The Marple Area Committee met on Wednesday 9 September 2026, discussing ward flexibility funding applications and significant reforms to national planning decision-making processes. Key decisions included approving funding for the Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy project and noting the implications of new government regulations on planning applications.

Ward Flexibility Funding for Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy

The committee considered an application from the Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy for £100 in Ward Flexibility Funding. This funding is intended to contribute towards the cost of creating a piece of artwork with accompanying information boards as a tribute to the Normandy veterans.

Stephen Waite, representing the Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy, explained that the group aims to remember the sacrifices made by veterans and educate younger generations about World War II. The proposed artwork will be displayed at the Stockport War Memorial and will commemorate the 250 men and women from Stockport who participated in the Normandy Campaign. The total project cost is £2,670, with £1,000 already raised through donations and a pledge of £100 from the local MP, Nav Mishra.

Councillors expressed strong support for the project. Councillor Steve Gribbon noted that the initiative is worth every penny and suggested contacting Manchester Airport's local funding initiative for additional support. Councillor Michaela Meikle echoed the appreciation for the group's work and shared personal memories of the Normandy veterans. Councillor Dominic Warner also expressed his delight that the legacy is continuing.

The committee agreed to approve the £100 funding request, with £50 to be allocated from each of the Marple North and Marple South and High Lane wards. The funding will be processed and transferred within six to eight weeks.

Reforms to Planning Committee and National Scheme of Delegation

Mark Burgess, from the council's planning department, presented a report on upcoming government reforms to planning decision-making processes, which will come into effect on 31 October 2026. These reforms introduce a national scheme of delegation, meaning that many planning applications will be determined by officers rather than going to committee.

Under the new regulations, applications will be divided into two categories: Schedule 1 applications, which must be delegated to officers, and Schedule 2 applications, which may be referred to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee if they meet specific gateway tests. These tests involve a nominated officer and a nominated member (proposed to be the Chief Planning Officer and the Chair of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, respectively) agreeing that an application raises a significant planning matter or an economic, social, or environmental issue of significance to the area.

Councillor Colin McAllister expressed concern about the erosion of local voices in planning decisions, noting that elected members would lose their call-in powers, meaning that even applications with numerous objections would be fully delegated to officers if they fall under Schedule 1. He also highlighted that public speaking would move from Area Committees to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee.

Mark Burgess clarified that while Area Committees would no longer have decision-making power on planning applications, they would still be invited to comment, and these comments would be included in reports to the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee. He explained that the gateway test would be applied by the nominated officer and member, and if they disagreed, the application would be delegated to officers. There is no appeal process against this decision.

Councillor Steve Gribbon commented that the reforms represent a sad day for local democracy and suggested that the government's intention is to curtail local voices and speed up development. He also noted that the new regulations, such as automatic approval for developments within a certain radius of a railway station, are predetermining how applications will be accepted.

The committee was asked to note the report, with further consideration of the constitutional changes to follow.

Other Business

• Ward Flexibility Funding - St Thomas Church, High Lane: The application for Ward Flexibility Funding for a defibrillator at St Thomas Church, High Lane, was deferred to the October meeting at the applicant's request due to holidays.
• Neighbourhood Policing: The item on neighbourhood policing was deferred as PC Hannah McNeil was not present. Councillor Steve Gribbon suggested contacting the police to see if a report could be provided for dissemination on social media.
• Appeal Decisions, Current Planning Appeals and Enforcements: The committee noted the report summarising recent appeal decisions and current planning appeals and enforcement actions within the Marple area.
• Application for Diversion of Footpath 137 Marple: The committee recommended authorising the diversion of footpath 137 Marple, subject to objections being forwarded to the Secretary of State if sustained.
• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: The committee noted the report providing an update on progress since the last meeting regarding decisions taken by the Area Committee, including the current position on area flexibility funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The next meeting of the Marple Area Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October 2026.