Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 December 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:-

·         Memorial Park Task Days were taking place on the last Saturday of each month.

·         The next Marple Naturalist meeting would be taking place on 2February 2022 via Zoom.

·         Middlewood Way litter picking event would be taking place again in mid-March 2022.

·         Hawk Green Cricket Club Winter training was underway for the men’s and women’s team, with all abilities being welcome.

·         The Chair congratulated all at Carver Theatre for another successful Christmas pantomime.

·         Consultations –

o   Council Budget would be closing on the 27 January 2022

o   Stockport Interchange would be closing on 6 February 2022

o    Active Communities and Taxi Minimum Fares consultations would be closing on 31January 2022

·         Holocaust Memorial Day would be taking place on Thursday 27January 2022.

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:-

·         Relating to the work being done on the drains on Mill Brow and whether any work was planned in relation to the issue of surface water running down Gird Lane.

In response, it was commented that officers would provide a formal response to the questioner and Committee Members. Members noted their appreciation for the significant time and effort that officers had put in to mapping the area around Mill Brow and identifying the water issues in the area. 

·         Relating to the significant infrastructure and connectivity proposals for walking and cycling in Marple town centre, and whether the Committee would commit to moving to a public consultation on these issues at the earliest opportunity, and to taking a broad approach to this issue that considered related materials such as the neighbourhood plan.

In response, it was commented that officers would provide a formal response to the questioner and Committee Members following the meeting.

The Chair informed the Committee that a third question had been submitted relating to the Marple District Centre Safer Streets Saves Lives but as there was an item on the agenda relating to this matter the issues raised as part of the question would be considered during the consideration of this item.

In response, a representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) read a written statement to the Committee in response to the public question.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The key message is that Stockport Council wants to explain to residents what the new access control policy entails and to look for feedback from residents about how the policy could be improved or altered to ensure it is ‘best practice’.

The consultation will be online via the “have your say” page on the council website and with hard copies of the documents and the questionnaires in the libraries between the 10th of January and the 11th February.

The Area Committee is recommended to note that the consultation is in progress and utilise their own contacts to encourage people to respond.

Officer contact: Emily Brough on 0161 474 4592 or email: emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining what the proposed new access control policy entailed and seeking feedback from residents about how the policy could be improved or altered to ensure it was ‘best practice’.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members questioned whether complaints may unduly impact access for people with disabilities, as barriers may be put in place even if the legitimacy of a complaint is in doubt. In response it was commented that complaints would be reviewed on a case by case basis to ensure that this wasn’t the case.

·         It was noted that the accessibility needs of disabled people would be emphasised throughout the process and that tests were being undertaken to ensure that bollard placements would not prevent access for mobility scooters.

·         Members highlighted that electronic scooters were becoming an increasing concern for residents and questioned whether the policy would put anything in place to specifically deal with this issue. It was commented that, regrettably, barriers could not prevent access for scooters without severely limiting accessibility due to their small size.

·         It was suggested that concerned residents should be shown that the 1.2 metre gap between bollards would not restrict disabled access prior to the implementation of the policy, to ease residents’ concerns and thus assist in the smooth implementation of the policy.

RESOLVED – That Nick Whelan be thanked for his attendance.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Autisk for a grant of £100 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of starting up a primary-aged social group for primary-aged children and young people to attend, make new friendships and access fun activities and a sensory room.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Autisk towards the cost of starting up a primary-aged social group for primary-aged children and young people to attend, make new friendships and access fun activities and a sensory room.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee, pending the submission of more detailed information from the applicant relating to how the proposed activity would benefit Marple residents specifically.

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

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 for public speaking on planning applications.

Prior Approval for the change of use of an existing agricultural building to light industrial use for the maintenance and repair of pumps (Use Class E).

The Area Committee is requested to grant prior approval.

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

In respect of plan no. DC083357 for prior approval for the change of use of an existing agricultural building to light industrial use for the maintenance and repair of pumps (Use Class E) at Slack Hall Farm, Turf Lea Road, it was

RESOLVED – That prior approval be granted.

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members requested an update on the progress of a planning application relating to Garden House. In response, it was commented that the application had been referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee and subsequently deferred pending the submission of further information.

·         Members questioned whether a trial date had been set for the ongoing dispute in regard to 144 Stockport Road, as the issue had been in progress since October 2018. In response it was noted that a trial date had not yet been set, although the report indicated a date in February 2022, and that a number of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic had led to the delays in the progress of the case.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report presents the findings from a July 2021 consultation on a proposed footway widening for Hollins Lane, Marple, and seek approval to implement the proposed scheme.

The Area Committee is asked to comment and note the report.

