Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 January 2012 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

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

Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College

The Service Director (Place Management) can report that Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College have confirmed that they have entered into an agreement with Asda with a view of pursuing a proposal for the redevelopment of the Hibbert Lane campus for a supermarket. To date the Council has not received any further information in respect of the timing for the submission of either an application for pre-submission advice or the submission of a formal planning application.

Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park

On Wednesday 29 Feb the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park will be held at the Walton Drive site of Rose Hill Primary School commencing in the main hall at 7.00pm.

Goyt Valley Users Association

There will be a meeting of the Goyt Valley Rail Users Association on 13 February 2012 in the Navigation Hotel, Stockport Road, Marple commencing at 7.00pm. The guest speaker will be Roy Chapman from Transport for Greater Manchester. There will be no charge for entry.

Retaining Wall Programme in Marple Bridge

Brabyns Brow Car Park Retaining Wall, (adjacent to the Midland Hotel):

Works commenced on the 30-01-12 and are being completed by Solutions SK.  The works involve the replacement of the stone retaining wall utilising the existing stone.  The initial works have consisted of vegetation clearance to the wall and the setup of welfare facilities.  Dropping and rebuilding the retaining wall adjacent to Midland Hotel's private access road which is narrow requires a lot of co-operation and forethought so at times progress may by necessity be slower to ensure appropriate health and safety is maintained.  The works are programmed to last for 6-weeks.

Hollins Lane, (junction of Longhurst Lane):

Works commenced on the 23-01-12 and are being completed by Solutions SK.  The works involve reconstruction of the stone masonry parapet utilising the existing stone and general refurbishment of the wall.  Initial works have consisted of the investigation of the wall foundations and the plethora of services within the lower car park area.  Dismantling of the parapet wall has also commenced and the stone will be cleaned and set aside for re-use for when the parapet is rebuilt.  One side of the carriageway along Hollins Lane has been closed for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 7-weeks.

George Street Retaining Wall, Compstall (opposite the Post Office)These works are due to commence on the 13-02-12 and are being completed by George Cox & Sons Ltd.  The works involve the refurbishment and local rebuild of the stone retaining wall.  This will require the closure of the adjacent footway for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 4-weeks.

Hogarth Road Retaining Wall (junction of Lower Fold)These works are due to commence on the 05-03-12 and are being completed by George Cox & Sons Ltd.  The works involve the refurbishment and raising in height of the reconstituted stone retaining wall.  This will require the closure of a lane on Hogarth Road during off peak hours 09:30 - 15:30 for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 4-weeks.

Chadwick Street Car Park

NPS are marketing the Chadwick Street car park site on behalf of the Council and expressions of interest are due by 17^th February 2012. To date there has been some informal interest in the site and further progress after the deadline will be reported back to the Area Committee.

The Chair made the following announcements:-

(i)  Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College

The Service Director (Place Management) has confirmed that Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College have entered into an agreement with Asda with a view of pursuing a proposal for the redevelopment of the Hibbert Lane campus for a supermarket. To date the Council has not received any further information in respect of the timing for the submission of either an application for pre-submission advice or the submission of a formal planning application.

(ii) Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park

On Wednesday 29 Feb the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park will be held at the Walton Drive site of Rose Hill Primary School commencing in the main hall at 7.00pm.

(iii) Goyt Valley Users Association

There was a meeting of the Goyt Valley Rail Users Association on 13 February 2012 in the Navigation Hotel, Stockport Road, Marple.The guest speaker was Roy Chapman from Transport for Greater Manchester. Councillor Craig Wright reported that the meeting had been well attended and that he would report to the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee on issues raised at that meeting.

(iv) Retaining Wall Programme in Marple Bridge

Brabyns Brow Car Park Retaining Wall, (adjacent to the Midland Hotel):

Works commenced on the 30-01-12 and are being completed by Solutions SK.  The works involve the replacement of the stone retaining wall utilising the existing stone.  The initial works have consisted of vegetation clearance to the wall and the setup of welfare facilities.  Dropping and rebuilding the retaining wall adjacent to Midland Hotel's private access road which is narrow requires a lot of co-operation and forethought so at times progress may by necessity be slower to ensure appropriate health and safety is maintained.  The works are programmed to last for 6-weeks.

Hollins Lane, (junction of Longhurst Lane):

Works commenced on the 23-01-12 and are being completed by Solutions SK.  The works involve reconstruction of the stone masonry parapet utilising the existing stone and general refurbishment of the wall.  Initial works have consisted of the investigation of the wall foundations and the plethora of services within the lower car park area.  Dismantling of the parapet wall has also commenced and the stone will be cleaned and set aside for re-use for when the parapet is rebuilt.  One side of the carriageway along Hollins Lane has been closed for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 7-weeks.

George Street Retaining Wall, Compstall (opposite the Post Office)These works are due to commence on the 13-02-12 and are being completed by George Cox & Sons Ltd.  The works involve the refurbishment and local rebuild of the stone retaining wall.  This will require the closure of the adjacent footway for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 4-weeks.

Hogarth Road Retaining Wall (junction of Lower Fold)These works are due to commence on the 05-03-12 and are being completed by George Cox & Sons Ltd.  The works involve the refurbishment and raising in height of the reconstituted stone retaining wall.  This will require the closure of a lane on Hogarth Road during off peak hours 09:30 - 15:30 for the duration of the works which are programmed to last for 4-weeks.

