Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday Tuesday 7 October 2008

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

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mrs Evans said that the cost of repairing the damage to No. 8 Weston Road, (caused by the tenant) was reported as £30,000. This would be paid by the Housing Association, and it was understood the same tenant would be allowed to move back in when the house was finished. Mr Hartin said this was an “open list” house. Houses on “exception sites” were for local people only.

The Chairman said it was very difficult for the Parish Council to comment on whether applicants qualify for local housing, and he had redrafted the form, but had not heard anything from South Shropshire Housing Association. Mr Graves to investigate.

Mrs Evans said it was regrettable that the Contractors were coming from Birmingham rather than using local firms.

Mrs Edwards asked about the rules for the conservation area in the middle of the village as certain works had taken place without planning permission. Mr Hartin to ask the Enforcement Officer to make a site visit.

Mrs Parker asked whether a deposit had been paid by the Housing Association to the landowner for some land in Bedstone Road. Mr Hartin understood that the option on this piece of land had run out.

The Chairman then closed the Open Meeting

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mr P Davies.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 2 SEPTEMBER 2008
Agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
School Garden Play Area. The Chairman read out a letter from Mrs Rachel Eardisley detailing the improvements which had been made, and the final account. Lisa Bedford from the District Council would be making a site visit, and the Parish Council may wish to do a press release, which should state where the funding came from. Mrs Eardisley wished to write a note of thanks on behalf of the Parish Council to Bucknell Nurseries, Active Play, and the volunteers, the Chairman said the Parish Council would send the letters.

There was a problem with older children using the play area, a warning sign and disclaimer may be required.

Allotments. Mrs Fraser said that a suitable piece of land was still being actively sought.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Nothing to report at present.

Village Sewerage System/Water Supply. Mr Hartin reported that a new pumping system was being installed in Weston Road to bypass the four-inch main. There would be a separate system for surface water.
Although this would help the situation in Weston Road, the general problems in the village as a whole would remain.

Coronation Oak, Bedstone. Nothing to report at present. Clerk to try to contact the County Tree Officer’s department.

Bedstone Notice Board. Mr Savery said a reply to the application for a 50% grant was still awaited. It was agreed unanimously on a show of hands that the Parish Council pay the other 50% (£350).

ROADS
Street Lights. Clerk had reported two failed street lights. Light by the lych gate also to be reported.

Hedge by the Railway Station. This should be cut within the next week. Mr Chambers said some drivers were still shooting the crossing in front of trains, which was highly dangerous.

PLANNING
There were no applications for consideration.

The following applications had been granted:
No. 1/08/21027/TC Tree works at Bedstone College.
No. 1/08/20971/LB Woodburning stove, etc, at Weir House.

Application No. 1/08/20958/TP Tree works at The Old Coach Houses, Bucknell, had been granted. Approval related to the removal of branches of a beech tree, rather than sectional dismantling to ground level, which the Parish Council had objected to.

Application No. 1/08/20922/F Ten affordable dwellings, Nursery Site, Weston Road, had been granted, subject to a satisfactory drainage scheme being implemented.

PARISH PLAN
Mr Graves reported on the public meetings held recently, which had resulted in a considerable amount of information for the Steering Group to consider.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs Edwards reported that it appeared the £50,000 grant from Shropshire County Council had not been approved.

A meeting with Advantage West Midlands was scheduled for later this month (AWM did not turn up to a previously arranged meeting). The grant application to AWM was for just under £300,000.

The Chairman explained that the Craven Arms Partnership had been disbanded. Bucknell came into the Craven Arms and Rural section of the Local Joint Committee (LJC), which would receive money from the unitary authority.

FINANCE
Account balances were reported as:

Settlement of accounts:
It was agreed unanimously to pay the following:

It was further agreed to pay the following (Mr W Davies declared a personal interest and did not vote):

Mr Carter declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the room while this was discussed.

Incoming:

CORRESPONDENCE
HOWLTA Newsletter Autumn 2008

Communities and Local Government letter + enclosure re: The making and enforcement of bylaws – A consultation. To Post Office.

Notification re: Craven Arms and Rural Local Joint Committee.

Notification re: Cross Border Event for Parish & Town Councils event 15.10.08.

West Mercia Police Authority letter + enclosure re: Combined Equality Scheme. To Post Office.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Outside “Woodruff”, Weston Road. Road repair around a stopcock was sinking. Clerk to report this.

DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 November 2008 in Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall at 7.30pm. Mr Savery to book the hall.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.55pm.