SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 13 July 2023 at 6.30pm at Silverdale Library
Present:
Chair – Mr H Adamczuk (HA)
Parish Cllrs –Cllr C Spence (CS), Cllr L Leighton (LL), Cllr C Jarrett (CJ), Cllr J Crabtree (JC), Cllr A Sutcliffe (AS, part), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA, part) and Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part) Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
Four members of the public were present
| 175/23 | Public Participation:
This item is on the agenda to allow the public to raise issues to the Parish Council The period of time designated for public participation in accordance with standing order 2 f shall not exceed 10 minutes unless directed by the chairman of the meeting. Subject to standing order 2 g. a member of the public shall not speak for more than 2 minutes. a. Delegation from residents 2023 Draft Local Plan b. Delegation over the Bowling Club in Silverdale Park A member of the public was interested in the plans for the bowling green and the setting up of another bowling club. He would play bowls if this occurred. The blowing green is being discussed with NBC and how the boarded up and occasionally vandalised bowling club pavilion could be better used in the future.SPC had proposed to split the surveying costs to carry out essential repairs with NBC. The park is an area of interest in the Local Borough Plan. JB has had lots of correspondence with NBC over the park and bowling green. There had been a lack of interest in the bowling green compared to the active club at Queen Elizabeth Park on Silverdale Road. NBC is looking a the whole borough. At Wolstanton the Lawn and Tennis Association had brought the club into use and it would be ideal for a bowling club to become custodians. NBC would be interested in working in partnership. A private membership had also been mentioned at the neighbourhood plan event. A second member of the public raised the matter of the future of the former Keele Golf Course and that the Borough Council’s proposal to remove greenbelt protection on grounds of ‘exceptional circumstances’ would be very difficult to stop. Even if NBC stops this going forward to planning Inspection, the Levelling Up Minister could overrule it. The member of the public suggested a Plan B compromise where a full strip of the Green Belt land could be retained across the northern golfcourse boundary with Silverdale and building would take place on the southern swathe of Keele Golf Course. HA noted that Plan B could be a blue and green corridor in the NDP which would be part of the whole scheme for protection of habitat. Funding would need to be allocated for professional advice to write up the plan within a tight timescale. This habitat protection proposal is to be placed on the next agenda. |
| 176/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were approved for Cllr M Melvin (MM). Cllr Ant Sutcliffe resigned from Silverdale Parish Council after five years of service. Cllr Sutcliffe stated that five years ago he had joined a group of people who cared passionately about the community. He was pleased to have been involved in the Miner’s Wheel, the outreach involved with this project and had written the inscription. He was also pleased to have been involved in the Miners’ Monument project and the outreach aspects of this. Cllr Sutcliffe thanked everyone and said that it had been a privilege to be part of SPC over the years. The Chair, Clerk and SPC members thanked AS. AS left the meeting at 7pm. Felicity Hutchinson had resigned from SPC. |
| 177/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 8th June 2023 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting (copy attached
RESOLVED to approve the minutes with a minor amendment. |
| 178/23 | 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. None. |
| 179/23 | To note the written update (to be circulated in advance) from the Borough Councillors
As circulated and contained with the minutes on pages 204-207 |
| 180/23 | To resolve that the press and members of the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following confidential items on the agenda
This was RESOLVED. Members of the public present decided to leave the meeting. |
| 181/23 | To consider a special dispensation for a councillor on health grounds
It was RESOLVED to grant a special dispensation to a councillor and to accept apologies on the grounds of health for the next three months. |
| 182/23 | To consider the co-option to the remaining councillor vacancy on Silverdale Parish Council As the Vice-chair (AS) had resigned it was unanimously RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Chris Spence as the Vicechair. CS signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Vice-chair.
