Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting
On
On Monday 14 June 2021
at 19:30
at Gorsley Village Hall
Present: Cllr M Bertenshaw; Cllr B Clark; Cllr J Gough; Cllr A Newton; Cllr A Reeves
In attendance: 6 members of public; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.
1. Apologies for absence: Ward Cllr Wilding.
2. Co-option of Councillors: None.
3. Declarations of interest: None
4. Minutes of the Parish Council: It was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting of 5th May 2021 as a true and accurate record, together with the financial reports.
5. Clerk’s Report – Noted.
6. Public submissions
a. Ward Councillor – Ward Cllr Wilding had sent apologies by email and asked if Cllrs would be available for a monthly parish ‘surgery’ with representatives of the 5 parishes in the Ward held on Zoom in a morning slot (probably 10 am). Cllrs expressed some concern at a morning slot since a number have 9-5 jobs. A monthly written report was suggested.
b. Local Residents – A parishioner expressed concern at the increase of traffic along the B4221 and the excessive speeds of many drivers. The Chairman indicated that this was a matter of concern to the Parish Council and for discussion at item 9.c
7. Planning
a. Applications:
i. 211220 Ferndale, Gorsley. Proposed loft conversion, extension and alterations. – Following discussion it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments to the application.
ii. 211231 The Villa Linton. Proposed demolition of existing conservatory with single storey extension. Already resolved by Planning department and approved.
iii. 211727 1 Cross Cottages, Bromsash. Proposed single storey extension to rear. following discussion, it was RESOLVED to return no objection and no comments to the application.
iv. 212175 Land off Sterrys Lane, Gorsley- prior approval for a proposed conversion of an agricultural building to a single dwelling house. Following discussion it was RESOVLED by majority (2 abstained, 3 no objection) to return no objection to this application.
b. 201961 Hartleton – Cllr Bertenshaw advised no further activity to report.
c. Section 106 wish list – Cllrs discussed the invitation from Planning Obligations Officer to submit their wished for projects for S106 funding to form a database of requirements. Proposals were, broadband provision, traffic calming measures, play areas in Linton and Bromsash and affordable housing.
8. Neighbourhood Development Plan. It was noted that at referendum on 6th May the plan had been approved by Parishioners (304 in favour, 43 against) and has now been formally adopted as part of Herefordshire Development Plan.
9. Locality Steward & highways matters –
a. Reports were noted. Cllr Bertenshaw passed on information from the Locality Steward that online reporting ensures prompt attention from Balfour Beatty where other means may not be successful.
b. SIDs at Bromsash – The report from recent deployment of SID at North of Bromsash had been received. The Clerk reported on an informal meeting with Ian Connolley of Safer Roads unit on 6th May during which he had indicated possible means of calming traffic through the village and and warnings. It was RESOLVED to form a working group to take forward some of the suggestions, Cllr Bertenshaw and Louisa Hall agreed to join this group and the Clerk undertook to contact other interested Parishioners and set up an initial meeting.
c. Gorsley Traffic Calming – the Chairman had circulated worked plans for gateway and other calming measures prepared with Gary Owen and others. It was unanimously RESOVED to support application for grant financing from the PCC and it was further RESOLVED to offer match funding from Parish Council funds of up to £1,800. The cost of speed surveys to be included in this funding.
d. B4224 Multi Parish Strategy Group – Cllr Clark undertook to attend meeting on 30th June 2001 if held on Zoom
e. Large vehicles in Steelworks / Burrups Lane– Balfour Beatty had responded to the initial requests submitted and agreed several signs and replacement of some lost, but one location was in dispute and response to further request is awaited.
f. Shutton Crossroads – Cllr Bertenshaw reported on a meeting with the Locality Steward to discuss the issue of poor signage at Shutton Cross and confirmed that further action will require completion of Community Commissioning forms. He also reported that the flooding at Bromsash on B4224 was again discussed and it was agreed that further grips were needed which BBL agreed to action. The poor state of Pinford Lane which requires resurfacing was examined, but due to financial cut-backs this is not possible. The owners of Pinford Farm have proposed that the lane be ‘un-adopted’ and the Clerk was asked to investigate the effect of public rights of way should this take place.
10. Public Rights of Way –
a. Update -Cllr Newton had no new issues to report in Linton area, and Cllr Gough reported that LTR21 through the woodland is blocked.
b. Hartleton Lakes footpaths – Evidence forms provided to the Clerk for submission to Herefordshire Council.
11. Lengthsman
a. Grass Lengthsman – The Clerk provided a summary of the work undertaken. It was noted that proposals for a hedge barrier to the border of Talbot’s Well needed examination with detailed maps. Clerk to provide such material as available.
b. Roads Lengthsman – no work requested. Salt bin survey by Councillors is well populated with the aim to supply to Lengthsman in September for autumn filling of Parish Council bins where necessary.
12. Insurance – the annual renewal with via Community Action Suffolk was reviewed and approved.
13. Year End Annual Audit of Accounts 2020/21
a. It was RESOLVED to confirm the accounts met the criteria and wish to be exempt from limited assurance review and the Certificate of Exemption was signed.
b. It was RESOVLED to approved the Annual Governance Statement
c. It was RESOLVED to approve the Accounting Statements.
14. Financial
a. Current Receipts & Payments were noted.
b. It was RESOLVED to ask Cllr Newton to become a signatory to the bank account. Mr Gary Owen to be removed from the account.
c. The following payments were approved. Chris Hyett, Allotments Maintenance 1/3d- £350.00; AGP Garden Services, Grass lengthsman work May – £198.75; Business Services at CAS Ltd, Insurance 21-22 – £234.08; Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk Salary & Expenses – £335.85; HMRC, Income Tax quarter 1 – £29.60
15. Climate Change Working Group – Cllr Newton reported that the group have almost completed a survey of verges in the Parish and intend to submit a report with recommendations in due course.
16. Chairman’s & Councillors’ submissions –
a. Cllr Reeves undertook to attend the Parish Summit on 23 June 2021.
b. Cllr Clark confirmed his offer to complete the Police Commissioner’s survey on behalf of the Council.
c. Pallets stored on the side of the road at Steelworks Lane were causing concern as a possible danger. It was agreed to seek some photos of the issue.
d. Concerns expressed about the state of the brook that crosses under Cothars Lane.
e. Fly-tip beside the brook to be reported.
17. Next meeting –Gorsley Village Hall main hall for meeting on 12 July 2021
There being no further business the meeting ended at 21.05