Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 June 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed the Marple Residents that: -

·         The Mellor March was taking place on 26^th September 2021.

·         Derek Waterfield (Brabyn’s Tennis Club) received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Lawn Tennis Association for his ongoing work with the tennis club as well as his work in the community and on behalf of the Committee expressed their congratulations to him and the tennis club.

·         Mike Ash and George Gribbon (junior cricket players) had recently been chosen to play for the Hawk Green Cricket Club second team and wished them well in their cricket careers and for being role models in the community.

·         The Atkins Report would be submitted to the September 2021 meeting to be considered.

·         The Compstall Faith event would be taking place on 4^th September 2021

·         The Marple Food and Drink Festival would be held on 25^th Septmeber 2021.

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 at 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 public questions were submitted as follows:

(i)            Maintenance of Brabyn’s Park

In response, it was stated that Stockport Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and the Council have been actively looking at ways to offset the effects of climate change and extreme weather whilst promoting greater biodiversity within our parks and greenspaces. In common with a number of other parks in the borough, a numbers of areas at Brabyns Park have been left to revert to natural grassland. These areas allow wild flowers to become established and provide an important habitat for wildlife. Brabyns Park retains a good balance of sports pitches, mown areas and paths for exercise and areas left to revert back to nature. Feedback from the local community has been largely positive.

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

(ii)          Ride of Remembrance – Marple Poppy Appeal

In response, it was stated that officers were making arrangements to meet with the questioner to discuss the question and take it forward.

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

(iii)         Traffic Calming on Windlehurst Road

In response, it was stated that the system of traffic calming on Windlehurst Road was installed following extensive public consultation, advertising and approval by the Area Committee and Cabinet Member which included consideration of objections received.  Revocation of the scheme has not been advertised, there is no Cabinet Member agreement to removal of the scheme and there is no funding to do so.

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.

No petitions were submitted.

The Area Committee will receive a brief presentation on the proposed approach to engagement on the Local Plan.

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.

Emma Curle (Chief Planning Officer) attended the meeting to provide a brief presentation to the area committee on the proposed approach to engaging with communities and stakeholders as the Local Plan was developed and seeking input on further opportunities to engage with local communities.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Clarification was sought regarding how the local plan would interface with the neighbourhood plans. In response, it was stated that the neighbourhood plans were far more advanced than the local plans, which meant that the neighbourhood plan would be built upon in the local plan so local policies could be updated and respond to and reflect the different neighbourhoods across Stockport.

·         It was requested that consideration be given to include the following groups in the consultation and engagement process;

o   Walkride Marple

o   Friends of Marple Station

o   High Lane Residents Association

o   High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum

o   Marple Civic Society

o   Marple Independents

o   Hawk Green Residents Associations

o   Hawk Green Reading Room

o   Walkride Marple South & High Lane; and

o   The various church groups.

·         It was commented that local residents needed to be engaged and respond quickly in the process.

·         Members welcomed the plan and the engagement process and suggested that the approach be a bit more holistic through health agencies, doctor surgeries and community health organisations given the ageing nature of Marple residents.  

·         It was suggested that for those who were unable to access the internet that ‘paper’ engagement should be conducted through the libraries for local residents.

RESOLVED – (1) That Emma Curle be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(2) That the Committee be asked to submit any suggestions relating to ‘groups’ that may be overlooked in the consultation process directly to the Planning Team as soon as possible.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Sports Club for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget 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 approval be given to an application received from Marple Sports Club for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) 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.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant of £200 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of establishing a website for Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association which will help in their objective of building a safer, stronger and more connected community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of establishing a website for Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association which will help in their objective of building a safer, stronger and more connected community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association for a grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of establishing a website for Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association which will help in their objective of building a safer, stronger and more connected community.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

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.

Conversion of single dwelling to form 2 no. dwellings, to include single storey rear extension, dormer roof extensions and associated car parking.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/076364 conversion of single dwelling to form 2 no. dwellings, to include single storey rear extension, dormer roof extensions and associated car parking.

It was then

RESOLVED – (For 5, Against 0, Abstain 1) That the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to determine the application, pending the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure the relevant contribution towards open space.

Extension to South Western elevation of building to comprise new classroom, entrance, lobby, reception office and entry corridor. External alterations to building to include new and replacement windows and doors. External hard landscaping to include ramps, steps and security fencing. Creation of additional, amended and improved car parking spaces at Brabyns Park Car Park.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC/077983 extension to South Western elevation of building to comprise new classroom, entrance, lobby, reception office and entry corridor. External alterations to building to include new and replacement windows and doors. External hard landscaping to include ramps, steps and security fencing. Creation of additional, amended and improved car parking spaces at Brabyns Park Car Park.

The applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Partial demolition, redevelopment and change of use of existing buildings to form four residential units with curtilage, including the provision of car parking and garaging, additional access and associated landscaping (Full Planning Application)

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/079812 partial demolition, redevelopment and change of use of existing buildings to form four residential units with curtilage, including the provision of car parking and garaging, additional access and associated landscaping (Full Planning Application).

It was then

RESOLVED – 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 for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report provides additional analysis regarding a consultation with residents and businesses of High Lane in relation to the existing traffic calming measures on Windlehurst Road.

The Area Committee is asked to note the report until such time that further funding is made available to progress into the next steps.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, 0161 474 4840

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing additional analysis regarding a consultation with residents and businesses of High Lane in relation to the existing traffic calming measures on Windlehurst Road.

Members expressed their concern regarding the lack of finances to complete the scheme following the consultation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Steve Gribbon.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Area Committee pending the attendance of an officer to support the discussion.

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

The report details the Area Committee resolution regarding the High Lane Bench Request taken on 23 June 2021 and seeks to amend the resolution to change the positioning of the bench from outside the Pharmacy to outside the Royal Oak Pub.

The Area Committee is requested to amend its resolution made on 23 June 2021 to reposition the High Lane bench from outside the Pharmacy to outside the Royal Oak Pub.

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) detailing the Area Committee’s resolution regarding the High Lane Bench Request taken on 23 June 2021 and seeking to amend the resolution to change the positioning of the bench from outside the Pharmacy to outside the Royal Oak Pub.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to amend its resolution taken on 23 June 2021 to reposition the High Lane bench from outside the High Lane Pharmacy to outside the Royal Oak Pub.

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: -

·         There was no response to the resolution from the last meeting of the Area Committee relating to Pathways and Rights of Ways.

·         Requested that the signed be moved in the interim at the Sports Club signage, Mellow Sports Club

·         Concern was expressed regarding “Resume of Issues Progress Report” (Appendix B) and the outstanding issues that are not being updated.

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.