IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 16 June 2021 at 7.30p.m. at Ipstones Memorial Hall
Present: Councillors Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackosn, Linda Malyon (Chair), Andrew Stevenson &
Patrick Stimpson. The Clerk and one member of the public.
Apologies: Councillors James, Mycock, Snow & Williams
Dispensations: None Received
Declaration of Interests: To be taken as/if they arise.
59/21. Wandering Wombles: NE was in attendance (and had also sent an email) and
updated members of the following: –
- That the Brownies would be carrying out a litter pick on 7 July
- That the volunteer group have raised money for two planters that they are placing next to the Bus Shelter in High Street. It was explained that usually when items are placed on the verge that it is necessary to notify the County Council as permission from them is needed. It was agreed to notify the County Council and ask if they have any objections to the two planters.
- NE asked if the volunteer group could clean the Bus Shelters. It was agreed that they could.
- NE said that her husband had repaired the bench at the end of Daisy Avenue and that they have arranged for a plaque for the bench in memory of Ipstones Residents who have passed away.
NE then left the meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to authorise the minutes of the AGM and meeting for 26 May 2021 as a true record.
This was agreed unanimously.
60/21. Matters Arising:
- Bench, Daisy Avenue: it was agreed to send a letter of thanks to ME for repairing this bench.
- Memorial Garden (Noonsun Common): Following a discussion it was suggested that the area at the bottom would need levelling and tidying up and then to place one or two picnic tables. Councillor Jackson said that we would need to draw a plan and then get some quotes. Councillors Jackson, Stevenson and Irwin agreed to look at the site.
- Memorial Seat: The Clerk reported that she had spoken to Mrs P about the suggestion of a Memorial Bench being placed on the plot in Froghall Road, and she said that in principle she would be willing to go along with this idea and possibly adopting 2 x copper beech trees in the Cemetery, she would also like to plant some daffodils round the adopted trees. We are to get back to Mrs P, when the Lease of the plot in Froghall Road has been finalised.
- Old Fire Pump: Councillor Irwin said that there is nothing to report at the moment.
- Dome Topped Grid near Churchside Barn: Councillor Malyon said she will check who is responsible for this manhole.
- Trees/Shrubs growing from Lime Kilns, Froghall Wharf: Councillor Malyon reported that she had spoken to the Tree Officer at SMDC and that he is trying to push for the County Council to remove them.
- Advertising signs at Junction of B5053 & A52 at Froghall: Councillor Malyon reported that Kingsley Parish Council have written to their County Councillor about this, and it was agreed to write to Councillor Heath to inform her.
- Memorial Arch: The Clerk reported that the Lengthsman had spoken to a couple of Joiners he knows, and they both advised that as it is made in Oak it is best left. The only thing the Lengthsman could suggest was a mix of Linseed Oil thinned with Turps, but this would make the wood go black. It was thought that it might be best to leave treating the Arch as is recommended. Councillor Jackson said he would have a word with a Joiner he knows.
- Common Good Trust: Councillor Stevenson reported that the Common Good Trust had had a meeting and that they were against having an orchard or a memorial tree at the top of the field.
- HGV’s going through Ipstones: Councillor Malyon reported that she had received lots of complaints about HGV’s going through Ipstones. It was agreed to invite County Councillor Heath to the next meeting to see if there are any suggestions of what to do about this problem.
- Rose Cottage, Foxt: Councillor Malyon read out an email she had received from Planning Enforcement. Following discussion, it was moved by Councillor Malyon to write to the Chief Executive of SMDC with the parish council’s concerns and ask for clarification on if a planning approval is deemed to have commenced i.e is it when excavation is started or when the foundations have been put in.
61/21. Plans: The following planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2021/0275 Conversion and alteration of stone agricultural building to form 1
- dwelling house at Town Head Farm, Foxt. Following discussion, it was proposed
by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor Jackson to support approval of
this. This was carried by 4 votes in favour to support approval of this application. One
member abstained from voting.
SMD/2021/0355 Proposed portal frame agricultural building used for purpose of
housing livestock at White Chimneys, Bradshaw Lane, Ipstones. Following discussion
it was proposed by Councillor Stimpson and seconded by Councillor Irwin to support
approval of this application. This was agreed unanimously.
62/21. Correspondence
- Lengthsman’s Report (May): Details of this were noted. It was agreed to the extra 10 hours that the Lengthsman had completed collecting new half barrels from Cheadle x 2 trips and putting the barrels in place and 2 trips to leek Tips to take Old Barrels and spoil. It was noted that most of the grids are now clear except for one half-way up Noonsun Common and one at top of Froghall Bank.
- SMDC Planning Enforcement re 44 Brookfields Road, Ipstones: A reply stated that “An enclosure at the rear boundary has been created that is within the allowed planning height for an enclosure. This was first thought to have been a fence. The email went on to say “that planning permission is not needed if this property is going to be used as a holiday let. This would not require a change of use planning permission. After 2 site visits it has been determined that the original loft space has not increased in size and so planning permission in not required…No Dorma window”.
Following discussion, it was agreed to write to the Chief executive to ask why change of use planning permission is not required when a private dwelling turns into a business as in a holiday let.
- SMDC Planning re Alleged breaches of planning control at Hermitage Farm, Ipstones: A reply stated that a complaint has been logged and that they will inform the PC of the outcome in due course.
- Mr & Mrs C, Foxt: The letter was read out and stated “Thank you for asking Councillor Malyon to provide us with an apology for wrongly stating in her email dated 26 September 2020 to the Planning Inspector that we had signed a letter typed by Mr S, as this was of course not true. Having received her apology, we trust that this letter will be read out to Members at your meeting in June and minuted in every detail, just as an apology to Mr S. is recorded in minute 29/21. Correspondence”. Following discussion, it was agreed unanimously to apologise to Mr & Mrs C as follows: – With regards to the comment that a letter signed by yourselves, had been typed by Mr S, members did think that the ‘type’ on both letters looked the same, but as they now know that this was not the case, members would like to apologise to all concerned for this comment made in the letter.
- Mr S, Foxt re Recent Mowing in Foxt: A letter and photo had been received and comments noted. It was agreed to advise that the parish council have contacted the County Council about the poor standard of work following the mow in May.
- SCC re Mowing of Verges: An email advised that they had forwarded our letter to the Grass Cutting Contractor and will let the PC know the outcome.
- SCC re Grit bins in Ipstones/Foxt Area: The email asked if they could have a list of which bins/piles were missed last year so they can look to see if this can be accommodated. Councillor Malyon agreed to check in the Ipstones area and Councillor agreed to look in the Foxt area. It was also agreed to ask again if the gentleman who volunteered to grit/plough Church if SCC supplied the grit, may do so.
- PJ re Family History: it was agreed to advise of a couple of locations they may wish to do their search.
- SCC Amey Re State of Road in Church Lane & Clerks Bank: It was noted that they stated that “All roads connected to Staffordshire’s highway network are routinely inspected to identify safety defects. Any issues that are identified are raised for repair and categorised according to urgency. It was agreed to discuss this with County Councillor Heath when she comes to a meeting.
- Councillor Stevenson re Tractors speeding through the Village: Councillor Stevenson had reported that he had received complaints about tractors speeding through the village. Councillor Jackson suggested asking County Councillor Heath if it would be possible to have some form of ‘gateway’ feature at either end of the village as they have in Hilderstone.
- DW re Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: A reply advised that her son is a member of the Wandering Wombles but if members hear of anything else it would be lovely to hear about it. Councillor Malyon said that volunteers in Foxt are going to repair one of the benches and suggested asking them if they need any help.
- Other newsletters, bulletins etc
SPCA – weekly bulletins
The Countryside charity re Staffordshire Way
Moorlands Climate Action – Council newsletter
63/21. SECTION 1 – ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2020/2021: All Members had
received a copy of this and each statement (1 – 9) was read out and the answer to
each statement was ‘yes’. This was signed by the Chairperson and by the Clerk.
64/21. INDEPENDENT INTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT: This was read out and reported
that: –
- The Council appears to make adequate provision for financial planning despite difficulties created by the covid situation. There is evidence of effective financial controls.
- The Council demonstrates its assessment of risks (including provisions during covid restrictions). Risk management strategies appear to be in place.
- Financial transactions are supported by appropriate documentation and audit checks indicate these are accurate records.
- Queries arising from the audit were resolved with the Parish Council Clerk.
65/21. TO AUTHORISE THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021: –
Members had each received a completed copy of the of page 5 of the Annual
Return – Section 2 – Accounting Statements for 2020/2021; Bank Reconciliation.
Explanation of significant variations; and a summary of ‘Receipts & Payments’
Totals. The Chair of meeting had a full copy of the ‘Receipts and Payments’ for
inspection and signing and this was available for members to inspect at the
meeting.
It was agreed unanimously to authorise the Annual Accounts for the year ended
31/03/2021 as being a true record. ‘Section 2 of the Annual Return –
Accounting Statements for the 2020/2021 was signed by the Chair and had
been signed by the Clerk.
66/21 Speed Watch Scheme: The Clerk reported that there had not been any response to
the appeal for Volunteers to run the scheme. She added that she had received the
equipment back from the retiring Co-ordinator. It was agreed to make another
appeal for volunteers.
Superfast Broadband – this was deferred to a future meeting.
67/21. Highways: The following matters were reported: –
- Hedges, Park Lane: It was reported that some hedges are overgrown but noted that they cannot be cut until the autumn.
68/21 Any other business deemed urgent: –
- Plot on Froghall Road: It was agreed to chase them about the lease.
69/21. Accounts for payment: – The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
| £ | |
| Lengthsman net pay including 10 extra hours | 335.20 |
| Plus Expenses (100 miles @ 0.45p – inc 2 x trips to Cheadle & tip at Leek |
45.00 |
| Clerks Salary (Net) | 630.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses (inc. round trip to Buxton to collect accounts) | 37.37 |
| James Perry for 3 x mows | 960.00 |
| E Thompson – independent internal audit fee | 110.00 |
| The Nursery at Old Hall for Summer Planting | 430.00 |
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The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 21 July 2021
at 7.30p.m. in the Memorial Hall, Ipstones