Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council Meeting – 5th October 2021

Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council

Clerk to the Council: Mrs B J Drew, 4 Mill Lane, Wolverley, 01562 850435

http://www.wolverleyandcookleyparishcouncil.org.uk

To Members of Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council

You are duly summoned to attend a meeting of Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council to be held at Wolverley Church Hall, Wolverley 7.00pm on Tuesday 5^th October 2021 for the purpose of transacting the following business.

AGENDA

1. To consider the acceptance of apologies for absence from Councillors and approve reasons for absence.
2. Declarations of Councillors Interests
3. Register of Interests: Councillors are reminded to complete and need to regularly update their register of interests.
4. To declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
5. To declare any Other Disclosable Interests (Pecuniary or Non-Pecuniary) in items on the agenda and their nature.

Councillors who have declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Other Disclosable (Pecuniary or Non-Pecuniary) Interest which falls within the Code of Conduct (para 12 (4) (b) must leave the room for the relevant items.

Failure to register or declare a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest may result in the commission of a criminal offence.

The meeting will now be adjourned for PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Members of the public are invited to give their views and question the Council on items on the agenda or raise issues for future consideration at the discretion of the Chairman. Members of the public may not take part in the Council Meeting itself.

The meeting now reconvened to conduct the items of business listed below.

3. To consider the adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 7^th September 2021 at 7.00pm (minutes previously circulated).

Matters for Discussion / Decision.

4. Police Report.
5. County / District Councillor Reports. Reports circulated prior to the meeting, any questions to be e mailed directly to the Councillors.
6. Financial Matters.
   21. Pkf Littlejohn – Section 3 – External Auditor Report & Certificate 2020/21.
   22. Pagoda Tower Baskets, Cookley – Purchase of Additional Tier.
   23. To agree the schedule of cheques to be signed.

7. Consultation for Felling Licence Application 015/2478/2019 Kinver Edge – Blakeshall Common.

8. To discuss The Queen’s Green Canopy – Tree Planting.

9. Planning Applications for Consideration: –

PC No            WFDC No/Details

3576               21/0772/HOU: Erection of single storey side and front extensions including new porch, following demolition of existing garage at 14 Westhead Road, Cookley,

3577               21/0895/OUT: Residential development for 1 x 3 bedroom single storey bungalow at garages at land at Wardle Way, Wolverley,

3578               21/0889/FUL: Car Park Improvements at Vales Rock Car Park, Kingsford Lane, Wolverley,

3579               21/0909/HOU: Construction of a 20 x 40 m outdoor riding arena at Birds Barn Cottage, Sheepwash Lane, Wolverley,

3580               21/0923/HOU: Glass link from house to the existing garage.  Single storey extension to the garage to create extra living space at Sebright Cottage, Blakeshall Lane, Wolverley.

Parish Matters for Update Only – no decisions required.

10. Clerks Report. (Clerk) Overgrowth around alleyways – Wolverley Memorial Hall, Remembrance Sunday 14^th November, 2021, Planning Decision Notices, CALC Employment Kite Mark Scheme. Road Closure Notices.
11. WFDC Localism Agenda. (RD/MH)
12. Update on Lengthsman. (RD/WS)
13. Site Meeting re Street Lighting Column, Gaymore Road, Cookley. (DC)
14. Winter Basket Planting. (RD/WS)
15. New Issues / Items for Next Meeting. (All)
16. Date of Next Meeting – to confirm the date of the next meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday 2^ndNovember 2021.

Mrs Beverley Drew

Clerk to Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council

29^th September 2021

WOLVERLEY & COOKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council

Held on Tuesday 7^th September 2021,7.00pm, Cookley School, Cookley

Present:  

Mr D Jones (Chairman)

Mrs V Bordewich

Mr A Carloss

Mr D Cox

Mr R Drew

Mr M Hart

Mrs L Jones

Mr B McFarland

Mr C Nicholls

Mr C Sherrey

Mr S Sherrey

Mr W Southam

Mr J Wood

West Mercia Police:                                  PCSO Kate Easthope

County Councillor:                                      Cllr. I Hardiman

District Councillors:                                   Cllrs. I Hardiman, M Hart and Mrs L Jones

88. Apologies

Cllr. John Hart due to sickness.

