SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 9 March 2023 at 6.30pm held by Zoom
Present:
Chair – Mr H Adamczuk (HA)
Parish Cllrs – Cllr A Sutcliffe (AS), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr L Leighton (LL), Cllr C Jarrett (CJ), Cllr J Crabtree (JC) Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA, part).
Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
The meeting was held by Zoom due to adverse weather conditions. Discussions were held but no decisions were ratified. Members agreed to meet for an Extra ordinary meeting on 15 March to approve the decisions.
| 56/23 | 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. No-one was present. |
| 57/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were received from Cllr M Melvin (MM) and Cllr C Spence (CS). |
| 58/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 9 February 2023 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. The minutes were agreed. |
| 59/23 | 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. |
| 60/23 | To note the written update (to be circulated in advance) from the Borough Councillors
In addition to the circulated report (pp. 156-157), Cllr Brown reported: a. Silverdale Sidings – A surgery was held on 4 March 2023. AS and RA attended. A joint legal action is planned with SCC to attempt to recoup S106 monies which have been outstanding since 2017. For transparency reasons residents should be kept informed. There is a Teams meeting taking place on 14 March to discuss the current situation and pending legal action. Only Borough Councillors can be present at the meeting because officers had required confidentiality due to the future legal action. AS thanked JB and offered continued support. b. Bath Road development – the plans had been amended to include a retail unit on the development. JB had chased Aspire. A sub-committee is to be set up consisting of two Ward councillors and HA and CS regarding the layout of the houses and the retail unit. c. Keele Golf Course – JB had seen a list of disposable assets and Keele Golf Course is classified as held for sale. The Labour group had opposed the draft budget. Lots of borrowing is planned. d. Litter picks had been rained or snowed off. Coppice Avenue, the Mineral Line and the back of the Working Mens’ Club are reported to have lots of litter. e. 4 x 4 disturbance issues at Hollywood Lane are being looked into relating to vehicles not staying within the licensed area but using the adjacent field. In addition to the circulated report (pp. 157-158), Cllr Adcock reported: a. Walley’s Quarry – There have not been enough readings from the portable monitoring devices around the landfill site. These need to be put towards more specific use. A Walley’s Quarry Liaison meeting is coming up on 16 March. Complaints to the Environment Agency have fallen considerably. RA has requested more monitoring of the site and answers to an investigations so that someone can be held accountable. b. Tree planting – The Lyme Forest trees are to be maintained, supported and checked. c. A resident from Underwood Road had been in touch regarding litter, potholes, overgrown trees and grit bins being used for rubbish. RA had visited the area. d. Voter identification for elections – Free photo identification can be applied for. Residents without voter id can take up the postal vote. Expired photo id can still be used as long as the photo still resembles the person. e. Highways – RA has received an email from Highways about which potholes will be repaired. f. A resident had been in touch about a one-way system around Silverdale. This matter would be referred to Cllr Huckfield for feedback on a visual assessment which had been carried out. HA commented that due to the design of Heritage Park a loop road around the estate and the issues with parking might make it difficult for emergency vehicles to gain access. g. Kents Lane Community Centre – The carpark is becoming full on match days. There is talk of erecting a barrier or bollards. The Athletic Club is responsible for maintaining the carpark and will be taking this matter on. There are concerns about this and RA will follow up. AS suggested a consultation with residents of Heritage Park about the carparking. JB left the meeting at 7.03pm and RA left the meeting at 7.07pm. |
| 61/23 | Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A Agreed pending approval at the meeting on 15 March 2023. b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B Agreed pending approval at the meeting on 15 March 2023. c. To note and approve the budget report for 2022/23 – Appendix C Agreed pending approval at the meeting on 15 March 2023. |
| 62/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting updates. (HA/CJ)
A meeting is taking place on Thursday 16 March 2023. HA is unable to attend and asked for a substitute. |
| 63/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group Meetings are taking place over the weekend for updates. There had been no final report from AECOM or on the Ecology report. HA agreed to chase these both of these reports. b. To make plans, choose the venue and dates for extensive consultation of residents during 2023 for large groups then smaller sectional meeting afterwards. The public meeting has been rearranged to 29 April 2023 from 2-3.30pm at Silverdale Methodist Church. CS and DP to arrange the flyers. c. To receive an update on the commissioning of a drone video for the neighbourhood area, covering all housing, community/retail and woodlands/green spaces to help publicize the Neighbourhood Plan. To resolve to approve the quote. A thorough quote had been received from Midlands Drone for £1350. It was agreed to go ahead with this supplier pending approval at the meeting on 15 March 2023. d. To discuss the Policy Mapping document. This was deferred to the April meeting. |
| 64/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106
This item had been covered in JB’s report. |
| 65/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Energy Cost from Monument Lighting Installation No bill had been received, despite reminders. b. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel No quotes had been received . |
