7068 Minutes: of a meeting of the Arnside Parish Council, held in the Parish Council Office, Church Hill, Arnside, on Monday 8th March 2004.

7069 Present: Chairman - Councillor D.M.(David) Willacy, Councillors P.E.(Ted) Casey, J.M.(Jean) Colwell, K.(Ken) Hargreaves, R.J.(Ros) Hunt, T.(Terry) Keefe, P.A.(Pete) McSweeney, C.J.(Chris) Murphy, M.P.(Pat) Pierce, the Clerk - P.G.(Peter) Challenor, County Councillor I.(Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R.(Richard) Rollins, PC Friend, and two members of the public.

7070 Apologies for Absence:. Councillors J.G.(Jack) Baker, J.P.(John) Gallagher, and the Treasurer - A.(Tony) Cookson.

7071 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 16 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.

Councillor Hunt declared an interest in the proposed Traffic Regulations Orders which have implications for Silverdale Road, adjacent to her home, which she anticipated would be mentioned at some point in the meeting.

7072 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 9th February 2004, were approved, and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

7073 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings

7038(b) Planning The Chairman and the Clerk have seen the Minutes of the latest Planning meeting (to be included in next month’s Correspondence report)and have noted that they simply record this Council’s objection to Application SL/2003/1859, without correcting the Minutes of the Planning Meeting, held on 14th October 2003. This latest action is not considered to be satisfactory, and it was therefore agreed that the matter should be referred to the two District Councillors, asking that they take it up with the SLDC Monitoring Officer.

7060 Correspondence (16): Councillor Hunt advised that the proposed alterations to the Local Plan do not have any implications for Arnside.

7074 Matters raised by Members of the Public for consideration.

A member of the public commented that some potholes along Sandside Road, have been attended to, but more work is required.

7075 Police Report

PC Friend gave details of recent crime statistics, and also referred to the action being taken to curb the nuisance caused by certain scooter-riders. Councillor Colwell also drew attention to the fact that the scooter-riders are causing a nuisance to tennis players and that she had advised that the Police be called immediately, on any future occurrence.

The Chairman gave details of a call to the Police (at Penrith), when he was told that Arnside is in Lancashire. PC Friend had made enquiries and learned that the call was answered by a new member of staff, who reacted to the postcode, but has since been informed that Arnside is in Cumbria. There was no subsequent attendance because the Police had more pressing commitments elsewhere.

The Chairman also gave details of two youths riding scramble bikes, without crash helmets, at 5.30am. PC Friend is aware of the identity of the youths concerned.

7076 Report from County and District Councillor Ian Stewart

Councillor Stewart gave brief details of the agreed increase in Council Tax. He also stated that the Police are to receive a 14.9% increase, principally to pay for a further 12 officers, in addition to the 70 agreed for ‘year one’.

Half of the additional income to be derived from increased Council Tax on ’second homes’ will be given to SLDC. The other half will be used by Cumbria County Council for work on highways, and some guidance is sought as to where it ought to be spent.

Councillor Stewart also gave a report about the proceedings of the County Council’s Planning meeting, when he was advised that he should not participate in the deliberations concerning the application of United Utilities, for works within the grounds of Ashmeadow.

The Chairman referred to the fact that the Committee determined that the two trees, which have been recommended for felling, are outside the scope of the Application, and therefore the member of the public who wished to speak about them was refused permission so to do. However, the Decision documents indicate that the considered plans and reports include those which refer to the two trees. The Clerk will write to draw attention to this apparent inconsistency.

Councillor Stewart also made reference to the improvements in standards at SLDC, in response to the Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

Councillor Hunt asked for clarification about the proposed parking restrictions for Silverdale Road, as it appears that the SLDC Committee has decided to accept a revised recommendation from Capita, whereas the public consultation document contains the original recommendation from the Parish Council. Councillor Stewart confirmed that the revised proposals would be implemented, subject to consideration of any public objections, ie. the double yellow lines would extend to the boundary between 1 and 2 Claremont, rather than to Springfield. Councillor Stewart also stated that there was no clear steer from Arnside PC as to whether to go with the Capita recommendations, or the Parish Council recommendations, and that it was expected that further yellow line requests would be dealt with in the next financial year.

7077 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins

Councillor Rollins referred to the decision to increase Council Tax by 3.9%, which he had opposed because it is above the rate of inflation. His report also referred to (a) deadlock over the provision of additional parking, (b) plans to move BT posts, which might have street lights attached, (c) cessation of SLDC responsibility for sewer maintenance, (d) his finding that 8.2% of dwellings, in Arnside, are ’second homes’, (e) the SLDC share of the additional income from the increase of Council Tax for ’second homes’ has been dedicated as being for rural services, but it is hoped to use the funds for Affordable Housing, and (f) the gate giving access to footpath 502023 at Redhills Road, has still not been repaired, even though it has been reported.

