MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 23RD JULY 2002 AT 8.00PM
PRESENT: Councillor B.P. Jones, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: S.J.S. Bedell, J.L.V. Blundell, J.M. Carroll, E.A. Lawrence, G.N. St J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches, J.A.J. Whittall and R.D. Wright.
Before the start of the meeting The Council stood in silence in memory of Mr Jim Close, an ex councillor, who died recently.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Kinmond, Magill and Morris.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Wright declared a prejudicial interest on item 6.c
Cllr Carroll declared a prejudicial interest on item 6.b
Cllr Bedell declared a prejudicial interest on item 6.d

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 25TH JUNE 2002:
Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 25th June 2002, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Blundell, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney, approved and signed by The Mayor.
The Mayor proposed that in view of the large number of members of the public present Item 6 is brought forward, seconded by Cllr Wright. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that as Mr Hurd wished to speak on item 10, this should also be brought forward, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

4. MATTERS ARISING:
Item 6.b: Letter of acknowledgement received from Powys County Council and copy of a letter of objection from C.C. P. Phillips was read.
Item 6.d: Letter from Mr Caird read. There are lots of examples under planning legislation of developments which have taken place under previous Policy which would if applied for now, not fall within current Policy. There appears to be two alternatives. One is to explain to people whose proposals have been judged in light of recent Policy the importance of improving environmental standards. There other is to give in and allow everyone to do what they want on the basis that to do otherwise appears unfair. Cllr Lawrence proposed this issue is tackled from another direction and that the petrol company concerned is contacted direct, explaining that the two banks and Post Office have agreed not to have internally illuminated signs, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. It was thought the Civic Society might also be prepared to write. ACTION TOWN CLERK
Item 9: C.C. P. Phillips advised that a motion had been approved to instate the £10,000 grant so local sports/arts clubs can apply for funding.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: Mr J. Geach, Mr N. Hird and Mr G. Morrall.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/02/13315/O Outline Planning Permission and 1/02/13316/CA Conservation Area Consent for erection of 8 dwellings (re-advertised amended plans). Former Police Station, Bishop's Castle. Gorsty Developments, c/o de Weijer Architects, West Bromwich. Letters of objection have been received from Mrs Bright and Mr and Mrs T. Magill. S.S.D.C. had written to advise this would be considered at the meeting of the Planning Committee on 24th July, but had since written to say this was incorrect. Mr G. Morrall speaking on behalf of the other residents of Grange Gardens explained their objections to this application. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council objects on the grounds that there are too many houses which are too high and would overlook dwellings in Grange Gardens. Visibility from the access is very poor and it is not deemed suitable for the amount of traffic that eigth dwellings would generate. There should be no felling or lopping of trees on the site. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

