March 2015 - Cheshire Shared Services Website & Email Service

MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF APPLETON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON
TUESDAY 17th MARCH 2015 AT 7.30PM IN THE PARISH HALL
PRESENT:-
Mrs. D Edwards (Chairman)
Mrs. S J Benger (Deputy)
Dr. I Axcell, Ms. J C Wheeler, Mr. K J Arnett, Dr. B P Axcell, Mr. J L Price,
Mr. T M Stansfield, Mrs V Davies and Mr. P J Walker
Mrs. J Monks (Clerk)
Press: Aran Dhillon - Reporter for the Warrington Guardian
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Mrs. S Harris, Mr. B K Smith and Mrs. J M Walker.
2. Members code of Conduct
Mrs. V Davies declared a pecuniary interest in relation to item 8, the application for a grant for
Lumb Brook Millennium Green Ltd.
3. PCSO/Police Report
PCSO Dave Mahon reported that there had been a few thefts and one burglary in the area
and a few road traffic collisions. There had been several incidents of Land Rover thefts and
an advice note regarding this will be circulated.
A portable speed sign had been purchased by the Parish Council and this will be kept in
Stockton Heath Police Station and moved according to needs by the PCSOs in different
locations in Appleton.
4.
Public Participation
A member of the public addressed the Parish Council regarding speeding on Lumb Brook
Road / Wrights Green area requesting the speed limit to be amended from 40 mph to 30 mph
in order to reduce the number of cars speeding along this stretch of road.
The Traffic Management Department of Warrington Borough Council is responsible for setting
the speed limit on roads and only this department can amend the speed limit.
The Parish Council would fully support any reduction in the speed limit on this stretch of road
and the clerk was requested to contact the Traffic Management Department of Warrington
Borough Council to ask them to review the speed limit on Lumb Brook Road / Wrights Green
area.
The member of the public concerned was advised to contact the Borough Councillors and the
MP for Warrington South to pursue this issue and raise the matter with the Traffic
Management Department of Warrington Borough Council.
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The member of the public advised that the chevron on Dingle Lane was broken. The clerk
noted this and reported this to the Traffic Management Department of Warrington Borough
Council for replacement.
A member of the public reported that the Planning Enforcement Department of Warrington
Borough Council had been taken enforcement action over the Applejacks site and they were
looking to involve local Parish Councils in a meeting in order to try and find a joint solution to
the traffic management for the site.
Bloor Homes update
A member of the public reported that the CARE group has had a number of discussions with
Planning Consultants regarding the collection of data prior to the submission of any planning
application for this site.
Neighbourhood Plan update
The Neighbourhood Plan group have had two consultation meetings and a questionnaire has
been issued which had a 20% return rate. Most completed questionnaires detail the same
concerns such as traffic, litter issues and the need for some youth provision in the area. They
have been advised by the Planning Consultant to apply for another grant for 2015/2016 and
the next meeting is on Monday 23rd March.
5. Planning
The recommendations of the Planning Committee on applications received since the last
meeting were accepted and it was
RESOLVED that;
The following recommendations be forwarded to the Development Control Manager,
Environment and Regeneration, Warrington Borough Council.
No Objections to the following applications 2015/25168 47 Warren Drive, Mr. Ogden – Householder application – Proposed application
for two storey kitchen, utility, bedroom and bathroom extension to side
elevations
2015/25268 14 High Warren Drive, Mr N Castle – Householder – Proposed extension to
existing external patio/balcony area.
2015/25300 266 London Road WA4 5DF, Mrs J Howells, Householder - Proposed
construction of a single storey extension to the side/rear, 2 x rear dormer
windows and 3 x velux styled roof lights to the existing roof including demolition
of existing single storey extension (Resubmission of 2014/24720)
2015/25257 33, Dingleway Appleton WA4 3AB, Description of development: Householder
Proposed single storey extension to side.
