CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH PARISH COUNCIL

  Minutes of the Parish Council meeting

held at 7pm on 6^th May 2025

 at Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Present: Cllrs J Adshead, J Bancroft, M Chantler, T Dales (Chair), Mrs M Drabble, M Drabble, A Foreshew-Cain, Cllr T Gilfillan, J Perkins, C Williams, S Young (from minute 26/048)

In Attendance: Ms. G Turner (Clerk). Mrs E Howe (Assistant Clerk)

26/035 To elect a Chair of the Council for the year 2025/26 – The first item of business transacted was the election of a Chair.  Councillor Chantler proposed and Councillor Williams seconded that Councillor Dales be elected as Chair.  A named vote was requested and Councillors J Bancroft, M Chantler, Mrs M Drabble, M Drabble, A Foreshew-Cain, T Gillfilan and J Perkins voted in favour and Councillor Adshead against.  There being no further nominations it was agreed that Councillor Dales be elected as Chair of the Parish Council for the period to the next Annual Meeting of the Council. Councillor Dales signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Chair and took the Chair.

26/036 To elect a Vice-Chair of the Council for the year 2025/26 - Councillor Bancroft proposed and Councillor Perkins seconded that Councillor Foreshew-Cain be elected as Vice-Chair. A named vote was requested and Councillors J Bancroft, M Chantler, T Dales, Mrs M Drabble, M Drabble, T Gilfillan and J Perkins voted in favour and Councillor Adshead abstained.  There being no further nominations it was therefore agreed that Councillor Foreshew-Cain be elected Vice Chair of the Parish Council for the period to the next Annual Meeting of the Council. Councillor Foreshew-Cain signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Vice Chair.

26/037 Apologies were received from Cllr T Gouldburn.

26/038  To make any Declarations of Interests - None

26/039  To consider any applications for Dispensations - None

26/040  It was resolved under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1 to exclude members of the press and public to agenda item 22 on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

26/041  To agree any variations of order of business - The Chair proposed, and Councillor Chantler seconded that agenda item 22 should be moved to before agenda item 12.  All agreed.

26/042 Police matters – PCSO Karen Green attended the meeting to report on the number of incidents in the parish over the last month. The incidents recorded were:

3 action frauds relating to compromised accounts

17 assaults

2 stop and searches

2 public order offences

7 domestic incidents

3 criminal damage incidents relating to cutting down a bush and car windows being smashed

5 stalking

8 safeguarding incidents involving a child and 1 involving an adult

2 malicious communications

5 harassment

3 theft – relating to fuel, a recycling bin and a motorhome

1 burglary – motorbike top box stolen; and

1 antisocial behaviour

PCSO Green stressed that some of the incidents could relate to just one event which leads to numerous incidents being recorded.

26/043  Public Speaking - There was one member of the public present at the meeting who wished to speak about the application for certificate of lawfulness (HPK/2025/0047).

The resident explained that he was attending to represent the local residents to the development.  A village meeting had been held with 45 local residents in attendance and they had asked him to attend the Council meeting to convey their concerns with the application.

Objections to the application included that it goes against the Neighbourhood Plan in particular H1 and H2; the original application was more than 30 years ago and the needs and requirements of the area have changed with significant expansion in the area; it is adjacent to Coombs reservoir which is a SSSI site. 

County Councillor Gourlay stated that following his re-election he had made his declaration of acceptance of office.  Reform have taken over control of the County Council and are looking, as a priority, at roads, public health and care homes. It was noted that the roads in Derbyshire are the worst in the UK. 

Although Sally DePee was unable to attend the meeting due to other meeting commitments, she sent an update.  Sally thanked Councillor Dales for working with her at various surgeries and at the cost of living event and congratulated Councillor Dales and his wife Kathy on the work they had done putting out better communications in the form of the newsletter, which had been well received by residents.

The toilets are due to commence on 12^th May for the duration of 9 weeks. The toilets will therefore be out of action until around 25^th July.  The work will involve the Market Place being be fenced off to allow work on the external roof deck of the toilets and assessment of the potential issues with the tree.  If all goes to plan the external works will be completed by 6^th June and the fencing removed.  This is however dependent on what works are potentially needed regarding the tree.

Councillors raised concerns about certain events which are scheduled to take place on the Market Place over the next couple of months, such as a fair to celebrate the 800^th anniversary of St Thomas Becket’s Church, the Thursday Market traders and Carnival, as well as potential access problems caused by maintenance vehicles parking on the road and whether any road closures had been applied for.

Alliance Norse have put out to tender the work required on the traffic lighted house on Market Street and BC DePee is chasing for a deadline as a matter of urgency.

26/044 To approve minutes of the previous meeting Councillor Chantler proposed and Councillor Perkins seconded that the Chair be authorised to sign as being a true and correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 1^st April. All Agreed.

26/045 Chair’s Annual Report – The Chair delivered his Annual Report to members which is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Chantler congratulated the Chair on his achievements during a difficult year.

PRESS AND PUBLIC WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING

26/046 To note any court case matters – Councillor Chantler updated Councillors regarding the court hearing on 8^th April. It was noted that the Council is still awaiting a written judgement from the High Court.

Following discussion, it was agreed that Councillor Gilfillan will draft an initial report regarding a broader approach to the MUGA and then an Extraordinary Meeting will be held.

PRESS AND PUBLIC WERE READMITTED TO THE MEETING

26/047 To receive the Council’s policies and procedures – The following procedures and policies were circulated to members for review.  It was resolved to adopt the following polices and procedures for the next 12 months.

To receive Actions on updates from previous Minutes

25/402 Missing bench on the Market Place damaged by a vehicle – The Council is still waiting for a response from DCC regarding its application for an object licence to allow the bench to be replaced. County Councillor Gourlay offered to chase DCC as it is now over 6 weeks since the request was made.

25/403 Standardisation of the flower beds in Derbyshire stone including plaque acknowledging the bequest – It was noted that the concrete base for the facing stone has been laid, and the Parks Staff are ready to complete the project once the stone is delivered.

25/404 Skip to help clear the land on Dove Holes Allotment – it was noted that this took place during the month and the skip has now been removed.

26/018 Motion from Cllr Adshead – That this council suspends all further subcommittee meetings until all members have attended suitable courses.  That all council matters will be discussed at a Full Council meeting.  Once training has been completed, careful consideration is to be given to the make-up of said committees moving forward.  Councillor Adshead explained that he has issues of how the council conducts itself. He suggested that any Councillors who have not already been on DALCs Councillor Essentials training should do so at the earliest opportunity.  He went on to say that some of the decisions made in committee meetings are bigger than 4 people and therefore all decisions should be made by full council.  He therefore feels that all committees should be suspended until such time as Councillors on committees undertake the necessary training to sit on their committee.  This motion was seconded by Councillor Gilfillan.

The Chair made a counter proposal – that the Parish Council will conduct a skills audit of all Councillors, with a 2-week timeframe for completion.  Councillors will look at the training offered by DALC to determine appropriate courses to undertake, with a deadline of November 2025 for completion.  That Committees should continue but will be subject to full Council scrutiny until the necessary training has been completed. This motion was seconded by Councillor Foreshew-Cain.

A named vote on Councillor Dales’ counter motion was taken.  In favour Councillors Bancroft, Chantler, Dales, Mrs Drabble, Drabble, Foreshew-Cain and Wiliams. Against Councillors Adshead, Gilfillan and Perkins.

A named vote on Councillor Adshead’s motion was taken.  In favour Councillors Adshead and Gilfilan.  Against Councillors Bancroft, Chantler, Dales, Mrs Drabble, Drabble, Foreshew-Cain, Perkins and Wiliams.

Councillor Young arrived at the meeting.

26/048    Planning applications - The following applications were considered:

HPK/2025/0047 - Combs Sailing Club, Combs Reservoir, Combs Road - Certificate of lawfulness for existing use 14 no. Holiday units.  Commencement of development is evidenced by the construction of the access road on site to base course level. It was resolved to object to this application and request that it be referred to HPBC Development Control for their consideration, as well as undertaking a site visit.

HPK/2025/0143 - 24 Horseshoe Avenue, Dove Holes - Single storey side and rear extensions and alterations to converted garage to form bedroom. It was resolved that the Council has no objection to the application.

