Minutes 18th September 2019

Cllr Hickman

Members noted Cllr Gordon’s resignation and Cllr Green thanked her for her work over the past 18 months.  Clerk to send a letter of thanks.  Residents have been notified of the vacancy; no requests were received for an election to be held.  This position can now be filled by Co-Option.  Clerk has advertised this position, asking for any completed application forms to be returned by 1^st November which can then be considered at the November Parish Council meeting.

Cllr Stedman – 12e, 13c – Quotes for works

a)    Pecuniary Interests.

Members were asked to declare any other disclosable interests in items on the Agenda and their nature.

b)    Other Disclosable Interests. None.

Cllrs James & Penn 12e, 13c – quotes for works from Limebridge Rural Services Ltd

Non-Pecuniary – Cllr Stedman – 6e – planning application 19/02518/COUQ

Residents mentioned:

1.     A resident thanked Members for their help regarding the recent Orchard Close appeal.

2.     It was suggested that a Vehicle Activated Sign stating the speed being travelled would help alleviate the speeding issue on Evesham Rd.  Cllr Green mentioned the Speed Awareness Group once again.

3.     The 6-week School Rd closure.  Cllr Green has contacted CALA Homes regarding this, and it has been proposed that buses will come into the village from the Irons Cross direction, using the School Avenue roundabout for a turning point.  This has been agreed in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, Stagecoach and CALA Homes.  Warwickshire County Council will arrange for notices to stop parking around the roundabout.  Pedestrian right of way will be kept open with only the road being closed; sufficient safety barriers will be put in place.

4.     Reserved Sites Allocation – this to be discussed under agenda item 6b.

a)     Have your say. No under 18s were present.

b)     County Councillor Mike Brain was unable to attend but sent in a report:

1.     A substantial amount of work has gone into preparations for Brexit focusing mainly on business continuity, support to communities and support to businesses.

2.     County Council Officers have been asked to urgently survey footpaths and roads throughout villages for repairs.

3.     Warwickshire County Council is helping residents save money on their energy bills.

4.     People suffering with anxiety, dementia or autism can now be considered for a disabled blue badge from 30^th August 2019.

5.     A committee is set up looking at how HGVs can be correctly predominantly through A & B Class roads and not through country villages.

6.     He thanked residents who have maintained their trees and hedges which overhang roads and footpaths.

c)     District Councillor Bill Fleming was also unable to attend but sent in a report:

This mainly concerned the reserved sites allocation.  He has been assured that these sites are only declared to give absolute backing to the Core Strategy and are very unlikely to ever be used.  Made Neighbourhood Plans will be given maximum weighting in the event these ever emerge.  Again, this will only happen if the 5-year housing land supply (5YHLS) ever falls down, which is currently running at 6 years so no danger at present.  He did stipulate that the Stratford Southern relief road needs to be built otherwise Long Marston will not happen after the first 400 houses which will put pressure on the 5YHLS.  This may result in villages being forced to take up the slack.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:20

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 17^th July 2019 at The Memorial Hall, Salford Priors were agreed by the Council to be a true record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

a)     19/02384/FUL – single storey side and rear extensions to form a new garage, utility and kitchen area.  First floor extension over the new ground floor to create bedrooms and bathrooms, insertion of dormer windows at 52 Dunnington, Alcester.  Following discussion, it was agreed for Clerk to respond with “No Objection”

b)     Members discussed the Reserved Site Allocations Consultation by Stratford District Council.  Each site was talked through in detail. It was decided to strongly object to all 3 proposed sites.  Cllr James to forward comments to Clerk for submission.

c)     19/02548/TREE – proposed T1, T2, T3, T4, T7 & T8 – ash remove.  T5 – cherry remove.  T6 – acer remove at 1 Church Cottages, Station Rd, Salford Priors, WR11 8UX. Following discussion, it was agreed for Clerk to respond with “Whilst the Parish Council agree with the removal of T3, T4, T5, T6 & T7 due to the overpowering effect on the garden it objects to the removal of T1, T2 & T8 for the following reasons :

1. This is contrary to policy SP3 of the NDP protecting the rural character and environment of the landscape of the parish.

2. This is contrary to SP11 of the NDP Woodlands trees and hedgerows, no biodiversity alternatives have been offered.

3. Harmful effect on to the Conservation Area.”

d)     To consider response to Alison Willers, Senior Planning Officer, Stratford District Council regarding Variation of Condition 8 of application for 68 dwellings in School Rd, Salford Priors (18/01598/OUT) emailed to Councillors on 9^th September. “As their revised Condition 5 states the car park by the 55^th occupation the Parish Council strongly objects”

e)     19/02518/COUQ – Prior approval notification for the change of use of agricultural building into 2no. dwellings including associated operational development under Class Q(b) at Wood Bevington Farm Barn B, Wood Bevington, Alcester, B49 5LX. Following discussion, it was agreed for Cllr James to forward comments to Clerk for submission.

Planning Comments to Note:

f)      Planning Appeal Ref: APP/J3720/W/19/3231161.  Councillors met on Monday 22^nd July to discuss this planning appeal.  The Clerk’s delegated powers were used to respond on behalf of the Parish Council. The appeal decision was received on 22^nd August 2019 – appeal dismissed.  If you require a copy of the Parish Council’s response, please contact the Clerk.

g)     Application 19/01507/VARY.  Councillors met on Monday 22^nd July to discuss this planning appeal.  The Clerk’s delegated powers were used to respond on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Parish Council raise serious concerns with regard to the variation of Condition 8 as the provision of the car park is a highly sought benefit for both residents and the ongoing commercial viability of the Post Office and Village Convenience Store, however,  the Parish Council would only support the rewording of the condition as such:

“Prior to the permanent occupation of any dwelling or the completion of the Section 278 highway works including utility service works whichever is sooner, the community car park shall have been constructed, hardened, drained, laid out, individual parking spaces delineated and the provision for vehicle charging connections (to connect one charging point per 10 spaces of parking) at a minimum of 7kW in accordance with details that shall form part of any reserved matters application submission. Thereafter, the community car park shall be used solely for the parking of motor vehicles and bicycles and kept free from any other forms of obstruction”.

The developer was aware of the condition and should have considered the phasing of the works to meet and discharge the condition in the phasing and programming of the site.

h)     19/01987/COUR – prior approval for the change of use of an agricultural building and land within its curtilage to a use within class B8 (storage or distribution) under Class R of Part 3 of the 2015 Order at Dunnington Court Farm, Dunnington – following consultation via email with Members Clerk returned the response ‘No objection’.  It was noted Cllr Stedman had declared in interest in this application and declined to comment.

i)      19/01862/VARY – proposed removal of Condition 3 of planning permission 17/03160/FUL dated 17 January 2018 to remove 5 year time limit for modular building.  Original description of development: Erection of a 2 storey modular building to provide additional office space at Alamo Group Europe Ltd, Station Rd, Salford Priors, WR11 8SW.  Following consultation via email with Members Clerk returned the response ‘No objection’. It was noted Cllr Stedman had declared in interest in this application and declined to comment.

j)      19/02286/TREE – G1 – unspecified trees – crown lift to 2m above ground level at land near to St Matthews Church, Station Rd, Salford Priors, WR11 8UX.  Following consultation via email with Members Clerk returned the response ‘No Objection’

k)     19/02362/VARY – Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 19/00266/FUL dated 27 March 2019 to allow for amendments to the elevations and internal layout alterations.  Original description of development: construction of 2 detached houses with new access to Station Rd, parking and turning space and flood compensation measures (resubmission following withdrawal of application 18/02058/FUL) at The Old Forge, Station Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UX.  Following consultation via email with Members Clerk returned the response “The Parish Council support this application now the style of the 2 properties have been amended to be more in keeping with the conservation area and the entrance to the village.”

Planning Decisions

l)      19/00101/VARY – Application to Vary Condition 2 and 4 of of 16/00057/VARY [Variation of condition 4 of approval S92/0496 to allow the use of the site as a holiday park for 11 months (11 month holiday season)] to allow the use of 9no. caravans as permanent residential units at Willow Park, Station Rd, Salford Priors, WR11 8UP – Planning Application Refused.

m)   19/01710/FUL – erection of 2 storey side extension at 3 Fern Close Cottages, Rushford, Evesham, WR11 8SL – Planning Permission Granted with Conditions

n)     19/01641/FUL – proposed garden room at Bramley House, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UU – Planning Permission Granted with Conditions

o)     19/00293/LBC – Conversion of agricultural barns to 3 dwellings; works to include removal of timber canopy and 2 metal sheds, construction of new link building, creation of gravelled courtyard, parking areas, new paths and re-surfacing of existing drive, removal of section of hedgerow and conifers on frontage along with re-grading of embankment to provide improved visibility splays at Old Dunnington Farm, Dunnington.  Consent Granted with Conditions

p)     19/00292/FUL – Conversion of agricultural barns to 3 dwellings; works to include removal of timber canopy and 2 metal sheds, construction of new link building, creation of gravelled courtyard, parking areas, new paths and re-surfacing of existing drive, removal of section of hedgerow and conifers on frontage along with re-grading of embankment to provide improved visibility splays at Old Dunnington Farm, Dunnington.  Planning Permission Granted with Conditions

q)     19/01987/COUR – Prior approval for the change of use of an agricultural building and land within its curtilage to a use within class B8 (storage or distribution) under Class R of Part 3 of the 2015 order at Dunnington Court Farm, Dunnington.  Prior Approval Granted with Conditions.

Planning Information

Application(s) reference: 19/00542/ADV

Planning Inspectorate Ref No:   APP/J3720/Z/19/3229926 – installation of two post mounted signs at land off School Rd, Salford Priors.  As this appeal is proceeding under the Commercial Appeals Service, there is no opportunity to submit further comments.

a)     CALA Homes held a meeting for residents on Thursday 15^th August.  Noted and Closed.

b)     Salford House Residence for the Retired boundary wall – Planning Enforcement have visited the site and advised that the wall is not listed either in its own right or as part of the curtilage of Salford House, although the wall does fall within the Salford Priors Conservation Area, due to the height of the wall no planning permission/prior approval is required to demolish the wall.  The owner of Salford House has advised that it is their intention to rebuild the wall to its original appearance using as much stone as possible from the dismantled wall.  This work will not require planning permission unless the wall exceeds 1m in height.  He has therefore stated there does not appear to be a breach of planning control and has closed the enforcement case accordingly. Noted and Closed.

c)      Solar light on playing field – Clerk has received 2 electrical quotes and 1 for replacing the solar panels.  To be discussed under agenda item 8b.

d)     Clerk has written to Roger Huggins, Church Warden of St Matthews Church re possible flower festival to celebrate VE Day 75. Following a meeting of the PCC they do want to be involved in the celebrations and will plan a service for Sunday 10th May as suggested in the national briefing letter.  Unfortunately, they will not be ringing the bells as they are very short of bell ringers. Communications Working Group to meet to discuss how the Parish Council can be involved with the celebrations.

e)     A report has been received the VAS on the Evesham Rd is not working.  Clerk has received notification from Traffic and Safety who have confirmed the sign is on the list for removal/repair however there is not the budget to repair/remove all signs reported.  Warwickshire County Council will first use funds to repair/replace high priority sites (such as collisions in the vicinity) and any remaining funds will be used to remove broken signs if they are causing hazards to the public. Noted and Closed.

f)      The TOPs building has recently had a leak in one of the toilets which has damaged the hardboard.  It was unanimously agreed for both the hardboard and vinyl to be replaced, with the hole in one of the toilets being repaired.  Clerk to issue order to Chris Hull.

g)     Further to the July meeting Clerk contacted CALA Homes regarding speeding lorries transporting material to the School Rd development.  She has been assured that this has now been dealt with.  Noted & Closed.

Weekly playing field inspection took place during the summer holidays with the following to report:

1.     Skate ramp is loose – Cllr Penn is keeping an eye on this.

2.     5-a-side goalpost has been moved, with the secure fixings being removed.  There has been an issue with these throughout the summer.  See minute number 9.

3.     Vandalism to the fencing in the play area – this has been repaired.

4.     Graffiti on the skate ramp – this has now been cleaned.

Report on Works Carried Out

Kompan have repaired the 10mm gap found in one of the pieces of Robinia.

c)     3 quotes were considered for a light on the TOPs building – 2 from electricians and 1 from a solar lighting company.  Cllr James proposed that both solar lights are replaced as per the specification provided by Prolectric. Cllr Shale seconded.  Unanimous approval.  It was decided to forgo obtaining 3 quotes for these works as Bidford Parish Council had recently gone through the process and appointed Prolectric for their playing field works.  Clerk to issue purchase order.

The 5-a-side goalposts have been moved and the skate park surface repaired.  There is an issue with the goal fixings the Lengthsman recommended and as such further fixings will need to be ordered.  Cllr Stedman recommended that the fixings need to have a larger diameter and longer fixings.  Clerk to order.

Outstanding works:

1.     Refurbish telephone kiosk – these works have now been started.

Future Tasks:

1.     Request Amenity Contractor to cut all verges.

2.     Letter to residents regarding overgrown hedges on School Rd from Banbrook to bus stop to be vertically cut to the edge of the pavement.  Further letter to another resident on School Rd regarding same issue.

Clerk informed Members that allotment plots 2a and 12 have now been leased, leaving allotments plots 1 and 5 still to be leased.

