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Minutes of November 2011 Meeting
RUSHEN PARISH COMMISSIONERS
Meeting held 7pm Wed. 16th November 2011 at Ballafesson Hall.
MINUTES
Present: Mr D Cain (Chairman), Mr P Vernon (Vice-Chairman), Mr P Gunn,
Mr D Radcliffe. The Clerk, Mrs G Kelly, was also in attendance.
Apologies – Mr A Tinkler.
1. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held Wednesday 19th October 2011, having previously been circulated, were taken as read and agreed a true record.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
a) Southern Area Plan
This was due to reconvene on 21st November at Legislative Buildings, Douglas. The Inspector had requested additional written evidence regarding two specific sites, neither of which were the concern of RPC and was following legal representations from one of the objectors to the plan. This would last two days.
It was noted that there was no need for RPC to attend.
b) DoI/Local Authority Issues
Local Elections Legislation LA Election Thursday 26th April 2012.
Rate Arrears -Writing off debts – email from Braddan Commissioners re them collecting their own rates – see 8 e) Correspondence.
It was agreed not to consider asking them to look into collecting Rushen’s Rates.
Rate Arrears – email from Jon Grubb (forwarded to Members 14/11) Rating Executive from Treasury, expressing that he was astounded to hear Braddan Commissioners’ statement that Treasury were not following up non-payers through the Courts – he said that this was grossly inaccurate and that in 2009/10 they collected 99% of rates; highest collection rate for 2010/11 rating year at the moment was 99.96%.
This was noted.
c) Waste Management and Refuse Collection
Bad debts – Mr Tinkler had not yet given the information to the Clerk. There was also another householder who had not paid for some time and the Clerk said she would pursue this.
d) Lighting/MEA
Ballagawne Road project. This was in the process of installation.
Light at Cronk y Dhooney – reported to be beyond repair – badly corroded. Estimated cost £350 + vat. The Clerk had contacted Members – 3 replied agree to go ahead and she had therefore given instructions for the work to be done.
Light RN100 Truggan Road. Reported as requiring renewing – currently working but the fitting and arm were badly corroded and recommendation was for replacement. Estimated cost £457 + vat. It was agreed that instructions should be given to go ahead with this work.
e) High Hedges - reported in private session.
f) Traffic matters and DoI.
Ballafesson Road – speed roundels. Still to be done
Ballachurry Corner – standing water. Still to be done.
Plantation Hill. – Danger to pedestrians, etc on hill. Nothing. (this had been mentioned to the 3 Rushen MHK’s in RPC’s most recent letter and was also to be brought to the Minister’s attention)
Speeding on Howe Road – This had been monitored.
Civic Amenity Site lines and signs. 40mph sign ‘should be replaced shortly’.
The Level/Croit-e-Caley. The speed of traffic had been on the Traffic Meeting agenda.
Glen Chass – sharp corner & turning circle. Cul de Sac sign. Mr Cain reported that this had not been done yet.
Shore Road – speed. This had not been mentioned at the Traffic Meeting.
Glen Chass Road – narrow corner. Nothing further.
Kerbstones at Ballnahowe – Road closed for repairs
Ballakillowey Roundabout. Nothing further.
Cregneash – safety of pedestrians coming to and from the car park. There had been a site Meeting with Hugo McKenzie of the Southern Traffic Liaison Group. Mr Southworth, Director of MNH and Mr Blackford Properties Manager along with Mr Vernon and the Clerk attended. They had met at the car park to discuss a safe crossing place down to the lane and also walked along the main road to the other end of the Village to look at safety from that end. The wooden bollards at the entrance to the car park seemed to cause problems in that they were guiding people onto the most dangerous part of the road to cross. These appeared to be part of a Millennium project. Various other aspects would be looked at including extending the speed limit at the top of The Howe, hopefully before the next Traffic Meeting.
Mr Cain suggested that RPC could be keeping the hedge near the entrance to the car park cut back to help with visibility and he would ask David Cooil to do it with his hedge trimmer. The Clerk said that the debris should be swept up afterwards as it may cause skidding problems on the road surface. Mr Cain pointed out that it shouldn’t be a problem as the DoT don’t sweep up after they have trimmed hedges.