| 66/23 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
DP to look into a survey for residents to request jobs in the Parish. |
| 67/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor a. Borough Council Plan Update
The Draft Local Plan and 6 week consultation is due in the Spring and 23 May has been set as the target date for publication. b. Save Our Green Space update There had been no further meetinsg. c. Contact with Audley Parish Council Audley PC had arranged a zoom meeting with other parishes arising from an on-line petition to require the borough council to debate the housing needs of Newcastle in view of the decline in population between 2011 and 2021. HA and CM had attended. Discussions had taken place about various schemes and developments around the villages where there is already a “made” NDP. Keele had asked for a further face-to-face meeting. Lots of information was shared between the parishes and this was beneficial to all of the Parish Councils in view of the upcoming scale of green belt and rural land release likely in the draft Local Plan. |
| 68/23 | 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 provide an update on the tenancy at will agreement with NBC and to then resolve to ask the Chair to sign the agreement. The tenancy at will agreement had been circulated. This allows the PC to extend Acres Allotments onto an extra area of allotment land. There is a need to change the lease and SPC will need to take legal advice. HA asked members to approve the signing of the tenancy at will agreement and then to take advice on the lease. The meeting agreed for formal approval at the meeting on 15 March 2023. 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). Nothing further at present c. To consider appointing a consultant regarding the remediation of waste in the legal agreement to represent the parish council’s interest. Nothing further at present. |
| 69/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000)
No applications had been received. |
| 70/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – reminder. No issues. |
| 71/23 | To consider a quote
a. To install a new noticeboard at the library (note: may need permission from SCC/Highways). b. To receive an update on the New Horizons initiative for the special memorial sign for the noticeboard (AS). AS is to bring a detailed report to the April meeting. |
| 72/23 | To consider purchasing benches for Silverdale Parish (The Parade, Bath Road, the Park, Parksite)
To ask the contractor for a quote to repair the damaged benches in the park. HA to ask CS where new benches could be placed. |
| 73/23 | To receive an update regarding traffic danger outside St Luke’s Primary School Pepper St.
AS reported that a crossing patrol was now in place outside the school. |
| 74/23 | 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.
23/00146/FUL | Single storey side extension and modification to existing porch including external renderto all elevations. | 12 Duke Place Silverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6PE(newcastlestaffs.gov.uk) No comment 23/00088/PLD | Single storey side extension and external alterations | 17 Redheath Close Silverdale NewcastleUnder Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6SQ (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) Agreed to object. 22/00906/FUL | Two–story side extension (Amended plan received 28.02.2023) | 11 Farmers Bank SilverdaleNewcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6NE (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) Agreed to object. 23/00160/FUL | Single/two storey rear extension and alterations. Dropped kerb and reduce ground levelsto front elevation for off road parking. | 76 Underwood Road Silverdale Newcastle Under LymeStaffordshire ST5 6QF (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) Agreed to object. |
| 75/23 | To note and discuss the website improvements and ways of incorporating information on the
Neighbourhood Plan, such as steering group minutes and access to videos LL reported that all amendments to the website were complete. HA to consider having a section for the NDP Steering group minutes and public meeting material including the drone video. |
| 76/23 | To resolve to contact NBC regarding use of the former Bowling Club Pavilion, including a survey of the state of repair
The meeting considered that quote of £950 for the report regarding the design of the roof and structure. A discussion took place regarding sharing the costs 50/50 with NBC. This was agreed to be ratified at the meeting on 15 March 2023. |
| 77/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received.
Noted. |
| 78/23 | Western Communities LAP and Knutton Master Plan Consultation update – (HA/CJ)
An update was provided at the last meeting. Knutton Community Group had been unable to utilize the grant received for a Community Wellness Day and had had to pay the grant back due to lack of volunteers. |
| 79/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
AS is to contact Cllr Huckfield regarding the traffic lights |
| 80/23 | 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 at present. A meeting is coming up. b. Dog Litter Bins: Update regarding new and replacement bins and whether to scan Silverdale for dog litter signage. This matter is covered in JB’s report. c. Repairs to a damaged bus shelter at Stonewall at a cost of £463.50 plus Vat approved by the Chair and Clerk in February 2023. Noted. d. To consider the purchase of hanging baskets. The process would be the same as last year where businesses would be approached and asked if they would like hanging baskets and if they would take care of them. JC requested a hanging basket be placed outside the Library. It was noted that some were taken last year. e. To consider preparations for the King’s Coronation (Saturday 6 May 2023). For the next agenda. |
| 81/23 | Emergency Plan Risk Assessment (HA) HA to circulate a report. SCC has a detailed risk assessment. |
An Extra ordinary meeting is to take place on 15 March 2023 for the purposes of resolving matters agreed at this meeting.
THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON
13 April 2023, at 6.30pm
To agree future dates to include,
11 May 2022, 8 June 2023, 13 July 2023, 10 August 2023
Appendices A, B and C can be found in the PDF version of the minutes
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale P.C. Date of report 6. 3. 2023
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 33 No resolved: 24 ongoing: 9
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money As the P.C. will know there was mixed
news on this issue in December. 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 from residents. I was keen to communicate with affected residents but was Dan Dickenson, Head of Legal strongly encouraged me not to do so. He suggested a briefing with himself, planning officers, ward councillors in the first instance. Despite repeated requests we have still not been given a date for this meeting and Cllr. Adcock and I are presently chasing this up.
A successful meeting with residents of the Dell with `Communication` was held on February 22nd. Aspire officers apologised for making decisions without consulting residents and answered a wide range of questions regarding grounds maintenance issues. A compromise was reached in relation to the contentious issue of wild flower meadows and Aspire agreed to remove the tree stump. Several residents have taken the opportunity to join the `older person`s consultation group`.
I checked on the progress of the Bath Rd development with Aspire officer Graham Nolan. He is setting up a task group on this to which the borough ward councillors and the PC Chair are invited. Graham said the need for the shop has been established. What needs to be clear now is who will take on the shop when the development is completed. I will continue to liaise with the current leaseholder who has expressed a strong interest in continuing.
Environment: I have had several communications with NULBC re the operation of a business on Cemetery Rd and the general untidiness of the site which is leased from the owners. In the meantime, there has been some communication from the owners of the site in relation to a change of use which would be welcome. However, this is confidential at present, and communication continues.
Now the Spring is here there has been a noticeable increase in litter around the library and WMC. Silverdale Labour are having litter picks on 6.3.23 and 11.3.23. We will be joined by volunteers from the library and have identified `hot spots` e.g. behind the WMC, Madeley st, Coppice Ave and the start of the Mineral line. I have also contacted Silverdale Primary to see if pupils for the `School`s Council` could join in. They are happy to do so and this fits in with the National Keep Britain Tidy initiative running in March to April.
Keele Golf Course: It is now out in the open that NULBC have the option to build on K.G.C. This became clear when the administrations` budget was passed on 15.2.23 and a list of capital assets was published. KGC is the main asset listed in terms of raising money to fulfil the council`s plans and offset the required borrowing they believe is necessary. Although the Labour group submitted amendments to the budget which would have mitigated the risks of borrowing, these were rejected.
The case of the trees at Mill st has now been resolved. NULBC denied responsibility for planting the trees, despite having maintained them in the past. However they have worked with the affected householder to find a solution.
Walley`s Quarry Complaints regarding odours have increased Dec-Feb. I asked a question at full
council 15.2.23 reflecting my concerns.
I want to ask about the legal fund for any future action against Walley`s Quarry LTD. This company had agreed, in September 2022, to stop landfill gas odours from causing significant problems for residents`. A recent press release from the company on 26th January talks about a consistent and continued record of improvement. I would argue that local residents would disagree with the word `consistent` as we continue to have spikes in odour emissions being felt within the ward and beyond, something I am keenly aware of when performing my duties in the ward.
We note that in the upcoming budget there is 100k set aside in case of further legal action against Walley`s Quarry. Although it is a relief to see this costing it is obviously significantly down from the £1 million previously set aside. Can the administration and officers reassure this ward councillor and her residents that there is still both a will, and the resources, to take any necessary action and to continue to hold Walley`s Quarry LTD to account?
At the Health, Well being & Environment Committee on 6.3.23 I plan to ask about the council`s decision to discontinue the use of Jerome monitoring.
Streets & Highways:. Pot holes continue to be a difficulty. There is a large potholes on the mini roundabout outside the barber shop at the junction of Church st/High st reported by a resident in Heritage Park. I photographed and reported this and was hopeful of a repair when I saw work men in the area during the next few days. However, residents have informed me the pot hole is still there and my report came back as `ongoing maintenance` . I took more photos and it looks like they have filled in one and left the other so again I will chase this up and ask about the resurfacing timetable with Staffs CC.
