High Lane Residents' Association

Minutes of the meeting of High Lane Residents’ Association

Date: Thursday 2^nd July 2026                                                                                                                        Time: 8pm

Venue: High Lane Library

Present: Caroline Smith; David Burks; Darrell Williams; Sue Forrester; Eryl Hughes; Cllr Shan Alexander; Cllr Colin MacAlister and Cllr Dominic Warner

Apologies: John Baker; Lisa Robinson-Hall and Barry Sequeira and Angie Sequeira

1.  Welcome given by Caroline Smith and David expressed his thanks to the councillors for their attendance. Caroline asked the recently appointed Lib Dem representative for High Lane and Marple [Cllr Dominic Warner] to introduce himself:

“I’m the new councillor and I’ve been in office for about six weeks, living in Hawk Green after previously living in Mellor. I’m settling in well and I hope to hold regular Saturday surgeries here in the library. It’s a chance for residents to meet me or have a chat with refreshments provided”

David acknowledged and thanked the councillors for their attendance at the meeting.

2.  Minutes of the last meeting – approved.

3.  Police and Crime Report – no police presence at the meeting but Caroline reminded the meeting that PCSO Simon Carr had provided a chart showing the crime statistics for High Lane from 1^stJanuary 2026 to 31^st May 2026, which is available to view on the HLRA website (June 2026 minutes).

 

4. Finances by John Baker (read out by David in John’s absence)

This is the report for June.

The HLRA General account

The opening balance for the HLRA General account (taking rounding into account) was £1,910 at the beginning of June.

Income

There was no income in June        

Expenditure

The expenditure during June was:

The IONOS Website Licensing charge	£9
The Lloyds Bank account charge	£5

For June, our Total Expenditure from the General Account was £14

The Total income was                                                               £0                                                             

We have received the installation invoice from Stockport council for the Adult Gym equipment which we have paid from the project account.                                  £ 5,519

                                             

The Account balances (with rounding) being carried forward into July are                

General account                        £1,897                                                                                                          

HLRA Project Account                   £784   (£2.50 interest payment added for this month)

HLRA Total Amount                    £2,680

 

There were no accounts from Barry this month for the HLRA War Memorial Account due to his absence.

 

5.  Planning applications provided by Eryl

• 42 Wybersley Rd  DC/099176. Conversion and extension of dormer bungalow to include ramp access to front elevation, ground floor. Ground floor extension to the North side to accommodate accessibility and ensuite bedrooms and single-storey flat roof extension to rear elevation to provide accessible dining room and conversion of existing outbuilding to  provide ancillary accessible therapy, spa with associated accessible landscaping improvement and ancillary facilities.

Eryl asks – “is this a private house with someone with a disability or setting up a business?  I will ask for further information and let you know”.

“I have been in touch with planning and they advised me that the extensions are because there is a severely disabled person living at this address”.

• 6 Brookside Lane DC/099200. Proposed single storey rear extension to existing outhouse building with internal alterations and decking to existing pool enclosures. OFN
• 1 Elm Road DC/099159. Proposed side extension with gable roof. Demolition of rear conservatory, new single storey rear extension with flat roof. OFN

6. Stockport plans

Caroline had received an update from Richard [chair of the HLNVF] saying that the SLP (Stockport Local Plan) scrutiny date is still awaited. SMBC Planning has been asked to formally minute its review, and another public meeting will be held once the revised plans for High Lane and Sandown are available.

The revised plan is now expected by 31 December 2026, while the Regulation 19 stage should still be completed by 1 October 2026, with public consultation dates due shortly.  Caroline added that the Village Forum minutes are available on our website here for anyone who has missed meetings.

7. Car Parking

Car parking remains an issue across the village since charges were introduced. Caroline had sent photos of cars parking on side streets and of the [mostly empty] car parks to the SMBC and she remarked that some cars that were previously parked on Holly Road, have disappeared although she is unsure what has changed as she’s been on holiday. The council was asked to monitor parking and off-road parking, but no update has been received. Daisy Way now appears clear, suggesting the situation may be improving. Although the parking scheme is unpopular, the car park was previously often full with vehicles from garages, businesses and residents. The pharmacy has three 30-minute spaces, but the signage is poor and two are usually occupied, leaving only one available for short visits.

The meeting discussed the necessity of clearer signage on the tarmac indicating a restriction as people may not realise the [three] spaces are limited to 30 minutes. Some nearby residents or businesses may be using them, but the issue has been reported and is being checked.The pharmacy-side spaces are free, while responsibility for the doctors’ side is separate.

Double yellow lines are being repainted, likely on the doctors’ side, while parking and disabled bay markings around the pharmacy have already been addressed.

Shan agreed that signage for the free pharmacy spaces is poor, and clearer signs and ground markings have been requested to show they are free for 30 minutes.

Permit holders should not use these spaces. Blue badge holders may park anywhere if their badge is displayed. Permit holders should not use the free spaces, and some blue badge holders may not realise they can park in any bay if their badge is displayed. Clearer signage has been strongly requested, supported by photographs, but may take time. Extra signs can only be placed where appropriate, as some areas are pharmacy property. Although permit holders can legally use free spaces, they should be asked not to. It was also noted that blue badge holders can use any space, so an additional dedicated bay may not be necessary.

This should be highlighted, including in the newsletters. It was agreed these restrictions could be included in the newsletter.

Colin addressed the issue of volunteers [including Warren and Alison who look after the planting around the village] who use the car parks to transport gardening equipment etc. Volunteers may receive an annual contribution from the council to help cover parking costs, though details are still not available. Car parks next to polling stations are also expected to be free on voting days, with notices to be provided.

8. AOB

• Proposed dog exercise area – Caroline had received an enquiry from a resident about the proposed dog training area on the A6. Shan told the meeting that inspectors have submitted a report and are awaiting a response.
• Sainsbury's fencing - Sainsbury’s had erected a fence to stop customers using Hartley Woods as a toilet but since then the wall and fencing have been partly demolished. Sainsbury’s have costed and submitted repairs for the wall and fencing. The fence will be extended around the corner and the wall repaired to close the gap. Caroline told the meeting that there is no update yet on the small unit’s future use: Costa has declined, the Post Office was approached but declined, and it is now being generally advertised.
• COVID memorial bench – Shan spoke about the Covid memorial bench in the grounds of the church which has been blessed by the vicar of St Thomas’ Church. It is a quiet place for reflection and for people to remember loved ones that they have lost through the Covid pandemic and have been affected/are still affected by the outbreak.
• Coffee morning at the library – last month’s coffee morning at the library (Friday 5^th June) had yielded £31.60 in donations. Donations may support future community costs and Caroline hopes to use the money to buy carpet tiles to reduce the echo in the room. Carpets and Flooring by JPG had offered to look for suitable carpet but have not yet replied. If nothing is available, coffee morning funds may be used to buy second-hand soft floor tiles, which the council will lay. Also it was agreed by the library staff that the funds can be used to maintain the defibrillator outside the doctor’s surgery. The coffee morning is held monthly on the first Friday, often after the HLRA meeting on the previous day, from 10.15am to 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to come for coffee, biscuits or to volunteer.
• Outdoor gym - the outdoor gym equipment has now been installed and is already being used by residents and local groups such as the Scouts. The equipment is intended for anyone over 1.4 metres tall. Signage is being discussed, with a request to use the manufacturer’s height guidance rather than an age limit. Younger children have also been seen using the equipment with parental assistance, which was felt to be acceptable and it was agreed that the equipment looks good and is well positioned. David estimated that there was about £700 left in the gym account which will be used for maintenance of the equipment.
• Lorries using Middlewood Road – it was reported by a resident living on Middlewood Road that heavy lorries have been using the road to gain access to the narrow canal-side road possibly linked to disposal of aggregate. This is raising concerns about damage, noise and suitability of the narrow canal path road for such vehicles. The issue has been controversial for some time and was previously reported resulting in the cessation of the activity, with previous concerns raised about land ownership, night-time activity and damage to the canal approach still remaining. Possible weight restriction and environmental concerns will be considered by the relevant officer from SMBC.
• Overgrowth on the A6 pavement - the pavements on both sides of the A6 from the Royal Oak towards the riding school remain narrowed by soil and vegetation, despite repeated reports. The issue has been reported again to the relevant officers. Although many residents have cut back their hedges, the pavement itself remains narrowed, especially on the east side. This has been reported several times over recent years.
• Nursery land – there was a question of the [plant] nursery land for sale on the A6. As yet there is no further information about plans for this site but Eryl would monitor the situation.
• Partly erected bungalow on the A6 - Eryl raised concerns about the building of a bungalow on the A6 which seems to be developing into a 2-storey building. David added that there are planning loopholes, where initial approvals can later be amended into larger developments. It was felt these loopholes should be reviewed so applications are limited to what was originally approved. Planning protections remain difficult to apply, and people can still find ways around the system.

• Hartington Road parking - concerns were raised again about Hartington Road, where vehicles linked to the staff of the adult care home, park near to the corner of Alderdale Road and partly on the pavement, making access difficult and unsafe. Parking restrictions apply at certain times, but vehicles often remain there, causing visibility problems for drivers turning from Alderdale and difficulties for pedestrians. Hedge trimming has been requested to make pavements safer, but parking displacement is a concern, as restrictions on Hartington Road may push the staff to park their cars onto narrower roads such as Brookside Lane. Similar issues were noted at Keswick Road, where a TRO [traffic regulation order] is expected to improve junction markings. 

Officers have been asked to review the area and consider options such as additional double yellow lines, though enforcement will also be needed. The issue should also be raised through the Village Forum, as care homes, [children's] nurseries and similar facilities can increase traffic and parking pressure in the village. Questions were raised about whether a car park could be approved retrospectively and whether nearby businesses should provide more off-road parking. Possible solutions for the staff include car sharing, agreed parking at the cricket club, tennis club or other nearby spaces, and residents speaking directly to neighbours where parking causes problems.

It was noted that, without restrictions, roads can generally be used for parking, though future national rules may limit pavement parking. Obstruction remains a police matter. Narrow roads make the issue difficult, as some vehicles park partly on pavements to allow traffic through. Restrictions may simply displace parking onto other streets, so parking impacts need to be addressed before new developments are approved. Colin reported that the delay in opening the care home on Carr Brow is due to the addition of extra parking which was requested by residents.

• Park & Ride – a resident asked if there was any clarification on the official parking position on the A6 side of the Park and Ride where the NHS scanning vehicle is situated. At the moment, vehicles can approach the Park & Ride only from Macclesfield Road. It was also suggested that the number 192 buses using the A6 should serve Stepping Hill [hospital] to improve access and reduce parking and congestion. This has been raised before, but the explanation given was that buses from High Lane cannot easily use the required junction or route, particularly larger double-deck buses.
• Horses - concerns were raised again about horses using the passageway between the A6 and Thornway. The issue is being looked into, including replacing missing “no horse riding” signage. The passage is narrow, hedges need cutting back to improve visibility, and barriers may be difficult because part of the land is not council owned. Hedge height may make the passageway hard to see, especially during school drop-off. It was suggested that High Lane would benefit from a regular hedge-cutting requirement, although the council also has significant trimming work to manage. New signage is being considered, but this may take time. Other issues noted included children using the passageway, cars and vans near the entrance, and pavement parking. The matter is in hand, but there is no simple solution.
• Facebook posts – David asked the meeting to "like" High Lane Facebook posts when they see them, as this helps keep them visible and prevents them being missed.
• Newsletter – Caroline reported that the newsletter is not ready yet but is usually prepared by the end of August; a first draft is nearly complete.
• Wheelie bins – Darrell reported that some replacement large blue bins have incorrect braille markings on the lid, reading “140L” instead of “240L”. Suppliers are aware and have asked the manufacturer to correct the issue; newer bins appear to be correct.
• Reminder of the AGM new date – The AGM is on Wednesday 28^th October at the Village Hall. There will still be a HLRA meeting on 1^st October, but none in August or November. The next meeting is on 3^rd September in the library. AGM posters are ready and will be displayed on the noticeboards.
• Mailing list – it was noted that a resident had not received meeting updates for the last two or three months. They should email the HLRA contact address (contact@HLRA.org.uk) to be added back onto the mailing list. Sue will rectify this situation.  [Editor: note that there is a link to an RSS feed on the homepage that provides similar functionality but without the need to involve any mailing lists. I intend to write a "how to" article for those who are unfamiliar with RSS feeds.  It's simpler than you think it is!]
• New Chair – Caroline announced her decision to resign as acting chair after the October AGM but she would continue with some responsibilities. She plans to remain on the committee and continue helping with posters; the AGM; the parish magazine and the maintenance and upkeep of the defibrillator but would like someone to take over the wider role as soon as possible. Volunteers for chair or committee roles, particularly younger members, would be welcome. There are 11 committee positions, with around eight currently filled, and people who do not want to be chair can still join the committee. A fuller committee is important because decisions require a majority of six from the 11 positions. Some roles are light-touch, involving meetings and occasional emails. Several members were absent, but support would be available for anyone taking on the chair role.

 

The next HLRA meeting is on Thursday 3^rd September 2026 at 8pm in High Lane Library