21st July 2022 Minutes

VOWCHURCH & DISTRICT GROUP PARISH COUNCIL
Michaelchurch Escley, Newton, St Margarets, Turnastone, Vowchurch.
Minutes of the Vowchurch & District Group Parish Council meeting held on
Thursday 21st July 2022 at 7.30pm in Vowchurch & Turnastone Memorial Hall.

PRESENT – Councillors E May (Chair), E Williams, I Chadwick, A Picton, G Franklin, R Lloyd, G Deas and M Engel.
IN ATTENDANCE – Ward Councillor Peter Jinman and Mrs L Cowles (Clerk)

1. ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Councillor T Williams and the police.
   Councillor J Kernahan had tendered his resignation to the Clerk via email prior to the meeting as he was due to be moving away from the area in the near future – The Chair accepted Councillor Kernahan’s resignation.
2. RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST & CONSIDER ANY WRITTEN APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATION – Councillor G Deas declared a non-disclosable interest in agenda item 9 and Councillor M Engel declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item 7.4; the declarations book was signed accordingly. There were no written requests for dispensation.
3. ADOPT MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL – 16th June 2022 – The minutes were signed as a true and accurate record.
4. OPEN DISCUSSION – No members of the public attended the meeting and therefore no specific points were raised.
5. REPORTS
   5.1 Ward Councillor – Ward Councillor Peter Jinman’s reported included: –
   PROW Defects – This has been chased with the Cabinet Member and the Clerk confirmed she has recently received an update. Ward Councillor Jinman requested a copy be sent to him.
   Waste collection – A recent cabinet meeting had discussed changes to waste collection services. There is due to be a big change in how waste is divided and working towards this being sorted by each household rather than being taken away to divide.
   Phosphates – There is currently a lot of housing stock being built which has an effect on phosphates and this continues to be a problem in the Golden Valley. It can take 30 years to get rid of legacy phosphate and there needs to be a solution in all areas.
   Broadband – Constantly be discussed. Encourage everyone to register for the connectivity grant. Councillor Engel was concerned that many people are unaware of the grant and are failing when properties are assessed. It was agreed to include in the Newsletter and to request Toby Murcott to draft an article in forthcoming newsletters.
   Pontrilas station – The Government has rejected the request for funding although it if hoped the project can still move forward.
   Motorcycle event – Councillor Engel raised concerned regarding a motorcycle event planned in Lower Maescoed on 7th August which could attract a number of vehicles. Ward Councillor Jinman confirmed that he has spoken to the local authorities but organisers are allowed to hold up to 14 events without any planning permission in one year. Councillor Jinman advised to record any offences that effect you locally to forward to the environment enforcement officer if appropriate.
   5.2 Local Police – The local police were unable to attend the meeting.
   5.3 Lengthsman report and any new road defects – The Lengthsman was unable to attend the meeting. His monthly report had been forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting.

5.4 Footpath Officers report – Both Footpath Officers have now received a supply of Wayleave markers and continue to walk the footpaths. These must be done at least once a year. There are still problems with reported defects not showing on the Herefordshire Council defects map. A reminder to landowners that stile kits can be obtained for free from Herefordshire Council but it is their responsibility to have them installed. In Vowchurch, Councillor Deas has walked 43 of 67 public rights of way. There are some problems with brambles encroaching on paths and splays need to be strimmed where they meet the main road. There are concerns that Herefordshire Council are looking for volunteers to take on many of the PROW tasks which could prove challenging.
The Clerk confirmed she has received an update regarding defect reporting issues with some ideas on how Herefordshire Council will be managed their plans now PROW management has been re-insourced. This was forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting

6. CLERKS UPDATE – The Clerk advised she has received some correspondence regarding the lifting of grating in Turnastone, road closures and requested an update regarding the drain opposite The Villa in Turnastone. The Clerk advised she had spoken to the Lengthsman regarding the gullies and reported the drain opposite The Villa to the Locality Steward. Any road closures can be viewed on the Herefordshire Council website. A phone called has also been received from a member of the public in Newton St Margaret concerning the verge cutting and Lengthsman work, unfortunately the caller left no name or contact details.
   As the Parish Council do not meet in August, a reminder to Councillors to respond to any planning applications via email as soon as possible.
   The Clerk will be on annual leave from Friday 5th August – Tuesday 23rd August.
7. CONSIDER PLANNING
   7.1 PLANNING CONSULTATION/LISTED BUILDING CONSENT
   Site: The Barn, Old Kates Farm, Michaelchurch Escley, Herefordshire. HR2 0PU
   Description: Proposed single storey extension and alterations.
   Application No: 222023/222024 Grid Ref: 329095:237316
   NO OBJECTIONS
   7.2 PLANNING CONSULTATION
   Site: Turnastone Court, Vowchurch, Herefordshire. HR2 0RA
   Description: Removal of a condition 10 following of planning permission102245/F (Conversion of traditional farm buildings to educational facilities with retails space & administrative office, short-term letting accommodation, replacement farm dwelling, part change of use to B1, farm storage and new access drive) Remove so The Granary (Building A) has unencumbered C3 use.
   Application No: 222172 Grid Ref: 335846:236462
   COMMENT – The Parish Council are pleased that redundant farm buildings are being restored but are concerned that these barns are being divided which could affect their historic value and the relationship between The Granary and the adjacent grade ii listed barns.
   The adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan supports the re-use of existing rural buildings. A high proportion of local residents supported converting such buildings for local families to live in. The Parish Council would therefore like any application restricted for use of local people and not as an occasional holiday home.
   7.3 PLANNING RE-CONSULTATION
   Site: Park Haven, Rock Road, Newton St Margarets, Herefordshire. HR2 0QW
   Description: First floor extension on the west facing elevation to accommodate 1 bedroom and raised decking area.
   Application No: 220254 Grid Ref: 335528:233820
   NO OBJECTIONS
   Councillor M Engel left the meeting