Waste & Litter I have communicated with Darren Green of street scene who said no additional bins would be provided along the Mineral line but one/more of the dog bins could be repurposed I asked him to let me know when this occurred. We will be litter picking along there this Saturday and I anticipate there will be some fly tipping to report.
Anti-social behaviour: PCSO Charlotte Lownes reported a hole in the fence at Alton close where people were accessing the golf course with mopeds. This was causing disturbance to residents. We discussed this at the PC as there seemed to be some confusion about exactly where this fence was. A site visit is needed to determine the responsibility for repair of the fence. In the meantime, a consultation is being held by NULBC regarding gating onto open spaces. I will liaise with the officer Steve Edge and the PC on this.
A resident reported, and sent a video, of 4X4 vehicles driving around the field adjacent to the licensed off roading area by Hollywood Garage. I reported this to the council and Steve Edge informed me it was a police matter. He gave me details of how the police can follow this up if they have the registration details. In the meantime I plan to visit the garage and speak to the person who organises the off roading.
General Comments
Cllr Adcock and myself, held our surgery of 2023 at Silverdale Methodists on 5th March 2023.
This will continue until the library is back in action on Saturdays .I continued my duties as Governor at Silverdale Primary, I will be at a meeting W/B 9.3.23 to discuss recruiting pupils to ensure the school is at capacity for funding.
Calling all community champions! NULBC are looking for nominations as part of the 850 year celebrations. I will be making several nominations, closing date 10.3.23.
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale
Cllr. Rupert Adcock Silverdale ward report March 2023
Walleys Quarry
We have been made aware that there is ongoing construction work with installing of new gas wells at the site. Walleys have stated that they don’t anticipate any ‘offsite impact’ from these works. The next meeting of the Walleys Quarry Liaison Committee is on 16th March. My colleagues are pushing Walleys to stick to their commitment to revamp the committee and look at widening access and reviewing membership.
I intend to ask the EA to commit to continuing to monitor emissions and have full open transparency on any further permit beaches from the operator.
Tree planting
On Monday 6th March we will have a tree planting update at the Health, Wellbeing and Environment Committee. With the expansion of the tree planting programme planned for the 850thanniversary, I intend to ask about how the council intend to ensure these are maintained and will not die off or become diseased. Further info to come.
Underwood Road visit
I was contacted by a concerned resident in Underwood Road and last week was shown around Underwood Road and surrounding streets by some residents and made aware of several issues which I have helped report to the council and Aspire. This included:
Reporting potholes. The County Highways team have already been out and identified some for their repair schedule.
Reporting litter and empty grit bins.
Reporting overgrown trees and bushes blocking pavements.
I have also written to Aspire to ask about maintenance of Underwood Road Park where shrubs and brambles have overgrown.
Helping a resident apply for a Voter ID card (free on Gov website). I intend to ask the council how this voter ID change is being communicated as it may not be reaching the most elderly and isolated residents who have little photo ID.
Highways
Following an email from a resident, I undertook another pothole walk and reported some more potholes to the County Council. The team visited Silverdale two weeks ago and marked several potholes for repair and sent photo evidence to me but most minor ones including the ones by the Bush Pub roundabout have not yet been repaired but are on schedule. I emailed Rob Green Highways Liaison from County Council asking about maintenance.
A resident got in touch with me asking about a 1 way traffic system around Silverdale to ease congestion on Church Street. I put her in touch with Cllr. Huckfield to discuss the issue.
Bath Road Parksite shop
Cllr. Brown and I hope to gain more information about the commitment to keeping a retail unit and ensuring that local demand for the shop to remain is taken into account. It is clear to me that in Parksite there is strong interest in keeping the shop.
Silverdale Sidings
Cllr. Brown and myself met to make a plan to put some pressure on the council officer to have a meeting very soon to be briefed on the latest with the joint county/borough legal action. From this meeting we can communicate what was said and agree the next steps. I intend to involve Aaron Bell MP following the meeting.
Kents Lane Community Centre
Kim Graham and Alison Spicer from the Council got in touch to update about a meeting they have had with Silverdale Athletic Football Club and asking for opinions. They are having issues with their car park being full due to residents parking there. They have leafleted nearby residents asking them not to do so but still have problems. I know that many visitors to the Country Park and Heritage Park use the car park. As the Community Centre run the car park, they want to put up a gate and bollards at their own expense. Property Services support this approach. I stated that as it is their car park and theirs to maintain I support this approach.