Car Parking Charges in Marple

Stockport MBC are proposing to increase parking charges throughout the borough as a way of incresing revenue.

A report has been prepared by officers that looks at a number of proposals. Those affecting Marple include charging 50p for the first two hours and removing the one hour tariff band.  The proposals include charging for the two car parks on Brabyns Brow (opposite the station and opposite the entrance to Brabyns Park) that are currently free of charge.  The full report can be viewed HERE

The report went out to consultation at the beginning of November 2017 and the consultation closed on the 30th November 2017.

The report will be discussed by the Council cabinet on the 19th December 2017.

St Martin's Christmas Tree Festival

Once again the society is taking part in the St Martin's Church Christmas tree festival.  

The Mayor of Stockport Judging Our Tree

As in previous years member Kathryn Procter has installed and decorated the tree. Many thanks to Kathryn for doing a splendid job and to Arthur Procter for the photos.

Other Trees Displayed by the Marple Community

If you have time, try to pop in to St Martin's church on Brabyn's Brow to see the Festival and enjoy the many trees on display from the Marple community.

Committee Meeting Minutes 28th November 2017

Committee Meeting minutes for 28th November 2017 can be viewed HERE

Marple Area Committee Meeting 8th November 2017

A report on the Marple Area Committee Meeting that took place on 8th November 2017 can be viewed HERE

All MAC meetings are now webcast over the internet.  This means that meetings can be viewed as they happen.  Following transmission webcasts are archived on the council's website for 6 months for later viewing.

Follow the link below to view live webcasts and click on "Library" to view archived webcasts.

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=9028&Ver=4

Future Marple Area Committee dates:

13th December 2017
31st January 2018
7th March 2018
18th April 2018
6th June 2018
11th July 2018
8th August 2018
26th September 2018
7th November 2018
12th December 2018
30th January 2019
6th March 2019
10th April 2019

Lime Kilns Talk at Society's Social Evening

The society's annual social evening took place on Thursday 12th October 2017.  Our speaker, Norman Redhead, gave a very interesting presentation on work carried out at Marple Lime Kilns as part of the "Revealing Oldknow's Legacy" project.

Norman, who is Heritage Management Director at the University of Salford, described some of the intersting finds at the Lime Kilns and surrounding area during the project.  The site is of major archaeological interest and further work is envisaged on completion of the "Oldknow" project early next year.

Norman drew our attention to two forthcoming events that may interest members.

The "Oldknow's Legacy" project team are hoping to form a "Friends" group for the Lime Kilns.
An event has been organised on 28th october 2017 at the Lime Kilns, see below for details.

Marple Lime Kilns Needs YOU!

We are forming a friends group.

Get involved from the beginning.

This 200-year old protected structure wants you to grow its hidden potential.

Walks, talks and conversation over refreshments and food

Places are limited – Please Book

Speakers: Maria Luczak, Luczak Associates, Landscape Management & Heritage;

Norman Redhead, Heritage Management Director for Archaeology Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service

Representatives of the Revealing Oldknow’s Legacy Project and Stockport Council’s Greenspace Team will also be there to outline available support.

Date: Saturday 28th October 2017

Time: 11am - 2pm

Venue: Marple Lime Kilns & Marple Forces Club, 3 Lime Kiln Lane, Marple, Stockport. SK6-6BX

Where to meet us: Meet us at the foot of the gothic Lime Kilns façade, to find out more about the history and special features of this unique site, the impending landscaping and recent discoveries.

From there we can retire to the Social Forces Club for talks and conversation over refreshments and food whilst we consider its bright future.

Everyone welcome: Anyone with an interest in social & industrial heritage, ecology, green spaces & parklands and the enthusiasm of being part of a new group. Not sure what you can bring to the session. Bring yourself and we will help you work it out.

No age restrictions: A crafty table will be available to keep children entertained. Halloween Lantern bags for all to enjoy.

