The following minutes are subject to Approval
Ipstones Parish Council
Minutes of the meeting that was held on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at 7.30p.m.
at The Sunday School Room, Ipstones
Present: Councillors Mike Birch, Peter Hallam, Leslie Jackson (Chair), Heather Morris,
Andrew Stevenson & Patrick Stimpson. The Clerk and four members of the
public
Apologies: Councillors Malyon. Irwin & Snow
The Vice Chairman Leslie Jackson chaired the meeting.
Councillor Jackson moved to send Get Well Card to Councillor Malyon’s husband.
This was agreed unanimously.
Dispensations: None had been received.
Declaration of Interests: To be taken as they arise.
The minutes for the meeting held on 30 March 2022 needed an adjustment as Councillor Stimpson had pointed out that he was not carrying out the Risk Assessment for the Beacon in Foxt but someone else was doing this.
It was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Stevenson that the minutes to the extra-ordinary meeting on 29 March 2022, regarding the Ambulance Service, as being a true record. This was agreed.
53/22. Matter Arising:
- Annual Insurance: Following discussion it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Stevenson to accept the renewal quote from Gallagher Insurance for a policy with Hiscox Insurance for the sum of £1137.59. This was agreed unanimously. It was noted that PLB cover is included for Jubilee events that are led by the Parish Council/sub-committee or working party. The Clerk had spoken to the Gallagher Insurance who said it was alright to have members of the community involved on the committee.
- Pothole near Churchside Barn: It was noted that this pothole is getting larger and agreed to report again.
54/22 Plans: The following planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2022/0170 Erection of two detached dwellings (outline application – all
matters reserved) at land to the North of Hawes farm, High Street, Ipstones.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by
Councillor Hallam to object to this application as two properties on this site would
impact on the adjacent listed building and generate too many vehicles onto High
Street. To add that that the parish council do not object to ‘infill’ but feel that one
property on the site would be more acceptable. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2022/0178 General purpose agricultural building for storage of hay, straw,
feedstuffs, machinery and livestock at Upper Park farm, park Lane, Ipstones.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by
Councillor Morris to support approval of this application. This was agreed
unanimously.
SMD/2022/0133 & (SMD/2022/0134) Listed Building Consent for proposed
replacement of existing timber garage with new sandstone garage. Replacement of
rear extensions with new sandstone extensions. Reopening and reinstatement of
former staircase window and bedroom window to east elevation at East View,
62 Brookfields Road, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor
Morris and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to support approval of this application.
This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2022/0193 Proposed new dormer roof structure at The Uplands, 15 Church
Lane, Ipstones. Councillor Jackson declared a personal interest in this and asked
Councillor Stevenson to take the Chair for this item.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by
Councillor Hallam to hold a site visit. This was agreed. The date was set for
Tuesday 3rd May at 6.30p.m.
55/22. Correspondence
- Mr Doherty, West Midlands Ambulance: The email reported that following the meeting on 29 March: – That there is support for the Community First Responder Scheme (CFR) and a recruitment process is underway; There is also support for the Alton Towers responders still to be used but he is not sure what is happening here, but one of his colleagues will look into this and they are also starting some pilot work on the GoodSam App which may not be relevant to Ipstones just yet, but may be a future development they could work with Ipstones on. It was agreed to thank Mr Docherty for this update and to ask if they are consulting with Fire Service about having/using defibrillators on the Fire Engines. It was agreed to suggest a follow up meeting for mid-June for a Thursday. When a date has been fixed to invite local MP’s Karen Bradley and Bill Cash.
- Well Street Medical Centre: It was noted that they will be commencing Branch Surgeries in the Memorial Hall from mid-May.
- The Community Foundation for Staffordshire re BKV Competition: Acknowledgement of this year’s entry had been received. The email also stated that the Lead Judge may make contact a day prior to them visiting to arrange a time/location for a representative to meet with them. When they phone, it was agreed to see if a representative from the parish council and the wombles would be free to meet with them.
