IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the teleconferencing meeting held on Wednesday 30 September 2020 at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Councillors Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackson, Heather James, Linda Malyon (Chair), Howard Mycock, Brian Snow, Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson and John Williams. The Clerk. Guests from Peak District rural Housing Association Alison Clamp & Jo Page and 4 members of the public (CH, MH, DH & DG)
AOLOGIES: None received
DISPENSATIONS: None received
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: To be taken as they arise
73/20. Peak District Housing Association re Garden at Old School Court: Alison Clamp advised that the garden needs of a complete revamp and that she had spoken to the residents about this and suggestions had been to relay the path and to put in some raised flower beds. She asked if the parish council would like to be involved. They have not had any costings yet but need some funding toward the cost of the revamp. Councillor Jackson said that Kingsley Parish had managed to get a grant toward some work that they have had done. Alison asked if there is any Landfill tax available. Alison said that Peak District Rural Housing are willing to make a contribution towards the work. Councillor Malyon said that we could make some enquiries. Councillor Malyon asked Alison if the School could put a Christmas Tree in the Garden this year. She agreed that this would be all right.
74/20. Peak District Rural Housing re Affordable Housing: Alison Clamp said that Ipstones has the facilities to accommodate some affordable housing and asked if anyone knows of any suitable land. Councillor Malyon said it would be a matter of finding a suitable plot of land to which Councillor James added that a lot of places have not got the right infrastructure. Councillor Malyon reported that she is due to meet someone to look at redundant land in the parish. Councillor Malyon thanked Alison & Jo for coming along and asked them to keep in touch over both the housing and the garden.
Councillor Malyon moved that agenda item 6 on the agenda (Plans) be taken before agenda item 5
75/20. Plans: The following planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2020/0398 Installation of 3 glamping pods at Old Blakelow Farm, Bottom
Lane, Ipstones. It was noted that four letters of objection to this application had
been received. The Chair suspended standing orders to allow members of the
public present to speak. The main points raised by members of the public present
were: –
- Loss of privacy as proposed development is in line of site overlooking some properties in the area
- That there is no similar development in the area
- That the lane to the property is over the access to the bungalow with the applicant has access rights.
- Access onto the lane from the B5053 is in a blind spot near the bridge/bend and the speed limit on the B5053 is 60 mph, making it dangerous for the extra traffic that the glamping pods would generate. That there are several HGV’s that already operate from the site.
- Concerns over visiting dogs being a nuisance to sheep in the surrounding fields especially at lambing time.
Standing Orders were resumed.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Williams and second by
Councillor Mycock to object to the application for the following reasons: –
- The access onto the lane from the B5053 is dangerous being in a blind spot by the bridge/bend
- The lane leading to Old Blakelow Farm is a shared access and is a single track with no passing points which could be dangerous if a vehicle waiting to turn in from the B5053 has to wait for vehicle coming along the lane or if there is anyone walking or cycling along the lane.
- That the proposed development is unneighbourly to the surrounding properties with the potential for noise from people having Barbeques/drinking into the night
- The proposed development is inappropriate in that location
This proposal was carried unanimously. It was also agreed to write to Highways
with regards to the concerns of the access from the B5053.
SMD/2020/0523 Proposed two storey side and rear extension, alterations,
detached garage and new vehicular access at Churchfields, Church Lane, Ipstones
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by
Councillor Irwin to support approval of this application. This was carried
unanimously.
SMD/2020/0503 Construction of a chimney with side and front extension at Little
Intake, Church Lane, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor
Snow and seconded by Councillor Jackson to support approval of this application.
This was carried unanimously.
76/20. Matters arising from the minutes of 26 August 2020
It was agreed for the following adjustment to be made to the minutes of the
26 August 2020 on page 2, minute 66/20. i. it was agreed to adjust to read
‘Cherryeye Bridge’ not the Bridge.
- Play Equipment, Foxt: The Clerk reported that the Lengthsman had cleaned/painted the equipment and the only thing left was to replace the wood on the play car.
- Hedge on path to Community Area Foxt: Councillor Stimpson said he will arrange for the hedge to be cut when his own hedges are being cut.
- Blocked drains/gullies: Councillor Williams asked about these. Councillor Malyon said following the site visit with the Highways Engineer it was stated that unless flooding caused by blocked grids is causing damage to property, they would only be cleaned out on scheduled visits which are every 2 to 3 years.
- PFP/Bridle Path 102: Councillor Malyon reported that she had seen the Lengthsman and he thinks the grass seed has now taken so he will remove the fencing in next few days.
77/20. Correspondence
- County Councillor Heath re request for weight restrictions for High Street,
Ipstones: The email advised that the request for a weight restriction on High Street
has been added to her DHP list and that they will arrange to collect data of
traffic movement in High Street and then discuss again.
Councillor Stevenson said he does not know if he would want to stop all HGV’s
from going through to which Councillor Snow said that HGV’s go to several local
businesses. Councillor Williams said that the restriction usually states except for
access.
It was agreed that when the survey has been carried out to invite Councillor Heath
to a meeting to discuss the outcome.
Name Signs for Berkhamsytch: Councillor Heath reported that they do not have
evidence of the historical signage so cannot take it further at the moment.
- Ipstones with Berkhamsytch PCC re Re-laying of main path to St Leonard’s Church, Ipstones: The letter explained that the flagstones leading to the Church have subsided and some are at an angle posing trip hazards and asked if the Parish Council would consider assisting financially with the cost of replacing the flagstones. Councillor Malyon reported that she has spoken to the District Council and they are looking into if there is any funding available. Following discussion it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor Snow to respond that the parish council is unable to assist with funding this project at this time and to ask them about the replacement path as members don’t agree with replacing the existing stones as it would spoil the character of the Church. This was agreed unanimously.
- Mr R re Alley behind Sunday School Rooms and other issues concerning Cart Lane: Mr R pointed out that in the minutes of the August meeting it had stated that Mr R was putting up a gate but he advised that this had not been agreed with Mr C (representative of the Methodist Church), but that he had had a chat with Mr C and agreed it would be the way forward. He said that Mr C said he would have a word with someone and get back to him. He said he would be happy to make and erect a gate but not supply the materials. Mr R did ask what the position would be erecting the gate to the Sunday School room in case it is listed. The Clerk said she was sorry if the reporting of this was incorrect and must have misunderstood what Mr C had said. It was agreed to speak to Mr C and then leave it for him to sort as it is on private land.
LGV’/Delivery Trucks/Transit Vans using Cart Lane: Mr R advised that with the ongoing Covid situation more and more delivery vans were using Cart Lane, not always successfully and many cause damage to Mr R’s hedge. He pointed out that although there is a sign at the top of the lane there is not one at the bottom. It was agreed to write to County Councillor Heath to ask if she could assist with getting a sign erected at the bottom of the lane.
Resurfacing: It was noted that when preparing to resurface the Road Sweeper had attempted to go up Cart Lane, even though people had told the driver that the lane was too narrow. It had become stuck and on trying to get back had caused damage to both verges and a tree on Mr R’s property. Councillor Malyon said she had spoken to Highways to ask that they repair the damage they caused, but as yet nothing had been done. It was agreed to write to highways to ask them to put the damage right.
Strimming: Mr R said that when mowing contractors strimmed the verges on Cart Lane they had not attempted to clean up and left all the grass cuttings/vegetation all over the road. It was agreed to report this to Highways with a copy of Mr R’s email.
- Broadband Rural Scheme: Councillor James said that someone had been in touch and asked if parish council could look into this. Councillor Williams said he would take a look into this and then report back to the next meeting.
- Mr G, re Play Equipment at Foxt: The email explained that he and his family were considering moving to Foxt and asked if the parish council had any plans to upgrade the pay equipment in Foxt. It was agreed to advise that when the lands was purchased there was a limit as to what could be done and that there is no plans in the foreseeable future to upgrade or add to the existing equipment.
- Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service – Safety Plan for 2020 -2024: A link to the plan had been received and it was agreed to forward to Members.
- SMDC re Enforcement Notice on Land at Peak Wildlife Park: it was noted that the period in which to respond to the notice had been extended to 31 March 2021.
- SPCA – Training Course – Planning: It was agreed that if any members wish to attend this course to let the Clerk know.
- Mr S re Wildlife & Countryside Act 1991 – Section 55 Application and Appeal: The letter was read out along with the minute (179/15). Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Irwin to reply that his comments have been noted but the matter is now with the Planning Inspector who is dealing with the appeal. This was agreed unanimously.
- Lengthsman’s Report (August 2020) & Notes: Details of the report were noted. There were the following matters to report: –
- Stop Sign at Belmont Road Junction – that it was obstructed by overgrown Hedge – it was noted that this has now been cut.
- Hedge Cutting left at side of PFP 102 – Councillor Snow agreed to check if they are still there.
- A bag of builder’s rubble & carboard boxes left on PFP 102 near the top. Councillor Malyon said she would look and if still there arrange for it to be removed.
- Hedge on lane to Community Area, Foxt very overgrown – Councillor Stimpson noted this
- SCC re Public Speaking at Virtual Planning Meeting Committee re SM.19/07/1141 Whiston Golf Course: Details noted.
78/20. Website Accessibility: The Clerk had made enquiries regarding making the Website
Accessible and spoken to a couple of neighbouring Clerks. Quotes received were: –
Existing Company was a three-stage quote, the first stage was for minimum
requirement was for £300: Stage 2 to included further enhancements – £450 and
Stage 3 – for all extras – £650.
Quote 2 – was for Web design (and hosting for 1 year) – £450 and there was an
option that did not include hosting, which was to make the website accessible for
£200 (not including hosting etc)
Quote 3 – to migrate the website and bring up to accessibility standard – £440 plus
Annual Package of between £10 / £20 per month
Councillor Malyon said it is a lot to take in on a telephone conference meeting and
said would it be better to keep with the existing person. The Clerk said the timing
isn’t good as the hosting etc is due up in October and doesn’t know how it would
work if change companies and had concerns that we could be without the website
for a while. Councillor Williams asked what the saving would be. The Clerk
said it would be approx. £100 on the lowest quote.
Councillor James said she doesn’t think it would be good to be without a Website at
the current time. Councillor Jackson agreed. It was proposed by Councillor James
and seconded by Councillor Jackson to accept the Stage one quote from the existing
provider. This was agreed unanimously.
79/20. Christmas Trees: The Clerk reported that the Fire Station do not want a ‘cut’ tree as
it could cause problems and expense securing it and they have concerns that where
they plan to put the tree, it could blow over into the front of the Fire station which
could hinder the Fire Engine or it could blow into the road. They would like a rooted
tree that will grow on for future years.
The Clerk said that a rooted tree that is approximately 5 feet in height would cost
approximately £40. Councillor Stevenson said he has spoken to Arb to ask if they
would donate a cut tree and he had said that he would consider it but couldn’t
afford to give too many away. The Clerk had followed this up with an email, but up
to today there had been no response. Councillor Malyon said what about a tree for
the Hall, Councillor James said that the Caretaker has already started to raise money
for this and that we would need to speak to her before doing anything. Councillor
Irwin said that that last year that enough had been raised to pay for a 15-foot tree
and the decorations. Councillor Malyon said that people need cheering up this year
and that people and companies’ finances were tighter this year. The Clerk
suggested that the parish council could consider a donation towards the cost
of a tree outside the Memorial Hall. It was proposed by Councillor Irwin and
seconded by Councillor Jackson to order a rooted Christmas Tree for the Fire Station
and to donate the sum of £40 towards a cut tree for outside the Memorial Hall. Both
under S137 Miscellaneous Payments. This was carried by 8 votes in favour.
Councillor James did not vote is a member of the Memorial Hall committee.
Councillor Malyon said that a Christmas Tree for Foxt had been sorted.
80/20. To sign Fire Station Agreement (for use of space for office): Renewal of the
agreement had been received. The Clerk reported that she had read the agreement
which seemed the same as last year. Councillor Stevenson asked if the Clerk would
forward him a copy to look through. It was proposed by Councillor James and
seconded by Councillor Jackson to sign the agreement. This was agreed
unanimously.
81/20. Report from Site Visit: –
Water on Belmont Road near junction with Noonsun Common: Mr RB & Mr MB
had attended and agreed to submit a price to dig a ditch by the side of the wall.
However, nothing had been received yet, so Councillor Snow agreed to have a word.
Tree Management at Noonsun & Odda Common: Councillor Stevenson suggested
that the area on left hand side of Noonsun could be cleared and trees including fruit
trees planted and that Odda Common was also a mess and so could plant a few
normal British trees, but care would have to be taken not to disturb the topsoil too
much because of what is potentially under the ground. Councillor Malyon
suggested that ‘wildflower seed bombs’ could also be released on both areas to
save money on mowing etc.
Councillor James said that there used to be path on the wall side from the Well up to
top of Noonsun Common Bank, which was much safer for Riders than going on the
steep part of the road and asked if this could be cleared too. Councillor Stevenson
said he hadn’t thought of removing trees but putting more in, but said that if there
used to be path there maybe trees/shrubs could be pruned back. It was agreed that
the Clerk should find out who owns/is responsible for the two areas of Common
Land and then hold another site meeting.
Cemetery: –
Moles: It was noted that the Lengthsman is setting traps but noted that the mole
situation seems to be getting worse – there seems a lot of them. It was agreed to
ask the Lengthsman how he is going on and if he is still ok monitoring/catching the
moles.
Benches: It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he can sand the benches down and
Stain/paint them.
Lime Trees: The Clerk reported that she is still waiting to hear if permission has
been given from SMDC but said that when it comes through, she will arrange for
some quotes.
82/20. Highways:
Foxt Bank: Councillor Stimpson said that that now they have completed the work on the bank the surface is very smooth and that this would be dangerous for vehicles going down in wintery weather and that vehicles would struggle to get up the bank if icy. It was agreed to write to the County Council to ask if they can chip and tar the bank before winter.
Bumps at side of B5053 at Froghall: Councillor James reported that there are several ‘humps’ at the side of the road at Froghall. It was agreed to report this to the County Council.
83/20. Any other business deemed urgent:
- Government White Paper on Planning: Councillor Malyon reported that if this goes through it would mean that parish councils would only have 10 days in which to respond to planning applications and that some developments may be permitted. Also, if the Planning Authorities take too long to make a decision it can be taken off them. She said that members need to look and offered to get copies for any members who would like one. It was also agreed to write to the District Council to say that 10 days consultation period is not enough.
- Live Venue Entertainment: Councillor Malyon reported that a local musician has approached her to ask if the parish council would write to the local MP to ask for support to start restricted live events that are Covid secure and there is a danger that without support these events could disappear. On proposal by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Stimpson it was agreed to write to Karen Bradley MP.
- Wall on Barley Road Play Area: Councillor Malyon reported that some trees and shrubs have been removed from one of the boundaries on BRPA and that this had exposed a wall which is falling down. The Clerk wasn’t sure who is responsible for the Wall, whether it is the property owner or the parish council and that this information is currently at the Fire Station, to which she does not have access to at the moment due to the Covid restrictions. It was agreed that the Clerk should try to find out as soon as possible who the wall belongs to.
84/20. Accounts for Payment: The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
| £ | |
| Lengthsman Payment (September) (Net) | 235.20 |
| Lengthsman’s expenses (Fuel for strimmer & mileage) | 18.01 |
| Clerk’s Salary (September) (Net) | 630.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses (Telephone, postage & Stationery) | 8.70 |
| To reimburse Clerk for Whypay.net Account Invoice | 4.80 |
| L Malyon to reimburse from Chair Allowance for Gift & Card fir 103rd Birthday |
18.28 |
| H Mycock to reimburse from Chair Allowance for card & gift for a Golden Wedding Anniversary |
34.45 |
| DW Banks for Domain, SSL, Secure Hosting & Security for Website – October 2020 to October 2021
For updates and Covid-19 information &Link to SMDC Covid site |
195.00 35.00 |
| J Perry for 2 x mowing | 640.00 |
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
It was moved that the final two agenda items be taken under Confidential
The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 28 October 2020 at 7.00p.m. and will be by telephone conference