IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the remote meeting held on Wednesday 24 March 2021
Present: Councillors Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackson, Linda Malyon (Chair), Howard Mycock, Brian Snow, Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson & John Williams. The Clerk and three members of the public.
Apologies: Councillor Heather James
Dispensations: No requests received
Declaration of Interests: To be taken as they arise.
The Chair moved that the three guests should be taken first.
25/21. Request for Memorial Tree in Memory of Philip & Paul Snow: Standing Orders
were suspended to allow Deborah P to take part in this item. Deborah said she
thought that a tree with daffodils planted round the bottom would be lovely.
Possible locations were discussed including the top of the Common Good Trust field.
Deborah said she was thinking of a tree that would not grow more than 12 – 15 feet
high and suggested that when the lockdown eases, possibly in early May, that
she could meet with 2 or 3 members to look at possible locations. This was agreed.
Deborah thanked members for allowing her to join the meeting and then left the
meeting.
26/21. Superfast Broadband in Rural Areas: Standing Orders were suspended to allow
Karen, who had come along about this. She said that there is an opportunity from
Openreach and Staffordshire Superfast for fibre optic broadband and that there
were 6 properties in Consall Forge and 19 Properties in the Noonsun
Common/Ipstones area that she had been trying to contact about this. Karen said
that she was acting as the lead person for the 25 properties, but the lead could also
be the parish council. Karen added that there is a new scheme opening 6 April 2021
that the parish council may be interested in. Councillor Malyon asked Karen if she
would let the Clerk know the details of this. Councillor Williams said that as far as
he is aware the new scheme needs lots of households to put in for a bid to reduce
the cost to individual households.
Councillor Malyon said asked Karen if she would liaise with Councillor Williams and
let the Clerk have the information when it is available. Karen thanked members and
then left the meeting.
27/21. Plans: The following planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2021/0153 The proposed development comprises a new dwelling on part of
the land to an existing cottage at Tollbar Cottage, 70 High Street, Ipstones.
Councillor Malyon said that the proposed property looked huge with windows on all
sides. Standing Orders were suspended to allow a member of the public (AL) to
speak. AL said that she is aware that the garden had become part of the village
boundary but she has concerns that the proposed property will be overbearing and
inappropriate on that site as it would dominate the area. Standing Orders were
resumed. After a discussion on this it was proposed by Councillor Mycock and
seconded by Councillor Jackson to object to the application for the following
reasons: – that the proposed property is too big for the site and will dominate the
area and will be overbearing and inappropriate for the site. That a single storey
building built of stone to fit in with the area (Park Lane) would be more in keeping
with the area. This was agreed unanimously. It was then agreed to ask that this
application be referred to the planning committee.
SMD/2021/0684 Residential development (49 dwellings), including formation of
new access, landscaping and associated works, and restoration of listed farmhouse
and re-use as a dwelling house at Hadleigh Industrial Estates Ltd, Froghall Wharf,
Froghall Road, Froghall & SMD/2021/0685 listed building application for same.
During a discussion various concerns were raised including: –
- reported contamination of the site;
- risk of flooding;
- the access onto the B5053 would be dangerous being just after the bends and near the junction with the A52
- that the development would block plans to join the Uttoxeter Canal to the Canal Basin at Froghall and that the site is next to a Historical Site (lime Kilns & Canal Basin)
It was proposed by Councillor Jackson and seconded by Councillor Mycock to object
to the application for the following reasons: –
- because of the risk of heavy contamination of hazardous waste which would need to be addressed before any residential development is permitted on this site;
- The risk of flooding is a major concern;
- The two accesses onto the B5053, Froghall Road are dangerous with one being close to a blind bend and the other being close to the junction with the A52 – a site of 49 dwelling would generate a high increase of vehicle movement to and from the site;
- If the development is permitted, it would prevent plans to join the Uttoxeter Canal to the Canal Basin at Froghall.
The proposal was carried with 7 votes in favour. One member abstained.
SMD/2021/0149 Proposed alterations and extensions to form new kitchen living
area and bedroom and en-suite over at Foxt & Whiston Vicarage, Shay Lane, Foxt.
Following a discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by
Councillor Mycock to support approval of this application. This was agreed
unanimously.
Notification of the following planning appeals had been received: –
SMD/2020/0219 Land adjacent Brandon House Farm Town End Road, Foxt and
SMD/2020/0367 Lane End Cottage, Whirley Low, Town End Road, Foxt
It was proposed by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Stevenson to approve the minutes of 24 February 2021 as being a true record.
This was agreed unanimously.
28/21. Matters Arising:
- Seats, in Cemetery: It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he will be able to paint/treat the seats in the Cemetery.
- Old Fire Pump: Councillor Irwin reported that he had been to look at the Old Fire Pump and that he has spoken to someone from the Churnet Valley Railway who said that they might be able to display the Old Fire Pump at one of the Stations. The CVR are going to do further investigation and will contact CVLPP and others who it is understood helped to finance the refurbishment of the pump to see if they would be happy with this. Councillor Irwin said he had looked on the internet and that it seems that the Old Fire pump would not be worth a lot. It was proposed by Councillor Irwin and seconded by Councillor Snow to arrange insurance cover for the value of £1000. This was agreed unanimously.
- Dog Fouling: Councillor Malyon said she that some signs have been put up and that there is one on the Noticeboard, the signs/notices are only for two months and then there will be a break before being displayed again. She said that if people phone to report a dog fouling offence they can do so anonymously.
- Landslide on Path near Froghall: Councillor Williams reported that he had been to have a look and bumped into someone from the County Council Rights of Way Department who advised that it is a ‘permissive’ path and not an official footpath. He said that they (SCC) will put a closure on the path but would not be carrying out to repairs because of the cost. Councillor Williams said that its likely to slip again and if it does it will be problem for the Ipstones Road (B5053). I was agreed to write to the Highways Department to ask what their opinion is on this.
- Chairman of Kingsley Parish Council re former Thomas Bolton’s Copper Works Site at Froghall: Councillor Malyon reported that she had reported the matter to the H&S Executive before the last meeting but has not received a response yet. It was agreed to let Kingsley Parish Council know that we have reported the matter. It was agreed that the Site is dangerous if people are getting in as they can then get into the Works.
- SMDC Car Parking Strategy Consultation: It was agreed to respond that car parking should be free for weekends during April & May to help local businesses following the many lockdowns. It was agreed to mention that the Car Parks need refurbishing and the white lines between parking bays need repainting and street furniture tidying up.
- Potholes on Froghall Bank: It was noted that the County Highways are saying these are not urgent. Councillor Malyon said that the County Council have had £5 million to spend on potholes and that she has emailed County Councillors Gill Heath and Mark Deaville and is waiting for a response. It was agreed to chase up on these as they are dangerous.
29/21. Correspondence
- Mr S, Foxt: Members had a copy of this letter. Councillor Malyon asked Councillor Stevenson the Vice Chairman if he would take the Chair for this item.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor Mycock to reply that the parish council do not intend to report Councillor Malyon to the Monitoring Officer as members do not think that she has done anything wrong. With regards to the comment that a letter signed by Mr & Mrs C, had been typed by yourself, 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. To advise Mr S, that any further queries regarding the footpath should be directed to the County Council as they have the power to ensure that the Inspectors decision is carried out. This was carried with 7 votes in favour.
- Mr & Mrs C, re Path at Foxt: Members had each had a copy of this letter along with a copy photo of the gate that is across the footpath. Following discussion, it was agreed to forward a copy of the letter and the photo to the County Council and ask them to investigate this so that the footpath meets the instructions of the Inspector.
- SCC Highways re Water on Froghall Bank: A reply stated that the matter is to be reported via the ‘reportit’ system.
- SCC Highways re 3 x Potholes and 2x areas of upheaval, Froghall/Froghall Bank: The reply stated that they had inspected these areas again and found that they had deteriorated. Work has been scheduled as soon as practicable, but they are unable to give a timescale.
