Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 August 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 August 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 interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

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: -

·         Hawk Green Cricket Club – congratulations to the team for their recent T20 Cheshire Cup Final win against Heaton Mersey.

·         Hawk Green Cricket Club Women’s Team – are in the running for a £10k prize from the Vernon Building Society, welcome as many as possible to support the local teams

·         Marple Cricket Club – congratulations to one of their teams that have won promotion this season in their respective league.

·         Poppy Appeal – local resident, Kevin Murray has requested donations for local businesses for the poppy appeal in Marple this year and would also be looking for volunteers for the poppy appeal.

·         Marple Food and Drink Festival - 25th September 2021

·         Marple Men’s Group – has resumed face to face meetings every Wednesday from 8pm on 29th September 2021, for further information please check out the Facebook and social media pages.

·         High Lane Referendum Plan – takes place on 16th September 2021

·         Marple Youth Club – re-opens on 1st October 2021 at Church Lane, Methodist Church

·         Safer Streets Saves Lives – consultation ends on Friday 17^th September 2021, to provide feedback visit the Stockport Council website, consultation webpages.

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.

Two public questions were submitted as follows:

(a)  Blocked Road gulleys in the vicinity of Winnington and Station Roads

In response, it was stated that the Highways department were actively investigating the cause of the excess water on Station Road at the junction of Garth Road and Winnington Road. It is believed that the cause of the problem was a blocked highway drain that was near the junction of Station Road. There were also three road gullies that were currently non-operational near the junction of Garth Road which was linked to this blocked drain.  A scheduled cleaning plan and further investigations into the exact cause of the problem would take place over the coming weeks with aims to rectify the problem before the onset of the winter months.

The remainder of the road gullies around this junction were operational at the time of the last cleanse in April 2021.

As regarding cyclic cleaning going forward it is expected that the gullies here would be cleaned on a planned basis every two years as a minimum and that frequency may increase if the gullies become full of silt prior to the planned works.

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

(b)  Traffic Scheme and Marple Pool

In response, it was stated that The Atkins study would be reported to the Marple Area Committee at a later date and the outcome of the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid in respect of the new pool and other facilities are still yet to be published.  It can be confirmed that no announcement has been made in respect to the LUF and this is expected in October 2021, however this date isn’t certain.

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

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report and associated presentation of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive.

This report provides all Area Committees with an overview of how Stockport Council are progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit, an online event being held on 9th November 2021, and the CAN Funding, a new funding scheme for microprojects that will directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to

·         comment on the report, including feedback on plans for both the Stockport CAN funding and Climate Summit.

·         submit suggestions for representation and invitation to the climate summit on 9th November.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now) attended the meeting and made a presentation providing an overview of how Stockport Council was progressing a Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit (an online event being held on 9 November 2021) and the CAN Funding which was a new funding scheme for microprojects that would directly reduce or mitigate carbon emissions in Stockport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Welcomed the report and the appointment of the Head of CAN and the actions identified, but local residents would need assistance to submit their bids and calculate their carbon savings.

·         It was suggested that for the launch given the nature of the CAN it would be good to have a ‘personality’ and someone well known in the area to attend and promote the launch.

·         The report omits ‘what the Council would be doing’ to focus on the actions etc which would provide the young people with an opportunity to understand what the Council would be doing and to get that ‘buy in’ from the young people.

·         There needs to be an actions review included in the CAN.

·         Marple has an active climate group who would want to be involved including Park Groups and other active groups in the area and it was important to engage with those established groups.

·         Marple South and High Lane would be encouraging the local residents to attend an Eco Awareness Day on 30^th October 2021 from 11.00am – 2.30pm at St Thomas’s Church in High Lane to discuss their solar panels, insulation, carbon footprint, wildlife and bees with specialists in the field.

·         It was suggested that any documentation that would be circulated in the community should be easy to read and follow so that local residents can be engaged in the process and not be put off by the ‘jargon’ or difficult process.

·         Would like to endorse the focus of outcomes and actions as part of the CAN.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the ideas that would be uncovered through the process and the funding. In response, it was stated that there were micro-projects to inspire and provide case work for others as exemplars to others.

·         It was commented that previous projects involving ‘sowing bulbs’ in the community and encouraging wildlife and bees worked well, but what would be the follow up to this. In response, it was stated that the focus was on “green-house gas emissions” reduction and funding would be available, but hoping that it runs out which would reflect the take up of the project.

·         It was suggested that the funding was the incentive and could involve “streets” across the areas of the borough.

·         Members were encouraged to submit their feedback directly to the CAN team.

RESOLVED – That Nick Leslie be thanked for his attendance and presentation and was invited to provide the Committee with an update over the next 6-12 months.

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

There were no applications to consider.

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

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

Development applications were 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.

Demolition of existing agricultural building and erection of a detached two storey dwelling with single storey detached garage.

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/075688 for the demolition of existing agricultural building and erection of a detached two storey dwelling with single storey detached garage.

It was then

RESOLVED – (For 3, Against 2, Abstain 2) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Conversion of barn to single dwelling (Resubmission of application DC057128)

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/080809 for the conversion of barn to single dwelling (Resubmission of application DC057128).

The applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

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

Demolition of existing bungalow and double garage and erection of replacement single storey dwelling with integrated garage and alterations to access.

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/081379 for the demolition of existing bungalow and double garage and erection of replacement single storey dwelling with integrated garage and alterations to access.

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant spoke in support of the 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 (Corporate and Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive.

Following the 6th May 2021 Local and Combined Authority Mayoral Elections, the Elections Office has undertaken a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards, considering feedback provided following the poll.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on and note the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements detailed in the report, and recommend that the Chief Executive gives approval to them.

Officer contact: Caroline Bell on 0161 474 3173 or email: caroline.bell@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) detailing a review of the polling station arrangements in all wards that had been undertaken following the local and Combined Authority Mayoral elections held on 6 May 2021.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Welcomed the report and the proposed changes.

·         It was suggested that the Rose Hill School in Marple North ward be looked and the difficulties experienced there on election day.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Chief Executive be recommended to give approval to the proposed changes to the polling station arrangements as detailed in the report.

(2) That the Corporate Director (corporate and Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to look into the Rose Hill School in the Marple North ward and the difficulties experienced there on election day.

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

The report summarises the latest position of The Marple Neighbourhood Forum that was originally designated on 1st December 2016 and will expire on 1st December 2021. The Council have formally commenced a process to re-designate the forum, including a 6-week public consultation, to ensure the forum can continue to be in operation.

The Area Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Steve Johnson, 016 474 3509 steven.johnson@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor Malcolm Allan left the room during the consideration of this item.

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the latest position of The Marple Neighbourhood Forum that was originally designated on 1st December 2016 and will expire on 1st December 2021. The Council have formally commenced a process to re-designate the forum, including a 6-week public consultation, to ensure the forum can continue to be in operation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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 on 0161 474 3207 or email:

charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor Malcolm Allan returned to the meeting.

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: -

·         Councillor Becky Senior to follow up on the outstanding actions on behalf of Marple North and provide an update to the Committee.

·         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.