Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 13 September 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

It was noted that according to Minute 4 (iii) ‘Public Question Time’ - Councillor Abell reported that he had responded directly to the questioner regarding the concerns raised relating to the A6 MARR/A555.

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

The following interest was declared:-

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

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

·       The Poppy Appeal and Ride of Remembrance was due to take place on  Sunday 22 October through both Marple wards from 2.00pm. Residents were encouraged to support the event.

·       Brabyns Bonfire & Fireworks Display - tickets were only available online and residents were encouraged to contact the local Scouts to obtain tickets.

·       A fairtrade Christmas fair was due to take place at Stockport Guildhall on the 18November from 10:30am until 3.00pm.

·       The Friends of Marple Memorial Park were due to hold a handcrafted Christmas fair on the 26November at Hawk Green Reading Rooms, with all proceeds being donated to the Marple Memorial Park.

·       ‘Make It Marple’ was due to be held on Market Street on the 21 November.

·       The Marple Bridge Traders Association were due to hold their Winter Wonderland celebration on the 0 2December from 1.00pm on Town Street in Marple Bridge.

·       The Stockport Climate Action Now Summit was due to take place on the 03 November at the Guild Hall, more information and tickets were available at Eventbrite.

·       Climate Action Marple AGM was due to be held on the 13November at 7.00pm at the Methodist Church.

·       ‘Sing Out’ at Ridge Methodist Church was due to be held on the 31October from 7.00pm until 8.00pm.

·       A Christmas lights switch on event was due to be held in Marple on the 25November, the event would be held between 12.00pm and 7.00pm.

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

The Chair reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting.

The Chair reported that the Neighbourhood Inspector circulated a briefing paper in advance of the meeting to the Committee which highlighted the following: -

·       2564 crimes had been committed in Stockport over the previous month with 87 committed in Marple, 4 of these had been burglaries.

·       A Stop and Search had been carried out on the 4 October in Marple and the shoplifter had been arrested and remanded for trial.

·       Off road bikes remained a priority, Greater Manchester Police and the Neighbourhood Team encouraged residents with any knowledge of the identity of bike riders to report it to them.

·       A joint operation had been undertaken by GMP and Trading Standards which targeted Anti-social behaviour and the sale of vapes to underage children. This had led to the conviction of a shop owner in Stockport and residents were encouraged to report any concerns which related to the illegal sale of vapes to GMP.

·       Operation Treacle was due to take place over Halloween and Bonfire night as a response to the anticipated increase in anti-social behaviour during the period, with officers to be deployed to areas where issues have occurred in the past. Residents were encouraged to report any issues or concerns to GMP.

·       It was reported that the Partners and Community Together meeting had not taken place in October and had been postponed until November. It was also reported that there was frustration from the community and the Committee that the police were not in attendance on this occasion and that any further information would be communicated to residents.

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.

It was stated that the Neighbourhood Police representative’s attendance at the next meeting had been formally requested.

RESOLVED – That the update reported by the Chair from the Neighbourhood Police representative be noted.

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 within the Code of Practice.

One public questions was submitted as follows –

·       Relating to the Partial Removal of Windlehurst Road Traffic Calming (Item 8 on the agenda).

In response it was commented that the traffic calming measures had been installed as mitigating measures for the A555 and had not been installed to reduce speed. The measures had not been funded by the Council and that members had received complaints from residents concerning them. A full consultation had been looked in to previously however it was believed the public consensus supported the removal of the measures.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice the Area Committee agreed to discuss and receive an update on the future use of the current Marple Swimming Baths site as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance reported that in accordance with the Code of Practice the Area Committee agreed to discuss and receive an update on the future use of the current Marple Swimming Baths site from the Assistant Director of Estates and Asset Management as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       It was reported that the current baths site had been closed in 2018 and was in need of repair as the building was not safe and was at the end of its life. The future of the site had not been determined however an application to demolish the building had been submitted. The plaque from the baths would be saved as it was of community value.

·       It was queried whether demolition could be delayed to allow time for alternative solutions to be explored. In response, it was noted that while the building is vacant standing charges are accrued and that coupled with the significant future costs it would be prudent to move to demolition.

·       It was stated that the future of the site should be decided in collaboration with the community and future use should benefit the public. In response, it was stated that the community would benefit from the new swimming baths site and that cost effective alternatives for the current site could be explored.

·       It was questioned how much control the Council would have over the redevelopment of the site after it had been sold. In response, it was noted that future redevelopment could be restricted but any restriction would need to be balanced against obtaining best value.

·       It was clarified that once the land had been sold any new development would be subject to the standard planning process.

RESOLVED – That the Open Forum discussions be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Plastic Free Marple for a grant of £1000 (£500 from Marple North, and £500 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of providing an environmentally friendly returnable coffee cup scheme for cafes, restaurants, and shops in Marple.

