Chapel-en-le-FrithFull Council minutes and accounts April 2026
CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting
held at 7pm on 7th April 2026
at Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall
Present: Cllrs Jason Adshead, Mike Chantler, Tony Dales (Chair), Michaela Daniels, Melissa Drabble, Mark Drabble, Andrew Foreshew-Cain, Nick Hill, Philip Ockenden & Chris Williams
In Attendance: Ms G Turner, Clerk & Mrs E Howe, Assistant Clerk
27/01 Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jim Perkins & Stewart Young.
27/02 To make any Declarations of Interests – Councillor Nick Hill declared an interest in planning application HPK/2026/0112 as he knows the architect.
27/03 To consider any applications for Dispensations –None.
27/04 It was resolved that there were no agenda items under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1 that necessitated in the exclusion of members of the press and public to any agenda items on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
27/05 To agree any variations of order of business – It was agreed that if Borough Council Ruth George has not arrived at the meeting by the time of the Peak Cluster agenda item, it will be moved down the agenda.
27/06 Police matters – The police were unable to attend the meeting but supplied a list of reported crimes during the month.
Crime Type No: Feb Number: Jan
Theft 6 2
Criminal Damage 3 2
Assaults 7 19
Public Order 4 3
Drug Offences 1 1
Sexual Offences 2 12
Stalking/Harassment 7 7
___ ___
30 46
More detailed breakdown of the above figures:
Thefts
- 4x Shop thefts
- 1x Blackmail – Suspects threatens to post intimate images of victim online unless the victim gives suspect money
- 1x Burglary – suspect enters commercial property through open window and steals charity boxes
Criminal damage
- 3x criminal damage
Assaults
- 5x common assaults
- 1x GBH – male punched in face causing him to fall and smashing his head on a glass bottle causing deep lacerations
- 1x attempt GBH – Drivers is alleged to drive at the victim
Public order
- 3x s5 public order offences
- 1x racially aggravated public order – suspect tells victim to go back to his own country and victim interprets this as racist
Drug offence –
- 1x drug possession, child found to be in possession of cannabis
Sexual offence –
- 1x adult male speaks to child he believes to be 12 years old and male sends sexualised images.
- 1x 15 year old child performs sexual act on a 14 year old child.
Stalking/harassment
- 3x Domestic related stalking s
- 3x neighbour harassments
- 1x Harassment child receives over 100 messages from unknown person on social media
Upcoming priorities, by the police, for Chapel-en-le-Frith are anti-social behaviour, parking issues and speeding.
Councillors stated that they would like to have quarterly trends for the crime figures.
They would also like to know whether there will be more foot patrols in Chapel as we approach summer.
27/07 Public Speaking – there were no members of the public present at the meeting.
County Councillor Nigel Gourlay was in attendance and wished to speak about the highways consultation relating to the proposed one way at Station Road in Dove Holes. He asked that the Parish Council try to turn around requests from DCC more quickly.
County Councillor Ruth George had now arrived at the meeting and gave a brief update – The first Whaley Bridge Speed Watch group session took place on the Chapel Road and 13 vehicles were clocked speeding, which is similar to Chapel Speed Watch’s results.
High Peak Brigands Basketball Club have requested, following an increase in demand, the reinstatement of a basketball facility in Whaley Bridge. High Peak Borough Council have agreed to put a full basketball court on what is currently the junior football pitch as it is quite waterlogged.
Care home fees will increase 3.7% this year. There are still 18 vacant beds at White Stones due to staffing issues relating to a three-shift system, which makes it difficult for local people to work there. DCC have been asked to review this system.
DCC has agreed to an enhanced primary provision for up to 10 children with special needs at Whitfield St James Primary School in Glossop which should take pressure off Chapel and Whaley Primary Schools.
Borough Councillor Angela Benham sent her apologies and an update which was circulated to Councillors and attached to these minutes.
27/08 Motion from Councillor Mike Chantler to provide seed funding from the Parish Council for the implementation of joint working with Chapel High School/Local Businesses in the High Peak and Cheshire East areas - This proposal seeks Parish Council funding to support a joint careers and work‑experience programme between Chapel-en-le-Frith High School and local businesses across High Peak and Cheshire East. The aim is to expand employer engagement, workplace visits, and mentoring opportunities, so students gain meaningful experience aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
As the school’s catchment spans five parish councils, Councillor Chantler will liaise with other councils to secure proportional contributions.
The funding being sort from Chapel en le Frith Parish Council will be tapered over 5 years, as follows:
· Year 1: £15,000
· Year 2: £10,000
· Year 3: £7,500
· Year 4: £5,000
By Years 3 - 4, sponsorship from local businesses and contributions from neighbouring councils are expected to replace Parish Council funding.
Councillor Mike Chantler considers this project a win, win situation for the Parish Council and Chapel High School, enhancing community cohesion and supporting local economic development.
County Councillor Ruth George gave some feedback that she felt it was a great concept but that the Mayor of the East Midlands has responsibility for liaising with secondary schools and colleges on skills development and therefore feels that the funding should come from there rather than the Parish Council.
A discussion followed and a list of initial queries/comments was compiled. Councillors were asked to email any further questions to Councillor Mike Chantler or the Clerk over the next week, so that Councillor Mike Chantler can get the answers from the school.
Councillor Jason Adshead stated that he would be prepared to be part of a working group to support Councillor Mike Chantler in approaching external parties such as the Mayor of the East Midlands and United Charities. Councillors Nick Hill and Michaela Daniels also agreed to be involved.
Councillor Jason Adshead proposed a motion that the Parish Council gives itself another month to look at what can be achieved outside of the Council to develop this project further and see what funding is about. Councillor Williams seconded the motion and all agreed.
Councillor Michaela Daniels expressed her thanks for Councillor Chantler for putting together the proposal.
27/09 Update from County Councillor Ruth George following the recent Peak Cluster consultation drop-in and public meeting - This item relates to the capture of the carbon dioxide produced in the making of cement by the quarries, which it is then proposed will be piped from the quarries over to the Wirral for storage in the old gas fields under Morecambe Bay. An estimated 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year will be piped from the quarries at Hope Valley and Peak Dale. They will converge above ground on a hill just above Chapel-en-le-Frith, where there has already been a landslip in the past. From there it is proposed that a single pipe that will flow down the hill near the railway line, past the High School and then cross under the Manchester Road near the Hanging Gate and then pass behind Chapel Golf Course and then up the hill behind Tunstead Milton.
Further information of the proposed route can be found here.
Councillor Ruth George stated that she had tabled a motion to DCC at the last full council meeting to call on DCC to oppose the pipeline due to financial model concerns and also the health and safety risks. Councillors voted by a large majority to support the motion to oppose the pipeline.
A High Peak campaign group has been set up to link with other campaign groups in Cheshire and Wirral, along the length of the pipeline. The High Peak group include people from Chapel and meet fortnightly to plan local publicity and events, including a walking and cycling relay of the pipeline route which will be held on 11-12th July.”
The Chair proposed and Councillor Chris Williams seconded that this item should be placed as a recurring monthly agenda item. All agreed.
27/010 To approve the minutes of the Full Council meetings held on 3rd March 2026 – Councillor Chris Williams proposed and Councillor Melissa Drabble seconded that the Chair be authorised to sign as being a true and correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 3rd March. All agreed.
27/011 Proposal from Councillor Jason Adshead that minute 26/407 from the 10th February be amended to include ‘Councillors recognised Cllr Dales efforts with the planning appeal and wanted it acknowledged for his sterling efforts. All agreed to amend minute 26/407.
27/012 Proposal from Councillor Michaela Daniels that the minute from the member of public, who asked a question at the 10th February meeting, be amended to include the following, as this had specifically been requested by the questioner.
What is it? As it appears to be a cross between “Banksy and Alan Titchmarsh”.
Who designed it?
Is it finished?
How much did it cost?
All agreed to amend minute number 26/401.
27/013 Chair’s Report
The Chair explained that a Planning Policy Officer from HPBC was due to attend the meeting but unfortunately due to illness was now unable to. It was agreed to invite him to the May meeting.
Some activity has been seen at the leaning house, so it looks like work has recommenced. A Borough Councillor has said that it appears that there are no footings, which has created some issues and this is one of the reasons for the current delay.
There is a concern that the refurbishment of the toilets is still not progressing. The Chair expressed his concerns to a Borough Councillor, who responded that it’s not due for completion until the end of July and that’s not guaranteed. There is a Fete planned on the Market Place on 18th July and so this news if very concerning.
The Borough Councillor was then asked about the Health & Safety aspect of the tree as the roots have been compromised, to which they responded that there is nothing wrong with the tree. The chair pointed out that the Parish Council had had it assessed by an ex-HPBC tree officer and it was deemed that he roots have been compromised and it poses a risk. We appear therefore to be at a stalemate with the tree.
Councillor Ockendon stated that the site looks unsafe and this should be communicated to HPBC. It was agreed that the Parish Council will write to HPBC about the general delay in getting works finalised, the site is untidy and not cordoned off safely, equipment and materials are leaning against the ancient cross, the tree is leaning dangerously towards Rubicon and the whole paving in the area has been compromised.
This will also delay the refurbishment of the medieval cross as it can’t be started until after the marketplace works have been completed. The chair has asked that this is communicated to the Duchy of Lancaster.
Councillor Ockendon asked about the progress of getting the Abatement Order amended. The Chair stated that he had asked for a meeting with the solicitors for next week so that he can find out what progress has been made.
Councillor Ockendon asked about why the budget had not been placed on the parish noticeboards, as agreed. The Chair explained that to get them to fit on the noticeboards the print would be so small that it couldn’t be read. It was noted however that the budget is on the Parish Council website.
Councillor Ockendon then stated that as a non-political Parish Council there should be nothing on parish Council noticeboards that references a political party. All agreed.
27/014 Consideration of Planning Applications notified to the Parish Council
HPK/2026/0104 - Martinside House, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Alteration of domestic barn space to form extended accommodation ancillary to dwelling and alteration of side elevation to barn to form external enclosed deck space.
It was agreed that the Council has no objection this application.
HPK/2026/0112 - 32 Brookside Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - First Floor Side Extension and garage conversion
It was agreed that the Council has no objection this application.
HPK/2026/0105 - 8 Quentin Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Rear single storey extension to provide increased living space with associated works
It was agreed that the Council has no objection this application.
A draft plan for a one-way system at Station Road, Dove Holes, with pedestrian access measures and slightly widening of the footway on the west received from Highways was shown to Councillors.
Councillor Jason Adshead stated that this project will use S106 money that has been earmarked for traffic calming along Long Lane, near the Rosebay development and Isabelle Mulligan supplied a plan for traffic calming in this area to DCC some time ago.
Councillor Philip Ockenden stated that if the one-way system at Dove Holes is deemed necessary then it should be financed by DCC, not the S106 money from Seddon Homes.
Councillor Mike Chantler proposed that the Parish Council write to DCC stating that it understands that the traffic calming measures at Dove Holes Station are to be part funded by S106 money already earmarked for road traffic calming measures on Long Lane/Rosebay and that it strongly disagrees with reappropriating these funds to a Dove Holes project and request that they look at the plan submitted by Isabelle Mulligan. Councillor Tony Dales seconded the motion. All agreed.
27/015 Consideration of Planning Appeals notified to the Parish Council – none.
27/016 Comments on any Planning Decision Notices
HPK/2025/0499 144 Manchester Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – granted
HPK/2025/0376 Old Dane Hey, Lane End, Combs, Chapel-En-Le-Frith – granted
HPK/2025/0415 25 Crossings Road, Chapel-En-Le-Frith – granted
HPK/2026/0052 Windy Walls Farm, Ashbourne Lane, Chapel-En-Le-Frith - granted
27/017 Ratification of the schedule of accounts presented for payment
Councillor Andrew Foreshew-Cain proposed and Councillor Nick Hill seconded that the schedule of accounts presented for payment totalling £22,554.74 (including VAT) be authorised and the accounts to which they relate be paid.
The actual February year-to-date income and expenditure against budget was noted.
27/018 To consider the Parish Council’s arrangement with the Leisure Centre as c£8,000pa is paid, but no support was given when they were approached regarding the temporary use of an all weather pitch - It was agreed, that due to time constraints, this item be deferred to the next Full Council meeting.
27/019 That Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council undertakes a full review of the current staff pension arrangements, including contribution levels, compliance with statutory requirements, cost implications, and any recommendations for improvement. If the review is to be led by the Finance & Personnel Committees, with a report brought back to Full Council for consideration and decision - It was agreed, that due to time constraints, this item be deferred to the next Full Council meeting.
27/020 Motion from Councillor Melissa Drabble that S106 money received in respect of the Meadows Housing Estate be spent on installing a zip wire and other items at Dove Holes playground. Councillor Melissa Drabble circulated the proposal for new equipment at the park in Dove Holes. Three quotes were supplied to the Regeneration & Communications Committee and it was deemed that Wicksteed was the most cost effective.
Councillors Jason Adshead stated that he was aware that Dove Holes Community Association had written to the Parish Council asking for confirmation of who was going to insure and maintain the equipment. It was confirmed that the Parish Council will maintain the equipment and that it was currently seeking clarification with the insurance company regarding the insurance.
Councillor Jason Adshead stated that he didn’t think Councillors could vote on something that they don’t know for sure that the Parish Council can get insurance on.
It was agreed to ask HPBC for the end date of when the S106 money needs to be spent and if there is a time pressure then an extraordinary meeting can be arranged.
27/021 To confirm that the Parish Council is happy to accept the S106 funds in relation to agenda item 20 above and sign the proforma – deferred until it is determined whether insurance can be obtained for the zip wire.
27/022 To consider date and time for the Annual Parish Meeting – was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 27th May at 7pm.
27/023 Motion from the Chair that Councillors consider the order of priority for motions which have not yet been placed as agenda items – It was agreed, that due to time constraints, this item be deferred to the next Full Council meeting.
27/024 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th May at 7pm.
The Chair declared the meeting closed at 9.40pm.
______________________
CHAIR
Short Report for Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 7p.m.
Apologies for not joining you at this evening’s meeting. It clashes with a Borough Councillor meeting I need to attend
1. On 6th March I had an online meeting with Mark Easedale of the Environment Agency and his team manager for Tunstead Milton where J.E. Morten’s AdBlue factory is located in the hope that there might be some progress in dealing with the long-standing problem of an unpleasant and unwholesome discharge from flowing down onto the drive and gardens of the residents of the Peaks Static Homes.
I emailed on 2nd April asking for an update on progress in re-visiting the factory to check for improvements in storing ammonia on concrete slabs etc and checking on drainage.
2. Planning application HPK/2025/0568 Certificate of Lawfulness:Newfield Garage, Manchester Road (Morten’s factory site) was due to come before Development and Control committee on 23rd March but was deferred so planning could consider last minute submissions from the agent. A site visit will be carried out before it goes back to committee.
3. I hold monthly surgeries with Cllr Ruth George at Chinley Community Centre and Bugsworth War Memorial Club.
I am the Chinley Buxworth Speedwatch Co-ordinator. The team holds monthly speedwatch sessions at different locations in Chinley/Buxworth.
I helped out with litter-picking in Chinley on 21st March.
4. I have dealt with emails concerned with e.g. planning, complaints re: anti social behaviour, encouraging a plant based diet etc. and attended various meetings online and in person during the last 3 months e.g. Full Council, Housing Board. Audit and Regulatory, Climate Change Working Group, Local Plan, Friends of Chinley Park Nature Reserve, Chinley Allotments, Waste Management.
Due to a delay in the provision of specialised vehicles required food waste will not be collected until September 2026. The required caddies and information will be delivered beforehand.
Unfortunately, due to attending the Community Speedwatch Conference in Ripley on 14th March I couldn’t go along to the Combs Coffee morning.
Councillor Angela Benham – Councillor for Blackbrook Ward April 5th 2026