The Clerk had written to the three newly elected MHKs for Rushen expressing the concerns about Ballafesson Road and Ballachurry Corner and also Plantation Hill. Mr Watterson had said that he also had concerns about Plantation Hill. The Clerk was also to write to Mr David Cretney, new Minister of DoI, with regard to the various problems.
DoI – email rec. re All Island Depot Strategy Project – copied to Members. Noted.
g) Police.
The Clerk had attended the Police Meeting on 2nd Nov. at PSM Commissioners’ board room. The Inspector was not available so Sergeant Paul Kemp took the meeting. There were two crimes in Rushen – possession of drugs and theft of 1,000 litres of fuel. The Police had asked if all LAs could mention in their Newsletters, if they produced them, that people should lock their oil tanks to prevent theft.
Seat at The Chasms – Mr Cain had spoken to Mr Wilkins. – reported later.
h) Litter, beach cleans, dog fouling, etc
Dog bin on the traffic sign on the Ballachurry side of the new roundabout. Mr Radcliffe said that he didn’t appear to have any dog bins in store. The Clerk said that there was still one at her house and he said he would collect it.
Signs – The Clerk was to ask for prices for five or ten of the wooden signs.
Beach Cleans – Michelle Heywood and the Parents group from Scoill Phurt le Moirrey had cleaned Fleshwick on 6th Nov.- beach, banks and stream including lots of small items. They collected 5 bags which they left at the top of the shore. She said that they would go there in another three or four weeks to keep on top of it.
It was agreed to pay £10 per bag and a cheque would be sent.
i) Ballafesson Playing Field, Car Park at The Howe, Signs
The Clerk had received another call to say the boy was in the field with his dog again. She went over and spoke to him and asked him not to take the dog in again. The new sign has arrived and Mr Radcliffe had put it up.
The shed. Nothing further at present.
Swing – The Clerk had an up-to-date price for the matting – Playsafe Safety Grass from Wicksteed. This was the surface which grass grows through. For 20sq m 14 mats at £40 per mat + vat. would be required. Delivery charge was 5%. Delivery time would be 3 – 5 weeks.
It was agreed that this should be ordered for delivery to Mr Radcliffe. The Clerk had heard that Port Erin Commissioners were thinking of getting new playground equipment and she would ask about this in case RPC’s order could be delivered at the same time.
Swings – it had been decided previously that there should be an ordinary swing and a ‘toddler’ swing but the Clerk queried this as she thought that it would be likely that two larger children were more likely to use the swings together and that this may mean that the ‘toddler’ swing could be broken. It was agreed that two of the same, larger, ones be ordered.
j) Web Site. Mr Vernon was keeping this updated. The Audit availability for inspection advert was to be put on the web site.
k) Southern Civic Amenity Site
Mr Cain said that there was nothing to report.
l) Municipal Association
Mr Gunn said that he had not been able to attend the last meeting. Received from the Secretary – Keep Mann Tidy letter sent to Municipal Association – not to all LAs. Also – sent to Municipal Association but not to all LAs – Jeff Robinson’s presentation slides on winter snow preparations.
Also from Municipal Assoc. – forwarded from IOM Government – Street Cleaning Performance Management Programme – Local Environmental Quality Survey Report. This was prepared by ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ for IOM government. ‘The aim of the survey is to provide an independent assessment of key aspects of local environmental quality. It is based on the results of the survey undertaken by Keep Britain Tidy during March 2011.’
These were all noted.
l) Southern Swimming Pool
Mr Radcliffe had attended the last meeting but it had been non-quorate – only 2 Members there. He reported that the new Manager had started work. Invoice received for the annual payment – for year ending 12th March 2012 – £3,085 90. Approved for payment.
m) Allotments Mr Radcliffe said that there were no Committee meetings due yet.
n) Southern Healthcare Committee Mr Vernon had attended the AGM.
p) Rushen Ambulance Mr Tinkler was not present so there was no report.
q) MNH nothing further
r) Risk Assessment
Mr Vernon and the Clerk had reviewed the Risk Assessment and were satisfied that nothing had changed.
s) Land in front of Hillcrest, Cregneash Nothing further.
t) Golden Jubilee Trust Nothing further.
u) Unsightly buildings and land A list of zero-rated properties was to be requested.
v) Sloc Sites & Seats, etc.
