SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Thursday 7 August 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), Cllr J Crabtree (JC), Cllr A Osobu (AO), Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA, part), Adam Jogee MP (AJ, part), Cllr R Jones (RJ, part)
Parish Clerk: Ms D Powell (DP)
In attendance: 6 members of the public were present.
| 174/25 | Public Participation:
Six members of the public attended the meeting. A concern was raised over parking issues at Farmers Bank since the garages have been demolished. The resident asked for support to put pressure on Aspire for alternative parking. The resident had been in touch with Staffordshire County Council. Adam Jogee MP asked for more information in order to follow this up. A concern was raised regarding anti-social behaviour relating to the use of off-road bikes. RA and JB had attended meetings relating to new initiatives and increased powers of the Police. Adam Jogee MP asked for the resident’s contact details in order to follow up. A resident raised a concern regarding parking issues by the junctions of Abbey Street, The Vine, Chapel Street and Church Street creating a lack of visibility. |
| 175/25 | To receive apologies. Apologies were received from County Cllr M Nixon (MN). |
| 176/25 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 3 July 2025 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting. RESOLVED to approve. |
| 177/25 | To receive an update from Adam Jogee MP (AJ)
Adam Jogee MP provided the following update: The issue raised relating to parking is an enforcement issue. AJ to follow up. Walleys Quarry – 99% of the time there is no smell. AJ had called the Environment Agency to check on the progress of the capping, leaking and safety of residents. AJ had spoken to the Chancellor regarding making the site safe and to hold those responsible accountable. The focus is on making the site safe and secure before a public enquiry takes place. AJ has been supporting JB in the matter of the care home. The Planning Department are not effectively communicating and delegated decisions are being made. Consideration should be made to children living in a property. There is a debate in Parliament regarding the condition of roads relating to road resurfacing, safety, maintenance and potholes. A pothole survey had highlighted concerns about the length of time for potholes to be repaired. A discussion took place regarding HMOs and communications and knowledge. JB is following this up. |
| 178/25 | To note the written updates from the County and Borough Councillors
RA and JB written reports had been circulated and are attached to these minutes. AJ, RA and a member of the public left the Meeting at 7.23pm |
| 179/25 | 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 note that NALC pay award backdated to 1 April 2025. Noted. e. To discuss bank signatories. RESOLVED to Add Cllr S Toon as a bank signatory on all Silverdale Parish Council bank accounts. f. To note Park Road Allotments accounts audit. Noted. No issues. g. To review the financial position of SPC 2025/26 i. To review Earmarked Reserves. Item rolled over. |
| 180/25 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications
No new planning applications had been received. To discuss and receive updates on: 25/00336/FUL, Change of use from former conservative social club into 15 bed HMO (C4), Church Street, Silverdale. The Meeting discussed the matter of sitting tenants. The complaint procedure continues. 25/00387/FUL Application for 8 houses at The Bush Inn. Matter covered in JB report attached.
JB and all remaining members of the public left the Meeting at 7.34pm |
| 181/25 | To receive feedback from sub-committees
a. Allotments Sub-committee i. To discuss the Acre Allotment Lease HA advised the Meeting that the lease is going ahead. A request had been received from NBC regarding details of SPC legal advisor. HA to obtain quotes for legal fees and return to the September Meeting. JC raised a concern over open ended costs of legal fees. RJ suggested obtaining a fixed price for legal fees. b. Communication and Events Sub-committee i. To discuss the summer event 2025 (CM/JC) Plans for the summer event are on course. CM provided an update of arrangements to the Meeting. ii. To discuss the Christmas event 2025 (CM/JC) The Christmas event is taking place on 5 December 2025. RESOLVED for HA to contact the electrician regarding the Christmas lights. IG agreed to take the parking signs and cones from HA. JC agreed to obtain the licence and road closure notice for the event. RESOLVED to purchase 200 selection boxes as gifts for the children. To be given out by The Lions Club Santa. iii. To discuss the newsletter distribution (HA) The newsletter had been distributed by councillors and volunteers. HA thanked everyone. c. Parks and Recreation Sub-committee i. To discuss adult exercise equipment for the park (IG) IG had obtained a licence from NBC for the installation of adult exercise equipment for Silverdale Park. IG had obtained a quote from Broxap for £6855. RESOLVED to purchase the exercise equipment from Earmarked Reserves. ii. To discuss a request from a resident regarding the possibility of engaging a coach for young people to encourage the safe use of the skateboarding park, basketball court and tennis court. HA and RJ to follow up and invite the resident to a Parish Council meeting. |
| 182/25 | To receive and update on the new email and website provider
The new website and email provision are moving along. ST and DP to have access to the website. Accessibility testing had been carried out. A forward has been placed on the old email addresses to the new ones. DP thanked ST. |
| 183/25 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. To receive an update on the speed device maintenance and training RJ advised that Speedwatch and Staffordshire Police had confirmed that the speed device does not need to be calibrated. A training session is to be booked. b. To discuss the Silverdale Barrier Redesign Nothing at present. c. To discuss a noise complaint received from a resident A noise complaint had been received. HA responded to the email on the basis that SPC has no responsibility for licencing and that NBC has specialist officers. A number of positive comments had been received from members of the public in relation to the complaint. |
| 184/25 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill (Standing item)
Item covered by AJ earlier. |
| 185/25 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group The minutes had been circulated. There had been movement in a number of areas. b. To receive feedback from the meeting with Urban Vision JC and ST are working on a list of greenbelt spaces t be sent to the consultant. |
| 186/25 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor (Standing item)
RESOLVED to approve a quote to replace the radar lock on a gate £135. |
| 187/25 | Borough Local Plan
a. Borough Council Plan Update No further information at present. |
| 188/25 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grants annual budget £2,500)
To note a grant application received. (HA) An application had been received for a special event. HA had responded that SPC could not accept applications from individuals. It is understood that the event is going ahead independently. |
| 189/25 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches. None. |
| 190/25 | To note the Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association Bulletins and correspondence received
As circulated and noted. |
| 191/25 | Highways matters (Standing item) None. |
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THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2025 at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include 2 October 2025, 6 November 2025, 4 December 2025 |
The Financial appendices are in the PDF version of this document.
