Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2025.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 29 January 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 & Prejudicial Interests

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: -

·       Marple Carnival - will not be taking in June 2025 due to the ongoing work at the Marple Hub.

·       Cadent Works – Mellor works has now started and should take up to 5 weeks to be completed including repairs to the retaining wall in the vicinity of ‘OddFellows’.

·       New charges for car parks – will take effect towards the end of April 2025.

·       Garden Waste charges – will take effect from 1^st April 2025 with further information available online and through ‘stickers on bins’.

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, however, a commitment had been given by Chief Superintendent, Lewis Hughes at the Community & Transport Scrutiny Committee last week regarding the attendance of the Neighbourhood Inspectors to future meetings of the Area Committee.

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.

Four public questions were submitted relating to:-

(i)      Clement Road

In response it was noted that Network Management received a request to investigate parking on Clement Road as motorists were parking on or close to the bend and in doing so, were hindering visibility.  With this in mind, the Council carried out a consultation to look at introducing a Traffic Regulation Order ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) around the bend on Clement Road. During the consultation,  some residents commented that vehicles parking at this point was a rare occurrence, and if vehicles were parked there that they acted as a form of traffic calming as motorists were forced to slow down on the approach to the bend.  This was observed during officers site visits.  Another comment was received at consultation stating that vehicles parking on the right-hand side of Clement Road, just past its junction with Townscliffe, regularly cause issues for the street cleaning vehicle in that they prevented access to the gully for jetting.  This in turn, has a detrimental effect on one of the properties at this point as their cellar is regularly flooded.  On discussing these comments with the local ward councillors, it was suggested that the extent of the double yellow lines be reduced to 42m to prevent vehicles from parking over the gully, enabling access for future street cleaning visits whilst also leaving more unrestricted parking space for motorists. Network Management are unable to comment on the proposals for car park charges – this element falls within the remit of Parking.

(ii)     Private Hedges

In response, it was noted that a routine annual safety inspection is carried out across all adopted highway routes in the borough. The Council are also reliant on residents reporting any such concerns with overgrown vegetation through the below link. Reports submitted in this manner are extremely valuable to us as this ensures the case is assigned quicky to the relevant officer and also allows an accurate method of tracking/recording all actions taken via the following website https://www.stockport.gov.uk/start/report-a-problem-with-trees-or-vegetation

Where the Council deem vegetation from private land to be causing a safety concern we will contact the relevant home/land owner to request the vegetation is cutback. An officer will make an assessment of the site referenced and will respond directly to the questioner.

(iii)   Marple Carnival

In response the Chair read the following draft response. The Council met with the Carnival Committee on the 24th January and made it clear that with the ongoing works for the Marple Hub there were concerns about holding such a large scale event within Marple Memorial Park. The Carnival Committee were advised that they would need to significantly scale back any activity in the park. They were encouraged to consider alternative locations including Brabyns Park and Arkwright Recreation or even additional road closures. The Committee came back to the Council with a set of proposals to adjust and slightly scale back the use of the Marple Memorial Park but rejected Arkwright and Brabyns (too wet and too far away).  The Council met with the Committee again on the 7th February and re-iterated that the area within the park they could use would be significantly smaller and may struggle to get approval from the Event Advisory Group due to safety concerns (limited space and limited access for emergency vehicles) and once again encouraged them to consider alternatives. Though vehicles would not be able to use the main park path to access the site Garth Road could be used. It was suggested that it would be possible to have a Road Closure on Station Road next to the park to provide this additional space for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(iii)

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 Mellor Open Gardens for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £500 (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of marketing and publicity for the Mellor Open Gardens fundraising event.

Malcolm Allan attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Mellor Open Gardens for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of marketing and publicity for the Mellor Open Gardens fundraising event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Mellor Open Gardens for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward allocation only) towards the cost of marketing and publicity for the Mellor Open Gardens fundraising event.

To consider an application received from The Garden House Marple Charity for Ward Flexibility Funding for a grant of £482.26 (£241.13 from Marple North and £241.13 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) toward the cost of 12 nature discovery kits for use by families, individuals and groups when visiting the site.

Hannah Hodgson attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of The Garden House Marple Charity for a grant of £482.26 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£241.13 from Marple North and £241.13 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) toward the cost of 12 nature discovery kits for use by families, individuals and groups when visiting the site.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from The Garden House Marple Charity a reduced grant of £350 for Ward Flexibility Funding for (£175 from Marple North and £175 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) toward the cost of 12 nature discovery kits for use by families, individuals and groups when visiting the site.

To consider an application received from Pixies Cheer for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £1,000 (£107.13 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocation only) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

Emily Riley and Alex Shaw attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Pixies Cheer for a grant of £107.13 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation only) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Pixies Cheer for a grant of £107.13 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation only) towards the cost of the team competing in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.

