Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 25 January 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

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the Area Committee with proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informs the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application will enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations are in force.  

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Brown on 0161 474 4843 or email: jon.brown@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for Stockport Council as Highway Authority to acquire powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The report also informed the Area Committee of the process required to submit an application to undertake additional enforcement powers. The submission of any such application would enable Stockport Council to take control of future enforcement once the Regulations were in force.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was stated that there was an error on the report, as the last location should be listed as A6 London Road/ New Moor Lane.

·         It was confirmed that Appendix B to the report contained a list of those locations in the borough that were currently subject to a moving traffic order, however five sites had been selected for the initial consultation in order for the council to gain the powers to enforce these restrictions.

·         Work was scheduled to take place to ensure that the moving traffic orders in currently place remained appropriate and necessary and that the signage to support them was adequate.

·         The proposals in the report were broadly welcomed .

·         In response to a query in relation to the method of enforcement, it was stated that the council already used a number of fixed and mobile ANPR cameras which could be deployed at other locations.

·         Further clarity was requested in relation to the assertion in the report that the proposal would improve air quality.

·         It was commented the consultation should have been focussed around whether the council should assume the powers to enforce from the police, rather than in relation to the five locations selected in the report.

·         It was noted that the council would be unable to enforce speeding offences and double white line contraventions, which would remain a matter for the police.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 –

·         The Marple Neighbourhood Plan was subject to public consultation from 8February until 26 March 2023. Upon closing of consultation, it would be subject to an independent examination, and if successful would go to a referendum.

·         It was commented that proposals for alternative funding sources wer actively being pursued for the Marple Community Hub replacement leisure facility.

·         Following a rejection of the proposed town centre gyratory system, officers had developed a new draft proposal for walking and cycling in the town centre and further afield. It was stated that this would be the subject of a public consultation early in the next municipal year.

·         Covid memorials had been agreed across the borough including at St Thomas’ Church in Marple South.  It was stated that the proposed picnic area at Hawk Green remained subject to ongoing consultation. It was further stated that a memorial was also proposed in Marple Memorial Park.

·         Dates for litter picking as part of the ‘Spring Clean’ initiative were announced for High Lane on 1 April, and in Middlewood Way on the 8 April 2023.

·         Members commented that the upcoming Schools Climate Assemblies would be on the 14March and the 21 March at Stockport Town Hall.

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was reported that Greater Manchester Police was investigating the harassment of library staff at Marple Library. It was reported that the young people involved had been identified, and engagement letters had been sent. No banning letters had been sent out yet as the intention was to carry out early intervention with the young people to allow staff to keep working safely.

·         Members commented that they had arranged for the Marple Youth Project to visit the library on 24 March 2023 to understand issues being experienced by staff.

·         It was commented that local councillors would welcome the reintroduction of police surgeries.

·         Members requested an update on whether there had been any arrests in relation to the four burglaries in the Marple South area.

·         It was stated that there needed to be more enforcement in relation to poor parking on Town Street and whether Traffic PCSOs.

·         Members queried how the police in Marple would make themselves available to the local population following the change of emphasis in Stockport towards neighbourhood-based policing.

RESOLVED – That local policing issues be referred to the Neighbourhood Policing Team for a response.

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.

Six public questions were submitted as follows –

·         Relating to an update on whether any grants had been secured for Marple Swimming Baths in Memorial Park.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the provision of suitable public toilet facilities in Marple, and whether the toilet block at Derby Way could be opened.

In response, it was stated that councillors and the District Centre Manager had spoken to multiple establishments and had identified four businesses that would be willing to participate in voluntary community toilets scheme. With reference to the reopening of the former public toilets on Derby Way, it was stated that in many cases it was not feasible to operate traditional toilet blocks due to maintenance requirements and incidents of vandalism.

·         Relating to the tired aesthetics of the Town Centre, and the ownership of the premises above Hollins and Byles.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the lack of a swimming pool, supermarkets, and shops in Marple.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to the possibility of a set of 9-a-side football posts for Hawk Green, as the small ones were not suitable for older children.

RESOLVED – That, in the absence of the questioner, the Director of Development and Regeneration be requested to respond to the question in writing.

·         Relating to whether advice could be given regarding who to contact in the Council about a budget for road closures for the organisation of annual Rides of Remembrance for the Poppy Appeal.

Members expressed their continued support for the event, and suggested possible avenues of funding. It was noted that further discussions would need to take place around projected costs, after which potential funding could be discussed further.

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides the Area Committee with an update on developing an Action Plan for creating a strong, vibrant and healthy Marple District Centre.

The Area Committee is recommended to:

(1)  Note the partnership approach to developing the Marple Action Plan;

(2)  Comment on the actions within the Marple Action Plan;

(3)  Comment on the allocation of funding to priority projects listed in Section 4.3 of the report.

Officer Contact: Helen Walters on 0161 474 3734 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the Area Committee with an update on developing an Action Plan for creating a strong, vibrant and healthy Marple District Centre.

The following comments were made/issues raised –

·         It was stated that the District Centre Manager was focused on funding opportunities, that collaboration had occurred with Stockport Homes, and that the District Centre Manager would be attending future events to understand what funding groups and organisations could apply for.

