MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2001 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor G.N. St J. Penney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.M. Carroll, J.L.V. Blundell, B.P. Jones,
E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, W.J. Morris, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Bedell.

2. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 13TH NOVEMBER 2001:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 13th November, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Whittall, seconded by Cllr Carroll, approved and signed by The Mayor.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
a) Cllrs Blundell and Whittall declared an interest on items 7 and 21.
b) Cllr Blundell declared an interest on item 6e.
c) The Mayor declared an interest on item 6c and Cllr Magill on item 6f.
d), e) and f) None.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 9: Following the success of the Farmers Market another has been arranged for Sunday 16th December and during 2002 they will be held on the third Saturday of each month, with the Flea Markets being held on the first Saturday of each month. Cllr Carroll and The Clerk met with Environmental Health Officers from SSDC to discuss the Farmers Market. Following a discussion and inspection of the premises they are satisfied there appears to be no breach of regulations. Recommendations for minor improvements to the hot water heater in the kitchen were made and they will be visiting the Town Hall on the 16th to talk to stall holders. Cllr Whittall proposed the Clerk puts in hand arrangements for the necessary work on the water heater, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
The Clerk had been asked to look at the cost of a banner to go across the street at the Boar's Head crossroads. One price has been received and a second was due today, but has not arrived. The Mayor proposed that a order is made to the lower price of the two, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

Item 12: Mr Pahl, Chairman of the Community Forum has suggested that members of the B.C. and District Community Forum Steering Committee should meet a group of the Town Council for the purpose of considering ways in which the Forum might complement the Council's activities in the future. Cllr Wright proposed that it would be useful for the Town Council to meet with the Steering Group, seconded by Cllr Carroll. Cllr Blundell proposed an amendment that a Council representative attends the next meeting of the Steering Group, who can report back to the Council, seconded by The Mayor. The proposition was carried.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.
6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/01/12813/F Planning Permission (full) for Erection of dwelling (delegated matter). Plot to the rear of Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. A.D. Buy. Cllr Carroll felt that a single storey dwelling in the centre of the site would be more appropriate. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Council should object to this application on the grounds that it is infill of back land and overdevelopment, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved.
b) 1/01/12827/LB Listed Building Consent. Alteration to dwelling (delegated mater). Unicorn House, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. J. Raney. Cllr Whittall proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
c) 1/01/12842/F Planning Permission (full). Erection of extensions to surgery. (Delegated Matter). Bishop's Castle Medical Practice, School Lane, Bishop's Castle. The Deputy Mayor took the Chair whilst this was considered, the Mayor having declared a non-pecuniary interest. Cllr Whittall proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.
d) 1/01/12765/F Planning Permission (full) and 1/01/12767/CA Conservation Area Consent. Erection of two dwellings and domestic garages, works to include demolition of building. Former Bakery, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr R. Sidebottom, Hillend Farm, Mainstone, Bishop's Castle. Letter of objection read from Mr and Mrs Oakley. It was felt the proposed building is too large and too high for the site. Cllr Wright proposed that although there is no objection to the demolition of the Bakery, the Council objects to the building on the grounds of its size and height, particularly as this is an elevated site this would be overdevelopment. Seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved.
e) 1/01/12833/LB Listed Building Consent and 1/01/12832/F Planning Permission (full) for alterations to Public House. Six Bells Brewery, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Whittall proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
f) 1/01/12845/F Planning Permission (full). Erection of extension to dwelling. 32, Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr M. Evans. Cllr Jones proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
g) 1/01/12834/0 Outline Planning Permission for Renewal of Outline Planning Permission No 1/08365/0 dated 19.2.99, erection of 40 dwellings with link road and formation of vehicular accesses (committee matter). Off Welsh Street and Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle) Ltd. It was felt this is not a renewal, it is clearly a total change of lay-out of the road and houses and a change in the nature of the development. Cllr Wright proposed that although there is no objection to the road lay-out the Council objects to the application, which appears to be a totally new plan, which has moved away from the nature of the original scheme. As this is such a prominent site it is requested that a meeting be held between the Planning Officers, Developer and Town Council. Seconded by Cllr Carroll. Cllr Blundell proposed an amendment that there is no objection, as the road lay-out is an improvement and as it is only out-line permission, there will be the opportunity to consider individual dwellings when an application is made, seconded by Cllr Morris. There were 4 votes for the amendment, 5 votes for the proposition, which was thereby approved.
h) 1/01/12802/F Planning Permission (full) and 1/01/12803/CA Conservation Area Consent for erection of an office building on site of existing barn to be demolished. Re-advertised amended heading. Barn to the rear of 5-7 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (Bishop's Castle). Cll Blundell proposed that if the barn is to be demolished then the Council should object to the application unless the new building is sited a little further north, away from the proposed estate road and providing adequate parking area is provided for staff and visitors, seconded by Cllr Morris. Motion carried by five votes with three votes against.

i) The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/01/12763/F Planning Permission granted for erection of extension to dwelling. The View, Cabin, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Millard.
2) 1/01/12694/F Refusal of Planning Permission for two dwellings for use as holiday accommodation at Hollenbough, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs B. Jones. Cllr Blundell agreed to contact Mr Jones before the next meeting to enquire about his proposals for replanting the hedge, which had been removed prior to the application being made.
3) 1/01/12657/F Planning Permission approved for change of use agricultural building to farm shop, and alteration to existing vehicular acsess. The Wintles Farm, Bishop's Castle. Messrs F.T. Bedell & Son.
j) Parish Plans: The SAPTC is holding a Parish Plans event tomorrow, 12th December at 6.30 pm at the Barnabas Centre, Shrewsbury, details of which had been circulated with the Agenda. No-one was able to attend.
k) Internally illuminated signs in the Town: Letter read from Mr Richards, Conservation Officer advising that he is not the most appropriate person to advise on matters of signage. Mr Caird has offered to meeting Councillors to discuss and advise the various parameters which are applied to signage. It was proposed that The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Whittall arrange to meet Mr Caird. ACTION MAYOR, DEPUTY & CLLR WHITTALL
l) Response times for consultation on planning applications: Until January 2001 21 days was the standard time allowed for responses on planning applications by Town and Parish Councils. In January this period was increased to 28 days as part of the new procedures for the delegation of some decisions to Officers. The Council has resolved that, from January 2002 the period for responses will revert to 21 days for most applications. There is be no change to the arrangements for responses required within 14 days on application types for which the statutory determination time is short. Cllr Morris proposed the Council reverts to the method used prior to January, which is that plans needing responses before the next Council meeting are seen by The Mayor or Deputy and two Councillors. If a Special meeting is deemed necessary then one is called, otherwise a response of no objection will be made, this proposition was seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.

7. ACCOUNTS:
In addition to the invoices listed on the Agenda the following invoices have been received:
NPower - Town Hall - £83.46
Andrew Wallace - Street Cleaning - £16.40
S.C.C. - Photocopying - £8.28
Cllr Carroll proposed that all accounts presented are approved for payment, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.

A letter from Lesley Bruton, Revenue Accountant, SSDC has been received. The DC is preparing its Revenue Estimates for 2002/2003 prior to the calculation of the Council Tax which will be levied next April and are requesting details of the Council's precept requirement by 11th January 2002. It was proposed this is considered at the January meeting of the Council. The Clerk was asked to circulate as much financial information with the Agenda for the meeting that is available. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

8. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ETHICAL FRAMEWORK - PART III LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2000:
The Clerk reported that correspondence has been received from various sources: Mr Richard Thomas, S.S.D.C., Mr Tony Holland, Chair, the Standards Board for England, Mr Ian Ridgeway, S.C.C., Ms K. Roper, Secretary, SAPTC, and DTLR. The New Model Code relating to Parish and Town Councils has been published by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions and came into effect on 27th November 2001. Every Town and Parish Council must adopt their own local Code of Conduct, incorporatiang at the very least the mandatory provisions of the Model Code, no later than 5th May 2002. Failure to sign up to the Code within 2 months of 5th May 2002 will disqualify any councillor from continuing in office. Mr Thomas has requested information regarding the records of pecuniary or other interest, the Code of Practice and a copy of recent Agenda and Minutes. Each Councillor was given a copy of a quick guide to the new rules of conduct for members which was received from the Standards Board for England. The Clerk suggested that all correspondence was circulated to Councillors and this is on the Agenda for the next meeting. In the meantime information requested would be sent to Mr Thomas. CIRCULATE - AGENDA NEXT MEETING

9. FUTURE MAINTENACE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCES:
Letter read from Mr Biggs, advising that the DC has given further consideration to its initial proposal to close all of the public conveniences in its ownership/control as a result of the budget consultation, which saw 55% of people saying they were prepared to pay a greater increase in Council Tax than proposed for the purpose of keeping the public conveniences open. The Council has resolved to keep open one block in each Parish/Town, with the exception of Ludlow, where two blocks will be kept open. The Town Council is given the opportunity to express which block is to be closed. It was felt that as the Town Hall toilets do not have disabled access the block in the Auction Yard would need to be retained. However, Cllr Wright proposed that we do not accept the closure of either. Farming has suffered due to Foot and Mouth and as the Town is trying to build on Tourism both sets of public conveniences are needed. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. TOWN HALL - REPORT ON PROGRESS:
The Mayor reported that he and the Clerk have met two Architects, Mr Newall and Mr Wheatley and both have made informal suggestions about the building and possible funding. We are still awaiting a date when Mr Ratcliff can visit, if this is not before the end of the year a decision will need to be made which of the two seen is the most suitable. No expense has so far been incurred by the Council and any expense will be subject to formal agreement.

11. REGULATING STREET TRADING:
Mr Proctor, Licensing Administration Officer has responded to our request for advice regarding street trading. This detailed the action that would need to be taken should the Council wish to implement the control of street trading within the Town. Concern was expressed about the trading that takes place during events such as the Michaelmas Fair and the Christmas Lights Festive. Cllr Carroll felt that as a Charter Town there are different regulations to us. The Mayor proposed the Council set in motion arrangements to restrict street trading providing it does not make it impossible to trade at the existing fairs, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - REPORT: DECRIMINALISATION OF ON-STREET PARKING:
Letter read from Linda Chambers, Director of Central Services, SSDC summarising what is involved in decriminalising parking. This would effectively mean that parking enforement ceases to be a police responsibility, and becomes the responsibility of the Local Traffic Authority - the S.C.C. Parking offences, with certain exceptions are 'decriminalised' and therefore enforced as civil contraventions. The County Council can appoint the District Council to take on this role on its behalf. If 'decriminalisation' is pursued then it would apply to the whole district, not certain parts of it. Parking attendants are employed to enforce parking restrictions, issuing 'Penalty Charge Notices' to vehicles which contravene these restrictions. These PCNs are civil debts, due to the local authority and enforceable throught the normal civil debt recovery process. Cllr Blundell proposed the Council should not support this, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

13. MR HUNT, HEADMASTER OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
The Mayor welcomes Mr Hunt to the meeting to discuss three items which have been considered recently.
Skateboarding: Mr Hunt advised skateboarding on Community College grounds has had to be stopped because of the difficulty of insurance with any unsupervised activities on College grounds. The possibility of using an existing tarmac area at the Community College may be possible if the issue of Insurance could be sorted. The Clerk has contacted Zurich Municipal who require further information before they can confirm that the Council Public Liability Insurance can be extended. The cost of using an area already hard surfaced would obviously make this a cheaper option and funding would only need to be raised for the purchase of equipment needed and maintenance thereof. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council accepts in principal the extension of the existing Public Liabilirty Insurance and this is taken forward to discuss in more detail with Mr Hunt and Mr Proctor. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
Response to letter to Parents from Mayor and Headmaster: The responses to the letter sent to parents jointly from the Mayor and Headmaster seeking views about what young people can do out of school hours have been analysed. By a large majority the request was for a regular facility/cafe where young people can meet and socialise. The question of where, how and by whom need to be considered, the Headmaster indicated he would be willing, subject to several provisos to consider having some where on Community College grounds, although other avenues should also be investigated. Further work is to be done and contact will be made with the various youth services that cover this area. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Council supports this idea as there are few amenities in the Town for this age group, seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.
Twinning: At a meeting at the Community College on 29th November there was keen interest in establishing links with St Marcel in France. A committee has been set up, of which the Mayor is a member and it is clearly understood that no money will be expected from Council funds. A group visit is planned for nine days in March, when 39 students, 3 teachers and 8 members of the community will be visiting St Marcel. It is expected there will be a return visit in June or July. The Mayor proposed the Council supports twinning providing there is no financial burden on the rate payers, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

14. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION:
Letter from Mr McCaul was read to the Council, apologising for not responding to our request of the 20th July and suggesting an informal meeting to discuss the issue of Corricks Rise, attended by one or two members of the Town Council, the Clerk, P.C. Weaver and/or Barratt, Mr M. Holland and himself. It was thought best not to involve the residents at this particular stage. The Council proposed this offer is welcomed and we offer use of the Town Hall. The Clerk will contact the Police to enquire what the best time to hold such a meeting would be. ACTION TOWN CLERK

15. FLOODING AND DRAINAGE:
As requested at the previous meeting, letters had been written to the various authorities. To date no response has been received.

16. CIVIC AWARDS:
There are a large number of people who are involved in voluntary work in the Town and Cllr Blundell felt it would be nice to publically acknowledge appreciation by way of some sort of Civic Award. He suggested that it may be an appropriate gesture to give out, perhaps at the Annual Council Meeting, a Civic Award or Awards to people who had made a valuable contribution to the Town or its residents. Cllr Blundell proposed this is on the Agenda for discussion at February's Council meeting in order that Councillors can consider. AGENDA FEBRUARY

17. PARKING FOR PUBLIC EVENTS:
During the Christmas Lights Festival there was a much larger number of vehicles than organisers had anticipated and the Playing Field was opened up as an emergency parking area. There was no objection to this, but had it been a wet Autumn the Playing Field would not have been suitable. It was felt there it is important that a flat field on the outskirts of Town is found that can be used in such circumstances. The Mayor proposed that at the meeting when a public event is announced discussion as to parking takes place. Seconded by Cllr Jones and approved.

18. LOCAL SUPPORTING PEOPLE LIAISON GROUP:
The Supporting People programme is a new system for the planning, monitoring and funding of housing related support services which will be introduced from 1st April 2002. Supporting People will not replace Care in the Community, is intended to complement existing care services by providing a lower level of practical support to people in their own homes. It is a working partnership between Housing, Social Services, Health and Probation, in close consultation with service users and the voluntary sector. The introduction of this Initiative is being taken forward both at County and local level through local, Disrict Level Implementation Groups. Cllr Ralph Walker is the SSDC elected member on the Local Supporting People Liaison Group.
The Mayor read an item from Steve Price reporting that the Social Policy Committee at the meeting on 13th November looked at the extent of housing support needs within the District. Councils are requested to make Steve Price aware of any evidence of need so that it can be assessed. Cllr Blundell proposed that the Town is desperately short of low cost housing for rental and when something becomes available it is taken up by people out-side the Town who have more 'points', seconded by The Mayor and approved. The Mayor proposed that there should be a method introduced to ensure that property that is 'low cost' at the time of building does not cease to be low cost when it is sold. A period of 15 years is suggested during which the price should be controlled. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

19. COMMUNITY SAFETY:
Copy of a press release from Mr Biggs had been circulated to Councillors. SSDC is to receive "Communities Against Drugs" funding from the Government of £42,000 a year for three years. The Community Safety Partnership will be considering the development of a strategy and action plan to ensure the funding is effectively used. Views and initiatives should be submitted to Mr Biggs in order for a strategy to be developed which tackles local problems with local solutions. A presentation will take place of Crime Audit Findings tomorrow 12th December at the Shirehall, where consultants will be summarising statistical information in a 'crime map' and providing the results of a survey of 20,000 residents, 3,000 young people and ethnic minorities across the County regarding issues and concerns about community safety.

20. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
a) The Mayor reported he had attended the recent meeting of the Trustees of the Trinity Hospital, where currently there is one vacancy. The accommodation is excellent and the low cost of rental includes heating.
b) Cllr Morris had attended the meeting at the Community College, 'What's the future for small villages', and reported that there will be no new building in the villages of South Shropshire, only in the larger market towns.

c) Cllr Jones gave a brief report of the two meetings she had attended on the 16th October, the Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Partnership Group and the Community Advisory Group. CIRCULATE MINUTES
d) Cllr Lawrence attended a meeting of the Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Company on 29th November at the Community College and gave a brief report. She was concerned to hear that there had been objections to the suggestion of a campsite, Cllr Blundell requested that this is an Agenda item for the next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
e) South Shropshire Sport & Leisure Advisory Committee: Meeting due to take place this evening, so unfortunately the Town Council would not be represented. Agenda and Minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th September to be circulated.
CIRCULATE MINUTES

21. STREET LIGHTING:
The Clerk has sent the design scheme for Kerry Lane together with the Council's comments about the location of various lights to Mr D'Alesio at The Shirehall. There were no other lighting matters.

22. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) Mrs V. Ellis, Secretary of the Public Hall Committee: Unfortunately the application for funding made to the Lottery has not been successful. However, the Committee feel that the kitchen and toilets desperately need up-grading and plan to go ahead with renovations. The Council had agreed to a grant of £1,000 for the previous project and the Committee would like confirmation that this would be available for this smaller less ambitious plan. Cllr Wright proposed that as this is a financial matter it needs to be on the Agenda for the next meeting. AGENDA - JANUARY
b) L. Cross, South Shropshire Tourism Association: Objective 2 Funding Programme - 6 Town's Branding. Bids are currently being invited for external funding. S.S.T.A. in partnership with Enterprise South West have generated a potential project idea and would like reaction/support for it. Tourism is highlighted as a "growth sector" within Objective 2 and they hope to develop "the market towns tourism product". The idea needs development and a meeting to discuss this is being held on Thursday 24th January at 10.30 am at Stone House. Cllr Carroll reported that she is already going as representative of another group and would welcome any other Councillor to join her. Cllr Morris proposes that this is an opportunity to raise the closure of toilets, seconded by The Mayor and approved.
c) Mr A. Jones, SSDC: The light in Harley Jenkins Street car park should be erected soon, MEB Contracting have been chased for a firm date. Bench in Union Street, is the responsibility of the Town Council and not the District Council.
d) Countryside Unit: Grants and Awards Fact Sheet. CIRCULATE
e) The Golden Jubilee Summer Party - Monday 3rd June 2002: Booklet designed to assist in organising the lighting of a beacon or a garden or street party for The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. CIRCULATE
f) SSDC: Arrangements for collection of household rubbish over Christmas and New Year. NOTICE BOARD
g) The Countryside Agency: Parish Transport Grant CIRCULATE
h) S.C.C. Local Transport Plan for Shropshire - Annual Progress Report 2001: CIRCULATE
i) M.E.B.: Contact. CIRCULATE
j) Shell Interactive: CIRCULATE
k) Playing Field gate: Mr Whitefoot has designed and costed out a gate for the Playing Field entrance. Cllr Morris proposed that Mr Whitefoot's offer to make this gate is accepted and that the Playing Field Committee meet with him to confirm the exact position of the fence and gate and the Committee is given Power to Act up to £5000, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEEThe Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.