SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual and Regular Meeting held on
Thursday 9 May 2024 at 7.00pm at Silverdale Library
Present: Cllr H Adamczuk (HA), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr J Avison (JA), Cllr J Crabtree (JC) Cllr C Bennett (CB), Cllr I Gould (IG), Cllr K Murphy (KM) Cllr R Adcock (RA, part) Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
| 113/24 | To nominate and elect the Chair and Vice Chair and to sign the Declarations of Acceptance of
Office. RESOLVED to elect HA as the chair and CM as the Vice-Chair. The Declarations of Acceptance of Officer were signed. |
| 114/24 | Public Participation.
RA presented the report as circulated. RA left the meeting at 6.55pm. |
| 115/24 | To receive apologies. Apologies were received from Cllr Brown |
| 116/24 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 11 April 2024 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda. CM declared an interest in 129/24. |
| 117/24 | Insurance Renewal with Zurich. RESOLVED to approve |
| 118/24 | To review the Model Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. RESOLVED to approve. |
| 119/24 | To nominate representatives for outside bodies including Walleys Quarry Liaison, Western Communities (Silverdale, Knutton and Cross Heath) LAP and Planning Committee (Borough Council) and Parish Council sub-committees, such as the Finance and Steering Sub-Committees
RESOLVED to appoint the following members as representatives. Walleys Quarry Liaison – HA and JC Western Communities LAP – HA and JA Planning sub-committee – HA, CM, JA and IG Finance sub-committee – HA, CM, CB, DP Steering group – all |
| 120/24 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. To receive an update on the afternoon tea events. JC has prepared the posters and the room is booked but no price for the hire of the room has been received. JC awaiting details of the participants. b. To receive an update on summer activity events for children. CM and CB had met at Elim. It was RESOLVED to donate £100 for the room hire. CB to prepare a budget for the next meeting. c. To discuss social media and communications. No messages had been received recently. CB is proactively posting onto Facebook. It was RESOLVED to post planning applications onto the website. d. To receive an update on the hanging backets for The Parade. CM is to collect the hanging baskets at the end of May. CM has arranged for the hanging baskets to be watered. |
| 121/24 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications
24/00231/FUL | Application for residential development (42 dwellings) within Use Class C3, formation of amenity space, hard and soft landscaping works, provision of access and associated engineering work. | Land At St Lukes Close Silverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6JS (newcastle-staffs.gov.uk) HA to prepare comments and to send to DP. RESOLVED to ask JB to call in. Update on the Bush Report and the proposed call in at Planning Committee on 23 April. HA had circulated an email. The revised scheme makes no difference. |
| 122/24 | Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A. RESOLVED to approve. b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B. RESOLVED to approve. c. To note and approve the budget report – Appendix C. RESOLVED to approve. d. To approve the Chair’s Allowance (Section 115 LGA 1972). RESOLVED to approve at £250. |
| 123/24 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting b. Review Nominations for Silverdale PC representatives for WQL in lieu of resignation of CJ c. Borough Council Action and Public Enquiry over role of Environment Agency This was covered earlier in RA’s report. |
| 124/24 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group. Five members of the public had attended the meeting and councillors had run two workshops. HA to circulate the minutes. An estimate had been received from Arbtech to carry out an ecological report for greater crested newts on the Keele Golf Course. DP to forward the link to the SPCA Planning course to councillors. RESOLVED to pay DP for hours worked on the Neighbourhood Development Plan. Funding for the costs of Urban Vision writing the NDP policies to be placed on to the next agenda. |
| 125/24 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106. JB is chasing. |
| 126/24 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel. HA to obtain a quote. |
| 127/24 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
DP to contact the contractor about painting the railings. |
| 128/24 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update. Nothing further to report. |
| 129/24 | Acres Allotments (no additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs)
a. To receive an update on the tenancy at will agreement. b. To receive an update on the appointment of Knights solicitors and negotiations over the tenancy with Acre Allotments involving the borough council and the condition of the land at the first extension of the 2015 lease c. To agree in principle that if the Borough Council clears the waste material on the council’s land beyond lane 4 then Silverdale Parish Council would negotiate a new lease for the whole site (previously known as Acres Allotments Nos 1-80) HA had spoken with the chair of acres Allotments and a quote had been requested to arrange for the removal of a large amount of debris. SPC has a tenancy agreement to give to the chair of Acres Allotments. |
| 130/24 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000). None received. |
| 131/24 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches. Noted. |
| 132/24 | To receive an update on the noticeboard project
a. To receive an update on the Higher Horizons initiative for the noticeboard It was RESOLVED to refurbish the noticeboard within SPC. |
| 133/24 | To receive an update on the purchase of benches for The Parade and Silverdale Park. To consider purchasing benches for Silverdale Parish (Bath Road and Parksite)
The benches had been installed in Silverdale Park and plaques had been attached. |
| 134/24 | To receive and update on flooding reports on the Mineral Line at Sutton Avenue/High Steet Silverdale
JA had taken photographs of the flooding. A channel has been dug to enable water to flow under the track. This is a solution to allow residents to walk along the Mineral Line. JA to ask NBC if this is a permanent solution and if so when will it be made safe as this is a walking access to school. |
| 135/24 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received. Noted. A County Officer is to be appointed. |
| 136/24 | Highways matters (Standing item)
a. S106 street lighting outstanding work at Silverdale Gardens, Station Road. The double yellow lines had been removed in Church Street, Chapel Street and the Parade. |
| 137/24 | To implement the maintenance agreement on the Mining Monument and obtaining a quote for the Mining Wheel from Plowden Smith
JC had obtained a quote of £4900 plus VAT. RESOLVED to approve. JC to notify Plowdens. |
| 138/24 | Bonfiglios Garage site Cemetery Road update
Item rolled over. |
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THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 13 June 2024, at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include, 11 July 2024, 8 August 2024, 12 September 2024 |
Appendices A, B and C are in the PDF version of the minutes
Cllr Rupert Adcock report for Parish Council May 2024
Walleys Quarry Public Hearings
Cllrs and officers met last week to discuss the format of the upcoming public hearings into the failures at Walleys Quarry. Consultees from the 2021 report have been recontacted and submissions made. We will also be considering additional statements from other interested parties (e.g. gas contractors). I have reached out to two STS groups to make submissions. We will be meeting again on Friday to discuss more details of the format and confirm arrangements for the days (likely 29th and 30th May). We will be encouraging the public to come and hear the evidence and have an opportunity to have questions answered.
Walleys Quarry Liaison Committee
I attended the WQLC in April after it being delayed from March. In the meeting, I asked if Walleys would take responsibility for the failings that caused the huge spike in winter odours, which they failed to do unequivocally. I also asked if they would be making attempts to contact to the community (e.g via newsletter) to explain their response to the odours, which they were reluctant to do due to ‘negative response’.
The EA said they were planning another public engagement events like last year’s event at the Fire Station. There was still no answer on the corrected gas data and when it will be made public.
I expressed my disappointment at the end of the meeting that there was a lack of responsibility taken and pledges on odour have not been kept in the past and I am sceptical they will this time.
The council officers continue to prepare the legal case against Walleys Quarry Ltd. to enforce the Abatement Notice and we await further update on this.
Bath Road development
Ward councillors have been advised that the planned demolition of the vacant shops and flats on Bath Road (former Parksite shop) have been delayed due to potential presence of bats in the roof space and the need to obtain a license from Natural England. Letters have been sent out to nearby residents.
Silverdale Neigbourhood Plan meeting
I attended the meeting of the Neighbourhood plan steering committee. We discussed the green spaces in Silverdale, the high street, local businesses and the Parksite estate including the issue of empty and derelict PRC homes.
We await the results of the council’s first consultation on the local plan, likely due this Summer, and see what the proposals are for the former golf course which I want to see protected as much as possible.
The Bush development
Ward councillors have been advised that due to the need for additional noise and odour assessment that the submission to the planning committee has been delayed.
Bins on Church Street
Following the last Parish Council meeting, I reported the bin issue to Michell Hopper at the council. They will be sending letters out to residents reminding them on responsibilities around bins as a first step.
Bin at Silverdale Park
Following the last Parish Council meeting I contacted Lyndon Ryder at StreetScene to report the chained up bin in the park. He reported that the council are awaiting a new stock of bins before they can replace it and it will take 4-6 weeks (from mid-April).
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale Parish Council Date of report 7.5.2024
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 68 No resolved: 56 ongoing: 12
Walley`s Quarry. Walley`s Quarry. On 23.4.24 we were informed by the leader of the council Cllr. Simon Tagg that the Government is being asked to grant permission for the Council to take legal action against the operators of Walleys Quarry. He went on to say:
`I confirmed at Cabinet today that there has been a formal process of evidence gathering for council officers to follow and that has taken time, with seeking detailed KC’s advice and building a case that officers believe presents clear evidence that the operator has failed to properly control
emissions. Councillors don’t have any power to influence any legal action, which is the responsibility of the council officers to pursue, but I wholeheartedly support the action our officers have taken so far.`
The WQ Inquiry committee met for the second time on 1.5.24 and set out a timetable for hearing evidence and a proposed Inquiry day/series of half days/evenings TBC. There were some `resubmissions`, or news of impending resubmissions, from various agencies and members of the community. Silverdale Parish Council was one of these and considered by the committee as one of the most detailed and important. There was a brief discussion about any other providers of evidence, including the various `Stop the Stink` groups. After the meeting I spoke to Sheelagh Casey Hulme of `STS Cap it off` and Labour P.P.C Adam Jogee about submitting evidence. At the time of writing this is being looked into. The committee recognised their lack of knowledge on the `science` of this issue and they also want to bring in experts who know about the `best practice` in landfill sites so we can compare how things should be with how things are run at WQ LTD. The next meeting is Thurs 16th May and there is a very tight timescale for this `task and finish` style group.
NULBC Emerging Local Plan A meeting took place on 24.4.24 at Silverdale Athlectic club involving further work on Silverdale`s Neighbourhood Plan and residents were invited. Workshops on Natural Environment/Green Spaces and Neighbourhood Centre and Facilities took place. I have submitted research on changes in NUL from the 2011 to 2021 Census in terms of population, housing need, school & childcare places to the Labour group of the council, copy available for Chair. A residents meeting was held in Audley on 4.5.24 in relation to the Local Plan and the petition organized by local stakeholders. Follow up action is being undertaken by Cllr. Lewis. Full council will be asked to support the final draft of NULBC`s Local Plan after further public consultation. The final plan will be submitted for Planning Inspectors evaluation before the end of 2024.
Environment
Barry Davis, engineer, is leaving NULBC. We were sad to hear about this as he had been working on various `flooding` projects in Silverdale. The PC Chair and I thought it appropriate to write to the head of service and ask why he was leaving and who was to be his replacement and I will be doing this asap.
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money I still have not heard from Anthony Harold Head of Legal at NULBC since he said, back in Dec. he would get back to me when fully briefed on the issue. I therefore emailed him again before Easter and I am awaiting a reply.
Planning Application 24/00068/FUL This application, for 4×4 bedroom houses behind The Bush public house with access from Ashbourne Drive, was due to go before the NULBC planning committee 23.4.24. but was delayed until a later committee due to the developer submitting more evidence in response to objections.
The objections raised by residents, PC and myself in relation to planning application
24/00008/FUL at Farmers bank achieved some success. The plans were changed from 3 properties to 2, with parking at both dwellings and Staffs CC insisted on a full turning circle (big enough for the borough refuse collection waggons to turn around in). Although the Chair of the PC and myself still have wider concerns about the selling off of Aspire property/land i.e. where the garages currently are situated, we thought these questions could be addressed in another forum and the application will now be considered under delegated powers.
Bath Road demolition Residents and councillors were informed on 2.5.24 that demolition had been delayed to the discovery of bats in the roof space. The letter said the following:
We are keen to demolish the buildings and are progressing this matter with urgency. Aspire and demolition contractor S J Walchester continue to regularly monitor the site.
In the meantime, please be vigilant concerning the site and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me on 01782 635200 or email at enquiries@aspirehousing.co.uk.
Anti-social behaviour
Aspire and the PCSOs are now holding monthly drop ins at Silverdale Library. I attended 30.
4.24 and had a productive meeting with PCSO Neil Moffat. He updated me on the property in Church st including visits by the landlords, Salt Box. We set days to do the `walking surgeries` in Heritage Park in the recreation park vicinity on Tues 21st & Wed 29th of May at around 6pm in the hope of catching residents when they are in.
PCSO Neil Moffat also gave me some news on a special operation to tackle the persistent problem of off road bikes. He gave me a poster which I will post on FB to encourage residents to contact Staffordshire police if they have information ie where bikes are kept and video evidence.
I have kept an eye on the litter from the area around the fire station onwards into Silverdale.
I reported this to Street scene who did a few extra road sweeps. Street scene are working with a business on Silverdale road which had a large open skip full of litter which blows into the neighbourhood. I drove past there 7.5.24 and can see a big improvement. However there is still some litter towards the junction of the Knutton shops outside Silverdale ward.
Community Ownership Funding: Time is running out to apply for this and due to workload I would appreciate any help in making a bid. As you know we wish to find out if this fund can be used for the Parade Pavillion.
General Comments:
Toddler story sessions continue every Monday 1.45-2.15 at Silverdale Library.
Baby rhyme and song time started up again in April 2.15-2.45.
Next surgery Mon 3rd June 12.30-1.30 at Silverdale Library.
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale Page