IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 22 July 2015 at 7.30p.m. in the
Extension of the Memorial Hall, Ipstones
PRESENT: Councillors P Barks, L Malyon (Chair), H Morris, H Mycock, S Richards, B Shuttleworth,
A Stevenson, P Stimpson & J Williams. The Clerk. 11 members of the public,
1 Reporter and Guests Ian Wykes (Staffordshire County Council) and County Councillor
Gill Heath.
APOLOGIES: None
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: To be taken as they arise
DISPENSATIONS: None received
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting
The Chairperson welcomed Mr Ian Wykes from the County Council who had come along to talk on the Countryside Estate Review and County Councillor Gill Heath who had come along regarding the blocked path at Foxt.
The Chair moved that Agenda Item 10 ‘Blocked Path at Foxt’ be taken first.
98/15. Blocked Path at Foxt: County Councillor Gill Heath explained that she had first been
contacted in the autumn of last year and that a site meeting had taken place with herself, a
Public Rights of Way Officer and many local residents from Foxt. From this it had been
resolved that the people who have walked the path should submit an application under
Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. An application has been submitted and
is being dealt with by the County Council’s Legal Team. It was noted that the process would
take some time and that the Legal Department have a backlog of similar applications.
Councillor Gill Heath and Mr Wykes (from the County Council) both agreed to speak to the
Legal Team to see at what stage the application is at and then update the Clerk.
It was agreed that the parish council will send a letter of support regarding the Section 53
application.
99/15. COUNTRYSIDE ESTATE REVIEW (Including the Picnic Area at Froghall): Mr Wykes from the
County Council explained that the County Council are looking at what is the most sustainable
Way to manage the Countryside Estates and are exploring ways to work with other partners
including Parish Councils. He went on to say that with increased use of the sites it takes more
to maintain the sites and that is why they are talking to other people and parish councils. He
added that following this exercise they will be going to Cabinet on 21 October 2015,
following which there will be a formal consultation.
Mr Wykes said that there are 10 possible options, one of which is to go into partnership with
parish councils. He also said that the County Council own the sites on behalf of Staffordshire.
Councillor Gill Heath added that they want to keep the Country parks for the next
generation. Mr Wykes said the sites are better managed by people not money.
Cllr Shuttleworth asked if there is a detailed breakdown of how much time and money it
takes to maintain the Picnic site at Froghall. Mr Wykes said he would try to find out. He
added that the parish council would not be under any obligation if they express an interest
in being involved with the management of the Froghall Wharf Picnic Site.
Cllr Barks asked if the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust or the RSPB have been approached.
Mr Wykes replied that if they are interested in any sites they could discuss it with them.
Cllr Williams asked about the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Plan. The reply was that the
County Council are looking at better ways to manage the Churnet Valley but that there is a
lot going on at the moment, including an application for an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’
status
Mr Wykes agreed to send the parish council a questionnaire that they are asking parish
councils to complete.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Wykes for coming along to the meeting.
100/15. ITEMS OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS DISCUSSED WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR GILL HEATH:
a. Request for ‘Horse Rider’ warning signs: Cllr Heather Morris said that about 18 months ago the parish council had requested for some warning signs to be put up in the parish but the request had been declined because there are no Riding Schools in the Parish. Cllr Morris said that there are a lot of riders and that there needs to be some signs, particularly on Church Lane and Belmont Road. Cllr Heath said she look into this.
b. Village Hall Railings at Foxt: Cllr Stimpson asked if the Community Team could paint the railings. Cllr Heath asked if we can let her know when we sent the list of potential jobs in.
The Chairperson moved that Agenda Item No 11 be taken while Cllr Gill Heath is present.
101/15. SMDC RE LDF – SITE OPTIONS CONSULTATION: Cllr Malyon said that the Officers had
held/plan to hold consultation events at Leek, Cheadle, Biddulph, Werrington and
Forsbrook – but not in the Ipstones Parish. She said that she was asked if the Officers will
come to hold an event in Ipstones but they had declined. Cllr Stimpson said that Foxt
needs some OAP Bungalows . Cllr Shuttleworth added that there is a lack of starter homes
and OAP bungalows in Ipstones.
On proposal by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Shuttleworth to ask if someone from the
Regeneration Department will come along to a meeting to discuss the proposed options.
This was agreed unanimously.
102/15. Cllr Malyon, the Chairperson asked the public present if they had any issues they wished
to bring up. The following items were mentioned. (Standing Orders were suspended to
allow members of the public to speak): –
a. Mr Edwards a Councillor of Bradnop Parish Council said he had come along regarding the proposal to erect two large wind turbines, one at Bradshaw Farm (Ipstones Parish)and one at Bradnop. He said that the Firm proposing to put the wind turbine had held pre-application consultation events at Whiston and Bradnop but have so far refused to hold an event in Ipstones. The wind turbines if erected would have more effect on Bradnop than Ipstones. The advertising of the pre-application consultation meeting had been minimum.
On proposal by Cllr Shuttleworth and seconded by Cllr Morris to ask someone from the Wind Turbine Firm to attend a Parish Council meeting which will be open to the public. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Barks mentioned that there is a proposal to build a Solar Panel Farm in Winkhill. It was also agreed to ask them to attend a parish council meeting.
The Chairperson moved that Agenda item 7 – PLANS be taken next.
103/15. PLANS: The following plans had been received: –
SMD/2015/0309 Demolition of existing hay barn and replacement with a detached
dwelling at Home Farm, Bradshaw Lane, Ipstones. Following a discussion it was proposed
by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Mycock to object to the application with the following
comments: –
• That the proposed development would be unneighbourly and not in keeping with the area.
• That the proposed development would have a detrimental effect on the adjacent barn, which is the only one of its style in the Country and still has its original tiles.
• That the ‘bore’ well that would supply water to the proposed property and its land is a shared well with Home Farm, and it could cause problems to the supply of water to both properties, especially if too many animals are kept on the land.
This was agreed unanimously.
SMD2015/0358 Repair and restoration of outbuilding to provide recreational/play rooms
To existing house at Bolton Farm, Town End Road, Foxt. Following a discussion it was
proposed by Cllr Stimpson and seconded by Cllr Mycock to support approval of this
application. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2015/0415 Demolition of 2 x external store rooms and erection of a single storey
rear extension at Park Mill Farm, Shay Lane, Foxt. Cllr Morris declared a personal
interest in this application and did not take part in any discussion or decision.
On proposal by Cllr Stimpson and seconded by Cllr Williams this was carried by 6 votes in
favour and one member abstained from voting.
104/15. MATTERS ARISING
a. Mr Sutton’s Letter re Blocked Foot Path: Cllr Stimpson asked if the Clerk could check the minutes that Mr Sutton refers to in his letter regarding the reference to the path being a Cow Lane to the Manor House and Cllr Stimpson stating it is not a public footpath but an old ‘Cow Lane’.
b. Flags: The Clerk had prices for St George’s Flags and a RBL Flag. The Clerk enquired about the design of the RBL Flag as there were several designs. It was agreed to check with the Ipstones & Foxt RBL. It was also agreed that if the total of the three flags is less than £300 in total the Clerk can go ahead and order the flags.
c. Water on the Road at Above Church: It was agreed to chase up on this matter.
On proposal by Cllr Richards and seconded by Cllr Mycock the minutes for the meeting held on Wednesday 24th June 2015 were agreed as a true record.
105/15. CORRESPONDENCE
a. SCC re Request for Works to 20 High Street, Ipstones: The letter advised that the home owners have now had the go ahead for the work to commence and finish the work which will involve the closure of Cart Lane for a few days.
b. SMDC re Code of Conduct Training: Details of this were noted.
c. SMDC re LDF Consultation on ‘Site Options’: Acknowledgement of receipt of the parish council’s letter had been received.
d. Ipstones Luncheon Club: Details of their current financial position had been received. It was proposed by Cllr Mycock and seconded by Cllr Stevenson to donate the sum of £500, under section 137, Miscellaneous Payments, toward the cost of the annual rent for the Hall. This was agreed unanimously.
e. Ipstones 5 Road Race Committee: A letter had been received asking if the parish council would support them on the first occasion that they will be running this event. It was proposed by Cllr Stevenson and seconded by Cllr Stimpson to donate the sum of £100, under section 137, miscellaneous payments, toward the cost of purchasing medals. This was agreed unanimously.
f. SCC re Village Lengthsman Scheme Agreement: Details of the current year’s arrangements had been received.
g. SCC re ‘Proposed changes to the Mobile and Travelling Library Service – Consultation: Details of this had been received.
h. Lengthman’s Report (June): Details of this were noted.
i. University Hospitals of North Midlands re charges in the Maternity Unit: A reply stated ‘that they only charge patients for a single bedroom which is an amenity which is not available to NHS patients. This extends choice to mothers and fathers who often want the privacy of a single room after a birth’.
j. Ipstones Agricultural Society: A letter had been received regarding sponsorship of the Annual Show. Councillors Stevenson, Malyon & Barks declared a personal interest in this
Item and did not take any part in the discussion or decision. It was proposed by Cllr Richards and seconded by Cllr Morris to sponsor the Annual Show for the amount of £200.00 under Section 137, Miscellaneous Payments. This was carried with 6 votes in favour.
k. SCC re Stones on Verge outside Farley Cottage, Cart Lane, Ipstones: A reply stated that the resident has been sent an application for a licence to plant and has been asked to remove any stones etc. Following a discussion it was agreed to reply that the parish council do not have an issue with the plants it is the large rocks that are dangerous and that one elderly person has already fallen over these rocks.
l. Other Circulars, Newsletters, Leaflets etc
SMDC – Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 – 2021
SMDC – Gambling Act 2005 – Statement of Principles 2016 – 2018
SPCA – Bulletin – 25 June 2015
– Bulletin – 10 June 2015
– Bulletin – 13 July 2015
– Bulletin – 16 July 2015
Staffordshire & S-O-T – ‘From History to Today – Newsletter’
106/15. SCC – The New Minerals Local Plan for Staffordshire (2015 – 2030): This agenda item was
deferred to 29 July 2015.
107/15. JAPANESE KNOTWEED: It was agreed to find out where the Japanese Knotweed is at
Belmont and then discuss on 29 July 2015.
108/15. FOXT MOWER: It was noted that this was corroding underneath, which is causing the drive
belt to keep breaking. It was agreed to get some prices for 29 July 2015.
109/15. UPDATE ON IPSTONES MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT: Cllr Shuttleworth informed fellow
members that following the AGM, there is a new team working on the project. They have
seen the Architects who are drawing up plans based on Option 2. He said that the plans
would probably need to be ‘tweaked’ a bit and that the Architects will be attending a full
Hall Committee Meeting. Cllr Shuttleworth went on to say that there is a lot going on but
they hope to start the building work in March.
The meeting was closed at 9.45p.m. and adjourned until Wednesday 29th July 2015
IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the extra ordinary meeting held on Wednesday 29th July 2015 and of the
reconvened meeting from 22 July 2015
held in the rear extension of the Memorial Hall, Ipstones at 7.30p.m.
PRESENT: Councillors Philip Barks, Linda Malyon (Chair), Heather Morris, Howard Mycock,
Sandy Richards, Barry Shuttleworth, Andrew Stevenson & John Williams. The Clerk
1 Reporter & 1 Member of the Public.
Guest: Mr Marcus Warnes, Chief Operating Officer of the North Staffs Clinical
Commissioning Group
APOLOGIES: Cllr Patrick Stimpson
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: it was agreed to take these as they arise
DISPENSATIONS: None received.
110/15. Guest Mr Marcus Warnes, from North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning
Group (CCG) Re Future of Local Hospitals and Charges for Hearing Aids:
The Chairperson welcomed Mr Warnes to the meeting. Mr Warnes explained that the
North Staffs CCG covers a population of 214,000 over an area from the Shropshire
border to the Derbyshire border.
Mr Warnes explained that he has been to a lot of meetings with the District and County
Councils and that and it is not about closing Community Hospitals. He said that too many
older people are being admitted to A & E and then into hospital when it would be better
for them to be discharged to home with the Home care Plan in place. He said that older
people in particular who spend 10 days or more In bed find it harder to cope when they
get home as they lose their independence and mobility more people than average
needing care and in the south of the county they don’t admit people into an hospital bed
unless it is needed their bundle of care is how to get the people home first and as a result
they need fewer community beds. He said that people with the correct support can
manage better at home. Mr Warnes went on to say that they are aiming to get extra
services into GP Surgeries to keep things local and they are also looking to employ an
extra 75 District Nurses in North Staffordshire. For people that need more care it aim is
to admit them to a Community Hospital. He said that Leek and the Haywood Hospital will
be ‘step-up’ hospitals with 36 beds at Leek and 77 at the Haywood. Bradwell & Cheadle
Hospitals will be ‘step down’ hospitals. They have got to look at the future of Longton
hospital as the facility is not suitable for a modern NHS. He said that this is the future of
the hospitals over the next two years and that unfortunately, because they do not yet
know of future funding levels they cannot say what will happen after the two year period.
Questions were invited: –
Cllr Morris said that there needs to be a change in the culture of home care saying that
people should not be expected to be put into bed at 5p.m. and that more time was
needed than the current 4 x 15minutes visits.
Mr Warnes responded that they want people to be discharged no later than 1p.m. and
for a Care Plan to be sorted out within 12 hours. With the saving on hospital beds they
hope to fund District Nurses and for Community Care to be funded by local Councils. He
went on to say that they will fund intermediate care for up to three weeks and that
although the NHS budget has increased it still does not meet the needs. Cllr Morris
commented that all the different departments i.e. NHS & Local authorities need to liaise
when providing care.
Mr Warnes said they are looking into District Nurses being allocated to GP practices – but
they are not there yet.
Cllr Stevenson asked if the X-ray department and other clinics would still be available at
the Leek Hospital. Mr Warnes replied that yes they would.
Cllr Barks commented that by getting more older people out of beds and back home,
where the care is not very good could mean older people getting forgotten. Mr Warnes
responded that Community Hospitals are not meant for long stays and if a person is not
ready to go home they could go into residential care until they are able to go home.
Cllr Malyon mentioned that not everyone can afford home care. Mr Warnes reply was
that that up to three weeks in intermediate care is free, funded by the NHS and that
Social/Home Care is means tested. The Local Authority deal with this.
Hearing Aids: Mr Warnes said that hearing tests will still be free, but that people with
low level hearing loss will have to pay for their hearing aids which are around £350. He
said that children and people who are totally deaf or with high levels of hearing loss with
still be provided with hearing aids.
Councillor Williams asked about pain relief. Mr Warnes advised that they have a
relatively cheap pain management service for people with long term chronic pain
The discussion was concluded with the Chairperson thanking Mr Warnes for coming along
The Meeting that was adjourned on Wednesday 22nd July 2015 was reconvened.
111/15. CORRESPONDENCE
Mr Cowie re an article that appeared in the Cheadle & Tean Times: An
e-mail drew attention to an article that appeared in the Cheadle and Tean
Times regarding the CVMp and suggests that Froghall can accommodate up
to 130 new dwellings on the Bolton’s Site. Whereas on the approved CVMp it
states ‘residentail – around 50 high quality units’. It was proposed by Cllr
Malyon and seconded by Cllr Williams to write to the Cheadle & Teans Times
pointing this out and to also write to the Regeneration Officer to ask that the
situation is clarified.
112/15. SMDC LOCAL PLAN – CONSULTATION OVER SITE OPTIONS AND
DEVELOPMENT/INFIL BOUNDARIES: The Clerk reported that a response has
still not been received regarding the invitation to attend a meeting at
Ipstones. Cllr Malyon said that she has requested 500 copies of the
Consultation Document and Plan, which she will distribute round the parish.
Following a discussion it was agreed to send a reminder of the invitation. And
to put on the next agenda.
113/15. SCC ‘THE NEW MINERALS LOCAL PLAN FOR STAFFORDSHIRE (2015-2030) –
FINAL DRAFT – JUNE 2015: Members had looked at the relevant sections of
this document and agreed that there was no need for further comment.
114/15. JAPANESE KNOTWEED: The Clerk reported that the knotweed at Belmont is
on private land. It was agreed that the parish council could not include this
on the treatment programme as it would set a precedence. It was agreed to
ask the Contractor is to be asked to only treat the knotweed on Common
Land.
115/15. FOXT MOWER: Following a discussion it was agreed to defer to the next
meeting so that further investigation could be carried out.
116/15. UPDATE YOUTH CLUB (IVYS): It was agreed to write to the Chairman of the
Committee to ask if their Bank Account has been sorted out yet and the
cheque that was sent to them at beginning of May and to ask if they have
paid the Youth Club Leader yet. It was also agreed to ask for copies of the
minutes to their Committee Meetings and the dates of future meetings.
117/15. HIGHWAYS: The following issues were reported: –
a. Pot Holes in the following locations: –
Church Lane – near Churchside Barn
Top of Clerk’s Bank
b. Verges on the bends past the Church – it was agreed to ask if the County Council can mow these as soon as possible. It was also agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he can strim round junctions and bends especially the Clerks bank/Church Lane junction
c. Ipstones Station: It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he can mow round the fence at Ipstones Station
d. Request for ‘Unsuitable for HGV’s’ : The Clerk reported that the County Council have responded to the request by saying that they can only put the signs where it is possible for HGV’s to turn round or take an alternative route. It was agreed to ask if they could put it at the end of Church Lane instead of by the Church.
118/15. SCC Gritting Survey: The questions were read out and the survey
Completed.
119/15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DEEMED URGENT
a. Gate to Foxt Community Area: Cllr Williams reported that the gate has
‘dropped’ and that the ‘catch’ is difficult to open. It was agreed to ask the
supplier of the gate if they can take a look.
b. Ipstones Telephone Box: it was agreed to chase up on when they are going
to paint it.
c. Website: The Clerk ask if it is alright to ask for extra pages so that extra
information can be displayed. This was agreed.
d. Countryside estate Review: Cllr Shuttleworth said that he is meeting with
someone from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to look at Froghall Picnic Area
120/15. QUARTERLY ACCOUNTS REPORT: The members had had a copy of this and the
Bank Reconciliation was checked against the Bank Statements. It was proposed by
Cllr Richards and seconded by Cllr Morris to accept the report as a true record.
121/15. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT: The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
£
Lengthsman’s Payment (net)
Clerk’s Salary (net)
Clerk’s Expenses Inc. Ink cartridges 42.24
Ipstones Memorial Hall – Doctors’ Surgeries 625.00
Ipstones Memorial Hall – 5 x meetings 71.25
Mr J Hooley – 2 x mows 560.00
SMDC – Election Charge for Foxt Ward (uncontested Seats) 50.00
Whittaker’s’ of Leek Ltd (3 skips for 1/08/15) 147.84
Mr J Mills – Lengthsman’s Expenses – fuel for strimmer 6.59
Mr B Barks – to reimburse for repair to Foxt Mower 37.00
Ipstones Luncheon Club – Donation – S137 (Misc Payments) 500.00
Ipstones 5 Road Race Committee – donation – S137 100.00
Ipstones Agricultural Society – Sponsorship of Show – S137 200.00
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 9th September 2015 at 7.30p.m.
In the rear extension of the Memorial Hall.
It was agreed that in the future when there is a ‘Speaker’ at the meeting the meeting will either be in the main Hall or at a different venue.