IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 9th September 2015 (belated August Meeting) at 7.00p.m. in the Extension at the Memorial Hall, Ipstones
PRESENT: Councillors Philip Barks, Linda Malyon (Chair), Howard Mycock, Sandy
Richards, Barry Shuttleworth, Andrew Stevenson and Patrick Stimpson.
The Clerk, 1 Report and 1 Member of the Public
APOLOGIES: Councillors Heather Morris and John Williams
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: It was agreed to take these as they arise.
DISPENSATIONS: None had been received.
122/15. MATTERS ARISING (from 22 July & 29 July)
a. Flags: The Clerk reported that she has checked with Mrs Clark and it is a Poppy Flag that the RBL require and the price for a 3 yard printed Poppy Flag is £83.85plus VAT and delivery. It was agreed that this along with a 3 yard sewn St George’s Flag (price £81.55 plus VAT & delivery) should be ordered.
b. Water on the Road at Above Church: It was noted the road is currently dry but this maybe because the people are still away.
c. Stones outside Farley Cottage: The Clerk reported that she has been advised by the Community Highway Liaison Officer, that the resident of Farley Cottage has been asked to apply for a S115 Licence for the plants that have been put on the verge and that they have been asked to remove the stones. It was agreed to chase up on this.
d. Japanese Knotweed: It was noted that this is due to be treated at any time now.
e. Gate to Foxt Community Area: It was noted that this had been fixed by someone from Whiston who Mr Reeves knows and that he does not want anything for it. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks.
The minutes of the meetings held on Wednesday 22 July 2015
and Wednesday 29th July 2015 were agreed to be a true record.
123/15. PLANS: The following had been received: –
Councillor Stevenson declared a prejudicial interest in the following application
and left the room.
SMD/2015/0531 Construction of a detached 4 bedroom agricultural workers
dwelling (resubmission of SMD/2014/0793) at Field No 2247, Froghall Road,
Ipstones. It was noted that the parish council voted against the application when
it was first submitted. Following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Mycock and
seconded by Cllr P Barks to recommend refusal of the application for the same
reasons being: –
• That the development is an inappropriate development outside of the village boundary
• The access the road is dangerous and
• The acreage of the site is not enough to support an agricultural workers dwelling. Most of the land the applicant farms is outside of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
The proposal was carried by 4 votes in favour and 1 vote against.
Cllr Malyon declared a personal interest in the following application and took no
part in the discussion or decision.
SMD/2015/0545 Two storey side and rear extension and repositioning of
vehicular access at 92 Brookfields Road, Ipstones. Following a discussion it was
proposed by Cllr Stimpson and seconded by Cllr Barks to support approval of the
application. This was agreed unanimously.
Notification of the following ‘approval’ had been received: –
SMD/2015/0336 Conservatory to the north elevation of Rose Cottage, Foxt Rd, Foxt.
Notification of the following ‘refusals’ had been received: –
SMD/2015/0263 Two storey side extension at 1 New Cottages, Foxt Road, Foxt
SMD/2015/0309 Demolition of existing hay barn and replacement with detached
dwelling at Home Farm, Bradshaw Lane, Ipstones.
The Chairperson moved that agenda item 14 be brought forward as Jane Fleet (the new
Treasurer Ipstones Village Youth Society) had called in to update Councillors on how
things are going. Standing Orders were suspended to allow Mrs Fleet to speak.
124/15. UPDATE ON IPSTONES VILLAGE YOUTH SOCIETY (IVYS): Jane explained that she
is the new treasurer and that the Bank Account (with the NatWest) is now
operating ok and requires two out of five signatures to authorise transactions. She
also informed members that the IVYS Committee are holding regular monthly
meetings. It was noted that the money that they have had through SCVYS is only
for things for the young people and not for wages. It was agreed that the cheque
could be released for the 3rd payment of the Grant allocated to the new Youth Club
for 2015.
125/15. CORRESPONDENCE
a. SCC RE ‘LICENCE TO PLANT’ S115E LICENCE FOR THE PROPOSED NOTICE BOARD
AT FOXT: Two copies of the agreement had been received and were signed by the
Cllr Malyon (Chair). It was agreed to authorise a cheque for the sum of £100 (the
Fee for the Licence S115E).
The Clerk advised that the application for a grant from the CVLLP has been
submitted and should be considered later in September.
b. Ipstones Memorial Hall Committee: A letter of thanks had been received for the recent grant for the sum of £600.00.
c. Ipstones Agricultural Society: A letter of thanks for the sponsorship of the annual Show for the sum of £200.00. had been received.
d. Ipstones Luncheon Club: A letter of thanks for the donation of £500.00 had been received.
e. Mr & Mrs Maslen: A letter of thanks had been received for the gift on the occasion of their Golden wedding Anniversary.
f. SCC re Winter Gritting and Snow Clearing: the letter was read out and comments noted that the review of the precautionary routes is ongoing at the time of writing with the final proposal not yet determined. They are therefore unable to confirm if the precautionary gritting will continue at the same level as previous years.
The letter stated that as far as they are aware there are no proposed changes to the locations of the ‘grit piles’ and if this is the case they will restock as required.
The letter confirmed that the previous ‘Snow Clearing Contractor’ as agreed to continue for the winter season.
g. SMDC re Boltons Copper Works and article in the Cheadle & Tean Times: A reply had been received and it was noted that “It is agreed that the development Strategy for the Bolton Copperworks Opportunity Site contained in the adopted Churnet Valley Masterplan, does refer to around 50 dwellings (but with need for flexibility with regards potential cross-subsidising of other uses); and this position is reflected in the associated 2015 SHLAA record for the site (site ref: “OC001”). This would appear to be the total estimated capacity across three ‘zones’ of the site. Whilst this capacity is necessarily an estimate by officers, based upon reasonable housing densities, and other issues, I am not aware how the 130 no. figure that appears in the newspaper article is derived”. Cllr Malyon mentioned that in the CVMp it says 50 houses with no reference to ‘flexibility’.
h. SMDC Regeneration Manager re Invitation to meeting: The reply stated that due to lack of staff resources they would be unable to send a member of staff to an evening meeting with the parish council.
i. County Councillor Gill Heath re: Blocked Footpath, Foxt and Horse Rider Warning Signs & jobs for the Community Highway Team: An e-mail advised that Cllr Heath has put the horse riding signs on her DHP list but that it would be next spring as she is committed to other things. Regarding the Blocked Footpath at Foxt Cllr Heath advised that it is currently with the Legal Department and could take some time. Community Highway Team – it was agreed to ask if they can paint the railings at Foxt Village Hall and the Goal Posts on the Recreation Field at Ipstones.
j. SCC re the Drainage System Church Lane: An e-mail advised that they have raised a job for the drains to be emptied and the outlet jetted.
k. Whittaker’s of Leek Ltd: An e-mail advised that they will be increasing their prices by £5 per skip plus VAT. Members thought that this was acceptable as it is many years since there has been a price increase.
l. Spectrum Energy Systems re Proposed Wind Turbine at Bradshaw Farm and invitation to hold a consultation event in Ipstones: A reply advised that public consultations were held at Whiston Hall Hotel and had been advertised in the Cheadle and Tean Times (Uttoxeter Echo and Blythe & Forsbrook Times) and then a further consultation day at Bradnop that was advertised in the Leek Post & Times. They advised that their clients saw no added advantage of hosting a third consultation day. It said if their client decides to proceed with a plannning application there will be a chance for residents to submit their views, comments and objections at that point.
m. Proposed Solar Farm at Lower Gutter farm, Winkhill: it was noted that Global renewable Construction Ltd have spoken with one of the District Council’s Planning Officers and following this conversation and the Government’s recent change in legislation on Solar Farms it is unlikely that they will pursue the application for Lower Gutter Farm.
n. SCC re Confirmation of Public Footpath Diversion Order in respect of PFP No 100 in Ipstones Parish and PFP No 31 in Onecote Parish: Notification of this had been received.
o. SCC re Bus Timetable Changes: Notification that there will be some changes to the Bus Timetables that could affect the Ipstones Parish had been received
p. Other circulars, newsletters etc
SPC Assc – Details of various Training Courses
Clerks & Councils Direct – September Issue
CPRE – Countryside Voice – Summer 2015 Issue
CPRE – Fieldworker – Summer Issue
126/15. CONCLUSION OF AUDIT: The Annual Return had been returned from the Auditors
and the comments for Section 3 – External auditor certificate and report
2014/2015 stated: –
Audit Report for the year ended 31 March 2015 – Matters Reported – None
Other matters not affecting the auditors opinion which we wish to draw to the
attention of Ipstones Parish Council for the year ended 31 March 2015
Section 1 – Accounting statements 2014/2015 – stated that last year they
reported that Boxes 7 (Balances C/F) and 8 (Total cash and short term
investments) were overstated by £500 and should read £35216 and Box 9 (Total
fixed assets plus other long term investments and assets) was understated by
£500 and should read £5500. The Council did not reinstate the figures on the
2014/2015 return.
The Clerk explained that she had not wanted to amend the 2013/2014 Annual
Return figures and so the original figures were C/F and the adjustment was made
on the 2014/2015 C/F figures. An explanatory note had been attached to the
2014/2015 Annual Return when it was submitted. The £500 referred to Shares
with the Churnet Valley Railway which had previously been included in the
‘Total Cash and Short Term Investment’ Boxes (7 & 8) but on recommendation
from the external Auditor has now been moved to the ‘Total Fixed Assets plus
other long term investments’ (Box 9). It was agreed to accept the Conclusion of
Audit and details are to be displayed on the Notice Board.
Cllr Malyon (Chair) gave a vote of thanks to the Clerk for the work carried out in
preparing for the Annual Audit.
127/15. SMDC LOCAL PLAN: CONSULTATION OVER SITE OPTIONS &
DEVELOPMENT/INFILL BOUNDARIES – FOXT & IPSTONES:
FOXT: It was noted that the estimated housing need for Foxt 2011 – 2031 is 15
Dwellings and that one site potentially suitable for 5+ dwellings is outside the draft
infill boundary and is suitable for 8 dwellings.
Following a discussion it was agreed to send the following comments: –
• Members object to the proposed allocation site for 8 dwellings as it is on the only Industrial Site in Foxt and there are two Businesses that operate from the site.
• That it is important to keep the Industrial Site for Industrial use
• That proposed dwellings should be built as infills keeping to the linear style of the village
• There should be no blocks of dwellings
• There should be a number of OAP Bungalows included in the allocated figure – some older residents have asked about this – if they had a suitable bungalow to move to it would free up properties suitable for families/younger people.
IPSTONES: it was noted that the estimated housing need 2011 – 2031 is 25
dwellings and several site options were shown on the plan. Following a discussion
it was agreed to object to all of the site options for the following comments: –
• That all the site options are outside of the village development boundary and members would like the development boundary to stay as it is.
• None of the site options, except for the one on Froghall Road, have suitable infrastructure to cope with an estate type development.
Other comments to be submitted are: –
• That it should be taken into account that over the past few years there have been a number of dwellings built or that have planning permission to be built and members feel that there has already been enough dwellings built/ to be built in the village.
• Members think that if there are to be any new dwelling built then they should be ‘infills’ and affordable to young people so that they can to stay in the village.
• Members think that estate type developments attract outsiders who do not tend to support community amenities or events.
• Members think that it is important for Ipstones to stay as a ‘Community’ and retain its village character
• That the village development boundary remains as it is and not deviate as it is shown to do so (on the map) at the top of High Street/Park Lane.
128/15. HOSPITAL CHARGES: Following a short discussion it was agreed to take no further
Action for the time being.
129/15. IPSTONES RECREATION FIELD: Cllr Malyon reported that over the few weeks prior
to the Annual Show the Memorial Hall Committee have had the Recreation Field
cleared of a lot of debris and overgrown shrubs to bring it up to a better standard.
The cost of a contractor was £1200.00. Cllr Malyon went on to say that since the
recreation Field had been cleared more people are using it on a daily basis and it is
a benefit to the village. Following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Mycock and
seconded by Cllr Stimpson to pay the invoice for the work under Section 19
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1972. This proposal was carried by 3 votes in
favour, 2 votes against and 2 members abstaining.
130/15. COUNTRYSIDE ESTATE REVIEW: Cllr Shuttleworth explained that he had met with
a representative from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and they seem keen to take
over all the picnic sites along the Churnet Valley including the site at Froghall. Cllr
Shuttleworth said that personally he does not think that the parish council should
get involved with taking over the running of the Site at Froghall as he thinks it is
better if all the sites are managed under one ‘umbrella’ but did suggest that the
parish council could be a sleeping partner just to see that everything is run ok. In
the circumstances he registered an interest with the County Council.
131/15. ANNUAL INSPECTION OF FOXT PLAY EQUIPMENT: Two prices had been obtained
and it was agreed to select Wicksteed Leisure Ltd at a cost of £45.00 plus VAT.
132/15. FOXT MOWER (REPLACEMENT): Several verbal prices were discussed, all the
Prices seemed in a similar range so it was then proposed by Cllr Shuttleworth and
seconded by Cllr Richards to purchase a Mountfield Mower with a Honda Engine
and large rear wheels from the Countrystore at a cost of £429.00. This was agreed
unanimously.
133/15. REPORT ON MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT: It was noted that the Architects have
spoken to the Planners and the Planning Officer does not think that there is any
need to extend the Car Park so it won’t be necessary to put parking on the Tennis
Courts. The Planning Officer thought that the proposed plans are basically alright
apart from a few minor adjustments such as some extra windows in the Surgery
area. They hope to have the plans in before Christmas and hope that a consortium
of local builders will put a price in.
134/15. SNOW PLOUGH: it was decided to leave this – as we now have a Snow Clearing
Contractor allocated to the parish.
135/15. HIGHWAYS: The following matters were noted: –
a. Resurfacing through Foxt: It was reported that they had made a good job of this.
b. Himalayan Balsam at Park Nook: it was agreed that the Community Team could be asked to cut this back if they have time, if not, Cllr Stimpson said he will see what he can do.
135/15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DEEMED URGENT
a. Play Area (Ipstones): Councillor Richards asked if anything is going to be done about a hole under the swings and mentioned that she had picked up 3 x bags of dog faeces from the play area. Cllr Malyon advised that the Hall Committee are looking into getting a grant toward replacing the safety surfacing.
b. Foxt Telephone Kiosk: Cllr Stimpson reported that Mr Mann had said that he will be doing this.
136/15. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT: the following accounts were agreed for payment: –
£
Lengthsman’s Payment (Net) (August)
J Hooley for 2 x mows 560.00
Whittaker’s of Leek Ltd (4 Skips for 05/09) 222.00
Clerk’s Salary (Net)
Clerk’s Expenses inc. Ink Cartridges 36.59
L Malyon to reimburse from Chairman’s Allowance for the cost of flowers and card for a Golden Wedding Anniversary
21.50
Grant Thornton (Annual Audit Fee) 240.00
Staffordshire County Council fee for S115 Licence for proposed Notice Board at Foxt
100.00
Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd (Rigger Gloves for Lengthsman) 4.80
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 7th October 2015
at 7.30p.m. in the Memorial Hall (Main Hall), Ipstones