SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 9 November 2023 at 6.30pm at Silverdale Library
Present:
Chair – Mr H Adamczuk (HA)
Parish Cllrs –Cllr C Jarrett (CJ), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr J Avison (JA), Cllr C Bennett (CB), Borough Cllr J Brown (JB, part), Cllr R Adcock (RA, part)
Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
No members of the public were present
| 314/23 | Public Participation: No-one present |
| 315/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were received from Cllr J Crabtree. |
| 316/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 12th October 2023 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve |
| 317/23 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda – None |
| 318/23 | To note the written update (to be circulated in advance) from the Borough Councillors Borough Councillor reports are attached at Appendix D.
In addition RA reported the following: There had been a rise of 10-13% in complaints relating to the smell from the Quarry in the last week. Aaron Bell had raised the matter at Prime Ministers Question Time. Simon Tagg is taking the matter of the abatement notice further. There is a potential case relating to long-term health issues. Corrections to the data following recalibration are awaited to establish the levels of gas emissions. JB reported the following: Section 106 Planning Obligations Silverdale Sidings matters remain outstanding. The damage arising from vandalism at the football ground was estimated to cost £6,000 at Silverdale Athletics club during the period 29-30 October 2023. |
| 319/23 | To approve the Social Media Policy and to nominate councillors to update and monitor the social media sites.
RESOLVED to approve the Social Media Policy. RESOLVED to approve the nomination of JA and CB as councillors responsible for the social media sites. The meeting thanked CB for the preparation of the Social Media Policy. |
| 320/23 | 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. b. To receive an update Dog waste bins. The bins are to be installed next week. c. To receive an update on bat and bird boxes. The bat and bird boxes have been installed. d. To receive an update on streetlights – Silverdale Sidings. No update. e. To receive an update on plans for the Christmas event 2023. The Christmas event was discussed and the following arrangements finalized. i. To receive an update on the Christmas tree lights. ii. To receive an update on the Christmas lights for the canopy on The Parade. iii. To receive an update on the 24-foot Christmas tree Upper Parade new 12-foot tree Lower Parade iv. To receive an update on the gifts for children. v. To receive an update regarding the two schools’ carol singing. vi. To receive an update on the brass band. vii. To receive an update on the Santa sleigh to be provided by The Lion’s Club and the car parking arrangements. |
| 321/23 | To receive an update on the purchase and installation of the final two pieces of outdoor exercise equipment at the Ilkley Place play area, completing the upgrade which was started using the energy saving scheme funding. Item deferred to the next meeting, following reference to Western Communities LAP which has access to funding bodies locally. |
| 322/23 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications
23/00845/FUL | Single storey rear extension and part garage conversion | 6 Sutton Avenue Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6TB (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) No comment other than notices had not been displayed locally. |
| 323/23 | Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A. RESOLVED to approve. RESOLVED for HA and DP to transfer £30,000 from the Deposit Account to the Current Account. b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B. RESOLVED to approve. c. To note and approve the budget report 2023/24 – Appendix C. RESOLVED to approve. d. To receive an update on the bank signatories. The signatories had been updated. e. To formally note the conclusion of the external audit 2022/23. The successful conclusion of the external audit was noted. f. The Finance sub-committee to arrange to review the 2023/24 budget and the 2024/25 budget. A meeting is to be arranged. |
| 324/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting 17 October 2023 update HA had asked the question about how much waste had been accumulated during the life of the landfill and that question was now a Freedom of Information Enquiry with a 20 working day response time . HA to ask if the permit can be revoked at the next meeting in December. |
| 325/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group. b. To discuss the next Public Meeting and Workshops covering headings in the Policy Mapping Document. HA to speak to people. c. To resolve to approve a quote for legal fees of £950 plus VAT and disbursements relating to a legal opinion on whether the covenant on the Golf Course is enforceable. RESOLVED to approve the quote. d. To resolve to approve a Preliminary Ecology Assessment for Job’s Wood Quarry, a Regional Site of Geological Importance at the edge of development sites identified for greenbelt release in the Draft Local Plan. RESOLVED to approve the quote of £1689 plus VAT. There are two unnamed ponds that could be investigated at another time of year. This makes three ponds and three woods which could be investigated and ecological reports obtained. RESOLVED to earmark £6000 for ecological reports. |
| 326/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106. No update. |
| 327/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel. HA to request a quote. |
| 328/23 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor.
