SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on
Thursday 3 October 2024 at 6.30 pm at Silverdale Library
Present: Cllr H Adamczuk (HA), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr J Crabtree (JC) Cllr I Gould (IG), Cllr S Toon (ST), Cllr K Murphy (KM)
In attendance: Adam Jogee MP and two members of the public.
| 238/24 | Public Participation: Adam Jogee MP attended the meeting. Two members of the public attended the meeting. |
| 239/24 | To receive apologies. Apologies were received from Mr R Adcock. The meeting noted the resignation of Ms J Avison. |
| 240/24 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 5 September 2024 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve. |
| 241/24 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda. None. |
| 242/24 | To note the written update from the Borough Councillors
Written reports had been circulated and are attached to the minutes. CM raised the matter of lorries turning at the traffic lights at the bottom of Cemetery Road. This has caused damage to the road surface. To be reported to Staffordshire County Council and the Police. |
| 243/24 | 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. |
| 244/24 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications.
None received. HA informed the meeting that two planning applications are expected but have not yet been received. |
| 245/24 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. To receive an update on the Christmas event 2024 · The Christmas event is taking place on Friday 6 December at 6.30pm. · Due to the resignation of Ms J Avison tasks had been reallocated to councillors. · Councillors reviewed the action list. b. Locally Listed and Statutory Listed Buildings Update (HA) HA had applied to NULBC to put the following properties onto the list. The Vine, The Crown and The Roebuck and a residential property (a villa) on the High Street. HA will circulate the results. c. To discuss the locations for the two defibrillators. Two defibrillators had been received. IG to arrange for installation with Aspire. |
| 246/24 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting A meeting had taken place over the fire and a report is to be circulated. Adam Jogee MP advised the meeting that he was attending a meeting with the Health Minister on 7 October to discuss the health impacts of Walley’s Quarry on local residents. Adam Jogee and a member of the public left the meeting at 7.30pm. HA thanked them forattending the meeting. |
| 247/24 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group · HA had circulated copies of the report. · Regular meetings of the Steering Group are taking place and there is a better understanding of the requirements for Silverdale. At the last meeting the coding contract was discussed and how this will produce guidelines for future planning applications. The master plan was discussed and the response to the Local Plan on the Golf course. · IG suggested that numbers for the Steering Group should be increased and that the Group should be advertised in the newsletter to improve representation of the village. It was suggested that the interest in the Local Plan should be utilized to engage more members to the Steering Group. · A meeting had taken place on 3 October with a landscape architect for AECOM. Information had been provided during a route around the village. This was to enable more to be written into the NDP on spatial differences.
b. To receive an update on technical support and funding applications · DP explained the current position on the NDP. · HA commented that the coding will inform the Master Planning project with NULBC Planners regarding the Golf Course. |
| 248/24 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. To discuss funding for external lighting for the Miners Wheel The meeting noted that the Silverdale Country Park Ranger had informed councillors of bats and owls living in woodland near to the Miners Wheel. It was RESOLVED not to proceed with the lighting for the wheel due to nocturnal wildlife. |
| 249/24 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
Painting of the playground had been finished. |
| 250/24 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update Councillors had given comments to HA in response to the Consultation |
| 251/24 | Acres Allotments (additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs)
HA to circulate a note. |
| 252/24 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000)
To discuss a grant application received from Silverdale Primary Academy £581.95 RESOLVED to approve. |
| 253/24 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – reminder. None. |
| 254/24 | To receive and update on flooding reports on the Mineral Line at Sutton Avenue/High Steet Silverdale
Nothing further. It had been reported that there was mud on the path. |
| 255/24 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received. Noted. |
| 256/24 | Highways matters (Standing item)
Nothing further. |
| 257/24 | To discuss the litter picking contract
To contact Aspire regarding litter picking. JB to follow up and to request the work program. There is litter on Silverdale Park, The Parade and car park and Stonewall |
| 258/24 | To discuss Waste Crime
HA to discuss with Adam Jogee. |
| 259/24 | To discuss Freedom of Information re T&G8 site Silverdale Business Park West.
HA to try to find out about contaminated land.
Meeting closed at 8.15pm |
| THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 7 November 2024, at 6.30pm
To agree future dates to include, 12 December 2024, 2 January 2025, 6 February 2025 |
Appendices A to C – See the PDF version of the minutes
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale P.C. Date of report 1. 10. 2024 Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 71 No resolved: 64 ongoing: 7
Walley`s Quarry. I attended parliament on Thursday 5th September for a debate organised by the MP on regulation of landfill sites. M.P.s from across the West Midlands talked about the poor regulation of sites and the repeated failures of the Environment Agency to enforce lasting improvements. In the case of W.Q. much sympathy was expressed in terms of the impact on residents, particularly over this long time period.
The previous Secretary of State spoke with regret about his inability to achieve any changes in the short time he held ministerial power. The new Secretary of State for the Environment, Steve Reed M.P. has showed his commitment to this issue by visiting the site, working with our M.P. and granting permission for NULBC to take legal action against the operator which is due to be initiated by the end of October. Please see here
The completed WQ Inquiry was presented and accepted by Full Council on 25.9.24. The report can be found here Report of the Walleys Quarry Committee of Inquiry v5 – Final sharepoint links added 002.pdf (newcastle-staffs.gov.uk) and contains 10 recommendations which received cross party support.
This was a huge piece of work that I am proud to be part of. I spoke on the motion to accept the report at full council, and I talked about the fact that the case of WQ is used by lecturers in waste management as an example of `when things go badly wrong`.
Following the MP informing me that residents are saying WQ LTD have applied for permission to go `100 foot higher`. The Chair of this PC told me that Red Industries held a pre-application meeting with Staffordshire County Council’s planning team. A further WQ Liaison Committee meeting will be scheduled to update members. This appeared on their website:
Walleys Quarry statement 5th September 2024 Walleys Quarry has applied to Staffordshire County Council for a pre-application meeting with its planning department. This forms part of a project Walleys Quarry is undertaking to explore options and opportunities to complete the restoration of the landfill site sustainably, making enhancements and alterations to the existing restoration plans.
I gave my views to Alison Powell of the WQ Arcadis study on 6.9.24. She was interested in the `hidden cost` of this long running scandal. I cited the following:
- Loss of reputation i.e. the UK`s smelliest village and impact on property values.
- Loss of NULBC resources i.e. cost of legal action, officers time
- Loss of resources, both financial and in terms of time, to invest in measures to improve the ward
- The fact that this issues dominates ward councillors time which should be spent on case work
The MP has let me know that the Minister for Health will be visiting the ward on 7.10.24 and has asked me to be present at the meeting.
NULBC Local Plan Final Draft (Regulation 19) I attended the LP consultation event at Silverdale Methodist church on 16.9.24. I was able to ask the planning officers several questions around the speed of the adoption of this plan in relation to the emergence of the new governments Nation Planning Policy Framework, NPPF. I am not just interested in the housing allocation numbers but the type and location of the housing across the borough, in particular the percentage of social and affordable housing. This is particularly relevant to areas like the former KGC i.e. removal from the green belt. I have been keen to keep residents informed via social media of what is planned for Silverdale. Residents still have the same concerns in terms of housing density, drainage, loss of habitats, loss of the village`s identity within urban sprawl etc but they are also very sceptical that any of the promised additional infrastructure will be delivered. I share their concerns. Many ask me if it is `worth submitting` as they feel they were not listened to in the last round of consultation and I have urged them to make their views known. This is which will be the biggest increase in Silverdale population in several generations and will change the character of the ward for ever. The Labour group have drafted their response considering a wide range of demographic research and local knowledge. We are now moving towards the deadline of 7.10.24 for submissions from individuals and stakeholder groups. I will be submitting as a Parish Councillor in Loggerheads, as a NULBC ward councillor in Silverdale and as part of the Labour group of NULBC councillors
Environment: I attended the Health, Well Being & Environment Committee on 16.9.24. There was a presentation on the work and scope of the new Neighbourhood Delivery Team. I found out about the `rangers` who can remove fly tipping form non council land and then contact the landowners. This has been particularly valuable info for me regarding a long standing case on Heritage Park. I asked that an update on the borough tennis provision be provided on the work programme, particularly in relation to resurfacing of courts.
Work with schools Toddler story sessions began again on 30.9.24. I led the session at Silverdale Primary school as the Reception children are still very new. We talked about people who help us, including librarians and councillors. Storytimes will continue in the library from 7.10.24
Year 4 of Silverdale Primary contacted me about a `Give Back` project they are undertaking and asked for my help setting activities up at the library. Suggestions include fundraising, advertising campaigns, book donation and helping to tidy up the library. I will consult with the staff on this but any ideas from the PC would be most welcome.
Anti-social behaviour I had a meeting with PCSO Neil Moffat on 9.9.24 at Silverdale Library which was also attended by the Chair of the PC. We discussed several issues including the access to garages case (Buxton Ave) and I was able to give advice to the resident based on this discussion.
Paul Lejman of NULBC planning enforcement informed me he had visited the site and found no breach of planning permission/regulation. He again advised that affected residents seek legal advice.
Planning & housing: I attended my first session on NULBC Planning Committee is 10.9.24, the next one is on 8.10.24. I am learning a great deal about the planning process, the nature of objections and the challenges in making the best decisions.
Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money Craig Jordan informed me that he would arrange an update from Rachel Kileen. I await a date and time. No movement on this issue, will chase again.
The MP met with Siobhan Butters the lead officer at Aspire on 13.9.24. He asked the Labour group to submit issues and I identified the following:
1. Aspire have sold a lot of their stock especially in rural or run down areas like Parksite. They have a real shortage of 3 bed family homes I look on the website and there is nothing to bid on.
2. Banding system is confusing and people waiting see empty properties near them which are given to new comers. They feel overlooked and there is a sense of unfairness. I have long standing cases of overcrowding where nothing is available.
3. Issue that private rented tenants have less priority than existing Aspire tents as these tenants often in more expensive and less well maintained homes. There tenancies are often more insecure
4. Councillors need an up to date directory of contacts for the various departments. I have developed a good relationship with my Silverdale housing officer but she can only do so much to help with the challenges above.
5. I would like to understand better the relationship between Aspire and Newcastle housing.
6. When Aspire sell off old garages and pieces of land, the new owners then do not always respect the rights of way of existing residents. Planning endorsement does not seem willing or able to do anything about this then ward councillors are left with the conflicts.
General Comments:
I will be attending a `Walkabout` with Aspire and the PCSO on 2.10.24 starting at the bottom of Parkfield Close.
I held my ward surgery on Mon 2.9.24. A resident asked about Winter Fuel Payments and I was able to direct her to information on how to apply for Pensions credits, the gate way benefit to WFP.
Next surgery Mon 7.10.24 12.30-1.30pm Silverdale Library
Aspire have organised a community event for 1.11.24 10.30- 1.30 at Cornerstones. I have volunteered to run the free book stall, any donations gratefully received
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale Page
Cllr Rupert Adcock report for Silverdale Parish Council October 2024
Walleys Quarry
Campaigners have been sending me images and videos of the increasing number of lorries queuing outside Walleys Quarry before gates open at 6am. This is blocking roads, junctions and creating dangerous traffic situations. I have reported this to police. I have encouraged the residents to do the same. I have also raised this with the county council via Cllr. Tagg.
At last Full Council, councillors unanimously accepted the Walleys Quarry Committee of Inquiry report and it’s recommendations. The council will be sending this to the Office for Environmental Protection and sharing with the EA, the MP, the Chartered Institute for Waste Management and others. The report is available to view on the council website.
On Thursday 3rd October Councillors will be hearing a confidential update on the council’s legal action against the site. Therefore, I will have to send apologies for the Parish meeting.
I have had an update from Arcadis on the progression of their Community Impact Study, they continue to survey residents and have a resident steering committee. I have another meeting with them planned at the end of the month.
Meeting with Acre Allotments
Last week I met with Alan Barber of Acre Allotments about the proposed traveller site and concerns around site access. After a tour of the site, I’ve agreed to make comments about this at the Local Plan consultation.
Supporting Silverdale Athletic Club
I have been in touch with Marko from Silverdale Athletic who are having a problem securing an update on their long overdue lease arrangement from the Borough Council. I have made enquiries and will be supporting them in advancing the process with the council’s legal team.
Pothole reporting
I have reported new and existing potholes including near The Bush roundabout. I’m pleased that County Council has now repaired potholes at Scot Hay Road and at Cemetery Road.