2010/02

February 2010 Newsletter

Shoreline Management Plan
At our meeting in January we discussed the Environment Agency’s Shoreline Management Plan. The proposed plan can be found on www.mycoastline.org. The Agency proposes that there be ‘no active intervention’ for the area of coastline from Bolton-le-Sands caravan park through Heald Brow to Ashmeadow in Arnside. We have raised a number of concerns with the Environment Agency based on what would happen should sea levels rise by one metre. Local residents wishing to respond to the plan have until 30th March to send their comments to the Environment Agency.

Planning
Last month Mr David Hall, Development Control Manager for the Lancaster City Council Planning Service, came to talk to us. He explained his role, the guidelines etc referred to when a planning application is considered and the ‘tests’ for deciding when enforcement action should be taken if a development does not comply with planning regulations. When deciding whether or not to grant planning permission the planners aim to balance the right of the owner to develop and the impact on neighbours. Issues raised which are nor related to planning, e.g. property value or loss of view, cannot be taken into account although loss of amenity can.

Speed Indicator Display Sign (SPiD)
Last year we mentioned that we were hoping that a SPiD would be deployed at Stankelt Road to help deter speeding drivers, unfortunately, the initial bid to fund this was unsuccessful and other funding sources are being considered.

Parking
We are still very concerned about the problem of inconsiderate parking in the village and, if it continues, we will seek advice on introducing double yellow lines at problem spots in the village.

Public Toilets
Lancaster City Council has decided to close most of the public toilets in rural areas from the end of March, including those in Silverdale. We will discuss whether or not we should take over the provision of the toilets at our meeting in March. Lancaster City Council has offered to pay some of the revenue costs of providing toilets for the first year (nothing would be paid towards the capital costs).

Annual Parish Assembly
Our Annual Parish Assembly will be held in the Green Room at the Gaskell Hall on Monday, 22nd March at 7.30pm. Ms Lucy Barron, AONB Manager for Arnside and Silverdale, will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.

If you would like to contact any of our Councillors, please feel free to telephone them. Their names and telephone numbers (all preceded by 01524) are:
Chairman Terry Bond 702693
Vice Chairman Tony Houghton 701416
Arthur Graves 701284
Eve Holden 701665
Shirley Mason 701162
Anne McNaughton 701538
John Taylor 701059
Paul Williams 701513
Or contact the Clerk, Denise Challenor, on: 01524-761824, or clerk@silverdale-pc-lancs.gov.uk