Planning Minister Nick Boles MP visits Marple Civic Society

Planning Minister Nick Boles MP today visited Marple to speak with Chair of Marple Civic Society, Gillian Postill, and Prospective Conservative MP William Wragg about the issues affecting Marple Town Centre and how sensible development can enhance the town.

The Hollins Road/Stockport Road Junction
which will be widened as part
 of the traffice management scheme

Gillian explained to the Minister that the society supports the town centre foodstore development and views it as a significant regeneration opportunity. However, the supporting traffic management scheme, designed by SMBC traffic engineers without public consultation, is wholly unsatisfactory. The scheme is focused on cars with almost no consideration given to the public  realm or people movement around the town.

Gillian Postill and
 Planning Minister Nick Boles MP

The society is calling for an 'Independent Urban Design Study' of the town to take a fresh look at all the issues relating to modern place-making with the aim of creating a  people-friendly place for Marple town centre. This should include meaningful public consultation.

The Minister was clearly interested in what we had to say and we are glad that he wants to be kept informed; we will certainly keep him updated.

Photos by Arthur Procter

Brief for Planning Minister Nick Boles MP visit to Marple - view here
Planning Minister meets Marple Civic Society - Press Release - May 2014 - view here