Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 18 October 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 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:

·       Congratulations were given for the successful Marple Fest and the Christmas lights switch on which took place on 25 November 2023.

·       The Winter Wonderland event in Marple Bridge was due to take place on Saturday 2 December 2023.

·       A Santa on Tour event was due to take place in Marple Bridge on the 13 December 2023 and then in Compstall on the 15 December 2023.

·       The next Police and Communities Together meeting was due to take place at Marple Senior Citizens Hall on the 30 November 2023 beginning at 6:30pm. Residents interested in raising issues were encouraged to attend.

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, but welcomed any neighbourhood policing questions or issues to be raised.

No questions or issues were 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.

One public question was submitted as follows, relating to:

·       The installation of a bin at the Devil’s Elbow layby off Glossop Road to prevent littering in the area.

In response it was stated that this had previously been requested by members and would be followed up on.

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.

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 for Ward Flexibility Funding received from African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £92.28 (£46.14 from Marple North, £46.14 from Marple South) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

A representative of the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Governance submitted an application received on behalf of African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £92.28 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£46.14 from Marple North and £46.14 from Marple South ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from African and Caribbean Community Association for a grant of £92.28 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£46.14 from Marple North and £46.14 from Marple South ward allocation) towards the cost of organising a celebration of International Men’s Day, with health talks and activities regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and high-blood pressure.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding received from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £42 (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

Karen Broadhurst attended the meeting and submitted an application received on behalf of Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £42 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Hurricanes Cheerleading for a grant of £42 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (Marple North ward only) towards the cost of purchasing new club member uniforms for their members.

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/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.

Separation of existing residential annexe to form new dwelling.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC089238 for the separation of existing residential annexe to form new dwelling at Annex, 147 Buxton Road, Hazel Grove,

It was,

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

Erection of a single storey detached log cabin to be used as a temporary dwellinghouse for an agricultural worker.

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

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

In respect of plan no. DC089856 for the erection of a single storey detached log cabin to be used as a temporary dwelling house for an agricultural worker at Beeston Park Farm, Ridge End Fold, Marple,

It was,

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

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Legal and 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 for Legal and Democratic 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 Heatons and Reddish Area Committee.

It was reported that in respect of 83 Stockport Road, Marple, that the compliance period had been extended to February 2024.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides an update on delivering Marple District Centre Action Plan, initial thoughts on how the £5,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund is to be allocated and support for Large Local Centres.

The Area Committee is requested to:

a)    Note the progress made in developing the Marple District Centre Action Plan.

b)    Provide feedback on priority projects to allocate the £5,000 UKSPF to.

c)    Note the plans to develop an information portal to support businesses and organisations in large Local Centres.

Officer contact: Richard Daniels | richard.daniels@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) providing an update on the delivery of the Marple District Centre Action Plan, initial thoughts on how the £5,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund is to be allocated and support for Large Local Centres.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       It was commented that the progress made to date was positive and members welcomed the introduction of the voluntary toilet scheme with local businesses.

·       It was suggested that in future consideration should be given to local residents who have contributed positively to the community to be invited to switch the Christmas lights on, rather a celebrity.

·       Members expressed thanks to officers for the work completed to date on the District Centre Action Plan and it was noted that the funding provided to local groups had a large benefit for the community.

·       It was queried whether the Urban Front project was planned to extend to Marple. It was clarified that there were not any current plans to do so however this could be looked at in the future.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides details relating to the proposal for funding from the Ward Discretionary Budget for the replacement of a 7-metre length of boundary fencing that separates the Seven Stiles Allotments from the public footpath.

The Area Committee is asked to fund the Marple & District Allotment Association £932.89 for their fencing request from the Ward Discretionary Budget and to propose to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services for the recommendation to be approved.

Office 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) detailing the proposal for funding from the Ward Discretionary Budget for the replacement of a 7-metre length of boundary fencing that separates the Seven Stiles Allotments from the public footpath.

Members welcomed the report and thanked officers for collating the report and recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the funding.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the £932.89 funding requested by Marple & District Allotment Association for the replacement of a 7-metre length of boundary fencing that separates the Seven Stiles Allotments from the public footpath and that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services be recommended to approve the recommendation.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides details relating to the Marple Neighbourhood Plan and the next stages in the process before it is formally adopted as part of the development plan for Stockport.

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

Officer contact: Michael Whitehead | 0161 218 1517 | michael.whitehead@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) relating to the Marple Neighbourhood Plan and the next stages in the process before it is formally adopted as part of the development plan for Stockport.

