Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2025.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 March 2025 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 Interest

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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

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

·       Garden Waste Charges – been delayed by a week and could still apply online and in public libraries.

·       Car park charges – in Marple Bridge & High Lane will commence within a month.

·       Marple Fest – coming soon with festoon lighting being installed

·       Marple Hub - road crossings being installed on Stockport Road and Hollands Lane

·       Removing the A Frames on Middlewood Lane – following national guidelines

·       80^th Anniversary of VE Day Celebrations (8^th May) taking place on 10^th May 2025 on the Hollins in Marple to celebrate and remember.

·       Marple – Garrington Property Finders promote that Marple is the third best place to live.

·       Cadent – Ward Councillors to meet with Cadent to discuss ongoing road works (Longhurst Lane) and possible community payback for the disruptions.

·       BRSK- Ward Councillors to meet with the company regarding the erection of telegraph poles that has been causing some local issues.

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

Inspector Amreek Singh (Greater Manchester Police) attended the meeting to answer any questions from councillors or members of the public in relation to neighbourhood policing issues within the area represented by the Marple Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·       Recent arrest made and a person charged with sexual assault following a male person threatening primary school children and one child being assaulted. The male person was also charged for a series of six thefts following investigations in the Marple area.

·       Several youths identified and searched for ongoing anti-social behaviour in the Marple area involving shoplifting.

·       High visibility patrols were being undertaken in the Marple area to assist with the issues related to off-road bikes following recent reports by local residents, as a result there had been a significant decrease.

·       Following intelligence shared by local residents related to off-road bikes and timeframes and clothing worn three males were arrested and charged.

·       Operation Finland would be the new approach for off-road bikes in the coming spring/summer months, this would be evidence led and will be focused on reducing the harm these off-road bikes can cause.

·       Speed guns would be back in Marple involving volunteers and co-ordinators as a joint approach with a new police officer in post. The work would be done in the mornings at various times across Marple.

·       Several persons were arrested in Bredbury for a breach of a closure order and following a search of the property a controlled substance was found with a value of about £200,000.

·       It had been reported that crime was down by about 7.2% across Greater Manchester over the last 12 months in comparison to last year’s figures which was about 20,000 fewer crimes being committed which averages about 50 persons per day were safer.

·       All recorded burglaries were down by about 24% including businesses which was down by 27% and residential burglaries down by 23.1%.

·       It was noted that for reporting crime and it was an emergency it would be 999 and for non-emergency would be 101, there was also the online reporting tool and also ‘crimestoppers’ and ‘fearless’ for young people.

·       Members noted the positive approach and very visible presence of officers across Marple.

·       It was highlighted that there had been some issues in the Etherow Car Park at night relating to anti-social behaviour and parked cars. In response, it was noted that it was on the patrol schedule and was being monitored.

·       Members expressed their thanks Rachel Walton for staying in touch and communicating with ward councillors.

·       Clarification was sought regarding e-scooters and electric bikes and the recent increase in road usage and the dangers. In response, it was stated that it was within ‘Operation Finland’ and was all about prevention and raising awareness among parents and children through schools, parent mail and attending parents evening. It had been difficult to control the sale of these items due to how much it was available on various platforms.

·       Concern was raised regarding the police taking stronger action against these e-scooters and electric bikes. In response, it was confirmed that arrests are being made with the evidence being collated, but it was becoming harder with the intelligence from local residents.

·       It was noted that the PACT meeting schedule for the remainder of the year will be completed and shared with councillors.

·       It was clarified that the community speed watch was set up in High Lane Marple about a year and half ago and residents of Strines had reached out to the local MP and the residents of Strines are keen on being involved in the next speedwatch team.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Amreek Singh be thanked for his attendance and update.

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 on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

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

No petitions were submitted.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation has indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

In accordance with the Code of Practice no organisation indicated that they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum arrangements.

To consider an application received from Compstall Cricket Club for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £971.94 (£700 from Marple North and £135.97 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of foldable tables and stackable chairs to maximise the use of space and make it easier for volunteers to organise events.

Laura Cooke attended the meeting and submitted an application received from Compstall Cricket Club for a grant of £971.94 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£700 from Marple North and £135.97 from Marple South and High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of foldable tables and stackable chairs to maximise the use of space and make it easier for volunteers to organise events.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Compstall Cricket Club for a reduced grant of £550 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£350 from Marple North and £200 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of foldable tables and stackable chairs to maximise the use of space and make it easier for volunteers to organise events.

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. The 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 Governance outlined the procedure approved by the Council for public speaking on planning applications.

Material change of use of land from agricultural to recreational, comprising a private use BMX/mountain bike track, with associated earth works and ramp structures (Retrospective).

The Area Committee is requested to grant planning permission.

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

Material change of use of land from agricultural to recreational, comprising a private use BMX/mountain bike track, with associated earth works and ramp structures (Retrospective).

a member of the public spoke against the application; and

the applicant spoke in support of the application.

It was then,

RESOLVED – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee recommended to undertake a site visit.