7078 Finance

(a) The Financial Summary for February 2004 was received and approved.

(b) RESOLVED that a donation of £100 be made to the Landscape Trust in recognition of their maintenance work at Beachwood Nature Reserve.

(c) It was noted that the Audit for 2002-2003 has now been concluded and the items to which the auditor draws attention, but not affecting her “opinion”, were considered. The Clerk advised that these comments seemed to be contrary to the recommendations previously received from CALC, and it was therefore agreed that further advice would be requested.

7079 Committee Reports:

a. Foreshore

The Chairman did not have any items to report, but responded to a comment about loose railings (property of the County Council), indicating that they have been reported, about three years ago, along with several other defects, which are still outstanding.

b. Highways

The Chairman indicated that he had not received a response from Mr Raymond, concerning outstanding highway repairs.

Following the Chairman’s notice of concern about the outgrowth of Snowberry bushes from the Station wall, in Station Road, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk should write to Network Rail, the County Council and Trans Pennine trains, requesting that early action be taken, if adverse publicity is not to be instigated by this Council.

c. Playing Field Advisory Committee

There is to be a meeting on Tuesday 16th March. Items to be brought to the attention of the Committee include a reference to the fact that water leakage from a disconnected pipe in the Ladies Toilet has resulted in a water bill of more than £500, during the time when the water should have been turned off. The Committee will be asked to set up a reliable system for turning off the supply for those periods, during the winter, when the toilets are not required.

d. Cemetery

Councillor Casey distributed an information leaflet to all Members and to members of the public. It was noted that he intends to bring a proposal to a future meeting, that there be an increase in fees.

It was also noted that Councillor McSweeney has volunteered to act as Deputy Cemetery Custodian. This offer was warmly received and will be formally considered at the next meeting.

e. Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee.

Councillor McSweeney submitted a Report of the Committee meeting, held on 10thFebruary 2004, together with the agenda for the next meeting, a draft advertisement for the Open Day scheduled for April 24th, and an Architectural Design Quotation, copies of which had been distributed with the agenda.

During the discussion of the foregoing documents attention was drawn to the fact that the charge for use of the Chapel is only £10, and it was thought desirable to make the pubic aware of the fact that the building is not consecrated (it can be used for religious and non-religious services alike, subject to them being compatible with the Cemetery function and ambience).

Members considered the Architectural Design Quotation, received from SLDC Design Services Department, and the majority were minded to accept same. However, concern was expressed about the fact that it would have to be funded out of next year’s budget (£1,000 allowed), and it was considered wise to defer a decision, pending advice from the Treasurer.

It was noted that the Chapel project might be eligible for an SLDC grant of up to £1,500, for improvement of access facilities for persons with disabilities. RESOLVED that the Council should make application, but with the option to decline the grant, if conditions make receipt undesirable.

f. Allotments

Councillor Hunt reported that all 16 plots have been let for the 2004 season. There are now four applicants on the waiting list.

g. Arnside National School.

Councillor Murphy advised that his services are no longer required as a School Governor, representing this Council, as the new Constitution does not include representation from a minor authority. Members expressed the wish to maintain good liaison with the School.

7080 Correspondence

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

1. SLDC - Agenda for Council meeting 10th February.

2. Mrs Margaret Norman - letter about prunings in Silverdale Road.

3. Cumbria CC - letter re site meeting at Ashmeadow.

4. SLDC - Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance re shop fronts.

5. Cumbria CC - invitation to consultation meetings re development of services.

6. Mrs Pam Bridgeman - request that the public seat be removed from the corner of Orchard Road and Silverdale Road:

RESOLVED that this request be refused.

7. Tim Collins, MP - liaison letter re English Nature and United Utilities.

8. Great North Air Ambulance Service - request for donation.

RESOLVED that this request be refused.

9. Rural Community Council - “County Wide”, winter 2004

10. FLAG - Newsletter February.

11. English Nature - statement regarding the laying of a pipeline in the foreshore.

RESOLVED that the contents of this letter be noted, with regret.

12. SLDC - agenda for Council meeting 24th February.

13. Mr Bernard Higgins - letter of concern about footpath 502029 along Toulmin Lane.

RESOLVED that this letter be forwarded to SLDC with a recommendation for attention.