- SMDC Councillor Porter re Orchards for Parish Councils: A reply had been received which advised that they would be delighted to work with the parish council on planting a community orchard in Ipstones. They said they need the parish council to identify suitable sites so that the sites can be assessed for suitability. The sites suggested are Land on Froghall Road (Your housing has given permission for this, but we are still waiting to receive the lease agreement). Following a discussion, it was agreed to write to the Common Good Trust to ask for their permission to plant some fruit trees at the top of the field and to chase up on the Lease agreement from Your Housing.
- Churnet Radio: Notification that this new internet station has been launched and it is a community company (not for profit). They invite people to submit news items/events etc that are of local interest.
- Pen Underwriting Ltd Insurance Renewal Notification: It was noted that the renewal date is 25 May 2021.
- Preparations for VE Day: It was agreed it is too soon to do anything this year.
- GS re daffodil planting: An email had been received suggesting that the village would look nice in the spring if more bulbs were planted. It was agreed to put this as an agenda item for the next meeting. Members also thought that it may be nice to release some ‘bee bombs’ in areas that area not mown.
- Summer Planting: It was noted that The Nursery at Old Hall had looked for larger plastic barrels, but they were very expensive. Councillor Stevenson reported that they have some of the half whisky barrels at a shop in Cheadle at £20 per barrel.
It was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded Councillor Jackson to have some of these to replace any broken barrels. This was agreed.
- Other Bulletins, circulars etc; _
SPCA – Weekly Bulletins
SPCA – information on training courses
Highways – there was nothing new to report.
30/21. Any other business deemed urgent.
- Lime Kilns at Froghall: It was noted that there are trees growing out of the Lime Kilns. Following a discussion Councillor Irwin agreed to have a look and take some photos.
31/21. Accounts for Payment: – The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
| £ | |
| West Midlands Air Ambulance (a donation from Chair Allowance for a gift for a 100th Birthday) |
30.00 |
| Lengthsman’s Net Pay | 235.20 |
| Lengthsman’s Expenses | 10.80 |
| Clerk’s Net Salary | 630.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 13.33 |
| Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd (New Shovel for Lengthsman) | 28.45 |
| To Authorise two payments for early April | |
| SMDC – hire of Cemetery Bin | 645.70 |
| Staffordshire Parish Councils Assc – Annual Subscription | 355.00 |
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The date of the next remote meeting was set for Wednesday 28 April 2021 at 7.30 p.m. (summertime)
It was agreed to treat the final items as CONFIDENTIAL
The following Minutes for the Annual Parish Assembly are ‘Subject to Approval’ at the Annual Parish Assembly in March 2022
IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the remote telephone conference ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY held on Wednesday 24 March 2021
Present: Councillors Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackson, Linda Malyon (Chair), Howard Mycock, Brian Snow, Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson & John Williams. The Clerk and three members of the public
Apologies: Councillor Heather James
It was proposed by Cllr Stevenson and seconded by Cllr Williams to approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly held on 27 March 2019 as a true record.
This was agreed unanimously.
The Annual Report was read out
ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2021
The last year has been a very, difficult time for everyone with the Covid-19 pandemic and the many Lockdowns that have occurred. The parish council have held meetings remotely via telephone conference since May 2020. Members of the public are still welcome to join a remote meeting should the wish to do so just as they would have been able to attend a physical meeting in the past.
- The Lengthsman Scheme continues to be a useful asset to the parish and is now mainly funded by the parish council following the withdrawal of the County Council Grant in April 2017. The District Council still give a grant toward the Scheme.
- The Parish Council continued to support both the Memorial Hall and Foxt Village Hall by way of grants.
- Donations were given to many local organisations including: – The Ipstones and Foxt Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal; Ipstones Tiny Tots and Cheadle and Leek Foodbanks.
- The many flower tubs around the parish were planted and gave a lovely display of colour during the summer months and into the autumn.
- The Speed watch Scheme is currently still in place but due to Covid-19 and the many lockdowns experienced during the last 12 months it has not been possible to operate as normal. The Scheme is desperate for more Volunteers to join the 2/3 volunteers who have kept the scheme going – a big thankyou to them all for giving up their time to help keep our village a safer place. If anyone is interested in becoming a Volunteer for the Speed Watch Scheme, please get in touch with any member of the Parish Council or the Clerk.
There was no other business raised.
The Annual Parish Assembly was declared closed.