ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
PLANNING MEETING
Thursday 2nd April 2009
Minutes of the Planning Meeting held at the Red House on Thursday 2nd April, 2009.
PRESENT: Cllrs. P Lusk (Chair), D Beechey (Vice Chair), G Beechey, N Hester,
P Illes, D Johnson, D Murray, J Nelson.
Public Session: No members of the public were in attendance.
Cllrs. R Balkwill, R Blincoe, M Holden, R Kidson, M Pate, S Pate, S Pledger.
No member made a declaration of interest, either personal or prejudicial.
The Clerk informed members that an interim guidance paper on affordable housing in the county had been received outlining proposed procedures to be adopted by Shropshire Council. The purpose of the paper is to increase the supply of affordable housing in rural areas primarily by local people with strong local connections. A six week period of public consultation is taking place in March April, 2009 and comments on the planning guidance are to be received by Shropshire Council by Monday 27th April, 2009.
Cllr Beechey had already considered the document and had some concerns with a number of the proposals. He felt that the definition of “local” to mean an area of 15 miles from a designated community is too generous and should be reduced and that the definition of “communities” is too loose. He also felt that the proposal regarding properties built as an exception to normal planning policies which should be sold under market values in perpetuity was unenforceable and this condition had already been breeched in a number of areas in the county.
The Chair suggested that Cllr. D Beechey might consider bringing a draft response to the next meeting of the Council for consideration. He agreed to do this with the support of members present.
The draft minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on 19th March regarding the formation of a Youth Council were circulated by the Chair. In the minutes Council members from the Youth Forum plus CSO J Fletcher and a county youth officer could be asked to meet with a view to establishing the new Youth Council. This arrangement was confirmed by the members present and once the availability of an officer from Shropshire Council had been identified the Clerk would make arrangements for the first meeting of this group.
Cllr. Illes had produced a two page draft document which could be distributed to residents for their information and a copy could be deposited in the library and placed on the Council website. Cllr. Illes was thanked for his efforts and it was agreed that he would liaise with the Clerk and produce a finished document ready for distribution.
Cllr. Illes also drew member’s attention to the maintenance grant which had been given to the Council by SCC for local highway projects during the 2008/09 financial year. With Shropshire Council this grant could be increased to £3,000 provided a business case was accepted. This could be used to extend employment possibilities and increase the scope of local projects. Councillors were pleased to approve a meeting between Cllr. Illes and the Clerk with a view to drawing up a business plan for submission to Shropshire Council.
The Clerk informed members that a meeting had taken place with Brian Bennett and a colleague in order to respond to a dossier produced by Mr Peter Leigh and Mr John Bulmer. It had been agreed that Mr Robin Giles would paint out the graffiti on the bus shelter by the Church and a number of other items of minor repair and improvement. The Clerk was also asked to look into the possibility of a Council representative to serve on a new Civic Society.
Cllr. Nelson reported that he had spoken to Mr P. Joseland who had agreed that the draft deed of surrender of the Old School lease included inappropriate clauses which should be disregarded. Mr Joseland had pledged to look into the matter further before meeting with Cllr. Nelson again who would report back to the Council at the next meeting.
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
09/0073 Erection of a two storey side extension at 25 Loak Road, Albrighton.
Received and noted
08/0900 Change of use from single dwelling to two dwellings at Field View 60 High Street, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
REFUSAL OF PLANNING PERMISSION
09/0050 Outline application for the erection of a dwelling at land adjacent Redroofs, Beamish Lane, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
TREE PRESERVATION ORDER
Albrighton Mid-West Tree Preservation Order 2009
Received and noted. Objections to be made to Council before 30th April 2009.
Albrighton East Tree Preservation Order 2009
Received and noted. Objections to be made to Council before 30th April 2009
Albrighton Mid-East Tree Preservation Order 2009
Received and noted. Objections to be made to Council before 30th April 2009
Cllr. Hester was concerned that the trees to the entrance to the village from the A41 are identified en bloc which might make individual trees vulnerable. Cllr. Nelson stated that the statutory protection is the same for a block of trees as it is for individual trees although the Council does need to be vigilant with regard to the development east of Shaw Lane. The same order applies to trees in the Nature Reserve and Cllr. Hester was encouraged to talk with Mr. John Bulmer to obtain further clarification of this issue, which he agreed to do.
Albrighton Traders had asked for a grant to promote a map/ leaflet to be distributed once the STW works had been completed in the village. Council agreed to discuss this matter at their next meeting.
An appeal from the British Red Cross was noted as were letters of thanks from Severn Hospice and Albrighton Primary School for grants received.
A letter of invitation to visit the Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens was received and noted.
Cllr. Nelson outlined arrangements for a reception for Barhale and STW provided by the local community scheduled for 22nd April at 7.00 pm. Food and beer were to be provided at cost but because external supplies of beer could not be taken into the Red House it was proposed to hold the event in the Church Centre. Residents could be invited to make a contribution to an appropriate charity. Cllr. Nelson would a produce a flyer for local people and Cllrs. Johnson and D Beechey offered to distribute it. The Chairman would contact the Bridgnorth Journal to publicise the event. Cllr. Illes proposed that Cllr. Nelson should proceed with the plans which was seconded by Cllr. Murray and unanimously approved.
Signed……………………………………….Date………………………………….
Chairman