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Minutes of January 2010 Meeting
RUSHEN PARISH COMMISSIONERS
Meeting held 7 30pm Wednesday 27th January 2010 at Ballafesson Hall.
MINUTES
The Meeting had been changed from the Statutory date of Wednesday 20th January at the request of Mr Tinkler as he had said he would be unable to attend then.
Present:-
Mr P Gunn (Chairman), Mr D Radcliffe (Vice-Chairman), Mr A Tinkler, Mr D Cain.
Apologies:- Mr P Vernon who had leave of absence.
1. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held Wednesday 16th December 2009, having previously been circulated, was taken as read and agreed a true record.
2. MATTERS ARISING
a) Southern Area Plan.
This had to be submitted by 29th January.
As the Meeting had been delayed by one week there were only two days left to submit RPC’s submission. To try to assist Members the Clerk had drafted a submission with particular attention to the Ballakilley area. Mr Radcliffe had also made a draft and these two documents had been circulated to Members with their Minutes, Agendas, etc. Mr Tinkler had also set out some of his views and had emailed it to the Clerk the previous day.
Members looked through these and it was agreed that Mr Radcliffe and the Clerk should use them as a basis for compiling and finalising the submission and they should send it in to be received by DoLGE by the Friday.
b) Estimates 2010/11
There had still been no official confirmation from DoLGE re cost of refuse disposal as it had to go before Tynwald as part of DoLGE’s budget. However, DoLGE had indicated that the cost would be £29 per tonne (the subsidy from DOLGE would be 71% instead of 90%) and the Estimates were prepared using this figure.
The Clerk had prepared a draft estimate and accompanying notes so that Members could make informed decisions. These showed that to have no increase in the rates would mean a deficit.
As there was a substantial amount in reserves any deficit could be paid out of these.
The draft was discussed and it was agreed that the refuse collection should be increased by 3.3% (as requested by Jones Services and in accordance with the Contract).
It was also agreed that the ‘per household’ charge, which had been reduced to £5 should return to £10 and that the ‘second bin’ annual charge should be increased from £10 to £20 as it was thought that this should not be subsidised.
The Southern Amenity Site Board had sent their Estimates and they had agreed to use some of their reserves to off-set their increase in costs – RPC’s contribution would be £18,823, an increase of £415.
The Audit Fee was increasing to £3,000.
Rent for the Hall was agreed at £800 per annum.
The Clerk left the room whilst her salary was discussed. On her return she was informed that it would be increased by £500 to £10,500.
The Estimate showed that, taking all the above into consideration, the deficit would be £17,959.
Mr Tinkler proposed and Mr Cain seconded that the Estimate be approved and that the Rate should be 67p in the £ plus a £10 ‘per household’ charge.
c) DoLGE/Local Authority Issues:-
1. Corporate Governance Principles and Code of Conduct.
Record of Members’ Interests. Some Members were still to give these.
2. Changes in Revenue Sharing Agreement
Nothing had been received officially from DoLGE regarding increases in charges, etc. but it had been presumed that the only increase would be regarding the refuse disposal charge which was believed to be increased to £29 per tonne.
3. Auditors
PKF – letter from Michael Crowe
Mr Lowey, Clerk of Arbory, was arranging for both him and Rushen’s Clerk to see him.
d) Waste Management and Refuse Collection
Bad Debtors – second bins. Mr Tinkler had not been able to see these people. The Clerk said she would write to them again.
Port Erin Commissioners – had sent a further letter regarding the meeting of the Southern Authorities (except Rushen) to discuss a combined southern refuse collection and other related matters and they had included a report of their last meeting on 8th December. The Clerk had copied these and given to all Members. The purpose of the meeting ‘being to discuss the possible formation of a Joint Southern Local Authorities Refuse Board. It seemed that there was ‘disappointment’ from various people attending that there was no representative from Rushen.
They were to hold another meeting on Thursday 25th February and Rushen were again invited: ‘If your Board decides to be represented at the meeting it would be appreciated if the information requested and their views could be forwarded by 31st January 2010 in order that the same can be collated for the next meeting.’
