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MINUTES
Please note that these minutes will
not be approved until presented at next years APM.
MINUTES OF THE TROWELL ANNUAL PARISH
MEETING HELD IN THE PARISH HALL ON TUESDAY 22ND APRIL 2008 AT 7.30PM.
Present: Cllr. S Hallam, Chairman.
Cllrs. G. Lockwood, K.E. Rigby (Parish, Borough & County Council),
Mrs. J.E. Bryant, W.J. Bryant, Mrs. M. Birkitt, K. Birkitt, Mrs.
L. Harley, Mrs. P. Cardwell, Mrs. C. McGann, R, McGann and approx.
120 parishioners.
Clerk: Mrs. A.K. Mitchell.
Cllr. Hallam opened the meeting & thanked everyone for attending
especially those taking part in the market place exhibition. He
then went on to announce the fire safety formalities & introduce
himself to those in attendance.
Apologies were received from Mr.
& Mrs. Cornhill, Mr. Belfield & Mr. & Mrs. Attenborrow.
Copies of the minutes of the previous
Annual Parish Meeting held on 24th April 2007, had been distributed
prior to the start of the meeting, & were moved for acceptance
by Cllr. Mrs. Harley, seconded by Cllr. R. McGann. All in favour.
Cllr. Hallam then presented his
report. Cllr. Hallam firstly outlined the proposed format for the
evening. He advised those present that this past year had been a
steep learning curve but the Council has an excellent team who put
in so much time & effort to the Parish Council. Cllr. Hallam
then went on to introduce the Members of the Council & outline
their role within the organization & the village as a whole.
He advised that all Councillors sit on all the Council's various
Committees, he then thanked the Council's staff; the Clerk, Caretaker
& Relief Caretaker for all their effort & hard work. He
also thanked the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators for their assistance
with the delivery of Council publications - Trowell Times etc. He
added that without all these people working for the Council wouldn't
be able to provide the service it does. He also reminded those present
that all the Members of the Parish Council are volunteers &
give their time for free.
Cllr. Hallam then reported on the
projects/activities that the Council has been involved with over
the past 12 months -
Flooding issues, Village Christmas Event, Christmas lights, public
open forums, Councillor Surgeries, Parish Plan, Parish Design Statement,
continued support of the Youth Centre, involvement in the production
of the Trowell Brochure. The Council has also supported various
community ventures including continued support for Trowell FC &
works regarding the implementation of new Fire Risk legislation
at the Parish Hall as a result of various risk assessments. The
refurbishment of the play park was a major project, with funding
being secured from the Big Lottery Fund through the hard work of
the Clerk. The children using the play park have said what a great
facility it is. The Parish Council is now looking at further quotes
for equipment aimed at the under 7's. However, Cllr. Hallam was
very sorry to report that the play park had to be temporarily closed
one month after opening due to vandalism to the equipment. Cllr.
Hallam advised that in the very near future improved CCTV equipment
will be installed at the Parish Hall & this will be linked directly
to the Police Station. This will allow for better identification
of perpetrators & as a result the Parish Council will not hesitate
to prosecute. Cllr. Hallam outlined the Parish Council's plans for
the next 12 months, these included - further enhancement of the
Christmas Lighting scheme, continued involvement in the Parish Design
Statement, continued involvement with Trowell F.C. & their plans
to improve the facilities at Pit Lane, continued support of the
Trowell Youth Centre, to update the Parish Hall CCTV system &
to replace the Parish Council's photocopier/printer.
Cllr. Hallam then thanked the ladies
involved in providing the refreshments for tonight's meeting.
This concluded the Chairman's Report.
Cllr. Hallam then invited questions
from the floor.
Clare Bowman - Salcey Drive.
Mrs. Bowman advised that residents are still having problems with
youngsters & the play park. The problems go away for a couple
of months but then they come back again. She reported that there
are Stapleford as well as local children involved. Mrs. Bowman spent
2 hours cleaning up glass from the play park recently. The Police
were called but did not respond. The Clerk reported that SG1 have
stepped up their patrols in the area.
Brian Cottingham - Cossall Road.
Mr. Cottingham enquired if there was any information available concerning
Uplands Farm. Cllr. Rigby advised that a planning application to
demolish 3 barns & convert other buildings into offices. Cllr
Rigby made the offer to those living in the vicinity of Uplands
Farm to arrange a small meeting as he has the option to call the
application in & speak on the matter at Borough level. Cllr.
Rigby feels that this is the best way forward & agreed to make
such arrangements as necessary after the main meeting.
Barry Ward - Ilkeston Road.
Mr. Ward stated that none of the issues raised at last year's APM
have been resolved. He went onto say that 5 years ago residents
were promised when the bridge was closed the re-surfacing, willow
tree & drainage issues on Ilkeston Road would be dealt with
at the same time.