Contact Details:

Natasha Lolljee 

Project Volunteer Co-ordinator

Revealing Oldknow’s Legacy in Marple 

mailto:Natasha.Lolljee@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Mobile: 07876 477977 

www.oldknows.com

@oldknows_Marple 

Finally, Greater Manchester Archaeological day will take place on 25th November 2017 at University of Salford,  see HERE for details.

Members Social Evening Thursday 12th October

The society's annual members' social and speaker evening will take place this Thursday - everyone is welcome. Doors open 7.15pm                                 

    
  Topic: Marple Lime Kilns - Revealing Oldknow's Legacy  

                                                     3 years and beyond....................

                       Speaker: Norman Redhead - Heritage Management Director 

                                                     (Archaeology) at the University of Salford
                       Venue: Marple Library 12th October - 7.30 - 9.30pm

                          

Norman Redhead

As the 3 year Heritage Lottery Funded Project comes to a close, what have we learnt about the Lime Kilns? What does the future hold for this important scheduled monument that tells us so much about Marple's past? Come along to find out how the research and archaeological investigations of the 3 year project have enhanced our knowledge and understanding of Marple's history and heritage.

Most importantly, learn how the 'management plan' will take the project forward and protect the monument for future generations. 

This is an open meeting, free of charge, and all are welcome 

 join us at 7.15pm for a glass of wine and nibbles - we look forward to seeing you.

Stockport Local Plan & SEMMMS Refresh - Civic Society Response to Stockport MBC Consultations

Marple Civic Society's response to the Stockport MBC consultations on the draft Local Plan & SEMMMS refresh can be viewed HERE

The closing date for responses is 8th October 2017, so there is still time to                               send individual responses.  Please feel free to use the Civic Society response                         to inform your response if you wish.

Summary of Response
Taken together, the draft Local Plan Issues and Options and SEMMMS consultations:

1. Land-use planning and transport planning are fundamentally linked but the papers do not explain how these two issues can or will be progressed together. We think they should have been presented as one paper, not as separate consultations. This is essential if we want to plan successful, balanced communities in Stockport and to create inclusive places with a good quality of life.
   
   
2. The SEMMMS paper does not acknowledge that from 2001-17 the only substantive SEMMMS delivery has been road schemes (new roads, plus some limited bus priority improvements); there has been almost no delivery of alternative schemes. More important than a wish-list of schemes is the creation of a clear delivery mechanism for all modes of transport, particularly public transport and cycling, not just the new road element.
   
   
3. A much more thorough approach to the District Centres as shopping and service centres should be taken and their ‘health’ examined more carefully. Attention should be paid to the quality of public realm and the need to ensure traffic does not dominate communities.
   
   
4. The role of Neighbourhood Plans is ignored – these are a part of the statutory planning system and several plans are in active preparation.
   
   
5. There is not enough concern with housing quality, and no real discussion about density. Target numbers appear to dominate thinking. High density is fully compatible with high quality – there is ample evidence that ‘compact city’ development in northern Europe creates better housing and better environments than we do in Stockport.
   
   
6. Employment should be better linked with housing, and be less Stockport-centric
   
   
7. Green Belt development should be a last resort, and the focus for new housing should be on existing urban areas
   
   
8. Green Infrastructure should be an integral part of new developments 
   
   
   

Committee Meeting Minutes 26th September 2017

Committee Meeting minutes for 26th September 2017 can be viewed HERE

Marple Wharf Housing Development - Planning Application DC/067000 and Listed Building consent DC/067001

The society's planning team has sent a response to Stockport MBC Planning Department to recommend refusal of planning application DC/067000 and Listed Building consent DC/067001, for a housing development, including conversion of the Grade II listed warehouse into a luxury house, at Marple                                 Wharf (Canal and River Trust Yard), Church Street, Marple, SK6 6BN

Marple Wharf Warehouse
under threat of convertion to a 4 bedroommed house

To view the application documents see HERE 

To view the Society's response see HERE

Feel free to use the Society's response to help you write your own response. 

It will add weight if you say it in your own words but the important thing is to respond - be sure to state that your response is to both applications: planning application DC/067000 and Listed Building consent DC/067001 and copy your response to our local councillors if possible.

