Parish Council Monthly Minutes – 8th October 2008

Return to Monthly Minutes Page | View November 2008 Minutes

A Regular Meeting of Whitmore Parish Council was held on Wednesday 8th October 2008 at 7.30pm, in the Methodist Church, Baldwins Gate.

PRESENT
Councillors NDK Hopper (Chairman), AJ Wilkinson (Vice Chairman), WP Murray, and ID Webb plus RN Haysom, Clerk, and Mr D Pitt (Village Agent) by invitation. There were no Parishioners present. Mr B Whitehurst attended.

205:10/08 TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Cllrs K Allman (Holiday), PC Ford (Business Commitment), P Maskery (NULBC Business Commitment), Mrs A Pedley (Holiday) and County Cllr F Chapman.

206:10/08 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS IN THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
No interests were declared. The Chairman reminded Councillors that these could be declared during the Meeting.

207:10/08 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER REGULAR MEETING
The Clerk informed the Meeting that he had corrected Item 185:09/08 to read August in place of July. Cllr Wilkinson proposed, Cllr Hopper seconded and it was resolved that the amended Minutes of the September Meeting be approved and signed as a true record. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

208:10/08 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER REGULAR MEETING NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
The Clerk reported that: a) British Rail intended to inspect the Ticket Office Building at Whitmore Station and report back to him; b) he was in discussion with an Officer of NULBC concerning the sponsorship of the telephone box in Whitmore.

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

The Chairman suggested that Agenda Item 14 be dealt with next. This was agreed by the Meeting.

209:10/08 TO CONSIDER THE DARWIN CELEBRATION
Following the points made by Mr Whitehurst during the Open Forum the Meeting agreed that it should be discussed by the Parish Councils already involved in the Project so that collective decisions could be taken. Councillors Webb and Murray agreed to sit on such a Body but no decisions were taken as to action required by them.

210:10/08 TOWN AND COUNTRYSIDE PLANNING

1. To consider Planning Applications, Appeals and Results
   1. New Applications for consideration
      The Clerk reported that there were three Applications under review:
      08/802/FUL – Roofing work, rebuilding reading room and study extension – Sandy Ridge, Heath Rise, Whitmore Heath
      08/796/FUL – Change of Use – Manor Road Nursery, Manor Road, Baldwins Gate
      08/759/OUT – Dwelling – 1 Appleton Drive, Whitmore
      It was decided to review these at the meeting and it was agreed that there were no objections to 08/802/FUL and 08/796/FUL, but strong objections to 08/759/OUT. The Clerk was instructed to convey these views to NULBC.
      
      
   2. Applications considered by the Planning Committee
      The Clerk reported that four Applications had been considered by the Committee;
      08/626/FUL – Two storey rear link extension & first floor rear and front extensions at Janston, Acton Lane, Acton – Objection.
      08/646/FUL – Change of use of detached garage to granny flat at Townsend Cottage, Church Lane, Butterton – No objection.
      08/754/FUL – Smoking Shelter – The Sheet Anchor, Newcastle Road, Whitmore – Strong objection.
      08/772/FUL – Retrospective boundary walling, gates and access – Park Manor, Butterton Road, Butterton – No objection.
      
      
   3. Appeals
      The Clerk reported that there were three Appeals still being dealt with by the Inspector. These were:
      08/383/FUL – Change of Use from Nursery to Residential – Manor Road Nursery, Manor Road, Baldwins Gate.
      07/1141/OUT – "Holmcroft" Newcastle Road, Baldwins Gate – Erection of four buildings.
      07/603/OUT – 1 Appleton Drive, Whitmore – Extension.
      
      
   4. Results
      The Clerk reported that two Applications had been approved by Newcastle Borough Council for which the Council had no Objection.
      08/663/FUL – Single storey side Extension – Holly Cottage, Butterton Road, Butterton.
      08/420/FUL – Erection of two garages – Butterton Nurseries, Park Road, Butterton.
      
      
2. To confirm the letters sent to Newcastle Borough Council
   The Chairman informed the Meeting that there were four letters to consider, as para 2 above, which had already been circulated. Cllr Webb proposed, Cllr Murray seconded and it was agreed that the letters suitably conveyed the Council's feelings.
   
   
3. To consider Enforcement Matters
   The Clerk reported that he felt that his meetings with Mr Ford of the NULBC Planning Dept concerning enforcement matters were not beneficial and requested the Meeting's agreement to their cessation. This was agreed. He also reported on the development at "Three Coins", Snape Hall Road and tabled the letter sent to Mr G Benson NULBC Planning Dept plus his response. He was asked to request Cllr Maskery to enquire further to obtain a satisfactory reply.
   
   
4. To Consider General Planning Matters
   1. Application 08/550/FUL – Four wind turbines on Maer Hills
      The Chairman explained that he and Cllr Wilkinson had met with the Chairmen and/or Councillors of Woore, Loggerheads, Maer & Aston, Hill & Chapel Chorlton, Madeley and Keele Parish Councils and Mr A Parton of the Protection Group in order to agree a course of action. The Meeting had asked Mr Parton to represent the group at the Planning Committee Meeting and he had agreed. It had also agreed to send a letter from all Parish Councils to a range of Councillors and Bill Cash MP to highlight the arguments put forward against this development by the Parish Councils.
   2. Newcastle Town Centre Area Action Plan
      Councillors were not in a position to comment as the document was still in circulation.
   3. Conservation Working Party – Report by Cllr Allman
      The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Conservation Advisory Working Party. Cllr Allman was not present to make a report.
   4. Changes to Planning Regulations
      The Clerk drew the Meeting's attention to the Press cutting circulated before the meeting. It was agreed that he contact NULBC to obtain their thoughts on this.
   5. Woodbury, Snape Hall Road
      Cllr Murray requested that the situation be checked on Application 08/362/PLD.
   6. Stafford Borough LDF – Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
      The Clerk informed the Meeting that the Initial Findings were available to view and for comment.
   7. Newcastle Borough Council Planning Committee Calling Notices
      The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Planning Committee. There were no items referring to applications from within the Parish.
   8. Acton Farm Planning Application update
      Cllr Webb reported on the situation regarding the Application still awaiting a decision.

The Chairman suggested that Items 8 and 9 be discussed next. The Meeting agreed.

211:10/08 TO RECEIVE THE VILLAGE AGENT'S REPORT
Mr Pitt reported that he was concentrating his efforts on acquiring funding and finishing off reports and other details concerning the Festival. The Chairman thanked Mr Pitt on behalf of the Council and the Parish for his excellent work in achieving such a successful Festival.

212:10/08 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON A "WHITMORE FESTIVAL" PROJECT
Cllr Murray thanked the Council on behalf of himself, Mr Pitt and Cllr Mrs Pedley for its support. Twenty Events had taken place and all had been thoroughly well received and supported. He hoped that articles would be appearing in the Staffordshire Magazine and others plus the Parish Newsletter. He proposed that a survey on the Parish's views was unnecessary as over 1200 people had attended the various events. The Meeting decided that the decision to hold this event annually or biannually must be taken before the year end. The Meeting thanked Cllr Murray for leading such a successful Project and for the excellent support given by Cllr Mrs Pedley, Mr Pitt and Mr Pedley.

213:10/08 FINANCIAL MATTERS

1. To Consider Donations and Purchases
   The Clerk reported that;
   1. He planned to deliver the cheque to Mr Booth in the next two weeks.
   2. Festival expenditure had been claimed by Mr Pedley.
   3. He suggested that the Methodist Church be given a donation of £40 to cover the costs of the use of the church for two meetings.
   4. He had paid £61 for the flowers requested to be sent to Cllr Mrs Pedley, Mr Pedley and Mrs Slater for their assistance with the Festival.
   5. The Notice Board was expected within a month and had to be paid for within seven days of delivery.
   6. He had received a letter from the Vicar regarding a Calendar Project being undertaken by local schoolchildren and requesting a donation. He suggested £100 was suitable.
   7. He had received a request from Cllr Murray to reimburse some Festival Costs. He provided details of the sums involved. Cllr Webb proposed that they be paid, Cllr Wilkinson seconded and it was agreed.
   
   
2. To Receive a Report on the Current Financial Situation
   The Clerk tabled a Report of the Current Financial Situation as at the end of the month. Councillors approved the information. There were no questions.
   
   
3. To Authorise the Payment of Accounts
   The Clerk tabled and explained the accounts for payment. Cllr Murray proposed, Cllr Hopper seconded and it was resolved 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 September was tabled showing there were no anomalies.
   2. NULBC Community Chest
      The rules had been adjusted and it was agreed that the Applications would be considered in November.
   3. Broadband Service from Plus Net
      The Conditions had changed and a charge would be incurred when leaving the service.
   4. Grants
      The Meeting was informed of funding that had recently become available.
   5. Risk Management
      It was agreed that the Risk Management Scheme would be reviewed by Cllrs Hopper and Webb. The Clerk was requested to make it available as soon as possible.
   6. LMI Scheme Review
      A review had been completed at the request of the County Council.
   7. The Annual Report
      This had been received with no adverse comments and a request to complete the Risk Assessment Scheme as soon as possible.

214:10/08 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS AND OFFICERS
No reports were made as no Councillors were present.

215:10/08 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE INFORMATION CENTRE PROJECT
Cllr Murray reported that the Centre was still being well used. County Councillor Chapman had kindly provided £600 from his LMIS Fund towards IT Training. The Clerk advised the Meeting that he was still in contact with Jeanette Hilton from NULBC concerning the production of Bus Passes by the Information Centre but progress was slow. The Meeting agreed that he contact Cllr Maskery to see if he could assist in this matter.

216:10/08 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARISH PLAN
Cllr Murray informed the Meeting that he and Mr Pitt intended to pursue matters concerning public transport as a priority with Evening Adult Education and Environmental Issues as back up topics. This was agreed.

217:10/08 CONSIDER REACCREDITATION AS A QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL
The Clerk informed the Meeting that he had arranged for an Officer of SPCA to give a presentation to the Council at the November Meeting. The Chairman proposed that this topic be deferred to the next meeting and this was agreed.

218:10/08 TO CONSIDER THE PARISH NEWSLETTER
The Chairman tabled a draft copy of the Newsletter for Councillors' comments. He reminded Councillors that some contributions were still outstanding and were required urgently so that the Newsletter could go to print during the following week.

219:10/08 TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk reported on the following topics: Newcastle-Under- Lyme Sports Council Meeting; a request by NULBC concerning playground information; public consultation on future plans for the hospital; the Playbuilder Roadshow (Cllr Ford and the Clerk agreed to attend); a Community Leadership and Neighbourhood/ Locality Working Seminar; Community Engagement Strategy; the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Waste Core Strategy; Training Opportunities, a regional seminar on the future of parish Councils in November and his admission as a member of the Institute of Local Council Management. He also mentioned that he had requested the Chairman to consider being given a gratuity at the end of his service and a meeting was planned to discuss this.

220:09/08 TO CONSIDER MAINTENANCE MATTERS

1. Highway Maintenance and CLARENCE Reports
   The Clerk briefed the Meeting on: a) an invitation from Staffordshire County Council to discuss the "Community Team". Cllr Webb's offer to attend was gratefully received; b) a Suggestion by County Councillor Chapman that the poor state of the road and pavements in Appleton Drive be discussed with the County Council. No decision was taken on this. The Clerk was instructed to contact the Streetscene Department of NULBC to thank them for their excellent work clearing up after the Festival. Cllr Webb had nothing to report regarding CLARENCE matters.
   
   
2. General Appearance, Notice Boards and Parish Handyperson Tasks
   The Clerk reported that the notice board would soon be made and he had arranged delivery to his house. There were no other matters to discuss due to the absence of Cllr Ford.

221:10/08 TO CONSIDER HIGHWAY MATTERS

1. To consider the A53 report and road safety
   There was nothing to report.
2. To receive a progress report on the Speedwatch Project
   Cllr Wilkinson reported on the Speedwatch Project activity.
   
   

222:10/08 TO CONSIDER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND COMMUNITY POLICING MATTERS
The increase in thefts from outbuildings was discussed. The Clerk reported that he had requested a quantity of cards and posters to advertise the new contact telephone number for Staffordshire Police.

223:10/08 TO CONSIDER THE PARISH FOOTPATHS AND THE COMMUNITY FOOTPATH INITIATIVE
The Clerk confirmed that he had chased the replies from the County Council to reported problems. It was agreed that a further meeting of the Committee was needed in the near future. The Clerk reported that copies of the Parish Paths booklets produced by Eccleshall Parish Council were due to be delivered to him on the following day.

224:10/08 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON ANY RESPONSIBILITIES NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
There was nothing to discuss.

225:10/08 TO CONSIDER VILLAGE HALL & RECREATION FIELD MATTERS
Cllr Hopper reported that he had received an inquiry from the Village Hall Committee to discuss routine management of the grassed areas. He agreed to discuss this with Cllr Mrs Pedley on her return from holiday.

226:10/08 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, highlighted specific items, and circulated the listing.

227:10/08 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES TO BOROUGH AND COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS AND FORA
There were no reports.

228:10/08 TO CONFIRM THE DATE OF THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING AS THE 12TH NOVEMBER 2008
It was agreed that the next Regular Meeting would be held on Wednesday 12th November 2008 at 7.30p.m. in the Methodist Church, Baldwins Gate.

The Chairman thanked Councillors for their attendance and, as there was no further business, closed the Meeting at 10.40 p.m.

Top of Page | Return to Monthly Minutes Page | View November 2008 Minutes