Cllr. Rigby responded saying that
it is not quite true that nothing has been done, if the actions
taken have been successful however, is a different matter. The drains
have been checked & further investigations are planned. The
willow trees are still a big issue along with the potential for
foul sewerage flooding during heavy rain. STW & BBC are both
working on the problems but there is no 5 minute solution. If the
willow trees prove to be the cause of the problems then they may
have to go but NCC are dead against the removal of trees in general
& they would have to be replaced with something else. As regards
carriageway resurfacing there is simply not enough funding available.
The roads are monitored by NCC each year & repairs are ordered
based on the reports generated from that inspection. Currently Ilkeston
Road is in the Amber & not the Red zone.
Mr. Ward advised that the willow
tree branches are again encroaching onto the footpath. The Clerk
will report this matter to BBC again.
Mrs. Boam - Nottingham Road.
Mrs. Boam asked if it was know who has bought Uplands Farm. She
was advised that it is Sands Project management.
One parishioner pointed out that
Sands are a large Birmingham based firm so they are unlikely to
be planning one small project. Cllr. Rigby advised that the Parish
Council cannot make that assumption. The company has not submitted
an application for anything else at this present time. He added
that the site is within the Green Belt & any proposal will be
judged on that.
Nick Eley - Haynes Avenue.
Mr. Eley is concerned about vehicles overtaking in the middle of
Ilkeston Road & is causing problems still. Cllr. Rigby advised
that he has walked the road with NCC officer & the problem they
have with installing a refuge is that the entrances on Ilkeston
Road are staggered. He acknowledges that towards the Festival Inn
there may be some scope. Mr. Eley added that he has never seen red
paint stop anyone from overtaking.
Colin Lee - Ilkeston Road.
Mr. Lee reported that the trees on Ilkeston Road obscure the street
lights & need pruning. Cllr. Hallam advised that the Parish
council has asked for this to be done & they are on Broxtowe's
list for attention. It has to be noted however, that there are staffing
issues at BBC at present so this may take some time.
John Rice - Nottingham Road.
Mr. Rice asked if something could be done about the scrap car currently
parked outside the Festival Stores.
Cllr. Hallam advised that the area
is private land but he offered to speak to the owners on Mr. Rice's
behalf. Mr. Rice thanked Cllr. Hallam for his offer & added
that people don't want to see Trowell turning into the Broxtowe
estate.
Barry Ward - Ilkeston Road.
Mr. Ward asked when a bench would be installed on the new play park.
The Clerk advised that a quote is in hand & the suppliers visited
the park on Friday to take measurements etc. The Clerk added that
a bench had always been planned but had had to be put on hold until
the new financial year so that it could be budgeted for.
A resident asked about the increasing
problem with litter in the village. The individual was advised to
report incidents to the Neighbourhood Wardens at BBC. Catherine
Trevor a Neighbourhood Warden from BBC then stepped forward to address
these concerns. She advised that she had a stand on the market place
in the hall & was there for the rest of the evening to discuss
any specific issues. Ms. Trevor told the meeting that there are
3 Neighbourhood Wardens to cover the borough of Broxtowe & she
outlined the issues they handle. She advised parishioners as regards
contractor's signs etc that they can be taken down but the have
to be returned to their owner.
Mr. Ross - Cossall Road.
Mr. Ross is concerned about the speed of vehicles on Cossall Road.
Cllr. Hallam advised that Trowell's local Police officer has got
a new speed camera for use in the village & the Parish Council
will ask him to target Cossall Road as soon as possible.
Mr. Higgins - Dawn View.
Mr. Higgins reported incidents of underage drinking in the area
& added that the children involved know when the Police are
coming & cross over into Stapleford via the brook when they
arrive. Mr. Higgins requested an increased Police presence in the
area. Cllr. Hallam added that this problem does go in peaks &
troughs.
Mrs. Slater - Trowell Park Drive.
Mrs. Slater advised that her property borders Boundary Brook &
she has problems with teenagers running up & down the brook,
which also gives them access to her garden. Cllr. Hallam asked Cllr.
Birkitt to follow up on this issue through the good offices of BBAC.
It was agreed that this is a seasonal problem & the Clerk was
asked to report the matter to PC Farrell.
A parishioner commented how nice
the new flower bed on Church Corner looks.
Another parishioner said that the
Christmas lights on the Parish Hall looked gaudy this year. Cllr.
Hallam advised that the Parish Council is hoping to bring back the
village Christmas tree lights this year & added that the lights
on the hall in 2007 had been better than in previous years &
perhaps it is just the colour combination that needs adjusting.
Mr. Walters - Derbyshire Avenue.
Mr. Walters reported that emergency ambulances have been unable
to turn around in the school entrance at the end of Derbyshire Avenue.
He added that a little yellow paint could solve this problem. Cllr.