·         It was reported that a number of ‘grot spots’ had been identified, and that tidy-up work was planned for a proposed date of 18 March 2023.

·         It was stated that multiple locations for the voluntary community toilets scheme had been identified, and that a small amount of funding had been set aside for this. It was suggested that there was a strong will within traders to be involved in this.

·         It was reported that meetings had occurred regarding wayfinding signage and maps, and that progress was being made. It was stated that this included the consideration of funding, and potential partnerships to support this.

·         It was reported that the proposal for a notice board was being considered for a location near the former Barclays Bank.

·         The action plan was welcomed. 

·         Members expressed concerns regarding the forthcoming closure of M&Co, and commented that it would be necessary to solve the problem of vacant premises.

·         Members commented that further significant investment was necessary .

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Help the Hatters for a grant of £95.22 (£47.61 from Marple North and £47.61 from Marple South wards allocation) towards the cost of refurbishing the Swanbourne Gardens in Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

A representative of the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted an application received on behalf of Help the Hatters for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of refurbishing Swanbourne Gardens, Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and to assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

RESOLVED – That approval be given approval to an application from Help the Hatters for a grant of £95.22 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (£47.61 from each ward allocation) towards the cost of refurbishing Swanbourne Gardens, Edgeley, to prevent damage to the interior of the facility and to assist with the cost of the St Francis House toy appeal.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from High Lane Cricket Club for a grant of £500.00 (Marple South ward allocation only) towards the cost of purchasing and installing an externally accessible defibrillator outside the clubhouse. 

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of High Lane Cricket Club for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing and installing an externally accessible defibrillator outside the clubhouse.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from High Lane Cricket Club for a grant of £451.08 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing and installing an externally accessible defibrillator outside the clubhouse.

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 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/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.

Demolition of existing single storey bungalow and erection of replacement two storey dwellinghouse.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC084444 for the demolition of existing single storey bungalow and erection of replacement two story dwellinghouse at Werneth View, Glossop Road, Marple Bridge,

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 – (1) That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to undertake a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on the residential and visual amenity of the neighbouring property.

(2) That should the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be minded to grant planning permission, that a condition be imposed to require details of how the front elevation of Marlea would be treated to ensure this was acceptable from a visual perspective.

(3) That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to seek clarification of the land ownership issues identified by the Area Committee prior to its determination by the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee.

Demolition of existing 3 bedroomed dwellinghouse and erection of replacement 6 bedroomed dwellinghouse.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC085948 for the demolition of the existing 3 bedroomed dwellinghouse and erection of replacement 6 bedroomed dwellinghouse at Byways, 5 Whetmorhurst Lane, Mellor, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee be recommended to grant planning permission.

Erection of agricultural building.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC087408 for the erection of an agricultural building at Mellor Moor Cottage, Cobden Edge, Mellor, Stockport, it was

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Highways be recommended to grant planning permission.

Proposed single storey studio building in place of existing garage.

The Area Committee is recommended to grant planning permission.

Officer Contact: Anthony Smith on 0161 474 3569 or email: anthony.smith@stockport.gov.uk.

In respect of plan no. DC087502 for a proposed single storey studio building in place of an existing garage at 3 Silverdale Close, High Lane, it was

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 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 enforcement action within the Marple Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report details a proposal for the use of delegated ward budget to create a synthetic surface beneath the two picnic benches within the Infants Play Area in Marple Memorial Park.

The Area Committee is recommended to give approval to the replacement of the loose material under the picnic benches in the Marple Memorial Park Infants Play Area with a synthetic surface at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

Officer contact: Jonathan Headlam on 0161 474 3142 or email: jonathan.headlam@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking approval for the use of delegated ward budget to create a synthetic surface beneath the two picnic benches within the Infants Play Area in Marple Memorial Park.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the replacement of the loose material under the picnic benches in the Marple Memorial Park Infants Play Area with a synthetic surface at a cost of £800 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple North ward allocation).

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

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has undertaken a review of the council’s electoral arrangements and made recommendations for new warding patterns, to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of the borough’s new warding arrangements is that the existing boundaries of the council’s seven area committees are no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the council must therefore establish new arrangements.

The Area Committee is recommended to consider the revised boundaries for area committees and to make a recommendation for consideration by the Cabinet prior to a final decision being made by the Council Meeting on 30 March 2023.

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) setting out the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of the Council’s electoral arrangements and recommendations for new warding patterns to be used for the May 2023 Local Elections onwards.

A consequence of those new warding arrangement was that the existing boundaries of the Council’s seven area committees were no longer coterminous with the new ward boundaries that will be in place for the 2023/24 municipal year and that the Council must therefore establish new arrangements.

It was noted that a suggestion had previously been made that Marple and Werneth area committees could be amalgamated.  It was stated that while this would represent an area committee that would be roughly commensurate in population to other four ward area committees in the borough, it would be geographically difficult to manage as it would include the three largest wards in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the revised boundaries for area committees as detailed in Section 3.5 of the report.

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

With the consent of the Area Committee, this item was withdrawn.

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) submitted a report of the Director of Place Management (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and detailing the current position on ward flexibility funding. The report also included the current position on highway and traffic management delegated budget.

It was commented that a previously agreed survey of traffic and speed conditions on Moor End Road, Mellor was absent from the report.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.