IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 21 July 2021 at 7.30p.m. at Ipstones Memorial Hall
Present: Councillors Leslie Jackson, Heather James, Linda Malyon (Chair), Brian Snow,
Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson. The Clerk, Guest County Councillor Heath
and three members of the public.
Apologies: Councillors Irwin, Mycock & Williams
Dispensations: Councillor Malyon reported that Councillor Maycock had been in touch and
explained that he would be unable to attend meetings for the foreseeable
future due to personal reasons. It was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and
seconded by Councillor Snow to grant Councillor Mycock a dispensation to not
attend meetings for a period of six-months. This was agreed unanimously. No
other requests for dispensations had been received.
Declaration of Interests: It was agreed to take these as they arise.
The Chair introduced and welcomed County Councillor Gill Heath to the meeting and moved that she be taken first on the agenda.
70/21. The following matters were discussed with Councillor Heath: –
- HGV’s travelling through the village: Councillor Malyon reported that one transport firm are coming through the village, sometimes several lorries at a time and that one of the lorries had knocked a parishioner’s wall down in the narrow part of High Street and that some drivers had been rude to residents/other drivers. Councillor Malyon said she had managed to speak to the owner of the firm and that she is waiting for them to get back to her. Councillor Heath responded that she would see if there is anything she can do about the situation.
- Traffic Calming: Member asked Councillor Heath if it would be possible to have a chicane installed at either end of Ipstones to try and deter people speeding and deter HGV’s from using Ipstones as a short cut. Councillor Heath said she will make enquiries with the Officer responsible for Traffic Calming.
Councillor Stimpson arrived
- Church Lane/Clerks Bank: The state of the road surface/excess water on road and recurring potholes was explained to Councillor Heath. Councillor Heath said if the Clerk can let her have the ‘Report it’ References, she will look into the issue.
- Stones of Verges: Councillor Heath said that people are putting stones on verges especially in tourist areas to stop people parking and that generally the County Highways don’t do anything about it. Councillor Stimpson said that you cannot just pick on one you’d have to make everyone remove stones they had placed on the verge.
- Mowing: Councillor Heath said they are not mowing as often now and with the grass being longer when they do mow it is not blowing the cuttings away as easily as before. Councillor Stevenson mentioned that if they don’t mow at road junctions it can block the vision of drivers. Councillor Malyon said she can understand them not mowing where wildflowers have been planted.
- Gritting/Ploughing: It was reported to Councillor Heath that there is someone who has volunteered to plough/grit the Church Lane area (not currently on SCC gritting route), using his own equipment if the County would provide the grit but the County Highways will not give permission to do this. Councillor Heath said she will have a word with the Officer who had responded to see if anything can be arranged. Councillor Malyon said it would be appreciated if they would give permission for a volunteer to grit/plough this route.
- Signs at Junction of B5053/A52 in Froghall: It was explained there are several signs and one large sign in particular that is hindering the vision toward Whiston Bank. It was advised that Kingsley PC have also reported this to their County Councillor. Councillor Heath she will investigate this too.
- Name Signs for Berkhamsytch: Councillor Malyon said that some of the locals have looked if they have photos of the original signs but hadn’t been able to find any. Councillor Heath said she will try but couldn’t promise anything.
Councillor Malyon thanked County Councillor Heath for coming along.
71/21. Common Good Trust: A gentleman had come along regarding a letter he had received from the Common Good Trust Committee and about the use of the a garage that is on the Common Good Trust Field. Following a discussion, it was agreed that this was a matter for the Common Good Trust Committee to discuss with the Gentleman.
On proposal be Councillor Stimpson and seconded by Councillor Jackson it was agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 16 June 2021 as being a true record
72/21. Matters Arising
- Wandering Wombles (Volunteer Group): The Chair moved that standing Orders be suspended to allow two representatives from the Wandering Wombles to update members of the parish council of the groups’ activities.
- Bus Shelter: RH reported that volunteers had cleaned the bus shelters and that SMDC have agreed to repair and paint the Bus Shelter in High Street and she asked if the parish council could arrange for the Bus Shelter in Froghall Road to be repaired and painted. This is to be discussed at the next meeting.
- RH reported that they have written to all the people who have agreed to water/care for the flower tubs. But they need someone to water the tub at the top of the Village. They had also planted some wildflower seeds near the Name signs.
- Winter Pansies: Councillor Malyon said that it would be put on next month’s agenda. Councillor Stevenson explained that the parish council used to plant winter pansies but that they hadn’t faired very well so several years ago it had been decided not to do winter planting.
- RH said that the group have continued to carry out litter picking exercises.
- It was noted that the volunteer group would like to enter the BKV competition next year and have been asking other organisations to support this. Councillor Stevenson explained that until recently the parish council had always entered both Ipstones & Foxt into the competition. The Clerk said it would be useful having some help with the map and putting posters up. Councillor Malyon agreed to talk to representatives about the BKV Competition
- Speed Watch: The Clerk said that a couple of volunteers have come forward but there would need to be about six to make the training viable. The representatives from the Wandering Wombles agreed to ask if any of the other volunteers would be interested.
- Councillor Snow asked if the group have insurance, but RH said that they didn’t need to have insurance as they are all Volunteers. It was pointed out that a third party could try to make a claim if something the volunteers were to cause harm or damage to a member of the public or property so it would be advisable for them to have public liability insurance.
Councillor Malyon thanked the Wandering Wombles for coming along to update the parish council on their activities.
Memorial Garden: Councillor Jackson reported that he along with Councillors Stevenson and Irwin had looked at the Noonsun Common Site, but all thought that it would be a big job and be costly. There is a large hole/dip that would need to be filled and would need up to approx. 100 tons of topsoil. Some trees and undergrowth would need to be removed. They felt that it would be too dangerous to dig down as not sure what is buried there. It was agreed to think of other possible locations for a Memorial Garden.
- Land on Froghall Road: The Clerk reported that Your Housing are still working on a Lease contract.
- Old Fire Pump: There was nothing to report.
- Millenium Arch: Councillor Jackson reported that he had spoken to an expert Joiner, and he had advised that Oak shouldn’t normally be treated but if you wanted to improve the appearance it is possible to sand over and apply a special type of oil. It was agreed for Councillor Jackson to obtain a quote for this work and then decide on how to proceed.
- 44 Brookfields Road: Councillor Malyon reported that she had passed this over to Planning Enforcement for them to investigate.
- Volunteers for Speed Watch: It was agreed to advertise for more volunteers.
73/21. Plans: The following proposed planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2021/0366 Field Shelter for cattle (3-4) at Rose Cottage, 67 Brookfields Road, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Snow and seconded by Councillor Jackson to support approval of this application. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2020/0380 Proposed erection of front porch and single storey side extension at 8 Mayfair Avenue, Ipstones. Councillor Jackson declared an interest in this application and did not take part in the discussion. Concerns were raised on how far from the neighbour’s boundary wall is from the extension as there is a drop in ground levels. It was agreed to hold a site visit before making comments.
SMD/2021/0385 Proposed extension & alterations at 5 Froghall Road, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Snow and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to support approval of this application. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2021/0450 Extension and alteration to dwelling at 1 St Leonard’s Avenue, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor James to support approval of the application. This was agreed unanimously.
74/21. Correspondence
- Ipstones Memorial Hall: A letter had been received asking if there is a grant available. Councillor James declared an interest in this item and took no part in the discussion or decision. Following a discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Jackson and seconded by Councillor Stevenson to issue the grant of £700, under Section 19, Miscellaneous Provisions. (This amount had been allowed for in the Annual Precept). This proposal was carried with 5 votes in favour.
- SMDC Head of Development Services re Rose Cottage, Foxt: The letter was read out and comments noted. Following discussion, it was agreed unanimously to write a strong letter to the Head of Planning Enforcement outlining concerns that members have regarding this development. The points to be raised are: –
- That the excavation work has unearthed the main sewerage pipe that serves the upper part of Foxt, and that part of the pipe is supported by a ‘rock’. Members are concerned that if the pipe bursts, it would cause a major health and environmental issue and leave many properties without sewage facilities. Members feel that the sewerage pipe should not be left above ground level or be supported by a ‘rock’ and feel that this matter should be dealt with as soon as possible.
- The other concern is that the excavation went up to two neighbours’ properties supporting walls, causing them concerns. Members would like to know when a supporting wall is going to be constructed and would like to see this done as soon as possible.
- That there is the issue of ‘spoil’ being dumped on a field at Four Meadows Farm as there is no planning permission in place for this.
- SCC re mowing of verges: This was noted and had been discussed with County Councillor Heath earlier in the meeting.
- Your Housing re Plot between 22 & 24 Froghall Road, Ipstones: The email advised that they will keep pressing their legal team for updates.
- Royal Communications re Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Royal Weekend: Members acknowledged receipt of this information and it was agreed to arrange for a separate meeting to discuss how to celebrate the occasion.
- Support Staffordshire re ‘Help for Covid Self-Isolators’: Details of this were noted and it was agreed to forward copies to local Churches.
- Peak District Rural Housing re Garden at Old School Court: The email advised that they have received a quote, but it is to tarmac over the path and open spaces which makes it unaffordable. They will try for something more reasonable. The email also asked if the Parish Council would be willing to contribute to the cost of refurbishing the garden or if they could suggest local firms who might be willing to sponsor the garden. It was moved by Councillor Malyon to write back and say that members feel that the garden in the responsibility of PRDHA, and they could reduce the cost of refurbishing the garden if they levelled up the path and relay the flags stones and repair and paint/treat the benches and provide raised flower planters for the residents and local volunteers to plant. Members agreed that they do not think that the path and open area of the garden should be tarmacked or the benches replaced by plastic benches as it would not be in keeping with the area.
- SCC re Foxt Bank – Enquiry 4233545: the email advised that a ‘pre-surface dressing patching has now been marked up for action. Consideration is being given for a longer lasting solution and possible inclusion for a major stabilisation scheme. Geological survey works would be necessary before any solution could be considered. Options are currently being discussed’.
- Lengthsman’s Report (June 2021): Details of the report were noted. The Lengthsman reported that a fence between the Foxt Community Area and the Houses behind was falling down. It is thought the fence is the responsibility of the House Owners. It was agreed to find out which house(s) it is and write and ask if they could arrange to repair the fence. Councillor Stimpson said he had noticed that someone had held a Bouncy castle party on the Community Play area. It was agreed that that the area should not be used for private events without prior permission from the parish council. The Clerk is to draft up a sign and bring to the next meeting.
- SMDC re SCC Definitive Map and Statement for the Staffordshire Moorlands District: it was noted that this is available for viewing at either Cheadle Library or Rural access at No1 Staffordshire Place, Stafford.
- Other Circulars, Bulletins, Newsletters etc: –
SPCA – weekly bulletins for 17/06; 24/06; 01/07; 08/07 & 15/07 Clerks & Councils Direct – July Issue SPCA – Various training courses
75/21. Public Toilets: It was agreed that there needs to be a public toilet in the village as there are lots of walkers passing through. It was agreed to try and think of a suitable place to put public toilets and discuss again at a future meeting.
Memorial Garden – discussed in Matters Arising
Highways – there were no new matters to report
76/21. Any Other Business Deemed Urgent
- Mayfair Avenue Field: Councillor Malyon reported when she had chased up on how this was progressing she was told it was still on the list. But someone else is now dealing with this.
- It was agreed unanimously that members and public attending a parish council meeting should continue to wear face coverings when walking into/from the room and until they are sitting down and maintain a social distance from other people present. This is for the protection of everyone present.
77/21. Quarterly Accounts Report (01/04/21 to 30/06/21): Members had each had a copy of the quarterly accounts report and the end of June bank statements were available for checking the balances. It was agreed unanimously to approve the report as being a true record.
78/21. Accounts for Payment: It was agreed unanimously to authorise the following accounts for payment: –
| £ | |
| Lengthsman’s Pay (net) | 235.20 |
| Lengthsman’s Expenses (mileage, fuel for Strimmer) | 24.34 |
| Clerk’s Salary (net) | 630.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses (Stationery, Postage etc) | 16.15 |
| M Emery (Painting Bier Shed & Benches in Cemetery) | 294.00 |
| James Perry for 2 x mows | 640.00 |
| Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd (Trimmer Cord & Gloves for L’man | 18.89 |
| Ipstones Memorial Hall – Grant authorised under S19 | 700.00 |
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The date for the next meeting was set for Wednesday 25 August 2021 at 7.30p.m. in the Blore Suite at Ipstones Memorial Hall (This has now been changed to Tuesday 24 August)
It was agreed unanimously to treat the final item for AOB as CONFIDENTIAL
The following minutes are subject to approval
IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the site visit held on Monday 26 July 2021 at 7.00p.m.
Present: Councillors James, Malyon (Chair), Snow, Stevenson & The Clerk
80/21. Planning Application SMD/2020/0380 Proposed erection of front porch and single
storey side extension at 8 Mayfair Avenue, Ipstones. After seeing the site, it was
agreed to support approval of the application subject to a condition that the
supporting boundary wall between No 8 and No 6 is made safe. (Councillor
Stimpson was contacted and he agreed to this proposal). This was carried by 5
votes in favour of supporting approval of the application.