ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Planning Meeting
Thursday 3rd September 2009
Minutes of the planning meeting Thursday 3rd September 2009.
Present: Cllrs. D Beechey (Vice Chair), R Balkwill, G Beechey, P Illes, D Johnson,
R Kidson, D Murray, J Nelson.
Public Session:
The Vice Chair, who was acting as Chairman for the meeting, welcomed Pat and Gaynor Richards to the meeting on behalf of the Albrighton Traders Association.
Mr Richards spoke of the difficulties experienced by the local traders over previous months as a result of the utility companies’ extensive works in the village. A great deal of work had been done in support of the local businesses by Gaynor Richards and he asked her to make a presentation regarding future initiatives based on a document circulated to Councillors.
Gaynor proposed an advertising campaign based around the leaflet “Albrighton Needs You” of which 5,000 copies had been produced. It was anticipated that there would be additional press publicity and the web site would also carry the campaign. Key to the launch of the campaign would be the date when the High Street and Station Road would be free of road works and although the clerk had been able to pass on some information further details were still required. Mrs Richards also informed the meeting that traders were still waiting for a reduction in the monthly business rate payments and there were a number of vacant premises in the village which had a depressing effect on trade. Despite these setbacks the association had produced a tourist leaflet and it was hoped to distribute this to local villages in addition to Albrighton residents in the spring of 2010. Cllr. D Beechey suggested that art exhibitions could be tried in vacant premises as had been done elsewhere in order to try and present a more positive image and Cllr Illes suggested using Beacon Radio and BBC Radio Shropshire to publicise the campaign. Cllr Kidson suggested that there should be a deferment of the business rate payments and it was suggested that Cllr. M Pate could bring pressure on the rating officer to prioritise the village traders because of the special circumstances.
The Chair promised the traders the full support of the local council in all of their efforts and thanked Mr and Mrs Richards for the presentation.
There were no declarations of interests declared either personal or prejudicial.
The Chair introduced the Shropshire Council local development framework core strategy: Consultation on “Policy Directions” which was a second round consultation following revisions to the original submission. Cllr. Kidson had consulted the web site and felt that a formal response was needed as this was an important document with a considerable number of implications for future policy. The Chair suggested that a small group made up of Cllrs. Kidson, and Murray should produce a draft response and bring it to the planning meeting scheduled for 1st October. This was agreed by the Council.
09/02214/FUL Erection of a 2 storey extension, a replacement garage and the erection of a new fence adjacent to highway 10 St Mary’s Close, Albrighton.
Objections and refusal on the grounds of a proposed incursion onto the public highway and the presence of a window overlooking the neighbouring garden.
09/02117/TCA Dismantle one yew tree for visual and amenity reasons and to avoid possible damage to adjacent buildings 62 High Street, Albrighton.
Objections and refusal on the grounds that it is not necessary to “dismantle” the tree when it could be trimmed.
09/02079/TCA Remove 1 x apple tree within Albrighton conservation area 31-32 High Street, Albrighton.
No objections.
09/02047/TCA To crown lift to a height of 10 feet one silver birch tree and remove one stump within Albrighton conservation area 83 High Street, Albrighton.
No objections.
09/02305/FUL Substitute of house type for 4 detached houses and construction of new vehicular and pedestrian accesses 18 Cross Road, Albrighton.
Objections and refusal on the grounds that the development increases the number of driveways crossing the pavement at a very congested point used by primary school children, one of which is very close to a zebra crossing. It was suggested that an alternative entrance to the proposed properties could be via the rear at The Limes. The redesign also meant that the buildings would not be compatible with existing dwellings and the large loft space with windows virtually created three storey buildings which were out of character with the surrounding bungalows.
09/02347/TPO To repollard to seven metres one horse chestnut tree 8 Beechurst Gardens, Albrighton.
No objections.
The correspondence was noted. The Clerk was asked to find out whether any other member had agreed to serve on the Southern Shropshire Partnership Forum in addition to Cllr. D Beechey.
The letter from Shropshire Council regarding highway maintenance in Albrighton was considered by members who felt that a response was needed. Cllr. G Beechey suggested that a representative should be invited to discuss this matter at a future meeting and Cllr. J Nelson seconded the proposal which was unanimously agreed.
Councillors agreed in principle to the suggestion from RAFA that a floral tribute should be created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the clerk was asked to write and ask for more details about the proposal.
Signed……………………………………………Date…………………………………
Chairman