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:
Mr F. Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mr
D. Evans, Mrs D.M. Holmes, Mrs K.A. Holmes, Mr G. Martin, Mrs A.Y. Millward, Dr
R.C.H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb, Mr I. Westwood.
APOLOGIES:
M. Alden-Court – unwell, Cllr A. Ball –
unwell, Mrs J.C. Jeffries – holiday, Mrs L.E. Jones – holiday, Cllr M. Hampson.
IN ATTENDANCE:
WPC H. Mitchell, Sgt P. Cook.
In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-chair
Dr R.C.H.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24 January were approved as being
an accurate record. Members’ attention was drawn to the reference to “Deakins
Field” - following the receipt of new information after the meeting from Mr
Kirk, a relative of the land-owner, the spelling had subsequently been
corrected to “Deacons Field”.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Dr R.C.H. Taylor declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in the proposals for a one-way system in Brewood (item
72/151). Mr D. Evans declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 383 (
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.
370.
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.
Mrs J. Edwards, Ivetsey
Bank Road, Bishops Wood with regard to whether any conditions could be included
when considering planning applications to address the difficulties caused by
developers’ vehicles.
It was resolved Members would keep this in mind when considering planning applications.
Mrs J. Edwards with regard
to the plans to withdraw some bus services. The Clerk reported that bus
timetables for the Green Bus Service had been received confirming that they
would withdraw the Monday to Friday 17:10 service and the Saturday service.
Staffordshire County Council would inform the Council of any alternative
arrangements at the end of February.
Mr D. Evans,
It was resolved the Clerk continue to pursue a reply to the letter sent to South Staffordshire Council with regard to the Badgers Walk signs and a sign be requested at the lower end of Four Ashes Road stating “No HGVs” to avoid lorries reaching Crestwood Park.
371.
POLICE REPORT
The Council received the
written Police report. WPC Mitchell noted that the burglary in Barley Fields,
Coven had not been listed and also reported that fly tipping continued to be a
problem. WPC Mitchell reported that the Police could not enforce any parking
restrictions in the South Staffordshire Housing Association lay-by on
MATTERS ARISING:
288** Coven Changing Rooms.
Redevelopment of Coven’s old changing rooms to a sun shelter/ community seating
area – awaiting a call from Ace Kind to agree the detail of the development
following the decision to move the sun shelter round 90˚. New build of
changing rooms – the grant from the Football Foundation had been approved,
Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved the grant
acceptance forms be signed by the Chair, Mrs L.E. Jones and the Clerk, Mrs S.
Groom. A small committee be set-up to keep track of the project – Mrs L.E.
Jones and Mrs J. Carr. The Clerk approach Leon Beards and Mark Jenkinson with
regard to going out to Tender.
347** Buildings – Proposal
for New Development. Clerks report referred. Meeting of the Buildings
Committee scheduled for 10.00am on 6 March to discuss proposals to redevelop
the Council Offices and to meet with Julie Jones, Staffordshire County Council
Youth Worker with regard to the need to identify a site for the Youth Club.
It was resolved the Buildings Committee progress the ideas raised in the presentation earlier in the evening from Brewood Ideas Group and report back to the next meeting of the Council. The meeting with Julie Jones would still be included on the agenda.
256* Notification of
Change of Premises Licence Holders. Letter received from Rolf Levesley, Chief
Executive, South Staffordshire Council with regard to the entire review they
were undertaking of their liquor licensing policy. As part of the review they
would suggest that parish councils be included for consultation purposes when
premises licence applications were received. This Council would be informed of
further developments. Letter also received from NALC enclosing a copy of the
reply from Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved the Clerk reply thanking Mr
Levesley for his support in this matter and enclosing a copy of Gerry
Sutcliffe’s letter.
72 and 151 Proposals for a
One-way System. Meeting of the Full Council scheduled with Mr
W. Mortiboys and Mr D. Steptoe both of Staffordshire County Council and other
interested parties on 21 February at 7.30pm. Notices of the meeting would be
issued on 15 February.
Matter of report.
167. Bishop’s Wood Playing
Field. Article published in the Bishops Wood Bugle by Mrs J.C. Jeffries
requesting applications from local organisations for funding from the £5,000
Roseclaim grant.
Matter of report.
217. Proposals for a
It was resolved the Clerk ask Mark Jenkinson of South Staffordshire Council to draw-up a scale plan after which a meeting with representatives of the Bowls Club, Tennis Club and the Parish Council would be arranged to identify the responsibility for maintaining and managing the bowls green.
234. Review of Standing
Orders. No further updates were deemed necessary prior to the Clerk leaving. The
Standing Orders committee were asked to consider whether they wished to review
the changes listed prior to them being forwarded to the publisher to produce a
draft.
It was resolved the changes be forwarded to Kevin Arnold for action.
275. Brewood, School
Crossing Lady. Having confirmed that no recognition had previously been given to
Florence Lockley for her service as a school crossing lady Members were asked
to consider in what form such recognition should be made. Previously the Coven
crossing lady was invited into the Council to receive a scroll.
It was resolved the Clerk produce a scroll and invite Ms Lockely to a future meeting of the Council, date to be agreed.
283. Waste to Energy, Four Ashes. Email received from Mr Eddie Clarke,
requesting that the Council allow Friends of the Earth to make a presentation
to the Council in response to the presentation of Mr Ian Benson. The Council
previously said it would consider such a presentation on 28 February.
It was resolved Mr Clarke be advised a representative
of Friends of the Earth would be invited to make a presentation to Council on
28 February from 7.15pm.
302. Chain of Office. The jewel had
been sent to Vaughtons for refurbishment. Members were asked to consider the
wording to be engraved on the larger central tab that would be on the chain,
above the jewel. Clerk’s report referred – Vaughton’s had recommended engraving
“Brewood and Coven”.
It was resolved the Clerk advise Vaughton’s that “Brewood and Coven” be engraved on the central tab.
307.
It was resolved the Clerk contact Mr Bicknell to escalate the matter within British Waterways.
323. Brewood Ideas
Group - Clerk’s Report. A presentation had been made to Members prior to
the meeting by Mr Peter Jackson, representing Brewood Ideas Group. The Council
had previously resolved (item 347**) that the Buildings Committee consider the
proposals further and report back to Council.
Matter of report.
323. St Dominic’s
Citizenship Day – Clerk’s Report. Letter received from Ms J. Stubbs, St
Dominic’s proposing 13 March for their Citizenship Day. They still wished to do
some planting in the
It was resolved up to £150 be made available for planting up the three amenity areas.
324. Portable Flashing
Speed Warning Signs. Details of portable solar-powered Vehicle Activated
Signs to be sought for consideration as an alternative to the signs costing
£5,000 each.
Matter of report.
345. Satellite Dish –
Conservation Area. The Clerk reported that a reply was awaited from South Staffordshire
Council with regard to any requirement for planning approval for the erection
of satellite dishes in the Conservation Area.
Matter of report.
348. Code of Conduct. Communities and
Local Government with regard to the Consultation on Orders and Regulations
relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members in
It was
resolved the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.
350. Electronic
Planning Applications. The Clerk had been advised by another Parish
Council, who considered a similar number of plans each meeting to this Council,
that they found the electronic system very workable and that it was their
preferred means of handling the plans. To project the plans would require the
purchase of a projector at an approximate cost of £800 and a laptop computer.
It was resolved the Clerk reply to South Staffordshire Council explaining that the benefits of such an investment would need to be determined before such expenditure could be considered unless funding was available.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters, reports, and e-mails had
been received from:
372.
Staffordshire County Council with regard to a review of the provision of local
bus services in
It
was resolved the Clerk respond to the consultation noting: the need for
services from Bishops Wood to Cannock and Telford, that a nil minimum service
level for Bishops Wood in the evenings and on Sundays was unreasonable, the
requirement for reliable services that run on time and that they consider
scheduling buses to link in with train services. To also include the suggestion
that alternate Arriva buses could be diverted through Brewood on Saturdays.
Clerk to write to Mrs Cook with regard the latest information available
concerning the Green Bus Service and forward a copy of Mrs Cook’s letter to
Annabel McKinnon at
373.
South Staffordshire Council seeking dates on which
Members would not be available to attend Parish/District Council Liaison meetings
due to scheduled meetings, feedback as to whether Liaison meetings should be
scheduled in the evenings (one meeting each in May, September and February)
with the Parish Summit being proposed to be held during the day in November as
last year. Members were also asked for any topics they would like included in
future meetings.
It was resolved the Clerk supply
the list of scheduled meetings and confirm Members preference for evening
meetings due to daytime commitments with the understanding that the summit be
scheduled during the day to enable more topics to be covered.
374.
