Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Area Committee for a period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Aron Thornley be elected Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

Councillor Aron Thornley in the chair

To appoint a Vice Chair for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That Councillor Becky Senior be appointed Vice Chair of the Area Committee for the period until the next Annual Council Meeting.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 April 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 April 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Personal & Prejudicial Interests

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

·       The Chair congratulated re-elected Members of the Committee following the 2022 Local Elections, as well as the new Leader of the Council and administration.

·       Members highlighted issues such as traffic planning for Marple district centre, the planned new leisure centre in the area and local neighbourhood policing concerns as key areas that the Area Committee would be focusing on over the next municipal year.

·       The Chair announced that the following events would be taking place around Marple:-

-        100^th Anniversary Celebrations for Marple Memorial Park would be taking place on the 23and 24 of July

-        Armed Forces Day would be taking place on 25June, with a stall based on Town Street in Marple Bridge

-        Mellor fete would be taking place on 25 June from 12pm until 7pm

-        St Thomas’ Church would be holding an eco-friendly repair coffee morning 

-        A consultation was open on the Council website about quiet lanes in Stockport open until 3July, for both people who are in favour and those who are against quiet lanes

-        Stockport CAN Summit would be taking place on 15July, which could be attended both online and in person

·       Members thanked the organisers and attendees of the events that took place around Marple to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

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 proposals for a new leisure facility and new traffic management systems in Marple, and whether Members cold provide a further update on the nature and timing of these issues.

In response, it was commented that the importance of these issues had been addressed under Chair’s Announcements, and that resident’s views would be central to any proposals. It was stated that the Council would be seeking a capital receipt on the site of the old leisure facility in Marple, whether it was sold privately or notionally to another public body. Members invited residents feedback on what they thought could be done with the site. It was noted that ultimately, residents would be notified and consulted on what was done with the site.

·       Relating to the removal of speed humps on Windlehurst Road and, given the change of administration of Stockport Council following the 2022 Local Elections, Members could provide a definitive timescale to when the traffic management measures would be removed.

In response, it was commented that a formal response would be sent to the questioner. Members felt that this question was reflective about the strength of negative feeling towards the measures on Windlehurst Road. It was noted that the new administration would need to make budgetary adjustments in order to fund the removal of the speed humps, and that due consideration must be given to the legality of what funding could be used to remove the humps. It was noted that this issue would also be discussed under Item 12 ‘Windlehurst Road Traffic Calming’.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

This report updates Members regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021. It provides an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where, and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie, nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report providing an update on the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and providing an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN fund.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members were encouraged to spread awareness of the availability of the funding amongst residents and community groups.

·       Local Community groups were encouraged to approach the CAN Team at the Council, if they had any queries regarding what kind of project for which they could apply for funding.

·       It was noted that the CAN fund was available until December so the CAN team wanted to ensure that all of the available funding was allocated to local carbon emission-reducing projects by then. 

·       It was questioned whether tree planting schemes funded by CAN were in addition to tree-planting schemes that were being encouraged by central government. In response, it was confirmed that the CAN schemes in areas such as Brabyns Park were in addition to schemes already in place by central government.

·       It was suggested that the CAN Team could provide a handout outlining the criteria for applications that Members could circulate to residents and local community groups. 

·       Members suggested a similar approach to the One Stockport signage, with increased public visibility via lamppost signs and community noticeboards.

·       It was noted that offline advertisements of the CAN fund were just as important as digital advertising of the fund.

·       It was questioned whether CAN funding would be decided upon at Area Committee. In response, it was noted that the relevant ward members would be approached for each application and if consensus was reached on a given application then it would not need to come to the Area Committee.

·       Members requested regular updates on successful CAN schemes in Marple so that they could update residents.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from the Marple Youth Project CIC for a grant of £1,000 from the Marple Area Committee towards the cost of increasing sessions at the youth club to two times per week.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Youth Project towards the cost of increasing sessions at the youth club to two times per week.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Youth Project for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£500 each from Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of increasing sessions at the youth club to two times per week.

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

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. 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.

Renovation and extension of the existing barn building at the former Bleachworks off Hollywood Road to form 1 no. residential dwellinghouse, with associated landscaping and the erection of an additional barn and feed store.

The Area Committee is requested to recommend that the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee grants planning permission.

Officer contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659 or email: mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC083333 for the renovation and extension of the existing barn building at the former Bleachworks off Hollywood Road to form 1 no. residential dwellinghouse, with associated landscaping and the erection of an additional barn and feed store, 

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 with a recommended condition of a construction management plan.

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 on 0161 474 3219, 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 Director of Place Management.

The report provides an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report and agree whether it wished to make an allocation from its Delegated Budget towards the provision of additional bulb planting within its area.

Officer contact: Peter Cooke on 0161 474 4851 or email: peter.cooke@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management providing an update on bulb provision to local community groups and for local initiatives.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members felt that they could not make an allocation from the Delegated Budget towards the cost of additional bulb planting without having seen the up-take on the initial planting.

·       Based on the planting in 2021, Members expressed the view that there had been enough bulbs available for local organisations without the need for further funding.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Area Committee would not be making an allocation from its Delegated Budget towards the provision of additional bulb planting within its area.

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

High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum (“HLVNF”, “the Forum”) was formally designated on 14th September 2017 as the ‘relevant body’ to act in relation to the neighbourhood area of High Lane Village.  In that capacity, the Forum prepared and submitted the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan.

Following the referendum on 16th September 2021, the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan was adopted as part of the Development Plan for Stockport for applications within the High Lane designated area. For as long as it is the designated body, the Forum continues to act in relation to the plan, for example for any review of the Plan, and as a consultee body for applications in the area.

In accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, a designation for the relevant body ceases to have effect after 5 years. This does not affect an adopted Neighbourhood Plan or the designated area to which the Neighbourhood Plan applies.  A body may apply to be redesignated.  The current designation of HLVNF therefore lasts until the end of 13th September 2022. 

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

Officer contact: Jonathan Mayo on 0161-474 4551 or email: jonathan.mayo@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive providing an update on the statutory basis of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members felt that local neighbourhood forums had been a success, and supported the re-designation of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum as soon as possible.

·       Members queried why the item was scheduled to be considered by the Cabinet before the consultation on this item ended on the 10^th of July. It was noted that there had been broad support thus far for the re-designation and that no opposition was anticipated, so the decision had been taken to expedite the process given the tight timescales involved.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the trial of a Prohibition to motor vehicles along Hartington Road, High Lane following concerns regarding the amount of traffic using Hartington Road as a rat run to avoid traffic on the A6 Buxton Road

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the the trial of a Prohibition to motor vehicles along Hartington Road, High Lane at a cost of £6,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

Officer contact: Eraina Smith on 0161 474 4911 or email: eraina.smith@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report detailing a proposal for the trial of a prohibition to motor vehicles along Hartington Road, High Lane following concerns regarding the amount of traffic using Hartington Road as a rat run to avoid traffic on the A6 Buxton Road.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members suggested that there could be joint officer work along with Cheshire East Council so as to better understand where the traffic issues along Hartington Road were stemming from.

·         Members questioned whether, in the event that the costs of the trial surpassed £6,500, the item would return to Area Committee for approval of further funding. It was confirmed that this would be the case, and that officers would endeavour to keep the costs below £6,500.

·         It was questioned how residents would access their homes by car during the trial. It was commented that separate access points to the road would be available along different points of the A6.

·         Overall, Members supported the work being done as local residents had consistently requested action on traffic volumes along Hartington Road.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the trial of a Prohibition to motor vehicles along Hartington Road, High Lane at a cost of £6,500 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management.

The report has been prepared to provide a summary of previous public consultations in relation to the existing traffic calming measures on Windlehurst Road, High Lane; and to seek approval for a further consultation on the removal of specific traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road and for funding to be provided from the delegated ward budget to enable a feasibility investigation of footway widths along Windlehurst Road.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and approve the public consultation and release of funding for the footway width investigation.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks, 0161 474 4840

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management submitted a report providing a summary of previous public consultations in relation to the existing traffic calming measures on Windlehurst Road, High Lane. The report also sought approval for a further consultation on the removal of specific traffic calming measures along Windlehurst Road, with funding to be provided from the Delegated Budget to enable a feasibility investigation of footway widths along Windlehurst Road.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members felt that the consultation would be unnecessary if it only led to further delays to the removal of traffic calming measures. In response, it was commented that the responses to the consultation would likely be prepared in a report at the next meeting of the Area Committee, and therefore would not lead to a significant delay in consideration of this item. 

·       Members were of the view that residents and motorists using Windleurst Road were largely in favour of the removal of the traffic calming measures. Consequently, it was felt that a further consultation was largely unnecessary, and an unnecessary further justification for the removal of the traffic calming measures. 

·       It was, however, noted that a further consultation would be useful in clarifying what measures would be removed and when, and also in providing an up-to-date account of residents’ opinions on the removal of the measures.

·       It was suggested that writing to residents to notify them of the intended changes without a formal consultation may be an appropriate middle-ground.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

1)    the removal of speed cushions 4 to 9 (as shown on Drawing No F/1016/WR/002 Rev A) between Andrew Lane and Torkington Lane subject to advance notice being provided to local residents; and

2)    the undertaking of a feasibility investigation of the footway widths on Windlehurst Road from Andrew Lane to Broadhurst’s Bridge at a cost of £1,000 to be funded from the Area Committee's Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and

To consider a number of objections to the proposed introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on Andrew Lane and Fairacres Road, Stockport.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the amendment of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order as detailed in Section 4 of the report and as shown on Drawing No 0305/54/HL/002 Rev B and described within Appendix A.

Officer contact: Caroline Aylmer-Shanks on 0161 474 4840 or email: c.aylmer-shanks@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management outlining a number of objections to the proposed introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on Andrew Lane and Fairacres Road, Stockport.

RESOLVED – The Area Committee considered a number of objections to the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders, and agreed that notwithstanding the objections, that approval be given for the amended Order as shown on Drawing No 0305/54/HL/002 Rev B to be made as advertised.

The Area Committee is invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management can consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

A copy of the Ward Spokesperson Protocol is attached for information.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons in accordance with the Protocol.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

The Area Committee was invited to nominate Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters.

RESOLVED – That the following Councillors be nominated as Ward Spokespersons with whom the Director of Place Management could consult on highway maintenance and traffic management matters during 2022/23:-

Marple North – Councillor Steve Gribbon

Marple South & High Lane – Aron Thornley

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Malcolm Allan.

The Chair reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Malcolm Allan.

Councillor Allan reported that he had asked for this item to be included on the agenda to update Members on the work that Marple North Ward Members had undertaken in forming a local scrutiny review team to scrutinise the process within the Council, under which a planning application had been dealt with at Whitebottom Farm, Compstall. The review had been brought about as a result of complaints from local residents as to the usage of the site, particularly in regard to the festivals that were held on the site, as well as due to the failure of the farm owners to engage in the process of determining their outstanding planning application. Councillor Allan sought the Area Committee’s support in the following next steps for the scrutiny review:-

·         To call for a full licensing review of Whitebottom Farm, and to present evidence to the Licensing Committee.

·         Submitting a full report to relevant senior officers in the Council’s Planning, Licensing and Neighbourhoods teams.

·         Investigating the option of engaging an independent person to validate that the farm is complying with its license conditions.

·         To pass on a copy of the statement made to the Area Committee to the farm owners and to Compstall Community Council for information purposes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Marple North Ward Members did not wish this to be viewed as an aggressive stance, but rather one that had been necessitated by the procedure of forming a local scrutiny review team.

·         It was questioned how an independent investigator of licensing conditions would be funded. It was commented that this was still being investigated, and that this would return to the Area Committee should it incur any costs to the Committee.

·         It was noted that Marple South Ward Members would have appreciated a copy of the statement in advance of the meeting, in order to understand the relevant issues more fully.

·         Members were supportive of the work being done, and felt confident that Council processes would be followed when undertaking the next steps outlined by Councillor Allan.

RESOLVED -  That the Area Committee supports the undertaking of the following next steps in relation to the local scrutiny review of Whitebottom Farm, Compstall:-

·         To call for a full licensing review of Whitebottom Farm, and to present evidence to the Licensing Committee.

·         Submitting a full report to relevant senior officers in the Council’s Planning, Licensing and Neighbourhoods teams.

·         Investigating the option of engaging an independent person to validate that the farm is complying with its license conditions.

·         To pass on a copy of the statement made to the Area Committee to the farm owners and to Compstall Community Council for information purposes.

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

The report requests the Area Committee to consider appointments of representatives on Outside Bodies. 

The Area Committee is requested to make nominations for appointments on Outside Bodies.  

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206, charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to appoint representatives of the Council to local Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED –That the following representatives of the Council be appointed to outside bodies for 2022/2023:-

Bridge Alms House and Sick Nursing Home

Councillor Aron Thornley

Marple Senior Citizens’ Hall Management Committee

Councillors Malcolm Allan and Becky Senior

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the item relating to Longhurst Lane within the report also related to Moor End Road so it should be clarified that both roads were included.

·         Members requested a safety review into pedestrian crossings on Claremont Avenue and Marina Drive, as they felt that the current dropped kerb had not improved road safety.

·         It was commented that Marple North Ward Members intended to discuss local pedestrian crossings with officers at their next ward highways briefing, but that they were happy to bring this forward to the earliest opportunity.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application from the Brass Bands of Marple to hold a Picnic in the Park Event at Marple Memorial Park which will take place on Sunday 24th July 2022. The event will start from 12.30pm until 5.30pm to enable set up and close down of the event.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted, subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.