- NE, Wombles: An email had been received. Standing Orders were suspended to allow NE from the Wombles to speak. NE advised that the ‘posts’ on the Ipstones Names sign at the top of the village need painting and they wondered if it would be possible to put a ‘plastic trough’ between the two posts so that trailing plants could be planted. NE was advised that the parish council would pay for a wire brush and paint so that the posts can be painted but that permission would be needed from the County Council for the ‘flower trough’ to be placed between the posts. It was noted that Foxt did not want to enter the BKV competition this year. NE said that the Wombles will arrange for the watering of the plants again this year. She also asked about the mowing of the verges within the village as she had seen somewhere that some areas in Staffordshire are doing ‘No Mow May’ and putting little signs up – It was agreed to ask County Councillor Heath if she has knows anything about this.
Standing orders were resumed.
- Moorlands Connect: An email advised that the team are currently at the marketing stage and pulling together packs for parish councils which will have all the information needed.
- SMDC re Application for a Grant toward a replacement Boundary Post: It was noted that the grant application had been successful. A second quote had been received which was lower than the first quote. Both quotes were looked at and it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Birch to accept the second quote from KJW Woodwork, which was lower and had more information on what is included. This was agreed unanimously.
- Councillor Birch re Park Lane: The email advised that he had inspected the area that floods both before the work was carried out and afterwards. He said that they had made a good job and seem to have resolved the problem.
- SCC re Road Closure Notice: It was noted that Belmont Road would be closed from 9th May to approximately 20 May.
- Highways re Blackthorn Hedge, on A523 at New Street, Winkhill: The update on this was that they are unable to action as they could not identify any defects posing safety risk that require remedial works at this time. It was noted that they will monitor the site during routine inspections.
- County Councillor Heath re trees growing from Lime Kilns at Froghall: A reply stated that she was not sure as trees are always dealt with by the SMDC Tree Officer. However, she did suggest to contact Public Rights of Way & Countryside to see if they could help.
- SPCA Training Dates: Councillor Birch said he would like to attend one of the courses for new councillors. This was agreed and the details are to be emailed to Councillor Birch.
- Mr H re placing seat in the Cemetery (on the site of a former seat): A letter and a photo of the proposed seat had been received. It was agreed to approve this providing that the seat fits onto the existing base size.
- Other Bulletins, circulars, Newsletters etc: –
SPCA – Weekly Bulletins – 04/04; 11/04; 18/04 & 25/04
56/22. Mayfair Avenue Open Space re Long Term Lease Agreement: Councillor Jackson
reported that he had spoken to the Port Folio holder dealing with this and
providing none of the other District Councillors ‘calls it in’ it should be approved.
57/22. Land between 22 & 24 Froghall Road: The Clerk reported that she has not had any
update on this yet.
‘Complete Annual Governance Statement for year 21/22 – this agenda item was
deferred to May meeting.
‘Sign Fire Station Agreement’ – this had not yet been received so was deferred.
58/22. Jubilee Mugs for Children: Posters are to be displayed and a post put on
ipstonesonline inviting parents to put their children’s’ name forward to receive a
mug. (The mugs are to be given to children aged 16 or under at the time of the
Jubilee and who reside in the parish) The mugs will cost £6 plus VAT. Following
discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Birch
for Councillor Stevenson to order 300 mugs. (He mentioned that they would be
unlikely to be ready before the Jubilee Weekend). It was agreed that the mugs
could be delivered to eligible children when the mugs arrive and then the
remainder could be sold at other events during the year). This was agreed
unanimously.
59/22. Jubilee Update: Ipstones: It was noted that the programme for the weekend is to
be finalised and flyers will then be printed for ready for distribution. Councillor
Jackson reported that another parish have already received their grant from the
District Council and it was agreed for the Clerk to chase up on the Ipstones grant
application.
Foxt: Councillors Hallam & Birch reported that the plans for the Foxt celebrations
are progressing well.
