Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 19 June 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 interest was declared: -

Personal Interest

Councillor               Interest

Aron Thornley         Agenda item 5 (i) – ‘DC089427: Land off Middlewood View, High Lane, Stockport’ as a neighbouring property was owned by a relative.

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 of the following: -

·       The draft Local plan and the related public consultation would be held from 2 September to the 28 October 2024. Public events will be held to engage residents and stakeholders including an event before the next meeting of the Marple Area Committee on 11 September 2024.

·       The Marple Food and Drink Festival was due to be held on 21 September and residents were encouraged to attend.

·       Kevin Murray (local resident) informed residents of the launch of the Marple Carnival Community Fund.

·       Cadent were currently conducting gas works in the area.

·       A ‘Sing Out’ festival was due to take place at The Ridge Methodist Church on 17 August.

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, but welcomed any neighbourhood policing questions or issues to be raised.

It was commented that although a representative of Greater Manchester Police was not in attendance at the meeting, they were due to attend the next meeting on 11 September 2024 which was welcomed by members.

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.

Two public questions were submitted as follows, relating to: -

·       Station Road, Marple – proposed puffin crossing.

·       Market Street, Marple – growth of weeds.

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

Two additional public questions were submitted relating to the Marple Hub as follows: -

•         The Hub, Marple – bat survey

•         The Hub, Marple – overspill parking

Both of these questions were responded to during the consideration of Item 5(iii) DC091420: Marple Library, Memorial Park, Stockport, SK6 6BA.

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

A petition was submitted by Madeleine Stevens relating to ‘Traffic issues on Compstall Road’ with 115 signatures, requesting the Council to address the significant speeding issue on Compstall Road and take measures to make the road safer to cross.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

To consider a report of the Director of Development & Regeneration.

The report provides an update on delivering Marple District Centre Action Plan including recent successes and priorities for the next 6 months.

The Area Committee is asked to:-

a)    Note the progress made in delivering projects and events.

b)    Provide feedback on initial ideas for priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UKSPF which will be discussed with Marple Vision Group.

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

Richard Daniels attended the meeting to provide an update on delivering the Marple District Centre Action Plan including recent successes and priorities for the next 6 months.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·       Members expressed thanks for work that had already been undertaken and the positive relationships that had been developed with local businesses.

·       A new logo had been launched for the Marple Vision Group.

·       The availability of public toilets and expanding the scheme into High Lane.

·       Raising public awareness of the ‘voluntary scheme’ locally and plans to develop a physical map of Marple to put on public display and to upload to social media.

·       Members enquired as to whether there were limits on the uses for the UKSPF. In response, it was stated that funding was to be used for events and small-scale improvements.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Greater Manchester Independent School (Marple) for a grant of £500 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of installing a defibrillator on the outside of the school to provide a valuable community resource.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Greater Manchester Independent School (Marple) for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of installing a defibrillator on the outside of the school to provide a valuable community resource.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Greater Manchester Independent School (Marple) for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of installing a defibrillator on the outside of the school to provide a valuable community resource.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for a grant of £55.88 (£27.94 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

Paul Lomas attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for a grant of £55.88 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£27.94 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club for a grant of £55.88 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£27.94 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of materials for use in fundraising, publicity and raising awareness of the club, which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in veterans.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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. 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.

Erection of 1 no. dwellinghouse with proposed access from Windlehurst Court with associated parking and private amenity space.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to the completion of an appropriate S106 agreement.

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

In respect of plan no. DC089427 for the erection of 1 no. dwellinghouse with proposed access from Windlehurst Court with associated parking and private amenity space.

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 – That planning permission be granted subject to completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class : C3) to supported residential care home (Use Class : C2) for up to 3 children (Retrospective).

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. DC090869 for the change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class: C3) to supported residential care home (Use Class: C2) for up to 3 children (Retrospective).

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred until the next meeting to allow comments from Greater Manchester Police to be obtained.

Demolition of existing Marple Library, Marple Clinic and Marple Police Station buildings and erection of leisure and community building (Use Class E, F1, and F2) with associated parking, landscaping, drainage, pedestrian and highways improvements and other supporting infrastructure.

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. DC091420 for the demolition of existing Marple Library, Marple Clinic and Marple Police Station buildings and erection of leisure and community building (Use Class E, F1, and F2) with associated parking, landscaping, drainage, pedestrian and highways improvements and other supporting infrastructure.

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

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

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 Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

The Committee were informed that the appeal relating to Bowden House had now been dismissed.

Members enquired about the ‘Lomber Hey Farm’ application that had been granted for a temporary period of one year about 12 months ago and requested that it be reviewed.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to submit the ‘Lomber Hey Farm’ application to the Area Committee for a review following the application that had been granted for a temporary period of one year.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report announces the intention to hold the Annual Review of Outcomes on Friday, 4 October 2024 and requests the Area Committee to submit its recommendations for a completed development site within its area to be included on the list of sites to be inspected by the Tour delegates. In addition the Area Committee is asked to provide nominations for delegates to attend.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(a)            Nominate a completed development site to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review Tour.

