CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 180
Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16th July 2008, in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)
Cllr Mrs S Cartwright
Cllr S D Charman
Cllr P A Dearden
Cllr T A Gardiner
Cllr Mrs P V Hayward (from Item 9, minute no. 124/08)
Cllr J W Long
Cllr B A Pitt
Cllr Mrs V J Swindells
In attendance: County Cllr S J Clee (from Item 9, minute no. 124/08)
Geoff Elwell, Millennium Green Trustee and Parish Games co-ordinator
(until Item 6, minute no. 121/08)
R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
116/08 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and drew attention an article in the Express and Star about Satnavs directing large vehicles along Stakenbridge Lane.
117/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None.
118/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Long declared a personal interest (as the freeholder of the Post Office premises) in Item 8(4), minute nos. 123(4) and 136/08)
Cllr Charman declared a personal interest in planning application no. WF/08/0641, minute no. 124/08.
119/08 COMMUNITY POLICING
No representative was in attendance and there was no report. It was noted that there has been a break in at the sports pavilion and lead has been stolen from the school. Cllr Dearden reported that he had received a survey questionnaire from the Police. Concern was expressed at the lack of an effective Neighbourhood Watch scheme; Mr Elwell is the Treasurer and there are still some co-ordinators, but there is no Chairman or Secretary. It was suggested that the PC advertises for volunteers in the magazine, on the web site and in the PC newsletter. Further concern was expressed in that there has not been a PACT meeting in the Parish and the Clerk was asked to write to Chief Inspector Baker, at Kidderminster, asking why no PACT meeting and no NW scheme in the area and for a senior officer to attend a PC meeting.
120/08 MILLENNIUN GREEN AND WYRE FOREST GAMES
The Chairman invited Geoff Elwell to speak. He asked for financial support for the Millennium Green from the PC to cover the cost of the insurance (£264) and it was agreed that this be considered at the next meeting.
181 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.07.08
Mr Elwell confirmed that this Parish had won the Wyre Forest Games for the third successive year. There had been some difficult sports, but gained points as there was an entry in all events. He was pleased that The Old House At Home has agreed to host the dominoes competition next year. Mr Elwell thanked all who had taken part and the Chairman thanked Mr Elwell for co-ordinating.
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(One member of the public (Mr Lorton) was in attendance. He commented that there has been a Press report stating that the Western Orbital route scheme may be resurrected; the bus stop seat outside the Old House At Home is broken; and Bridle Path 526, Ismere to Waggon Lane is overgrown. The Chairman added that Footpath 503, from Parrs Farm, is also overgrown. The Clerk will report these to WCC).
121/08 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Neither County Cllr Clee nor Cllr Williams were in attendance at this time.
122/08 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
18th JUNE 2008
Subject to Cllr Dearden being included as an apology in Minute 97/08 it was proposed by Cllr Mrs Cartwright, seconded by Cllr Charman, and RESOLVED that the Minutes, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman.
123/08 PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(1) Parish Web site. Malcolm Hall was not in attendance. The Chairman reported that this had been updated on 8th July, but he had no information whether a new web master had been found.
(2) Lengthsman/Handyman report. Mark Jones was not in attendance. Members asked if Mark Jones could cut back the overhanging trees in Churchill Lane, at the Mill Lane end and from the crossroads, where it is safe and legal to do so.
The Clerk will claim the WFDC litter picking grant for this year. The Clerk took the opportunity to report that litter picking equipment for the School Eco Committee has been purchased and delivered.
It was proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Charman, and agreed that Cllr Mrs Hayward be approached in her capacity as a District Councillor, for a grant from her “locally determined fund” to clear bridle path 526 and footpath 503.
(3) Land to the rear of 5 Mill Lane, Blakedown. The Clerk reported that a reply to the suggestion that this land be used for allotments will be sent when instructions are received from the Diocesan Surveyor.
(4) Post Office Working Group. This item was deferred to later in the meeting.
(5) Blakedown Station maintenance/ Signal box listing. As there has been no reply from Network Rail the Clerk has sent a further email, regarding the lack of maintenance near the signal box.
Mr Roper-Pressdee has suggested that the PC makes its own approach to English heritage for the listing of the signal box. The Clerk will follow this up.
(6) Planning application at Little Champson. Cllr Long reported that he had attended the WFDC Planning Committee and that the amended application had been refused unanimously by the Committee.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.07.08 182
It was agreed that the request for local listing of Little Champson be considered at the next meeting. It was also agreed that the Clerk writes to Mr Parker, Head of Planning at WFDC, to request that Blakedown be given top priority as the next location for local listing, in view of the local concerns over the threat to local buildings and the meet the timescale of the Parish Plan.
(7) Management of the Shoppers Car Park. The Clerk reported that he has still not received a reply from WFDC.
(8) Street nameplates and signs. The Clerk will supply a map of the Parish for Cllr Gardiner to complete the survey.
(9) Street lighting supplier. The Clerk was not in a position to report.
(10) Special Parish Forum. Cllr Mrs Hayward had attended, but there was no report of the outcome.
(11) Blakedown Bolt. Cllr Mrs Swindells reported that there were 250 runners on an evening with good weather. There was good support from local clubs and the Bolt is now on the local running calendar; the event will be repeated in 2009. The Bolt was financially successful and thanks were expressed to the PC, parish councillors and other individuals who helped.
(12) Churchyard grants. Letter of thanks have been received from both PCCs and the application for the grant from WFDC has been made.
124/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(1) It was resolved that the comments on the following applications, as detailed, be sent to Wyre Forest DC.
Applications Received.
WF/08/0591 Extensions and alterations, 7 New Wood Lane, Blakedown
No objection to the proposal in principle, but the PC feels that the uneven roof line could be improved.
WF/08/0618 Erection of building to provide shelter, storage, fodder and bedding, rear and serving pens for rare breed cattle, Jubilee Field, off Birmingham Road, Blakedown
Objection to the proposal. The PC considers that the size and scale of this building is
disproportionately large for this open Green Belt site and, even in this revised location, it
would still be a dominant feature in the rural landscape. The PC query whether Deansford
Lane, close to the A.456, is suitable for the large vehicles which would need to come to
the site
WF/08/0625 Two storey and single storey extension, Larch Wood, Stakenbridge, Churchill
Objection to the proposal as the PC is concerned that the two storey extension will have an adverse impact on the amenities and light of the adjoining residential properties.
WF/08/0641 Retrospective application for timber decking to front and smoking shelter to side elevation, The Swan, 9 Birmingham Road, Blakedown
183 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.07.08
Objection to the proposal, as the decking, fencing, balustrade and old railway sleepers are out of character with the rural approach to the village and have an adverse affect on the village street scene. (The PC is also concerned that none of the plans show the Yew tree, which is covered by a TPO, yet is under threat for felling).
Planning
Decisions -
for information
WF/08/0407 Garage, bedroom and linked roof extension, Kings Barn, Churchill – GRANTED
WF/08/0439 Amendments to Plan no. 07/0998, full removal of windows, new roof light and dormer window, Baytree House, Stakenbridge Lane, Churchill - GRANTED
125/08 FINANCE
(1) The Clerk reported that the current account today stands at £354.50p and the Instant Access account stands at £9,612.42p, giving a total credit balance of £9,966.92p.
(2) The Receipts and Payments Account for 06.06.08 – 04.07.08 was received.
(3) It was proposed by Cllr Gardiner, seconded by Cllr Mrs Hayward, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, stationery (June)
£30.54 + £4.15 VAT £ 34.69
R D Gurney salary £589.62
expenses £94.26 + £1.40 VAT £ 95.66
litter picking equipment £77.48 + £13.56 VAT £ 91.04
Mark Jones handyman £290.00
lengthsman £160.00
Vernon Rudge £160.00
N power (April-June) £191.53 + £9.57 VAT £201.10
£1,622.11
126/08 HIGHWAY MATTERS
The Clerk reported that WCC have stated that no budget has yet been found to undertake the kerbing in Station Drive, but the concerns are being considered by the Sustainable Transport Team. The order for the work at Churchill crossroads is with the contractor and the relining work should be completed by the end of August. However, County Cllr Clee reported that, after burning off the old lines, the road surface will have to be resurfaced. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Hunter about the delay in progressing the Station Drive kerbing.
The Clerk reported that he had not been informed of any progress on the weight restriction at Stakenbridge Lane and Rocky Lane.
The Clerk will report to the Highways Agency that Birmingham Road, outside the School, is sinking, causing deterioration to the surface.
The Chairman had, earlier in the meeting, drawn Members’ attention to the problem caused by Satnavs directing large vehicles along unsuitable roads, especially Stakenbridge Lane and Rocky Lane, but also Waggon Lane, Crown Lane, Mill Lane and Churchill Lane. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Jon Fraser at WCC, asking him to arrange for these roads to be removed from Satnavs.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.07.08 184
127/08 EXTENSION TO WEIGHT LIMITS AND INTRODUCTION OF 20mph LIMIT
Following the current request to WCC for the introduction of a weight limit on Stakenbridge Lane and Rocky Lane, it was agreed that this be followed up with a request for the current weight limit in Mill Lane to be extended to include all minor roads in Blakedown and Churchill.
Members were aware that WCC is considering introducing 20 mph limits in the vicinity of schools and considered that this limit should be applied in Blakedown, within the village limits. As the A.456 is still a trunk road it was agreed to request that the Highways Agency imposes such a limit in Blakedown and, also, provide a push button pelican crossing outside the school
128/08 PARISH PLAN WORKING GROUP
There has not been a meeting since the last Council meeting, but a newsletter is scheduled to be sent. The Clerk referred to the QPS requirement that 4 newsletters are needed to be sent out in a year; this will be the third. The requirements for submitting for QPS are changing in September and it was agreed that this matter be discussed at the August meeting.
129/08 REGISTRATION OF THE VILLAGE GREEN
The Clerk reported that he had received one letter giving details of the usage of the Green. It was agreed to defer discussion of this until the next meeting.
130/08 ALLOTMENT PROVISION
It was agreed that this item be deferred.
131/08 CHARGES FOR WEB SITE ADVERTISEMENTS
It was agreed that this item be deferred.
132/08 ENCROACHMENT IN TO THE AVENUE
It was agreed that this item be deferred.
133/08 ITEMS FROM CALC
There was nothing to report.
134/08 CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) WFDC Newswyre – request for items from parish councils (Members agreed that the opportunity be taken to include an item from the PC)
(2) Newswyre, issue 28 (enclosed)
(3) Kinver PC minutes and agendas
(4) CPRE - re-establishment of Wyre Forest branch
(5) Magazines, etc., including CPRE Voice; Clerks and Councils Direct
135/08 ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
1. Quality Parish Status
2. Distribution of Parish Games prize
3. Rural Housing Enabler, Nigel Potter, to attend at September meeting
185 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.07.08
136/08 REPORT OF POST OFFICE WORKING GROUP
Cllr Long reported that a new document has been issued by the Post Office which gives details of procedures for local funding of post offices. Whether this will be necessary for Blakedown remains to be seen when the list of proposed closures in this area is announced on 27th August. It was agreed that the PC, on behalf of the community, is ready to act, if necessary, as soon as the announcement is made. It was agreed that the new document be discussed at the next meeting.
137/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This is scheduled for Wednesday, 20th August 2008 in Blakedown Parish Room.
The meeting closed at 10.35 pm.
Dated this 20th day of August 2008 ………………………………............
Chairman