CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 186
Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown
Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th August 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
In attendance:
PC Sarah Brooks
Malcolm Hall and Gordon Stevens, webmasters
R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
138/08
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.
139/08
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
These were received and accepted from Cllr
Pitt and Cllr Mrs Swindells.
140/08
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Long declared a personal interest (as
the freeholder of the Post Office premises)
in Item 14, minute no. 151/08).
141/08
COMMUNITY POLICING
PC Sarah Brooks was invited to speak. She
reported that, in the last month, there has
been the theft of a catalytic converter from
a car and a handbag from an unlocked house.
She reported that the PACT postcards will
now be with prepaid envelopes and the “post
box” is being relocated from the Post Office
to “The Old House At Home”.
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(One member of the public (Mr Lorton) was
in attendance. He commented on the encroachment
into The Avenue (on the agenda); that, following
the resurfacing of Sculthorpe Road, there
are no road markings; and that the “Mill
Lane” road sign outside nos. 13/15 Mill Lane
is missing).
142/08
REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Neither County Cllr Clee nor Cllr Williams
were in attendance and there were no reports.
The Clerk reported that he had written to
the Highways Agency, asking for a 20 mph
speed limit to be imposed outside Blakedown
School on the A.456 Trunk Road. The Highways
Agency had responded that the A.456 was detrunked
on 28th April 2008; the Clerk has forwarded this
information to County Cllr Clee, asking if
WCC will introduce this speed limit in Blakedown.
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CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08
143/08
CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON
16th JULY 2008
It was proposed by Cllr Gardiner, seconded
by Cllr Mrs Hayward, and RESOLVED that the
Minutes, being a true and accurate record
of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed
by the Chairman.
144/08
PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(1) Parish Web site. Malcolm Hall was invited to speak. He introduced
Gordon Stevens, who is taking over as web
master of the village web site. Malcolm Hall
is remaining in Blakedown and will be able
to ensure a smooth changeover. Mr Stevens
gave details of his background. The Chairman
thanked Malcolm Hall for all the work he
had done to establish the web site and thanked
Gordon Stevens for taking over as web master.
(2) Lengthsman/Handyman report. Mark Jones was not in attendance, but he
has expressed concern with the unsuitability
of the waste bin on the Sports Field. The
Clerk will speak to WFDC on the concern.
The Clerk reported that WFDC require a further
agreement for the litter picking duties to
be continued. Members resolved that this
agreement be renewed.
(3) Land to the rear of 5 Mill Lane, Blakedown.
The Clerk is still awaiting a reply from
the Diocesan Surveyor.
(4) Blakedown Station maintenance/ Signal
box listing. It was noted that part of the fence by the
signal box has been painted. No progress
has been made regarding the application for
the listing of the signal box.
(5) Local listing in rural areas. Mr Parker, WFDC, has informed the Clerk that
his department has already programmed Wolverley
and Cookley Parish as the first phase for
local listing; this is to be completed in
Spring 2009. Members felt that this list
needs to be compiled and the Clerk was asked
to provide details of the current statutory
list at the next meeting.
(6) Management of the Shoppers Car Park. The Clerk reported that he has still not
received a reply from WFDC. Cllr Mrs Hayward
agreed to follow this up at WFDC.
(7) Street nameplates and signs. Cllr Whiston circulated a report on the
signage in Churchill and the rural area,
for detailed discussion at a subsequent meeting.
Cllr Gardiner hoped to produce a similar
report for Blakedown at the next meeting.
(8) Street lighting supplier. The Clerk has not made progress on this
matter.
(9) Weight restrictions in Churchill and
Blakedown. WCC report that additional warning signs
have been erected at both ends of Stakenbridge
Lane. The existing signs in Mill Lane will
be relocated closer to Churchill Lane within
3 months and missing “except for access”
signs at both ends of Mill Lane will be replaced.
HGV counts will be taken to establish the
level of usage of HGVs in the area between
A.456 and A.451.
(10) Police attendance at PC meeting. Inspector Crowley has stated that either
he or Chief Inspector Baker will be able
to attend the next meeting. However it was
felt that with Nigel Potter already speaking,
that the senior police officer be invited
to a future meeting.
145/08
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(1) It was resolved that the comments on
the following applications, as detailed,
be sent to Wyre Forest DC.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08 188
Applications Received.
WF/08/0659
Change of use of existing outbuildings to
form 5 residential dwellings with associated
garaging and parking, Hodge Hill Farm Barns,
Birmingham Road, Kidderminster
No objection to the proposal in principle, BUT as this site falls within the catchment
of the Blakedown C of E Primary School, which
is already at its capacity, and the application
is for family sized homes, it is considered
that a contribution towards new classroom
spaces be obtained via a Section 106 Agreement.
WF/08/0665
New vehicular access and driveway, new front
wall and entrance gates, 30 Mill Lane, Blakedown
Objection to the proposal. The proposed boundary wall
is considered to be over imposing
and too prominent on the narrow roadside.
PC suggests that the wall be built one metre
back from the highway boundary; this would
make it less prominent and safer for users
of the highway.
WF/08/0698
Removal of agricultural occupancy condition
on existing bungalow (Condition 2, Plan no.
WF/285/80), Sunset Nursery, Waggon Lane,
existing garage, Ismere Grange, Ismere
No objection
WF/08/0737
Retain existing pheasant building and alter
to form rearing pens and store, Park Hall,
Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0738
Demolish pole barn, chicken sheds, workshop
and garage/machine store and build workshop
and associated works to existing open barn,
Park Hall, Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0739
Demolish and build new stable block on site
of former coachman’s cottage, Park Hall,
Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0740
Extend former squash courts with fire escape
porch and carry out alterations to existing
building to form office suite and cinema
room, Park Hall, Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0741
as above (listed building consent)
No objection
WF/08/0742
Retain and alter dairy cottage to form staff
and visitors accommodation, Park Hall, Birmingham
Road, Blakedown
No objection
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CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08
WF/08/0743
as above (listed building consent)
No objection
WF/08/0744
Retain and alter Gardeners Cottage to form
staff and visitor accommodation, Park Hall,
Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0745
as above (listed building consent)
No objection
WF/08/0747
Extensions and alterations, 7 New Wood Lane,
Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0771
Change of use to enable Blakedown Sports
cars to use the tack room & vice versa,
New House Farm, Belbroughton Road, Blakedown
No objection
WF/08/0784
Demolition of existing property and double
garage, erection of one detached replacement
house and one twin replacement garage, Duckpen
Cottages, 211A & B and 212 A&B, Birmingham
Road, Kidderminster
Objection to the proposal.
This is another proposal to demolish a landmark
building which is part of the character and
history of the Parish, being part of the
original estate of the Earl of Dudley, and
replace it with a larger, modern building
in the Green Belt. Duckpen Cottages are of
characteristic local design and no evidence
has been submitted to indicate that the building
is structurally unsound; therefore, there
seems no reason why the building cannot be
refurbished, either as one dwelling or as
smaller, affordable units.
Because of their intrinsic local design should
these cottages be considered for listing?
Notwithstanding the applicant’s claim that
the scheme would comply with Policy GB1(iv)
– which is not stated in full in the Statement
– the first part of Policy H9 (iii) is also
relevant, as the building is of local historic
and architectural interest. Duckpen Cottages
are referred to in the “Pictorial History
of Churchill and Blakedown” (Mr Roper-Pressdee
has a copy) and there is local concern about
the proposed demolition – see attached Press
report.
It was agreed that the Parish Council takes
the opportunity to speak at the Planning
(Development Control) Committee in connection
with the application.
Planning Decisions - for information
WF/08/0432
Two storey extension and garage extension,
13 Wheatmill Close, Blakedown - GRANTED
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08 190
WF/08/0451
2 four bedroom detached houses (demolition
of Little Champson), Little Champson, 1 Roxall
Close, Blakedown – REFUSED
WF/08/0484
Replacement of flat roof with pitched roof,
59 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown – GRANTED
WF/08/0502
Side extension, 106 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown
– GRANTED
WF/08/0542
Erection of fencing, land at 1-4 Fiveways
Cottages, Sugar Loaf Lane, Ismere – GRANTED
WF/08/0591
Extensions, 7 New Wood Lane, Blakedown -
WITHDRAWN
Appeal notification
WF/08/0254
Erection of hay and implements barn, Field
2, Glebeland, Churchill
It was agreed that the objections raised
at the application stage be confirmed.
146/08
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS
(1) Churchill and Blakedown Millennium Green
Trust. Copies of the current accounts were circulated
with the agenda and a grant towards the insurance
was requested. It was proposed by Cllr Dearden,
seconded by Cllr Mrs Hayward, and agreed
that a grant of £264 be made.
(2) Churchill and Blakedown Sports and Recreation
Centre. Copies of a letter and current estimates
for grass cutting were circulated with the
agenda. Whilst no specific sum was requested
it was proposed by Cllr Gardiner, seconded
by Cllr Whiston, and agreed that a grant
equivalent to 10 cuts, ie £468 be made at
this time.
147/08
DISTRIBUTION OF PARISH GAMES PRIZE
It was agreed to defer this item to a subsequent
meeting.
148/08
FINANCE
(1)
The Clerk reported that the current account
today stands at £992.39p and the
Instant Access account stands at £8,230.53p,
giving a total credit balance of
£9,222.92p.
(2)
It was proposed by Cllr Charman, seconded
by Cllr Mrs Cartwright, and resolved that
the following accounts be approved for payment:
Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, stationery
(July)
£50.93 + £6.84 VAT (3 invoices)
£ 57.77
Worcestershire CALC – Clerk’s meeting, 07.05.08
£ 25.00
Mark Jones
handyman
£415.00
lengthsman
£210.00
Vernon Rudge (July)
£160.00
Blakedown Parish Room Committee (May/June/July)
£ 42.00
Churchill & Blakedown Millennium Green
Trust
£264.00
Churchill & Blakedown Sport & Recreation
Centre
£468.00
£1,641.77
149/08
HIGHWAY MATTERS
Mr Hunter (WCC) confirms that there is no
budget for the kerbing work at Station Drive
at present. No progress has been made with
relining at Churchill crossroads and no reply
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CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08
has been received regarding the control of
satnavs. It has been noted that WCC has undertaken
some maintenance work on A.456, now that
it is detrunked. The Clerk was asked to find
out what work Mark Jones can undertake along
A.456, as the hedges from nos. 1,3,5,7 Roxall
Close are overhanging.
150/08
APPLICATION FOR QUALITY PARISH STATUS
As the regulations for applying for QPS are
to be changed in September, this is the last
opportunity to apply. However, it was felt
that one weak aspect of an application is
the production of newsletters and Members
agreed to defer application until 2009.
151/08 POST OFFICE WORKING GROUP
Several Members attended a meeting at WFDC
with representatives of the Post Office,
which was found to be useful. Members were
reminded that the announcement will be made
on Wednesday, 27th August and there will be a 6 week consultation
period. The PC and individuals will be able
to respond, and several options, including
self funding, were discussed in the event
of the PO being subject to closure. It was
agreed that, if Blakedown PO is listed for
closure, the PC will call an Extraordinary
Meeting in the School, at which the public
would be encouraged to attend. Meanwhile
the Clerk was asked to circulate the information
he had received from CALC.
152/08
PARISH PLAN WORKING GROUP
There has not been a meeting since the last
Council meeting.
153/08
REGISTRATION OF THE VILLAGE GREEN
The Clerk reported that he had still received
only one letter giving details of the usage
of the Green. It is hoped that further letters
will be received and it was agreed to defer
discussion of this to a later meeting.
154/08
ALLOTMENT PROVISION
As no petition has been received it was agreed
that no further consideration be taken.
155/08
CHARGES FOR WEB SITE ADVERTISEMENTS
It was agreed that this item be deferred
to a subsequent meeting.
156/08
ENCROACHMENT IN TO THE AVENUE
It was noted that some residents of Lynwood
Drive have encroached in to The Avenue, by
moving their rear fences out by as much as
6 feet. It was agreed that the Clerk writes
to all residents of Lynwood Drive, who back
on to The Avenue, pointing out the encroachment.
The Clerk will investigate the possibility
of The Avenue being registered as a village
green.
157/08
ITEMS FROM CALC
The MAIL was circulated at the meeting and
the Clerk reported that the next Area Meeting
is on 4th September, at Harvington. The Clerk agreed
to attend a conference on rural funding on
19th September.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
20.08.08 192
158/08
CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) WCC – training courses for Parish Paths
Wardens
(2) WFDC – Red Cross grants (passed to Sports
Centre committee)
(3) WFDC – Proposed removal of public payphones
(none in the Parish)
(4) WFDC – advance notice of Parish Forum
(7th October)
(5) CPRE, Bromsgrove District group – minutes
of meeting
(6) Bromsgrove DC – Core Strategy consultation
(7) Police/Community Engagement Group – agenda
for meeting, 20.08.08
159/08
ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
(1) Speaker – Nigel Potter (Rural Housing
Enabler)
(2) Fund raising activities in the Parish
160/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This is scheduled for Wednesday, 17th September 2008 in Blakedown Parish Room.
The meeting closed at 10.34 pm.
Dated this 17th day of September 2008
………………………………............
Chairman