(b)            Nominate Members to attend the Annual Review Tour on 4 October 2024.

Officer contact: Suzanne Broomhead on 07800 617 788 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 4 October 2024.

Members suggested that Northwood Close and Church Street would be the proposed sites.

RESOLVED – (1) That Northwood Close and Church Street be nominated to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

(2) – That no members be nominated as a result of two members of the Marple Area Committee being members of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee that attends the Annual Review of Outcomes Tour.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report has been prepared to report the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Compstall Road, Marple Bridge, Zebra Crossing funded by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and provide a recommendation to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services) on whether to approve the following Zebra Crossing scheme and progress legal advertising of the associated TROs.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, c.aylmer-shanks@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 for the proposed Compstall Road, Marple Bridge, Zebra Crossing funded by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·       It was commented that concerns had been raised regarding loss of parking spaces, however, road safety must be taken into account.

·       Members expressed a desire to work with local residents to minimise the impact of loss of parking amenity.

·       It was noted that the proposal could include four short stay parking bays during the day-time and one bay designated as a disabled parking bay on Compstall Road or to extend the existing disabled parking bay on Cote Green Lane.

·       It was suggested that the crossing would be of even greater value in winter when darker evenings would result in poorer visibility.

RESOLVED (5 For, 1 Against) – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to approve the following Zebra Crossing scheme and progress legal advertising of the associated TROs.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to consider the proposal for four short stay parking bays during the day-time and one bay designated as a disabled parking bay on Compstall Road and/or to extend the existing disabled parking bay on Cote Green Lane.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report prsents the findings of a public consultation exercise for the Marple Area Cycling and Walking Strategy (MACAWS) which took place from 4th September to 9th October 2023, on a package of potential highway measures in Marple Town Centre under the name of Marple Area Cycling and Walking Strategy, or MACAWS for short.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on this report and provide a recommendation to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services) on whether to approve a number of highway measures for future funding bids as follows:-

Measure A:  Improved pedestrian and cycle facilities at the Stockport Road / Station Road / Church Lane including a Sparrow Crossing of Stockport Road with segregated pedestrian and cycle facilities and cycle connections to adjacent residential streets.

Measure B: Closure of Church Lane to motorised vehicles at the junction of Stockport Road / Station Road, and introduction of two-way operation on Church Lane west of Leigh Avenue.

Measure C: Replacement of the Hibbert Lane / Church Lane roundabout with a signal junction.

Measure D: Traffic calming and improved pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities on Church Lane between Hibbert Lane and Brickbridge Road.

Measure F: Amendment to the Stockport Road / Hibbert Lane junction, including extension of the right-turn lane into Hibbert Lane.

Additional Measure 1: An extended 20mph speed limit area around the Town Centre in particular to include the full length of Hollins Lane, Hibbert Lane from south of Church Lane to Stockport Road and Church Lane from the School warning sign south of Brickbridge Road to Hibbert Lane (subject to approval and advertising of TRO’s).

Additional Measure 2: An area wide 20mph speed limit on residential streets in Marple as indicated on Plan F/5194/D/118 in Appendix B (subject to approval and advertising of TRO’s).

Additional Measure 3:  A controlled crossing on Brabyns Brow in the vicinity of Marple Station and other improvements to walking and cycling routes to Marple Station.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, c.aylmer-shanks@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) presenting the findings of a public consultation exercise for the Marple Area Cycling and Walking Strategy (MACAWS) which took place from 4th September to 9th October 2023, on a package of potential highway measures in Marple Town Centre under the name of Marple Area Cycling and Walking Strategy, or MACAWS for short.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         It was suggested that continuous 20mph zones are better to implement than staggered sections. In response, it was stated that the scheme could afford to support 20mph speed limit areas which will include repeater signs.

·         It was requested that the ‘crossing’ on Brabyns Brow be investigated to be included in the scheme.

·         Members expressed concern that the results of the public consultation had not been fully considered and that the junction of Church Lane and Hibbert Lane be re-visited. It was commented that the proposed measure was not funded, so additional consultation was possible.

·         It was commented that traffic may flow better with fewer traffic signals and members would request a trial period with some traffic signals switched off on the junction of Church Lane and Hibbert Lane.

RESOLVED – (For 5, Against 1) That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to approve measures C, D, and Additional Measures 1, 2 and 3 for future funding bids.

At this stage in the proceedings (10.00 pm) the Chair informed the Area Committee that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) would be invoked unless the Area Committee wished the meeting to continue.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the provision of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) be not invoked and that the Area Committee continues.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report details the findings of a consultation exercise undertaken to ascertain residents’ appetite for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on various streets within Marple District Centre at a cost of £6,000 from the Marple South & High Lane Delegated Ward Budget.

The Area Committee is asked to note the contents of the report detailing the consultation responses and to acknowledge and ratify the Network Management’s recommendation that no further action be taken in this area as the representations received at consultation do not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme as per the approved Stockport Council Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

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

With the consent of the Area Committee, the item was withdrawn.

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 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 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.