MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2002 AT 8.00PM

PRESENT: Councillor B.P. Jones, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J.L.V. Blundell, J.M. Carroll, C.T.E. Kinmond, E.A. Lawrence, J.A. Magill, G.N. St J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches, W.J. Morris, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.

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

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllr Dr Penney declared a personal interest on item 4.a
Cllr Pinches declared a personal interest on item 4.a

3. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: None.

4. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13605/RM Approval of Reserved Matters. Siting, design and external appearance for phase 1 of The Wintles (committee matter) Living Villages (Bishop's Castle), 5 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Dr Penney left the room whilst this was considered.
It was put to the Council that the letters attached to the plans submitted should not be taken into account when this matter is being considered. Cllr Wright proposed the Council objects to this application on the following grounds: Phase 1 is on the most prominent part of the site which will be visible from the south side of Town. The houses are out of Scale, the largest one will be probably over 40' high, they do not take account of the rising landscape and surrounding buildings and are unsuitable for this position. Effect on neighbouring properties: being so high they will have a marked effect on nearby properties and cottages on Castle Green will be dwarfed. Parking; Occupiers of 4 and 5 bedroom houses are very likely to have several cars, especially in a remote Town like Bishop's Castle. Drains; The question should be raised as to whether the drainage system at the bottom of Town will be able to cope. Footpaths: Nos 30 and 33 cross this site but are not shown on the plan. These paths should be surfaced by the developer so as to make them suitable for urban use. Low Cost Housing: It is felt there is not sufficient low cost housing and SSDC to be asked to confirm that the appropriate number is included in this plan. Section 106, Services: When outline permission was approved it was stated that the road and services should be completed before the houses are occupied. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

b) 1/02/13646/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of secure accommodation for 6 motorised scooters for the use of elderly disabled residents (delegated matter). Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow, Bishop's Castle. The Abbeyfield Society. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

c) No other plans have been received.

5. TOWN HALL:

The Mayor and Cllr Lawrence have discussed funding for the Town Hall with Mrs Jackson of E.S.W.S. and the Architect. Cllr Lawrence was invited to join the Town Hall Committee, who will be required to meet in the near future to consider and draw up a Business Plan. Cllr Wright felt that this should be prepared by some-one with the appropriate experience, Cllr Lawrence said that Mrs Jackson would be prepared to help and if the Town Council drew up a draft she would meet Councillors and offer advice. Mrs Jackson within the next few days would be preparing an idea of the charge that E.S.W.S. would make for obtaining funding. It was thought that Mr Wheatley obviously has experience of funding and may also be willing to give an estimate. The Mayor asked if Cllr Dr Penney would be willing to take on the role of liaising with the Architect on behalf of the Council, which he confirmed he was happy to do. Cllr Dr Penney said that SSDC have information available called 'Grant Finder', he would obtain an application form for the Mayor and Clerk to complete.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.