The Clerk asked if she should attend to see what was being said and it was agreed that she and one of the Members should attend and that they would be there to observe.
Refuse Disposal Subsidy – cost to be £29 per tonne but this had to be finally confirmed.
Wheelie Bins – they had arrived at Patrick Commissioners. 20 had been ordered but as a few more were available, the Clerk consulted the Chairman andVice-Chairman and it was agreed to ask for a further 5 – total 25. These were £19.90 each. The Clerk had asked Jones Services to deliver them to her house where they were to be stored.
e) Lighting/MEA.
Ballakillowey roundabout/Ballagawne Road scheme. There was nothing further on this but the MEA had said some time previously that it would be February when the work would take place.
g) Carrick Bay View.
Carrick Bay View – no documents received yet. The Clerk had been to Judy Thornley’s office to ask what was happening and had been informed that the Registry had disputed the boundaries. This was not something in which RPC would be involved.
i) Hedges
High Hedges:-
Dragonscroft Honna Road/Tynewydd, Mill Road.
This matter was ongoing.
j) Traffic matters – Department of Transport.
Ballachurry Corner – Work had started to narrow the junction. A letter of complaint had been received from Mr K McArd. The Clerk was to bring this up at the next Traffic Meeting which would be held in February.
Rushen School Work had started on the 20mph signs and associated cabling.
Castletown Road & junction. This now seemed to be completed but the Clerk was to check regarding the bollards.
Plantation Hill.
Civic Amenity Site. Mr Cain said that nothing had been discussed at the Amenity Site meetings regards a meeting with DoT and Local Authorities.
Ballakilpheric nothing further.
The Level nothing further.
Glen Chass – sharp corner & turning circle. Mr Cain reported that nothing had been done there yet. The Clerk to bring this up at the Traffic Meeting.
k) Police
The Clerk had not attended the meeting on 17th December.
Invitation received regarding the public meeting of the Police Consultative Forum 4th Feb, 7 30pm at Castletown Civic Centre. The Clerk said she would try to attend and some of the Members may also go along.
l) Litter, beach cleans, dog fouling, etc.
Nothing at present.
m) Ballafesson Playing Field, Car Park, The Howe:-
The Clerk was to try Castletown Commissioners to see if they were ordering any safety matting.
n) Web Site
o) Southern Civic Amenity Site
Their Clerk had sent their Estimates, which had been re-calculated and which could be final but they are waiting to hear from Treasury and DoLGE re an aspect of Arbory’s rateable value. Rushen’s contribution would probably be £18,828 23 (£4,707.06 per quarter in advance).
p) Southern Swimming Pool
Invoice received for year end 31st March 2010 and this was for £3,022 53. The rate is capped at 2.5p in £ of the rateable value of the Parish.
q) Municipal Association.
Mr Gunn said there was nothing to report as there had been no meeting since the last report.
r) Allotments Nothing further.
s) Southern Healthcare Committee
Mr Tinkler said that the AGM would be held the following night and that, once he had the previous Minutes approved, he would send a copy to the Clerk for distribution.
t) Marashen Crescent
Mr Radcliffe said there was nothing new to report.
u) Rushen Ambulance As Mr Vernon was not present there was no report.
v) MNH Nothing to report at the moment.
w) Risk Assessment
The Clerk had written to Mrs Hornsby and received an invoice for £160.
x) Land in front of Hillcrest, Cregneash. Nothing at present.
y) Golden Jubilee Trust
Mr Radcliffe said that the event, which had been heats for the south, had been cancelled due to bad weather.
z) Chain of Office and Board for hall with list of all past Chairmen.
Chain of Office – no valuation or invoice received yet. Mr Tinkler had now given the Jeweller the Clerk’s address.
Past Chairmen It was still considered that a student may like to take on the task of finding out the names of the past Chairman.
aa) Ballakilley Working Party Public Meeting – 14th January 2010. This had been quite well attended with people having the opportunity to have discussions with Members and each other. Several letters with their points of view had been left for the BKWP.
A submission would have to be sent in from BKWP before 29th Jan. but a letter had been received from the Planning Officer stating that they had extended the submission date to 12th February.
The Clerk was to arrange another meeting of the BKWP so that they could discuss what would be put in the submission – this would be the following week.
ab) The Anchor of the MV Fenella – memorial.
Captain Douglas, who was one of the people dealing with this, had died. As it was not known how this may progress and there was nothing happening at the moment the item was to be taken off the agenda.
ac) Addresses in Rushen. & 30 & 31 Christeens Way.
Christeens Way – The Clerk had noticed on the Electoral Register (amendments received) that Mr and Mrs Porter’s address had been changed to Odins Way. She had contacted them to check whether they had agreed to this, which they hadn’t, and also contacted S Carse, who was in charge of the Electoral Registers.
She spoke to an officer who said that they had changed it because they had to abide by the Data Base which the MEA undertake for the Government. The Clerk had written to MEA 2nd March 2009 telling that that the address as Christeen’s Way was correct and that RPC were putting up a sign so that there would be no confusion. As it was obvious that the MEA had ignored this the Clerk was to write to the MEA again pointing out their error and requesting that it be corrected.
ad) Flooding at Surby.
Nothing further on this. However, a letter was to be sent to the DOT congratulating them on the good job they had done at the top of Surby Hill on the ditches and drains.
ae) Christmas Tree.
Mr Cain and Mr Radcliffe were thanked for putting up the tree, putting the lights on and taking it down again.
Af) Housing
The Housing Conference would be held in March.
Ag) Consultation – Draft Planning Policy Statements.
i) Development and Flood Risk – Guidance for the Isle of Man
ii) The Role of Landscape Character in Development. Views by 29th January.
This has been deferred from the December meeting.
There were no comments to be submitted.
ai) Mr Bush – site at corner of Glen Chass/Howe.
Nothing further on this.
aj) Flooding on Ballachurry Road.
The Clerk had written to DoT and an acknowledgement received.
ak) Glen Chass – narrow road
The Clerk had not yet received a reply but Mr Cain had been speaking to Mr Jim Davidson who had told him that it was ‘on the list’.
al) Contribution to Port Erin Commissioners finances
Cheque and letter sent to Port Erin Commissioners re contributions towards Herdman Library and also their Firework Display. No reply received. RESPONSIBLE
RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT:
The Report including Revenue, Accounts for Payment and Financial Situation can be read at the Commissioner’s Office.
7. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS 08/09.
The Clerk’s Contract of Employment. Mr Tinkler had asked Moore Stephens about this.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Electoral Register. Additions and Deletions. These were noted.
(The Clerk had noted and investigated the change of address for Mr & Mrs Porter – see 2 ac)
b) Control of Employment (Exemptions) Order 2009. & Guide to Work Permits.
This was noted.
c) Consultation – On Support for students in higher education.
These documents are available at www.gov.im/consultations. Any views by 12th February.
This was noted.
d) Third Sector Strategy Group
Letter and Questionnaire from Janet Bridle, Development Officer
They were doing an assessment of community needs in the south. They requested input – as a group or individuals.
e) MEA – Natural Gas Pipleline.
They are to install a natural mains gas pipeline to Ramsey, Kirk Michael, Ballaugh, Peel and to the south via Ballasalla and Castletown. If approved by Tynwald 6,500 properties will be able to be connected to the natural gas network… Presentation to be held 21st Jan at MEA HQ – Chairmen and Clerks invited. Reply required by 15th Jan.
As the date of RPC’s meeting had been changed this had not been put before the Board in time for anyone to attend.
Subsequently information had been received from the Presentation. Also Draft for consultation – ‘Proposal for Extension of Mains Natural Gas Network Report’
Mr Radcliffe took this to read through.
f) Letter from a Mr Faragher
He wanted to be able to bury the remains of his great grandfather in un-consecrated ground at St Peter’s Church (at present buried in Derbyshire). He had been in touch with the Vicar and was
asking if the Local Authority would support this.As Local Authorities on the Island have different roles than those in UK he was to be advised that the Bishop and Vicar were the main contacts.
g) Civic Sunday –
Arbory Commissioners. Invitation to attend Sunday 14th February at Colby Methodist Chapel at 10 30am and thereafter light refreshments at Methodist Chapel.
Mr Gunn would attend this.
Malew Commissioners. Invitation to attend 7th March at 3pm at the Abbey Church. Light refreshments at Ballasalla Village Hall.
At present no Members indicated that they would be able to attend.
h) The Cessation of the Reciprocal Health Agreement.
Emailed correspondence from Travel Watch Isle of Man and also Liberal Vannin Party which the Clerk had emailed to Members on 23rd January. This was noted.
i) Road Transport Licensing Committee Applications, decisions and notices. Noted.
j) Road closures
Emergency Notice received re closing of Sloc Road due to snow and ice. Noted.
k) Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band Subscription concert. Sunday 21st February at CRHS commencing at 2 30pm. Noted.
l) Chrystals Auctions
They are now acting for Douglas Corporation by taking vehicles and equipment for disposal to their Auctions (rather than the tender process). They are advising you that they are carrying out these auctions every three to six months should RPC have any lots to dispose of. Noted.
m) Event Safety Seminar 22nd Feb 6 30 – 9pm. Numbers limited.
The Clerk indicated that she may be able to attend this.
n) DoLGE – Table of Assets –
DoLGE had sent a long form requesting information on Assets – wanting to know –
How many staff; number of buildings owned, purpose, when built, value; (also vehicles)
Refuse collection- type of and number of bins, frequency of collection, name of Contractor, level of Rate Contribution towards Civic Amenity Sites for forthcoming year; (kerbside collection of recyclables) who is Litter Officer, number of litter bins, how often emptied, name of Contractor; beach cleaning – name of beach, frequency of cleaning, name of Contractor, cost of beach cleaning; street lighting – number of lights and age; street cleaning; Play Areas – what facilities, age of facility, cost of providing serve; public parks, etc; car parks – parking fees, cost of maintenance; public conveniences – age, cost of maintenance; Housing – number of people employed in housing, dedicated maintenance team or contractor; Housing – rent collection; sheltered housing; Swimming Pool- age, rate contribution; Byelaws; consumer advice; Rate Collection; Tourism.
The Clerk would complete and return this but it was questioned why DoLGE required this amount of information.
o) Physical Activity Framework for IOM – draft document.
On behalf of the Healthy Schools Partnership. They wrote 25th August and said they had not yet received a response from Rushen. They wanted feedback on the way forward for further opportunities for Island residents to incorporate physical activities in their daily lives. Reply by 12th February.
The Clerk said she had thought a reply had been sent mentioning possible recreational facilities at Ballakilley and requesting their support.
The Clerk would write again and re-iterate the request for support, especially now that the Draft Written Statement for the Southern Area Plan was almost out of time for this round of consultation.
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) 09/2037. Field 414188, Croit-e-Caley House. Dr P. Boultby.
Demolition of existing dilapidated agricultural building and replacement with new agricultural building with timber walls and slate roof.
No objections.
b) 09/2054. Carabas, Mill Road, Surby. Mr S Worthing. First floor extension over utility/store; detached double garage with driveway.
No objections.
c) 09/2100. Struan, Ballakillowey Rd. Mr & Mrs C Harrison. Extension to garage and creation of wardrobe and en-suite above first floor bedroom; installation of dormers on the front elevation of the first floor bedrooms; enlarge existing porch and clad front bay windows in Manx stone; installation of solar panels to rear slops of the roof; widening of driveway entrance and alteration of garden walls to approve visibility.
No objections.
d) 09/2110. Carnanes, Surby Road, Surby. Mr & Mrs N Taylor. Install window in west gable.
No objections.
e) 09/2108. Former Motorlands Garage, Shore Road. Bonville Finance Ltd. Erection of 14 apartments and caretaker’s flat and associated garage/parking.(This is one large block taking in the ‘office block’ the large garage building and the house alongside) There are conceptual photographs to help you see what it would look like.
Amended plans had also been received, which would be re-advertised.
Members felt that it was too large and too much of a mass on that site. It would be overbearing and over-intrusive; buildings should be only two stories in this area; the design was totally out of keeping with the other properties on this stretch of road; the roof should be of slate; it was situated too close to the road and two junctions and there was inadequate parking for visiting or business vehicles; there had been problems with subsidence of the road over several years and this new construction could compromise it.
Letter from Mr & Mrs McIntosh, Roylin, Shore Road. Noted.
f) 10/0031. Ballanuy, Ballakilpheric. Mr & Mrs W Corrin. Conversion of outbuilding to create dwelling.
No objections.
g) 09/1988. Ballaman, Ballnahowe. Cheeseden Investments. Alterations and erection of an extension to existing storage building to form a helicopter hanger and creation of a landing pad.
Amended Plans received which would not be re-advertised.
No objections.
10. PLANNING APPROVALS
a) 09/1748. Cronk-e-Dhooney Cottage, Cronk y Dhooney, Ballakilpheric. Mr & Mrs A Burden. Door and window alterations to rear elevation.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued 21st December 2009..
b) 09/1737. Field 410341 Robin Hill Farm, Cronk y Dhooney, Ballakilpheric. Mr & Mrs MacQuillin. Relocation and extension of existing stables.
Conditions include – 3. The stables may be used only for the keeping of horses and associated feed and equipment, solely in association with the occupation of Robin Hill Farm and may not be leased used or sold separately.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued – 21st December 2009.
c) 09/830. Lhingague, Surby Road, Surby. Mr A Clucas. Erection of an extension to provide ancillary living accommodation.
Conditions include – 2. This permission relates to the extension of the property in drawings PO1. PO2 and PO3 all received on 11th November 2009.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued – 31st December 2009.
d) 09/1691. Meadowfield House, Croit-e-Caley. Mr & Mrs J Kite. Partial conversion of garage to provide additional living. (this is the new house).
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued 26th January 2010.
11. PLANNING REFUSALS
a) 09/1639. Field 414487, Ballakillowey Road. Mr C Bateson. Erection of an agricultural storage building.
Reasons for refusal – 1. The application site, and thus, the land which is associated with the application is insufficient to justify the erection of this building, which is not sited alongside other buildings and as such is relatively isolated within the landscape. As such it would be contrary to the provisions of Environment Policy 15 of the Strategic Plan. 2. The building would be constructed within the 9m corridor each side of an existing overhead electricity supply, contrary to the provisions of Energy Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan. 3. Notwithstanding that there are policy objections to the principle of any building on this site (see reason 1 above), the building is modern in appearance and finish, contrary to the rural character of the area where the few buildings which exist are generally traditional in nature and finish.
Decision – Senior Planning Officer. Issued 26th January 2010.
12. PLANNING APPEALS
a) 2 Grenea Cottage, Shore Road.
The Clerk confirmed that RPC had asked for and been granted an Appeal Hearing. She had sent in six collated sets of RPC’s submission on 18th Jan. after approval by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
13 COMPLETION CERTIFICATES none.
14. OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
a) 09/0622. Sunnyholme, Ballafesson Road. Mrs P Hancock. Erection of replacement dwelling (additional plans received).
This had now been withdrawn.
15 ANY OTHER BUSINESS None.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wednesday 17th February 2010 was the statutory date (3rd Wednesday in the month) . Mr Tinkler asked for it to be changed as he might be off the Island.
The Clerk pointed out to Members that, as the dates of meetings were statutory, with DoLGE and other agencies and publications being informed of them, the date for meetings should only be changed rarely and in exceptional circumstances.
Mr Tinkler said he would inform the Clerk the following week whether or not he would be off the Island.
The public part of the meeting closed at 10 45pm.