Minutes of Meeting held in The Rez Country Café on Thursday 16th. December 2010.

Present: Councillor R. Dawson (Chair)

Councillors T. Beastall, L. Bills, J. Sargeant, S. R. Weston & C. E. Taylor.

District Councillor N. Hawkins.

In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

Due to severe wintry conditions and unavailability of the meeting room this meeting had been

re-arranged from the originally scheduled date of 2nd. December 2010.

74/10. Apologies for Absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

75/10. Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

76/10. Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

77/10. Public Comments.

There were no public comments or concerns at this point.

78/10. Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21st. October 2010 had been circulated. It was agreed that they be

signed by the Chairman a true and correct record.

79/10. Matters Arising.

Mention had been made at the last meeting of a possible problem with the length of the double yellow parking restriction lines in Sutherland Road at its junction with the A53 Leek Road. This matter would now be referred to the Public Liaison Officer of Staffs. County Council for investigation.

It was also noted that there had been no mention of registering the land occupied by the bus shelters in the applications to the Land Registry. The Clerk re-iterated that the Land Registry had pointed out that as they were not actually totally enclosed it was unlikely that these could be registered in the Council’s ownership. As no further evidence of ownership had been unearthed, the necessary forms to register the Common Land had been forwarded to the Land Registry. The usual letter had been received asking for confirmation of the address of applicant. Subsequent telephone calls had revealed that the forms had now been passed to the Registry’s legal department at Peterborough for more investigation.

A letter had been sent to the Local Highways Dept. of Staffs County Council regarding the two items of the reported abundance of notices on the pavement on the A53 near School Lane and also the flooding on the A53 near to St. Chad’s Church. The Highways Superintendent had contacted the Clerk and asked if the Council wished all the notices on the A53 to be removed. After consulting with the Chairman he was informed that that was the requirement. It was reported that after the signs were removed further signs had appeared. This matter to be reported to the Planning Dept. of Staffs. Moorlands District Council for any action necessary.

With regard to the reported flooding issue the superintendent had informed the Clerk that this was due to a blocked drain from a road gully and this was to be investigated with a C.C.T.V. camera.

A further letter had been sent to Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding the anomaly with the street name plate signs in Leek Old Road. A reply had been received promising to rectify the situation.

An e.mail had been received from the Rights of Way Officer of Staffs. County Council stating that the Rights of Way Panel had recommended that an order be made to extinguish Footpath No. 24.

The Chairman had visited the building site on the A53 regarding the parking of vehicles which were causing some obstruction to the pavement etc and the matter appeared to have been resolved.

It was reported that:

the County Council’s Highways team had visited the parish and had completed many items.

the December meeting of Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly had been postponed until 27th. Jan.2011.

the Chairman and Councillor Bills had attended the Remembrance Sunday service.

80/10. Correspondence.

A letter from Staffs. County Council gave further information on winter salt stocks and plans for its

distribution etc. and suggesting that self help could assist it with treating footways that it cannot get to.

Information received under this item was:

Staffs. Moorlands Local Development Framework – Churnet Valley Masterplan.

offer of Local Government Legal Advice from Staffs. County Council Legal Services Unit.

Big Lottery Funding – passed to a local organisation.

introduction to the Journal of Local Planning (cost £50 per year) – no action.

Rural News Digest – 2nd. & 6th. December 2010 issues from Rural Services Network.

Clerks and Councils Direct – November 2010 issue

81/10. Planning Matters.

The following planning applications were considered and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to

normal planning guidelines to:

10/01055/FUL Conversion of Vacant Public House (A4) to form 2 No. Dwellings (C3) at New Inn,

Leek Road, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9QF.

10/01035/CL-PRO Certificate of Lawful Development for Proposed Orangery at Upper Dales,

Dunwood Lane, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9AP.

82/10. Finance Matters.

It was reported that:

invoice for half year payment of lengthsman scheme from Staffs. Moorlands D.C. had been sent and paid.

invoice for half year payment of lengthsman scheme from Staffs County Council had been sent.

refund had been received for V. A. T. paid during last year.

The Council’s One Year Fixed Rate Bond with Leek United Building Society was due to mature on 21st.December 2010. It was agreed to re-invest the proceeds into a new One Year Fixed Rate Bond with the Society.

A representative of Zurich Insurance Co. had contacted the Clerk about providing a quotation for the Council’s insurance needs. It was agreed to allow the company to quote for the Council’s insurance nearer the renewal date in June 2011.

