The Marple Area Committee met on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, to discuss community engagement, traffic regulation orders, and funding applications. Key decisions included recommending the approval of a 20mph speed limit zone on Cote Green Lane Estate and a time-limited coach bay on Stockport Road, and approving several Ward Flexibility Funding applications.

Community Engagement

The committee received updates on various community matters. Councillor Shan Alexander, Chair of the Marple Area Committee, reported on the progress of the Marple Community Hub, with practical completion anticipated by mid-October 2026. External works, including active environment improvements funded by Sport England, were also set to commence. Concerns were raised regarding the enforcement of the council's closed-lid bin collection policy and the conduct of contractors on Stockport Road, with assurances that lessons would be learned for future schemes. Kevin Murray presented proposals for a community event to illuminate the route between the canal locks and Marple Aqueduct, aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health initiatives, which was welcomed by the committee.

A representative from Greater Manchester Police was unable to attend, but members were invited to submit policing-related questions for referral to the local neighbourhood policing team. No questions were raised during the meeting.

Four public questions were submitted. Regarding Brabyns Park and Mill Brow, the committee noted that these matters were under review with the relevant Cabinet Member and Director of Place Management. Concerns about Whitebottom Farm were acknowledged, and it was stated that these issues had been raised with the Deputy Chief Executive and other officers, with ongoing discussions taking place with the farm owner. Councillor Alexander requested a copy of the response to the petition regarding a crossing on Church Lane, Marple.

A petition requesting a residents' parking permit scheme for Willow Grove, Marple, was submitted by Andy Nightingale with 20 signatures. The petitioner highlighted difficulties finding parking due to commuter and town-centre demand. The committee acknowledged the concerns and resolved to refer the petition to the Director of Place Management for investigation.

Eva Holt, Head of Independent Living at Stockport Homes, presented an update on housing management activity and performance data. Members welcomed the Housing Regulator's highest possible C1 grading for Stockport Homes but raised concerns about the repairs satisfaction rating. Stockport Homes committed to investigating this and sharing the information. The suggestion of a generic form for councillors to use when discussing housing concerns with residents was noted. Clarification was sought regarding the discrepancy between the satisfaction to the approach to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the number of ASB cases. Stockport Homes agreed to investigate and report back. The committee resolved to note the report and requested Stockport Homes to address the specific concerns raised.

Lisa Hewitt, Team Manager for the Stockport Support Hub, presented on the work of The Prevention Alliance, which brings together voluntary sector partners to provide early intervention and wellbeing services. The presentation covered the Stockport Support Hub, the 'Your Support' service, transport support, carer support, domestic abuse services, and assistance for the deaf community, highlighting the 'Live Well' initiative. Members welcomed the presentation and discussed community awareness, engagement, and transport support.

The application from The Garden House Marple Charity for Ward Flexibility Funding was withdrawn by the applicant.

The Marple RVS Lunch Club was granted a reduced grant of £700 (£350 from Marple North and £350 from Marple South & High Lane) towards the purchase of a new dishwasher.

Social Events Activities (S.E.A) received a grant of £50 towards hosting Seniors Connections sessions to combat loneliness and isolation.

Green Meadows Neighbourhood Watch was granted a reduced award of £100 towards the renovation of a street planter.

Planning Appeals, Enforcements and Enforcement Appeals

A report was submitted detailing outstanding and recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the Marple Area Committee's jurisdiction. The committee resolved to note the report.

Traffic Regulation Orders

20mph Speed Limit Zone – Cote Green Lane Estate, Marple Bridge: The committee considered an objection to the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit zone on the Cote Green Lane Estate. The objector raised concerns about the lack of evidence to justify the reduction, the effectiveness of existing traffic calming measures, and the potential for increased non-residential traffic. Officers responded by outlining the scheme's alignment with council policy and national guidance, presenting speed data collected from the estate, and highlighting the road safety and public health benefits of lower speeds. The committee resolved to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks, and Transport Services approve the implementation of the 20mph Zone Speed Limit Order as originally advertised, despite the objections received.

Marple Community Hub – Proposed Coach Bay (Time Limited), Stockport Road, Marple: The committee reviewed an objection to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for a time-limited coach bay on Stockport Road, intended to support access to the Marple Community Hub. The objection related to the loss of parking spaces. Officers acknowledged the concerns about parking demand but emphasised the necessity of the coach bay for the safe operation of the hub, particularly for coaches transporting children and groups. The bay is time-limited to weekdays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, with unrestricted parking outside these hours. The committee resolved to recommend that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the TRO as advertised, notwithstanding the objections.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

A report was presented detailing the progress on decisions made by the Area Committee, the current position on ward flexibility funding, and the highway and traffic management delegated budget. The committee resolved to note the report.

The Marple Area Committee's next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 9 September 2026.