The contractor is to be reminded about switching on the Christmas lights. |
| 329/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update. Nothing further to report. b. Save Our Green Space update. Nothing further to report. c. Protect Audley Parish Greenbelt/Green Belt Alliance 25 October 2023 update. A meeting took place on 25 October 2023. |
| 330/23 | Acres Allotments (no additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs)
a. To receive an update on the tenancy at will agreement. b. To receive 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 c. 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) d. To consider appointing a consultant regarding the remediation of waste in the legal agreement to represent the parish council’s interest. HA to sign the Tenancy at Will agreement in which NBC gives SPC a new agreement confirming the allotment space. HA to ask Knights to write to Acres Allotments. This is to allow occupation of the next 25% of the allotment area. |
| 331/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000) None received. |
| 332/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – reminder. No issues. A copy of the grant application form was requested. To be forwarded to CJ. |
| 333/23 | To receive an update on the noticeboard project
a. To receive an update on the Higher Horizons initiative for the noticeboard The Uni Connect Hub Manager of Higher Horizons+ at Staffordshire University has confirmed that a local artist is to work with the National Art & Design Saturday Club to design and illustrate the noticeboard. The club starts at the end of November and this project will be running in January for 3-4 weeks. It is hoped that the new noticeboard will be finished early next year. |
| 334/23 | To receive an update on the purchase of benches for The Parade and Silverdale Park. To consider purchasing benches for Silverdale Parish (Bath Road and Parksite).
The location of new benches is to be investigated. |
| 335/23 | Flooding reports Acres Allotments and Park Road Allotments and Daleview Drive from 20 October 2023.
There had been flooding issues relating to Keele Golf Course. A resident had contacted the Parish Clerk and HA had been dealing with residents where streams had been running through their gardens. This has been reported to Newcastle Borough Council. |
| 336/23 | 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.
Nothing further. HA to ask NBC. |
| 337/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received.
Noted |
| 338/23 | Western Communities LAP and Knutton Master Plan Consultation update.
The next meeting is to take place on 6 December. HA to ask about funding for the outdoor gym equipment at Ilkley Place. |
| 339/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
The 20’s Plenty project is to be placed on the next agenda. |
| 340/23 | To discuss the councillor vacancies.
There are currently four councillor vacancies. A notice is to be prepared for display and councillors are to ask in the community if anyone would be interested in joining SPC. |
| 341/23 | To implement the maintenance agreement on the Mining Monument and obtain a quote for the Mining Wheel from Plowden Smith.
Nothing further. |
| 342/23 | New Benches/Dedications.
HA to speak to the family concerned. |
| 343/23 | Siting of Defibrillator.
There are currently defibrillators situated at The Working Men’sClub and Silverdale Methodist Church. JA to contact Aspire in the New Year regarding the positioning of another defibrillator. |
| 344/23 | Apple Scam update.
This matter is ongoing. |
| 345/23 | Bonfiglios Garage site Cemetery Road update.
There had been a visit from the Environment Agency. There are no issues with the permit. |
| 346/23 | Silverdale Greenway – Barrier Redesign Project.
This item was deferred to the next meeting. |
|
THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 14 December 2023 at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include, 11 January 2024, 8 February 2024, 14 March 2023 |
Appendices A to C – See the PDF version of the minutes
Appendix D
Cllr. Rupert Adcock Parish Council report November 2023
Walleys Quarry
I attended the EA public meeting and asked about the potential health implications of the historical data. The Health Security Agency confirmed that they could no longer assure the public that there are no longer term health risks until corrected data is available. I also asked about the worsening CCS scores for Walleys at the Liaison Committee meeting. The site seems to be missing deadlines for capping without consequence and the emissions data was worrying last week as it increased at all three monitoring stations. I spoke to Aaron Bell about the situation and he asked about Walleys regulation in last week’s PMQs. I have also been talking to Cllr. Tagg and Aaron about further steps we can take including a possible debate in parliament, getting the minister to come visit and we are speaking to council officers about the possibility issuing a warning letter to Walleys. I will also be continuing to ask the EA if and when we can expect corrected data that we deserve to know.
Bath road development
I was away on holiday but Cllr Brown filled me in on the Aspire meeting about the development
We both remain keen to ensure a retail unit option is retained and we hope to communicate
with the previous tenant to get this happening.
Highways
I’m glad to see the recent work on Mill Street and High Street to repair the many potholes we
had reported. This is one of the top issues residents had talked to me about. I did write to County Council a few months ago that these bumps should be replaced with sturdier or full bumps or removed as we don’t want them to break again in short time. Some on Mill Street have been removed. The infamous Bush roundabout potholes we reported many times have also been repaired.
Street lighting
As nights get longer, I have noticed a few street lamps in Parksite not coming on and I have
reported these to County Council to investigate.
Bins
Lydon Ryder has written to Cllr Brown and I to report the misuse of a dog waste bin on Ilkley Place where it’s been filled with several plastic bags of domestic waste. A sticker has been placed on the bin warning that if this doesn’t stop it will be removed. This would be a big loss if this happens so I’ve asked that we are kept up to date on the situation with this bin.
Knutton Quarry Liaison Commitee
We are discussing a big for funding from Silverdale and Knutton scout group for community
grand funding and I wrote comments in support of their application.
Survey delivery
I have been out delivering more surveys on behalf of Aaron Bell around Silverdale this week.
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale PC Date of report 2. 11. 2023
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 52 No resolved: 46 ongoing: 6
NULBC Draft Local Plan: On 2.11. 23 I received confirmation that my consultation response had
been as processed (valid) It is the intention of the council to consult on the Final Draft of the Local Plan
in the summer of 2024, with a full council meeting scheduled for 24.7.24. The LP will then be submitted for examination at the end of 2024. Interestingly the council have been unable to specify the number of hard copy consultation submissions it received. However, 900 consultees were registered on the planning portal and 4 petitions were recorded. Main themes were as follows:
- That the overall housing numbers should be recalculated and are either too high or too low.
- That further work is required to understand the infrastructure requirements of the Local Plan
- Views expressed on various sites proposed to be allocated in the draft plans
- Concerns expressed over the need and justification for Green Belt release.
- That brownfield sites should be prioritised in the Plan
The intended timetable is interesting too as the final plan for submission will be around the time of a General Election. Labour have made clear they plan for a 10 year regeneration which will involve major house building. What remains to be seen is the where, what and how. I am hoping that an emphasis on sustainable social housing and proper town planning involving necessary infrastructure will be the long term outcome.
Silverdale Neighbourhood Plan The third public meeting was on 25.9.23 at 6pm at Kent`s Lane Community building, Sutton Ave. The P.C. have engaged planning consultant Heather Barter to help produce a plan which will provide a detailed analysis of Silverdale`s needs and help protect the parish from over development.
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money: The new Head of Legal is Anthony Harold. I emailed Rachel Kileen on 15.10.23 for ask if he had been briefed on the joint legal ation to recoup the outstanding section106 money form the two development companies. To date I have had no reply.
Julie Avison from the PC has been in touch about several issues on The Sidings, including lighting & drainage. I walked the site with her on 27.9.23. I have now reported the car port that we suspect has been erected without planning permission to Rachel Kileen and I am still waiting for an update. Although Julie has written and spoken to County Councillor D. Huckfield we are no nearer sorting out the lighting and car parking demarcation problems. Since then, I have emailed Rachel again to ask what is happening. It continues to be a very frustrating situation which was discussed at the KKST branch meeting in regard to the residents` legal position and the threat of their liability.
Bath Rd Development. A very productive meeting took place on 23.10.23 with Graham Nolan, myself and the Chair of Silverdale P.C. We were introduced to the architect, and she talked us through the plans. There will be 13 houses, a retail outlet and a 2 bed flat. They will submit the plan with 14x 2 bed houses and then submit adaptations as soon as the new tenancy of the shop is confirmed. We asked about bin storage, parking spaces and the relocation of the bus stop. All these had very satisfactory. However, the Chair of the PC still has queries about the position of the downstairs toilet. Graham offered to come to my surgery and share the plans with residents. The Chair of the PC is also concerned that that when the time come for the new lease to be paid the cost could be prohibitive to the existing tenant or any new tenant.
Environment: Storm Kieron wreaked damage on the local area in terms of flooding after prolonged spells of rain Nos 46, 44, and 38 Daleview Drive all have considerable volumes of water passing through their rear gardens as streams. The Chair of the PC was contacted by a resident on
27.10.23 as water was flooding through her rear garden, a week after reporting the issue to NULBC. The borough council responded inadequately to the first reports. The stream was traced to the golf course ditches, which were overflowing into Park Rd Allotments and Daleview Drive. The Chair of the PC reported this to Jackie Phillips who notified the Facilities team. The stream appeared to come from Park
Road Allotments, which backed onto her garden. Two potentially blocked gullies in the golf course were found. The PC Chair reported this to Jackie Phillips in the borough council with a map and description of the problem. Jackie acknowledge my email and notified the Facilities team, who are investigating. There has been some progress on the Tregew Place conifer causing damage and concern as Jennet Hough Tree Manager of NULB was looking into it. However, she had difficulty locating it and will be going out on 3.11.23 to inspect it. Residents are hoping it will be felled.
Although the troublesome tree at Victoria Court has been felled so far Aspire have not undertaken any of the security measures agreed with myself, residents and Nicola McMillan. Nicola said no progress has been made. I urged Nicola and PCSO to attend the LAP, or at least send a report. The LAP is not effective at present because of poor attendance and it is a waste of Councillor`s time to attend additional meetings with members of the LAP outside of this specific forum. I visited the site on 30.10.23 and although residents are pleased about the tree, they are frustrated nothing has been done about the other issues.
I chased up the request for the tennis court to be resurfaced with both Andrew Arnott and Darren Green. I hope this can be planned in for the Spring and I will ask about it at the next H, W.B. & Environment committee meeting 27.11.23.
Walley`s Quarry News broke early in October that levels of noxious gas Emissions at Walley`s Quarry have been under reported by the Environment Agency. The hydrogen sulphide emissions have exceeded safe limits and residents are rightly angry about the situation. Around 100 people attended the virtual meeting hosted by the EA on 9.10.23 and answered questions from residents, councillors and the M.P. The EA spokesperson was asked about prosecution and said they were building a case to meet the 3 legal tests i.e. seriousness of non compliance, impact on community & attitude of the operator. I was left wondering how bad things have to be before the permit is at least suspended.
At the last Health, Well being & Environment Committee 7.9.23 I asked to see NULBC`s tree maintenance plan. This is because residents are still reporting to me significant `die back` on new trees planted this year by NULBC. The portfolio holder Cllr. David Hutchinson apologised that this had not been circulated and promised to do so. However, I am still waiting and need to follow this up. I also heard from Cllr. Gorton that he has asked for this plan and is hoping we get to see it on 27.11.23 at the next committee meeting.
Streets & Highways: Progress has been made on the Parksite veteran`s case. D&G buses have said they will bring their disability access policy in line with Central Bus group. I shared the news with the resident concerned and gave him copies of all paper work. He has made the decision to acquire and use an electric wheel chair. However, the adoption of a consistent policy on mobility scooters will help many other people.
Waste & Litter I am pleased to say that I have not had to report fly tipping this month. Concern was raised by the PC over NULBC`s plans to fine those residents who do not replace their bins after collection. I contacted Michelle Hopper of NULBC who is leading on this and was able to reassure the PC that those who genuinely cannot comply i.e., elderly & vulnerable residents or those who have had assess blocked due to poor planning decisions will not be penalised.
Anti-social behaviour: A member of the PC reported a police response incident which took place on 21.10.23. at Church street. Residents were concerned and frightened by the incident which happened late at night. I followed this up by contacting the PCSOs and Michelle Hopper the Anti social behaviour officer at NULBC . I met with PCSO Neil Moffat on 1. 1. 23 who told me that Salt Box owned the safe house and that since the tenant who caused the affray has broken the terms of his tenancy and has been evicted.
A meeting took place at Silverdale library on 1.1.23 between staff, volunteers and PCSO Neil Moffat to discuss the anti social behaviour presented by a few individuals in the library. Clear procedures are in place to deal with this.
General Comments: I held my surgery on Mon 2nd October 12.30-1.30 in Silverdale Library. The next one will be Mon 6th November. Toddler story sessions have continued and Reception children from Silverdale primary have enjoyed stories from our author of the month: Shirley Hughes. Despite advertising on FB we did not have any babies for the later baby rhyme time session so I have displayed posters on the library & PC notice board to advertise this.
I will be attending the Remembrance Service at St. Luke`s church Silverdale on 12.11.23 assembling at 10.50 at the War Memorial.
Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale.