Silverdale Parish Council

Monday 5th September 2022
13177. CONFIRMED minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held on Monday 5th
September 2022 at 7pm at the Silverdale Village Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale.
13178. Present:
Chairman – M. Fletcher (Mike)
Vice Chairman – J. Bennett (John)
Parish Councillors – J. Ferguson (Jim), S. Higham (Sue), A. Houghton (Tony), K. Reed (Keith)
Clerk – L.D Challenor (Denise)
Deputy Clerk – K. Lambert (Katie)
13179. Apologies for Absence – Cllr T. Bond due to annual leave, Cllr E. Unsworth due to medical reasons, County
Cllr P. Williamson due to her attendance at another Parish Council meeting, City Cllr J. Greenwell due to COVID
related concerns and Police Sergeant L. Brown due to operational demands.
13180. Declarations of Members’ Interests – none
13181. Approval of the Minutes from the Previous Parish Council (PC) Meeting – The minutes of the ordinary Parish
Council meeting held at the Silverdale Village Institute on Monday 1st August 2022 were APPROVED by Cllrs and
passed to the Chairman for signing.
13182. Matters arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda – none
13183. Report of Relevant Matters from Police Sergeant (PS) L. Brown – Due to operational demands, PS Brown was
unable to supply a report this month.
13184. Matters Raised by the Public for Future Consideration – three residents attended the meeting and raised the
following:
a) Overnight road closure – signs have appeared at the railway crossing indicating overnight closures over 4
days from the 18th however no other formal notification has been published.
b) Rubbish on The Shore – the bins were overflowing over the bank holiday weekend; a complaint ought to be
raised with Lancaster City Council (LCC).
c) The Bowling Club – following the meeting an update on progress with regards the fence ought to be an
agenda item.
d) 25 Townsfield planning application – a decision has still not been reached. No further comments have been
received since the beginning of August and given the historic issues of ground water flooding at the site this
and all future developments should not be permitted.
e) Corner House development – concerns over aspects of the build contravening planning conditions.
13185. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancashire County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – none
13186. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancaster City Councillor (LCC) June Greenwell – none
13187. Verbal Reports from any Meetings of Relevance Attended by Members, or the Clerk, Circulated Before the
Meeting and Not Listed Elsewhere in the Agenda:
a) Land Registry (Cllr Bond email 23/8) – Cllr Bond has been in contact with the solicitors once again to push for
action with regards registration of land at Woodwell Lane.
b) AONB Access Group – Cllr Reed attended a zoom meeting, minutes circulated to Cllrs.
13188. Planning Matters:
a) The following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
i. 22/00040/REF – 19 Townfield (emailed 26/7) – decision appeal. No PC representations withdrawn from
the application; no additional comments were allowable.
ii. 22/00967/FUL – Agricultural Site, Red Bridge, Moss Lane (emailed 3/8) – erection of side /rear extension to
existing agricultural building to provide covered midden. No objections
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Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
iii. 22/00983/VCN – Land East of 61 Stankelt Road (emailed 7/8) – demolition of existing garage and erection
of a detached dwelling (C3) with associated driveway and landscaping, erection of a garden shed, and
installation of drainage infrastructure (pursuant to the variation of condition 2 on planning permission
22/00379/VCN to amend the plans to include a detached garden room). Support with concerns
iv. 22/00991/FUL 27 – St Johns Avenue (emailed 9/8) – demolition of existing conservatory, erection of a
two-storey rear extension and installation of windows at first floor level. Support with concerns
v. 22/00943/FUL – Croziers Croft, Moss Lane (emailed 9/8) – retrospective application for the creation of a
vehicular driveway and erection of associated fencing. – Support with no concerns
b) The following applications were considered:
i. 22/00035/REF (Appeal) – Old Waterslack Farmhouse, Waterslack Road (emailed 24/8) – change of use of
agricultural land to create extension to existing caravan site to site two additional timber lodges, alterations
to existing site to include replacement of 4 existing static caravans with timber lodges with associated
parking, hardstanding, landscaping and soakaway drainage system, installation of electric vehicle charging
points and erection of a bin store (original ref: 21/01089/FUL). Oppose for same reasons as original
objection.
ii. 22/01069/FUL – Waterslack Cottage, Waterslack Road (emailed 24/8) – erection of a single storey side and
rear extension. Support with concerns
iii. 22/01080/RCN – 35A Lindeth Road (emailed 25/8) – revised proposal for detached dwelling – siting and
garage (pursuant to the removal of condition 5 & 6 on planning permission 94/00671/FUL to allow permitted
development). Comments yet to be finalised
13189. Clerk’s Report of any Action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) Taken Under the Provisions
of Standing Order 25:
a) Website and email issues – now appear to be resolved.
b) Leaking ladies’ toilets – report received from iClean Northwest of damage to one ladies’ toilet resulting in a
leak plus an additional unknown leak in the second. Interim measures taken to close-off the damaged toilet
to the public and plumbers RE Salt & Co Ltd contacted to investigate. Cllr Ferguson will attend in the
meantime to see if the water supply can be isolated. Once RE Salt can attend, the quote for repairs to be
circulated for approval if over £200.
13190. Insurance Renewal for 2022-23 – Came and Company have yet to confirm the renewal price. Once received,
the Clerk will circulate for approval.
13191. Working Groups (WG) and Streetscape Matters:
a) Village notice boards – a supply of Cedar has now been sourced and tested for use as a pin-able surface. Cllr
Bennett is hoping for confirmation of the price later this week and once received will circulate the full
costings per board for consideration by Cllrs.
b) Emergency plan – the batteries have all been charged and a date set next week to test the generator. Once
completed and any remedial works carried out a date can be set for a full run-through.
c) SPIDS – the bracket has now been successfully moved two posts eastwards from the narrows on Stankelt
Road and results successfully downloaded.
d) Transport – the WG met on 18/8 and minutes of the meeting have been circulated to Cllrs for their
information. Items are progressing well; another meeting is being planned with the AONB and the RSPB to
discuss use of their car park during peak times and to try and allay their concerns over potential security
issues.
e) Setting up of a Community Interest Company – Cllr Unsworth has put forward a suggestion (by email) to
create a new WG to investigate the setting-up of a legal entity to attract funds for projects that would be of
benefit and to protect community assets and services for the future. As Cllr Unsworth was unable to attend
the meeting, the item will be carried forward to next month as further information is required before Cllrs
can consider.
f) Christmas decorations 2022 – due to the positive feedback received last year, Cllrs AGREED that there need
be no changes to the village decorations this year, besides ensuring the elves are even more tightly secured.
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Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
g) Neighbourhood Watch – Dr Bateman, of Emesgate Lane, is to be the new administrator taking over the lead
of the group from Cllr Higham. An advert will be in the Parish Magazine over the next couple of months to
promote the benefits of joining the WhatsApp group for the Neighbourhood Watch, which proved invaluable
in helping the emergency services respond to reports of a lost/confused person wandering through the
village last month. Cllr Higham intends to help oversee the WhatsApp group and will also be promoting it
throughout the various social media channels.
13192. Playground Matters – Cllr Bennett circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting which detailed the
following:
a) Urgent actions taken –none
b) New issues noted on the Parish Contractor’s weekly inspection reports or Lancaster City Council reports – an
independent annual inspection report, commissioned by LCC, but carried out by the Playground Inspection
Company, has now been received. All items checked at the playground were found to be at either a Low or
Very Low risk.
c) Gaps in the wetpour – recent rain has caused most of the gaps to close-up successfully; the Parish Contractor
will continue to monitor the situation.
d) Bowling Club – a meeting took place between Cllr Bennett and three members of the Bowling Club on 14/8.
It was agreed that a quote for a suitably secure fence between the Playground and Bowling Club should be
obtained for consideration by both parties.
e) Railings – work has been done to clean, prepare and where necessary repaint items in the entrance area
including, walls, railings and the double gates. The refurbished George Whittaker memorial sign has also
been refixed in place.
f) Digitalising historic deeds – Cllr Bennett has proposed getting a digital copy of all the historical documents of
the playground plus any other PC owned asset as the print shop in Carnforth now has a large-scale scanner.
Cllrs AGREED this to be a very prudent idea and costs to be obtained and circulated for consideration.
13193. Finance:
a) For the monthly check of monies, a bank statement was given to Cllr Ferguson who verified the following
receipt and balance on the Current Account:
i. £74,109.77 to be the balance on the Current Account on 30/8/22
ii. £2,694.05 from Lancaster City Council towards maintenance of the public toilets
b) The payments to the following accounts were approved and required cheques signed:
