OSWESTRY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26th August 2014
At Trefonen Village Hall
Present – Councillors – R Milton – Chair, M Lee, I Ashley, J Barlow, P Broomby, V Byrne,
W Cheetham, S Jones, P May, J Middleton, A Milner and P Milner
1.0 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Chalk and V Edwards and E
Evans was absent.
2.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Chair, Cllr R Milton explained that the Council usually allow fifteen minutes for the
public participation session but due to the demand from the public this could be
increased at his discretion. He asked anyone who wished to speak to stand. Fifteen
people stood and the Chair stated that the time would be two minutes per speaker
which would be timed and he would cut off anyone going beyond their allocated time.
Cllr V Byrne seconded this proposal. All other councillors were in favour.
Speaker 1 – Mr Julian Francis – Mr Francis commented that he did not have a long
address. He thanked the four councillors who had voted at the extraordinary meeting
to reverse the decision under standing orders that had been made at the June
meeting. He also informed the meeting that the planning application for development
at Chapel Lane had been refused by the North Area planning committee at Shirehall
that afternoon. He pointed out that there were some applications on the agenda at this
meeting for garden development and he asked that these be deferred until the
September meeting.
Speaker 2- Mr Peter Richardson – Speaking on Agenda Item 6.3 – Planning – Mr
Richardson asked that the Parish Council do not support the planning application for
development opposite Devonic, Maesbury. The Council have said ‘No’ to hubs or
clusters and the Parish survey that was undertaken recently by the Parish Council
showed that 94% did not want development in open countryside and outside
development area. Mr Richardson asked that the application goes to the North Area
Committee of Shropshire Council. Paragraph 14 of the NPPF clearly states that
development has to be sustainable. This application is clearly unsustainable with no
shop, post office or bus service. According to the Environmental Agency the land is in
Zone 2 Flood area and if this is built it will flood his own property.
Speaker 3 – Mr Rob Bennett- representing Mr Derek Jones regarding development at
Little London Lane (agenda Item: 6.2). Mr Bennett stated that this was the smallest
development being put forward for planning in Trefonen and it was fundamentally
different from the others. It is a self- build with only six plots and not a conventional
housing estate. Buyers can design their own homes and it will not affect the village as
a whole. The land will be developed slowly, plot by plot, traffic will have no impact on
residents and there will be no pollution. Trefonen needs housing to enable it to flourish
over the next ten to fifteen years and the school could be lost because it relies on
children being brought in. Mr Bennett asked for support from the Parish Council.
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Speaker 4 – Carol Ryan-Ridout – Ms Ryan stated as she stood that she was not going
to comply with the time restriction because it was not enough for her to say what she
wanted to say. The Chair stated that he had explained the time limit at the start and he
expected it to be complied with. Ms Ryan said that farmers are enhancing their
pension fund by selling off land for development and that she had sat through the
Parish Council July meeting with astonishment. She stated that she was unclear about
councillors understanding of planning considerations when they were commenting on
planning. Are they just tinkling with it compared with Kinnerley who are ‘on the ball’.
There is a lack of sustainability and …… At this point the Chair said that time was up.
Ms Ryan carried on and the Chair again stated that she must stop speaking. She
refused to stop and the Chair said that if she did not stop she would have to leave the
room and the meeting would be cancelled. At this point Ms Ryan asked that Mr David
Jones used two minutes to finish the points she wanted to make. This was allowed.
Speaker 5 – David Jones – He quoted paragraph 49 of the NPPF which says that the
supply of five year housing does not say that the Secretary of State can ratify it. Mr
Jones stopped speaking at this point.
Speaker 6 – Ms L McCann-Worrall – Lives in Bellan Lane, Trefonen and is concerned
if the development goes ahead in Little London Lane, Trefonen. Dallas Lane is also
very narrow and cars have to go up Old Post Office Lane to turn back down Dallas
Lane. Passing places are in driveways of houses and there is a definite safety issue.
When you buy a house there is no clause in it that says your children have to attend
the local school.
Speaker 7 – David Ward – Mr Ward had studied the amendments to the plans for
Little London Lane, Trefonen development and after the junction with Malthouse Lane
there are no passing places coming along Bellan Lane other than in private driveways.
