Agenda and minutes

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

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

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

RESOLVED – That Councillor Colin MacAlister 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 19 April 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 19 April 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 items of the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

The Chair on behalf of the Area Committee informed residents of the following:-

·       Marple Pool and Hub – that the operational team were being mobilised and a public consultation process for the Hub and the associated highways work would be finalised and was planned to occur through the Summer 2023. There was no specific plan available for the old pool building, but it would be included in the planning process and the demolition of the building would be involved. More details, including around interim library provisions, would be available once the consultation began. Bi-monthly updates would be provided, and members of the public were encouraged to check the new noticeboard and social media. 

·       375 bus – due to the liquidation of Little Gem, an interim 2-hourly service had been put in place for Mellor while TGM looked for a permanent provision. Members and the MP had written to the Heads of Service and Commercial Development regarding future options and would inform the public once they received any information.

·       Community groups were encouraged to contact Members if they would like Member representation or support.

·       Community heroes - Members celebrated Harry Whitehead and listed his achievements, including saving Compstall from demolition in the 1960s. There were plans to install a blue plaque in Compstall in his memory. Members of the public were encouraged to contact Members if they knew of any other worthy unsung heroes.

·       Upcoming events – Mellor Church Fete and Cromwell Avenue Park Fete were occurring at the weekend, Strines Funday was scheduled on 15^th July, and ‘Make a Difference Marple’ to find out about local volunteering opportunities was scheduled on 24^th July.  

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 due to work commitments.

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.

The following comments were made/questions raised:

·       It was reported that the Neighbourhood Policing Team had been widening their community engagement, including attending the Carnival and Scout Camp and were looking to extend and improve this in the future.

·       It was reported that targeted activity focused on speed and road related offences, especially along Strines Road had taken place and the impact would be reviewed in a months time.

·       An advert for another Community Speedwatch Volunteer had been posted, and activities should hopefully have begun soon.

·       It was reported that arrests had been positive, including warrants executed  following public information which resulted in the discovery of a large cannabis farm in Offerton. It was requested any information regarding drug related activity in the Marple area be reported.

·       The Summer Safety campaign was beginning, and the Police would be working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service regarding water safety.

·       The first ‘Partners and Communities Together’ (PACT) meeting had taken place at the Senior Citizen’s Hall, and they would be occurring every 3 months.

·       Members commented that Inspector Singh was actively engaging with Members and were supportive of the PACT meetings. Members considered this positive and encouraged this to continue.

RESOLVED – (1) The update be noted.

(2) That the issues raised be forwarded to 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 submit questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Five public questions were submitted as follows –

·       Relating to the removal of speed cushions from two sections of Windlehurst Road, and what actions Members intended to take regarding this.

In response, it was stated that there was a complex legal matter involved as the speed cushions were originally entered as part of mitigation measures of the A555. Members understood that legal implications had now been addressed, and Highways would be scheduling this in the coming weeks. Members noted that while this had been pushed at every meeting with Highways officers, this process had to be followed.

·       Relating to the public feedback given to the Marple Civic Society about the lack of information regarding timelines, proposals, and consultation on the Leisure Hub, the Town Centre and Traffic plan, the old pool site, and interim library provisions following rumoured closure. It was queried whether Members could address rumours, provide specific details about these four issues, confirm the approach of Stockport Council and officers to these, and outline how they envisioned this working in practice.

In response, the following comments were made/issues raised: -

·       Members would ensure there was public engagement at all stages regarding how this would progress.

·       It was confirmed that there would be continuity with library facilities in Marple.

·       It was stated that a capital receipt was required for the current Marple Baths to help fund the Hub, but that officers were looking into possible options regarding future use. As soon as Members knew, they would pass this on to the public. 

·       Members stated that they would not engage with anonymous members on social media, but that the public knew how they could contact Members in practice.

·       Members stated that they aimed to improve communication in future, and welcomed the sharing of feedback. Updates would be provided at every or every other Area Committee meeting.

