MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 25TH JUNE 2002 AT 8.00PM

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Cllrs Bedell, Kinmond and Whittall.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Cllr Blundell declared a prejudicial interest on item 17.

3. MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 28TH MAY 2002:

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 28th May 2002, having been circulated were proposed as a true record by Cllr Dr Penney, seconded by Cllr Pinches, approved and signed by The Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING:

Item 10: Mr Rutherford has passed our concerns about Station Street to Mr R. Drummond at S.C.C. Signs have been erected advising it is a bus route and requesting that vehicles are not parked opposite each other.

From meeting of 14th May 2002: Shropshire Tourism advise that the Bishop's Castle entry on the Shropshire Tourism website is being re-written and a copy will be sent to the Tourism Group for consultation before alterations are made on the site. Mr Marsh, (S.S.D.C.) and Mr White (S.C.C.) have written to confirm that the 5" pipe in Welsh Street/Oak Meadow is a temporary measure and the main drainage work will be commenced shortly. A 12" pipe is to be laid along Welsh Street with road gullies installed which will connect to the existing ditch, which is to be repaired.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: Mr T. Magill.

6. TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:

a) 1/02/13338/F Planning Permission (full) for change of use of former factory (part) to offices and ancillary accommodation and construction of an external fire escape (delegated matter). Enterprise House, Station Street, Bishop's Castle. Bishop's Castle & District Lifeline Co Ltd. Cllr Blundell proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

b) Powys County Council: M2002 0533 Erection of buildings to form livestock market with associated plant and parking facilities at Pt encl 7065 and 7962, Churchstoke. This is a re-submission of a previous application which the Council had strongly opposed. Cllr Dr Penney proposed the Council repeated it's previous objections, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

The Clerk reported the following plans had been received since the last meeting which required a response before this meeting:

a) 1/02/13426/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of extension to residential home (delegated matter). The Grange, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr H. Ishmael. Seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Dr Penney who proposed no objection.

b) 1/02/13448/F Planning Permission (full) for erection of a conservatory (delegated matter). 7 Woodbine Terrace, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr J. Price. Seen by The Mayor, Deputy and Cllr Dr Penney who proposed no objection.

This action for both applications was approved by the Council.

The following Planning Reports have been received since the last meeting:

1) 1/02/13037/F Refusal of Planning Permission for installation of a septic tank. Plot to the rear of Hall Villa, Bishop's Castle. Mr A.D. Buy.

2) 1/02/13317/F Planning Permission granted for erection of extension to dwelling. 26 Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr N.D. Evans.

3) 1/02/13323/F Planning Permission for erection of extension to dwelling. 4, Kerry Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr P. Allwood.

Formal notification received that on 29th May 2002 that a Tree Preservation Order was placed on tree off Union Street, which prohibits anyone from cutting down, topping or lopping without the Council's consent.

Notification has been received that at the SSDC Development Control Committee meeting tomorrow, 26th June, applications 1/02/13347/F (land to rear of Shirland House, Mr and Mrs Wainwright) and 1/02/13307/F (Land to the rear of Hall Villa, Mr A.D. Buy) are to be considered. People who objected to these applications may speak about their concerns and it was reported that Mr R. Gwyther and Mr J. Caldwell will be asking to speak.

d) Illuminated Sign: Mr Clasby, S.S.D.C. advised that were permission for the erection of a house not to have been implemented as defined by Section 56 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) it would expire 5 years after the date of issue as prescribed by Section 91, unless such other time period as may be considered appropriate was cited to the contrary. Councillors cannot understand why a permission expires for a dwelling, but not for a sign. Neither it be understood why when internally illuminated signs are not permitted elsewhere in the Conservation Area this sign in Church Street is permitted. Cllr Blundell proposed a further letter is sent to S.S.D.C. asking why an exception is being made here. HSBC, Barclays, the Post Office and Nationwide have complied with the regulations and it is feared that once one sign is allowed more will quickly follow. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

e) Six Bells Development: This development, now nearing completion shows how difficult it is to imagine the reality of plans. The Council objected to this development at the time of application, but now it is built the fears expressed have been proved correct. Built on rising land they are very high, dominating the whole area. There appears to be at least one house too many and this could create a pattern for future building. The plans presented may have looked exciting, but they are not practical, emergency service vehicles will not even be able to get to the properties. It was approved that the Planning Department should be asked to take more notice of height of buildings in relation to the surrounding properties. Cllr Wright proposed a letter is sent to the Mr Caird to this effect, with a copy to the Civic Society, seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

