Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 November 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal 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 regarding the following:-

·         Members expressed frustration that the Levelling-Up Funding bid for a new leisure and community hub in Marple had been unsuccessful.

·         Members thanked the work of The Friends of Oldknow’s Lime Kilns for their work in securing £90.000 of funding from Historic England to restore the Lime Kilns.

·         It was noted that Marple Neighbourhood Forum would imminently be publishing the final version of their neighbourhood plan, with a consultation period planned to run for 6 weeks from mid-February to late-March.

·         The Council promotes tackling digital exclusion and would be offering facilities to train people up with no IT access or skills, beginning with a session in the local library on 14 February.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Inspector Shaun Flavell (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer any questions from Councillors or 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:-

·         Members identified the junction of Glossop Road outside the Windsor Castle pub as an area of concern following reports of a recent accident. In response, it was noted that specific concerns could be raised with the local policing team, but that longer term traffic management changes were dealt with by the Council and TfGM.

·         In relation to the community speed watch program in High Lane, Members queried whether potential volunteers were required to be residing locally to the scheme in order to participate. It was commented that local police were not aware of any restrictions limiting who could volunteer for such schemes.

·         Members questioned what communication took places between the Council and local police following traffic accidents to ensure that sites are cleaned, following reports of debris left at an accident site on Strines Road. It was commented that the police would routinely contact the Council for the management and clear-up of sites following a reported accident.  However, this contact could not happen in cases where the police were not informed an accident had taken place.

·         Members raised concerns regarding a recent increase in burglaries in the area. It was commented that local police had made a number of arrests in and would continue to focus on this issue. It was highlighted that, generally, teams of two or three burglars would periodically become active and lead to spikes in burglary incidents and other associated criminal activity.

·         Local residents’ had raised concerns regarding the reported availability of alcohol and vape pens to children as young as 15 in the area. It was noted that this was a borough-wide and national issue, and that Trading Standards were taking the lead on tackling this in conjunction with the police.

·         It was noted that there were no plans for local neighbourhood policing to be reorganised in the local area, despite potential changes across Stockport to align with potential changes to ward boundaries. It was noted that the intention was for staffing to be expanded across neighbourhood policing teams in Stockport.

·         Members noted that Inspector Flavell would be retiring in six weeks following the meeting and replaced locally by Inspector Singh. Inspector Flavell was thanked for his hard work in the local area on behalf of Councillors and the public.

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.

11 public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to an update on the proposed plan and funding bids for Marple Leisure and Community Hub.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the loss of the swimming pool in Marple, and plans for the Council to replace this facility in light of national health issues around obesity

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to a rejected funding bid for the proposed new leisure facility in Marple, and whether the Council could contract a local company to provide a quote for refurbishing the old site of the Marple pool. 

RESOLVED – That the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the second unsuccessful bid for Levelling Up Funding for the proposed Marple community hub and leisure centre, and what the next steps would be in securing funding for a new facility.

In response, Members noted their disappointment at the outcome of the funding bid, given previous positive indications from the Government about the strength of the bid. It was commented that Members had been in contact with central government since the outcome of the funding bid had been announced and hoped to be able to provide further comment in the next few weeks following the meeting.

·         Relating to the provision of toilet facilities in Marple and issues of hygiene, access and water blockages, and whether the Council could provide further facilities and more regular cleaning.

In response, Members expressed sympathy with the request of the questioner, and noted that they had been in contact with local businesses to discuss making their toilet facilities publicly available, as well as looking into re-opening facilities such as those on Derby Way. It was further commented that Members supported a survey of drains in the borough in order to create a maintenance plan for each drain in accordance with the individual needs of an area.

·         Relating to the issue of vehicles jumping amber and red lights in the area, and whether community speed watch volunteers could be trained to catch vehicles running through red lights.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to traffic issued on Hartington Road and whether the enforcement of current time-limited access rules could be considered as an alternative to full closure of the road.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to local opposition amongst residents to the proposed Covid memorial on Hawk Green, and requesting that the Committee ensures that resident’s views were considered prior to the undertaking of the proposed scheme.

In response, it was commented that the proposed memorial had been brought forward by Hawk Green Residents Association, and that a full consultation of local residents would be undertaken prior to any final decision on the scheme, with letters being sent to the affected houses.

·         Relating to the closure of the public footpath between Chadkirk and Dale Roads, and when residents could expect repairs to be undertaken and the footpath reopened.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the proposed community hub in Marple, and requesting consultation with the Friends of Marple Memorial Park group during the planning process for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(iii)

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 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 Bee Sober CIC for a grant of £56.40 (£28.20 from Marple North and £28.20 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Bee Sober CIC towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Bee Sober CIC for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget of £56.40 (£28.20 from Marple North and £28.20 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of organising walk and talk events, supplying refreshments, and the printing of leaflets and posters to increase awareness to support those in recovery.

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 Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Demolition of existing Public House (Use Class : Sui Generis) and the erection of a convenience store (Use Class : E) with associated access from Buxton Road, car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, ATM, satellite dishes, bollards, boundary treatments, external lighting and plant

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC084061 for the Demolition of existing Public House (Use Class : Sui Generis) and the erection of a convenience store (Use Class : E) with associated access from Buxton Road, car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, ATM, satellite dishes, bollards, boundary treatments, external lighting and plant at the Former Dog and Partridge, Buxton Lane, High Lane,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – (5 for) That planning permission be granted.

Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with new detached dwelling and erection of single-storey home office building in rear garden

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC085271 for the Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with new detached dwelling and erection of single-storey home office building in rear garden at 4A Kinder Drive, Marple,

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 – (4 for, 1 abstention) That planning permission be granted.

Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and erection of replacement dwellinghouse and garage with associated works.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC085432 for the Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and erection of replacement dwellinghouse and garage with associated works at Shady Nook, Norbury Hollow Road, Hazel Grove, it was

RESOLVED – (5 for) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - 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 Werneth Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

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

A representative of the Assistant Director (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 Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks the approval of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Marina Drive and Stockport Road, Marple.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services gives approval to the legal advertising of the following traffic regulation order and, subject to the receipt of no objections, the subsequent making of the order at a cost of £1,100 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation):-

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Marina Drive, Marple

Both sides: From the northern kerb line of Stockport Road for a distance of 11 metres in a northerly direction.

Stockport Road, Marple

North side: From a point 16 metres east of the eastern kerb line of Marina Drive to a point 18 metres west of the western kerb line of Marina Drive.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady by email on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on Marina Drive and Stockport Road, Marple.

Members welcomed the proposals and noted the issue of vehicle idling which had been raised during consultation, but acknowledged that this was not the main issue focused on by these proposals.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £1,100 to be funded from the Area Committees’ Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation) and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days of the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order:-

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Marina Drive, Marple

Both sides: From the northern kerb line of Stockport Road for a distance of 11 metres in a northerly direction.

Stockport Road, Marple

North side: From a point 16 metres east of the eastern kerb line of Marina Drive to a point 18 metres west of the western kerb line of Marina Drive.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise and to seek approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 'No Waiting At Any Time' (double yellow lines).

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following traffic regulation orders and, subject to the receipt of no objections, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation:-

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Plane Tree Close, Marple, East side; From its intersection with the northern kerb line of Wood Lane in a northerly direction for a distance of 18 metres.

Plane Tree Close, Marple, West side; From its intersection with the north eastern kerb line of Wood Lane in a northerly direction for a distance of 14 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, North side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Plane Tree Close in an easterly direction for a distance of 14 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, North east side; From its intersection with the western kerb line of Plane Tree Close in a north westerly direction for a distance of 16.5 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, South side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Woodville Drive in an easterly direction for a distance of 12 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, South west side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Woodville Drive in a north westerly direction for a distance of 18 metres

Woodville Drive, Marple, West side; From its intersection with the south western kerb line of Wood Lane in a south westerly direction for a distance of 17.5 metres.

Woodville Drive, Marple, East side; From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Wood Lane in a south westerly direction for a distance of 10 metres.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady by email on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director of Place Management  submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order (double yellow lines).

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Orders at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committees’ Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation) and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the order:-

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Plane Tree Close, Marple, East side; From its intersection with the northern kerb line of Wood Lane in a northerly direction for a distance of 18 metres.

Plane Tree Close, Marple, West side; From its intersection with the north eastern kerb line of Wood Lane in a northerly direction for a distance of 14 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, North side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Plane Tree Close in an easterly direction for a distance of 14 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, North east side; From its intersection with the western kerb line of Plane Tree Close in a north westerly direction for a distance of 16.5 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, South side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Woodville Drive in an easterly direction for a distance of 12 metres.

Wood Lane, Marple, South west side; From its intersection with the eastern kerb line of Woodville Drive in a north westerly direction for a distance of 18 metres Woodville Drive, Marple, West side; From its intersection with the south western kerb line of Wood Lane in a south westerly direction for a distance of 17.5 metres.

Woodville Drive, Marple, East side; From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Wood Lane in a south westerly direction for a distance of 10 metres.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

To report the findings of a consultation exercise for Integrated Transport Block - Longhurst Lane, and to seek approval for the introduction of a Gateway Scheme.

The Area Committee is recommended to determine whether:

(1) To proceed as proposed as shown on Drawing No: 5210-05-LL-001 and to seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services for the advertisement of the associated Traffic Regulation Order;

or

(2) To investigate further small scale works such as the improvement of signage and road markings. 

Officer contact: Gemma Brady on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise for Integrated Transport Block – Longhurst Lane, and seeking approval for the introduction of a gateway scheme.

Members noted the significant opposition to ‘Option 1’ amongst local residents and organisations, and expressed the view that this necessitated further investigations to seek a more appropriate response.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to undertake an investigation into the potential for further small scale works such as the improvement of signage and road markings.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Dale Road, Marple, to aid accessibility.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Dale Road, as shown on Drawing No: NM18-6372-000 as appended to the report, at a cost of 3,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Gemma Brady on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Dale Road, Marple, to aid accessibility.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Dale Road, as shown on Drawing No: NM18-6372- 000 as appended to the report, at a cost of £3,650 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the locations of council-owned parking spaces within the Marple area where it is planned to install Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161 474 3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the locations of Council-owned parking spaces within the Marple area where it is planned to install Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members questioned how quickly of the proposed ‘rapid chargers’ could charge a vehicle. It was commented that rapid charging could take from 20 minutes to an hour, with costs to the user increasing the longer it was in use.

·         Members asked for clarity on the timescale around future waves of electric vehicle charging infrastructure rollouts.

·         It was commented that interested parties, such as the Friends of Marple Memorial Park, should be consulted on any future installations of charging points.

·         Overall, Members welcomed the report and supported the rollout of future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides an overview of the proposed implementation of Speed Indicators Devices (SID’s) in the Marple Area.

The Area Committee is recommended to support the SID programme and for the Highway Ward Spokespersons for each ward to be authorised to submit four potential locations where they would like the SIDs to be installed.

Officer Contact: Adam Meadowcroft on 07800 618 430 or email: adam.meadowcroft@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the proposed implementation of Speed Indicators Devices (SID’s) in the Marple Area.

Members welcomed the return of SIDS in the area and thanked officers for the opportunity to address local concerns by making suggestions as to their locations. It was noted that the training of staff and uploading of software was taking place in advance of April, in preparation of receiving Members’ suggestions.  

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be authorised to determine the locations for the installation of mobile speed indicator devices within the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane wards (four locations per ward) following consultation with the Highway Ward Spokespersons.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - 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 Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.