Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2019 at Cranage Hall Hotel.
Part 1
Present
Councillor R J Hocknell- Chairman
Councillor R Hurst,
Councillor G Morgan
Councillor A Nicol
Councillor J Swithenbank
Ms J Mason – Clerk
41/19 Election of Chairman for 2019/20
Resolved Cllr R Hocknell was elected as the Chairman for the ensuing year. The Acceptance of Office was signed.
42/19 Acceptance of Office
Resolved Cllr D Bennett could sign the acceptance of office before the next meeting.
Declaration of Interest
Cllr J Swithenbank – 18/4329C and Cllr R Hurst – payments
Public Forum
Two members of the public present.
One resident wished to express a concern about new signage at the Golf Club advertising concrete.
It was reported a car had been sighted driving down to the gate at the bowling club which we knew was not allowed. The Chairman said he would speak with the bowling club committee.
Apologies
Cllr D Bennett due to work commitments
43/19 Minutes
Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 26th March 2019 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.
44/19 Election of Vice Chairman for 2019/20
Resolved Cllr D Bennett would be the Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
It was agreed he would sign the Acceptance of Office at the next meeting.
45/19 Register of Interests Forms
The Clerk circulated the hard copies for completion and reminded members the electronic copy was required by the 3rd June by the Monitoring Officer and the website administrator.
46/19 Code of Conduct
The Clerk briefly explained the new Code of Conduct which had been adopted by Cheshire East Council. There were courses being held by CHALC to explain in more detail.
Resolved the New Code of Conduct was adopted by the Parish Council.
47/19 Standing Orders
Resolved the Standing Orders were adopted by full Council
48/19 Financial Regulations
Resolved the Financial Regulations were adopted by full Council.
49/19 To adopt the General Power of Competence
The Council continues to meet the requirement to exercise the General Power of Competence and no longer needs to use s137 as a power to spend on certain items.
Resolved the Council adopted the General Power of Competence.
50/19 Councillor Responsibilities
Resolved the following responsibilities were adopted by full Council.
Police – Cllr A Nicol
Personnel- Cllr Hurst and Cllr R Hocknell
Planning – Cllr J Swithenbank, Cllr G Morgan and Cllr R Hurst
Communication including newsletter and website – Cllr A Nicol
Finance and audit Compliance – Cllr R Hurst
Highways – Cllr J Swithenbank
Business Plan Delivery – Cllr R Hocknell
Village Hall Representative – Cllr R Hurst
Cranage Bowling Club – Cllr D Bennett
CHALC – Cllr R Hocknell
Manchester Airport – Cllr D Bennett
Audit and Local Councils in England 2018/19
51/19 Internal Audit
The Internal Audit had been circulated to all members. The main comments were noted; Risk Assessment, extra budget reviews and the attention to the ear marked reserves.
The Chairman acknowledged the report and with the exception of the Risk Assessment he briefed the members that they needed to address the issues over the next year.
They would begin by addressing the Business Plan.
Resolved the internal audit was accepted by full council.
52/19 Section 1 Annual Governance statement section 2018/19 of the AGAR
Resolved the Council accepted the report and it was signed by the Chairman and Clerk /RFO.
53/18 Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2018/19
Resolved the Council accepted the statements and the Chairman sign to confirm approval.
54/19 Public Inspection period (Notice of public rights) from Monday 17th June to Friday 26th July 2019 inclusive.
Resolved All information will be posted on the website and the noticeboards on the above dates.
55/19 Grant Funding – Community Clean Up
Cllr A Kolker had nominated the Parish Council for the Community Clean up – Grant funding this had been successful and £809.00 had been received.
The monies had to be spent within a three-month period.
Resolved the Parish Council would spend the monies on the garden and boundary at the bowling club.
56/19 Cranage Bowling Club lighting
The Clerk had obtained three quotes as circulated.
Resolved the Parish Council would instruct Hamilton’s Electrical Services.
The Bowling Club would be requested to pay for this cost.
57/19 Unregistered Land behind Deans Cottages
Cllr RH and the Clerk had met with Jackie Kirkham – Land Surveyor to the Health & Social Care Authority on the 29th March to discuss the registration of the land. She had visited the site and made it clear between £4,000 and £5,000 had already been spent with Hill Dickenson Solicitors to date.
