Meeting Minutes - June 2005

PRESENT: Councillors Bradbeer (Chairman), Oxby (Vice-Chairman), Beasley, Bedson, Bevan, Brayford, Mrs. Brayford, Mrs. Deakin, Lovatt, Mycock, Shaw, Taylor and Mrs. Wheat

IN ATTENDANCE: Borough Councillor Oldfield, M.J. Manley (Clerk) and 5 members of the public

APOLOGIES: Councillors Colclough, Mrs. Holmes and Insley . Borough Councillor Harp

OTHER NON ATTENDEES: Councillor Goodfellow.

WELCOME

The Chairman formally welcomed the two newly co-opted councillors Tim Beasley and Shirley Wheat to their first meeting. It was reported that the necessary statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office had been signed.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Following the discussion at the last meeting on this subject , members of the public enquired what information had been received from the Borough Council with regard to the Gypsies at Hilderstone Road, Spot Acre. Although no written reply had been received reports from two Borough Councillors indicated that the Legal Department had still not yet finalised the Enforcement Notice.

Members of the public expressed their continuing disappointment at the lack of real progress and mentioned that a few days ago new earth moving machinery had moved onto the site. Since occupying the site it was alleged that large areas of waste had been removed and there were real fears about possible future contamination. It was agreed that the Borough Council should engage all the responsible statutory organisations to visit and monitor the site and urgently consider the making of a Stop Notice.

40/05 MINUTES

RESOLVED –That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 12th May 2005 having been circulated, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

41/05 COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

It was reported that Borough Councillor Harp had verbally advised the Borough Council were now being recommended to retain ownership of the open space at the rear of Highview Road, Fulford and not sell any to nearby residents

42/05 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) The Clerk – Telephone Allowance The Clerk reported with regard to his new arrangements for the provision of telephone facilities at his home. His existing contract provided for him to be fully reimbursed for the line rental and for calls made on behalf of the Council but his new arrangements allowed for calls in the evenings and at weekends to be provided by the supplier free of charge. RESOLVED – That the Clerk still be reimbursed for the line rental with the Council meeting 50% of all calls. (c) Chairman’s Allowance 2005/6

RESOLVED – That the Chairman receive an allowance of £110 for the year 2005/6.

(d) Summary of Receipts and Payments 2004/5

A summary of the Annual Receipts and Payments for the financial year 2004/5 was presented, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

RESOLVED – That the Receipts and Payments Schedule for the year 2004/5, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes, be adopted and signed by the Chairman.

(e) Citizens Advice Bureau

A letter was submitted from the Bureau advising that, on advice from Citizens Advice and the Charity Commission, the Trustee Board has agreed to become a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Bureau will remain as a registered charity and there are to be no changes to the services provided.

43/05 PLANNING

(a) Applications

RESOLVED:-

(i) That no objections be raised to the following applications:-

05/04381 Conservatory – 16 Birkholme Drive, M.H. 05/04388 Extension etc. – 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. 05/04466 Extension – Woodview Cottage, Spot Acre 05/04483 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.

(ii) That objections be raised to the following application for the reasons given:-

05/04393 Erection of 16 2 bed flats – Grindley Lane, B.B..

(b) Decisions

It was reported that the following application had been approved:-

05/03932 Conversion agricultural buildings – Manor Farm, Hilderstone Road, Spot Acre 05/04188 Extension – 34 Blythe Avenue, M.H. 05/04209 Conservatory – 366 Sandon Road, M.H. 05/04308 Conservatory – 2 Midway Drive, B.B.

It was reported that the following applications had been refused:-

05/03952 Extension – Moss Pit, Moss Lane, Moss Gate 05/04063 Conversion – Fulford Hall Farm, Fulford Dale Road, Ful. 05/04244 Conversion – Fulford Manor Farm, Fulford Dale, Ful

(c) Other Planning Issues

It was reported that an appeal had been lodged by Mr. A. Sayer against the refusal of permission for an agricultural building at Long Lane Head Farm, Long Lane, Fulford

It was also reported that the Borough Council had made Tree Preservation Orders in respect of trees at 35 Grindley Lane, Meir Heath, 216 to 218 Grindley Lane, Blythe Bridge, and further trees at the former Stallington Hospital Site, Stallington

44/05 CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING A DECISION BY THE COUNCIL

(a) Speed Limit – Hartwell Lane, Rough Close

Further to Minute 36/05 of the last meeting, a report was given on the site meeting held on Wednesday, 18th May 2005. It was noted that the County Council would now commence the necessary procedure for the introduction of a speed limit but this could take some twelve months to implement and they would only do so if there were no objections from the Police or motoring organisations. A letter was submitted from the resident thanking the Council for their support and assistance.

RESOLVED – That the position be noted.

(b) Proposed Parish Office

Further to Minute 33/05 of the last meeting, the Chairman sought a convenient date for a meeting of the Working Party

RESOLVED – That a meeting of the Working Party be held on Monday 13th June 2005 at 7.30pm in Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall.

(c) Grindley Lane Playing Field

Further to Minute 36/05 of the last meeting, an estimate was submitted from Trentham Fencing and Contractors Limited of Hanford for supply and fixing mesh behind the goal posts of the children’s play area and also along the boundary with the adjacent undeveloped land.

RESOLVED :-

(i) That the estimate for the works behind the two goal posts in the sum of £2,955 plus VAT be accepted.

(ii) Consideration of the other estimate be deferred until the next meeting for further information.

(d) Draft Sustainable Staffordshire Strategy

A letter was submitted from the County Council enclosing a draft of a Sustainable Staffordshire Strategy for the future of the County over the next 15 years. Comments were invited before 31st July 2005.

RESOLVED – That the document be forwarded to Councillor Insley and he be asked to report at the next meeting.

(e) Parish Plan Promotional Event

Details of promotional events to be held throughout the County by the Community Council of Staffordshire were reported. Councillor Mycock intimated that he would try and attend the event at Wetley Rocks on 1st July 2005.

(d) S.P.C.A. Chief Executive’s Circular 27

The Clerk summarised the provisions of this Circular which gave details of the NALC National Conference, revised rates for car allowances and a regional one day conference in Shrewsbury on 1st July 2005.

It was decided not to send any representatives to the NALC Conference but if Councillor Mr. and Mrs. Brayford could attend the one day conference they be so authorised.

RESOLVED – That the latest NJC car allowances be introduced with effect from 1st June 2005.

(e) Stone Crime Prevention Panel A.G.M.

It was reported that the AGM of the Stone Crime Prevention Panel would be held at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 14th June 2005 in Stone.

RESOLVED – That the Chairman be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Crime Prevention Panel.

45/05 MATTERS OF REPORT AND ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Receipt of the following correspondence/reports was noted:-

SBC – Walkwise SBC – Partnership Plus SBC – Members Digest SCC – Works to Fulford Village Green SCC – Future Watchdog Forums SCC- Public Transport New June 2005 STWA- Sewer responsibility – Common Lane, Rough Close Staffordshire Police – Safer Staffs CPRE – Fieldwork Staffs. Community Council – Rural News and Diary of Staffs. Village Festivals 2005 Councillors – Parish Newsletter In the latter connection, it was agreed to retain the same advertisement charges as were applied in 2004.

46/05 URGENT BUSINESS OF WHICH PRIOR NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

The Council deemed that the following correspondence was urgent and should be considered:-

(a) Street Lighting- Balaams Lane, Moss Gate

Further to Minute 26/05 of 14th April 2005, a quotation was submitted for the provision of an additional lighting column in the sum of £1,329 plus VAT.

A letter was also submitted from Mrs. T. Walters of 15 Balaams Lane advising of her opposition to such a light which allegedly was also the view of other residents in the road.

RESOLVED - That consideration of the quotation be deferred and that, in all the circumstances, the Chairman and Councillors Mrs. Deakin and Mycock be asked to conduct a personal survey of all residents of Balaams Lane and their wishes in the matter to be clarified.

(b) Meir Heath Primary School - Parking

A letter was submitted from P.C. Gareth Hilditch who has been asked to address parking problems outside the school, particularly during morning drop off periods. On possible solution would be the introduction of limited parking restrictions on Golborn Avenue for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, Monday to Friday only.

RESOLVED – That the suggestions be fully supported by the Council.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday, 14thth July 2005 at Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall.

CHAIRMAN