Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 26 January 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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: -

·       Thursday 10 March – Compstall Community Council Open Meeting.

·       Sunday 13 March – Crews at Marple Fire Station having a car wash from 11.00am until 3.00pm, with proceeds being donated to the crisis in Ukraine.

·       Saturday 19 March – Marple Precinct Market

·       Monday 21 March – Friends of Brabyn Park Annual General Meeting.

·       Tuesday 22 March - Marple Bridge Association Annual General Meeting.

·       Saturday 2 April - Marple Choral Society performing at St Paul’s Church in Compstall, with tickets being sold at a cost of £10, with concessions available.

·       Sunday 3 April – Litterpick to be arranged.

·       Traffic Consultation – due to start following the Local Elections in May.

·       Anti-Social Behaviour - Local Councillors working closely with stakeholders, local residents and police to tackle these issues in Marple.

·       Marple Senior Citizens Hall – Marple Area Committee next meeting on 6 April will be held in the Marple Senior Citizens Hall.

·       Support for Ukraine – The Chair read a statement on behalf of the Marple Councillors that expressed their support for the community efforts in Stockport for the people in Ukraine.

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 blocked drains at the end of Winnington Road and further blocked drains around the Ley Hey area of Marple.

·       Relating to blocked rains on Station Road between Garth Road and Winnington Road.

In response, it was noted that a formal written response would be provided to the questioner and Committee Members.

Members commented that they were unhappy with the reporting of blocked drains, with many such issues in the Marple area not meeting the criteria for being reported, with no explanation for members of the public. Members reiterated their suggestion that the borough needed more gully-clearance wagons to fully cover the area proactively, and not just in response to emergencies.

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 as follows: -

Councillor Aron Thornley presented a petition containing 146 signatures requesting the Council to provide: -

·       the outcomes of the investigation into Strines Road after the spate of accidents in 2007;

·       the road safety measures that were recommended for Strines Road by the investigation and communicated to the Stockport Council Mayor as above; and

·       the road safety/traffic calming measures that have been put in place on the Strines Road in Marple and Strines since 2007.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Director for Place Management 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 a report of the Strategic Head of Estate & Asset Management.

The report details a nomination under the ‘Community Right to Bid’ provisions of the Localism Act 2021, to list The Regent Cinema, Marple as an asset of community value.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine whether, based on the information contained within the report, the nominated Regent Cinema, Marple is suitable for inclusion on the list of assets of community value.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid, and members to determine the nomination whether The Regent Cinema should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in S 88 of the Localism Act 201

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee agreed to The Regent Cinema, 12 Stockport Road, Marple, SK6 6BJ being added to the list of Assets of Community Value subject to the criteria set out in S88 of the Localism Act 2011.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Marple Bridge Association for a grant of £433.52 (Marple North ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing new planters for Town Street in addition to treatment and preservative for remaining planters and benches.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Marple Bridge Association for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of purchasing new planters for Town Street in addition to treatment and preservative for remaining planters and benches.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Marple Bridge Association for a grant of £433.52 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing new planters for Town Street in addition to treatment and preservative for remaining planters and benches.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Marple Park Veterans Bowling Club for a grant of £200 (Marple North ward allocation) towards the cost of replacing the bowling green perimeter boards which are missing or badly corroded.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Marple Park Veterans Bowling Club for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of replacing the bowling green perimeter boards which are missing or badly corroded.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Marple Park Veterans Bowling Club for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of replacing the bowling green perimeter boards which are missing or badly corroded.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Samaritans for a grant of £100 (£50 from each ward) towards the cost of sponsoring two spectator-facing banners on Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds for the 2022-23 season in order to raise awareness of the Samaritans suicide prevention work.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of sponsoring two spectator-facing banners on Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds for the 2022-23 season in order to raise awareness of the Samaritans suicide prevention work.

RESOLVED – That the application from the Samaritans of Stockport & District for Ward Flexibility Funding on this occasion be declined on the basis that there were limited funding available for local projects.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Etherow Park for a grant of £650 (£650 from Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of a project centred around the gardens established near Weir Cottage to: -

·       Refurbish the feeding stations with new feeders

·       Purchase two small lockable storage bins benches for the bird food and associated equipment

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Friends of Etherow Park for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of a project centred around the gardens established near Weir Cottage to: -

·       Refurbish the feeding stations with new feeders; and

·       Purchase two small lockable storage bins benches for the bird food and associated equipment

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Friends of Etherow Park for a grant of £650 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£325 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of a project centred around the gardens established near Weir Cottage to: -

·       Refurbish the feeding stations with new feeders

·       Purchase two small lockable storage bins benches for the bird food and associated equipment

