The Marple Area Committee considered funding for a defibrillator at the Marple Social and Forces Club and the appointment of councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day services. The committee also reviewed objections to traffic regulation orders near Ludworth Primary School and a retrospective planning application for a BMX/mountain bike track.

Ward Flexibility Funding - Marple Social and Forces Club

An application from the Marple Social and Forces Club for a grant of £685 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget was considered. This funding would be used towards the cost of installing a defibrillator.

Appointment of Councillors to Lay Wreaths at Remembrance Day Services

The committee was asked to appoint councillors to lay wreaths at various war memorials on Remembrance Day, Sunday 10 November 2024. Councillor Shan Alexander and Councillor Colin MacAlister were proposed for the High Lane War Memorial, Councillor Geoff Abell for the Mellor War Memorial, Councillor Micheala Meikle for the Marple Memorial Park, and Councillor Steve Gribbon for the Compstall War Memorial.

Ludworth Primary School Objection Report

The committee considered objections to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders near Ludworth Primary School. The report detailed seven objections, primarily from residents concerned about the reduction of available parking spaces, increased congestion due to the school's expansion, and the impact on residential amenity. Officers responded to each objection, explaining that the proposed restrictions were intended to improve road safety and traffic flow, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. The report recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services approve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Orders as originally advertised, and that objectors be informed of the decision.

Development Applications: Land between Plucksbridge Road and Barlow Wood Drive, Strines

A retrospective planning application for a material change of use of land from agricultural to recreational, comprising a private BMX/mountain bike track with associated earthworks and ramp structures, was considered. The site is located within the Green Belt and a Landscape Character Area, and adjacent to the Peak Forest Canal Conservation Area. Numerous objections were received, citing concerns about the impact on the Green Belt, visual amenity, residential amenity due to noise, highway safety, and protected species and ecology.

The Highway Engineer raised no objection, subject to a satisfactory method statement ensuring the facility remains for private use only and operates in a low-key manner. The Environmental Health Officer also raised no objection, noting the absence of historical nuisance complaints and that the submitted method statement addressed concerns. The Nature Conservation Officer noted the site's potential for protected species but concluded that the development was unlikely to have significant adverse impacts on designated sites or protected species, recommending biodiversity enhancements.

The report concluded that the use of the land as a BMX/mountain bike track is an appropriate facility for outdoor sport and recreation, with limited impact on the openness of the Green Belt and visual amenity. It was considered acceptable in terms of residential amenity, highway safety, and ecological impact, and therefore recommended for approval.

Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations

The committee was asked to provide its views on the current and proposed polling arrangements within the Marple area to inform the 2024 Polling District Review. The report indicated that most current arrangements were legal and deliverable, with only minor amendments proposed. For Marple North (MN), a change was proposed for polling district MN5, moving the polling station from the closed Jubilee Church Hall to Compstall Cricket Club. For Marple South & High Lane, no changes were proposed as existing arrangements were deemed satisfactory and accessible.

Progress on Area Committee Decisions

A report was presented detailing the progress on decisions made by the Area Committee. It noted that there were no outstanding non-traffic related items. Progress on traffic schemes was detailed in Appendix D of the report. The report also provided an update on the Area Flexibility Funding and Ward Discretionary Budget Funding for 2024/25, showing the amounts available and committed grants.