Parish Council – Annual Report 2008
View the 2008 Account Summary
View the Archive: 2007 Annual Report | 2007 Account Summary
I am pleased to report that the past 12 months appears to have been successful. As Parish Councillors we have worked well as a team in dealing with routine activities such as Planning Applications whilst also having the vision to make progress in areas that will enhance our community.
In the year 2007/2008 we dealt with 49 planning applications. The number of planning applications dealt with year on year appears to be increasing with 40 applications in 2006/2007 and 34 in 2005/2006.
The relationship and interaction with Newcastle Borough Council appears to be improving following a number of meetings with Officers from a number of Departments. The Clerk now also meets on a regular basis with the Enforcement Team.
Of the 49 applications dealt with the Parish Council objected to 9. Of these 9 applications, 6 applications were also refused by Newcastle Borough Council, whilst 3 were approved. The three that were approved were the wind test mast at Maer Hills, the gas test rig at Willoughbridge (the Council could only comment on the traffic increase associated with the development), and a detached garage at Madeley Park Wood. The detached garage was a retrospective planning application.
There were 5 occasions where the Parish Council did not object to the application but Newcastle Borough Council refused the application on technical grounds. Two of these applications have subsequently been permitted.
The coming year could be equally as busy in terms of planning applications. In particular we have the prospect associated with a number of applications for Maer Hills. It is the Parish Council’s policy to object to any development of Maer Hills. We will also object to any development that will result in increased vehicle traffic on the A53. It is our belief as a council that the A53 cannot accommodate more traffic.
At the start of the last period the Council agreed to work on the following projects:
- Progression of the Parish Plan.
- Development of the Information Centre.
- Enhancement the Parish Website.
- Development the concept of Community Speedwatch.
- Promotion of the Parish appearance.
- Improvement the Playing Field facility.
- Improvement of local footpaths.
All of the above have been tackled and will be the continued focus of our work in the coming year. I will however give a brief synopsis of the progression made.
Out of the Parish Plan a suggestion of a festival was developed. The Parish Plan steering committee has been able to develop the concept and the 2008 Whitmore Festival will take place later in the year. It is an exciting prospect that in September we will have over a week of varied activities. It is hoped that the Festival, centred on the Annual Horticultural Show, will be a celebration of local life that brings the whole Community together.
The Parish Plan continues to be a valuable document for communicating with third party Agencies. It very clearly provides feedback on the needs and wishes of the whole Community and is an excellent guide for the Parish Council.
The Information Centre continues to fulfil a need. In partnership with the Village Hall, the facility has been used to provide tutorials in computer skills. The tuition provided on a Thursday morning was in fact over subscribed by four-fold. It is hoped that the demand for tuition will be satisfied in the coming year.
With respect to the Information Centre, there are objectives that we have not achieved, in particular the issuing of Bus Passes. Changing systems are partly to blame, but we expect to provide this facility in the near future.
We have a website that is updated monthly. There is now a wealth of information available including minutes of meetings for the past 12 months, e-copies of Newsletters and even a Google map showing general Parish information including its boundary.
Road safety is considered a major priority for the Parish Council. A recent document was forwarded to the Chief Constable and the Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council detailing the issues we believe that exist with the roads in our area, in particular the A53. The response we have received has been disappointing.
We also find it frustrating that issues reported to CLARENCE, the reporting system promoted by Staffordshire Highways, get lost in the ether. Issues take an age to resolve. An embarrassment that appears to be totally outside our influences is the non-functioning 30 mph speed sign. Supposedly the electricity supply is not good enough! We have not sat back, but repeatedly chased for an improvement. The latest news is that it will be replaced.
On a more positive note I am delighted to report that we will be launching the Community Speedwatch initiative this summer. Seven volunteers have undergone training; the equipment is on order and will be delivered in the near future. It is intended that the Community Speedwatch will remind drivers of their obligation to keep to the speed limit whilst driving through Whitmore and Baldwins Gate. This should go a long way to making our Parish a safer place.
I personally consider the appearance of the Parish to be really important. If it looks good, people will not only feel good about their surroundings but will also respect the environment. Last spring we extended the number of flower tubs to the west end of the Village. Bulbs have also been planted in Jubilee Gardens. The playing field has been cut more regularly and the problem of moles addressed.
The playground has recently been inspected by ROSPA and apart from a number of minor defects that need to be addressed, it is in good order. It is pleasing to see the value that children get out of such a facility, including my own son who often visits with his friends after school.
We have started to survey the footpaths in the Parish to determine where improvements are required. It is hoped that progress can be made on improving this Parish wide facility and making them more accessible to all.
Finally it remains for me to thank the people who have contributed to making the last year a success. Support from MC Landscapes and Nigel Aldritt for their efforts associated with enhancing the appearance of the Village. Mandy Dawson for putting together a very professional-looking Website. Derek Pitt for his support as Village Agent. Angela Ireland and my wife Helen for putting together four informative and valued Newsletters. John Pedley for his enthusiasm for the Whitmore Festival and the Information Centre. The Parish Plan Steering Committee including David Lovatt, Norman Page, Don Lawton, as well as the other contributors to the Whitmore Festival.
And lastly but not least, I would like to thank the Parish Councillors for their efforts and voluntary time as well as the Clerk, Bob Haysom, who has very professionally provided the necessary support to the Council.
We all look forward to the next 12 months with the challenges and rewards of seeing our Community develop.
Nick D K Hopper, Chairman
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