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PRESENT: Cllr A Fell, Cllr V Bradley, Cllr M Sharp, Cllr C Lowery, Cllr R Jopson, Cllr S Wilson, Cllr M. Cumming arrived at 8.30pm after attending another meeting on behalf of the Council
Borough Councillor G Scurrah
David Coxon – LDNP
99/16: APOLOGIES: Cllr P Rand
100/16: David Coxon LDNP informed the Council that the LDNP was no longer going to continue leasing the toilets and car park at Silecroft beach from end of March 2017. Copeland BC and LDNP are currently in discussion with regards to the toilets. It is believed that the toilets belong to Copeland BC. He stated that the toilets were now dated and would require some refurbishment.
When asked what the cost would be for a mobile toilet unit, powered and connected into the current septic tank he stated that the cost would be approx £20k to purchase and they would have a life of approx 10 years.
David was thanked for coming and explaining the current situation.
101/16: No Exclusions were required
102/16: DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
103/16: MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th October 2016
The minutes of the meeting on 5 October 2016 were accepted and signed by the Chair as a true record.
104/16 Police Liaison Report
PCSO Booth had sent a report and this was accepted. The Clerk was instructed to email PCSO Booth to ask what action was being taken to remove the “abandoned” car at Baystone Bank which had been there since July/August.
105/16 PROGRESS REPORTS
105.16.1 Beach Benches
The Clerk reported that a bid had been put in to CGP fund for half the cost of replacing the remaining 3 benches.
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Cllr Bradley reported that a bench belonging the Council was still in storage in a garage. It had originally been intended to be placed at Whitbeck. Cllrs Bradley and Lowery to assess possible sites for this bench within Whitbeck.
It was noted that the bench by Whitbeck Church was not in good condition and also the one at Hatrees. It was agreed to look at the condition of the benches and determine what works were required.
106/16 Public Participation Session
No other members of the public was present.
107/16 COUNTY COUNCILLOR AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT
County Cllr Hitchen had informed the Clerk that the proposed extension of the speed limit through Silecroft to the beach had been agreed at the County Highways committee.
The Clerk had asked Cllr Hitchen if he could look into why the road end markings at the junction of Silecroft and the A5093 had not been renewed, during the recent works.
Borough Cllr Scurrah attended the meeting but had nothing to add.
108/16: Applications for Development
108/16.1 To examine applications for development and submit observations to the Planning Authority
7/2016/4055 Hartrees Cottage, Silecroft
Proposed dormer window to existing roof
The Council resolved to support this application
7/2016/4070 Monk Foss Farm, Whitbeck
To roof over existing silage pits
The Council resolved to support this application
108/16.2 To ratify the observations submitted by the Clerk under devolved powers since the last meeting.
None undertaken
108/16.3 To note the decisions of the statutory planning authority with regards to recent applications:
7/2016/4054 Erect general purpose building extension
New Crosshouse Farm, Siulecroft
Approved with conditions
109/16: FINANCIAL RECORDS
109/16.1 The following payments were approved:
R Waddington Paint for playground equipment £ 44.65
J Fell Grass cutting Silecroft playarea £446.40
A N Fell Grass cutting Silecroft road end £330.00
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109/16.2 To note the receipt of payments:
None were received
109/16.3 Bank reconciliation – None received
109/16.4 Budget Comparison report – To consider the budget comparison report to 30 October 2016 and determine any actions required.
No actions required.
Cllr M Cummings joined the meeting
109/16.5 To approve the budget for 2017/18 and determine the precept
Discussion took place regarding the potential take over the toilets at Silecroft beach and the costs of refurbishment. The draft budget was amended to reflect this.
A draft budget was presented to the Council. After scrutiny and discussion a budget was agreed. It was RESOLVED that the precept for 2017/18 be set at £15300
Proposed by Cllr Fell, seconded by Cllr Cumming and the council agreed to accept the amended budget and to set the precept.
110/16 PARISH MATTERS
1. Silecroft Beach and toilets
The Quarry had agreed to give stone for the car park. The Clerk to contact the quarry manager with the quantity required. Cllrs Sharp and Wilson to arrange transport.
It was agreed that the Council would like to see the toilets remain open and would be prepared to take them over from Copeland Borough Council
Cllr Sharp to contact Alan Walker to look at refurbishment costs, cost of connecting electricity.
Local builders to be approached to offer tenders for cost of refurbishment of toilets.
Clerk to contact LDNP re ice cream license
2. Co-option of Councillors
There had been no response to this vacancy. Clerk instructed to advertise in Around the Combe magazine
3. Victoria Cross memorial ceremony
It was agreed that the ceremony would be held on Sunday 30 July 2017 at 11am.
The British Legion had agreed to attend and the Clerk to confirm date with them. Clerk to contact relatives of Tom Mayson.
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Cllr Wilson to contact companies to acquire 3 quotes for the sandblasting and galvanizing of the railings around the crematorium.
Cllr Fell will speak to locals at the Remembrance Day service to determine the best position for the stone.
4. Emergency Planning
In light of the work required with the NWCC, it was agreed to defer this to the February meeting.
5. Public meeting 15 November 2016 and NWCC
It was agreed to hold a public meeting. To invite Stewart Bradshaw, Dan Hunt, LDNP and David Savage Chair of Joint Parishes to speak for approx 10 minutes each on the National Grid proposals.
Letter to be sent to NG requesting an extension of 4 weeks on consultation. Copy to Mark Wilson Planning Inspectorate
Cllrs Fell and Cumming to attend CALC workshop. There will be technical specialists there to help identify points pertinent to the area. Going to look at top 3 issues for parish to formulate a response.
Key issues landscape and transport. If every council is saying the same thing then it flags up that there are key issues.
Dan Hunt LDNP and Kate Wilshaw FOLD are concerned in what is happening. Positive about undergrounding in LDNP but concerned in proposals in the setting of the NP. LDNP are requesting that all wire frames are removed – clutter skyline. Concerned that NG have only done a partial habitat survey and not a full one. Feel that the Whicham valley and Duddon Estuary have been let down in the current proposals.
FOLD are politically lobbying Local Gov, House of commons and House of Lords to protect landscapes.
It was agreed that the key topics were
landscape – visual impact and levels of compensation
Impact on visitor economy and rural economy
Impact on transport, schools and Health Services
111/16 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies
See 110/16.5 above
112/16 CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence had been circulated to councilors. The following had been received:
Clerk reported that a quotation had been received from Sovereign re the tennis courts
113/16 COUNCILLOR MATTERS
None
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114/16 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – to confirm the next meeting will be Wednesday 7th December 2016 at 7.30pm in Silecroft Village Hall
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.15pm
Signed………………………………………………… Dated………………………………………