Silverdale Parish Council Chair’s Report 8 September 2022

222/22 Public Footpath from Hulme Close to the outer perimeter of Keele Golf Course  Background

The Staffordshire County Council Panel will meet on 16 September to decide on the application to the Public Footpath from Hulme Close. A letter sent to me 12 August contained a report covering 16 independent statements with individual maps depicting footpath routes and a detailed legalistic discussion of the veracity of the claims.

Parish Council were advised new evidence would probably not change the decision. The reasons were the passage of time, and fragmented application evidence and limitations of the legislation.

Director of Corporate Recommendation

• The evidence produced is not sufficient to show that a Public Footpath …subsists on the balance of probabilities along the route A to B on a plan attached at Appendix B to the report.
• That an order should not be made to the alleged right of way…

Alternative Interpretation and Evidence

The application was frozen in time with no history at all despite the considerable local history and County and Borough Planning records.

I created a narrative from 1900 that the land originating as part of Silverdale Farm and the changes that led to the golf course development. A circular Public Footpath round the course does make logical sense as this was a golf course and there was a plan for golf enthusiasts.

Other maps in the dossier offer different sections of footpath, including access to the ponds for fishing including Spring Pond at the centre.

The county report included a summary table of the 16 which had no column for the shape of the footpath. Neither the borough council nor the commercial lessee produced any evidence to the Footpath Panel, so this gave some leeway to find further evidence.

RESOLUTION

That the historical context and changing housing developments be included along with additional map evidence is presented in a report by 12 September for the Panel Meeting.

225/22 Asset of Community Value (ACV) for the Bowling Pavilion

There was no funding source other than Walley’s Quarry Community Fund requiring 10 per cent matched funds. The outside of the building was vandalised and not maintained.

It would be a long process to find viable uses for the pavilion. The park improvements could be part of the Neighbourhood Plan. However, I would not support an application for a declaration of an ACV without some understanding/gaming of the process and a clear financial plan. The borough council could decide to sell it on the open market and refuse the claim under the Localism Act on any technicality as occurred with the former Keele Golf Course ACV.

RESOLUTION

To defer a decision on the Bowling Pavilion until there was a report on possible options including a clear strategy of how the funding might work and consultation with local businesses about the future of Silverdale Park.

226/22 Neighbourhood Development Plan Application Steering Group Report A D             Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group on 3 September.

1 Starting the Conversation

Briefly HA adapted an interview schedule for Silverdale from Locality and had started pilot surveys. 8 interviews were carried at the Country Park Faire but involving 23 persons as most were parents with children. HA discussed the results of small set of interviews, stressing it was necessary to record conversations and to make sure we had anonymous records.

A pack of information was necessary for councillors if carrying out interviews. Neighbourhood Plan of Silverdale, Consultation Document about 90 pages. HA agreed to approach printing firms for copies of the consultation. The lowest quotes from Ryman were £72.80 colour and £18.20 black each. Purchase 2 colour and 8 black at a cost of £291.20.

University Growth corridor at Keele Golf Course was how the consultation question ran and the terminology might be baffling for residents. Multiple copies of other documents were required. Councillors needed to familiarise themselves with some of the issues to be helpful sounding boards if questions were asked although the main goal was to start the conversation.  Among the topics that came up were no residents had heard of the Neighbourhood Plan and very few had heard of the Local Plan. Two of the questions require a brief explanation of these matters as well as advice about web addresses of Parish and Local Planning Authority. The knowledge base of residents is something important to address if we are to be successful.

RESOLUTIONS

Agree an amount for the Consultation documents for Parish Councillors and

Each councillor should familiarise themselves with the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan and use the Locality interview schedule to carry out 10-20 interview over Sept so there would be results of indicative consultation with residents.

2    Widening the membership of Steering Group to Ward Councillors and others with

‘critical friend skills’

HA had not produced a list of names but had considered approaching up to 6 directly. They were:

two members of the Silverdale History Society, but one has since declined. two Volunteers; one based at the Library, one at the Acres. two Green Activists.

Help was needed from ward and parish members to widen the scope.

• The Autumn Newsletter was virtually ready, and distribution of hard copy version was required. See 227/22
• Kerry Parr AECOM Housing Needs Assessment was attended by HA, CJ and JB.

Kerry explained the process of developing a report that included all the revenant published information on housing in Silverdale, but it was still based on Census 2011 data. Housing Association information and the online National Housing Application process for social housing scheme would be looked at and other data from the key associations active in the town. There were considerable sources of information on house prices and affordability.

It was the numbers in the different tenures and the cost of housing whether renting of buying on a mortgage set against vacancies and ability to pay. Possibility of a Walley’ Quarry effect would not be picked up unless some local estate agents were interviewed. As the 2021 Census had not been published for Local authorities and the parish areas were unlikely to be completed until June 2023 HA said he could be updated the AECOM data later in the final stages of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Additional Information would be sought on the health status of the local population, age and quality of stock would be sought from local sources. Contact names in Planning Environmental Health local GP and Keele University.

7 Conference meeting with Hannah Barter Urban Vision Enterprises CIC on Mon 12 September. The next steps  

6.1 How to develop the Wetlands and Lagoon Scheme which would be an entirely alternative use for the former golf course and serve as a means to ensure considerable environmental protection as well as enhanced flood defence.

6.2 How to develop materials to use with residents the production of buffer zones linking the urban centre of Silverdale Village with the green parkland and woodland areas.

6.3 Extending the Mineral Line to Keele Village as a traffic free link as previously suggested for the Town Deal in the LAP but not pursued 5 years ago.

6.4 The needs of businesses could also be identified with a similar survey but focusing on what plans might be for expansion as for example more car parking at the Cricket Club.

Golf Course Update

Following a meeting with Simon McEnemy it was learnt here was a Topographical Survey map of the Former Golf Course available from the Borough. The full survey with details of the land and valuations was carried out last May by Homes England but the results are considered confidential by Homes England. There’s a potential reference for a Freedom of Information Enquiry once the topographical survey has been received.

205/22 To consider a fee quote. Acres and Tenancy at Will

Further information about approaching NALC whether we should have the whole matter checked by a specialist solicitor.

Walley’s Quarry Planning access for lorries SCC application No further information.

Next Liaison Meeting is Thursday 22 September at 5.30 on Teams.

242/22 Western Communities LAP

The next Western Communities last LAP on 5 October 2022. I will need help to organise a health event for Silverdale residents at the library.

218/22 Town Board September

Meeting 16 September was postponed. New Liz Truss government minister for Levelling Up Simon Clarke just appointed.

RESOLUTION Next Month for Freedom of Information Enquiry.

242/22 Aaron Bell Round Table

Attended by Audley Loggerheads and Keele as well as HA for Silverdale focus on issues from parishioners such as highways and waste. Walley’s Quarry came up and our MP had commented about how the Nuisance abatement would conclude.

I asked for the resumption of the Parish Forum to act as a sounding board in view of the number of parishes potentially subject to green belt release.

Henryk Adamczuk 07 09 2022

Borough Councillor Jacqueline Brown report

Borough Councillor Ward Report to Silverdale Parish Council:                             Date 4th Sept 2022                                                                            

Councillor: Jacqueline Brown             Number of cases: 18 Number resolved: 10 Number ongoing: 8

Planning & housing:  NULBC Planning committee, 16^th August 2022 Section 106 money that remains unpaid for the Silverdale Sidings development was on the agenda under updates. Officers renewed their intention to use legal means to obtain the money. Cllr. John Williams asked questions concerning the length of time this had been `on the agenda` and why no action had been taken. The officer said he could not go into detail concerning the delay due to legal procedures and matters of a `sensitive nature`. However, he said there had been very recent progress and he was hoping for a successful outcome. It was voted by councillors to keep this item on the agenda until it is resolved.

 I have been successful in arranging a meeting with the Silverdale rep from Aspire, Nicola MacMillan on 8^th September. I have sent ahead a list of outstanding cases that need attention. These include ground`s maintenance, rear access of terraced properties and facilities at the parade area. I have yet to hear back on my request for site visits as I was hoping that residents would be available to speak to Nicola. I trust this will be the start of a productive relationship and I will keep you informed of progress, including requests for Aspire to send reps to the LAP meetings.

Following the approval of funding for the PC and the need to undertake a housing needs analysis, I attended a virtual meeting on 30^th August with members of the PC and Kerry Parr, consultant. Kerry explained the process to us and asked about residents` surveys. I have liaised with the PC Chair on this to ensure information on consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan is included in my ward newsletter for all residents.

Environment:    I met with residents living near the Parade Park to discuss their concerns and ideas for improvements. They were pleased to see the tennis court open with a new net. In the longer term, residents hope to see the toilets reopen and the pavilion building brought back into use e.g., a community hub & café. Obviously, funding would be required, and it may be an eligible project for the County Council Members fund and other funding streams that the P.C. could access. We also discussed the former bowling green and possible repurposing. I contacted Darren Green for NULBC to set up a meeting regarding this. I will also liaise with councillors from Kidsgrove who have been successful with a similar project.

I have yet to hear about any rescheduled meeting regarding Keele Golf Course by S.O.G.s and the Chair of Keele P.C.  The original meeting was to discuss our opposition to build plans and our vision of the land usage for leisure, health & education. In the meantime, I have discussed with the Chair of the PC concerning other `Silverdale Common` issues e.g., footpath, marsh land and members of the community who would like to see cycle paths and repurposing of the former clubhouse. These are on the agenda for the P.C. on 8.9.22.

Walley`s Quarry Local residents are reporting a very recent increase in odours again and I would encourage residents to keep reporting. Cllr. R. Adcock has been active with the MP on the Quarry issue in regard to lack of transparency regarding breaches of permit. There is general, if cautious, support for the planning application regarding parking lorries on the site and the call for strong enforcement measures to mitigate against increase noise/disruption. The abatement notice court case is now imminent, and we continue to hope for a favourable outcome for residents living with this constant blight.

Streets & Highways: I was contacted again concerning the state of the roads in

Silverdale. A large pothole on Mill st, near the junction with Crown St was reported to Staffs CC on 31.8.22. I followed this up by ringing Cllr. D. Huckfield, as the webpage listing the road resurfacing schedule had crashed. He told me that Mill St and Sneyd Terrace were next on the list, but he could not tell me when they would be done. He explained that in the meantime `speed humps` would merely be `patched up` and the surface degrades quickly. However, it is still cheaper to repair individual holes until a major resurfacing can be undertaken.

I am still looking into the possibility of installing secure cycling racks to encourage cycling around Silverdale. Unfortunately, my contact at NULBC is still trying to find out who I can contact. In the meantime, I spoke to the owner of Spokes bike shop on the High St. He was very enthusiastic about this and said he would be willing to have bike racks at his premises. I will continue to look into this as there are funding streams available for `green initiatives`.

Waste & Litter: I joined in the litter pick with Silverdale Methodists on 30.8.22 and we picked up litter from Crown st. and across the parade and park area. At the surgery 3.9.22 there was more litter and broken glass outside the library, despite a bin being very close by at the bus stop. My next move is to liaise with the Co-op store concerning litter and waste left in the alley and behind the store itself.

Anti-social behaviour:

The disused Parade pavilion has been a magnet for children in the summer holidays and I had to speak to children there who had climbed on the roof in a game of `hide & seek`. I will bring this up with PCSO Moffat at our next meeting and discuss measures we could take e.g., anti-vandal paint/ signage etc. I will also raise this in my meeting with Darren

Green of NULBC

The nuisance of mopeds/quad bikes in unauthorised areas may continue to abate as the summer holidays end. Cllr. Adcock has reported improvements, including locks being put on gates at Ilkley Place. The ideal solution longer term would be the installation of `kissing gates` in areas where the vehicles access land. NULBC are undertaking an exercise in locating existing gates across the borough and I would lobby for gates to be installed in all areas where Anti-social behaviour is an issue. General Comments

• My next surgery is on Saturday 1^st October at Silverdale Library. I have continued to meet regularly with Chair of Silverdale PC in between surgeries.
• Toddler story sessions will be recommencing on Mon 12^th September 2pm at Silverdale Library.
• Cllr Adcock and I will be attending the Health, Wellbeing & Environment Scrutiny Committee on 5.9.22 where issues including Walley`s quarry will be on the agenda.
• I have continued my duties as the Early Years and SEND governor at Silverdale Primary. I now plan to reach out to St. Luke`s Primary now that the Autumn term is underway. I would like to offer to do an assembly.
• A weekly update of my activities in Silverdale can be found on F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale.

 

 

Cllr Rupert Adcock Silverdale Ward Report 8.9.22

1. Walleys Quarry breaches and smell

Following a FOI request it was revealed that Walleys Quarry had breached its permit another two times earlier this year. The MP and I express our dissatisfaction at the lack of transparency.

I have been made aware that some residents near the site believe the smell to be worsening again. I have smelt it more over the past two weeks. The annoyance data from the EA continues to remain low but there are new gas wells being drilled that the EA states can cause ‘short term fluctuations’ in air quality. I continue to encourage residents to report the smell and we await the commencement of the abatement notice court case and any potential outcome from the criminal investigation.

I remain disappointed in the actions taken by the EA and the fact that I had to prompt them to correct incorrect information on the webpage and that Dr. Salt from STS had to correct their data on CCS breach numbers which was higher than they had originally published.

2. Walleys Quarry parking

After discussing with Cllr Tagg and Aaron Bell MP we have all decided to support the planning application to park lorries on the site to prevent the traffic problems that we have experienced. We all do have concerns however about noise and simply shifting the problems earlier so are all calling for strong enforcement measures to be put in place with consequences such as removal of the permission should this become a significant problem.

3. Anti-Social Behaviour – motorbikes and quads/ Ilkley Place Park

A resident has told me that the situation has been much quieter over the last few weeks but there are occasions where they can still be heard. I note that a new padlock has been put up on the gates at Ilkley Place following my request to StreetScene. Longer term I have asked for these gates to be replaced to hinder motorbike access and the council officer has now replied and offered to review the gates and meet me to discuss options.

4. Conversion of garages to storage units on Underwood Road

A few residents have been in touch to raise concerns about the planning permission to convert garages to storage units on Underwood Road. There are concerns around parking, traffic, appearance, and damage to wildlife. I agreed to pass on these objections on the council online consultation. It was clear that many residents had the same concerns. Still awaiting decision from the planning officer.

5. Silverdale Park

We welcome that the tennis net has been replaced, this was something that many people including myself had been asking the council for.

6. Meeting with Cllrs. Tagg and Sweeney.

I had a meeting with the leader and deputy leader of the council to discuss local issues.

One outcome of the meeting was that there is a community fund from the Country Council that can be spent on community projects in Silverdale. I would ask for suggestions to be made to Cllr. Huckfield and applications to be made online

(deadline Oct 31^st)

1. County Council members fund (up to £2500) to support community projects https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Your–council–and–democracy/Members/CountyCouncillors–Fund/County–Councillors–aspx

1. Climate Action fund to support green initiatives (from £500-£3000) https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environment/Climate–change/Climate–Actionaspx