(2)  Then referral to the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee for determination.

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for 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 for Governance submitted a report (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 Executive Director for People and Neighbourhoods.

The report provides the latest update on Stockport Live Well building on the report brought in September 2024 on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme, specifically neighbourhood profiles and outlines the key areas of focus for the next 12 months, in particular an update on development of the Stockport neighbourhood model (including networks, meetings, coordination and leadership).

The Area Committee is asked to: -

(a)  Comment on and to note the report.

(b)  Provide local advice to the development of the networks in particular to suggest venues for future network meetings.

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

Holly Rae submitted a report on behalf of the Executive Director for People and Neighbourhoods (copies of which had been circulated) providing the latest update on Stockport Live Well building on the report brought in September 2024 on the Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme, specifically neighbourhood profiles and outlines the key areas of focus for the next 12 months, in particular an update on development of the Stockport neighbourhood model (including networks, meetings, coordination and leadership).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomes the report and the positive news relating to the networks and meetings being held.

·       Clarification was sought regarding how the programme will be advertised and communicated to the local community and the messaging to be used so it is not too ‘corporate’. In response, it was noted that ideas would also be welcomed from ward councillors, but there was a programme of events being organised to promote the events through networking, Eventbrite invites, linking into community groups and area leadership teams and using neighbourhood networking to drive community involvement.

·       Members expressed their concerns that they were finding it difficult to understand what the programme was and that people in Marple had not heard about it before and would find it difficult to understand. In response, it was stated that it was about re-shaping how people work together within neighbourhoods and aligning teams to local neighbourhoods to develop stronger relationships with other agencies. It was also about a culture of prevention and moving the resources to work better within communities and neighbourhoods.

·       It was commented that the messaging had been confusing and it needed to be simple as possible for neighbourhoods to understand e.g. sharing a method statement or poster with online meetings as well to involve communities and volunteer groups. It needs to be seen to be beneficial to the communities as people will get turned off with the corporate approach and language being used.

·       It was noted that the ‘team around the place’ was working with GP practices and collaborating within the communities.

·       Members commented that the council as a statutory body should be reaching out to the voluntary sector in Marple and to the wider community groups to help improve the health and wellbeing for people in Marple.

·       It was noted that the ‘Marple Vision’ was a good example to follow in terms of building the cultural offer, voluntary networks and meeting with the community to build relationships and develop programmes.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report outlines the proposed diversion of 4 Public Rights of Way at Knowle Farm, Mellor.

The Area Committee is asked to: -

a)    Authorise the making of an order under Section 119 Highways Act 1980 to divert footpaths 103, 107, 109 and 110, Marple as shown on the plan in Appendix A and authorise the order to be additionally made under s.53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add the diverted routes to the Definitive Map.

b)    In the event that objections are received and sustained to the order, forward the order to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Officer contact: Nicholas Robinson | nicholas.robinson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director for Place Management submitted a joint report of the Director for Place Management and the Assistant Director for Governance outlining the proposed diversion of 4 Public Rights of Way at Knowle Farm, Mellor.

Members welcomed the report and acknowledged that it would help support local businesses.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for: –

a)    the making of an order under Section 119 Highways Act 1980 to divert footpaths 103, 107, 109 and 110, Marple as shown on the plan in Appendix A (attached to the report) and authorises the order to be additionally made under s.53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add the diverted routes to the Definitive Map.

b)    the event that objections are received and sustained to the order, that the order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report presents the findings of a consultation exercise and seeks the approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in relation to the S38 on the former Compstall Printworks, Andrew Street, Compstall DC/075491.

The Area Committee is asked to consider and comment on the report and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approves the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made: -

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

Proposed

Cotton Lane – (North Side)

From the intersection of the western kerbline of Andrew Street for a distance of 108 metres in a westerly direction

Cotton Lane – (South Side)

From the intersection of the western kerbline of Andrew Street for a distance of 112 metres in a westerly direction

Weavers Close – (Both Sides)

From the intersection of the southern kerbline of Cotton Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a southerly direction

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the findings of a consultation exercise and seeking the approval for the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in relation to the S38 on the former Compstall Printworks, Andrew Street, Compstall DC/075491.

Members welcomed the report.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to approve the legal advertising of the following Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) set out in Appendix A and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date, the order can be made: -

‘No Waiting At Any Time’

Proposed

Cotton Lane – (North Side)

From the intersection of the western kerbline of Andrew Street for a distance of 108 metres in a westerly direction.

Cotton Lane – (South Side)

From the intersection of the western kerbline of Andrew Street for a distance of 112 metres in a westerly direction.

Weavers Close – (Both Sides)

From the intersection of the southern kerbline of Cotton Lane for a distance of 15 metres in a southerly direction.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details an application received from Marple Runners to hold their 8th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 22 June 2025. 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 give approval and the application be granted 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 Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application received from Marple Runners to hold their 8th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 22 June 2025.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Runners to hold their 8th Annual Carnival 10K Trail Race and a 2K Family Fun Run on Sunday 22 June 2025. 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, 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 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 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.