MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 6 APRIL 2009 AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH HALL, LOSTOCK GRALAM
The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Parish Councillors H Argent (standing in as Chairman), J Foster, N Goulding, A Makepeace
IN ATTENDANCE: N Clarke, Clerk
ALSO PRESENT: CWAC N Wright, Members of the Public
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Parish Councillors E Guy, R Reece & S Wells
PRESENTATION BY SONJA SWIFT, CDP Ltd.
S Swift, Senior Planner for CDP Ltd gave an update on the Triangle development. She brought with her a site plan with the proposed developments and informed the Parish Council of an open day being held on Tuesday 7 April at the site. Over 300 letters have been distributed to local residents and notices put up in local shops and in the local newspaper to advertise the event.
Several questions were put to Ms Swift regarding the size and type of the hotels, pub/diner and shop on the site. She assured the council that the shop can only be up to 1000m2, there was interest in one of the hotels and Marstons have shown interest in the pub/diner.
Cllr Argent asked when the perimeter fencing was coming down: this would depend on when units are let.
There was general concern regarding the proposed pedestrian route from the site to Stubbs Lane. S Swift reported that they had tried, unsuccessfully, to alter the route to run by the Community Centre so it would come out nearer School Lane. However, Cheshire Highways have continually refused, as it would be too dangerous to cross Stubbs Lane at this point. Following discussion, it was decided that the Parish Council is to formally write to CWAC suggesting the alternative route and, together with CDP, ask for a meeting with Highways to discuss the path.
Cllr Argent thanked Ms Swift for the informative report. Ms Swift left the meeting.
PUBLIC FORUM
The following matters were raised by members of the public:
1. Ms Griffiths reported that the road surface at the crossroads by Manchester Road/Station Road is sinking and causing water to run down the road. Clerk to report to Highways.
2. Several residents in Lostock Gralam have received Cheshire East newsletters rather than Cheshire West and Chester.
3. A metal barrier has been erected on Cookes Lane by the Picnic Area in place of the old wooden fencing. This could be dangerous for cyclists as it would not be seen in the dark and it is of a height whereby the cyclist could be thrown over the barrier. Although the picnic area is now in private hands the Clerk will contact CWAC Highways to check for safety and cc Rudheath PC.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the council held on 2 March, having been copied to members, were taken as read and were confirmed and signed as being a correct record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2 MARCH 2009.
None
CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBER
There was a resolution at the meeting that Ann McEllin be co-opted onto Lostock Gralam Parish Council. This was agreed unanimously and Cllr McEllin joined the council after making her declaration of office.
REPORT FROM PCSO JONES None
REPORT ON THE USE OF SPEED INDICATOR DEVICES
The clerk reported that the SIDS had been used extensively on Manchester Road and we now have the data sent by email. The data indicates that at 75% of drivers are speeding, which gives a strong indication that more signs etc. are required. The data will be invaluable for providing evidence at the CAM meeting on 20 April.
REPORT FROM CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNILLORS
CWAC Councillor N Wright reported that he would try to attend as many Parish Council meetings as possible along with the two other CWAC councillors. As Cllr Wright is the Chairman of the Highways Committee he will try to attend the CAM meeting with regard to the speeding on Manchester Road.
REPORT FROM THE CLERK
1. The Clerk attended a meeting with the Audit Commission on 26 March. The internal audit is due to take place on 1 May with the external audit on 20 May. The clerk confirmed the council that the accounts will be ready in plenty of time. Cllr McEllin is to look over the accounts between 20 – 26 April.
2. The Clerk reported on a Funding Seminar attended on 27 March which gave an insight into which funding areas are under subscribed and which were Cheshire based.
3. The Clerk has investigated borrowing for phase 2 of the play area. The interest rates quoted are: HSBC – base rate + 6%, Co-OP – base rate + 3%. The HSBC are reluctant to lend without security, the Co-op will be happy to lend but ask that the Parish Council are members for at least 3 months. RESOLVED: to switch from HSBC to the Co-op with immediate effect.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Correspondence copied to council
1. Chalc newsletter
2. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service – ACTION REQUIRED: to determine whether to invite them to a meeting.
3. Tercentenary of Lower Peover School
4. St John’s School House minutes
5. Email from Inspector Paul Loughlin
6. PCSO Performance Framework
7. CWAC Invitation – 30 April
8. SID Data
9. Manchester Airport – Invitation to liaison meeting
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning applications have been received and sent to council for approval.
09-00376-COU Jack Richards & Son
Land to North East of Haulage Yard, Griffiths Road
Change of use of part of site from HGV tractor and trailer parking to storage of Hire Cars (Retrospective)
No objection
09/00475/FUL Mrs D O’Boyle
18 Smithy Lane, Lostock Gralam
Single storey front extension
No objection
PLANNING DECISIONS
The following decisions have been received by the Clerk:
09/00110/FUL Mr Kenion
29 Townshend Road, Lostock Gralam
Garage extension and front canopy (resubmission of 08/2472-FUL)
PERMITTED
09/00184/FUL Mr Stuart Campbell
439 Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam
Two storey extension to rear (resubmission of 08/1905/FUL)
PERMITTED
09/00182/FUL CDP Ltd/Marstons Inns and Taverns
Lostock Triangle Site, Manchester Road
Variation of condition 20 on outline application APP/2001/0553 to increase the size of the pub/diner
PERMITTED
09/00143/FZ5 Joanne Longbottom, GDF Storage Ltd
Sublach Gas Storage Project, King Street, Northwich
Application to re-route access roads
PERMITTED
PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
It was resolved to accept payment of the following accounts:
Chq no. Payee Amount
100698 Mid Cheshire Footpath Society – membership fees
Cheque signed in between meetings 8.00
100699 Lostock Gralam Community Centre – room hire 18.75
100700 Chalc – training course (£30) and membership fee 09/10 (£507.65) 537.65
100801 SLCC – membership fee 82.00
100802 CPFA – membership fee 18.00
100803 Cheshire Community Action – sub 09/10 50.00
100804 Countrywide Maintenance – Grass ctg April 09 209.30
100805 ChALC – Audit Commission seminar 5.00
100806 NL Clarke – salary and expenses 1049.35
NOTIFICATION OF FUTURE BUSINESS Standing orders
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Monday 11 May at Lostock Gralam Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. This will be the Annual Meeting followed by the AGM.