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Minutes, Wed 16th April. 2008
Meeting held 7:30pm Wed. 16th April 2008, Ballafesson Hall.
Present: Mr D Cain (Chairman), Mr P Vernon (Vice-Chairman), Mr P Gunn, Mr A Tinkler, Mr D Ronan.
Shortened Minutes — the full version can be viewed at the Commissioners’ Office.
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Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held 19th March 2008, having previously been circulated, were taken as read and agreed a true record.
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Matters Arising:
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Local Authority Elections
Election on 24th April. Mr Ronan had not returned a nomination paper. There were therefore only four nominations at the time for closure of acceptances. These were Mr Derek Harold Cain, Glendown Farm, Truggan Road, Mr Peter Gordon Gunn, Fleshwick House, Fleshwick, Mr Adrian Tinkler, Dhoon Rushen Surby Road and Mr Peter John Vernon, Kincroft, Surby Road. As the election was therefore un-contested the candidates were confirmed as elected. They were to serve a term of four years commencing on 1st May 2008.
Election on 8th May 2008. As there was a vacancy on the Board there would have to be a further Election and this was to be on 8th May 2008.
The Clerk had put up the necessary posters and notice in the Isle of Man Courier.
There had been four nomination forms taken out and three returned correctly completed, one person having subsequently informed the Clerk that he would not be seeking nomination.As there were three nominations for the one seat the Election would take place on 8th May. In a ‘by-election’ it would usually be the Chairman who would be the Returning Officer. Mr Cain, however, had declined as he did not have enough time to do it. He had therefore delegated the duties to the Clerk, which she had agreed to do, as well as the Clerk’s duties for the Election.
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Waste Management and Refuse Collection
The new wheelie bins had not yet arrived but the Clerk explained that Schaeffers had a very long delivery time. Mr Cain had read through the MEA Contract and brought the Health and Safety aspect included in that to the attention of the Board.
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Southern Area Plan
RPC’s submission had been sent in and all Members had been emailed a copy for approval before submission.
A letter had been received from Southern Nomads regarding Ballakilley land and the Southern Area Plan. All Members had been given a copy. The contents were noted.
Letter from Mrs L E Kelly, Port St Mary — recommending that no more building should be allowed above Surby Bridge. This was read out and the contents noted.
Letter from Mr & Mrs Buchleitner, Viking Close. All Members had been given a copy. They were in agreement with some of the points made.
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National Heritage Area
It was still not clear whether this would be going ahead or was it waiting for the Southern Area Plan. Although it had been said that DAFF would be in charge of it it would seem that this was not confirmed. Mr Ronan said that it was not definite that DAFF would be in charge but it was included in their Plan. However, there was no movement.
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MNH
Rubbish in the cove below the Thousla Cross. The Clerk had written to MNH asking permission to take rubbish away once Mr Vernon had collected it. No reply received.
If Mr Vernon was unable to carry out the collection it was to be left and Southern Nomads would be asked if they could do it. -
Lighting
Cregneash lights — the new tops were on and looked more appropriate than the previous ones. No invoice received yet.
MEA — new Contract received — in force from 1st April 08 to 31st March 09.
Maintenance costs had increased by ‘a mere 3%’. Unit cost ‘has been kept to a minimum due to the MEA’s forward energy buying policy’
Pricing Schedule
The current unit cost of energy is 11.54 pence per unit, plus the fuel cost adjustment and VAT as applicable at the time of invoice. The MEA calculate energy consumption based on the number and type of streetlights, the lighting regime and wattage in use at the time of invoice.
The maintenance charge per lamp, per 3 month period to be £6.90 per installation.
The maintenance charge per clock, per 3 month period to be £2.14 per installation.23 clocks @ £2.14 £49.22 plus VAT 133 lights @ £6.90 £917.70 plus VAT Total £966.93 plus VAT per 3 months. Specification of Services
Maintenance fee includes:-
- Monthly visits to inspect public lights controlled by clocks.
- Repairs to faulty lights either identified during inspection visits or reported by the public or local authority within 14 days although the MEA will use reasonable endeavour to make repairs as rapidly as possible on a priority basis.
- Replacement of faulty electrical components that make up the lighting installation as follows — lamps, ballasts, photo cell units, time clocks, fuses, capacitors.
- The painting of columns as deemed necessary to maintain standard integrity
- The maintenance of brackets and supports where lamps are installed on MEA poles or wall mounted, including painting where required to maintain standard integrity.
- Maintenance and repair of MEA supply equipment within streetlight pillars.
- Maintenance of and updates to the MEA streetlight database.
The maintenance agreement does not cover:-
- lighting column replacement and street lantern repair either due to corrosion, wear, environmental damage or other third party damage or negligence.
- wooden pole mounted bracket arms or supports see (5) above
- repairs to non-MEA street lighting cables due to third party damage or faults, unless the cable forms part of the MEA mains cable network.
- repairs or replacement of non-MEA streetlight pillars.
- fully automatic photo-cell controlled lights will not be subject to the monthly inspection but will be maintained as required.
The MEA use a limited range of columns and lanterns in order to minimise costs, if local authorities wish to change the pattern of any items of equipment this will require special ordering arrangements and will attract additional costs for installation and delays in receiving replacements for third party damage.
Rates for Streetlight Works: (all plus Vat)
Replacement clock £170 Replacement fitting £390 Replacement pole mounted arm and fitting £550 Replacement pole mounted arm and fitting & clock £715 Pillar transfer (Authority) £450 Replacement 5/6m column £2,700 Replacement 8m column £3,000 Replacement 10m column £3,200 Period column £3,400 5/6m folding replacement column £3,250 8m folding replacement column £3,500 The columns and fittings allowed are as MEA standard i.e. Urbis ZX range fittings and British steel/Corus standard columns.
MEA propose to install due to Health and Safety reasons, base hinged (folding) new or replacement columns as required where access via a mobile elevated working platform is not achievable.’
Members felt that the cost were high but that, as there was no alternative, the Contract would have to be agreed and signed.
The Chairman and Clerk duly signed it for return to the MEA.
New light at Rushen Church? Mr Cain had pointed out that there was no streetlight outside the Parish Church and that perhaps there should be. Members agreed and the Clerk was to write to the Vicar to ask if she would have any objections. If she had no objections the Clerk was to go ahead and ask for a price from MEA.
Solar lights — Mr Tinkler had attended a meeting at which Mr Rimington had spoken. This was with regard to solar lighting and had been interesting.
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Southern Civic Amenity Site
The Clerk had asked the Clerk of the Site for some items of information for RPC’s web site. She had supplied some which Nick Thornley was to put on the web site.
Mr Cain had not been able to attend the last meeting but he reported that the Board was getting an accountant to help with their accounts.
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Traffic
Junction of Garth Ave. and Mill Road. Mr Cain had reported that there had been an accident there and a lady was knocked off her scooter — there was no stop sign at the junction. The Clerk had reported this to Hazel Fletcher of DoT who had asked one the DoT officers to go and have a look.
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Department of Transport
There had been nothing further on Plantation Hill nor the road widening at Glen Chass.
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Police
There had been a meeting on 3rd and Mr Vernon had attended. Mr Vernon reported that all seemed to be quiet in the area at the moment. A copy of the Southern Neighbourhood Policing — ‘Overall Policing Style’ had been received and copied to all Members. It was the general opinion that those involved wanted to keep the group meetings.
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Litter, Dog Fouling, Fly Tipping, Beach Cleaning
There was to be a beach clean by pupils of CRHS on Sat. 19th. Mr Ronan had been liaising with Mr Dunn and would be going along to help. He would collect the bags and gloves from the Clerk. Mr Kelly was to collect the bags of rubbish and take them to the Amenity Site.
There had reports of small bottles of chemicals washed up on Port Erin shore and the Coastguards were looking for more on other beaches including Fleshwick. The CRHS pupils were to be warned not to touch any of these if they found them.
Nomads SportErin had agreed to carry out a beach-clean. They would like to combine it with a BBQ to encourage their Members to come along. The Clerk had asked them would they be able to clear high banks, such as Fleshwick. It was agreed that the Clerk would liaise with them.
Fleshwick — Mel Wright, reporter from IOM Newspapers, had contacted the Clerk regarding Fleshwick beach — a woman had phoned her saying that the shore was a disgrace — rubbish all over it and 4 dead sheep; no litter bins either. The Clerk had informed Mrs Wright that RPC have the beach cleared and that, when they had bins there before they had either been set on fire or wrecked by cars. Also that Southern Nomads would be clearing the beach and brooghs and stream for RPC before the season.
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Ballafesson Playing Field
Lease. Mr David Radcliffe had signed the Lease but his brother, John, had been off the Island. Mr Gunn would take it to him for signing when he returned.
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Croit-e-Caley and The Level
Hartford Homes — see ‘other planning matters’
Level Garage site — this was progressing with the footings in and up to ground level.
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Car Park, The Howe
Letter from IOM Water Authority 19th March.
I write further to your letter of 5th December in which you state that the Commissioners would be interested in leasing an area of land from the Authority in order to be able to construct an extension to their existing car park at the Howe. I can now advise that the Water Authority Board has considered your request and agreed that subject to planning approval and an agreed rental figure which would provided by the Government Valuer, a lease could be offered to the Commissioners on the following basis.
- An area of land at the Howe Service Reservoir to be agreed;
- The lease to be renewed on an annual basis with the inclusion of a reserve contingency which would allow the Authority to be able to give 2 months notice of intent for the return of the land should it be required by the Authority to carry out its water undertaking.
- All costs associated with the car park including construction, maintenance and legal fees to be borne by the Commissioners.
This matter was discussed and it seemed, at the moment, the car park was not as full as it used to be. The need for an extension was to be re-considered in light of this and the Clerk was to bring to the next meeting details of the costings which had arisen when the car park was originally made.
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Hedges and Verges
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Municipal Association
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Southern Swimming Pool
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Southern Health Committee
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Rushen Ambulance Committee
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Marashen Crescent Housing
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Secret Gardens in Rushen.
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Contract of Employment
Mr Tinkler said that this should be dealt with in Private Session and this was agreed.
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Web Site
This was now ‘live’ and more things were required to go on it. The Clerk had been sending quite a bit of information to Nick Thornley but still had to do the bits and pieces from the Minute Book from 1894 — the first year of local authorities.
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Mobile Phone Coverage in Cregneash and Sound.
The Clerk had written to Manx Telecom asking what they were doing about mobile phone coverage in the Cregneash and Sound area. 7th April — Graham Shimmin replied — “We agree with the sentiments of the Commissioners regarding mobile coverage at The Sound and in the wider Cregneash area. In conjunction with Manx National Heritage we are actively progressing an initiative to resolve this requirement. The aim is to address both the Sound café and the broader area. Given the environmental importance and sensitivity surrounding this area it requires a level of consideration and discussion over and above that normally required. Good progress is being made but we have not yet reached the stage where a mutually acceptable solution has been agreed. Unfortunately we are not able to provide you with a timescale when agreement will be reached and a solution put in place. However, we are confident that the progress to date will result in a resolution of the problem.”
The Clerk gave Members a brief reminder of previous requests by RPC over this matter.
RPC wrote to Manx Telecom in September 2003 with their concerns about lack of mobile phone coverage. Also to Minister of Tourism regarding the Walking Festival in 2004.
Manx Telecom said that they had no plans to provide masts in the area and RPC suggested they install a public phone box or even an emergency phone. They replied that a new payphone would cost £2,000+ and an emergency phone, with 3 numbers only — would cost £492 36. This would be plus installation, line rental, etc. They would not foot any of the costs.
In October 2003 RPC wrote to MNH indicating their concerns and that they had been in touch with Manx Telecom and giving them the costings. The Customer Services at Telecom had said they would be contacting MNH abut the possibility of siting a mast somewhere in the area and RPC wrote to MNH suggesting that they get in touch with Telecom with regard to finding a suitable site for a mast without compromising the integrity of the area but also to ‘move with the times’ as far as providing phone cover in case there should be an emergency.