Dr Paul Collins, South Staffordshire Council with
regard to the Conservation Area Appraisal Consultation to be held in the
Brewood and Coven Parish Council office on 18 February from 2.30pm to 6.00pm
and 7.00pm to 8.00pm. Members were invited to attend to view the proposals. Dr
R.C.H. Taylor reported his concern at the short period of time that had been
allowed for the consultation.
Matter of report.
375.
South Staffordshire Council Parish/District Liaison
Group meeting 25 February at the Council offices in Codsall from 6.00pm for a
6.30pm start until 8.30pm. The agenda would include Direct Services Overview,
Fire Risk Checks and Climate Change in
It was resolved the Clerk would
confirm that George Martin would be attending.
376.
South Staffordshire Council giving notice that
invoices would shortly be issued for the May 2007 elections – uncontested
parishes would be charged the County recharge rate of £44.13 per Ward.
Matter of report.
377.
Ms K. Brown with regard to the availability of
affordable housing. Copy circulated to Members prior to the meeting. Mr G.
Martin reported that the affordable housing in the new
It was resolved the Clerk reply
to Ms Brown as per Cllr Clay’s report.
378.
SPCA
Budgets and Annual Returns Seminar on 21 February, 7.00pm to 9.00pm, County
Buildings,
It
was resolved the Clerk attend the Project Management Seminar at a cost of £20.
379.
South
Staffordshire Council with regard to the new
Matter
of report.
380.
It
was resolved the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council and Mr
D. Evans liaise with the Clerk to determine whether the path was on the
Definitive Map.
381.
Staffordshire County Council with regard to
their ‘local list’ of validation requirements and supplementary guidance
document to come into effect from April 2008 and which would apply to waste
applications and county developments. This Council’s comments were sought
before 4 March. Details available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/planning and the
‘Applications’ channel.
It
was resolved the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.
382.
South Staffordshire Community Safety
Partnership with regard to their ‘Face to Face’ Event to be held at the Council
Offices in Codsall on 22 February, from 11.00am to 1.00pm including a buffet
lunch. The event was intended to give the public the opportunity to meet the
Community Safety Partnership team and its partners and to find out how to get
involved in their local community. Parish Councillors were also invited to the
event to raise any issues on behalf of local residents. The agenda was tabled
at the meeting.
Matter
of report.
383.
Mrs E. Claydon, Brewood with regard to the
·
action
being taken by Severn Trent with regard to assessing and maintaining the sewers
·
reporting
her concern to Sarah Poxon, South Staffordshire Council as to the heavy
vehicles accessing the
·
also
reporting to Sarah Poxon her concern at the advertising directing interested
parties across
The correspondence was tabled at
the meeting. The Clerk reported she had written to Sarah Poxon and David
Burton-Pye with regard to the presence of the “Badgers Walk” signs in the
Conservation Area – a reply was still awaited. Mr D. Evans left the meeting while
this matter was discussed.
Matter
of report.
384.
Audit Commission with regard to the
appointment of a new external auditor, Jackie Bellard and a panel of its own
officers should they need to be called upon. There was no increase in the table
of charges from the scale of fees published for 2006/07.
Matter
of report.
385.
Staffordshire County Council with regard to a
temporary 30 M.P.H. speed restriction on
Matter
of report.
386.
It
was resolved the Clerk forward a copy of the letter to Rolf Levesley, Chief
Executive, South Staffordshire Council and reply to Miss Deacon to this effect.
387.
Rotary
Club of Brewood and District requesting that the Council arrange for the stone
at the junction of
It
was resolved the Clerk reply explaining that Members felt the signs were
maturing nicely and blending with their surroundings.
388.
South Staffordshire Energy Advice Service
newsletter and offering free talks to interested parties.
It
was resolved details be included in the next issue of the Parish Council
Newsletter.
389.
South
Staffordshire Council with regard to their Housing Market Assessment 2007. A
copy of the Executive Summary was tabled at the meeting – full copies could be
downloaded from www.sstaffs.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=14262.
Matter
of report.
390.
SPCA forwarding details of a part-time Walking
for Health Co-ordinator post (15 hrs/wk, 1 year contract) at Stafford Borough
Council.
Matter
of report.
391.
SPCA
forwarding a NALC legal briefing on the unlawful use of Parish Polls.
Matter
of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the Direct and
Support Services Scrutiny Panel Meeting to be held on 14 February.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Executive Meeting to be held on 12 February.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Partnership and Strategic Services Scrutiny Panel to be
held on 29 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Audit Committee held on 29 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee held on 29 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Community and Environmental Services Scrutiny Panel
held on 31 January.
Brewood Civic Society minutes of the meeting held 21 January
and copy correspondence to:
South Staffordshire Council – lighting column St Mary and St
Chad churchyard, Japanese Knotweed, satellite dish, Lion Hotel, planning
application 08/00020/FUL, 07/01292/COU, 07/00455/REM; Staffordshire County
Council - pavement resurfacing
Horsebrook Lane, road repairs Engleton Lane and Crestwood Park, street lighting
in Brewood Conservation Area.
Online forum – community groups involved with green space
www.green-space.org.uk/community.
Your Staffordshire newsletter; Village News.
392.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Vice-chair who read out a note from Mrs
Diane Drury thanking the Chair, Members and staff for all that had been for her
retirement party. Dr Taylor thanked the Council Handyman, Mr D. Barker for all
his hard work before and after the event, the Clerk Mrs S. Groom and everyone
else involved for all they had done to make it such a successful day.
393.
FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the Finance Report from the Head of Finance, Dr R.C.H Taylor
and resolved the following matters:
·
the Accounts for payment as at 14 February
2008 be approved
·
a budget for photocopying and laminating for
the
·
the provision and purchase of prizes for the
school children’s BKV poster competition be approved up to £25 per school – St
John’s in Bishops Wood; St Mary and St Chad’s, St Mary’s, St Dominic’s and
Brewood Middle in Brewood; St Paul’s in Coven. Last year vouchers were
purchased for first, second and third prize (£10, £7.50 and £5) for each of the
schools in the competing villages – six schools in total.
·
the registration of Mrs S. Groom for the
Certificate in Local Council Administration be deferred until after an
Assistant Clerk had been appointed. It was noted that the registration fee
would be increasing from 1 April with the withdrawal of Government funding.
·
the request from
·
the purchase of Neighbourhood Watch signs
following the request from Mr B. Kewley, Coven Road, Brewood in November be
deferred – the Clerk reported Mr Kewley had now advised that he had purchased
signs himself. A supplier had been recommended by the Neighbourhood Watch
Community Engagement Officer who could supply three signs at a total cost of
£30.79 inc VAT. It was resolved the Clerk wait for Mr Kewley’s invoice for
Council’s consideration.
Also see item 323
and 378.
394.
PLANNING REPORT:
The Council received the Planning Report
from the Head of Planning, Mrs D.M. Holmes and considered the planning applications
received as set out in the attached schedule.
Mr I. Westwood did not vote on
08/00118/FUL. Cllr I. Clay voted against refusing 08/00127/FUL. Mr F. Barrett
reported that with regard to 1 Shaw Hall Farm the recommendation of the Parish
Council had not been considered although South Staffordshire Council had
subsequently admitted they had received it but it had been incorrectly filed.
South Staffordshire Council with
regard to an application to carry out works to trees protected by a Tree
Preservation Order at:
·
·
Mr
T. Biggar, The New House,
Matter
of report.
370.
PLAYING FIELDS REPORT:
To receive the reports of:
·
Mr
I. Westwood – Bishop’s Wood Playing Field and Skateboard Park, nothing further
to report.
·
Mr
M. Webb – Brewood Playing Field. Funding for an additional play area continued
to be investigated. One of the play area
fences was leaning – Clerk to discuss with Mr D. Barker. Clerk to discuss
feasibility of renovating timber equipment with Playquest and to obtain cost
for filler between safety mats.
·
Mrs
J. Carr and Mrs A.Y. Millward – Coven Playing Field, nothing further to report.
371.
CLERKS REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs S. Groom and resolved the
following:
·
The
Clerk reply to the Grounds Maintenance Satisfaction Survey and request the
grass within The Bront Trim Trail be cut on the same schedule as other grass
cuts at The Bront, the first cuts be scheduled before the grass gets too long
to avoid it looking untidy afterwards and where possible grass be collected
after cutting.
·
The
Clerk write to all the Brewood pub landlords requesting that if they haven’t
already done so could they please make sure there were receptacles outside
their pubs for customers to put their cigarette stubs in and thanking them for
their support in keeping Brewood tidy if they had already taken action.
The Clerk finally reported that
on 29 February the Assistant Clerk, Mrs V. Turner would be covering the office
as the Clerk was at the SLCC Practitioners two-day conference. The Clerk now
also needed to attend a hospital appointment on 27 February with her daughter
and sought Council’s approval for Mrs C. Cumming to cover the office on this
occasion.
It
was resolved Mrs C. Cumming cover the office on 27 February.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
None had been raised.
There being no further business
the meeting closed at: 9.15pm.
Clerk’s Report for the Meeting held 14
February 2008
288** Coven
Changing Rooms
Letter and information pack received from the Football Foundation confirming
they will make a grant up to £134,971 available towards the overall project
cost of £203,471 to develop new changing rooms at Coven Playing Fields and to
deliver the aims and objectives detailed in the application, subject to various
terms and conditions. Pre-construction conditions include:
·
the
final design, tender documents and processes are agreed in writing by the
Foundation prior to tendering
·
the
tender evaluation report and tenders are agreed in writing by the Foundation,
prior to the contractor being appointed
·
the
goal posts comply with the FA Goals for Football: Guidance Notes Parts 1 and 2
Further to this, other key points to note
are:
·
the
first payment of grant must be requested within six months of the date of the
grant offer letter, unless otherwise agreed in writing
·
the
last payment of grant must be requested within 12 months of the date that the
first claim is paid by the Foundation, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
·
the
terms and requirements of the grant must be accepted by the Parish Council
within two months from the date of the grant offer letter. An acceptance form
must be returned to the Football Foundation, signed by two authorised
signatories. Do Members agree these
should be the Chair and the Clerk?
·
criteria
exist for any publicity or media interest that may arise during the project.
Do
Members wish to set up a small committee to oversee the project and receive
reports back from the Project Manager, Leon Beards? With Councils approval I
will contact Leon Beards and Mark Jenkinson to discuss the next steps –
identifying suitable builders and going out to tender – and the SPCA with
regard to the timing of obtaining Borrowing Approval etc.
347**
Buildings Committee. A
meeting of the Buildings Committee has now been scheduled for Thursday 6 March at
10:00am in the Council Offices to discuss the possible development of the
Council Offices and to meet Julie Jones, Youth Worker who will explain the
current position of the Youth Club, their needs and how the Parish Council may
be able to help.
256*
Notification of Change of Premises Licence Holders. A letter has now also been
received from NALC enclosing a reply from Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for
Sport supporting the case for Parish Councils to be able “to make
representations about premises and such.” Recommend
a copy of the letter be forwarded to Rolf Levesley for information.
Green
Bus Service. Further
to the Consultation for September, Members should be aware that several
enquiries are being received each day, either people calling in or phoning,
with regard to the proposal of the Green Bus Company to withdraw the 17:10 and
Saturday services. I have forwarded this information to our contact at
Staffordshire County Council on the matter who has stated we will be advised of
any new arrangements at the beginning of March.
The
Lion, Brewood.
Workmen arrived at The Lion to erect anti-vandal shutters last week but such
action was averted. I have been assured by the Area Manager, Jo Byrnes that she
hadn’t realised it was a Conservation Area – she now has contact details at
South Staffordshire Council.
Tennis
Courts Fencing, Coven.
David Barker has reported that some youths have asked that the gate to the
tennis courts be retained to keep the ball within the fenced area – due to the
state of the gate David had been instructed to remove it. David is going to see
if he can repair the gate and make it safe.
Playing
Fields. I am
currently seeking advice from Wickstead and Playquest as to whether the rubber
safety tiles which are lifting at some of the playing fields can be
successfully stuck back down. Filler is available to fill in between the tiles
improve the appearance. I will also ask Gorden Forbes of Playquest to quote for
topping up the play-bark at the three playing fields.
302
Chain of Office.
Vaughton’s have advised simply using the wording “Brewood and Coven” in view of
the space available.
Grounds Maintenance. A Grounds Maintenance
Satisfaction Survey has been received from South Staffordshire Council, replies
required by 25 February. Have Members
any concerns at the quality of service we receive from
Sustainable
Staffordshire AGM
Invitation received too late for the agenda to this event on 11 March from 10am
to 1pm at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, Barlaston. Nominations are also invited
to the Management team. Bookings and nominations are required by 29 February.
More details have been tabled. This matter will be deferred to the meeting of
28 February to allow Members to consider the matter further.
Cigarette Stubs. A number of complaints have been received with
regard to the number of cigarette stubs littering the
Parish
Photo-montage.
The photo supplied by Mrs J. Carr has been forwarded to the SPCA who have
advised that they intend to use the photos on future editions of their
newsletter.