and revise the schemes which were circulated during the engagement process.

As a result, the council has been working with the architects to draw up alternative options based around the same site. Development work is continuing prior to a revised scheme being brought forward for planning.

In parallel with this, the council has been investigating funding models and options for the new facility and having discussions with a range of organisations about potentially being accommodated in the new scheme. The funding available and organisations confirming their involvement will ultimately define the scope and scale of the scheme which is brought forward for planning.

A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

(iv)         Temporary road bumps on Stockport Road near the junction to Station Road

In response, the Committee were informed that Council officers have met with the questioner at the site and a formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

(v)          Speed cushions in Marple Centre

In response, it was stated that this was the approach agreed with local councillors. The speed cushions were installed to support the Governments anti- Covid measures and this consultation process was agreed at that time.

A formal response would be shared with the questioner and the Committee.

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

One petition was submitted by Katherine Carver containing 82 signatures requesting that Stockport Council addresses the significant speeding issue on Compstall Road in Marple Bridge and Compstall and takes measures to make the road safer to cross.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management and 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.

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.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons for a grant of £300 (£150 from Marple North and £150 from Marple South ward allocations) towards the cost of replacing the Canvas Cover, back, front and sides of the 3m x 3m Tent which is used for fundraising events both in Marple and in the Local Area.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of replacing the Canvas Cover, back, front and sides of the 3m x 3m Tent which is used for fundraising events both in Marple and in the Local Area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons for a grant of £300 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£150 from Marple North and £150 from Marple South ward allocations) towards the cost of replacing the Canvas Cover, back, front and sides of the 3m x 3m Tent which is used for fundraising events both in Marple and in the Local Area.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Sports Club for a grant of £680 (£340 from Marple North and £340 from Marple South ward allocations) towards the cost of launching their PasSport project which will support more active participation for school age children and young people who need it the most following the Covid pandemic.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Sports Club towards the cost of launching their PasSport project which will support more active participation for school age children and young people who need it the most following the Covid pandemic.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred pending further information from the applicant in respect of room hire, how the activity would be advertised to schools and what would be the process for children participating.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple youth Project CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of running a youth club one night per week at the Marple Methodist Church based on Church Lane in Marple. The opening times will increase to 2 nights per week as time goes on and the workers gain confidence. There will be provisions for 30 young people maximum on each night that the youth club runs. There will be a minimum ratio of 1 to 8 volunteers to young people, each night that a session is run.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Youth Project CIC for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£500 from Marple North and £500 from Marple South) towards the cost of running a youth club one night per week at the Marple Methodist Church based on Church Lane in Marple. The opening times will increase to 2 nights per week as time goes on and the workers gain confidence. There will be provisions for 30 young people maximum on each night that the youth club runs. There will be a minimum ratio of 1 to 8 volunteers to young people, each night that a session is run.

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

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

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 for public speaking on planning applications.

Factory extension. The application site extends to approximately 11.900 sq m, 1.19ha, and is accessed from Windlehurst Road within designated Green Belt to the south of the settlement of Marple.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC/080036 Factory extension. The application site extends to approximately 11.900 sq m, 1.19ha, and is accessed from Windlehurst Road within designated Green Belt to the south of the settlement of Marple.

It was then

RESOLVED – (For 3, Against 1 and Abstain 2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation 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 or vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) (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 (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 8 October 2021.

It is recommended that the Area Committee:-

(1) Nominate of a recently completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review Tour; and

(2) Nominate up to two Members to attend the Annual Review of Outcome Tour.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee give consideration to the arrangements for the 2021 tour.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Co-Op Building, Church Lane be nominated for inclusion on the list of sites to be included on the 2021 Annual Review Tour.

(3) That Councillors Becky Senior and Aron Thornley be nominated to attend the Tour.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place.

The report details the key progress on the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan (HLVNP) and the next stages in the process before it formally becomes part of the development plan for Stockport and is accompanied by: the updated version of the Plan, implementing the Examiner’s recommendations; the Design Codes, which act as supplementary to the Plan; and the Examiner’s report.

The Area Committee is asked to: -

·         Approve the final version of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan (HLVNP) and the Independent Examiner’s report.

·         Authorise officers to take the necessary steps to conduct a referendum in the Neighbourhood Area.

·         Approve that, in the event that a majority of eligible votes are in favour, the HLVNP be adopted as part of the local development plan.

Officer contact: Emma Curle, 0161 474 3542, emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the key progress on the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan (HLVNP) and the next stages in the process before it formally becomes part of the development plan for Stockport and is accompanied by: the updated version of the Plan, implementing the Examiner’s recommendations; the Design Codes, which act as supplementary to the Plan; and the Examiner’s report.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         The Committee welcomed the detailed plan which was an impressive document and could be a very important piece of legislation for the High Lane area.

·         The plan should be used as a template for how it should be done in the future.

·         The Committee thanked the local residents who were involved in the creation of the plan and credit should be given to all those who have been involved.

