Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 June 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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

·        The Chair highlighted that 1 in 3 eligible pensioners in Stockport were not currently claiming pension credit, with these people missing out on £1,900 per year on average. Stockport Council is encouraging all residents of state pension age to check their eligibility for claiming pension credit via Stockport Support Hub (0161 474 1042).

·        The Chair highlighted the social action project currently being undertaken by the National Citizens Service.

·        The Chair thanked the Friends of Marple Memorial Park for organising the 100-year anniversary celebrations at the park.

·        The Chair highlighted local mental health organisations that were available to be used by local residents including Samaritans Stockport (116 123), Mentell (Mentell.org.uk) and Marple Men’s Group (07951 973792).

·        The Chair announced that the following events would be taking place around Marple:-

-        Ongoing fundraising efforts were taking place for the Alzheimer’s Society including a bake sale in Merseyway on Thursday 4 August.

-        Marple Fest on Saturday 27 August.

-        Marple Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 17 September.

·        The Chair encouraged local residents to respond to two ongoing consultations available on the Council website, as follows:-

-        Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2022, closing on 31 August.

-        Polling District Review, closing on 18 August.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) will attend the meeting to provide an update on neighbourhood policing issues in the Marple area.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         A review of neighbourhood policing was taking place that would shape staffing numbers in the local neighbourhood policing team over the next year. Current numbers include 9 neighbourhood officers and 6 PCSOs.

·         A recruitment drive was underway across Greater Manchester as a whole, with Stockport expected to receive a number of the new officers.

·         The area covered by the neighbourhood policing team faced the second highest level of demand in Stockport, second only to the town centre.

·         Members questioned whether electric scooters had been frequently reported as an issue to the police. In response, it was commented that there had not been many reports specifically and seizures of electric scooters were not specifically recorded, but members of the public were encouraged to contact police if they were a nuisance in the local area.

·         Members queried the incidence rate for mobile phone use in cars. It was commented that this data could be provided to councillors once it had been collated and that campaigns against mobile phone use in vehicles were regularly undertaken on a force-wide level.

·         Members requested an update on a potential community speedwatch scheme in High Lane. It was commented that work was ongoing to identify areas where the scheme could be run, and that the local policing team would be heavily involved in running the scheme and identifying volunteers if it was put into place.

·         Members highlighted Marple Memorial Park as a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and other disorder. It was commented that a crime survey had been done in relation to the park and measures were now being implemented to address the high levels of disorder that had been occurring. The neighbourhood policing team would continue to give it extra attention over the summer.

·          Members noted that a previous speed monitoring scheme on Compstall Road had found little evidence of speeding during the daytime, but local residents had been concerned with speeding later in the evening and night. It was commented that due to safety concerns, local police and community speedwatch schemes could not monitor speeding in the dark at night time.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Shaun Flavell be thanked for his attendance.

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.

2 public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the provision of picnic tables and toilets at Marple Memorial Park and whether these could be made available for longer periods during the day.

In response, it was commented that a formal response would be sent to the questioner. It was commented that there were picnic tables in the park, and that the available toilets should be open during daylight hours. It was noted that this may not have always been the case and that there is an active park group that would likely also be looking into these matters.

·         Relating to the Councils’ long-term plans for Marple Town Centre.

In response, it was commented that a formal response would be sent to the questioner. Members highlighted that there were a number of strands to the development of the town centre that must be brought together and looked at in a holistic way, that are strongly linked to ongoing development of a new leisure centre and levelling-up-funding bid.

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 Brookside Primary School for a grant of £1000 (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing the disrepair of the current lunchtime play shed, which would benefit the wellbeing of the children and help make use of the environment.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Brookside Primary School towards the cost of replacing the disrepair of the current lunchtime play shed, which would benefit the wellbeing of the children and help make use of the environment.

Whilst members were minded to grant the application, it was advised that the meeting was no longer quorate due to Councillor Alexander leaving the room for this item, but that Members could take the decision as Urgent Business following the meeting.

RESOLVED – That this item be circulated to Members outside of the meeting to be considered as Urgent Business, with an update to be provided on any decision reached at the next meeting of the committee.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £184.56 from the Marple Area Committee (£46.14 from each ward allocation only) towards the cost of printing 100 copies of ‘The Advocate’ newsletter (monthly) for those who are facing digital poverty and exclusion in the community.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of African and Caribbean Community Association towards the cost of printing paper copies of ‘The Advocate’ newsletter to help people suffering from digital poverty and exclusion to engage with the local community and activities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £92.28 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£46.14 each from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of printing paper copies of ‘The Advocate’ newsletter to help people suffering from digital poverty and exclusion to engage with the local community and activities.

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:-

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.

Erection of 8 no. dwellinghouses with associated infrastructure and landscaping.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC082338 for the erection of 8 no. dwellinghouses with associated infrastructure and landscaping, at the Former Jasmine Thai Restaurant, Buxton Road, Hazel Grove.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee with a recommendation to undertake a site visit.

Proposed kitchen and family room extension to rear of existing dwelling and proposed 1 bed apartment above existing detached garage, all to improve or provide supported living accommodation.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC083756 for the proposed kitchen and family room extension to rear of existing dwelling and proposed 1 bed apartment above existing detached garage, all to improve or provide supported living accommodation at Burnside, 106 Hollins Lane, Marple Bridge.

It was then

RESOLVED - That the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Erection of 1 no. detached bungalow (Outline Planning Application, seeking approval for access, layout and scale).

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission and defer and delegate to the Head of Planning, pending the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure the relevant contribution towards the open space.

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

In respect of plan no. DC085022 for the erection of 1 no. detached bungalow (Outline Planning Application, seeking approval for access, layout and scale) at Land adjacent to 7 Denefield Close, Marple Bridge

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

a representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – (3 for, 1 abstention) That planning permission be granted pending the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure the relevant contribution towards open space, in consultation with the Head of Planning.

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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals and enforcement action within the Marple Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report requests the views of the Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

The views of the Area Committee are sought on the proposed polling arrangements. Any comments or suggestions will then be considered, together with those received via the public consultation (Stage 1 and Stage 2).  Revised proposals will be brought back to the Area Committee cycle in October 2022 for consideration prior to a final report being considered by the Cabinet Meeting on 1 November 2022 and the Council Meeting on 17 November 2022.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the views of the Area Committee on the current proposed polling arrangements within the area in order to inform the Polling District Review currently underway.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on part of Buxton Road, High Lane.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £760 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget:

No Waiting At Any Time (Experimental):

Buxton Road, High Lane

South Side:

From the projected property building line of nos. 3 & 4 Buxton Road, High Lane at the end of the existing bus clearway marking, for a distance of 15 meters in a westerly direction. 

And from the projected west boundary line of Pinfold Cottage, Buxton Road, High Lane, for a distance of 113 meters in an easterly direction. 

And from the projected west boundary line of no. 221 Buxton Road, High Lane, for a distance of 65 meters in an easterly direction.

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan, 0161 474 4409, nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on part of Buxton Road, High Lane.

Members welcomed this report as it had been long awaited, and felt that the TRO could address the ongoing issue of HGVs parking on Buxton Road.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ on Buxton Road, High Lane, to be funded at a cost of £760 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget:-

No Waiting At Any Time (Experimental):

Buxton Road, High Lane

South Side:

From the projected property building line of nos. 3 & 4 Buxton Road, High Lane at the end of the existing bus clearway marking, for a distance of 15 meters in a westerly direction.

And from the projected west boundary line of Pinfold Cottage, Buxton Road, High Lane, for a distance of 113 meters in an easterly direction.

And from the projected west boundary line of no. 221 Buxton Road, High Lane, for a distance of 65 meters in an easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the alteration of a single speed cushion located on Oldridge Crescent, Marple.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the alteration of a single speed cushion located on Oldridge Crescent, Marple at a cost of £2,225 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan, 0161 474 4409, nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the alteration of a single speed cushion located on Oldridge Crescent, Marple.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members questioned whether, if this work was intended to resolve an engineering issue with a speed cushion, the work should be paid for via the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget.

·         Marple South & High Lane Ward Members commented that they had previously asked this question of officers, and had been reassured that as the work was the Council’s duty to undertake as it was on Council land.

·         Ward Members supported the undertaking of the work, and felt that it would be of benefit to local residents as they had complained about the noise created by vehicles travelling over the speed cushion.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the alteration of a single speed cushion located on Oldridge Crescent, Marple at a cost of £2,225 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the manufacture of, and installation of Police Notice signage informing motorists that there is no parking within a double white line system at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan, 0161 474 4409, nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the manufacture of and installation of Police Notice Signage informing motorists that there is no parking within a double white line system on Strines Road, Marple.

Members queried where the lines would be placed, and it was clarified that the signs would be installed on the first three lighting columns within the double white line system.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the manufacture of and installation of Police Notice Signage informing motorists that there is no parking within a double white line system on Strines Road, Marple, at a cost of £500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons (HWS) and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlines proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

The Area Committee is recommended to authorise the Director of Place Management, in consultation with the Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings subject to all area committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

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

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the current arrangements in relation to the role of Highway Ward Spokespersons (HWS) and the monitoring of the Area Committee Delegated Budgets and outlining proposals to make changes to the financial thresholds for decisions to be taken under delegated authority by the Director of Place Management.

Members supported the proposal and hoped that it would help to reduce delays in works being undertaken that would be of benefit to local residents.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be authorised to, in consultation with Highway Ward Spokesperson(s), to spend up to £1,000 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget in connection with the schedule of minor, non-regulatory, matters identified in Section 2.6 of the report; and up to £2,500 in connection with pedestrian dropped crossings, subject to all area committees giving approval to the revision of the delegation thresholds.

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 requested that a report be brought to a future meeting of the committee to provide an update on works being done on the iron bridge in Brabyns Park, as had been previously agreed in February 2021.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.