Chasms path – seat and plaque. Mr Cain had been to see Mr Wilkins regarding the plaque for Ned Maddrell being moved from above the memorial seat to Mrs Wilkins and her father. Mr Wilkins had said that the plaque shouldn’t be above his seat and if it was put back he would take the seat away.
Mr Wilkins had contacted the Clerk and seemed upset. He said that RPC had given permission for the seat to be there. The former seat was just a plank and was in very poor condition. The Clerk had said that she would look through the Minutes to see when that was. She reported to the meeting extracts from the Minutes for 17th June 1998 – Mrs Wilkins wanted to place a seat on the road to the Chasms in memory of her late father. A letter of agreement was sent to her. Minutes 18th Nov 1998 – a letter was received from Mrs Wilkins stating that they were having a 6ft wooden bench made for the site and that they would erect and maintain the seat. She thanked Mrs Shimmin and the Clerk for help received.
Mr Wilkins said that if the plaque was put back above his seat then he would remove the seat but he would leave the place tidy.
Mr Charles Guard had said that they had permission from the owner of the wall, Professor Maddrell, to put the plaque on the wall where the original seat had been. It had been put there about 7 months previously. Mr Wilkins had no right to say that it couldn’t be there.
Mr Cain had a photograph of the seat and the vandalised plant containers had now been replaced with urns. It was agreed that any memorial seats put up should not be permitted to be turned into a shrine – it should only be a seat with no ornaments, plants, etc.
It was agreed that, should Mr Wilkins contact the Clerk again she would tell him that permission had been given by the owner of the wall that the plaque could be put in that position.
Memorial to wartime plane crash. – crash happened late morning Sat. 14th April 1945 – above the Chasms.
Mr Tinkler had spoken to Mr Ramsden from the Air Museum and they were keen to be involved in having a memorial put at the site. They had information at the museum on this crash, copies of which had been given to Members. They were in contact with some of the relatives (some of whom had been over in the past to visit the site). They had also provided photos of some other monuments on the Island – Maughold Commissioners and the Manx Aviation Society erected a plaque for a Flying Fortress crash on North Barrule. If RPC were going to do something similar for this one in time for the anniversary of the crash (in only 5 months time) then an agreement would be required and also an agreement for funding. As it was the Board of RPC who had been considering this then it should be for them to carry it forward. The Clerk reminded Members that the election was at end of April the following year. It was agreed that Mr Tinkler and the Clerk should take charge of this and they were to meet with Mr Ramsden at the Air Museum.
Mr Cain said that the owner of the field where the crash took place was Mr Eric Watterson who lived at The Point, Port St Mary. His permission would be required if the memorial was to be put in the field. The position for the memorial was discussed and it was felt that it should be at the style in the wall of the field.
w) Croit-e-Caley Green – bench and tree.
Stone – Mr Cain had brought his piece of slate to Pooilvaaish Ltd for engraving but they said that there was a problem with it. They said that they would provide the stone at no extra cost.
x) Agricultural Rating
The Clerk had gone through the rates list which had been sent by Treasury by email. She had found some which may no longer be ‘agricultural’ and she read out the list. She was to query whether they should still be rated as such.
y) Grass Cutting
Contract document and 2010 advert – had been copied to Members to look through to recommend any changes. Suggested additions had been highlighted. This needed to be advertised soon. The Clerk asked if it would be based on the number of cuts which Mr D. Cregeen had been doing and whether it should include the possibility of weed-spraying. She also asked how much information should be given as regards the present contract e.g. the present costs and Mr Crgeen and Mr Booth would already know this. It was pointed out that the costs would be available in the Minutes, which were open for public inspection.
