CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 160
Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th March 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
Cllr J W Long
Cllr B A Pitt
Cllr Mrs V J Swindells
In attendance: District Cllr Stephen Williams
Malcolm Hall, Web site keeper
Mark Jones, Parish Lengthsman
R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
38/08 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.
39/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None.
40/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Long declared personal interests in Item 7(4) (minute no. 44/08) and Item 8, relating to Plan no. WF/08/0147, (minute no. 45/08).
Cllr Dearden declared a personal interest in Item 16 (minute no. 53/08)
Cllr Gardiner declared a personal interest in Item16 (minute no. 53/08)
Cllr Whiston declared a personal interest in Item 8, relating to Plan no. WF.08/0254, (minute no. 45/08)
41/08 COMMUNITY POLICING
The Clerk reported that apologies had been received from PC Sarah Brooks, but a report had been received. The only problem reported during the last month is a burglary dwelling, understood to be criminals from the West Midlands. The Police are hoping soon to trial some PACT face to face surveys with groups of residents to ascertain their views on local issues.
PC Brooks also reported that CSO Gemma Goode has been moved from our area and has been replaced by CSO Karen Lloyd.
Members expressed their regret that Gemma Goode has been moved; she has been very helpful and pro-active within the community. The Clerk was asked to write to the Chief Constable to inform him of the good work she has done for this community.
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(One member of the public was in attendance. Mr Lorton commented that the footway outside 108 Belbroughton Road has been damaged during building work – the Clerk will
161 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 19.03.08
report this to WCC. Malcolm Hall supported the comments made by the PC that Gemma Goode has been moved; this is disappointing, as she was pro-active in the community).
42/08 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
County Cllr Clee was not in attendance and there was no report.
Cllr Williams informed the Council that he has passed to Cllr Long details of the contact member on Chaddesley Corbett PC who is co-ordinating the reaction to the possible closure of the local post office.
43/08 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
20th FEBRUARY 2008
It was agreed that amendment be made:
Minute 21/08, line 1, after abandoned add “vehicle”
Subject to this amendment it was proposed by Cllr Gardiner, seconded by Cllr Mrs Swindells, and RESOLVED that the Minutes, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman.
44/08 PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(1) Parish Web site. Malcolm Hall was invited to speak. He reported that in the last month there had been 2,483 page loads, with no new exotic hits, although there were still several hits relating to the Blakedown Bolt. No questionnaires relating to the Parish Plan have been received recently. Malcolm Hall informed the Council that he is looking to retire from looking after the web site by September 2008 and he is looking around for someone to take over. The Clerk reported that he had paid for the continuation of the “Churchill village” domain name and that Malcolm Hall had arranged for a PC email address for the Clerk, as this will be required for the Quality Parish Status application later this year.
(2) Lengthsman/Handyman report. Mark Jones was invited to speak. He reported that litter is a continuing problem in Crown Lane, where a gas canister has also been dumped. There is an increasing problem with litter on the Sports Field, especially after football matches; Cllr Dearden agreed to raise this with the Chairman. Mark Jones reported some damage to the Playground. He reported that the culvert under the railway bridge has been cleared and the area around the notice board in Stakenbridge has been cleared and landscaped by a resident.
(3) Land to the rear of 5 Mill Lane, Blakedown. This item was deferred.
(4) Post Office Working Group. Cllr Long commented that this matter is now moving, with Essex CC considering taking over post offices and a Parliamentary debate taking place today. He has discussed the matter with the County Cllr and Cllr Williams had passed on a copy of the WFDC resolution on the subject. There is probably a need for a meeting of the Working Group in the near future.
(5) Blakedown Station maintenance. The Clerk is awaiting a reply from Network Rail.
(6) Listing application for Little Champson. The Clerk reported that English Heritage had informed him that this has been passed to the territorial team, who will report to the Secretary of State.
(7) Management of the Shoppers Car Park. The Clerk reported that the Parish Council’s letter is being considered by officials at WFDC.
(8) Churchill & Blakedown Sports and Recreation Centre. Letter of thanks received.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 19.03.08 162
45/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(1) It was resolved that the comments on the following applications, as detailed, be sent to Wyre Forest DC.
Applications Received.
WF/08/0138 Agricultural store, cattle rearing facility, and use for grazing and breeding of horses, Jubilee Field, off Birmingham Road, Road, Blakedown
Objection to the proposal. This does not appear to be different from the previous, refused application (07/1221). This remains a Green Belt site and the PC considers that the size and scale of the proposed building (phase 1 of a larger scheme) is disproportionately large for the size of the holding and would be a dominant feature in the open landscape. It is also considered that the existing access is in a dangerous location on the busy section of the A.456 and its further use will cause additional traffic problems.
WF/08/0147 Ground floor extension and alterations, 91 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown
No objection, although this is another modification to this dwelling, this extension does
not dominate
WF/08/0194 Vehicular access, 57 Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection, subject to the proper highway criteria the PC supports anyone who seeks
off road parking
WF/08/0210 Swimming pool extension and garage (all oak framed), 93 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown
Strong objection. In this Green belt location this extension is considered to be massively
too large and overdominant; it would be visually obtrusive in this rural area
WF/08/0231 Tennis court and fencing at height of 2.75m, land adj. Glebe House, Churchill
No objection, subject to there being no access direct from Churchill Lane and there being
no flood lighting
WF/08/0254 Erection of hay and implements barn, Field 2, Glebeland, Churchill
Objection to the proposal. The PC consider this proposal to be overdevelopment and visually intrusive in the Green Belt and adjacent to the Churchill Conservation Area when viewed from the highway and the public footpath to the rear. A building of this size is not warranted for the size of the holding.
Furthermore, although stated to be the owner of the whole of the site edged red, the PC understands that this applicant does not own the access to the site off Churchill Lane.
163 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 19.03.08
Planning Decisions - for information
WF/07/0273 Brick and tile archway over gateway to ménage, Wildacres, 10 New Wood Lane, Blakedown - GRANTED
WF/07/1260 Two 5 bedroom houses with accesses; demolition of Little Champson,
1 Roxall Close, Blakedown – REFUSED
WF/08/0066 Single storey kitchen and conservatory extension (variation of permission no. WF/06/0822), 48 Birmingham Road, Blakedown GRANTED
WF/08/0107 Change of use to car park, landscaping and associated works,
Hingley & Callow (Oils) Ltd, Station Yard, Station Drive, Blakedown
Cllr Long reported that he had discussed this application with the Planning Officer and
understood that WCC is considering the making of appropriate Traffic Orders. The
application may be presented to the Committee on 8th April 2008 and he is willing to
speak on behalf of the Parish Council. This was agreed.
46/08 FINANCE
It was agreed that this item be brought forward for consideration.
(1) The Clerk reported that the current account today stands at £244.80p and the Instant Access account stands at £4,468.84p, giving a total credit balance of £4,713.64p.
(2) It was proposed by Cllr Charman, seconded by Cllr Gardiner, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, stationery - February
£13.81 + £2.42 VAT (2 invoices) £ 16.23
R D Gurney salary (February/March) £589.62
expenses (November-February) £ 44.00
Mark Jones handyman £160.00
lengthsman £320.00
R D Gurney, reimbursing for renewal of domain name
£44.95 + £7.87 VAT £ 52.82
£1,182.67
47/08 REQUEST FOR GRANT – BLAKEDOWN PCC
A copy of the letter, explaining their view for altering the access and driveway, was enclosed with the agenda. After some discussion the Parish Council considered that it was not able to support the proposal, as it appears to be a maintenance issue, to which the Parish Council already makes an annual contribution. Members did consider that, in principle, they felt that the potential widening of the driveway could present a
danger to pedestrians using the driveway.
48/08 HIGHWAY MATTERS
The Clerk has not received any further information regarding highway works. The damage to the footway and blocked drain on A.456 has been reported to Amey Mouchel.
The Clerk will ask for a replacement of the stolen “Churchill” sign in Rocky Lane.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 19.03.08 164
49/08 PARISH PLAN WORKING GROUP
The Group is still assessing and collating the consultation replies and the next meeting is scheduled for 14th April. The grant from Defra has been approved and it was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Gardiner, and agreed that this be paid into the PC account.
50/08 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING/NEWSLETTER
The arrangements for the Meeting were confirmed and copies of the annual newsletter were handed to Members for distribution during the next 2/3 weeks. It was also agreed that an Extraordinary Meeting of the Parish Council be held after the Parish Meeting to deal with planning and finance matters.
51/08 GREEN SUPPLIER OF ENERGY FOR STREET LIGHTS
The Clerk was asked to make enquiries of the existing supplier for details of “green” energy, as well as seeking details of other suppliers.
52/08 BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS AT VILLAGE HALLS
Several Councillors have been approached about the lack of general local information regarding how to make arrangements for bookings at village halls. After some discussion Members realized that this information is not readily accessible and it was agreed to invite 2 members of the Blakedown Parish Room Committee to the June meeting, so that Members can be made aware of the proper arrangements.
53/08 POSSIBLE PROVISION OF A DOCTOR’S SURGERY IN BLAKEDOWN
Cllr Long had been approached by a resident about the PC supporting the provision of a doctor’s surgery in Blakedown and it was felt that, currently, there were one or two large vacant houses which might be appropriate. However, none are being marketed as suitable for a surgery and, whilst it might be of benefit to residents, it was felt that this is not a matter for the Parish Council to adjudicate.
54/08 ITEMS FROM CALC
The Clerk reported that the Area Meeting had been held at Rushock on 5th March.
55/08 CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) WFDC – Strategic housing land availability assessment, need to identify sites (attached). The Clerk was asked to confirm the availability of the Nursery site.
(2) WFDC – introduction of standard planning application form
(3) WCC – New Special School in Wyre Forest – key recommendations
(4) WCC – Children and Young People’s Plan – notice of consultation
(5) Kinver PC minutes and agendas
(6) Availability of Diane Malley to continue as Internal Auditor – Agreed
(7) Hartlebury Museum Society
(8) Wyre Forest News
165 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 19.03.08
56/08 ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
1. Cllr Gardiner informed the PC that Blakedown C of E Primary School has recently received a good OFSTED report. The Clerk was asked to send a congratulatory letter to Mrs Pritchard, the Head Teacher.
2. Signage in both villages (June meeting)
3. Allotment provision in the Parish.
57/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
There will be an Extraordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 16th April 2008, following the end of the Annual Parish Meeting in Blakedown School.
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for Wednesday, 21st May 2008, in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
The meeting closed at 10.33 pm.
Dated this 21st day of May 2008 ………………………………............
Chairman