MINUTES OF THE  MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 6 DECEMBER 2010 AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH HALL, LOSTOCK GRALAM

Part I

The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.

PRESENT: Parish Councillors M Litton, A McEllin, D Woodward, P Kelly

and J Beasant

IN ATTENDANCE: N Clarke, Clerk

ALSO PRESENT: CWAC Cllr M Stocks, S Swift, CDP Ltd, and members of the public

PUBLIC FORUM

Mr Hargreaves commented that since the closure of Birches Lane (due to road works) the road is quieter and cleaner.   He would like HGV’s banned from Birches Lane, Lostock Gralam side, apart from access, and a 30 mph speed limit.  Other residents agreed with Mr Hargreaves.    The Clerk reported that following an article in a Lostock Green newsletter asking for opinions about the road closure, she had received several emails and phone calls regarding the road, overwhelming in favour of closing the access permanently. 

After discussion with Cllr. Stocks it was agreed that the Clerk will collate all the replies and arrange a meeting with Highways, the ward Councillors and Lostock Green residents in the new year.

It was also reported that the traffic lights at Hall Road / Station Road / Manchester Road seem to be out of sync.  The Clerk to report.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

RESOLVED to accept apologies from Cllrs. Foster, Goulding and Wells; Borough Councillors M Byram and N Wright; and PCSO Hambleton.

TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM S SWIFT, CDP Ltd

Sonja Swift reported that the construction of the pub and hotel is due to be underway on the Triangle shortly.   The housing development plans should be going to planning committee in January 2011.

Ms Swift then went on to explain that J&S (a local motorbike company) are looking to consolidate their businesses in Northwich and relocate to the Triangle.  The proposed two-storey unit would comprise a showroom, offices and a warehouse on the site adjacent to the hotel and parallel with the A556.   A discussion followed about the change of use of the Business park to retail, proposed opening hours and size of unit. Although there is 1000sq2 already granted for retail, this application would be of mixed use and therefore not classed as purely retail.     

There was some view by the Council that as this was a local firm employing mainly local people that it should be given a cautious welcome, others were very unhappy about the change of use. 

The Chairman thanked CDP for making the presentation.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the council held on 1 November 2010, having been copied to members, was taken as read and confirmed and signed as being a correct record.  

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER 2010.

The Clerk reported on the following:

1. Viridor planning meeting – see below in CWAC report. 

REPORT FROM PCSO P HAMBLETON

PCSO Hambleton was unable to attend the meeting but sent a monthly report, which has been circulated amongst the Council.

The Clerk reminded members of an Open Police Meeting on 11 January 2011 at the Memorial Hall, Northwich.   

REPORT FROM CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNILLORS

CWAC Councillor Stocks reported on the following:

1. The Viridor planning application was heard on 18 November 2010.  Cllr Stocks and McEllin spoke against the application.  Viridor were successful in their application but it remains to be seen if they build as they have not yet been awarded the Cheshire Waste contract and will not be receiving Defra money.

2. The Brunner Mond planning application has been deferred until January 2011 due to late reports.   There is a public meeting on 7 December 2010 at Northwich Memorial Hall. CHAIN will be attending but Brunner Mond have declined.

3. Cllr. Stocks asked if the Council was happy with gritting in the area due to the very bad weather.  The Clerk had spoken to Highways about gritting pavements and salt bins.   

4. The Riversdale bridge opened in Northwich on Friday 3 December 2010.

S.106 MONEY FROM THE TRIANGLE

The Council considered correspondence from Jerry Gibbs, Principal Engineer for CWAC regarding the s.106 allocation for the Triangle development.   The Council asked the Clerk to arrange a site meeting with Jerry Gibbs to discuss the various options.

PLAY AREAS

1. The Council has received the final report from Groundwork regarding phase 2 of Stubbs Lane play area and that the Parish Council is now responsible for maintaining the whole site, including trees and planting.   The Clerk will include these in the tender letters for grass cutting.

2. Birches Lane – The Clerk had previously circulated the cost breakdown for the project, which amounts to almost £100k.   Although grants are being perused by Groundwork the Council is concerned that the project will overrun and the area not be able to be used during 2011.   The Clerk confirmed that the Council could probably contribute £40 – 50k to the project out of earmarked funds for 2010-11 and 2011-12 and there is the possibility of arranging a Public Works Loan.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK

The Clerk reported on the following:

1. The Clerk attended a PCSO meeting at Winsford HQ on 16 November 2010. The general consensus seems to be that the dialogue between Parish Councils and PCSO’s and their managers has improved over the past year.   There was a discussion about funding issues in light of government cuts and this is on the agenda for the pubic meeting in January 2011.

2. Manchester Airport has sent out details of runway closures – copies have been ciruclated.

3. Correspondence regarding the closure of Birches Lane junction – see public forum for details.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS & DECISIONS

     

Planning Applications

None

Planning Decisions

10/02139/FUL 7 Village Close, Lostock Green, CW9 7SW

First floor side extension

GRANTED

PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

It was RESOLVED to accept payment of the following accounts:

Chq no. Payee Amount

85 Royal British Legion 

s.137 donation for poppy wreaths 100.00

86 SITA UK Ltd

Rental of skip and collection of rubbish at the Churchyard Oct 10 – Mar 11 496.39

87 Willis Brothers

Re grading and drainage at Lostock Green play area 5488.66

88 The Society of Local Council Clerks

Membership 10 –11 95.00

89 Cheshire County Playing Fields Association

Subscription 10 – 11 18.00

90 Lostock Gralam Community Centre

Litter pick Oct – Dec 10 162.50

The Clerk circulated a financial update in preparation for budget setting next month.  Although Local Authorities are capped to prevent increase in Council Tax, the police, and Parish Councils are able to raise their precept for 2011-12.    

The meeting finished at 9.05 p.m. 

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Monday 10 January 2011 at Lostock Gralam Church Hall at 7.30 p.m.