Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 August 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 2 August 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed residents of the following:-

·         Consultation – the Marple Hub consultation had begun, with a drop-in session at the library and another planned for the following Tuesday between 10am and 3pm. Council officers and Councillors would be attending and encouraged residents to attend.

·         Events – eco exhibition at St Thomas Church in High Lane on 14October 2023 between 11am and 2pm. Residents were encouraged to contact Councillor Alexander for more information.

·         Open Forum – Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow, and Compstall Neighbourhood Forum were holding an open meeting at the WI building on 21 September from 7:30pm to 9pm. Members of the public were encouraged to attend to find out more about the local plan or to get involved with the next stage.

·         Brabyns Brow – the leaks had been repaired at the Cadent gas works, with ongoing work planned to take place over the next few days.

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

It was reported that the Neighbourhood Police representative (Greater Manchester Police) was unable to attend the meeting.

Councillors and members of the public were invited to raise issues in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by Marple Area Committee.

·         Speedwatch in High Lane was ongoing, with 132 vehicles consisting of mostly local traffic found to have exceeded the 20mph limit on Andrews Lane. Offenders had been sent letters to advise and educate.

·         Anti-social behaviour in the parks and green spaces across Hazel Grove over the summer had been lower than average. These spaces were on regular patrol plans. Anti-social behaviour can be reported via Crimestoppers or by the Fearless program within this aimed at young people.

·         A number of incidents had occurred with bikes and dangerous driving of off-road vehicles, all reports of which GMP had been following up on. Identification remained an issue and GMP encouraged members of the public to report any intelligence through Crimestoppers.

·         All three individuals – an adult and two youths - involved in the filmed and broadcast robbery at Hazel Grove Sainsburys had now been apprehended and charged. The adult was remanded in custody for trial in March the following year.

·         GMP were actively trying to organised the next PACT meeting and were waiting for the finalisation of the next dates.

·         Members noted that despite under-resourcing at GMP there was frustration from the community that the police were lacking engagement, and therefore their non-attendance on this occasion and for other area committees was frustrating.

·         It was commented PACT dates should be provided well in advance.

·         It was stated that a petition had been signed regarding the concerns around issues with bikes, and that Members had agreed to present this to GMP.

·         Members had written to the police requesting a meeting on Speedwatch, and queried when they would receive a reply to this.

RESOLVED – That the issues raised would be communicated to the Neighbourhood Police representative.

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 submit 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.

Four public questions were submitted as follows –

(i)            Relating to the site of Marple Baths and whether the Committee would undertake to persuade the Council to postpone further action until the viability of reusing the existing building for community recreation purposes, including a full account of its structural condition and capacity for reuse, was fully investigated and recorded publicly to the people of Marple.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members directed the questioner towards the statement on the Council website.

·         It was commented that the Council had found it would cost between £3.5m and £4.5m to repair the building, and that the usage of the site and money received from this would contribute to the capital assets of the Council for wider investment across the borough, with this money ring-fenced into Marple.

·         It was stated that the process was already underway, and that Members could speak to officers around having some level of engagement over these decisions.

·         It was stated that there would be a potential open forum item around the old pool at the next Area Committee meeting.

·         It was noted that Members would be at the drop-in consultation the following Tuesday for discussions.

(ii)          In the absence of the second questioner, it was;

RESOLVED: That a written response would be provided by Councillor Abell.

(iii)         Relating to the communications around the hub consultation as the Civic Society discussions had indicated that those who were not users of electronic communications were feeling excluded, whether Members could investigate why some areas had not received the letters or leaflets regarding this consultation, whether they could arrange for paper copies of the consultation to be publicly visible within the library rather than only on request, and whether they could remind Stockport Council communication officers that a significant minority of Marple was not digitally connected.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was commented that this could be arranged for the library.

·         It was stated that the notice board in the Town Centre will have information on it.

·         It was suggested that the delay could be due to the post office, and that this issue would be looked into.

·         All households were receiving the letters.

It was queried by the questioner as to whether the deadline could be extended to canvass the opinions .

It was responded that Members were uncertain of this due to set time frames, but they would query it. It was stated that much of the community already had information, and that Members suspected everyone would have the letters by the following week.

(iv)         Relating to the green priority cycle lanes in the traffic and mobility changes within the Hub consultation, whether Members could confirm if they were personally prepared to oppose this, and if they could confirm why this was included in the Hub consultation.

·         Residents were encouraged to consider the consultation and potential balance of what is was there now and what was being proposed. Residents were also informed that Councillors considered Lower Church Lane, Derby Way, and Memorial Park to be contentious, and that they had received concerns from residents by email. Members stated that this was an attempt to take a step into the future.

·         It was noted that the process of consultation was the time to express viewpoints.

·         It was emphasised that the plan would not necessarily look as it did now.

·         It was commented that it would not be appropriate for Members to express a personal opinion prior to the close of consultation, as they had to represent the views of their residents.

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 has 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 Southeast Manchester Community Rail Partnership for a grant of £270 (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation only) towards the cost of the production of new artwork of the Boars Head which will be displayed within the Middlewood Station.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of from Southeast Manchester Community Rail Partnership for a grant of £270 (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation only) towards the cost of the production of new artwork of the Boars Head which will be displayed within the Middlewood Station.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from the Southeast Manchester Community Rail Partnership for a grant of £270 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£70 from Marple North and £200 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of the production of new artwork of the Boars Head which will be displayed within the Middlewood Station.

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 Deputy Chief Executive 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.

Variation of condition 2 of planning permission DC013748/condition 1 of planning permission DC028534, to increase the maximum number of children from 35 to 50, via the use of the upper floor of the building as part of the Day Nursery.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no DC087790 for the variation of condition 2 of planning permission DC013748/condition 1 of planning permission DC028534, to increase the maximum number of children from 35 to 50, via the use of the upper floor of the building as part of the Day Nursery at Bowden House, 30 Bowden Lane, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6ND;

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

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

It was then,

MOVED – That planning permission be granted.

The motion was not passed due to there being no seconder.

It was then,

RESOLVED – (3 for, 3 abstentions) That planning permission be refused on the grounds of residential amenity and the impact on traffic generation and highways.

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 Marple Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates 0161 474 3219 | 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.

Updates relating to the following locations were provided to the Committee: -

·         Werneth Hall, Romiley

·         83 Stockport Road

·         Land at Holly Head

RESOLVED – That the report and updates be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details an update on the bank collapse on footpath 62 Marple near Dale Farm and the options for remedying the situation.

The Area Committee is asked to note the contents of the report and:-

(a)  To be assured that we are still looking in to the options / opportunities to repair/ replace the path.

(b)  To note that by using this route the public are endangering themselves and that the path is closed for public safety.

Officer contact: Nicholas Robinson on email rightsofway@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report of the Director for Place Management detailing an update on the bank collapse on footpath 62 Marple near Dale Farm and the options for remedying the situation.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The collapsing footpath was a worsening problem and more landslips were expected.

·         The path was being undercut and this was increasing as it appeared to be a permanent change in the river, and this resulted in the river bank no longer being stable.

·         Potential methods of alternative footpaths were discussed, as well as issues regarding diverting the footpath which was currently unfeasible at present as the local landowners did not want any diversions through their land.

·         Members of the public were encouraged not to vandalise the posts.

·         The pending report about the river was required before solutions or affordability could be discussed.

·         Information regarding timescales would be welcomed. In response, it was noted that it would probably be six months before the pending ‘river report’ would be returned for the next steps.

·         It was queried whether proactive inspection was being completed on other areas of the river.

·         It was reported that officers were not aware of other concerns at present, but would continue to monitor the area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) No Waiting at Any Time and Bus Clearway markings on Ridge Road/Church Lane, Marple.

The Area committee is asked to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A, and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made:

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Church Lane, Marple East Side:

From its intersection with the northern kerb line of Ridge Avenue, for a distance of 40 metres in a northerly direction.

Ridge Road, Marple – East Side:

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Ridge Avenue, for a distance of 20 metres in a southerly direction.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady, gemma.brady@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) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise relating to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) No Waiting at Any Time and Bus Clearway markings on Ridge Road/Church Lane, Marple.

·         It was commented that there was an issue in the report regarding the drawing numbers of two images and the drawing on page 75 would be the preference.

·         It was noted that the first drawing with the extended double yellow lines and the bus clearway was the preferred option.

·         It was highlighted that the funding for this should come from Marple South only and not both wards as stated in the report.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A (Ridge Road/Church Road, Marple - Drawing No. NM8-4080-01, Revision B, page 75 of the report), at a cost of £1,360 to be funded from the Marple South & High Lane Delegated Ward Budget only and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made:

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Church Lane, Marple East Side:

From its intersection with the northern kerb line of Ridge Avenue, for a distance of 40 metres in a northerly direction.

Ridge Road, Marple – East Side:

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Ridge Avenue, for a distance of 20 metres in a southerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides an update on the outcome of the legal notifications and the comments received regarding the removal of specific traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road.

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

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

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the outcome of the legal notifications and the comments received regarding the removal of specific traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road.

The following comments were made/issues were raised:-

·         Members presented queries regarding the length of time that this had taken,and the consultation into replacements.

·         The residents had responded to both consultations together, and therefore time had to be taken to disentangle the results.

·         The removal of the humps could go ahead and would start to be planned into the work program, and that colleagues would be asked about the specific timeline.

·         The decision of what might replace these was a separate choice.

·         It was stated that the outcome of the consultation could be discussed with Members in advance of the next meeting.

·         The previous stance on the feasibility of the speed cameras was queried.

·         It was responded that this was a complicated picture as this was a GM stance, and the legislation and criteria were discussed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the results of the consultation on the alternative and the time scales would be brought to the next Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Council is inviting comments on a Draft Education Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from Wednesday 13th September to Wednesday 25th October.

The Area Committee is asked to note the proposed consultation documents and the intended period of consultation.

Officer contact: Hannah Mitchell on 0161 474 3771 or email: hannah.mitchell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) relating to the Draft Education Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from Wednesday 13 September 2023 to Wednesday 25 September 2023.

·         It was commented that there should have been more details available relating to the SPD.

·         A further explanation relating to the SPD was provided by the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details an application received from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Brabyns Park on Saturday 4th November 2023. The event will run from 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 4th of November 2023. However, the organiser will require access from 9.00am on the 3rd of November 2023 to set up and will vacate the site at 10.00am on the 5th November 2023 after completing a litter pick.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, Jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report on behalf of the Director for Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Brabyns Park on Saturday 4th November 2023. The event would run from 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 4th of November 2023.

Members expressed support towards the event, as it was commented that the previous year had been successful.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to use Brabyns Park to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display on Saturday 4th November 2023 between the hours of 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 4th of November 2023, accessing the site from 9.00am on the 3rd of November 2023 to set up and vacating the site at 10.00am on the 5th November 2023 after completing a litter pick subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details an application received from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish the Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park. The event will take place on Sunday 22nd October 2023 between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, permission has been requested to use the park from 12.00pm until 5.00pm to enable event set up and close down of the event.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, Jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish the Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park. The event would take place on Sunday 22nd October 2023 between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, permission had been requested to use the park from 12.00pm until 5.00pm to enable event set up and close down of the event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish the Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park on Sunday 22^nd October 2023 between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, accessing the site from 12.00pm until 5.00pm to enable event set up and close down of the event, subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 (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 area flexibility funding and the Delegated Budget.

It was requested that the following Open Forum item be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting.

·         Old Pool, Marple

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the ‘Old Pool’ Marple be included as an Open Forum item for the next Area Committee meeting.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 24 November 2023.

It is recommended that the Area Committee:-

(1) Nominate of a recently completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review Tour; and

(2) Nominate Members to attend the Annual Review of Outcome Tour.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead on 0161 218 1982 or email: suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour on Friday 24 November 2023.

Members suggested that Marple Dale and Orford Close/Buxton Lane would be the proposed sites.

RESOLVED – (1) That Marple Dale be nominated, and that Members would assess whether Orford Close/Buxton Lane was ready and would confirm by email the proposed site to be nominated to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

(2) That Councillors Steve Gribbon and Becky Senior be nominated to attend the Review of Outcomes Tour.