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Meeting Minutes - July 2005
PRESENT: Councillors Bradbeer (Chairman), Oxby (Vice-Chairman), Beasley, Bedson, Mrs. Brayford, Mrs. Deakin, Goodfellow, Mrs Holmes, Lovatt, Mycock, Shaw, Taylor and Mrs. Wheat IN ATTENDANCE: M.J. Manley (Clerk) and 6 members of the public APOLOGIES: Councillors Bevan and Brayford; Borough Councillor Harp OTHER NON ATTENDEES: Councillors Colclough and Insley PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Following the discussion at the last meeting on this subject , members of the public were advised that the Borough Council had now issued the Enforcement Notice with regard to the Gypsies at Hilderstone Road, Spot Acre. The Notice became effective on the 28th August 2005 and they were given 2 months notice to vacate the site after that date. It was expected that there would be an appeal. The Borough Council were again asked to consider issuing a Stop Notice. A resident of Blythe Bridge acting on behalf of a number of residents of the area expressed their disappointment and concern at the Boroughs apparent planning policy of appearing to support the demolition of perfectly good residential units and with a resultant redevelopment of an increased number of smaller units. The proposal in respect of 218 Grindley Lane was quoted as an example although this application was refused. It was explained this was a matter which needed to be taken up directly with the Borough Council but assistance would be afforded at a practical level if required by the Parish Council.
47/05 MINUTES RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 9th June 2005 having been circulated, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 48/05 COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS REPORTS There were no reports made under this opportunity. 49/05 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) Annual Audit of Accounts 2004/5 It was reported that notification had been received from the Audit Commission that the date appointed for the audit of the Councils accounts for the year ended 31st March 2005 was 5th September 2005. The necessary papers were now with the Internal Auditor and the statutory advertisements were in place. RESOLVED That the position be noted. 50/05 PLANNING (a) Applications RESOLVED:- That no objections be raised to the following applications:- 05/04579 Conservatory Field View, Leadendale Lane, R.C. 05/04596 Small dormer windows 15 Birkholme Drive, M.H. 05/04632 Barn Conversion New House Farm, Cresswell Road, Hil. 05/04642 Conversion of building into living accomm. Fulford Hall Farm, Ful. 05/04710 Conservatory 16 Franklin Drive, Stal. 05/04713 -ditto- - 5 Jenner Grove, Stal 05/04732 -ditto- - Langdale, Fulford Road, Sav. Green 05/04647 Extension 8 Ash Grove, B.B. 05/04741 Revised management - Land adj. Moss Lane/Balaams Lane, Moss Green 05/04735 Extension 229 Grindley Lane, B.B 05/04746 Extension 15 Ridgway Drive, B.B. 05/04791 Pitched roof to garage Highfield, Windmill Hill, R.C.
(b) Decisions It was reported that the following application had been approved:- 05/04115 Two garages Aynsley Special School, Aynsleys Drive, B.B. 05/04295 Conservatory The Retreat, Moss Lane, Moss Gate 05/04318 Extension 14 Field Close, B.B. 05/04322 Replacement Workshop and Garage 23 Hilderstone Road, M.H. 05/04356 Use of car park for motor cycle training Old Hospital Car Park, Stallington Road, Stallington 05/04375 Conservatory 31 Golborn Avenue, M.H. 05/04388 Extension Fulford House, Fulford Lane, Ful. 05/04403 Extension 80 Sutherland Crescent, B.B. 05/04431 Timber sectional building Jakaranda, Hilderstone Road, M.H. 05/04437 Porch and extension The Kenter, Common Lane, R.C. 05/04464 Alterations to roof Woodview, 1 Ridge Crescent, M.H. 05/04482 Extension - 67 Sutherland Crescent, B.B. 05/04484 Conversion of garage, conservatory etc. 43 Golborn Avenue, M.H. 05/04488 Extension 8 Birkholme Drive, M.H. 05/04537 Extension 25 Grindley Lane, M.H. It was reported that the following applications had been refused:- 05/04383 Conversion of building to dwelling 124 Stallington Road, B.B. 05/04406 Garage and accommodation The Old Vicarage, Ful. 05/04466 Extension Woodview Cottage, Spot Acre (c) Other Planning Issues It was reported that an appeal had been lodged against the refusal of planning permission for a conservatory at the rear of Bakers Cottage, Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge. With regard to the preparation of the Borough Councils new Local Development Framework, the Clerk reported receipt of issues and options papers for Development Plan Document 1, residential development control document and economic development control document on which comments were invited before 15th August 2005. RESOLVED - That the documents be reported to the appointed Working Party with power to act. 51/05 CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING A DECISION BY THE COUNCIL (a) Street Light in Balaams Lane, Moss Gate Further to Minute 46/05 of the last meeting, a report was given by the Chairman on the views of all residents following a personal canvass with regard to the request for an additional light. It appeared that only 2 residents were in favour of the light (18%) with the remainder against although two residents who did not want to get involved RESOLVED That in the circumstances an additional street light be not provided by the Parish Council. (b) Proposed Parish Office Further to Minute 33/05 of the last meeting, the Chairman reported on the recommendations of the Working Party on the possible establishment of an Office for the Clerk as an annexe to Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall following a meeting held on 13th June 2005. RESOLVED That in principle the concept of a Parish Office being created at Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall be accepted (unanimous) and that the appointed Working Party be empowered to prepare a feasibility study using D.A.Rhead of Messrs Wood Goldstraw & Yorath and report back to the Parish Council in due course. (c) Grindley Lane Playing Field Further to Minute 44/05 of the last meeting, consideration was again given to the quotation received for the fencing of the boundary of Grindley Park. Alternative quotes had been obtained for the provision of kissing gates. RESOLVED :- That authority be given for the quotation of Trentham Fencing & Contractors Ltd to be accepted except that a kissing gate will be provided by an alternative supplier.
(d) Draft Sustainable Staffordshire Strategy Further to Minute 44/05 of the last meeting, in the absence of Councillor Insley, the Council felt unable to offer any views on the Draft Sustainable Staffordshire Strategy. Details were also submitted for the Sustainable Staffordshire Awards for 2005. RESOLVED That no nominations be made by the Council. (e) Street Lighting at Birch Grove, Meir Heath Further to Minute 39/05 of 12th May 2005, a letter was submitted from the Lighting and ITS Manager of the County Council explaining why there were now no lamps in Birch Grove, Meir Heath. It was extremely unlikely that funds would be made available for such lighting in the foreseeable future. It was agreed that the contents of the letter be brought to the attention of residents and any response considered. (f) Staffordshire Community Council - Questionnaire It was reported that the Community Council was now in the process of updating its business plan and prior to finalising a draft document, the Council had been asked to submit their views by way of a questionnaire. RESOLVED That the Clerk be authorised to return the questionnaire with the responses now given. (g) Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge Traffic and General Nuisance A letter was submitted from a resident of Stallington Road complaining of the nuisance which exists at the section of road which passes beneath the A50 in Stallington Road. The Chairman reported that he had raised this matter at a meeting of the Stone & District Crime Prevention Panel on 14th June 2005. Councillor Mycock again raised his concerns at the lack of new traffic management measures as a result of the development of the former hospital site. RESOLVED That the County Council be asked as to the present position and also asked to attend to the overhanging branches of trees at the Blacklake end of the Road. (h) Bus Shelter at Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge Concern was raised at the condition of the above Council owned shelter. RESOLVED That steps be taken to arrange for the demolition of the Shelter and quotations be sought for a new shelter. (i) Graveley Bank, Stoke on Trent Councillor Bedson reported that as a result of the severity of the new speed ramps, Common Lane was facing increased traffic. It was greed to write to both the County Council and the City Council to try and overcome the problem. (j) Baulk Lane, Fulford Dog Bin It was suggested that it might improve the dog fouling situation if a bin was sited in Baulk Lane, Fulford.
RESOLVED That a suitable bin be purchased and added to the schedule for emptying by Stafford Borough Council. 52/05 MATTERS OF REPORT AND ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Receipt of the following correspondence/reports was noted:- SBC Annual Report 2004/05 SBC Spotlight SBC Members Digest SBC Newsletter Local Agenda 21 SCC Public Transport News July 2005 SCC Community Watchdog News SCC Priorities and Budget Consultation 2006/07 DEFRA Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Open Spaces Society Summer Booklet SPCA Pointers to Good Practice Community Council Staf FORWARDshire Issue 7 Parish Newsletter 53/05 URGENT BUSINESS OF WHICH PRIOR NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN The Council deemed that the following correspondence was urgent and should be considered:- (a) Public Footpaths Initiative A letter was submitted from the County Council intimating that, as part of the Community Paths Initiative bid for next year, a recently appointed Rights of Way Assistant was willing to attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss any bid and rights of way issues. RESOLVED - That the offer be accepted and he be invited to the September meeting. (b) B.T. Payphones A letter was submitted from B.T. Payphones advising that a review of the payphone provision was being carried out by the Office of Communications and, as part of this review, two payphones, namely, kiosks at The Rocks, Fulford and Moss Gate, were likely to be converted from a cash payment facility to a cashless payment option as an alternative to removal. The Councils comments were invited. RESOLVED That the B.T. be advised that the Council prefer to keep the existing arrangements but in the event of Ofcom accepting they are not cost effective , the offer of B.T. be accepted. (c) Proposed Parish Website Further to the discussion at a previous meeting, the Clerk reported on offers being advertised for the creation of Parish websites. One such offer via the SPCA, was from the Clerk to Abbots Bromley Parish Council and he was willing to meet one or two Members as a means of promoting such a project. RESOLVED - That the Parish Newsletter Working Party be authorised to further investigate the matter including meeting the Clerk of Abbotts Bromley and report back to the Parish Council in due course. Councillor Beasley was added to the Working Party. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Thursday, 11th August 2005 at Fulford Village Hall.
CHAIRMAN
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