Minutes of Meeting held in St. Chad’s Church Room on Thursday 10th. December 2015.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, R. P. A. Lovell, D. Sargeant & S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
54/15. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L. Bills and C. Taylor.
55/15. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
56/15. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Taylor for presenting the Council’s wreath at the Remembrance Service and also for attending, with him, the last meeting of the Moorlands Parish Assembly. He also thanked Councillor Bills for opening the meeting room.
57/15. Public Comments.
District Councillor Norma Hawkins gave a brief report on the proposed sites under the Core Strategy Scheme. It was noted that there were none on the A53 Leek Road.
58/15. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 15th. October 2015 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
59/15. Matters Arising.
A letter had been received from the Planning Enforcement Department of Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding the issue with the property in Sutherland Road setting out the Moorlands Council position after its investigations. It was agreed that it appeared that no further action could be taken.
The invoice from the Canals & Rivers Trust for the new bench on the canal towpath had been sent to the C.V.L.L.P which had acknowledged receipt. The grant would now be processed.
The problem with the blocked gullies in Sutherland Road which were causing water to cascade into the entrance of Wood Road, a private road, and washing away the surface of the road had been reported to Staffs. County Council. The problem had now been solved. The resident had been kept informed and she had sent a letter of thanks.
County Councillor Heath had been contacted with regard to the lighting globes on the pedestrian crossing on the A53. An acknowledgement had been received.
A letter had been sent to the local Police Inspector regarding the speed of vehicles on the A53.
A telephoned reply stated that the signs and camera would be inspected and the mobile speed camera could be employed.
A letter had been sent to the owners of the old New Inn site requested hedge cutting on the overhanging hedge in Denford Road. A reply stated that the work would be carried out (had been done) and gave details of future works on the actual old New Inn building etc.
It was again reported that the damaged bus shelter opposite the old New Inn had still not been repaired by Staffs. Moorland District Council’s contractors. A further letter would be sent pointing out the extensive damage and the Health & Safety issues.
It was reported that:
the water problem in Leek Old Road had been resolved.
the large pothole in School Lane had been repaired.
the overhanging trees and vegetation on the A53 had been cut back.
60/15. Correspondence.
Information had been received from Staffs. Moorlands District Council Senior Planning Officer giving the Parish Council an opportunity to discuss the responses to the Site Options under the Core Strategy Scheme. Councillors had been informed and a meeting at Leek had been arranged for Tuesday 15th. December 2015 at 11-00am.
Other information received under this item:
details of changes to recycling and rubbish collections over the Christmas period.
Highway Winter Operations from Staffs. County Council.
Clerks & Councils Direct – November 15 issue.
61/15. Planning Matters.
The following plans had been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale and they had agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:-
SMD/2015/0667 Erection of Timber Garage at Kapelbrucke, Honeysuckle Lane, Longsdon.
SMD/2015/0634 Outline Planning Permission, with all matters reserved for the Erection of Two Dwellings on Land adjacent to “Whitehaven” Leek Road, Longsdon.
With this application, while agreeing in principle, it was felt that one dwelling on the site would be better than two in order to be in keeping with the surrounding properties. Concern was also expressed about access onto the A53 Leek Road, which would be on a dangerous bend.
The following plan was discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:-
SMD/2015/0740 Conversion of Attached Outbuilding to Form Part of Existing Dwelling, Two Storey Front Extension and Construction of a Porch at Sunny Bank, Wood Road, Longsdon.
A letter had been sent to Staffs. Moorlands District Council Senior Planning Officer regarding the two new sites proposed for development in School Lane as they were not shown on the original plan which the Council had discussed. It pointed out that these sites would again amount to possibly large numbers of houses which would not be in keeping with the current layout of Longsdon. It was, again, emphasised that the Council could look favourably on infill and/or ribbon development in School Lane.
It was reported that Proctor’s Nursery had appealed against the refusal of planning permission for the siting of a mobile home – temporary dwelling at the Nursery in Leek Road, Endon.
62/15. Finance Matters.
