Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Held on Thursday 11 th May 2017 at 7.30pm in Walcote Memorial Hall

Transcription

1 1022 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Held on Thursday 11 th May 2017 at 7.30pm in Walcote Memorial Hall Present: Cllr Elizabeth Marsh (Chairman), Cllr Lindsey Astle, Cllr James Robertson, Cllr Seph Green, Cllr Paul Hobbs, Cathy Walsh (clerk), 3 members of the public and 1 representative from the District Council. Update on Lutterworth East Development (Information from HDC s website): In July 2017 Harborough District Council (HDC) will approve the pre-submission Local Plan for publication. Following the new Local Plan Options Consultation and the assessment of the 9 alternative options, HDC are currently in the process of a detailed analysis of the 4 selected options approved by the council s Executive Committee in May. These are: Option 2: Core Strategy distribution Option 4 (amended): Scraptoft North Strategic Development Area Option 5: Kibworth North and East Strategic Development Area Option 6: Lutterworth East Strategic Development Area (SDA) These Selected Options are undergoing further tests relating to land availability, infrastructure requirements, transport impact, flood risk, viability, landscape impact, environmental sensitivity/ mitigation and sustainability. From recent communication issued by HDC it appears that the Service Area off the M1 at Junction 20 is no longer proposed. Lutterworth East SDA encroaches slightly on our parish boundary. Presently, the Boundary Commission has no plans to change the parish boundary. A review is planned in Update on the Neighbourhood Plan The Parish Council held a public meeting on which was well attended by 26 members of the public, 3 councillors and Gary Kirk from YourLocale. The production of the Neighbourhood Plan relies very much on support from residents, two people expressed an interest at the meeting, but the Parish Council need more support in order to proceed. The Neighbourhood Plan would not be able to influence Lutterworth East SDA, although it would have some input into other areas, such as the types of houses and so forth. The whole of the parish of Misterton with Walcote has been included in the designation of the Neighbourhood Area. Bin Lorry Concerns were raised over the poor state of the road on Franks Lane and the village hall access road caused by the bin lorry collections.

2 1023 Windfarms Following the Eight Parishes Community Interest Company meeting which was held on , a resident asked if there were plans to build anymore windfarms in the vicinity. The Parish Council has no knowledge of any planned windfarms. The meeting was closed at 7.45pm

3 1024 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Misterton with Walcote Parish Council Held on Thursday 11 th May 2017 at 8.00pm in Walcote Memorial Hall Present: Cllr Elizabeth Marsh (outgoing Chair), Cllr Lindsey Astle (incoming Chair), Cllr James Robertson, Cllr Seph Green, Cllr Paul Hobbs, Cathy Walsh (clerk), 3 members of the public and 1 representative from the District Council. 1. Election of Chair Cllr Hobbs nominated Cllr Astle for the office of Chair. This was seconded by Cllr Marsh. There were no other nominations; Cllr Lindsey Astle was elected as Chair for Election of Vice Chair Cllr Astle nominated Cllr Hobbs for the office of Vice Chair. This was seconded by Cllr Marsh. There were no other nominations; Cllr Paul Hobbs was elected as Vice Chair for To receive Councillor s Declarations of Acceptance of Office Cllr Astle and Cllr Hobbs signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office forms. 4. To receive any apologies for absence None. 5. To receive Declaration of Member s Interests None. 6. To receive the Outgoing Chairman s Report for the year ended Cllr Marsh read out her report. Attached as appendix A. 7. To appoint representatives to Committees and Associations Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils (LRALC) Cllr Astle agreed to continue to serve as the Council s representative. Eight Parishes Community Interest Company Cllr Marsh agreed to continue to serve as the Council s representative. Misterton with Walcote Community Trust (MWCT) Cllr Robertson agreed to continue to serve as the Council s representative Parochial Church Council (PCC) Cllr Marsh agreed to continue to serve as the Council s representative. 8. To approve the Accounts and Financial Statement for year ended Resolved: To approve. It was noted that the Samsung Netbook & software (purchased in 2009) can be removed from the revised Asset Register for Also the estimated price of South Kilworth Road field should be included on the revised Asset Register. Its estimated value is 20-25k. 9. To verify and sign the year end Bank Reconciliation Sheet & Bank Statements This was verified and signed by Cllr Robertson.

4 10. To review the Risk Assessment and Management of Risk Matrix Resolved: The Risk Assessment and Management for was reviewed and approved. 11. To review the Standing Orders Resolved: The Standing Orders were reviewed and adopted with no change. 12. To review the Financial Regulations Resolved: The Financial Regulations were reviewed and adopted with no change. 13. To note the report and accounts from Misterton with Walcote Community Trust (MWCT) The report and accounts was noted. The Parish Council praised MWCT for their fundraising efforts and healthy financial position. The village hall is a real asset to the community. 14. To approve the Minutes from the meetings held on and Resolved: The minutes were approved as a true record of proceedings The meeting held on was an Extraordinary Meeting called to discuss planning application 17/00316/VAC Variation of condition 2 (revised site access) of 14/00459/FUL The Tavern Inn 21 Lutterworth Road, Walcote. Cllr Marsh read out the Parish Council s reasons for objection which had been sent to Harborough District Council (HDC). 15. To consider any Matters Arising from the minutes of the meeting held on Dog Fouling Sign The clerk had been in contact with the Waste Services officer at HDC who was looking for a replacement sign for gate at Chapel Lane Play Area Molehills The molehills are no longer a problem at Chapel Lane Play Area Flood Wardens The Parish Council had received information about the Flood Warden Scheme and agreed to include an article about it in the next edition of the Walcote Word newsletter Community Noticeboard - Artwork Ordering the artwork for the noticeboard has been arduous task, however, things seem to be moving forward. The PC would like to include a map of the parish and are looking into gaining permission to use an Ordnance Survey Map of the area Community Noticeboard Mould Action: The clerk to contact the supplier of the noticeboard again to ask if he would meet with the PC on site to discuss the best way forward Village Walkabout The village walkabout took place on and the main focus was on collecting the large amount of litter throughout the village. Action: Cllr Astle will contact LCC to find out what the Parish Council s responsibility is regarding litter picking. Action: To arrange another date for the next Village Walkabout Bollard on the Triangle The replacement bollard for the Triangle still has not been installed. The clerk to chase up with LCC. 16. To note any comments or questions from residents Condition of the Community Noticeboard Covered under Matters Arising.

5 Beech hedge being Lutterworth Road houses at Franks Lane Play Area A resident raised their concern that the tops of the beech hedge by their property was not cut last winter and asked if this could be added to the next cutting schedule in the autumn. Action: To include on the agenda for September s meeting Skateboard Ramp A resident had raised their concern over the skateboard ramp and splinters. The Parish Council. To be covered under agenda item Planning Enforcement Residents had raised their concerns over the possible use of a residential property being used for business purposes at 24 Cromwell Close. The Parish Council has spoken to the Planning Enforcement Officer at HDC who summarised that the parking of a recovery vehicle in isolation would probably not constitute a material change of use in terms of home working. However, should residents feel that the use intensifies or the situation changes, please contact the Parish Council again Fallen Tree at the River Swift A tree near the crossing of the River Swift in Misterton has fallen, leaving many branches in the river, potentially causing a flood risk. Action: The clerk was asked to report this to the Estates Manager at LCC Damaged Kissing Gate It was reported that one of the Kissing Gates had a damaged rail. The location of the gate is the first one on the right as you head out of Walcote from Chapel Lane Play Area towards the church. Action: Cllr Marsh will ask Nick Marsh to inspect and repair if necessary Fly Tipping Although fly tipping is a nationally recognised problem. Walcote and Misterton do not have a big problem with it. Residents were asked to report any instances of fly tipping to HDC. 17. To note any planning matters 17/00664/FUL Erection of part two storey and single storey front and side extensions and associated works; demolition of existing external stores and garage (revised scheme of 16/01844/FUL) West View Farm, South Kilworth Road, Walcote. Resolved: To make no comment on the application. 18. Annual Return To approve the Annual Governance Statement Deferred until the next meeting as awaiting for internal audit. 19. Annual Return To approve the Accounting Statements Deferred until the next meeting as awaiting for internal audit. 20. To consider the insurance renewal quotes Resolved: To accept the proposal from Inspire and enter into a 3 year Long Term Agreement. 21. To consider using Ladywell Accountancy Services to run payroll Resolved: To use Ladywell Accountancy Services to run the payroll for the Parish Council for 2017/18 and beyond and to complete the payroll for 2016/ Children s Play Areas To note the Routine Inspection of Children s Play Areas

