SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Thursday 3 April 2025 at 6.30 pm at Silverdale Library
Present: Cllr H Adamczuk (HA), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr G Churton (GC), Cllr S Doyle (SD), Cllr A Osobu (AA), Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part). Parish Clerk: Ms D Powell
In attendance: One member of the public attended the meeting.
| 81/25 | Public Participation: A member of the public attended the meeting to discuss the Christmas event and a summer event in Silverdale Park with the Communications sub-committee and the Parks and Recreation sub-committee. |
| 82/25 | To receive apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr J Crabtree, Cllr Ian Gould, Cllr R Adcock, Cllr S Toon. The Meeting noted the resignation of Cllr I Hall. |
| 83/25 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 6 March 2025 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve |
| 84/25 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda.
None |
| 85/25 | New councillors to complete and sign the pecuniary interests form.
RJ to sign the form. |
| 86/25 | To consider the co-option to vacant councillor position
RESOLVED to co-opt Rob Jones to one of the vacant Councillor positions. The Meeting welcomed Councillor Jones and the Declaration of Acceptance of Office Form was signed. |
| 87/25 | To note the written update from the Borough Councillors
Written reports had been circulated. JB updated the Meeting on the situation with social housing and the difficulties being experienced by residents in Silverdale and the wider Borough. SD and GC raised questions about student housing and the registration of HMO properties. CM requested that more information on HMOs to be brought to the next Meeting. JB to gather on the number of registered HMOs for the area and to establish whether there are concentrations which could suggest a future restricted planning policy to limit the numbers in Silverdale could be applied. JB requesting more funds for the Parade Park from the Task and Finish Group. JB had raised the matter of resurfacing the tennis courts. The tennis court has been re-marked. AA has also raised the matter of the condition of the tennis court. Anti-social behaviour relating to off-road bikes – JB and RA are meeting with the PCSO and HA at Silverdale Library. Police powers of enforcement of certain crimes have been increased. CM informed the Meeting of an accident involving an off-road bike outside the Health Centre. JB to report matters. JB had received a query about business rates and the right of appeal. “Say no to Stoke” – a petition has been circulated by the ruling administration. JB confirmed that the Labour Group do not want to join with Stoke. JB is struggling to hold people to account and would like a Unitary Council to replace Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council. “Civic Pride” Year 4 joining JB for a litter pick in Silverdale village. RJ reported the broken gate on the access route by St Luke’s Church for JB to report to the PCSO. JB left the Meeting at 7.40pm. |
| 88/25 | To discuss a new email provider
Item rolled over as ST not present. |
| 89/25 | Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A. RESOLVED to approve b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B. Rolled over c. To note and approve the budget report – Appendix C. RESOLVED to approve d. To approve the annual pay increment increase as per the NALC contract of employment from 1 April 2025. RESOLVED to approve |
| 90/25 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and approve comments for the following Planning Applications.
25/00132/LEXNOT | Prior notification of a single storey rear extension measuring6m in depth, 2.97m maximum height and 2.84m to the eaves | 41 RacecourseSilverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6PD No objection.
24/00499/PLD | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the proposedchange of use from dwellinghouse to residential care home | 12 Daleview DriveNewcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6SF No objection but register comments. HA to contact the Planning Department to raise questions. PROPOSED UPGRADE TO EXISTING RADIO BASE STATION INSTALLATION AT CS_13253923, EXISTING BASE STATION, LAND AT NEWCASTLE MOTOR AUCTION, SILVERDALE ROAD, NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST5 6EH, (NGR: E384063, N346242) No comment. Not in Silverdale Parish. |
| 91/25 | To discuss anti social behaviour at the Pavilion Silverdale Park (JC)
Discussed earlier. |
| 92/25 | To receive feedback from sub-committees
a. Allotments Sub-committee To consider the Allotments Sub-Committee Terms of Reference Item rolled over. CM asked for further sub-committee members. RESOLVED for SD and RJ to join the Allotments Sub-Committee b. Communication and Events Sub-committee To discuss the afternoon tea and Christmas event 2025 c. Parks and Recreation Sub-committee Items b and c were discussed earlier. |
| 93/25 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. To receive an update on the registration on the Circuit of the defibrillators. (IG) Item rolled over. b. To discuss the railings around the bowling green. HA to contact the litter picker regarding the key to the railings around the bowling green. |
| 94/25 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. To discuss Walleys Quarry Liquidation announcement HA informed the Meeting that the EA is targeting the fund that the Operator had contributed to, valued at £2.5million, to be utilized to finish the landscaping and completion of the work. |
| 95/25 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group HA had circulated a report. The Meeting reviewed the report. The next stage is Master Planning with NBC, KPC and other landowners. A new grant application opportunity is opening in June 2025. A health check is needed for the NDP. HA had requested a six-week pause to allow time to put the Plan together and ensure that Urban Vision are able to write the Plan.
RESOLVED to approve a new website for the NDP RJ requested that the Meeting approve the intention to use a .gov.uk website. RESOLVED to approve. |
| 96/25 | Mining Monument and Miners Wheel (Standing item)
DP to follow up with the Contractor regarding jet washing of the Miners Wheel. |
| 97/25 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
RESOLVED to approve the additional quote of £750 received from the Contractor in respect of clearing the culvert. RESOLVED to send a letter to residents about fly tipping and the costs incurred by SPC in clearing the culvert. RESOLVED to investigate fly tipping signage. |
| 98/25 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update NBC is currently in Purdah. |
| 99/25 | Acres Allotments
a. To discuss progress HA advised the Meeting that as of 1 April 2025 the allotments incorporate the new area. CM advised the Meeting that there is a new Chair and new Committee members at Acres Allotments. |
| 100/25 | To consider any grant applications (SPC grant scheme £2,000)
None. |
| 101/25 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches None |
| 102/25 | To receive and update on flooding reports on the Mineral Line at Sutton Avenue/High Steet Silverdale
No further reports |
| 103/25 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Association Bulletins and correspondence received
Noted |
| 104/25 | Highways matters (Standing item)
a. To discuss the speed sign by St Luke’s Church ST had reported the matter. b. To discuss speeding on Sneyd Terrace SD informed the Meeting of the issues regarding speeding on Sneyd Terrace. RESOLVED to set up a Speed Watch. RJ and SD to receive training. |
| 105/25 | To discuss Freedom of Information re T&G8 site Silverdale Business Park West.
No further update. |
| 106/25 | To discuss adult exercise equipment for the park (IG)
HA to circulate the drawings showing the location of play equipment, when available. HA informed the Meeting that is would be possible to obtain grant funding from Knutton Quarry Community Fund. The Meeting discussed locations for the equipment. |
| 107/25 | To discuss the memorial (CM)
CM waiting for contact from the family. |
|
THE NEXT MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 1 May 2025, at 6.00pm THIS MEETING WILL BE THE PARISH ASSEMBLY AND ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETING To agree future dates to include, 5 June 2025, 3 July 2025, 7 August 2025, 4 September 2025 |
Silverdale Parish Council
Payments Schedule April 2025
| DATE | REF/ Ch no | PAYEE | DESCRIPTION | NET £ | VAT £ | AMOUNT £ |
| 03/04/2025 | 436 | Julie Crabtree | Reimbursement for litterpicking supplies | 18.48 | 0.00 | 18.48 |
| 03/04/2025 | 437 | Thomas Addis (Moon Creative) | SPC website amendments | 50.00 | 0.00 | 50.00 |
| 03/04/2025 | 438 | Litter picker | Litter picking contract 20 hours 1 March to 31 March 2025 | 228.80 | 0.00 | 228.80 |
| 03/04/2025 | 439 | Payroll | April 2025 | 816.49 | 0.00 | 816.49 |
| 03/04/2025 | 440 | Staffordshire Pension Fund | Pension contributions April2025 | 280.23 | 0.00 | 280.23 |
| 03/04/2025 | 441 | VAST | HMRC month 1 (including Employers NI) and RTI submissions 2025-26 | 132.10 | 12.00 | 144.10 |
| 03/04/2025 | 442 | Office expenses | Mileage, Zoom subscription | 22.89 | 2.60 | 25.49 |
| 03/04/2025 | 443 | Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association | Training course (ST) and Annual Subscription | 653.00 | 7.00 | 660.00 |
| 03/04/2025 | 444 | Steve Hough | Clearing of the culvert at Sneyd Terrace and disposal of waste 2 days 27 March 2025 | 500.00 | 0.00 | 500.00 |
| TOTAL | 2,701.99 | 21.60 | 2,723.59 |
Silverdale Parish Council Budget Report 2025/26
| EXPENDITURE | BUDGET | TOTAL | VARIANCE |
| Payroll including PAYE, NI, and Pension | 13,600 | 1,209 | -12,391 |
| Chair allowance | 250 | 0 | 250 |
| Contingency | 500 | 0 | -500 |
| Expenses/Postage/Payroll charges/Room hire | 650 | 23 | -627 |
| Office Equip/Stationary/Printing | 600 | 20 | -580 |
| Subs/Ins/Fees/Audit Fees/Trg/DPO/Payroll costs/Room Hire/Legal fees | 1,200 | 653 | -547 |
| VAT (Cost neutral as reclaimed) | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Total | 16,800 | 1,926 | -14,874 |
| Mining Project -see Special Projects | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Groundwork/NDP – see Special Projects Allotments | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Allotments | 2,500 | 0 | -2,500 |
| Comm Safety (match funding measures) inc speed measures | 500 | 0 | -500 |
| Entertainment & the Arts (eg Xmas parties, youth activities etc) | 1,700 | 0 | -1,700 |
| Highways (inc provision of Grit Bins £500, refill and culvert cleaning, in signs) | 1,500 | 0 | -1,500 |
| Fencing De rusting Painting | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Litter collector/ranger/Community payback | 2,500 | 747 | -1,753 |
| Newsletter/Website/Publications | 2,500 | 50 | -2,450 |
| Asset additions (benches, dog waste bins and 2 x defibrillators) – see Special Projects | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assets (maintenance & cleaning, new noticeboard (Library), Bus shelters) | 700 | 0 | -700 |
| Housing condition and heat loss survey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Powers and Duties | 11,900 | 797 | -11,103 |
| Flowers / Plants/ Wreaths /Litter picks/Hanging baskets | 500 | 0 | -500 |
| Grant applications | 2,500 | 0 | -2,500 |
| Total Grants | 3,000 | 0 | -3,000 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE (General running costs) | 31,700 | 2,724 | -28,976 |
Cllr. Rupert Adcock report for Silverdale Parish Council April 2024
Walleys Quarry
I continue to receive regular updates on the works at Walleys Quarry including the draining of leachate taking place this week. I attended the EA public meeting held online and asked about the financial cost of cleanup. The EA stated that a sizable £2.4 million had been left by Walleys Quarry Ltd. in a bond to use for site cleanup. I asked whether this would be enough given the size of the works and if taxpayer money would be needed to which they could not definitely answer but will update in future. I was also assured criminal investigations are still in progress and is still the potential for prosecutions.
Meeting with police
Cllr Brown and I are meeting with PCSO Lowndes on 8th April in Silverdale Library to discuss the
growing problem of offroad vehicles damaging parks and the former golf course.
5G tower upgrade
Cornerstone (a mobile infrastructure company) contacted Cllr Brown and I to seek views on upgrading the existing antenna at Newcastle Motor Auction on Silverdale Road to enhance 4G and 5G coverage. I had no objections.
Silverdale Greenway barriers
After work by Sustrans to identify barriers along the route which could be widened or removed to increase accessibility, soon monitoring camera sensors will be installed on lighting columns along the greenway. This will help inform which barriers to modify or remove. The University of Westminster will be conducting interviews with disabled people who use this route and they welcome expressions of interested participants. We await further updates from Sustrans.
Save our Borough
I was pleased to support a motion at Full Council that states clearly the council’s position as being against a merger with Stoke or any other authority and to maintain a two tier authority. Failing this we favour a Newcastle under Lyme Unitary Council with increased powers. Other options such as a West Staffordshire council were left on the table but not as favorable outcomes.
Development behind The Bush Pub
Councillors have been informed that the appeal has been rejected largely due to insufficient
noise impact assessments.
Aspire Housing
Following the last meeting I spoke to the Park Road resident again and spoke to Aspire again on her behalf. They arranged another appointment with her and I spoke to her again and she confirmed that after discussing with them she was happy to wait for a local property to be available to be rehoused whilst work was carried out. I continue to receive updates from Aspire.
