Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 6 May 2008

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mrs F Hughes, Mrs B Sharpe, Mrs K Law, Mr C Savery, Mr C Carter. District & County Councillor N Hartin. 11 members of the public.

REPORT BY SOUTH SHROPSHIRE HOUSING ASSOCIATION
The Chairman introduced Mrs Pugh, who reported on the open consultation evening held in the village on 20 March to view the housing association’s proposed plans for a new affordable development on Weston Road. The feedback had proved to be very useful, and as a result the SSHA would hold an open parish meeting in the Memorial Hall towards the end of this month, when a panel from the housing association would be available to answer any questions. This would be publicised via a leaflet drop to all houses in the parish. The Chairman said he was under the impression that all questions would be answered at tonight’s meeting. Mrs Pugh agreed to take questions, but was not in a position to speak on some subjects.

Mrs Pugh explained the contents of a Section 106 Agreement; this was updated from time to time, and she would bring a current copy to the open meeting.

The Chairman explained the history and the problems between the Parish Council and the Housing Association. Mr Hartin expressed concern that the timescale for the application for planning permission appeared to have accelerated from 3-4 years to one month, and said that the main problem was that the housing association had failed to take the local community along with it.

Mrs Pugh agreed to take back the parish’s concerns to the housing association.
The Chairman thanked Mrs Pugh, who then left the meeting. The Chairman apologised to the members of the public for the confusion regarding the arrangements for tonight’s meeting.

OPEN DISCUSSION
None

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr W Davies, Mr P Davies.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairman. Mr Hughes was proposed by Mr Owen, seconded by Mr Carter. As there were no further nominations, Mr Hughes was re-elected unanimously on a show of hands.
Vice Chairman. Mr Owen was proposed by Mrs Law, seconded by Mr Savery. In the absence of any further nomination, Mr Owen was re-elected unanimously on a show of hands.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Meals on Wheels. Mrs Jackson was of the opinion that the meals should be prepared by the school. Mrs Jean Pryke was in charge of the scheme. Mr Hartin said there was a problem with takeup, with only one gentleman in the village requiring prepared meals.

Litter Pickers. Mr Chambers said that the team of litter pickers were very pleased that Bucknell residents appreciated what they did for the village.

Bridge End Lane. Mr Owen reported that the paperwork for the “No Through Road” sign was in progress. Mr Hartin said that a 20mph sign was also on order.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 1 APRIL 2008
Approved unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
None.

PLANNING
Application No. 1/08/20695/OE New electricity pole adjacent to Old Coach Houses, Bucknell. Supported.
Application No. 1/08/20696/TC Felling of conifers at Church Cottage, Bucknell. No comment.

ROADS
Maintenance of Weston Road. Mr Hartin reported that the County Surveyor had agreed to do this work, but was awaiting the outcome of the planning application for houses in Weston Road.
Road Closure, Stowe. The Stowe to Bucknell Road would be closed for one week from 26.5.08 for the construction of roadside gabion walls.

PARISH PLAN
The next meeting of the steering committee would be held on 19 June. This would be a joint meeting between the Parish Planning Committee and the Parish Council. Ms Gemma Robinson from the Community Council would also attend.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
The Chairman said that the second Lease was scheduled for completion in early June.
Mrs Edwards reported that responses to grant applications were still awaited.

FINANCE
Cheque Signatories. These were currently Mr Hughes, Mr Owen and Mr W Davies. It was agreed on a show of hands that these be reappointed en bloc.

Account Balances were reported as: