BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH
BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL
OFFICES,
PRESENT:
M. Alden-Court, Cllr A. Ball, Mr F. Barrett,
Mrs J. Carr, Mr D. Evans, Mrs D. M. Holmes, Mrs K.A. Holmes, Mrs J.C. Jeffries,
Mrs L.E. Jones, Mr G. Martin, Dr R.C.H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb.
APOLOGIES:
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 9 August and the Special Meeting
of the Council held on 30 August were confirmed as accurate records and duly
signed.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Dr R.C.H. Taylor declared a personal and
prejudicial interest with regard to road safety matters relating to
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 to be moved herein would have any
adverse impact for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
173. 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.
Dr R.C.H. Taylor,
Mrs Clancy of
Mr Glyn Williams,
Gunstone, Codsall spoke with regard to planning application 07/00868/FUL
(Rickyard) and his concerns for road safety when accessing the property, which
was the subject of the application, and also when accessing their own
neighbouring property. Mr Williams believed the application was contrary to
planning regulations. Further to correspondence received from Mr Williams, Mrs
A.H. Holmes explained that the matter had been discussed at the Council meeting
held on 9 August to meet the response date set by South Staffordshire Council
but, with their agreement, the matter was on the agenda again to review the
application in the light of Mr Williams’ report.
174. POLICE REPORT
The Council received the written
Police report which had been prepared for 6 September. Members reiterated the
importance of enforcing parking regulations in Brewood. Concern was also raised
at the number of vehicles parked for longer than the 20 minute restriction in
Market Place, Brewood but it was considered that 20 minutes might not be long
enough and that this matter should not be taken up wit the police at this
stage.
It was resolved Clerk to raise the matter of continued enforcement of parking regulations, particularly in Brewood.
MATTERS ARISING:
154** Public Conveniences,
It was resolved that once the outstanding work had been completed then the outstanding payment to Maythorne Construction would be paid.
256* Notification of Change of Premises Licence Holders. Letter
received from South Staffordshire Council in reply to this Council’s
request to be notified of applications whilst having no powers as a consultee.
A copy was enclosed to Members. Email also received from SPCA with regard to
Government proposals to remove the requirements under the Licensing Act 2003
which required i) a designated premises supervisor to be specified on every
premises licence authorising sales of alcohol and ii) every sale of alcohol at
such premises to be authorised by a personal licence holder, for categories of
premises including village halls, church halls, chapel halls and similar
community buildings. The SPCA advised that this may also be a relevant
opportunity to restate the fact that parish councils were not statutory
consultees under the Licensing Act 2003. A newsletter was due to be issued by
the SPCA summarising advice from NALC on how parish councils may comment on
licensing applications.
It was
resolved a copy of the letter from South Staffordshire Council be forwarded to
the SPCA for the attention of NALC and that the matter be raised with the
Scrutiny Committee requesting that this Council be notified of applications to
change a premises licence holder but not as consultees. Cllr M. Hampson to
raise the matter to the attention of the Licensing Committee.
288** Coven Changing
Rooms. The forms to make the required planning application were in the process
of being completed. Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved a Quantity Surveyor be appointed and the cost of submitting a planning application be approved to the total value of £750.
347** Buildings –
Proposal for New Development. Letter received with regard to this Council’s
application to the Big Lottery Fund Community Buildings programme stating that
the application had not been selected to progress to the next round for
applications. The programme had been heavily over-subscribed with over 2,000
applications seeking over £588 million from a budget of £50
million. Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved the matter be deferred to the Buildings Committee
and the Clerk arrange a suitable meeting date with
173* Footpath from
Hillcrest to
It was resolved that a copy of the letter be sent to the Civic Society and Mr B. Jones for their information.
67. Special Meeting of the
Council. Further to the Special meeting of the Council held 30 August the
Chair confirmed the required information had been obtained from the relevant
agencies and that a date needed to be set for the Staffing Committee to meet.
It was resolved the Chair
would agree a date with the Chair of the Staffing Committee.
72 and 151 Parking Near
Letters
received from:
·
Mr John Burdett, Staffordshire County Council Health
and Safety Advisor (School Support) with regard to a School Crossing Patrol Assessment
undertaken for Church Road / Dean Street, Brewood. The formal site assessment failed to meet
the criteria required to support a formal request for funding of an additional
patrol. Copy enclosed to Members.
·
Road
Safety Police report, previously received at the meeting held 9 August,
deferred to this meeting to allow Members to consider the report. Copy,
previously received, enclosed to Members.
·
Brewood
Civic Society requesting their concerns associated with any proposal for a
one-way system be considered – it “would result in a proliferation
of unwelcome and unsightly street clutter and signage within the Conservation
Area” and “proper enforcement of the parking restrictions and
regulations should be implemented” first.
·
Staffordshire
County Council with regard to the possibility of double yellow lines at the
junction of Sandy Lane and Vicarage Road, Brewood. Following a site visit he
concluded that the junction did require protection and proposed to place the
request on the Traffic Order List. However he was concerned that the site had
no recorded injury accidents for the last 7 years and would therefore be a low
priority and may not be supported by the Police.
The Chair, Mrs L.E. Jones read out a letter received from The Reverend Burgess who was not available to attend the meeting but raised his concern for the safety of people in the village with the traffic problems being experienced. Dr R.C.H. Taylor left the meeting while this item was discussed.
It was resolved that a meeting be arranged with full council and a representative of Staffordshire County Council to present Members’ views and to discuss how the matter should be progressed.
81. Grass Cutting, Coven
Heath. Mr F. Barrett reported that he
had queried the additional grass cutting being undertaken by South
Staffordshire Council at Hilton but had not received a reply. He would follow
the matter up further.
Matter of report.
·
confirming that the Surface Manager was undertaking
a survey of all the work carried out in the parish and any essential works
deemed necessary would be undertaken in due course
·
agreeing that the local repairs to resolve the
flooding problem at the junction of The Ridings and
It was resolved the Clerk write requesting the Council be notified of any works identified in the survey and thanking Mr Wright for identifying the required resolution. A copy of the letter from County to be sent to Cllr R. Roberts seeking his continued support.
111. Public
Participation – Signage of Market Place, Brewood. Letter received
from Mr A. Perry, South Staffordshire Council stating he would look into the
matter further.
Matter of report.
113. SPCA
Quality Council Grant. The grant application to assist with the
redevelopment of the old changing rooms at Coven had been submitted to the SPCA
on the understanding that tenders still had to be sought for an accurate
costing.
Matter
of report.
118 and 138. Drainage Problems –
Matter
of report.
126. Notification of
Tree Works. Letter received from Mr S. Dores, South Staffordshire Council
stating this Council’s request, to be notified of applications affecting
trees in the Conservation Area, had been noted.
Matter
of report.
143. Finance Report
– Victim Support. Letter received thanking this Council for their
donation of £25.
Matter
of report.
144. Planning Report
– Cat and
Matter
of report.
Matter
of report.
149. Telephone Box,
Kiddemore Green. Letter received from BT referring to correspondence
between BT and this Council in April 2005 in which approval to remove the phone
box was given. Acknowledgement was also made to the time taken to remove the
phone box. Phone call subsequently received further explaining that the phone
box did not meet the criteria set for being converted to a cashless system.
Matter
of report.
150.
Matter
of report.
153. Tree Warden. South
Staffordshire Council seeking confirmation that Mr P. Butler was still the
Council’s appointed Tree Warden. Deferred from the previous meeting
awaiting confirmation from Mr Butler.
It was resolved the matter be
deferred to the next meeting to await a reply from Mr Butler.
156. Municipal Waste
Strategy 2007. Staffordshire County Council enclosing a copy of the summary
document - Municipal Waste Strategy for 2007. A copy of the full Strategy and
supporting documents, as well as background information about the Strategy and
waste issues, was available on the Council website. Questionnaires could also
be completed on line. Responses
were required by September. Deferred from the previous meeting to enable any
interested members to view the Strategy and report back to the Council.
Matter
of report.
157 and
160. Bishops
Wood – Road Safety. Copy letter received from Mr D. Wright, County Highways
to D. Kidney MP confirming a footway from the
It was resolved the information
be forwarded to Mr Black and Mr Edwards of Bishops Wood.
162. Best Kept Village. Letter
received from Community Council of Staffordshire enclosing the judges comments
for Coven and Bishops Wood. Comments for Brewood were to follow. Letter
received from Brewood Civic Society requesting to be informed of the
judge’s comments for Brewood when they were available. Letter received
from Bishops Wood BKV committee inviting Members, their partners and the
Council staff to their celebration on 9 September – members notified by
phone prior to the event. Letter received from Mrs M. Wootton, Coven
congratulating Mrs Y.M. Millward and her team in their achievement.
It was resolved the comments be
forwarded to the respective BKV committees.
