November 2022 Minutes
Croft Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at Croft Village Hall on Monday 7th November 2022 commencing at 7pm.
There were two members of the public were in attendance. The Chairman opened the floor for questions. Mr T Spencer discussed his planning application at The Hollies, Croft (S/039/02015/22). Mr Spencer explained his previous intentions of having log cabins was now not viable as costs had more than double. Mr Spence also mentioned problems caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine leading to this plan to adapt his business to offer rural tourism. Mr Spencer advised screening was already in place with trees and hedging so caravans would not be seen from the road. Mr Spencer suggested this plan is unique as it will completely powered by renewable energies. Mr Spencer also mentioned that he didn’t understand an objection from LCC Highways about this particular application regarding footpaths as this had not been mentioned before during previous applications.
With no further comments, it was resolved to move into formal session.
Present:
Cllrs E Peacock (Vice-Chair), S Blackburn, G Bowser, S Dennis, C Moore, and P Vokes.
1. Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed all present, reminding attendees to turn off mobile phones and of appropriate escape routes in the event of a fire.
2. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from N Dowlman (Chair), and A Coxall.
3. Declarations of Interest
None
4. To confirm the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 3rd October 2022.
With no other matters arising, the minutes from October were resolved unanimously.
5. To approve the list of accounts submitted for consideration.
a. October Income and Expenditure
No comments were made, resolved unanimously.
6. To discuss community matters which need referring to the District and County representatives for a response.
None received.
7. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, or amendments.
a. S/039/02015/22 | Planning application - The Hollies, Croft.
Councillors discussed this application at length. There were concerns raised over the size of the development and whether Croft was on its way to looking like nearby seaside resorts. Councillors would prefer to avoid this aesthetic and retain the rural setting. Other concerns were about the increase in traffic and the detriment this would have on the roads. There are no footpaths or cycle paths connecting to nearby villages with amenities. Councillors also raised concerns that this plan did not feature a leisure facility that would benefit the local community. However, Councillors agreed that there were also many positives such as the sustainability aspect of the application and that it will be screened from view by trees and hedging already in place. It could bring more visitors to the area which would help local businesses. It was resolved by majority to support the application.
8. To receive reports from the Chairman and Clerk to the Council.
There was no report submitted by Councillor Dowlman, however, Vice-Chair Cllr Peacock provided Councillors with a brief updated, commenting on the broken charity field gate and explaining the reasons why the allotments might need a gate.
The Clerk updated Councillors on works from the previous month. The is currently waiting for a response on a number of issues from LCC Highways and for companies to provide quotes for: tree planting and a gate for the allotments.
9. To receive a report on the Village Hall.
Cllr P Vokes reported that the defibrillator was due to be replaced in December. Councillors agreed to replace the items Cllr Vokes detailed - charge pack and pads, as there are reports of a shortage in supplies for defibrillators.
10. To appoint an internal auditor.
It was resolved unanimously to appoint Victoria Clark to conduct the internal audit for both the mid-year and end of year audits.
The Chair of the Council closed the meeting at 7:45pm.