An intimation had been received from the Council’s Internal Auditor that he would be unable to collect the Council’s books, vouchers etc. in the future. It was agreed that arrangements could possibly be made to send the information to him. This to be discussed again nearer the relevant time.

Estimates / Precept for the year 2011 / 2012.

The Clerk produced (1) Actual Figures for the Year 2009/10, (2) Estimated Expenditure and end of year balance for the Year 2010/11 and (3) Estimated Income and Expenditure for the Year 2011/12.

After studying the figures produced, it was agreed unanimously that the Clerk’s salary be increased by £50 – 00 per year and also, in the light of the current economic climate, the amount of the Precept remain UNCHANGED at £3,500 – 00.

The precept request form was duly signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.

83/10 Orders for Payment.

It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-

84/10. Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

85/10. Any Other Business.

It was noted that one Councillor had failed to attend a Parish Council meeting for six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance and was therefore deemed to have ceased to be member of the Council. This matter to be reported to Staffs. Moorlands Electoral Officer for advice.

It was reported that some vehicles were being irregularly parked and causing obstruction in School Lane. It was agreed to monitor the situation.

A report was given that a stone had become dislodged from the structure and fallen onto the towpath and into the canal at the listed canal bridge in Denford Road. This matter to be reported to British Waterways.

It was reported that the bus shelters near to the New Inn were full of leaves. These were to be cleared.

Councillor Bills gave her thoughts on the problems she was facing being a Parish Councillor and a member of the Longsdon Memorial Hall Management Committee. She was informed that she was not the official Parish Council representative on the Committee as no formal request had been sent to the Parish Council for a representative. She expressed a desire to serve both organisations to the best of her ability.

86/10. Date of Next Meeting.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday 3rd. February 2011 at The Rez Country

Café in Sutherland Road, Longsdon at 7 - 30p.m.

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Minutes of Meeting held in The Rez Country Café on Thursday 21st. October 2010.

Present: Councillor R. Dawson (Chair)

Councillors T. Beastall, L. Bills, J. Sargeant, S. R. Weston & C. E. Taylor.

One Member of the Public.

In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

62/10. Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.

63/10. Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

64/10. Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

He thanked Councillors Sargeant and Taylor for their attendance at the last meeting of Staffs.

Moorlands Parish Assembly, notes of which had been distributed to all Councillors.

He thanked the Clerk for carrying out the repairs to the notice board in Sutherland Road.

He reported on the last meeting at the Highways Depot in Leek with various issues being discussed,

including the extension of double white lines in two areas of the A53. He reported that the meeting was

overwhelmed by representatives from other Parish Councils.

The Licensing Officer of British Waterways had reported that the illegally parked boats at Horsebridge

had now been moved.

The problem with the apparently illegal agricultural buildings in Denford Road / Micklea Lane was

continuing but the Planning Officer was now requesting that planning permission be applied for.

65/10. Public Comments.

There were no public comments or concerns at this point.

66/10. Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th. September 2010 had been circulated. It was agreed that they be

signed by the Chairman a true and correct record.

67/10. Matters Arising.

As reported last month, the Staffs. County Council’s Highways Team was scheduled to visit the parish

on 28th. & 29th. October. A list of items for attention was formulated and would be sent to County

Councillor G. Heath.

The necessary forms to register the Common Land with the Land Registry had been prepared but, as

there were no actual deeds to the land available, the Clerk explained that only a Possessory Title could

be obtained. This could become Absolute after a period of twelve years. He asked Councillors to provide

any evidence of ownership which they could find.

Proctor’s Nursery had re-planted the village tubs for the winter season and his account received. He had

given a verbal quotation of £29 – 00 for a replacement tub, to be sited in Sutherland Road, plus an

additional amount for soil, paving slabs etc. It was agreed that this be ordered for the Spring planting

season.

The new Parish Online service had now been set up and the necessary passwords etc issued. Staffs.

Moorlands District Council had also sent a letter setting out additional features which were

available with the service. A first account had been received for the facility.

Letter had been sent to the Information Commissioner’s Officer setting out the Council’s position

regarding a complaint from a parishioner under the Data Protection Act. A reply had been received

from that office stating that the case would not be proceeded with.

It was reported that:

the notice board in Sutherland Road had had the new polycarbonate viewing panel fixed.

letter had been sent to Staffs. County Council regarding no objections to Footpath No 4 diversion.

68/10. Correspondence.

Letter had been received from the Returning Officer of Staffs. Moorlands District Council setting out the

scale of possible election charges in May 2011 and suggesting that allowances for any charges be

made in the Council’s next budget. These charges could be levied over a period of four years on

request. It was agreed that £250 – 00 be allowed in next year’s estimates for this purpose.

 

Information had been received from Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding its plans to roll out its

re-cycling collection services to all rural properties to be in line with the rest of the District.

Information received under this item was:

from Staffs. County Council on winter salt stocks and plans for its distribution etc.

notice of roadshows for Churnet Valley Living Landscape Project – posted on notice boards.

Staffs. Moorlands Local Development Framework – Supplementary Planning Documents.

Sustainable Staffordshire, a Community Council of Staffs. project.

South Staffs. Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Consultation – no action.

Keep Britain Tidy’s “There no such thing as the dog poo fairy” Campaign – posted on notice boards.

Staffs. Parish Councils’ Association Annual Report & Accounts 2009 / 10.

Rural Focus – 13th. & 27th. September 2010 from Rural Services Community.

69/10. Planning Matters.

The following planning applications were considered and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to

normal planning guidelines to:

10/00649/FUL Change of Use and Extensions to an Existing Barn to Create a Single Dwelling at

Barncroft, Dunwood Lane, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9QW.

Application No. 10/00849/CL-ORO Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Single Storey Side Extension &

Two Storey Rear Extension at Millers Dale, School Lane, Longsdon was discussed and noted.

With regard to Application No. 10/00711/FUL New Access (Retrospective) to Land Adjacent to High View,

Sutherland Road, Longsdon concern was expressed as to why another access to the site is needed when

there is already access to the site by an adjacent entrance from the owner’s own drive. It was agreed to

OBJECT to this proposal.

It was also agreed to OBJECT to Application No. 10/00863/FUL Detached Garage at Upper Dales,

Dunwood Lane, Longsdon, Staffs. on the following grounds:

The proposed building is too excessive for the site and by its nature could possibly be turned into living

accommodation at a later date.

There is still an outstanding problem with Footpath No. 24 on the site and no further development should

take place until that is resolved.

The line of the footpath shown on the plan is not the correct official line of the path and is shown as being

diverted. This has been done without permission.

70/10. Orders for Payment.

It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-

71/10. Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

72/10. Any Other Business.

It was reported that work had started on clearing vegetation from the currently disused railway line through the parish.

A reported abundance of notices on the pavement on the A53 near to the School Lane junction could be causing obstruction to the footpath and a distraction to drivers. This matter had been reported verbally to the County Council’s local office on numerous occasions. It was agreed to write to the Community Liaison Officer of Staffs. County Council to report the matter officially.

A report was given on flooding on the A53 near to St. Chad’s Church. This also to be reported to the Liaison Officer.

There was still an anomaly with the street name plate signs in Leek Old Road. This to be reported to Staffs. Moorland District Council.

A problem with parking of vehicles by a building site on the A53 was causing some obstruction to the pavement and disruption to passing traffic. The Chairman offered to have a word with the owners of the vehicles.

It was agreed that the usual wreath be purchased for the Remembrance Service at St. Chad’s Church. The Chairman and Councillor Bills would attend the service.

73/10. Date of Next Meeting.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday 2nd. December 2010 at The Rez Country

Café in Sutherland Road, Longsdon at 7 - 30p.m.

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Minutes of Meeting held in The Rez Country Café on Thursday 9th. September 2010.

Present: Councillor R. Dawson (Chair)

Councillors T. Beastall, L. Bills, J. Sargeant, S. R. Weston & C. E. Taylor.

County Councillor G. Heath.

District Councillor N. Hawkins.

Four Members of the Public.

50/10. Apologies for Absence.

There were no apologies for absence declared.

51/10. Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

52/10. Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

53/10. Public Comments.

There were no public comments or concerns at this point.

County Councillor Gill Heath addressed the meeting on the subject of the proposed closure of Footpath No. 24 Dunwood Lane which the Parish Council had sent in objections to. She explained that she was here to hear the reasons for the Parish Council’s objections and was attending as a mediator. She said that the path in question was an original “snow” which was on the top of an embankment. There could possibly be a replacement path sited on the opposite side of the road. Councillors expressed the opinion that their main concern was that persons closing a footpath and then applying for official permission could set precedents. Councillor Heath was thanked for her visit.

She also pointed out that the Staffs. County Council’s Highways Team was scheduled to visit the parish three times during each year. The next visit would on 28th. & 29th. October and it was agreed that items for attention should be discussed at the next meeting of the Council.

54/10. Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th. August 2010 had been circulated. It was agreed that they be signed by the Chairman a true and correct record.

55/10. Matters Arising.

The Clerk asked that the issue of names of parishioners who reported problems being recorded in the

minutes be postponed until later in the meeting.

An account had been received from the Audit Commission for the Annual Return. This showed a

considerable reduction on last year’s account.

After discussions with the chairman on prices, a replacement polycarbonate panel for the notice board in

Sutherland Road had been ordered and was due for delivery on Monday next. An account for the panel

had been received.

District Councillor N. Hawkins intimated that there could possibly be a financial contribution for the project

from her Council’s community funds.

The Clerk explained the necessary action needed to register the Council’s land holdings with the Land

Registry. Having spoken with its office the likelihood of being able to register the two bus shelters was

minimal. It was agreed that these be left in abeyance but to register the common land in Leek Road in the

Council’s ownership.

A telephone call had been received from the owner of the property in Limes Avenue asking what progress

had been made on the flooding issue at the property. She was informed that the matter had been

forwarded to Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Environmental Health office.

It was agreed to ask Proctor’s Nursery to re-plant the village tubs in readiness for the winter season.

The tub at the entrance to the village, at Dunwood, had been found to be in a dilapidated condition and

could not be moved as planned. It was agreed that this be re-planted in situ and a price be obtained for

a replacement tub to be sited in Sutherland Road in time for the spring planting season.

An on line demonstration of the new service called Parish Online had been arranged by Staffs.

Moorlands. The Clerk and Councillors Beastall and Sargeant had viewed this information and gave

Councillors a report. It was agreed, by a majority decision, that the Council joins the scheme.

It was reported that:

the required grass cutting in Leek Old Road had been carried out.

the street name plate signs in Leek Old Road had been fixed.

56/10. Correspondence.

Letter had been received from the Information Commissioner’s Officer regarding a complaint from a

parishioner under the Data Protection Act. The Clerk had telephoned the office to explain that this was

an ongoing saga which had first commenced in November 2008 under a different case number.

However, it still required further information from the Council. It was agreed that the facts of the case

be sent again to the Commission.

In the light of this matter, a discussion took place on the issue of recording names in the minutes of

parishioners reporting any problems. It was agreed by a majority decision that the names should not

be recorded.

A notice of a proposed diversion of Footpath No. 4 in Dunwood Lane had been received. It was

reported that the Ramblers Association had suggested a slight amendment to the new route It was

agreed that the Council would forward no objections to the proposal.

Information received under this item was:

notice of briefing at Stafford of Electoral Review of Staffs. 2010 - Wednesday 15th. September 2010.

notice of Electoral Register Annual Canvass - notices posted on notice boards.

on Staffs. Moorlands Area Parking Committee from Staffs. Moorlands District Council.

notice of consultation on changes to the Big Lottery Fund – ending on 15th. September 2010.

consultation on where waste sites and landfill sites should be situated.

No Need for Nuclear Campaign – no action.

Annual Report and notice of A.G.M. from Staffordshire Playing Fields Association.

Rural Focus – 6th. September 2010 from Rural Services Community.

Clerks & Councils Direct – September 10 issue.

57/10. Planning Matters.

The following planning applications were considered and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to

normal planning guidelines to:

10/00779/FUL Replacement Barn at Micklea Farm, Micklea Lane, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9QG.

10/00793/FUL Replacement of Former Summer House/Potting Shed with Stables for Domestic Use Only

at Intakes Farm, Sandy Lane, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9QQ.

58/10. Orders for Payment.

It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-

59/10. Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

60/10. Any Other Business.

Mention was made of some irregular parking which was obstructing vision at the junction of Sandy

Lane and Micklea Lane. The Chairman offered to have a word with the owner of the vehicle.

A report was given of vehicles speeding in Sutherland Road in the evenings. It was agreed to monitor

the situation before reporting the matter to the Police.

It was reported that any number of Councillors could attend Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly but

only one vote was allowed. This was noted and it was agreed that one of the Council’s official

representatives would vote.

61/10. Date of Next Meeting.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday 21st. October 2010 at The Rez Country

Café in Sutherland Road, Longsdon at 7 - 30p.m.

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Minutes of Meeting held in The Rez Country Café on Thursday 5th. August 2010.

Present: Councillor R. Dawson (Chair)

Councillors T. Beastall, L. Bills, J. Sargeant, S. R. Weston & C. E. Taylor.

District Councillor N. Hawkins.

Eight Members of the Public.

 

39/10. Apologies for Absence.

There were no apologies for absence declared.

40/10. Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

41/10. Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

42/10. Public Comments.

There were no public comments or concerns at this point.

Mr. David Kemp, Commercial Director of Moorland & City Railway Ltd. then gave a short address to the meeting to outline his company’s plans for the return of trains to the disused railway line which runs through the parish. The first stage would be for one mineral train a day on weekdays to use the line, followed by plans to extend passengers from Cheddleton to Alton Towers and Leek. The final phase would see a shuttle passenger service to Stoke in three to five years time. Unofficial footpaths running along the line of the track would have to cease when trains were operational and the line would need to be fenced under current legislation. Questions on various aspects were then taken from all at the meeting. The Chairman thanked Mr. Kemp for his interesting information.

43/10. Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th. August 2010 had been circulated. It was agreed that they be signed by the Chairman a true and correct record.

44/10. Matters Arising.

The Clerk again raised the issue of names of parishioners who reported problems being recorded in the

minutes. He had consulted with four sources which suggested that names should not be recorded. It was

agreed that the matter be on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting.

The Clerk reported that he had been in contact with the Beat the Cold organisation on numerous

occasions regarding any information leaflets which could be distributed. Although promises of these had

been forthcoming nothing had been received. It was agreed to leave the matter in abeyance.

The Annual Return had been received from the Audit Commission. It showed no comments and that no

actions were required.

The Clerk apologised that, due to personal circumstances, he had not yet proceeded with registering the

Council’s land holding with the Land Registry, or the attention to the renewal of perspex panel in the

notice board in Sutherland Road.

The complaints regarding flooding at a property in Limes Avenue, and a possible sewage overflow on the

A53 had been sent and a reply received stating that the matters would be investigated.

It was reported that:

nothing further had been received regarding the activities adjacent to Hawthorne Cottage, Leek Rd.

an e.mail hand been sent to the Kent family thanking them for looking after the village tub.

the other tubs had been planted by Proctor’s Nursery and its account received.

the new letterheads had arrived from the printers and the account received.

the grant to Dunwood First Responders had been sent and a note of thanks had been received.

letter regarding grass cutting in Leek Old Road had been sent but no reply received.

action was to be taken regarding the agricultural buildings on land at Micklea Lane / Denford Road.

45/10. Correspondence.

Information had been received about a new service called Parish Online which would enable the

Council to access Ordnance Survey maps and other data. This would cost £30 – 00 for the parish for

the first year with Staffs. Moorlands offering to pay half of these first year costs. It was agreed that more

information on the matter be obtained.

Letter had been received from the Cabinet Member for Highways of Staffs. County Council regarding

the workings of the Neighbourhood Highways Teams and news of adequate stocks of salt for next

winter. Included was a questionnaire / survey about major flooding problems – no action.

Information received under this item was:

notice of next meeting of Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly - Thursday 16th. September 2010.

notice of consultation on Emerging Staffs. & Stoke on Trent Joint Waste Core Strategy 2010 – 2026.

notice of Staffs. Parish Councils’ Association’s Annual General Meeting – 13th. November 2010.

Staffordshire LINK Bulletin – June 2010.

Rural Focus – 5th. July, 15th. July, 17th. July & 26th. July & 2nd. Aug 10 from Rural Services Community.

46/10. Planning Matters.

The following planning application was consideration and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to

normal planning guidelines to:

10/00528/FUL Repositioning of Pole Barn at Stone Bank Farm, Leek Road, Longsdon, Staffs. ST9 9QH.

 

47/10. Orders for Payment.

It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-

48/10. Public Comments.

A member of the public raised the matter of possible spring water emerging from Sandy Lane at its

junction with Denford Road during frosty weather. As the water was not evident at the moment the

matter would be monitored, with a view to reporting the matter to Severn Trent Water later.

49/10. Any Other Business.

Mention was made of the street name plate signs in Leek Old Road which had been erected and then

removed. It was agreed to consult with Staffs. Moorlands District Council on the matter.

A report was given on possible arson attacks on vehicles at business premises in Leek Road and an

associated company in Cheddleton. Councillor Bills declared a personal interest in the matter as a

neighbour of one of the properties.

49/10. Date of Next Meeting.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday 9th. September 2010 at The Rez Country

Café in Sutherland Road, Longsdon at 7 - 30p.m.

 

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