There has been discussion regarding the need for houses to fill the school. A school is
based on excellence and if it is excellent, places will be filled. The Parish Plan done in
2014 proves that residents do not want development. The Parish do not want to be a
hub or a cluster and there is now a 5+ years of houses.
Speaker 8 – Helen Hunter-Hayes – regarding the amendments to the Whitridge Way,
Trefonen proposals – the amendments should not change the decision of the Parish
Council at all. Trefonen does not want to be like Chirk, where a recent article in the
Advertiser on 10th June highlighted that a fifty yard section of Offas Dyke had been
ruined by a person bulldozing a length of the dyke because he did not know it was
there. SAMDev is now completed and Shropshire Council have quoted a 5.5 year
land supply. Trefonen is not identified in the SAMDev and the Parish survey supported
brownfield development. The school factor that was put forward by some councillors at
an earlier meeting is not a factor.
Speaker 9 – Sue Norris – regarding planning application 6.4 Land off Chain Lane. She
wished to ask the Council to oppose this application. There are currently cattle on this
site and it says in the plans that the access is in a 30mph limit. It is not. Maesbury is
not in a hub or a cluster and the site is not sustainable. There is no school or
amenities. She has an issue with councillors who have taken no notice of the survey
and vote against the facts. Councillors should be listening to the residents in their
ward and questions have been asked in emails.
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Speaker 10 – Mrs C Abram – Mrs Abram asked that when item 7.2 came up on the
agenda could she have an explanation about areas that can be identified as green
spaces.
Speaker 11 – Malcolm Andrew – Also speaking on behalf of his neighbour Mrs E
Lloyd Williams regarding agenda item 6.2 Land at Little London Lane. The
amendments are still ‘All Matters Reserved’ and are not indicative on site as to the
numbers of dwellings. The TPO on trees is suggesting early removal. Do we want
modern houses on the approach to Offa’s Dyke and on Whitridge Way? Dallas Lane is
not suitable at all for vehicles with character walls and hedges which will be spoilt.
Construction traffic will be a danger. He asked for support from the Parish Council and
to point out that there is now another application on the Little London Lane at
‘Richmond’.
Speaker 12 – Tom Morris – who has put forward proposals for plots in Maesbury
pointed out that a public sewer is not needed because it is free draining. He also
stated that the Parish survey is not right because people have approached him who
want to live in Maesbury.
Speaker 13 – Andrew Heaton – regarding the Whitridge Way proposal at agenda item
6.1.- Some people are still unaware of the historical heritage on and near this site. A
section of stone hedge would have to be removed and Offa’s Dyke is running through
the site. Consider what happened in Chirk and look at the 100’s of objections to this
application on the planning portal. Lots of eminent people objected such as Dr Mike
Howarth, Dr Ben Edwards and Mr George Nash. To proceed with this would be folly
and he asked that councillors listen to the local residents.
Speaker 14 – Dr George Nash –regarding the Whitridge Way proposal at 6.1 on
agenda – He introduced himself as a specialist in planning law. He was concerned
where the development will go due to the cultural heritage on this site. Trefonen sits
on an archaeological site and he is disappointed with the local authority and English
Heritage. They planned, between 1999-2003, to set up a world heritage site and the
line of Offa’s Dyke would have been included in this but resources ran out and it was
never finished. Mr Nash encouraged residents and councillors to save this site for the
next 200-300 years.
Speaker 15 – Mr Dave Parker- the agent for the developer for the Whitridge Way site
at 6.1. On the agenda – Mr Parker first of all said that he was aware of the decision
made that afternoon regarding the Chapel Lane site in Trefonen. – He could not agree
with the decision but understood it. Similarly, the Whitridge Way site is enclosed on
three sides by other houses and the proposal to build 8-12 houses will soften the edge
of the development. This amount of houses is only 5% growth in the village and will be
affordable and the cheaper end of the market. Trefonen needs small scale
development and this site can provide this.
3.0
DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
Councillor I Ashley – Planning Applications 14/03100, 14/03104 and 14/03101
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4.0
POLICE REPORT
Police were unable to attend but sent a report to the clerk following the meeting as
follows:
13th Aug – burglary of outbuildings at farm in Woolston – tools taken
24th Aug – Theft of Royal Mail post box from Gwernybrenin
Between 2nd – 8th August – Theft of bikes from a container in Woodhill
28th August – Theft of Mazda pick-up from farm in Morton
29th August – Theft of caravan from Maesbury
29th August – Theft of registration plates in Maesbury
With regard to the final three offences a suspect was arrested at the wheel of the
stolen vehicle in West Felton. The vehicle was displaying the stolen plates. The theft
of the caravan was suspected but not proven. The suspect is on bail until 4th
September.
