Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 9th March 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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:-

·       Residents were welcomed back to attending the Area Committee in person at Marple Senior Citizens Hall.

·       20 April - A WI meeting would be taking place at Hawk Green Cricket Club.

·       16 April  - A litter pick would be taking place 10.00am on Middlewood Way.

·       Roman Lakes tea dances were available again on the last Saturday of every month.

·       18 June - Marple Carnival would be taking place.

·       Events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee would be taking place at Compstall Cricket Club and in Marple Town Centre, with many other local clubs and groups also planning to hold their own events.

·       A ‘Friday Morning Madness’ event would be held at Mellor Golf Club, starting at £5 per golfer. 

·       30 May - Marple Lime Kilns would be holding an open dig.

·       Mellor March was intended to take place on the first weekend in May. 

·       Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) funding was available up to £500 per application for projects that will have a progressive climate impact in the local area. CAN funding would also now be considered for larger applications above £500.

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.

Three public questions were submitted as follows:-

·       Relating to Watermeetings cottage and an update on the Council’s planned use of the land, with reference to ongoing issues of tree root damage, riverbank erosion and damage caused by large trees at the site.

In response, it was noted that a formal written response would be provided to the questioner and Committee Members. Members noted that the homeowner had not previously received a satisfactory response from the Council, and that a greater sense of urgency must be passed on to the Estates Team with regard to seeking a solution to the problems at the site.

·       Relating to the restoration of the iron bridge in Brabyns Park and an unresolved conflict between reported restoration issues in 2014 and 2021. The questioner asked that Members facilitate a meeting between themselves, the workers on site and the Council Conservation Officer so that a resolution could be sought prior to any work being done.

In response, it was noted that a formal written response would be provided to the questioner and Committee Members. Members supported a meeting of the Conservation Officer with workers on site as the new report did not provide specific information in regard to the load-bearing aspect of the bridge’s restoration as it had been initially defined following restoration work in 2008.

·       Relating to ongoing Council work in Marple, such as the proposed new leisure centre and new traffic proposals, and how these issues would be brought together in line with the One Stockport Plan to solve issue in Marple in a cohesive manner.

In response, the following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Local issues did need to be looked at in conjunction with each other and, whilst it would not always be fully possible, consensus did need to be sought between as many Marple residents as possible before major changes were made.

·       Marple benefited from the highest number of local community groups in any Stockport ward, and their expertise needed to be drawn on when deciding on the future of Marple so that solutions could come together in a coherent way.

·       Members noted that emphasis needed to be placed on balancing heritage with the necessity of expanding provisions for residents as Marple grows in the future.

·       It was noted that costs were always a significant consideration in the implementation of schemes in Marple, but that Members would continue to listen to residents and feed their ideas into any work that was done.

·       Improvements to district centres in places like Altrincham and Chorlton were highlighted as examples of how Marple district centre could be improved. 

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

No petitions were submitted.

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 the Friends of Marple Memorial Park for a grant of £199.00 from Marple North ward allocation only towards the cost of purchasing a new gazebo to help continue to raise funds at local events for the benefit of everyone who uses Memorial Park.

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 towards the cost of purchasing a new gazebo to help continue to raise funds at local events for the benefit of everyone who uses 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 Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a new gazebo to help continue to raise funds at local events for the benefit of everyone who uses the Memorial Park.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee a grant of £500 from Marple North ward allocation only 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 towards the cost of organising an annual carnival parade, charity and commercial stalls in Marple Carnival Charities Committee 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 received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of organising an annual carnival parade, charity and commercial stalls in Marple Memorial Park on 18 June 2022.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Dementia Drop-In for a grant of £180 from 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 towards the cost of paying a professional singing teacher to run 6 singing 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 Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of paying a professional singing teacher to run 6 singing sessions at the Drop-In.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Friends of Lime Kilns (FOLK) for a grant of £479 from the Marple South ward allocation only towards the cost of purchasing equipment to be used during the open days and significantly help in displaying artefacts collected, photographic evidence, historical records and explanations of the processes carried out during the operation of the kilns.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of the Lime Kilns (FOLK) towards the cost of purchasing equipment to be used during the open days and significantly help in displaying artefacts collected, photographic evidence, historical records and explanations of the processes carried out during the operation of the kilns.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Friends of the Lime Kilns (FOLK) for a grant of £479 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing equipment to be used during the open days and significantly help in displaying artefacts collected, photographic evidence, historical records and explanations of the processes carried out during the operation of the kilns.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Mutual Aid for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of holding the Marple Platinum Jubilee Street Party.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Mutual Aid towards the cost of hosting a Platinum Jubilee Street Party on 3^rd June 2022 on Market Street and Derby Way.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Mutual Aid for a grant of £400 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£200 each from Marple North and Marple South ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting a Platinum Jubilee Street Party on 3^rd June 2022 on Market Street and Derby Way.