The Contract was to be initially for one year, with an option of a further two years. Commencing on 1st February. The advert was to be put in the Examiner and Courier in the first week in December, for one week. Closing date for Tenders to be received was to be 11th January. These would then be discussed at the Meeting on 18th January so that a decision could be made then.
z) Newsletter Mr Radcliffe to progress this.
ab) Rushen & Arbory – possible sharing of services.
Mr Cain said that he had seen Mr Cowin, Chairman of Arbory Commissioners again and he understood that they would be discussing the matter at their meeting.
Ac) Disaster Recovery Plan
Email from Colin Whiteway of Braddan Commissioners (copied to Member 15/11). He had spoken to Ian Radford from Baker Tilly, who had an office fire the previous year and had only now got back into their offices. He had asked if they would be interested in imparting their knowledge on a Contingency Plan. They were willing to do so and had opened it up to other LAs. Mr Radford suggested a 15 min slide show with a longer question and answer session – possibly taking half a day. They could cope with 20 people maximum but if there was more interest they could possibly get a larger venue. Reply by 31st Nov if interested. The Clerk was not instructed to contact them.
Ad Children’s Sports/Hop tu Naa to be taken off the agenda at present.
Ae) Ballagawne Road – bus shelter.
There had been a lot of emails back and forward between MHKs and IOM Transport and DoI. DoI had looked into this and had come to the conclusion that if there was to be a shelter it should be over near Ballagawne Nurseries, where there is a pavement. However, a letter had now been received from Mr Longworth, Director of Public Transport (copy given to all Members). Juan Watterson MHK had raised the matter with them on 18th October and there had been a site meeting between officers of DCCL and DoI. All available options were assessed and the site near Ballagawne Nurseries was considered the safest, although it is approx. 120m further from the Ballakillowey junction. DoI had given an informal verbal estimate for hard standing of £10,000 – £15,000 as extensive groundworks would be required due to the drop behind. The inclusion of a shelter would increase the depth of the hard standing required from the highway edge. ‘As you are aware our funding has been reduced and our budget for bus stops and shelters has been severely cut. At present the current year’s funding has been used and we therefore have no spare shelters available.’ The latest price mentioned was £20k, presumably including a bus shelter.
This was discussed and thought to be too expensive and would be in the wrong place. The possibility of putting a hard standing area at the existing bus stop was discussed and Mr Vernon and Mr Radcliffe were to have a look at this and report back to the next meeting.
Ballachurry Bus Shelter - Juan Watterson MHK had sent an email forwarded to Members 27/10. He had received a complaint from a resident of Fairy Hill about RPC’s bus shelter being open to the prevailing winds. (This shelter was built by RPC Members themselves) The provision of some sort of screening was discussed and the Clerk was to ask Colas if they sold heavy duty Perspex sheeting which would be suitable for this purpose.
Af) Winter Concert/talk
The Clerk had provisionally booked Ballafesson Hall for 3rd and 10th February. Mr Cain was to ask Mr Dessie Robinson and Mr Michael Kneale to see which date suited them. Mr Radcliffe said that he had not spoken to Mrs Corrin yet about the catering.
Ag) Hedge at Garthcote. A reminder was to be sent to the occupier.
Mr Vernon brought to the Members attention the hedge on Ballafesson Road owned by Mr C Cowley. He said that this was growing over the pavement again. A letter requesting him to keep it cut back was to be sent.
ah) consultation – Draft Planning Policy Statement – Replacement and extension of Dwellings in the Countryside.
The Clerk had completed this on-line with the answers as agreed at the last meeting.
ai) Castletown Commissoners – sharing services. Email from Clerk of Castletown – they suggested a meeting at 7pm on either 1st or 8th December at their office. They also suggested that a maximum of 2 Commissioners and Clerk attend. There was no formal agenda yet just a general discussion but if Members had any specific items let them know and he could start one. Mr Vernon, Mr Tinkler and the Clerk were to attend and it was agreed that 1st December was the most suitable date.
aj) Port Erin Commissioners – contributions to Library and Fireworks
Letter of thanks received.
