Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 5 June 2007

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mrs F Hughes, Mrs B Sharp,
Mrs K Law, Mr W Davies, District & County Councillor N Hartin.
Mr Paul Sutton, South Shropshire Housing Association.
18 members of the public.

PRESENTATION RE: HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY

The Chairman introduced Mr Sutton, and asked him to comment on the other housing survey. Mr Sutton said this related to Craven Arms itself and its rural hinterland, whereas South Shropshire Housing Association’s survey was limited to Bucknell parish.

581 forms had been sent out and 22% returned, which was within normal parameters. There was a need for affordable housing for both young people and old people, and showed a preference for 10 x 2 bedroomed houses, 2 x 3 bedroomed houses, and 1 x 2 bedroomed bungalow.

Unfortunately none of the percentages added up, so the figures were of limited use.
Mr Sutt
on explained the difference between local housing for local people, which was SSHA’s brief, and Council rented housing, which would go to people with the highest priority on the points system, and could come from anywhere in the country.

Mrs Edwards asked why properties were left empty – one flat in Chestnut Meadow had been empty for about a month. Mr Sutton replied that the target for new lets was 24 days, and requested further information.

Following further questions from the floor, the Chairman thanked Mr Sutton for his presentation, but pointed out that the confusion about the percentages was disappointing and that numbers would be much better. Mr Sutton confirmed that he would supply these to the Chairman.

Mr Sutton then left the meeting.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Hogg asked whether the provision of allotments had been considered by the Parish Council. The Chairman replied that this would be considered at this meeting.

Mr Graves asked whether the Parish Council would be interested in making the parish a carbon neutral zone. The Chairman invited Mr Graves to make a presentation on this subject at a future Parish Council meeting.

Mrs Parker reported that the drains in Bridge End Lane had finally been cleaned out, but that more dog signs were required, Mr Hartin to provide these.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr C Savery, Mr P Davies.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None

MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 8 MAY 2007
Under “Finances” the following cheque had also been written: Allianz Cornhill (insurance) £483.00. Subject to this correction the Minutes were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Land at Chapel Lawn Road and The Causeway. Maintenance was now satisfactory.

Street Lighting. Nothing to report at present.

Litter Pickers Team. The Chairman had information from the District Council that should the Parish Council provide safety tabards, warning cones, etc, there would be Health and Safety implications and the need for risk analysis, and the whole thing would become more complicated. Documentation was awaited from SSDC.

Allotments. There was considerable disquiet in the village concerning the possibility of allotments at Daffodil Lane. Documentation re: the terms of the Lease to be tabled at the next meeting. Clerk had received information from SALC, and there were several ways land could be obtained for allotments.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Clerk had telephoned BT Wayleaves , but they were unable to pass on the name of the owner of the land because of the Data Protection Act, Neither were they prepared to pass on a letter from the Parish Council to the owner. Mr Hartin requested a copy of the information, and would speak to Mrs Caldebank at the District Council.

Dog Warden. Mrs Sharp asked whether a speaker could come to a future Parish Council meeting, possibly the July meeting.

PLANNING
 
Applications Nos. 1/07/19591/F & 1/07/19592/LB. Open-sided canopy, etc to create a smoking area at The Baron of Beef. Supported.
Applications Nos. 1/07/19547/F & 1/07/19548/LB. Extension, etc. at Weir Cottage. Supported.
Application No. 1/07/19484/F. Extensions and garage at The Rockeries, Weston Road. Supported.

The following applications had been granted conditionally:
No. 1/07/19287/F. Polytunnel and shed at Greenways, Chapel Lawn Road.
No. 1/07/19440/F. Renewal of temporary permission for siting of mobile home at Hales Barn.
No. 1/07/19340/F. Agricultural building to serve Bucknell Nurseries at land off Bedstone Road.

PARISH PLAN
Nothing to report at present.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that they were still waiting to hear from the Big Lottery Fund. The church had held a hog roast on the field at the weekend. A flaw had appeared in the children’s slide on the play area at Daffodil Lane, and also the seats on the seesaw were damaged. These repairs should be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee.

The RoSPA inspection of this and the school garden play area should be carried out later this month. Mr Hartin said that the bench at the school garden was in a bad state of repair; Chairman asked Mr W Davies to remove it, also the seat at Chapel Lawn Road. The Chairman had applied to the Craven Arms Partnership for a grant towards a new bench, this would be considered at their meeting in July.

FINANCE
Cheque Signatories. Mr Owen had completed his Mandate Form and would take it to the Bank. Mr W Davies confirmed that he wished to remain as a signatory.

Review of Clerk’s Salary. Information still not to hand. Accounts to Year Ended 31.3.07. Returned from the Internal Auditor without comment. Clerk to process.

CORRESPONDENCE
South Shropshire Housing Association letter enclosing local connection forms from applicants for the vacant property at Chestnut Meadow. Chairman had dealt with these prior to this meeting.
South Shropshire District Council letter + enclosures re: Landlords Forum 20.6.07. Posters to Notice Boards.
Shropshire County Council letter + poster advising that the parish had been included in the Parish Access Project which restores rights of way. Mr Hartin said that Mr Starr was the co-ordinator of the team of P3 volunteers who would maintain the stiles, etc once they were replaced.
SCC letter + enclosure re: Local Council involvement in Highway Maintenance.

Revised: 25 November 2006