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.

Demolition of existing building and erection of 1 no. dwellinghouse, in lieu of agricultural building with Prior Approval (Reference: DC078330) for residential conversion.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC083641 for the demolition of existing building and erection of 1 no. dwellinghouse, in lieu of agricultural building with Prior Approval (Reference: DC078330) for residential conversion at Cattle Shed, Hollywood Road, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommend 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 on 0161 474 3219, 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 the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Brookside Primary School and to seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning signs.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve the proposals for the Road Safety around Schools – Brookside Primary School scheme and the Area Committee is recommended to approve the legal advertising of the TROs and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders can be made.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks on 0161 474 4840, c.aylmer-shanks@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 the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around Brookside Primary School, and seeking approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning signs.

Members welcomed the work that had been done on this report, and emphasised the need for residents to respect the safety of the school children when parking in the area. It was noted that the school had a positive culture of encouraging people to walk or cycle to school.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Orders set out in Appendix A to the report and the associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning sign and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation.

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 2011, to list Seven Stiles Allotments as an Asset of Community value.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine whether, based on the information contained within the report, the nominated Seven Stiles is suitable for inclusion on the list of assets of community value in accordance with the requirements of S88 of the Localism Act 2011.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth on 0161 218 1934, paul.edgeworth@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) providing members with information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid, and asking members to determine the nomination whether Seven Stiles Allotments should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in S 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

It was noted that allotments were owned by the Council and that legislation was already in place to protect their continued usage in future, however Members were supportive of the nomination due to sites’ worth as a valuable asset for people’s wellbeing and financial situations.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Seven Stiles Allotments Oakdene Road, Marple, Stockport, 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 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 2011, to list Rose Hill Allotments as an Asset of Community value.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine whether, based on the information contained within the report, the nominated Rose Hill Allotments is suitable for inclusion on the list of assets of community value in accordance with the requirements of S88 of the Localism Act 2011.

Officer contact: Paul Edgeworth on 0161 218 1934, paul.edgeworth@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) providing members with information about a nomination received in response to the Community Right to Bid, and asking members to determine the nomination whether Rose Hill Allotments should be added to the list of Assets of Community Value, subject to the criteria set out in S 88 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to Rose Hill Allotments, Railway Road, Rose Hill, Marple, Stockport, 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 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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Work had now been done to clear the list of outstanding actions and this would be in effect from the next meeting of the Area Committee.

·         It was noted that, in their next few meetings with Highways Officers, Members would be looking closely at the issue of parking on Lockside.

·         Members were continuing to raise the issue of the removal of speed bumps on Windlehurst Road, and would continue to push for the funding required to complete the work.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 an application from Marple Carnival Charities Committee to hold their annual carnival event across Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park from 8:00am Friday 17^th June until 9:00pm on Monday 20^th June.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee to hold their annual carnival event across Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park from 8:00am Friday 17^th June until 9:00pm on Monday 20^th June, subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

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 an application from Marple Runners to hold their 6^th annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and 2K Family Fun Run in Brabyns Park on Sunday 29^th June between 7:00am and 1:00pm.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application received from Marple Runners to hold their 6^th annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and 2K Family Fun Run in Brabyns Park on Sunday 29^th June between 7:00am and 1:00pm, subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.