IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 27th January 2016 at 7.00p.m. In the Extension at Ipstones Memorial Hall
PRESENT: Councillors P Barks, L Malyon (Chair), H Morris, H Mycock, S Richards, B Shuttleworth, A Stevenson, P Stimpson & J Williams. The Clerk, 1 Reporter and 3 x Members of the Public
APOLOGIES: None
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: To be taken as they arise.
DISPENSATIONS: None received.
01/16. MATTERS ARISING
- SMDC Re LDF ‘Site Options’: It was proposed by Cllr Malyon and seconded by Cllr Richards to send a strong letter to clarify that the parish council do not agree with any of the proposed site options but request a ‘flexible boundary’ for infills. This is for both Foxt and Ipstones. This was agreed unanimously.
- Skips: The clerk reported that the County Council have not yet made any recommendations on how to stop inappropriate items being put on the skip. It was agreed to also speak to Whittakers about this.
- Grit Piles: It was agreed to ask for them to be restocked.
- Cemetery Bins: Following a letter that had been received from the District Council in the autumn, Cllr Malyon had made enquiries and said that that the District Council could supply recycling bins free of charge (2 x brown bins and 1 x bottle bin). Following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Shuttleworth to stay with the large green bin that we have as there is a variety of waste that goes into the bin that is not always suitable for recycling.
- Inspection of Play Equipment on Foxt Community Area: Cllr Mycock reported that he had: –
- Adjusted the gates so that they open better but he mentioned that the spring on the fastener is still stiff.
- Drilled holes in the play car to allow water to drain away
- The Clerk reported that Mr Evans has agreed to look at the balance beams and cut of the ‘overhangs’.
- Belmont Pools: Cllr Barks said that in the wet weather the road had been covered in water. Concerns were expressed regarding the ‘silt’ in the pool jeopardising the stability of the road. Cllr Malyon said that she has spoken to the County Highways who have now got to speak to the land owner, so it may take some time for the pool to be dredged.
- Pot Holes: It was noted that the pothole at the end of Church Lane, had still not been repaired but the ones across Belmont Road had been done.
- Memorial Hall Representative: Cllr Stevenson reported that he had attended the last meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15th December 2015 and the
Confidential minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2015 were agreed as
being a true record
02/16. PLANS: The following applications had been received: – DET/2015/0049 Proposed Fodder and Machinery storage shed at Land at Foxt Road, Foxt. This was the re-submission of a previous application (June 2014) that had been supported by the parish council. As it was time sensitive for comments the Clerk had phoned round members who had agreed that they would stick to the original decision to support the application.
SMD/2015/0618 Proposed Ménage at Far Lake Farm, Shaw Wall Lane, Whiston. Cllr Stevenson declared a prejudicial interest in this application and left the room. It was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Shuttleworth to support approval of this application. This was carried with 5 votes in favour, 1 vote against with one member abstaining from voting.
SMD/2015/0805 & SMD/2015/0806 Consent and Listed Building Consent for the formation of vehicle off Street parking and a dropped kerb at Glyndor, 24 High Street, Ipstones. The Chairman suspended Standing Orders to allow members of the public to speak. Mr D Barks explained that previously there had been a 7 foot fence, which had been taken down and they are concerned that if planning permission is granted another fence may be erected which makes their house, which is opposite dark. They also have concerns that vehicles reversing out onto the main road could be dangerous with all the parked vehicles. Standing Orders were resumed and following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Richards to recommend refusal of the application for the following reasons: – that it would be unneighbourly; that it would be an unsuitable development in a Conservation Area and for Highway Safety, being next to the junction. This was agreed unanimously.
03/16. CORRESPPNDENCE
- Blocked Path at Foxt: Acknowledgement of the parish council’s letter dated 16th December 2015 had been received from the County Council.
Letters concerning the parish Council’s withdrawal of support for the Section 53 Application had been received from : – Mr & Mrs B R Clowes; Mr A Cope;
Mrs L Cope; Mr & Mrs B D Cope; Mr & Mrs Overton & J Richardson; Mr & Mrs Sheppey; Mrs J Snow; Mr P J Sutton and Mrs L Warrilow. All the letters were read out as requested. The Chairman suspended Standing Orders to allow Mr Hilditch to respond.
Mr Hilditch said he was flabbergasted by the accusations and said that the track was originally there because of farming and that people walked the path and also in the fields. He said that the representative from the County Council and County Councillor Gill Heath reported that the track is not registered as a footpath and it was agreed at the time to let the County Council make a decision on this. He said that he has come along to the parish council meetings to put forward his side of events but not to ask the parish council to object to the Section 53 application. The Chairman agreed that Mr Hilditch could have copies of the letters. Standing orders were resumed. Cllr Stimpson arrived. The Chairman explained to Cllr Stimpson about the letters and that it had been mentioned that he should have declared an interest in this matter.
Cllr Stimpson replied that he does not think he needed to have declared an interest as he doesn’t own the section of the track that is being disputed and he has no objection to people walking along his part of the track. Cllr Stimpson added that he had spoken to the previous owner of Manor Farm who had said that the track is a public right of way that people used to walk along to get to a well.
It was agreed to reply to the letters stating ‘that their comments have been noted but in light of no further evidence being received the parish council have decided not to change the decision that was made at the meeting on 15th December 2015 ‘to withdraw support of the Section 53 Application and to leave the decision to the County Council’s Legal Team’. To add, to the people who mentioned other issues in their letters ‘that these issues are not parish council matters and members recommend that these issues should be reported to the Police and/or the School Governors’.
- Foxt Village Hall Committee: A letter of thanks had been received for the recent grant.
- Lengthsman’s Report (December): details of this were noted.
- SMDC re alleged moving of Planning Department: A reply stated that the rumour was not true and the Planning Department is still based at Moorlands House.
- Western Power re Wayleaves Agreement for land adjacent to Forest Side Farm. The agreement was checked and then signed by the Chairman.
- The Planning Inspectorate re Appeal Decision for Application No SMD/2015/0263 proposed two storey side extension at 1 New Cottages, Foxt. It was noted that the appeal has been dismissed.
- The Pensions Regulator “The Essential Guide to automatic enrolment”: It was noted that a copy of this had been received along with a letter that stated that ‘staging date’ is 1st February 2017.
- Community Council of Staffordshire re Best Kept Village Competition: It was agreed not to enter this year.
- SMDC re Queen’s 90th Birthday – Litter Clearance exercise – this was noted and it was suggested that the Youth Club might be interested in this.
- SCC re Great War Event – Saturday 5th March: Details of this were noted.
- SPCA – Local Councillor Training Day: Details noted.
- Circulars, Newsletters etc
Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd – update of information NALC – Legal Briefing LO2-15 – Introduction of the Smaller Authorities (Transparency Requirements) (England) Regulations 2015/494 (Turnover less than £25,000) NALC – Legal Briefing LO5-15 – Public Contracts Regulations 2015 – impact on the standing orders and financial regulations adopted by councils NALC – Legal Topic Note – LTN 79 – Staff Pensions NALC – Legal Topic Note – LTN 87 – Procurement NALC – Letter from Chairman SPCA – Bulletins for 17/12/15; 21/12/15; 31/12/15; 08/01/16; 14/01/16 & 21/01/16 Clerks & Councils Direct – January 2016 Issue
04/16. PROPOSED SWINGS FOR FOXT PLAY AREA: the Clerk had some prices, but a lot depends on whether the swings have a wooden frame or metal frame and what type of safety surfacing is needed. (Most were coming out in the region of £2500 – £3500 for an informal quote) Foxt 2000 Club have mentioned that they may have some funds to put toward the cost of the swings so it was agreed to ask the Foxt 2000 club how much they have available to put to the cost and to ask Mr Evans if he has any suggestions. This is to be discussed again at a future meeting.
05/16. TO SET THE ANNUAL PRECEPT: Members had been given a copy of the precept calculations including the estimated year end balances for 31/03/2016 and 31/03/2017. Following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Stimpson and seconded by Cllr Morris to increase the precept requirement by £3000 (this would give an increase of £5.63 per Band D Property per year). To take into account the providing new swings on the Foxt Community Area. This was agreed unanimously. (This equates to a precept of £19962.35 plus grant of £607.21 giving a total of £20569.56).
06/16. PROPOSED RESURFACING WORK ON PFP 102 (Church Lane to Belmont Road): The Clerk said that a Land Search application is ready to send in – just waiting for a payment for the sum of £11 to be authorised. It was agreed to authorise this.
07/16. REPLACEMENT MEMORIAL TREE FOR FOXT: It was agreed that no further action can be taken until it is known if the application for an additional burial ground has been successful.
08/16. ANNUAL SERVICING OF MOWING EQUIPMENT: The Clerk had received two verbal quotes for the servicing of the two strimmers (it was agreed that there is no need to service the Mower which was new in September) and a third company had said that they could not give a price because they did not know how long they would have to spend and they would only charge for the hours and parts (They had offered to give a quote if the equipment was taken to them and they had a quick look first). Following a short discussion it was agreed to go with the firm who had quoted the lower price with free collection and delivery. This was S J Services who had quoted £39.00 per strimmer for a basic service plus any parts that need to be replaced.
09/16. SELECTING AUDITORS: This item was deferred to the next meeting.
10/16. UPDATE ON MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT: Cllr Malyon explained that all Organisations are to be invited to the next Memorial Hall Meeting so they can put forward ideas of what they would like to see in the Memorial Hall before more detailed drawings are prepared. They have now got to go to Building Control and have an Electrician look at the Electrics and someone is looking at the Stage to see what can be done there. They are also looking if there are any grants available. Cllr Malyon added that they are trying to keep local people in the loop.
11/16. UPDATE ON IPSTONES VILLAGE YOUTH SOCIETY: It was noted that they have got to have two accounts, one for money received from SCVYS, which can only be used for projects but not wages and one for money raised through their own fundraising to pay for a Youth Leader’s Wages. It was also noted that they are desperate for more helpers.
12/16. HIGHWAYS: The following matters were reported:-
- Water on the Road, Park Lane (between Hopes Stones and Foxt Cross Roads): It was agreed to report this to County Highways.
- Pothole at end of Church Lane: It was agreed to remind County Highways that this has not been repaired.
- Parking Issues on Church Lane: Cllr Barks said that the parking in the area past the pub and on the corner is bad and that there are times when a larger vehicle such as an Ambulance or Fire Engine would not be able to get through. It was agreed to request a site visit to look at this again.
- Foxt Road, Froghall Wharf: Cllr Stimpson said that the road is slipping away at the edge between the Lime Kilns and the junction with the A52. This has been reported several times in the past so it was agreed to ask for a site visit when they come to look at the parking issues in Church Lane.
- Bridge on Foxt Road, Froghall Wharf: It was agreed to ask British Waterways when they are going to complete repairs and remove the barrier.
- PFP11 Devil’s Staircase: it was reported that the steps and the handrail are in need of repair. It was agreed to report to the Rights of Way Department.
- Belmont Pools: it was agreed to ask County Highways what is happening with regard to the silted-up pool and to advise that the barricade that they have erected is dangerous.
13/16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DEEMED URGENT:
- Horse Chestnut Tree, on The Green at Foxt: Cllr Stimpson reported that Western Power have cut back the tree, but have made a mess of it and not cleared the off-cuts away. He ask members if they would mind if he tidies up the tree and removes the off-cuts. It was agreed that he could do this.
14/16. QUARTERLY ACCOUNTS REPORT FOR PERIOD 01/10/2015 TO 31/12/2015:
Members had each received a copy of the report and the bank Reconciliation was
checked against the Bank Statements. It was agreed to accept the report as a true
record.
15/16. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT: The following accounts were agreed for payment: – Cllr Stevenson queried the amount charged for ‘Election Costs’ as he thought that this was rather high. It was noted that the invoice had been paid but agreed to write to the District Council to ask for a breakdown of the figure.
|
£ |
|
| The following three cheques were issued at end of December with permission of Chairman & Vice Chairman:- | |
| SMDC re Planning Fee for application submitted on behalf of St Mark’s Church Foxt (for extension to Burial Ground) To be reimbursed by the PCC |
192.50 |
| SMDC Election Costs | 2301.58 |
| Wicksteed Leisure (for inspection of Play Equipment on Foxt Community Area) |
54.00 |
| The following cheques were authorised at meeting:- | |
| Clerk’s Salary (Net) | 630.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 22.95 |
| Ipstones Memorial Hall – for 4 x meetings | 67.50 |
| Ipstones Memorial Hall – for hire of Hall for twice weekly Doctors’ Surgeries (Oct to Dec inclusive) |
625.00 |
| Mick Reeves Farm Equipment – for 2 x Posts and bolts for Cemetery Notice Board |
16.92 |
| Moorlands Walling and Landscape Contractors for re-building wall by the Garden Allotment Plots on Brookfields Road |
600.00 |
| Mr J Hooley – for removing epicormics growth from Lime Trees in Ipstones Cemetery and removing off-cuts from site |
330.00 |
| Land Registry – for Search on PFP102 | 11.00 |
| Whittakers of Leek Ltd for 3 x Skips (06/02/2016) | 165.84 |
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The date of the next meeting was set for Tuesday 23rd February 2016 at 7p.m. at Ipstones Memorial Hall
The final Agenda item was deemed to be treated as CONFIDENTIAL