·       It was commented that an agreed statement on the Hub and pool was made at every meeting, which would inform residents of progress. These statements were visible on social media platforms.

·       Members praised the Civic Society and stated that they would be happy to attend a meeting of the society if an invitation was extended.

·       The representative of the Civic Society welcomed Members to attend Society meetings.

·       Relating to private hedges over public pavements including on Winnington Road, and what action the Council could take to alter the situation.

It was responded that there was a process including getting in contact with landowners and giving them reasonable time to comply, after which the Council could take action themselves and charge the landowner. Members recommended that they report the hedges on the council website and speak to Members as they may be able to speak to the individual directly.

·       Regarding the ongoing installation of surveillance cameras, and whether a database of installations and dates could be provided and an explanation for the installations given.

Members responded that this is the jurisdiction of TFGM and the Greater Manchester Council, and that the Leader had already queried this and had yet to receive a response. Members commented that they would support the Committee to directly ask the Greater Manchester Mayor these questions.

The resident responded that it was concerning that Stockport Council did not have control of the CCTV.

·       Regarding funding for road closures for the Ride of Remembrance, and whether Members could verify that if funding was provided by the Committee in one year, it could not be applied for again the next year.

Members stated that it would be best for Members to look into it and that the longevity could be discussed following this contact. Members stated that this could be a possible use of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(iii)

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

Members of the public and community groups were invited to submit any petitions.

One petition was submitted by a resident of Old Reading Rooms requesting parking permits at Etherow Country Park for residents of Old Reading Rooms.

RESOLVED – That this petition be referred to the Director of Place Management for investigation and response.

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  Drawing Board Productions CIC – Marple Post for a grant of £960 (£480 from Marple North and £480 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of launching Marple Post, a free community newspaper designed to support residents and local services.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Drawing Board Productions CIC – Marple Post for a grant of £960 (£480 from Marple North and £480 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of launching Marple Post, a free community newspaper designed to support residents and local services.

RESOLVED – That the application from Drawing Board Productions CIC – Marple Post for Ward Flexibility Funding be declined on this occasion on the basis that the Marple Review and SK6 Magazine filled this role, and that there was limited funding available for local projects. 

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Marple and District Allotment Association for a grant of £932.89 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing the boundary fencing that separates the Steven Stiles Allotment from the public footpath.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Marple and District Allotment Association for a grant of £932.89 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing the boundary fencing that separates the Steven Stiles Allotment from the public footpath.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred pending clarification being sought on the status of the application relating to it being financed through the Highways budget.

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 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.

RESOLVED – That the application from Social Events Activities for Ward Flexibility Funding be declined on this occasion due to the non attendance of the applicant.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Mellor Sports Club for a grant of £1000 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing a defibrillator, which will be sited outside the clubhouse and accessible to all Mellor residents.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report on behalf of Mellor Sports Club for a grant of £1000 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of replacing a defibrillator, which will be sited outside the clubhouse and accessible to all Mellor residents.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Mellor Sports Club for a reduced grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North Ward allocation only), towards the cost of replacing a defibrillator, which will be sited outside the clubhouse and accessible to all Mellor residents.

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:-

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 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 Democratic Services Manager outlined the procedure for public speaking on planning applications.

Retention of existing kitchen ventilation system with associated ductwork and plant to roof of building, to include provision of timber screen fence (Retrospective).

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC078093 for the retention of existing kitchen ventilation system with associated ductwork and plant to roof of building, to include provision of timber screen fence (Retrospective) at Ludworth Primary School, Lower Fold, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5DU,

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted with a condition that an acoustic fence would be used, and with an advisory that the situation be monitored regarding the impact on neighbours. 

Change of use of land to outdoor dog exercise area.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan no. DC087743 for the change of use of land to outdoor dog exercise area at Lomber Hey Farm, 74 Andrew Lane, 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 – That the application be deferred to officers to seek clarification regarding the opening hours with the applicant. 

