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Meeting Minutes - April 2006
PRESENT: Councillors Oxby (Chairman), Shaw (Vice-Chairman), Beasley, Brayford, Mrs. Brayford, Colclough, Mrs. Holmes, Lovatt, Mycock, Taylor and Mrs. Wheat. IN ATTENDANCE: County Councillor Parry, Borough Councillor Harp; M.J. Manley (Clerk) and 10 members of the public APOLOGIES: Councillors Bevan, Bedson, Goodfellow and Insley. Borough Councillor Oldfield.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION With regard to the Gypsy site at Spot Acre, it was reported that the Public Inquiry had been held in March 2006 and a decision was expected within the next five to six weeks. Further concerns were raised about the highway problems on Grindley Lane in the vicinity of the Panelco Factory. The resident asked for more and better signage which County Councillor Parry agreed to raise with Officers of the Highways Department. No response had yet been received to the Council’s suggestions that the 30 mph speed limit be extended along the Lane up to the Creda factory. County Councillor Parry also referred to the Speed Watch Scheme which was still to be adopted in Fulford Parish. The Chairman of the Meir Heath Windmill Group thanked the Council for the grant donated in 2005 and made reference to a request for renewal of such grant for the current year. An indication was given as to their overall expenditure over the past twelve months and she outlined future proposals for the Group which was to form itself into a Company limited by guarantee, to seek Charitable status and secure a Lease of the building after which the Parish Council be asked to participate and support. The Group were asked to put any proposals for the Council in writing. 116/05 MINUTES The Clerk reported that, since the last meeting, there had been further discussions with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Councillors Beasley and Taylor with regard to the day to day management of the Parish Council’s website and, as a consequence, it was felt that it would be inappropriate to delegate the day to day management for articles to the Clerk alone. The resolution contained within Minute 110/05(i) was, therefore, referred back for further consideration. RESOLVED –That, subject to the above and to two minor amendments, the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 9th March 2006, having been circulated, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 117/05 COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS County Councillor Parry advised Members that the County Council were facing serious financial difficulties. A job re-evaluation had been carried out and the financial consequences were particularly serious bearing in mind that the Council tax level of increase had been capped. It was likely that there would be large reductions in the level of certain services. He was having a meeting with the Highways Superintendent to discuss the general maintenance of highways in this area and he asked for details of schemes which were considered important. Members commented directly to him. With regard to the condition of grass verges, the County Council were looking into carrying out a tree planting scheme and the erection of posts. The Council agreed, in principle, to participate financially and support such a scheme but asked for detailed costings before a final decision was taken. Councillor Harp reported that litter bins had been provided at Rough Close Common but it would appear that they are not being emptied. Estimates were being obtained for the possible use of land behind Fulford Village Hall for the provision of play equipment. The Borough Council had also been asked to explore the provision of ‘No Ball Games’ signs on certain open spaces within the Parish.
118/05 FINANCE (a) Accounts for Payment RESOLVED - That authority be given for cheques to be issued in settlement of the invoices shown in the accounts for payment attached as an Appendix to the signed minutes. (b) Appeals for Donation Appeals for donations were received from Meir Heath Windmill Group and Meir Heath Pre-School Playgroup. The Stallington Residents’ Association had also written requesting (a) the creation of a landing page and sub-pages dedicated to Stallington and Stallington village communities within the Council’s website, (b) if this was not possible financial support for the Association to set up their own website (approximately £190) and (c) financial support for the future general maintenance, upkeep and administrative costs of the Association. RESOLVED – (i) That a donation of £250 be made to the Meir Heath Windmill Group. (ii) That a donation of £100 be made to the Meir Heath Pre-School Playgroup. (iii) That the Council do not agree to the creation of a landing page etc. on the Council’s website but that a donation of £100 be given to the Association for general administration. (iv) That the issue of litter picking generally within the Parish be included on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Parish Council. (N.B. – Councillor Beasley declared his interest in the requests from the Stallington Residents’ Association and left the meeting during the discussion and voting thereon.) (c) Stafford Borough Council A letter was submitted from the Council enclosing details for each tax band and a breakdown of the total charges to be levied in the Parish. A copy of this table was circulated to each Member. (d) Accounts 2005/06 The Clerk reported that he had provisionally completed the accounts for the year ending 31st March 2006 and the anticipated balances were disclosed. It was hoped that the detailed report would be submitted to the May meeting. 119/05 PLANNING (a) Applications RESOLVED:- (i) That no objections be raised to the following applications:- 06/06034 Extension – 73 Hilderstone Road, M.H. 06/06051 Conversion of stable block into 6 residential units – The Stable Block, Stallington Hall 06/06052 Alterations & extensions – Fulford Manor Farm, Ful. 06/06057 Alterations to approved scheme – Detached outbuilding at entrance to Stallington Hall 06/06049 Extension – 15 Kingfisher Crescent, Ful 06/06101 Extension – The Willows Care Home, 90Uttoxeter Rd., B.B. 06/06120 Extension – Frandoran, Windmill Hill, M.H. 06/06201 Conservatory – Woodstock, Meadowside, Saverley Green
(ii) That objections be raised to the following applications for the reasons stated:- 06/06111 Construction of 7 units - Stallington Hall 06/05948 The retention & improvement of an access etc – The Wood Stallington Stallington Road, M.H.(amended plans)
(b) Decisions It was reported that the following applications had been approved:- 05/05061 Various works – Coutts Cottage, Leadendale Farm, M.H. 05/05490 Replacing exiting roof etc. – 45 Kingfisher Cres., Ful. 06/05825 Extensions – 28 Sutherland Cres., B.B. 06/05847 Extension – Barclay, Windmill Hill, M.H. 06/05958 Conversion of office into self contained flat – Tudor View, Meadow Lane, Ful.
(c) Other Planning Issues It was reported that the Borough Council had now confirmed without modification the Tree Preservation Order in respect of trees on land at the Former Health Centre, Grindley Lane, Blythe Bridge. Letters were submitted from the Borough Council advising that appeals had been lodged against the refusal to grant planning permission in respect of: Stoke on Trent City Council were embarking on the preparation of a Local Development Framework for the City and the Parish Council would in future be consulted on key issues. Further preferred option reports for development plan documents in relation to residential and development control had been received and the Council were happy to leave it to the discretion of the Chairman and Councillor Colclough if it was felt necessary to comment further. Details were submitted of the arrangements for the independent examination of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document in June 2006.
120/05 CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING A DECISION BY THE COUNCIL (a) Councillors Bedson and Insley – Attendance at Meetings The Clerk reported that Councillors Bedson and Insley had not been able to attend meetings of the Council due to ill health for a period of five months. Unless the Council approved the reasons for absence within a period of six months and they failed to attend a meeting for that period they would automatically cease to be Members of the Council. RESOLVED – That the Council accept illness as a reason for the non-attendance of meetings for both Councillors J. Bedson and J. Insley. (b) Parish Newsletter - Deliveries Councillor Taylor reported that Mrs. Shaw had her hand badly bitten by a dog and had, therefore, failed to complete the delivery of the Newsletters. He had arranged for Members of the Council to deliver the remaining copies. It was reported that a Natasha Bryant and Graham Wheat were prepared to undertake the delivery of the Newsletter in the future. RESOLVED:- (i) That, in the circumstances, Mrs. Shaw be paid £250 for delivery of the Newsletters. (ii) That Miss Bryant and Mr. Wheat be asked to make application in writing with regard to the future delivery of the Newsletter and thereafter the Parish Newsletter Working Party be empowered to make satisfactory arrangements. (c) Handyman Further to Minute 110/05(b) of the last meeting, the Clerk reported that, as yet, no applications had been received. In the meantime Mrs. Freeman had agreed to undertake additional litter picking duties on Grindley Park. (d) Council Website The resolution contained within Minute 110/05(i) of the last meeting had been referred back to the Council for future consideration and the Clerk reported on a meeting held between the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Councillors Beasley and Taylor on the 3rd April 2006. It had been agreed that, in future, any Council information involving strategy, finance or intentions would be placed before all the Council Members before it was published on the web. RESOLVED – That the day to day management of the Council website be delegated to a Working Party comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman together with Councillors Beasley and Taylor with power to act but bearing in mind the above policy and the Working Party be asked to report to the Council half yearly. (e) Panelco Limited, Grindley Lane, Blythe Bridge Further to Minute 110/05(e) of the last meeting, a letter was submitted from the Borough Environmental Health Officer advising that the complaint had been investigated and the Director of Panelco Limited had been advised of the situation. The Borough Council will continue to investigate the situation to a satisfactory conclusion. (f) Proposed Parish Plan Further to Minute 115/05 of the last meeting, it was reported that the Staffordshire Community Council had approved the making of a grant of £2,300, subject to certain terms and conditions towards the funding of a Parish Plan. However, there were concerns about the procedure followed to date and, in this connection, the Chief Executive of the Community Council would like to address the Council. RESOLVED – That Mr. Holden be invited to meet Members of the Council at Fulford Village Hall on Thursday, 27th April 2006 at 7.30 p.m. (g) Play Equipment Consideration was given to this matter and it was agreed to further consider the possibility of the provision of play equipment at the next meeting but, in the meantime, Ward Members should look at the position within each Ward. (h) Pole 23- Hilderstone Road, Rough Close A letter was submitted from ABB Limited advising that, during the routine maintenance to the above pole bracket, their Engineer noted that the lantern was damaged beyond repair. An estimate was supplied for the replacement lantern in the sum of £183.82. RESOLVED – That ABB Limited be requested to undertake the work.
(i) Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 A letter was submitted from DEFRA advising that many provisions of the above Act came in effect on 6th April 2006. The Act also brought into play a new system for controlling dogs and once Dog Control Orders had been introduced, Parish Councils would be able to issue fixed penalty notices to those who offend any Order or to prosecute them in the Magistrates Court. RESOLVED – That a copy of the free guide be obtained.. 121/05 MATTERS OF REPORT AND ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Receipt of the following correspondence/reports was noted:- CPRE Skills Seminar on the Planning System – The Chairman was authorised to attend CPRE – Annual Report 2006 SCC – Public Footpaths SCC - Watchdog News SCC - Public Transport News SBC – Members Digest SBC – Rough Close Common – Consent to erect fencing SBC – Letters re provision of litter bin &matters re open spaces BTCV – Borough Environment Improvement Budget Community Council of Staffordshire – Rural News and Views The Donna Loise Trust – Tree News Staffs. PCA – Staffs PCA Area Committee Parish Newsletter - Update 122/05 ITEM(S) FOR THE NEXT MEETING There were no items to be included on the agenda for the next meeting other than those matters referred to earlier in the minutes. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Council is to be convened at Fulford Village Hall on Thursday, 11th May 2006 commencing with the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00 p.m.
CHAIRMAN
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