MINUTES OF PECKLETON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY, 2011
AT 7.30 P.M. IN STAPLETON VILLAGE HALL
Present:Parish CouncillorsMrs R Aldridge – Kirkby Mallory Ward
Mr R Montgomery – Stapleton Ward
Mr S Pitt – Peckleton Ward
The ClerkMr K Bown
Three members of the public
Apologies:Parish CouncillorsMrs L Rest – Stapleton Ward
Mr V Rollins - Kirkby Mallory Ward
(Both absent due to ill health)
County CouncillorMrs R Camamile
H&BB CouncillorMr B Sutton
Councillor Stan Pitt was in the Chair.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
None declared.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was proposed by Councillor Montgomery, seconded by Councillor Aldridge and agreed that the Minutes be adopted as a true record.
MATTERS ARISING
- Woodland’s Garden Centre – Planning Extension
The Chairman said he recognised the real concerns of the owners whose properties adjoined this site and with Council’s approval, he allowed those members of the public present to voice their concerns.
Both the principal neighbours of “Woodlands” expressed strongly held views of their concerns that the proposed extension, if approved, would impinge on their privacy and also impact on their horse livery business being operated at “Nine Acres”. The owner stressed that the proposed children’s play area and the outside decking could be noisy and upset horses using the drive to the Nine Acre establishment. This could lead to a safety risk to riders. They were also concerned that the increase in traffic would create a further risk to traffic using the A447. There had been another accident outside the Woodland’s entrance in the past week. They both felt strongly that their concerns were being completely ignored by H&BBC Planning Department.
Councillor Montgomery who had reviewed the plans said they were out of date and lacked detail. The company did not appear to have a master plan and the site was now becoming a retail shopping area rather than a garden centre. He strongly objected to the fact that the H&BBC Planning Department had put the application on the agenda for the February Planning Meeting for determination before the 21 days consultation period had expired.
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The Chair said he had raised these issues with the Planning Officers and whilst they advised that although they were placed on the February Planning Meeting Agenda, they would not have been approved until the consultation period had expired. They agreed to withdraw them from the February Meeting and advised that they will be placed on the March 28, 2011 meeting agenda. The Parish Council agreed that they should request further details as to what the decking area was to be used for. Councillor Montgomery to action.
Ruth Camamile to establish if the Leicestershire County Council Highways Department had carried out a risk assessment regarding access and exiting of traffic from the site onto the A447 and obtain a copy if possible.
The Chair advised all members of the public who had concerns should put them in writing to both H&BBC and LCC.
- Neighbourhood Watch
Mr Prime, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator (Stapleton) advised that residents within the Manor Crescent area had asked if a sign could be erected warning vehicles “Caution – Children Playing”. Council had no objections and supported the request. They agreed to contact the County Council to establish if such a sign could be erected.
- “Cedars Home – Stapleton
Councillor Montgomery updated council with the current situation. He advised that two further children had been removed from the home leaving only two present. It was noted that the number of places at the home was limited to six. There had been no further major incidents reported. No Liaison Meetings had taken place. Council would encourage the Liaison Group to hold meetings at this time. In addition, the Chair said he would press Ofsted for the report they promised following their investigation into the activities at the home.
- Mallory Park
The Chair reported that along with Councillor Rollins he had attended a meeting with Mr John Ward, Manager of Mallory Park Racing Circuit. In response to questions, Mr Ward confirmed the following:-
-There are no plans to increase the height of the existing earth mounds around the race circuit. Soil presently being brought in was being used to infill between existing mounds.
-The present P.A. system was being updated and should reduce the noise levels due to the fact it will operate at a lower volume.
-Mallory Park will not host any further Motor Cross World Championship events in the foreseeable future. This is due entirely to the lack of finance by the organisers.
-Consideration is being given to building a “Grass Track Oval” on the site of the Motor Cross World Championship coarse.
-Mallory Park has lost the Super Bike Event “financially”. This is not devastating news, “prestige wise” it is a blow.
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-Mallory Park are looking at increasing business by seeking to hold more Performance Shows and Exhibitions in the future.
-The race track had been re-laid with a new tarmac surface. This work had resulted in an increase in the number of lorries entering the site.
-There had been two incidents recorded over the past month, both involved thefts of equipment including the complete removal of fridge/freeze units from the Track Side Cafeteria. Police investigations are ongoing.
-Councillors present agreed that soil on the Shilton Road was being caused by farm tractors as well as lorries going to the circuit.
- Water Leak, Beale’s Close, Stapleton
Investigations as to the cause of the water leak were still ongoing.
- Council Newsletter
Copies of the Newsletter had been printed and circulated. Councillor Montgomery registered his concerns that the letter should have been addressed to residents and included Councillor’s names. This was noted. The Chair thanked all those who contributed, especially Councillor Rollins.
- 106 Money
Ward Councillors from both Stapleton and Kirkby Mallory put forward suggestions and plans to obtain additional equipment for their Play Areas. These were agreed. The Chair reminded council that firm estimates for the purchase and installation costs must be obtained before an application for the release of 106 Money from the H&BBC could be made. This was noted. Councillors agreed to furnish the Chair with this information as soon as possible.
- Planning
Greenacres Garden Centre
Plans had been submitted for the erection of a substantial canopy over a wide area of the site. Councillor Montgomery reported that from the plans submitted, it was difficult to establish the exact position of the canopy. Councillor Montgomery to review and respond via the Clerk.
The Pingles, Stapleton
Application had been received for an additional car parking area. Councillor Montgomery to review on behalf of council and respond to H&BBC Planning Department via the Clerk.
Cheques Signed
164Matrix£162.50Dog Waste
165R.C.C.£ 40.00Fees
166Graphic£234.00Newsletter
167Stapleton V.H.£ 14.00Hire
168Leics/Rutland£248.75Fees
169Admin£160.00As stated
170Petty Cash£ 14.80As stated
171Michael Smith£378.00Tree planting
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There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
Next meeting will be held in Peckleton Village Hall on March 28, 2011 at
7.30 p.m.