Ak) Zero rated properties
This was to be brought up with the 3 Rushen MHKs when they met with RPC.
al) New Youth Committee.
Mr Radcliffe had attended this for RPC. Mr Cain indicated that he had also attended as it had been open to the public.
It seemed that there was plenty for the young people of the south to do but it needed co-ordinating. One of the things mentioned was the provision of sheds/shelters where there could be solar-powered power supplies for young people to plug in their computer games, etc. These would be places for young people to gather without being ‘organised’. Mr Dave Hattersley, Youth Officer, had spoken of these and the Clerk said that he had also mentioned it at the Police Meeting, which he regularly attends.
am) Christmas Tree.
This had been ordered – delivery requested for 10th December.
an) Rushen MHKs.
They have been invited to attend a meeting but not a specific date.
RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT. This report available in the Minute Book as the Office of the Commissioners.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
a) National Service of Remembrance.
The National Service of Remembrance held on 13th November at the Royal Chapel of St Johns. Invitation for a representative to attend. Mr Vernon and his wife attended for RPC. The Chairman attended the Service at Rushen Parish Church and laid the Poppy Wreath on the Rushen Parish War Memorial.
Consultation questionnaire – Recreational Use of the Island’s Reservoirs document and questionnaire received from IOM Water and Sewerage Authority. They were asking for views on the future recreational use of the Island’s reservoirs and these views would be balanced alongside the requirement to protect the Island’s raw water resources and the health and safety of the public. They were ‘seeking a sound evidence base on which to develop the Authority’s Recreational Use Policy and, as such, your input into this process is invaluable.’
The Clerk had copied this to Members on 31st Oct and asked if anyone wanted a hard copy – no replies received. The Clerk was to send a general reply supporting some of the uses of the reservoirs.
c) Scooter (disabled) access on public rights of way.
Email received from Juan Watterson MHK – a copy of one he had sent to DoI. Copied to Members 7/11. Some of the accesses were not suitable for these ‘disabled’ scooters. Public Rights of Way are for people on foot only and technically these scooters are ‘vehicles’. The Island does not having a Disability Discrimination Act which would enforce improvements to footpaths where it is reasonable for wheelchair and other disabled access. The Rights of Way Officer would reconsider the types of gate that would be ordered in future for routes that might otherwise be accessible. The Disability Discrimination Act is ‘in the pipeline’.
This was noted.
d) Long or Heavy Vehicle Designated Routes.
Received by email – forwarded 9/11. Noted.
e) Collection of Rates – Braddan Commissioners.
Received by email and forwarded to Members 3/11. ‘They were ‘stunned’ to hear of the problems that other local authorities are having in collecting their rates. This is due to Treasury not following up the non-payers through the Courts. Braddan now issue and collect their own rates and they now have a 99%+ success rate. They could collect other local authorities rates and would charge a flat rate of 1.5% of the total rateable value of the Authority. However, they could not appear in court for another local authority – that would have to be for that LA Clerk to do.’
It was agreed that Braddan Commissioners would not be approached to collect Rushen’s rates.
f) Southern Chronicle.
A new community newspaper for the south had been launched by Bill Dale and Ricky Broadbent. There had been an introduction to this at the Bay Hotel, Port Erin on 1st November and Mr Cain had attended. He reported that it was going to be published regularly. Mr Vernon was to liaise with them with regard to publishing articles.
g) Request from a student.
He was undertaking a waste management survey a part of his final year degree. This would require some data from past years – hopefully 5 years. He would be sending a questionnaire. The Clerk had already given him some information and would complete any questionnaire he sent.
h) Southlands – Christmas.
Invitation to join them at Southlands on Christmas morning at 11am for carols around the Christmas Tree. RSVP.
i) Port Erin Commissioners
Invitation to their annual Carol Service in St Catherine’s Church in Port Erin on 15th Dec. Mince pies and punch would be served in the Church Hall after the event.
j) Road Transport Licensing Committee.
Applications, decisions and notices. Noted.
k) Planning Committee.
Letter from Director of Planning. Mr Howard Quayle newly elected MHK had been appointed Chairman of the Planning Committee. ‘Mr Quayle is keen to improve the meaningful engagement and participation of Local Authorities in the work of the Planning Committee. IN this respect Mr Quayle has suggested that each Local Authority may wish to identify (if not already done so) one of its Members as a Lead Member for planning matters. This would then enable the Department to engage in a more targeted dialogue on planning matters directly with Local Authority Members. In this respect, Mr Quayle is keen to extend an invite to identified Local Authority Lead Members for planning to regularly attend and observe meetings of the Planning Committee at which planning applications in their area are being considered.’
It was agreed that the Clerk would be the best person to attend but Mr Radcliffe was also nominated to attend for any controversial planning applications in Rushen.
PLANNING MATTERS
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) 11/1493. Copcut Elm, Ballagale Close, Surby. Mr P. West. Erect a single storey conservatory/porch to the rear of the property.
No objections.
10. PLANNING APPROVALS none
11. PLANNING REFUSALS
a) 11/1166. Homefield, The Level (the old shop). Mr P Luckman. Erection of a replacement detached garage and workshop. Reasons for Refusal:- 1. The proposed development would be contrary to General Policy 2 part of g of the IOM Strategic Plan 2007, as it would result in loss of outlook and daylight to the rear of the adjacent dwelling Lindisfarne, which would adversely affect the amenity of this dwelling to an unacceptable degree. Decision – Director of Planning. Issued – 24th October 2011.
12. PLANNING APPEALS
a) 11/0839 and 11/0840, Upper Kirkill, Ballakillowey Road. Mr & Mrs S Berry. The Appeal documents had been received and it was held at 2pm on Wed. 16th November. This is for both planning applications – the very modern and the large, more traditional.
Mr Radcliffe and the Clerk had attended and reported that, due to how the Inspector rang the Appeal, it seemed to be a bit of a waste of time them attending. They were thanked for attending.
13. COMPLETION CERTIFICATES
a) 03/7399. Westwood, Christeens Way, Ballakillowey. Mr R Swayne. Conversion of garage to bedroom. New garage/study and w.c. enlargement of redundant conservatory. Issued 13th October 2011.
b) 09/7236. Ballavayre Farm, Ballakilpheric Road. Hintock Ltd. New opening in existing outbuilding to become a domestic garage. Issued 6th October 2011.
14. OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
a) Planning application submissions – plans and supporting information.
Clerks had been invited to attend a briefing covering the above subject. Thursday 3rd Nov. in Murray House. The Clerk had attended this – from 4pm until nearly 6pm, and she gave a report. There were a few Clerks but in the main it was architects. Most of the briefing was for architects and not local authorities. The planners suggested certain things that they would like to see in submitted plans to make them easier for them and especially the public to understand. One of the things that they said are really helpful was photo-montages. They showed a few examples of plans for discussion and one of these (regarding replacement properties should not be larger than 50% of the existing) was Lhingague Cottage – the plan for which was for demolition and building a larger property. – larger than 50% – they said that this was acceptable as the existing was of poor design as it had been changed a lot and the accommodation (heights of ceilings I think) was not to today’s standards of building. Just at the end, Jennifer Chance seemed to remember that there were some people from LAs there and asked what they thought. The Clerk said she was the only one to speak and she had said that it would be of benefit to the public and local authority members if the actual measurements were put on the plans rather than having to scale them – she also said that this was especially important with regard to height and that the neighbouring properties should be shown for comparison heights.
These meetings were going to be held regularly. She thought it was an awkward time of day to hold a meeting – it meant getting caught in the traffic.
b) Application withdrawn – 11/0901/B Shenvalley Farm, Ballnahowe. Cheeseden Investments. Erection of a replacement dwelling with detached garage.
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) List of past Chairman.
The Clerk was going to compile a list from all the Minute books available. Mr Vernon was to then go to the new centre at the Museum where various historical records could be researched on computer. It was possible that many of the missing names could be found.
b) Christmas Meal. Mr Cain was to organise this for 7th January at the Shore Hotel.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wed 21st December 2011.