Minutes of Meeting held in the upstairs room of The Wheel on Thursday 12th December 2019.
Contents
Meeting Details
Councillors T. Beastall, B. Bromley, R. Lovell, D. Sargeant & S. R. Weston.
59/19. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor K. Shaw & District Councillor N. Hawkins.
60/19. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
61/19. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He had purchased the usual Remembrance Wreath but due to the fact that there was no Remembrance service at Longsdon he had delivered the wreath to the Monument in Leek.
62/19. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
63/19. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th October 2019 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
64/19. Matters Arising.
Contact had been made with the London Hearts Charity and also the British Heart Foundation to obtain information for obtaining a defibrillator. The best offer was a defibrillator from the British Heart Foundation for a donation of £600.00 plus the cost of an external cabinet which made a total cost of approximately £1,100.00. It was agreed to contact the West Midland Ambulance Service for any advice it could give on the matter.
The right location together with photographic evidence regarding the unauthorised building operations taking place on land adjacent to Micklea Farm, Micklea Lane had been reported to Staffs. Moorlands Planning Enforcement Dept. for investigation. A reply had been received stating that the building had not received planning permission but the owner would now be submitting a retrospective application.
District Councillor Hawkins had reported the issue of a very untidy site in a Conservation area adjacent to the top canal in Denford Road to Staffs. Moorlands District Council. Confirmation had had to be sent that the report was also from the Parish Council and a reply had been received stating that formal action could not be taken but the owner had been asked to tidy the areas which have some visual impact. It also stated that the matter had also been referred to the Environmental Health Department of the Council.
No written quotation had been received from EWH Construction for the repairs to the dilapidated bus shelter opposite the old New Inn. The Chairman offered to issue a reminder to the firm.
A lengthy communication had been sent to the Infrastructure Manager of Staffs. County Council regarding the near misses etc. with persons using the pedestrian crossing on the main A53 Leek Road near the junction with School Lane and Sutherland Road but no reply had been received. It was agreed to write again to ask for the courtesy of a reply.
A dangerous pothole and road surface at the junction of Denford Road and Leek Road had been reported to the County Council.
65/19. Correspondence.
Information received was:
- Message from District Council’s Chairman.
- Invitation to Support the Local Electricity Bill – No action.
- Staffordshire Police News.
- Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Revised Code of Conduct.
- Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Christmas Bin Collection Dates.
- Green Flag Status to the Caldon Canal.
- Loneliness Directory by Karen Bradley M.P.
- Review of Local Bus Services by Staffs. County Council.
- Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Corporate Plan – Priorities for the District until 2023.
- Clerks & Councils Direct – September and November issues.
66/19. Planning Matters.
The following planning application was considered:
- SMD/2019/0736 Proposed Change of Use from Garage to Holiday Accommodation at Highfield House, School Lane, Longsdon.
It was agreed to object to this application on the following grounds:
- Inappropriate development on the site.
- There are existing issues with drainage on the site.
- The development would instigate more traffic at the existing busy crossroads adjacent to the site and also the adjacent pedestrian crossing
67/19. Finance Matters.
It was reported that the Domain Name for the Council needed to be renewed. This was agreed.
68/19. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
- The Wheel. £ 25 – 00. Room Hire.
- J. A. Gibson. £ 160 – 00. Agency Work.
- Nick Grindon. £ 300 – 00. Repairs to the “Longsdon” Wrought Iron Sign.
- John Sargeant. £ 24 – 79. Chairman’s Expenses – Remembrance Day Wreath.
69/19. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
70/19. Any Other Business.
Reports were given of the return of the dangerously parked car near to the junction of the A53 and Sutherland Road again causing visibility problems for traffic emerging from Sutherland Road. It was agreed that the Police be contacted again about the problem.
A report was also given of a possible water main leak in the grass verge in Leek Road, Longsdon near to the entrance of Dunwood Lodge Farm. This to be reported to Severn Trent Water.
The Chairman wished everyone present the Compliments of the Season.
71/19. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting of the Council was arranged for Thursday 6th February 2020 in the upstairs room of the Wheel public house, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held in the upstairs room of The Wheel on Thursday 17th October 2019.
Contents
Meeting Details
Councillors T. Beastall, B. Bromley, R. Lovell, D. Sargeant, K. Shaw
& S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
46/19. Apologies for Absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
47/19. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
48/19. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a brief report on the last Moorlands Parish Assembly meeting which he had attended. A talk was given by Leek Station Manager Fire Officer who stated that she felt that there was sufficient cover for the area but gave the impression that the service was undermanned and underfunded.
49/19. Public Comments.
District Councillor Hawkins raised the subject of a County Council planning application for a temporary waste recycling facility at Rowley Gate Farm. She said that there had been a joint meeting on the site and the result of the consultation was to be received.
She mentioned the state of the old New Inn which was an eyesore and needed something to secure it. It appears that the site could be the subject of a new planning application.
She reported that she had taken up the issue of a very untidy site in a Conservation area adjacent to the top canal in Denford Road.
50/19. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 5 th . September 2019 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
51/19. Matters Arising.
The new lessee of the Holly Bush Inn at Denford had been contacted and had agreed there were no objections to the siting of a defibrillator in its area. Efforts would now be made to obtain a defibrillator.
The tree branches overhanging Sutherland Road had been reported to the Council’s lengthsman for attention and the hedges overgrowing the footpath in School Lane had been reported to Staffs. County Council.
EWH Construction had examined the dilapidated bus shelter opposite the old New Inn and suggested that a complete repair could cost in the region of £500.00. It was agreed that when the written quote had been received for this amount, the Chair and the Clerk could authorise the repairs to go ahead.
52/19. Correspondence.
Information received was:
- Homes for Local People which outlined how the Peak Park Rural Housing Association is providing local affordable homes for local people.
53/19. Planning Matters.
The following plans had already been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale:
- SMD/2019/0514 Demolition of Existing Single Storey Side Extension & the Construction of a Replacement Single Storey Side Extension at 2 Dunwood Lane, Longsdon.
- SMD/2019/0531 Proposed Single Storey & Double Storey Extension to Existing Dwelling at Sunnycroft, Wood Road, Longsdon.
There were no objections to these applications but the Garden Room on the second application should not be allowed to become a separate dwelling.
The report of unauthorised building operations taking place on land adjacent to Micklea Farm, Micklea Lane had been reported to Staffs. Moorlands Planning Enforcement Dept. for investigation. However the department had reported that planning permission had been given for the site but it appeared that the wrong location had been given. It was agreed that the right location would be reported together with photographic evidence.
54/19. Finance Matters.
The renewal Certificate of Registration had been received from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The Council’s insurers had been contacted regarding cover for the new bus shelter. They had agreed to add cover for the shelter for this year without additional premium but an additional premium of approx. £19.00 would be payable for next year.
A quarterly update of the Council’s account was issued to Councillors.
The Pension Regulator had informed the Council of the need for Re-enrolment and Re-declaration of the Council before 1st June 2020.
55/19. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
- The Wheel. £ 25 – 00. Room Hire.
- Geoxphere Ltd. £ 45 – 00. Parish Online Renewal.
- John Bourne. £ Clerk’s Salary (nett). J
- ohn Bourne. £ 31 – 97. Clerk’s Expenses.
- H.M. Revenue & Customs. £ 70 – 00. P.A.Y.E.
- J. A. Gibson. £ 120 – 00. Agency Work.
- EWH Construction. £ 100 – 00. Repairs to “Longsdon” Sign Post
56/19. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
57/19. Any Other Business.
Reports were given of several near misses with persons using the pedestrian crossing on the main A53 Leek Road near the junction with School Lane and Sutherland Road. Various reasons were given for this and it was agreed to write to the Staffs. County Council’s Liaison Officer to ask for improvements including repainting the “zebra” lines of the crossing, new posts and beacons at the site, larger crossing warning signs, the trimming of some trees and the possible installation of a Pelican style crossing.
A question would also be asked about the operation of the speed camera near to the junction of City Lane.
A report was also given of visibility problems for traffic emerging from the entrance to the Memorial Hall. This matter to be investigated further.
A dangerous pothole and road surface at the junction of Denford Road and Leek Road would be reported to the County Council.
58/19. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting of the Council was arranged for Thursday 12th December 2019 in the upstairs room of the Wheel public house, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held in the upstairs room of The Wheel on Thursday 5th September 2019.
Contents
Meeting Details
Councillors T. Beastall, B. Bromley, R. Lovell, K. Shaw & S. R. Weston
District Councillor N. Hawkins
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
32/19. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D. Sargeant.
33/19. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
34/19. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
35/19. Public Comments.
District Councillor Hawkins raised the subject of a County Council planning application for a temporary waste recycling facility at Rowley Gate Farm. She expressed concerns that there would be a huge increase in traffic on the narrow lanes and also at the junction with the A53. She also mentioned possible incineration of the waste on the site and the hours of work and asked the Council to mention these issues to the County Council.
The state of the old New Inn was mentioned to her and she offered to take up the matter.
36/19. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th July 2019 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
37/19. Matters Arising.
The invoice for the new bus shelter had been received and as this was for the quoted amount the Chairman and the Clerk had arranged payment as agreed. It was also agreed that this asset should be added to the Council’s insurance policy.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s Environmental Dept. had again been contacted about the Himalayan Balsam on the plot of land in Sutherland Road. A reply stated that the Department did not have legislative powers to control it.
An agreement had been received from the Holly Bush Inn at Denford to site a defibrillator in its area. However the premises had now changed hands and it was agreed to contact the new lessees to see if the permission was still valid.
The reported acrid odour near to St. Chad’s Church had been reported to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s Environmental Health Department and acknowledged.
The tree branches / hedges encroaching onto Devils Lane had been reported to Staffordshire County Council.
38/19. Other Matters for Discussion.
A report was given of accident damage to the “Longsdon” sign at the junction of Dunwood Lane. The wooden post had been displaced and the wrought iron signage damaged. On instructions from the Chairman quotations for the repairs had been obtained. Edward Heath Construction had quoted £100.00 to straighten and secure the post and disguise the slight damage to the timber of the post. To repair the metal framework, burn off the deteriorated coating on the metal, attend to the rust spots and then coat it again was quoted as £250.00 + V.A.T.
It was agreed that both these quotations be accepted and the order given for the work to take place.
The Council’s Risk Assessment Policy had been updated and was perused. It was agreed to approve the policy and to review it at the A. G. M. each year.
39/19. Correspondence.
A reminder of the need to renew the Data Protection Certificate, in the sum of £40.00 had been received from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Other information received was:
- Details of Manchester Airport Future Airspace.
- Notice of Staffordshire Moorlands Police Open Day 2019 – Sunday 8th September 2019.
- Clerks & Councils Direct – September 19 issue.
40/19. Planning Matters.
The following plans had already been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale:
- SMD/2019/0397 Erection of Single Dwelling & Detached Garage on land adjacent to Prospect House Farm, Sutherland Road, Longsdon.
It had been agreed to OBJECT to this application for various reasons.
- *SMD/2019/0410 Proposed Side Extension to Dwelling infilling gap in Front of Existing Garage & Kitchen to Create Larger Kitchen / Shower Room & Laundry Whilst Existing Garage is to be Converted into Downstairs Bedroom. Additional Parking Space to be Created in Front of the Dwelling at Greendale, Denford Road, Longsdon.
- *SMD/2019/0430 Variation of Condition 1 Relating to Application SMD/2018/0698 on Land adjacent to Whitehaven, Leek Road, Longsdon.
*There were no objections to these applications.
An application had been received from Staffordshire County Council for a Temporary Waste Recycling Facility at Rowley Gate Farm, Devils Lane, Longsdon. No comments were received so the Chairman sent in no objections so long as the operations were temporary.
However, in the light of the concerns expressed earlier by District Councillor Hawkins, it was agreed to write to the County Council re-iterating these later concerns.
The following planning application was discussed:
- SMD/2019/0512 Proposed Replacement Garage with Annexation Over at The Spinney, Leek Road, Longsdon.
There were no objections, in principle, to this application but there was no support if the annexation was to be a dwelling in its own right.
41/19. Finance Matters.
Refund of the V.A.T. paid in the year 2018/2019 had been applied for and had now been received.
An account update ending 31st July 2019 was distributed to Councillors.
42/19. Orders for Payment.
- EWH Construction. £ 1,602 - 00. Construction of Bus Shelter (already paid, as agreed)
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
- The Wheel. £ 25 – 00. Room Hire.
- J. A. Gibson. £ 180 – 00. Agency Work.
- Information Commissioner. £ 40 – 00. Data Protection Fee.
- D. Ingman. £ 60 – 00. Internal Audit Fee.
43/19. Public Comment.
A member of the public raised the issue of a footpath on School Lane which was becoming obstructed by overgrowing hedges / bushes etc. It was agreed that as this was a highways matter the issue be reported to Staffordshire County Council.
44/19. Any Other Business.
A report was received of overhanging branches in Sutherland Road catching passing cars. As these were in the grass verge of the road it was agreed to ask the Council’s lengthsman to trim them back.
Mention was made of building operations taking place on land adjacent to Micklea Farm, Micklea Lane. The matter to be reported to Staffordshire Moorlands Planning Enforcement Dept. for investigation.
The current dangerous state of the old New Inn was again mentioned with the Council’s reports always being dismissed. District Councillor Hawkins had agreed to take up this matter.
The current dangerous state of the bus shelter on the A53 opposite the old New Inn was again reported. In spite of promises from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council nothing had been done. It was agreed to ask EWH Construction for some ideas of the repairs required and an indication of the cost of these. The matter would then be discussed again.
45/19. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting of the Council was arranged for Thursday 17th October 2019 in the upstairs room of the Wheel public house, Leek Road, Longsdon. A provisional date for the following meeting was set at Thursday 12th December 2019.
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Minutes of Meeting held in the upstairs room of The Wheel on Thursday 4th July 2019.
Contents
Meeting Details
Councillors T. Beastall, B. Bromley, D. Sargeant, K. Shaw & S. R. Weston.
District Councillor N. Hawkins
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
19/19. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R. Lovell.
20/19. Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
21/19. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reported that all the Financial Details of the Parish Councils’ accounts had been published on the Council’s website in accordance with the Exemption Certificate.
22/19. Public Comments.
District Councillor Hawkins gave full details of planning applications which were expected to be received shortly.
23/19. Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 9th May 2019 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
The minutes of the Special Finance meeting held on 27th June 2019 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
24/19. Matters Arising.
Letter had been sent to the Police, with a copy to County Councillor Heath, regarding the dangerously parked car near to the junction of the A53 and Sutherland Road. This had now been re-located.
The new bus shelter had eventually been fixed after some delivery problems. An invoice for the work was now awaited. It was agreed that, rather than wait to pay the invoice at the next meeting in September, the Chairman and the Clerk could arrange payment if the invoice was for the quoted amount.
Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Environmental Dept. had been contacted for its views on the very unsightly plot of land in Sutherland Road. A reply stated that the Dept. did not consider the plot unsightly and, therefore, could not issue a Community Protection Notice. In view of reports of Himalayan Balsam on the site it was agreed to review the situation again in a months time.
A letter had been sent to the Canal & River Trust regarding the deteriorating steps leading to the canal towpath at Horse Bridge. A reply stated that the matter would be investigated.
25/19. Correspondence.
Information had been received from West Midlands Ambulance Service asking for the Council to register its defibrillator on a new national register. This was agreed but it was decided that the machine should be checked, in the first instance, to ensure that it was in good working condition. A local volunteer would be contacted for the check. Also received was information from London Hearts Charity stating that it could help with the supply of further defibrillators. It was agreed to contact the Holly Bush Inn at Denford to see if it agreed to one being sited in its area.
Other information was:
- Recruitment of Independent Advisors to Staffordshire Police.
- Notice of next meeting of Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly – Thursday 18th July 2019.
- Clerks & Councils Direct – July 19 issue.
26/19. Planning Matters.
The following plan had already been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale:
- SMD/2019/0318 Change of Use of Land for Recreational Camping including the Erection of Eight Camping Pods and an Ancillary Building in Sutherland Road, Longsdon.
Objections to this application received from Councillors and sent in included:
- Inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
- Dangerous access onto Sutherland Road creating extra traffic at dangerous A53 junctions or via narrow Park Lane.
- Amenity building sited on flood plain.
- No employment opportunities or benefits to the village.
The following planning application was discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
- SMD/2019/0335 Single & Two Storey Side Extension, Rear Porch Extension, Detached Double Garage & Driveway, including Replacement Vehicular Access with Existing Access Stopped Up & Existing Outbuildings Demolished at Wood Vale, Sutherland Road, Longsdon.
27/19. Finance Matters.
The Council’s Exemption Certificate from an External Audit had been sent in by Recorded Delivery.
Confirmation had been received from Staffs. Moorlands District Council that its lengthsman’s scheme was being continued in the current year.
28/19. Orders for Payment.
It was unanimously agreed that the following items be paid:-
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
The Wheel. | £35.00 | Room Hire (2) |
John Bourne. | Clerk’s Salary (nett). | |
John Bourne. | £78.42 | Clerk’s Expenses. |
H. M. Revenue & Customs. | £70.00 | P. A. Y. E |
J. A. Gibson. | £160.00 | Agency Work. |
29/19. Public Comment.
There was no business under this item.
30/19. Any Other Business.
The Clerk reminded Councillors that no decision had been made on the re-planting of the village tubs. It was agreed to ask the normal contractor to carry out the work as usual.
A report was given on an acrid odour which was smelt on Friday afternoons in the vicinity of St. Chad’s Church in Leek Road. It was agreed to report this to Staffs. Moorlands District Council’s Environmental Health Dept. for investigation.
A further report was given of tree branches / hedges encroaching onto Devils Lane near to Rowley Gate causing danger to traffic. This matter to be reported to Staffs. County Council Highways Dept.
31/19. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting of the Council was arranged for Thursday 5th September 2019 in the upstairs room of the Wheel public house, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of the Special Finance Meeting held on Thursday 27th June 2019 in the Upstairs Room at The Wheel, Leek Road, Longsdon.
Contents
Meeting Details
Councillors T. Beastall, B. Bromley, R. Lovell, D. Sargeant & R. Weston
The Clerk explained the reason for the Special meeting which was due to the requirements to approve the Annual Governance & Accounting Statements before 30th June 2019.
14/19. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor K. Shaw.
15/19. To Receive the Internal Auditors Report.
The Annual Accounts had been audited by the usual Internal Auditor who had reported that in undertaking the audit he had worked to the requirements outlined in the Annual Return. He had also had regard to the suggested approach in the Governance and Accountability Practitioner’s Guide.
The Council’s internal checking and control systems in place are effective. The records and accounts maintained are kept to a high standard and in good order.
There were no matters which needed to be brought to the attention of the Council.
16/19. Section 1. Annual Governance Statement 2018 / 2019.
The Annual Governance Statement for the year was perused and approved unanimously.
17/19. Section 2. Accounting Statement 2018 / 2019.
The Accounting Statement for the year was perused and approved unanimously.
18/19. Exemption Certificate.
It was agreed that the Exemption Certificate for an Annual External Audit be signed.
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