Neighbourhood Planning & Property Meeting  October 2019

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SHENSTONE PARISH COUNCIL

 

Serving Little Aston, Shenstone, Stonnall, Shenstone Wood End, Lynn, Parish Council Office 25C Main Street Shenstone WS14 OLZ
Tel: 01543 481 947
e-mail: <admin@shenstone-staffs.gov.uk >
web: www.shenstone-staffs.gov.uk

APPROVED MINUTES OF NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY OCTOBER 1st 2019  

  1. Register of Members in attendance.

Cllrs David Thompson, David Salter, Stuart Jones, Mick Cox, Val Neale, Nick Smith. Shirley O’Mara, Clerk.

  1. Apologies Received.

Cllr Neil Perry         

  1. Declarations of interest on agenda items.

None

  1. Public Participation.

None

  1. Approve minutes of last NP&P meeting 25th June 2019

Approved & signed.

  1. Planning applications- update including outstanding objections.

Application 19/00922/FUL for 42 Blake Street has been refused. Council have been approached by resident about a perceived lack of involvement but confirmed that Cllrs Salter & Smith have been part of discussions & Cllr Salter has communicated with the relevant planning officer at LDC. The Clerk will write to the concerned resident to clarify.

Objections will be submitted re application 19/01303 Ashcroft Lane on the grounds of over intensification and 19/01221 Sabaar Lodge, Birmingham Rd as it would set a volume and scale precedent in a neighbourhood plan area.

  1. Shenstone Station Parking Problems.

The Clerk briefed the Committee on the impact of paid parking charges at Shenstone Station- a significant increase in cars parking in Admiral Parker Drive, Richard Cooper Rd, New Rd & Holm View Close. The car park is now only 25% full whilst roads nearby have inconsiderate & often illegally parked vehicles blocking driveways and junctions. A report has been sent to Staffs Highways who have responded that the second planned consultation will take place but County Cllr David Smith shares the view that this has been delayed too long and suggests a resident’s petition. Cllr Perry & the Clerk will co-ordinate.

Committee were also made aware that the parking charges at the station are 364 days a year.

An article highlighting what Parish are doing on this issue to be included in the next Newsletter.

Cllr Cox asked for an update on park and ride proposals at Wall. Cllr Salter has had a meeting with the Leader of LDC who is planning a meeting with the rail provider shortly.

  1. Lichfield District Local (LDC) Plan Allocations –update and LDC Local Plan Review of Preferred growth options.

Cllr Thompson stated that the Lichfield District Local Plan Allocations document has now been finalised.

The latest LDC Local Plan Review of preferred growth options document was released in September and shared with the Committee (attached).  Cllr Thompson highlighted seven points:

There is a new list of documents which have been completed. (* 3.6 in attachment)

There will be minimum green belt impact

The preferred settlement hierarchy will be prioritised

North Lichfield will be targeted

Neighbourhood plans can be proactive

Where we have residual numbers and the Neighbourhood plan is not amended, LDC can step in and ask us to consider development.

  1. Lengthsman update.

The Clerk shared with the Committee the latest report of the work completed by the Lengthsman and his occasional Assistant as well as salary paid. It was unanimously agreed that the work is proving not only successful and very popular with residents but is offering a considerable saving. The Committee wished to record their thanks to both Steve & Gerry. Full report of completed jobs attached.

  1. Lichfield District Council Ground Maintenance contract- update.

The Clerk shared the latest report from LDC which shows we have spent just over half of the funds expected which includes the cemetery grounds being extended and adding in Church Lane & rights of way in Stonnall to the contract. The Clerk is very pleased with the way the contract is managed & how well the LDC team & the Lengthsman work together providing flexibility & value for money.

The Clerk will investigate the scope for wildflower growth on village verges.

 

  1. O.B

St John’s Lower Lawn Cemetery burial capacity map.

Cllr Thompson has requested a map to illustrate the area highlighted for potential use in the recent capacity study.

Cllr Thompson also requested that an assessment of our property assets is done prior to our October Finance meeting to highlight areas of need or development.

Cllr Cox raised a question regarding a recent Staffs Parish Council Association bulletin relating to vehicular signage.    

The Clerk is charged with investigating and reporting back.

 A request has been received to re-open a grave in the Lower Lawn Cemetery so that a personal family heirloom may be placed inside. The coffins themselves would not be disturbed, just the top soil for approx two feet.

This request was approved at a charge of £30.00 to Council and full cost to the gravedigger. The Clerk confirmed this was in order according to Institute of Cemeteries & Crematoria Guidelines.

NEXT MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2019 at 5.30 Parish Office.