89. Declarations of Councillors Interests
90. Register of Interests: The Clerk reminded Councillors that it is their responsibility to update their register of interests forms as required.
91. To declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in items on the agenda and their nature. Cllrs D Jones (Chairman), A Carloss, D Cox, L Jones, C Nicholls, W Southam and J Wood declared a DPI in agenda item 4 – Planning Application 19/000053/CM Proposed Sand and Gravel Quarry. They will leave the room when this item is discussed, and Cllr R Drew (Vice Chairman) will take the Chair.
92. To declare any Other Disclosable Interests (Pecuniary or Non-Pecuniary) in items on the agenda and their nature. Cllr. B McFarland in agenda item 4, upon advice from Solicitor can remain in meeting but not participate or vote.

The meeting will now be adjourned for PUBLIC QUESTION TIME.

The Chairman welcomed members of the Public and invited them to speak.

A resident expressed concern over Planning Application 21/0845 for demolition of former Red Lion Pub and erection of 4 houses as this is a historical building and will have an adverse effect on the street scene.

The meeting now reconvened to conduct the items of business listed below.

90. To consider the adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 3^rd August 2021 at 7.00pm

These having previously been circulated it was resolved unanimously to receive and adopt the minutes as a true record of the meeting and these were signed as such by the Chairman.

Matters for Discussion / Decision;

91. Submission of Additional Further Information in respect of Planning Application 19/000053/CM – Proposed sand and gravel quarry with progressive restoration using site derived and imported inert material to agricultural parkland, public access, and nature enhancement at Land at Lea Castle Farm.

Cllr. M Hart stated that the Parish Council had previously submitted a response to the above application to Recommend Refusal.  Now further additional information has been submitted to Worcestershire County Council and the Parish Council has been re-consulted.  After thorough review of the additional information, his predisposed view is to remain resolute to again Recommend Refusal. The original reasons given still remain sound and valid.

The proposed location of the Quarry is completely inappropriate development within the green belt and there are no special circumstances to justify it and therefore it should not be supported. There will be a huge and detrimental affect to many residents and businesses through disturbance to local properties, businesses and schools, substantial vehicle movements and increase in traffic, noise levels, significant impact on health, major long term negative impact on Ecology of the area and safety concerns for children.

All Councillors spoke in total agreement, and it was proposed Cllr. M Hart, seconded Cllr. S Sherrey and unanimously agreed Clerk submit a response to Recommend Refusal with reasons clearly stated.

92. Police Report/Safer West Mercia Plan

Report Circulated.

Arson – Wolverley Village – Police Ref’s 00143_I_01082021 and 00267_I_01082021 – At approx. 5am this morning fire brigade alerted police to an arson attack on a BMW Mini parked on a driveway in this location. It is believed that a back window was smashed and the vehicle set alight. A neighbouring wooden garage has also suffered extensive damage.

Theft – Blakeshall Lane – Police ref 00120_I_19082021 – Between 2000hrs on 18th August and 0900hrs on 19th August a Silver Kia Sorento was stolen without keys.

PCSO Kate Easthope talked through the report – investigations are ongoing with regard to the mini and someone is being questioned. The Police attended the village fair and dog show in Cookley and undertook Bike Marking. The Police have launched Neighbourhood Matters and people are encouraged to sign up to it. The Dementia Cafe recently met and are going to open the doors again in Cookley Church, 5th October, 2pm.

Clerk/Chairman to respond to Safer West Mercia Plan.

93. To receive Councillors Reports;

District Councillor Report;

Report Circulated.

Local Issues

We have been dealing with the usual routine casework, fly tipping and litter picking on the main A roads and along the country lanes.

We attended a site visit along with the Clerk on the new Lea Castle Development, we were given a guided tour of the whole of the site including two of the three house types. Work is progressing well with Stage One and are expecting works to be completed sooner than expected. We will be given further site visits along the programme. The developer has won an award for the wildlife/ecology schemes that have been put in place.

The Blakeshall Lane road name sign had been driven into and was bend over, Green Street were very prompt in reinstating and re-concreting the sign.

Grass Cutting – We were very pleased to see that the last cut from Keith was much better and a lot neater, Lisa noticed that he now has a gentleman assisting him with a smaller mower which has improved the appearance greatly.

Lisa attended a meeting with the Planning Officer regarding the proposed development on the old Red Lion Public House site to ensure that the design layout was not intrusive to the neighbouring properties.

Enforcement Issues :- 

The Stables, Cookley – All of the applications have now been received and are currently being reviewed. We will update you when we receive a decision.

The Old Post Office, Cookley – A valid application has now been received and is currently being reviewed. We will update you when we receive a decision.

Wyre Forest District Issues

Wyre Forest House is still closed to the public as is the Green Street Hub save for dealing with housing and homelessness applications.

Green Street have again been experiencing staff shortages due to COVID Isolation and illness and have had limited operatives working in the depot. They have worked incredibly hard to continue with bin emptying and general tasks including grass cutting, litter picking and collecting fly tipping from the lanes.

District Council committee meetings are now face to face, the first Planning Committee Meeting was held in August which Marcus and Lisa sit on.

A planning application has been submitted for the complete re-development of the former Magistrates Court in Kidderminster. It will transform the building into a cultural and creative hub which would create performance and production spaces, this has been made possible through the future high streets fund.

Cllr. Carloss questioned whether the re-development of the former Magistrates Court would include a music venue. Cllr. M Hart responded that it may include this but not confirmed yet.

Cllr. Drew reported the footpath from the A449 crossroads to the new Lea Castle Village development is impassable and needs siding out, also the footpath from the new development does not meet the road. County Cllr. Ian Hardiman will investigate this.

County Councillor Report;

Report Circulated.

Local Issues:

Lea Lane Landslip:  Negotiations are still ongoing between the County Council and other parties involved. Legal issues and responsibilities are still unresolved!

Lea Castle Quarry Application:  This is still not scheduled for a particular meeting of the County Council’s Planning Committee.

Road Flooding Kingsford Lane:

For more than two years, I have been urging Highways to resolve the issue of frequent highway disruption when rainfall occurs, causing one side of the highway to become impassable, forcing drivers onto the wrong side! This is opposite property ‘Bryn Avon’ but in fact the soak away for this rainwater is actually on the ‘Bryn Avon’ land! I have therefore communicated with the Cabinet Member for Highways, asking him to prioritise this matter which is a Safety Hazard that should be resolved.

Vehicle Speeding Stourbridge Road:  New residents of the Miller Homes Development, Albrighton Drive, have asked for measures to be taken to reduce the frequency of speeding vehicles along this section of the A451. I have raised this with Paul Green, Highways Engineer asking him to implement Speed Analysis Cables to identify whether there is indeed a speeding issue here.

Caunsall Road Pavement repair/resurfacing: (Near to the Kinver Lane junction) This subject has been quite longstanding regarding the need for surface repairs and kerbing. I have now received confirmation that this work has been scheduled for the last week in January.

Cookley, Noisy Vehicles’ concerns: In response to residents’ upset caused by noisy cars and motorbikes which clearly have modified exhaust systems intended to create more sound, I engaged with the local Police who have responded helpfully explaining that a key officer has been appointed who will investigate and deal with vehicle owners as identified. This is a new Police initiative for Wyre Forest.

Cookley, Bridge Road Parking concerns:  I have asked Paul Green Highways Engineer to investigate whether a solution can be provided to protect the frontages of properties in the centre of the village where vehicles are parked with their bonnets or their boots over the narrow pavement causing an obstruction. Residents are also upset by some inconsiderate drivers who run their stationary vehicle’s engine with the exhaust facing the front doors of their properties.

Issues raised to County Councillor – flooding Highlow Bank is also extremely bad, A449 road surface from The Crescent to Island Pool is terrible, Woodlands Road subsidence, Caunsall Road/Kinver Lane road surface breaking up. Cllr. Hardiman responded the subsidence is Severn Trent responsibility and has been reported to be fixed, the road surfaces have also been asked to be done.

94. Financial Matters.

Unanimously agreed the schedule of cheques to be signed.

29             Mrs B J Drew                                                                                                    1067.71

(Salary August 2021)

30             Mr Keith Basketfield                                                                                       688.00

(5th Grass Cutting)

31              Mrs B J Drew                                                                                                    41.88

(Ink/Paper/Stamps/Laminating Pouches/Hi-Viz Vest)

32             Ms Lorraine Neal                                                                                              232.50

(Lengthsman – August 2021)

33             Worcestershire CALC                                                                                     15.00

(GDPR Training)

95. WFDC Localism Agenda.

Cllr. R Drew reported that a number of months ago the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Cllr S Sherrey and M Hart met over Zoom with Ian Miller and other WFDC officers to discuss the possibility of Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council taking over some assets. A further meeting was held last week and the three assets they would like to Parish Council to take on are Cookley Allotments, Woods off Lea Lane and a small parcel of land in Drakelow Lane. Formal written proposals from WFDC should be sent to the Parish in the next few days.

Regarding services, Cllr. M Hart advised that we receive grants from WFDC for nearly £10K for bin emptying/litter picking and grass cutting. Both contracts for these services end in March 2022. WFDC are now proposing Parish Councils continue to provide these services with no grant. Cllr. M Hart advised that he is challenging this as believes Wyre Forest have a Statutory duty to collect litter. Again the Parish Council are awaiting a formal written proposal from WFDC regarding this.

There was much discussion on this with all Councillors sharing views that when the formal proposals are received the Parish Council need to consider these very carefully.

96. Application to upgrade footpaths WC 514 and WC 515 to bridleway.

Clerk had circulated letter from Mapping Officer, Public Rights of Way regarding upgrading the above footpaths to bridleway. All agreed to let Public Rights of Way make the decision.

97. To discuss Queens Platinum Jubilee Events.

Cllr. R Drew advised that Wolverley wish to enhance the area around the Mill Race and put a bench by the water at a cost of around £3k.

Cllr D Cox advised that several businesses around the village have started talking about this and will do something, Cllr. L Jones is also going to talk to the Schools and Church.

After quite a lengthy discussion with various views being raised it was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council will not lead on an event for the Platinum Jubilee but should include an amount for each village in the budget so that the Parish Council could provide some financial support.

98. Planning Applications for Consideration: –

PC No       WFDC No/Details

3566        21/0619/FUL: New aluminium shop front at Cookley Post Office, 2 Bridge Road, Cookley,

Recommend Refusal – Not in keeping with Village Street Scene.

3567        21/0749/HOU: Erection of single storey side extension to provide utility room and attached garage, following demolition of existing garage at 1 The Crescent, Cookley,

Recommend Approval

3568        21/0759/ADV: FOR INFORMATION ONLY: Installation of 2 entrance signs, 2 construction signs and 8 6m high flagpoles with “showhome” flags, The Crescent, Cookley,

3569        21/0760/FUL: Retrospective change of use of land and stationing of temporary building for hot food takeaways at The Lock Inn, Wolverley,

Recommend Refusal – Retrospective application, previously supported for temporary period of 12months due to co-vid pandemic, now all establishments are fully open and structure does not comply with planning application.

3570        21/0768/HOU: Erection of single storey rear and side extensions at 43 Castle Road, Cookley,

Recommend Approval

3571         21/0778/HOU: Conversion of car port and garage into liveable room at Rivermead, Birds Barn Lane, Wolverley,

Recommend Approval

3572        21/0779/HOU: Front porch extension at 16 Evans Close, Wolverley,

Recommend Approval

3573        21/0821/FUL: Replacement of Agricultural Building with a single dwelling house at Barn at Os 382566 280920, Solcum Lane, Wolverley,

Recommend Approval

3574        21/0836/HOU: Two storey side and rear extension, pitched roof over existing single storey extension, new entrance canopy and provision of roof lights at Plassey, Gipsy Lane, Blakeshall,

Recommend Approval

3575        21/0845/FUL: Demolition of the existing building and erection of 4 new dwelling houses with private parking and amenity space at Red Lion, 70 Castle Road, Cookley.

Recommend Refusal due to loss of historical building, not in keeping with local area and stature on street scene and Highways concerns.

Parish Matters for Update Only – no decisions required.

99. Clerks Report. (Clerk) Footpath Diversion, Mill Lane, Wolverley. Clerk re-iterated objections.
100. Update on Lengthsman. (RD/WS) WS, RD gave update. No problems at present, Lengthsman working well in both villages.
101. Site Meeting re Street Lighting Column, Gaymore Road, Cookley. (DC) DC will advise Clerk of convenient dates.
102. Cookley Clock LED Bulbs. (DJ) These have been ordered and are awaiting Smith of Derby to fit.
103. Wolverley Village Drains. (RD) Cllr. R Drew expressed thanks to Ian Hardiman. All drains have now been cleared. repaired and Severn Trent have done a Waterflow Test.
104. Caunsall Bridge. (DJ/RD) RD advised costs have already gone up by £75k but works are now in hand. Thanks to all for agreeing to change of colour, as suggested by Phil Coulson.
105. New Issues / Items for Next Meeting. (All)
106. Date of Next Meeting – to confirm the date of the next meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday 5th October 2021.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Mrs Bev Drew

Clerk to Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council

Wyre Forest Rural District Councillors

Cllr Marcus J Hart Cllr Ian D Hardiman Cllr Lisa Jones

Tel: 01299 402424

Date : 4th October 2021

Dear Bev,

Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council Meeting – 5^th October, 2021

Please find our report enclosed as follows:-

Local Issues

We have been dealing with the usual routine casework, reporting litter and fly tipping on the main A roads and along the country lanes.

We continue to receive some communication from residents regarding the potential quarry at Lea Castle.

We have been advised by WFDC that they want to pursue their localism agenda with the Parish Council , regarding the transfer of some assets/land in the Parish. However, this has all gone very quiet and we have not been updated recently.