Erection of wind turbine to serve dwelling.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

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

In respect of plan DC088104 regarding the erection of wind turbine to serve dwelling at Bradshaw Trees Barn, Chatterton Lane, Mellor,

A representative of the applicant spoke in support of the application, and;

It was then –

RESOLVED – 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 0161 474 3219 | 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 report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report provides details relating to the findings of a consultation exercise for the proposed Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) - Compstall Road, Marple Bridge, Zebra Crossing. It also seeks a recommendation for approval for the introduction of the Zebra Crossing and associated bus stop relocation, and advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

The Area Committee is asked to comment on and recommend to the Cabinet Member (Parks, Highways and Transport Services) to approve for the following Zebra Crossing scheme and progress legal advertising of the associated TROs.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, 0161 474 4907

This item was withdrawn.

To consider a joint report of the Director for Place Management and the Assistant Director Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report provides details relating to the objections received in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting Any Any Time' on Marina Drive, Marple.

The Area Committee is asked to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services note all Traffic Regulation Orders where objections have been considered by officers, to resolve that the Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally advertised and that the objectors are informed of the decision.

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 Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Governance (copies of which had been circulated) providing details related to the objections made in relation to the proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Marina Drive, Marple. 

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 joint report of the Director for Place Management and the Assistant Director Legal & Democratic Governance.

The report provides details relating to the objections made in relation to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time' on Plane Tree Close, Marple.

The Area Committee is asked to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services notes all Traffic Regulation Orders where objections have been considered by officers, resolves that the Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally advertised and that the objectors are informed of the decision.

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 Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Governance (copies of which had been circulated) providing details related to the objections made in relation to the proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Plane Tree Close, Marple.  

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 Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an update on delivering Marple District Centre Action Plan based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Reports together with other local intelligence gathered over the last 12 months.

The Area Committee is requested to note the partnership approach to developing the Marple District Centre Action Plan.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels, richard.daniels@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on delivering Marple District Centre Action Plan based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Managements Reports together with other local intelligence gathered over the last 12 months.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Business support was ongoing, including the regular circulation of information.

·       Support had been provided following the recent fire at a business in the District Centre.

·       Marple businesses had been involved positively in media including as part of the One Stockport campaign.

·       It was hoped that the noticeboard be erected following work with Helen Middleton studios before the next Committee meeting.

·       The King’s Coronation event was well attended in Marple.

·       Discussions were ongoing with Marple Festival organisers to look at organising a Christmas light switch on event.

·       Drawing Board productions had worked with Helen Middleton Studios and seasonal trails were being looked into, but these would need to be in line with what traders currently do.

·       The first visionary meeting and steering group meeting had taken place and the focus was reported to be on moving the action plan forward. Next steps also included the voluntary community toilets scheme.

·       Members expressed thanks for the work involved.

·       Members queried whether there had been any ongoing conversation with the two station groups about station signs. It was responded that some artwork from other projects had been looked at in conversation with Helen Middleton, but that they would require help to progress this further.

·       Members commented that Councillor Abell had a positive working relationship with people who had historically been part of these groups and may want to lead on this.

·       Members queried when the steering group would next meet. It was responded that the next date was not set but that it would occur over the next few weeks.

RESOLVED – That the partnership approach to developing the Marple District Centre Action Plan be noted.

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.

The Area Committee is recommended to nominate Ward Spokespersons.

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah 0161 474 3207 | charles.yankiah@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 appointed as Ward Spokespersons for highways and traffic issues:-

Marple North – Councillor Geoff Abell

Marple South & High Lane – Councillor Shan Alexander

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 Assistant director – 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 the outside bodies for 2023/2024:-

Bridge Alms House and Sick Nursing Home

Councillor Colin MacAlister

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 (Monitoring Officer) 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 details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·       Members commented that an item involving replacing the give-way sign with a stop sign at the junction of Glossop Road and Lower Fold had not been included due to complications around making the sign, but that they were expecting it soon.

·       Members stated that problems around Ernocroft Road raised by a resident were being discussed with officers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.