Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 January 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

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

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

·         The Marple Neighbourhood Planning Referendum that was due to take place on Thursday, 21March 2024, full details of the referendum were available on the Council’s website and at the Marple library.

·         An Easter Fun Day was due to take place at Compstall Cricket Club on Good Friday, 29 March 2024.

·         An Easter egg hunt was due to take place Saturday, 30March 2024 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm at Marple Memorial Park.

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, however it was confirmed that any issues raised at the meeting would be passed onto the police for a response.

It was commented that members were disappointed and frustrated at the lack of Police attendance at Area Committee meetings and noted that Councillor Steve Gribbon would be writing to Greater Manchester Police on behalf of the Area Committee to express their disappointment.

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 on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

One public question was submitted relating to Item 10 - ‘Dale Road, Marple – Proposed Quiet Lane and Installation of Speed Cushions’ and specifically, the potential for reinstating the adjoining footpath, the effectiveness of similar measures on Gibb Lane and the cost of the proposed measures.

In response it was stated that the cost of reinstating the footpath was prohibitive and that a long-term solution was required to prevent the issue from returning as erosion had occurred further down the river.  It was also stated that the measures on Gibb Lane had made a noticeable difference and no complaints had been received.  It was finally stated that the Dale Road measures were cost effective as they were being paid for by way of a developer contribution rather than from the Council’s budget.

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 Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £50 (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £50 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Housebound Too Scooting for a grant of £50 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of arranging a social gathering and fundraiser day to promote mental well-being and to raise the profile of the organisation.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant of £95.24 (£47.62 from Marple North, £47.62 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Samaritans of Stockport & District for a grant of £95.24 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£47.62 from Marple North, £47.62 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Samaritans of Stockport & District for an increased grant of £100 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£50 from Marple North, £50 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of advertisement and promotion, upgrading infrastructure and the purchase of publicity materials.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) for a grant of £200 (£100 from Marple North, £100 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

Amanda Peers attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£100 from Marple North, £100 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£100 from Marple North, £100 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the cost of delivering an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the town centre.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

a)    To consider the development applications where members of the public have attended the meeting in order to speak or hear the Area Committee’s deliberations.

b)    To consider the remaining development applications.

c)     To consider consultations (if any) received by the Deputy Chief Executive on any planning issues relevant to the Marple area.

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. 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.

Minor-Material Amendment/Variation of Condition 1 of planning permission DC079812 for four residential units and associated works, to comprise a single storey extension to Unit 1 and formation of a ground floor guest suite and external door to Unit 1. Variation to Section 106 Agreement in respect of removal of required open space contribution.

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 DC/090281 for a Minor-Material Amendment/Variation of Condition 1 of planning permission DC079812 for four residential units and associated works, to comprise a single storey extension to Unit 1 and formation of a ground floor guest suite and external door to Unit 1. Variation to Section 106 Agreement in respect of removal of required open space contribution.

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then,

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

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Services.

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 Assistant Director Place Making and Planning.

The report provides an update on the activities relating to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain through the Planning and Development Management process.

The Area Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Melanie Craven | melanie.craven@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director Place Making and Planning submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the activities relating to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain through the Planning and Management process.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concern was expressed that developers would be able to buy their Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement by having this off site, and that it would be better provided locally.

·         How the minimum 10% BNG requirement had been determined was discussed and if the final requirement would always be proportionate to the development. In response, it was stated that it would be, as the BNG assessment would be carried out at the first stage.

·         It was commented that an all member briefing on the matter would be useful as it was a complex issue.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director (Corporate & Support Services).

The report sets out the proposed re-adoption of the council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) for the validation of planning applications. As a Local Planning Authority, the council must publish a local list of information requirements for submitted planning applications, pursuant to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Area Committee is requested to note:

a)    that the Planning Application Validation Checklist (Appendix A) is to be consulted upon; and

b)    that following consultation, the Deputy Chief Executive and Director (Corporate & Support Services) would make any refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions to the list as they consider reasonably necessary in response to any comments received from the consultation, and provided that no significant changes are required and that no significant objections are received, to issue a final Planning Application Validation Checklist based upon the draft attached at Appendix A.

Officer contact: Mark Jordan 0161 474 3557 | mark.jordan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the proposed re-adoption of the council’s Application Validation Checklist (AVC) for the validation of planning applications.

It was queried why there was not a reference to the Neighbourhood Plan to which it was clarified that the checklist was a list of documents that were required to be submitted with a planning application in order for it to be assessed and that applications would be required to justify the developments against such plans.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The planning system in England has undergone a period of significant change over recent years. During this time multiple new types of applications have been introduced and most recently an increased focus is being placed on the importance of making timely decisions.

In light of the changes to the planning system and the increased emphasis placed on the speed and quality of planning decisions it is considered necessary to consider the need to make a number of changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications. In parallel it is also considered appropriate to review the Planning Protocol to ensure that it reflects accurately long-standing custom and practice in how we exercise our planning powers.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider and comment on the proposed amendments in the attached documents.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The reason for the change was due to a need to reduce the time in determining applications.

·         The ability of members to call up householder applications was queried. In response, it was noted that householder applications would be fully delegated to officers under the proposed changes, however approximately 90% of these types of applications were already determined by officers.

·         Members expressed agreement with the idea of efficiency and thanked the officer for the explanation given.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for Dale Road, Marple to become a Quiet Lane for the length of the adopted section of highway and for the installation of Speed Cushions as set out in Appendix A.

The Area Committee is requested to approve the status of Dale Road to be changed to that of a Quiet Lane and for the legal notification and installation of speed cushions as follows:-

Dale Road, Marple

Single Speed Cushions

From the northern kerb line (south end) of Nab Lane - For a distance of

17 metres

44.5 metres

79.5 metres

112.5 metres

173.5 metres

218.5 metres

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan | nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for Dale Road, Marple to become a Quiet Lane for the length of the adopted highway and for the installation of Speed Cushions as set out in Appendix A.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the status of Dale Road to be changed to that of a Quiet Lane and for the legal notification and installation of speed cushions as follows:-

Dale Road, Marple

Single Speed Cushions

From the northern kerb line (south end) of Nab Lane - For a distance of

·         17 metres

·         44.5 metres

·         79.5 metres

·         112.5 metres

·         173.5 metres

·         218.5 metres

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a request for the allocation of £4,300 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple South & High Lane for improvements at Brookside Park, High Lane.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £4,300 of Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple South & High Lane for improvements at Brookside Park, High Lane.

Officer contact: Richard Booker |0161 474 4829 | richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of £4,300 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple South & High Lane for improvements at Brookside Park, High Lane.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be requested to approve the allocation of £4,300 of Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple South & High Lane for improvements at Brookside Park, High Lane.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a request for the allocation of funds from the Ward Discretionary Budgets for both Marple North and Marple South & High Lane to support the construction and installation of a Local Map at Marple Train Station at a cost of £2,500 and for a map of defibrillators and public toilet locations at a cost of £500.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £3,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (£500 from Marple South & High Lane) and (£2,500 from Marple North) towards the costs associated to designing and creating the maps in relevant format and installing necessary signage.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels | richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of funds from the Ward Discretionary Budgets for both Marple North and Marple South & High Lane to support the construction and installation of a Local Map at Marple Train Station at a cost of £2,500 and for a map of defibrillators and public toilet locations at a cost of £500.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be requested to approve the allocation of funds from the Ward Discretionary Budgets for both Marple North and Marple South & High Lane to support the construction and installation of a Local Map at Marple Train Station at a cost of £2,500 (Marple North) and for a map of defibrillators and public toilet locations at a cost of £500 (Marple South & High Lane).

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a request for the allocation of £2,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to support the Planters Project currently taking place in Maple South on Market Street and Derby Way. The additional funding will allow for the project to be widened further and add greenery to shopfronts on Stockport Road and Hollins Lane.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £2,000 of Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to support the Planters Project currently taking place in Maple South on Market Street and Derby Way and for the project to be widened further to shopfronts on Stockport Road and Hollins Lane.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels | richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of £2,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to support the Planters Project currently taking place in Maple South on Market Street and Derby Way. The additional funding would allow for the project to be widened further and add greenery to shopfronts on Stockport Road and Hollins Lane.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be requested to approve the allocation of £2,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to support the Planters Project currently taking place in Maple South on Market Street and Derby Way. The additional funding would allow for the project to be widened further and add greenery to shopfronts on Stockport Road and Hollins Lane.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a request for the allocation of £1,500 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to purchase a new noticeboard at the junction of Dale Road and Stockport Road.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £1,500 of Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to purchase a new noticeboard at the junction of Dale Road and Stockport Road.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels | richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of £1,500 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to purchase a new noticeboard at the junction of Dale Road and Stockport Road.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be requested to approve the allocation of £1,500 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North to purchase a new noticeboard at the junction of Dale Road and Stockport Road.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a request for the allocation of £4,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for both Marple South & High Lane and Marple North to install festoon lighting along Market Street and Derby Way in Marple and to support Marple Fest to engage the contractors to install the lighting.

The Area Committee is recommended to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources approves the allocation of £4,000 of Ward Discretionary Budget (£2,000 from Marple South & High Lane and £2,000 from Marple North) to install festoon lighting along Market Street and Derby Way in Marple and to support Marple Fest to engage the contractors to install the lighting.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels | richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a request for the allocation of £4,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget for both Marple South & High Lane and Marple North to install festoon lighting along Market Street and Derby Way in Marple and to support Marple Fest to engage the contractors to install the lighting.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources be requested to approve the allocation of £4,000 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (£2,000 from Marple South & High Lane and £2,000 from Marple North) to install festoon lighting along Market Street and Derby Way in Marple and to support Marple Fest to engage the contractors to install the lighting.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 and ward discretionary budget funding (approved only). 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 | 0161 474 3207 | charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to proposals for greenspace improvement projects from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North.

The Area Committee is requested to confirm its recommendations from the proposals submitted in the report to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to approve the allocation of Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North.

Officer contact: Richard Booker |0161 474 4829 | richard.booker@stockport.gov.uk

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to allow the Area Committee to give consideration to the allocation of underspends from within the Ward Discretionary Budget prior to the conclusion of the current financial year).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) relating to proposals for greenspace improvement projects from the Ward Discretionary Budget for Marple North.

RESOLVED – (1) That the proposals within the report to allocate any remaining underspends in the Ward Discretionary Budget towards a number of potential projects within the Marple area, be noted.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Governance, in consultation with the Marple North ward councillors, for the making of recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources on the allocation of the remaining underspends in the Marple North ward allocation for the Ward Discretionary Budget.