167. Bishops Wood Playing Field.
Mrs J.C. Jeffries recommended that further to the work that needed to be
undertaken at the playing fields, an application should be made to Roseclaim
following the V2007 Festival for a grant towards refurbishing the playarea.
Further projects to be included in the letter: £1,000 for a speed gun as
approved under the “Community Speed Watch Scheme” and a grant
towards the Bishops Wood B.K.V. committee towards next years entry.
It
was resolved the Clerk write to Mr M. Blackstock of Roseclaim to this effect.
171. Litter Bin – The Bront.
Clerk’s report referred. M. Alden-Court also queried whether arrangements
had been made for Mr D. Barker to empty the litter bin, donated by the South
Staffordshire Housing Association.
It was resolved both matters be
deferred to the next meeting of the Council.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters, reports, and e-mails had
been received from:
175. Mr G. Edwards, Bishops Wood with regard
to the condition of the over-grown hedge between St John’s Church and The
Old School House which was forcing lorries and buses on to the wrong side of
the road.
It
was resolved the Clerk contact the owners raising the concerns noted.
176. Mr G. Williams, Gunstone, Codsall
with regard to planning application 07/00868. The Clerk had replied to the
letter and forwarded the letter to Sarah Poxon, South Staffordshire Council
requesting this Councils’ recommendations for approval be set aside, in
the circumstances, in order that the application may be considered again at the
next meeting of the Council on 13 September. Copies of correspondence enclosed
to Members. The matter was further considered under planning.
Matter
of report.
177. Mr Charles Spencer on behalf of
Brewood Bowling Club seeking to identify local interest in the parish for a
It
was resolved an appropriate article be included in the newsletter with
interested parties notifying the Parish Council as requested by Mr Spencer. Mr
Jenkinson to be invited to a future meeting of the Council to discuss the
matter further.
178. Community Council of Staffordshire with
regard to funding for rural communities up to £1,000 to registered
charities or constituted community / activity groups to tackle environmental,
social or economic issues. 50% match funding was required with a minimum 5% as
cash rather than in-kind, available up to 31 March 2008.
It
was resolved an article be included in the forthcoming newsletter.
179. NALC via SPCA with regard to the public
consultation on the Post Office closure programme and enclosing the generic
letter that Post Office Ltd had recently sent to local authorities. Post Office
Ltd intended to consult with parish councils. Public consultation for
Matter
of report.
180. NALC via SPCA stating that Nigel
Pursey, the Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council would be leaving
the Council in October after 4½ years service. In October the County
Council would be asked to confirm the appointment of Ron Hilton, currently the
Deputy Chief Executive, as the new Chief Executive.
Matter
of report.
181. Phil Hardy, South Staffordshire
Council enclosing the draft scheme of the Council’s Polling Places and
Polling Districts. The consultation period ran until 10 September but any comments
received before the 16 October Regulatory Committee would be presented. There
was no change to the location of the parish polling stations: Bishops Wood
Village Hall, Brewood Jubilee Hall, Coven Memorial Hall and the allotment car
park at Coven Heath.
It
was resolved the Clerk update the facilities available at the locations as
appropriate.
182. Paul Guest with regard to the Inter
Parish Games. Brewood came second this year to Wombourne, who won by 3 points,
the final result being decided at the last event. Our parish was unique in
contesting every event. Mr Guest would inform the Council when details of the
presentation evening had been confirmed.
It
was resolved the Clerk write to Mr Guest congratulating him and the teams on an
excellent result and acknowledging the tremendous commitment shown.
183. Staffordshire County Council with regard
to celebrating patriotism by flying the Union Flag. The Council had passed the
resolution to fly the Union Flag permanently on all County Council controlled
locations where flags were currently only flown on the traditional 18 days/year
and to promote the display of our national flag on public buildings across
Staffordshire. This Council was asked to join Staffordshire County Council in
this display of national pride.
It
was resolved the Parish Council Union Flag be raised as requested.
184. Staffordshire County Council with regard
to their requirements for the installation of seasonal decorations for the
Christmas period.
It
was resolved the Clerk forward the details to the Christmas Lights Committees.
185. SPCA requesting any examples of where
this Council had any projects to reduce carbon emissions.
Matter
of report.
186. Community Council of Staffordshire
assessing the feasibility of a Support Association for Voluntary Car Schemes.
At this stage an index of schemes was being compiled – our local scheme
was already registered. Matter of
report.
187. SPCA AGM to be held 3 November at
10.00am. Lunch was available at £9.25 each. Nominations to the Executive Committee
and for officers to the Association were sought.