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2015/25377 43, Rosemoor Gardens Appleton WA4 5RF, Householder - Proposed demolition
of conservatory and construction of a new single storey side extension
Concerns were raised on the following applications –
2015/25255 Land of Lyncastle Way, Barleycastle Lane Appleton, Full planning permission
for proposed industrial / warehouse development (Sui Generis) to facilitate a plant hire
business with elements of vehicle / plant repair, servicing, maintenance and plant storage /
distribution / parking and associated offices / welfare facilities, vehicular access via existing
service road, acoustic bunding and fencing and other means of enclosure, soft landscaping,
36 car park spaces, fuel pumps (and associated underground tanks), vehicle / plant wash bay
and sub-station (Resubmission of 2014/24618).
The Planning Committee of Appleton Parish Council are aware that the previous application,
2014/24618 has been refused. The Parish Council are concerned that the new amended
planning application had adequate improvements and alterations and addresses the previous
issues.
2015/25337 19, Broomfields Road, Appleton, WA4 3AE Description of development :
Householder Proposed part single, part two storey extension to rear and part single, part two
storey extension to side to replace garage. Consideration needs to be given as to whether
the extension will breach the 45 degree code in respect of the attached property, 17
Broomfields Road
2015/25348 Stoneycroft Hillside Road Warrington WA4 5PX. Full Planning – Proposed
demolition of existing bungalow and construction of a new detached house. Concerns were
raised over the proposed ridge height of the new proposed detached house compared with
the neighbouring properties as this appears to be out of character with the rest of the street
scene on Hillside Road.
2015/25326 14, Delphfields Road, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 5BY. Full Planning Proposed demolition of existing house and construction of replacement dwelling and
detached single garage. Concern was raised over the colour of the finish of the render of the
proposed replacement dwelling as a white façade would not be in keeping with the area.
2015/25336 19, Field Lane, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 5JR, Householder - Proposed first
floor extension to existing garage. Raising the overall height by 600 mm. The Parish Council
are concerned that the proposed first floor extension to the exising garage will create a
separate habitable dwelling in its own right which has the potential for creation of an
independent dwelling. It is requested that a planning condition is imposed that the detached
garage with living accommodation is used as an ancillary annex accommodation and is not to
be sold separate to the main house
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Objections were raised on the following applications 2015/25303 Birch Tree House, Red Lane Appleton Thorn WA4 5AB, Mr & Mrs Mannering,
Householder - Proposed detached garage with granny flat above timber garage to be
removed.
The Parish Council has previously considered this planning application under 2014/24829 and
the objection remains the same.
Birch Tree House is a Locally Listed Building with the existing garage of timber construction in
keeping with the main house. The proposal is for a separate habitable building which is a
substantial building in its own right which has the potential for creation of an independent
dwelling. The proposed garage with granny flat may detract from the character of the Locally
Listed house.
It is requested that a planning condition be imposed that the detached garage with granny flat
is used as an ancillary annex accommodation and is not to be sold separate to the main
house.
It is requested that a site visit is undertaken by the Committee prior to any decision being
made.
Mr Mannering contacted the clerk on 27th February 2015. The clerk had informed Mr
Mannering that the Parish Council had already objected to the planning application and that
comments had already been submitted to the Development Control Department of Warrington
Borough Council. Mr Mannering offered to meet the Planning Committee to discuss and
undertake a site visit.
For information only 2015/25267 53 Stonehill Close Appleton – Lawful Development Certificate (S192), Proposed
single storey dining room extension.
2015/25361 Land at, Foxdale Court, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 5BS, Application for proposed
works including felling to tree's covered by Tree Preservation Order 1. TPO covers Horse
Chestnut (1 & 2 - 30% reduction of crown & reduction of width span), Beech (3 30% reduction
of crown & reduction of width span), Silver Beech (4,5,6,7 and 8 - 30% reduction to full crown
off tree) Sycamore (9,10,11,12 - reduction off side over hanging of lawn and 15 30% reduction
Cherry Blossom (13 - Felling) and 14 (Downey Birch -broken branches to be removed, plus
30% reduction including width). Information only.
2015/25368 Dane House Windmill Lane Appleton WA4 5JP, TPO Works - Application for
proposal to carry out tree works to two trees - TPO 469. Information only.
