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Clerk to the Council: - Mr. R. Stopford 147 Warrington Road Penketh Warrington WA5 2EN 01925-723124
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of Walton Parish Council held at St. John's Community Church Hall, Old Chester Road, Walton, on Thursday the 7th September 2006.
Present Councillor J A Ashcroft Chairman Councillor P Morgan Vice-Chairman Councillor R Hewitt Councillor R D Bennett Councillor H A S Hardie Councillor R Hardie Councillor J R Ward Councillor D A Meacock Councillor V Lacey Councillor C Chadwick Councillor C Brocklehurst
In Attendance 8 members of the Parish Roy Stopford - Clerk to the Council The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.31pm and formally welcomed Councillors and members of the Parish to the meeting.
The Clerk confirmed that apologies for non-attendance had been received from Borough Councillor Walker.
The Chairman invited a motion to adjourn the meeting to allow members of the Parish to address the Council. The motion was proposed by Councillor Lacey, seconded by Councillor H A S Hardie and unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 7.33pm.
Mr. Ian Ross addressed the meeting and commented on the current number of aircraft on the flight path into Liverpool airport, and the proposal by Ryanair for a further 1 million seats out of Liverpool airport. He produced the detailed flight path that indicates aircraft flying directly over the Solvay Interox chemical plant located in Lower Walton, but not within the Parish Boundary. Mr. Ross reported that the plant manufactures peroxide which, when mixed with aviation fuel, produces an explosive substance. Mr. Ross asked that the Parish Council consider this matter with a view to ascertaining that the authority responsible for Liverpool airport, the Environment Agency and WBC are satisfied that there is no danger from an incident with an aircraft or terrorist action. He also posed the question as to whether the fight path should be amended away from this area in view of there being more than one chemical plant in the immediate vicinity.
Councillors Bennett, Lacey and R Hardie sought clarification and commented on the points raised and the Chairman confirmed that the matter would be discussed when the meeting was re-convened.
The meeting re-convened at 7.35pm.
- 37 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meetings held on the 6th July 2006 were reviewed and there was no amendments noted.
It was proposed by Councillor Lacey and seconded by Councillor Brocklehurst that the minutes be accepted as a true record. Motion approved.
- 38 Reports on Matters Arising from the previous minutes
Councillor Chadwick presented a further review on the transfer of the land to the NPFA. The application to the Charity Commission has been completed, no fee was payable and the matter should now be finally completed.
The Clerk reviewed the correspondence in respect of the Stockton Heath Primary School and the various meetings and actions that had taken place during July and August 2006.
Councillor Lacey commented on the actions of WBC and asked that clarification be sought as to whether the funding had a time limit in which it was available, i.e. would it be withdrawn if the scheme was not in place during the current financial year.
Councillor R Hardie asked that a letter be sent to Julie Hall at WBC seeking clarification of the differences between the Demolish & Rebuild and the New build in terms of changes and costs.
It was proposed by Councillor Lacey, and seconded by Councillor H A S Hardie, that the Clerk write to WBC requesting the disclosure of all information relating to the proposals for Stockton Heath Primary School and also a clear statement as to the DFDS funding, including any spending restrictions. Motion approved with one abstention.
In view of the fact that WBC is to present a new application, Councillor R Hardie asked how the Parish Council would wish the matter to be dealt with if the application was made before the next meeting. The matter was left at the discretion of the Planning Committee and if necessary a special meeting of the full Council will be convened.
- 39 Borough Councillors Report
In view of the fact that Borough Councillor Walker was absent, the Chairman moved to the next item.
The Clerk issued with the Agenda the Financial Report and a copy of the Receipts and Payments Account for the current year to date. The Clerk reviewed the Financial Report and the accounts for payment and confirmed that no further bank statement has been received
It was proposed by Councillor Lacey and seconded by Councillor Hewitt that the Financial Report and the accounts for payment be approved. Motion approved.
The Clerk presented: - Cheque number 000491 payable to Mr. R Stopford £ 516.00p Cheque number 000492 payable to Mr. R Stopford £ 20.52p
Councillor Ashcroft and Councillor H A S Hardie signed the cheques
The Clerk issued with the Agenda the Planning Committee Report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.
Councillor R Hardie presented the details of the pre-application consultation to the existing telephone mast at Outer Wood. Councillor Bennett declared an interest in the matter, as occupier of the land on which the mast is erected.
Councillor R Hardie also commented on the other applications that had been considered and responded to by the Planning Committee, especially the outline application at the Ship Inn on Chester Road and the former timber yard, also on Chester Road but not within the Parish Boundary.
Councillor Lacey declared an interest in the application in respect of the application for outline planning permission at the Ship Inn.
Commenting on the application in respect of the former timber yard, Councillor R Hardie stated that the original plan was to build 400 residential units but this had been reduced to 275 of which 180 would be apartments and 95 would be houses. The Planning Committee was of the opinion that there was, possibly, insufficient provision for parking and, although there was very detailed data, the conclusions did not take into account other developments submitted, or in the planning stage, within the area. Doubts were also expressed about the fact that some of the buildings would be 5 and 7 storey high and would be overbearing to adjacent properties. Councillors expressed reservations regarding the application and the associated data particularly in respect of health facilities, sewerage, schools and other services.
Councillor R Hardie proposed and Councillor Meacock seconded a motion that the Clerk write to WBC to object to the application on the following basis:- · The density of the site is excessive · The height of some of the proposed building is excessive · There appears to be insufficient provision for car parking · Question the data, which appears to be over-optimistic.
