Parish Council Meeting

Monday 5th December 2022
13250. UNCONFIRMED minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held on Monday 5th December 2022 at 7pm at the Silverdale Village Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale.

13251. Present:
Chairman: M. Fletcher (Mike)
Vice Chairman: J. Bennett (John)
Parish Councillors: T. Bond (Terry), J. Ferguson (Jim), S. Higham (Sue),
A. Houghton (Tony), K. Reed (Keith), E. Unsworth (Liz)
Lancaster City Cllr: J. Greenwell (June)
Clerk: L.D Challenor (Denise)
Deputy Clerk: K. Lambert (Katie)

13252. Apologies for Absence – County Cllr P. Williamson due to her attendance at another Parish Council meeting and PS L. Brown due to family commitments.

13253. Declarations of Members’ Interests – none

13254. Approval of the Minutes from the Previous Silverdale Parish Council (PC) Meeting – The minutes of the ordinary PC meeting held at the Silverdale Village Institute on Monday 7th November 2022 were APPROVED by Cllrs and passed to the Chairman for signing.

13255. Matters arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda:
a) 13246 lack of mobile signal coverage – a lot of work has been going on this past month in trying to ascertain where to direct the enquiry most effectively and significant progress has been made.
b) 13216 i) village notice boards – will be ready for delivery and siting in January
c) 13215 d) defibrillator at the Methodist Church – still no decision as to where one could be located
d) 13243 Electricity North West Wayleave – new cables appear to have been laid at the Corner House development without a necessary Wayleave agreed by the PC. The Clerk to follow the matter up with Electricity North West.

13256. Matters Raised by the Public for Future Consideration – a resident was in attendance at the meeting and raised the following:
a) Planning decision re 25 Townsfield has still not been reached.
b) Poor condition of Cragg Road, unsafe to be a cycle route.
c) Low-cost housing as a possible use of BT site if becomes available to the village.
d) Bleasdale Residential site could be considered for senior housing which would then free-up family sized housing stock within the village.

13257. Report of Relevant Matters from Police Sergeant (PS) L. Brown – whilst PS Brown was unable to attend in person, he emailed through the following comments to note:
a) 7 reported incidents – 1 of harassment (over the sale of a property), 2 suspicious circumstances, 1 suspected gas leak, 1 cloned number plate, 2 of anti-social behaviour (noise from a birthday party at the Institute).
b) Burglaries – pleased to report no further burglaries reported since the last meeting and confirmed that the Rural Task Force have been carrying out cross border night-time operations in the area alongside Cumbria and North Yorkshire Task Forces.
c) Drink / drug campaign – this annual campaign will commence throughout the County this week.

13258. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancaster City Councillor June Greenwell – City Cllr Greenwell circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting detailing the following information with regards the voting system changes as set out in the 2022 Election Act that will be in place from the May 2023 local council elections:
a) Forms of identification – prospective voters must bring with them one of the following approved ‘personal ID documents’:
i. A UK, Commonwealth or EEA passport
ii. A UK (DVLA or DVA Northern Ireland), Channel Islands, Isle of Man or an EEA driving licence
iii. A biometric immigration document issued in accordance with regulations under section 5 of the UK Borders Act 2007
iv. A PASS card issued by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme bearing the PASS hologram
v. An MOD Defence Identity Card
vi. A concessionary photo travel pass from Oyster 60+, a Freedom Pass, or a concessionary travel pass from a scheme funded by the UK, Scottish or Welsh Government;
vii. One of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme cards:
viii. A Blue Badge scheme card issued in Great Britain.
b) Polling stations – each station will have a private area where polling station staff will meet the voter and review their ID document. Staff must satisfy themselves that the ID information provided resembles the person in front of them before they can be given a ballot paper. Once a ballot paper is provided the voter will cast their vote in the usual way. If, however, polling station staff have any ‘reasonable doubt’ that the ID provided does not resemble the prospective voter in front of them, or they suspect that the ID document is a forgery, then they must refuse to provide a ballot paper which cannot then be challenged or questioned in any way.
c) Postal and proxy voting – this application process will change and will in future require the applicant’s identity to be verified, but at present, these changes will not be introduced before the 2023 local elections.