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale PC Date of report 4. 8. 25
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown, Silverdale ward. No of cases: 104 No resolved: 82 ongoing: 22
Walleys Quarry. At the full council meeting on 23.7.25 I was due to second a motion proposed by Cllr. D. Jones concerning the long term future of the WQ landfill site. Following an 11th hour Conservative amendment the motion was debated and passed unanimously with the amendments. You can view the original and amended motions here (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Council, 23/07/2025 19:00 pages 27-30.
I was able to speak about the need to continue cross party solidarity in terms of holding all stakeholders to account and securing the long term safety of the site. It seems clear for the permanent capping & restoration of the site more funds will need to be made available. The question will be who will provide these funds going forward?
Silverdale Sidings 106 moneys I still have received no update from Head of Legal Anthony Harold or officer Rosie Silvester. I had emailed again asking if there is any news from Staffs CC. on 1.7.25 This is one of at least two long standing cases that I wish to get answers on before the May 26 elections. Back in 2022 I asked if NULBC had `written this off` and was told in the strongest terms this was not the case. If NULBC would state the fact that they do not have the resources to pursue this at least we would have an honest answer.
Planning & housing: Planning Application 25/00336/FUL to use the former Conservative club on Church street as a 15 bed HMO. I submitted my stage 2 complaint to NULBC after consultation with the County Councillor, concerned residents and the PC as I was dissatisfied with the response I received to the stage 1 complaint. I very recently received a letter from NULBC customer services saying that my complaint had been put back to a stage 1 complaint as I had included new information in my stage 2 letter. This is summarised here
Firstly, the permission was granted for a C4 HMO which is for 3-6 unrelated occupants. As this is a 15 bed HMO it should have been a large HMOs (sui generis) This was mentioned in the objection submitted by the Chair of the PC and at least one other objector but was not taken into account.
Secondly the decision to grant permission without delegation was taken on the 31st May. This was before the consultation period had ended. This meant that both the number of objections considered was reported incorrectly and the objection by a major consultation stakeholder, namely Silverdale PC, was not considered. In not considering these further objections full consultation cannot be said to take place.
A resident has raised with me this week the concentration on HMOs in Silverdale, and in particular this vicinity which I will discuss at the PC meeting.
Bush Planning Application permission granted at Planning Committee 15.7.25 The Chair of PC gave evidence as an objector based on density n.b. developers originally wanted 4×4 bed executive houses and we prevented that on appeal. This time they came back with a different scheme of 8 houses, 4×2 bed and 4x 3 bed. I spoke out on grounds of density, lack of infrastructure and access/parking. We lost the vote as only me and the 2 Cross Heath councillors voted against it. You can see the debate here Agenda for Planning Committee on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, 7.00 pm – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
Environment A flurry of new cases came in this month about grass and hedge cutting not being undertaken. As usual there is the time consuming procedure of finding out who owns the land and is responsible for maintenance i.e. Aspire or NULBC.
The untidy business on Cemetery Rd on the former garage site. As Paul Lejman was the last NULBC officer who contacted me about the site emailed him for an update on 1.7.25 and have received no reply.
Care Home/Supported housing on May Street On 18.7.25 a meeting took place at Castle House between myself, two resident representatives, Gill Taylor of NULBC and Adrian Grainger of Hadet Healthcare solutions. Adrian explained he is the registered person for the home but has only recently joined the company. Concerns were outlined and Adrian said that as this establishment is `supported housing` and not a care home then the staff have very little `control` on the behaviour and conduct of the residents. Apparently, all residents are judged to have `mental capacity`. However, he agreed that there were improvements that could be made. Indeed, we had the lates CQC report where Hadet had Requires Improvement judgements for 2 out of 4 indicators. Several actions were agreed including the removal (pending a place being available) of a resident who had triggered the behaviour of others, increased communication with neighbours including the sharing of contact details so complaints could be made and certain changes to staff shift patterns. Adrian also said he was willing to attend a public meeting with affected neighbours. The MP had also written to Hadet and wants to attend the meeting. Gillian Taylor said this could be arranged at Castle House. In the meantime, I have made sure both paper diary sheets and the noise nuisance reporting link to NULBC is available to affected neighbours.
After Jane Letts of NULBC said there would be no decision on the funding for the Parade Park Lights until the Autumn, I discussed this with the PC. The Vice Chair put forward a proposal to match fund the repairs. I put this proposal to Jayne on 9.7.25 and I am still waiting for a reply.
Civic Pride Investment Fund
A £22,000 Civic Pride Investment Fund has been approved by full Council. This fund will enable local organisations to apply for money to help with activities which enable their places to be cleaner, safer and friendlier – from tools for litter picks and planting, to funding events and activities. Part of the funding conditions will be that groups applying for funding have engaged with ward councillors to discuss what key local needs are. This will be detailed by groups when they apply for the funding. Contacting the Council: Save Time – Do It Online: www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk. There is no lower limit on funding applications with maximum of £500 available. Applications will be reviewed by the Council’s Portfolio Holders and officers will assess and agree the funding requests. A rolling application process will be in place, with reviews made across the year.
Events
Civic Pride Event in Silverdale Monday 11.8.25 There will be a drop in session with NULBC/Police/Aspire from 10am on the Parade outside the shops.
My last surgery was on Monday 4.8.25 and the next one will be Mon 1st September 12.30-1.30 at Silverdale Library. Toddler story will begin again in the Autumn term.
Next Planning Committee Meeting Tues 12th August
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale
Cllr Rupert Adcock report for Parish Council Aug 25
Walleys Quarry
I received a reply to my letter on 16th July from Dave Preston at the EA (Andrew Hitchings has now left). They explained their position on the powers they are using to cleanup the site although concerningly expressed that their main role is ‘to assess compliance with permits’ and ‘however there is no longer a permit in relation to the site’ which raises questions around their longer term commitment to the site restoration. I asked them for a public meeting to explain the next steps to the residents and allow key questions to be asked to reassure residents that a plan will be in place. They said in the letter that ‘they would consider holding a joint community event if it feels appropriate to do so’. Simon Tagg and I have also asked if the Liaison Commitee can be reformed as a first step towards this better community engagement.
The full letter is on my councillor facebook page, let me know if you would like a copy sending to you.
I spoke on Walleys Quarry at the last Full Council. The Conservative group ammended the original motion to mention our call for a public inquiry, to ask the government to guarentee funding for restoration wont fall on local taxpayers and to call for the retention of the MMFs. I spoke reiterating the need for a public inquiry and also a public meeting for the residents to ask questions directly. It was passed unanimously.
Health Scrutiny Committee
I now attend the County Council’s Health Scrutiny Commitee representing Newcastle. At the July meeting we discussed the Integrated Care Board proposed savings. All councillors expressed dissapointement with the ICB at the lack of detailed proposals and claims it will not affect frontline care. We have asked them to come back with more detailed analysis and impact assessments for their proposed savings especially on perscriptions and health assessments.
At the meeting I raised our call for a public inquiry into Walleys Quarry and the health impacts on residents asking for County Council support.
I also have recieved an update on the work of Mental Health Support Teams in Schools which is supporting a number of Staffordshire Schools inlcuding here in Newcastle to help support interventions, training and provision in their settings with even greater coverage planned from January 2026. Next month I will attend an update on Family Hubs.
Former Conservative Club HMO
I spoke to Jaqueline about her complaint about the rushed approval of this site. I fully suppport the complaint and beleive this decision should have been made by commitee given the large scale change of use and the huge number of objections by residents. I am ready to support in whatever next steps are available.
Civic Pride
It will be Silverdale’s turn for a civic pride event on Monday 11th with stalls from Council, Police and Aspire available for residents at the Parade.
I have been promoting the Civic Pride Fund available to local groups and been in touch with the Methodist Church.
Thanks to Parish Council for oragnising the event in the park planned for 14th.
Silverdale Primary
After my visit to Silverdale Primary I spoke to Tracey Wain at Ibstock Brick to see if they would accept an application for their community fund. They accepted and Silverdale Primary now has an application in for funding for their KS1 outdoor area which Jaqueline and I were pleased to support. They have also put in a bid for the County Council Community Fund.
Parks Task and Finish
I met with Cllr Whieldon Chair of the task group and council officer Andrew Bird. We went through the final draft report recommendations on maintainence schedules, painting and signage upgrades and I have added a recommendation that this report should be shared with all Parish Councils in the borough. The full report will be discussed at the next Scrutiny Commitee before going to Cabinet.
Support for resident Cheddar Drive
I was contacted by a Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advisor about a resident and former neighbour of mine in Cheddar Drive who has been diagnised with terminal cancer and being unable to work is facing court summons for non payment of council tax. I got in touch with Adam Jogee’s office for support and I also wrote to the council. Big thanks to Adam and the team who quickly got back to me and wrote to the CEO of the council asking for urgent cancellation of the summons and to put in place Discretionary Housing payments and Tax Relief.