HPK/2025/0050 - Harpur Cottage, Unnamed Road rear of PVC factory to Harpur Cottage, Whitehough - Retrospective planning application for a single storey two bed habitable timber framed annexe.  It was resolved to object to this application and request that it be referred to HPBC Development Control for their consideration, as well as undertaking a site visit..

HPK/2025/0127 - Ridge Smithy, Chapel-en-le-Frith - New garage outbuilding with roof mounted pv solar panels, to accommodate domestic services plant for renewable energy, ground source heat pump, and water treatment systems.  It was resolved that whilst the Council has no objection to this application a clause should be included that the new building needs to remain part of the curtilage of the existing premises.

HPK/2025/0138 - 36 Mayfield Drive, Dove Holes - Proposed garage. It was resolved that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0146 - Lilac Cottage, Crossings Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Replacement windows & doors, drive to be made wider to allow for 2no parking spaces.  Stone building to replace existing shed & carport.  Internal remodelling – new staircase, internal partitions removed, wood burning stove, plasterboard & skim ceilings. It was resolved that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0166 - 43 Buxton Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Two rear velux roof lights for proposed loft conversion.  It was resolved that the Council has no objection to the planning application.

HPK/2025/0097 - Concept Life Sciences, Frith Knoll Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – construction of two storey office extension to the front of the existing building, with additional parking spaces and reconfiguration of areas soft landscaping. It was resolved that the Council has no objection to the planning application.

26/049    To consider any Planning Appeals notified to the Parish Council - none

26/050    To comment on any Planning Decision Notices

HPK/2025/0034 31 Netherfield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – single storey rear extension. Granted.

HPK/2025/0037 33 Greggs Avenue, Chapel-en-le-Frith – single storey side and front extension. Granted.

HPK/2025/0020 – 4 Anchor Avenue, Chapel-en-le-Frith – addition of small single storey utility room to the side of the house.  Granted.

26/051  To receive any reports from Committees/working groups (except if the issue is elsewhere on agenda):

(a)    Regeneration & Communications Committee

·       Councillor Dales stated that there are weeds growing between the flags on the Market Place which are looking unsightly.  It was agreed that although the Parish Council has undertaken in the past to clear the area, it is not its responsibility. It was agreed that the Clerk will investigate who is responsible for maintenance of the Market Place.

·       Work on the 5-year maintenance and asset renewal plan is continuing.

(b)    Finance & Town Hall Committee  

 ·      A finance committee meeting is scheduled for 7^th May and an update will be given at the June meeting.

(c)   Personnel Committee

 ·      Councillor Foreshew-Cain stated that he had met with the Clerk following the completion of her probationary period and would be recommending at the next Personnel Committee meeting that her permanent appointment be confirmed.  This will then be presented at the June meeting for consideration by full council.

26/052    To review the terms of reference for all Committees/Working Groups – terms of reference were circulated to members.  It was agreed to adopt the terms of reference for the next 12 months.

26/053    Finance – it was resolved to:

(a)  authorise the schedule of accounts presented for payment totaling £37,498.12 (including VAT).

(b)  authorise the following Direct Debits for the next year:

·         O2 – mobile phone charges                                                       £32.98

·         Fuel Gengie – Fuel                                                                      £74.88

·         HPBC – Business Rates                                                           £786.00

·         HPBC – Flat at 47-49 Market Street (vacant)                          £183.00

·         Trusted IT – IT Support                                                             £415.75

·         B Online – Phone Broadband                                                    £49.95

·         Castle Associates – HR                                                              £80.00

·         WaterPlus – Town Hall                                                              £114.22

·         WaterPlus – 47-49 Market Street                                               £29.87

26/054    To consider Chair and Members allowances – It was agreed that the Chair’s Allowance for the year will be set at £300 and Members Allowances, applicable to elected members only, at £120. The Chair and Members’ allowances are in lieu of any expenses incurred by the Councillors whilst undertaking their duties.  The Chair’s Allowance for 2024/25 was not claimed.

26/055 To consider changing the date of the Annual Parish meeting to Thursday 22^nd May – It was agreed to change the date for the Annual Parish Meeting to 8pm on Thursday 22^nd May.

26/056 Date of the next Parish Council meeting – it was resolved that this will be on Tuesday 3^rd June at 7pm.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm.

______________________

CHAIR