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale Parish Council Date of report 1. 4. 2025
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown, Silverdale ward. No of cases: 90 No resolved: 81 ongoing: 9
Walley`s Quarry. Following on from WQ LTD going into liquidation on 28.2.25 I attended a virtual meeting hosted by the EA on 20.3.25. They told us the site had `reverted to the Crown estate` and they were using their discretionary powers to continue the work to cap off and remediate the site. They had employed the contractors Jackson Civil Engineering, an experienced and reputable company, to do the work. The EA admitted they found the site `not as it should be` on entry. Discussion followed on the contingency fund of £2.6 million paid by WQ i.e. would this be enough to finish the remediation work. The EA said they could not say who would take responsibility in the long run, only that they would work with partners to get a long term solution. I was able to ask about any `presidents` i.e. landfills left in this state, and was told this was quite a unique situation as although a few firms had gone into liquidation this had happened much further down the road to remediation. At Castle House on 31.3.25 I met with Nesta Barker who asked me about the Arcadis study and for my opinion about setting up a liaison group now that the operator is `out of the picture`. She wants to bring all stakeholders together with the EA. I told her I thought this would be a good way forward in terms of holding to account the powers that be on remediation and restoration. I asked her to also liaise with Cllr. Casey Hulme who has good links with the Stop the Stink community groups.
Planning & housing: New housing cases are coming in showing just how desperate the situation is in regard to getting social housing tenancies. The latest concerns a single parent who is sleeping in her kitchen as her accommodation is totally unsuitable for herself and 4 children. I am using my contacts at Aspire to try to get help and advice. I am also going to contact the charity Shelter in case there is something else we can do.
The situation with the disabled resident who lives on Peebles Road getting suitable accommodation, has remained the same. Even though I arranged for a long consultation with an Aspire allocations officer he still has not had a successful bid. He has applied to City Stoke housing and has received advice from Adele Brown`s department on bidding on these.
I was very pleased to be informed on 25.3.25 that the Bush appeal i.e. to put 4×4 bed houses behind the Bush public house, had been rejected. This vindicated the PC and myself as ward councillor who had raised serious objections. I let the new manager Shaun know on 28.3.25 and he thanked me for keeping in touch and advocating for the community.
A new application has been delegated 24/00499/PLD 12 Daleview Drive. This is for a lawful development certificate in order to change the usage from a residential dwelling to a care home. I will ask at the meeting if anyone has any information on this.
Environment
I attended the Parks Task & Finish Group on 10.2.25 and 24.3.25 One of my main interests is the Parade Pavillion and how we can get it back as a community facility. I am noticing that areas which are `parished` seem to be a lower priority for NULBC funding. A good example is the Parade tennis court which I have frequently reported on. Now that Wolstanton park single court has been resurfaces and upgrade we are the only tennis court not to be done. I will keep up the pressure!
Anti-Social Behaviour.
PSCO Charlotte Lownes has been in touch re off road vehicles lots of complaints about them being on the golf course, requesting a joint meeting which is arranged for 8.4.25
Business Rates
I dealt with a complaint from a local small business about the cost of business rates. This business provides a useful facility, employs a small number of staff and takes apprentices from Rees Heath college. I was able to clarify the breakdown of fees with NULBC officer Elaine Davies and find out about the appeal procedure. The business owner was pleased with my efforts and is planning to appeal the rating which she considers too high for the size of the business.
Council News: At full council meeting on 19.3.25 the Labour group put forward an amendment to the Reorganisation options report to say we strongly favoured option 1, a unitary authority of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Tory administration would not accept this and voted through a report that had several options (none of which included combining with the City of Stoke-on-Trent) but including some unusual options including joining with Shropshire CC.
Events
Under 5`s story continues every Monday 1.30-2pm
Baby song & rhyme time has recommenced at 2.15 -2.45 every Monday.
Silverdale Primary Yr. 4 will continue their Community `Give Back` project this month. They will be coming to do a litter pick starting at the Library on Mon 7th April.
Upcoming Events: 10.4.25 Easter Bonnet Parade, Silverdale Primary
NULBC full council meeting 16.4.25
Planning Committee 22.3.25
County Council Elections: Thurs 1st May 2025
Surgeries first Monday every month (except Bank Holidays) 12.30 to 1.30 at Silverdale Library. Next surgery Mon 7th April. Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale.