MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 8th March 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

PRESENT Councillor J.M. Carroll, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. Blundell, M. Davidson - Stanley, S.A. Farr, J.E. Gaffney, N. Hird,
J.A. Magill, W. J. Morris, Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches and R.D. Wright.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince, Town Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
None

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:

a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Morris declared a personal interest in item 6b as the applicant is a relative.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in items 10 and 16 as hi is a member of the Bishop's Castle
Heritage Resource Centre Partnership.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 13 as he is a member of the Wasteless society.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a personal interest in item 13 as he is a Director of the Wasteless society.
Cllr. Carroll declared a personal interest in item 15 as she is a member of the Tourism Group.
Cllr. Blundell declared a personal interest in item 28(ii) as he is a member of the Carnival committee.

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Dr Penney declared a prejudicial interest in item 6e as he owns adjacent property.
Cllr. Pinches declared a prejudicial interest in item 6d as the structure overhangs his property.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a prejudicial interest in item 6c as the tree is directly behind his garden.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a prejudicial interest in item 8 as Spotlight is a potential employer of his son.
Cllr. Davidson- Stanley declared a prejudicial interest in item 16 as she her property is adjacent to the
Town Hall.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 8TH March 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell. Seconded by Cllr. Dr Penney.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 7 - Letter from Graham Wilson SLCC Legal advisor advising that there may be a problem selling the painting without proof of ownership and that someone could claim title in the future. Cllr. Dr Penney advised that the painting had been with the Council since 1964. The Mayor explained that the Clerk and Mayor are going to Shrewsbury to look at the archives.
Item 11 - Letter from Ian Rutherford explaining abbreviations used in draft works programme. Draft programme and explanation are with the Clerk if anyone wishes to see it.
Item 16 - A reply was read from Hugh Dannatt, SCC explaining the priorities when requests are received.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:
Adrian Plant - Director of Spotlight.
Mr Plan explained that Spotlight is a new community music group set up in Bishop's Castle. Its aim is to promote arts and culture, particularly music for the benefit of the community. It is particularly aimed at 14 to 25 year olds. It meets fortnightly, alternating between the Church Barn and the Three Tuns. It is a constituted organization with Trustees and is applying for funding from the Arts Council (West Midlands) and South Shropshire District Council
Karen Bavastock
Ms Bavastock spoke about the erection of an open-sided store in Union Street. (item 6d) She explained that they had contacted the planning office and had been told they did not need planning permission, therefore they had put the building up in good faith. The store was required for essential storage and they had tried to build it in keeping with the area. It is the same as the MOT store.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/16629/TC Tree works (Conservation area) Pruning/lopping of a tree.
Land at Laburnum Alley, Bishop's Castle. W. J. Hendley.
Agreed no comment after consultation with three Councillors and the Tree Warden.

b) 1/05/16689/F Planning permission (Full) Use of land as a coalyard, erection of a
building and equipment for storage and bagging of coal.
Land at Bishop's Castle Business Park, Bishop's Castle. Mr. J. Sankey, Brow Farm
Ratlinghope.
After much discussion Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection on the grounds that new industry should be welcomed. Seconded by Cllr. Carroll. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed an amendment that this application should not be allowed while the children's nursery is on this site. Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney.
The amendment was put to the Council and overruled (3 votes for, 7 votes against). The proposition was then put to the Council and approved with Cllrs. Dr Penney and Gaffney voting against.

Cllr. Gaffney left the room.
c) 1/05/16725/TC Tree Works (Conservation area) Felling of a conifer.
36 Union Street, Bishop's Castle, Ms R. Kennedy, Brockton Mill, Brockton,
Lydbury North.
Cllr. Davidson - Stanley proposed no objection provided a more suitable tree be planted nearby.
Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.
Cllr. Gaffney returned.

Cllr. Pinches left the room.
d) 1/05/16735/F Planning permission (Full). Erection of an open sided store.
Union Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr. S. J. Owen.
A letter of objection was read to Council from Mrs Pinches, whose garden is adjacent.
Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris. Cllr. Wright proposed an amendment that there be no objection if the shed was moved one metre from the boundary wall. ( At present it is overhanging an interesting old wall.) Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney. The amendment was approved (5 votes in favour, 3 against). This was put to the Council as the substantive motion and approved with 3 votes against.
Cllr. Pinches returned.

