SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Thursday 3 July 2025
at 6.30 pm at Silverdale Library
Present: Cllr H Adamczuk (HA), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr I Gould (IG), Cllr S Toon (ST), Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part), County Cllr M Nixon (MN, part)
Parish Clerk: Ms D Powell (DP)
In attendance: Six members of the public attended the meeting.
| 156/25 | Public Participation:
Six members of the public attended the meeting to raise concerns over HMOs in Sneyd Terrace and Church Street. HA advised that SPC is a consultee on planning applications in Silverdale and that objections to the change of use to the former Conservative Club had been submitted by the Parish Council, Borough and County Councillors and a large number of members of the public across a number of points. The Planning Officer made the decision to approve the application on 10 June 2025. SPC members were surprised and disappointed with the decision and in particular with the officer’s report which did not appear to reflect fully the views of objectors. Many planning applications have been approved by the borough council to which SPC raised objections. This was the first time that an HMO with as many as 15 beds had been approved. There were a limited number of grounds on which SPC could object to a planning application and all relevant grounds were raised. Decisions can be followed up after planning permission has been granted. There is a question here whether planning law and Government guidance were followed properly and whether all objections were considered. The Borough and County Councillors were also pursuing this matter. A member of the public raised the matter of decision making by Planning Officers and the Planning Committee at NBC. HA advised that objections and the substance of objections should be considered.Agenda Item 161/25 was brought forward on the agenda for discussion. Following communications with JB and SPC Councillors HA had written and circulated a report about the two options available. These involved either a judicial review or a formal complaint and a possibility of involving the Ombudsman.JB echoed the comments of HA that the whole community had been shocked by the approval of the planning application. JB had contacted NBC and had been provided with a link to make a comment or complaint. JB suggested that as many people as possible raise a complaint. However, a complaint would not change the decision. JB agreed to send the link for complaints to the members of the public who had agreed to make complaints and create a steering group. Members of the public left the Meeting. |
| 157/25 | To receive apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr R Jones (RJ), Cllr J Crabtree (JC) and Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA). The Meeting noted the resignation of Cllr S Doyle (SD). The Meeting thanked Cllr Doyle for his time and contribution to SPC. |
| 158/25 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 5 June 2025 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting
RESOLVED to approve. |
| 159/25 | To note the written update from the County and Borough Councillors
MN provided the following report: MN had been inundated with complaints about bikes with riders speeding and doing wheelies with similar problems reported in Knutton. There had been an issue at Farmers Gate and MN had spoken with County Highways. Evidence collection and investigations are ongoing to address anti-social behaviour. MN advised that there is a County Councillor Charitable fund of £2500. RA and JB written reports had been circulated. JB discussed the matter of lighting in Silverdale Park and possible funding. JB to follow up with NBC. JB and MN left the meeting at 7.37pm. |
| 160/25 | 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 review the financial position of SPC 2025/26 i. To review Earmarked Reserves. Item rolled over the August Meeting. |
| 161/25 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications
No new planning applications to review
To discuss and receive an update on the following planning applications (HA) 25/00336/FUL, Change of use from former conservative social club into 15 bed HMO (C4), Church Street, Silverdale. Item discussed earlier in the Meeting with members of the public present. Application for 8 houses at The Bush Inn 25/00387/FUL. HA to check whether the planning application is on the Planning Committee agenda and if so to attend the committee to raise concerns. |
| 162/25 | To receive feedback from sub-committees
a. Allotments Sub-committee i. To discuss the Acre Allotment Lease signatures and consider Standing Orders (HA/ST/RJ). ii. To approve the revised Terms Agreement Letter. To approve for the Chair and Clerk to sign the letter. A lease proposal had been received from NBC which involved an extension to the existing lease incorporating extra land. It was proposed for the Chair and Clerk to sign. RESOLVED for HA and DP to sign the letter b. Communication and Events Sub-committee i. To discuss the summer, afternoon tea and Christmas events 2025 (CM/JC) CM reported that the afternoon tea events had gone well. CM thanked everyone for setting up the event. The summer event is on track. JC had prepared a poster to be displayed in the shops, schools, noticeboards and on social media. CM reported that the ice cream van, circus skills, face painting and refreshments had been arranged. CM confirmed that all suppliers have their own insurance. Hi-Viz jackets had been purchased. CM confirmed that for the Christmas event Santa Claus had been booked. Event to be included on the next agenda. ii. To discuss the newsletter (ST) ST confirmed that the newsletter was being prepared. c. Parks and Recreation Sub-committee i. To discuss adult exercise equipment for the park (IG) IG confirmed that the plan, scheme and licence are in place and prices had been obtained from Broxap. An application to Ibstocks is to be arranged. DP asked for the details to be forwarded. |