5.0 MINUTES
To confirm the Minutes of the last meeting on 29th July 2014
The minutes were proposed and seconded as a true record following some minor
changes and all councillors were in favour excepting Cllrs S Jones, A Milner and J
Middleton who were absent at that meeting.
The minutes of 29th June could not be confirmed due to the fact that some of the
councillors who voted at that meeting were absent.
This item will now be deferred until the September meeting.
ACTION: 14.7.1 Post minutes on Parish web site following amendments
ACTION: 14.7.2. Put the June minutes on the next agenda for agreement
6.0 PLANNING MATTERS
The chair explained that the planning sub-committee met in the week before the main
Parish meeting to discuss any planning applications that have been notified to the
Clerk from Shropshire Council.
The planning sub-committee have representation from each ward of the Parish and
there are seven councillors on that committee.
They look at each applications and discuss and then make a recommendation to the
full council. These recommendations are read out at the Council meeting and all
councillors can vote on whether to support or oppose the planning application.
Deferred from last meeting
6.1
14/00536/OUT- Proposed residential development for 12 dwellings – North of
Whitridge Way, Trefonen- Amendments.
The planning sub-committee recommend not to Support this development. The Parish
survey responses for Trefonen with Treflach categorically do not want building on
Greenfield sites. Respondents want conversion of buildings for housing, Affordable
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housing or infill of one or two houses. The Parish Council stated that they did not want
to be in a hub or a cluster and they should stick with this decision.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and 10 councillors voted not to support the
application, 1 councillor to support and there was 1 abstention.
6.2
14/01510/OUT – Land on south side of little London Lane, Trefonen – outline
application for development.
The Planning sub-committee recommend that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. They would also recommend a deferral and ask that a site visit is made by
the North Area planning committee and a highways expert consultant who can produce
a full report. Clarification is also requested regarding TPO tree T32. It is unclear what
is going to happen to this tree.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and 6 councillors voted not to support the
application, No councillors to support and there was 6 abstentions.
6.3
14/03100/OUT- Land Opposite Devonic, Maesbury- Outline application for a
mixed residential development to include means of access.
The Planning sub-committee recommend that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. There is overdevelopment on the site and sewerage is not available on
the mains in this part of the village. In a response on the Parish survey, ‘If
development were to take place, where do you think it should be? Only 17 people
responded ‘on greenfield sites’. The majority of respondents wanted development on
brownfield sites, replacing existing buildings or infill.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and 10 councillors voted not to support the
application, 1 councillor to support and there was 1 abstention.
6.4
14/03104/OUT - Land Off Chain Lane, Maesbury - Outline application for the
erection of 3 no. dwellings and associated garaging to include means of
access.
The planning sub-committee SUPPORT this application but would point out
that there is no sewerage connection in this area.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this application.
A vote was taken and 7 councillors voted not to support the application, 4
councillors to support and there was 1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO
SUPPORT the application.
6.5
14/03101/OUT - Proposed Development Land SE Of St Johns Church,
Maesbury Marsh - Outline application for the erection of 3 no. dwellings and
associated garaging to include means of access.
The planning sub-committee recommend that the SUPPORT this application
but would like to see affordable houses on this site. Again, sewerage is not
available on the mains in this area.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this application.
A vote was taken and 6 councillors voted not to support the application, 5
councillors to support and there was 1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO
SUPPORT the application
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6.6
14/02768/OUT – Land opposite Lower Waen Farm, Maesbury Marsh – Mixed
residential development 9 to include access) - A proposal was made and
seconded that the Council SUPPORT this application. A vote was taken and 7
councillors voted not to support the application, 4 councillors to support and there was
1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO SUPPORT the application. - A proposal was
made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this application. A vote
was taken and 11 councillors voted not to support the application, None to
support and there was 1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO SUPPORT the
application.
6.7
14/03183/FUL – Bromwich Park, Maesbury Marsh – conversion of farm building
(Unit 2) from holiday let to residential.
The Planning sub-committee recommend Support for this application.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
6.8
14/03240/FUL – Milford Barn, Coedygo – Change of Use of small paddock to
residential garden.
The planning sub-committee recommend Support for this application. A
proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
6.9
14/03308/FUL – Land at Three Trees, Trefonen – erection of 2 storey detached
dwelling including new access.
The planning sub-committee recommend NOT TO SUPPORT this application.
This is an overbearing development on adjacent properties and
overdevelopment of the site. The Council would like the North Area Planning
Committee to visit this site.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and 11 councillors voted not to support the
application, None to support and there was 1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO
SUPPORT the application.
6.10
14/03366/FUL – Three Trees, Sandrock Lane, Trefonen – Erection of extension
to front of dwelling. - The planning sub-committee recommend support for this
application.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
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6.11
14/03310/FUL – C V Rollers (TPP) Ltd. Mile Oak Industrial Estate – Erection of
single storey extension to rear elevation.
The Planning sub-committee recommend SUPPORT for this application.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
6.12
14/03331/PMBPA – Barns to the West of Lllwynymaen - Application for prior
approval under Part 3 of the Town & Country Planning Order 2014 for Change
of Use from agricultural Building to 3 new dwellings.
The Planning sub-committee recommend SUPPORT for this application. The
access should be reviewed again because the Highways diagram on the planning
portal was not clear.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
6.13
14/03002/FUL – Pentreshannel Farm, Coedygo – Erection of implement and
fodder storage building over existing yard.
The Planning sub-committee recommend SUPPORT for this application.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council SUPPORT this
application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted to support the
application.
6.14
14/03696/FUL - Proposed Dwelling South of Fernhill - Erection of 1No single storey
dwelling.
The planning sub-committee recommend that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT
this application. The previous application went to appeal and the inspector
refused it. The Council are recommended to uphold what the inspector said.
A vote was taken and 11 councillors voted not to support the application, none
to support and there was 1 abstention. It was carried NOT TO SUPPORT the
application.
6.15
14/03487/OUT – Development East of Richmond, Little London Lane, Trefonen
The planning sub-committee recommend refusal of this outline planning
application due to there being insufficient information to form a judgement on
the planning portal.
A proposal was made and seconded that the Council DO NOT SUPPORT
this application. A vote was taken and all 12 councillors voted not to
support the application.
6.16
The chairman read out decisions made by Shropshire Council on planning
applications since the last meeting and councillors had all received a copy.
.
ACTION: 14.8.3 Enter comments on Shropshire Council planning portal
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7.0
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
7.1
Cemeteries/ Outdoor Spaces – Update on transfer of land at Trefarclawdd &
Glentworth.
A letter had been received from the Council solicitors who confirmed the
completion of the purchase of extra land at Trefarclawdd cemetery on the 7th August
and land registration has applied for to register the title. The registration will also
amalgamate the title with the title of the existing cemetery. The transfer of land at
Glentworth is also nearly complete except for a query with regard to the TPO on a tree
on the land.
7.2
Green Spaces
It was requested in the public participation session that an explanation of Green
Spaces was made so the clerk read out a section received from the Rural Services
Network regarding this issue. The Open Spaces Society has urged local councils to
rescue green spaces in their community. The society’s case office made a plea as she
addressed the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) at their National Conference.
Local Councils can protect open spaces for the public to enjoy. They are currently
under threat of development and the government have relaxed the laws intended to
protect them. Parish Councils can register land which belongs to the Council as a
village green and they can help people to identify and register land based on 20 years
use for informal recreation. Land can be registered if it has been used by local people
for ‘lawful sports and pastimes’. A landowner can register land voluntarily without
needing to produce evidence of use. Once registered the land is protected from
development by nineteenth-century legislation.
The clerk asked that councillors and the public highlighted any green space that they
wished to be registered.
Trefonen Shop / Post Office – update
Cllr V Edwards was absent from the meeting but news is that there is definitely
an interested party who would like to take over the shop/Post Office and the
hold- up has been due to summer holidays and solicitors being away from their
desks.