Officer contact: Rachel Cosgrove, Rachel.cosgrove@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the findings from a July 2021 consultation on a proposed footway widening for Hollins Lane, Marple and to seek approval to implement the proposed scheme.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members raised residents’ concerns that new lighting along the footway may not be in keeping with the local area. In response, it was noted that these concerns would be taken into account and that there may be a number of lighting options available if the site was within a conservation area. 

·       Concern was raised in regard to hedges encroaching on the footway from along property boundaries. It was commented that the Council could serve notice to the residents to cut any hedges back should they grow over the public highway.

·       Members welcomed the detailed proposals related to drainage improvement on Hollins Lane and suggested some further areas which could benefit from similar work, such as Town Street and Constable Drive.

·       It was suggested that speeding was also an issue on Hollins Lane, and that residents would benefit if traffic speeds could be looked at alongside this proposed scheme.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the implementation of the proposed scheme for widening the footway on Hollins Lane, Marple to be funded from the Highway Improvement Programme and including the following measures:

·       Widening the footway on Hollins Lane

·       Buildouts at priority passing points

·       Associated signage

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides a summary of two separate options for proposals to improve cycling and walking in Marple District Centre as part of the Capability Fund. The proposals aim to provide improved infrastructure and connectivity for cycling and walking with the minimum of detriment to traffic operation in Marple. Some early-stage design work has been undertaken to check that the proposals presented in this report are feasible, however no consultation has been undertaken.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) approves the development of one or both of the different approaches (Options 1 and 2) and subsequent consultation for the proposals.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of two separate options for proposals to improve cycling and walking in Marple District Centre as part of the Capability Fund. The proposals aim to provide improved infrastructure and connectivity for cycling and walking with the minimum of detriment to traffic operation in Marple. Some early-stage design work has been undertaken to check that the proposals presented in this report are feasible, however no consultation has been undertaken.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members expressed their concern that the production of the report had started the public consultation on the proposed options, as residents had begun to feedback their opinions to Ward Councillors. As a result, Members felt unable to respond to the proposed measures without a formal public consultation having been undertaken, given that only some members of the public would have had opportunity to provide their views.

·       Members sought clarity on what they were being asked to consider. In response, it was commented that officers were asking for Members to steer the direction of the proposed scheme which would then be considered by the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration). Following this, a more detailed report would be submitted based on Members’ feedback and a formal public consultation would be undertaken.

·       Members questioned whether the report was considered urgent business. In response, it was commented that, as per the front sheet of the agenda item, the item was not considered as urgent business and was not exempt from call in.

·       It was noted that the report was submitted in order to provide an overview of the officer response to the production of the Atkins Report on Marple District Centre, which had previously been requested by Members.

·       Overall, Members were dissatisfied with the process being followed in regard to the proposal and felt it should not have been brought before Members at a formal meeting without prior consultation with local residents.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee agree to defer this item, pending a public consultation on the proposed measures.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of the consultation exercise undertaken with residents, businesses and users of Marple District Centre for the introduction of a permanent Moving Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and removal of speed cushions to replace temporary restrictions introduced as part of the Covid response within the District Centre.

The Area Committee is asked to comment and recommend that the Cabinet Member for  Sustainable Stockport approves the removal of the temporary speed cushions and the legal advertising of the Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) to implement a 20mph Zone and subject to no objections being made within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made as shown in Appendix D of the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Brown, 0161 474 4813, jonathan.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of the consultation exercise undertaken with residents, businesses and users of Marple District Centre for the introduction of a permanent Moving Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The report also detailed the removal of speed cushions to replace temporary restrictions introduced as part of the Covid response within the District Centre.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members questioned at what point the temporary speed bumps would be removed if the work to do so was approved by the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport. It was noted that the works would be undertaken at the earliest opportunity, which should be within 21 days of approval barring any external factors such as inclement weather or staff shortages relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

·       Overall, Members supported the removal of the speed bumps, as they had not had the intended effect of reducing speeds to 20mph in the Marple district centre.

·       Members suggested the installation of average speed cameras as a potential alternative method by which to reduce traffic speeds through the district centre, as other Local Authorities around the country had successfully implemented this. It was commented that a senior traffic safety officer would be requested to contact Members in regard to these suggestions.

·       Members expressed the view that the management of road safety needed to become more proactive in addressing issues before a serious accident takes place rather than in response to one.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport be recommended to approve the removal of temporary speed cushions and the legal advertising of the Moving Traffic Regulation Order (MTRO) to implement a 20mph zone and, subject to no objections being made within 21 days of the advertisement date, the order can be made as shown in Appendix D of the report.

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

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 detailing the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

Members noted that some items within the report had been completed and could now be removed from the report. It was suggested that the updates would be communicated to Democratic Services in advance of the next meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.