Cllr. Dr. Penney left the room.
e) 1/05/16737/RM Approval of reserved matter. Erection of 12 dwellings and garage/carport
(3.05-3.15 & 3.19; 3.18.
The Wintles, Bishop's Castle. Living Villages (BC) Ltd. 5-7 Castle Street.
Cllr. Blundell proposed an objection on the following grounds.
(i) It is classed as environmentally green but it is not because the car ports are adjacent to the houses.
(ii) It will involve increased traffic at the top end of town and the relief road is still not open.
(iii) The plans were very difficult to understand as north was not marked on them or the boundary roads.
Seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved with Cllr. Wright voting against.
Cllr. Dr. Penney returned.

e) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/04/16511/F Change of use domestic garage to auto parts and spares, retail.
Chapel View, Station Street, Bishop's Castle. G.Price.
Withdrawal of application.
(ii) 1/04/16505/LB Alterations to chimney breast.
Six Bells, Church Street, Bishop's Castle. Mr N.Richards.
Listed Building Consent granted.
(iii) 1/05/16638/F Erection of a domestic garage (revised scheme).
Hall Villa, Brampton Road, Bishop's Castle. R.M.a. & W.H.Say.
Planning permission granted.

7. PUBLIC PATH ORDER
Diversion and extinguishment of FP 17, Bishop's Castle.
Public Path Order - Public Path diversion Order of FP 17, Bishop's Castle
Shropshire County Council, Community College.
The Mayor explained that this is the two parallel footpaths going through the Community Coillege grounds. One is to be extinguished and the other is to be diverted slightly to allow for the SpArC project. Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

8. SPOTLIGHT
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a donation of £150 be given to Spotlight as it is a very worthwhile cause. Also a letter of support. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved. ACTION TOWN CLERK

9. PARKING NOTICES
a) Residents complaints,
Cllr. Davidson - Stanley explained that she had received several complaints from local shop keepers who had received tickets while loading and unloading. It was confirmed that the only place that should receive tickets at the top of Town was outside Autolycus which is a very dangerous corner. Some Councillors felt consideration should be given to local shop owners whereas others felt all cars should be treated equally. Cllr. Gaffney reminded Council that the reason for introducing the scheme was to handle the parking problem as a Town Council issue rather than the District Council controlling matters.
Some Councillors felt the tickets could deter people from shopping in Bishop's Castle. Cllr. Carroll reminded Councillors that this had been a request from the Town Meeting.
b) Are extra areas required.
Cllr. Wright proposed that the matter be left until after the Town Meeting when the opinions of residents could be heard. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed a letter be sent to Bill Jones at South Shropshire District Council to put pressure on the District Council to tarmac and clearly sign the car park behind the Star newsagents. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

10. BISHOP'S CASTLE HERITAGE RESOURCE CENTRE.
a) Request for affiliation fee of £25
Cllr. Gaffney proposed an affiliation fee of £25 be paid to BCHRC, especially as one of the basis of the grant application for money for Town Hall repairs was collaboration with the museums and BCHRC. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.
b) Do the Council wish to store archives at the Centre.- (Free up to £200)
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that advice be sought from the archivist, Mary Mackenzie and retired archivist Marion Roberts as to whether Town Hall papers should be stored at BCHRC. Seconded by Cllr Blundell and approved. Cllr. Blundell requested the Clerk find out how much £200 will pay for.

11. ANNUAL MEETINGS
a) Suggested dates:-
Annual Town Meeting - Tuesday 19th April
Private Meeting of Members of the Council - Tuesday 3rd May (Before Council Meeting)
Annual Council meeting - Tuesday 10th May
Mayor's Sunday - Sunday 5th June.
Cllr. Blundell proposed all dates are accepted. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.

b) Format of Annual Town Meeting.
Cllr. Blundell proposed the same format as last year. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

12. VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR
An election has not been requested, therefore notices have been put up for co-option. Closing date March 12th.
Cllr. Magill proposed that interviews be held on Wednesday 30th or Thursday 31st March (whenever candidates are available) by all Councillors who are available and wish to attend. Seconded by Councillor Wright and approved with Cllr. Blundell voting against. Full approval of proposed new Councillor will be taken at the next full Council meeting on 5th April.

13. WASTELESS SOCIETY
Request for in kind donation in the form of free hire of Town Hall for the Wasteless society.
Cllr. Blundell proposed free use of Town Hall be given. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

14. ROAD CLOSURE - WELSH STREET TO BISHOP'S MOAT
Application for road closure for eight weeks from 29th March.
Cllr. Blundell proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Wright and approved.

15. PLANTERS - (UP THE POLE)
A request from the Tourism Group for a donation of £250 towards the cost of planting up the "Up the pole planters" Cllr. Magill proposed this donation be given. Seconded by Cllr. Farr and approved.

16. BISHOP'S CASTLE HERITAGE RESOURCE CENTRE - SIGN ON TOWN HALL
A request from BCHRC for permission to place a sign on the Town Hall. Thje Clerk advised that Listed building consent would be required and maybe conservation consent. Cllr. Gaffney proposed that more information be requested. Maybe a diagram. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.
ACTION TOWN CLERK

17. HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
Suggested areas of work that the Town Council could take over from the County Council were read. (see below). Cllr. Wright proposed that all these areas be put to the County Council. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. The Mayor suggested that if Council could think of any other areas that contact the Clerk.
a) Cutting of verge Bishop's Castle to Crowgate, (Both sides)
b) Cutting the verges in Love Lane between the two entrances to Bishop's Castle.
c) Cutting verges from the kennels up to the Town.
d) Cutting verges at Banks Head.
e) Cutting the triangle of grass at the junction of Castle St and Welsh St.
f) Cleaning of road signs annually.
g) Cleaning drains after storms.
h) Removing branches from in front of signs.
i) Cutting grass in gully in Welsh Street.

