BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH BISHOP’S
WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES, STAFFORD
STREET, BREWOOD ON THURSDAY, 25 JANUARY 2007
PRESENT:
Mr
A. Ball, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Cllr Mrs D.M. Holmes, Mrs K.A. Holmes, Mrs
J.C. Jeffries, Mrs L.E. Jones, Mrs A. Y. Millward, Dr R.C.H. Taylor, Mr P.G.
Wakeham, Mr M. Webb.
APOLOGIES:
Mr
F. Barrett – holiday, Mr R.M. Jones – work commitment, Mr P. G. Sanders – prior
engagement, Mr I. Westwood – illness.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Cllr M. R. Hampson,
Cllr R. Roberts O.B.E.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 January and the meeting of the
Buildings Committee held 23 January, having been circulated, were taken as read
and were approved and duly signed by the Chairman.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs A. Y. Millward
declared a prejudicial interest in item 270, Ball Lane Allotments. Dr R.C. H.
Taylor declared a prejudicial interest in item 301, Brewood Tennis Club.
Section 17 of
the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 places a duty on local authorities to consider
the crime and disorder implications when exercising its functions and to do all
that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area. Unless otherwise stated it was not
considered that the resolutions moved herein would have any adverse impact for
the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
299.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Chairman
moved that the meeting be adjourned for a period of no more than fifteen
minutes to allow any elector of the parish or his/her representative to raise
or question any issues appertaining to proper parish council business.
Mr
N. Gibbins, Brewood Road, Coven brought to the attention of the Council a
notice in the Express and Star with regard to an application for a Goods
Vehicle Operator’s Licence at 3 Broadacres, Coven. The matter had also been
reported by Mr P.G. Sanders.
It was resolved that the Clerk write to South Staffordshire Council informing them that this Council had been made aware of objections to this planning application.
POLICE REPORT
The
Council received the written Police report, circulated to each member at the
meeting. WPC Mitchell and PCSO Edwards had given their apologies for not being
available to attend the meeting.
300. COUNTY
COUNCIL REPORT:
The Council received the report of Cllr R. Roberts,
which was brought forward on the agenda at Cllr Roberts’ request. Cllr Roberts
reported that the Job Evaluation had been withdrawn in Staffordshire for now, due
to inconsistencies in some of the outcomes. The matter would be reviewed and
initiated again at a later date. He further reported on work he had been
involved with on the medium term financial budget and the review of the Spatial
Strategy – Phase 2.
Cllr M. R. Hampson, Councillor for South
Staffordshire Council, also reported on the Spatial Strategy and discussed the
importance of affordable housing, including the need for it to be in keeping
with the environment.
Cllr R. Roberts left the meeting.
MATTERS ARISING:
154* Public Conveniences, Sandy Lane. Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved the Clerk would check what outstanding work remained to
be done and would continue to follow up on the reconnection issue.
288* Coven Changing Rooms. Clerk’s report
referred.
It was resolved the Clerk would seek tenders from local builders with
regard to the existing changing rooms, requesting details be provided for all
of the work being done as one development and for a phased development.
347* Buildings Committee. Cllr I. Clay thanked those who were present at the meeting for attending.
Matter of report.
165. Coven
Youth Forum. Further to this Council’s enquiry with regard to the feasibility of the
S.S.L.V.T. providing transport from Coven to Brewood for the Senior Youth Club
– the Constitution of the S.S.L.V.T. only allows them to undertake journeys for
the elderly and housebound.
Matter of report.
207. Local
Development Framework Core Strategy. To
be retained on the agenda awaiting the next, more detailed stage of
consultation.
Matter of report.
223. Post Office Network. Letter received
from Jim Fitzpatrick MP with regard to this Council’s concerns for the future
of Rural Post Offices. Copy enclosed.
Matter
of report.
256. Notification of Change of Premises License
Holders. Letter received from South Staffordshire Council stating that a parish
council does not have any power or entitlement to involve itself in either an
application for the transfer of a premises license or a change of designated
premises supervisor. The letter, tabled at the meeting, provided more
information directly relating to the licensing Act 2003.
Matter
of report.
262. Green Bus Service. Letter received
from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency with regard to this Council’s concern
as to the punctuality of the Green Bus Service. The VOSA would be requesting
that a Bus Compliance Officer conducts a monitoring exercise to ascertain the
level of punctuality. The Service was expected to achieve 95% of journeys
operating no more than 1 minute early or 5 minutes late. VOSA’s Regional
Intelligence Unit would be investigating our concerns as to mechanical defects.
