7048 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 9th February2004.

7049 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, J.P.(John) Gallagher, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, and three members of the public.

7050 Apologies for Absence:. Councillor C.J.(Chris) Murphy, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart and PC Brooks.

7051 Receipt of Declarations of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

The Chairman, Councillor Willacy, declared his non-prejudicial interest in item 17 of the agenda, insofar as it might relate to Ashmeadow, in that he is a member of an ad-hoc committee of the Abbeyfield Society, specifically set-up to oppose the United Utilities’ proposals for waste water transfer engineering works in the grounds of Ashmeadow. This interest has been included in the formal Notification of Members’ Interests.

7052 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 12th January 2004, were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

7053 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

7034 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins The Chairman gave information about a resident who had been turned away from the Carnforth Household Waste Centre, despite referring to the arrangement detailed by Councillor Stewart, and quoted in the Minutes of the January meeting. Whilst this resident’s experience would lead us to believe that the advice given by Councillor Stewart might be incorrect, the Clerk will make further enquiries.

7054 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public commented on the number and size of potholes on the Sandside Road, as far as Friarcotes Bridge. The Chairman stated that he had understood that Cumbria County Council had been intending to re-surface this stretch of road during 2003, but had no information as to why it had not been done. He was also aware of potholes in several other locations and would be bringing these to the attention of County Councillor Stewart.

7055 Police Report

In the absence of PC Brooks, the Chairman mentioned that a member of the public had attended a Police Surgery in order to complain about the anti-social activities of children, in the E.I. (not members of the Youth Group). It was emphasised that the Police are unable to address this problem unless the incidents are reported at the time of occurrence.

The Chairman also understood that it has been “fairly quiet”, but he is aware of some damage to the shelter on the Lower Promenade.

It is still hoped to appoint an extra officer to work from Milnthorpe Police Station.

7056 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart’s report was not available.

7057 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins’ report referred to:

(a) Council Tax assessment for Arnside, (b) proposed alterations to the SLDC Local Plan, and (c) SLDC Job Evaluation costs.

7058 Finance

The Financial Summary for January 2004 was received and approved.

The Treasurer expressed concern about the anticipated cost of the water supply to the Playing Field, which is likely to be quite high, if the reading relates to a leak, rather than a faulty meter.

7059 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore and Highways

The Chairman’s report covered (a) sewerage overflowing into premises on Station Road, over several days, necessitating pumping-out of large quantities of effluent, (b) one sewage pump found not to be working, and other problems at the Lower Promenade, (c) drain discharges from The Promenade, (d) confusion between responsibilities of the County and District Council, and their contractors for drain blockages, (e) potholes in roads around the Parish, and (f) restoration of the public footpath at New Barns.

b. Playing Field Advisory Committee

Councillor Colwell stated that she understands that the Skateboard Park proposals are progressing.

The Chairman gave details of his investigations into the possible leak at the Playing Fields, and explained his reasons for suspecting the Ladies Toilets as being the likely location.

The Chairman reported that a cheque for £100 has been received from The Albion (community collection box) for repairs to equipment at the Children’s Play Area.

c. Cemetery

Councillor Casey made reference to paint peeling within the porch of the chapel and will take this up with the painting contractor. His written report has had to be deferred to the next meeting, because of family commitments.

Councillor McSweeney asked for the parish contractor to assess what, if any, items lying around the Chapel need to be retained, as he is minded to clear-up the area.

d. Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee.

Councillor McSweeney submitted the Report of the Committee meeting, held on 13thJanuary 2004, copies of which had been distributed with the agenda.

Councillor McSweeney also distributed copies of progress reports on (1) installation of services and (2) installation of a ramp.

