2025 March

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

  Held on Thursday, 27 March 2025 at Swynnerton Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr P Cheadle, Cllr P Marsh, Cllr D Bishop, Cllr J Deaville, Cllr N Leeson,

Cllr N Adams, Cllr T Love

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council:  None

In attendance:  L Davies (Parish Clerk)

Public Question Time

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. To consider matters raised by members of the public
   • A Tittensor resident explained that there had been a recent spate of vandalism in the village. Clerk to contact the local policing team.
   • Two residents raised the problem of parking on grass verges. Clerk to investigate cost of small temporary signs.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors

     Cllr James provided a summary of the Borough Council’s preferred options for the local government reorganisation.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

No apologies of absence were received. Cllr E Mateu has decided to step down as a councillor for Swynnerton. The meeting agreed to send a message of thanks for the hard work undertaken by E Mateu whilst a Councillor.

2. Declarations of interest, to consider written requests from Councillors to grant dispensation (under S33, Localism Act, 2011).

Cllr D Bishop and Cllr R James stated that they were trustees of Swynnerton Village Hall.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on Thursday 23 January 2025

     The minutes of the last Parish Council meeting were considered, APPROVED and signed by the Chairman.

4. Discuss matters arising from the Minutes not covered in the Agenda

It was noted that the gully on Beechdale Lane had not been cleared. And remained blocked.

5. Review of the planning committee observations

       The planning applications received and decided since the last meeting were reviewed by the meeting.

6. Receive the Clerk’s report – correspondence received and progress report on matters not on the agenda
   • The Clerk’s report was considered, and matters noted.
   • Streetscene have not responded the PC’s request to add an additional bin (Hanchurch) to the collection schedule. Cllr James to speak with Streetscene.
   • Additional warning signs for horses were discussed further. Feedback received was that funding is unlikely to be available from the County Council for additional signage. It was agreed to approach the landowner of the stables to understand whether he would contribute towards additional signage, if the Parish Council made a request to highways.

7. Potential additional green space in Tittensor
   • To discuss outline proposal for additional green space
     • The meeting considered the discussion paper presented on creating an additional community green space in Tittensor. A change of use planning application would be required for approx. 0.43 acres of land at the junction of Beechcliff Lane and Winghouse Lane.
     • The land is owned by the County Council and rented to a local farmer. The County Council will not consider a request for a change of use until planning permission is obtained. It was noted that the tenant famer objected to the change of use.
     • The Parish Council has access to s106 monies of £22,487 from a residential development at Groundslow which can be used for capital recreation projects in the immediate local area. These funds plus earmarked reserves would be used to fund this potential project.
   • To consider submission of planning application for potential development

Having considered the outline proposal, it was proposed, seconded and AGREED that the Parish Council should submit a planning application for the additional green space.

8. To discuss proposal for additional play equipment in Swynnerton play area and agree purchase and installation of goal posts.
   • It was agreed to purchase 2 anti vandal goal posts, each costing £690 excl VAT (plus carriage). A quote of £260 for installation of the goal posts was also agreed. It was further agreed that a “beware water” sign should also be installed.
   • Cllr Bishop raised that the grass at play area is cut infrequently by the Borough Council. It was agreed to seek quotes for cutting this area so that the Parish Council could consider whether to fund additional cuts.
   • The meeting discussed what type of additional play equipment would be suitable for the play area in Swynnerton. It was agreed in principle that the Parish Council would provide funds for additional equipment – Swynnerton Councillors to draft a proposal for developing the area.

9. To consider quote for repair of bench near Swynnerton play area

The bench at the entrance to the Swynnerton play area requires refurbishment. A quote for the work was received as £235.00. It was agreed to move forward with the repairs as quoted.

• To consider grant request from Tittensor village hall committee for replacement door, window and blinds
  • The village hall committee have requested funds towards an external door, 3 high level windows and integral blinds for the high-level windows. The quotes for these items were considered. The quote from the preferred contractor totalling £5,671 inclusive of VAT.
  • The meeting considered the request. It was agreed to request the latest financial accounts from the committee and defer the decision on the grant application until the April meeting.

• To discuss HGV signage at the top of Chase Lane

At the January meeting it was agreed to approach highways with regards to the Parish Council installing a larger HGV sign at the top of Chase Lane. It was subsequently noted that the sign was not within the Parish boundary – being within Stone Rural Parish Council – and so the matter has been bought back to the Parish Council. It was agreed that Cllr Marsh should approach Stone Rural Parish Council to enquire whether they would consider contributing to a replacement sign.

• To receive an update from and discuss matters raised by the Parish Council Traffic Safety Working Group
  • Cllr Marsh provided feedback from Alison Gardner MP’s visit to Tittensor on the 15^th May to meet with residents regarding concerns over pedestrian safety when crossing the A34. Other traffic safety matters were also raised.
  • The speed limit on Chase Lane is currently 60mph. The TSWG consider that this is not a suitable speed limit for the road. It was agreed to write to Cllr Pert to understand how a review of the speed limit could be instigated.
  • Parking close to the junction of Winghouse Lane. The TSWG have raised that parking close to the junction of Winghouse Lane and the A34 can cause congestion at the junction at peak times. It was noted that parking in this area services residents who do not off-street parking. It was agreed to write to Cllr Pert to understand whether the matter could be considered as part of a larger review of the junction.
  • The TSWG have enquired how further measures to reduce speeding on Winghouse Lane can be considered. It was noted that the Parish Council had instructed the highways department to undertake an assessment for installing an additional SID on Winghouse Lane. It was agreed to write to Cllr Pert to understand what further measures could be investigated.

• To discuss the implementation of working groups within the Parish Council
  • Cllr Marsh proposed creating additional working groups to take on specific roles within the Parish – similar to the traffic safety working group.
  • It was noted that for certain projects sub-committees or working groups may be suitable and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• To discuss the evaluation process for Parish Council projects

Cllr Marsh raised the Parish Council should consider adopting a defined evaluation process for parish council project over a certain cost. The matter was discussed, and suggestions noted.

• Financial matters
  • The payments for February and March 2025 were presented for approval, duly approved, and signed.
  • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 28 February 2025 were considered and signed.
  • The draft earmarked reserves schedule was considered and discussed together with the expected reserves position at the year end and budget for next year. It was agreed that earmarked reserves for the year should be increased to £46,916, consisting of:
• Retaining £20,000 of earmarked reserves for the potential green space project in Tittensor
• Increasing earmarked reserves by £1,916 for the purchase and installation of goal posts at Swynnerton play area.
• Increasing earmarked reserves by £20,000 for installation of additional play equipment in Swynnerton.
• Increasing earmarked reserves by £5,000 to cover costs should a contested election be called.

• The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 24 April 2025, 7.15pm at Tittensor Village Hall.      

There being no further business, the Chairman closed this Meeting.