MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 16th AUGUST 2005 AT 8.OO PM.

PRESENT Councillor J.M. Carroll, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. Blundell, R. A. Evans, N. Hird, J.A. Magill, W. J. Morris,
and Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince, Town Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Cllr. Davidson - Stanley, Cllr Farr, Cllr. Pinches, Cllr. Wright.

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
a) Declaration of personal interest: None

b) Declaration of prejudicial interest:
Cllr. Blundell declared a prejudicial interest in item 7 as he holds the lighting contract for the Town Council.
Cllr. Carroll declared a prejudicial interest in item 10 as she rents an allotment in Laburnum Alley.

Cllr. Carroll proposed that due to the number of the public present Item 5 be moved to after item 6 when Cllr. Phillips would like to speak. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday 19th July 2005, having been circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Blundell with the following correction. Seconded by
Cllr. Dr. Penney.
Item 11, second sentence should read "Cllr. Blundell proposed that no decision be made until after Cllr. Blundell had brought a demonstration model to show Councillors."
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Item 10 - Road Closure outside the Town Hall. The Clerk reported that the power cut had nothing to do with the work. It was a local fault. A letter of apology was read from Enterprise regarding the other points.

6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
a) 1/05/17315/F Planning Permission (Full) Erection of 20 dwellings and formation of access road and associated works. (No 21 Grange Road to be demolished)
Land adjoining Grange Road, Bishop's Castle. South Shropshire Housing Association.
Cllr. Dr Penney made the point that although no one wished to appose low cost housing, the community room should not be demolished. Elderly residents needed the community room for its laundry facilities. He suggested demolishing no 17 and 19 to make way for access or an access passed the fire station in Church Lane. Cllr. Blundell commented that the drains in Grange Road were in a poor state and would not cope with the extra traffic. There is also a parking issue.
Cllr. Hird commented that it was not a good idea to knock down sheltered housing or the community room.
Cllr. Carroll proposed that the public be allowed to speak. Seconded by Cllr. Dr Penney and approved.
Hugh Jones commented that the community room was used for other organisations in the Town not just the elderly residents. Also that Kerry Lane was too narrow to take the additional traffic.
Royston Hatfield commented that the drains were collapsing and would not take the additional use.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed there be an objection on the grounds that the community room should not be demolished and another way should be found to gain access to the site that did not involve the knocking down of the community room or sheltered bungalows.
He also proposed that Cllr. Philip Dunne M.P. be asked to assert pressure on the Housing Association to change the access.
Both propositions were seconded by Cllr. Blundell and approved.

b) 1/05/17278/RM Approval of reserved matter. Erection of two dwellings.
Former RWA Depot off Woodbatch Road, Bishop's Castle. Mr G.J.Thomas.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

c) 1/05/17279/F Planning permission (Full) Cladding of part of gable with weather boarding.
1 Bull Lane, Bishop's Castle. Miss C. Batson
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

d) 1/05/17309/F & 1/05/17310/LB Planning permission (Full) and Listed Building Consent. Erection of an oak framed conservatory with store under existing glazed link corridor to be demolished, and associated internal works. (delegated matter)
Three Tuns, Salop Street, Bishop's Castle. Havana Taverns.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.

e) 1/05/17327/F Planning permission (full) Erection of a conservatory,
Mynd View, Church Lane, Bishop's Castle. Mr & Mrs I.C.Rowson.
Cllr. Morris proposed no objection. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

f) Reports of Planning Applications.
(i) 1/05/17147/F Erection of a nitrate Removal Building, a High Lift Pump Building and a Transformer; construction of Estate roads.
Oakley Farm Pumping Station, Brampton Road, Bishop's Castle. Severn Trent Water.
Planning permission granted.
(ii) 1/05/17202/LB and 1/05/17202/LB Alteration to the external fenestration and internal works.
63 Church Street, Bishop's Castle. The Co-Operative Group.
Planning permission and Listed Building Consent granted.

g) Planning Meeting.
Erection of a dwelling; conversion of (existing) building to domestic garage and store; use of land for the temporary siting of a mobile home.
The Bakery, Church Street.
Wednesday17/8/2005 at the Coors Stadium, Ludlow.

5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK:
County Councillor Peter Phillips made the following points.
a). He would be making the same representation as the Town Council on the Old Bakery.
b) It was nearly a year ago that the plan had been drawn up for Bishop's Castle's highways and pavements. Cllr. Phillips is having a site meeting with Cllr. John Everall, the County Councillor holding the portfolio for Environment and sustainability, on 31st August to discuss the plan. All Councillors welcome. Cllr. Phillips will also take Cllr. Everall to the Wintles / Castle St junction to show him the problems there.
c) Cllr. Phillips explained that he is negotiating with the District Council and County Council for an acre of land at the Crowgate Business Park for possible community use.
d) A resident has complained about the overgrown state of the footpath from Brick Meadow to Bowling Green Close. Cllr. Phillips will report back to residents that the matter is in hand.

Cllr. Blundell left the room.
7. STREET LIGHTING IN GRANGE ROAD
To reconsider tenders in the light of new information. Central Networks have revised their price to ensure it is like for like. They now quote £3546.84. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that the lowest bid be taken. (Pirelli) Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.
Cllr. Blundell returned.

8. YOUTH FORUM
Request by the Youth Forum to give a presentation on Youth Participation to the Council.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed they be invited to give a presentation at 9.15pm at the next Council Meeting. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.