It was RESOLVED to co-opt June Avison (JA) and Clare Anscombe-Bennett (CAB) to two of the vacancies on Silverdale Parish Council. The Declarations of Acceptance of Office were signed. The Pecuniary Interests forms were given to the two new councillors for completion. SPC Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and the Councillors Code of Conduct would be sent by email. The two new councillors were asked to enrol to attend the SPCA Councillors Fundamentals Training Course. |
| 183/23 | To discuss social media postings
The meeting discussed a recent request for social media posting and the procedures followed the published policy. The roles of the social media poster and the moderator positions were discussed. See 185/23 The need to keep up to date in a rapidly changing social media environment was noted and training issues highlighted. |
| 184/23 | To resolve to admit press and members of the public
No members of the public were present. |
| 185/23 | To review the Social Media Policy
It was RESOLVED that CAB would review the Social Media Policy. |
| 186/23 | Feedback from residents and county councillor on the planning application process for the 16metre Mast in front of Silverdale WMC concluded in 2022
No update |
| 187/23 | To approve comments for the following Planning Applications
23/00563/DEEM3 | Prior notification of demolition of toilet block | Silverdale Cemetery Road SilverdaleNewcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) SPC had no comments but referred to the comments made by the Environment Agency. Proposed Severn Trent Water Scheme – Silverdale Pumping Station Silverdale Road – as circulated. This Severn Trent Pumping station treats sewerage and there was a proposal to expand the area for treatment with new tanks and piping. The borough council was negotiating the sale of land adjacent to the plant to enable additional access routes for lorries during the development. A number of trees are to be cut down. CM to meet with Jackie Phillips on site to discuss the trees. A zoom meeting was planned to discuss other matters with Jackie Phillips and some of the questions would be put at that meeting. |
| 188/23 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item)
No meeting had taken place as there were no planning applications at the time. |
| 189/23
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Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A RESOLVED to approve b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B The latest bank statement had not arrived in the post. c. To note and approve the budget report 2023/24 – Appendix C RESOLVED to approve d. To consider purchasing Parish Online (CS) RESOLVED to approve e. To note the completion of The Pension’s Regulator re-declaration Noted f. To sign the application form for a debit card with NatWest bank To be completed. |
| 190/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting update HA to produce a report for circulation. b. Chair report on statutory investigation and information gathered during 2018-19 Ombusman’s Enquiry HA to arrange a meeting with Adam Jogee. |
| 191/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group. A meeting had not taken place. b. To discuss the updates to the Policy Mapping document. This is ongoing. c. To receive feedback from the NDP Neighbourhood meeting held on 1 July 2023. The meeting was positive and thirty questionnaires had now been completed. d. Draft Local Plan Drop In 5-7pm Session with Planning Officers at Methodist Church Wed 2nd August The date of the next drop-in was noted. e. To discuss the next Public Meeting and Workshops for September covering headings in the Policy Mapping Document To be arranged. |
| 192/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106
This matter was covered in JB’s report. |
| 193/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel One quote had been received. More quotes are to be requested. |
| 194/23 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
See 200/23 |
| 195/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update The consultation is ongoing. HA to prepare a comments sheet to be printed and distributed. b. Save Our Green Space and Keele PC update No meeting had been planned. c. Audley Parish Council Petition Update No update. d. NULBC Urban Tree Planting Strategy 2023 Keele Golf Course No update. e. Feedback on the Consultation with Planning at Silverdale Library June 2023 This had been discussed. f. To consider putting up A2 posters concerning responses to the Local Plan It was RESOLVED to order banners. DP to contact the Clerk at Audley for details of Audley’s banners. g. To consider contacting Keele University VC about their intentions over the restrictive covenant HA to write to the VC at Keele University. |
| 196/23 | Acres Allotments (no additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs)
a. To receive an update on the tenancy at will agreement including 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. b. Kight’s solicitors had made recommendations for amendments to the ‘head tenancy at will between NBC/SPC in drafting a tenancy agreement with Acre Allotments and the parish council . c. This involved negotiation with both parties, beginning with the borough council. A meeting is to be arranged with Jackie Phillips to explore the extent that the tenancy at will with the borough council can be amended following advice from Knight’s Solicitors. d. To agree in principle that if the Borough Council clears the waste material on the council’sland beyond lane 4 then Silverdale Parish Council would negotiate a new lease for the whole site (previously known as Acres Allotments Nos 1-80) e. To consider appointing a consultant regarding the remediation of waste in the legal agreement to represent the parish council’s interest |
| 197/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000)
a. Health and Wellbeing Day Aug 2 Grant application It was RESOLVED to approve the grant application. |
| 198/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches –reminder None. |
| 199/23 | To receive an update on the noticeboard project
a. To receive an update on the Higher Horizons initiative for the noticeboard (AS) The project is ongoing. |
| 200/23 | To consider purchasing benches for Silverdale Parish (The Parade, Bath Road, the Park, Parksite) a. To consider a quote for the installation of the benches
It was RESOLVED to approve the installation costs of £450 per bench. Bath Road, Parksite benches remain to be identified and subject to local consultation. |
| 201/23 | Silverdale Athletic Club Car Parking changes (JC)
JC reported that Silverdale Athletic Club would like more links with the PC |
| 202/23 | To receive an update on contact with NBC regarding use of the former Bowling Club Pavilion, including sharing the cost of the survey of the state of repair with the borough council
No update |
| 203/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received
Noted |
| 204/23 | Western Communities LAP and Knutton Master Plan Consultation update – (HA/CJ)
The next meeting is to be held on 2 August 2023 |
| 205/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
None |
| 206/23 | To implement the maintenance agreement on the Mining Monument and obtaining a quote for the Mining Wheel from Plowden Smith
A quote is to be obtained for the maintenance agreement |
| 207/23 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. Silverdale Bus Transport: To receive an update on the potential of a bus subsidy to enhance the existing service. No update and consultation is to be planned. b. Dog Litter Bins: Update regarding new and replacement bins and whether to scan Silverdale for dog litter signage. This matter was covered earlier on the agenda. c. To consider the following proposal: Silverdale Parish Council resolves to make a budget of £5000 available to either: enhance an existing planned event; OR contract with a third party to plan and run a community event in the village over the summer holidays on behalf of the Parish Council, as appropriate, following enquiries with local community groups. RESOLVED to approve £5000 for a community event. SPC is awaiting a completed application for funding. d. To receive an update on bat and bird boxes. A price for items recommended by the Country Park Warden had been obtained. Instructions of where the bat and bird boxes should be situated had been received from the Warden. It was RESOLVED to approve the spend of £250 on bat and bird boxes. Steve Hough to be asked to install the boxes. e. To make plans for the Christmas event 2023. A quote is to be obtained to install lights on the Christmas tree. f. To consider the involvement of Cornerstone at the Christmas Event This matter was rolled over. g. To discuss streetlights – Silverdale Sidings (FH) The streetlights at Silverdale Sidings are defective. HA to contact Cllr Huckfield. T consider sending a letter to Eon to establish the costs involved as this is a public safety issue. h. To discuss the anti-social behaviour in Heritage Park i. This matter was covered earlier in the agenda. j. To discuss a request to use Silverdale Park for a Summer Day Event Newcastle Hedgehog Rescue. To consider a donation of £150 and banner. HA to contact those concerned. |
| 209/23 | Emergency Plan Risk Assessment (HA)
This matter was rolled over to the next agenda |
| 210/23 | Aspire House garage sites sale
This matter was rolled over to the next agenda |
| 211/23 | Any other business for future agendas |
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THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 10 August 2023 at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include, 14 September 2023, 12 October 2023 and 9 November 2023. |
Appendices A to C – See the PDF version of the minutes
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale Parish Council
Date of report 11. 7. 2023
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 45 No resolved: 38 ongoing: 7
NULBC Local Plan: The public consultation for the draft Local Plan runs from 19th June until the 14th ofAugust. NULBC aim to identify a rolling, minimum 5 year supply of land which could realistically be developed for housing. Despite changes in national policy i.e., the move from mandatory to advisory housing targets the administration has decided not to take the option to pause the LP but will go ahead using those targets with no reference to Census 2021 data which indicated the housing needs of the borough have changed.
Silverdale P.C. are very close to producing their own Neighbourhood Plan after an extensive needs
analysis and should be in a good position to critique the LP in relation to reflecting local need in Silverdale.
However, at present this is not a `made` Neighbourhood Plan.
The Labour group have issued a statement in response to the LP to `the Sentinel` and produced a leaflet
for each ward explaining our opposition. I have delivered this in the following areas: High st, Mill st, Heritage Park and much of the housing that backs on to KGC. So far, I have yet to do Parksite. Silverdale had the first consultation event on 22.6.23 at the library which was very well attended (around 100 people over the 2 hours) despite the very late notice and the fact that the event clashed with a long arranged W.Q. Liaison meeting.
Residents were unanimously against the plans to build 900 homes on the former Keele Golf Course. Their opposition centred around lack of infrastructure, drainage issues, impact on the village in terms of loss of character/identity, loss of green spaces with impact on health & wellbeing, loss of habitat i.e. impact on wild life & nature and concerns that the housing would not meet local identified need i.e. social housing, starter homes and homes for over 55s. Pressure was put on the council to arrange a second event in a larger venue and this is now being arranged for 2.8.23 at Silverdale Methodists Church 5-7pm. Residents gave feedback that they needed a different format this time and a power point presentation that was given to explain the LP to PCs has been shared. We have yet to know if officers will respond to requests to present information in a more user friendly format and allow public questions. The Local Plan will be the major issue for us for some time.
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money Update on legal proceedings was received on 22.5.23. Dan Dickenson had heard from Staffs CC solicitor who having reviewed all the information and has identified some `gaps` which she is asking the planning team to fill in in order to `head off ` any lines of defence from the two companies involved. The solicitor is also finding out about `viability re-assessment provisions` and also copies of invoicing to head off the `you never asked us for the money `argument. The difficulty is the amount of work the planning office is under in order to get all this information ready for the solicitor. However, the solicitor is not anticipating any slippage in the original timescale. Unfortunately Dan Dickenson has now left NULBC. I contacted him before his departure to ask who the contact officer would be for updates and he said for the time being it will be Rachel Kileen
Bath Rd development: A virtual meeting of the task group took place on 24.5.23. Graham Nolan (Head of Development at Aspire) introduced us to the development manager and planning consultant T.Evans. 2D plans were shared with the group and questions were asked about parking spaces and timescales. Both ward councillors and PC Chair made it clear that we are very keen for the shop to continue in the new development. The plans are flexible, to include either 12 houses and 2 flats or 12 houses and 1 shop with a flat upstairs. The final decision will depend on if someone willing to take on the lease, it is therefore imperative we keep in touch with the current lease holder who wishes to continue. Also, we should brief fellow councillors on the planning committee about the importance of retaining the retail unit.
Parksite residents asked about a temporary shop unit as the shop will be closed for a year. Graham said he would look into using empty Aspire properties. I suggested a portacabin in the car park but he said the council were not helpful in terms of Aspire using this area.
The timeline was as follows: Lease holder leaves in August and all services disconnected. Demolition should be from October. Building should begin Jan 2024. They were not certain of the estimated completion date due to planning applications etc but by end of 2024 all being well.
Environment: No progress to report so far on in relation to a change of use to the untidy business premises on Cemetery Rd, despite my emailing for an update from the owner`s agent some time ago. I will need to chase this up.
Walley`s Quarry A meeting of the W.Q. Liaison Committee took place on 22.6.23. I am not on the committee but I have previously subbed for other councillors to keep in touch. On this occasion I was not asked to sub and in the meantime the LP consultation was planned on the same day. A BBC panorama programme aired in May featured the quarry and a former DEFRA officer & waste regulation expert John Galvin said the problems are not due just to the EA but a result of government policy `the government likes to be kind to businesses and have a `soft touch` in relation to regulation. When regulations are cut back or enforcements lightened then problems will occur`. I will seek an update from the Chair of the PC on the latest meeting. The local Labour party`s parliamentary candidate`s position is to push for a public enquiry.
Streets & Highways:. Residents report they have never known Silverdale roads to be in such poor condition and it is very frustrating as a borough councillor not to be able to see any progress. After my letter to Satffs CC Cllr. Huckfield about the situation and his explanation about the back log I received yet another complaint from a resident. She said that resurfacing work was taking place in every other ward and she was angry about the `state of Silverdale`. I told her about my correspondence with Cllr. Huckfield and gave her his phone number. The defective and dangerous Crescent Street s noticed been removed but not replaced. Residents would like me to follow this up.
Waste & Litter I was really pleased with the outcome of our campaign to get fixed penalty fines for those residents who leave their bins out all week (this is being implemented in Stoke) At the Public Protection Committee on 4.7.23 Michelle Hopper, officer for Anti social behaviour, outlined plans to bring the scheme into force in Newcastle. I thanked her for this decision and said I would email her some of the `hotspots` in Silverdale for the pilot project.
I had asked NULBC for details about the new state of the art Litter sweepers. Lyndon Ryder replied and informed me Silverdale Road is normally swept up to 3 times per year and/if a service request has been raised. These will be actioned when resources allow. Due to major breakdowns and reliability with our sweeping fleet we are way behind with the sweeping programme. The new “state of the art street cleaning vehicles” have not all arrived yet. The only ones that have arrived are the 3 small sweepers. The other 3 larger sweepers are not due to be delivered until Aug/Sept due to the build time. We are still having issues and we are slowly trying to complete the cleansing programme as quick as possible.
A Community litter pick has been arranged in the Parade Park area by Aspire for 13.9.23 at 1pm.
Anti-social behaviour: Noisy mopeds and off road vehicles continue to be an issue in Silverdale. A resident on Staveley place said her neighbour had been in touch with the MP due to lack of enforcement following incidents in the day and evening behind her house on the former golf course land. I spoke to PCSOs about this and they reiterated the difficulties in identifying the culprits ie police are not allowed to chase them, their faces are often covered, bikes have no license plates. However, if they can be identified the police have the power to go to their homes and confiscate the vehicle. Video/photographic evidence to identify the riders/drivers can be used but from a safe and discreet vantage point. The PCSO for Loggerheads also told me there is a special squad based at Stafford called the `Road policing unit` who can come out on bikes. I urged the resident to keep a log of incidents and I would contact Steve Edge of NULBC, as the landowners have responsibility. PCSO Neil Moffat said that Aspire could also help by explaining to residents the risks to their tenancy if they persist in anti social behaviour. I have a meeting with Aspire on 18.7. 23 and this will be on the agenda.