It was noted that Cllr Penn has cleared the gateway on AL9 and the blockage on AL16, and Clerk has reported to the PROW Team that AL4 is blocked.  Clerk to contact Angus Soft Fruits to see if they are able to help with this.

a)     Christmas Tree Switch On – This group met on 16^th September.  They confirmed that

1.     Father & Mother Christmas will be attending handing out chocolate reindeer from a grotto marquee.

2.     The usual hot food and refreshments will be available.

3.     Prizes are being sourced for both games.

4.     Tree decorations will be provided for both local schools to decorate.

5.     Local children will be singing carols.

6.     Local businesses are being approached for donations and in memory donations will be advertised for.

7.     Road closure has been requested.

A Christmas tree quote has been received with a cost estimate of £650 to provide and install a 7m tall Norway spruce tree, fitting and connecting the lights and then removing and storing of lights and anchorage equipment, also removing and disposing of the tree. Cllr Shale proposed this cost estimate is agreed in order to secure a Christmas tree with Cllr Maude seconding.  Unanimous agreement. Cllr Stedman declared an interest in the matter and took no part in the debate

b)     Communications – Cllr Pattison to arrange a meeting to discuss VE75 and update the Introduction to Salford Priors and re-print the book of walks.  To report back at October meeting.

c)     Streetlights – meeting not necessary at this time.

d)     CIL – further meeting to be arranged.  The group met recently to look at CIL payments and projects that could be associated with these monies.  The group recommended looking at:

1.     Providing speed indicator signs on all roads.

2.     Build a new TOPs building onto the playing field which will mean the current building can carry on operating until the new one is ready.

3.     To favourably consider a grant to the Cross Pathways Parish Cycleways Project

4.     To fund a Public Rights of Way person for 10 years.

Clerk is waiting to hear how much money is anticipated.  Cllr Maude proposed that the projects are agreed in principle, with Cllr Shale seconding.  Unanimous agreement.

e)     Amenity – report included in agenda pack. Sub-station landscaping quote explained. Cllrs Stedman, James & Penn left the meeting.  The following points were recommended:

1. An extension to both the amenity and planter contracts for a further year at an increase of 2.5%.  Cllr Green proposed, Cllr Shale seconded – unanimous agreement.

2.     Playing field increase of £25 per cut due to new equipment in place with effect from 1^st March 2020.  Cllr Green proposed, Cllr Maude seconded – unanimous agreement

3.     Screening to sub-station – Cllr Shale proposed the woodchips are cleared away, the ground levelled and re-seeded.  Cllr Maude seconded.  Unanimous agreement.  Clerk to contact Taylor Wimpey and Western Power with the proposals.

4.     Cllr Green proposed the purchase of a new planter opposite New Inn Lane, Abbots Salford, remove the one at Dunnington by the noticeboard and replace the planter outside The Gables, Station Rd.  Cllr Pattison seconded.  Unanimous agreement.

Cllrs Stedman, James & Penn returned to the meeting

5.     Dog bins – Following a detailed discussion, with various areas being considered, the following was proposed by Cllr Stedman, seconded by Cllr Pattison with unanimous agreement:

a)     Re-locate bin from New Inn Lane to outside 41 Bomford Way, re-locate existing bin by the Ban Brook culvert to the right-hand side of the footpath as you enter and re-locate the existing bin at the back of Angus to the zebra crossing by Angus.  This is at a cost of moving the bins by Chris Hull and the annual emptying cost at £111 pa for each bin.  It was pointed out by a Councillor that Dunnington does not have an issue with this problem and it is therefore unnecessary to provide either bins or a bag dispenser unit.

Point of Order:

Standing Order number 3(x). Due to meeting time over run it was resolved that the meeting is adjourned following the consideration of item 17 with all other matters being carried forward to the October meeting.

Matters to be considered at the October meeting:

a)     To receive report from Cllrs James & Stedman re the asset check and insurance values

b)     To receive report from Cllrs James, Penn & Stedman re Community Emergency Plan.

c)     To consider the re-siting of the bus shelter (removed from School Rd)

d)     To consider new members for the following working groups:  Christmas Switch On, Communications, CIL, Staff Appeals, TOPs Management, Memorial Hall Committee & Youth Club Committee following Paula Gordon’s resignation

e)     To consider request for a donation to UBUS

f)      To consider response to email from a resident regarding streetlighting on Evesham Rd

g)     To note a letter from BT regarding advance notice of payphone removal consultations

a)     The council gave consideration and approval of the payments listed in Appendix A.

b)     Proposed by Cllr Stedman, seconded by Cllr Pattison and agreed by all Councillors.

c)     It was agreed that Cllrs K James and Green would sign cheques for payments listed in Appendix A (Minute 22).

d)     Councillors noted the external audit report, with no queries.  This information has now been posted on the website.

The Council noted the account balances reconciled with the Lloyds Bank Current Account statement Number 14 and Deposit Account Statement 46 issued 1st September 2019 :-

Lloyds Deposit Account:   £80,670.71

Lloyds Current Account    £   2,631.82
Total Fund Balance             £83,302.53

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 16th  October 2019 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.