| 163/25 | To receive and update on the new email and website provider
ST is preparing the new website and arranging for the new email addresses. |
| 164/25 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. To receive an update on the speed device maintenance and training Item rolled over as RJ not present. b. To discuss the Silverdale Barrier Redesign A meeting had taken place with RA and a member of Sustrans. HA to request that Silverdale Library is included. |
| 165/25 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill (Standing item)
Matter covered in the Borough councillors’ reports. |
| 166/25 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group b. To receive feedback from the meeting with Urban Vision HA had circulated a report on the NDP. |
| 167/25 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor (Standing item)
None at present. |
| 168/25 | Borough Local Plan
a. Borough Council Plan Update HA reported that the hearings were complete and objections and suggestions had been submitted. Awaiting report. |
| 169/25 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grants annual budget £2,500)
None received. |
| 170/25 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches. None. |
| 171/25 | To receive and update on flooding reports on the Mineral Line at Sutton Avenue/High Steet Silverdale
Item to be removed from the agenda. |
| 172/25 | To note the Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association Bulletins and correspondence received
Noted. |
| 173/25 | Highways matters (Standing item)
None. |
|
THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 7 AUGUST 2025, at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include 4 September 2025, 2 October 2025, 6 November 2025 |
The financial appendices are in the PDF version of the minutes.
Cllr. Rupert Adcock report for Silverdale Parish Council July 2025
Parks
Last weekend I did a litter pick at Ilkley Place in Parksite. We managed to collect several bags of litter. We also noticed some attempted damage to some of the equipment which we reported. One of the goalposts was removed a while ago but the sockets remain embedded in the ground leaving a serious trip/injury hazard which I have reported directly to the council for urgent removal.
I attended a meeting of the Parks Task and Finish Group on Monday and we discussed playpark budgets, repairs and inspection schedules. Several recommendations were drafted and will be finalised before being sent to commitee for approval. I also added a recommendation that the final report should be sent to Parish Councils accross the Borough.
Walleys Quarry
I have emailed relevant person at the EA asking for an update on the works at the site and requesting a public meeting. He replied that he no longer oversees Walleys Quarry but has forwarded to the new project managers, this does concern me that the EA have such a turnover of staff and I worry about accountability. I have yet to receive any reply from the EA to my request.
At the last Health and Wellbeing Commitee, we had an update on Walleys Quarry. We have heard that the MMF at the Pumping Station will be removed after failing to find a replacement site and the EAs view that it is no longer needed. It is encouraging that emissions data is improving but continutal scrutiny of the EA must be in place as I have heard concerning reports about the judicial review and what level of accountability the EA will be taking for the full restoration of the site. I have asked the council officers to push the EA for more information and a public meeting.
Anti social off road bike use
We had an update from the police at the last Health, Wellbeing and Environment Commitee specifically about off road bikes. I forwarded a copy of the presentation to Henryk, Jacqueline and Mark. It shows Keele Golf Course topping the list of ASB reports in the borough. I have head from residents more reports of dangerous use of bikes on main roads as well as parks. It is now one of the local police top priorities and Staffs police have launched Operation Reclaim to identify and seize bikes. Many questions were asked by councillors at the meeting about reporting and enforcing (full recording is available online). They key points they emphasized were the importance of identifying the offenders so bike seizing powers can be used. If anyone else wants sight of the presentation I can pass it along.
Silverdale Cemetery
After being raised by a resident I have discussed the poor state of the sign at Silverdale Cemetery with Cllr. David Hutchinson and Street Scene have now been out and repainted the sign which is much improved.
Silverdale Greenway meeting
I met with a member of Sustrans on Tuesday about the plans to enhance and encourage use of the greenway. The camera has been put up to monitor use. Plans for gate removal or adjustment are in progress. They are now seeking advice on what else can be done to enhance the route e.g., sign cleaning, lighting in the tunnel as well as community engagement events and surveying e.g. market stalls. We discussed the engagement plan which has now been emailed out to fellow councillors for comment.
Housing developments
I made a call in about the proposed 8 dwelling development as well as Cllr. Brown and this has been accepted.
I am very shocked and disappointed that the former Conservative Club plans were accepted despite such well detailed opposition.
I will be seeking an update from Aspire on the works at the former Parksite Shop on Bath Road as no visible works have taken place there in a while and the barriers are very unsightly.
Silverdale Primary
On Monday, I will be visiting Silverdale Primary and having a tour of the school as part of the work to help them find funds for their outdoor area.