The planning application will come to Marple Area Committee to be judged by our local councillors. Responses will be received and considered by SMBC planning officer until a decision is made.

Public opinion really does matter with this application 

............please, please respond..........

Our best guess is that it will be the December Area Commitee meeting. As soon as the date is confirmed we will email members and put the date and details on the website

Check the website regularly so you don't miss the Marple Area Committee date 

A "38 Degrees" petition to Stockport Council to reject the application has been set up 

Sign the petition HERE

DC/067001

Town Centre Regeneration - Neighbourhood Forum AGM

Phil Jones

Phil Jones, of Phil Jones Associates, will speak about town centre regeneration at the Neighbourhood Forum AGM this Saturday 30th September.  Phil will present the Urban Design Study he carried out for Marple Civic Society (funded largely by Marple Vision Partnership) to demonstrate how a holistic approach and sensitively designed streets can help to achieve a better town centre for Marple, making it more attractive and easier to move around, especially on foot.

The meeting will take place at the United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane between         10am and 12-00 noon.

This is a public meeting, free of charge and everyone is welcome - we hope to see you there.

More information on town centre regeneration can be found in our September Newsletter HERE

attend the NP Forum AGM on Saturday 30th September to hear Phil Jones talk

about the Tra

ffi

c and Street Design Report and alternative solutions for Marple.

Venue is United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane 10-12noonattend the NP Forum AGM on Saturday 30th September to hear Phil Jones talk

about the Tra

ffi

c and Street Design Report and alternative solutions for Marple.

Venue is United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane 10-12noonattend the NP Forum AGM on Saturday 30th September to hear Phil Jones talk

about the Tra

ffi

c and Street Design Report and alternative solutions for Marple.

Venue is United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane 10-12noon

Newsletter September 2017 - Edition 13

The society's September 2017 Newsletter is now available.

        The newsletter concentrates on 3 'Major Marple Matters':

1. Town Centre Regeneration - new traffic and street design for Marple Town Centre!
don't miss Phil Jones Associates present the community Urban Design Study - Phil will demonstrate how a holistic approach and sensitively designed streets can help to achieve a better town centre for Marple, making it more attractive and easier to move around, especially on foot. Come along to the Neighbourhood Forum AGM on 30th September - Further details in the newsletter below

2. Marple Wharf Development - it's arrived.... the planning application for Marple Wharf and the warehouse. It is now time, the last time,  for you to have your say. If you don't like what you see you have until 28th September to get your opinion heard. More information about the proposed development and how to respond in the newsletter and news item below

3. Planning and Transport Consultations - these two Council plans will decide how Marple grows and how transport is  dealt with until 2035-2040. Once in place, these plans will be very hard to change so it important to get them right now. The society's response will be available on the website to help you to respond if you wish or you can wade through the official documents if you feel inclined. Closing date for responses 8th October - Further details in the newsletter below

To view the full Newsletter see HERE 

(NB the link opens a preview page in OneDrive, click on the "Download" button to view a high resolution copy)

Marple Wharf - Planning application - How to respond

At last the planning application for developing Marple Wharf has arrived. The developer, H20 Urban, has submitted an application on behalf of the Canal & River Trust (CRT), the charity which took over from British Waterways to maintain, preserve and promote the nations canal network and its heritage.

We recognise that CRT need to raise funds but not by destroying the heritage it is charged with preserving. The final scheme fails in so many ways - quite simply, the development is just too much for the site resulting in problems of over development :   

- Inadequate parking - the parking arrangements are quite ridiculous 

  house no. 1 must park at house no 3, house no 2 at house no. 4 and so on.

- Waste disposal - shared wheelie bins for all the houses - 50 yards from house no.1

- inadequate facilities and access for New Horizons trip boat for people with disabilities -     the charity dear to Marple's heart

- inadequate services for pleasure boats - several boats queueing up to use the service         area must share a mooring with New Horizons trip boat for people with disabilities - a recipe   for frustration and friction

- a complete disregard for the unique heritage - of importance locally and nationally 

                    View the planning application HERE

Planning Application for Marple Wharf
* 7 houses - no. 7 is 4 bedrooms
*conversion of the warehouse, no.8, into a 4 bedroom house *shared mooring next to the warehouse for New Horizons & boats using the boating services
*rubbish skips, wheelie bins, New Horizons store & boating service block next to the warehouse
*loss of 3 parking spaces due to realignment of Church Street and the service road

A new look for Marple Wharf Warehouse??

Marple Civic Society set up a working-party group this year with the Local History Society, including 3 councillors, to continue working with CRT/H20urban and Stockport Council to find a community use for the warehouse. But negotiations were necessarily paused once H20 Urban announced that contracts were signed and an application for residential use due for submission. 

Our problem is that H20 Urban's valuation of the warehouse is based on a commercial residential-use for the building in its present state.  The value of the building will plummet if planning permission for residential use is refused.

We have a well worked up viable business plan for community use in the warehouse and have agreed to present this to CRT once the planning application has been decided.  The purchase price can only be settled once the planning application has been decided.

We know people feel passionately about this important heritage site because we received 100 emails and letters from the public when British Waterways (now CRT) announced their plans for development in 2009. No doubt the council and BW received many more.

If you feel passionately about our heritage at Marple Wharf now is the time, the last time, 

to do something about it

Respond to the planning application before 28th September 2017 

See HERE for further information and how to respond

Photo by Studio Maurice Shapero

Marple Wharf Housing Development - Planning Application Submitted

A planning application reference DC/067000 and listed building consent application DC/067001 have been submitted to Stockport MBC for the redevelopment of Canal and River Trust Yard, Church Street, Marple, SK6 6BN (Marple Wharf).  The application includes the conversion of the former warehouse to one residential house plus the erection of 7 new houses on the site.

The developer is H2O Urban LLP No2, a partnership that the Canal & River Trust (CRT) have chosen to develop the site. 

The full application can be viewed HERE.  The closing date for responses to the planning application is 28th September 2017.

The Civic Society will respond to the application which will be displayed on our website.

Committee Meeting Minutes 22nd August 2017

Committee Meeting Minutes for 22nd August 2017 can be viewed HERE

Stockport MBC Consultation on Local Plan (Issues Paper) and SEMMMS Refresh (Part 1)

Stockport MBC has begun a public consultation on the first stage of the next Local Plan for Stockport.  It has also begun a public consultation on Stockport Transport Issues ((SEMMMS refresh). Both consultations will run until 8th October 2017.

The new Local Plan and the SEMMMS Transport Refresh will cover a 20 year period and will manage development and transport issues during that time.  Once in place, policies will be very difficult to change, so it is vital that Marple residents have their say at this stage of the plans. A public consultation is planned by SMBC, see below for details.

Under Threat from Housing Developers
Commissioned by Canal and River Trust

The current Local Plan is incomplete and relies heavily on the National Planning Policy Framework which offers little local protection to Marple.

Marple Traffic Chaos

The SEMMMS consultation speaks warmly about the achievements of the SEMMMS strategy since 2001.  Considering the traffic congestion and poor public transport links, Marple residents may feel that they have missed out on these benefits.






The Society will be responding to both consultations but we encourage members and residents to respond individually.

We welcome the views of members and residents which we will take into account in the preparation of the society's response.  What are the issues important to you? How should Marple develop over the next 20 years? We look forward to hearing from you. Contact us by email by the 22nd September 2017 (mail@marplecivicsociety.org.uk)

The society's response will be available on the website soon. If they wish, members and residents may use our response to inform their own responses.

Further details of both the SEMMMS refresh (Part 1) and the Local Plan Issues paper can be found  HERE or viewed at Libraries throughout the borough during normal opening times.

A public consultation will be held on Monday 4th September 2017 

at Marple Hall School from 6-00pm to 8-30pm

This is a "drop-in" event, registration is not essential you can just "turn up"

If you wish to register for the event see HERE

Marple South Ward Name Consultation

The council is seeking views on a proposal to change the name of Marple South Ward to Marple South and High Lane Ward.  Marple has two wards each represented by three councillors.
The link to the council's on-line consultation can be found HERE alternatively residents can respond at a ballot box in Marple Library.

Garden House Planning Applications

Following the refusal of planning permission for developments at the Garden House (applications reference DC/057081(retrospective) and DC/059185) an open meeting was held by supporters of the applicant on Friday 7th July 2017. The Civic Society sent a statement to the organisers to feed into the meeting                             discussion.

See HERE for our statement.

Speaker Meeting 25th July 2017 - Meeting cancelled

Due to unforeseen circumstances we are cancelling the speaker meeting of 25th July 2017

We apologise for any inconvenience that may cause.

The next speaker meeting will be the "Members' Evening" on 12th October 2017

We look forward to seeing you then.

Marple Area Committee Meeting 14th June 2017

A report on the Marple Area Committee Meeting that took place on 14th June 2017 can be viewed HERE

The meeting was webcast over the internet as will future MAC meetings.  This means that future meetings can be viewed live as they happen.  Following transmission webcasts are archived in the council's webcast library for viewing at a later date.


Follow the link below to view live webcasts and click on "library" to viewe archived webcasts.

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=9028&Ver=4


Future Marple Area Committee Dates:

12th July 2017
9th August 2017
27th September 2017
8th November 2017
13th December 2017
31st January 2018
7th March 2018
18th April 2018

Planning Application DC/062507 Construction of new dwelling at 67 Hibbert Lane,

The Society's planning team has sent a response to SMBC Planning Department to recommend refusal of planning application DC/062507, construction of new dwelling at 67 Hibbert Lane.

To view the application documents see HERE

To view the Society's response in full see HERE

Committee Meeting Minutes 23rd May 2017

Committee Meeting Minutes for 23rd May 2017 can be viewed HERE

Planning Application DC065727 new bungalow in the rear garden of 65 Longhurst Lane, Mellor

The Society's planning team has sent a response to SMBC Planning Department to recommend refusal of Planning application DC065727 for a new bungalow in the rear garden of 65 Longhurst Lane Mellor.

To view the application documents see  HERE

To view the Society's response in full see HERE

Speaker Meeting 23rd May 2017

The society's next speaker meeting will take place from 4-00pm - 5-00pm next Tuesday 23rd May 2017 in Marple Library - there is a lift available.


Please join us at 3-40pm for refreshments.

Our speaker theme for this year is young people involved in the community.

Following on from our last speaker, Ben Murray of Civic Voice, we have Cllr. Tom Dowse who will speak about how and why he became involved in local politics.

Committee Meeting Minutes 25th April 2017

Committee Meeting Minutes for 25th April 2017 can be viewed HERE

Marple Area Committee Meeting 12th April 2017

A report on the Marple Area Committee Meeting that took place on the 12th April 2017 can be viewed HERE

The meeting was webcast over the internet as will future MAC meetings.  This means that future meetings can be viewed live as they happen.  Following transmission webcasts are archived in the council's webcast library for viewing at a later date.
Follow the link below to view live webcasts and click on "library" to viewe archived webcasts.

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=9028&Ver=4

Future Marple Area Committee Dates:

14th June 2017 (re-arranged from 7th June)
12th July 2017
9th August 2017
27th September 2017
8th November 2017
13th December 2017
31st January 2018
7th March 2018
18th April 2018

Marple Neighbourhood Forum News: April 2017

Marple Neighbourhood Forum April 2017 News can be viewed HERE.

The Forum have planned a series of meetings to meet and obtain feedback from residents.  Future meetings include:

Saturday 6^th May from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m - Temporary stall in Market Street to meet people face to face and discuss their views.   

Saturday 20^th May at 10.00am - Open meeting at the United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane.  Everyone welcome.  

The first Thursday of every month, starting at 5.00pm - Management Committee Meetings where questions can be put to the Forum members.

Further information can be found on the Forum website HERE

AGM and Speaker Meeting March 2017

The society's 55th AGM took place on Tuesday 28th March 2017 in Marple Library.

Chairman Gillian Postill reported a busy year for the society and referred attendees to the Trustee's report for a summary of the society's activity throughout the year.

