Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 16 December 2015 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 reported that the next Open Forum topic for discussion at the next meeting would be the Neighbourhood Plan for Marple which would coincide with the Neighbourhood Plan for Marple exhibition which would be held in Marple Library from Monday 14^th March 2016. She further reported that she had asked the Chief Executive to submit a report to the next meeting in respect to the future use of Chadwick Street Car Park.

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.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm Inspector 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.

Chris Pollitt (Public Realm Service) attended the meeting to report on current issues and to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by Marple Are Committee.

The following comments were made/issues rasied:-

·         Highway Safety Inspections both quarterly and monthly were being undertaken in both wards.

·         Drainage Investigatory works were being undertaken on Ley Lane and Windlehurst Road with a view to a number of gulley replacements.

·         Local Initiative Schemes were due to be implemented in February 2016 on Marple Hall Drive and Cynthia Drive.

·         Fly tipping on Middlewood Way was a problem – Councillors asked if the mobile cctv camera could be stationed in the local area and what the costs were for purchasing a second camera.

·         The pooling of water on Hollins Lane.

·         The need for attention to be paid to potholes on Hibbert Lane in the approach to the bridge, on Compstall Road close to Cote Green Road and on Cross Lane, Marple.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and Chris Pollitt be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

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

No petitions were submitted.

Traffic and Parking Issues in the District and Local Centres

Members of the Public are invited to attend the meeting and take part in a discussion in respect to traffic and parking issues in the District and Local Centres.

Traffic and Parking Issues in the District and Local Centres

The Chair explained that this would be the first of a programme of Open Forums which the Area Committee would hold in the forthcoming year.

Representatives of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration attended the meeting and explained the work that was undertaken by the Traffic Management Services incorporating such issues as i) Asset Management and the Highway Investment Programme ii) Greater Manchester’s strategy for sustainable transport iii) Aspirations for a tram/train link to Marple and iv) The SEMMS Strategy and improvements to District Centres including car parks and lighting.

The Chair invited those members of the public present to contribute to the debate and the following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Council’s policy for gritting roads. A member of the public identified the intersection of Aragon Way, Bowden Lane and Norbury Drive as being a major concern and officers agreed to investigate the concerns raised further.

·         A resident of Waters Edge,  Marple Bridge expressed concern that double yellow lines were not on both sides of the road which caused problems for access and egress. Furthermore – enforcement of parking regulations in the vicinity of the Riverside Court Flats was needed.

·         Concern was expressed in respect to visibility for drivers at the Church Lane/Hibbert Lane roundabout a problem that was compounded further by speeding vehicles. It was suggested that physical measures may be required to address these concerns including the possible realignment of the roundabout.

·         There was a general discussion concerning SEMMS and the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework including the Poynton Relief Road Scheme and how they would affect traffic through the District and Local Centres.

·         Parking problems in the vicinity of Marple Station and Marple Bridge. It was regularly the case that there were no parking spaces available after 9.30am. It was suggested that the overspill car park opposite the station be made larger to accommodate additional parking. It was further suggested that the introduction of parking restrictions on Winnington Road and Ley Hey Road be considered to address the problem of irresponsible parking. Linked directly was the need to promote sustainable transport – if there is hope to increase the use to the train system – then consideration must also be given to walking, cycling and additional car parking.

·         An investigation should be carried out to assess where people are traveling from to park and use the train services to test whether it is locals or people traveling from farther afield.

·         Traffic Enforcement was a common theme throughout the debate be it cars parked illegally on double yellow lines, irresponsibly in and around the vicinity of schools, coaches dropping school children of at Marple Baths or delivery vehicles serving the District Centre. More vigorous enforcement was required.

RESOLVED – That the issues raised during the debate be passed to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration for consideration and that an update be provided to the Area Committee in six months’ time.

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

1)    Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application (copies of which had been circulated) on behalf of the Stockport Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons requesting funding towards the purchase of a cooker.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to make a grant of £150 (to be divided equally between the two wards) for funding towards the purchase of a cooker to support the ongoing work of the Canal Boat Trust/New Horizons.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

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

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 for Place Management and Regeneration 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 approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

In connection with plan no. 060361 for proposed barn and implement store at Far Bradshaw Farm, Chatterton Lane, Mellor.

The Area Committee are requested to recommend that the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

In respect of plan no. 603361 for the erection of a barn and implement store at Far Bradshaw Farm, Chatterton Lane, Mellor,

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

it was then

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Visiting Team be requested to undertake a site visit to consider the impact that the prosed development would have on the green belt.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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 Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries, informal hearings and progress on authorised enforcement action.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee’s visiting team shall whenever practical, inspect one completed development each cycle and report to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee on the quality of the decision and any matters which should be addressed.

The Area Committees are requested to select, on a rota basis, a recently completed development site for inspection as part of the Council’s approved practice of monitoring developments and reviewing current policies. 

The Area Committee is requested to select a site to be visited by the Visiting Team.

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

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that each Area Committee, on a rota basis, was invited to select a recently completed development site for inspection as part of the Council’s approved practice of monitoring developments and reviewing current practices and that it was the turn of Marple Area Committee to make a nomination.

RESOLVED – That the Planning and Highways Visiting Team be requested to visit the Waterside Edge development, Marple Wharf.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report outlines a request from Network Rail and their Contractors to occupy council owned land at Rose Hill and Brabyns Brow for use as work compounds during maintenance to the Rosehill line and Marple railway lines.

The Area Committee are requested to consider the content of this report and provide any comments they have to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

Officer Contact: Murray Carr on Tel: 474 3019 or email: murray.carr@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining a request from Network Rail and their contractors to grant a licence to permit occupation of Council owned land at Rose Hill and Brabyns Brow for use as a work compound during maintenance to the Rosehill and Marple lines.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors expressed concern at the length of time for the proposed works and how they would impinge on Easter weekend. It was also suggested that further consideration be given to the siting of the site welfare facilities and in particular staff parking.

·         It was suggested that the owners of the Railway Pub be contacted to explore the option of using the pub car park for overspill parking during the day.

·         Concern was expressed in respect to the plans for the overspill car park at Brabyns Brow. Councillors requested that an alternative be explored whereby the land to the rear of the car park is utilised.

RESOLVED – That the comments of the Area Committee be referred to the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services and to Network Rail for consideration.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report outlines an application from Hawk Green Residents Association to hold their annual May Day Fun Day at Hawk Green Recreation Ground on Sunday 15th May 2016 between 11am and 5pm.

The Area Committee are requested to determine the application.

Officer Contact: Wayne Bardsley on Tel: 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider an application from Hawk Green Residents Association to hold the annual May Day Fun Day on 15 May 2016 between 11am and 5pm with access to the site from 8am to 6pm.

RESOLVED – That the application from Hawk Green Residents Association to hold the annual May Day Fun Day on 15 May 2016 between 11am and 5pm with access to the site from 8am to 6pm be approved.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report outlines an event application received from Chadkirk Dog Training Club to hold their Annual Championship Dog Obedience Competition on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July 2016.

The Area Committee are requested to determine the application.

Officer Contact: Wayne Bardsley on Tel: 474 2588 or email: wayne.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to consider an application from Chadkirk Dog Obedience Club to hold their Annual Championship Dog Obedience Competition on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd July 2016. Access to the site would be required from Friday 1^st July 2016 to enable the event to be set up.

RESOLVED – That the application from Chadkirk Dog Obedience Club to hold their Annual Championship Dog Obedience Competition from Saturday 1st July to Sunday 3^rd July 2016 be approved.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The report seeks financial support from the Area Committee’s delegated budget towards the total anticipated costs of £10,000 for the provision of signage and information boards.

The Area Committee are requested to determine if they wish to make a contribution to the proposed scheme from their delegated budget.

Officer Contact: Andy Kippax on Tel: 474 4319 or email:andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking comments and funding from the Area Committee in respect to the naming of a series of bridle/cycleways extending from Hilltop Drive, Marple, along the Goyt Valley, through to Dark Lane in Lower Bredbury as the Alan Newton Way.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management be informed that the Area Committee supports the proposed name change to Alan Newton Way but that a detailed cost breakdown be submitted in respect to the associated works.

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 and on decisions taken by the Area Committee and on Area Flexibility Funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.