Hallam advised that the regulations regarding parking enforcement
are currently changing & Parking Wardens are currently being
appointed.
A parishioner commented that there
already is yellow paint at the school entrance & there are just
2 persistent offenders.
A representative of the local Scout
Group advised that they have had equipment stolen from storage behind
the Church Hall. He added that there is underage drinking taking
place in the area & the pre-school's Wendy House is being periodically
demolished.
Mr. Bestwick - Trowell Park Drive.
Mr. Bestwick reported that at 1am the previous weekend planters
at his property was vandalized & he found two 15year olds with
bikes in his back garden. The Police were called & one youngster
was caught & eventually both boys were apprehended. The gentleman
has received an apology from one mother & son. He has also left
a telephone message for PC. Farrell but no response has been received
as yet & he would like to know what action is being taken. The
Clerk was asked to request that PC. Farrell contacts Mr. Bestwick
directly on this matter. Cllr. Hallam advised that PC. Farrell was
on leave at the time of the incident & the Trowell PCSO is also
on sick leave.
The Bookings Clerk for the Church
Hall also reported that she had been contacted by a local resident
who would not leave their details about the problems at the rear
of the Church Hall. She advised that if people see damage being
called they should call the Police themselves but they are frightened
to do this. Cllr. Hallam added that the more people that report
a problem the better the Police response time gets.
Resident - Needwood Avenue.
The gentleman concerned is becoming increasingly frustrated by the
vandalism on the Trowell Park development & that residents never
get any feedback from the Police on whether they catch anyone involved.
He enquired whether it would be possible for the Police to provide
this kind of information. Cllr. Hallam advised that all the Parish
Council receive is a numbered report but he is certain that as a
victim the gentleman should be getting some kind of feedback. The
Clerk was asked to contact PC. Farrell on this point.
Mr. D. Wright - Trowell Park Drive.
He was pleased to advise that he received a lot of feedback after
a recent incident where people gained entry to his kitchen &
were frightened off by his wife.
Mr. Wright has both colour &
lit CCTV which produces very good pictures. Mr. Wright contacted
the Police & they were very enthusiastic about the pictures
provided & took the tape away with them. Mr. Wright was kept
informed about the cases progress & was then told that the case
had been thrown out of court due to insufficient evidence. Mr. Wright
feels that this must be so frustrating for the Police.
Anna Soubry recommended that Mr.
Wright contact the Crown Prosecution Service & ask why the matter
has not been followed up
Stanton Bonna Application -
Cllr. Hallam advised those present
of the current situation as the Parish Council understands it. He
went onto say that the Parish Council did not know that the planning
application had been submitted at all until was seen advertised
in a local paper.
Stanton Bonna made a presentation
to the Parish Council on the 8th April 2008 & no mention of
the application having already been submitted.
Cllr. Hallam outlined the application
which has been submitted. The closing date for objections is 28th
April 2008 & a lot of work has gone into informing residents
of the situation.
Cllr. Hallam went through various
points from the planning application. He then went on to read out
a letter from Stanton Bonna & the Parish Council's response
to that letter.
Mrs. Hughes commented that she
thought that it had been said that this plant had had to be situated
at Toton.
A resident commented that currently
the M1 is being widened, this plant is planned to cover the area
from Roehampton Drive to the sewerage works & there is also
the prospect of development at uplands Farm. He said that there
is the potential for 3 new sources of noise & the village is
being surrounded by development.
Mr. D. Corns - Trowell Grove.
Mr. Corns wanted to put the other pint of view across.
The other point of view is that
this plant will hardly affect Trowell at all because there will
be sweepers & filters to keep dust down & the company will
be checking local trees for dust deposits. There will be no HGV's
through Trowell at all so that issue can be forgotten altogether.
He added that nothing is to be built above fence height & so
the plant will not be visible from the Trowell Park development.
Cllr. Mrs. McGann pointed out that
gantry cranes are included in the plans & these will be above
fence height & will, therefore be visible.
Mr. Corns went onto say that this
is a ten year project with two more plants involved but 90% of sleepers
planned are to be produced at this site. He added that this is a
brownfield site & as a result it should be expected that there
will be future development here, it has after all been an iron works
for the last 150 years.
A resident commented that the company
may be going to check trees but are they going to check asthmatic
children.
Cllr. Hallam acknowledged that
some dust controls are going to be in place & that the plant
will create 70 new jobs. He also acknowledged that the proposed
plant is on a brownfield site & that the majority of sleepers
will be coming in & going out by rail. However, raw materials
will be brought in by road & recycled aggregate will also be
leaving by lorry. There are 3 suggested routes; the main one being
through Sandiacre however there will be increased traffic along
Moorbridge Lane.
One resident commented that he
used to have a dish in his garden which used to collect dust from
the Stanton site; he does not want that kind of problem starting
again.
