Minutes of a meeting of Shobnall Parish Council

held at Brook House, Shobnall Road on Monday 15 July 2024 commencing at 7pm

Present

Councillor Shilton in the Chair

Councillors Dittmer and Hoare

Also present

ESBC Councillor McKiernan

Mary Danby, Clerk

Public Forum

No comments or questions were received.

40. Apologies

Councillor Pennicott and Borough Councillor Walker.

41. Declarations of Interest and receive written applications for dispensations under the Localism Act 2011

            None were declared.

42. Minutes

Resolved         That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2024 be approved as an accurate record.

43. Matters arising

Minute No. 30 (Defibrillator request)

The Clerk reported that MW Cripwell had quoted to supply and install a defibrillator and heated cabinet on the external wall of the Oak & Ivy, Wellington Street. A response was awaited from Marstons regarding the granting of a licence for the equipment to be installed.

Agreed            That this item be deferred until such time as Marstons issue the licence.

Minute No. 31 (Noticeboard – Shobnall Community Centre)

The Clerk advised the council that DSK Engineering had quoted £145.95 plus VAT to supply and fit a new header board for the above noticeboard, delivery was noted as being approximately six weeks. The quotation had been accepted on 08 July 2024.

Minute No. 39.3 (Speed limiter road markings on Shobnall Road)

County Councillor Afsar had responded advising that a consultation will be taking place regarding Henhurst Hill, Forest Road and Shobnall Road with safety and speed reducing measures. He said that residents living in this area will be sent a letter of a Scheme the County is looking to introduce including de-classifying the Weight limit to prevent lorries travelling down here and he would update the Parish once the consultation is live.

44. Borough Councillor’s report

Councillor McKiernan said that there had been a Full Council meeting on 08 July with only two agenda items: one item noting that Cllr Mike Ackroyd had died and sending  sincerest condolences to his wife and family; the other item dealt with committee memberships. The Council will next meet in mid-September.

She said that the Maltings consultation will see the building open to the public in August, she added that funds could not yet be identified for the project as plans need to be finalised to enable applications to be made.

Councillor McKiernan said that she has a busy diary for her Mayoral duties, seeing her currently attending four events every week. She continues to Chair the Development Plan Committee.

She advised the council that an artist will be working with children on a mural at Unity Park on 05 and 09 August. She asked the council if it would grant funds for a summer event to be arranged at Unity Park for children and their families, possibly either on one the dates when the artist will be on site or as a separate event.

Resolved         That the council grant £250 for the event, subject to Councillor McKiernan confirming the use of the funds prior to payment being made.

Councillor Shilton reported on behalf of Councillor Walker. Councillor Walker had attended a residential car park on Shobnall Street which is being used for vehicle repairs and there was a lot of debris and litter being left on the site. Following the visit the area had been cleared within 24 hours by ESBC. It is unclear as to who owns the site and Councillor Walker had arranged to meet with Officers to try and establish who the owner is.

45. Financial matters

45.1     Schedule of payments

             Resolved         That the above payments be approved.

45.2     Bank reconciliation as at 30 June 2024

 Resolved         That the above was a true record.

45.3     Earmarked Reserves (EMRs) 

Resolved         That the EMRs be agreed.

46. Receipts/payments to 30 June 2024

Agreed             The report be noted.

47. Biodiversity: Local councils

Resolved         That the council adopt the Biodiversity Policy (Attachment A).

48. Banking arrangements

Information had been received via NALC/SPCA regarding the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) from which it was confirmed that, unless the council wished to do so, there was no requirement to open an account with another banking institution.

49. Planning matters

49.1     Planning applications 

50. Staffordshire County Council:

Shobnall Road, Burton upon Trent – Proposed Parallel Crossing and Road Humps

Resolved         That the council does not agree to the proposed parallel crossing and road humps. Whilst accepting that the proposed crossing links with the National Cycle Network Route 54 Councillors thought that the proposed location would not be used  by many people and it would be better placed further along Shobnall Road where a crossing would be better used, for instance by parents/carers and children accessing the local school and children’s nurseries.

51. Playday at Shobnall Leisure Complex: 21 August 2024

Councillor Pennicott had requested that this item be included on the agenda for consideration. The council had been offered an area at Playday to promote the work of the local council. Councillors were unsure as to what as to what the council might want to do/offer on the day and who would represent the PC at the event. Agreed that Councillor Pennicott be asked:

1. a) What he might want to do at the event
2. b) What information he would want provided and in what form and
3. c) If he would be available to represent the PC at the event

52. Safety of Lithium-ion Batteries and e-bikes and scooters

Resolved         That the council supports the campaign to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

53. Councillors questions/reports

No questions or reports were received.

54. Correspondence and Circulars

54.1     Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association (SPCA)

            The SPCA’s Bulletins had been circulated to all Councillors.

The meeting closed at 7.42pm

Date of next meeting

Monday 16 September commencing at 7.00pm at Brook House, 18 Shobnall Road, Burton on Trent DE14 2BA

Attachment A

Shobnall Parish Council

Biodiversity Policy

In accordance with the Duty imposed on parish councils by Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, updated by Section 102 of the Environment Act 2021, Shobnall Parish Council will in exercising all its functions have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.

Biodiversity means the variety of life around us and includes every species of plant and animal, the genetic material that makes them what they are, and the communities that they form. Biodiversity is essential in sustaining the living networks, or ‘ecosystems’ that provide us all with health, wealth, food and the vital services our lives depend on. It is a core component of sustainable development, underpinning economic development and prosperity.

As Shobnall Parish Council neither has, nor manages, land or building s it cannot be an initiator of biodiversity strategies. However, the Parish Council will be expected, if appropriate, to influence what is called ‘biodiversity net gain’ by encouraging others in its area.

To help Shobnall Parish Council meet its Biodiversity Policy:

• The Parish Council will consider the potential impact on biodiversity represented by planning applications.
• The Parish Council undertakes to work in partnership with other organisations to protect, promote and enhance biodiversity within areas of the Parish.
• The Parish Council will, wherever possible, raise public awareness of biodiversity issues. The Parish Council will communicate information and raise awareness of biodiversity through its website.

This Policy was adopted by Shobnall Parish Council on 15 July 2024 and will be reviewed every five years at the Annual Parish Council Meeting.

Action Plan