Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 20 October 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

Councillor                             Interest

Shan Alexander                   Agenda Item 9 – DC082744, The Crown, 1 Hawk Green Road, Marple, Stockport, SK6 7HU as a resident of an adjacent property.

                                                Councillor Alexander left the meeting during the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote.

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 that:-

·         There would be a ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Marple Bridge on 4 December 2021 and as a consequence there would be road closure of Town Street.

·         A Santa Dash would be taking place on Stockport Road on 5December 2021.

·         There would be a number of School Christmas festivals which would be held online this year.

·         Santa will be at Rose Hill train station from 4pm on 6December 2021.

·         The Santa Tour would be around High Lane on 13and 14 December 2021.

·         ‘Make It Marple’ festival would be held in Marple Town Centre on 18December 2021.

·         There would be Christmas Carol singing in Cromwell Avenue Park on 19December 2021 from 3.30pm.

·         A Christmas Fair would be held at the Andrew Arms pub in Compstall from 1pm on 11 December 2021.

·         The Marple neighbourhood plan  was still open for consultation until 8 January 2022.

·         Residents were thanked for attending the war memorials around the area on Remembrance Sunday.

·         Kevin Murray was thanked for his work on raising money for the poppy appeal again this year.

·         The Chair proposed that local schools would be contacted to nominate local children to attend future meetings of the Area Committee to ask questions of the Councillors.

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 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 the issue of surface water and blocked gullies on Station Road, Winnington Road and Garth Road, Marple and what action had been taken to rectify the issues since they had initially been reported by residents.

·         Relating to the issue of weed management on Market Street and Stockport Road, and what could be done by the Council to help to smarten-up the area.

In response, it was commented that a written response would be shared with the questioners and the Committee.

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 had 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 the United Stockport Circuit for a grant £100 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service for Christmas.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of United Stockport Circuit towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service for Christmas.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from United Stockport Circuit for a grant of £100 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of setting up a Drive-In Carol Service for Christmas.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of United Stockport Circuit towards the cost of replacing a broken bench adjacent to Broadhurst Canal Bridge. 

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members noted their view that the bench in question was owned by the Council and that any repair or replacement should be funded from the Highways budget rather than through Ward Flexibility Funding.

·         It was noted that, should the application be granted, the responsibility would lie with the applicant to replace the bench rather than with the Council, with consequent liability issues to the applicant as the bench was located on the public highway.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee, pending the submission of a report to replace the bench with funding from the delegated budget and further consultations with the applicant organisation.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Development).

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 Corporate Director for Place Management & 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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Conversion of an existing barn to form 1 no. dwellinghouse, with associated demolition, extension, external alterations, access, parking and curtilage.

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. DC080271 for the conversion of an existing barn to form 1 no. dwellinghouse, with associated demolition, extension, external alterations, access, parking and curtilage at White House Farm, Torkington Road,

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

It was then

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

Rear extensions to kitchen and restaurant with associated works, new fire escape doors to front elevation to create additional level access and realignment of car park to accommodate proposed new extensions.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC082744 for rear extensions to kitchen and restaurant with associated works, new fire escape doors to front elevation to create additional level access and realignment of car park to accommodate proposed new extensions at The Crown, 1 Hawk Green Road,

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

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

Councillor Shan Alexander (Vice-Chair) in the Chair

Change of use of land to a mixed use consisting of an urban farm and educational facility, together with retention of buildings and structures, parking area and the construction of the Garden House comprising visitor and educational facilities, together with  a managers dwelling and new detached storage building (part retrospective).

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. DC080313 for the change of use of land to a mixed use consisting of an urban farm and educational facility, together with retention of buildings and structures, parking area and the construction of the Garden House comprising visitor and educational facilities, together with a managers dwelling and new detached storage building (part retrospective) at The Garden House, Lakes Road,

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 the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit, with particular focus on the issues of highway safety and the potential detriment to the Green Belt.

Change of use from Physiotherapy Clinic to form 1 no. dwellinghouse.

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC081204 for the change of use from Physiotherapy Clinic to form 1 no. dwellinghouse at 5 Station Road, Marple

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.  

Councillor Steve Gribbon (Chair) in the Chair

At this stage in the proceedings (10.00 pm) the Clerk 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.

RESOLVED –That the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 relating to the duration of (Council) meetings be not invoked and members continue with the meeting and proceed with the remaining business.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (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 or vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) (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 Transport Strategy Manager.

The report provides a response to the issues that have been raised relating to public rights of ways including pathways and bridleways in Marple.