Since the meeting further correspondence had been received to conclude due to there being no land registration documents, they could not justify spending and more monies relisting the land. If the Parish Council wished to pursue the matter, they would have to honour the costs.
It was agreed this matter would be deferred until the Parish Council had further information.
58/19 Highways
Northwich Road
There had been an insert placed inside the newsletter to all the residents on Northwich Road but there had been no more information forthcoming from the residents. The PC would contact Cllr AK for more information.
The Clerk had also contacted the resident who had complained and invited him the meeting, but he had failed to attend.
Hard Standing outside Cranage Hall Hotel for a bus stop
The PC were still awaiting response form Cllr AK.
Hermitage Bridge
Holmes Chapel Parish Council had approached the PC to support requesting a Traffic Regulation Order to change the use of the road as at present there is no restriction of vehicles access along Hermitage Lane and there is a noticeable increase in traffic movements. The Chairman and the Clerk had met with HCPC on 11th April to discuss. It would give a weight limit for the bridge and restrict motor vehicles.
Resolved the Parish Council supported Holmes Chapel Parish Council’s request to approach Cheshire East to implement a Traffic Regulation Order.
Gully outside 9 Needham Drive – 3353120
Outstanding
Cllr RH wished it to be noted cars were parking on the pavement along Byley Lane and if they didn’t emergency vehicles would not get through for access down the lane.
Resolved the Clerk would contact the PCSO to check the guidelines within the highways law.
Grass verge cutting
The Clerk made members aware this should have been completed and feedback was requested. Members would report back.
59/19 Annual Parish Meeting
It was noted the speaker was very good and engaged with the public very well.
60/19 Footpath and Tree Report
Resolved to accept the report for the officer
Massey Mill footpath.
It was improved but this may be due to the weather.
Football pitches
A site visit was arranged for 23rd May with all parties.
Footpath Claim – Carver Ave/ Byley Lane/Crescent Avenue Ref FPS/R0660/14A/2
The was still awaiting a response.
61/19 Planning Applications
- 19/2183C Boundary Cottage, Twemlow Lane Cranage CW4 8DS – Two storey rear extension to detached cottage in rural area – not in green belt.
Resolved No Comment as no details on the website.
The Clerk had contacted the planning officer twice, but he had failed to respond.
- 19/1542C 7 Lawrence Close, Cranage CW4 8FA – proposed single storey extension to existing detached dwelling.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1746C Sunnyside, Byley Lane, Cranage CW10 9LP- Replacement of existing dwelling and ancillary buildings with a single dwelling associated access and parking.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1732C Allotment Wood, Oak Tree Lane, Cranage CW10 9LU – Proposed new agricultural outbuilding for storage to rear garden with two new gated access points to one entrance and one proposed.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1660C Manor View, Twemlow Lane, Cranage CW4 8EX- rear extension and first floor augmentation with associated boundary treatments.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1224C 29 Needham Drive, Cranage CW4 8FB – first floor rear extension.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/147C Birchways, Kings Lane, Cranage CW10 – single story side extension and single storey rear extension.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/2363N Garden Cottage, New Platt Lane, Cranage CW4 8HS
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1968C Hunters Gate, Byley Lane, Cranage CW10 9LW – placement of tennis court within existing curtilage (rear garden) of dwelling and relocation of annex building.
Resolved No Objection
18/5051C Land at rear of Cotton Farm, Middlewich Road, Holmes Chapel CW4 7ET –
The complaints about this site were noted. The Clerk had contacted HCPC for support and they had submitted further comments. The legal department still had not decided on the lawful certificate which was overdue since January 2019. The Clerk was requested to contact Cllr AK.
Allotment woods Oak Tree Lane – comments were received from the owner of the site in relation to the business operation.
Goostrey Home and Leisure – the owner of the site had contacted the Clerk stating that the company who were operating the auction had been asked to apply for planning permission.
Glebe Farm – HCPC had contacted the Clerk to make the PC aware they had contacted planning enforcement in refence to the site holding 5 caravans.
| Sibelco- the Secretary of State had failed to call in the application. |
62/19 Accounts
It was noted the balance of account = Leek United £30,488.46 + Natwest £25,673.34 = £56,161.80.
Payments
- Cheque number 262 – £8.79 Mrs R Hurst (Annual refreshments).
- Cheque number 263 – £229.00 Crewe Colour Printers Ltd
- Cheque number 264 – £234.60 J D H Services Ltd
- Cheque number 265 – £127.30 Mrs J Mason (expenses Jan to March)
- Cheque number 266 – £20.00 Cheshire Community Action
- Cheque number 267- £373.32 Cheshire Association of Local Councils
- Cheque number 268 – £36.00 CPRE
- Online payment – £82.20 ROSPA Play Safety
- Online payment – £790.39 Zurich Municipal
Receipts
- £10,000.00 CE Precept
- £994.37 HW & SB PC
- £1,518.10 Somerford PC
- £1,518.10 NBACM PC
- £809.00 CE Community clean up bonus
Resolved the above payments are approved and signed for as a true and accurate record.
63/19 Risk Assessment 2018/19
Resolved Full Council accepted the Risk Assessment circulated for 2018/19.
64/19 Cheshire East
Resolved to suspend the Standing Orders to accept a report from the Ward Councillor A Kolker.
No report.
65/19 Chairman and Members Report.
Local Plan – site allocations and development plan meeting
Resolved Cllr RJH, Cllr JS and Cllr GM would attend on Monday 3rd June at 3.30pm
Memorial bench
The Chairman and Cllr RH had met the family and decided the position of the bench. The Clerk had obtained a quote to site the bench from Congleton Town Council on six concrete slabs.
Resolved CTC would be instructed to site the bench.
Resolved the Parish Council would purchase the bench and the family would then credit the monies.
Civic Service for the Community HCPC 23.6.19
The Chairman would be away, and the Clerk was asked to send his apologies.
Meeting Venue
The comments were noted in reference to the new meeting venue.
66/19 Clerks Report
Training Course
Resolved Cllr A Nicol would attend the Induction to Councillors training course.
Noticeboards
It was agreed the following responsibilities;
Needham Drive
Cllr RH
Village Hall
Cllr RH
Crescent Road
Cllr AN
Northwich Road
Cllr D Bennett
Middlewich Road
Cllr G Morgan
Public Forum
No comments.
67/19 The next meeting would be on the 18th June 2019 @ Cranage Hall Hotel
Meeting closed at 9.30pm
Present
Councillor R J Hocknell- Chairman
Councillor R Hurst,
Councillor G Morgan
Councillor A Nicole
Councillor J Swithenbank
Ms J Mason – Clerk
41/19 Election of Chairman for 2019/20
Resolved Cllr R Hocknell was elected as the Chairman for the ensuing year.
The Acceptance of Office was signed.
42/19 Acceptance of Office
Resolved Cllr D Bennett could sign the acceptance of office before the next meeting.
Declaration of Interest
Cllr J Swithenbank – 18/4329C and Cllr R Hurst – payments
Public Forum
Two members of the public present.
One resident wished to express a concern about new signage at the Golf Club advertising concrete.
It was reported a car had been sited driving down to the gate at the bowling club which we knew was not allowed. The Chairman said he would speak with the bowling club committee.
Apologies
Cllr D Bennett due to work commitments
43/19 Minutes
Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 26th March 2019 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.
44/19 Election of Vice Chairman for 2019/20
Resolved Cllr D Bennett would be the Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
It was agreed he would sign the Acceptance of Office at the next meeting.
45/19 Register of Interests Forms
The Clerk circulated the hard copies for completion and reminded members the electronic copy was required by the 3rd June by the Monitoring Officer and the website administrator.
46/19 Code of Conduct
The Clerk briefly explained the new Code of Conduct which had been adopted by Cheshire East Council. There were courses being held by CHALC to explain in more detail.
Resolved the New Code of Conduct was adopted by the Parish Council.
47/19 Standing Orders
Resolved the Standing Orders were adopted by full Council
48/19 Financial Regulations
Resolved the Financial Regulations were adopted by full Council.
49/19 To adopt the General Power of Competence
The Council continues to meet the requirement to exercise the General Power of Competence and no longer needs to use s137 as a power to spend on certain items.
Resolved the Council adopted the General Power of Competence.
50/19 Councillor Responsibilities
Resolved the following responsibilities were adopted by full Council.
Police – Cllr A Nicole
Personnel- Cllr Hurst and Cllr R Hocknell
Planning – Cllr J Swithenbank, Cllr G Morgan and Cllr R Hurst
Communication including newsletter and website – Cllr A Nicole
Finance and audit Compliance – Cllr R Hurst
Highways – Cllr J Swithenbank
Business Plan Delivery – Cllr R Hocknell
Village Hall Representative – Cllr R Hurst
Cranage Bowling Club – Cllr D Bennett
CHALC – Cllr R Hocknell
Manchester Airport – Cllr D Bennett
Audit and Local Councils in England 2018/19
51/19 Internal Audit
The Internal Audit had been circulated to all members. The main comments were noted; Risk Assessment, extra budget reviews and the attention to the ear marked reserves.
The Chairman acknowledged the report and with the exception of the Risk Assessment he briefed the members that they needed to address the issues over the next year.
They would begin by addressing the Business Plan.
Resolved the internal audit was accepted by full council.
52/19 Section 1 Annual Governance statement section 2018/19 of the AGAR
Resolved the Council accepted the report and it was signed by the Chairman and Clerk /RFO.
53/18 Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2018/19
Resolved the Council accepted the statements and the Chairman sign to confirm approval.
54/19 Public Inspection period (Notice of public rights) from Monday 17th June to Friday 26th July 2019 inclusive.
Resolved All information will be posted on the website and the noticeboards on the above dates.
55/19 Grant Funding – Community Clean Up
Cllr A Kolker had nominated the Parish Council for the Community Clean up – Grant funding this had been successful and £809.00 had been received.
The monies had to be spent within a three-month period.
Resolved the Parish Council would spend the monies on the garden and boundary at the bowling club.
56/19 Cranage Bowling Club lighting
The Clerk had obtained three quotes as circulated.
Resolved the Parish Council would instruct Hamilton’s Electrical Services.
The Bowling Club would be requested to pay for this cost.
66/19 Unregistered Land behind Deans Cottages
Cllr RH and the Clerk had met with Jackie Kirkham – Land Surveyor to the Health & Social Care Authority on the 29th March to discuss the registration of the land. She had visited the site and made it clear between £4,000 and £5,000 had already been spent with Hill Dickenson Solicitors to date.
Since the meeting further correspondence had been received to conclude due to there being no land registration documents, they could not justify spending and more monies relisting the land. If the Parish Council wished to pursue the matter, they would have to honour the costs.
It was agreed this matter would be deferred until the Parish Council had further information.
67/19 Highways
Northwich Road
There had been an insert placed inside the newsletter to all the residents on Northwich Road but there had been no more information forthcoming from the residents. The PC would contact Cllr AK for more information.
The Clerk had also contacted the resident who had complained and invited him the meeting, but he had failed to attend.
Hard Standing outside Cranage Hall Hotel for a bus stop
The PC were still awaiting response form Cllr AK.
Hermitage Bridge
Holmes Chapel Parish Council had approached the PC to support requesting a Traffic Regulation Order to change the use of the road as at present there is no restriction of vehicles access along Hermitage Lane and there is a noticeable increase in traffic movements. The Chairman and the Clerk had met with HCPC on 11th April to discuss. It would give a weight limit for the bridge and restrict motor vehicles.
Resolved the Parish Council supported Holmes Chapel Parish Council’s request to approach Cheshire East to implement a Traffic Regulation Order.
Gully outside 9 Needham Drive – 3353120
Outstanding
Cllr RH wished it to be noted cars were parking on the pavement along Byley Lane and if they didn’t emergency vehicles would not get through for access down the lane.
Resolved the Clerk would contact the PCSO to check the guidelines within the highways law.
Grass verge cutting
The Clerk made members aware this should have been completed and feedback was requested. Members would report back.
68/19 Annual Parish Meeting
It was noted the speaker was very good and engaged with the public very well.
69/19 Footpath and Tree Report
Resolved to accept the report for the officer
Massey Mill footpath.
It was improved but this may be due t the weather.
Football pitches
A site visit was arranged for 23rd May with all parties.
.
Footpath Claim – Carver Ave/ Byley Lane/Crescent Avenue Ref FPS/R0660/14A/2
The was still awaiting a response.
70/19 Planning Applications
- 19/2183C Boundary Cottage, Twemlow Lane Cranage CW4 8DS – Two storey rear extension to detached cottage in rural area – not in green belt.
Resolved No Comment as no details on the website.
The Clerk had contacted the planning officer twice, but he had failed to respond.
- 19/1542C 7 Lawrence Close, Cranage CW4 8FA – proposed single storey extension to existing detached dwelling.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1746C Sunnyside, Byley lane, Cranage CW10 9LP- Replacement of existing dwelling and ancillary buildings with a single dwelling associated access and parking.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1732C Allotment Wood, Oak Tree lane, Cranage CW10 9LU – Proposed new agricultural outbuilding for storage to rear garden with two new gated access points to one entrance and one proposed.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1660C Manor View, Twemlow Lane, cranage CW4 8EX- rear extension and first floor augmentation with associated boundary treatments.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1224C 29 Needham Drive, Cranage CW4 8FB – first floor rear extension.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/147C Birchways, Kings Lane, Cranage CW10 – single story side extension and single storey rear extension.
Resolved No Objection
- 19/2363N Garden Cottage, New Platt Lane, Cranage CW4 8HS
Resolved No Objection
- 19/1968C Hunters Gate, Byley Lane, Cranage CW10 9LW – placement of tennis court within existing curtilage (rear garden) of dwelling and relocation of annex building.
Resolved No Objection
18/5051C Land at rear of Cotton Farm, Middlewich Road, Holmes Chapel CW4 7ET –
The complaints about this site were noted. The Clerk had contacted HCPC for support and they had submitted further comments. The legal department still had not decided on the lawful certificate which was overdue since January 2019. The Clerk was requested to contact Cllr AK.
Allotment woods Oak Tree Lane – comments were received from the owner of the site in relation to the business operation.
Goostrey Home and Leisure – the owner of the site had contacted the Clerk stating that the company who were operating the auction had been asked to apply for planning permission.
Glebe Farm – HCPC had contacted the Clerk to make the PC aware they had contacted planning enforcement in refence to the site holding 5 caravans.
| Sibelco- the Secretary of State had failed to call in the application. |
71/19 Accounts
It was noted the balance of account = Leek United £30,488.46 + Natwest £25,673.34 = £56,161.80.
Payments
- Cheque number 262 – £8.79 Mrs R Hurst (Annual refreshments).
- Cheque number 263 – £229.00 Crewe Colour Printers Ltd
- Cheque number 264 – £234.60 J D H Services Ltd
- Cheque number 265 – £127.30 Mrs J Mason (expenses Jan to March)
- Cheque number 266 – £20.00 Cheshire Community Action
- Cheque number 267- £373.32 Cheshire Association of Local Councils
- Cheque number 268 – £36.00 CPRE
- Online payment – £84.00 Neil Hopley Contractors Ltd (electrical pack test CBC)
- Online payment – £82.20 ROSPA Play Safety
- 4,443.02 Ms J Mason (salary from Jan to March)
- Online payment – £790.39 Zurich Municipal
- Online payment – £120.00 RAG refund from FOI
Receipts
- £994.37 HW & SB PC
- £1,518.10 Somerford PC
- £1,518.10 NBACM PC
Resolved the above payments are approved and signed for as a true and accurate record.
72/19 Risk Assessment 2018/19
Resolved Full Council accepted the Risk Assessment circulated for 2018/19.
73/19 Cheshire East
Resolved to suspend the Standing Orders to accept a report from the Ward Councillor A Kolker.
No report.
74/19 Chairman and Members Report.
Local Plan – site allocations and development plan meeting
Resolved Cllr RJH, Cllr JS and Cllr GM would attend on Monday 3rd June at 3.30pm
Memorial bench
The Chairman and Cllr RH had met the family and decided the position of the bench. The Clerk had obtained a quote to site the bench from Congleton Town Council on six concrete slabs.
Resolved CTC would be instructed to site the bench.
Resolved the Parish Council would purchase the bench and the family would then credit the monies.
Civic Service for the Community HCPC 23.6.19
The Chairman would be away, and the Clerk was asked to send his apologies
The comments were noted in reference to the new meeting venue.
75/19 Clerks Report
Training Course
Resolved Cllr A Nicole would attend the Induction to Councillors training course.
Noticeboards
It was agreed the following responsibilities;
Needham Drive
Cllr RH
Village Hall
Cllr RH
Crescent Road
Cllr AN
Northwich Road
Cllr D Bennett
Middlewich Road
Cllr G Morgan
Public Forum
No comments.
76/19 The next meeting would be on the 18th June 2019 @ Cranage Hal Hotel
Meeting closed at 9.30pm