High Lane Residents' Association

Thursday 1^st August Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of High Lane Residents’ Association

Date: 1^st August 2024                                                                                                                           Time: 8pm

Venue: High Lane Library

Present: David Burks; Caroline Smith; Darrell Williams; Eryl Hughes; Cllr Shan Alexander; Sue Forrester; Barry and Angela Sequiera

Apologies: John Baker

1. Welcome given by David Burks.

2. Minutes of the last meeting – approved

3. Police Report - no police presence at the meeting. David reconfirmed that High Lane does still have a very low crime level and he appreciates that the police’s attention is focussed on other areas.

4. Finance Report –as reported at the last meeting the income and outgoings at the beginning of July gave an opening balance showing on the account of £3,228.36. Income - a donation to the value of £250 has been donated by Mrs Gregory who illustrates the front of the Church Magazine, to be used to “Keep the village looking smart”. The cheque was handed over to Barry for the War Memorial but the cheque was written out to the HLRA account rather than the War Memorial account – however, after a discussion between Barry and Mrs Gregory, it was agreed to split it equally between the two accounts and be used in a floral way. Expenditure - since the last meeting - Barry’s expenses of £60.00 in connection with getting the woodwork of the bench outside the doctors and chemist planed smooth by Clapham’s Joinery Workshop at New Mills. This was the total expenditure since the last meeting. Balance - with this payment taken into account, the bank balance is now £3,168.36. John would like to convey our thanks to Mrs Gregory and when this generous donation is paid in, the general account value will be £3293.36.  Barry reported that the War Memorial account as of 21^st June stands at £2064.84.  £262.00 has been paid to S Billinge for cleaning the memorial area and the book deposit from the doctor’s surgery for July stands at £57.00.

5. Planning applications by Eryl

i. Hartington Rd  DC/092585. Proposed front and rear dormers and single storey rear extension to create additional living accommodation (One for the neighbours)

ii. Lomber Hey Farm  DC/ 092493. Removal of condition 2 of planning permission ref DC/087743 to allow the continued use of land for an outdoor dog exercise area (One for the neighbours)

iii. Sainsbury Buxton Rd  DC/092608. Erection of 1 illuminated fascia sign, 2 vinyl graphic panels, 1 ATM surround sign, 1 illuminated totem sign. Signs are: welcome, statutory information, parking, ATM, blue badge, motor bikes. (One for everybody)

iv. 16 Derwent Rd. DC 092577. Retention of existing timber boundary fence, with amended alignment to end at existing driveway off Rydal Ave to create pedestrian visibility (One for the neighbours)

v. 4 Park Rd DC/092674. Dormer extension to rear, pitched roof over existing flat roof to rear (One for the neighbours)

6. Reporting Back:

• Progress on Parks – High Lane/Brookside – David and Eryl

David reported that the swings in Brookside Park are in the process of being installed.  He explained the concept of the Adult Gym installation at High Lane Park – it would be for located on the other side of the toddlers’ play area just in front of the football pitches.  It is for anyone over the age of 13 to use and will consist of initially a pull-up and cycle machine and be suitable for people with mobility issues. It will cost in the region of £10,000 – £12,000 and thanks to the generosity of Marple Area committee and Richard Bucker at Stockport, the sum of money allocated for the gym stands at £6000.00. David and Eryl are meeting a representative from a company (Wicksteed) who manufacture the adult gym equipment to obtain a quote so that applications for grants can be sourced. Eryl has already approached Spar and David plans to contact Manchester Airport.  He explained that it is a long process as meetings to discuss grant applications often take place just twice a year. An attendee at the meeting suggested approaching Sainsburys for a grant – David replied that it is on his agenda to do so.  David asked the meeting if they had any thoughts on this and if they were happy for it to go ahead. Everybody was in agreement.  The noticeboard at Brookside Park has not yet been installed – the design and location have already been decided.

• Stockport Local Plan and its effect on High Lane - David

David explained that access is available on SMBC webcast to everything that is occurring in Stockport.  He had attended a meeting along with Barry and Angie of the High Lane Village Forum where a preferred plan showing option 1 and 2 was presented - option 1 and 2 are not the proposals, they are the workings out of how the preferred plan was reached, so as of 8.25pm on the 1^st August that is “the preferred plan”. This plan states that most of the housing is planned for the centre of Stockport on brownfield sites which has been confirmed by Colin McCallister. There is very little development at this moment to build on any green belt areas in High Lane village.  Examples of brownfield sites in High Lane are the ex-Dog and Partridge (the new Sainsburys) and the former Thai restaurant (housing).  David emphasised that the new Labour government could “change the goalposts” at any time but any development in High Lane will be strongly opposed by HLRA because of the heavy traffic and the pollution already occurring on the A6. A resident commentated that due to developments in East Cheshire there would be more than likely an increase in traffic on the A6. On the 5^th October at the Village Hall  HLVF will be showing plans of the development in Stockport.  David went on to say that there could be instances of developers approaching homeowners and offering “stupid” money to buy and demolish the property and re-build on the site.  Shan mentioned “greyfield” sites (nobody seems to be sure of what is meant by greyfields) but are likely to be unused car parks or small spaces.  Any developer hoping to build in High Lane would have to approach MAC for planning permission. She told the meeting about a piece of green belt owned by a Dubai resident situated behind Brookdale Road in Marple who has auctioned off sections of his land possibly to developers. Residents from Threaphurst Lane had contacted Shan about an area of greenbelt land behind the lane where a garage owner had planned to decant 50 cars. After trying to drive a car onto the land which then became stuck for about two and a half weeks due to the wet and muddy conditions, this idea seems to have been shelved. Eryl told the meeting about a possible build behind Windlehurst Court where the builder wanted to remove a fence to provide access for a vehicle. Shan explained that the owners of the fence objected and this has now developed into a civil matter between the developer and the fence owner. Any objections to possible building should be put to the HLRA and the HLVF – 4 objections are required before MAC will consider them and there is a time restraint. A 700-page document will be available to view on the SMBC website and in libraries from 2^nd December. The development plans for Stockport will be available to view at the Village Hall on 5^th October.  A resident raised a concern about the possible wording of the document being very technical and using “council speak” and therefore difficult to understand.  It was hoped that the document would be broken down into smaller and easier to understand sections.  Colin McCallister’s advice was to be sought about this.  David was hopeful that the HLVF meeting on Saturday 5 October will display the document in “our language” and include maps for easy reference.

