November 2023 – Parish Meeting Minutes

No Declarations of interest given.

Please see attached checklist for outstanding matters:-

Minutes of the meeting held on 12/09/23 were proposed as correct by TP and seconded by DW

Still a Councillor vacancy on the Parish Council.   Re-advertise for the next meeting.

Chair

James Dinsdale – Cheshire Constabulary. Gave an overview of current policing matters in the area.   He stated that there would be no replacement PCSO for the foreseeable future.

Asked that everyone to be aware of vulnerable individuals in the area and those that may need help.   Some targeted burglaries on empty properties.  Please report unusual sightings of vehicles to police. Recent burglary in the area during daylight hours.

Clerk

Speed limits – checks in the other areas where limits are set, it has been found that the average speed is now higher than pre limits.

DW feels that now there is a limit on Moss Lane, speeds have definitely increased.  AH suggested taking the signs down & that to monitor speed.  Use of the SID sign again to monitor speeds within the limit areas.  There has been evidence of unmarked police vehicles in the area.  Speed check data is available to the public from CW&C.

CW&C will put dragon’s teeth markings at the beginning of the 30MPH areas on the A49 and the developer of the Old Cattle Market will fund a permanent SID devices.

Plenty of activity.  MH is communicating with the new director about all the plans.  Building is starting in Spring 2024

MJ suggested that MH check whether there is any CIL due and then make a plan of how the money would be used within the community, if available.

Now building plots 51-58.  Suffered massively with the recent flooding.  MH has spoken to the Peckforton Estate to try & understand what is happening about the water drainage from the field they own which appears to be the cause of the issue.  Noted the flooding is having a big impact on the development.

The shop – the house on the corner is not suitable due to location.  Planning will be put in for a suitable location for a new larger shop within the development.

Current applications

22/02622/FUL – Wild Boar Hotel – discharge of various conditions

23/03319/CAT – Beeston Castle Chapel Lane, Tree works

Past applications

23/02610/FUL – Lower Rock Farm Tattenhall Lane – change of use of small barn

23/02113/FUL/Beeston Picnic Site Chapel Lane  – replacement of timber building

23/02038/S73  -Land To The West of Lower Rock Farm Tattenhall Lane – erection of 1 dwelling for equestrian staff.

23/02036/S73  – Stables At Horse Shoe Cottage Tattenhall Lane – erection of 12 stables and menage

22/04583/DIS – Beeston Castle Auction – discharge of conditions on planning 13/04149/OUT

22/02508/FUL – widening of access for above works A/D

22/00453/LBC – Yew Tree Farm, Moss Lane, conversion of redundant building into residential – A/D

21/02945/FUL – Mill Farm, Whitchurch Rd, CW6 9NJ – conversion of outbuilding to domestic annexe A/D

22/03815/OUT-Land at Crimes Lane Beeston Chester A/D

Planning subgroup: met and discussed

·         The Appeal Re: have the telephone mast on A49. BPC objected to 2^nd site

·         Castle plans some tree works on perimeter of castle and within the grounds.  BPC have no objection to this. 

Acccess works and clearing works are complete.  UU doing a monthly update for locals.  DW stated that there are constant personnel changes, so it makes it very hard to communicate with the same person.

DW said that her hedge had been taken down prior to the planning granted.  The noise has been very intrusive.  Road surface has been affected with the heavy traffic it needs to be monitored.  UU should be liable for the repair to any damage.  Communication has been the main issue.

MJ & MH have had a meeting with UU regarding the wildflower planting on the verges.  There is ongoing discussion regarding this. 

Beeston Speeding on A49:–  Spurstow have agreed to hire the SID to BPC again.  MH will reinstate on the A49

Beeston Speed limit – installation:- BPC  Still a terminal sign to be installed.  The original installations are sub-standard, with several signs now leaning. Clerk said that we have not been chased for payment by CW&C. DW stated that some signs are covered with vegetation and also not visible through the dirt.  These need to be reported on CW&C.  They need to be visible.  Please report on website.

Litter picker: –  Nothing to report.

Footpaths:- Some overgrown and need reporting. No footpath officers in CW&C now.  It is the landowner’s responsibility to keep footpaths clear.  Electric fence still on footpath on the way to Beeston Castle, needs to be removed by landowner.  TP to speak to landowner.

Footways Clearance on A49: – Slight improvement when they were mown in the summer months.  The growth across the path needs to be scraped off properly.  MJ stated that there is no budget to do the clearing.  Put the request in the system and log any paths that need clearing.

Roadside ditches, verges and drains: – MH has met with Stuart Bateman, Highways, and cleared the drains on Deanbank.  A jetter is booked to come and jet within the next 2 weeks.

Dog fouling – Still bad by Home Farm, Chapel Lane.  Stickers could be used but look unsightly.  Lack of bins in the area, but these need to be emptied and this incurs a cost – no budget for it.

Wildflower planting: – Seed heads not ready to pop yet!  These will be cut down soon.  Further seeds need to be planted as stage 2 of the planting scheme, so Clerk will order from seed previous supplier.

Moss Lane – speeding & Safety & Wet Patch: – DW is concerned about Moss Lane- the verges are encroaching on the lane.  Should we look at the traffic becoming a one-way system to improve safety with traffic?  Increased usage of the road and the situation is getting worse.  Farm use is increasing and vehicle size in contributing to the poor state of the road.  Mud issues should be reported to CW&C to speak to Landowners.  Hedges also need cutting back which would improve the road safety. Letter to be sent to Highways regarding all the issues in Moss Lane. MH to action.

AE reported about continual parking on Smithy corner.  PCO stated that they need to enforce this, rather than residents. Garages associated with the houses have been let out, hence the additional vehicles.

Christmas tree – Peckforton Estate to provide one for the village.  

This is to be put up for sale as CW&C no longer need it.  This will go to consultation before being advertised, or consideration for other community uses.  AE said that the stain glass window needs to be saved from the building.  MJ said that the building could be registered as a community asset, which would give the PC time to review its possible uses.  Other outdoor centres are still viable within CW&C and used by local schools.  No timeframe stated on CW&C decisions.

MJ has received communication that CW&C will now carry out a safety survey.  This needs to be undertaken in “real time” to give a true picture of traffic and safety issues of children  travelling to school without the school bus.  RT is still battling to reinstate the bus.  MJ to request a copy of the from CW&C “Route safety review”.  Traffic around the school is now horrendous.

Station reopening group have had “green light” from the Government.  It now needs to get past CW&C planning, funding and Network rail.  There maybe funding available from the Government.

There will be substantial pressure for increased residential development if this does take place, due to it becoming a transport hub. Maybe time to review Neighbourhood Plan so that additional development would be ringfenced.  Should consider a review next year as it will take 2 years to prepare.  Report available from ARAP regarding the station development and options – long platform/ short platform, station options etc

The reopening of the station could have significant impact on the natural beauty of the area.

DW to take charge of this. Taking place on Thursday 6^th June.  DW has contacted the Castle, who are very supportive in assisting with any event that BPC may decide on doing.   There is a lot of initiatives available to do on the night, such as Light processions/drum service etc.  There is a guide available to help decide what BPC could put on as a celebration.  Need to consider costs as there is no budget.  Local input from residents? MJ has members budget to use.

Timescale – DW waiting to hear back from Ben Brown (Castle) with a plan.

Chair

DW/TP

05/03/24

Clerk’s fees 2023/24 – reviewed in line with national recommendations.  This will now be reviewed to £700/quarter. Effective from 01/04/23

Setting of Precept 2024/25 – waiting from CW&C for figures to decide on the level of precept request.  Clerk to e mail out figures when received to decide on figure. 

·         Clerk fees Backdated to 01/04/23                                       £800.00

·         Clerk’s annual expenses                                                    £144.00

·         PBVR hall hire cost                                                                £25.00

Clerk/

chair

5^th March, 28^th May, 10^th September ,26^th November

Clerk to book these dates with Stuart Naylor – hall bookings.

Cllr vacancy   Clerk’s correspondence