f) New Planning Schedule: Cllr Dr Penney outlined changes to the procedures for planning applications taking place. The Government has introduced new regulations regarding the time between the publication of Committee agendas and reports and the meeting at which they are considered, this means that Development Control Committee papers must now be published on Tuesdays rather than Thursdays. It has been necessary to amend publication dates for applications so the period for representations starts on a Wednesday and finishes on a Tuesday. Cllr Penney felt that this will probably require a lot of special meetings to consider plans and the Council may well have to consider whether meetings should be held on a Monday. Cllr Blundell proposed this is put on the Agenda of the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

g) Name of new development on Love Lane: The developers have erected an advertising board giving the name 'Old Brick Meadow'. The Council were under the impression that developers are required to contact the District or Town Council before settling on a name. Cllr Lawrence offered to check the name of this field an old town map that the Museum holds. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that the Mayor and Deputy are given power to act in suggesting a suitable change of name, with 'Love Lane' being put forward if nothing more appropriate comes to light, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.
ACTION AEL/MAYOR & DEPUTY

7. TRAFFIC PROBLEMS:

Sub Officer T. Magill of Bishop's Castle Fire Station asked to speak about the congestion caused by parked vehicles in Church Lane around the junction with Kerry Lane. Cars park both sides of the lane, with just enough room for another care but not enough for the Fire Engine. use of parking cones and posters have been used in the past when it is known events are being held and fortunately the Engine has yet never been held up when attending a fire. However, as events become more common it is felt that something more permanent in the way of road markings or signs is needed. Cllr Blundell suggested that when a Road Closure Order is applied for stewards are requested in this area to ensure the road is not blocked. The Tourism Group should be asked to provide the Fire Service with a list of dates for the various Festivals. Cllr Dr Penney thought a large sign 'Fire Station Please Keep Clear' would help, although it was generally felt that bold road markings would be most effective. Mr Magill agreed to discuss and collate ideas and report back to the next meeting. ACTION MR T. MAGILL

Cllr Blundell has received complaints about the speed of vehicles turning into Kerry Lane, Cllr Lawrence who lives in this area agreed there is a problem. Cllr Lawrence proposed S.C.C. Highways Department need to look at the traffic flow and thought a red tarmac strip between The Lymes and the Six Bells wold indivate a dangerous corner. Seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. Cllr Wright proposed that it is requested that the pavement is extended out-side the Church and the Six Bells which would effectively make the road narrower and make vehicles slow down, seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

8. REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TOWARDS COST OF ARMISTIC DAY EVENT:

Letter read from Mr R. Beaumond, Arts Co-ordinator at the Community College. For a number of years events for Armistic Day have been promoted to keep Remembrance alive, raise money for the poppy appeal and to educate younger people about the sacrifice of their forebears. This year's event is scheduled for Thursday 7th November and financial support is being sought to commission the historian and expert on the Great War, Mr Jeff Garner. Cllr Carroll felt that the Council should support cultural events such as this and proposed a donation of £100, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT - SOUTH SHROPSHIRE SPORT & LEISURE ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Letter from Mr J. Hern, Chairman of South Shropshire Sports and Leisure Advisory Council read. In the past this Committee had undertaken the role of processing grant applications for sports organisations on behalf of the District Council and has had delegated authority to make grant awards of up to £500. This has been helpful for small clubs either starting up or making bids to larger organisations. Unfortunately due to budget difficulties the District Council has had to delete the grant aid from its budget. The Advisory Council would wish to continue to provide support and service and have invited Town and Parish Councils to consider whether they could make a donation to allow this grant support to continue. Cllr Blundell proposed a donation of £50 and suggest that if they are still looking for funds to contact us again before the Precept meeting in November. Seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. APPOINT REPRESENTATIVE ON FRIENDS OF B.C. LIBRARY GROUP:

Cllr Lawrence has represented the Council on the 'Friends of Bishop's Castle Library' Group for the last three years and confirmed her willingness to continue should the Council wish. Cllr Blundell proposed that Cllr Lawrence be asked to continue with this post, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

11. AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

The question was raised about the definition of Affordable Housing. Do the District Council take into account the average wage of an area before setting the level of 'affordable'? Mortgages are normally 2 1/2 or 3 times an annual salary and the average wage for this area was thought to be £12,000, so current prices are far out of reach of many people. Cllr Dr Penney said that after three years houses can be sold on at market value and they should be obliged to retain them for at least ten years, or sell them at the purchase price. Cllr Carroll proposed a letter is sent to the District Council Social Policy Committee, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

12. TOWN HALL:

Mr Wheatley will be coming to Bishop's Castle at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday 3rd July to talk about the Town Hall. It would be appreciated if as many Councillors that are able come along. It was reported that Mr Hurd has great difficulty putting up the flag for the Jubilee and he has suggested that the problem needs sorting out before it needs to go up again. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that this problem is put forward to the Architect.

The new tenant of Market Steps only puts two or three pots outside the shop door, but it was felt that nothing should be permitted without a nominal charge being made, in order to avoid problems in the future. Cllr Carroll suggested that this can be sorted by asking the owner to relinquish any claim to the land underneath the porch. It was reported that there has been no response to the letter sent to Mr and Mrs Stanley and Cllr Dr Penney proposed this is on the Agenda for the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

It was reported that the outside light has been bent, although it is still working. Cllr Blundell offered to have a look and make it safe.

13. PLAYING FIELD:

1) Bike Track: As the Friends of the Playing Field are to carry out full community consultation in the near future, it was felt it would be a mistake to make any changes to the field at this stage. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that no action is taken for at least three months, until the outcome of correspondence to SSDC and SCC, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved.

Letter from Mr W. Jones, S.S.D.C. was read explaining that regrettably the Industrial Land is in joint ownership of the County Council and is designated "industrial", it would therefore be inappropriate to provide a bike track on this site. Councillors felt that until such time that it is required for industrial purposes then surely an area could be made available for use by young people with bikes. There would be no expense incurred as nothing is required to be provided, just permission for use of land. As the land appears to be in joint ownership a copy of the correspondence has been sent to C.C. Phillips with a request that this is taken up with the County Council.

Mrs G. Furber, Mr M. Pugh and a number of young people were present at the meeting. Cllr Wright proposed that members of the public be invited to speak, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. Mike Pugh, Youth Worker explained that recently a group of young people had been taken to Church Stretton bike track and found the facilities available there excellent. The area, which is locked at dusk, is well away from housing and young people are mainly left to themselves. He strongly recommended that Councillors have a look at Church Stretton and would very much like to see similar facilities for Bishop's Castle.

2) Entrance: The gate has now been completed and the tarmac footpath through the smaller gate needs to be widened and at the same time it is suggested that an area inside the gate is surfaced with tarmac. Cllr Dr Penney proposed that Mr Whitefoot is thanked for making such an impressive job with the gate and that the Playing Field Committee meet to discuss the footpath and report back at the next meeting, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

3) Doorstep Green Project Application: Ms Cath Murphy has advised that the Friends of the Playing Field have, with help from the Countryside Agency, via the Doorstep Green Scheme, to carry out a community consultation on the Playing Field and draw up a plan for its future development and enhancement. There will need to be a formal agreement with the Town Council, as Landowners, to enable the group to bring about the changes agreed in the consultation. It was thought it would be helpful for Cath Murphy and/or a representative of the Friends Group to come to a meeting to discuss this in more detail. It was proposed that they are invited to attend the August meeting. AGENDA AUGUST MEETING

4) Skip on Field during Folk Festival week-end: Organisers of the Festival had hired at the cost of £80 plus VAT, a skip for campers rubbish and had noticed that before it was collected it had been filled with disgarded items. As it was thought some of the rubbish came from the Playing Field the Council was asked to consider making a contribution towards the cost. It was noted that the rubbish was put in after the Festival and the charge would have been the same whether it was returned half empty or full. A cheaper option for another year may be to hire the blue bins from Biffa. Cllr Blundell proposed that the charge of £50 for the use of the field should be reduced by £10, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

Sodex Ho have been contacted and reminded that the Field needs strimming around the hedges and along the bank. They have responded that they will ensure around the hedges are tidied up, but that the bank has a lot of stones on it and they are worried about damaging their equipment. Cllr Blundell could not think that stones would be a problem.

14. VITAL VILLAGES:

Cllr Carroll reported that Mrs Caroline Oakes of the Community Council had attended the second meeting of the Vital Villages in the Town Hall on 20th June. At this meeting it was agreed that a Steering Group needs to be formed of 12 - 15 people, which should represent as wide a cross section of local organisations and sectors of the community as possible. The Steering Group will be able to access funds to appoint a Facilitator and the plan should be completed by June 2003. A list of suggested members have been contacted and invited to attend a meeting on 16th July in the Town Hall. Cllr Dr Penney requested that Mr R. Gwyther be invited to represent the Civic Society.

15. SEVERN TRENT WATER - PROGRESS REPORT OF DRAINAGE INVESTIGATIONS

No further information received.

16. DOG FOULING:

Letter from Matthew Green M.P. read, suggesting that a couple of dog waste bins are purchased and positioned near the Primary School, S.S.D.C. has been contacted and they are prepared to pick up the cost of emptying them. It was agreed that people do not like to put dog faeces in the ordinary litter bins, although it is O.K. for them to do so, but there needs to be consideration about the more suitable position for them. Cllr Wright proposed this is given some thought and discussed at the next meeting. Seconded by Cllr Carroll and approved. AGENDA NEXT MEETING

17. STREET LIGHTING:

Letter read from Mr D'Alezio confirming that lighting in Brampton Road and Kerry Lane between Corricks Rise and Corporation would be adopted if improved to highway standard. However, the scheme prepared by M.E.B. Contracting for upgrading the lighting in Brampton Road would not be suitable for adoption. In order to meet highway standard lighting should be designed in accordance with British Standard 5489 Category 3/2 with 8m columns and 100w SON lamps. Cllr Dr Penney proposed these comments are forwarded to M.E.B., seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

18. FOOTPATHS:

Letter from Mr Caird regarding footpaths read advising that individual developments shall continue to be dealt with on their merits. In order to cover the policy SSDC are considering making an amendment to the third bullet point of Policy AC1 of the Draft Local Plan which refer to the extension of the existing network of footpaths. This will be amended to include the improvement of the footpath network. Cllr Carroll proposed that Mr Caird is advised that the footpaths in Bowling Green Close and Oak Meadow are unacceptable and the Town Council would like to be consulted about what happens to them and suggest perhaps a meeting with some-one to discuss. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

19. ACCOUNTS:

Cllr Blundell proposed the accounts listed on the Agenda are paid, with the exception of Links Electrical, who have been asked to send a credit note, seconded by Cllr Dr Penney and approved.

20. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: None.

21. CORRESPONDENCE:.

a) Mr A. Cooper, S.C.C.: Shropshire Waste Local Plan 2002 - 2014. This plan sets out 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 public consultation period for the Plan is from 12th June 2002 until 24th July 2002. Objections should be made in writing. A public meeting is to be held on Monday 8th July at 7.00 pm at Ludlow CE School. where officers will make a brief presentation about the Plan.

b) Mrs J. Palmer, S.S.D.C. Street Closure Order for Saturday 30th November for the Christmas Lights Festival. Cllr Dr Penney proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Morris and approved.

c) Mr R. Thomas, S.S.D.C. Training Opportunity for the New Ethical Framework under Part III of the Local Government Act 2000. The Standards Committee has agreed that further training opportunities should be offered to Councillors as earlier sessions were mainly for Clerks and Chairmen. A training seminar will be held on Tuesday 2nd July at 7.00 pm in the Public Hall. The Mayor asked that as many Councillors as possible try to attend this session.

d) Mr A. McCartney, Corporate Policy Officer, S.S.D.C.: The Council has resolved for the Economic and Environment Policy Panels to hold a Joint Scrutiny Inquiry regarding a number of issues relating to industrial development land in South Shropshire. The Council is invited to make written submissions to the Joint Policy Panel regarding the motions before 28th June. As none involved Bishop's Castle it was agreed to take no action.

e) Bishop's Castle & District Community Transport Group: The A.G.M. is to be held on Monday 1st July at 7.30 p.m. in the Fletcher Room at the Community College, could any-one wishing to attend please contact The Clerk.

f) S.C.C. Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 14. Temporary Prohibition of Through Traffic - Kerry Lane. The Order will come into operation on 1st July to enable sewer and water connections to be made and is expected to take 5 days.

g) Ms K. Jackson, Intermediate Care Development Manager, Shropshire County NHS: A series of workshops are being held throughout the County to contribute to developing a working directory of intermediate care services. Any-one requiring more information please contact The Clerk.

h) The Countryside Agency: Two new publications - 1) Vital Villages Update: Details of grant schemes available to communities and articles about people who have been involved in schemes. PASS TO DEPUTY MAYOR
2) 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 gives details of parish and town councils obligations under Sectin 17 of the Act and offers practical advice on ways to achieve crime reduction and community safety. CIRCULATE

i) Wasteless Society: Newsletter. CIRCULATE

j) DTLR: Consultation Paper - Local investigation and determination of misconduct allegations: Sets out the framework within which allegations about misconduct by councillors could be handled by local authorities. CIRCULATE

k) South Shropshire Housing Association: A new leaflet has been sent to all tenants, which is the start of the consultation on Planned Maintenance. It is the aim of the Association to produce a fixed 3 year investment programme on housing stock in 2003. PASS TO CLLR KINMOND

l) Standards Committee: Agenda for meeting Tuesday 25th June together with Minutes of meeting held on 30th April.
CIRCULATE

m) The Post Office: The Wentnor branch has been closed since March and will re-open at a new location in Rock Close on 16th July.

n) S.M.P. (Playgrounds) Ltd.: Youth Shelters and Sports Systems, a good practice guide produced by Thames Valley Police, for outdoor recreational facilities for adolescents. CIRCULATE

o) St John the Baptist Parish Church: Re-Pitching the Tent has raised over £20,000 in two years, the cost of a new heating system is around £28,000 and 1st October has set as a deadline in order that the heating system can be installed before Winter.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.