13259. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancashire County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – none

13260. Verbal Reports from any Meetings of Relevance Attended by Members, or the Clerk, Circulated Before the Meeting and Not Listed Elsewhere in the Agenda:
a) National Trust & AONB – Cllr Bond met with representatives to discuss future clearance works and projects around the Parish.
b) Masonic Hall Trustees – Cllr Houghton and Cllr Unsworth met with three of the trustees to discuss the use of their car park for visitors during peak times. Overall, a very positive meeting and the trustees are keen to work with the PC to further benefit and contribute to the community in Silverdale.
c) Mansergh’s Apprentice Trust – Cllr Unsworth attended a meeting of the trust and was pleased to report two young residents of Silverdale have recently benefited from grants. Discussions were also had to ensure the grants were in line with the current increase in the cost of living.
d) Parish and Town Council Conference – Cllr Reed and Cllr Unsworth attended the conference held at the County Hall in Preston, minutes yet to be circulated. Points to note included a new £500k Culture and Sport fund to support community-lead ideas for cultural and sporting activities which will be launching next month in partnership with the civic crowdfunding platform Spacehive. Also, clarification on the new charge to assess the condition of lampposts by County before any attachments can be hung in that all lightweight attachments, such as bunting and knitting, will be exempt. The Cllrs also met with the Deputy Police Crime Commissioner, Andy Pratt, who is keen to attend a PC meeting to discuss the current policing and road safety matters within the county.
e) Lancaster City Planning Department review – Cllr Reed attended the meeting, follow-up minutes have yet to be circulated. Main point emphasised was that there did not seem to be enough local knowledge within the department as for Silverdale, the considerations in the AONB DPD do not appear to be taken into account along with the drainage issues. This lack of local knowledge seemed to be echoed by other Council representatives at the meeting.

13261. Clerk’s Report of any Action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) Taken Under the Provisions of Standing Order 25 – none

13262. Correspondence – receipt of the following items of correspondence were noted:
a) South Lakeland District Council weekly planning update (emailed 2/11, 9/11, 16/11, 23/11).
b) Clerk & Council’s Direct publication.
c) Trading Standards Alerts (emailed 5/11).
d) A thank you from the Friends of Silverdale Station for the help by the PC in providing the Furness benches on the railway station (emailed 6/11).
e) Parish Online news (emailed 10/11).
f) A downloadable guide on ‘how to protect your organisation, workforce and public data’ (emailed 10/11).
g) A resident complains about banners on the corner of the white railings at Hollins Lane impeding vison and the sightlines for traffic (emailed 11/11) – Cllrs AGREED a balance needs to be struck to enable organisations within the parish to promote their events in a way that does not impede upon road safety, which is the sole purpose for the railings. Cllr Bennett to circulate a government produced publication which gives guidance about size and location of any sign or advert on the Public Highway which can then be sent on to those organisations who use the railings for promotion.
h) Information about the Rural England Prosperity fund, along with the City council’s approach to developing its rural Investment Plan addendum (emailed 14/11).
i) Youth Work One invites the PC to complete a return for this year’s National Youth Sector Census (emailed 15/11)
j) A Senior Democratic Services Officer from County Council asks for concerns about the present operation of the Highways Public Realm Agreement and for suggestions for improvement (emailed 15/11) – Cllr Bennett has reviewed and believes it to be a very thorough and precise document. The only comment for improvement would be that is does not appear to be adhered to. The Clerk to request a copy of the detailed plan for Silverdale referenced as it should be read as part of the agreement. A copy of the plan will allow better monitoring for the PC.
k) Letters of apology for any damage caused from the persons spotted on the roof of the toilet block and an offer of community service (emailed 16/11) – Cllrs thank the persons for acknowledging responsibility and appreciate their offer of community service.
l) An invitation to hear more about Crowdfund Lancashire for funding the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund online on Thursday 1st December at 12pm (emailed 17/11)
m) FLAG publication
n) County Council are offering applications for a Lancashire Warm Spaces grant. The scheme offers from £50 up to £500 to provide warm spaces in various public buildings (emailed 19/11).
o) D. Morris MP responds to PC communication regarding poor mobile signal to say that he has received comments from other residents about it and so is aware that the coverage is still a problem and that £500m is being invested to reduce ‘not-spots’ (emailed 21/11).
p) The Rural Bulletin (emailed 23/11)
q) A complaint regarding an inconsiderate City Council recycling vehicle on The Row (emailed 23/11) – complaint forwarded to City Cllr J Greenwell and to J Greenwood, the Estates Manger at Lancaster City Council to follow up.
r) Information about the ‘Winter Wheelers’ campaign giving incentives to ride ones bike between the 1st and 25th December (emailed 26/11).
s) Invitation to take part in an online survey on Highways and Transport (emailed 26/11).
t) The Lancashire Community Food grant scheme is now open for applications for any organisation that delivers projects to tackle food insecurity (emailed 26/11).
u) Mawsons Garden newsletter (emailed 28/11).
v) A thank you card received from His Majesty, King Charles lll for the PC’s letter of condolence.

