Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 7th September 2022 at Davenports Tea Rooms at 7.45pm.
Present: Councillors Davenport, D Antrobus, Hough, Morris, C Brierley-Jones, Bloor. County Councillor Lynn Gibbon. Residents of the Village, PCSO Michelle Gillett
1. APOLOGIES
No apologies were received.
2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
No Declarations of Interest were made.
3. Update from CW&C
Councillor Gibbon gave reports on the following:
- Light & Life Event, Dutton (Information sent on email to the Clerk)
Follow up meeting with CWaC officers on 15th August attended by Cllr.Lynn Gibbon. Various options were discussed based on the difficulties encountered by the community of Dutton during this event and the detrimental impact experienced by residents. The basis of the meeting was to avoid this type of event being repeated and to ensure other landowners are aware of the consequences.
Therefore, the following was discussed and agreed:
- CWaC website Events Management Notice, will be updated and strengthened and a link will be sent all parish councils for their websites, so maybe an ‘Local Events Section’ could be added including the link
- National Law (The Purple Book) is in the process of being amened based on what happened at the Manchester Bombing under Martins Law and will be called a Duty to Protect
- CWaC have a simplified Purple Book and will prepare an appendix prior to merging with the national version once received, with electronic copies being available
- All landowners will be contacted to encourage engaging with CWaC prior to any events being considered, to avoid the type of incidents experienced. Preparation is key with traffic mitigation plans, site preparation and H&S, environmental aspects needing to be considered
- All landowners will be warned that if things go wrong there are social and financial implications and costs
- The Light and Life Event will now be sent a bill for traffic mitigation
- Residents need to be clear on the importance of logging any incidents through 101 as these feeds into post event analysis and helps coordinate incidents that may seem isolated but are not and can be joined up
- It is hoped these proposals will work, as injunctions are costly to put in place (£90k) and they are seeing an increase in Musical Events post Covid and they do not wish to stop enjoyable well-run events that bring much needed revenue to the borough.
- Dog Exercise Area – Marsh Lane
A number of residents from Marsh Lane and who were directly affected by this area were at the meeting. Councillor Gibbon said that the application had not been forgotten about and was still being worked on. Residents felt that enforcement action should had been taken earlier and therefore preventing further work being carried out without permission. The Exercise area was causing much stress and upset to the local residents. No injunctions could be brought. The site was open 6am – 10pm, 365 days a year. It was also noted that, if necessary, a ‘Call In’ meeting could be called whereby Residents and Owners of the land would be allowed to speak.
- Funding Opportunities: Neighbour Hood Pride & Space Hive
- Designs for Winnington Bridge Proposal – The Clerk would circulate this to Councillors.
- Northwich Flood Prevention
A petition by the Northwich Flood Prevention Group was now live on the CW&C website. This might be of interest to all PCs and residents as its aim is to ask CW&C as the Leading Local Flood Authority to take action to prevent further flooding in Northwich and the surrounding areas and parishes along the River Weaver.
If sufficient signatures are achieved this will trigger a debate at full council on the 20th October they need approx. 3700 signatures by the 14th October.
Many people suffered and there is great concern that not enough is being done to prevent further flooding.
- Holly Bush Inn – No new applications had been received for this site
- Soot Hill – No more news could be given to when work would commence at this site. It was estimated that the repair would cost in the region of £3 Million. It was still unclear as to what had caused the collapse.
- Freedom Fibre Broadband Posts – These were becoming an unwanted addition to many areas of the County.
4. Report from PCSO Michelle Gillett – Weaver & Cuddington
Michelle introduced herself and apologised for not attending any previous meetings.
A new monthly surgery would be held at Davenports Tea Rooms commencing Monday 26th September.
The Clerk had been sent a newsletter and she would circulate amongst the Councillors.
Residents were urged to use the ‘Cheshire Police Report it’ or ring 101 for non- urgent issues.
Michelle asked if there were any Neighbour Watch Groups in the parish and if not if anyone was interested in becoming a Co-Ordinator. Non were known of but it was mentioned that the Residents of Lodge Lane had a Community WhatsApp Group where they could report issues amongst themselves.
She raised a few questions regarding the Light & Life Festival which she believed had been answered in the report from CW&C.
4. To confirm the minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting and Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 13th July 2022
MATTERS ARISING
- Christian Festival – Hope Farm – Local residents asked a number of questions to the Council and Councillor Bloor as to whether they had had time to reflect on the festival and whether Councillor Bloor was intending to resign his position.
The Council Chairman stated that some of the matters were beyond the realms of the Council and hoped they had done all they could in this matter.
Councillor Bloor again apologised for matters relating to the festival. He had tried to do something to involve the community and again it was noted that he had been upset about the abuse he and his family had received during and after the event. He did not offer his resignation but said he was in a ‘reflective mood’ about his position on the Council. He assured the meeting that this Festival would not be held on his land again but said that other future events of another nature may take place.
