October 2022 Minutes
Springthorpe Parish Meeting 31st October 2022 7pm
Minutes
Chair: Dr Gillian Procter Tel: 07484041037 email: chair_SPM@outlook.com
Present: Ella Collins, Julian Cowan, Jill Cowan, Marian Graham, Peter Martin, J. Hallam, Vanda Colman, Jean Gelder, Adrian Winter, Clare Anyan, Michael Anyan, Peter Holmes, Rachel Holmes, Martin Casswell, Sue Dewbury, Mike Dewsbury
Also present: Cllr Jeff Summer
1. Apologies:
Brian Cameron, Annabel Cameron, Charles Anyan, Alex Amaira, Sue Winter, Lynda Martin, Tom Graham
2. Minutes of last meeting 1st August 2022:
Chair apologised that the format of the written minutes circulated differed to that of the minutes on the website due to a formatting issue but confirmed the contents were the same. Minutes agreed proposed by Julian Cowan seconded by Peter Martin.
Discussion of complaint by L. Batty that the minutes were incorrect and not wholly accurate, however agreement that while the correspondence was acknowledged the essence of the content of the minutes was accurate. Proposed by J.Hallam, seconded by Peter Martin.
Jeff Summers introduced himself as guest of the chair and Michael Anyan.
3. Matters arising:
Tillbridge Solar Planning application and associated correspondence: Discussion regarding the 4 meetings to date relating to Tillbridge solar,
1. Scoping meeting 21/07 with selected interested parties 2.Initial parish meeting 01/08
3. Meeting with Edward Leigh 12/08
4. Post planning meeting with Tillbridge Solar 26/09
Confirmation that proposed Tillbridge solar plans have been adjusted and now start further away from Springthorpe village than originally planned
Various correspondence discussed essentially Rochester Bridge Trust no commitment either way, Hemswell Parish in favour, Fillingham Parish against, Glentworth Parish against, WLDC largely against. Chair confirmed funding not available from WLDC for brief or soil testing but that cost would be covered by WLDC
Discussion regarding “7000 acres Group” and whether they are able to support our objections. A number of those present had attended their recent meeting. Points raised included they are not just an activist group, they fundraise for Barrister costs, have experience objecting to Cottam proposals which could help us, will they support us with Tillbridge application-Vanda Colman to confirm, should we join as a parish or as individuals-what contribution is required to join-voluntary contribution. What support do we have if we don’t join- the planning process. Conclusion: Parish members to join as individuals if they wish to, to support Parish objections.
Proposal by Peter Martin that Springthorpe wished to support 7000 acres group and suggest parish members all join seconded by J.Hallam
Other points discussed, Hemswell in favour despite our support to them on the recent wind farm application affecting Hemswell, Lawyers costs-Chair to establish potential cost, political climate, the value of individual letters of protest rather than collective correspondence.
Michael Anyan confirmed he has been corresponding with DEFRA, Rochester Bridge trust and House of Lords relating to the application.
Conclusion: template letter to be drafted for individuals to vary and personalise-Chair, Peter Martin & J.Hallam to work on this. Vanda Coleman to visit parish members when template ready to encourage objection correspondence from as many as possible. Peter Martin to prepare posters if required.
Discussion on neighbourhood planning groups for potential future projects, what these are and how they work.
Proposal to set up Neighbourhood planning group for Springthorpe proposed by Sue Dewsbury, seconded by Peter Martin. Cahir agreed to send email to parish members to obtain support for this group.
4. Roads and Footpaths:
Chair discussed using “Fix my street” on village website to report issues such as street lights that have gone out, potholes and road flooding, backed up with photographs. This goes to LDCC. Chair reports recent improvements on Chapel lane using this process.
5. Planning:
No new planning applications received
6. Finances:
John Gleadell memorial party costs circulated, contribution of £223.90 from village hall funds noted. No further associated cost
Precept estimate for 2023 circulated to go to LDCC November 2022:
Playing field grass cutting, Tom Stubbins has requested an increase of £50 on the annual
£300 fee to do this-general agreement to this increase
Defibrillator maintenance to be carried out by WLDC, both AED’s now registered, maintenance cost of £100 per annum per AED agreed.
Proposed purchase of laptop, printer and Office package for Parish council business estimate adjusted to £800 proposed by Michael Anyan, seconded by Julian Cowan.
Final precept £1830
7. Playing field:
Increase of annual grass cutting cost from £300to £350
8. Defibrillators:
Both to be serviced annually by WLDC at a cost of £100 per AED per year
9. Coronation May 2023:
Agreed probable social gathering to celebrate, sub-committee to be arranged nearer the date. Funding discussed, most likely funded by individual attendees. Jeff Summers raised potential use of “Counsellor Initiative fund” which has been used in the past by the village. Would need to apply for this before March 2023.
10. Website:
Nothing to note
11. AOB:
1. Sue Dewsbury raised issues with the local shoot, shooting over properties recently. Michael Anyan agreed to raise this with the shoot, to prevent this happening in future.
2. Vanda Colman raised concerns over dog fouling in Sturgate, Adrian Winter agreed to obtain additional dog fouling notices to be put up in Sturgate.
3. Peter Martin requested to put up a solar farm poster in the village hall, agreed
Next AGM 22nd May 2023