Matter
of report.
270. Allotments, Ball Lane, Coven Heath. Letter received
from Mr D. Millward in reply to this Council’s letter. Mr Millward draws this
Council’s attention to further trees in Mrs Woods’ garden that are affecting
his allotment and asks that we approach her to make her aware of the problems.
Mrs A.Y. Millward and Mrs K.A. Holmes left the meeting while the matter was
discussed.
It
was resolved the Clerk write to Mrs Woods drawing her attention to the concern
of the allotment holder, that the trees were damaging the wall, and to Mr
Millward explaining the action taken.
285. Best Kept Village Competition. Letter received
from Brewood Civic Society offering their full support to Brewood’s entry and
stating that a member of the Society would be willing to serve on any group
that may be set-up to co-ordinate the competition. Dr R.C.H. Taylor thanked Mr
P.G. Wakeham for volunteering to co-ordinate the Brewood entry. The Clerk
reported that it was likely that Bishops Wood would be entering the small
village category of the competition this year.
It was resolved that the Council would
sponsor the entry for Bishops Wood in line with it’s sponsorship of the Brewood
and Coven entries.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters had been received from:
301.John Roobottom, Secretary Brewood Tennis Club with regard to
their intention to apply to South Staffordshire Council to extend the period
that the tennis club could use floodlights to 7 days per week. Members were
asked to consider this matter for approval before the application was submitted
and whether this Council made the application as owners of the land. Dr R.C.H.
Taylor did not vote.
It was resolved that the Clerk submit the
application from the Council.
302. SPCA with regard to the event “Chairmanship Skills 5” to be
held 1 March 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Peel Buildings, Stafford. This was further to
the Chairmanship Skills 3&4 held previously and would cover chairing a
controversial meeting and how to prepare better for difficult meetings. The
evening would include members of the public, a “Pedantic Councillor”, 3
observers and an agenda. The fee for members who attended any previous Chairmanship
Skills presentation was £17.50 and £15 for a second delegate.
It was resolved Mr A. Ball and Mrs L.E.
Jones attend at a total cost of £32.50.
303. Ms Shelley Sullivan requesting this Council’s support with
regard to the Carers Helping Independent Carers UK project. Ms Sullivan spoke
during Public Participation at the meeting of 14 December. An extract of the
file Ms Sullivan had provided, stating the aims and objectives of C.H.I.C, was
circulated to members prior to the meeting. Further details were tabled at the
meeting.
It was resolved the Clerk write to Sir
Patrick Cormack MP and David Kidney MP supporting the aims of Carers Helping
Independent Carers in principal.
304.Mr A. Cook, Stafford Road, Coven Heath with regard to the i54
project, copy enclosed.
It was resolved the Clerk forward the letter
to South Staffordshire Council and reply to Mr Cook, sympathising with his
plight and confirming the action taken.
305.Staffordshire Council with regard to a vacancy for an LEA
Governor at Brewood CE (VC) Middle School. Nominations were required by 6
February.
It was resolved the matter be deferred to
the next meeting of the Council for members’ suggestions.
306.South Staffordshire Council with regard to a consultation
evening, to publicise the West Midlands Spatial Strategy Consultation and to
identify potential implications for South Staffordshire, to be held on 24
January (changed from the originally publicised 25 January) at 6.30pm at the
Council Offices, Codsall. At least 2 places per parish council could be guaranteed
but it may have been possible to reserve more. The Consultation would run from
8 January to 5 March. Letter also received from the West Midlands Regional
Assembly providing a summary of the Phase Two Revision. Members had been
advised to contact the Clerk prior to the meeting if they wished to attend.
Matter
of report.
307.Staffordshire Highways with regard to carriageway resurfacing
works on Deansfield Close, Brewood between Deansfield Road and Oak Road. Works
were due to start on 8 February for approximately 2 days. Access to the
frontages and the side roads would be maintained, some disruption would be
inevitable including some amount of noise and vibration. A diversion was to be
made available via Deansfield Road, Vicarage Road, Oak Road and vice versa.
Matter of report.
308.South Staffordshire Council enclosing new leaflets to provide
information about the services of Environmental Health (General) and the help
available to the public concerning private drainage systems, light nuisance,
audible intruder alarms, requesting information from the service and general
nuisance.
Matter of report.
309.Notice received of a Postcode your Property
event to be held at the Police Post, Brewood on 28 January from 10.00am to
1.00pm.
Matter of report.
310.South Staffordshire Council enclosing publicity material for
this years Inter Parish Games. The Clerk would arrange for these to be
displayed on notice-boards throughout the parish.