To consider an application received from Stockport Sea Cadets for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £1000 (£88.23 from Marple North and £29.41 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing archery equipment to start an archery club for the sea cadets and other cadet forces to be held at Stockport Sea Cadet unit.

Guz Davenport attended the meeting and submitted an application on behalf of Stockport Sea Cadets for a grant of £117.64 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£88.23 from Marple North and £29.41 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing archery equipment to start an archery club for the sea cadets and other cadet forces to be held at Stockport Sea Cadet unit.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Stockport Sea Cadets for a grant of £117.64 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£88.23 from Marple North and £29.41 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of purchasing archery equipment to start an archery club for the sea cadets and other cadet forces to be held at Stockport Sea Cadet unit.

To consider an application received from Marple Fest for Ward Flexibility Funding for a total grant of £4000 (£1,500 from Marple North and £2,500 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of installing festoon lighting in the Marple Precinct to improve the ambiance and functionality of the town centre and the outdoor space. The extra lighting will make the southern end of Market Street easier to negotiate when it is dark.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Governance submitted an application received on behalf of Marple Fest for a grant of £4000 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£1,500 from Marple North and £2,500 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of installing festoon lighting in the Marple Precinct to improve the ambiance and functionality of the town centre and the outdoor space. The extra lighting will make the southern end of Market Street easier to negotiate when it is dark.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Marple Fest for a reduced grant of £1,800 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£800 from Marple North and £1,000 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of installing festoon lighting in the Marple Precinct to improve the ambiance and functionality of the town centre and the outdoor space. The extra lighting will make the southern end of Market Street easier to negotiate when it is dark.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report sets out a request for funding to support Marple Fest organisers to install festoon lighting along the pedestrian area of Market Street. The additional funding will support Marple Fest finalising the required target to engage contractors to install the lighting.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on the allocation of funding and to request that the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources approves the use of £1,067.11 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (Marple North) towards the cost of the Festoon Lighting project.

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

A representative of the Director of Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details relating to a request for funding to support Marple Fest organisers to install festoon lighting along the pedestrian area of Market Street. The additional funding will support Marple Fest finalising the required target to engage contractors to install the lighting.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the officers for the support and effort in producing and agreeing the content of the report.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources be recommended to approve an increased grant of £1,317.11 from the Ward Discretionary Budget (£1,067.11 from Marple North and £250 from Marple South & High Lane ward discretionary budget allocations) towards the cost of the Festoon Lighting project.

There are no development applications to consider.

There were no development applications to be considered.

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 on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Assistant Director for 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 joint report of the Director of Place Management & Assistant Director for Governance.

The report provides details of the objections received to a proposed introduction of a ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Clement Road, Marple Bridge.

The Area Committee is asked to consider, comment and approve that Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally advertised as set out in Appendix A, or instruct officers to continue with updated proposals shown on Drawing No: NM8 4119 Rev B and that the objectors are informed of the decision as follows: -

‘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 42 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: Adam Pierce | adam.pierce@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Place Management & Assistant Director for

Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of the objections received to a proposed introduction of a ‘No

Waiting At Any Time’ Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Clement Road, Marple Bridge.

Members welcomed the report and commented that there were cars still parking on the corner of Clement Road which would be monitored.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to instruct officers to continue with the updated proposals (2m) shown on Drawing No: NM8 4119 Rev B and that the objectors are informed of the decision as follows:-

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 42 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 provides details relating to the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Arkwright Road, Marple to aid accessibility.

The Area Committee is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approves the costings for a pedestrian crossing as set out in Drawing no: NM18-6438-01 to be funded from the Marple South & High Lane delegated ward budget.

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 details relating to the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Arkwright Road, Marple to aid accessibility.

Members welcomed the report and commented that the issues were raised relating to the lack of drop kerbs in the area and to improve the accessibility for mobility impaired users and to aid pedestrians.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the pedestrian crossing at a cost of £2,500 as set out in Drawing no: NM18-6438-01 to be funded from the Marple South & High Lane delegated ward budget.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in this area.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the applications and to either approve in full, approve a revised amount or refuse the application.

Officer contact: Nick Leslie | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

The Director for Place Management submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on funding applications that have been submitted for the Stockport CAN Seed Fund in wards in this area.

RESOLVED – That approval be given for the following funding application for the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Funds: -

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.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Marple North Woodley Scheme - was now underway to reduce speed limits in the area.

·       Marple Bridge Post Office - loading bay and car parking consultation was underway again following a previous consultation.

·       Weatherly Drive – road traffic measures (double yellow lines) were being consulted on as well.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.