PRESENT: Cllr A Fell (Chair), Cllr M. Cumming, Cllr S Millar, Cllr P Rand, Cllr S Wilson, Cllr M Sharp, Cllr R Jopson
1 member of the public
48/21: APOLOGIES: Cty Cllr Keith Hitchen
49/21 Exclusions of Press and Public
Press and Public were to be excluded from Agenda Items 13 – correspondence relating to complaints against the Parish Council and 15 Human Resources
50/21 Declarations of Interest
None
51/21 Minutes of the Parish Council held on:
1. 2 June 2021
Approved. Proposed by Cllr Rand, Seconded by Cllr Cumming
2. Extra-ordinary meeting 9 June 2021
Approved. Proposed by Cllr Cumming, Seconded by Cllr Wilson
3. Extra-ordinary meeting 28 June 2021
Approved. Proposed by Cllr Jopson, Seconded by Cllr Cumming
52/21 Police Report
Previously circulated. No comments to be made. The Clerk was asked to contact the police to express the desire for the police to attend occasional meetings.
53/21 Public Participation
A representative of Black Coombe Runners attended the meeting and gave information about a championship fell race which is to take place on 28 August 2021. It is expected that there will be between 300-500 runners plus spectators. Men’s race 1pm, women’s race 3.30pm.
54/21 County Councillor and Borough Councillor reports
Cty Cllr Hitchen had sent a report that a decision on the footpath from the station to the beach was looking favorable and should be made before the end of July.
55/21 Applications for Development
55/21.1 To examine applications for development and submit observations to the Planning Authority
7/2021/4071 Shaw Meadows and Silecroft Golf Course, Silecroft,
Installation of 2 x timber sleeper bridges to create/improve path
The council resolved to support the application but were concerned that one of the bridges blocks a regularly used natural cut through from the caravan park to the beach.
55/21.2 To ratify the observations submitted by the Clerk under devolved
None Undertaken
55/21.3 To note the decisions of the statutory planning authority with regards to recent applications:
7/2021/4057 Lachra, The Shore, Silecroft, Near Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4NX
Installation of 9m squared array of PV solar panels on south facing slope of garden land
Refused
7/2021/4058 The Beach Hut, The Shore, Silecroft
Replacement timber framed and clad garden room and associated works
Refused
56/21 FINANCIAL RECORDS
56/21.1 The following payments were approved:
J Hillier Toilet Cleaning June £ 372.00
Thomas Graham Toilet supplies £ 81.40
L Cooper Reimburse toilet hire £ 516.00
Wellers Hedley Professional fees £1239.00
Waterplus Water bill £ 69.92
Blackcombe PCC grass cutting June/July £ 150.00
Mr M Sharpe replacement chq for no 1151 £ 48.80
Proposed by Cllr Wilson, seconded by Cllr Sharp
56/21.2 To note the receipt of payments
Beach car park £ 457.46
Church car park £ 320.90
56/21.3 To receive and note the bank reconciliation statement dated 31 May 2021
Verified
56/21.4 To consider the Budget Comparison Report as at 30 June 2021 and determine action need to address deviations from the budget.
None Required
56/21.5 For Information to note that the AGAR has been submitted for a Limited Assurance Review
56/21.6 For Information to note that a VAT claim has been submitted for the financial year 2020/21 for the sum of £535.21
57/21 PARISH MATTERS
57/21.1 Silecroft Beach Front car park and toilets
The portable disabled toilet was now in position. To be locked at the end of each day as per the toilets. Usage to be monitored.
Cllr Rand reported that he had contacted the prison to enquire whether they could assist in filling in pot holes. Awaiting a response.
The clerk reported that planning consent would be required to extend the car park. It was resolved to wait until construction commenced and reassess.
57/21.2 Proposed Silecroft Beach Cafe
The Clerk reported that the Licence had been signed and was lodged with the solicitors awaiting Copeland BC signature. The Clerk to contact Eric Barker to ascertain when the commencement date of the build can be announced.
57/21.3 Play Inspection report
The Clerk reported that notification had been received that the inspection would take place in August.
Cllr Sharp to chase up the replacement fencing at Kirksanton
Cllr Millar to chase up the additional fence posts at Silecroft
57/21.4 Kirksanton Village Green
Costs had been obtained for additional strimming works after discussion it was resolved to leave this area as a conservation area for wildlife
57/21.5 LDNP – Land at Silecroft
Notification had been received that LDNP proposed to sell the SSSI site at Silecroft beach. The Council expressed concerns that the land would not be managed if placed on the open market and could deteriorate. Residents had contacted the PC raising concerns. The Clerk to contact LDNP with concerns and an offer to purchase the land at a peppercorn value for the community.
57/21.6 Tree Preservation Orders
Cllr Cumming stated that residents had expressed concerns regarding the trees at the rear of the Croft which mainly consisted of sycamore and Ash. To monitor.
57/21.7 FOLD Landscape Grants
These are now available for community projects
57/21.8 Complaints Procedure
Previously circulated and approved
Proposed by Cllr Rand Seconded by Cllr Cumming
58/21 Reports from outside bodies
None
59/21 CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence had been circulated to councilors. The following had not been circulated.
59/21.1 An email had been received requesting permission for a bouncy castle to be placed on the village green for an event. This was approved.
59/21.2 An email had been received from the owner of Lachra complaining that a beach hut had been given the same name which was causing confusion. The Clerk had offered advice to the owner as to who to contact.
Cllr Jopson gave her apologies and left the meeting 2127
59/21.3 A complaint had been received from Cumbrian Heavy Horses, the clerk to draft a response for approval by councillors before responding.
59/21.4 An email had been received supporting the Parish Council but included information of concern regarding poor food hygiene practices in the pop-up café which have been passed on to Environmental Health for investigation.
59/21.5 A resident had emailed the Food Hygiene Standards rating for the Pop-up café which is rated as 1 star expressing concern. The Clerk obtained the Inspectors report which the council found disturbing regarding the poor standards of food hygiene identified by the Inspector.
59/21.6 It was noted that letters of support had been received by the council.
60/21 Councilor Matters
61/21 Human Resources – Press and Public to be excluded
A number of complaints had been received about the Clerks and the council’s conduct. These to be investigated by an independent person and a report submitted to the council in due course.
62/21 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – to confirm the next meeting will be Wednesday 1st September 2021 commencing at 7.30pm in Silecroft Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 2219 hrs.
Signed………………………………………………… Dated………………………………………