(v) Chadwick Street Car Park

NPS are marketing the Chadwick Street car park site on behalf of the Council and expressions of interest are due by 17^th February 2012. To date there has been some informal interest in the site and further progress after the deadline will be reported back to the Area Committee.

Councillor Andrew Bispham reported that the Marple Energy Saving Strategy Group would be showing a film on Monday 20 March 2012 in the Methodist Church and would hold a showcase event on Saturday 25 March 2012 between 11am and 2.00pm in the Senior Citizens Hall.

Councillor Shan Alexander reported on the opening times  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4i

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

Sergeant Roe (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by Marple Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There had been a reduction in all crime by 7.5% when compared to April 2011.

·         Burglary dwelling had reduced by 20.5%, Criminal Damage by 20.4%, Robbery by 71.4%, Serious Violent Crime by 20%, Hate Crime by 5% and Anti-social behaviour by 21.4%

·         The need for the public to ensure that their homes and vehicles were secure and that no valuables were left on display in their vehicles.

·         Operation Alloy to address the theft of metal. Partnership working between Greater Manchester Police, Area Conditions and Trading Standards officers

·         Marple is the safest place to live in the Borough and Stockport is the safest in Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That Sergeant Roe be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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 and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/areacommittees).

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.

One question was submitted relating to the sale of the Chadwick Street Car Park site.

RESOLVED – That the Service Director (Place Management) be requested to provide a written response to the questioner within 7 days.

The local Area Conditions Officer and the Highways Officer will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

(a) Alan Whitfield (Area Conditions Officer) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to environmental issues within the Marple Area Committee area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Action taken to deal with the tipping of waste in the vicinity of the Cherry Tree Hotel.

·         On-going partnership work with British Waterways for litter clearance in the vicinity of canal bridges.

·         Litter clearance in High Lane.

·         It was suggested that the Council should adopt a zero tolerance approach when dealing with flyposting.

·         The Town Warden in Marple did an excellent job in the centre of Marple keeping the streets tidy and litter free.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and Alan Whitfield be thanked for his attendance.

(b) Rachel Bingham (Highways Officer) attended the meeting to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway issues within the Marple Area Committee area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Any Councillors or members of the public who wish to report blocked gullies or the theft of grids should call the help line on 217 6111.

·         The role of the pothole mole.

·         Potholes on Mount Drive and Rose Lane.

·         Foul water leakage on to the pavement opposite The Sportsman Arms on Strines Road.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and Rachel Bingham be thanked for her attendance.

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

One petition was submitted relating to the leakage of foul water on to the pavement opposite The Sportsman Arms on Strines Road.

RESOLVED  - That the petition be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for consideration and that an update be provided to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

Marple Vision Partnership

Representatives of Marple Vision Partnership will attend the meeting and make a presentation.

Woodland Management at Barlow Woods

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) will attend the meeting and make a presentation in respect to woodland management at Barlow Woods.

(a) Gillian Postell, Marple Vision Partnership attended the meeting and made a presentation in respect to their vision for Marple.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Support for the vision from Community & Voluntary Groups, local Councillors and nationally from Civic Voice.

·         Membership of the Marple Vision Partnership Steering Group.

·         A summary of the initial projects including the Town Centre and District project, Marple Wharf, the Memorial Park, Marple Aqueduct, Brabyns Park/Lime Kiln and Tramway and Goyt Mill.

·         The Street Pride and Local Listings projects.

RESOLVED – That Gillian Postill be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(b) A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) attended the meeting and provided the Area Committee with an update in respect to woodland management at Barlow Woods.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the ongoing project be supported.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

a)    Friends of Marple Memorial Park

There were no Area Flexibility Funding Applications to consider.

The following development application will be considered by the Area Committee:-

DC48518       26 Ricroft Road, Compstall

Single storey side extension (re-submission of DC047964)

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Suzanne Broomhead on tel: 474 3542 or email: suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk

One 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 Corporate Director of Place 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 Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

In respect of plan no. 48450 for single storey side extension (resubmission of DC047964) at 26 Ricroft Road, Compstall, it was

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

To consider a report of the Service Director (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: Joy Morton, 0161 474 3217, joy.morton@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) listing any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by Marple Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report requests the Area Committee to comment on the Draft Obstruction Policy for Highways, Draft Highways Café Policy, Draft Control of Skips, Containers, Scaffolding, and Hoardings on the Highway Policy, and the Draft Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions Policy.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on tel: 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to comment on the draft Obstruction Policy for Highways, the draft Highways Café Policy, the draft control on Skips, Containers, Scaffolding and Hoardings on the highway and the draft Advertising Boards and Trade Goods Obstructions Policy.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Consultations carried out with Disability Stockport in relation to the positioning of A Boards.

·         Who was liable if a members of the public trips over an A-Board.

·         Concern was expressed at the detrimental impact that proposed charging for A –Boards would have on Traders especially in view of the number of vacant premises in the borough and it was suggested that officers meet with the Traders Associations during the course of the consultation.

·         It was suggested that Marple Traders could adopt a voluntary Code of Conduct in respect to regulating the use of A-Boards.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments be referred to the Service Director (Place Management) for consideration as part of the consultation.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Communities)

The report provides an update about the completed projects using commuted sums for play provision in the Marple area.

The Area Committee are requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Vanessa Brook on tel: 474 4446 or email:vanessa.brook@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee about completed projects using commuted sums for play provision in the Marple Area Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There are currently no vacancies to consider.

There were no vacancies to consider.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

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: Stephen Fox on tel: 474 3206 or email: stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee, the current position Area Flexibility Funding and the Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.