Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 March 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 8 March 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

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 on behalf of the Area Committee informed the Marple residents regarding the following:-

·         Local Elections - to be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. Members of the public were reminded and encouraged to take with them a valid form of identification in order to vote and that they could vote for up to 3 candidates.

·         Councillor Malcolm Allan - would not be standing for re-election in Marple in the upcoming Local Election 2023. Members thanked Councillor Allan for his work in the local community.

·         Compstall Cricket Club and Marple Town Centre - events for the Coronation of King Charles III on Sunday 7May 2023.

·         Ongoing traffic works on Brabyn’s Row were due to end on Friday 21 April 2023. Members hoped that this would ease the gridlock that had been experience at times in this area.

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.

Councillors and members of the public were invited to raise issues in relation to Neighbourhood Policing issues within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee.

It was noted that, members had already raised questions via email on the topics of; tackling anti-social behaviour during the summer, complaints regarding e-scooters, community speed-watch and phone use while driving.

RESOLVED – That the issues raised be passed on to the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

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 overflowing grids in Marple, and whether Stockport Council could provide information on when local grids would be cleaned to try and prevent this issue.

In response, Members commented that not all grids would cause an issue and therefore a bespoke approach to each grid or gully.  It was commented that, as they were not in attendance, a formal written response would be provided to the questioner.

·         Relating to whether road safety measures could be implemented on Station Road, near to the junction of Arkwright Road to help protect pedestrians from the busy road with vehicles travelling at significant speeds.

In response, it was commented that, Members had spoken to the questioner in advance of the meeting and noted that Stockport Council was in the process of identifying potential road safety measures on Station Road. It was commented that, as they were not in attendance, a formal written response would be provided to the questioner.

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

Councillor Steve Gribbon, on behalf of a number of residents of Elmfield Drive, presented a petition calling on the Council to introduce a residents parking scheme on Elmfield Drive.

Councillor Aron Thornley, on behalf of a number of residents of Church Street, Chadwick Street, Empress Avenue, John Street, Lockside, East Vale and Queen Street, presented a petition calling on the Council to investigate the plausibility of a residents parking scheme in their area.

RESOLVED – That the petitions be referred to the Director of Place Management & Regeneration for investigation.

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 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 Climate Action Marple for a grant of £500 (£250 from Marple North and £250 from Marple South ward allocations) towards the cost of organising an event/ conference on 23^rd April 2023 at Marple Hall School where a number of expert speakers will give presentations on the current state of climate change, Presentations will also provide the audience with suggestions on how they can reduce their carbon emissions and so help to mitigate the effects of climate change. A range of stalls and exhibitions will be on show for people to visit and engage in discussions on climate change.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Climate Action Marple towards the cost of organising an event/ conference on 23 April 2023 at Marple Hall School where a number of expert speakers will give presentations on the current state of climate change, Presentations will also provide the audience with suggestions on how they can reduce their carbon emissions and so help to mitigate the effects of climate change. A range of stalls and exhibitions will be on show for people to visit and engage in discussions on climate change.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Climate Action Marple for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£250 each from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations)  towards the cost of organising an event/ conference on 23 April 2023 at Marple Hall School where a number of expert speakers will give presentations on the current state of climate change, Presentations will also provide the audience with suggestions on how they can reduce their carbon emissions and so help to mitigate the effects of climate change. A range of stalls and exhibitions will be on show for people to visit and engage in discussions on climate change.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for an overall grant of £2100 (£100 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of providing refreshments (coffee and sandwiches) during and after physical activities including walking with walking with litter picks in local green spaces, weekly squash and tennis sessions for all of the Stockport LGBTQIA+ community.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC towards the cost of providing refreshments (coffee and sandwiches) during and after physical activities including walking with walking with litter picks in local green spaces, weekly squash and tennis sessions for all of the Stockport LGBTQIA+ community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Stockport LGBT+ Centre CIC for a grant of £200 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£100 each from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of providing refreshments during and after physical activities including walking with walking with litter picks in local green spaces, weekly squash and tennis sessions for all of the Stockport LGBTQIA+ community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Cromwell Park Committee for a grant of £335 from Marple North ward allocation only towards the cost of purchasing an erectable double gazebo to replace an older pole gazebo to be used for park events including summer, Halloween and Christmas events.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Cromwell Park Committee towards the cost of purchasing an erectable double gazebo to replace an older pole gazebo to be used for park events including summer, Halloween and Christmas events.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Friends of Cromwell Park Committee for a grant of £335 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing an erectable double gazebo to replace an older pole gazebo to be used for park events including summer, Halloween and Christmas events.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Marple Memorial Park for a grant of £1,000 (£500 from Marple North and £500 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of purchasing outdoor exercise equipment for the benefit of Marple Community.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Marple Memorial Park towards the cost of purchasing outdoor exercise equipment for the benefit of Marple Community.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Friends of Marple Memorial Park for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£500 each from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing outdoor exercise equipment for the benefit of Marple Community.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Social Events Activities for an overall grant of £1,000 (£150 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of promoting the social side of the group by purchasing paper, printer ink, receipt books, stamps, making telephone calls and taking photographs.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Social Events Activities towards the cost of promoting the social side of the group by purchasing paper, printer ink, receipt books, stamps, making telephone calls and taking photographs.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred subject to the applicant providing further information on the location of the groups’ activities.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Open Gardens in Marple for a grant of £600 (£300 from Marple North & £300 from Marple South and High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting an ‘Open Gardens in Marple’ event on 8^th and 9^th July 2023.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Open Gardens in Marple towards the cost of hosting an event involving the opening of private gardens and several community group spaces to the public on 8 & 9July 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Open Gardens in Marple for a grant of £600 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£300 each from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of hosting an event involving the opening of private gardens and several community group spaces to the public on 8& 9 July 2023.

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 Corporate & Support Services 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 Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Proposed alterations to existing dwelling including front porch, double storey side extension, single storey rear extension and dormer loft conversion. (Re submission of DC/084976).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission with conditions.

Officer contact: Mark Burgess on 0161 474 3659 or email:

mark.burgess@stockport.gov.uk

In respect of plan no. DC087812 for the proposed alterations to existing dwelling including front porch, double storey side extension, single storey rear extension and dormer loft conversion (Re submission of DC/084976) at 7 Orford Close, High Lane,

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 – (3 for, 3 abstentions) That planning permission be granted. 

To consider a report of the Assistant Director - 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 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising recent appeal decisions, listing current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals and enforcement action within the Marple Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Place Management and the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance and Estate & Asset Management.

The report provides details relating to the the objections made in relation to the proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on the Redbrow Hollow & Compstall Road junction and to seek approval for the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Order as originally advertised.

The Area Committee is asked to recommend that the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks & Leisure Services) notes all Traffic Regulation Orders where objections have been considered by officers and to resolve that the Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally advertised.

Officer contact: Zoe Allan email at zoe.allan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management and the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance and Estate & Asset Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing details relating to the the objections made in relation to the proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order on the Redbrow Hollow & Compstall Road junction and to seek approval for the introduction of the Traffic Regulation Order as originally advertised.

Members noted the concerns of the objector, but commented that there was no legal remit to pursue any other proposals and therefore that they would support the making of the Traffic Regulation Order as originally advertised.

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services be recommended to note all Traffic Regulation Orders where objections have been considered by officers and to resolve that the Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally advertised.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

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

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A of the report and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £840 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget:-

Revoke Existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Norbury Drive, Marple

North Side

From the intersection of the north east kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 30 metres in an easterly direction.

South Side

From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 25 metres in a north easterly direction.

Bowden Lane, Marple

North East Side

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Norbury Drive for a distance of 8.5m in a north westerly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Norbury Drive, Marple

North Side

From the intersection of the north east kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 43 metres in an easterly then south easterly direction.

South Side

From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 38 metres in a north easterly, then easterly, then south easterly direction.

Bowden Lane, Marple

North East Side

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Norbury Drive for a distance of 16m in a north westerly direction.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady, email at gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

Members noted that the proposal was not for no parking on Norbury Drive, but was instead an extension of the current provisions, so as to ease the issue of cars parking on the bend and obstructing the view of other moving traffic.

RESOLVED -  That approval be given to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A of the report and, subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £840 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget:-

Revoke Existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Norbury Drive, Marple

North Side

From the intersection of the north east kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 30 metres in an easterly direction.

South Side

From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 25 metres in a north easterly direction.

Bowden Lane, Marple

North East Side

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Norbury Drive for a distance of 8.5m in a north westerly direction.

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Norbury Drive, Marple

North Side

From the intersection of the north east kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 43 metres in an easterly then south easterly direction.

South Side

From the intersection of the south eastern kerb line of Bowden Lane for a distance of 38 metres in a north easterly, then easterly, then south easterly direction.

Bowden Lane, Marple

North East Side

From the intersection of the northern kerb line of Norbury Drive for a distance of 16m in a north westerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

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

The Area Committee is asked to recommend to the Cabinet Member (Highways, Parks and Leisure Services) to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A of the report and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £1,000 to be equally funded from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane Delegated Budget:-

Revoke existing (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Cross Lane

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Stockport Road, for a distance of 17 metres in a south westerly then southerly direction.

Proposed TRO ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Cross Lane

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Stockport Road, for a distance of 32 metres in a south westerly then southerly direction.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady, email at gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services be recommended to give approval to the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A of the report and subject to the receipt of no objections within 21 days, the subsequent making of the orders at a cost of £1,000 to be equally funded from the Marple North and Marple South & High Lane Delegated Budget:-

Revoke existing (TRO) ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Cross Lane

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Stockport Road, for a distance of 17 metres in a south westerly then southerly direction.

Proposed TRO ‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Cross Lane

From its intersection with the southern kerb line of Stockport Road, for a distance of 32 metres in a south westerly then southerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details an application received from Marple Runners to hold their 7^th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 18 June 2023. The 10K run will start and finish within Brabyns Park, with the course route also utilising highway and canal routes and the 2K Family Fun Run will be within Brabyns Park only. The event will start with the trail race starting at 10.00am and finishing at 11.30am, and the Family Fun Run starting 9.30am. They will be accessing the site between 7.00am and 1.00pm.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, telephone 0161 474 3142.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Marple Runners to hold their 7th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 18 June 2023. The 10K run will start and finish within Brabyns Park, with the course route also utilising highway and canal routes and the 2K Family Fun Run will be within Brabyns Park only. The event will start with the trail race starting at 10.00am and finishing at 11.30am, and the Family Fun Run starting 9.30am. They will be accessing the site between 7.00am and 1.00pm.

Members supported the application and noted that the applicant had held the same event without issue for a number of years.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to an application from Marple Runners to hold their 7th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 18 June 2023, subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place. The event will start with the Family Fun Run starting at 9:30am. Permission has been sought to access the site between 7:00am and 1:00pm.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report details an application received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee to hold their Annual Carnival event at Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park on Saturday 17 June 2023 with permission being sought to use both parks between 15 – 19 June 2023 to enable set up and close down of the event.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, telephone 0161 474 3142.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Marple Carnival Charities Committee to hold their Annual Carnival event at Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park on Saturday 17 June 2023 with permission being sought to use both parks between 15 – 19 June 2023 to enable set up and close down of the event.

Members supported the application and noted that the applicant had held the same event without issue for a number of years.

RESOLVED -  That approval be given to an application from Marple Carnival Charities Committee to hold their Annual Carnival event at Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park on Saturday 17 June 2023, subject to all appropriate paperwork, licences and fees being submitted to the Council at least one week prior to the event taking place. Permission has been sought to access the parks between 15-19 June to enable set-up and close-down of the event.

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 Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) presented a report 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 –

·         The ongoing works being done at Moor End should be included in the report.

·         There was clarification related to the ongoing Highways review on Compstall Road to assess the feasibility of potential highways improvements.

·         The traffic calming referred to in relation to Compstall Road, did not necessarily refer to speed bumps and that the proposed calming had been raised in relation to a number of traffic accidents on the road.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the potential increase to the Ward Delegated Budgets and how this would be implemented. It was explained that a further pot of £10,000 had been agreed for each ward, but that the governance arrangements to manage the approval process was still being looked into and that any updates on the progress and criteria would be reported back to the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.