13263. Planning Matters:
a) The following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
i. 22/01288/FUL – 29 Cove Road (emailed 1/11) – erection of a rear single storey extension and demolition of existing wall to create parking.
ii. 22/0205/TPO – 25 Spring Bank (emailed 7/11) – fell one T1 Hawthorn + two G1 Ash.
b) The following planning applications were considered:
i. 22/01397/FUL – 19 Townsfield (emailed 16/11) – demolition of existing conservatory to the rear elevation, erection of a single storey rear extension and a covered store to the side; construction of a rear dormer extension; conversion of existing car port to ancillary living accommodation in association with 19 Townsfield with erection of a single storey side and rear extension, excavation of land, construction of retaining walls and steps and installation of a package treatment plant.
ii. 22/01372/FUL – Wood Close, Stankelt Road (emailed 23/11) – demolition of existing rear rotunda and porch with erection of replacement porch; conversion of existing garage to ancillary living accommodation with erection of a single storey side extension and glazed link extension; erection of a single storey extension to front and side to include replacement garage with associated landscaping. Cllrs AGREED to submit comment for a condition to be included keeping all works to be carried out within the standard hours of business as there has been historic issues recorded in the past.
iii. 22/01447/FUL Moss Farm, Hawes Villa Caravan and Campervan Park, Moss Lane (emailed 26/11) – erection of a dwelling with detached garage. Support with concerns

13264. Finance:
a) For the monthly check of monies, a bank statement was given to Cllr Higham who verified the following balance on the Current Account:
i. £65,321.50 to be the balance on the Current Account on 02/12/22
b) The payments to the following accounts were approved and required cheques signed:
i. EDF Energy (toilets) – £16.00 BACS
ii. EDF Energy (clock) – £23.00 BACS
iii. J. Ferguson (reimbursement for keys for toilet) – £6.00 CHQ:622415
iv. E. Unsworth (reimbursement of meeting costs with Morecambe Bay Partnership) – £9.80 CHQ:622416
v. Lancaster City Council (S137 donation for AONB) – £500.00 CHQ:622417
vi. Designworks (Cumbria) Ltd (printing + fixing information board) – £240.00 CHQ:622418
vii. BWP Creative Ltd (35% deposit for new PC website) – £314.58 CHQ:622419
viii. J. Bennett (reimbursement for paint for Hazelwood seat) – £26.20 CHQ:622420
c) 2023/24 PC budget – no further amendments were noted for next budget.
d) 2022/23 internal Auditor – Cllrs AGREED for the continuation of Malcom Richardson as the internal Auditor for the PC, subject to his agreement.

13265. Working Groups (WG) and Streetscape Matters:
a) Toilets – work is continuing within the WG on exploring the options available for their improvement and a report of the findings will be available for discussion soon.
b) Dog waste bags – due to the inclement weather of the season, less bags are going to placed within the dispenser with each replenishment to try and mitigate the number of bags becoming ineffective when wet.
c) Emergency Plan – batteries have been fully charged and minor repairs to the fuse box carried out. The WG is still receiving volunteers for local coordinators.
d) Community First Responders (CFR) – Cllrs AGREED to look into the whereabouts of the public funds used to support the organisation in the beginning.
e) AONB information signs – discussions still ongoing, meeting planned with D. Watson next week to move matters forward.

13266. Woodland Management:
a) Tenders received for works required following the recent arboricultural report – Two credible tenders were received and circulated to Cllrs for review. Cllrs AGREED for the works to be carried out by Westmorland Tree Care Ltd for a cost of £2,250 as the price was more competitive and the wood would remain in situ.
b) Purchase of trees and whips – Cllrs AGREED to the purchase of two Silver Birch ‘standard’ trees; one to replace that taken out at St Johns plus another as an extra on same site, at a cost of £102.66 each plus £20 delivery as well as twenty Hawthorn whips, including stakes/tree guards for a total cost of £34.40.

13267. Playground Matters – Cllr Bennett circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting which detailed the following:
a) Urgent actions taken –none
b) New issues noted on the Parish Contractor’s weekly inspection reports:
i. Broken branch – a small branch was found broken on an Aspen tree which the Parish Contractor removed and disposed of.
ii. The Bowling Club boundary fence – they have now repaired the fence at the rear of their Clubhouse. Some brash that had been removed where the fence was repaired had been left in the Playground but has subsequently been removed by the Parish Contractor.
c) Lancaster City inspection report – an email has been sent to M. Henry, City Council Public Realm, requesting a quote for cleaning the moss and algae from all the soft surfaces, steps and walkway areas of the play equipment together with a quote for re-pointing the paving inside the entrance area in a hope it can be covered by the Annual Allowance allocated to each Children’s Playground within the district.

13268. Parish Contractors Worklist:
a) Investigate whether the lights on the SPID can be dimmed as they currently appear overly bright with a potential to dazzle motorists;
b) Provide a list of equipment required to move the SPID safely with costs;
c) Refix the slats on the bench at Hazel Wood;
d) Add additional Christmas lights onto the tree in the Playground.

13269. Update on how the Parish Council Might Acquire the BT Site for Use by the Village – Cllr Unsworth is looking into the most effective way to approach BT and believes having a charitable status may be the way forward, potentially partnering with the Silverdale United Trust. Ideas to be further investigated and the item to be on the February agenda for discussion.

13270. The Lack of Affordable Housing Stock and Increase in Holiday / Second Homes – Cllr Reed circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting detailing statistics from the Council Tax records for the number of residential properties registered in Silverdale, the numbers registered as second homes together with research across various websites and local resources of holiday let properties to ascertain whether tighter planning restrictions need to be in place other than what is currently in the AONB DPD. From the findings, a generous estimate shows it to be 13.3% of the total residential properties could be second homes/holiday lets which does not constitute a more restrictive planning policy. Cllr Bond to draft an article of the findings for the Parish Magazine.

13271. Hutton Charity Trustees – it was noted that the schools part of the Hutton Charity is now dissolved and that the responsibilities will be taken on by the Diocese of Blackburn. As a result, the PC will no longer need to provide a trustee for this part of the charity.

13272. Expression of Interest in the Rural England Prosperity Fund – a formal expression of interest to secure finance for a NatSol toilet unit has been sent to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Team at Lancaster City Council. City Council submitted its Rural England Prosperity Fund Investment Plan to Central Government on 30th November and approval of plans is anticipated in January 2023. Once the plans are approved, an application process will then take place for local rural projects to apply for funding. Details of this process will be confirmed in early 2023.

13273. Items for Information:
a) Thanks given to the Clerk, Denise, for providing homemade festive refreshments at the meeting.
b) Thanks recorded to Lancashire County Council for responding to requests to clear the verges on New Road and for repairing the wall at The Shore.
c) Thanks recorded to Lancaster City Council for the most recent, thorough road sweeping throughout the village.

13274. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items:
a) Review the Toilet Tender document
b) Electricity North West Wayleave for the Corner House development
c) Update on mobile phone coverage
d) Partnership with the Silverdale United Charity (February)

13275. Date and Time of Next Parish Council Meeting – Date of the next ordinary Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 3rd January 2023. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by 10am on Wednesday 28th December 2022.

SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend a
Parish Council Meeting at the Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale on 5th December 2022 at 7.00pm, for the purposes detailed in the following Agenda:

1 To receive apologies for absence.

2 To receive declarations of Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

3 To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 7th November 2022.

4 To receive information about matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings, not covered by the Agenda.

5 To hear matters raised by Members of the Public for future consideration. Note: Members of the Council are not permitted to respond, except to ask questions for the purposes of clarification only.

6 Police – To receive a Police report if available.

7 To receive a report of any relevant matters by City Councillor June Greenwell.

8 To receive a report of any relevant matters by County Cllr. Phillippa Williamson.

9 To receive verbal reports from any meetings attended by Members, or the Clerk (verbal reports are only acceptable where no decision, or action, is required).

10 To receive the Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25.

11 To consider the following correspondence and discuss replies as appropriate:
a) SLDC weekly update (emailed 2/11, 9/11, 16/11,23/11)
b) Clerk & Council’s Direct publication
c) Trading Standards Alerts. (Emailed 5/11/22)
d) A thank you from FOSS for the help with providing the Furness Benches on the railway station. (6/11/22)
e) Parish Online News. (Emailed 10/11/22)
f) A downloadable guide on “How to protect your organisation, workforce and public data.” (Emailed 10/11/22)
g) A resident complains about banners on the corner of the white railings at Hollins Lane impeding vison and the sightlines for traffic. (Emailed 11/11/22)
h) Information about the Rural England Prosperity fund, along with the City council’s approach to developing its rural Investment Plan addendum. UKSPF@lancaster.gov.uk. (Emailed 14/11/22)
i) ‘Youth Work One’ invites the council to complete a return for this year’s National Youth Sector Census. (Emailed 15/11/22)
j) Senior Democratic Services Officer from County Council asks for concerns about the present operation of the highways Public Realm Agreement and for suggestions for improvement of the operations to gary.halsall@lancashire.gov.uk, see full emails (2 forwarded on 15/11/22)
k) A letter of apology for any damage caused from the person who was spotted on the roof of the toilet block and offer of community service. (Emailed 16/11/22)
l) An invitation to hear more about Crowdfund Lancashire for funding Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund on Thursday 1st December at 12pm (online). (Emailed 17/11/22)
m) FLAG publication.
n) County Council are offering applications for a Lancashire Warm Spaces Grant. The scheme offers the chance of £500 to provide warm spaces in various public buildings.(Emailed 19/11/22)
o) D Morris MP responds to our communication about the poor Mobile connections, to say that £500 million is being invested to reduce “not-spots” and he has received comments from other residents about it so is aware that the coverage is still a problem. (Emailed 21/11/22)
p) The Rural Bulletin. (Emailed 23/11/22)
q) A complaint regarding the recycling vehicle on The Row being inconsiderate. Forwarded to City Councillor (Emailed 23/11/22)
r) Information about the “Winter Wheelers” campaign giving incentives to ride ones bike between 1-25th December. lovetoride.net/lancashire Helen 078 40 25 50 70 (26/11/22)
s) Have your views known by completing the survey on highways and transport (Emailed 26/11/22) Complete the survey at https://www.nhtnetwork.co.uk/isolated/data/scorecard/new/bespoke/122
t) The Lancashire Community Food Grant Scheme is now open for applications. The grant scheme is for community groups within Lancashire and is aimed at local organisations within the voluntary, community and faith sector, including parish and town councils, that deliver projects to tackle food insecurity. (Emailed 26/1/11/22)
u) Mawsons Garden Newsletter. (Emailed 28/11/22)
v) A thank you card received from His Majesty King Charles for SPC’s condolence letter.

12 Planning Matters:
(a) To receive information from the Planning Working Group and to note that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 22/01288/FUL: 29 Cove Road. Proposal : Erection of a rear single storey extension and demolition of existing wall to create parking
• 22/0205/TPO 25 Spring Bank Proposal : T1 Hawthorn – Fell, G1 two Ash- Fell.
(b) To consider the following Planning Applications:
• 22/01397/FUL 19 Townsfield Proposal : Demolition of existing conservatory to the rear elevation, erection of a single storey rear extension and a covered store to the side, construction of a rear dormer extension, conversion of existing car port to ancillary living accommodation in association with 19 Townsfield with erection of a single storey side and rear extension, excavation of land, construction of retaining walls and steps and installation of a package treatment plant. (Emailed 16/11/22)
• 22/01372/FUL Wood Close, Stankelt Road. Proposal : Demolition of existing rear rotunda and porch and erection of replacement porch, conversion of existing garage to ancillary living accommodation with erection of a single storey side extension and glazed link extension, erection of a single storey extension to front and side to include replacement garage with associated landscaping. (Emailed 23/11/22)
• 22/01447/FUL Moss Farm, Hawes Villa Caravan And Campervan Park, Moss Lane. Proposal : Erection of a dwelling with detached garage (Emailed 26/11/22)

13 Finance
(a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council (bank statements to be inspected by a Member who is not a Bank Signatory)
(b) To authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
• EDF energy toilets, £16 bacs
• EDF energy clock, £23 bacs
• J Ferguson, keys for toilet, £6 cheque
• L Unsworth, meeting with Morecambe Bay Partnership cost, £9.80 cheque
• Lancaster City Council, Section 137 donation for AONB, £500 cheque
• Designworks, printing and fixing information board, £240 cheque
• BWP Creative Ltd., new website deposit (total £749), £314.58, cheque
• J Bennett, paint for Hazelwood seat, £26.20, cheque

(c) Budget – any final amendments.
(d) To gain agreement to have Malcolm Richardson to again be the Internal Auditor for 2022-2023.

14 Working Groups/Streetscape
• Toilet Group Update. Considering all options regarding improving, replacing (which means they would close for some time and need significant funding) or closing altogether. To note the quote from another company to clean the present toilets has been saved until the appropriate time.
• To decide if any action can be taken about the doggy bags which are clumping together with the wet weather.
• Emergency Plan. To receive any updates.
• AONB information signs. Update on progress and whether to apply for a grant from the County “Parish Champion”. (Watering Places?)

15 Woodland Matters
a) To consider the Tenders submitted for the work highlighted in the Woodland report. (Emailed as received from D Wain and Westmorland Trees)
b) To agree the purchase of two Silver Birch ‘standard’ trees; one to replace that taken out at St Johns plus another as an extra on same site.
Cost: £102.66 each plus delivery £20, includes VAT. Also 20 Hawthorn whips at £34.40. This includes stakes/tree guards etc.

16 Playground – To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections. (Emailed 28/11/22)

17 To form Dave Wains next worklist.

18 To receive an update on how the Council might acquire the BT site for the village.

19 To discuss what can be done to improve the availability of affordable family houses in the village when many of them are used as holiday homes.

20 Hutton Trust. To note that It has now been formally resolved that the Schools part of the Hutton Trust is dissolved and the responsibilities will be taken on by the Diocese of Blackburn. Therefore SPC will no longer need to provide a trustee for this part of the charity.

21To confirm an expression of interest for funds from the Rural England Prosperity Fund was emailed 29/11/22 for possible use of providing a toilet on The Shore.

22 To receive Items for Information

23 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.

24 To note that the date of the next meeting is 3rd January 2023. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk by 10am on 28th December 2022 please.
Signed:

L D Challenor
Mrs Denise Challenor, Clerk to the Council, Tel. 01524 761824