Matter of report.
311.Letter received from Mrs M. Reynolds, Engleton Lane, Brewood
thanking this Council for its support in the refurbishing of the Brewood War
Memorial.
Matter of report.
312.Sandwell MBC with regard to a West Midlands Regional Strategy,
Phase Two Revision, Consultation Event to be held at the Black Country Museum
on 24 January at 9.30am.
Matter of report.
313.Society of Local Council Clerks Conference for ‘Practitioners’
11.00am 2 March until 3.45pm 3 March at the Moat House Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent.
Cost to members £190 for both days.
Matter of report.
314.Angus Parker enclosing a photograph from the Express and Star,
“Pictures from the Past” of youths congregating around the phone box in Brewood
in 1966. Tabled.
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be held 25 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be held 16 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Partnership and Strategic Services Scrutiny Panel held 11 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council to be held 23 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Audit Committee to be held 30 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held 30 January.
NALC Policy and Parliamentary Briefing – The Local Government
and Public Involvement in Health Bill (second brief)
SPCA Chief Executive Circular 32
Brewood Civic Society minutes of meeting held 15 January and
copy correspondence to Head of Environmental Health Services at South
Staffordshire Council - damage to grass verge on Coven Road in Brewood and
British Waterways – Japanese Knotweed.
Business Link Staffordshire e-update.
Opportunities.
ESPO Energy Matters Newsletter.
COUNTY
COUNCIL REPORT:
The Council received the report of County
Councillor, Rex Roberts O.B.E. earlier in the meeting, see item 300.
315.CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT:
The Chairman, Mr
A. Ball had nothing to report.
Councillor M.R.
Hampson left the meeting.
316.FINANCE
REPORT:
The Council
received the Finance report from Mrs L.E. Jones and resolved the following
matters:
·
The Financial
Summary for the month of January be approved.
·
Renewal of the membership
to The Wildlife Trusts – Staffordshire be renewed at a cost of £36.
·
A grant of £25 be
made to the Stafford Branch of the Samaritans. A copy of their latest accounts
was made available.
·
The report of the
Trainee Clerk be approved to replace the Clerk’s laser printer with a colour
laser printer. The existing printer was producing poor quality prints and
mis-feeding paper. The cost of a replacement print cartridge alone, which would
not fix all the problems, would cost £72. It was envisaged a colour laser
printer would cost in the region of £300 to £350.
·
The written report
of the Trainee Clerk be approved to replace the existing ISDN Internet
connection with BT Broadband on a two year contract at £26.99 per month and for
installation to be carried out by Mr Tony Warne at a cost of £50 – this work
would be done alongside Mrs S. Groom in the expectation of being able to
support it “in-house” should the need arise. An alternative quote had been
obtained by a recommended supplier who quoted between £678 and £774 depending
on whether the Council took an option for remote support.
Note item 302 – cost of Chairmanship Skills event at £32.50.
The Budget and Project List sheets for
quarter 3 2006/2007 were available and would be circulated prior to the next meeting
of the Council when Mr P.G. Sanders would also be present.
317.PLANNING
REPORT:
The Council received the report of Cllr Mrs
D. M. Holmes and made the planning recommendations as set out in the attached schedule.
Notices of appeal
against refusal received with regard to the application for a private gypsy
caravan site at Brinsford Bridge, Stafford Road, Coven Heath and the erection
of 3 detached dwelling houses with garages at 36 Engleton Lane, Brewood.
Matter of report.
Consultation notice
received with regard to AL/01/2007/TPO, proposal to fell a Corsican Pine,
concerns about safety, from Mr & Mrs Bywater at The Old Vicarage, Vicarage
Road, Brewood. Comments required by 8 February.
Matter of report.
Consultation notice
received with regard to AL/02/2007/CA, proposal to fell Leylandii on right side
of drive, to improve access, at 9 Sandy Lane, Brewood. Comments required by 1
February.
Matter of report.
318.CLERKS
REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury and resolved the
following matters:
·
Existing
Coven Changing rooms – see item 288*
·
Planters
for Bishops Wood – the cost of hiring in the services for a fork-lift truck to
move the planters into place be approved. The Clerk be given approval to order
the four planters at a cost of £210 each, subject to obtaining a satisfactory
answer / solution to the matter of drainage in the planters. To be funded from
the donation fund held by the Council.
·
Bishops
Wood Best Kept Village competition – see item 285.
·
Public
Conveniences, Sandy Lane – see item 154*.
·
Dirty Lane,
Brewood – Clerk to contact Brewood Middle School to ascertain whether the
commercial vehicles could gain access through the school car park.
The Clerk also
reported that a meeting of the Funding Sub-committee had been scheduled for
Tuesday 13 February at 10.00am and that Mr Annett had a personal interest in
metal detecting and had requested permission to search The Bront with the
agreement that any finds would revert to the Parish Council.
It was resolved Mr Annett be given the
permission requested.
319.DISTRICT
COUNCIL REPORT:
The Council received the report of District
Councillor Cllr I. Clay who reported on the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee
he had attended on 16 January concerning the Police Authority Annual Consultation
meeting. He further reported on the trial in food waste collection planned to
take place in Cheslyn Hay from the beginning of February until the end of
December and South Staffordshire Council’s adoption of a 10 year plan on energy
saving measures.
ANY
OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
320.Burial Grounds – Provision.
It was resolved this matter be included on
the agenda for the meeting of the Full Council to be held on 22 February.
There
being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.30pm.
CLERK’S REPORT FOR THE
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD
25TH JANUARY,
2007
Coven Changing Rooms new
build
A
meeting had been held with Katie White and Mark Jenkins from South
Staffordshire Council’s Leisure Section together with Kevin Twigger, Architect
and his assistant. The meeting had been
arranged to discuss amendments to the internal layout of the building to meet
the Football Foundation’s criteria for dual sex, all age usage. It was established that the size of the
building would not accommodate the necessary additions and Kevin Twigger was to
prepare new drawings in accordance with the instructions issued by the Football
Foundation’s Technical Department. It
was also apparent that the increased dimension of the building would add
considerably to the cost but this could be taken into account in the
application to the Football Foundation.
The alterations would require a new planning consent and it would be
necessary to go out to tender again.
However, one of the points made at the meeting was that the tenders
received to-date were exceedingly high and it should be possible to
considerably reduce the cost of the re-build if small local builders were
approached to tender. It was envisaged
that the application would not be ready in time for the next meeting of the
Foundation Board to take place at the beginning of March and that it would have
to be deferred until the June meeting.
Existing Changing Rooms
The
Council were currently paying rental to SSC for two garages which were utilised
for storage. As the Council had
resolved that the changing rooms were not to be re-opened would it be
appropriate to seek tenders from local builders for the work needed to convert
the building into a store room/workshop?
The work detailed included for a new pitched roof, fencing, etc.
Planters for Bishops Wood
Provision
was included in the precept for planters for Bishops Wood and sometime ago the
local members pinpointed four sites where they felt planters would be
appropriate. There were some natural stone troughs at Welshpool that were both
attractive and virtually indestructible, weighing around 300kg. They came in varying sizes, the larger ones
being £210 and £220 each which compared favourably with large wooden
planters. Delivery would be free if we
purchased more than two but we would need a fork lift truck to unload them off
the lorry. A local contractor had
indicated that he could do this. The Clerk
had spoken to the Council’s bedding plant supplier to ask whether the troughs
would be suitable as they did not have any drainage holes and The Divisional
Engineer had indicated that he was quite happy with the suggested sites and
this type of planter as there were some similar ones in Penkridge. Members views please?
V2006 Concert
The Trainee
Clerk has spoken to Mark Blackstock of Roseclaim, following up on the Councils
letter, who believed the V2006 grants had already been allocated but he did not
know who to. He would be meeting someone on 31 January in connection with the V
Concerts and had promised to provide the Council with a list of those who
received grants from the V2006 Concert. If we find there was any funding still
available should a grant be sought for the above planters and plants?
BKV Competition – Bishops
Wood
It
had been suggested for some years now that Bishops Wood should enter the
competition – the Clerk had made some enquiries to see if any one in Bishops
Wood would be prepared to be co-ordinator.
It looked very promising with several persons having shown a keen
interest in being involved but as yet a co-ordinator hadn’t come forward. Was the Council prepared to sponsor the
entry if it went ahead?
Sandy Lane Toilets
The
Clerk had not forwarded the cheque (£2,260) and application for the new supply
to Eon as she had been informed by one of their employees that it may be
possible to reduce the price quoted.
However, he needed to speak to the Contractor and he was on holiday
until Wednesday. The Clerk had left a
message for him to contact the office as soon as he returned.
Dirty Lane, Brewood
The
Clerk had been asked to report that the above path was being used by commercial
vehicles visiting the school and that this was churning up the path. Did members feel that it would be
appropriate to include this in the bid under the Footpaths Initiative?