SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 12 January 2023 at 6.30pm at Silverdale Library
Present:
Chair – Mr H Adamczuk (HA)
Parish Cllrs – Cllr Celia Jarrett (CJ), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr A Sutcliffe (AS), Cllr C Spence (CS), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA) – part
Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
In attendance – Ms J Crabtree
THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON
9 February 2023, at 6.30pm
To agree future dates to include,
9 March 2023, 13 April 2022, 11 May 2022
| 1/23 | Public Participation: Chair
This item is on the agenda to allow the public to raise issues at the Parish Council The period of time designated for public participation in accordance with standing order 3 f shall not exceed 10 minutes unless directed by the chairman of the meeting. Subject to standing order 3 g. a member of the public shall not speak for more than 2 minutes. |
| 2/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were received from Cllr L Leighton (LL), Cllr M Melvin (MM), Borough Cllr J Brown (JB) |
| 3/23 | Following the Elections in May 2022, and subsequent advertisements, the following resolution is proposed:
The co-option of a new councillor to fill one of the existing vacancies on Silverdale Parish Council. It was RESOLVED to co-opt Ms Julie Crabtree and for the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and the Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests forms to be signed. The Council welcomed Ms Crabtree. |
| 4/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 10 November are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting (copy attached). To resolve that the minutes of the Extra ordinary meeting held on 16 December 2022 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting (copy attached). Please read these before the meeting as they will be taken as read.
It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes which were signed by the Chairman at the end of the meeting. |
| 5/23 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda (Note member should notify Monitoring officer within 28 days if not already. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships) ALL to complete DPI forms and return electronically. |
| 6/23 | To note the written update (to be circulated in advance) from the Borough Councillors, County Councillors.
Both Borough Councillor reports had been circulated and are included at the end of the minutes. RA joined the meeting at 7pm. |
| 7/23 | 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 for 2022/23 – Appendix C RESOLVED to approve. The meeting discussed and approved the earmarked reserves. CS had met with NBC officers and is also looking into the possible renovation of the Pavilion and will bring more information to the February meeting. Members were asked to consider areas of spend for the coming year. It was RESOLVED for DP to ask Steve Hough to complete maintenance works in the Parish as per the schedule provided. d. To receive a report back from Finance Group for the Budget 2023/24 e. To approve the Budget for 2023/24. RESOLVED to approve. f. To approve the Precept for 2023/24 It was RESOLVED to approve the Precept for 2023/24 based on Option B, assuming Council Tax to remain the same (0% increase). It was RESOLVED that DP would complete the Precept paperwork requesting a Precept value of £30,044 for 2023/24. |
| 8/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting 15 Dec updates. (HA/CJ) The minutes had not yet been circulated. The final meeting in 2022 was available online as a video. Some members of the meeting were no longer actively involved in the community. b. Abatement Notice and Compensation Update No information had been received on the compensation. |
| 9/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan.
a. To receive a report from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group The minutes had been circulated. An online meeting is arranged for 19 January 2023 where PC members will discuss with Hannah Bater of Urban Vision, policies for inclusion in the NDP. An alternative date is to be arranged for those that cannot attend the meeting. b. To agree a ‘dry run’ consultation event as a training to trial new materials and presentation equipment. A ‘dry run’ presentation will take place at Silverdale Methodist Church om 21 January 2023 at 3pm. This will be a presentation about Silverdale with a view to getting participation for residents. c. To make plans and choose the venue for extensive consultation of residents during 2022/23 with one meeting before Christmas and one meeting afterwards for large groups then smaller sectional meeting afterwards. Matter ongoing. d. To receive an update on the commissioning a drone video for the neighbourhood area, covering all housing, community/retail and woodlands/green spaces to help publicize the Neighbourhood Plan. Stop the Stink had a a series of drone videos done two years ago. There was one covering the area close to the former municipal golf course. At present SPC do not have the contact details of who did the video. MM had offered to involve Belfour Beatty. This is to be followed up. e. To receive feedback form the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group meeting Tuesday 10 Jan 6pm. The minutes had been circulated. f. To note walking tours of the northern boundary of Keele Golf Course and Mineral Line. It was discussed how access points could be improved. Access points to the Mineral Line were discussed and the signage and landscaping. Sites discussed were Aspire site close to the bungalows on Station Road and Bath Road site in Parksite. Tree provision was incorporated. g. Response from AECOM draft Housing Needs Assessment for Silverdale and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust nature data collection for Silverdale. HA had made initial comments. Councillors were asked to send further comments to HA who would formulate an overall reply to AECOM. The assessment had picked up issues about poor health conditions and low house prices and whether the Quarry had reduced house process. CS commented that there was a lack of growth in house prices in Silverdale in comparison with houses across the Borough. Also discussed was the impact of local mining subsidence on house prices.
It was discussed how Rights of Way over the Golf Course involves a lot of paperwork and advice. This matter was put on hold. The meeting discussed that comments should be made on the vacant land at the Aspire site at Bath Road. Also, a large expanse of land at Ashbourne Road and Elam Close, which is owned by NBC. These could be part of the Golf Course development and they are not in the green belt. HA to check if there are any restrictive covenants on the land or mining fault lines.
This is to take place on 19 January and an alternative date to be arranged. |
| 10/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106.
This matter was covered in the Borough Councillor report by RA |
| 11/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Energy Cost from Monument Lighting Installation No bill has been received. b. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel HA had asked Mike Haines at Aspire to assist in obtaining two quotes.
|
| 12/23 | Parish jobs from Homeworks referred to Steve Hough
DP to send the jobs listing to Steve Hough. |
| 13/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Cabinet report Tues 6 December and Council Budget Update NBC had called for Brownfield sites to be identified for development in Newcastle Borough. There will be a consultation on the next planning bill and planning policy framework. Some issues will affect the Green Belt and housing provision. The government consultation on updating the National Planning Policy Framework, on the proposed approach to preparing National Development Management Policies ends in March 2023. This consultation will affect how the NBC Local Plan will emerge. b. Save Our Green Space update. SPC had been notified of the tree planning on the Golf Course. SPC had objected. c. Borough Council Proposal for Tree Planting at Former Keele Golf Course as part of 2023 Borough Celebration after 850 years. The Cabinet had agreed to go ahead with the Tree Planting subject to consultation. SPC is awaiting the final decision. |
| 14/23 | To consider a fee quote for legal costs to extend the lease to include the additional site (plot numbers 45-80) at the Acres Allotments (note additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs).
a. To update on the tenancy at will agreement request to NBC and resolve to ask the Parish Clerk to sign the letter of intent and for the Chair to amend the draft agreement in conjunction with Jackie Phillips, Borough Council. b. 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). c. To consider appointing a consultant regarding the remediation of waste in the legal agreement to represent the parish’s council’s interest. No further action had been taken. HA is to meet with Jackie Phillips of NBC. |
| 15/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000)
None received. |
| 16/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – reminder. None |
| 17/23 | To consider a quote
a. To install a new noticeboard at the library (note: may need permission from SCC/Highways). b. To consider a New Horizons initiative for the special memorial sign for the noticeboard (AS). AS had had a good meeting and the young people of the Saturday Club are working with Engineering students at Staffordshire University to design a new noticeboard. |
| 18/23 | To consider memorial/benches for The Parade and for Bath Road, Parksite
Two benches at the Pavilion need taking out. The broken bench at Brighton House had been removed. CS is undertaking a consultation with residents at Parksite to map with benches need replacing. DP to ask Steve Hough to audit all benches including NBC benches in the parks. |
| 19/23 | To receive an update regarding traffic danger outside St Luke’s Primary School Pepper St
AS had worked with SCC. SCC had put up a banner, but this had been damaged. The vacancy had been placed in the School newsletters. AS is to raise the vacancy with the Headteacher again. AS to ask SCC if a hard banner could be erected. |
| 20/23 | To approve comments for the following Planning Applications (please click on the link to view BEFORE the meeting) and to approve delegated authority to deal with any urgent ones in between meetings in consultation with the Chair.
22/01078/FUL | Proposed erection of 3No. bedroom detached dwelling. | 197 High StreetSilverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6JZ (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) RESOLVED to object. |
| 21/23 | To note and discuss the website improvements
LL had asked for amendments to be made. |
| 22/23 | To resolve to contact NBC regarding use of the former Bowling Club Pavilion
This matter was coved earlier in the agenda. See item 7/23 c. |
| 23/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received
Noted |
| 24/23 | Western Communities LAP 7 Dec and Knutton Master Plan Consultation 30 Nov update – (HA/CJ)
No further update |
| 25/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
Potholes had been covered in AR’s report. |
| 26/23 | County Planning Committee 1 December 2022 outcome of the planning application for a lorry park within Walley’s Quarry accessible from 6am weekdays and Saturdays It was noted that lorries are still parking by the School. |
| 27/23 | Community matters (Standing item)
There is an ongoing complaint by a resident regarding the bus service in Parksite. This is important for shift workers to be able to get to work. SCC subsidizes the bus route. CS would like to establish how much it costs and how many runs are carried out in the area. It was RESOLVED for CS and HA to meet with D&G to discuss.
|
| 28/23 | Emergency Plan Risk Assessment (HA)
This is not yet available. |
Appendices A, B and C can be found in the PDF version of the minutes
Cllr. Rupert Adcock Ward report Silverdale Parish Council January 2023
Walleys Quarry Liaison Committee
Following the conclusion of the abatement notice proceedings and the commitment by the operator to share more information, Borough Councillors will now attend the WQLC. I attended the meeting in December and asked questions about complaints I had received about inadequate pest control, they agreed to send me the pest control plan. I asked the EA about potential problems with ‘reporting fatigue’ and that fewer complaints didn’t necessarily mean less annoyance. They said that full monitoring would continue even despite a drop off in complaints but disputed the fatigue phenomenon. I also raised a point about the membership of the committee and the need for a shake up of the membership to involve genuine local representatives. They have committed to this but refused to give a timescale. The recording is available online for the public to view.
Tree planting
I am supporting both the Keele Golf Course and Silverdale Crossroads tree planting proposals. There will be a tree planting update at the next Health, Wellbeing and Environment Committee and I will be raising the point about proper maintenance of the trees given the especially large tree planting scheme this year.
Cost of Living
Following a question at council, councillors have been asked to share the information page on how to access support with cost of living. https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/costofliving
Officers will also be producing a flyer/leaflet to put in visible places in our wards.
Meeting with Police
Cllr Brown and I met with local PCSOs at our December surgeries. We talked about issues with parking on Ford Street and about recent police action against drug dealing in the village. We agreed to share links on how to report crime on our Councillor Facebook pages and encourage residents to report using 111 or online. We discussed how the motorbike situation has calmed down over winter but my wife and I have reported bikes appearing again on Silverdale Country Park over the weekend.
Silverdale Sidings
Dan Dickenson from the Council updated Cllr. Brown and myself on this case. A joint legal action has been agreed with County Council in an attempt to recover the S106 money from the developers. This is a positive step however he warned that if this action were not to succeed it is likely that liability will fall back to the residents. Warm spaces
The council has forwarded me information for charities and organisations applying for warm spaces grants for the services they provide. I passed this onto the local churches. The applications have now closed.
Highways
Twice in the November/December temporary traffic lights in Silverdale have failed, I contacted the emergency line at Staffs Council to inform them of this. Unfortunately, it took many hours for the problem to be resolved in both cases. I have recently spoken to Cllr. Huckfield about the state of highways in Silverdale and he has put me in touch with a relevant officer at Staffs Council and I will be bringing up highways issues including potholes with him. Cold weather has only made this worse over the winter and there is high demand for road maintenance.
Tennis provision
At the latest Health, Wellbeing and Environment Committee, Cllr Brown and I heard about the grant funding from the Lawn Tennis Association which will go towards improving two tennis sites at Wolstanton and Westlands with resurfaced and repainted courts as well as establishing a booking system and exploring the possibility of working with a coaching provider. We both asked if this work could be extended to include the court at Silverdale. The response was that the grant funding does not cover this but it is hoped in future current schemes may be extended.
850th Anniversary of Newcastle – Schools involvement
A calendar of 850th celebration events has been announced https://www.newcastlestaffs.gov.uk/newcastle-lyme-850th-anniversary
Schools have been invited to nominate a year group to take part in an activity. I have passed on the information to St Lukes and offered my support and Cllr. Brown will do the same with Silverdale Primary.
Ward Report to Silverdale Parish Council Date of report 8. 1. 2023
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown Number of cases: 28 Number resolved: 19 ongoing: 9 Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money I received an email from Dan
Dickenson Head of Legal Services at NULBC on 19.12.22 giving me an update as promised before Christmas. There was mixed news. On the positive side Staffs CC have agreed to fund joint legal action against the developers. On the other hand, I was informed that NULBC could not rule out attempting to recoup the moneys form residents. I informed A. Sutcliffe a member of the PC and former resident and also discussed this issue with fellow ward councillor R. Adcock and the Chair of the P.C. In view of the seriousness of implications for residents and the length of time this issue has been ongoing I would like to suggest that all Silverdale Sidings residents are updated, and a decision is made re escalating this to the attention of the M.P.
I have continued to liaise with Aspire concerning several issues residents have raised. These include length of time for repairs, lack of available stock for bidding on and the need to improve consultation with residents. Adrian Foster is the officer responsible for community engagement and we have been working together recently on cases. I have requested he attends a residents meeting at the Dell but as yet have had no reply. Cllr. Adcock reports that he has had success with cases from Aspire Parksite tenants after the involvement of the M.P. In the meantime, the Labour group of borough councillors had hoped to arrange a meeting with a senior Aspire officer. We wanted to ask about the` direction of travel` of the organisation and prepare questions in relation to the issues residents have reported to us. However, Aspire felt it would be inappropriate to meet with one political group only. At full council Labour prepared a motion which would have improved the accountability of Aspire to the council. However, this was opposed by the Conservative group and defeated.
Environment: I dealt with cases including a flood at the junction of Peebles and Scot Hay Roads. I helped the resident by sending photos of the flood damage and arranging for her front garden to be cleared/jet washed by Severn Trent. Following more wet weather there is evidence that several storm drains need clearing of leaves and debris etc. Residents have reported improvements in incidents of parking on the grass verge on Cemetery Rd, outside the business operating there. This follows a report I made to NULBC re the operation of this business and the general untidiness of the site. An officer form P. Lejman`s department visited following my reporting. I chased this up on 6.12.22 to ask for a full report and news in relation to signage etc but I am still waiting for a reply.
I attended the Health, Well being & Environment Scrutiny Committee on 28.11.22. I was able to ask 3 questions, the first concerning tennis provision in the borough. Although we welcome the LTA funding initiative at Westlands & Wolstanton tennis courts I wanted to ensure other courts, such as the Parade, would not be neglected. The lead for Sports, officer Andrew Arnott, said that ongoing maintenance would take place, but he did not know if that `would stretch to a resurface` I followed this up by email 6.12.22 asking how can the courts continue to be used in a safe manner going forward? The other questions are covered in the Walley`s Quarry section.
Keele Golf Course: There is opposition to the NULBC plan to plant 850 Lime trees on the former Keele Golf Course. S.O.Gs and Silverdale Parish Council have published responses within the very short consultation window. The opposition centres around these issues
- Lack of consultation
- Failure to tie in the tree planting with a full ecological study of the site and the completion of Silverdale Neighbourhood Plan
- Choice of species of tree
- Choice of position/density of planting in one relatively small area at the Ilkley Place end, leaving the rest of the site free for any future development.
In the meantime I have written to Peter Stepien, the Lanscape officer of NULBC expressing my concern about plans for tree planting at Silverdale Crossroads. Although tree planting is looked on favourably, I am concerned about the amount of time taken up by ward councillors dealing with the ownership of land where trees are planted and the responsibility for maintenance of trees when they for example, affect powerline or cause damage to neighbouring properties.
Walley`s Quarry On reading about the `refreshing` of the W.Q. liaison committee following the settlement I attempted to find out the following
- Who decides on who can attend
- Who sets the agenda
- When, where and how often will the committee meet?
- Will the meetings be recorded?
I did this through email and asking Qs at the H.W.&E scrutiny committee. I have answers to 1 and 4. Red Industries decide who should be invited and they have agreed for them to be recorded. I was able to attend the meeting on the 15th Dec at 5.30pm as I was a substitute for Cllr. Steph Talbot. I found the meeting generally positive and I was able to ask several questions in relation to the movement of odours in the vicinity. As several residents are concerned about the possible lack of diversity on the committee, I am attending a meeting with them and Cllr. S. Moffat with Martin Hamilton on 9.1.23 to discuss all of our concerns.
Streets & Highways:. During the case of difficulties with parking in the Madeley/Kinsey /Ford street I emailed Staffs C.C. highways and asked about the possibility of instigating a parking permit scheme. Officer Andy Oldman of traffic & networks informed me that Ford St is too narrow for this scheme. On the 22.11.22 I emailed and asked about the minimum permitted width, as perhaps other streets would qualify. Since then, it has been confirmed that this is not a police matter as there are no road markings or enforceable parking restrictions. The Chair of S.P. C suggested that we investigate organising a residents parking scheme in this area.
Waste & Litter See environment section regarding Cemetery rd. Cllr. Adcock informs me that residents in the Knutton Road areas of Silverdale have reported litter and waste. Residents think it could be from lorries taking waste to the quarry and he is dealing with this.
Anti-social behaviour: I have had no cases in relation to ASB this month. However, we continue to liaise with Police officers, including at our monthly surgery in November.
General Comments
Cllr Adcock and myself held our first 2023 at Silverdale Methodists on 7.1.22. Surgeries will continue there on the first Saturday of every month at 10am. The next one is planned for 4 Feb 2023. This will continue until the library is back in action on Saturdays.
I continued my duties as Governor at Silverdale Primary. The school Christmas fair was held on 10.12.22.and I attended with my husband. The fair was very well supported. On 13.12.22 I was delighted to attend Yr. 5`s debating event. The children spoke clearly and with passion about a range of contemporary issues. I also informed the school about opportunities arising from the NULBC 850th year celebrations in 2022.
I attended the `Silverdale Lights switch on` 9.12.22 . A beautiful Carols by Candle light service was held at Silverdale Methodist church on 11.12.22. What a great Christmas dinner I enjoyed with residents at Cornerstones on 16.12.22. Thanks to Sue and her team of volunteers who did us proud! Finally, councillors attended the Mayor`s Christmas Carol service at St Giles on 18.12.22
New Year 2022 sees a relaunch of Silverdale Labour. We will be meeting in the WMC this month to plan our activities for the year.
I have now completed 7 months as a borough councillor. From January I will be joining the Shadow cabinet as shadow for the portfolio holder for Heritage, Leisure & Culture Cllr. Jill Waring
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale