Silverdale Parish Council

2nd November 2015
11093 Un-confirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held in the Silverdale Institute on Monday, 2nd November 2015.
11094 Present: Chairman – T.G. (Terry) Bond, Councillors J. (John) Bennett, A.J. (Tony) Houghton, S.L. (Shirley) Mason, K. (Keith) Palmer, N. (Nigel) Ribbons, D. (David) Sandiford and P.N. (Paul) Williams, the Clerk – L.D. (Denise) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk – S.D. (Sue) Hayward, City Councillor N. (Nigel) Goodrich and five members of the public.
11095 Apologies for Absence: None.
11096 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests Relating to any Items Appearing on the Agenda
Regarding agenda item 13 (requests for funding under section 137) – it was noted that Councillor Bennett is involved with the request from St. John’s Parochial Church Council and, should the matter require a vote, he would abstain; Councillor Williams also expressed an interest in that he is a member of Friends of Silverdale Station who have applied for funding too.
11097 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday, 5th October were approved then signed by the Chairman.
11098 Receipt of Information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda
Councillor Houghton referred to: (1) item 11064, regarding mobile phone coverage, and advised that he had received a standard reply from Harlequin giving the email address for the Department for Communities and Local Government who Councillor Houghton is now in email correspondence with – they will update him on government plans to tackle mobile ‘not-spots’. In view of this, a letter has not been drafted to the local MPs; (2) item 11065, regarding overgrown vegetation, he reported that Highways seem not to have accepted responsibility and that the overgrowth is causing a serious problem for road users (including emergency vehicles). The Chairman explained that the land between two boundaries is the responsibility of Highways regardless of ownership. RESOLVED that the Chairman and Councillor Houghton draft a letter to Highways including photographs of the overgrowth and that Councillor Houghton try to get Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s help in resolving this road safety issue; (3) item 11090, regarding sewage on the shore, and advised that there is still a lot of sewage on the shore despite some having been washed away at high tide.
The Chairman referred to item 11062, regarding Ash Trees surgery, and informed that the new surgery is to be formally opened on 10th November at 12 noon. RESOLVED that Councillor Mason attend to represent the council.
The Clerk referred to (1) item 11077, regarding the Speed Indicator Device, and reported that PC Barr has submitted an application for one; (2) item 11088, regarding the Christmas trees, and informed that the library is happy to have a tree lit by solar power or battery. The Chairman added that Mr Michael Holgate has given permission for trees on the shops formerly owned by Ashtrees surgery, but not on the Royal this year. There will be a total of ten Christmas trees. It was noted that Lancashire County Council (Lancs. CC) have advised that a Seasonal Decorations Licence is not necessary after all.
Councillor Bennett referred to item 11089, regarding the electricity supply – he has contacted Mr Jonny Morgan (Electricity North West) who gave details of outages which have occurred this year. However, Councillor Bennett noted that not all outages had been logged. RESOLVED that Councillor Bennett ask for a local recorder.
11099 Matters Raised by Members of the Public for Future Consideration
1. A resident asked if there is any news about the painting of the sign at top of Bottoms Lane;
2. A query was raised regarding the capacity for electricity to be supplied to any additional dwellings in the village and, if so, how many more could be accommodated.
3. A resident reported that the large cornerstones to a wall on Red Bridge Lane appear to be unstable following a road traffic accident. Lancs. CC have advised that if the resident attempted to repair it she would be liable for obstructing the road, but they have not responded to requests to deal with it themselves.
4. A resident asked if there is any news of a mobile phone mast.
5. The problem of overgrown vegetation obstructing the road and causing problem for vehicles and cyclists was reiterated.
11100 Update from the Community Police Officer
PC Barr was not present at the meeting and his report was not available.
11101 Report from City Councillor Nigel Goodrich
Councillor Goodrich reported that: (1) he has had no success with asking Highways to deal with the overgrown vegetation, but will continue to push; (2) in connection with the Code of Conduct – he has asked Mrs Sarah Taylor, Chief Officer (Governance) for Lancaster City Council (Lancaster CC) if identity checks can be made on any person making a complaint; (3) there is some Member opposition within Lancaster CC to the proposal to build on greenfield sites in the district (there are no plans to develop on greenfield sites in Silverdale at the moment).
Members raised the issue of ‘A’ boards (used for advertising) which cause an obstruction outside various establishments and force pedestrians to walk on the road.
11102 Reports on any Meetings Attended by Members or the Clerk
1. Arnside and Silverdale AONB Executive Committee Meeting
Councillor Palmer had attended and reported that: (1) Mr Tony Riden, AONB Countryside Officer, gave an update on the Trowbarrow footpath and will send a report to the council (2) the consultation phase of the Arnside and Silverdale Development Plan Document will take place between 6th November and 18th December; drop-in exhibitions will be held, as a part of this, including one on 25th November at the Gaskell Hall from 2-7pm.; (3) nominations for the Bittern Award are requested by 1st December; (4) the annual review was circulated.
2. Silverdale Institute Committee
Councillor Houghton had attended and reported that options for the refurbishment or removal of the snooker tables are being considered – it is hoped that at least one will be kept.
3. Silverdale United Charities
Councillor Mason reported that two applications for assistance had been made and the Charites had been able to help in both cases.
11103 Planning
(1) It was noted that that the following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25a, and comments made as indicated:
15/0134/TPO 6B Lindeth Road. Fell one oak, limb reduction one oak, crown clean one oak. (E: 7/10) NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
15/0140/TPO 54 Emesgate Lane. T1 and T2 ash – fell, T4 ash – fell, T5 sycamore – re-pollard, T6 sycamore – remove branch. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
15/0141/TPO 3A The Green. T1 Beech – trimming of branches. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
15/01229/FUL 22 Cove Drive. Erection of two single storey side extensions and construction of a canopy roof to existing front porch. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS.
(2) The following planning applications were considered and comments made as indicated:
15/01118/FUL 1 Cove Road. Erection of a front porch and single storey side extension. NO PLANNING OBJECTIONS;
15/00015/HAS Hawswater Bungalow, Moss Lane. Erection of a two storey rear extension, creation of a first floor and re-cladding of entire outbuilding with construction of a balcony to form a garage with hobby/guest room. It was noted that this item is an Appeal against refusal and that this council’s original planning objections still stand.
(3) It was noted that no planning decisions had been advised by Lancaster CC.
11104 Urgent Action Taken in Accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning)
25(a) Parish Council Property and Functions
It was noted that the Clerk has ordered spare parts for the playground at a cost of £30 + VAT.
25(b) Non-Parish Council Property and Functions
It was noted that the toilet door spring has broken and that Councillor Williams had been authorised to purchase and fit a new one.
11105 Correspondence
Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted and any action determined as indicated:
a) Keer to Kent;
b) Clerk & Council’s Direct.
11106 Section 137 (Local Government Act 1972
It was noted that section 137 permits councils to incur expenditure (up to £7.36 per elector) which, in their opinion, is in the interests of, and will bring direct benefit to, their area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants. In the case of Silverdale the total permissible spend would be around £9,800 a year. RESOLVED to continue considering applications on an ad hoc basis.
It was further noted that two requests for funding under s137 have been made:
1. for the refurbishment of St. John’s Parish Room. RESOLVED to pay up to £411 for an oven, hob, sink, tap and microwave;
2. for set up funding for the Friends of Silverdale Station. RESOLVED to pay £200.
11107 Public Toilets
It was noted that two plumbers have quoted for supplying and fitting non concussive taps for the basins in the toilets: 1. Mr Tony Dunn – £48 for two taps plus £25 per tap to fit; 2. Mr Richard Salt – £100 +VAT. RESOLVED to go ahead with Mr Dunn’s quotation.

11108 Drain – Shore Road
RESOLVED to ask Highways to put a camera down the road drain on Shore Road, and beyond, to discover whose septic tank is discharging into it and map the layout of all feeds into it, as well as find ways of stopping the ‘fly-tipping’ of septic tank waste into road drains.
11109 Finance
(a) It was noted that no payments have been received since the last meeting.
(b) RESOLVED to authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
Mr A. J. Houghton (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (094)
Mrs S. Mason (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (095)
Mr N. Ribbons (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (096)
Mr P. Williams (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (097)
Mr J. Bennett (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (098)
Mr D. Sandiford (Basic Parish Allowance) £25.00 (099)
Mr T. Bond (Chairman’s Allowance) £185.00 (100)
Mr P. Williams (toilet cleaning and dog waste bags) £213.33 (101)
Mr Stefan Laws (padlock & contractor work) £196.25 (102)
Lancaster City Council (septic tank charges/toilets) £173.83 (103)
Envirocare (Contractor) £189.19 (104)
Friends of Silverdale Station (set up funding) £200.00 (105)
(c) The quarterly financial statement of accounts was noted and approved.
(d) The annual return was approved and accepted and it was noted there were no issues arising.
(e) RESOLVED not to alter the budget and precept requirement as approved at the last meeting, but to use reserves to cover the costs of ongoing refurbishment of the benches and playground.
(f) RESOLVED to authorise the clearing of Bankwell and Woodwell by the AONB at a cost of £130 + VAT each.
11110 Playground Christmas Tree
It was noted that the Chairman has the tree lights. RESOLVED to ask Mr and Mrs Wright if they are prepared to provide the electricity supply for the lights and, if so, to ask Mr Laws to put them in place.
11111 Remembrance Sunday
It was noted that all arrangements are in place and Mr John Eden will lay the wreath on behalf of the parish council.
11112 Woodland Management Committee
It was noted that the minutes of the Woodland Management Committee had been circulated and that:
1. the schedule for tree surveys will be as follows: Woodwell Lane and well area – annually; Bankwell – every three years; Burton Well Scroggs (roadside down to caravan park) – annually; Burton Well Scroggs (remainder) – every two years; Burton Well Lane (by houses) – annually; Burton Well Lane (remainder) – every three years.
In addition annual surveys can be carried out by a member of the Woodland Management Committee and the results recorded. If a tree causes concern then a formal inspection by qualified personnel will be requested [with associate costs]. A full survey will be carried out by a qualified person every three years of all areas;
2. there are several trees that require attention or felling, and some cutting back of roadside trees along Bottoms Lane is required. Draft tenders are to be drawn up and submitted to a meeting of the parish council for approving expenditure;
3. possible tasks for conservation working parties have been identified – some general clearance work at Burton Well Scroggs, plus cutback of regrowth on Burton Well Lane and Bankwell.
11113 Code of Conduct
RESOLVED that the Clerk ask LALC if there is a model Code of Conduct used by other parish councils which can be compared with the draft suggested by Mrs Taylor, Chief Officer (Governance) for Lancaster CC.
11114 Items for Information
1. Councillor Mason reported that the road name plate at the top of Gaskell Close has been damaged.
11115 Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
1. The Code of Conduct.
2. Tenders for tree felling etc.
11116 Date of Next Meeting
It was noted that the date of the next meeting is Monday, 7th December 2015. Items for the agenda and reports to reach the Clerk before Monday, 30th November.
Sue Hayward
Deputy Clerk to the Council