Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 31 July 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 31 July 2024 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 & 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 of the following:

·       A formal celebration of the life of former Member of Parliament Andrew Stunnell would be held on 24 September at 2pm at Stockport Town Hall and all were welcomed to attend.

·       A meeting of Police Partners  will be held on 19 September at 6:30pm, all residents were encouraged to attend.

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Police Sargent Holmwood (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting and provided an update on neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Marple area committee.

The following comments were made:

·       125 crimes were recorded in the Marple area in the last quarter (5% of Stockport).

·       There had been an increase in the detection rate in residential burglary and personal robbery within the Marple area.

·       A prolific shop theft offender had been arrested and charged with two offences and another prolific offender had been arrested and charged with ten offences in relation to the Asda petrol station store.

·       There had been a rise in the trespassing of derelict buildings and use of these buildings for illegal raves, the police were working with the local authority to get the owners to take ownership and security of these buildings.

·       The actions taken regarding the off-road bikes was welcomed and members of the public were encouraged to report and issues accordingly.

·       Members raised concerns regarding the increase in cars driving over the speed limit and requested that the area be monitored more closely.

·       Concern was raised regarding the use of e-scooters on the roads and the danger they pose to drivers and pedestrians. In response, it was noted that it was still illegal to use on public highways and the roads.

RESVOLVED – That Police Sargent Holmwood be thanked for his attendance and response to the questions and issues raised.

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.

Two public questions were submitted as follows, relating to: -

a)    Marple Town Centre

·       In response, it was noted that often potholes and roads being dug up were down to the utility, broadband or gas companies and not always the responsibility of the Council. The issues raised had been reported and would be followed up by Members.

·       It was also stated that regarding the bin collection it would be raised with TLC, as it was understood that a bin collection had been missed recently.

·       Regarding the weeds and bushes in the district centre it was noted that the Council had a 2-week weed programme, but it was dependant on the weather, as it needed to be dry for it to be effective.

b)    Smoking ban in pubs

RESOLVED – That the Director of Place Management be requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

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

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

A petition was submitted by Councillor Shan Alexander with 194 signatures for a request to keep the High Lane Post Office open in its current location.

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

A representative from Cadent Gas will attend the Area Committee to provide information and respond to questions relating to the upgrading of pipes in the area and keeping the people of Marple safe and warm with a consistent and secure supply into the future.

Paul Carter (Cadnet Gas) attended the meeting to provide information and respond to any questions from councillors and local residents relating to the upgrading of pipes in the Marple area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Communication needed to be improved between Cadent Gas, the Local Authority and local residents to ensure that everyone was kept informed. This would avoid any complaints from local residents regarding road closures, road works and any delays.

·       Cadent Gas customer service needed to improve their communications with local businesses in advance of any scheduled work in order that businesses could prepare and inform their customers.

RESOLVED – That Paul Carter be thanked for attending the meeting.

To consider an application received from Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £1000 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing and installing a new piece of outdoor play equipment, for the enhancement of the park and enjoyment of children.

Alison Wheway attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of the Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park for a grant of £1,000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing and installing a new piece of outdoor play equipment, for the enhancement of the park and enjoyment of children.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park for a reduced grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing and installing a new piece of outdoor play equipment, for the enhancement of the park and enjoyment of children.

To consider an application received from Marple Waterlife Recovery for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £800 (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing traps, for the removal of minks as part of a nationwide project.

Marie Nolan and Andy Griffin attended the meeting and submitted an application recevied on behalf of Marple Waterlife Recovery for a grant of £800 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing traps, for the removal of minks as part of a nationwide project.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Waterlife Recovery for a grant of £800 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£400 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing traps, for the removal of minks as part of a nationwide project.

To consider an application received from Marple Local History Society for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £500 (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing a laptop, to aid in the processing, storage, editing and preparation of archive material for the organisation’s website.

Neil Derbyshire and Jackie Collins attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Local History Society for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibiility Funding Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing a laptop, to aid in the processing, storage, editing and preparation of archive material for the organisation’s website.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Local History Society for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing a laptop, to aid in the processing, storage, editing and preparation of archive material for the organisation’s website.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Friends of Etherow Country Park for a grant of £590 from the Marple North ward allocation only towards the cost of purchasing a heavy-duty strimmer/ brushcutter which would enable regaining ground for the meadows which has been lost in recent years, and improve the wildflower growing capability of the fields. This would enhance the overall appearance and diversity of the fields, making them more attractive for a variety of leisure activities – e.g. family activities – picnics, etc, wellbeing and mental health improvement.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of the Friends of Etherow Country Park for a grant of £590 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a heavy-duty strimmer/ brushcutter which would enable regaining ground for the meadows which has been lost in recent years, and improve the wildflower growing capability of the fields.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from the Friends of Etherow Country Park for a grant of £590 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing a heavy-duty strimmer/ brushcutter which would enable regaining ground for the meadows which has been lost in recent years and improve the wildflower growing capability of the fields.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

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. Deputy Chief Executive 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/planning. Copies of the schedule of plans, or any part thereof, may be obtained upon payment of the Council’s reasonable charges).

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class: C3) to supported residential care home (Use Class: C2) for up to 3 children (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. DC090869 for the change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class: C3) to supported residential care home (Use Class: C2) for up to 3 children (Retrospective).

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 for 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 Committee area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods.

The report provides an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme. It shares information on progress across the programme since the last update in January 2024 with steps for key elements to become operational and integration of practise to take place.

The Area Committee is recommend to:-

(a)  Note the report and engage in upcoming Neighbourhood Network meetings.

(b)  Comment on the programme as it continues to develop.

(c)  Request further updates on the programme at a frequency to be agreed.

Officer contact: Carolyn Anderson | 07800 617 588 | carolyn.anderson@stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       It was commented that the programme was a brilliant tool, especially in helping councillors make better informed decisions.

·       There was going to be a drop-in centre held on the 2 October between 12:30pm-1:30pm and on the 10 October between 6pm-7pm and all councillors were encouraged to attend.

·       The update provided useful and interesting information with a lot for Councillors to consider and work on as a Council.

·       Members asked if the data could have comparisons with other areas within the borough, for example, ward comparisons.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods be requested to provide further updates on the programme to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Transport Strategy Manager.

This report informs the Area Committee of a desire to carry out amendments to several access control barriers located on the Middlewood Way to bring them in line with the Council’s current access control policy.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the proposal to carry out works to upgrade the access control barriers on Middlewood Way.

Officer contact: Emily Brough, emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Transport Strategy Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Area Committee of a desire to carry out amendments to several access control barriers located on the Middlewood Way to bring them in line with the Council’s current access control policy.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the proposal to carry out works to upgrade the access control barriers at five sites on Middlewood Way as follows:-

Rose Hill Recycling Centre (Marple North)

Wood Lane North (Marple North)

Wood Lane South (Marple North)

Middlewood Way / A6 North West (Marple South & High Lane)

Middlewood Way / A6 South West (Marple South & High Lane)

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance.

As part of its work programme, the Constitution Working Party has been examining the current range of delegations to area committees and other associated matters. This follows a request made by the Working Party that further consideration be given to:-

(a)      the remit of area committees including models of area governance implemented in other localities;

(b)      the current workload of area committees including agenda and meeting length;

(c)      arrangements for the chairing of area committees; and

(d)      venues for area committees.

The Working Party considered this report and requested that it be submitted to area committees to consult members on their views on the current operation of area committees. 

The comments of area committees will be collated and submitted to the Working Party to assist it in making any recommendations for change.

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

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

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) examining the current range of delegations to area committees and other associated matters.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Members expressed their satisfaction with the way that Marple was arranged to engage with the public.

·       Councillors were happy with the current appointment of Chair for each municipal year and it should remain that way.

·       There were no complaints arising from the venue used for Marple Area Committee as it helped to be more accessible for all residents of the area.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

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

The Area Committee is asked to consider, comment and approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) at a cost of £1,000 from the Marple North Delegated Ward Budget set out in Appendix A and that subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made:-

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

Clement Road, Marple Bridge

East Side

From the intersection of the projected northern eastern kerb line of Longhurst Lane for a distance of 70 metres in a north easterly direction.