Some anti social behaviour was reported to myself and Cllr. Adcock at the Sutton Ave play area in Heritage Park. Cllr. Adcock got the PCSOs to look in on the area and I spoke to Cllr. Jones about this as he had experience of this as the previous Silverdale ward councillor. Cllr. Jones said there was no `one solution` but police action had been taken when adults were observed to be interacting with the young people on the park. Luckily this does not appear to be the case at present.
General Comments
Newcastle Armed forces day took place on 24 .7 .23. Several councillors joined in the parade through Newcastle town centre. I was proud to represent Silverdale at such an event of reflection and pride.
Joint Councillor Surgery took place on 1st July. Thank you to Silverdale Methodist church for their continuing support in allowing us to use the venue.
Silverdale Health & Well Being day: I have applied for funding for this event to the PC and I am hoping they look on this favourably. Several partners have now confirmed including C.A.B, Get into Walking & Cycling, Slimming World and Aspire. Pastor Jim from the Elim church has kindly allowed me to use the garden at Cornerstones Community Centre for this event which is scheduled for Wed 2nd Aug 2023 11am-2pm and all are welcome.
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale
Cllr. Rupert Adcock Parish Council Report July 2023
Walleys Quarry
I attended the drop in event which had an encouraging turnout and lots of useful information. I spoke to EA Walleys Quarry team leader Andrew Hitchens about odour trends, concerns about spikes and expressed our desire to see odour levels decrease further. I also spoke to Public Health England about their ongoing investigations into possible health effects.
The monitoring station at the Fire Station has now been removed. Odour levels detected for the past week remain at 0%.
I was unable to attend the Liaison Committee due to the local plan drop in at the same time. I haven’t
been able to find the recording published and have asked Walleys for this.
Local Plan
I attended the local plan drop in at the library and the Parish Councils Neighbourhood plan meeting. It’s clear the scale of opposition to the golf course development. I’ve been encouraging residents to make their concerns known in the consultation process. Getting residents to be able to understand the process is a challenge as the online element is not particularly user friendly, so I have also been encouraging email and posted responses. I will work with Parish Council on any solutions to make people aware of this consultation and how to express their opinions.
I’ve asked the lead planning officer about the covenant situation on the golf course and he promised to look into it and give an explanation but no reply yet. As I understand, the 9 hole course is subject to a covenant enforceable by Keele University but not the 18 hole course.
Licensing and Public Protection Committee
At Licensing and Public Protection Committee we saw the results of the consultation about extending the current dog control orders. The feedback was largely in favour. In enclosed childrens play areas like at Silverdale Park and Ilkley Place, dogs will remain banned and they will be required as currently to be on a lead in smaller parks and sports fields. The officers wanted to know if there are other areas to be added or modified. I noticed that at Apedale, areas designated as nature reserves are also subject to dog bans but Silverdale Country Park nature reserve areas are not listed and I will be asking if these can be added.
We also saw proposals to match Stoke on Trent by increasing the fines for fly tipping and introduce fines for leaving bins out for long periods of time. I asked about whether this would apply for people leaving appliances by the road for scrap dealers.
Anti Social Behaviour
A resident was in touch about anti social behaviour on Heritage Park and concerns it could increase as schools break up for Summer. I encouraged the resident to report it on 101 or online. I also informed PCSO Moffat and he patrolled the area. Cllr. Brown also helped by reaching out to Cllr. Jones for advice on how ASB has been targeted in Silverdale in the past.
Aspire had an ASB focus week last week and did a walk around Parksite last week.
Ilkley Place
I have reported that one of the metal goal posts at Ilkley Place is down and asked about the possibility of
replacement.
Quad bikes/Mopeds
We continue to hear reports of illegal moped riding on parks and the golf course. The PCSOs share their frustration of not being able to do more. Staffordshire police have a specialised unit that targets mopeds. In Stoke, they have just launched ‘Operation Transom’ to identify and seize bikes being used illegally and are working with Aspire to remind tenants of their duties not to engage in this. I will be contacting Borough Commander John Owen to raise the possibility of a similar operation being set up here.