2015/25397 Land to the rear of 10 Birchways, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 5DQ, TPO Works
- Application for crown thinning to Oak Tree (Covered by TPO 51). Information only.
Due to Dr. B P Axcell being a substitute member on the WBC Planning Applications Sub
Committee/Development Control Committee, he did not participate in the planning discussions or the
recommendations agreed.
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The clerk had received an email on 20th February 2015 regarding the High Court Ruling for
Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy. Further information will be available on Warrington
Borough council’s website.
http://www.warrington.gov.uk/info/200590/local_planning_framework/134/local_planning_fram
ework_latest_news
6. Previous Planning Applications
2014/24952 Mr. Christopher Wilson, Graystones - Full Planning - Proposed two storey
residential dwelling associated with agriculture to be attached to an existing barn at Eton Park
Properties, Park Lane, (Firs Lane), Appleton.
Mr Wilson contacted the clerk on 26th February 2015 stating that the objection submitted to
Warrington Borough Council were incorrect and misleading. The clerk informed Mr. Wilson
that his email would be circulated to the members of the Planning Committee however the
closing date for consultation was 29th January 2015 and as such no further comments can be
made from the Parish Council after this date.
This planning application has subsequently been refused by the Planning Department of
Warrington Borough Council.
2015/25077 Bilton and Family - Full planning - Proposed erection of one dwelling, conversion
of the barn with single storey extension, permanent use of the previously approved tea
rooms/craft workshop/beauty parlour with single storey extension, alterations to existing
outbuilding to form farm shop with single storey extension at ground floor and a self-contained
apartment at first floor, erection of wooden stables, demolition of various commercial buildings
and associated works to include car parking and new access off Dingle Lane at Dingle Farm,
Dingle Lane, Appleton.
The above application was approved at the Planning sub-committee of Warrington Borough
Counci on 18th February 2015 subject to conditions.
7. Clerk’s Report and Accounts
The clerk has received a letter of thank you dated 2nd March 2015 from Dial-A-Ride for the
grant of £1,000 as agreed in the February meeting of Appleton Parish Council.
The clerk has added the Portable Speed sign to the Parish Council insurance and an
additional premium will be due and payable for this.
The clerk had received a response from Network Warrington dated 9th March 2015 regarding
the revised timetable for the buses at Appleton Thorn. It stated that the passenger loadings
for the Hatton service were analyzed through ticket machine data and the service was
unsustainable.
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The clerk has received a letter dated 3rd March 2015 regarding the renewal of annual
subscription to Clerks & Councils Direct. There are four Parish Councillors currently receiving
copies and the charge for the subscription is £12.00 each per annum for six issues.
RESOLVED that;
To continue with the annual subscription for Clerks & Council’s Direct.
The statement of Receipts and Payments for the Financial Year 2014/2015 were noted and
the Members noted the Bank Statement as at 27th February 2015;
RESOLVED that;
Payments were to be made in accordance with the payment schedule.
The reconciliation to the Bank Statements was undertaken by the Chairman
Nationwide International Limited Business Saver Account.
It was agreed that a transfer of £10,000 be made to the Parish Council’s NatWest account to
cover forthcoming payments.
8. Grant Requests
The clerk had received an email dated 8th February 2015 from Lumb Brook Millennium Green
Trust Ltd requesting consideration towards a grant of £2,500 towards the continued
maintenance of the green and a copy of their accounts had been provided.
The clerk confirmed that Lumb Brook Millennium Green Trust Ltd had already received a
grant for £1,500 for 2014/2015.
The clerk confirmed that the grant allocation for 2014/2015 had been spent. A grant of £1,500
has been allocated for the next financial year, 2015/2016 and this could be paid in April 2015.
RESOLVED that;
A grant of £1,500 could be granted from grant allocation for 2015/2016, however the forecast
as provided in the accounts of Lumb Brook Millennium Green Ltd could not justify any
additional grant. Any further grant request would need to give specific reasons with financial
justification.
Mrs. V P Davies as the Parish Council representative as a Director of Lumb Brook Millennium
Green Ltd did not take part in any discussions.
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9. Risk Assessment and Asset register
The risk assessment and asset register were updated at the Finance and General Purposes
Committee.
RESOLVED that;
The updated Risk Assessment document and Asset Register be adopted.
10. Standing Orders and Social Media Policy
The clerk had produced a Social Media Policy. It was noted that paragraph 19 of the Social
Media Policy needed the last line removing.
The Standing Orders had been reviewed and updated with the following:
81.
Relations with the press/media
Requests from the press or other media for an oral or written comment or statement
from the Council, its Councillors or staff shall be handled in accordance with the
council’s policy in respect of dealing with the press and/or other media.
RESOLVED that;
The updated Social Media Policy and amended Standing Orders be adopted.
11. Committee Reports
Mr. K Arnett reported that minutes from the Environment Committee meeting on 20th February
2015 had been circulated.
Ms. J Wheeler reported that there was no Appleton sign as you entered the Parish on London
Road and this had been reported to Warrington Borough Council for their action. The
Environmental Committee will look at planting some bulbs and they will investigate the
possibility of installing a planter outside the Co-op near Appleton Parish Hall.
RESOLVED that;
a) The minutes from the Finance & General Purpose Committee on 9th March 2015 be
approved.
b) The installation of an instant hot water tea urn be progressed provided the total cost
does not exceed £750.00 with payment made from the Parish Hall improvements etc.
budget.
c) Action be taken to replace the lock mechanism for both front door and kitchen door
provided the total cost does not exceed £1,000 with payment made from the Parish
Hall improvements etc. budget.
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The clerk was to liaise with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman with regards to quotes and
contractors in relation to the installation of a new tea-urn and locks.
The introduction of disclaimers on emails was considered in view of the advice from the
Society of Local Council clerks.
RESOLVED that;
The word, ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ is inserted in to the subject line of an email containing sensitive
and confidential information.
The following statement should be added to the end of all emails. “As a public sector
organisation, Appleton Parish Council may be required to disclose this email (or any response
to it) under Freedom of Information Act 2000.”
12.
Minutes of Last Meeting
RESOLVED that;
The Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th February 2015 (copies of which had been
circulated to each Member) were approved and signed by the Chairman.
13.
Matters Arising
Dr. I Axcell noted that the corner of Warren Drive and London Road had been cleared of
leaves by Warrington Borough Council.
Dr. B Axcell noted that the revised bus timetable which excluded daytime buses between
Stretton and Appleton Thorn reduced the travel journey by one mile. The service had been
reduced due to cost reasons and lack of passengers on this route.
14.
Parish and Borough Councillors Reports
Mr. J Price reported that he had received an email reply from Warrington Borough Council
regarding the road surface at New Lane which he felt was unsatisfactory. Mr. J Price replied
to this email but he had not received any response as he is unhappy with the finish of the
surface.
Mr. K Arnett had attended a Parish liaison meeting at Manchester Airport. It was noted that
internal changes were being undertaken to passport control in order to speed up the process
and to ease congestion. Manchester Airport were also looking to launch a new PC based
product regarding planes to log any complaints.
Ms. J Wheeler reported that there was a community meeting at St Mary Magdalene’s on
Tuesday 24th March at 6.30pm.
15.
Date and time of next meeting
Tuesday 21st April 2015, Planning Meeting at 6.30pm, Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00pm,
monthly Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm
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16.
Post of Parish Ranger
The Environment Committee were requested to investigate replacement for the Parish
Ranger post. Ms. J Wheeler noted concern that litter picking would be required on regular
basis for Bridge Lane shops. Different alternatives had been suggested including Walton Lea
Project, contractors and buying additional services from Warrington Borough Council.
The clerk noted that litter picking could not be undertaken on roads that were 40 mph due to
Health & Safety reasons and this could alter the schedule currently undertaken by the Parish
Ranger.
A full assessment of the needs, hours and work to be undertaken would be required before
any decision could be made.
The clerk was requested to circulate the current job description, work schedule and duties to
all the Councillors of the Parish Council for their attention.
The meeting ended at 9.00 p.m.
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