• Old High Lane Station

The sunflower display is now well-established and David encouraged attendees to visit the site. There had been an article in the Marple Review about the project.  There are plans to tidy up the opposite platform as it is very overgrown and volunteers will be needed when a date has been set for this.  A resident advised caution when clearing the area and to be aware of hibernating hedgehogs. It was advised to inform Stuart who empties the bins and sweeps the area regularly. 

• Attracting new younger members

New attendees were welcomed to the meeting and it was mentioned that there are 2 vacancies available on the committee and new younger members are needed by HLRA. David mentioned Alison and Warren who aren’t committee members but associates who regularly attend the meetings and help around the village.

7. O.B.

• Barry asked the committee about the various road works that are happening around the area during the summer holidays and how to obtain more information as to where and when. Shan advised accessing Marple website and search for Stockport roadworks.
• Shan told the meeting that the public toilets access project hasn’t been successful – 4 properties initially approached to take part in this scheme had then withdrawn their support. The Bulls Head Pub and the Horseshoe Inn are happy for the public to use their facilities but they don’t want to put anything in writing. The toilet in the doctor’s surgery is not willing to participate in this scheme due to the risk of the spread of infection. Along with Richard Daniels she has promised to continue with this. It was thought that the library toilet is now available during Open Access.
• An incident of fly tipping on the corner of Carr Brow was reported by local residents (in this case, asbestos) and it was removed the next day. There is a useful link from the HLRA website to Stockport Council which can be used to report a variety of incidents.
• The overgrown hedges along the A6 on the approach to the entrance to Middlewood Way are a hazard to pedestrians as they limit the pavement area on which to walk. David said that he has reported this issue and will back it up with photos.
• Signs advertising the Disley and Horticultural Show have been screwed to 3 trees near the entrance to Middlewood Way. The members were concerned about possible damage to the trees and David has tried to contact the Society. A resident present at the meeting is a member of the Disley and Horticultural Society and will provide David a name and contact email.  It was noted that it is illegal to flypost and often flyers are left in situ long after the event has finished.
• The path from Orford Road to the A6 is very overgrown mainly due to the amount of rain over the last few weeks. The possibility of council cuts has meant that they have not been able to clear paths quickly. Shan will contact an officer from SMBC. A question was raised about whether residents could tackle the area themselves. David advised residents not to take it upon themselves to clear overgrown paths and hedges as any work around the village has to go through Stockport Council for insurance reasons.

• Residents from Middlewood Road told the meeting that there is a noise issue with heavy goods vehicles carrying scrapings from motorways accessing an area of land via Middlewood Road in order to tip the scapings. Middlewood Road is a single-track road which has been designated a “quiet lane” by SMBC. It is unlit, has speed bumps installed and in some parts is unmade. This has been occurring over a number of years with spells of intensive use during the hours of 10pm to 1pm. One resident had kept a record of the HGV’s movements – 600 vehicles over a 4-week period and he had a video and contact details for the landowner.  They had approached the owner of the land but had been met with obscene abuse. The HGVs are damaging the road and speedbumps and also the canal walls (which is a matter for the Canals and River Trust).  Shan was aware of the issue after being emailed previously by the resident and she was thanked for her prompt response. She went on to say that Dave Westhead is on annual leave until the following Monday but she will remind him to look into it. A question of needing a licence to tip was raised and also who was responsible for the various roads that are being used by these HGVs. As far as David is aware there should be no industrial noise in this area before 6am and after 8pm.
• Caroline reported that the defibrillator has been serviced and fitted with new pads and is now back in place. A new battery will be needed by spring next year.
• A resident reported that she was approached by a canvasser who offered to give her a quote to replace her driveway. She was handed a flyer advertising his services which she bought to the meeting. After some investigation she discovered that he was an ex-rogue trader reported in 2017. Shan advised reporting incidents like this to the police.  There has also been a report of travellers preying on the elderly and the advice was to contact trading standards giving details. David also warned the meeting not to buy anything on the doorstep. Eryl reported scam calls allegedly from banks and advised caution.  Scams are usually huge offshore businesses and if in doubt always contact your bank and don’t return the call on the same number you were called on as the scammers keep the lines open.
• A new leaf blower is required for use on the Memorial Gardens. It was agreed that the funds would come could come from the War Memorial Fund as this account is quite healthy.

The next HLRA meeting will be Thursday 5 September at 8pm at the Village Hall (small community room)  

Note: change of venue to Village Hall (small community room)