60/22. Highways:
- Parking Issues (High Street, Church Lane & Red Lion Bank): Councillor Jackson reported that County Councillor Heath and the Community Traffic Management Officer, himself and the Clerk had attended the site visit. High Street: It was explained that gap between the double yellow lines on one side of the road and the double yellow lines on the other side of the road does not leave a sufficient gap for two larger vehicles to pass. Currently when to lorries/buses meet it causes a hold up as they have nowhere to go to pass and that members are concerned that this could cause a delay if the Fire Engine or an Ambulance needs to get through. It was suggested that a short extension of the double yellow lines on one side of the road would help alleviate this problem. The Community Traffic Management Officer explained that before anything could proceed the proposal would need the support of the householders who may be affected by a change in parking restrictions. It was suggested that initially the parish council could write to the house holders. Church lane: it was explained that people are parking in such away on the bend (as you approach the Grove) making it difficult for vehicles especially larger vehicles to get through and again members are concerned that Emergency Vehicles could be held up. It was suggested that a short length of double yellow lines on one side of the road would ease the situation. The Community Traffic Management officer said that this would be feasible as the short distance involved would not be directly in front of any properties. Red Lion Bank, Froghall Road: The Community Traffic Management Officer said that as the problem of vehicles parking was not a regular occurrence it is not something they would currently consider. County Councillor Heath explained that the funding for any change in the parking regulations would have to be paid from her DHP fund and that this has already been allocated for the forthcoming financial year. The cost would be in the region of £5000 which would be a large chunk of what she is allocated each year (for all her parishes) so she suggested if the parish council wish to proceed it would be a help if they could make a contribution to the cost. The cost would be the same if the application is for one or two areas. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Stevenson to write to householders in High Street who would be affected by any changes in the parking restrictions. This was agreed unanimously.
61/22. Any other business deemed urgent
- It was reported that work had already commenced on an application for an animal Shelter had already started but it is believed that the decision has not yet been made on the application. It was agreed to await for the decision.
- Bins by the Canal at Froghall: It was noted that two large bins are full, and overflowing and have not been emptied for some time. It was agreed to report this to the company who supply the bins.
- Millenium Arch: it was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he would be able to clean and apply osmo oil to the Arch
- Bench for Foxt Green: Councillor Hallam reported they (Foxt people) are thinking of replacing the existing bench with a ‘Jubilee’ bench. He said he will get some prices and report back at the next meeting.
- Cemetery: Councillor Stevenson has reported that there is a branch broken off one of the Lime Trees by the road that needs removing. The Clerk reported that the Tree Surgeons who are coming to do work on the trees will remove the branch on Friday.
62/22. Quarterly Accounts Report (5 January 2022 to 31 March 2022): Members had
each received a copy of the Quarterly Accounts report. The Bank Reconciliation
was checked. It was agreed that the quarterly account report was a true record.
63/22. Accounts for payment: It was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by
Councillor Stimpson to approve the following accounts for payment: –
| £ | |
| Lengthsman’s Net Pay (April) | 235.20 |
| SMDC for hire of Bin in Cemetery | 665.07 |
| Staffs Parish Councils’ Association – Annual Subscription | 360.05 |
| Elizabeth Hardy – to reimburse the fee for BKV Entry | 27.50 |
| Clerk’s Net Salary | 700.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 26.82 |
| To reimburse Clerk for Card & Gift for a Golden Wedding anniversary | 31.29 |
| Ipstones Memorial Hall – 3 x meetings | 60.00 |
| Ipstones Memorial Hall – for hire of Hall for Doctors’ Dispensary
1 Jan 2022 – 31 March 2022 (13 x £10) |
130.00 |
| James Perry for 2 x Mows | 620.00 |
| Ipstones Methodist Church Donation authorised under S137 Miscellaneous Payments for using Sunday school Room for meeting |
20.00 |
| CPRE – Annual Subscription | 36.00 |
| Gallagher Insurance Co – Renewal of Annual Insurance | 1137.59 |
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The date of the AGM and next meeting was set for Wednesday 25 May 2022
at 7.30 p.m. in the Methodist Church Sunday School Rooms
The Final item was agreed to be treated as CONFIDENTIAL