Silverdale Parish Council

2nd September 2013
10438 Un-confirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 2nd September 2013.
10439 Present: Chairman – Councillor T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors H.M.E. (Harriet) Bradfield, A.J. (Tony) Houghton, N. (Nigel) Ribbons, P.N. (Paul) Williams and A. (Angela) Woods, City Councillor K. (Kath) Graham, the Clerk L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk – S.D. (Sue) Hayward and 10 members of the public.
10440 Apologies for Absence: Councillors S.L. (Shirley) Mason and K. (Keith) Palmer.
10441 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
Councillor Williams expressed an interest in agenda item 10 in that he is employed (as a member of the public) to clean the toilets.
10442 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday, 5th August were amended as follows: item 10422 (1) “ Jean Nelson of Lancashire County Council…”; item 10422 (4) “the dog waste bag dispenser” and item 10424 “RESOLVED to ask PC Marsh if someone had informed him about the setting of rat traps…”; the Minutes were then approved and signed by the Chairman.
10443 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
Councillor Houghton referred to: (1) item 10180, regarding health and safety issues raised by the Probation Service in connection with the painting of railings, and he reported that railings have been painted at Yealand Storrs without the use of temporary traffic lights under the Community Payback Scheme; (2) item 10363, regarding sight-lines at the junction of Hollins Lane and Slackwood, and noted that both the protrusion of notices on the fence and the undergrowth on the landowner’s side of the fence both cause a problem with visibility. RESOLVED that the Clerk contact Highways for advice on this.
The Clerk referred to item 10422, regarding the woodchip for the playground, and advised that the grant given by Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC) will have to be returned due to “double funding” [the funding for the woodchip will now come from the Silverdale Children’s Playground Charity].
The Chairman referred to: (1) item 10422, regarding the notice board to the playground, and noted that this has now been fitted; (2) item 10425, regarding Superfast Broadband, and advised that he saw Mr David Morris MP who had been unaware of the delay until updated by himself; (3) item 10428, regarding the seat which was donated in memory of Mr Hartley, and reported that he has received a further complaint from Mrs Hartley following the re-painting of the seat. RESOLVED that the Chairman phone Mrs Hartley to explain that no further action will be taken; (4) item 10433, regarding a toposcope, and advised that the National Trust is happy for one to be installed by the “Pepper Pot” subject to approving the design; (5) item 10434, regarding Burton Well Scroggs, and advised that a professional contractor will spray the cotoneaster in November; this Council will set up a working party to deal with the snowberry – approximately half of which will be removed by hand (it will not be sprayed).
Members referred to item 10436, regarding the new fence at Quicksand Pool Bridge, and noted that the RSPB ditch has been widened and cleared and the debris has been piled against the fence (which might be the reason why the fence was erected).
10444 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
Members of the public raised the following matters:
1. there were a number of objections about the planning application for 55 Stankelt Road including a perception that the site will be over-developed and concerns that there will be: parking difficulties due to an increase in traffic; problems with rain water run-off due to additional hard surfaces; a negative visual impact on anyone driving into the village; a detrimental effect on the trees in the area (in particular the beech tree at 55 Stankelt Road); increased noise and light pollution which might have an effect on bird and bat life and the possibility of more planning applications for new dwellings from property owners with large gardens;
2. road signage and the need to keep this under review following the introduction of the 20mph limit;
3. the treatment of the snowberry at Burton Well Scroggs which, although, non-native is well established and considered to be an attractive plant. The resident concerned was pleased to hear that this will not be sprayed and volunteered to help with clearing Burton Well Scroggs;
4. the 20 mph zone and lack of observation of this speed limit by drivers. The resident suggested that sleeping policemen be considered to reduce speed;
5. a representative from Silverdale Youth Group thanked the Parish Council for their support and for funding the goal posts on the Institute field. He mentioned a number of issues he has with the Silverdale Institute committee and there was some debate regarding those issues;
6. an article about the goal posts on the Institute field written by Mr Terry Bond and published in the parish magazine;
7. the limited length of time available for individual members of the public to speak at parish council meetings and the lack of opportunity for discussion.
10445 Update from the Community Police Officer
PC Marsh was not present at the meeting and his report was not available.
10446 Report from County Councillor Alycia James
Councillor James was not present at the meeting and her report was not available. The Clerk reported that she has had problems sending communications to Councillor James’ e mail address and so has sent them to her via Lancs. CC. Councillor Graham suggested an alternative e mail address for Councillor James and advised copying e mails to the Leader at Lancs. CC.
10446 Report from City Councillor Kath Graham
Councillor Graham advised that she had nothing to report.
Councillor Williams asked if the new campsite at Moss Lane requires planning consent.
10447 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members or the Clerk
The Chairman reported that he met Mr Maurice Brophy, Policy and Housing Manager (Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC)) last month and that he [the Chairman] has a map of Silverdale showing all the sites currently being considered for development by Lancaster CC. There will be further public consultation on these sites once a cohesive plan with the AONB has been completed.
10448 Public Toilets
RESOLVED that:
1. Mr Williams be paid £10 an hour to rod the toilets as and when they require unblocking and that the Clerk should be notified whenever rodding is necessary;
2. the Clerk find out the cost of a camera survey of the drains (a stretch of approximately 10 metres) in an attempt to ascertain why there is a recurring problem.
10449 Train Service
It was noted that there will be changes to the local train service in 2016. RESOLVED that Councillor Williams submit the article produced by the Furness Line Action Group for publication in the parish magazine to raise awareness.
10450 Planning
(1) It was noted that the following planning application had been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25a:
13/00791/LB 19 Shore Road. Listed building application for re-roofing and replacement windows to the rear. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
(2) The following planning applications were considered and comments made as indicated:
13/00759/OUT Silverdale Golf Club. Erection of 2 new semi-detached dwellings with associated gardens and car parking. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
13/00828/FUL 55 Stankelt Road. Erection of 4 bed dwelling and garage in the garden and a replacement garage for the existing dwelling.
PLANNING OBJECTIONS on the following grounds:
1. current vehicular access is via the existing garage onto Bottoms Lane. The vehicular access on the dangerous corner onto Stankelt Road is not currently used by the owner. The proposed division of the property would mean this access will be used more frequently. It is dangerous! Provision of sight-line features would be difficult;
2. the beech tree on the south side of the property is a grand specimen and should be protected. It would be damaged by the proposed new drainage system and provision of sight-lines;
3. the proposed development is visually intrusive. It is situated on land higher than surrounding properties and will also affect the view from and of nearby listed properties. This is the oldest part of the village and the historic character should be retained;
4. the proposed drainage system is on the highest part of the land. Land on the rest of the property and surrounding properties will be affected by soak-away waste. The height difference is 3 metres;
5. this is “backland” development and is against policy. Concern that a future application for development in the garden of the remaining 55 Stankelt Road site could result in more traffic issues;
6. Bottoms Lane is a narrow lane, increased parking will be the result of this development. The layout of the highways at this junction means it is already a dangerous corner;
7. clarification is required regarding the proposed boundary with 55 as it seems that one house has two garages.
This Council recommends that the site be visited.
(3) It was noted that no decisions had been notified by Lancaster CC.
10451 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
25 (a) Parish Council Property and Functions
It was noted that:
1. the Clerk has asked Mr Stefan Laws to strim the brambles round the playing field after harvest time as a part of his contract;
2. Playdale has quoted £739.20 to repair the zip wire and spring seat and can carry out the work during week commencing 16th September;
3. one of the sanitary bins in the public toilets has been vandalized – the police need more details for it to be recorded as a crime.
25(b) Non-Parish Council Property and Functions.
None.
10452 2014 Meeting Dates
It was noted that the 2014 meeting dates have been circulated; RESOLVED to agree the dates and publish them on the Council’s website.
10453 Finance
(a) It was noted that no money had been received by the Council since the last meeting.
(b) RESOLVED to authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
Mr Paul Williams (toilet cleaning) £200.00 (852)
Envirocare (contractor work) £277.20 (853)
Mr Stefan Laws (Parish Contractor) £166.25 (854)
United Utilities (water for toilets) £366.94 (855)
10454 Notice Board
RESOLVED that Members consider the design of and materials for a new notice board on the butcher’s wall with a view to commissioning one.
10455 Commemoration of the Great War and a History Weekend
The Chairman put forward a number of suggestions for events to commemorate the centenary of the Great War, some of which would be in conjunction with Silverdale library, and also a ‘history weekend’. RESOLVED that this Council pay for the cost of hiring the Gaskell Hall for a talk on “Silverdale’s War Dead” by a local historian in November 2014 and 2 full days for the history weekend (in September or October 2014).
10456 Playground
RESOLVED to authorise the repair costs of the broken spring seat and the replacement zip-wire in the children’s playground totalling £739.20.
10457 Correspondence
Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
a) the Chairman of the Institute Committee writes to clarify the Committee’s role and responsibility regarding the Institute buildings and field;
b) a request to add a link on to Silverdale Parish Council’s website giving traffic news. RESOLVED not to do this;
c) response regarding Superfast Broadband from the Lancashire Superfast Programme Office. RESOLVED that this Council respond to ask again why the schedule is behind and why this Council was not notified and to ask to see an example of what the copper cabinets will look like and where they will go;
d) Arnside and Silverdale AONB poster;
e) Lune Valley Rural Housing Association Ltd Financial Statements – to March 2013;
f) promotion of the campaign to reopen the Skipton-Colne railway line.
10458 Items for Information
1. Councillor Williams advised that the dog waste bag dispenser at The Lots is broken and is with him pending repair.
2. The Clerk reported that this Council’s insurance is due on 1st October (the third year of a 3 year contract) and that the insurance company has advised that the renewal premium can be reduced if this Council enters into another 3 year contract now.
10459 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
1. The new fence by the track to the RSPB hide at Quicksand Pool Bridge which restricts access for visitors with larger vehicles. (Councillor Houghton)
2. Parking problems during the Arnside and Silverdale Art Trail weekend/ introduction of a ‘park and ride’ scheme? (All)
10460 Date of the Next Meeting
It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Monday, 7th October 2013. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Thursday, 26th September.
Sue D. Hayward, Deputy Clerk to the Council