Cllr. Rigby acknowledged what Mr.
Corns said & although he does not support his point his point
of view he does acknowledge that he has raised some valid points.
It has to be noted that previously there were 4 blast furnaces on
the site & this resulted in holding house prices down in Trowell.
He added that in planning terms the site is a heaven sent opportunity
& on that basis developers can get a foot through the door.
He went on to say that at its height Stanton & Staveley was
the biggest employer in the UK & as a consequence there always
has been & always will be the potential for development at this
location. He advised that what parishioners need to do is make sure
that strict environmental controls are in place before any development
takes place. He added that he had met some EBC planning Members
purely by chance & has raised the issue with them. Pollution
has always been a problem including chemical & dust pollution
from the existing tip. He commented about which is easier to control,
one large plant or 12 small industries on the same site. He acknowledges
that EBC's past performance on controlling pollution has been poor
leaving residents to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.
Some success has been achieved but residents should not have to
be put in the same position again & it needs to be ensured that
environmental conditions are met & certification standards achieved
before the application is approved not after it has commenced operations.
The issue of a petition was raised
by one parishioner. The Clerk explained the situation regarding
petitions & then read out a suggested letter of objection to
the meeting. Copies of this letter would be available form the Clerk
after the meeting.
Cllr. Rigby said that the idea
of a letter is brilliant but residents should not be discouraged
either from sending individual letters of objection. Cllr. Rigby
commented that the greatest benefit to be gained is to get the appropriate
controls in place & as a result he is seeing the Environmental
Health Officers at BBC on an almost daily basis & he will be
requesting that the strongest environmental controls be in place
before the site is permitted to produce one sleeper.
One resident commented that the
legislation in question is the same legislation which governs emissions
from Castle Environmental. The situation regarding CE has improved
but it is still there. He added that cement dust contains alkaline
chromium & although the plans say they are going to reduce the
dust as much as possible it does not say that they are going to
stop it.
It was said that residents have
got to object & push it all the way & the company must monitor
noise & dust to the ultimate. It was noted that if the rail
link is not approved, the chances are that the sleepers will have
to be made abroad.
Cllr. Hallam commented that the
biggest concern to the Parish Council is the recycling element of
the proposals.
Mr. Corns said he agreed entirely
as regards safeguards but Stanton Bonna is lucky to be offered the
contract.
Another parishioner commented that
he has worked on the type of project outlined in the application
& said that the noise & dust created by the crushing operations
is horrendous.
Another parishioner advised that
he has worked alongside a concrete plant for 18 months & the
dust created by vehicles spreading water makes the problem almost
as bad as without the water being used at all.
Cllr. Bryant commented that each
sleeper weighs 5 hundred weight & so he cannot see how the company
proposes to crush them quietly. He added that all the 83db means
is that you don't have to wear ear defenders; it does not mean that
the process is not loud.
Cllr. Mrs. Harley commented that
the crusher would be in operation 3 weeks out of four during the
year.
Cllr. McGann advised that in one
of the environmental reports submitted to EBC it states that if
the site was ever to be built on there is an area of the tip (650sqm)
of asbestos that would have to be removed beforehand.
One parishioner enquired why representatives
of the Company were not present. They were advised that company
representatives were invited but did not attend.
It was queried as to where EBC
stand on this application - will they believe Stanton Bonna?
Cllr. Rigby commented that this
is a good question. EBC are the planning authority involved &
officers will make the initial appraisal & their recommendations
are not yet complete, they are still working on them. The report
will then be submitted to Committee where it will be the Members'
decision.
BBC as an adjacent authority can
put in a complaint in addition to those submitted by individual
residents.
Cllr. Bryant commented that the
previous application submitted by Stanton Bonna was accepted by
officers but was subsequently turned down by Members.
It was queried that as it is a
brown field site why the plant can't be locate4d at the bottom of
Quarry Hill. It was noted that Spring; the developers in question
are looking to build housing on that part of the site. Cllr. Hallam
also pointed out that the railway sidings are already in place at
this end of the site.
Ms. Soubry commented that ultimately
it is the Councillors who decide & she offered to undertake
to put pressure on the Erewash Conservatives to oppose these plans
& she was sure that Cllr. Rigby would do the same in respect
of the Lib-Dem Members there. She added that both Members of Parliament
for Erewash & Broxtowe have already made statements about this
application.
A parishioner queried that if in
any event EBC approves the application who do people sue, Stanton
Bonna, EBC or the Environment Agency.
Cllr. Hallam reminded all those
present that objections need to be submitted to EBC by the 28th.
There were no further issues raised.
Cllr. Hallam closed the meeting
by thanking everyone for their time & attendance & parishioners
were then invited to visit the stands in the hall & partake
of light refreshments in the lounge.
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