Notice had been received from Leek United Building Society that the Council’s One Year Fixed Term Bond would mature on 29th. December 2015. It was agreed to invest the maturing funds in a new Two Year Fixed Rate Bond with the Society.
63/15. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The P.C.C. of St. Chad’s Church. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
A. Bridgwood. | to be paid on receipt of invoice for Agency Work. |
64/15. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
65/15. Any Other Business.
It was reported that the brown direction signs on the post on the A53 opposite the old New Inn were again moving around. This matter to be reported to Staffs. County Council.
Mention was made of the disappointing sound system in St. Chad’s Church, Longsdon which did not do justice to a recent important funeral service. This matter to be passed to the Parochial Church Council.
66/14. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7 - 00p.m. on Thursday 4th. February 2016 at St. Chad’s Church Room, Leek Road, Longsdon. Further provisional dates were given as 24th. March 2016 and 12th. May 2016.
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Minutes of Meeting held in St. Chad’s Church Room on Thursday 15th. October 2015.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, L. Bills, R. P. A. Lovell, D. Sargeant, C. Taylor & S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
41/15. Apologies for Absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
42/15. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
43/15. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman said it was nice to have a full complement of Councillors once again.
44/15. Public Comments.
District Councillor Norma Hawkins reported that two sites in School Lane had been added to the proposed sites under the Core Strategy Scheme. While these were not originally shown on the S.H.L.A.A. plan, they had been added to the last plan since the Parish Council had sent in their observations. She suggested that the Council write to point this out and ask to be advised on the procedural route and timetable. This was agreed to be done. Thanks were expressed to her.
45/15. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 20th. August 2015 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
46/15. Matters Arising.
A further letter had been sent to the Planning Enforcement Department of Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding the issue with the property in Sutherland Road but no reply had been received. It was agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting for further consideration.
The Clerk had been in contact with the Canals & Rivers Trust regarding the invoice for the work installing the new seat on the canal towpath. After numerous delays the invoice had now been received and it was agreed that it be paid. The C.V.L.L.P. had been informed of the delay and it had stated that part of the grant could be paid, with the remainder being paid later on receipt of the late invoice.
It was reported that:
Staffs. Moorlands District Council had been informed of the co-option of Daral Sargent onto the Council.
the deep pothole in Denford Road had been repaired.
the sunken kerb at Nether Stanlow Farm had again been reported.
the water in Leek Old Road had been reported and had been inspected.
the road verges in Honeysuckle Lane had been reported and had been repaired.
47/15. Correspondence.
The agenda for the next meeting of the Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly on 22nd. October 2015 had been received and this was passed to the Council’s representatives, Councillors J. Sargeant and Taylor.
An e.mail had been received from a resident of Wood Road complaining about blocked gullies in Sutherland Road which were causing water to cascade into the entrance of Wood Road, a private road, and washing away the surface of the road. It was agreed that this problem be investigated and reported to Staffs. County Council.
Information had been received from Staffs. County Council regarding proposals to change the routes of the Mobile Library. The library would visit Lower Sutherland Road at 2-20p.m. on Thursdays if confirmed.
Notice had been received from Staffs. County Council of consultations on four options for the future management of Staffordshire’s Country Parks & Green Spaces during November 2015.
Other information received under this item:
notice of road closure in Dunwood Lane from 2nd. to 4th. November 2015.
updating some of the Terms & Conditions of the Business account from T.S.B. Bank plc.
notice of annual subscription due for the Parish Online service – agreed to be paid.
public views sought on My Care, My Way – Home First scheme at four local venues.
request for donation to Douglas Macmillan Hospice – no action.
request for subscription to Staffs. Playing Fields Association – no action.
48/15. Planning Matters.
The following plan had been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale and they had agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:-
SMD/2015/0576 Single Storey Side Extension at Upper Dales Manor, Dunwood Lane, Longsdon.
Since the last meeting a suggestion had been received from District Councillor Hawkins that the Council should again approach Staffs. Moorlands District Council Senior Planning Officer asking for the number of houses proposed for Longsdon to be reduced and also that the draft infill boundary be amended to show the total area of the village to include Denford Road, Micklea Lane, Sandy Lane etc and possibly School Lane to allow for possible ribbon development.
After discussions with the Chairman, a letter had been sent asking for the above. The letter was read to Councillors and the action was sanctioned.
49/15. Finance Matters.
The Annual Return had been returned by the external auditor with no comments attached.
An up to date statement of the Council’s accounts was distributed to Councillors.
The Council’s lengthsman had asked for a review of his hourly rate. It was agreed to leave this until the next financial year.
50/15. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The P.C.C. of St. Chad’s Church. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
A. Bridgwood. | £106.25 | Agency Work. |
John Bourne. | £288.13 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett) |
H. M. Revenue & Customs. | £60.00 | P. A. Y. E. |
Canals & Rivers Trust. | £582.00 | Fixing New Bench Seat on Canal Tow Path. |
Getmapping plc. | £33.60 | Parish Online Fee. |
51/15. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
52/15. Any Other Business.
Mention was made of no action on the request for attention to the lighting globes on the pedestrian crossing on the A53. This matter to be forwarded to County Councillor Heath.
Reports of speeding on the A53 through the village. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Police to ask if a speed camera could be operated in the area.
The current state of the village tubs was also discussed but it was agreed to leave any re-planting until the Spring.
The following items were reported and to be sent to:
Large pothole in School Lane – )
Trees and vegetation overgrowing the pavement on the A53 - ) Staffs County Council Highways Dept.
Hedge overhanging the road in Denford Road – The owners of the old New Inn.
Damaged bus shelter opposite the old New Inn (repeat report) – Staffs. Moorland District Council.
Seat in Micklea Lane requires cleaning and painting – Lengthsman.
53/14. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7 - 00p.m. on Thursday 10th. December 2015 at St.
Chad’s Church Room, Leek Road, Longsdon. Please note new time as agreed.
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Minutes of Meeting held in St. Chad’s Church Room on Thursday 20th. August 2015.
Before the start of the meeting, forty members of the public arrived at the Church Room after being invited to attend by a leaflet which had been distributed to households. Chairman Sargeant welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to give them information on Staffs. Moorlands District Council proposed plans for housing developments in Longsdon 2011 / 2031.
Questions were answered by the Chairman and District Councillor Hawkins. Everyone was invited to send in their comments / objections directly to Staffs. Moorlands District Council.
The draft of the Council’s response, which would be discussed in the Parish Council meeting later, was read out and was generally agreeable.
The Scheduled Parish Council Meeting then Followed.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, R. P. A. Lovell, C. Taylor & S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins.
Three Members of the Public.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
27/15. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor L. Bills.
28/15. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
29/15. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman thanked the Clerk for preparing the meeting room. He reported that he had delivered approx 160 leaflets about the planning issue around the village. Comment was made on the good attendance for the public meeting and thanks were expressed to the Chairman for the delivery of the leaflet.
30/15. Co-option of New Councillor.
As the name of a parishioner had been suggested as a possible member of the Council, the Clerk had consulted with the Electoral Office of Staffs. Moorlands District Council and had been informed that Councillors could co-opt a Councillor immediately. Mrs. Daral Sargeant, who was present at the meeting, was proposed and seconded as a Parish Councillor and was co-opted onto the Council. She duly signed the Declaration of Office and she was welcomed as a member of the Council.
31/15. Public Comments.
District Councillor Norma Hawkins commented on an article in the Leek Post & Times which reported that the number of houses required in the Staffs. Moorlands area was to be reduced from 6,000. She pointed out that this was not yet official as meetings were still taking place with the government.
She thanked the Council for organising the public meeting.
The letter setting out the Parish Council’s objections to the planning proposals for Longsdon was discussed and it was agreed that it be sent in.
32/15. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 30th. June 2015 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
33/15. Matters Arising.
