The Marple Area Committee met on Wednesday 31 July 2024, discussing a range of local issues including the Marple District Centre Action Plan, ward flexibility funding applications, and several development applications. Key decisions included approving funding for a defibrillator at Greater Manchester Independent School (Marple) and for materials for the Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club, as well as granting planning permission for a new dwelling off Middlewood View.

Marple District Centre Action Plan Update

Richard Daniels provided an update on the Marple District Centre Action Plan, highlighting recent successes and priorities for the next six months. The committee noted the progress made in delivering projects and events, and provided feedback on initial ideas for priority projects to allocate £5,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This funding is intended for events and small-scale improvements, and will be discussed further with the Marple Vision Group.

Ward Flexibility Funding

The committee approved two applications for Ward Flexibility Funding:

• Greater Manchester Independent School (Marple): A grant of £500 (£250 from each ward allocation) was approved towards the cost of installing an external defibrillator, which will serve as a valuable community resource.
• Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club: A grant of £55.88 (£27.94 from each ward allocation) was approved towards the cost of materials for fundraising, publicity, and raising awareness of the club, which aims to combat isolation and loneliness among veterans.

Development Applications

The committee considered several development applications:

• DC089427: Land off Middlewood View, High Lane, Stockport

  • Proposal: Erection of one dwellinghouse with proposed access from Windlehurst Court, with associated parking and private amenity space.
  • Decision: Planning permission was granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
  • Discussion: Councillor Aron Thornley declared a personal interest as a neighbouring property was owned by a relative. A member of the public spoke against the application, citing concerns about access, public safety, parking, and potential overlooking. The applicant's representative spoke in support. The officer's report recommended granting permission, noting the site's location within a predominantly residential area and the need for housing supply, while also addressing concerns raised by consultees regarding highway safety, landscaping, ecology, and contaminated land. A Section 106 agreement was required to secure developer contributions towards recreational open space.

• DC090869: 2 Cross Lane, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6DJ

  • Proposal: Change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a supported residential care home (Use Class C2) for up to three children (retrospective).
  • Decision: The application was deferred until the next meeting to allow comments from Greater Manchester Police to be obtained.
  • Discussion: A member of the public spoke against the application, raising concerns about historical issues with the property operating as a children's home, including noise, disruption, crime, and anti-social behaviour, citing numerous police call-outs and Ofsted closures in the past. The applicant spoke in support, highlighting the need for such facilities and the management plan in place. The officer's report acknowledged the concerns but noted that the operation and regulation of children's homes are managed by Ofsted, not the planning system, and that the use for up to three children is similar in nature to a large family dwellinghouse. The Highway Engineer raised no objection subject to a condition for cycle parking, and the Environmental Health Officer also raised no objection regarding noise and amenity. However, the Children's Commissioning Team requested refusal due to an over-supply of children's homes in Stockport.

• DC091420: Marple Library, Memorial Park, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6BA

  • Proposal: Demolition of existing Marple Library, Marple Clinic, and Marple Police Station buildings, and erection of a leisure and community building (Use Class E, F1, and F2) with associated parking, landscaping, drainage, pedestrian, and highways improvements.
  • Decision: The Planning & Highways Regulation Committee was recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.
  • Discussion: The applicant spoke in support of the application, which seeks to deliver a new 'Marple Community Hub' funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund. The proposal includes a swimming pool, fitness suite, community rooms, a library, and a health clinic. Extensive pre-application consultation had been undertaken, resulting in amendments to the scheme, including a reduction in floors, improved accessibility, increased parking, and enhanced landscaping. Concerns were raised by neighbours regarding the visual impact, loss of privacy, noise and light pollution, traffic, and parking. Consultees provided detailed responses, with the Highway Engineer raising no objection subject to conditions and a legal agreement for traffic regulation orders. The Conservation Officer noted 'less than substantial harm' to heritage assets, which was weighed against the public benefits. The Nature Development Officer recommended further bat surveys, and conditions were proposed to ensure Biodiversity Net Gain. The Environmental Health Officer raised concerns about light spillage, and conditions were recommended. The scheme was considered to meet sustainability targets, including aiming for net-zero carbon in operation.

Other Business

• Appeal Decisions, Current Planning Appeals and Enforcements: The committee noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Marple area. The appeal relating to Bowden House was dismissed. Members requested a review of the 'Lomber Hey Farm' application.
• Review of Outcomes Tour: The committee nominated Northwood Close and Church Street to be included on the list of sites to be inspected on the 2024 Annual Review of Outcomes Tour. No members were nominated to attend as two members of the Marple Area Committee were already members of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, which attends the tour.
• Bus Pinch Points - Zebra Crossing, Compstall Road, Marple Bridge: The committee recommended to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services to approve the Zebra Crossing scheme and progress legal advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). They also recommended that the Cabinet Member consider the proposal for four short-stay parking bays and one disabled parking bay. Public consultation showed majority support for the crossing, though concerns were raised about parking and bus stop relocation.
• Marple Area Cycling and Walking Strategy (MACAWS): The committee recommended to the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services to approve measures C, D, and Additional Measures 1, 2, and 3 for future funding bids. Measures A, B, and E were not recommended for approval due to public opposition or feasibility concerns.
• Resident Parking Scheme Consultation Results - Marple District Centre: The committee noted the contents of the report detailing the consultation responses and acknowledged and ratified Network Management's recommendation that no further action be taken, as the representations received did not meet the minimum criteria to progress a scheme.
• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: The committee noted a report providing an update on decisions taken at previous meetings, including the current position on ward flexibility funding and delegated budgets.