MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP’S CASTLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2007 AT 8.OO PM.
PRESENT Councillor J. E. Gaffney, Mayor, in the Chair.
Councillors: J. M. Carroll, S.A. Farr, M. Furber, J.E. Gaffney, N. Hird, M. E. Holton, J.A. Magill, W. J. Morris, Dr. G.N.St.J. Penney, K.E.C. Pinches M. Stanley and
R.D. Wright.
In attendance: Mrs. J. Ince
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies were received from Cllr. Morris
Cllr. Gaffney proposed item 26 be considered before item 25 as press and public are to be excluded from item 25. Seconded by Cllr. Hird and approved.
2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
a) Declaration of personal interest:
Cllr. Stanley declared a personal interest in item 6aas her mother-in-law is a direct neighbour to the applicant.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 11 as he is a member of the Wasteless Society.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 14 as he is a member of the Bishop’s Castle Group.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 20 as he is a member of the Stone House equipment fund.
Cllr. Hird declared a personal interest in item 28 as he is a member of the Castle Land trust.
Cllr. Dr. Penney declared a personal interest in itme 28 as he is a member of the Castle Land trust.
Cllr. Wright declared a personal interest in item 18 as he is a friend of Prof. Pahl.
Cllr. Gaffney declared a personal interest in item 11 as he is a Director of the Wasteless Society.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
circulated, were proposed as a true record by Cllr. Dr. Penney. Seconded by Cllr. Pinches.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Mayor.
Item 11- Reply from Glyn Shaw, Shropshire County Council with reference to HGV signs requesting a site meeting.
Previous meetings
Gates at Crowgate.- Reply from Mark Foxall, Waste Services team saying he has passed the request to the Senior Property Surveyor asking him to look into the installing of new gates.
Colebatch Footpath - Several letters from Cllr. Peter Phillips to County Council officers in support of a footpath from Colebatch to Bishop’s castle.
5. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK: none
6. TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT:
(a) 1/07/19885/TC :Tree Works (conservation Area), Felling of a walnut tree (delegated matter)
Stoney Pound, Union Street, Bishop’s Castle. R.G. & M Jones.
A letter was read from Mrs Stanley objecting to the application.
Resolved A strong objection on the grounds that this is a very attractive eighty year old tree that is not causing any harm. Proposed by Cllr.Wright, seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
b) Reports of Planning Applications:
(i) 1/07/19692/F Erection of 3no. affordable dwellings and 3no. open-market dwellings: construction of estate roads and formation of vehicular and pedestrian access (county matter)
Station Street Garage, Bishop’s Castle. G & R Price
Permission refused.
(ii) 1/07/19735/F Erection of replacement roof to resindial and retail building (delegated matter)
Flat 63 Church Street, Bishop’s Castle. The Co-operative Group.
Planning permission granted.
7. REPORT BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Cllr. Ellis reported that the District Council had a long discussion on Unitary, looking at the way forward. Elections could now be in 2009. There is to be a nucleus at Shrewsbury with three sub divisions in the north, central and south. These areas will meet once a month with local meetings quarterly. The town and parish councils will have a lot of input in these local meetings.
Cllr. Ellis went to say there had been a long discussion about the abbatoir and there was much concern that it might not open again. They may try to formulate a local buy out.
8. GRASS CUTTING IN PLAYING FIELDS
There have been complaints about the poor grass cutting in the playing fields. The Clerk reported that she is aware the field is not being cut properly and is liaising with the contractors. When and how well the field is cut is being monitored. The Clerk has written to the contractors to complain.
Resolved - A second letter to be sent to the contractors saying that this Council are very concerned about the standard of the grass cutting and expect the contractors to honour their contract properly. Proposed by Cllr. Dr. Penney and seconded by Cllr. Wright.
9. PARKING IN BISHOP’S CASTLE.
The Clerk read a letter from Phil Crossland, Assistant Director, Transport and Highways, Shropshire County Council suggesting that the only way to solve traffic problems in Bishop’s Castle is double yellow lines on Salop Street, Market Square, Welsh Street, Boars head junction and Station Street, enforced by ParkRight. Also letters from the Police and fire Service to Mr Crossland.
Cllr. Stanley reported on the difficulties with parking in Market Square.
There was considerable discussion when the following comments were mad.
(i) Cllr. Stanley commented that the yellow lines were very confusing and that one can safely park on some yellow lines but in other areas with no yellow lines it is very dangerous to park.
(ii) The Police are obliged to come out if there is an obstruction, especially if a car is parked on a white line.
(iii) White lines are guide as to whether cars are at risk.
(iv) Cllr. Magill felt double yellow lines were a good idea.
(v) Cllr. Gaffney explained that Park Right enforce law indiscriminately. People who park outside there house on the pavement in Welsh Street would be fined.
(vi) It was generally felt that a single yellow line did not achieve anything.
(vii) It was commented that it is important for buses and the fire service to get through.
Resolved (a) Ask Mr Crossland to come to Bishop’s Castle to discuss the problems.
(b) To ask for assistance from the local Police at the PACT meeting.
(c) For a working group of Cllrs. Stanley, Magill, Pinches Gaffney and Carroll to walk the area and mark on the map where lines are, or are not required. Cllr. Stanley to organise.
Proposed by Cllr. Gaffney, seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
10. COUNTRY ACCESS STRATEGY FOR SHROPSHIRE 2008-2018
Cllr. Gaffney explained the document and highlighted particular sections.
Resolved - Cllr. Gaffney to complete the questionnaire on the Countryside Access Strategy for Shropshire 2008-2018 (circulated) on behalf of the Council. Proposed by Cllr. Wright, seconded by Cllr magill.
11. WASTELESS SOCIETY
Resolved The Wasteless Society to be awarded a grant of £120 to enable them to employ a person to clear up at the recycling centre. Proposed by Cllr. Dr. Penney, seconded by Cllr. Wright.
12. PROPOSED CHANGES TO RURAL BUS SERVICE
The Clerk updated Councillors on the proposed changes to the bus services in South Shropshire. The general opinion was that it was a good idea with the following reservations.:
It could be very difficult for visitors. The system should be well advertised and explained at every bus stop.
Concern was expressed about losing buses from Bishop’s Castle to Shrewsbury.
Will fares be reasonably priced?
Resolved - The Clerk to complete the questionnaire for the Council makin g the above comments. Proposed by Cllr. Gaffney, seconded by Cllr. Wright.
13. CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARIES
Review of Conservation Area Boundaries by South Shropshire District Council. Is there an Resolved There is no urgent need to review the boundaries in Bishop’s castle. Proposed by Cllr. Dr. Penney. Seconded by Cllr. Wright.
14. BIOMASS PLANT
Invitation from Mr Day for the Mayor, Cllr. Gaffney and one other Councillor to visit the Eccleshall plant after commissioning/connection.
Cllrs. Dr. Penney, Hird, Holton, Magill and Pinches expressed an interest in visiting the Eccleshall Plant.
Resolved - (a) To write to Mr. Day asking if the Mayor and five Councillors can visit the Eccleshall Plant. Proposed by Cllr. Gaffney, seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
(b) To contact Stafford Borough Council asking for a copy of the planning regulations and conditions of planning. Proposed by Cllr. Carroll, seconded by Cllr. Dr. Penney.
15. BIKE TRACK
The bike track is very overgrown with thistles and nettles, hence unusable at present. Resolved (7 votes to 4) - To spend £50 for spraying the bike track this year and then look into long term management by strimming. Proposed by Cllr. Dr. Penney, seconded by
Cllr. Magill.
16. PLANNING WHITE PAPER - Cllr. Hird
Discussion on the Planning White Paer and response to it by South Shropshire District Council. (The white paper can be found on the Communities and Local Government web site and the planning white paper policy can be found on the SSDC web site.)
Cllr. Hird explained that if the white paper is approved planning consent will be given by an unelected commission. The Town should have a policy and tell District Counil. To be discussed at the next meeting. Next agenda.
17. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Resolved - The rent from the Flea market on the day of the Christmas lights festival to be donated to the Christmas lights festival. Proposed by Cllr. Stanley, seconded by Cllr.Farr
18. BENCH DONATED BY PROF. PAHL
Resolved A letter of thanks to Prof. Pahl for the bench he has donated to the Town. Proposed by Cllr. Wright, seconded by Cllr. Magill. Councillors were concerned that it is not very well secured.
19. CLERKS CONTRACT
To be dicussed at a future meeting.
20. STONE HOUSE HOSPITAL
Resolved A letter to be sent to Jo Chambers, Chief Executive of Shropshire PCT congratulating her on her appointment and thanking her for continuing support to maintain Stone House hospital with its NHS medical and nursing services. A copy of the letter to be sent to the papers. Proposed by Cllr. Hird, seconded by Cllr. Pinches.
21. BISHOP’S CASTLE MARCHES PARTNERSHIP
Cllr. Carroll explained to Councillors that the Bishop’s Castle Marches Partnership was involved in the distribution of second homes Council tax.
Resolved Cllr. Carroll to continue to be the Town Council representative on the Bishop’s Castle Marches Partnership. Proposed by Cllr. Gaffney, seconded by Cllr. Stanley.
22. SHROPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Resolved - Cllr. Magill to attend a meeting at the local fire station on 18th October and to complete the questionnaire on the future organisation of the fire service on behalf of the Council. Proposed by Cllr. Magill, seconded by Cllr. Hird.
23. VILLAGE SPEED LIMITS POLICY
Resolved - This Council supports the recommendations of the draft village speed limit policy. Proposed by Cllr. Gaffney, seconded by Cllr. Hird.
24. FOOTPATH FROM COLEBATCH TO BISHOP’S CASTLE.
The proposed footpaths submitted by the residents of Colebatch were discussed. Cllr. Carroll explained that members of public at Colebatch feel uncomfortable walking through Mr Jones farmyard. Cllr. Carroll visited the farmyard to discuss matters with Mr Jones. He says that nobody in the family makes it uncomfortable for walkers. Cllr. Carroll pointed out that it is public right of way and if there are more complaints it would have to report to County Council. Mr Jones has been approached by the County Council to divert footpath but he would have to pay in the region of £1,500 for the diversion which he is not willing to do.
Resolved - To respond to the letter from the residents of Colebatch explaining that they have every right to use this footpath and the Town Council has been given assurances that there will be no problems. If there are problems the residents should let Council know immediately. To pursue the making a footpath on the route of the green line (adjoining the road from Colebatch to the Pines). Proposed by Cllr. Carroll, seconded by Cllr. Gaffney and approved
26. ACCOUNTS
Press and Public were excluded for item 26.
25. APPLICATIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Consideration was given as to whether applicants for affordable housing are local.
27. REPORT OF RECENT MEETINGS ATENDED BY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Cllr. Pinches agreed to attend the 6 towns meeting on Thursday 13th September at Church Stretton.
28. CORRESPONDENCE
(i) Letter from David Jones, Old Castle Land trust regarding dog mess on the Castle Land.
(ii) Letter from Sarah Rollason, Learning and Culture, Shropshire County Council giving informatoion on the Walking for Life project. (circulate)
(iii) Letter from Bishop’s Castle Group (circulate)
b) Circulation
(i) Take off
(ii) LCR
(iii) Communications working group agenda and minutes
(iv) Reform to Empty Property rates
(v) Clerks & Councils Direct
Standards board agenda and minutes can be found on www.southshropshire.gov/static/pape5016
The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.14 p.m.