MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
6.00PM WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021
VIA ‘ZOOM’
PRESENT: Mr D Forman (Chair); Mrs L Mills (Clerk); Mr J Poole; Mr S Perry; Mrs J Moreton; Mr D Wilkinson; Mr J Moore
1. APOLOGIES: Mr D Mills (Vice-Chair); Cllr W Gray (ELDC)
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2021 had been circulated. All present agreed they were accurate, therefore DF signed them as a true record.
3. MATTERS ARISING: None
4. PLANNING APPLICATION S/022/00979/21: Siting of static caravan on land off Copper Street, Bucknall - followed by Public Forum
Mr J Moore declared an interest in this matter, therefore he left the Zoom meeting whilst it was discussed.
DF asked whether any Councillors had observations regarding this application. LM stated that there was no indication on the paperwork regarding how foul sewage and waste would be disposed of; also that the application appeared to indicate that no residential unit(s) would be gained or lost, however the static caravan was also referred to as a ‘residential caravan’.
DF stated that the letter of support indicated that meat would be produced on site, however there do not appear to be any buildings nearby that could accommodate this.
There were members of the public present on the Zoom call, however the only comment forthcoming was that it was not believed that the applicant intended to eventually build on the land.
A vote was taken with the following result:
Support - 0
Neutral - 3
Object - 4
Abstain - 1
ACTION: LM to inform ELDC of Parish Council’s observations.
5. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL RETURN
LM had previously circulated a copy of the accounts for year ending 31 March 2021, which had been presented at the AGM on 6 April 2021. The accounts will form the Annual Financial Return which has to be submitted by 30 June 2021.
It was unanimously agreed that the accounts were correct (having previously been accepted at the AGM) and the Council was happy for the report to be submitted to the external auditors.
6. APPOINTMENT OF PARISH COUNCILLOR
Mrs Susan Adams had previously expressed an interest in joining the Parish Council.
LM informed the meeting that ELDC have confirmed that they have received no other enquiries/applications from anybody else regarding the vacancy, therefore the Parish Council are free to co-opt Mrs Adams as a new Councillor to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr D White.
JM asked for some information regarding Mrs Adams. DF confirmed that she has lived in the village for some 20 years and has been involved with both the Village Hall and the church.
A vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed to co-opt Mrs Adams onto the Parish Council.
7. TREE ON PLATTS LANE
A resident of Platts Lane is concerned that the large tree at front of his garden is becoming unsafe. He has stated that half of the tree is in his garden and the other half encroaching onto the pavement. Enquiries have been made with both ELDC and LCC who have been unable to provide any information regarding ownership of/responsibility for the tree, or whether a Protection Order is in place. There is also concern that the roots may be causing the drains either side of the tree to become blocked. This matter has been previously reported to the relevant authority and although it is shown as being dealt with, nothing appears to have been done so far.
DF stated that the Parish Council have sent an enquiry to LCC requesting clarification and the response received is that ELDC deal with Tree Protection Orders.
ACTION: LM to contact ELDC to try and ascertain whether a Protection Order is in place.
ACTION: LM to contact LCC via Fixmystreet again in an effort to progress the work on unblocking the drain(s)
Update: tree belongs to landowner and is not the responsibility of the Parish/District/County Council.
8. VILLAGE HALL PLAY AREA
The annual inspection is due within a few weeks. As usual, if the Parish Council wishes to have a representative present when the inspection is carried out, there will be a charge.
A vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed to let the inspection go ahead without the need for anyone else to be present (as in previous years).
9. DOG POO BIN, COPPER STREET
This particular bin is still not being emptied on a regular basis. DF has emailed ELDC twice and been assured that it has been added to the ‘collection list.
ACTION: LM to contact ELDC with an urgent request for the dog poo bin to be emptied.
Update: LM spoke to ELDC and was told that the bin would be emptied a.s.a.p.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
DW wanted to make the Parish Council aware that the village green may not get cut as frequently as it has done as the resident who usually carries out this job no longer lives as close as he used to. DW stated that the green will likely be cut at the same time as the churchyard is cut.
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: to be arranged as and when needed.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 6.27pm