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale P.C. Date of report 1. 7. 25
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown, Silverdale ward. No of cases: 98 No resolved: 81 ongoing: 17
Walleys Quarry. I got an update on the quarry from the MP on 28.6.27 however he has asked me to keep some aspects of this confidential at present. As I reported last month all stakeholders are concerned that the EA has no responsibility to permanently restore the site unless it can be proven there is a long term risk to health and safety. Addressing these concerns, and the financial cost of doing so will be seen as the next stage for all concerned.
Silverdale Sidings 106 moneys I have received no update from Head of Legal Anthony Harold or officer Rosie Silvester. I have emailed again asking if there is any news form Staffs CC.
Planning & housing: Planning Application 25/00336/FUL to use the former Conservative club on Church street as a 15 bed HMO. Following the receipt of 55 objections and submissions against the development form the police authority and Parish Council the community were shocked when this application was given permission, as reported in the Sentinel 16.6.25. I immediately contacted the NULBC planning department saying that the strength of feeling was such that we wished to complain. The officer concerned provided me with a link to complain
Comments, compliments and complaints – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
However he said that complaining would not result in a change of decision. He also said the following
“Within the English planning system there are no options for third party appeals against planning decisions. Whilst there is a process referred to as a judicial review which can be used, this is a form of legal action against the council which can be used for when it is considered that a legal mistake has occurred. It should not be used for when residents are in disagreement with the planning decision itself.”
I then emailed Cllr. Paul Northcott, Chair of the planning committee, on 23.6.25 to ask the following:
· Why was this application not delegated to the Planning Committee?
· If the number of objections, in this case 55, are not taken into consideration what is the point of people objecting?
· What do I say to those residents who ask me what is the point of me being elected to represent them if I am not allowed to have any say in this matter?
I am still waiting for answers. I think it is very important we decide what to do about this as there may be a time limit for complaints. Should all concerned use the above link to complain is the first question.
A resident who had been at the meeting outside the club came to my surgery. She is very concerned about who could be moving into the HMO and said she would be willing to do anything to object/complain about this.
Regarding the single parent who is sleeping in her kitchen with 4 children upstairs in 2 small bedrooms I got advice about house swaps from an Aspire officer at the library drop in held on 30.6.25 and sent details on how to download the app to get started on the process.
Having escalated the case of the disabled resident who lives on Peebles Road to M.P. Adam Jogee the MP has written to Aspire asking for a timescale on his case for rehousing but was told no timescale can be given. In the meantime, the resident informs me that this property has been changed and is no longer adapted for disabled use. Considering the lack of properties suitable for families which are adapted I asked the Aspire officer, about this. She had no answer but said she would find out. I promised the resident that I would continue to keep trying for him and his family.
Environment The untidy business on Cemetery Rd on the former garage site continues to get complaints. A resident came to see me at my surgery about this. Since my election in May 2022, I have had constant correspondence with NULBC about this. There was some talk of a change of use for the site about 18 months ago, but it came to nothing. As Paul Lejman was the last NULBC officer who contacted me about the site I have emailed him for an update.
Care Home/Supported housing on May Street NULBC officer is finally in a position to make a formal complaint to the Care Quality Commission following a visit to the site and a meeting with a representative of North Staffs Combined Healthcare Trust. Residents are desperate for something to be done as during the hot weather the disturbances there were worse than ever. Staffordshire police have now complained about the number of calls out they have made to the premises. I have contacted the MP to ask for a surgery appointment for myself and two of the residents as I really believe he should know about this issue, particularly as we have heard there are similar `Supported Housing` establishments springing up across Newcastle which do not appear to be adequately regulated.
Environment The PC will know I am concerned about the lack of investment in the Parade Park by NULBC in comparison to other parks in the borough, particularly the tennis court. The Parks Task & Finish group met again on 30.6.25. but I was unable to attend. I await the minutes and will continue to press for investment/improvements in our ward.
After a member of NULBC said the council are waiting for quotes for repair of the Parade Park floodlights last month I have heard no more so will chase this matter up again
Events
I attended the mayor`s inauguration service on 22.6.25 at St. Giles church. This was a lovely service and procession through the town
On 30.6.24 I attended an afternoon tea event at Silverdale Primary school. This was organized by the School Council.
Under 5`s story continues every Monday 1.30-2pm
Baby song & rhyme time has recommenced at 2.15 -2.45 every Monday.
Planning Committee 15.7.25
NULBC full council meeting: 23.7.25.
Drop ins/ Surgeries every Monday (except Bank Holidays) from 12noon at Silverdale Library.
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale.