THE MEETING OF
RIBBY WITH WREA PARISH COUNCIL
Held At Wrea Green Institute
On 13 AUGUST 2012 at 19.30 Hours
Present: Cllr. Mrs. J.L. Wardell (Chairman), Cllrs. J.W. Dobson, K.J. Lupton, J.C. Maskell, J.M. Molyneux, Mrs. P.A. Naylor, and Cty. Cllr. P. Rigby.
There were five members of the public in attendance and one member of the press.
13/54 APOLOGIES and DECLARATION of INTERESTS
1.1. Apologies: Cllrs. Mrs. A.E. Uphill, Mrs. C.E. Wheatman, and
Br. Cllr. F.A. Andrews.
1.2. Declarations of Interests:-
Cllrs. J.M. Molyneux and Mrs. J.L. Wardell both declared prejudicial
interests in 13/57 Land Adjacent to Richmond Avenue planning application and left the room during the formal discussions.
13/55 The MINUTES of the Meetings of the 9 July 2012, which had previously been circulated to all councillors, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
13/56 POLICE, CRIME and DISORDER
1.Report from Community Beat Officer – PC Robin Hardiman advised that there had been three reported crimes since the last Parish Council meeting – all at Ribby Hall Leisure Village. Theft of an unattended watch in the changing rooms, an attempted break in at a caravan, and the theft of 2 bicycles from an unattended caravan – three youths from Kirkham were caught with regard to the latter. Martindale home is still closed and people have been advised about illegal parking around Mill Lane.
13/57 PLANNING MATTERS
1. Applications:
12/0303 The Villa, Moss Side Lane
Revised Information including Amended Layout Plan to Clarify
Boundary Details, Statement to Clarify Construction Phasing Proposed, Plan Locating Air Conditioning, Extraction Equipment on Extension Roof, 2m Timber fence Surround and Further Drainage Details.
As the additional information improves the situation it was RESOLVED that no further comment is necessary.
12/0408 Land Adjacent to Richmond Avenue
Outline Application for up to 55 Dwellings to Include On-site Bus Turning Facility, Accessed off Richmond Avenue (access Applied
for with the Other Matters Reserved)
The meeting was opened from 19.35 hours to 19.55 hours to allow the attendees to air their views. Cllrs. Molyneux and Wardell left the room for the formal discussion and Cllr. J.W. Dobson took the chair from 19.55 hours to 20.04 hours.
The Council OBJECT to the proposal and recommend REFUSAL. This proposal is
little different to the previous refused application and there is nothing new
that changes the views of this Council.
The application contravenes HL3, SP1 and SP2 of the Fylde Borough Local Plan (AS
Altered October 2005) and the Borough Council’s Interim Housing Policy.
The proposal is outside the village settlement area thus contravening SP1 and does
not meet any of the categories of development which are acceptable for
exception. When the Planning Inspectorate agreed the Willow Drive/Ash Grove
adjacent development in 1995 their strong view was that by extending the
developer’s building proposal to the dyke it was “robust enough to deter any
further rounding off.” The land in question is also one of the highest ridges on the
Fylde and the view from the Western approach road would change the existing
rural village feel to an urban scene. In addition, the NPPF guidance makes it clear
that all plans and all decisions should respect the special character of each area,
and in particular the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and reflect
local surroundings. The evolving Parish Neighbourhood Plan also specifies that any
development should be nearer the centre of the village – The Green – and not
accept any larger development that would move the outskirts further from this
point. As the proposal involves development of land outside any settlement and in
the absence of any material considerations to outweigh the countryside allocation
of the FBC Local Plan Policy SP2 and does not accord with the Council’s Interim
Housing policy, refusal is appropriate.
The level of affordable housing included does not justify a development of this size
– circa 9% increase in the number of houses in Wrea Green. The Parish Council’s
internal affordable housing survey indicated that there was only a very modest
need for social housing in the parish, and the current Fylde Borough Housing
Survey is expected to confirm this finding. Moreover, one of the three recently
developed Redrow affordable homes remains unoccupied some four months
after completion. Consequently, there is no evidence to show that there is a need
for this level of affordable housing in Wrea Green and therefore does not comply
with the Interim Housing Policy.
The proposed land to be developed is classified as best and versatile agricultural
and the applicant has not provided evidence to adequately demonstrate that
there are no alternative areas of previously developed land within the borough
settlements or poorer quality agricultural land that is available to meet an
identified housing need in the borough. As such this is contrary to policy EP22. It
is also important that good agricultural land is protected and there is strong
evidence that there is a need in this vicinity, if the land is released for it’s
appropriate purpose. There is also no evidence of need for supporting a
development of this size in Wrea Green in view of the current number of
properties that are for sale within the village.