7.4 PLANNING CONSULTATION
Site: Fair Oak, Bacton Herefordshire. HR2 0AT
Description: Repair storm damage to gable end wall of 17th century listed barn, including partially rebuilding damaged stone wall and repairing roof timbers and corrugated iron roof. Also repair damage done to roof of adjoining 20th century lean-to shed by falling stone.
Application No: 222094 Grid Ref: 335468:232105
NO OBJECTIONS
Councillor M Engel re-joined the meeting

8. FINANCE
   8.1 Confirmation of updated bank balance – £10,745.39 Statement Sheet No. 171 issued 17th July 2022.
   Receipts – None
   To include £5.00 bank charges 17th May 2022 to 16th June 2022.
   8.2 Payment to Mrs Linda Cowles for July and August 2022 Clerk’s hours, printer ink of £43.26 plus VAT and allowance for home office use 2022-23. – Payments agreed. It was agreed to increase the Clerks allowance for home office use to £6.00 per week (£312.00 per year).
   8.3 Payment to Mr T Griffiths invoice no. TGC1872, roads account April 2022 (1) of £300.00 plus VAT – Payment agreed.
   8.4 Payment to HMRC of £82.80 For PAYE April 2022 – June 2022 – Payment agreed.
   8.5 Payment to SLCC for 2022 membership of £112.00 – Payment agreed.
   8.6 Payment to Microshade VSM, invoice No. 16282 for Internal Audit 2021/22 of £99.00 plus VAT – Payment agreed.
   8.7 Finance Working Group – The finance working group were unable to meet – defer to September meeting.
9. VOWCHURCH COMMON RECYCLING & GENERAL RUBBISH COLLECTION – The Clerk has currently had no pricing update from Balfour Beatty concerning the Community Commissioning Project to provide a turning head at Vowchurch Common. The Waste & Recycling Officer has advised that a member of the Highways team would be prepared to meet with Councillors locally to discuss potential sites. It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange a convenient time for Councillors Deas and Picton to meet with him.
10. NEW ROAD VISIBLE FROM VOWCHURCH COMMON – Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the construction of a hardcore road across a field below Vowchurch Common. The Clerk has advised the Enforcement Officer who has visited the site. The Enforcement Officer perceives no harm from the track works and therefore does not consider it expedient in this case to pursue a formal application and the enforcement case has been closed. There is no evidence due to the track extension to suggest of any change of use of the land or any construction of any dwelling.
11. HEREFORDSHIRE LOCAL PLAN 2021 – 2041 PLACE SHAPING CONSULTATION – It was agreed to response as per Councillor Chadwick’s draft.
12. STANDING ORDERS – It was agreed to adopt the updated model standing orders 2018 to reflect revised procurement levels.
13. GLENDORE AND THE COUNTRYSIDE RESTORATION TRUST – The Clerk has advised the Listed Buildings Officer that the enamel signs and top of the petrol pumps, which are listed, have been removed from Glendore. He has advised that investigations are still on-going. Colleagues within the council have been in touch with the current owner’s agent and they believe the signs are in storage whilst the house is vacant and on the open market. When there is more to report he will be in touch again
14. PCC TOWN & PARISH COUNCILS 2022 SURVEY – It was agreed that Councillor E May would respond to the 2022 police survey on behalf of the Parish Council.
15. ABUSE OF COUNCILLORS SIGNATURE OR EMAILS IN HEREFORDSHIRE – HALC advised that there have been a number of spams where Councillors signatures and email address’s have been abused. Although Councillor signatures are not shown on the Vowchurch Parish Council website they should be redacted.
    Councillor Picton left the meeting
16. PARISH COUNCILLOR EMAIL ADDRESSES – After attending a recent training session Councillor Deas raised concerns that gov.uk email addresses should be used by all Parish Councillors when conducting council business as there could be instances where police request access to your data. The Clerk advised the various costs for obtaining gov.uk email addresses. It was agreed that there is limited use of email addresses when contacting members of the public and police could also access your personal data anyway. The majority of Councillors are against having separate council email addresses and it was agreed to continue with personal email addresses at this time.
17. NEWSLETTER – Broadband, PROW and welcome Ukrainian families.
18. NOTE THE CORRESPONDENCE SHEET AND CONSIDER PRINTING OF FUTURE CORRESPONDENCE – The correspondence sheet was noted. It was agreed that any correspondence sent via email to Councillors did not need to be printed and included in the meeting.
19. RAISE MATTERS FOR THE NEXT ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL – Thursday 15th September 2022 at 7.30pm at Vowchurch & Turnastone Memorial Hall – Turnastone Court and Vowchurch refuse collection.

The Chair declared the meeting closed at 9.30pm

Signed………………………………………………………………..
Dated…………………………………………………………………