Chloe Farrow and Carl Peachy attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Plastic Free Marple for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget of £1000 (£500 from Marple North, and £500 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of providing an environmentally friendly returnable coffee cup scheme for cafes, restaurants, and shops in Marple.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Plastic Free Marple for a reduced grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from Marple North, and £250 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of providing an environmentally friendly returnable coffee cup scheme for cafes, restaurants, and shops in Marple.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple Youth Project CIC for a grant of £600 (£300 from Marple North, and £300 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of running, provision of equipment and organising activities for a weekly youth club based at Marple Methodist Church.

Helen Middleton attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Youth Project CIC for a grant of £600 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£300 from Marple North, and £300 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of running, provision of equipment and organising activities for a weekly youth club based at Marple Methodist Church.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Marple Youth Project CIC for a reduced grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£200 from Marple North, and £300 from Marple South & High Lane wards allocation) towards the cost of running, provision of equipment and organising activities for a weekly youth club based at Marple Methodist Church.

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 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/planning. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Installation of a ground mounted solar PV system within field to North of property.

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

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

In respect of plan no.DC087922 for the installation of a ground mounted solar PV system within field to North of property at Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Country Park, Compstall, Stockport, SK6 5JQ.

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then,

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

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC088791 for the demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling at Larkhill, Sandhill Lane, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5NR.

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then,

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

Conversion and extension of existing barn to form 1 no. dwellinghouse.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC089096 for the conversion and extension of existing barn to form 1 no. dwellinghouse at Werneth Hall Farm, Cowlishaw Road, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4NU.

It was,

RESOLVED - 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 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 for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (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 for Place Management.

The report provides the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) – Compstall Road, Marple Bridge, Zebra Crossing.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the Zebra Crossing scheme and progress legal advertising of the associated TROs and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the order can be made.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, 0161-474-4907 or by email at

c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) – Compstall Road, Marple Bridge, Zebra Crossing.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·       Concern was raised regarding the negative impact the removal of parking spaces would have on local businesses.

·       Clarification was sought regarding if alternative styles of road crossings would be possible to install at the site. In response, it was noted that due to space requirements alternative crossing arrangements would not be practical.

·       It was stated that Members had previously received requests from residents to install a crossing, however, it was felt that the proposed crossing would not be the correct solution for the road.

·       Concern was also raised surrounding the privacy of residents who lived in close proximity to the proposed new location of the bus stop.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to not approve the Zebra Crossing scheme and that the legal advertising of the associated TROs not be progressed and that the order not be made.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report presents the findings of a consultation exercise on the proposed mitigation measures, after the partial removal of traffic calming.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and comment on the consultation responses and recommend to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services to instruct Network Management to continue with the partial removal of traffic calming measures, and installation of virtual speed cushions.

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) presenting the findings of a consultation exercise on the proposed mitigation measures, after the partial removal of traffic calming.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·       Clarification was sought regarding whether the ‘dragon’s teeth’ markings had been considered. In response, it was stated that this could be looked at if members requested.

·       It was noted that the scheme was in line with the related aims of the Committee.

·       It was stated that the possibility of the installation of speed cameras had been discussed with Transport for Greater Manchester and the criteria that needed to be met to have these installed.

RESOLVED – That the consultation responses be noted and that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to instruct Network Management to continue with the partial removal of traffic calming measures, and installation of virtual speed cushions.

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

The report requests the Area Committee to appoint Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Day Services at Compstall, High Lane, Marple and Mellor War Memorials on Sunday 12 November 2023.

The Area Committee is requested to make appointments at the Remembrance Services indicated.

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah 0161 474 3206 | charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Area Committee appoint Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council at the Remembrance Day Services at Compstall, High Lane, Marple and Mellor War Memorials on Sunday 12 November 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of the following Councillors to lay wreaths on behalf of the Council at the following sites on Sunday 12 November 2023:-

Compstall War Memorial    – Councillor Becky Senior

High Lane War Memorial   – Councillor Colin MacAlister

Marple War Memorial        – Councillor Steve Gribbon

Mellor War Memorial         – Councillor Geoff Abell

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 for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which have been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

The following comments were made/issues were raised: -

·       Members sought clarification on the status of the items contained in the report. In response, it was stated that a ‘Highways’ meeting is held with ward councillors to discuss the progress of the items in the report.

·       It was noted that the following two reports would be submitted to the next meeting relating to the –

o   Blockage on the corner on Park and Hartington Lane

o   The proposed parking scheme on the edge of Marple Town Centre

·       Members requested that officers look into modifying the ‘Disabled Bay’ on Town Street and that it be converted to a Disabled/Loading Bay for the purpose of assisting the local postman from receiving parking tickets.

·       Members also requested that a report on the Additional Fencing for the Seven Stiles Allotment be considered for Ward Discretionary Budget and that the report be submitted to the next meeting.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Director for Place Management be requested to investigate the possible modifying of the ‘Disabled Bay’ on Town Street to a ‘Disabled/Loading Bay’ to assist the local postman from receiving parking tickets.

(3) That the Director for Place Management be requested to investigate the request for additional fencing for the Seven Stiles Allotment to be considered for Ward Discretionary Budget and that the report be submitted to the next meeting.