This land already has problems with surface water flooding which extends to the
neighbouring properties, particularly on Westbourne Avenue. In addition, the
National Rivers Authority stated in the 1995 Lancashire Structure Plan that the
then Wrea Green existing sewerage system had been problematical in the past and
there has been no improvement undertaken since. There have also been ongoing
major problems at The Brooklands pumping station.
This Council still strongly oppose the use of the Richmond Avenue egress to
Bryning Lane as the latter is extremely busy at peak times and there is golden river
and SpID evidence that this is the fastest through road in the village with a large
proportion of vehicles grossly exceeding the speed limit, albeit it has now been
reduced to 20 mph. It is also unbelievable that, to overcome transport deficiencies
for this site, there is a proposed bus service to be introduced using the Richmond
Avenue access to the site. This proposal is clearly badly researched and
undertaken as a paper exercise. The houses on the initial Richmond Avenue stretch
have very limited forecourts which means that many cars have to park on the road
which already causes traffic problems even for private vehicles, not alone a service
bus. The introduction of yellow lines would merely move the problem to other
parts of Richmond Avenue, Westbourne Avenue and Bryning Lane.
Finally, the local primary school is already nearing capacity and it is
very doubtful whether children from this development could attend their local
educational centre. The site is also well in excess of 3 km from the nearest
supermarket and In view of the walking distance to the school there is the
probability that children would be transported, thus increasing traffic flow at a
time when the centre of the village is at its’ busiest. Peak traffic times in Wrea
Green are certainly not a safe place for younger cyclists.
In view of the very limited benefit to Wrea Green the Council strongly believes
that this developer led proposal which has very limited credit is REFUSED.
12/0419 Land at Tarnbrick Farm, Blackpool Road
Outline Application for up to 140 Dwellings with 30% of These to be Affordable and associated Infrastructure from a New access to Blackpool Road (Access and Scale applied for with All Other Matters Reserved.)
The meeting was opened from 20.05 hours to 20.10 hours for residents to express their views and Cllr. Mrs. J.L. Wardell took over the chair.
The Council supports Kirkham Town Council in OBJECTING to the proposal and recommends REFUSAL.
The proposed location is outside the Kirkham Town Settlement area in designated countryside. It would also create a new settlement outside the existing Kirkham built up area and close the buffer zone with the neighbouring Westby with Plumptons Parish. With appropriate drainage the land could quite easily be upgraded to 3A, although the known poor drainage in the area would be exacerbated with the ramifications of a building development project, particularly with one of this size.
12/0438 Beaconsfield Lodge, 53a Bryning Lane
Proposed Detached Garage
No Objection.
12/0456 54 Bryning Lane
Outline Application for Construction of 14 Detached Dwellings (Access Applied for with All Other Matters Reserved.)
The meeting was opened from 20.11 hours to 20.21 hours so that the attendees could state their case.
The Council OBJECT to the proposal and recommend REFUSAL.
The application contravenes HL3, SP1 and SP2 of the Fylde Borough Local Plan (AS
Altered October 2005) and the Borough Council’s Interim Housing Policy.
The proposal is outside the village settlement area thus contravening SP1 and does
not meet any of the categories of development which are acceptable for
exception, including the lack of affordable housing. From the Western approach
road the countryside scene would be adversely changed from an existing rural
image to a more urban scene. The NPPF guidance makes it clear that all plans and
all decisions should respect the special character of each area, and in particular the
intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and reflect local surroundings.
The evolving Parish Neighbourhood Plan also specifies that any development
should be nearer the centre of the village – The Green – and not agree to any larger
development that would move the settlement perimeter further out. As the
proposal involves development of land outside any settlement and in the absence
of any material considerations to outweigh the countryside allocation of the FBC
Local plan Policy SP2 it does not accord with the Council’s Interim Housing
policy.
The proposed land to be developed is classified as good quality agricultural
and the applicant has not provided evidence to adequately demonstrate that
there are no alternative areas of previously developed land within the borough
settlements or poorer quality agricultural land that is available to meet an
identified housing need in the borough. As such this is contrary to policy EP22. It
is also important that good agricultural land is protected and there is strong
evidence that there is a need in this vicinity, if the land is released for it’s
appropriate purpose. There is also no evidence of need for supporting this
development in Wrea Green in view of the current number of
properties that are for sale within the village.
This land already has problems with surface water flooding which extends to the
neighbouring properties, particularly on Bryning Avenue. In addition, the
National Rivers Authority stated in the 1995 Lancashire Structure Plan that the
then Wrea Green existing sewerage system had been problematical in the past and
there have been no improvement undertaken since. There have also been ongoing
major problems at The Brooklands pumping station. Moreover, the introduction of
septic tank arrangements would not be satisfactory for this number of houses.