9. DEFRA CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005
To discuss implications of the new law. Cllr. Blundell proposed that this item be put on an agenda as soon as more information is received. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

10. UPGRADING OF LABURNUM ALLEY
Cllr. Carroll advised that regarding the grassed area in Oak Meadow a letter of confirmation has been received from Graham Biggs, Chief Executive, South Shropshire District Council reiterating the points given to Councillors at a previous meeting. There was no mention of a £200 remuneration for grass cutting. This will be investigated.
Cllr. Carroll also advised that the ownership of the piece of no-man's land on Welsh Street by the culvert is being investigated with a view to improving the state of it.
The Laburnum Alley footpath at the back of Oak Meadow is being cleared at present. This will be paid for by the P3 group.

Cllr. Carroll left the room.
Consideration of quotes for resurfacing Laburnum Alley.
As only two quotes had been received the section to be covered in tarmac could not be considered. Quotes were discussed for the laying of scalpings. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that scalpings should be ordered and a roller from the playing fields organised. The offer by residents to lay the scalpings to be taken up. Cllr. Blundell to co-ordinate the roller and laying of the scalpings. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.
Cllr. Carroll returned.

11. SALC - TRAINING PROGRAMME
Forthcoming Training Programme for Councillors and Clerk.
Wednesday 7th September 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Law and Procedures
An update on Local Council Law & Procedures, Duties of a Parish Councillor and the Role of the Clerk.
Tuesday 4th October 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Chairmanship
Looking at what is involved in the role of Chairman, Councillor, Clerk and the Council as a Corporate Body.
Tuesday 18th October -7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Community Planning
Looking at Community Action, Working in Partnership, Funding Sources and Active Groups within the Community.
Wednesday 23rd November 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Budgeting, Precept and Income
A presentation focusing on Budgeting, Precept, Finance and VAT
All the courses are at Shirehall and cost £15 per person with a maximum cost to each Council of £50.
Cllr. Carroll proposed that Council meets the cost for any Councillors wishing to attend. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved. Councillors to notify the Clerk if they wish to attend.

12. PARKING
A letter from Cllr. Magill was read regarding suggestions made about her at the last meeting.
a) Clarity of parking areas where tickets are placed at
(i) Boars head junction and (ii) New Street/ Church Street junction.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that notices are put on cars parked within 5 metres of each of the junctions. Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.
b) Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that tickets be put on cars parked within 5 metres of the following junctions
(i) Salop St / Station St
(ii) Castle St / Welsh St
(iii) Bull St / Bull Lane
(iv) Bull St / Market Square
(v) Bull Lane/ Castle St/Castle Green
Seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved
Notices are to be displayed in the Town showing these areas and explaining Council policy. Also an article in the Newsletter.

13 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON EXCEPTION SITES.
South Shropshire District Council is seeking the views of Town Councils on additional villages/rural communities where affordable housing on exception sites may be permitted.
Cllr. Philip Dunne M.P. commented that he would like to see exception sites permitted in as many villages as possible if a suitable need arose. If a village is not on the list it prohibits any building.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that Colebatch and Bankshead be added to the list of villages where affordable housing on exception sites may be permitted. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.

14. CASTLE GREEN / WINTLES JUNCTION
A letters from Cllr. Philip Dunne M.P. was read saying that he is taking the matter up with the County Council.
A letter was read from Roger Whitehouse, Shropshire County Council saying that the problem was with the supply company. He expressed surprise that there is a problem with motorcyclists and said that he would arrange for inappropriate signs to be covered up.
Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a letter be sent to Mr Whitehouse asking him to make contact with the supply company to establish the reasons for delay. Also, asking that the paved areas be completed.
Cllr. Dr. Penney also proposed that Cllr. Phillip Dunne M.P. be invited to speak to Central Networks to try to resolve the situation. Both propositions seconded by Cllr. Morris and approved.
Cllr. Blundell proposed that a letter be sent to Mr Whitehouse informing him that the Wintles Development has made the transformer overloaded and reduced supply to various houses.
Cllr. Blundell will advise the Clerk of the addresses of these houses after he has consulted with residents. Seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney and approved.

15. ENTRANCE TO THE AUCTION YARD FROM CHURCH STREET
This area is privately owned but there is a one metre right of way across it. This right of way is in a very dangerous condition. Cllr. Dr. Penney proposed that a letter be sent to the Shropshire County Council, Highways department asking for the surface of the right of way to be improved.

16. MAYOR'S SUNDAY
The suggestion from the meeting held on Tuesday 9th August was that Mayor's Sunday should be brought forward so that it does not coincide with half term week and to make it an inclusive ceremony as much as possible. Hopefully more Councillors will attend. If it is not successful then it could be combined with mid-summer rejoicing the following year.

18. Report of recent meetings attended by Council representatives.
None

19. a) Correspondence.
(i) Carroll & Williams - Report on investigation into the cistern.
Cllr. Carroll proposed that Cllr. Morris be asked to lift a few floor boards to enable Mr Williams to look underneath. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.
(ii) Letter from Trisha Dawson - The Kings Head, objecting to the Councils attitude regarding the closing hours of the Kings Head.
Cllr. Carroll proposed that a reply be sent to the letter. Seconded by Cllr. Magill and approved.
b) For circulation
(i) Doorstep Greens Newsletter
(ii) Wasteless Society Newsletter
(iii) Shropshire County Council - New Planning system
(iv) Neighbour noise
(v) Letter from Cllr. Peter Phillips to Penny Spencer, Chief Executive SCC regarding plan for Bishop's Castle pavements and highways.

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

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