Chairman, President and Treasurer of Marple Civic Society

Her report focused on two key issues: Marple Wharf and the Town Centre. A planning application is imminent for the former and there are problems with the latter of lack of information and engagement by the council regarding the town centre, despite having a Neighbourhood Plan Forum in place. She concluded her report by thanking committee members and non committee members for all their hard work over the last twelve months in keeping the show on the road and achieving so much with so little!

Treasurer, Gordon Johnson, made the accounts available at the meeting. He explained that the civic society had banked for the Neighbourhood Plan Forum until they had set up as a constituted body and were in a position to open an account for themselves. The 'Reserved' column showed a number of items received on behalf of the Neighbourhood Forum during this period and then the transfer of monies to the Neighbourhood Forum and a refund of unused Locality grant. Accounts show £2,500 available for the year ahead. The treasurer thanked Mr Chourbaji for examining and agreeing the accounts this year and for agreeing to continue this role for the next year. 

The election of officers and committee members was followed by an excellent presentation by Ben Murray, from Civic Voice. 

It is the fourth year that we have had a Civic Voice member or officer to talk at our AGM and Ben, just 23 years old, was well placed to talk about engaging youger people in civic work. A thoughtful and interesting debate followed with many questions from the floor. We thanked Ben for coming to Marple to talk at our AGM with his colleague Amber-Louise Palmer. The meeting closed at 5.00pm 

Ben Murray from Civic Voice -
the national Civic Movement for England

Minutes of the meeting can be found HERE

The society's accounts for the year ending 31st December 2016 can be viewed HERE

For a summary of the society's work see the trustees report HERE

The chairman's report can be viewed HERE

More photos HERE

All photos Arthur Procter

Save Manchester's Greenbelt Rally 1st April 2017

Save Manchester's Greenbelt is holding a rally next Saturday 1st April in Albert Square Manchester to protest at plans by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to build thousands of houses on Greenbelt across Greater Manchester.

Save Manchester's Greenbelt is an umbrella association representing of the "Save the Greenbelt" groups across Greater Manchester.  The organisation supports affordable housing on Brownfield sites and seeks to protect all Greenbelt for future generations.

A highly successful march organised by "Save Stockport's Greenbelt" and comprising of approximately 1000 High Lane, Woodford and Cheadle residents met in front of Stockport Town Hall in December 2016, during the first consultation, showed Stockport council the strength of 

feeling amongst residents. 

The second consultation on a revised plan will begin in August.  Councillors and officers need to know that only very significant changes to the proposal will be acceptable. 

The rally on Saturday will be supported by residents from all ten boroughs comprising the GMCA.  It will be supported by the Council for the Protection of Rural England who will provide a speaker on the day.

The rally will take place at 1-00pm in Albert Square outside the Manchester Town Hall.  If you care about your Greenbelt spare a couple of hours of your time to show how much you care.

N.B. Marple Civic Society made a detailed response to the first consultation - see HERE

AGM and speaker meeting Tuesday 28th March 2017

                     AGM and Speaker Meeting
             Tuesday 28th March at 3.00pm - 5.00pm
                              in Marple Library
                                  Refreshment served from 2.40pm

We hope you will join us for the society's 55th AGM and speaker meeting on Tuesday 28th March 2017 in Marple Library.

Light refreshment will be served from 2.40pm prior to the Business Meeting starting at 3.00pm. 

Ben Murray - Civic Voice

Business will be followed by a talk from Ben Murray, Communications, Events and Marketing Manager at Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement in England . In the two years since Ben started with Civic Voice he has made tremendous headway in organising parliamentary events and building solid, positive relationships with Members of Parliament. We'll be finding out more about Ben's role, why he joined Civic Voice and what motivated him to work for the civic movement at the young age of 23. 

We hope to set up a young people's section of the civic society and are looking to Ben for advice and inspiration on how we might do that.

We hope to see you at the meeting - family, friends and neighbours are welcome too (but only members can vote for the election and re election of officers and committee members).

 See HERE for details of further speaker meetings in 2017