ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Ashby Woulds Town Council held on Monday, 13th July 2015 in
the Council Chamber, Moira Replan at 7.00 pm
Present: Cllrs P Thomas (in the Chair), T Allan, W Chapman, S McKendrick, E Shephard,
T Temple, C Wood
Officers: Mrs A Robinson - Town Clerk.
Also Present: Mr J & Mrs A Bridges, Mr A Leather (National Forest Company), Mr N Reid
(Ashby Times), 35 members of public.
46
APOLOGIES
Cllrs J Cooper, J Perry and Cty Cllr Sheahan.
47
DECLARATION OF MEMBERS INTERESTS
The Mayor and Cllr Temple declared an interest as Chair and Vice Chair for Moira Village Hall
Trust for item no 17.3.3. Moira Village Hall – Request for letter of support.
Cllr McKendrick declared as interest as ward member for item 5.update on proposed care village
for Moira.
48
PUBLIC QUESTION SESSION
Members of public raised various concerns and objections to the proposed care village at Willow
Farm. A number of residents spoke against the application detailing the proposed location as not
suitable, lack of local amenities and medical services, road safety and dangers of proposed
access, drainage and sewerage issues, noise pollution. Questions asked as to future of adjacent
industrial units, reasons for new building when Woulds Court remains vacant and what action
the town council was going to take. The Mayor advised the town council did not know what
would happen about the units or the future of the Wolds Court building but had considered the
application at the previous meeting. Members had raised a number of concerns and objections
had been lodged with the planning department and a request made for the application to be
called in before the planning committee. The Mayor advised members of public on the procedure
to submit comments to the planning department and how an application is dealt with when called
in before committee.
49
POLICE MATTERS
No items.
50
PROPOSED CARE VILLAGE FOR MOIRA
Mr Bridges explained he and his wife were the applicants. Members of the public continued to
make comments and ask questions including whether the Boothorpe fault had been considered
in the plans. Mr Bridges replied it had and did not run through the land. Mr Bridges added that
consultation guidelines had been followed and proposals brought forward before the town
council at previous meetings. A member of public added notwithstanding consultation guidelines
there was a morality issue and residents should have been consulted directly. The Mayor
suggested to Mr and Mrs Bridges that they arrange a public exhibition to display their proposals
and give residents ample opportunity to look at the plans and make comments. Cllr Wood added
that Mr and Mrs Bridges had offered to do this. The meeting became increasingly disrupted and
to restore order the mayor temporarily suspended the meeting at 7.30pm.
15 members of public leave the meeting at 7.36pm. Meeting recommences at 7.40pm.
51
BLACK TO GREEN PROJECT
Mr Leather Development Manager for the National Forest Company gave an update on the
Black to Green Project and other work being undertaken. Grant of £770,000 awarded from the
Heritage Lottery Fund. Project to be delivered over the next three years and will see a range of
activities delivered that help celebrate the areas journey of transition from coal and clay
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ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
extraction to a new forested environment. The NFC has purchased Hanging Hill Farm which
includes land and farm buildings and borders other land owned by the NFC. Feasibility study
commissioned to investigate potential use with regard to progressing tourism, recreation and
woodland economy aims. The NFC continues to see a growth in tourism now attracting 7.8m
visitors a year. NWLDC’s urban tree planting scheme is being supported by the NFC and the
town council is encouraged to look for opportunities within their area.
The Mayor thanked Mr Leather for his update.Mr Leather leaves the meeting at 7.48pm.
52
MINUTES (Appendix A)
Resolved: Minutes of the Meetings held on 8th June 2015 be approved and signed as a true
record.
53
CLERK’S REPORT (Appendix B)
The Clerk’s report on the position of various matters was considered. Copy attached to the
official copy of the Minutes.
Jubilees Nominations – it was proposed the volunteer at Spring Cottage who had provided good
service unlocking and locking the gate to the recreation ground for over four years should also
receive an award this year.
Resolved: Jubilee Award be presented to Mr Jackson.
Cllr Shephard has spoken to Mr Warner regarding Kingswood Spinner and Mr Stone and Miss
Bailey regarding Briton Lodge Close and report submitted to the clerk.
54
CORRESPONDENCE (Appendix C)
The Clerk reported on correspondence received since the last meeting.
Letter received from Cllr Allan regarding parking problems at the junction of Station Drive and
Ashby Road. Letter forwarded to LCC.
Email received from resident of Albert Village enquiring about removal of weight restriction order.
Resolved: Clerk to forward enquiry to Cty Cllr Sheahan.
Complaint received from resident of Measham Road regarding hedgerows requiring cutting
back.
Resolved: Clerk to forward enquiry to Cty Cllr Sheahan.
55
COMMUNICATIONS
Newsletter distributed end of June. Some changes made to members distribution and further
review to be undertaken of numbers distributed by volunteers. Next Communications Committee
to be held on 19th August. All members of the town council, other groups and members of public
invited to submit articles for the next newsletter by beginning of September. Cllr Allan asked if
the newsletter could be revamped to add more value to it and printed in colour.
Resolved: Suggestions put forward to be considered and costed out by the Communications
Committee.
56
PLACECHECK/SECTION 106 WISHLIST
It was agreed to appoint sub-committee to consider and report on final placecheck report.
Resolved: The Mayor, Cllr Cooper, Cllr Chapman, Cllr McKendrick and Cllr Shephard be
appointed members of the sub-committee.
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ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
57
TRANSPORT WORKING PARTY
Members expressed disappointment over lack of response by LCC and NWLDC to the removal
of the bus service. The Clerk advised over 500 signatures had been obtained to the petition and
confirmed the petition would be presented at the next Highways Forum on 20 th July. The Mayor
to attend as lead petitioner.
58
DELEGATED POWERS DURING THE SUMMER RECESS
Resolved: That the Town Clerk, Mayor and Deputy Mayor have delegated power during the
summer recess.
Cllr Wood added that all councillors should make themselves available to help during recess and
it was agreed members can be contacted as and when necessary.
59
RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY (Appendix D)
The risk assessment policy was reviewed and updated.
Resolved: Risk Assessment Policy be updated as agreed and approved for 2015/2016.
60
GRANTS (S137 LGA 1972)
A grant application had been received from Moira Male Voice Choir for a contribution towards
running costs.
Resolved: That a grant of £100 would be made to Moira Male Voice Choir under section 137
LGA 1972.
A grant application had been received from Moira Darby and Joan Club for a contribution
towards running costs.
Resolved: That a grant of £100 would be made to Moira Darby and Joan Club under section
137 LGA 1972.
61
FINANCE
61.1 The Clerk confirmed finances remained under control.
61.2 Resolved: That the payments list (July) – (Appendix E) and additional payments list be
approved. Copy attached to the official copy of the minutes.
62
62.1
RECREATION GROUNDS AND LEISURE FACILITIES
Cllrs submitted their grounds inspection reports.
62.2.1 The Clerk reported on matters raised by the grounds maintenance contractor. Cost of
additional emptying of litter bins at Albert Village would be £90 per week. It was agreed this was
too expensive and a targeted litterpick should be undertaken and volunteers sought to help keep
areas tidy.
Resolved: No additional emptying to be undertaken at the present time.
62.2.2 Additional weedkilling recommended on football pitches to remove clover at a cost of
£145 to do all pitches.
Resolved: Additional weedkilling approved.
62.3.1 Spring Cottage
The Clerk reported on quotes to open and close gates on a daily basis and informed the meeting
that 2 new volunteers had come forward.
Resolved: Gates be opened and closed by volunteers.
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ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
62.3.2 Albert Village Recreation Ground
The Clerk reported on quote to replace MUGA nets.
Resolved: Quote approved to replace nets.
62.3.3 Moira Village Hall
Request received from the village hall trustees for a letter of support for grant application for roof
insulation.
Resolved: Letter of support approved.
62.3.4 Measham Road
Request received from MRFC to renew licence on existing terms at the same rent for a three
year period.
Resolved: Item deferred to the next meeting.
62.3.5 Annual Play Inspection Reports
The Clerk presented annual inspection reports. Some minor risk items identified.
Resolved: Repairs be undertaken as advised in reports.
62.3.6 Annual Grounds Inspections
Resolved: Annual inspections be undertaken on Thursday 17th September and Saturday 26th
September. Meet at Replan 9.30am.
62.3.7 Holly Close Recreation Ground
Cllr Temple reported on repairs to bridge undertaken by landowner Mr Cripwell.
Resolved: Letter of thanks to be sent to Mr Cripwell.
63
PLANNING
63.1 Consultations
15 00563 VCI – Bridge House, Spring Cottage Road Spring Cottage
Variation of condition 11 of planning permission 08/00693/FUL to allow full residential
occupation of the chalets/static caravans
Decision: No objection.
63.2 Permissions
15 00417 REM – Land at Station House Station Drive, Moira
Erection of detached dwelling (reserved matters to consider scale, appearance and landscaping
only in relation to 14/00879/OUT).
15 00427 FUL - 14 Briton Lodge Close, Moira
Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension.
63.3 Refusals
15 00381 TPO – 5 Briton Lodge Close Moira
Felling of 1 no Pine Tree protected by TPO 268.
63.4 Notices
15 00456 OUTM – Willow Farm, Ashby Road, Moira
Residential development including apartments and cottages and residential care home with
associates car parking and landscaping (outline-details of access, appearance, landscaping,
layout and scale reserved for subsequent approval)
Notice of amendment. Application reference changed from a FULM to an OUTM.
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ASHBY WOULDS TOWN COUNCIL
64
DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cllr Temple reported on grasscutting at Chestnut Close. No maintenance responsibility included
in deeds of property owners. District Cllr Bridges will refer back to NWLDC to ascertain if
anything can be done.
Cllr Wood requested an update on pothole in access road at Blackfordby Lane shops. Cllr
McKendrick confirmed it had been raised and plans obtained to show areas of district and
county responsibility. Remains unclear who is responsible but district are investigating further.
Cllr Wood also reported the trees outside the shops required cutting back.
The Mayor reported on the poor state of Daybell Island and suggested it could be sponsored by
a local firm. District Cllr Bridges advised this was a good idea and would put it forward for
consideration.
Cllr Temple reported on continued problems of cars parked up in spaces to the front of the
shops preventing customers from being able to park.
Cllr Shephard requested an update on Measham Road development. District Cllr Bridges
advised as of last week no further proposals regarding the conditions had been received. Cllr
Shephard advised a meeting had been held between the developer and the coal authority
regarding remedial works and queried whether district were aware or involved with this. District
Cllr Bridges advised he would contact NWLDC to find out what was happening. Cllr Shephard
added the developer had tried to clear the culvert again but had failed and a resident trying to
sell their property in Measham Road had received surveys back showing the property to be in an
area of high risk of subsidence.
Cllr Temple reported the bin outside of the post office was overflowing and asked who was
responsible for emptying the bin. District Cllr Bridges advised he would make enquiries about
this.
65
COUNTY COUNCIL
Minute reference 57 refers.
66
OUTSIDE BODY REPRESENTATIVES
Members reported on attending a recent meeting of the burial board. Letters sent to LCC
regarding ongoing drainage problem at Donisthorpe Cemetery gate entrance.
67
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
In accordance with established practice, the date of the next meeting will be Monday, 14th
September 2015.
The meeting ended at 8.40pm.
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