b) 1/02/13536/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a dwelling. Plot to the rear of The Old Brick Guest House, Bishop's Castle. Mr P. Hutton. Cllr Carroll left the room whilst this was discussed. The Clerk advised that letters of objection had been received from Mrs P. Thomson, Mr and Mrs C. Rogers, Mrs J. Olley, Mr B. Dodd and Mrs T. Dodd, Secretary of Coppall Paddock Ltd. It was noted that the location plan for this application does not show houses on Coppall Paddock or Bells Court. The proposed dwelling is considered too large for the size of the plot. Building here would remove garden and parking area from the Old Brick Guest House and visitors would have to park on Church Street. The access to the proposed dwelling would be over an unadopted road owned by Coppall Paddock Ltd, who object. Cllr Wright proposed that the Council objects to this application on these grounds, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved.
c) 1/02/13484/F Planning Permission (full) for conversion of Brewery, entertainment room and store, and holiday accommodation to six dwellings. Erection of a porch to Public House. The Three Tuns, Salop Street, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Wright left the room whilst this was considered. There were a large number of people present who objected to this application and Mr J. Geach spoke on their behalf . To convert the Brewery, Museum and entertainment room would represent a great loss to the heritage of Bishop's Castle and he suggested that the Council considers raising funds to buy the property in order to ensure its future.
Letters of objection have been received from Mr M. Tebbutt, Mrs C. Denham, Mr J. Greig, Mr D. Palliser, Secretary of Bishop's Castle Tourism Group, Ms S. Haliday, Mr and Mrs R. Lennox, Mr and Mrs T. Magill, Cllr C. Kinmond, Mr R. Moulson on behalf of the House on Crutches Museum Trust, Mr and Mrs A. Speke, Ms S. Gould, Mr and Mrs G. Cooke and Mr J. Rainey. The letters received raised numerous grounds of objection to this proposal: The Brewery is one of only a few tower breweries left in the Country and beer has been brewed here for centuries, lack of car parking for proposed dwellings, leaving no car park for the public house. Removing the victorian spiral staircase and inserting new windows. Dwellings so close to a public house would inevitably lead to complaints of nuisance from noise, the right of way through the yard to the rear of Prospect House and Hillview seems to have been overlooked. It is felt that the plans appear to be structurally doubtful and not sympathetic to the historic building.
Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council objects to this application in the strongest possible way, but does not think that at this stage the Town Council should consider purchasing the property. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
d) 1/02/13576/F Planning Permission (full) for conversion of agricultural building to holiday accommodation unit. (delegated matter). Mr R. Lennox, Watermead, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Bedell left the room while this was considered. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
e) 1/02/13581/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of 6 lighting columns (5 m high). Bishop's Castle Civil Defence Bowling Club, off Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. Cllr Carroll proposed No Objection, providing that the lights are not used after 11.00 pm and that care is taken that they do not cause nuisance to neighbours in Coppall Paddock. Seconded by Cllr Whittall and approved.
f) 1/02/13593/TC Tree Works (Conservation Area) works to trees on land adjoining Laburnum Alley. The Bungalow, Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Tree Dimensions, Sunny Lea, Meifod, Powys. Cllr Wright proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
The Clerk reported the following plans had been received since the last meeting which required a response before this meeting:
a) 11/02/13511/F and 1/02/13512/LB Planning Permission (full) and Listed Building Consent for change of use commercial B1 to residential C3 and alterations to fenestrations (delegated matter). 38 High Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr S.P. Egan. Seen by the Mayor and Cllrs Lawrence and Dr Penney, who saw no objection.
b) 1/02/13525/TC Tree works (Conservation Area). Felling of an Elm tree (delegated matter). 7 Copall Paddock, Bishop's Castle. Ms D.Shekleton. Seen by The Mayor and Cllrs Lawrence and Dr Penney, who saw no objection.
c) 1/02/13467/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of an extension to dwelling and a domestic garage (delegated matter) 15 Castle Green, Bishop's Castle. Ms J. CcGlynn. Seen by The Mayor and Cllrs Lawrence and Dr Penney, who saw no objection.
This action for these applications was approved by the Council.
The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:
1) 1/02/13426/F Planning Permission granted for erection of extension to residential home. The Grange, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle.
2) 1/02/13407/F Planning Permission granted for subdivision of dwelling to create two residential units, formation of an annex and erection of an extension to provide staircase. Cottage Farm, Bishop's Castle. J. & H. Beamond.
3) 1/02/13448/F Planning Permission granted for erection of a conservatory. 7 Woodbine Terrace, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr J.A. Price.
4) 1/02/13307/F Refusal of Planning Permission for erection of a domestic garage. Land to the rear of Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. Mr A.D. Buy.
5) 1/02/13347/F Refusal of Planning Permission for erection of a dwelling. Land to the rear of Shirland House, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr and Mrs Wainwright.
6) 1/02/13373/CA Conservation Area Consent and 1/02/13372/F Planning Permission granted for demolition of existing dwelling and garage workshop. No 1 Laburnum Alley, off Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr B. Hendley.

7. NAME OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON LOVE LANE:
Letters read from Harper Group Construction Ltd and Planning Department of S.S.D.C. "Old Brick Meadow" is the marketing name for the project on Love Lane, for which the developer is not obliged to seek approval. In due course a road name will be suggested and put to the District Council, when the Town Council will be consulted and given the opportunity to comment. Cllr Lawrence had looked at this field on an old map and it was referred to as the Brick Meadow.