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Mellor Society War Memorial Garden Group a grant of £600 (£600 from Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing all the old lavender plants which run along the edge of the long flowerbeds, buy new plants (e.g. topiary or sedum) to fill the empty spaces in the beds and purchase horticultural bark.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of the Mellor Society War Memorial Garden Group for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of replacing all the old lavender plants which run along the edge of the long flowerbeds, buy new plants (e.g. topiary or sedum) to fill the empty spaces in the beds and purchase horticultural bark.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to an application from Mellor Society War Memorial Garden Group for a grant of £600 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing all the old lavender plants which run along the edge of the long flowerbeds, buy new plants (e.g. topiary or sedum) to fill the empty spaces in the beds and purchase horticultural bark.

(2) Noted that a budgetary adjustment will be made in the 2022/23 financial year to transfer the sum of £25.69 from the Marple South ward allocation as part of their contribution to the above grant to the Marple North ward allocation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from St Thomas’ Church, High Lane a grant of £1,000 (£1,000 from Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of installing new pathways following the theft of York Stone. Visitors have been unable to gain access to their relatives and loved one’s graves, especially those who have disabilities or who are infirm and require assistance.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of St Thomas’ Church, High Lane for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of installing new pathways following the theft of York Stone. Visitors have been unable to gain access to their relatives and loved one’s graves, especially those who have disabilities or who are infirm and require assistance.

RESOLVED – That approval be given approval to an application from St Thomas' Church, High Lane for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of installing new pathways following the theft of York Stone. Visitors have been unable to gain access to their relatives and loved one’s graves, especially those who have disabilities or who are infirm and require assistance.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee a grant of £1,000 (£500 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of organising an annual carnival parade, charity and commercial stalls in Marple Memorial Park on 18 June 2022. Daytime family entertainment and family activities, family funfair aimed at younger children and to donate any surplus funds after costs to local charities.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Carnival Charities Committee for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising an annual carnival parade, charity and commercial stalls in Marple Memorial Park on 18 June 2022. Daytime family entertainment and family activities, family funfair aimed at younger children and to donate any surplus funds after costs to local charities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Carnival Charities Committee for a grant of £500 (Marple South ward allocation only) from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of organising an annual carnival parade, charity and commercial stalls in Marple Memorial Park on 18 June 2022. Daytime family entertainment and family activities, family funfair aimed at younger children and to donate any surplus funds after costs to local charities.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £95.22 (£47.61 from each ward) towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide Stockport County tickets at a discounted rate to disadvantaged children within the community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Help the Hatters for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide Stockport County tickets at a discounted rate to disadvantaged children within the community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Help the Hatters for a grant of £95.22 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of a discounted ticketing scheme to provide Stockport County tickets at a discounted rate to disadvantaged children within the community.

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 for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget 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 from Autisk for Ward Flexibility Funding on this occasion be declined on the basis that there were limited funding available for local projects.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Dementia Drop-In for a grant of £360 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of paying a professional signing teacher to run 6 singing sessions at the Drop-In.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Dementia Drop-In for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of paying a professional signing teacher to run 6 signing sessions at the Drop-In.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Dementia Drop-In for a grant of £180 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of paying a professional signing teacher to run 6 signing sessions at the Drop-In.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Marple Memorial Park for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget towards the cost of a new gazebo to be used during events at the Memorial Park.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Friends of Marple Memorial Park for a grant of £199 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South ward allocation) towards the cost of a new gazebo to be used during events at the Memorial Park.

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

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.

Conversion of existing water tank structure/underground reservoir to form 1 no. dwellinghouse with associated external alterations and retention of existing pump house as garage (Re-Submission of application DC080803).

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC083638 for the conversion of existing water tank structure/underground reservoir to form 1 no. dwelling-house with associated external alterations and retention of existing pump house as garage (Re-Submission of application DC080803) at Land Adjacent to 262 Windlehurst Road, Marple,

It was then

RESOLVED – (For 5, Against 0 and Abstain 1) 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 Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the undertaking of a traffic design and feasibility study on Longhurst Lane in Mellor.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval the undertaking of a a traffic design and feasibility study on Longhurst Lane in Mellor at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Eraina Smith on 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the undertaking of a traffic design and feasibility study on Longhurst Lane in Mellor.

Members welcomed the report as it had been previously requested and would be of benefit to the safety of the residents of Longhurst Lane.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the undertaking of a traffic design and feasibility study on Longhurst Lane in Mellor at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

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 sought clarity on whether the remaining money within the Delegated Budget would be carried over into the new financial year. It was confirmed that any remaining money in the budget would be carried over.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.