Minutes of October 2010 Council Meeting
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COLTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY 14th October 2010, COLTON VILLAGE HALL, AT 7:00 PM
APOLOGIES: Cllr Astle and County Cllr Lewis
PRESENT: Cllrs Waring (Acting Chair), Hill (Chair), Mrs Barnett, Hawley, Mrs Pope and Winter, and the Clerk Charlotte Chambers.
Executive Headteacher of St Mary’s School, Paul Lovern, Chair of School Governors and other members of the public.
Standing orders moved.
1. Chairman’s Announcements
Cllr Hill expressed his regret for having to ask Cllr Waring to chair the meeting again, but due to his health he felt this to be the best course of action for the time being. He expressed his gratitude for the good wishes he had received.
Cllr Hill had been in contact with Mr Paul Lovern, Executive Headteacher of St. Mary’s Primary School, and invited him to attend this meeting and speak regarding the recently refused planning application for fencing at the school, and also regarding the Parish Council’s request to consider siting the noticeboard at the school.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
· Polly MacMillan, Bellamour Way – Moreton Brook Footpath. Support was expressed for widening the gate and improving the footpath but there was concern that the proposal was for the footpath to be ‘paved’. Clarification was given that the proposal is only for widening the gate to make the Footpath accessible to pushchairs and wheelchair users, but not to surface or ‘pave’ the Footpath. Apologies were expressed for the misleading report in the Parish News.
· Ruth Williams, High Street - sign at River Bridge. Mrs Williams had observed that the existing sign that says ‘Colton’ is misleading, as it is located at the parish boundary rather than the entrance to the village itself. She wondered whether it was possible to make it smaller or for it to read ‘Parish of Colton’.
AGENDA:
2. Stockwell Heath Pool
The clerk had written to Mrs Smith and Mrs Hartley to advise that the LDC Conservation Officer was on sick leave and therefore no site meeting had taken place and no maintenance programme drawn up. She would continue to try to arrange for a meeting.
The clerk had arranged with the Parish Council’s grounds maintenance contractor to strim the area around the pool pending a maintenance programme and agreement regarding insurance.
The clerk had written to the Parish Council’s insurance company to request information regarding whether the Parish may insure volunteers. The response stated that volunteers are covered under the Parish Council’s existing policy provided they are between 15 and 75 years of age and also “providing the persons would be working at the sole request of and under the sole control of the Parish Council, on a labour only basis and using tools and equipment provided by the Parish Council, and that no specific equipment or knowledge is required, with no burning of waste”, also that no powered tools other than lawn mowers and strimmers are used, and that no use of chemicals or tree felling/lopping is undertaken.
Gill Hartley gave feedback on her contact with other parishes with ponds to find out how they address the issue of insurance: One’s event is organised by the Parish Council and insurance is covered thereby. Volunteers in another parish sign a declaration stating that they volunteer at their own risk. Another source of advice and information was suggested: British Trust for Conservation and Volunteers. It was suggested that other organisations be approached and asked whether they would be able to perform a survey and draw up a maintenance agreement.
3. St Mary’s School
a) Proposed fencing: Planning Application. Mr Lovern reported that fencing had been highlighted in the school’s Ofsted Report, but had been pre-empted by the Headteacher as the existing fencing is dilapidated, too low and is insufficiency in terms of security; it is also not compliant in terms of access for persons with a disability. The proposed fence is 1 metre high and therefore cannot be climbed over by children, and is suitable in terms of Ofsted requirements. LDC had indicated that if the height of the proposed fence were reduced to 1 metre the application would be approved, however it could not be constructed on the wall itself as this is covered by a Conservation Order, but behind it, causing the wall to be in effect a step and offering easy access to intruders, making children and the school vulnerable. The dilemma is finding a balance between making the school safe and making it not appear as a prison, within the guidelines of the Conservation Area, Ofsted, and Public Building regulations.
Peter Magee, of The Spinney, Bellamour Way, opposite the school: had lodged an objection to the original application. He offered the suggestion that the wall be raised to a uniform level and a 1m high fence erected on the school side of it. The existing situation is that the children are not secure and can get out and the outdoor equipment is not stored securely. Mr Lovern liked the idea but has limited budget and funds may not be available to modify the wall.
Upon questioning Mr Lovern confirmed that no child had as yet attempted to abscond from school, however a child could easily get out of the school grounds at present. The proposed alterations are likely to cost £20,000.
Allan Lloyd: 1m from ground level is the requirement in relation to the Conservation Area. 1m can keep a child in, and 1.8m will not keep a determined adult out. 1.8m is excessive and would seem like a prison.
Ken Rider: the tendency is to refuse all applications over 1m within a Conservation Area in front of building. Mr Rider strongly advised Mr Lovern to work very closely with LDC Conservation Officer.
The potential ways forward were summarized: appeal against the refusal of the original application. Alternatively to investigate Mr Magee’s suggestion of levelling the height of the wall and constructing a fence 1m from the level of the ground behind it, thus removing the ‘step’ effect of the existing wall. The intention would be to plant shrubberies to disguise the fence and reduce the ‘prison’ perception. Cllr Mrs Pope suggested that a Conservation Grant may be available to improve the conservation of the wall.
Chair of Governors spoke in support of Mr Lovern. She stated that any school has a duty of care to protect children. The big picture is that if the security is not in place then Ofsted will put the school in a low category. The point is to work together to reach a solution.
The school’s budget is for capital improvements toward security and accessibility, not necessarily ‘fencing’.
It was commented that any assessment of risk ought to be on individual merit and ought to be reasonable based on the individual school. This school is in a rural village environment, not inner city Birmingham.
Cllr Mrs Barnett suggested that Mr Lovern attend next month’s meeting with a new proposal before submitting to LDC to ensure the support of the Parish Council and interested parties. All agreed.
Noticeboard – Mr Lovern said that it would be discussed at the next meeting of the Board of School Governors.
Standing orders reinstated.
4. Minutes of the meeting held 9th September 2010 were approved as a true and correct record and duly signed by the acting chairman.
5. Police Matters Despite being invited every month, no representative of the Police Authority was present, no apologies had been received and no report had been made available.
6. Planning Matters
a) Observations
i) 10/01240/FUL – Erection of a single detached garage and creation of new access at 75 High Street, Colton.
It was queried whether the ridge of the roof was best this way around and whether the neighbours had made any observations.
b) Decisions
i) 10/00861 – Demolition of existing dwelling & outbuildings and erection of 2no 3 bedroom dwellings with detached garages and associated works at Croft House, Bellamour Way, Colton. Approval of Planning Permission – Granted.
ii) 10/00862/CON – Demolition of existing dwelling & outbuildings and erection of 2no 3 bedroom dwellings with detached garages and associated works at Croft House, Bellamour Way, Colton. Conservation Area Consent – Granted.
iii) 10/00989/FUL – Relocation of detached double garage at Land North of Fog Cottages, Colton Road, Rugeley – Granted.
iv) 10/01017/FUL – Single storey rear extension to form kitchen and breakfast area at 2 Williscroft Place, Bellamour Way, Colton – Granted.
c) Pending
i) 10/00037/ENFDE - Enforcement of landscape planning condition of 02/00344/FUL – Erection of Stables at Land at Rear, Martlin Lane, Colton. Cllr Mrs Barnett declared an interest. The members were disappointed with the response received from the Planning Enforcement Officer that no further action was to be taken. The District Councillor was to be informed of the Parish Council’s disappointment.
ii) 10/00069/FUL – Retention of detached double garage at Land North of Fog Cottages, Colton Road, Rugeley. Correspondence had been received from Lichfield Planning Authority confirming that as the proposed structure exceeds 5.5m planning consent was required, but as the Planning Inspectorate report had pre-empted any objection on the basis of character and appearance and dismissed the appeal based solely on highways grounds, which had subsequently been addressed, the new application (10/00989/FUL) had been approved.
iii) 08/01361/LBC – Replacement of 9 windows in curved part of rear elevation at Colton House, Bellamour Way, Colton. Nothing to report.
iv) 09/12708/FUL – Barn/machinery store, hardstanding at Taft Wharf Farm, Bellamour Lane, Wolseley Bridge. Correspondence had been received from Stafford Borough Planning Authority stating that a site visit had been made in response to the Parish Council’s comments and no breach of planning legislation had been found.
7. Highways & Footpaths
a) Road Drainage – flushing of gullies. Despite the Highways Department stating that the works have been completed it was reported that the gullies are still blocked on Bellamour Way, High Street and Heathway. Clerk to follow up.
b) Moreton Brook Footpath – wheelchair/pushchair access. See Public Participation. No further progress had been made with this, pending a request to the Footpaths department for further details of the proposal, ie, existing and proposed width of the access. Clerk to follow up.
c) Trent Valley Railway Station
i) Parking. Responses had been received from Network Rail and the Leader of the County Council and copies of all correspondence had been forwarded to the MP. It was suggested that Mr Fabricant be invited to attend next meeting. Clerk to write to Highways to ask them to put pressure on London Midland to address the problems of parking and access to the station, and to suggest that parking bays be marked outside homes. Correspondence had also been received from Mr and Mrs Podmore and Mr Morris which the clerk was to acknowledge.
ii) Bus service. Clerk to write to Bus service to suggest a park and ride scheme.
iii) High Speed Rail Link. Cllrs Mrs Barnett and Waring attended the meeting that had taken place at Lichfield. No decisions have been made, only that a link is definitely to be built between Lichfield and Stone, but the specific route has yet to be decided; the only thing that can be influenced is the route, not whether it will take place. Clerk to contact group leader and state that Parish Council is in support. The important of influence the route earlier rather than later was stressed. Ian Sands group has lots of information. Ask Mr Sands who we write to.
d) High Street – footway surface. It was reported that this had been attended to.
e) Hollow Lane
i) Trees. This had not yet been attended to. Clerk to follow up.
ii) Kerbing. Richard Rayson had indicated that this was to be discussed at Highways in Jan/Feb 2011.
f) Brook Bridge – Parking. It had been observed that at school drop-off and collection time motorists using the bridge had no alternative but to drive on the wrong side of road due to parked cars. Clerk to refer to Highways for suggestions for a solution.
g) Trent Valley Bridge Railings. Cllr Mrs Barnett reported that the railings had been repaired but the brickwork was falling away and the gulley needs cleaning out. Clerk to request that Highways attend to this.
h) Bus service. Cllr Mrs Barnett had noted that the 825 bus route takes in a number of villages on its exiting route from Lichfield to Stafford and suggested that it be requested that the service be extended to include Colton.
i) Road Marking – Rugeley Bypass island. Cllr Winter noted that the road markings are ambiguous as it appears both lanes can intend to go straight on from Colton towards Rugeley Town Centre, but there is only one lane to go to on the other side. Clerk to request that Highways re-mark the island with dedicated lanes.
j) Brook Bridge Surroundings. Cllr Mrs Barnett observed that this area is not well maintained. Highways had indicated that the verge is too narrow to flail mow so the Neighbourhood Highway Team strims it at each visit. Clerk to find out when next visit is. It was noted that the hedge and field are unkempt. It was established that these are rented out; Cllr Waring to find contact details for the clerk to request that the area be kept neater. It was also noted that the gas substation needs maintaining.
8. Parish Plan
Cllr Hawley reported that the project is now approaching the beginning of the end. The team are starting to formulate written plans. By this time next month it is anticipated that a first draft of the Parish Plan will be ready for consultation. It is anticipated that the full Plan will be complete and published in early Spring.
9. Parish Council Notice Board
Mr Lovern (see above) had indicated that the Board of School Governors would discuss the Parish Council’s request. Cllr Winter expressed his dismay that the Parish Council’s letter had not been generated in time for the meetings of the Village Hall Committee and the Board of School Governors. It was questioned whether the Williscrofts would object to locating the noticeboard in the village hall driveway in the recessed area at the back of their building. It was agreed to wait for feedback from the Village Hall Committee and the Board of School Governors and then consult with neighbours and apply for planning permission as appropriate. There were no further suggestions for suitable sites.
10. Telephone Box
Clerk to chase again.
11. Village Hall
a) Playground repairs. The order for equipment had been submitted and received and the items dispatched.
b) Recycling Facilities. Cllr Winter reported that he had contacted Lichfield District Council to request the provision of a blue recycling wheelie-bin at the Village Hall to assist LDC to achieve its recycling targets. LDC had indicated that there would be an extra charge. Clerk to write requesting blue bin for recycling free of charge.
12. War Memorial
Cllr Mrs Barnett reported that the concrete pots are not looked after and there is a dead tree in one of them; she suggested that more gravel would make the area look neater. Clerk to request that Steven Perkin remove the dead tree in advance of the Remembrance Sunday service.
13. Burial Ground
The current situation was established: The Parish Plan is awaited in order to guage public desire. Cllr Winter asserted that a policy is needed as a stalemate seems to have occurred: if the decision is to do nothing and not provide a new burial ground then that decision needs to be made officially; if the decision is to provide a new burial ground then it needs to be pursued actively. Cllr Mrs Barnett suggested it be discussed at the Annual Assembly, with a request to the public that the subject be considered before the meeting. Cllr Hawley suggested the Parish Council provide a paper with a plan and potential costing to show people prior to the Annual Assembly. Cllr Mrs Barnett to speak to SPCA for advice. Cllr Winter offered to prepare a draft paper.
14. Broadband Charges
Advice from SPCA read out. Next agenda.
15. News Correspondent
Cllr Winter had noted that Colton does not have a village correspondent in the local newspaper unlike many other neighbouring villages. Clerk to invite a volunteer via the Parish Magazine.
16. Parish Council Representatives
Cllr Waring reported that Cllr Winter is a member of VHC committee as a representative of the Parish Lands Trust, not the Parish Council as is reflected in the Minute Book on page 570.
17. Refuse Bin Collections – Stockwell Heath. Cllr Waring had been approached by a resident who had reported that since the collection days have been rescheduled collection has been erratic. Clerk to ask LDC what new programme is and enquire as to whether it is possible to have a bin collected from outside the dwelling rather than the roadside if a parishioner has difficulty in wheeling it out.
18. Trent Valley Station and Chase Valley Line
Cllr Winter had attended a meeting of the CCRPG at Lea Hall. A report was read out regarding Chase Line service cuts. It was noted that LDC had not made any efforts to maintain rails services whilst Cannock Chase Council was fighting tooth and nail to keep the services in existence. Clerk to write to LDC and request they join the fight.
19. Remembrance Sunday
The Clerk had written to SG Perkin to request that the War Memorial be tidied, to LDC for a Road Closure order and to Rugeley RBL to order a wreath. Cllr Waring to liaise with Cllr Hill for who will lay wreath. Cllr Hawley to set traffic cones out on the road.
20. Correspondence
a) Michael J. Wilcox, Leader, Lichfield District Council – request to attend Parish Council meeting. Clerk had responded.
b) South Staffordshire NHS Primary Care Trust – Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment – Public Consultation 1st September – 13th November. Circulated.
c) SPCA
i) Newsletter September 2010. Circulated.
ii) Annual Report and Accounts 2009-2010. Circulated.
d) Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service
i) from Time 2 Time newsletter. Circulated.
ii) Events Programme – September-December 2010. Circulated.
e) Glynne Morris – copies of correspondence with London Midland re Shortage of car park space at Rugeley Trent Valley Station. Read out and retained for filing.
f) Lichfield District Council – Invitation to a rural villages workshop: Tuesday 23rd November 2010, 4-7pm. Cllr Mrs Barnett to attend.
g) Staffordshire County Council Electoral Review Briefing – Powerpoint Presentation. Circulated.
h) Staffordshire County Council – Customer Focus for Highways – online survey. Cllr Winter to complete.
i) Letter from James Bailey re intention to erect non-fixed field shelter for horses during the winter at Martlin Bank. Clerk to acknowledge.
21. Finance
a) Payments
b) Bulb planting – confirmation of annual budget for purchase of bulbs. £60 agreed.
22. Representatives Reports
· Burial Ground Administrative Committee
o Minutes of meeting held 20th July 2010. Circulated last month. Approved.
o South Staffs Water account – correspondence from Clerk to the Committee recommending asking SSW to disconnect tap.
· Closed Burial Ground Committee – Minutes of meeting held 20th July 2010. Approved.
· Village Hall Committee. Cllr Waring reported that the Management Committee had enquired as to whether the Parish Council would consider submitting a planning application on its behalf for permission to construct outside storage. Next agenda.
· Local Council Event at the County Showground had been attended by Cllrs Mrs Pope and Winter. They reported that the event had been quite informative and had covered such topics as IT for Local Councils, Planning Issues, and “The Big Society”. Parishes were encouraged to hold “Parish Games” events in 2012. It was suggested that Colton Festival be reinstated for 2012.
Exclusion of Public
23. Land at Heathway Off High Street
Land been measured and all paperwork corresponds.
24. Finance Forecast
Concern was expressed regarding future spending as many unbudgeted expenses seem to be arising. A strategy needs to be established to maintain/refurbish/ replace/build in such areas as the Play Area, Stockwell Heath, existing Burial Ground, new Burial Ground, War Memorial, open spaces, etc. Budgets need to be set for:
· Grass Cutting
· Burial Ground
· Stockwell Heath Pool
· Village Hall Play Ground
o Insurance
o Inspection
o Management Agreement. At any time the CURRENT position is that of the CURRENT Parish Council and a resolution may be passed that supercedes all previous resolutions. It was agreed that the Parish Council does have a degree of duty to maintain the playground. The Play Ground only has a certain “shelf life”; it can be maintained for perhaps the next 5 years but will then need to be replaced and this needs to be considered in advance.
Budgeting and forecasting and the proposed Play Ground Management Agreement need to be discussed at a separate meeting, to be arranged, at which accounts are to be presented graphically in a pie chart.
Clerk to report to the Village Hall Committee that discussions regarding the proposed Play Ground Management Agreement are ongoing.
Next meeting date: Thursday 11th November 2010.
Close of meeting: 9:55p.m.