It
was resolved that Members wishing to attend would inform the Clerk at the
meeting. None received
188. SPCA seeking a picture of our
Parish which showed a well known landmark or an attractive view to compile a
slide show.
It
was resolved that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council to
allow Memebrs to review the options available.
189. South Staffordshire Council
Parish/District Council Liaison Group meetings 12 September, 6.00pm for 6.30pm
in the Council Chamber in Codsall. Future dates: 25 November, 25 February.
Matter
of report.
190.
Matter
of report.
191. South Staffordshire Council
– notification of electric blanket testing. Notices had been distributed
to all villages in the Parish.
Matter
of report.
192.
Matter
of report.
193. South Staffordshire Council –
invitation to one of two meetings with regard to their 5-year plan to help
develop tourism at
Matter
of report.
194. SSCVA – notice of AGM to be held on
27 September at 7.30pm in
It
was resolved Members’ wishing to attend would notify the Clerk at the
meeting. None received.
195. Staffordshire County Council,
Pension Services enclosing a payslip insert to be forwarded to all LGPS
members. The insert would be included in the appropriate payslips.
Matter
of report.
196. Community Council of
Staffordshire – notice of AGM to be held on 20 September at 7.30pm,
Matter
of report.
197. NALC Annual Conference and
exhibition to be held on 5-7 October at the Bournemouth International Centre.
It
was resolved that M. Alden-Court would attend – expenses to be discussed
and guidelines agreed at a future meeting of the Council.
198. South Staffordshire NHS Primary
Care Trust – notice of AGM to be held on 26 September at 5.00pm,
following the public Trust Board meeting, at the Oak Farm Hotel,
It
was resolved that Members’ wishing to attend would notify the Clerk
during the meeting. None received.
199. CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Reports
and Agenda for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Executive to be
held 4 September.
Reports
and Agenda for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s regulatory
Committee to be held 4 September.
Brewood
Civic Society minutes of the meeting held 20 August.
Brewood
Civic Society copy correspondence to: South Staffordshire Council - planning
applications 07/00796/FUL, 07/00681/ADV, 07/00844/FUL, 07/00893/LBC,
07/00773/FUL; Post Office Group – planning application 07/00681/ADV;
Stars News Shops, Post Offices Division – Brewood Post Office; Mr P.
Wakeham – BKV competition; Mr M. Hammerson, Policy Consultant, The Civic
Trust – planning applications affecting trees in Brewood Conservation
Area.
Seventh
National Seminar on Common Land and Town and Village Greens 11 and 12 September
– Mr F. Barrett will be attending.
Bridgnorth
District Core Strategy Development Plan Document Sustainability Appraisal
Scoping Report – available from www.bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk.
Coven
Heath Community Association Newsletter.
South
Staffordshire Review.
Chase
Policing Division Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter August-September.
Rest
Newsletter.
Buzz
– SSCVA newsletter.
Aspects
– newsletter for Carers 7 Professionals.
Penk
Directory – Supporting Local Business.
The
Wildlife Trusts – Staffordshire.
Children
with Leukaemia – Christmas Cards.
Queensbury
Shelters.
Village
News.
Live
and Local.
200. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Chairman, Mrs L.E. Jones who reported that
she had attended the
It
was resolved the Risk Assessments be deferred to a future meeting of the
Council and the current Risk Assessments be circulated prior to the meeting.
201. FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Head of Finance, Dr R.C.H. Taylor and
resolved the following matters:
·
the
Financial Summary for the month of August be received (approved in advance on
26 July, there being no meeting at the end of August)
·
the accounts for payment as at 13
September be approved, including the expenditure relating to the Coven Best
Kept Village Presentation at a cost of £265.23 and the cost of such an
event be considered in the next precept
·
the two quotes and proposals for
the refurbishment or replacement of the Council Chain of Office (chain and
insignia), copies enclosed to Members, be deferred to the next meeting of the
Council to enable the Clerk to confirm the basis of including the thistle on
the updated Coat of Arms and how Coven Heath would be represented
·
the request from South
Staffordshire Sports Council requesting that each Parish make a donation of
£35 towards the cost of the Inter Parish Games 2007 presentation evening
be approved – funds will be used for medals, trophies and equipment
throughout the season
·
the
formal report of the Internal Auditor, Mrs J. Pegg, be received. Copy enclosed
to Members. The cover letter also:
i) drew attention to the need to formally
conduct an annual review of internal control, including its system of internal
audit and that a statement of Internal Control be published alongside that of
the accounts by 30 November 2007
ii) as the dates for approval were
being brought forward, such that the 2008/2009 accounts would need to approved
by 30 June and published by 30 September, then if her services were required in
future the accounts would need to be prepared by mid May at the latest.
Standing
Orders and the Financial Regulations to be updated – Mrs J. Carr, Mrs
D.M. Holmes, Mrs L.E. Jones and Dr R.C.H. Taylor to review with the Clerk at a
date to be agreed
·
the membership renewal to the
Society of Local Council Clerk’s for the Assistant Clerk, Mrs S. Groom at
a cost of £105, be approved. Renewal due from 1 September.
Also
note items 288** and 197.
It
was resolved that the Bishops Wood B.K.V. committee be invited to submit their
expenses, from the Bishops Wood B.K.V. celebration event, for payment.
Correspondence received from C. White, Coven
Heath, and subsequently replied to, during August with regard to an outstanding
invoice which Ms White believed to have been paid. The matter was resolved
satisfactorily.
It
was resolved that invoices for substantial amounts only be taken in the form of
a cheque in future.
202. PLANNING REPORT:
The Council received the planning report
from the Head of Planning, Mrs D.M. Holmes, and approved the planning
applications as set out in the attached schedule.
Mrs D.M. Holmes read out a copy letter from
Mrs P. Martin and Mrs E. Edwards both of
Matter of report.
Mr F. Barrett reported that he had responded
to the planning application SS.07/08/650 W: Demolition of Pump House Building,
erection of GRP Kiosk and extended access gates at
Matter of report.
The Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order
44 to allow the completion of business.
203. PLAYING FIELDS REPORT
The Council received the report
of the persons with special responsibility for playing fields:
Bishops Wood playing field - Mr
I. Westwood, no report.
Brewood playing field – Mrs
M. Webb reported that the fencing around Brewood Playing Field was in serious
need of attention, it being too rusted through in places to repair, and that he
was still pursuing funding for new play equipment.
Coven playing field – Mrs
J. Carr reported the wheel on the climbing frame still required oiling and
tightening, the swing seats required attention, new graffiti was on the
skateboard park and the 5 a-side goal post was still loose.
It
was resolved the matters be raised with Mr D. Barker as appropriate.
204. CLERKS REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury and approved the
following matters:
·
The non-domestic rates be paid
while the rateable value was being reviewed
·
The Voluntary Car Scheme PC be
rebuilt at a cost of approximately £50
·
The offer of a basket-ball post
for Bishops Wood be followed-up
·
The Chess Club be permitted to
meet at the Council Offices on Tuesday evenings. The matter of charging a fee
be deferred to a future meeting of the Council for the Clerk to report further.
·
The matter of the Fidelity Guarantee
be taken up with the Audit Commission and NALC
·
Mrs S. Groom be allowed to attend
the
·
Parking near the village feature
in
·
Ceremony at Coven Memorial Hall
– Members wishing to attend to confirm at the next meeting of the Council
to enable numbers to be forwarded to Mrs M. Wotton
·
·
Access for Disabled to St Mary
and St Chad’s Churchyard – the matter be raised with Highways
noting it may be necessary to confirm who owns the land affected.
Dr R.C.H. Taylor left the meeting
while the matter concerning Jacob’s Ladder was discussed.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
205.
It was resolved the
matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.
There
being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.55 p.m.
CLERK’S REPORT FOR THE MEETING HELD 13TH
SEPTEMBER 2007
This morning I met with John Round, South
Staffordshire Council’s Architect, and Chris Sedgemore of Maythorne
Construction to agree the outstanding work. He is coming back next week to
repair the cracks in the render, put wooden edging strips along the melamine
boxes under the washbasins, reposition the toilet seats, and provide a new
chain for one of the washbasins.
The wall surface was compatible with the type of render finish
used.
Coven Changing
Rooms
Today I have also met with Mark Jenkinson,
South Staffordshire Council’s Community Sports Development Officer, to
prepare some additional information required for the grant application to the
Football Foundation. The Council
will need to provide a cost for the building and the Foundation has advised
that, at this stage, a Quantity Surveyor’s cost estimate, calculated on
footage, will be acceptable. Mark
has furnished me with the name of a Quantity Surveyor who can provide this
service but as yet I don’t know whether this will involve a charge as he
is on annual leave. The Council
will need to approve this cost in principle and also the cost of the new planning
application that has to be submitted.