We do not support WFDC expecting the Parish Council to take on the litter picking and bin emptying duties without any grant, given that WFDC has a statutory duty to keep land free from litter.

We have been keeping a close eye on several planning issues in the Parish, in particular, the Old Post Office in Cookley village. Lisa has been leading on this but we have all been involved. The applicants were advised the application was not acceptable and given 14 days to resubmit revised plans. These are still not acceptable and at the time of writing have not been advised of further revised plans, today being the deadline. We should have a further oral update on the status of the application at the meeting.

We have approved the further naming of roads at the former Lea Castle Hospital site with the WFDC planning policy team. We would like to thank the PC for their suggestions but feel it is sensible to keep with the common theme of trees/bushes/plants, save for the Doctor’s names.

A fly tipper was given a fixed penalty notice of £300 recently for dumping waste in Beech Tree Lane.

The depot have recently cut back the overgrowth around the alleyway near the bowling club and given it a good tidy up.

An additional street nameplate has been added at Hayes Road.

Wyre Forest Issues

In respect of the WFDC’s draft Local Plan, the Cabinet are meeting on 13^th October to approve a consultation from 14^th October – 26^th November. This will be on the ‘main modifications’.

Look out for the consultation events and what the implications are when the details are released by WFDC.

Wyre Forest House is still closed to the public and the Green Street Hub is not open as a walk in Hub, appointments must be pre-booked save for dealing with housing and homelessness applications and ‘urgent’ issues.

Full Council has now met back face to face in the Council Chamber for the first time in over 18 months.

The Progressive Alliance have made some constitutional amendments, reducing the time for notices of motions and debate.

If you have any issues you would like us to deal with, please do not hesitate to contact us. With our very best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr. Marcus J Hart Cllr. Ian D Hardiman Cllr. Lisa J Jones

Wyre Forest Rural Ward Councillors

5^th October 2021 County Cllr Ian Hardiman’s Report to Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council.

Local Issues:

. Wolverley Secondary School/Highway Safety for Pupils

In response to a request by Head teacher Bryn Thomas for Highway safety improvements to be made to ensure safe egress of pupils at school finish times, I engaged the Highways Liaison Engineer who has now utilised technical resources to finalise an engineering solution outside the school. Additional highway school warning signs and safety railings are to be installed; pupils will be contained and protected by the railings which will run from the school exit gateway along the pavement down to a crossing-point to solve the present uncontrolled dispersal onto the highway by pupils.

I had no hesitation in agreeing to proceed with such important safety measures and I have been able to use some of my Councillor’s Divisional Funding to ensure the project’s completion. The school will also be investing in new safety rail improvements around its gateway which will link to the County Council’s system.

. Lea Lane Landslip:

Unfortunately, the County Council are still unable to proceed with the necessary construction works to restore  Lea Lane to full usage; agreement has still not been found with interested parties regarding responsibilities, permissions and costs. To enable progress, the County Council, Severn Trent Water, the Canals & Rivers Trust plus the private land owner must resolve ongoing disagreements.

. Lea Castle Farm Quarry Application:

Still no date has been set for the Quarry Application to be considered by the County Council’s Planning Committee whose responsibility it is to either approve or refuse mineral extraction applications.

. Recurring Rainwater, Flooding Lowe Lane Field:

In response to concerns by the tenant whose horses are kept in the field at the lower end of Lowe Lane, Paul Green Highways Engineer accompanied me to investigate the highway Gullies’ efficiency here.  Subsequently, we have arranged to meet with the tenant to discuss how the natural contour of the field’s edge has been altered by depositing of grass & vegetation waste causing interruption to the natural flow of the rainwater on its route to the drainage system.

WOLVERLEY AND COOKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT FOR APPROVAL

AT THE MEETING 5th OCTOBER 2021

Ref Payee Amount (£)

34 Mrs B J Drew 1067.71
(Salary September 2021)

35 Mr Keith Basketfield 688.00
(6th Grass Cut – Extra)

36 Inland Revenue 415.80
(Tax & NI July – September 2021)

37 PKF Littlejohn 360.00
(External Audit Fee)

38 Mrs B J Drew 150.99 (Ink/Expenses)

39 Ms Lorraine Neal
(Lengthsman – September 2021) 165.00
(County Work – Reimbursed by Cllr. I Hardiman Fund) 180.00

40 Amberol 603.60
(Island Quarto Planters x 4)

41 geViews 192.00
(Pagoda Tower Baskets – 2 Small additional tiers)