It was noted that (1) neither the School, nor the AONB Unit, wish to make use of the premises, (2) the estimate of likely costs for the installation of services is £25,000-£30,000, and the overall costs of refurbishment likely to be £40,000-£50,000, (3) there is a need for a public debate about the desirability of proceeding with the refurbishment, and a provisional date of Saturday April 24th has been agreed, (4) the Committee does not wish to request delegated powers, (5) a permanent ramp would need to comply with Building Regulations which would make it completely impractical for the front entrance, and (6) it is very difficult to get quotations for the installation of services by contractors other than United Utilities.

It was RESOLVED that item 14 of the agenda be taken at this point.

After discussing the difficulties involved in obtaining additional quotations it was RESOLVED that the Cemetery Chapel Development Committee be authorised to invite less than 3 competitive tenders for connection of water, electricity and sewage disposal services to the Cemetery Chapel, in accordance with the third sentence of Standing Order 21.

A portable ramp has been purchased and is now available for use at the Chapel. The Clerk advised that he has obtained written confirmation from the Disability Rights Commission that the provision of this portable ramp will satisfy the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, for the continuation of the current use of the Chapel, beyond October 2004. This may not be satisfactory for additional uses.

e. Allotments

Councillor Hunt has written to all allotment holders regarding renewal for 2004, and has received 14 replies. It is anticipated that the remaining two holders will also wish to renew. There are now five applicants on the waiting list.

f. Joint Parish Committee and AONB Executive Committee

Councillor Keefe reported that he has attended meetings of the above committees, both of which have principally dealt with the 4th draft of the proposed AONB Management Plan. Almost all of the comments made by this Council have been addressed, and Councillor Keefe expressed his satisfaction with the revised draft. The final Plan should be published in April.

Other points made at the meetings related to (1) signposting from the M6, (2) tourism to be focussed on the easterly side of the AONB, and (3) consideration of problems envisaged for a ‘coastal footpath’.

7060 Correspondence

Receipt of the following items was noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:

1. Clerks & Council Direct - January.

2. Woodland Trust - Dobshall Wood Management Plan.

3. Mrs Urquhart - comments about the U.U. proposed Waste Water Transfer Scheme.

4. Mr Jim McQueen - letter suggesting address to Council re Cumbria Local Access Forum.

5. Cumbria Highways - response to letter re parking review.

RESOLVED that the Clerk should ‘chase up’ progress on this matter.

6. Mr Adamson - letter and leaflet about garbage decomposition times.

7. Station Garage - comments about proposed parking restrictions for Station Road.

8. Royal British Legion - complaint about non attendance at Remembrance Events 2003.

9. Mr L. Stephenson - letter of concern about effects of blasting in grounds of Ashmeadow.

10. AONB - 4th Draft of proposed Management Plan.

11. Mr M. Joseph - letter re non-receipt of reply to letter to Cllr Stewart, re Promenade vendor.

12. SLDC - notice of revised charges for off-street parking.

13. Cumbria CC - reply to our letter re Area Review of Bus Services.

14. Morecambe Bay Partnership - Boundary Committee Seminar, February 11th, 2.00pm.

15. Arnside W.I. - refusal to supply copy of Deed of Covenant.

16. SLDC - alteration to Local Plan.

RESOLVED that Councillor Hunt review this document on behalf of the Council.

17. CALC - “Project Planning & Implementation” all day event, 12th March, Penrith.

18. CALC - County Circular, February.

19. Countryside Agency - Vital Villages Update 3.

20. Mr & Mrs Murphy - request for salt bin at top of slope off Spinney Lane - the Clerk advised that this request has been rejected by Cumbria County Council.

7061 Planning Matters:

a. It was noted that the following Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 34, and decisions made as indicated:

5/03/9013 - Ashmeadow, The Promenade - construction of an underground pumping station and storage tank, with an above-ground control building and new Geo-Block grass-fill access, and temporary removal of gate posts and a section of garden wall for access.

The objections raised on 12th January 2004 are WITHDRAWN subject to the following considerations:

1. It is understood that the applicant is intending to submit amendments to the proposals. The Parish Council wishes to receive notification of all such amendments and be given adequate time to respond, before approval is given.

2. The plan dimensions for the tank are not to be exceeded, nor the depth of excavation to exceed 8.5 metres.

3. It is understood that there are to be further blasting tests, monitored by South Lakeland District Council. The Parish Council accepts the invitation of United Utilities to be present at such tests.

4. There is a need to monitor vibration levels at nearby properties, both during the tests and each blasting operation, to ensure that acceptable levels are not exceeded.

5. It is understood that the applicant is liaising with the arboricultural consultant for South Lakeland District Council about the implications for trees within the area protected by Tree Preservation Order 17 (1965). The Parish Council asks that the current Application should not be determined until such time as the arboriculturist’s report has been seen by this Council, and an opportunity given for comments to be made.

6. The submitted plans do not give an indication of site levels. The Committee is strongly recommended to make a site inspection, before determining the Application. Representatives of the Parish Council would wish to be present at such an inspection.

SL/2004/0027 - Havenroyd, 55 The Promenade, Arnside - alterations to create new entrance to flats 2 & 3, including access platform and steps: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2204/0010 - New Barns Farm, Arnside - conversion of barn to dwelling:

NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2004/0008 - Old Sandhurst, The Promenade, Arnside - extension and alterations:

NO OBJECTIONS.

b. The following application was considered:

SL/2004/0028 - Gallery H, The Promenade - garage with terrace above: NO OBJECTIONS.

c. The following decisions of the District Council were noted:

SL/2003/2166 - Sandhurst, 47 The Promenade - removal of existing house and replacement with six apartments(re-submission of SL/2003/1894): REFUSED.

SL/2003/2173 - 6 The Grange, Knott Road - replacement dwelling: GRANTED.

7062 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

No actions to report.

7063 Tenders for Tree Management work

(a) Council-owned tree outside No.10 Lawrence Drive. Two contractors were invited to tender, one of whom declined the work, after assessing what would be involved. RESOLVED that the tender of £240 +vat from Aspen Tree Management be accepted and that the firm be instructed to undertake the work, following supply of insurance and risk-assessment documents.

(b) Three contractors were invited to tender for undertaking all the tree management work considered necessary within the grounds of the Cemetery. One contractor only quoted for attention to the beech tree adjacent to the entrance and could not therefore be considered. RESOLVED that the tender of £640 +vat from Westmorland Tree Services be accepted and that the firm be instructed to undertake the work, following supply of insurance and risk-assessment documents.

7064 Middlebarrow Quarry (disused)

Members considered the implications of verbal reports that “hundreds of trees” have been planted in Middlebarrow Quarry, contrary to the understanding of the Property Manager for the National Trust. RESOLVED that the Clerk should seek an expert’s opinion from staff at the AONB Unit.

7065 Proposed Waste Water Transfer Scheme

The Clerk distributed copies of the “Synopsis of Consideration of Options” compiled by United Utilities. This document has also been copied to the Parish Council’s Web Site (www.arnside.gov.uk), and appears under the February Newsletter.

A letter has been received from Cumbria County Council stating that there is to be a site inspection, by the Development Control and Regulation Committee, of the area within the grounds of Ashmeadow which is subject to Planning Application 5/03/9013. Members of the Parish Council are invited to attend so that their views may be presented to the Committee. Full information will be circulated to those Members wishing to attend.

7066 Items for Information.

(a) Councillor McSweeney drew attention to the damaged wall at Station Gardens.

(b) The Treasurer drew attention to the fact that he has not received an invoice for the Audit Fee for 2002-2003. He has tried to make contact with the Audit Commission office (formerly District Audit) but was advised that the telephone number is not in use. Internet enquiries via the headquarters of the Audit Commission have failed to reveal a phone number for the Chorley office. The Clerk also advised that he has not received formal notice of Completion of Audit, for the year concerned.

7067 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 8th March 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda to reach the Clerk by no later than Friday 27th February, and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by no later than Monday March 1st.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council