Parish Council Monthly Minutes – 3rd February 2010

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A Regular Meeting of Whitmore Parish Council was held on Wednesday 3rd February 2010 at 7.15 p.m. in the Whitmore & District Village Hall.

PRESENT
Councillors AJ Wilkinson (Vice-Chairman in the Chair), PC Ford, P Maskery, WP Murray, Mrs A Pedley, ID Webb and County Cllr F Chapman, by invitation, plus Mr RN Haysom, Clerk. There were two Parishioners present. The Clerk reported that Cllr Maskery was delayed and would join the Meeting later.

028:02/10 TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillor NDK Hopper (Chairman), (Abroad on Business) and Mrs D Burns, Village Agent.

029:02/10 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS IN THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
No declarations were made and the Chairman reminded Councillors that Interests could be declared during the Meeting.

The Chairman suspended the Meeting for the Open Forum and reconvened it at its end.

030:02/10 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN JANUARY 10
Cllr Webb proposed, Cllr Ford seconded and it was resolved that the Minutes of the last Regular Meeting be approved and signed as a true record. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

031:02/10 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
The Clerk confirmed that he had e-mailed Mr Allman to determine whether he had retained any files on the Parish Footpaths. Mr Allman had confirmed that he had no records.

032:02/10 TO CONSIDER HIGHWAY MATTERS

1. To consider the A53 and road safety
   Cllr Chapman reported on Highway matters from the County Council perspective. The situation at the Lymes Crossroads was discussed and the Clerk was requested to forward the CLARENCE reference number of his report to Cllr Chapman.
2. To receive a progress report on the Speedwatch Project
   There were no matters to report.
   
   

033:02/10 TO CONSIDER HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE MATTERS

• Mrs Pedley raised the matter of the damaged roadway at Baldwins Gate railway bridge. The Clerk was requested to report this to CLARENCE.
• The Clerk reported that he had been unable to arrange a meeting of the Neighbourhood Team Manager with Cllr Hopper and Cllr Webb due to the absence of two of the Parties. He would attempt to arrange this before the arrival of the Team in the Parish in order to discuss the work to be undertaken. The Organisation of Neighbourhood Teams was discussed and Cllr Chapman agreed to review this.
• Specific CLARENCE Reports were not discussed.

034:02/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS AND OFFICERS
Cllr Chapman made his report. The Chairman informed the Meeting that Cllr Maskery's report would be received on his arrival.

035:02/10 TO CONSIDER THE PARISH APPEARANCE AND PARISH HANDYPERSON TASKS
Cllr Ford reported that the Handyperson had been tasked with the cleaning of the gutters on the road and car park belonging to the Village Hall. He agreed to find out why this had not been done. The Clerk reported that out-of-hours contact with the NULBC Street Scene Department could be achieved by e-mail to webmaster@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.

036:02/10 TO CONSIDER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND COMMUNITY POLICING MATTERS
There were no matters to report.

037:02/10 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE LATEST LOCALITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP MEETING
Cllr Webb reported that the January meeting had been cancelled due to the weather and that the next meeting would take place on the following evening. He suggested that the Parish Plan implementation should follow the format used for the LAP Plan. The Clerk was requested to forward this to Mrs Burns copy to Cllr Webb so that he could discuss this with her.

038:02/10 TO RECEIVE VILLAGE AGENT'S REPORT
Neither Cllr Hopper nor Mrs Burns was present so the results of their discussion concerning her role were not available. It was agreed to request Mrs Burns to provide a copy of her terms of reference before the next meeting.

039:02/10 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARISH PLAN
There was nothing to report.

040:02/10 TO CONSIDER A FESTIVAL IN 2010
Cllr Murray reported that he, together Cllrs Webb and Hopper and Mrs Burns had discussed this. He informed the Meeting that he had agreed to take charge of the Festival with Mrs Burns's support. The Festival would start on the 11th September with the same framework as the previous Festival and that Mrs Burns had already sent out letters to local organisations to determine their interest.

Cllr Maskery apologised for his late arrival and joined the Meeting.