Longhurst Lane, Marple Bridge

North Side

From the intersection with the projected southeastern kerb line of Clement Road for a distance of 10m in an easterly direction.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting Time’ on Clement Road, Marple Bridge.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) at a cost of £1,000 from the Marple North Delegated Ward Budget set out in Appendix A of the report and that subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made:-

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

Clement Road, Marple Bridge

East Side

From the intersection of the projected northern eastern kerb line of Longhurst Lane for a distance of 70 metres in a north easterly direction.

Longhurst Lane, Marple Bridge

North Side

From the intersection with the projected southeastern kerb line of Clement Road for a distance of 10m in an easterly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting at Any Time' (double yellow lines).

The Area Committee is asked to consider and comment upon the following proposals and recommends that the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport Services approves the Legal Advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) as set out in Appendix A and Appendix B of the report, and that subject to no objections being made within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made.

Officer contact: Nicola Ryan on nicola.ryan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting Time’ on Marple Wharf & Church Street, Marple.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport Services approves the Legal Advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) ‘No Waiting Time’ on Marple Wharf & Church Street, Marple for the introduction of double yellow lines as set out in Appendix A and Appendix B of the report, and that subject to no objections being made within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

This report details the findings of a consultation exercise undertaken to ascertain residents’ appetite for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on various streets within Marple District Centre at a cost of £6,000 from the Marple South & High Lane Delegated Ward Budget.

The Area Committee is asked to note the contents of the report detailing the consultation responses and to acknowledge and ratify the Network Management’s recommendation that no further action be taken in this area as the representations received at consultation do not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme as per the approved Stockport Council Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady on gemma.brady@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the findings of a consultation exercise undertaken to ascertain residents’ appetite for the introduction of a residents permit parking scheme on various streets within Marple District Centre at a cost of £6,000 from the Marple South & High Lane Delegated Ward Budget

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Area Committee agrees that no further action be taken in this area as the representations received at consultation do not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme as per the approved Stockport Council Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the details relating to an event application received from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Brabyns Park on Saturday 2 November 2024. This will be their 52nd event to date. The event will run from 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 2 November 2024. However, the organiser will require access from 8.00am on the day of the event to set up and will vacate the site at 10.00am on the 3 November 2024 after completing a litter pick.

The Area Committee is asked to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) for an event application from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Brabyns Park on Saturday 2 November 2024. This will be their 52nd event to date. The event will run from 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 2 November 2024. However, the organiser will require access from 8am on the day of the event to set up and will vacate the site at 10am on the 3rd of November 2024 after completing a litter pick.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Scouts and Girlguiding to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Brabyns Park on Saturday 2 November 2024 between the hours of 6.00pm until 8.30pm on the 2 November 2024 accessing the site from 8.00am on the day of the event to set up and will vacate the site at 10.00am on the 3 November 2024 after completing a litter pick and subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the details relating to an event application received from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish their Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park. The event will take place on Sunday 27 October 2024 between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, permission has been requested to use the park from 1.00pm until 4.30pm to enable event set up and close of the event. There will be a First Aid Tent. The Ride pf Remembrance will involve 100 motorbikes riding through the town. Each rider will carry one of the large street poppies with the name of one of the fallen men from the Marple area. Once in the park, the poppies carried by the riders will be transferred onto the Wall of Remembrance.

The Area Committee is asked to grant the application subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam, 0161 474 3142, jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) for an event application from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish their Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park. The event will take place on Sunday 27 October 2024 between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, permission has been requested to use the park from 1.00pm until 4.30pm to enable event set up and close of the event. There will be a First Aid Tent. The Ride of Remembrance will involve 100 motorbikes riding through the town. Each rider will carry one of the large street poppies with the name of one of the fallen men from the Marple area. Once in the park, the poppies carried by the riders will be transferred onto the Wall of Remembrance.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish their Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park on Sunday 27 October 2024 between 1.00pm and 4.00pm, accessing the site from 1.00pm until 4.30pm to enable event set up and close of the event subject to the event organiser obtaining and providing the relevant paperwork at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including any necessary licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a satisfactory traffic management plan and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal & Democratic Governance.

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 and ward discretionary budget funding (approved only). 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 for 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 area flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.