7.4
Nantmawr – Speed Limits
Cllr P May informed the Council that he has been approached by residents in
Nantmawr asking for a speed limit in the village. About 5-6 years ago
Shropshire Council had a speed initiative but this was dropped due to budget
constraints. There is no footpath and no street lights in Nantmawr and residents
are worried that a serious accident could occur. There have been several
incidents where walls and hedges have been damaged by vehicles and the
bridge in the village has been damaged also. There is a genuine increase in
traffic. Cllr P May proposed that the Council ask Shropshire Council for a
30mph speed limit. All councillors were in favour of this action.
ACTION 14.8.4. Write to Shropshire Council requesting a 30mph speed limit
for Nantmawr
7.3
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7.5
Defibrillators in Parish
It has been suggested that there is need for defibrillators in the Parish. Cllr P Milner
has been to a workshop and seen a demonstration of how they work and how they are
maintained. There are five defibrillators in Oswestry Town and volunteers have come
forward to check them regularly. Suggestions were made as to where they could be
sited within the Parish and Trefonen Village Hall, Morda and Rhydycroesau Village
Hall were suggested. It was agreed that the clerk investigate by contacting the West
Midlands Ambulance Service and the British Red Cross. It was agreed that the issue
would be added to the next agenda.
ACTION 14.8.5 Defibrillators be added as an item for the next agenda
7.6
Social Media – Events in Villages and Facebook
It was agreed that this item be on every agenda and councillors can bring
forward any items to be put on the Council website for the coming month.
7.7
Clerks’ telephone line
The clerk reported that she was having numerous calls on her home telephone line
and some were late evening and early morning. The cost of a separate line would be
an initial cost of £50 and £15.99 per month.
Councillors agreed that the clerk could go ahead and order a new line keeping the
current number as the Parish line and the new phone as her private number.
ACTION 14.8.6 Order a new telephone line for the clerk
8.0
SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL - REPORT FOR INFORMATION
Councillor J Barrow had no extra news to report but asked if councillors were happy
that she sent news items through to the clerk as they arose and they could be
forwarded on throughout the month. Councillors agreed that it was much better to be
informed of the latest news as soon as possible.
9.0
HIGHWAYS REPORT including Road Closure Notice
The highways report had been circulated to all councillors and any updates were
reported.
10.0
10.1
CORRESPONDENCE
Shropshire Council
Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles – confirmation of receipt of
Notice
A notice was received and the Parish Council were asked to confirm receipt of
this notice.
ACTION 14.8.7. The clerk to confirm that the Council had received this notice
from Shropshire Council
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10.2
SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING - Proposed
Residential Development Land West Of, Morda Bank, Morda
The Parish Council have been asked to send in suggestions for street names
for the new site at Morda Road ( The Cottams).Councillors were asked to
forward any suggestions to the clerk.
ACTION 14.8.8. Forward any suggestions made by councillors to Shropshire
Council
10.3
Others
P Davies – Request for Road Sign – Lawyers Lane
A resident has requested road signs at both ends of the lane where he lives. The lane
is mainly in Oswestry Rural and partly in Selattyn and Gobowen Parish. It was
suggested that the clerk liaises with the clerk at Selattyn and Gobowen and request
the signs.
ACTION 14.8.9 Contact clerk at Selattyn and Gobowen and request road signs from
Shropshire Council.
11.0
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was proposed and seconded that the list of payments is accepted. All councillors were in
favour.
Chq No
Payee
101251 Trefonen Village Hall (Lights Out Trefonen) Community Support
for Cllr S Chalk
Amount
5.00
101252
V Smout – Clerk – salary for August
678.48
101253
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI for August
183.10
101254
Peter Davies- Pest Control (Moles –Trefarclawdd)
35.00
101255
Highline Electrical – Repair at Woodhill Junction
51.00
101256
Micro Plus – Ink
24.99
101257
Royce Landscapes – Grounds Maint for August
691.00
101258
Shropshire Council Elections Fee for May 2013
500.00
101259
Shropshire RCC – Cost of 2 reports for Parish Survey
624.00
101260
Trefonen Village Hall (Lights Out Trefonen)
20.00
Community Support for Cllr P Milner
101261
SLCC – Annual Membership
129.00
Chq No
Payee
Amount
101262
Lawrence Direct – Stationery & Printing for July 2014
68.05
Total
£2880.62
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12.0
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA FROM COUNCILLORS
Planning sub-committee, Notice Board at Morton, Councillor’s Register of
Interest forms, Planning Training and defibrillators
Meeting Closed at 8.47pm
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