Further questions were asked in relation to emotional feelings concerning the issues the event had brought and the lack of empathy to those affected but Councillor Bloor declined to comment.
- Land at Rear of Northwich Road / Japanese Knotweed Treatment – The Knotweed treatment was ongoing. Residents had complained about some fencing that had been placed at the land opening off Vale Court. They were not aware of who it belonged to and the Clerk asked for its removal. Councillor Bloor claimed the fencing was his and it had been put there to stop the possibility of his cows getting out and also to prevent fly tipping which had been noticed. He would get the fencing removed.
- New Defibrillator – Councillor Davenport had completed the training and now had cost information. The Clerk would check what grant the Council had received and the matter discussed again at the next meeting. The cost would be between £1400 – £ 1500.
- Northwich Road Residents Petition – The Clerk and residents had both written to CW&C regarding further 30mph signage but were told that signage was sufficient. CW&C again mentioned the Community Speed Management Programme. Councillor Gibbon said she would arrange a site visit with the Residents to discuss the matter further.
- Queens Jubilee Celebrations – June 2022 – The Clerk would contact Julia Cooper from Whitley PC regarding the balance sheet from the festivities.
- Hydrogen Pipeline – The next round of Consultations was due to launch on the 12th September. Meetings at Anderton and Whitley were due to take place on Wednesday 21st September. Councillor Antrobus said he would attend on the Councils behalf. Information about proposals could be found at www.hynethydrogenpipeline.co.uk from the 12th.
- Union Farm – The Planning application for the Conversion of the Barns was to be submitted and it remained likely that the Farm and buildings would be put up for sale.
- Parish Councillor Vacancies – 4 applications had been made for the 2 vacant positions. All 4 applicants were at the meeting. However, after discussion 2 applicants withdrew on the premiss that they would not stand whilst Councillor Bloor was still an active member of the Council. Therefore the 2 remaining applicants, Mr John Dawson and Mrs Ann Underdown, were co-opted and welcomed to the Council. Councillor Brierley-Jones had offered his resignation but was persuaded otherwise.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
Information of the Northwich Job Fair – Thursday 13th October
6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Agricultural produce and machinery storage building
Herons Court Warrington Road Dutton Northwich Cheshire CW8 4QU
Ref. No: 22/02719/AGR Status: Prior Approval not required
Install a Telecommunications Pole – CHF019-AC01-01-FF067
Near Wheelwright Cottage Smithy Lane Little Leigh Northwich Cheshire
Ref. No: 22/02722/DSM Status: Notification Closed
Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of front porch canopy, single story rear extension, alterations to roof to change from gable to hip, dormers and velux window to side, alterations to windows and doors, to include render finish
The Croft Northwich Road Dutton Northwich Cheshire WA4 4JY
Ref. No: 22/01882/FUL Status: Pending
Demolition of existing garage and replacement with new double garage with external log store.
Marsh Cottage Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich Cheshire WA4 4EY
Ref. No: 22/01358/FUL Status: Pending
Replacement of existing dwelling with one dwelling and detached garage and conversion of barns into two dwellings including demolition of modern agricultural buildings and additions
Dutton Park Farm, Lodge Lane, Dutton Northwich WA4 4HL
Ref. No: 22/01211/FUL Status: Awaiting decision
Ground floor rear infill extension
Oak Bank House Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich WA4 4JN
Ref. No: 22/00923/FUL Status: Awaiting decision
Alterations to windows and doors, addition of glazed window to utility room
The Dairy Nook Farm Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich WA4 4EU
Ref. No: 22/00237/FUL Status: Approved
Change the use of part of an agricultural field to a dog exercise area
Land At Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich
Ref. No: 21/04803/FUL Status: Awaiting decision
(See main minutes updates)
Non material amendment to 20/04525/FUL (Change of porch from brick to sandstone)
7 Whitley Brook Court Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich Cheshire WA4 4EY
Ref. No: 21/04753/NMA Status: Awaiting decision
Erection of a single storey side extension and new outbuilding
Nook Farm Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich WA4 4EU
Ref. No: 21/03899/LDC Status: Approved
Replacement Windows (Retrospective)
Marsh House Marsh Lane Dutton Northwich Cheshire WA4 4EY
Ref. No: 20/04468/LBC Status: Approved
http://pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications/
7. Parish Council Risk Assessment
The Clerk was still working on this but needed input from the Council. This would be discussed at the next meeting.
8. AOB
It was commented that Mr Devine has lost his appeal for the Barns at Dones View.
Councillor Antrobus again brought up the matter of works at Higher Lane especially now the weather was changing. Councillor Gibbon said she would chase the matter.
9. Financial Matters
Current Balance: £ 7741.59
10. Date and Place of next meeting
26th October 14th December