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Minutes of June 2011 Meeting
RUSHEN PARISH COMMISSIONERS
Meeting held at 7pm on Wednesday 15th June 2011 at Ballafesson Hall.
MINUTES
Present: Mr D Cain (Chairman), Mr P Vernon (Vice-Chairman), Mr P Gunn,
Mr D Radcliffe.
Apologies: Mr A Tinkler.
1. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the Meeting held Wednesday 18th May 2011, having previously been circulated, were taken as read. Mr Radcliffe queried 2 b) as he did not think that it had been discussed at the meeting. The Clerk and Mr Cain confirmed that the matter was spoken of outside of the meeting. It was duly deleted from the Minutes. The Minutes were then approved for signing.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
a) Southern Area Plan.
Public Inquiry. Information regarding the running of the Inquiry was received on 8th June, giving the dates in July when each part would be considered.
Also received on 8th June – an email stating that the Inquiry had been deferred from July as the Inspector needed to have an operation. The new date for the Inquiry was provisionally given as starting on 3rd October.
The Clerk had hand-delivered the submissions of RPC and the BKWP to the Chief Secretary’s Office on the morning of the 8th June and had a receipt for them.
Ballakilley Working Party. A meeting had been held on 25th May. In attendance were Bernadette McCabe from Port St Mary, Jean-Pierre Depin from Port Erin, David Radcliffe, Peter Gunn, Adrian Tinkler and the Clerk from Rushen. David Parkes from Southern Nomads RFC was also in attendance. The final details were discussed for the submission.
The Clerk had delivered the submission on 8th June.
The Clerk and Mr Radcliffe were thanked for all their hard work in preparing these documents.
b) DoLGE/Local Authority Issues:-
Local Government Review – nothing further on this.
Standing Orders – Local Government Unit, DoI had requested a copy of the Standing Orders of all Local Authorities:- ‘As these are public documents the Department would like to have sight of the documents so we can check that all authorities are taking on board our advice in the Local Government Handbook which contains model standing orders. It will also help us in reviewing the advice given in the handbook which is currently being updated.’ These to be sent by 30th June.
It was agreed that the Clerk should send a copy of the LG Unit.
c) Dept. Infrastructure
Informal Leisure Places. Nothing further on this at present.
d) Waste Management and Refuse Collection
Waste Strategy Consultation – email information received and how to find it on the web site received 26/5 and forwarded. They were seeking views from as many people and organisations as possible and ‘would encourage you to complete the survey’. The Chairman had printed off a copy. It seemed that it was mainly the public’s views that were being looked for rather than LAs. The Committee looking into this had various representatives sitting on it including a representative of the Municipal Association who, it was presumed, was taken to represent all Local Authorities.
Bad Debtors – The Clerk had not had time to deliver the bill to this person at his work but would ensure she did so shortly.
Sound Café – The invoice for the overdue amount and also April and May’s invoice had been sent.
A member of staff at the Sound Café had telephoned asking for a replacement commercial bin. The damaged wheel on one of the bins had been pointed out to them on several occasions for over a year now as the binmen were in danger of damaging their backs trying to move it. Nothing had been done. The Clerk had explained that RPC did not provide these – Manx National Heritage had purchased them and they would have to replace them.
Refuse Collection – nothing to report.
e) Lighting/MEA.
Ballakillowey roundabout/Ballagawne Road scheme. Although the roundabout had been completed no information had been received regarding the new lighting scheme. The Clerk was to query this as money had been budgeted for this scheme and kept in reserve.
g) Carrick Bay View.
The Clerk was keeping her eye on this and, should the public footpath show signs of becoming overgrown she would ask Mr Cregeen to cut it back.
i) Hedges
High Hedges:-
There had been further correspondence regarding High Hedges Case 2. This is reported in Private Session. The Clerk was to write to the owner of the hedge asking him to cut the hedge by the end of July and to maintain it at the height agreed with the neighbours the previous summer.
j) Traffic matters – Department of Transport and other DoT matters.
The Clerk and Mr Vernon had attended the Traffic Meeting that morning. Mr Vernon gave a report on the meeting.
Ballafesson Road – speed roundels. Still ‘in hand’
Ballachurry Corner – standing water – still ‘in hand’.
Plantation Hill. – Danger to pedestrians, etc on hill nothing further.
Speeding on Howe Road – nothing at present
Civic Amenity Site lines and signs – nothing at present.
The Level/Croit-e-Caley. Now that the work on the Ballakillowey roundabout had been completed they were to put a speed count on the road through Croit-e-Caley.
Glen Chass – sharp corner & turning circle. Cul de Sac sign. To be put up soon.
‘Speeding’ on Old School Road – nothing further on this.
Shore Road – A speed count has been received for this.
Other DoT matters:-
Glen Chass Road – narrow corner. Nothing further.
Kerbstones at Ballnahowe – A speed count for this had been received and did not show excessive speeding.
k) Police
The Clerk had not attended the last meeting.
l) Litter, beach cleans, dog fouling, etc.
Caring for Carers – they had not been in touch again but Fleshwick beach would be left for them to clean if they did so.
Michael Stoker -. Mr Radcliffe had not contacted him yet.
Southern Young Farmers – Mr Cain had been in touch with them and they would be cleaning Bay ny Carrickey soon.
m) Ballafesson Playing Field, Car Park, The Howe, Signs:-
Swing, Matting – The matting was to be ordered and it was to be ensured that fixings were included.
Car Park – Mr Cain had checked this and confirmed that Mr Cregeen had cut the hedge.
Signs None were required at present.
n) Web Site
The latest Minutes were to be forwarded to Mr Vernon.
o) Southern Civic Amenity Site
Mr Cain said that there was nothing to report.
p) Southern Swimming Pool
Mr Radcliffe said there was nothing to report.
q) Municipal Association.
The AGM. A letter of thanks had been received from the Association.
It was generally agreed that it had been a good night and that Dessie Robinson’s talk on the Calf had been very enjoyable. Meayll Booklets and mugs had been given out to everyone and they were most appreciated.
r) Allotments
Mr Radcliffe was asked if they had been any meetings yet. He said there had been none, even though there should have been one in June as a continuation of the joint meeting held between the Commissioners of Rushen and Port St Mary and the Allotment Society. He said that he would ask when it was expected that a meeting would be held.
s) Southern Healthcare Committee
Mr Tinkler was not present so there was no report.
t) Marashen Crescent
Mr Radcliffe reported that good progress was being made with the Four Roads development and that the planning application for the demolition and rebuilding of the elderly persons’ dwellings at Marashen Crescent had been submitted.
u) Rushen Ambulance
Mr Tinkler was not present so there was no report.
v) MNH
Nothing at present.
w) Risk Assessment
This would be due for re-assessment in July/August. Mr Edward was off Island at present.
x) Land in front of Hillcrest, Cregneash.
Mr Cain reported that it had been cut but not left in a tidy state. He would ensure that it was
tidied up.
y) Golden Jubilee Trust.
Event on 25th September. Mr Radcliffe had not heard anything further on this.
z) Unsightly Buildings and Land.
Mr Richmond had contacted the Clerk again – email and phone – and said he would be writing to the Chairman.
Mr Cain reported that he had not contacted him on any matter.
aa) Sloc Sites & Seats
Seat at The Chasms – MNH
Mr Cain reported that there had been a workman there the previous day and it was presumed that the repairs were being carried out.
Sloc Sites. The Clerk had contacted DoI re cutting the Picnic Area (DoI responsibility) asking for it to be cut and, once again, asking for it to be put on a maintenance list so that it wouldn’t be forgotten every year.
They promised to cut it and put in on the list for cutting.
ab) Bench & Tree at Croit-e-Caley Green.
The Clerk had spoken to a member of the Kneen family who had asked whether the tree on the green was the one which RPC had been in contact with them about. The Clerk had confirmed this.
The plaque was to denote that the land had been donated to Rushen Commissioners by the Kneen family of Croit-e-Caley. The Clerk was to look in the Deeds for the date when it was given.
ac) Agricultural Rating. Nothing further on this.
ad) Damage to Uplands – Carnanes.
Mr Vernon had not looked at this recently but had spoken to someone who had reported that the top end of the Carnanes greenway was still in poor condition.
ae) Concert in Manx National Week.
Mr Cain and the committee had this all organised. Laurence Skelly was doing the publicity and Mr Cain would make the poster for printing – RPC to pay for the printing.
af) Newsletter.
Mr Radcliffe was compiling this and it was to include a piece to encourage the public to attend the Southern Area Plan Enquiry which would now be held in October.
Ag) Grass cutting contract.
The Clerk pointed out that the contract finished in August.
ah Proposed amalgamation of Rushen with Arbory.
This was to be left at present.
ai) Disaster recovery plan.
This and the new computer were to be undertaken very shortly.
aj) Children’s Sports
Mr Radcliffe was to ask some of the residents of the area if they would in interested in a children’s sports day being held in the Playing Field. Car parking could be in the adjoining field.
ak) Three Legs of Man – Parade of Sail.
There had been a preliminary sailing at the end of June, landing at Port St Mary. Nobody from RPC had attended. It was agreed that RPC would not look for a young person to take part in their sailing but rather the would support a local company – Seventh Wave – who ran sailing courses in Port Erin. Mr Vernon had suggested this and Members had supported it. He was to look into the details further and report back. As the money would have to come from the Thousla Trust this was to be reported there also. The Newsletter was to contain information regarding this and asking for young people who may be interested.
al) Local Authority Induction Course Review.
The Local Government Unit were reviewing the content and format of these courses and had sent a questionnaire. Deferred from May Meeting.
Members went through this and gave their views and the Clerk completed the questionnaire for returning to the LGU.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
a) consultation – Regulation and Licensing of Broadcast Content and a Strategy for digital Radio.
Received by email and copied to Members. Views by 22nd July.
Members only comment was that they were apprehensive about this being implemented.
b) Civic Sundays:
Borough of Douglas – 19th June. Procession assembles Town Hall at 10am to St George’s. Refreshments afterwards at Town Hall. Level 3 of Shaw’s Brow Car Park will be open, free of charge.
Peel Town Commissioners 17th July. Peel Methodist Chapel, Atholl Street 11am. Procession will commence at 10.45am at Town Hall. Refreshments in the Corrin Hall after the service.
No Members indicated that they wished to attend either service.
c) Armed Forces Day.
Invitation to attend the parade, Service, tea and evening’s entertainment. Sunday 26th June.
This was noted.
d) Road Transport Licensing Committee.
Applications, decisions and notices. Noted.
PLANNING MATTERS:
12. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) 11/0679. Ballagownie, Howe Road. Mr & Mrs I Munro. Single storey extension at the side to create family lounge and study. No objections.
b) 11/0709. Woodville, Castletown Road. Mr J Hill. Extension, replacement windows, conservatory and internal alterations.No objections.
c) 11/0605. Creg Cottage, Howe Road. Mr & Mrs Thirwall. Erection of a replacement sunroom to front elevation. Amendment received No objections.
13. PLANNING APPROVALS
a) 11/0481. Lingague Farm Cottage, Ballakilpheric Road. Mr & Mrs R Kerr. Erection of a replacement dwelling and free standing garage.
Usual conditions. Decision – Planning Committee. Issued 20th May 2011.
b) 11/0480. Lhoindaig Cottage, Croit-e-Caley. Mr A Wilson. Installation of a replacement front door. Usual conditions. Decision – Director of Planning. Issued 20th May 2011.
c) 11/0480. Ballakilley Farm, Church Road – field 411497. Mr & Mrs Jamieson. Creation of three ponds with associated culverts and landscaping.
Conditions include 3. No development which would have an impact on the existing watercourse may be undertaken outside the months between and including July to September to avoid disturbance to spawning fish and juveniles. Note: No approval is hereby granted to any enclosure of any watercourse through culverting. Note: Prior to the commencement of works, the applicant is advised to contact the Fisheries Division of DEFA in respect of prevention of siltation or sedimentation of or other adverse impact on the stream during the implementation of the works, the installation of silt traps and the formulation of a method statement and sluice gates to control overflow through the ponds.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued 31st May 2011.
d) 11/0571. Cronk Moar Farm, Shore Road, Strandhall. Ms G A Watterson. Installation of replacement windows, doors and glazed passageway.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued 8th June 2011.
14. PLANNING REFUSALS none.
15. PLANNING APPEALS none
16. COMPLETION CERTIFICATES none
17. OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
a) 11/0541. Shed at Castletown Road. For Mr Morris.
The Clerk had received an email (copied to Members) from Sarah Corlett, Planning Officer, regarding the application for a shed to store implements and cider press. They had received a report from the officer at DEFA which wasn’t particularly helpful to her as to whether the proposed business would be viable. Under Environment Policy 15 an agricultural building has to be needed and (under Policy 3) essential. She said that perhaps a pragmatic approach may be to look at the size of the building and what it was proposed to be used for and to assess whether this was reasonable on the basis that if the land was to be maintained then there may well be some requirement for storage on site for whatever the land is used for, if it isn’t going to be used as part of a larger holding.
b) Calf Observatory, Calf of Man. MNH. Sean Murphy of MNH had brought plans for Members to look at prior to submitting them. They were proposing to:- install a solar panel on the main roof pitch of the observatory to provide hot water and reduce generator use; install photo-voltaic panels on adjacent single storey roof pitch; install a composting toilet to be located within a currently roofless outbuilding to provide a facility for day visitors to the Calf; a new wind turbine to be located the same place as the remnants of a previous wind turbine; creation of a new WC in the guest side of the Observatory – a present guests had to make use of the sole WC located within the warden’s accommodation; install two wood burning stoves to replace the existing open fire and gas fire; installation of a 6,000 litre tank within an open yard area to be linked to adjacent gutters to provide rain-harvested water for use in an emergency/heath fire; replacement of an existing asbestos sheet roof to one of the outbuildings with a metal roof.
Members had no objections to this.
18 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Ballagawne Road.
The Clerk reported that an elderly lady has been on the phone asking for the bushes at the corner of Ballakillowey/Mount Gawne Road to be cut back as they were growing out and people were having to walk too near the pavement edge. She also asked if RPC could ask for a bus shelter at the bus stop on the other side of the road (she had thought one was going to be installed when the work was being done to the roundabout as there was a new piece of concrete put down – however this was for the new sign).
The owner of the house was to be asked to cut back the bushes.
The Clerk was to write to IOM Transport to request a bus shelter.
b) Croit-e-Caley
Vehicles parked near the railway crossing. Complaints that a resident was parking his lorries at the crossing and drivers couldn’t see the red light when a train was coming.
The Clerk was to report this to the Police.
c) Winter Concert.
As Mr Robinson had been so successful at the Municipal Assocation AGM with his talk on The Calf it was agreed that the possibility of having a Winter ‘Do’ which would include his talk should be investigated.
d) Hedge Trimming.
Mr Vernon asked if the DoI could be requested to trim hedges and spray the weeds along the roads and pavements as they were growing quite large.
19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 20th July 2011.