18. a) USE OF OLD MARKET PLACE
Request from Bishop's Castle Parish Church for use of Old Market Place on 20th and 25th March.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
b) USE OF PLAYING FIELDS
Request for free use of the Playing Fields by the Michaelmas fair on 24th and 25th September.
Cllr. Morris proposed no objection proving they have their own insurance and that it does not involve camping. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.
19. STREET CLOSURE
Request for street closure by the Parish Church on Sunday 20th March for Palm Sunday and 19th June for Midsummer Rejoicing.
Cllr. Wright proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

20. CARDBOARD COLLECTION
Cllr. Hird reported that South Shropshire District Council had agreed to a cardboard and plastics collection in Bishop's Castle for 2005/6.

21. TOWN CRIER
Request by the Town Crier for a refund of the subscription to the Loyal Company of Town Criers. - £25
Cllr. Magill proposed £25 be refunded. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.
22. WINTLES DEVELOPMENT
a) Suggestion to write a letter to Mr Caird objecting to the price of affordable housing at the
Wintles Development.
Cllr. Wright proposed the letter be written with a copy to Heather Kidd. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches and approved.
b) Suggestion to write a letter to Matthew Green M.P. expressing concern about the
continued failure to open the Wintles Road and installation of the roundabout.
Cllr. Gaffney proposed letters be sent to Matthew Green M.P., County Councillor Peter Phillips and the Daily Telegraph expressing serious concerns about the impact on the local community and infrastructure, the lack of affordable housing and the greenness of the Wintles development. It was also proposed a letter be sent to Central Networks asking for detailed information concerning their plans to move the telegraph pole. Seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved with Cllr. Dr. Penney abstaining.

23. RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY
Acceptance of Risk Assessment policy -
To be deferred to the next meeting.

24. GRASS CUTTING CONTRACTS
Heath Farm Garden Services £2100
E.L.D. - £994
Sodexho £1040
JDM Accord - £241.24 per cut. (Approx £2894 per annum)
Cllr. Morris proposed that Sodexho be offered the grass cutting contract for 2005. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.

25. HANDRAIL IN TOWN HALL
A short discussion about the type of handrail required in the Town Hall. The Clerk to seek more quotes. No decision reached.

26. ACCOUNTS
In addition to the Accounts listed on the Agenda the following invoices have been received.
It was proposed by Cllr Dr. Penney that the Accounts are all accepted. Seconded by Cllr Magill and approved.
Enterprise South West Shropshire £13.08
Viking Direct - £88.48
A. Wallace - £22
Links electrical - £171
SCC (Newsletter) - £68
Tourism Group - £100.

27. Report of recent meetings attended by Council representatives.

Cllr. Wright proposed the meeting be extended by ten minutes. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

28. Correspondence.
(i) Letter from Mrs Allwood objecting to the skate park.
(ii) Letter from Bishop's Castle Carnival asking for use of the playing fields and comments on skate park.
(iii) Mrs Green - Raising the question of parking in Station Street. The bus could not get through on two consecutive days.
(iv) Mandy Price in support of the skate park.

The letters concerning the skate park were discussed. Cllr. Carroll explained that the area had now been pegged out and had been turned round so that it is further from Mrs Allwoods house. Banks will be built on the side of Kerry Lane and by the Allwoods house. Cllr. Davidson - Stanley proposed that sound proofing boarding be looked into. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved. It was agree that this site had been chosen as the only possible site.
A letter of explanation will be sent to Mrs Allwood.

Cllr. Gaffney proposed that the carnival be allowed to use the playing fields free of charge on the 2nd and 3rd of July. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

With reference to Mrs Greens letter Cllr Carroll reported that Ian Rutherford, District Surveyor had said that when the road surface in Station street is redone the traffic scheme requested involving new road markings will be implemented.

b) For circulation
(i) South Shropshire Arts Advisory Council - Agenda and Minutes.
(ii) Local Council review
(iii) Town and Parish Standards 03
(iv) Defra Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment bill.
(v) Standards committee - Agenda of meeting 8th February, Minutes of meeting on
7th December.
(vi) Craven Arms Parish Plan
(vii) ODPM Vibrant local leadership
(viii)ODPM Citizen Engagement and public services: Why Neighbourhoods matter
(vix)Doorstep Greens
(x) West Midlands @ 2021 - A guide to the regions spatial strategy
(xi) West Midlands Regional Assembly - Speaking Out
(xii) Shropshire Ambulance Service - Serving your Community
(xiii) Minutes of Bishop's Castle Partnership Group meeting - Housing Association

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.09p.m.

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