The Marple Area Committee met on Wednesday 11 September 2024. The committee considered and approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding, granted planning permission for a change of use at 2 Cross Lane, and approved the legal advertising of two Traffic Regulation Orders. The committee also discussed neighbourhood policing, reviewed progress on previous decisions, and noted the results of a resident parking scheme consultation.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Police Sergeant Holmwood from Greater Manchester Police provided an update on neighbourhood policing in the Marple area. He reported that 125 crimes were recorded in the last quarter, representing 5% of Stockport's total. The detection rate for residential burglary and personal robbery had increased. Significant arrests were made in relation to shop theft, including one offender charged with ten offences connected to the Asda petrol station. Concerns were raised about an increase in trespassing on derelict buildings for illegal raves, with police working with the local authority to address security issues. The committee welcomed actions taken regarding off-road bikes and encouraged public reporting of related issues. Members also expressed concerns about speeding vehicles and the dangers posed by e-scooters on public roads, with it being noted that their use on public highways remains illegal. The committee resolved to thank Police Sergeant Holmwood for his attendance and responses.

Ward Flexibility Funding Applications

The committee considered and approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Friends of Cromwell Avenue Park: A grant of £500 was approved towards the purchase and installation of new outdoor play equipment. Councillor Steve Gribbon declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as he knew the applicant, and he left the meeting during its consideration.
• Marple Waterlife Recovery: A grant of £800 was approved towards the purchase of traps for mink removal as part of a nationwide project. This funding was split equally from both ward allocations.
• Marple Local History Society: A grant of £500 was approved towards the purchase of a laptop to assist with processing, storing, editing, and preparing archive material for the organisation's website. Councillors Geoff Abell and Shan Alexander declared personal and prejudicial interests in this item as they knew the applicant, and they left the meeting during its consideration.
• Friends of Etherow Country Park: A grant of £590 was approved towards the purchase of a heavy-duty strimmer/brushcutter to help regain meadow space and improve wildflower growing capabilities.

Planning Application

• 2 Cross Lane, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6DJ: Planning permission was granted for a change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a supported residential care home (Use Class C2) for up to three children. This was a retrospective application.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee approved the legal advertising of two Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for 'No Waiting At Any Time' restrictions:

• Clement Road, Marple Bridge: The order will apply to the east side of Clement Road from its intersection with the projected northern eastern kerb line of Longhurst Lane for a distance of 70 metres in a north-easterly direction. It will also apply to the north side of Longhurst Lane from its intersection with the projected southeastern kerb line of Clement Road for a distance of 10 metres in an easterly direction. The cost of this TRO is £1,000 from the Marple North Delegated Ward Budget.
• Marple Wharf & Church Street, Marple: Approval was given for the legal advertising of a TRO introducing double yellow lines on Marple Wharf and Church Street. This decision was recommended for approval by the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport Services.

Middlewood Way Access Control Amendments

Approval was given to the proposal to carry out works to upgrade access control barriers at five sites along Middlewood Way to align with the Council's current access control policy. The sites are: Rose Hill Recycling Centre (Marple North), Wood Lane North (Marple North), Wood Lane South (Marple North), Middlewood Way / A6 North West (Marple South & High Lane), and Middlewood Way / A6 South West (Marple South & High Lane).

Resident Parking Scheme Consultation

The committee noted the results of a consultation on a residents' permit parking scheme in Marple District Centre. It was agreed that no further action would be taken as the representations received did not meet the minimum criteria outlined in the Stockport Council Residential Parking Scheme Policy.

Park Use Applications

Approval was granted for two park use applications:

• Brabyns Park Bonfire Fireworks Display 2024: The Marple Scouts and Girlguiding were granted permission to hold their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display on Saturday 2 November 2024, between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. This included access from 8:00 am on the day of the event for setup and vacating the site by 10:00 am on 3 November 2024. The approval is subject to the organiser providing necessary paperwork, licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a traffic management plan, and payment of agreed fees.
• Marple Poppy Appeal Ride of Remembrance 2024: Permission was granted for the Marple Area Poppy Appeal to finish their Ride of Remembrance within Marple Memorial Park on Sunday 27 October 2024, between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Access to the park was permitted from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm for setup and close. The event involves 100 motorbikes carrying poppies with the names of fallen soldiers from the Marple area, which will be transferred to the Wall of Remembrance. Money raised will go to the Royal British Legion. The approval is subject to the organiser providing relevant paperwork, licences, health and safety documentation, insurance certificates, a traffic management plan, and payment of agreed fees.

Other Matters

The committee received an update on neighbourhood policing and noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Marple Committee area. An update on the One Stockport Local Neighbourhoods and Prevention Programme was also provided, with members requesting further updates and data comparisons with other areas. The committee also noted a report examining the remit of area committees and expressed satisfaction with the current arrangements. Finally, a report on progress on area committee decisions and the status of area flexibility funding and the highway and traffic management delegated budget was noted.