6 Inspections were completed on and Points to note include the following: Tunnel Weaving: the willow tunnel could benefit from some weaving Skateboard Ramps: the Flat Bank and Driveway skate ramps are starting to show signs that they will need some work and attention again soon. The Parish Council were again considering options for the long-term future of the skate park. While the equipment is well used by locals, a lot of money needs spending on a regular basis to maintain the equipment. The Parish Council decided that the best option to begin with was to get advice from the Leicestershire & Rutland Playing Fields Association and to also ask the clerk at Broughton Astley Parish Council for details of their maintenance contractor. Action: The clerk. The question of whether funding would be available from the Windfarm Community Fund was asked. This may be available for replacement equipment, but not for maintaining existing equipment. Walcote on Wheels has now closed and the remaining balance of funds of given to the Parish Council To schedule dates of future inspections Future inspection dates were scheduled. 23. Accounts for payment Cheques signed prior to the meeting Payee Description Amount MWCT Village Hall & Meeting Room hire Total Cheques signed at the meeting Payee Description Amount Harborough District Council Litter & Dog Bin Emptying Jan-Mar LRALC Chairman's Training Course (L Astle) LRALC NALC & LRALC Membership to Counties Ground Maintenance Grass Cutting Contract RCC LRPFA Membership Cathy Walsh Clerk's allowances & expenses Mar/Apr/May Came & Company Insurance Nick Marsh Screws for the skateboard ramp Counties Ground Maintenance grass Cutting Contract & Total 1, To receive an update on the following: Local Government Boundary Commission for England Electoral Review of HDC The consultation period closed on 08 th May Leicestershire County Council s (LCC) Community Speed Camera Trial Walcote has been selected as one of LCC s trial sites and is expected to receive its speed camera in autumn The Parish Council has a meeting planned on 25 th May 2017 with LCC to discuss the trial. Action: To include on the agenda for the next meeting. Action: To include details of the trial in the next edition of the newsletter. 25. To progress and provide an update on the Neighbourhood Plan

7 1028 The Parish Council held a public meeting on which was well attended. Cllr Marsh read out a report on the meeting which is attached as appendix B. The production of the Neighbourhood Plan relies very much on support from residents and cannot go ahead without the engagement of the community. The Parish Council will directly approach those that expressed an interest and attended the meeting. 26. To consider the Eight Parishes Community Fund Applications for 2017 Misterton with Walcote Parish Council Moveable Vehicle Activated Sign funding In light of the fact that Walcote has been selected to take as part in LCC s Speed Camera Trial, the application was withdrawn. Misterton with Walcote Parish Council slide for Chapel Lane Play Area funding On behalf of resident MWPC submitted an application for a slide at Chapel Lane Play Area. The Parish Council felt that due to the potential high cost of the slide, they would not be able to approve the application. However, they were prepared to match fund to a maximum of 3,000 if the resident sought funding from other sources. St Leonard s Misterton, Parochial Church Council funding towards a new boiler The Parish Council resolved to award 4,000 of funding toward the cost of a new boiler. Misterton with Walcote Community Trust funding towards the cost of a canopy for the village hall The Parish Council resolved to award 5,901 of grant funding towards the cost of the canopy. 27. Any other Business Action: To include the access road to the village hall on the agenda for the next meeting. 28. To confirm the date of the next meeting The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 14 th June at 8pm. The chair closed the meeting at 9.40pm.

8 1029 Appendix A Report of Chair for Misterton with Walcote Parish Council 11 th May 2017 As is usual, when reflecting on the past year, it seems that whilst a surprising amount has happened, there are also a number of projects that have dragged on for longer than would have been predicted a year ago. And oh so many of our preoccupations will undoubtedly reappear in next year s report too. Of the elements that have been successfully completed, the transformation of the website is probably the one that dominated Cathy s year, for which I offer my grateful thanks on behalf of the Council and the village. We were not planning to move, but the move was forced upon us and Cathy spent long hours ensuring that the transition was as smooth as possible. I imagine some users will have barely noticed the change, but our current website looks professional and has a number of useful links embedded within it. Also, thanks this time to Lindsey, our electronic presence has been enhanced by the launch of a new village newsletter. The first edition appeared at the beginning of the year and thus far, any feedback I have heard has been entirely positive. It is easy to assume that everyone else hears all the same information as you, but the existence of a newsletter will ensure this really is true. The next edition is due shortly, so if anyone here tonight wants to be added to the mailing list, please ensure Cathy has your address. There will be paper copies available on the notice board too for those without . The use of the notice board brings me to a project which has rumbled on through the year. We now have a replacement for the WI seat by the bus stop, which sadly disintegrated when the triangle was being repaved. The persistence of Councillors and the clerk has resolved the problem with drainage within the bus stop, and we have a new notice board. However, we still need to resolve some issues with the new board something which appears on this month s agenda and we still await a bollard and an information panel which are needed before the long running renovations are finally complete. Returning to completed projects, the footpath improvements, replacing all the stiles in the shorter circular village walk with kissing gates and providing kissing gates all the way to Lutterworth, has made our countryside more easily accessible. Tesco provided funds through their Bags of Help scheme after Lindsey managed to secure a sizeable grant for the works. And of course, the reopening of the Black Horse has been a particular highlight. Although the Parish Council had little direct influence on the scheme, I think it goes to illustrate how public spirited so many of our villagers are. Of the ongoing projects, we are now the proud owners of the field at the end of South Kilworth Road. Now we must determine what we will do with the newly acquired land. Through the year we have also continued to maintain the playground and the skateboard ramp, with help from Walcote on Wheels. Cathy and I seem to have spent too long standing in the cold and rain talking to various

9 1030 playground providers. This has resulted in several repairs to the skateboard ramp, whose continued popularity brings with it a lot of wear and tear again this figures on our agenda later. However, we seem to have resolved the ongoing problems with the carousel. Now we hope it will revolve all year, rather than only in the warmer months and have also found a way to protect the climber from unwanted attention from grass cutting strimmers, by installing protective sleeves around each of its legs. We would not be a normal Parish Council without experiencing ongoing problems with dog poo! The amount remaining on the footpaths and fields seemed to grow through the year, which prompted the Council to distribute a leaflet explaining the problems poo causes and possible consequences of leaving dog poo uncollected. Sadly, despite an initial improvement, as the weather has warmed the problem seems to have reappeared with local farmers and residents both experiencing the unpleasant consequences of thoughtless dog owners. I have to predict we will still be looking for ways to solve this problem at the end next year and beyond. Another item which could remain a major theme for the new Chair is likely to be the Neighbourhood Plan. Whilst several Councillors agree that our parish could benefit from a Neighbourhood Plan and a number of residents have supported the idea in principal, we have not yet managed to find sufficient people willing to assist in its preparation and production. As yet, I am unwilling to abandon the project. It will be discussed again later this evening and we will continue to look for people who can help us secure this useful resource. I would encourage anyone here who is interested to make sure Cathy has their details so we can try and move the plan onto its next phase. One area which proved unusually difficult this year was setting the parish precept. While I have been a member of the Parish Council, all councillors have striven to keep increases low whilst maintaining services. In recent years we have been encouraged to assume new responsibilities as the district and county councils have had their resources squeezed. Unfortunately, the financial resources needed have not followed our new responsibilities. It would be irresponsible to operate a budget that continues to deplete our reserves further, so with great reluctance, we agreed that the precept would have to rise. In our defence, I would remind parishioners that although the increase looks large in percentage term, it equates to approximately 1.75 per month for a band D property. Finally, I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their support throughout the year. They have all given many hours for the good of the village and I consider we are fortunate to have the services of such a dedicated and hardworking bunch. I would also like to thank Cathy our clerk. She too is a real asset to the parish, offering advice and support to us all; always willing to chase officers of the council until problems are resolved and showing persistence where many would be tempted to give up. I would like too to welcome our new district councillor to tonight s meeting. It is good to see him taking an interest in parish matters. Thank you all for your support and may I offer my best wishes to our new chair for

10 1031 Appendix B Neighbourhood Planning meeting Saturday 8 th April 2017 Present: Gary Kirk, Paul Hobbs, Lindsey Astle and Liz Marsh (Misterton with Walcote Parish Council), 26 members of the public Liz Marsh (Chair of Parish Council) welcomed everybody and introduced Gary from Your Locale, a company offering Councils assistance through the Neighbourhood Planning process. Gary Kirk explained the process for preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, detailing both the advantages and limitations of having a plan and the difficulties and pitfalls sometimes experienced in the process. Whilst Walcote and Misterton are unlikely to require more than minimal development within the plan period, the existence of a plan can protect a village or can allocated more development than required if the local residents agree it is needed. Advantages: power to influence the nature of change within the Parish, identification and protection of important open spaces within the village and views both in and out, access to greater funds generated by development, possible refusal of unwanted development once plan is adopted. Limitations: no control of development allocated through the statutory planning process (egg Lutterworth East), preparation of a plan may alert developers to potential sites, the plan will have to be in accordance with Local Plan. Difficulties and pitfalls: the amount of work required (whilst supported by professionals both councillors and the public will need to be involved), possible disagreements about the amount and location of development allocated, once complete the plan will need to be kept up to date an ongoing process. Gary and the Parish Councillors then answered a number of questions, many residents were concerned about proposed development at Lutterworth East. It was stressed that a Neighbourhood Plan could not prevent the proposal, it could influence the layout and nature of the housing provided. After about an hour, the meeting agreed that they were minded to support the preparation of a plan. Unfortunately, there were only two offers of help with plan preparation. The Chair thanked the public, councillors and Gary for their attendance. RECOMMENDATION: The Parish Council approach people directly who attended the meeting and other interested villagers, asking them to assist in the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. If the Council cannot find at least two more people willing to help, by the date of the next meeting, then they will inform Gary Kirk that they are not able to move on at this stage. EM will write / all attendees plus other villagers who may be interested. She will also speak to Gary Kirk to update him on progress.