i. EDF Energy (toilets) – £16.00 BACS
ii. EDF Energy (clock) – £23.00 BACS
i. Water Plus (toilets) – £58.89 BACS
ii. J Bennett (reimbursement playground expenses) – £9.90 CHQ: 622376
iii. Great Oaks Tree Services (contractor £1,038 + £295.20) – £1,333.20 CHQ: 622377
iv. PKF Littlejohn LLP (external accountant) – £360.00 CHQ: 622379
v. iClean Northwest Ltd (toilet contractor x3 mths) – £1,037.40 CHQ: 622382
vi. L. D. Challenor (reimbursement for payment to UKhost4U for PC domain name 2yr renewal) – £119.99
CHQ: 622383 (correction to Agenda)
c) 2022/23 budget precept request – Costs will be incurred for the maintenance of the defibrillators and
installation of additional units, circa £300. Additional hours for the Parish Contractor to keep on top of
cleanliness around the village and refurbishment of the public toilets, starting with the installation of more
robust furniture designed for public use, circa £6,000.
d) External audit – has now been approved and the annual Governance and Accountability Return is available
for inspection by any local government elector of Silverdale on application to the Clerk. Details can also be
found on the Parish website.
e) SAAA central external auditor appointment arrangements – Cllrs AGREED to the continuation of the SAAA to
arrange the external auditor for the Parish Council for the next 5 years.
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Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
13194. Correspondence – receipt of the following items of correspondence were noted:
a) South Lakeland District Council weekly update (emailed 28/7, 3/8, 10/8, 17/8 & 24/8).
b) A resident writes to ask for an update regarding the condition and safety of the Parish Council tree which
caused damage during the storm last November (emailed 27/7). The Clerk to inform resident that the tree is
to be included in our imminent tree inspection survey by an external specialist and that Cllr Bond will
respond in due course once the report and findings have been reviewed.
c) Rural Bulletin (emailed 2/8 & 24/8).
d) A complaint about water from Corner House at Woodwell creating flooding and some other planning issues
(emailed to Cllrs. 2/8, second email on 18/8). Appropriate contacts have been made and the PC await their
response.
e) Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service seeks the Councils views on proposals for emergency cover over the next
three years (emailed 9/8). Cllr Houghton has responded to the request.
f) Charity Commission news (11/8).
g) Morecambe Bay Partnership news (emailed 12/8).
h) Parish online news. (emailed 12/8).
i) LANPAC, a collaboration between Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Businesses and Public Services to
reduce levels of crime and disorder across the county, seeks our membership for a fee (emailed 14/8).
Whilst fee not specified, given low crime rate, PC would not be looking to join.
j) Lancashire County Council Speed Management team write about incorrectly placed banners and stickers
causing hazards, and request more consideration is given when siting (emailed 20/8).
k) Information about the Lancaster District Community Hub which can give advice and help to residents in need
at this difficult time. For more information visit https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/community-hub
(emailed 25/8).
13195. Cllr. Elections 2023 – Cllr Unsworth is currently preparing an article for the Parish Magazine which will be
circulated to Cllrs for consideration. In addition, notices to be put up on the notice boards and website along with a
copy of the responsibilities of a Parish Councillor.
13196. Remembrance Day Service Arrangements – Cllrs AGREED for Cllr Ferguson to approach M. Humphries to
play The Last Post, Cllr Fletcher to confirm the service details with Revd. Mary Ashton and the Clerk to purchase two
poppy wreaths from the British Legion for their suggested donation.
13197. Clearance of Woodwell and Bankwell – As AONB have historically managed, Cllr Fletcher to liaise with AONB,
once clarification from Came and Company as to their preferred depth and circulate any updates.
13198. Items for Information:
a) An application has been submitted to opt-in to Lancashire County Council’s biodiversity initiative for a grant
of £300 to carry out small scale projects that will give a boost to nature in their area. The grant is available
annually for potential uses such as the installation or creation of nest boxes, bat boxes, communal gardens,
‘living walls’, pollinator nest sites, wildflower areas and ponds.
b) Still awaiting a £500 grant from Lancashire County Council towards the annual upkeep of public rights of
way.
13199. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items:
a) Review of the Toilet Tender documents
b) Preparations for Parish Cllr elections 2023
c) Community interest company (benefits / implications)
13200. Date and Time of Next Parish Council Meeting – Date of the next ordinary Parish Council meeting is Monday
3rd October 2022. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Tuesday 27th September 2022

SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL

Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend a
Parish Council Meeting on 5th September 2022 at 7.00pm, to he held in The Institute on Spring Bank, Silverdale, for the purposes of the following Agenda:

AGENDA

1. To receive apologies for absence.

2. To receive declarations of Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

3. To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 1st August 2022.

4. To receive information about matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings, not covered by the Agenda.

5. To receive a Police report if available.

6. To hear matters raised by Members of the Public for future consideration. Note: Members of the Council are not permitted to respond, except to ask questions for the purposes of clarification only.

7 To receive a report of any relevant matters by City Councillor June Greenwell.

8 To receive a report of any relevant matters by County Cllr. Phillippa Williamson.

9 To receive verbal reports from any meetings attended by Members, or the Clerk (verbal reports are only acceptable where no decision, or action, is required).
• An emailed report from Cllr. Bond regarding trees and land registry. (24/8/22)

10 Planning Matters:
a) To note that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 22/00040/REF 19 Townfield. Appeal. No comments invited. (26/7/22)
• 22/00967/FUL Agricultural Site, Red Bridge, Moss Lane. Erection of side /rear extension to existing agricultural building to provide covered midden. – No objections.
• 22/00983/VCN Land East Of 61 Stankelt Road. Proposal : Demolition of existing garage and erection of a detached dwelling (C3) with associated driveway and landscaping, erection of a garden shed, and installation of drainage infrastructure (pursuant to the variation of condition 2 on planning permission 22/00379/VCN to amend the plans to include a detached garden room) (Emailed 7/8/22) -Support with concerns,13/8/22.
• 22/00991/FUL 27 St Johns Avenue. Proposal : Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of a two storey rear extension and installation of windows at first floor level. (Emailed 9/8/22) Support with concerns, 13/8/22.
• 22/00943/FUL Croziers Croft, Moss Lane. Proposal : Retrospective application for the creation of a vehicular driveway and erection of associated fencing. (Emailed 9/8/22) – Acceptable without conditions, 13/8/22.
b) To consider the following Planning applications:
• Appeal Ref: 22/00035/REF Old Waterslack Farmhouse, Waterslack Road. Appeal re: Change of use of agricultural land to create extension to existing caravan site to site 2 additional timber lodges, alterations to existing site to include replacement of 4 existing static caravans with timber lodges with associated parking, hardstanding, landscaping and soakaway drainage system, installation of electric vehicle charging points and erection of a bin store. Original Ref. 21/01089/FUL (Emailed 24/8/22)
• 22/01069/FUL Waterslack Cottage, Waterslack Road. Proposal : Erection of a single storey side and rear extension. (Emailed 24/8/22)
• 22/01080/RCN 35A Lindeth Road. Revised proposal for detached dwelling – siting and new garage (pursuant to the removal of condition 5 & 6 on planning permission 94/00671/FUL to allow permitted development). (Emailed 25/8/22)

11 To receive the Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• Problems with website and email issues – hopefully solved.

