Tuesday 14th October at 7.15pm

Little Aston Primary School,  Forge Lane,  Little Aston

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present

Councillors

D. Salter

Chairman

 

 

 

 

P. Hadley

Vice-chairman

 

 

 

 

Mrs. S. Beilby

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. J. Coton

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. R. Hancocks

District Councillor 

Late Arrival

 

 

 

C. Hollingsworth

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. S. McGing

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr J. Mason

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. E. Minchin

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. V. Neale

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Mrs. J. Summers

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs V Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. J. Wilson

 

 

 

 

Clerk

Mrs Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

Clare Hines

Lichfield District Council Conservation Team

 

 

 

 

Gareth Hare

Lichfield District Council
Conservation Team

 

 

 

 

Debbie Boffin

Lichfield District Council
Conservation Team

 

 

Apologies

Councillor

T. Cox

 

Indisposed

 

 

Councillor

I. Sanderson

 

Holiday

 

 

Councillor

Cllr. Mrs. E. Bayliss

Staffordshire County Council

Meeting

 

 

Police

PC Jon Ratcliffe

 

 

 

 

Members of the Public

21

 

Minute No

 

Action

 

67

Up to 15 Minutes Public Participation  (if required)

 

 

67.1

i) A number of parishioners in attendance to register their concern regarding anti-social behaviour at Shenstone Playing Fields and a general lack of respect for owners of property located around the Playing Field

ii) Members were advised that the large number of football matches taking place on the site causes nuisance for them at weekends with excessive bad language

iii)  Concerns were raised that the dugouts promote anti-social behaviour, with ‘droves’ of youths using them for inappropriate behaviour,  alcohol, evidence of drugs, broken bottles, cigarettes and condoms all have been found littered around the area

iv) Residents with younger children reported that they found the lewd behaviour, loud aggressive and foul language created by football players and others using the Playing Fields  has prevented them from using their gardens and allowing their children to play

v)  A member of the public commented that the use of the Playing Fields which should be for all parishioners and is monopolised by the Football Clubs using the facility for their own benefit and not for the majority of parishioners

vi)  The dug outs and stands are an eyesore and dangerous – and Lichfield District Council have not granted permission for them on this site and this decision was endorsed by the delegation of parishioners in attendance

vii)  A younger member of the public reported that he didn’t like to go on the playing fields after dusk due to the poor behaviour of some footballers who urinate in the hedges surrounding the pitch

viii) Many further statements were received which endorsed the comments noted above

Members thanked all for taking the time to come to the meeting to report their concerns and confirmed that the Parish Council is listening to their comments and working to resolve the issues raised.

 

 

 

68

Apologies

 

 

68.1

As listed above

 

 

69

Minutes of the previous Full Parish Council Meeting held Tuesday 9th September 2008  to be approved and signed

 

 

69.1

Minutes agreed as true and accurate record of the Parish Council Meeting held Tuesday 9th September 2008 and signed and dated by Chairman

 

 

70

Matters Arising from Minutes (for information only)

 

 

70.1

i) Concerns reported about inaccuracy of a letter received from Staffs Highways regarding the Lynn Lane stabilisation scheme -  this will be covered as a separate agenda point later in the meeting

 

 

71

Declaration of Interest on Agenda Items

 

 

71.1

Councillor Paul Hadley declared ain interest in Agenda Item 75

 

 

72

Little Aston Conservation Area -  Lichfield District Council Conservation Team Presentation 

 

 

72.1

Chairman welcomed Clare Hines, Conservation Officer Lichfield District Council

Debbie Boffin,  Conservation Area Officer Lichfield District Council and Gareth Hare – Tree Officer Lichfield District Council to the meeting. 

Councillor Mrs. V. Thomas (Little Aston Ward)  presented Shenstone Parish Council’s response to the Draft Little Aston Conservation document dated 11th August 2008 which was discussed and Members reported that there is considerable local support for the policies that seek to preserve or enhance the Conservation Area and the following points identified:

Acknowledgement given  to Councillor Mrs. V. Thomas for providing the following report:

1)   Inaccuracies / Statements open to challenge:

(i)    ‘Two storey houses ..  getting grander in scale the closer they are to Beechgate ..’  If ‘grander in scale’ refers to plot size then there are larger plots  eg Casa Pinada not in close proximity.  If, however, phrase ‘grander in scale’ refers to size of dwelling similarly there are larger residences not near Beechgate.

(ii)   4.5 :  Gates at Thornhill Road and Walsall Road entrances are metal not ‘timber’.

 

2)  Opportune time to extend Conservation Area:

(i)   7.2 refers to Hardwick Road, Grasmere Avenue and Clarendon Drive where improvements can be made.  Council’s main concern, however, is extension to include the historical centre of the village: ‘Old School House’, ‘The Cottage’, ‘Little Latches’. 3 x 17th Century Cottages Aldridge Road,  and ‘The Forge’ itself. 

Historic archive available in support

ii)  2.3 makes reference to area’s ‘farming past’. ‘Home Farm’ is currently a working farm.

Officers stated that following Shenstone Parish Council’s comments and other representations a further review had been undertaken.  A map was provided which revealed the newly proposed revised boundaries.

 

3)  4 & 6  -  Spatial Character of Townscape,  Quality and Natural Elements;

(a) It is considered that by in large the ½ acre policy has been successful.  Concerns. however, continue to be expressed that approvals have given rise to a spate of very large dwellings.  Approval is given and offer a short time later an extension is requested.  Surely the intention behind the policy is not an area covered by development?  Suggestion is that a maximum ratio is determined of building to grounds/greenery to ensure that the overall view is not one of massing and huge expanses of brickwork?

(b) As Roman Road, the main thoroughfare, is viewed along its length the intention is to preserve the character: a green, sylvan arborial aspect.  Plan refers to ‘great expanses of rhododendrons.’  Whilst appreciating that residents require increased security the suggestion is that gates/fences be well indented and not visually intrusive.

There are, unfortunately, examples where brick pillars directly abut the road.

Officers seemed to indicate their support for (a) and (b) above.

(c)  4.6 Appraisal requests suggestions

Surely the grand entrance gates at the Roman Road end of ‘Beechgate; is the most logical choice?  It is a fact that historically Little Aston Park stems from the Little Aston Hall Estate to which these fine gates formed an entrance.

This suggestion seemed to find favour with the Officers present

(d)  Trees:  The age, class and distribution of trees within the area is heavily weighted towards mature or over-mature trees, with few in the young or semi-mature bands.  Brief points raised on this complex and ‘weighty’ issue:

(i)  This is a residential area and not managed woodland.  Ultimate responsibility both financial and legal rests not with Lichfield District Council but with individual owners.  Flexibility therefore needs to be incorporated into the plan.

(ii)  When a ‘protected’ mature tree is felled to make way for development it’s replacement(s) should be monitored to ensure they flourish.

 

4)  6.2 ‘Important landscape views within the Conservation Area’

Shenstone Parish Council consider it imperative that views towards the local sandstone Church of St Peter are protected.  These views impact not only on the Conservation Area but the area as a whole.

Officers agreed and the revised Plan will include an additional paragraph to further endorse this opinion

 

One Councillor asked if the site was still designated as ‘Protected Open Space’?

Officers agreed to research the matter and provide a definitive answer.

 

Lichfield District Council’s Officer further reported:

1.  Recent architectural listing of HORNTON MANOR,  Rosemary Hill Road.

2.  A forthcoming review of the Conservation Area

in Shenstone – Shenstone Parish Council to be involved at the draft stage.

 

 

 

73

Lynn Lane Embankment and Stabilisation Scheme- Update

 

 

73.1

i)  Members were given a brief update of copy letter from Highways

ii)  Clerk confirmed that the Engineers were invited to Shenstone Parish Council meeting  held on 9th September to provide a presentation of the proposed scheme,  this was not considered to be a Full Consultation and that correspondence has been sent from Shenstone Parish Council to re-iterate this

iii)  Stonnall Residents have ongoing concerns and are holding an Open Meeting to discuss the proposed scheme on 24th October 2008

iv)  Stonnall Ward Councillor suggested that the Parish Council should insist on speed limits being reduced to 20 mph through the villages whilst this work is undertaken

v)  Chairman will speak with County Councillor Erica Bayliss for further information and organise an Official Public Consultation Meeting.

vi)  Chairman reported he is working with Police to address the varying speed limits advised throughout the area.

ONGOING

 

74

Festive Lighting  - arrangements to be made for each Ward

 

 

74.1

i)  Clerk presented a letter from Highways requesting full information for Festive Lighting throughout the parish.

ii)  Full details of proposed lighting for each Ward required

iii) Clerk will compile this information with assistance from Members from each Ward and ensure this info is forwarded to Highways

 

 

75

Confidential -  This Section of the Meeting to be closed to Members of the Public

Shenstone Playing Fields Management Committee   (Confidential Report issued to all Councillors)

 

 

75.1

i)  A full report was presented to Members listing areas of concern

ii) A comprehensive discussion followed

iii) Finance Committee had been made aware of the difficulties experienced in administering the Shenstone Playing Fields Management Committee  (SPFMC)

iv) Members were made aware that Lichfield District Council Planning regulations have been contravened

v)  Members of Shenstone Parish Council had held meetings with Planning and Legal Officers at Lichfield District Council

 RESOLVED

1)  Shenstone Parish Council to issue conformity notice to  Pathfinder Football club to instruct the following;

i)  Removal of Covered Spectator Stand  -  structure and footings

ii) Removal of  Dugout Shelters and Associated Fencing

iii) The sub-letting or authorisation of use of any part of the Playing Fields or its associated facilities to any third party must cease immediately

2) Grant Funding to Shenstone Playing Fields Management Committee to be suspended until any such time as the Parish Council is satisfied that adequate action has been taken to secure a return to the original object of the charity and to ensure that the charity is being administered in accordance with both the Trust Deed dated 16th November 1988 and Charity Commission guidelines.

3)  Shenstone Playing Fields and all associated buildings and facilities to be temporarily managed by Shenstone Parish Council in their capacity as landowner until such time as Shenstone Parish Council is satisfied that adequate action has been taken to secure a return to the original object of the charity and ensure it is being administered in accordance with the Trust Deed dated 16th November 1988 and Charity Commission Guidelines

4)  Shenstone Parish Council to report the suspected departure from the Trust Deed and non-conformity to Charity Commission guidelines to the Charity Commission and request that the activities of the charity are investigated

 

 

76.1

Planning

 

 

 

i)  Little Aston Conservation Area  -  Planning Committee have responded to this document -  and Lichfield District Council Officers in attendance at this meeting -  please see agenda item 72 for  full report

 

 

 

ii)  Concerns were raised about the future of the Plough and Harrow Public House in Main Street Shenstone which has closed for business

Clerk

 

 

ii)  Next Planning Committee Meeting to be held Monday 3rd November 2008 at 5pm

Parish Council Office

 

 

76.2

Finance & Legal

 

 

 

i)   Claim update Little Holms,  Shenstone

Members were provided with the response from solicitors regarding this claim

Resolved:  To furnish solicitors with further information for a revised decision

ii)  Financial Report was presented to all members and approved.

iii) Investments -  Guaranteed Bond to mature in November and to be credited to current account

iv)  Members highlighted the problems other authorities are facing with regard to global banking situation – further information required from FSA

v)   Clerk reported that further training will be given on SCRIBE accounts system

vi)  Clerk and Auditor to finalise 2007 to 2008 Audit and to present to Full Council at November Meeting

vii) Grant Funding to Playing Fields

Resolved to withhold annual £1500 grant for Shenstone Playing Fields for 2008 to 2009 until current concerns resolved -  see agenda item 75.1 to 4 above   

Ongoing

 

76.3

Community Liaison

i)   Draft copy Newsletter -  November 2008  was presented to all Councillors for their approval/comments and for proof-reading

Resolved:  Members agreed that the newsletter should be full colour and delivered to every property in the Parish

ii)  Request for the Council support of social event  - A letter from a parishioner from Shenstone who is looking into the possibility of providing a social event for teenagers in Shenstone was issued to all members

Members agreed this was an excellent initiative and wished the organiser every possible success - however concerns were raised about the Parish Council granting funds towards an event which could be seen to be profit-making

Resolved:  to offer free advertising in the Parish Council newsletter should this event take place

iii) Distribution -  Quotes were received from leaflet distributors (report attached)

Resolved: following discussion it was agreed to go ahead with volunteer delivery for partial distribution with payment of £150.00

A Proposer and Seconder was minuted and the resolution carried – it was agreed that this decision provides best value for the Parish in relation to other quotations received.  Parish Councillors able to assist in deliveries should contact Clerk

 

 

76.4

Property, Health and Safety 

 

 

 

i)  Pathway – Shenstone Village Hall update

Three quotes have been received and details were presented to Members for consideration This was proposed and seconded and carried by Full Council

Resolved: work to be undertaken by Russell Morgan who has previously provided Lengthsmen duties within the parish and his work is known to  members of the council to be of good and professional standard.

Three quotations received –successful bid was most competitive

Councillor David Salter to project manage

ii) Allotments  - locations identified -  land owners to be confirmed and contacted

iii) Work required at cut-through situated off Service Road,  Birmingham Road,  Shenstone  -  Councillor Mrs. Hancocks to provide further information.

Decision

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

76.5

Employment Committee

 

 

 

Due to pressures of time this update report was deferred to next Full Council Meeting -  Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 7.15pm,  Shenstone Youth and Community Centre

I

 

77

Community Gangs/Lengthsman Scheme

 

 

 

i)  Update of work undertaken w/c 1st September 2008

Members reported that a number of duties had been completed to a reasonable standard

ii)  Staffordshire Highways are using Shenstone Parish Council procedures and instructions as model for other parishes

 

 

78

Stonnall shops and surrounding areas

 

 

 

i) Members reported that some tidying up of the area has taken place and complaints have ceased,  also pleased to report an increased police presence in the area

 

 

79

Members Item -  Little Aston Station

 

 

 

Defer to next meeting -  still awaiting additional information from Highways

ONGOING

 

80

Relocation Bus Stop -  Little Aston

 

 

 

Meeting on site productive – awaiting further information but resolution looking favourable`

ONGOING

 

81

Revision of Standing Orders

 

 

 

i)  Due to pressures of time this update report was deferred to next Full Council Meeting -  Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 7.15pm,  Shenstone Youth and Community Centre

ii)  Chairman confirmed that members should review these every 12 months

 

 

82

Correspondence

 

 

82.1

For Action

 

 

82.2

For attention  (report attached)

 

 

82.3

For general information  (report attached)

 

 

83

Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

 

 
  •  

Tuesday 11th November 2008  -  7.15pm Stonnall Youth and Community Centre

 

 
  •  

Tuesday 9th December 2008  -  7.15pm Shenstone Village Hall,  Barnes Road Shenstone