IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 24 August 2022 at 7.30 p.m. in the Methodist Church Sunday School Room, Ipstones
Present: Councillors Linda Malyon (chair), Mike Birch. Peter Hallam, Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackson, Heather Morris & Patrick Stimpson. The Clerk and 4 members of the Public.
Apologies: Councillors Snow & Stevenson
115/22. Dispensations: No requests received
116/22. Declaration of Interests: To be taken as they arise.
It was proposed by Councillor Stimpson and seconded by Councillor Birch to accept the minutes of 13 July 2022 as being a true record. This was agreed unanimously
117/22. Matters Arising
- Lime Trees growing from the Lime Kilns at Froghall Wharf: It was noted that nothing has been done about this yet and it was proposed by Councillor Jackson and seconded by councillor Birch to write to Kingsly Parish Council (The Lime Kilns are in their parish), and to ask if they will write to the County Council about this. This was agreed.
- Millenium Arch: It was noted that the oil has now arrived and is with the Lengthsman. It was noted that Peak Oak have only charged for one tin and donated the second tin.
- Bench for Foxt: Councillors Birch & Hallam reported that the Foxt Village Hall Committee are paying for two more benches and that they will put them in position at the same time.
- Replacement Memory Tree for Foxt: Councillors Birch & Hallam reported that they are still thinking about where the tree can be planted.
- Tree Stump, on grass area at Church Meadow estate: Councillor Hallam said he will be meeting someone shortly to see if they are able to remove the tree stump and how much they would charge.
- Broken Posts at top of PFP 102: It was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to pursue making a claim for the replacement of the posts and to forward the quote received from the Lengthsman.
- Blocked Grids: Councillor Malyon reported that the County Council had been round emptying grids but had missed two. It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he could look to see if the grids are blocked below the grid level or if it is debris on the top.
- Mowing of Verges: Councillor Malyon reported that when the contract mowers had visited recently, they had left a mess and had not used their grass blowers to blow the cuttings away. It was agreed to write to the County Council to ask that they ask their Contractors to use the Grass Blowers they are issued with.
- Jubilee Mugs: It was noted that there are still quite a few left. Nina from Foxt Village Hall offered to sell some mugs at the Show/Road Race. Linda said she’d take some up for her.
- Speed Watch Volunteers: it was noted that there are potentially three volunteers now.
118/22. Plans: The following proposed planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2022/0382 Change of use from bed & breakfast (Class C1) to residential
(Class C3) – no building works are proposed at Shaw Gate Farm, Shay Lane, Foxt
Standing Orders were suspended to allow the applicants to speak. Following a
short discussion in which the applicants explained about the application, Standing
Orders were resumed.
It was proposed by Councillor Hallam and seconded by Councillor Jackson to
support approval of the application. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2022/0412 & SMD/2022/0413 Listed Building Consent for proposed
erection of single storey pent roof agricultural building at Sharpecliffe Hall,
Bradshaw Lane, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor
Morris and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to support approval of the
application. This was agreed unanimously.
The Chairman moved that agenda item 12 be taken next
119/22. Proposed additional of Parking Restrictions, High Street & Church Lane, Ipstones
Five letters had been received and were read out along with letters from County
Councillor Heath. Councillor Birch thinks something different like a chicane could
be an alternative. Councillor Morris mentioned that different suggestions have
been investigated over the years. Standing Orders were suspended to allow
members of the public to speak. It was asked if the letters can be forwarded to
County Councillor Heath.
Councillor Jackson said that the ‘gap’ between the double yellow lines is not big
enough.
Councillor Hallam suggested that need to take ‘baby steps’ and maybe
Concentrate on requesting for a weight restriction for the Bridge near Canal
Cottages at Froghall as this could reduce the number of HGVs coming through the
village. It was noted that HGVs are damaging the road surface and
suggested a 20-ton limit except for access. It was agreed to ask the Canal & River
Trust if they would support this request as ‘prevention is better that cure’.
It was agreed to write to the Canal and River Trust for support for a weight
Restriction on the Bridge and to forward copies of the letters to County Councillor
Heath.
120/22. Correspondence
- Well Street Medical Centre re Branch Surgeries: It was noted that the delay in returning to Branch Surgeries is due to problems with connecting the NHS Secure Line
- Foxt Village Hall Committee re Grant: A letter had been received advising that they are seeking a grant toward the cost of building an outside disabled toilet. It was proposed by Councillor Jackson and seconded by Councillor Morris to issue a grant for the sum of £700 under Section 19 (M miscellaneous Provisions). This was agreed unanimously.
- SMDC re Rural Grants (part of levelling up objective): The reply advised that it is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It stated that our comments had been noted and that they would be in touch when they hear more from the Government. Councillor Morris said she wondered if there are grants available to renovate several plaques that are in various places around the village and said that there needs to be a record of the plaques. Other suggestions that may qualify for a grant are Information Boards. It was agreed to invite the wombles to the next meeting.
- SMDC re Land on Mayfair Avenue: It was noted that the ‘Heads of Terms’ have been forwarded to the Legal team. It was agreed to let the parish council’s Solicitor know.
- Your Housing: it was noted that they are now waiting for the Valuer ‘s report which will then be submitted to the Directors. It was agreed to chase them on this as it will soon be the tree planting season.
- Churnet Valley festival 2023: A response advised that they would be in touch when a date for a meeting has been set. It was agreed to chase up on this.
- BKV Awards Night: this is scheduled for 21 September. No one was able to go. It was agreed to ask the Wombles if any of their groups would like to attend.
- The Planning Inspectorate re Enforcement Appeal for Balls Paddock Far: it was noted that the ‘Appeal’ has been cancelled. It was agreed to ask to be informed when a new date has been set.
- County Councillor Heath re Grant for Wildflower Planting: It was note that each county councillor has a small pot of money to use for grants to improve the environment. It was agreed to seek a grant for planting wildflowers for round the edges of Mayfair Avenue, the Land on Froghall Road (both subject to leases being completed) and Barley Road Play Area. The Clerk explained that there would need to be costings or quote for the preparation etc.
- Council Tax Refunds: It was noted that all eligible people will be contacted if they have not yet had their refund.
- The Community Foundation of Staffordshire re Community Club Grants: Councillor Morris took this to pass to the Youth Club who are trying to get going again following Covid.
- Charity Commission re Ipstones Charities: it was noted that to improve the data they hold they will be setting up new accounts. It was agreed to put this on the next agenda.
- Cheddleton Parish Council re Planning Training: It was noted that they have arranged training session on planning issues in September and are asking other local parish councils if they would be interested in joining them so that the cost of the session could be shared. This was noted but no one was able to attend.
- Karen Bradley MP re Community Volunteers Celebration Event: This was noted.
- The Clerk: A letter of resignation had been received as the Clerk advised that she wishes to retire at the end of January 2023. It was agreed to discuss at the September meeting and that the position will be advertised.
- Canal & River Trust re Bridge near Canal Cottages, Froghall: (request for support for a weight Restriction to be applied) – a reply advised that the query has been passed to their Area Operations Team.
- County Councillor Heath/Community Traffic Management Officer: Re: –
Speed Problems/Sign for bottom of Clerks Bank/Weight Restriction for Bridge
at Froghall – it was noted that the parish council’s concerns/requests have
been added to the DHP list for discussion next month but advised that the DHP
fund is very limited.
- Other circulars, Bulletins etc
SPCA – Weekly Bulletins – 18/07; 25/07; 01/08; 08/08; 15/08 & 22/08
121/22. CONCLUSION OF ANNUAL AUDIT: The Annual Return had been returned from
the External Auditors and it was noted that the comments for Section 2 – External
Auditor report 2021/2022 stated: – ‘on the basis of our review of Sections 1 & 2 of
the Annual Governance and Accountability return, in our opinion the information in
Sections 1 & 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return is in
accordance with proper practices and no other matters have come to our attention
giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have
not been met’.
Other Matters not affecting our opinion which we draw to the attention of the
authority: ‘Not applicable’.
Section 3 External Auditor certificate 2021/2022 – we certify that we have
completed our review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and
Accountability Return, and discharged our responsibilities under the Local Audit
and Accountability Act 2014 for the year ended 31 March 2022.
Planning – this item was deferred to the next meeting
122/22. Quotes for repointing the Bier Shed: Three quotes had been received.
It was proposed by Councillor Irwin and seconded by Councillor Morris to accept
the lowest quote which was for £740.00. This was from R G Whieldon Builder. This
was agreed unanimously.
123/22. Annual Inspection Report of Play Equipment at Foxt: It was noted that all areas
and equipment were rated as ‘low’ risk with the following comments made: –
- to keep hedges and nettles/brambles trimmed back
- It was recommended that the swing joint be dismantled and checked on a regular basis or a secondary safety device be fitted.
124/22. Winter Planting: It was proposed by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Irwin to go ahead and plant the tubs with winter/spring plants. This was agreed
125/22. Highways
- Trees over hanging the road on the bends above The Villas – It was agreed to report this issue again as the weight of the trees seem to be pulling over the highway.
- Pothole near Churchside Barn: It was reported that this pothole is getting larger and agreed to report again.
- Potholes on Froghall Bank on bends near Hillcroft: It was agreed to report several potholes that have appeared in this area.
126/22. Accounts for payment: The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
| £ | |
| The Nursery at Old Hall (Summer Planting) | 430.00 |
| James Perry Tree Services – 3 x Mows | 930.00 |
| Churnet Valley Garden Furniture – Bench for Foxt | 174.00 |
| Peak Oak – Osmo Oil (2 x 2.5 litre tins) (One tin was donated) | 65.40 |
| Lengthsman’s Net Pay | 235.20 |
| Lengthsman’s Expenses | 26.70 |
| Clerk’s Salary (Net) | 700.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 19.91 |
| Mrs L Malyon to reimburse from Chair Allowance for Cards & gifts for 2 x Golden Wedding Anniversaries |
64.79 |
| Wicksteed Leisure for Annual Inspection of Foxt Play Equip | 144.00 |
| Mazars – Fee for Annual Audit (external) | 240.00 |
| Douglas Macmillan – a donation in memory of former Councillor
Mr Bean. |
50.00 |
| Foxt Village Hall – Grant – Authorised under S19 Miscellaneous
Provisions |
700.00 |
| Staffordshire farm Supplies Ltd (10.94) taken of credit note for
£16.51 – so nothing to pay – leaves credit of £5.57) |
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………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 7.30 p.m. at Foxt Village Hall
(This has now been changed to Monday 26 September 2022 due to the period of National Mourning)
It was agreed to treat the final item as CONFIDENTIAL