A reply had been received from the Planning Enforcement Department of Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding the issue with the property in Sutherland Road. It pointed out that after consultations with the owner there was no further evidence to support further action on the case. Councillors felt that this was a very unsatisfactory answer and agreed that a further letter be sent to the Department giving details of lettings etc. which had been advertised by estate agents and asking for the case to be re-examined.
County Councillor G. Heath had informed the Council of a further visit by the Highways Team in October and Councillors were asked to inform the Clerk of any work which needed to be undertaken.
After consultations with CVLLP, the expiry date for the grant for the new seat on the canal towpath was found to be 24th. September 2015. However no invoice had yet been received from Canals & Rivers Trust for the work installing the new seat. It was agreed to chase up the organisation for the invoice so that the grant could be applied for.
It was reported that:
the quarterly invoice for the lengthsman scheme had been sent to Staffs. C. C. and payment received.
the replanting of the village tubs had been completed.
all the items under Any Other Business had been reported to the various Authorities.
34/15. Correspondence.
A letter had been received from Staffs. Moorlands District Council stating that the Parish Council needed to make a contribution of £50 – 00 towards the administration costs of the uncontested parish election. It was agreed that this be paid.
35/15. Planning Matters.
The following plans were discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:-
SMD/2015/0498 Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Conversion of Garage Space to Form Additional Living Accommodation at The Coach House, Dunwood Lane, Longsdon.
SMD/2015/0509 Erection of Two Storey Side Extension at Limerick Farm. Devils Lane, Longsdon.
36/15. Finance Matters.
The Annual Return had been sent to the external auditor by recorded delivery.
An up to date statement of the Council’s accounts was distributed to Councillors.
37/15. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The P.C.C. of St. Chad’s Church. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
A. Bridgwood. | £208.25 | Agency Work. |
Staffs. Moorlands D. C. | £50.00 | Election Charges. |
38/15. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
39/15. Any Other Business.
It was reported that the deep pothole in Denford Road and the sunken kerb at Nether Stanlow Farm had still not been attended to. It was agreed to report the matters again.
A reported water leak in Leek Old Road would be reported to Severn Trent and a problem with the road verge in Honeysuckle Lane would be reported to County Councillor G. Heath.
Councillor Taylor volunteered to attend the next meeting of Longsdon Memorial Hall Committee after Councillor Lovell would have to give his apologies for absence at that meeting.
40/14. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7 - 30p.m. on Thursday 15th. October 2015 at St. Chad’s Church Room, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held in St. Chad’s Church Room on Tuesday 30th. June 2015.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors L. Bills, T. Beastall, R. P. A. Lovell, C. Taylor & S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
14/15. Apologies for Absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
15/15. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
16/15. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Bills for preparing the meeting room.
17/15. Public Comments.
District Councillor Norma Hawkins outlined the details of the plan for twenty houses to be built in Longsdon which formed part of between 5,500 and 6,000 houses to be built in Staffs. Moorlands area between 2011 to 2031. She pointed out that the public must give its views on the matter with the Parish Council co-ordinating consultations in the parish. She suggested that Longsdon should provide a maximum of ten houses which could be provided by infill. Possible sites in the School Lane or Dunwood Lane areas appeared to have been ignored. She offered to help with the project.
It was agreed that a flier be produced and delivered to houses in the parish to inform residents of the proposals and arrange for a meeting with the public possibly in the Memorial Hall to give out information and collect opinions. In further discussion it was agreed that the public meeting could be held in the Church Room on the same evening as the next Council meeting.
18/15. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 14th. May 2015 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
19/15. Matters Arising.
Councillor Taylor gave details of a “Heart Start” Programme meeting to be held on Saturday 11th. July 2015 from 10-00am until 12-00 noon in the Longsdon Memorial Hall to give details on the use of the defibrillator. Posters were also being produced.
The defibrillator had been registered with the Ambulance Service and was now operational. Members of the public could dial 999 and would then be given the number of the lock to open the cabinet. It was again suggested that the digital number to open the cabinet should be made available to members of the Memorial Hall etc.
Contact had again been made with the Planning Enforcement Department of Staffs. Moorlands District Council regarding the issue with the property in Sutherland Road. A reply reported that contact would be made with the owner.
An e.mailed reply regarding the sunken kerb, damage to grass verges and loose direction signs had been received from Staffs. C. C. The matters would be investigated, County Councillor G. Heath had been informed of work for the Highways Team and also of the need for the poles and lights of the pedestrian crossing in Leek Road to be cleaned.
The complaint about inaction over the collapsing roadway verge into a water course on Dunwood Lane at Lyme House Farm, Dunwood Lane had also been reported to her.
It was reported that:
the replacement post box in Sutherland Road was now operational.
the damaged cast iron cover over a water main stop cock in Denford Road had been replaced.
the Memorial Hall Committee had been informed of the Council’s representative on the Committee.
20/15. Correspondence.
The Purchase Order for the lengthsman’s agreement had been received from Staffs. County Council.
The sum allocated was £699 – 00, the same as last year.
Letter had been received from Leek United Building Society asking for confirmation that the Council’s budget did not exceed €500,000 (£396,950) in order to be eligible for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This had duly been confirmed.
Request for the names and addresses of the Parish representatives on the Moorlands Parish Assembly had been received. This had been duly returned.
Other information received under this item was:
Highway Maintenance Review from Staffs. County Council – to be completed.
Proposed Changes to the Mobile & Travelling Library Service – notice of consultation from Staffs C.C.
The New Minerals Local Plan for Staffs. (2015 -2030) Final Draft.
Clerks & Councils Direct – July 15 issue.
21/15. Planning Matters.
There was no business under this item.
22/15. Finance Matters.
The quotation from Zurich Insurance in the sum of £301 – 35 had been perused by the Chair and Vice Chair and a cheque had been sent and confirmation of renewal received.
Further details of the changes being made to the auditing system of small Parish Councils with a turnover of less than £25,000 – 00 under the Transparency Code. The Council’s Standing Orders would be amended accordingly.
A report had been received from the Council’s internal Auditor which stated that he had worked to the requirements outlined in Section 4 of the Annual Return and also the suggested approach in the Governance and Accountability Practitioner’s Guide. He had found that the Council’s internal checking and control measures in place were effective and the records and accounts were maintained to a high standard and were in good order. There were no matters which needed to be brought to the attention of the Council.
The Annual Return had been completed using the figures audited by the internal auditor. It was agreed to approve the Annual Accounts and the Annual Return was duly signed accordingly.
23/15. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The P.C.C. of St. Chad’s Church. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
A. Bridgwood. | £308.13 | Agency Work. |
D. Ingman. | £52.00 | Internal Audit Fee. |
John Bourne. | £312.43 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett). |
H. M. Revenue & Customs. | £60.00 | P. A. Y. E. |
24/15. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
25/15. Any Other Business.
The following items to be reported to;
Staffs C. C. Deep pothole in Denford Road, faded amber globes on Belisha beacons on the pedestrian crossing on the A53 and the unsatisfactory surface of Leek Old Road.
Moorlands D.C. Damage to bus shelter on A53 opposite the old New Inn site.
Dead trees in Sutherland Road – previously reported.
Lengthsman Cut grass verge Denford Road, opposite the old New Inn site.
Paint the Coronation seat in Micklea Lane.
It was agreed that Proctor’s Nursery be asked to summer plant the village tubs.
Councillor Lovell gave a report on the last meeting of Longsdon Memorial Hall Management Committee.
A question was asked about the expiry date for the grant from CVLLP for the new seat on the canal towpath. This information to be checked.
26/14. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7-00p.m. on Thursday 20th. August 2015 at St. Chad’s Church Room, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held in St. Chad’s Church Room on Thursday 14th. May 2015.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors L. Bills, T. Beastall, R. P. A. Lovell & S. R. Weston.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
1/15. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C. Taylor & District Councillor N. Hawkins.
2/15. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
3/15. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Bills for preparing the meeting room.
4/15. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
5/15. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 26th. March 2015 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
6/15. Matters Arising.
It was proposed, seconded and agreed that Councillor Taylor be allowed to sign the Declaration of Office document before or at the next meeting.
The Chairman remarked that the Council need to consider how to fill the vacancy on the Council as it was three years since there was a full Council.
The defibrillator, sited at Longsdon Memorial Hall was now operational. It was suggested that the digital number to open the exterior box should be made available to members of the Memorial Hall etc to speed access to the equipment. As Councillor Taylor had the number, it was agreed to negotiate with him on his return to duty.
It was reported that the replacement post box in Sutherland Road had been fixed but was not available for use at present. The matter could be advertised in the press when it was in use.
The damaged cast iron cover over a water main stop cock in Denford Road had again been reported to Severn Trent as no action had been taken from the previous report.
The issue with the property in Sutherland Road had been reported to the Planning Enforcement Department of Staffs. Moorlands District Council but no reply had been received. It was agreed to contact the office again for an update on the matter.
It was reported that:
the sunken kerb, damage to grass verges and loose direction signs had been reported to Staffs. C. C.
the end of year invoice for the lengthsman scheme had been paid by Staffs C. C.
the end of year invoice for the lengthsman scheme had been paid by Staffs. Moorlands District Council.
the fault on the heating system in the Church Room had been rectified.
7/15. Correspondence.
Notification had been received from the Pensions Regulator informing the Council of its legal duties to enrol staff into a workplace pension scheme. The Council must register the name of a contact for the Council by 30th. April 2015. The Clerk had already forwarded his name as the contact. Later information suggested that the Council would not meet the criteria for operating the scheme at present.
County Councillor G. Heath had informed the Council that the Highways Team would be visiting the parish around 20th. May 2015 for two days. It was agreed to inform the Clerk of any work needed over the next few days and the list would be forwarded to Councillor Heath.
She would also be informed of the need for the poles and lights of the pedestrian crossing in Leek Road to be cleaned.
Other information received under this item was:
notice of Councillor Training Courses on 27th. May / 17th. June 2015 from Staffs. Parish Councils’ Ass.
Police & Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund – posted on notice boards.
Community Funding/Re-invigorated Neighbourhood Watch etc. from Police & Crime Commissioner.
Clerks & Councils Direct – May 15 issue.
8/15. Planning Matters.
Due to the time scale the following planning applications had been distributed to Councillors:
There were no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
SMD/2015/0189 Change of Use of Building to Car Hire Business including Associated Wash-off Bay Extension and Parking Area at The Outlook, Devils Lane, Longsdon.
Comment was made that the proposal was an excellent form of diversification of existing farm buildings.
Councillor J. Sargeant declared a prejudicial interest in the matter and did not append any comments.
9/15. Finance Matters.
Councillors were issued with an unaudited end of year Income & Expenditure Account. This would be forwarded to the internal auditor who had been contacted. A meeting with him had been arranged for 21st. May 2015.
Three quotations for the Council’s insurance had been received. It was agreed to accept the quotation from Zurich Insurance in the sum of £301 – 35 subject to the finer details being perused by the Chair and Vice Chair.
It was reported that changes were being made to the auditing system of small Parish Councils with a turnover of less than £25,000 – 00. No external audit would be required but, under a new Transparency Code, greater publicity of the Council’s financial affairs would be needed. These would be published on the Council’s website.
10/15. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The P.C.C. of St. Chad’s Church. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
A. Bridgwood. | £70.13 | Agency Work. |
John Bourne. | £270.07 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett). |
H. M. Revenue & Customs. | £57.40 | P. A. Y. E. |
Zurich Town & Parish Insurance. | £301.35 | Insurance Premium. |
11/15. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
12/15. Any Other Business.
Mention was again made of the collapsing roadway verge into a water course on Dunwood Lane at Lyme House Farm, Dunwood Lane. This to be reported again to County Councillor Gill Heath.
13/14. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7-30p.m. on Thursday 2nd July 2015 at St. Chad’s Church Room, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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