The egress to Bryning Lane is questionable, as that road is extremely busy at peak
times and there is golden river and SpID evidence that this is the fastest through
road in the village with a large proportion of vehicles grossly exceeding the speed
limit, particularly at this point, albeit it has now been reduced to 20 mph
Finally, the local primary school is already nearing capacity and it is
very doubtful whether children from this development could attend their local
educational centre. The site is also well in excess of 3 km from the nearest
supermarket and In view of the walking distance to the school there is the
probability that children would be transported, thus again increasing traffic flow at
a time when the centre of the village is at its’ busiest. Peak traffic times in Wrea
Green are certainly not a safe place for younger cyclists.
In view of the lack of benefit to Wrea Green the Council strongly considers
that this weak proposal is REFUSED.
13/58 RECREATION GROUNDS & OPEN SPACES
1. Wray Crescent Play Area Extension (13/46 1) – In Cllr. Mrs. A.E. Uphill absence the Chairman advised that a committee meeting was shortly to take place.
- 2. Positioning of Jubilee Plaque – It was RESOLVED that the plaque would be
on the Dub side of the tree and approximately 1.2 metres/4 foot from the tree.
- 3. Additional Hygiene Disposal Unit at Station Road Public Conveniences –
The Clerk advised that as part of the improvement programme it was now time to have hygiene disposal units in both cubicles in the ladies’ toilets. A quote has been obtained from Principal Hygiene Ltd in the sum of £78-00 per annum which is a saving of £52–00 based on the usual cost. As the cost can be readily found within the existing running cost budget it was RESOLVED that this proposal should be implemented.
- 4. 2012 Olympic Group – The councillors congratulated the 2012 Olympic
Group for organising such a superb event for the village.
- 5. The Village Floral Arrangements – It was acknowledged that the floral tubs
were excellent this year and the War Memorial outstanding.
13/59. FINANCIAL and STANDING ORDERS MATTERS
1.1.Financial Budget Comparisons for the Period Ended 31 July 2012
(Appendix 2) – The Clerk presented the budget position. All allotment income has been received with only £5-00 remaining for fishing permits. Overall income is well on course at £32420 against the annual budget of £57982 and is expected to exceed this budget figure. Expenditure to date at £13091 is maintained within agreed budgets. The accounts were accepted.
2. Investing £25000 with CCLA- The Public Sector Deposit Fund (13/47.2)– It was RESOLVED that the Council would invest £25000 in The Public Sector Deposit Fund. The signatories to be Cllrs. Mrs. J.L. Wardell, J.W. Dobson, J.M. Molyneux and K.J. Lupton with the Clerk, H.J. Gigg having authority to operate the fund on a day to day basis.
The investment forms were completed.
3. Opening a Bank Account at Unity Bank (13/47.3.)– The Clerk confirmed that there would be no bank charges for running the account. It was RESOLVED that a Unity Bank account should be opened to replace the NatWest account.
The signatories to be two from the following councillors – Janet Lyn Wardell, Jack Wignall Dobson, John Michael Molyneux, Kenneth John Lupton and Christine A nne Wheatman.
- 6. Completion of New Mandate for the Co-operative Bank Account –
It was RESOLVED that Cllrs. K.J. Lupton, J.C. Maskell, J.M. Molyneux, and Mrs. P.A. Naylor be added to the existing signatories on this account to replace the retired councillors, J.S. Eastham, Mrs. L. Greening deceased,
D.E. Lancaster, P.C. O’Callaghan deceased, and J.L. Whiteside.
5. Proposed Alteration to The Clerk’s Mobile Phone (13/47.4) – The Clerk reported that he had set up a new mobile phone contract at a cost of £10-00 per month on an 18 month contract and the existing council telephone number had been transferred. It was RESOLVED that this cost plus any other ancillary cost would be met out of the telephone budget.