Nothing was done and RPC contacted Manx Telecom again in July 2004 when Telecom said they were taking away the payphone in Howe Road/Glen Chass.Manx Telecom replied that one of the biggest objectors to any new mobile masts/poles is MNH. They and approached MNH then the Sound Café was being redeveloped to see whether a micro-cell could be included in the design but they did not get a response. MNH had objected to various planning applications regarding masts on the west coast area (Dalby). Manx Telecom said they would be interested in revisiting potential coverage in the Sound area, however, with the current MNH policy on any new masts they believed that it would be a waste of everyone’s time. The existing beacon at Cronk ny Arrey (which RPC had suggested may be used) had been investigated but ruled out as it would not provide coverage at The Sound. They pointed out that it is important to note that even where mobile coverage is provided coastal footpaths are often below the cliff line so full coverage can never be guaranteed.
That was nearly four years previously and still MNH had ‘not yet reached the stage where a mutually acceptable solution has been agreed’.
Mr Cain said that he would contact Mr Shimmin.
It was agreed to write again in another month. -
Postal Addresses in Rushen
Ballakillowey and Lhingague.
The sign for Ballakillowey Estate only indicated ‘Ballakillowey’ — not that it was an estate nor the names of any of the roads in it. The Clerk was to get a quote from Colas for a sign saying Ballakillowey Estate and naming the six roads within it.
Once the new sign was up the ‘Ballakillowey’ sign could be moved to a more appropriate place. -
Commemoration of the wreck of the Jeune St Charles — 8th April
This had been successful, with about 35 people attending. Mr Cain had given a short speed about the wreck and the subsequent rescue an laid the wreath on the Thousla Cross. Those attending were invited to go into the Café where RPC would pay for tea or coffee for them.
The Clerk had purchased a silk wreath rather than one of fresh flowers as the wind and salt air would have withered fresh ones very quickly. She had had a reprint of the Thousla Cross Booklets done at Quine & Cubbon. These were given away on the day and some were put into the Café for people to take if they wished. A sign had been put on the Cross giving a little information and that the booklets were available in the Café and donations could be made to the Lifeboat fund if wished.A letter of thanks had been received from Wynne Keig who had enjoyed the Ceremony and the Booklets which had been given out.
The booklets cost £45 for 100. The silk wreath cost £40. The coffee cost £40 65.
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Revenue
Rents £1,118.23 Rushen School — extra refuse collections £366.60 Irvings — collection & disposal Sound £1,128.00 Shore Hotel — refuse disposal £427.70 Searches £30.00 -
Accounts for Payment
Jones Services £2,171.71 Clerk’s salary £750.00 MEA — consumption 17/12 — 26/03 £1,032.91
(paid before year end)MEA — maintenance Jan Feb Mar £1,095.38
(paid before year end)NI 6/10–5/4 £242.40
(paid before year end)DoLGE — refuse disposal March £1,125.60 IOM Newspapers — one advert 2nd Election £607.52 Elaine’s Flowers,silk wreath for Thousla Cross £40.00 Q & C — 100 Thousla booklets £45.00
(no vat)Manx Telecom — phone 1 month £48.87 Irvings — Sound Café coffee at Commemoration £40.65 Non contested election — G Kelly — Clerk £64.00 Non contested election — G Kelly — Returning Officer £64.00 (these amounts were the new fees payable to Election staff) Rates — 1-4 Reayrt y Cronk £1,533.80
(Rent a/c)(not due until June) These accounts were approved for payment, with the exception of the Rates which were not due until June.
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Financial Situation
General current account £1,000.00 Liquidity £45,945.84 Fixed Term £32,851.03 Rent current £8,959.46 Housing Maintenance £2,565.54 The Clerk had brought a letter giving RPC’s instructions for the standing orders for Jones Services and the Clerk’s salary to be increased - :- Jones Services to be increased to £2,302 pcm, including VAT; Mrs Kelly £698.67 pcm. The Chairman duly signed the letter for posting to the IOM Bank.
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Correspondence
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1st Supplemental List
Noted.
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Departmental/Board/Office Service Delivery Plans 2008
Plans for each Department, etc received — 1 copy of each. Also available on the Government Website.
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Education (Miscellanious Provisions) Bill 2008
Copy received — consultation period to be16th May. Comments welcomed. All Members had been given a copy of this. Members could reply to this individually if they wished.
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KIMO — The Economic Impacts of Marine Litter on Coastal Communities
Questionnaire emailed from DoLGE. The Clerk had copied this email to all Members.
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Golden Jubilee Trust
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Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Committee — Report
Noted.
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Living and Working on the Island
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Road Transport Licensing Committee
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Road closure — Sloc Hill Climb. 18th April
Noted.
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Douglas Corporation — Invitation.
Invitation to Clerk and Chairman ‘for drinks in the Mayor’s Parlour, 6 30pm Friday 9th May.
RSVP. Mr Cain and the Clerk indicated they would attend. -
Highways Monthly
Noted.
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Tynwald Garden Party — 6th July
Invitation for a representative and guest to attend the Garden Party at 3pm on Sunday 6th July at The Nunnery.
It was agreed to wait until after the Election so that the new Member could have the opportunity of attending. -
Permaculture Association
Questionnaire about provision of allotments. There were no allotments in Rushen.
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Upper Scard Farmhouse and Holiday Cottages
Letter from Mr & Mrs Curry.
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Planning Applications
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08/0530. 7 Viking Close, Ballakillowey
Sunset Ltd. Alterations and extension to provide additional living accommodation.
The Clerk had visited the site and reported that the proposed ‘garage extension’ seemed to already be partly built and that the yellow notice was nowhere to be seen. She had spoken to one of the workmen about it.
Members felt that the proposed conservatory on two sides of the building was large and very close to the boundary and would be unneighbourly. The construction of the extension without permission was to be pointed out to the planners. -
08/0108. Upper Kirkill, Ballakillowey Road
Mr & Mrs Berry. Amended Plan. Erection of a replacement dwelling. New ridge height to be 300mm higher than the existing property and showing the garden room omitted from the ground floor plan.
No objections. -
08/0580. Building alongside Shore Hotel, Bay ny Carrickey
Mrs Rathbone-Scott. Conversion of existing building, formerly used as a shop and store, now no longer viable into tourist accommodation with longer lets in winter.
Although not objecting to the conversion there was concern about car parking. It was not known whether the same person owned the Shore Hotel and would permit parking in that car park. -
08/0680. Glen view, Glen Chass
H W Harness. Relocate a summer house from the eastern side of the property to the western side. No objections.
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08/0636. Leander Cottage, Croit-e-Caley
Mrs Worthington. Erection of replacement porch.
No objections.
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Planning Approvals
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08/075. Heavensgate, Ballakilpheric Road
Mr & Mrs P Metcalfe. Alterations and erection of extension (comprising an amendment to the development refused under PA 07/2118) Usual conditions. Decision — Senior Planning Officer. Issued 27th March 2008.
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08/098. Saddle Stones, Mount Gawne Road
Mr & Mrs G Woodward. Alterations and erection of extensions.
Usual conditions. Decision — Senior Planning Officer. Issued 28th March 2008. -
08/027. Newhaven, Shore Road
New Haven Properties Ltd. Erection of a block of four apartments — amendment comprising addition of two balconies on rear elevation.
Decision — Director of Planning. Issued 7th April 2008. -
08/0065. Mona Rushen Rechabite Hall, The Level
Mr & Mrs Goldsmith. Alterations, erection of extension to side elevation, creation of dormer windows, roof lights, windows and door and erection of a replacement detached garage.
Usual conditions. Decision — Senior Planning Officer. Issued 10th April 2008.
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Planning Refusals
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08/0207. Field 414367, Surby Road, Surby
Mrs C A Williams. Approval in Principle to erect a detached dwelling.
Reason for refusal — 1. The erection of a dwelling on this site would represent an unwarranted development in the Island’s countryside and would be contrary to both the land use provisions of the Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982 and to the provisions of the Island Strategic Plan, in particular to the Strategic Aim, Strategic Policies 1c, 2 and 10 Spatial Policy 5, General Policy 3, Environment Policy 1 and Housing Policy 4. The development would also be contrary to the provisions of the provisions of the Arbory and East Rushen Local Plan, particularly policies RES/P/1 and ENC/P1.
Decision — Senior Planning Officer. Issued 7th April 2008.
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Completion Certificates
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Folly Cottage, Surby
Mr & Mrs Greenhalgh. Extension to existing garage.
(Sent to Port Erin Comms as postal address is Port Erin.)
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Other Planning Matters
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Hartford Homes — new house at Croit-e-Caley
There had been complaints from residents regarding the state of the site, that nothing had been done for 5 months and that rubbish had been brought from other sites and burnt and there was vermin running about. They also sent photographs.
The Clerk contacted Building Control to see if they knew what was happening (25th March) Mr Rowaichi replied that he would contact Environmental Health regarding the burning and vermin. He also said that ‘the reason for inactivity on site is due to a technical problem caused by bad materials delivered and used in the construction of the building without the knowledge of the developer and the developer has decided in this case to remove what is built and start again in place of merely replacing bad parts. There may be contractual problems that need to be resolved before works could start on site again and I shall inform you as soon as we are advised that works are restarting on site.’Mr Greenhalgh, the Developer, wrote on 28th March — ‘As you may be aware our construction project has been dormant for the last five months. Works are due to recommence in the next month to take the building to completion and then sale. We apologise for any inconvenience that these delays have caused but can assure you that they have been unavoidable.’
The Clerk pointed out that there was no mention of taking the building down and starting again — work had recommenced. She wrote again and received a reply: ‘Thank you for your letter dated 7th April which is noted. I can advise that majority of the defective materials have already been removed from the site in the last week but this work is still ongoing. All works are under the supervision of the Building Control Department, NHBC and their Engineers along with our own Structural Engineers Messrs Burrough Stewart. The completed dwelling will be to the same exacting standard and specification that all our dwellings are constructed to and will benefit from a full 10 year NHBC Guarantee.’ James Greenhalgh.
This was noted. -
Rose Lea, Viking Close, Ballakillowey
Copy of letter from Planning Enforcement Officer to the owner of Rose Lea.
‘Further to my visit on 8th April 2008 I confirm that planning approval is required for the decking and have enclosed the forms, etc you will need. The application, being retrospective, should be received before 10th May.
Noted. -
Walton Cottage, Ballakillowey
The planning application for extensions was approved and the footings are in. RPC submitted that they had no objections but noted that there was no application for a garage or stables and presumably they would be the subject of further applications. The application was approved by the Senior Planning Officer. The Clerk reported that there was now a garage being built there under ‘permitted development’ (no application required for a garage of a certain size). She had been to the site and spoken with Mr Georgiou who says that he had spoken to someone in the planning office who has said that he could do that. This seemed to be flagrant flouting of planning as it was possible he could have been turned down if he had included a garage on his plans. Although nothing could be done about it the planners were to be written to point out that with a property so visible as this one any applications for garages, sheds, etc should require a further planning application being submitted.
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Any Other Business
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Notice Board
The Clerk had received a catalogue from Glasdon UK (who make waste bins, shelters, seats, etc) They also sell notice boards and she had got prices for these in case Members agreed to look into replacing the old notice board.
The provision of a new notice board was discussed with members having differing views. It was to be left to the next meeting. -
Signs
The sign for Viking Close, Ballakillowey was off the poles and just propped up against the hedge. The Clerk reported that the poles were rusted away and broken (probably because of the bushes). Although the sign was intact it was rotten at the back and needed renewing and new poles. These would have to be put back in the bushes again.
Mr Vernon said he would approach the owners of the property to see if a new sign could be put there and if they could cut back the bushes to enable that. -
Sandbags at Reayrt y Cronk
Mr Vernon had arranged for the sandbags, which had been put there when the road was badly flooded, to be taken away as they were causing problems on the pavement.
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Responsible Finance Officer
As Mr Ronan would no longer be a Member of the Board after 30th April, and he had been the Responsible Finance Officer for the past year, the duty would have to be taken by someone else. The Clerk said that she would now take it back and would get assistance with the accounts.
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Mr David Ronan
As Mr Ronan would no longer be a Member of the Board, having completed the four year term, the Chairman thanked him for serving the Commissioners so well, being financially able and a great help to the Board and the Clerk, taking on many tasks. Both he and the Members were disappointed that he had stood down and also that he would not be seeing the swimming pool extensions come to fruition as he had had a lot of input into that project.
The sincere thanks of the Members and Clerk were given to him.
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Date of Next Meeting
Due to the Election on 8th it was felt that the meeting should be brought forward so that the new Member could attend his/her first meeting as soon as possible. The next meeting would therefore be on 14th May.
As there was no further business the Meeting closed at 9 30pm.
As Ms Williams could not be present for the Private part of the Meeting she left, after thanking the Members.
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