14. Environment Agency - “Your Environment” winter 2004.

15. SLDC - Executive Decisions 5th Dec to 6th Feb.

16. SLDC - notice regarding the issue of concessionary ’smart cards’.

17. SLDC - letter explaining need for Freemasons to declare interest in Grand Charity.

AGREED that all Members have been made aware of the obligations.

18. Westmorland Tree Services - copies of insurance documents and risk assessment.

19. Mr & Mrs Bentley - complaint about proposed double yellow lines outside house.

20. Cumbria CC - report to Committee re proposed waiting restrictions.

21. ODPM and Standards Board - determination of complaints by local M.O.

22. Arnside National School - letter re conclusion of PC nomination to Governors.

RESOLVED that the contents of this letter be noted, with regret.

23. Cumbria Highways - consultation re variation of TROs.

24. SLDC - information about declaration of interests.

25. Mrs Urquhart - letter making comments about the possible new Community Building.

26. Cumbria CC - notification of decision re U.U. Planning Application.

27. AONB - “Waymarker”, March.

28. Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum - agenda for 9th March.

29. Mr & Mrs Capper - e-mail supporting a new library at the Playing Field site.

30. Landscape Trust - “Keer to Kent”, Spring.

7081 Planning Matters:

a. The following applications were considered:

SL/2004/0039 - Albion public house - single storey extension to rear: NO OBJECTIONS.

SL/2004/0159 - Thornfield, Mount Pleasant - summerhouse: NO OBJECTIONS.

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

SL/2003/2156 - 1 Station Road - extension and alterations: GRANTED.

SL/2003/2161 - Arnside Tower Farm - siting of static caravan and installation of septic tank: GRANTED.

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 - Grange View Bungalow, Knott Road - replacement dwelling: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0008 - Old Sandhurst - extensions and alterations: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0010 - New Barns Farm - conversion of barn to dwelling: REFUSED.

SL/2004/0027 - 55 The Promenade - alterations to create new entrance to flats 2 & 3 including access platform and steps: GRANTED.

SL/2004/0028 - Gallery H, 20-21 the Promenade - garage with terrace above: GRANTED.

c. It was noted that South Lakeland District Council has notified this Council that it has NO OBJECTION to Application 5/03/9013, submitted by United Utilities, for construction of an underground pumping station, storage tank and above ground control building, on land at Ashmeadow. This Application is being dealt with by Cumbria County Council.

7082 Urgent action taken in accordance with Standing Order 34 (other than Planning).

No actions to report.

7083 Parish Assembly

It was noted that the Parish Assembly is to be held on Thursday 29th April, at 7.30pm, in the W.I. Hall.

RESOLVED that a representative of United Utilities be invited to address the meeting, and to respond to comments and questions, regarding proposals for the new Waste Water Transfer Scheme.

RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Arnside Parish Plan Trust be invited to address the meeting, and to respond to comments and questions.

7084 Arnside Parish Plan Trust

A document had been received entitled “A Discussion Document - Village Forum and New Library and IT Building”, prepared by Rachel Dutfield for the Education & Communication Working Group of the Arnside Parish Plan Trust (APPT). It had been thought that copies had been sent to all Members, but it was learned that several had not been received. Discussion of the document was therefore deferred to the next meeting.

It was however noted that the Chairman of the APPT has stated that “there is clear support throughout the Arnside community for a new Community Building and considerable support for it being located on the Playing Field. The APPT, in co-operation with other village groups, would wish to encourage support for the Parish Council in moving this proposal forward. Significant, but achievable funding, would be essential to a successful outcome”.

7085 United Utilities

(a) The Chairman expressed his concern about ineffective security provisions at the access points to the pumping station on the Lower Promenade. The Clerk will write to United Utilities.

(b) The Council has not received any additional information, following approval of plans for works, by United Utilities, in the grounds of Ashmeadow.

(c) It is reported that the owner of the fields between Black Dyke Road and the railway line, has not been consulted, by United Utilities, about proposals to take-over one of the fields, for construction works. It is anticipated that the proposals, as understood by this Council, could cause major problems for the farmer, as he does not have an alternative field for his sheep. There is also concern about the likelihood of United Utilities having to gain access to this field by temporarily removing part of the wall opposite High Black Dyke Farm. The Clerk will write to United Utilities.

(d) It is thought that the works proposed between Beachwood and Ashmeadow might cause serious disruption to the Cross-Bay Walks programme. The Clerk will write to the Morecambe Bay Partnership.

7086 Items for Information.

There were no items raised for information.

7087 Date of next Ordinary Meeting

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 19th April 2004, at 7.15pm. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk by no later than Thursday 8th April.

Peter G. Challenor

Clerk to the Council