6. Payment of Accounts –
6.1. The following payments were confirmed:-
2019 United Utilities Quarterly Water Charge £ 55-37 net
2020 Plant Emporium Tub planting £1303-33 net £1564-00 gr
2021 E-On Electricity to Green £ 121-69 net £ 127-77 gr
6.2. The following payments were approved:-
2022 &
2023 Vidahost Web Site Domain £ 60-00 net £ 72-00 gr
2024 HJ Gigg August Salary £581-63 net
2025 L. Weatherby August Salary £217-00 net
2026 HMRC NI & Tax August £159-62 net
2027 HJ Gigg Expenses £ 57-14 net £ 66-57 gr
Computer Cartridges £ 40-89 net £ 49-07 gr
Telephone Top up £ 10-00 net
Parking for County Hall £ 6-25 net £ 7-50 gr
2028 R.Eaves NW in Bloom portfolio £125-00 net
2029 FBC Toilets Water/Electricity £425-19 net
2030 Alan Burrows Repair to Green Bench £ 59-58 net
2031 J.Wildish Land Grass cutting £318-00 net £381-60 gr
2032 LALC Autumn Conference £ 70-00 net
2033 PS Office Stationery £ 25-98 net £ 31-17 gr
2034 BDO Annual External audit £400-00 net £480-00 gr
2035 CCLA Public Sector Deposit Fd£25000-00 net
2036 Unity Bank Transfer of funds £ 7000-00 net
6.3. The Clerk’s car parking costs can be met out the designated annual budget.
7. Annual External Audit – The Clerk advised that BDO LLP had completed the external audit and it was clean. The Notice of Conclusion of Audit was to be placed on the Parish council noticeboard.
13/60 FYLDE BOROUGH/LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCILS
1.1. Lancashire County Councillor Report – Cty. Cllr. P. Rigby reported that
the resurfacing of Ribby Road was to be included in the 2013/14 budget. The
20 mph signage spoilt by graffiti are being replaced with wipe clean models. The Bryning Lane SpID bracket has been moved.
1.2. Fylde Borough Councillor Report – In the absence of Cllr. F.A. Andrews the Clerk made his report:-
- 1. Cockling at Lytham is currently more than half way through. Earlier this week 500 tonnes had been gathered and the upper limit is only 900 so it is nearly complete. This session has been far better managed with different agencies working very well together.
- 2. He has written a letter of objection re 12/0408 (Richmond Avenue development) attached for interest. This is likely to come before DCC in mid October but might just be on the agenda for September meeting.
- 3. He would welcome the Parish Councils view on 12/0456 (14 houses off Bryning Lane). Likely to be considered by DCC mid October.
- He thought that the Olympic Marquee committee did a wonderful job. All of the 6 events he had attended were great fun and very well orgainised.
2. Delegated Powers of Rights of Way from Lancashire County Council – The Clerk reported that the parish public rights of way still had to be assessed.
3. Fylde Borough Council Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan 2012 -2030 – The consultation document was discussed and a response is to be submitted (Appendix 7).
13/61 VILLAGE ACTIVITIES
1. Bonfire Night 5 December 2012 – The Clerk advised that he had commissioned St. John’s Ambulance this year to ensure that there was a professional body available at a cost of £72-00.
2. Christmas Activities – Christmas Switch On – 2 December 2012 – Cllr. Mrs. P.A. Naylor arranged a committee meeting on 20 August 2012.
3. Best Kept Garden Competition 2012 (Appendix 3) – The Best kept Garden Competition Results were circulated to the councillors before the meeting and the Clerk advised that the presentation evening was to be on 3 September 2012 at the Institute. It was agreed that wine, juices and nibbles would be made available and the judge would present the trophies and certificates.
4. Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition 2012 – Cllr. J.W. Dobson advised that village was one of the three finalists and also both the War Memorial and Church Gardens were in their category finals.
13/62 PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS
1.LALC AGM Resolutions – None.
2. LALC Workshops – The Clerk advised Council of the upcoming workshops and it was RESOLVED that no one wished to attend.
3. Lancashire Fire and Rescue – Performance Report and Action Plan 2012 Consultation – No response was considered necessary
4. Members Conduct and Registration and Disclosure of Their Interests (England) – The Council unanimously RESOLVED to ADOPT the Fylde Borough Council Members Conduct and Registration of Their Interests for the purposes of section 27 (2) as this Council’s Code of Conduct. (Appendix 6)
It was agreed that all councillors would submit the necessary documentation in respect of Disclosure of their Pecuniary Interests within 28 days of this meeting.
It was confirmed that dispensation relating to situations where there is not a quorum of councillors because of pecuniary interests must be obtained in writing from the Fylde Borough Council Monitoring Officer.
5. Lone Working Risk Assessment Review (Appendix 4) – The Council APPROVED the document as its official policy.
6. Dignity at Work (Appendix 5 ) – It was RESOLVED that the Council APPROVED this document as part of its policy.
13/63 CLERK’S REPORT (Appendix 1)
This document, which had previously been circulated to all councillors, was noted.
13/64 The Meeting Closed at 21.48 hours. The Next Full Meeting was altered to be on the 18 September 2012.
Cllr. Mrs. Janet Wardell 18 September 2012
Chairman