The Area Committee is asked to note and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Emily Brough, 0161 474 4592, Emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Transport Strategy Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a response to the issues raised relating to public rights of ways including pathways and bridleways in Marple.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members questioned whether non-reactive repair work was done in response to bids for available funding. In response, it was commented that this depended on circumstances, with some work being done in response to flood damage and some being done following approval from Scrutiny Committees.

·         It was noted that officers did focus inspection and maintenance work on areas that had received high levels of resident complaints.

·         Members raised the possibility of engaging the community work force in assisting with some repairs. It was noted that this could raise issues of Council liability for public safety, but that the Rights of Way Officer would be able to provide further guidance on this.

·         Members emphasised the need for maintenance of footpaths as a result of the high levels of footpath and public amenity usage during the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides information in relation to the proposed footpath improvements to PROW 77 between Sandown Road and the access road to Hazel Grove Golf Club, including vegetation management and noting that a consultation exercise has not been carried out with residents.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the contents of the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member (Economy and Regeneration) approves the scheme.

Officer contact: Adam Meadowcroft, adam.meadowcroft@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information in relation to proposed footpath improvements to PROW 77 between Sandown Road and the access road to Hazel Grove Golf Club, including vegetation management and noting that a consultation exercise has not been carried out with residents.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the scheme. 

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

To provide the Area Committee with details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Mount Drive, Marple – Removal of Grass Verge and reconstruct with Footway Specification.

The Area Committee is asked to support the maintenance scheme outlined in the report and authorises the Deputy Chief Executive & Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration to order the work. 

Officer contact: Simon Sherry, 0161 474 2420, simon.sherry@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of a proposed highway maintenance scheme on Mount Drive, Marple including the removal of a grass verge and reconstruction with footway specification.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) be recommended to approve the removal of the grass verge on Mount Drive, Marple and its reconstruction with footway specification at a cost of £3,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides the findings of a consultation exercise for the Road Safety around Schools scheme around High Lane Primary School and to seek approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning signs.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve the proposals for the Road Safety around Schools – High Lane Primary School scheme and recommend that the Area Committee approves the legal advertising of the TROs and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the orders can be made.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) providing the findings of a road safety consultation exercise for High Lane Primary School and seeking approval for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage, implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving and new school warning signs.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the legal advertising of the package of Traffic Regulation Orders outlined in Appendix A to the report and associated signage; implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; and new school warning signs and, subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the subsequent making of the orders to be funded from the Road Safety around Schools programme budget allocation.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks the approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The Area Committee is asked to comment on the proposals and to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport approves the legal advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made.

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan, 0161 474 4409, Nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order.

Concern was raised that the consultation process had not been extensive enough and that it should cover each address on Redbrow Hollow as the proposal would affect all access onto the adjacent main road.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred until a later meeting of the Area Committee subject to further Member discussions with Highways Officers regarding an alternative proposal for the area or a more extensive consultation process.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Steve Gribbon.

The Chair reported that he had asked for this item to be included on the agenda to highlight resident support for the continuation of the 20mph speed zone on Stockport Road, subject to the removal of speed bumps from the road.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members expressed concern with any delay to the removal of the speed bumps, as the measures had been advertised and introduced as temporary and could be removed after 6 months if residents were not in favour of them.

·         Members were dissatisfied with the delay in a report being brought to the Area Committee regarding this issue.

RESOLVED – That further discussions be undertaken with Highways Officers following the meeting to address resident concerns with the speed bumps on Stockport Road.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides details relating to the Stockport Trail Half Marathon Event taking place along Middlewood Way, from Marple through High Lane and into Cheshire East and land owned by the Canals and Rivers trust. The organiser, ‘Crazy legs Events’ would like to utilise the greenspace area at Wood lane as a start and finishing point on Sunday 13th February 2022, from 7am – 2pm, with a start time of 9.30am.  For the past 7 years the Stockport Trail Half Marathon has been successfully organised and the event is usually well attended with between 250 to a maximum of 500 runners.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork and licences being obtained; and subject to appropriate fees being paid. Parks Event Application from Crazy Legs Event for a half marathon along Middlewood Way, Marple and High Lane, on Sunday 13th February 2022.

Officer contact: Karen Barnes, 0161 218 1456, Karen.barnes@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (copies of which had been circulated) providing details relating to the Stockport Trail Half Marathon Event taking place along Middlewood Way, from Marple through High Lane and into Cheshire East.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Parks Event Application submitted on behalf of Crazy Legs Event for a half marathon along Middlewood Way, Marple and High Lane on Sunday 13^th February 2022, subject to all appropriate paperwork and licenses being obtained and all appropriate fees being paid.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer).

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 Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & 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.