12 Insurance. To approve the insurance cover for 2022-23 through Came and Company.

13 Working Groups & Streetscape Matters (except Playground)
n.b. Action can only be authorised if a report has been provided to Council by 27th August.
a) Noticeboards. To update on the acquisition of a suitable pinboard for the noticeboards and authorise the ordering of them if acceptable.
b) Emergency Plan. To update on preparations for the winter and arrange to further the works if necessary.
c) Spids confirm the new location for the narrows on Stankelt Road.
d) Transport. To Consider the notes of Transport group meeting circulated on 28/8/22 and to suitably address any issues. To confirm the response sent on 22nd August to Eddie Mills regarding street signs. (His email circulated 5/8/22)
e) To consider the benefits of setting up a community based group to raise money for improvements in the village. (See email of 19/9/22)
f) To decide on Christmas decorations for the village.
g) To update on the change of the Neighbourhood watch leader and the way the group communications are developing. (See email of 24/8/22)

14 Playground – To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections.
• To consider scanning and saving historical records of the playground and other pieces of land to hold with paper documents for Council. Some documents are large and therefore will need a suitable machine.

15 Finance
(a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council (bank statements to be inspected by a Member who is not a Bank Signatory, or more than one such Member) and record the sum held in the current account on 30/8/22 as £74109.77
• Received from L City C. £2694.05 towards maintenance of the public toilets.

(b) To authorise payments and sign cheques for the following accounts:
• EDF, toilets, £16, bacs
• EDF, clock, £23 bacs
• Waterplus, toilets, £58.89 bacs
• J Bennett, reimbursement/play’d materials, £9.90 cheque
• Great Oaks, Playground contractor, £1038 + £295.20 = 1333.20 cheque
• D Challenor, reimbursement/card pay’t, UKhost4U, domain name for 2 yrs, £199.99
• PKF Littlejohn LLP, external accountant, £360 cheque
• Came & Company, insurance, £1325.16* cheque (not yet confirmed price)

(c) To consider the 2022-2023 funding required for projects additional to the general expenditures and additional to the Annual costs of running the Council; to be taken into account for the budget/precept request.
• defib cases?
• Village Directory 2023?

(e) To note the External Audit has been approved and the Annual governance and Accountability Return is available for inspection by any local government elector of Silverdale on application to the Clerk. Details are also on the Parish Council website.

To consider the option to opt out of the SAAA central external auditor appointment arrangements for the next 5 years. (Explained in email of 24/8/22)

16 Correspondence
To consider the following items of correspondence received since the last meeting and to determine what, if any, action should be taken:
a) SLDC weekly update emailed 28/7, 3/8, 10/8,17/8, 24/8/22.
b) A resident writes to ask for an update regarding the condition and safety of the Parish Council tree which caused damage through the storm last November. (See email of 27/7/22)
c) Rural Bulletin. (Emailed 2/8 & 24/8/22)
d) A complaint about water from Corner House, Woodwell creating flooding and some other planning issues. (Emailed to Cllrs. 2/8/22) Second email on 18/8/22) – appropriate contacts been made.
e) Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service seeks the Councils views on proposals for emergency cover over the next three years. (Emailed 9/8/22)
f) Charity Commission News. (11/8/22)
g) Morecambe Bay Partnership News. (Emailed 12/8/22)
h) Parish Online News. (Emailed 12/8/22)
i) LANPAC, a unique collaboration between Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Businesses and Public Services which work together to reduce levels of crime and disorder across the county, seeks our membership for a fee.(Emailed 14/8/22).
j) L County C Speed Management Team write about incorrectly placed banners and stickers causing hazards and request more consideration is given when placing them – in fact, permission should be sought from the owner of the property. (Emailed 20/8/22)
k) Information about the Lancaster District Community Hub which can give advice and help to residents in need at this difficult time. Visit https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/community-hub (Emailed 25/8/22)

17 To discuss what could be done to encourage residents to apply to become a Councillor at the next Elections in May 2023.

18 To discuss arrangements for Remembrance Day.
19 To discuss the clearance of Woodwell and Bankwell and authorise any expenditure.
20 To note any “Items for Information” (no decisions or action permitted)
21 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.
• Set the meeting dates – November.
• Review of the Toilet Tender documents.

22 To note that the date of the next meeting is 3rd October 2022. Items for the agenda and copies of reports, to reach the Clerk before 27th September.
Signed:

Denise Challenor, Clerk to the Council Tel. 01524 761824