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Minutes of February 2012 meeting
RUSHEN PARISH COMMISSIONERS
Meeting held 7pm Wed. 15th February 2012 at Ballafesson Hall.
MINUTES
Present: Mr D Cain (Chairman), Mr P Vernon (Vice-Chairman), Mr P Gunn, Mr A Tinkler, Mr D Radcliffe.
1. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held Wednesday 18th January 2012, having previously been circulated, were taken as read, agreed a true record and approved for signing.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
a) Southern Area Plan – The Clerk informed Members that the Inspector’s Report was due out on the following Friday, after the Minister had given a statement. It would be available on the Government Web Site.
b) DoI/Local Authority Issues
Local Elections Legislation LA Election Thursday 26th April 2012. Nominations were to close at 5pm on 29th March.
Members’ Declaration of Interests - the record book was available for public inspection at the meeting. None of the Members had any new entries to make at this point.
Rate Arrears – clarification from Jon Grubb had not yet been obtained.
Member of the House of Keys for Local Authorities – Richard Ronan MHK. Nothing yet about arranging a meeting with him but the Clerk had spoken to him recently and he had indicated that there would be a letter soon.
Question in House of Keys 14th Feb to Treasury Minister. Received by email but embargoed until 12 noon on 14th Feb.(forwarded to Members 2 days previously) Mr Hall MHK asked questions re local authority borrowings, to be broken down by local authorities. i) the interest rate spread to the reference rate; ii) the actual interest rate; iii) maturity; iv) the lender; v) Government sanction for each borrowing; vi) what security is provided to the lender. The Treasury Minister’s response was in the email which had been embargoed. This was noted.
c) Waste Management and Refuse Collection
Jones Services – They had weighed the bins at the Shore Hotel, Sound Café, Southlands the School and Doctors Surgery at the Four Roads so that a sample weight could be gauged.
Bad debts – Mr Turner had not yet paid his very overdue debt. His new address was now known and Mr Tinkler would contact him.
Resident of Ballafesson – The debtor’s former partner, who still lived in the house had asked for the second bin to be taken away as she could not afford it and would do without.
d) Lighting/MEA
Ballagawne Road lighting upgrading scheme. The invoice had been received – £7,002.78 plus £1,400.56 vat. Another invoice for £415.44 plus £83.09 vat had been received for replacement arm and fitting not included in the scheme but on Ballagawne Road. The trees had not been cut back yet.
e) High Hedges
Ballafesson Road – speed roundels.
Ballachurry Corner
Plantation Hill. – Danger to pedestrians, etc on hill.
Speeding on Howe Road.
Civic Amenity Site lines and signs.
Nothing further on any of the above.
The Level/Croit-e-Caley. The speed of traffic.
An email had been received from the officer from Highways as a result of Mrs Scott, Croit-e-Caley’s complaints. This was the design for a 30mph sign.
Glen Chass – sharp corner & turning circle. Cul de Sac sign. Not installed yet.
Glen Chass Road – narrow corner.
Ballakillowey Roundabout.
Cregneash – safety of pedestrians coming to and from the car park to look at the Village. The wooden bollards had been removed.
g) Police
The Clerk had attended the meeting on 24th January. Crime figures given were for 2 months as there hadn’t been a meeting in December. Rushen had 2 crimes.
The Police asked that if anyone would be sending out newsletters could they ask people to make sure their doors were locked as there had been a few break-ins in the south – some where residents had been in the house; also remind people to lock their cars even when they are in their drives – there has been a spate of thefts from cars; also people should lock their central heating tanks and there are getting to be more and more thefts from these. I have asked David to put these in our newsletter.
Events – they asked for anyone holding events to let them know as there may be a lot because of the Diamond Jubilee and they would need to plan ahead.
The next meeting would be on 28th February at Port Erin Commissioners’ Boardroom.
h) Litter, beach cleans, dog fouling, etc
Dog bin on the traffic sign on the Ballachurry side of the new roundabout. Not done yet.
Signs – Workshop for the Disabled. The Clerk had been unable to find a contact number for them.
Beach Cleans – nothing at present.
i) Ballafesson Playing Field, Car Park at The Howe, Signs
The shed. Nothing at present
Swing & matting. Not ordered yet. Mr Radcliffe was to look in Wicksteed’s catalogue for the relevant swings.
Car Park, the Howe. This was rarely empty enough for a tractor and hedge trimmer to get in to cut the hedge. Mr Booth, the new grass cutting contractor, was to be asked to trim the hedge.
j) Web Site
Mr Vernon confirmed that this was up to date.
k) Southern Civic Amenity Site.
Information had been received from the Clerk about the SCAS. The amount for RPC’s contribution to the SCAS for the forthcoming financial year would be £22,029.66 (an increase of £1,855.98). This was said to equate to an average charge of £32.39 per household.
Mr Cain indicated that, as a Director of IOM Farmers, he had declared an interest when discussions were being held about a new digger being required.
l) Municipal Association
Mr Gunn gave a report on the meeting. They were considering changes to the constitution in order to encourage membership of the Association. With regard to the Richmond Hill Consultation Committee – there were moves to try to sideline the local authorities having involvement in this. Local Government Reform – they were going to wait and see what Mr Ronan MHK had to say when he met with them (and local authorities).
l) Southern Swimming Pool
Mr Radcliffe said that the new Manager was settling in well.
m) Allotments nothing further – no meeting arranged.
n) Southern Healthcare Committee
Mr Tinkler reported as Secretary and Acting Chairman that their AGM would be held on 1st March. David Anderson, Minister for Health, was coming to the meeting as were representatives from the Castletown Health Practise and Mr D Kelly CEO of the Department.
p) Rushen Ambulance
Mr Tinkler had spoken to their new Secretary Ms Elizabeth Wood.
q) MNH
Calf of Man Shearwater Recovery Project update. The multi-agency partnership were working to complete the project in 2012 but the original January start had been delayed because of adverse weather.. They had postponed the baiting phase until the autumn of 2012 after the bird breeding season and the rats’ food supply will be running low.
r) Risk Assessment Nothing new at present.
s) Land in front of Hillcrest, Cregneash
Pic-nic Site, Ballakillowey. From January Meeting. Some of the Members had not looked at this recently. They were all to look at it before the next meeting. It would then be decided on what to write to the Department of Infrastructure as it had been felt in the past that this should be cut more often. There was the possibility that RPC could ask Mr Booth to cut it. The Clerk had previously cautioned Members about possible liability which could occur if they took this on and she reminded them again.
t) Golden Jubilee Trust Mr Radcliffe said that there was nothing further on this.
u) Unsightly buildings and land
Mr Richmond, New Dwelling/The Level House, The Level. Email received from Phil Gawne , MHK with complaints from Mr Richmond. (forwarded to Members).
Further emails from Phil Gawne and John Howie – Environmental Health (copied to Members on 9/2). The Officers said that there was not really a problem and it was not worse than the DoI’s depot opposite. The Local Authority has done everything correctly.
Members felt that it was good to hear that they had done everything correctly. The Clerk was to write to Mr Richmond and copy it to Mr Karran MHK.
v) Sloc Sites & Seats, etc.
Chasms path – seat and plaque. Mr Cain said that the plaque was in place but there was no seat yet.
w) Croit-e-Caley Green – bench and tree.
Stone – Pooilvaaish Quarry had not made the stone plaque yet.
x) Agricultural Rating Nothing further from the Government Valuer.
y) Grass Cutting
Mr Booth had now signed the Contract and the Clerk had written to the other applicants telling them they had been unsuccessful.
z) Newsletter
Mr Radcliffe had this partly compiled. Mr Tinkler was to give him an article about the Flying Fortress crash memorial. There was to be a piece about the Inspector’s Report on the Southern Area Plan. The Clerk was to give more information about the Rates.
ab) Rushen & Arbory – possible sharing of services. This was to be taken off the Agenda.
Ac) Disaster Recovery Plan
WiManx. The Clerk had not contacted them again yet.
Ae) Ballagawne Road – bus shelter.
The Clerk had informed Mr Stanley Clucas of the measurements and had also emailed Bus Vannin with the offer of RPC providing the hardstanding for a shelter. No reply had been received.
Ballachurry Bus Shelter - Perspex. Wilson & Collins only dealt with metal. The Clerk was to ask Bus Vannan if they could supply anything which would be suitable.
Af) Winter Concert/talk
This had been an enjoyable and informative evening and about ninety people had attended. A total of £360 had been taken on the door. This had been divided between Ballafesson Chapel and Rushen Endowment fund and was presented to representatives of those organisations in cash on the night. Thank you letters were to be sent to Dessie Robinson and Michael Kneale who had both given the ‘talk’ Mr Cain suggested that, as a thank-you to Mr Kneale who was a member of Port St Mary Lifeboat crew, a donation towards the Lifeboat could be given. The Clerk said that this couldn’t be given from the Rates Accounts but there was a possibility that it could come from the Thousla Trust if it was considered to be helping young people in the Parish. Mr Vernon was to ask Mr Robinson to which charity he would like a donation to be given. It was agreed that £50 to be given to each charity from the Thousla Cross Trust (see Thousla Cross Trust Minutes).
Ag) Hedge at Garthcote & others.
Nothing further on the hedge at Garthcote. With regard to the hedge on Ballafesson Road, the Clerk was to write to the owner asking for it to be cut back.
ah) consultation – Draft Planning Policy Statement – Replacement and extension of Dwellings in the Countryside.
Nothing further on this.
ai) Castletown Commissoners – sharing services.
This would now be left until after the Elections.
Ak) Zero rated properties
A letter to be sent to the Minister – Mr Cretney with regard to this.
al) New Youth Committee. There was nothing further on this,
am) Southern Chronicle.
The next edition would be out on 9th March.
an) Planning Committee.
Nothing more had been heard regarding this but the Clerk had noticed on the list that the proposed new house at Shenvalley was to be considered by the Committee. She had not, however been able to attend. The notice that the Planning Committee had ‘Refused’ it had subsequently been received (see Planning Refusals).
ao) List of past Chairman.
Mr Vernon had not made any further progress with this at the moment.
ap) Memorial to wartime plane crash.
The Clerk reported that the plaque was being designed by the graphic designer that week – but there had been a delay as he was waiting for Mr Tinkler/Mr Ramsden to supply an American Red Cross logo from that era and which had been difficult to find.
Mr Tinkler had contacted the American Embassy to inform them that this memorial was being made and had spoken on the phone to the Deputy Attache who had said that he would be delighted to attend and he would come over with his wife and son. The cost would be paid by the American Embassy.
Although it had been thought that several relatives of the crew would be coming over it now seemed that there may be only two. There was definitely a party of 25/30 coming over in September and it was considered whether the dedication should be left until then. However, as the Deputy Attache from the American Embassy had confirmed he was coming over in April that it should go ahead on 14th April. Mr Tinkler had contacted Government House to see if there was any protocol regarding the Attache.
Mr Tinkler had spoken to Rev. Shirley Bench about saying a few words at the site, as she was American, and the Clerk was to write to her to confirm this. It was also agreed that everyone would go back to the Howe Chapel where they could chat to each other. The Clerk was to ask Mrs Shimmin of the Chapel to ask if the ladies could provide tea and cakes.
It was to be made public that anyone who was interested was welcome to come along. Access to the site was difficult and it was agreed that it should be from the top side.
q) Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 2012.
Stanley Clucas CP- The Clerk had been talking to him. He said he had contacted Port Erin and Port St Mary Commissioners to see if they wanted to combine and hold an event. He had offered the use of Ballachurry Orchard and the field alongside. He had also offered to Chair an organising Committee or representatives from Rushen, Port Erin and Port St Mary Commissioners. His suggestions were that Port Erin Commissioners could have a tent and have children’s painting and poetry competitions; Port St Mary could have a tent and have a historic photograph exhibition. Rushen had offered to organise sports. He also felt that all the children should have mugs – perhaps the Department of Education could organise this as they would know how many children there were.
It was agreed that Rushen would organise the sports for this event and that the children’s sports formerly suggested to take place in the Playing Field would not now go ahead. Mr Cain and Mr Vernon were to be RPC’s representatives on the organising Committee. The Clerk was to write to Port Erin and Port St Mary Commissioners.
ar) Damaged telecom box by footpath over Meayll Hill.
The Clerk had been to look at this – it was a hole in the ground with wires and bits of broken covering. It had ‘British Telecom’ on the cover. She had contacted Manx Telecom to inform them that this required dealing with.
.as) consultation – The Wild Animals Act – received from DEFA.
This is from the January meeting and having just been received Members had little time to read it. There were no views on this to be submitted
at) Concert at The Howe
A reply had been sent to Mrs Shimmin’s letter. This was to be held on 6th July in Manx National Week. Mr Cain suggested that the organising of this should be left to Mrs Shimmin and Mrs Parsons of the Chapel.
RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT.
This can be viewed by looking at the Minutes at the Office – contact the Clerk on 834501/
8. CORRESPONDENCE.
a) Civic Services
Arbory Commissioners. This had been on 12th February at Ballabeg Methodist Chapel – 10 30am – Chairman had attended.
Port Erin Commissioners. Invitation to attend at 3pm on Sunday 25th March at St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church, Castletown Road, Port Erin. Parade to leave Commissioners’ Office at 2 30pm lead by Rushen Silver Band. RSVP by 16th March. Mr Cain said that he may be busy with lambing at that time but Mr Vernon indicated that he would attend, with his wife.
Onchan Commissioners – prior notice that their Civic Service will be held on Sunday 29th July. Noted.
b) Centrica energy, Windsor, Berks. (offshore wind farms)
Letter and information received (info enclosed) about the off-shore windfarms which may be developed in the Irish Sea Zone. They are holding information days on the Island between 21st and 23rd February. Ramsey on Tuesday 21st; Port St Mary on Wednesday 22nd – Scoill Phurt le Moirrey from 2pm until 8pm; Thursday 23rd Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas from 11am – 4 30pm and then the Java Lounge from 6 30pm until 8 30pm. This was noted.
c) consultation – Road Transport Regulations.
Received by email – copy of letter had been given to Members not the Regulations which were 39 pages – they were available on the government web site. This was noted.
d) consultation – Proposed Statutory Documents.
Received by email – copy given to Members. These covered several items – seizure and retention and disposal of motor vehicles; walkways memorandum; Driving Instructors; Driving ages; Control of skips, etc on highways; immobilisation of vehicles; plus others in Part 2. This was noted.
e) Marine conservation Update. Received by email and forwarded to Members 7/2. Noted.
f) consultation – New payment method for class 2 Self-Employed NI Contributions.
Any views to be sent by 2nd March. This was noted.
g) consultation - Local government Pension Scheme.
Consultation closed on 17th February – forwarded 11/2. Noted.
h) Road Transport Licensing Committee, Applications, Decisions and Notices. Noted.
i) Housing Conference 2012.
This year’s conference would be held on Friday 23rd March from 8 45am in the Wentworth Suite, Mount Murray. The Department covered the cost of room hire and the equipment. Delegates were requested to make a contribution of £16.50 per person to cover the cost of lunch and refreshments. The invoice would be sent on confirmation of attendance. Confirmation required no later than 15th March. Mr Vernon and the Clerk were to attend. RPC would be paying for the meals.
j) consultation – from OFT. Financial Services Ombudsman.
Forwarded 4/2. There was a proposal to increase the maximum award limit of compensation that could be made by an adjudicator under the IOM Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme from £100,000 to £150,000.The increase applied only to acts or omissions occurring on or after 1st April 2012. This was noted.
k) Natural Gas Conversion Project.
Letter from Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate. They had been liaising closely with Manx Gas in the lead up to the forthcoming natural gas conversion program and confirmed the contact details should any health and safety related queries or complaints about the program be received from constituents or residents. Manx Gas would have an on-site information office in the area undergoing conversion and a dedicated Manx Gas telephone number 644445 which would be open for the duration of the project. If there were any outstanding health and safety concerns after contacting Manx Gas RPC should call or recommend making a call to the HSW on 685881 or contact by email on worksafe.doi@gov.im. This was noted.
PLANNING MATTERS
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) 12/0082. Wychwood, Honna Road, Surby. Mr G F Smallhorn. Replace existing flat roof over bay window with pitched tiled roof; alleviating load on window frame; enlarging existing porch/lobby; providing insulation in accordance with building regulation requirements.
No objections.
b) 12/043. Approval in Principle. Former Ballagawne Gate Keeper’s Cottage, Mount Gawne Road. IOM Government and Valuations Office. To return former gatekeeper’s cottage to residential use; install Klargester Bio-disc system, create off-road parking.
No objections.
c) 12/0138. Cregville, Cregneash Road, Cregneash. Mr D Boyles & Ms Suzanne Shimmin. Amendments to the current planning approval 10/00648 for a single storey extension to be a private dwelling.
No objections.
c) 12/0123. Bracken Hills, Surby Road, Surby. Mr R Walker. Demolition of existing terrace area and replacing with new.
No objections.
d) 12/118. Clybane, Mount Gawne Road. Mr Philip and Mrs Kirree Jenkins. Erection of replacement dwelling; change of use from field access to residential – field 414179; change of use of part of field 414177 to residential.
No objections. The Clerk reminded Members of the months of disruption which had happened on that road when Seascape had been built. Although it would not be a planning consideration perhaps it would be a good idea to point out that, to avoid disruption, the developers should make every attempt to have off road parking for construction vehicles. This was agreed.
e) 12/119. Clybane, Mount Gawne Road. Mr Philip and Mrs Kirree Jenkins. Erection of detached garage and stable.
No objections – same views as above.
g) 12/0147. 2 Carrick Bay View, Ballagawne Road. Dr & Mrs Ogilvy. Formation of a recreation area in the existing garage and erection of a replacement garage and entrance hall.
No objections.
h) 12/0170. Empress Villa, Ballakillowey Road. Miss Charlotte Bell. Alterations and additions to existing dwelling.
No objections. Members were pleased that this property was finally being repaired and that the proposed extension and modifications were modest.
10. PLANNING APPROVALS
a) 11/1730. 14B Odins Way, Ballakillowey. Mr & Mrs Connor. Erection of a garage extension and front porch to dwelling. Usual conditions. Decision – a Senior Planning Officer. Issued 31st January 2012.
b) 11/1656. The Retreat, Surby Road, Ballafesson. Mr & Mrs P Kneen. Solar panels and roof alterations (partial retrospective). Conditions include – 3. The roof(s) must be finished in dark natural slate. Decision – Development Control Manager. Issued 3rd February 2012.
c) 11/1762. West View, Cregneash. Manx N ational Heritage. Installation of a replacement front door. Decision – Director of Planning. Issued 3rd February 2012.
11. PLANNING REFUSALS
a) 11/1700. Kentraugh, Shore Road. Hintock Ltd. Installation of a solar roof panel.
Reasons for refusal 1. The proposed development by reason of its prominent position and design would have a significant detrimental impact upon the visual amenities and introduce an incongruous feature upon this high quality traditional property. Decision – a Senior Planning Office. Issued 27th January 2012.
b) 11/1742. Shenvalley Farm, Ballnahowe. Cheeseden Investments. Demolition of existing building and construction of new detached dwelling with detached garage. These plans were the same as before – only the description had changed – replacement building not replacement house (the house having lost its residential status).
Reasons for Refusal: 1. The proposed development, by virtue of the position, size and height of the new dwelling and garage and the size of the new residential curtilage would result in an increased and detrimental visual impairment of built development and managed garden in a prominent, open and rural area. Decision – the Planning Committee. Issued 8th February 2012.
12. PLANNING APPEALS
a) 11/1700. Kentraugh House. Hintock Ltd. Installation of solar panels. They were appealing against the refusal. Any further views to be sent by 6th March. None to be sent.
13. COMPLETION CERTIFICATES none
14. OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) P Gunn – 30 years. The Clerk said that she had been looking through old Minute Books and she found that in May Mr Peter Gunn would have served as a Member of Rushen Parish Commissioners for a total of 30 years.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wed. 21st March
As there was no further business for the public meeting it went into Private Session.