Messrs P
Briercliffe, J. P. Burgess T M Leaver, G Parks and N Phillips
Cllr Mrs J
Palmer (Borough Council representative)
Cllr Mr B Hardern (County Council representative)
Members
of the Public – P.C. Craig Wormald
56.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies
for absence were received from Mr T.R. Richards
57.
MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
5TH AUGUST 2003
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held
on 5th August 2003,
as now submitted, be approved and signed by the Chairman
58.
MATTERS ARISING
1) Cheshire Bus Service – The Clerk presented a letter from Sir Nicholas Winterton confirming
that the Rural Rider routes are being retained for further investigation.
2) Local Government
Review – The Clerk further advised that if there is
a ‘Yes’ vote to a Regional Assembly there will then be a
single tier of local government below an Elected Regional
Assembly. The Boundary Committee must recommend at least two options for Unity
Authorities within the two tier areas of each region so that voters can decide
which option they prefer in the Referendum. Representations
submitted up to 8th September were in respect of
suggested single tier authority(s) should there be a ‘Yes’ vote.
3) Parish
Council Representative on Macclesfield Borough Council Standards Committee
The Clerk advised that Mrs L Smetham had offered to be the parish council’s
representative on this Committee but as there were already a number
of applicants she had withdrawn for the time being.
4) Fence at the junction
of the A536 and Maggoty Lane – The Clerk presented a letter received
from Mrs B Williams MBE and Mrs C Townsend expressing their disappointment that
nothing further can be done about this fence and thanking the Parish Council
for its assistance. They request that the Parish Council
be ever vigilant concerning any similar fences which
may be erected in Gawsworth in the future.
5) Hedge at Gandysbrook – Mr N Phillips
confirmed that this hedge has now been cut.
59.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Members
of G.R.E.A.T. declared an interest in the playing field – Mesdames L Smetham, A
Hindson and D Russell and Messrs P Burgess, P Briercliffe and T Leaver.
Decision – Approved,
subject to general planning conditions
Ø
Rough Hey Farm, Leek Road, Gawsworth – Single storey side extension
P C Recommendation
– Approve
Decision – Approved,
subject to general planning conditions
Ø
Sunnycroft, Church
Lane, Gawsworth – Single
storey side extension
P C
Recommendation – Approve, subject to appropriate access to the garage.
It would not be acceptable for two cars to be parked on the County Council
verge.
Decision – Approved,
subject to general planning conditions. No condition made concerning access to
garage.
Ø
2 Wardle Crescent, Gawsworth – Single storey rear
extension
P C
Recommendation – Approve, subject to consultation with neighbours.
Decision – Approved,
subject to general planning conditions
Ø
Hollands
Nurseries, Maley Pole Farm, Congleton Road, Gawsworth – Erection of new
greenhouse, relocation of existing within the nursery boundary and demolition
of office extension
Ø
Hollands
Nurseries, Maley Pole Farm, Congleton Road, Gawsworth – Relocation of poly tunnels
P C Recommendation – The
Parish Council is split with regard to the recommendations for these
developments. Members are reluctant to approve any further enhancements to the
site taking into account its history and the vagueness of the
plans. In the circumstances the Parish Council will be grateful if
you will ensure that all planning regulations and conditions are adhered
to if the application is successful in both instances.
Decision – Both approved, subject to general planning
conditions and that the glasshouses so approved are used for agricultural
purposes only.
Ø
The Warren, Church
Lane, Gawsworth – Two
storey extension to existing building and conversion of barn to form additional
dwelling
P C
Recommendation – Refusal, on the grounds that it is over-development in
a rural area and the access for two houses is unsuitable either on Church Lane
or directly onto Congleton Road at a very busy cross roads.
Decision – Approved
(in accordance with amended plan not submitted), subject to sixteen
planning conditions covering general issues and highway safety.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk write a strong letter to the Planning Officer
expressing the Parish Council’s annoyance that an amended plan has not been
submitted for its consideration and asking for a copy of this document.
Ø
GawsworthMethodistChurch, Congleton Road, Gawsworth – Demolition of toilet block and hall and erection of new hall in a
single storey extension to Church.
P C Recommendation – Refusal, on the grounds that the
development is too large and is right on the boundary of the
adjoining semi-detached house. Consultation with the neighbours and a
reduction in size is recommended.
Ø
Big bailey Riddings Farm, Penningtons lane,
Gawsworth – Change of use of agricultural buildings
for storage and workshop premises
P C Recommendation – Refusal, on the grounds that it is
inappropriate to have semi- industrial use when serviced
via a residential area and a narrow country lane.
Ø
1 Woodhouse Lane, Gawsworth – demolition of existing
bungalow and erection of two dwellings
P C Recommendation – Refusal, on the grounds that given the
potential ground area the proposed houses are too near the
fence line. It is also noted that the development is for two houses
not bungalows which would be preferred. The Parish Council suggests re-siting
of the properties and consultation with the neighbours on
both sides.
Ø
Rough Hey Farm, Leek Road, Gawsworth – Conversion of agricultural buildings into two dwellings with
garaging.
P C Recommendation – Refusal, in accordance with Macclesfield
Borough Council’s recently introduced moratorium in
respect of new buildings.
3) Annual meeting with Macclesfield Borough Council Planning Officer
The
Clerk presented a letter from Macclesfield Borough Council offering the Parish
Council the opportunity for a planning officer to attend a Parish
Council meeting on an annual basis to discuss general planning issues.
RESOLVED: That
arrangements be made for a planning officer to attend a Parish Council meeting
on an annual basis.
61.
POLICING IN GAWSWORTH
This item was brought forward from Parish Matters due to
the attendance of P.C. Wormald at the meeting. The following points were
raised:-
1)
Difficulty in contacting the police – The Clerk raised this issue as she has found it very difficult
to contact anyone locally either by e-mail or telephone to report incidents or
gain information. The telephone line is more often than not
engaged and if not one has to hang on indefinitely to get answer.
She has limited e-mail access to Sgt Holly and Sgt Viviene Murray and
has been unable to contact P C Wormald direct.
P C Wormald admitted
that there are problems in this area but there is no other way but to use the
Macclesfield number 01625 610000 and leave a detailed message, particularly in
respect of vandalism which will then be logged. As regards
e-mail he has now supplied his e-mail address.
CountyCouncillor Mr B
Hardern commented that this is not good enough and suggested that the
Parish Council write a strong letter to the Chief Constable.
RESOLVED:- That
the Clerk write a strong letter to the Chief Constable detailing the difficulties
with a copy to Cllr Mr B Hardern and Sir Nicholas Winterton.
2)
Parking of vehicles at The Warren – Mrs D Russell raised the problems being experienced by
motorists due to vehicles parking on the grass verge outside The Warren and
bordering onto the main A536 road. It is causing a serious hazard as
the parked cars are obscuring the view of traffic coming out
of Church Lane looking left
towards Congleton. She has reported the matter to the police several
times and they have sent out patrol vehicles but the problem has not
improved even with the cars parked against the wall. She asked P.C.Wormald if anything
further could be done to improve the situation.
P.C.Wormald said that this
was not an area he could deal with and it was more likely to be the traffic
control section or Cheshire County Council Highways department.
RESOLVED: That
the Clerk contact Cheshire County Council Highways department to query
whether it is possible to erect bollards at this site as previously discussed.
3)
Speed Watch – The Clerk reported that despite repeated attempts she has not been
able to obtain any information about this scheme.
One Bosley resident has
spoken to Cllr Mrs J Palmer to say that they would be interested
in sharing a speed gun with Gawsworth but this matter has not been discussed at
Bosley Parish Council as yet.
P.C.Wormald stated that Sgt
Holly from Traffic Control deals with this scheme and he will ask
him to send further information.
RESOLVED: That
the Parish Council wait to hear from Sgt Holly about this matter.
62.
FINANCE
1) Income Received and Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED: That the following income be noted and the accounts as listed be
approved for payment:
·
C A of T & P C 31 The
Good Councillors Guide 7.50
·
COS 32
Stationery 115.06
·
Sodexho 33
Grass cutting June/July 127.39
·
TXU Energi 34 Street
lighting (July/Aug) 4.95
Total
528.18
2) Transfer
from the 60 day account to the current account
The Clerk requested that £550.00 be transferred to
the current account to cover this month’s expenditure
RESOLVED: That
the transfer of £550.00 be approved.
63.
CODE OF CONDUCT UPDATE
The Clerk presented a letter from Macclesfield Borough Council referring
to various issues as regards the New Ethical Framework which has now been in
place for just over a year and the Code of Conduct within that
framework. Under Local Determination Regulations if there is a complaint to
the Standards Board about one of the parish councillors it could, following
investigation, be referred to the Council’s Standards Committee for
determination. Details of these regulations can be viewed on the Council’s
website www.macclesfield.gov.uk.
The
Standards Board has recently issued some revised guidance – ‘What is a friend?’
and details of the definition were enclosed.
Macclesfield
Borough Council will be putting Registration of Interest forms and the Changes
of Interest forms on the Council’s website in due course.
64.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
The Clerk presented a letter from a company introducing a new
England-wide network of community websites which will help parish
councils to meet the Government’s requirements on this issue. The website is
free and is funded by media sales. Additional income to the parish council can
be generated from advertising revenue when at least five organisations join up
in the parish.
RESOLVED:
That the Parish Council is happy with its current site and does not wish to
take up this offer.
65.
HIGHWAYS
Items
under this heading were raised and dealt with under item 61 above.
66.
PLAYING FIELD
1)
Development Project – Mr P Burgess reported that the project is going forward well. Several
applications have already been submitted for funding. The next meeting is on 1st December 2003.
2)
Charge for use of playing field – The Clerk reported that she has been approached by the Church of Jesus
Christ Latter Day Saints to use the playing field for
a sports day, although in fact, it did not go ahead. It did, however, raise
the question of charging organisations outside the parish for this
facility. On consultation with the Chairman it is suggested that an administration
fee be charged and a sum of £15.00 has been suggested.
RESOLVED: That an administration fee of £25.00, not £15.00, is charged for the
use of the field to anyone who does not live within the Parish, to adequately
cover the Clerk’s time. This charge to be reviewed annually.
3)
Repairs caused by vandalism – Mrs L Smetham requested that the following repairs be carried
out:-
Ø
Replacement of the sets in the wall along the
A536 side of the playing field.
Ø
The hole outside the scout hut to be filled.
RESOLVED: That the
handyman, Mr N Bayley, be asked to carry out these repairs.
4)
Vandalism to tennis court gate – The Clerk reported that the tennis court gate has been removed
twice by vandals and has been re-hung by Mr & Mrs Colin Sanders with the
help on the second occasion of Mr T Higgins.
RESOLVED:-
a.
That thank you letters be sent to Mr &
Mrs Sanders and Mr Higgins.
b.
That circular split pins be purchased to
stop the gate being taken off its hinges.
5)
Mountain Bike Track – It was reported that this no longer seems to be in use.
RESOLVED: That no further action be taken at the present time.
6)
Roundabout – Mr
G Parks reported that this has now been repaired.
RESOLVED: That thanks be extended to Mr Parks for carrying out this repair.
7)
Tipping of rubbish - Mr G Parks reported that on inspecting the mountain bike track he discovered
that a significant amount of rubbish had been tipped at the rear of No. 4
Fytton Close.
RESOLVED: That the
Clerk investigate this problem to find out who has done the tipping and if
the person can be identified, send a letter accordingly.
67.
PARISH MATTERS
1) Housing – The Clerk reported that she
has been approached by Dane Housing of Congleton to ask if the Parish Council
would be interested in a seminar on rural housing across Cheshire.
RESOLVED: That at the current time the Parish Council is not interested in
this issue.
2) East Cheshire Rural Care and Repair
Project - The Clerk presented a letter from
Macclesfield Borough Care & Repair organisation which is a Home Improvement
Agency which assists home owners aged 60 or over and disabled people of any age
with repairs and modifications to their home. In April 2003 of a new
initiative was launched targeting rural areas of Macclesfield and Congleton.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the services that are available
to home owners and offer assistance. A leaflet offering advice on several
subjects and giving a contact number was enclosed with the letter. There are to
be a number of open half days presented across the area or a special meeting
can be arranged for councillors or interested parties.
RESOLVED: That the leaflets be advertised on the Parish
Council Notice Boards
3) Broadband in Gawsworth – The Clerk
presented correspondence from two residents asking the Parish Council to
support the provision of Broadband in the Parish.
The Clerk pointed out that this
is not strictly a parish council matter and any representations
should be made to British
Telecom. Mr N Phillips agreed to contact the two residents with
a view to compiling a case to be
put to British Telecom.
RESOLVED: That the Parish
Council will support any initiative to provide Broadband in the
Parish.
68.
MOSS TERRACE COTTAGES
1) Repairs – The Clerk reported that all
outstanding repairs at the properties had been completed with the exception
of the electrical work at No.4. A new emergency arose at No.3 where it was raining
in. Mr S Butterworth has fixed the problem temporarily but a plumber is needed
to correct the overflow pipe from the water tank.
RESOLVED: That this work be put in hand
2) Charity Returns – The Clerk submitted
the completed Charity Returns for approval and signature by the Chairman.
RESOLVED: That the Returns
be approved and signed accordingly.
69.
CHESHIRE
CHARTER FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES
The Clerk presented a letter from the
Cheshire Association of Town and Parish Councils enclosing a 2nd
draft of this Charter (details sent by e-mail), and asking for comments from
the Parish Council.
RESOLVED: That Mr P Briercliffe review the Charter and
report back to the Clerk as appropriate.
70.
CHESHIRE
ASSOCIATION OF TOWN & PARISH COUNCILS
The
Clerk presented a letter from the Association inviting Members to attend the
Annual Meeting/Annual Parish Conference on Thursday 9th
October at Nantwich Civic Hall. The Council’s nominated representatives
are the Chairman and Vice Chairman.
RESOLVED: That the
Vice-Chairman, Mrs L Smetham, attend the meeting subject to current commitments.
71.
CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RECEIVED SINCE
THE LAST MEETING
a) The following letters were received and noted.
Ø
C A of T & P C Macclesfield & Trafford
Area Meeting – 6th October 200, 7.00 pm – Reps are
Chair and Deputy Chair
Ø
Cheshire Planning Forum – 10th October 2003 at 2.00 pm at Winsford
Ø
Cheshire Rural Forum
Transport Seminar 30th September 2003 at 6.30.pm at Chester
Ø
Letter from Macclesfield Borough Council –
Public Entertainment Licence for Parish Hall
b) The following reports/publications were received and distributed:
Ø
Macclesfield Borough Council Minutes
Ø
CheshireCounty Council – Waste Management Strategy
– passed to Mr T Leaver
Ø
C A of T & P C - Newsletter
Ø
Dial-a Ride leaflets for each member
Ø
The Standards Board for England – Standards
Committee determinations
72.
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
RESOLVED:
That the following list of proposed meetings be
approved commencing at 7.30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
4th November 2003 (To be
held in St James PC meeting room)
2nd December 2003 (To be
held in St James PC meeting room)