RESOLVED: -  That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(1) Approve the final version of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan (HLVNP) and the Independent Examiner’s report.

(2) Authorise officers be to take the necessary steps to conduct a referendum in the Neighbourhood Area.

(3) That, in the event that a majority of eligible votes are in favour, approval be given to the adoption of the HLVNP as part of the local development plan.

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

The report provides details about the introduction of a Quiet Lane and installation of signage on the western kerbline of Gibb Lane at the junction of the southern kerbline of Longhurst Lane

The Area Committee is asked to consider and comment on the proposal costs provided in the report.

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

With the consent of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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

The report details the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order in the Marple Hall Drive area.

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

Proposed “No Waiting At Any Time”

Marple Hall Drive (Both sides)

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Stockport Road for a distance of 20 metres in a north westerly direction

Stockport Road (North Side)

From a point 10 metres west of the projected western kerb line of Marple Hall Drive, for a distance of 27 metres in an easterly direction

Officer contact: Julie Pelham, 01614 74 4846, julie.pelham@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order in the Marple Hall Drive area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the 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 cost of £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocations):-

Proposed “No Waiting At Any Time”

Marple Hall Drive (Both sides)  

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Stockport Road for a distance of 20 metres in a north westerly direction.

Stockport Road (North Side)  

From a point 10 metres west of the projected western kerb line of Marple Hall Drive, for a distance of 27 metres in an easterly direction.

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

The report requests the use of the delegated budget to install two replacement benches at a cost of £2400 on Buxton Road in High Lane. One opposite the Royal Oak Hotel and one outside High Lane Pharmacy.

The Area Committee is asked to authorise the use of the delegated ward budget to a total of £2400 (£1200 per bench) to supply two Black Massey and Harris standard all steel benches and install the replacement benches on new hard bases.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the use of the delegated budget to install two replacement benches at a cost of £2400 on Buxton Road in High Lane. One opposite the Royal Oak Hotel and one outside High Lane Pharmacy.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the installation of one Black Massey and Harris standard all steel bench on Buxton Road in High Lane outside High Lane Pharmacy and Medical Centre (near the Pedestrian Crossing) at a cost of £1,200 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South ward allocation) subject to further consideration of alternative options for the design, purchase and procurement of the bench that might be more sympathetic to the proposed installation location.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Malcolm Allan.

Councillor Allan provided the Committee with an update relating to the pathways and rights of ways as follows: -

·         Marple North is the biggest ward in Stockport comprising vast acres of moorland and open countryside.

·         The ward has residents who live out in the countryside and are regular users of local pathways and in many cases need them as access to their property and land.

·         There has been an increased use of green space in the ward as a result of the pandemic.

·         A lot of work has been done on a number of rights-of-way, bridleways and pathways and these enhancements were appreciated.

·         Ward Councillors have not been made aware of the reason why some pathways have been given a priority and restored to a very high standard whilst others, apparently well-used, seem to be left in a very poor state and in some cases impassable.

·         Some of the pathways need very little work to make them more useable and accessible.

·         In particular there are cases where there are muddy patches in parts, creating a disincentive to use the path unless kitted out with the appropriate gear, for example, the pathway above Marple station where there was a drainage issue and there was a particularly muddy and impassable area just beneath the tennis club, the pathway running along the seven styles allotments where there are two or three patches that have become unduly muddy and the very well-used and popular pathway that runs at the end of the Dale Road to Chadkirk which is due for a planned repair this year.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to investigate the issues raised as a matter of urgency and to submit a report to the next meeting of the Area Committee relating to : -

(i)    the plans for work on pathways and bridleways in both wards over the next 12 months and future years be included;

(ii)  the planned duty of care of the Council to maintain the network of footpaths and bridleways across both wards;

(iii) the rationale over the last 2 years as to why some paths have been done and not others i.e. the priority factors be included;

(iv) local councillors being involved in the above where there are blockages or difficulties, so that local councillors could assist; and

(v)  local councillors being involved in decisions where these involve judgement of the priorities and needs of residents and users, recognising that local councillors are representatives of the local residents.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.   

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons for each of the wards.   

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

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic management issues:-

Marple North                                        - Councillor Becky Senior

Marple South & High Lane               - Councillor Aron Thornley

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

The report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies. 

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on Outside Bodies.  

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2021/2022:-

Bridge Alms House and Sick Nursing Home

Councillor Aron Thornley

Marple Senior Citizens’ Hall Management Committee

Councillor Malcolm Allan

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) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position onward flexibility funding. The report also included the current position

on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members enquired about the Atkins Report and the previous update that the Area Committee would receive a report in May 2021, but that had not been done.

·         It was stated that concerns had been raised with the Highways Department and that members were keen to work together with the Highways Department to progress things for the future including the road works currently underway on Strines Road and Edwards Way.

·         Concern was expressed regarding two local parking schemes that local residents had been asking about for a period of time and how it could be progressed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to provide an update to ward councillors in relation to the progression of the issues raised during the discussion on this item.