The Marple Area Committee met on Wednesday 12 March 2025 and approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding, totalling £2,574.77, to support local community groups and events. The committee also approved updated proposals for a Traffic Regulation Order on Clement Road, Marple Bridge, to address parking and visibility concerns.

Ward Flexibility Funding Approvals

The committee approved several applications for Ward Flexibility Funding, which is designed to support local initiatives.

• The Garden House Marple Charity received a reduced grant of £350 (£175 from Marple North and £175 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of 12 nature discovery kits. These kits are intended for use by families, individuals, and groups visiting the charity's site. The original application was for £482.26.
• Mellor Open Gardens was granted £500 from the Marple North ward allocation to fund marketing and publicity for their upcoming fundraising event.
• Stockport Sea Cadets received a grant of £117.64 (£88.23 from Marple North and £29.41 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) for the purchase of archery equipment. This will enable the establishment of an archery club for sea cadets and other cadet forces at the Stockport Sea Cadet unit.
• Marple Fest was awarded a reduced grant of £1,800 (£800 from Marple North and £1,000 from Marple South & High Lane ward allocations) towards the cost of installing festoon lighting in the Marple Precinct. The original request was for £4,000. This lighting aims to improve the ambiance and functionality of the town centre, particularly making the southern end of Market Street safer and more accessible after dark.
• Pixies Cheer received a grant of £107.13 from the Marple South & High Lane ward allocation to support the team's participation in the All Star World Championships and Worlds competitive cheerleading competition.
• Brookside Primary School was approved for £1,000 from the Marple South & High Lane ward allocation for the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Fund. This funding will be used to expand and improve the school's gardening club, enabling more children to participate in growing fruit and vegetables, thus promoting local food production and biodiversity.

Traffic Regulation Order on Clement Road, Marple Bridge

The committee approved updated proposals for a 'No Waiting At Any Time' Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Clement Road, Marple Bridge. This decision followed consideration of objections received from local residents. The original proposals aimed to improve visibility and traffic flow around a bend on Clement Road and at the junction with Longhurst Lane.

Objectors raised concerns about the potential for the restrictions to displace parking further down already congested roads, particularly on Longhurst Lane, and the impact on residents who rely on street parking. Some also argued that parked cars currently help to slow traffic.

In response to these concerns and following site visits, officers proposed amendments to the order. The approved updated proposals, shown on Drawing No: NM8 4119 Rev B, will instruct officers to continue with these revised plans. The objectors were informed of this decision. The specific restrictions will apply to the east side of Clement Road from the intersection of the projected northern eastern kerb line of Longhurst Lane for a distance of 42 metres in a north easterly direction, and to the north side of Longhurst Lane from the intersection with the projected southeastern kerb line of Clement Road for a distance of 10 metres in an easterly direction.

Pedestrian Dropped Crossing on Arkwright Road, Marple

The committee considered a report regarding the introduction of a pedestrian dropped crossing on Arkwright Road, Marple, to improve accessibility. The proposal was initiated by a local resident's representation concerning difficulties accessing the footpath by the recreation ground. Marple South & High Lane councillors agreed that measures were needed to enhance accessibility for pedestrians and mobility-impaired users. The estimated cost of £2,500 for the installation and associated works will be funded from the Marple South & High Lane delegated ward budget. The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve these costings.

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 Committee area. The report indicated that there were no planning appeals to consider for the Marple area. However, it detailed ongoing enforcement actions, including a case at 83 Stockport Road, Marple, concerning a change of use of land to a restaurant, and a case at Land at Holly Head, Hollywood Road, Mellor, relating to the use of land for residential purposes and the construction of a dwelling. Another enforcement notice was served at 149 Buxton Road, High Lane, regarding the removal of a fence over one metre in height adjacent to a highway, with an appeal submitted.