8. ROWDINESS AND VANDALISM:
It was reported that since the Chinese has been open on The Square there has been an increase in late night noise and rowdiness. During the Beer Festival week-end cars parked there had been walked over and each week-end the situation appears to be getting worse. Cllr Carroll reminded people that when there had been similar problems in this part of Town a couple of years ago, the Police advised that all incidents should be reported to them. The Chinese is open every night until midnight except Tuesday when it is closed, which is contrary to the permission granted by SSDC, which was up to 11.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Cllr Carroll proposed that this is a matter for SSDC to take enforcement action, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.

9. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - CHURCH LANE / KERRY LANE:
Since the last meeting Mr T. Magill had sent in three options which he feels would be suitable for improving the problem in Church Lane. Cllr Wright proposed a combination of Options 1 and 2, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. The Clerk will contact S.C.C. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. WASTE DISPOSAL:
Shropshire County Council published the first Deposit Draft of the Shropshire Waste Local Plan 2002 - 2014 on 12th June. The Plan sets out 30 planning policies to control the development of waste management facilities in Shropshire and identifies 29 sites which are suitable in principle for waste management facilities and operations. The Plan identifies a site in Bishop' Castle on the Industrial Estate as being suitable for commercial waste transfer and recycling. The closing date for consultation is 24th July. Mr Neil Hird attended the meeting and recommended that the Council objects to the siting of the Commercial Waste Transfer Station on the Bishop's Castle Industrial Estate, which in view of the highway network makes this location unsuitable. This is not an area where there are large amounts of commercial waste produced, so there will obviously be a considerable increase in heavy traffic travelling on narrow unsuitable roads bringing it in from other areas with the consequent pollution. Mr Hird suggested that it would be more acceptable to accept to have a Household Waste Recycling Centre or Civic Amenity Site, as this would be building on what is already located there which is proving very successful.
The only business already on this site is the Veterinary Practice and the Pre-School Child Centre and it is felt to be an entirely unsuitable to locate a Waste Transfer Station adjacent to these and it would be unlikely to attract new businesses to the Estate. Cllr Carroll proposed that the Council objects very strongly to this proposal, seconded by Cllr Blundell, who pointed out that this site is very near the water supply.
As the closing date for comment is tomorrow Cllr Blundell proposed that the Mayor, Deputy, Clerk and Mr Hird complete the form and return it to Mr Adrian Cooper, Assistant Planning Officer at S.C.C. tomorrow, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. Cllr Lawrence proposed that there should be more public awareness of this proposal.
ACTION MAYOR, DEPUTY & CLERK

11. PLANTERS IN HIGH STREET:
At the recent meeting of the Community Forum it was suggested that planters on the cobbled 'build outs' in High Street might look nice and it was thought that volunteers could be found to water the plants. The Council had had some spare planters, but it was thought they had been given to Stone House. Cllr Bedell will check. Cllr Carroll proposed that if Cllr Bedell does not find any spare planters a request is made to S.C.C. for four new ones, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. NEW SIGN FOR LIBRARY:
Cllr Lawrence reported that at a recent meeting Mr A. Williams had said the new Library is not adequately signed. Now The Library has moved the sign by The Porch House needs removing. It was thought that a black and gold finger post to match existing signs would be best. These had been provided by the Tourism Group, but Cllr Carroll proposed that a request is made to S.C.C.. Cllr Carroll also proposed that the front of Enterprise House should have a Library sign. ACTION TOWN CLERK

13. VITAL VILLAGES:
Cllr Carroll reported that a Steering Group has now been formed. The first meeting was held on 16th July and Sam Hine from S.S.D.C. had attended. If the initial application for a grant of £7,000 is successful The Town Council will be required to pay a contribution of 5%. Cllr Blundell proposed that a sum of money up to £347 is approved for this purpose, seconded by Cllr Lawrence and approved. C.C. Phillips is hoping that Bishop's Castle and the surrounding hinterland will be successful with the bid for the Market Towns Initiative and if this is the case the Parish Plan being produced by the Vital Villages Steering Group will be a very important part of the consultation process.

14. PURCHASE OF DOG WASTE BINS:
At the last meeting the purchase of some new dog waste bins was discussed. It was proposed by Cllr Dr Penney that three new bins are purchased from Wybone of similar design to those already in Town at the cost of £142.74 each. A green bin for the Old Castle Land, which Trustees are prepared to empty, a red bin for The Green in Corporation Street and a second red one for Oak Meadow, location to be agreed. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Cllr Penney also proposed that the S.S.D.C. are asked to provide a bin outside the Play Area on Oak Meadow, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Clerk to order stickers for existing litter bins. ACTION TOWN CLERK

15. TOWN HALL:
The Mayor, Cllr Dr Penney, Cllr Lawrence and the Clerk had met Mr Wheatly and his assistant on 3rd July to discuss plans for the Town Hall and it is clear they have several ideas, but needed general information about the building and it's uses to proceed and look into funding. It was thought that perhaps an application should be made to the Heritage Lottery for the immediate roof repairs and improvements to the building being a separate application. Any schemes prepared by Wheatley Lines will be put to the Council for consideration and the public can then be consulted. The possibility of opening up the old resevoir is being considered and the mayor's husband was successful in opening up the door. The area this would open up could be used for a number of options, toilets or a retail area were two suggestions. A hoist will be needed to closely inspect the roof to see exactly what work will be required.
The Mayor and Cllr Lawrence subsequently met with Mrs Jackson of E.S.W.S. to discuss funding under Objective 2. Charges are likely to be 10% of any granted received. Mr Wheatley and Mrs Jackson to discuss further.
Mr Marsh, Building Control Officer for SSDC has written to advise that the grant approved for the hand rail has been lost, as work must must be completed within 12 months. However, if the Council wishes to make another application then the work will still be considered.
Letter read from Head of Legal Services, SSDC regarding the porch that has been erected over the frontage of the Town Hall, recommending that the matter should be regularised by way of some form of agreement. The Clerk confirmed that Mr Stanley has not responded to the Council's letter of 5th June. Cllr Carroll felt it is unnecessary to resort to legal threats at this stage and efforts should be made to regularise the matter by formal agreement and proposed another letter is sent to Mr Stanley suggesting a peppercorn rent of £25 per annum is paid, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

16. PLAYING FIELD:
Mr and Mrs N. Hurd have 4 oak and 4 ash whips they would like to give to the Council for planting this Autumn. Councillors to consider and suitable suggestions for planting to be put to the next meeting. AGENDA NEXT MEETING
Mr A. Jones of Union Street would like to build a retaining wall between his property and the entrance to the Playing Field and would like to replace the land drain with a solid pipe. Cllr Whittall proposed there is no objection to this request, as it will tidy up and improve the area, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
The Playing Field Committee have met and would like the area at the top of the Kerry Lane entrance, approximately 3 metres inside the new gate to be surfaced with tarmac and a further 12 metres to be hard surfaced, with either tarmac or stone scalpings. Cllr Blundell proposed prices are obtained for this, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. Cllr Dr Penney asked that when prices are being requested a price could also be obtained for resurfacing with tarmac the footpath from Station Street to Church Bank, at the back of Bowling Green Close. ACTION TOWN CLERK
There are a couple of benches which need repair and Cllr Whittall proposed Mr Bishop is asked if he can repair the damages then sand down and either varnish or paint all of the benches in the field, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK
It appears that children with bikes are riding up the bank at the entrance to the Playing Field, bringing bark down onto the road. Cllrs Whittall and Blundell had put up a post and wire fence to stop this last night, but unfortunately the fence had been pulled down by lunch time. It was reported that the new lock on the gate had been damaged, so another lock has been put on.
Sodexho have been contacted about strimming the bank in the Playing Field, but have advised that there are a lot of stones on there and they are concerned they will damage their equipment, so not prepared to cut this until the stones have been removed. Cllr Blundell proposed that some-one is asked to strim the bank and the cost is deducted from Sodexho's charges, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK
The Annual Play Area Safety Inspection Report prepared by RoSPA has been received. Playing Field Committee to read and report back.
A resident of Kerry Green had reported to the Police that he had nearly been knocked over by a motor scooter whilst walking through the Playing Field. The Police had contacted the Clerk and suggested a notice that no unauthorised motorised vehicles are permitted in the field. Cllr Blundell reported that whilst he and Cllr Whittall were putting up the fence last night it had been necessary to speak to someone who was on a motor bike in the field. Cllr Whittall proposed that Councillors give some thought to suitable wording for a sign to be erected at each entrance, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved.

17. SEVERN TRENT WATER - PROGRESS REPORT OF DRAINAGE INVESTIGATIONS
No further information received.

19. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Bishop's Castle & District Community Forum: Public Meeting held on Thursday 11th July at The Community College attended by The Mayor, Cllrs Carroll and Whittall and Town Clerk. Notes of this meeting and Report on activities prepared by Chairman Dr R. Pahl to be circulated. CIRCULATE

Minutes of Chapel Yard Heritage Archive Partnership Group: Notes of meeting held on 4th July at the Old Chapel Yard, attended by Cllr Magill. CIRCULATE
E.S.W.S. Cllr Lawrence gave a report of the meeting she had recently attended. There is a range of European Projects under "Objective 2" that have been developed by Enterprise South West Shropshire and are at varying stages of progress. C.C. Phillips had provided a copy of the details of the current projects for each Councillor which had been circulated with the Agenda.

20. CORRESPONDENCE:.
a) The South Shropshire Community Strategy: A vision of the South Shropshire Partnership: "ensuring a better quality of life for everyone in South Shropshire, which produces inclusive, prosperous and healthy communities, now and for generations to come". CIRCULATE
b) Mrs J.Smith, Transport and Administration Manager, S.C.C.: The Integrated Transport Unit produce a selection of bus information leaflets / timetables which are currently available at a number of outlets, however they are looking at means of making the information more widely available to the community and are wondering if the information could be distributed in conjunction with a Parish Magazine. It was proposed that the 'Spotlight' produced at Enterprise House would be a good way of circulating this information. ACTION TOWN CLERK
c) County Training: A new project is currently being initiated called 'Into Work Shropshire' which will be funded by the European Social Fund. The aim is to provide training and job search support for people who are not working, currently living in rural areas. TOWN HALL NOTICE BOARD
d) Mr P. Norton: On behalf of the Parish Church - a letter of appreciation for the £150 towards the Queens Golden Jubilee celebrations.
e) Ms S. Dixon: On 11th July Ms Dixon was concerned that the pack of hunting hounds accompanied by two cyclists went through The Square. This has happened before and Ms Dixon asks that the Council investigate, as she has two concerns; dog mess and this number of dogs being a threat to domestic pets. Cllr Bedell reported that he has contacted the United Pack to discuss this matter and he is satisfied that the hounds are properly trained and adequately supervised on these exercises and Ms Dixon should be re-assured on both of her points of concern.
f) Commission for Racial Equality: The amended Race Relations Act gives public authorities a new statutory general duty to promote race equality. The duty applies to all public authorities listed in Schedule 1A of the Act. Parish Councils are not covered by either of the specific duties, only the general duty. CIRCULATE
g) Shropshire Partnership: Objective 2 Project support: Two seminars have been organised to assist project applications with Record Keeping and Monitoring Activities - Tuesday 20th August at The Shirehall and State Aid on Friday 27th September at the Mytton and Mermaid Hotel at Atcham. Places are limited, any-one wishing to attend should contact the Clerk before 31st July.
h) South Shropshire Access Group: Minutes of meeting held on 21st May and Agenda for meeting on 16th July. CIRCULATE
i) South Shropshire Police-Community Consultative Group: Minutes of meeting held at Craven Arms on Tuesday 9th April. CIRCULATE
j) South Shropshire Area Committee. Meeting held on Monday 8th July at Stone House, Ludlow. CIRCULATE
k) Bishop's Castle Lifeline Company Ltd.: Meeting of the Board of Directors held on Thursday 18th April at the Boar's Head, Bishop's Castle. CIRCULATE
l) South Shropshire District Council. Director of Central Services Report No 12/02. Social Policy Committee meeting held on 6th June 2002. (a) Reports on on-street parking - result of consultation with local councils. and (b) South Shropshire Community Safety Partnership - Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy 2002-2205. CIRCULATE
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.55 p.m.