041:02/10 TOWN AND COUNTRYSIDE PLANNING
Cllr Maskery declared an interest in planning matters and it was agreed that he should stay in the meeting and take part in discussion. The Clerk tabled a Summary Report on this item.

1. To consider Planning Applications, Appeals and Results
   1. New Applications for consideration
      The Clerk reported that there were two applications under review:
      10/53/FUL – Single storey rear extension – Netherwood, Shutlanehead.
      10/19/FUL – Detached double garage to replacement dwelling under construction – Hallaton House, Whitmore Heath
      
      
   2. New Applications – Review Completed
      The Clerk reported that three applications had been reviewed:
      09/929/FUL – Extension to the completion date for a detached garage – Lodore House, Newcastle Road, Baldwins Gate – It was agreed that as no objection had been made to the original Application, there were no grounds for opposing the extension requested.
      09/726/FUL – Retention of mast as permitted by 08/86/FUL, for a further 24 months – Maer Hills, Blackbrook – It was agreed that a strong objection should be lodged.
      09/715/FUL – Reinstatement and construction of a pond and new outdoor tennis court – The Spinney, Whitmore Road, Butterton – No objection with reservations.
      
      
   3. Appeals
      There were no Appeals to discuss.
      
      
   4. Results
      Three Applications had been approved;
      09/929/EXTN – Extension to the completion date for a detached garage – Lodore House, Newcastle Road, Baldwins Gate – It was agreed that as no objection had been made to the original Application, there were no grounds for opposing the extension requested.
      09/726/FUL – Retention of mast as permitted by 08/86/FUL, for a further 24 months – Maer Hills, Blackbrook – It was agreed that a strong objection should be lodged.
      09/625/FUL – Front and side extensions and roof alterations – "Craggan", Birch Tree Lane, Whitmore Heath – No Objection.
      One Applications had been refused;
      09/687/FUL – Detached dwelling and alterations to vehicle access – Land adjacent to 1 Appleton Drive, Whitmore – Strong Objection.
      No Applications had been withdrawn.
      
      
2. To confirm the letters sent to Newcastle Borough Council
   The Chairman informed the Meeting that there were three letters to consider relating to 06/929/EXTN, 09/726/FUL and 09/715/FUL which had been sent to NULBC. Cllr Wilkinson proposed, Cllr Webb seconded and it was agreed that the letters suitably conveyed the Council's feelings.
   
   
3. To consider Enforcement Matters
   The Clerk informed the Meeting that he had still not received a reply from NULBC regarding the level of the external light emissions at The Spinney, Whitmore Road, Butterton. He was requested to contact Mr Benson NULBC for a response. The Clerk had reported the apparent excessive lighting at Red Court, Butterton, and awaited a response.
   
   
4. To Consider General Planning Matters
   1. Action taken regarding the Conditions attached to permission 08/465/FUL – The Clerk reported that he was awaiting a response from Mr Benson. Cllr Maskery was asked to obtain an urgent response.
   2. Processing of garden waste at Acton – Cllr Webb gave a full report to the meeting.
   3. Newcastle Borough Council Planning Committee Calling Notices – The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Planning Committee.
   4. Newcastle Borough Council Conservation Working Party Calling Notices – The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Working Party.

042:02/10 FINANCIAL MATTERS
The Clerk tabled supporting documents and spoke on this item with the Chairman's approval.

1. To Consider Donations and Purchases
   The Clerk reported that the Village Hall Management Committee had requested financial assistance with the new modifications to the Hall. It was reported that, regrettably this would not be possible as there was nothing in the Budget for this expenditure.
   He requested that £10 be spent to purchase a copy (jointly with Madeley PC) of new Standing Orders.
   Cllr Wilkinson proposed that the expenditure on the Standing Orders be approved, Cllr Ford seconded and it was agreed.
   
   
2. To Receive a Report on the Current Financial Situation
   Councillors approved this and there were no questions.
   
   
3. To Authorise the Payment of Accounts
   The Clerk tabled and explained the accounts for payment. Cllr Maskery proposed, Cllr Ford seconded and it was agreed that the following accounts be paid:

4. To consider general finance matters
   The Clerk covered the following subjects;
   1. Bank Reconciliation
      A Bank Reconciliation as at the 30th January 10 had already been circulated. There were no queries.
   2. Parish Precept for 2010/11
      A Precept of £12,750 had been notified to NULBC.
   3. Community Chest
      The allocation had been fully used.
   4. VAT Refund
      The refund of £1,210 had been received.
   5. Funding Opportunity
      Details of a funding opportunity for the Festival and the expanded Parish Meeting had been passed to Cllr Hopper.

043:02/10 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE INFORMATION CENTRE
Cllr Mrs Pedley and Cllr Murray reported that the Information Centre had been very quiet during the last few weeks. Cllr Murray provided the Clerk with an advert as requested so that it could be circulated to other Parish Councils in the area.

044:02/10 TO CONSIDER COUNCILLOR AND CLERK TRAINING
The Clerk reported that he had circulated new training opportunities to be provided by SPCA and had not received any requests from Councillors to date. He reported that as requested, he had discussed training taking place a Whitmore Village Hall. As a result a training evening for Councillors and Clerks in North Staffordshire was to be arranged by SPCA on the 26th April when "What's On The Agenda" would be the topic. He hoped that as many Councillors as possible would be able to attend.

045:02/10 TO CONSIDER QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL ACCREDITATION
The Clerk reported that he been informed by SPCA that the Council had been successful in its bid for reaccredidation as a Quality Council. NALC had been informed and the certificate would follow in due course. He had also be advised that a charge would be made. Cllr Murray proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Hopper and the Clerk for this achievement. Cllr Ford seconded and it was agreed. The Clerk thanked the Meeting on behalf of Cllr Hopper.

046:02/10 TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk reported on the following items:

1. Notification by Staffordshire County Council that the Mobile Library will move to three-weekly visits.
2. Newcastle Borough Council information regarding Recycling Surgeries.
3. Newcastle Borough Council's Cohesion Strategy.
4. A request for support of the Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill.
5. Vast membership. This was agreed.
6. Newcastle Borough Council Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Strategy.
7. Staffordshire Borough Issues and options Consultation.
8. Newcastle under Lyme Mayor's Ball.
9. A Holocaust memorial Service.
10. A Newcastle Fair Trade Group.
11. Community Gardens.

047:02/10 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON FILLING THE COUNCILLOR VACANCY
There was no progress to report on either filling the vacancy or a Recruitment Policy.

048:02/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON ANY RESPONSIBILITIES NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
There were no reports. The Chairman requested the Meeting to forward all articles for the next Newsletter to Cllr Hopper as soon as possible.

049:02/10 TO CONSIDER VILLAGE HALL & RECREATION FIELD MATTERS
Cllr Ford informed the Meeting that information had been received regarding exercise equipment for adults including senior citizens and suggested that this be considered for the Village Hall. Discussion took place regarding the need for two Councillors to attend Village Hall Management Committee meetings. It was agreed that the Clerk would obtain the definitive document on this matter from Cllr Hopper and brief the Meeting in March. The Clerk report delivery of the replacement parts for the Play Area equipment and the subsequent delivery to the Parish Handyperson for their installation.

050:02/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES TO BOROUGH AND COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS AND FORA
Cllrs Wilkinson and Maskery reported on the Rural Runabout.

051:02/10 TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE NOT ALREADY DEALT WITH IN THE MEETING
The Clerk tabled the correspondence that had not been dealt with during the meeting and highlighted specific items.

052:02/10 TO NOTE COUNCILLORS' AND THE CLERK'S PLANNED ABSENCE
Councillors and the Clerk informed the Meeting of their planned absence. The actual dates were advised to the Clerk.

053:02/10 TO CONFIRM THAT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE ON THE 3RD MARCH 2010
It was agreed that the next Regular Meeting of the Council would take place on Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.15 p.m. in the Whitmore & District Village Hall.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and, as there was no further business, he closed the Meeting at 10.10 p.m.

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