The motion was approved unanimously.
It was proposed by Councillor Bennett and seconded by Councillor H A S Hardie that the Planning Report be approved. Motion approved.
- 42 Report of Appointed Representatives
WYFC Councillor Morgan - nothing to report. Transport Councillor Ashcroft - confirmed that the new bus station has been completed. It is very impressive but he understood that the cost is well over budget. It is hoped that the design will prevent would be passengers accessing the bus station across the bus operating area. CPRE Nothing to report. Arts Councillor Ashcroft - Nothing to report. Publicity Councillor Chadwick - The Parish Magazine was distributed and the Chairman suggested that items for inclusion should be deferred until later in the meeting. The Clerk pointed out that the Newsletter was due to be published in October and requested items for inclusion. Councillor R Hardie took the opportunity to remind residents present at the meeting that their contributions would be welcome. Police Forum Councillor H A S Hardie reported on the meeting held on the 18th July 2006. The meeting mainly concentrated on the role of CSO's. ChALC The Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council had been represented at the AGM of the association in 2005 and Councillor H A S Hardie agreed to attend the meeting in October 2006. Footpaths. The Clerk confirmed that he is in correspondence with WBC and has written further regarding the overgrown shrubbery.. Waste Councillor R Hardie reported on various matters relating to waste, especially the proposal to increase the height of the Collier site. Road/Traffic Councillor Bennet reported that the "Park Lane" sign off the A56 has disappeared. He also pointed out that although the branches on trees around the Boundary of Walton Hall Gardens have been cut back, the trees along the wall to the golf club on Warrington Road have not. The problem of motorists under-taking on the A56, approaching the crematorium, was also highlighted by Councillor Bennett. The Clerk reported on the correspondence with WBC regarding the various outstanding traffic issues. A scheme for "safe havens" is being drafted and considered. The Clerk reported on his letter to Sgt Mike Jones regarding the Community Speed Check scheme. Councillor R Hardie noted that a meeting was to be held on the 12th September 2006.
The Clerk issued with the Agenda a Report on Parish Matters, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Councillors accepted the report.
Risk AssessmentCouncillor Ward confirmed that he is still to submit the report on the seating benches.
Betterment Committee Councillor Lacey reported that the committee has still to meet to elect a new chairman and to discuss ongoing proposals. Councillor R Hardie stated that he has some bulbs available for planting if the committee would wish to utilise these. Recommendations will be submitted to the October meeting.
Street Lighting Councillor Bennett reported that the unit at the junction on the A56, opposite Holly Hedge Farm, has been replaced and is operational.
Village Centre/Triangle The Clerk confirmed that he has written to the solicitor acting for the Village Trust asking if the Parish Council can undertake the contact with the people responsible for tending the grassed area when it needs attention. Councillor Ward confirmed that the trees and shrubs previously offered are still available.
Parish Web site Councillor H A S Hardie confirmed that the site is up to date.
Creamfield's Concert Councillor Bennett declared an interest in this matter in that he occupies part of the land on which some Car Parking was located. The concert weekend was reviewed and the Clerk confirmed that any comments have been passed to Inspector Price and Jim King. The Clerk also distributed to all Councillors copies of the report from the Warrington Guardian dated the 7th September 2006. The report outlined incidents not previously noted. Councillor R Hardie suggested that details be noted in the Newsletter and a request made for residents to submit any comments that they might have. Councillor Lacey commented on the presence of ticket touts in the area and the traffic problems. The Clerk confirmed that all Parish Councillors are invited to the Police review of the concert to be held at Winsford at 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th September 2006. All Councillors wishing to attend are to advise the Clerk.
Civic Service Having received a response from the Church the preferred date for the service is 18th February 2007. Other Parish MattersCouncillor Ashcroft reported that several trees, planted by Lord Daresbury, along the A56 have been destroyed by vandals. Councillor Bennet confirmed that 3 youths were responsible at 3.55am on Wednesday the 16th August 2006. He had seen the culprits and attempted to follow them. The culprits were then picked up by an associate, in a vehicle, and Councillor Bennet noted the registration number and passed it to the police. The culprits were caught and prosecuted but, in view of them having no previous convictions, discharged. It is not known if any action is to be taken against the driver of the vehicle. The 18 trees destroyed will cost £3,500 to replace and this makes it uncertain that they can be replaced.
It was noted that the odour depressant system installed at Pool Lane pumping station is not working, and has not been for the past 2 months. The Clerk was asked to write to United Utilities to enquire what is causing the problem and the excessive use of odour suppressant. Councillor R Hardie confirmed that a resident had contacted him about the problem and asked that the Clerk also request a site visit to view the new installation.
The Chairman returned to the matter raised by Mr. Ross and the matter was discussed. The Clerk was asked to write to Solvay Interox, CAA, Environment Agency and WBC asking for confirmation that the fact that aircraft fly directly over Solvay Interox and Vinamul had been taken into account when conducting formal risk assessments on the flight path plans.
The Chairman returned to items for inclusion in the Parish Magazine and these were confirmed as a report on Creamfield's and a request for any comments and the Parish Council opposition to the outline planning applications in respect of the Ship Inn site and the site of the former timber yard, both on Chester Road.
The Chairman noted the other correspondence not dealt with under Agenda items.
- 44 Date and time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 5th October 2006 at St. John's Community Church Hall, Old Chester Road, Walton, commencing at 7.30pm.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and the meeting closed at 9
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