Members expressed thanks for the amount of work that had been put into the preparation of the plan and congratulated the Neighbourhood Forum for its involvement.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and recommended to Council for approval.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides details relating to a desktop study of the parking availability around certain residential streets in Marple District Centre, following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

The Area Committee is asked to note the contents of the desktop study and consider the following options:

a)    To progress to consultation with residents and site surveys at a cost of £6k from the Marple South & High Lane delegated ward budget.

b)    Not to progress with the scheme.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady | gemma.brady@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) relating to a desktop study of the parking availability around certain residential streets in Marple District Centre, following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

RESOLVED – (1)That the report be noted.

(2) That approval be given to progress to consultation with residents and the undertaking of site surveys in relation to the introduction of a Residents Permit Parking Scheme on Queen Street, Lockside, Chadwick Street, Empress Avenue, Church Street, East Vale, John Street and Trinity Street in Marple District Centre at a cost of £6,000 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Marple South & High Lane ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

This report provides details relating to a desktop study of the parking availability for Old Reading Rooms following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

The Area Committee is asked to consider the options below and recommend to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services to approve their recommendation:-

a)    Not to provide permits as per the original planning application.

b)    Provide one temporary permit per property to the existing named residents until they move (any new resident would not be issued with a permit), on approval of the Director for Place Management and the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transportation.

c)    Provide one permit per property as part of a new RPS, unless the area changes and a review is required.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady | gemma.brady@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) relating to a desktop study of the parking availability for Old Reading Rooms following a petition from the residents for a Resident Parking Scheme.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Cabinet Member of Parks, Highways and Transport Services be recommended to approve the following changes to the report -

A temporary single one year resident parking permit per property at a cost of £42.50 per permit.  For 229A Market Place and Flats No 1 – 6 Old Reading Room, George Street Compstall. (Seven in total). During this time surveys will be carried out to assess the impact on the car parks and surrounding streets.  These survey to include weekends, holidays and local festivals as well as weekdays.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides details relating to the parking concerns on George Street, Compstall following a request received from ward members to look at available options for parking on George Street, in front of the Post Office. Currently there are four parking bays which can be used by anyone, with no time restriction.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on and note the report and acknowledge that the decision made on the Old Reading Rooms - Resident Parking Scheme could impact on the proposals.

Officer contact: Gemma Brady | gemma.brady@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) relating to the parking concerns on George Street, Compstall following a request received from ward members to look at available options for parking on George Street, in front of the Post Office. Currently there are four parking bays which can be used by anyone, with no time restriction.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That ward councillors would work with officers on the details to control parking around the post office and that a report be submitted to the January 2024 Area Committee meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report provides the findings of a consultation carried out in March 2023 about the Trial Road Closure of Hartington Road to Park Road, as well as surveys conducted in relation to the trial road closure.

The Area Committee is asked to comment on and note the results of this trial and consultation.

Officer contact: Eraina Smith, Eraina.smith@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) detailing the finds of a consultation carried out in March 2023 about the Trial Road Closure of Hartington Road to Park Road, as well as surveys conducted in relation to the trial road closure.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Concerns were expressed relating to certain issues not included in the report.

·       There was a split among the community and it seemed as though the preference would be the “bypass” which had been communicated to the relevant Cabinet Member.

·       It was important that the scheme is prepared so once the funding becomes available it could be progressed without delays.

·       It was noted that there was a lot of data and options relating to the scheme, which would require specific funding to progress those elements.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

The report provides details an application received from Crazy Legs to hold the Stockport Trail Half Marathon event on greenspace along Middlewood Way from a start point at Wood Lane car park and then goes through High Lane and into Cheshire East. The event will be held on 25 February 2024 between 9.30am -1.30pm with access required from 7am – 2.30pm.  The organisers have agreed to ensure any litter is removed after the event.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve 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, and the payment of agreed fees and charges.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd | 07800 617679 | jacky.budd@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) an application received from Crazy Legs to hold the Stockport Trail Half Marathon event on greenspace along Middlewood Way from a start point at Wood Lane car park and then going through High Lane and into Cheshire East. The event would be held on 25 February 2024 between 9.30am -1.30pm with access required from 7am – 2.30pm. The organisers had agreed to ensure any litter is removed after the event.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application from Crazy Legs to hold the Stockport Trail Half Marathon event on greenspace along Middlewood Way from a start point at Wood Lane car park and then going through High Lane and into Cheshire East. The event would be held on 25 February 2024 between 9.30am -1.30pm with access required from 7am – 2.30pm. The organisers had agreed to ensure any litter is removed after 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, 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. 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 have been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress on decisions taken by the Area Committee since the last meeting and the current position on the Area Flexibility and the Delegated budget.

It was commented that in Appendix C of the report, enquiry number 5634946 that the ‘Site Name’ should be amended to correctly read “Glossop Road” instead of “Compstall Road”

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That in Appendix C of the report, enquiry number 5634946 that the ‘Site Name’ should be amended to correctly read “Glossop Road” instead of “Compstall Road”.