STONE RURAL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on 6 July 2023
held at Moddershall Village Hall
Present: Councillors Cllr A McCulloch (Chairman)
Cllr T D Scrivens
Cllr S Haine
Cllr G Jones
Cllr M Tyler
Cllr T Mardling
Cllr M James
Borough Councillors Cllr R James
Cllr F Beatty
County Councillor none
Parish Clerk L Davies
- PUBLIC PARTICPIATION
- Two residents from Aston-By–Stone attended the meeting to receive further information to the questions that they had raised regarding the planning process for the construction of the warehouse on the Stone Industrial site (application number: 22/35631/FUL). Cllr G Jones and Cllr F Beatty provided additional information. It was agreed that the Parish Council would seek to improve its processes with regards to planning applications on the borders of the Parish and Cllr Beatty undertook to carry into the Scrutiny Committee issues raised by the residents of Aston-By-Stone.
- The HS2 Senior Community Engagement Manager provided the meeting with an update on HS2 works in the area following the pausing of main civil works.
- APOLOGIES RECEIVED – ACCEPTANCE AND RECORDING OF APOLOGIES
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr T Banks, Cllr P Dimberline and Cllr W Woolliscroft.
- RECORD DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ANY ITEM TO BE DISCUSSED
No declarations of interest were made.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 11 MAY 2023
The minutes of the Parish Meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on 11 May 2023 were considered, approved and duly signed as a correct record of the meeting.
- DISCUSS MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES NOT ON AGENDA
No further matters were discussed.
- REPORTS FROM BOROUGH AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS
- County Councillors: no matters reported.
- Borough Councillors: There will be a consultation on Public Spaces Protection Orders. PCs will be able to submit areas for consideration.
- Rural business and community groups will have the opportunity to apply for project grants from the Rural England Prosperity Fund. £121,984 will support rural communities (funding available July 2023 to March 2024). £365,952 will support rural businesses (funding available April 2024 to March 2025).
- REVIEW OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS
- The details of the planning applications discussed in May, June and the start of July were duly considered and noted.
- It was noted that the appeal for the planning application for a petrol station at the Darlaston roundabout had been successful.
- RECEIVE CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman provided an update on the community garden in Aston-By-Stone. Residents have enquired whether an alternative to placing a bench on the garden could be considered. It was AGREED that other options should be considered before moving ahead.
- CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE VILLAGE HALL SUB-COMMITTEE AND AGREE NEXT STEPS REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF THE VILLAGE HALL.
- It was AGREED to arrange a community meeting on Thursday 10th August, 7.30pm at the village hall, to gather feedback from residents on the use and maintenance of the village hall. A standard letter will be sent to all residents in the Moddershall/Cotwalton/Knenhall area. Clerk to action
- The Fire Safety Assessment report undertaken in June 2022 was considered. It was AGREED to fix the emergency lighting in the village hall. Clerk to action
- It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that an asbestos and legionella report should be undertaken. Clerk to action
- REVIEW OF VILLAGE HALL RISK ASSESSMENT
The risk assessment for the village hall was considered and discussed. It was AGREED that the risk assessment should be adopted as presented.
- REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF HR POLICIES
- The Parish Council’s Disciplinary Policy, Anti-harassment and Bullying Policy, Complaints Procedure and Training and Development Policy were considered. It was AGREED to adopt the documents as presented.
- RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT – CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND PROGRESS REPORT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
- Residents of Oulton have requested whether an additional dog bin can be placed in the village. Cllr S Haine and Cllr M James to consider whether there are any suitable locations.
- Residents of Convent Lane have contacted the PC, regarding the poor state of the road surface at the top of the Lane. The County Council has not adopted the top part of the Lane. Clerk to see whether ownership can be confirmed.
- RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE PAYMENTS AUTHORISATIONS REPORT
The Payments Authorisations Report, together with the income received in the last period (May and June 2023) were reviewed, approved and signed by the Chairman.
- RECEIVE AND APPROVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND BANK RECONCILIATION FOR THE LAST PERIOD
- The financial statements for the period were received, reviewed and approved.
- The bank reconciliation for the year to date (29June 2023) was received, approved and signed.
- It was noted that the sequence dancers that have used the hall for over 20 years will no longer be using the hall due to reduced numbers.
- AGREE THE DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 14 September, 7.30pm at Moddershall Village Hall.
Signed …………………………………………… Dated………………………..
Chairman
Lucy Davies
Parish Clerk
July 2023