Minutes

Present:

Councillors Ms Sandra Woodhouse (Chairman), David Nott, Andrew Croot, Ms Sally Watkins, Emily Seldon, Douglas Godwin.

In attendance:

Mr S Clee Clerk, Mr and Mrs Clive Skidmore, Mr and Mrs Fergusson, Mr Jim Baker, Mr Bob Thornton, Mr Mike Kelly, and PC 1513 Marc Ginder.

Apologies:

Councillor’s Richard Williams, Sue Morris, Ms Isobel Hedges Ward, Nick Stones and Worcestershire County Councillor Dan Morehead.

2323 Confirmation of the minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting held on 25 September 2023, as previously circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2324 Declaration of Interest for a) The Meeting and b) Any changes to be notified to the Registers of Interests and Gifts and Hospitality.

There were declarations made by Emily Seldon, Andrew Croot and Sally Watkins relating to community groups applying for a grant under agenda item 9c.

2325 Public participation:

Mr Bob Thornton raised the ongoing issue relating to the overgrown hedge running parallel to the A456 on Callow Hill. The Parish Council confirmed it is not their responsibility for constantly having two cut a private residents hedging. Worcestershire highways have powers two cuts the hedge and charge the owners responsible. PC 1513 Marc Ginder said he would look at the obstructions himself and have a word with the owners.

Mr Jim Baker updated the PC on the progress the working group had made at its recent meeting at the Grant Application submitted to the Police Commissioner for funding towards a “parish road traffic survey”.

2326 Planning applications:

023 23/0720/HOU Replacement of existing conservatory with single storey extension to rear of dwelling at The Orchard, Bliss Gate Road, Rock.

It was RESOLVED to approve this application.

024 23/0576/HOU Resubmission of approval 12/0082/FULL to include amendments to design, and two storey rear and single storey side extension to dwelling at Notchcut, Cross Bank, Rock, DY12 2XF.

It was RESOLVED to approve this application.

025 23/0729/S73 Removal of conditions 8 and 9 attached to planning ref: WF/0032/00 to remove agricultural tie to bungalow and reinstate permitted development rights at Old House Farm, Heightington Road, Heightington.

It was RESOLVED to recommend REFUSAL for this application as there is a complete lack of detailed information to enable the Council to give an informed opinion.

026 23/0719/FUL Construction of a replacement dwelling at Stables at Lucy Farm, Callow Hill, Rock.

It was RESOLVED to DEFER this application as there is a complete lack of detailed information to enable the Council to give an informed opinion.

027 23/0715/LBC Listed building consent to allow for the installation of full fibre broadband at The Wadhouse, Dunley Road, Heightington.

It was RESOLVED to approve this application.

028 23/0739/OUT Outline application for the construction of 2 No. self/custom-build bungalows (all matters reserved except access) at Rozelle, Tenbury Road, Rock.

It was RESOLVED to recommend REFUSAL for this application as there is no local need for these dwellings. Rozelle is outside the settlement boundary; the land was never offered for development during the recent call for sites process and
just over development off a very busy section of the A456.

029 23/0737/FUL Construction of a single storey infill extension at Forest Stores and Post Office, Cleobury Road, Far Forest.

It was RESOLVED to approve this application.

2327 Correspondence:

All correspondence had been circulated to members via email prior to the meeting. Councillor Emily Sheldon will be writing tonight’s report for the Rock and District News in the absence of Councillor Sue Morris and Richard Williams in November 2023.

2328 District and county councillor reports:

In the absence of our district and county councillors there were no reports issued.

2329 Finances:

1. Council approved invoices amounting to £7,081.76 for payment tonight.
2. Council noted the Income & Expenditure Sheets to date.
3. Council considered the 2023-2024 community grants from the following organisations: The Parish Council received 10 applications for Community Grants were received this year. In accordance with usual practice, the fund was divided between these ten, each receiving a grant of £500.00 the organizations being, Little Acorns, Far Forest School PTA, Far Forest Scouts, Rock and Far Forest Nursing Charity, Heightington Village Hall, Clows Top Village Hall, Far Forest Society, Wyre Forest Nightstop, Far Forest Village Hall & Far Forest Baptist Church.

   Council further approved Churchyard grants to Holy Trinity Church £250.00 and Heightington and Rock Churches £500.00 between both churches.

2330 Date of the next meeting:

There being no other business the meeting ended at 7.47pm. The next meeting will be held on Monday 27 November 2023.