Monday 31 October 2016

Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) Public Consultation

The draft Greater Manchester Spacial Framework (GMSF) has been published and is open for consultation from 31st October to 23rd December 2016.


The plan includes approximately 4000 houses in our area.

See map below for local areas affected.

Further details on the draft consultation can be found HERE

Responses may be made online to:  http://gmsf-consult.objective.co.uk or

by email to: GMSF@agma.gov.uk or

by post to: Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team
                  PO Box 532
                  Town Hall
                  Manchester
                  M60 2LA

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Wednesday 26 October 2016

Civic Voice AGM and Convention October 2016

The Civic Voice AGM and Convention took place this year in Chester on 21st and 22nd October. Marple Civic Society was represented by committee members Gillian and Alan Postill and Arthur Procter.

Chester Cathedral



After registration on Friday delegates were treated to tours of Chester including the historic "Rows", the Cathedral, Racecourse and canals.

The conference dinner was held at the Racecourse conference suite followed by a tour of local pubs.

Saturday's business meeting and workshops continued at the racecourse.

Delegates enjoyed a splendid dinner
in the Racecourse conference suite









This has been a year of change for Civic Voice with the appointment of five new trustees, replacing those who have come to the end of their period of office, and the creation of four vice presidents. Joan Humble becomes chair of trustees.

See HERE for details.



Retiring chair Freddie Gick, Gillian Postill, new chair Joan Humble
and Executive Director Ian Harvey


Freddie Gick becomes one of the four newly created vice presidents, the other three are Architect Sir Terry Farrell, Baroness Andrews, former chair of English Heritage and Laura Sandys former chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies.

Griff Rhys Jones continues as Civic Voice President.



More photos HERE

All Photos Arthur Procter

Monday 24 October 2016

Committee Meeting Minutes 27th September 2016

Committee meeting minutes of 27th September 2016 can be viewed HERE

Friday 14 October 2016

Civic Society Host War Memorials Workshop

On Friday 14th October the Society hosted a War Memorials Workshop in Marple library run by Civic Voice, the national charity for the Civic Movement.

The workshop is part of a national project which aims to list and condition survey the estimated 100,000 memorials nationally to protect them for the future.  The project is supported by Civic Voice, War Memorials Trust, Imperial War Museum and Historic England. Further details HERE

The well attended workshop drew delegates from Marple, Stockport and neighbouring towns.  The workshop included a practical session to learn how to survey a war memorial and add it to the national database of war memorials.


Wm Wragg MP, Anna Wilson (Civic Voice),
Gillian Postill (Marple Civic Society),  Joan Humble (Civic Voice Trustee)

Delegates at Work
Workshop delegates visit the memorial in Marple Memorial Park

More photo can be viewed HERE

All photos Arthur Procter

Wednesday 12 October 2016

ASDA Car Parking Update

We're pleased to announce that the ASDA car parking signs now reflect the parking arrangments of the lease agreement dated 13 November 1989 between Stockport Council and the tenant (formerly the Co-op and now ASDA).

After a long battle to get the signs changed last year it was particularly disappointing when ASDA's new car parking operator erected new signs that were again in breach of ASDA's lease agreement with Stockport Council.

Before tackling the problem for the second time we were successful in obtaining the details of the lease agreement from the legal department at Stockport Council; something we didn't succeed in last year as the terms of the agreement were deemed 'confidential between the parties'. (See details of agreement below).

The new car parking signs in ASDA car park, Marple

Details of the Lease Agreement - 1989 - between Stockport Council and ASDA 
(the current tenant)

"The lease provides that the "demised land" is not to be used for anything other than a shoppers' car park and that members of the public may use it between 9am and 9pm Mondays to Saturdays but that during trading hours the tenant (formerly the Co-op and now Asda) can charge vehicles parking there for longer than two hours.  It also states that outside trading hours the car park should be available to the public without charge (but can be closed after midnight"

Saturday 8 October 2016

Civic Society Annual Social Evening

The society held its annual social evening for members and friends last Thursday, 6th October.  Our patron Andrew Stunell (now Lord Stunell) spoke on his "Life in Politics' during the 18 years he has represented us in Parliament.  His wide ranging and entertaining talk looked at the challenges,  joys and occasional sad moments of his work over the past years.




Andrew will continue as Patron of the Civic Society and we wish him well in his new role as a Peer sitting in the House of Lords.





More photos HERE

All Photos Arthur Procter

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Report on Marple Area Committee Meeting 28th September 2016

A report on the Marple Area Committee Meeting that took place on 28th September 2016 can be viewed HERE


Future Marple Area Committee dates:

9th November 2016
14th December 2016
1st February 2017
8th March 2017
12th April 2017

All meetings take place at 6-00pm in Marple Senior Citizens Hall (5.30pm informal discussion with councillors).  
Due to exceptional circumstances the 28th September meeting took place in High Lane Village Hall.

Monday 3 October 2016

Members Social Evening Thursday 6th October

The society's annual members' social evening will take place this Thursday, 6th October, in Marple Library commencing at 7-30pm, doors open at 7.15pm.

Our patron, Lord Andrew Stunell, will speak of "A Life in Politics" - a light hearted look at 18 years as MP for the Hazel Grove constituency, representing the people of Marple in Parliament.

The evening is free to members and friends, please join us for a relaxing evening over a glass of wine and nibbles.

Saturday 1 October 2016

Greater Manchester Spatial Framework - Greenbelt Petition

Our MP, William Wragg MP, has launched a petition to "Protect our Greenbelt".

He is greatly concerned about the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plan and its potential threat to our Greenbelt.  He has launched a petition and is seeking support from residents and community groups.


The first consultation on the GMSF plan is expected to be published within the next few days.  It is rumoured that the plan will have a very significant effect on Marple and High Lane including the greenbelt.  The society will monitor the situation closely and keep members informed of developments. 


In the meantime if you would like to support William Wragg's petition follow the link below.

http://williamwraggmp.wixsite.com/protectourgreenbelt