Town Councillors present: C Barnes, S.J. Barrow (for G.M. Doughty), L.E. Dowson, I Fletcher , M Huddleston (Chair) T.E.S. Jefcoate, S.E. Rae

Planning Applications

HPK/2003/0381/382 Detached houses at Brookdale, Church Ln. The history of the case of surrounding land was discussed, including the appeal and public inquiry . Cllr Trevor Jefcoate said much work had been done on the land, including the destruction of trees. Restitution is a pre-requirement. Cllr Chris Barnes thought it would be a different matter if the application was within the curtilege of the gardens. Cllr Lance Dowson said there is a long history of this development, which HPBC are monitoring, and have deemed that some work on the land is inappropriate. Cllr Jefcoate felt that some trees were mature and would have required planning permission for removal. The 30ft high stone wall which has been built is out of keeping. Cllr Dowson said permission had been given to replace the cattery. Previous objections were on access issues, and these could be made again. Cllr Martin Huddleston said HPBC will look into this aspect. We should be looking at HPBC taking good enforcement action to prevent people riding roughshod over planning authorities. Cllr Jefcoate highlighted that this is not the first situation of developers leaping in to lop down trees. Cllr Dowson noted that the HPBC enforcement officer is now full-time rather than part-time and out of hours availability is being looked at. Cllr Huddleston felt the council should request the strictest form of enforcement action. Cllr Barnes described a similar situation at High St, where trees were cut down then an application for development put in. Cllr Dowson said it was the same at Creswell Terrace. Cllr Ian Fletcher asked if they could not be fined. Cllr Jefcoate thought they should look to see if there are penalties. Cllr Sheila Rae noted that there were no Tree Protection Orders (TPO) on the trees. However, Cllr Jefcoate indicated that planning applications are needed where trees exceed a certain girth. Martin Huddleston said that HPBC would be well aware of these considerations.

386 - Garden at Brookbarn, Brookbottom. Cllr Jefcoate felt this Conservation Area should be treated the same as one would National Park land. Cllr Barnes thought it might be OK if made into a beautiful garden. Cllr Susan Barrow said there are strong presumptions against conversion of farm land to garden - though farm land is not now as prized as it once was. Cllr Sheila Rae felt it to be more a matter of the landscape impact and sub-urbanisation. Cllr Fletcher asked if there is a current garden, to which Lance replied that there is. Cllr Jefcoate indicated that conservation implies keeping in the present format - a garden could be any form of development, we don't know what will happen. Sheila Rae said it is more a matter that the council has concerns of loss of landscape in a Conservation Area, which should stay as it is. This was carried by a vote.

399 - Cllr Jefcoate was concerned that the drawings were not to the scale of the existing house.

412 - no objections.

415 - Access to garage at Noon Sun. Lance said there was concern last year about a lot of building going on here, but it was just within the extension size not requiring a planning application. What had been a grassy footpath has been dug out and widened into a 2-3m tarmac road.
There was some confusion about the orientation of Noon Sun cottage, but this was cleared up later in the meeting, and the issue returned to - Ian Fletcher and Sheila Rae were both concerned about possible future business use of the land, as skips are often parked on the top side of the property. An objection was noted on the grounds of over-development in a Conservation Area.

Cllr Susan Barrow made a presentation regarding the extension of tipping at Arden Quarries. A planning officers report had made a strong recommendation for refusal of the application on the basis of the following categories - 1) Environmental impact; 2) Need - there is plenty of landfill in the area, and over-provision is to be avoided; 3) Details are lacking in the development proposal; 4) Restoration proposals are not satisfactory; 5) Green belt is not preserved; 6) Contours - the proposal is for 25% over-tipping to allow for settlement, but this may not occur; 7) Access; 8) Visibility; 9) Traffic - unacceptable increase; 10) Environmental impact assessment is not met. Cllr Barrow welcomed this report.

The Town Council have previously made representations on loss of amenity, the importation of waste, heavy-goods traffic and the site being too near residents. There would be 175 lorries per day for 13 years - if rejected this would be good news as they would not be going through New Mills. It is a poor application and should be refused. However, a good application might be accepted. But planning authorities are now saying that filling is not necessary to restore the quarry. There are 40-50 lorries per day currently, mostly carrying local waste. The County granted a previous application without planning consultation as it was an amendment to an existing application.

Martin Huddleston noted that all local councils are now against this application. Cllr Barnes expressed concern that the tip attracts seagulls which frighten-off other birds. Susan Barrow said there were problems connected with aircraft bird-strikes extending from the Woodford area.

Matters arising from the minutes of 10 Feb 2003

Spinnerbottom - Stephen Lewis had met with the owners who had recently acquired the land of this playground. There are problems due to the land being close to the road and a steep bank down to the river. The owners want the Council to insure it against accidents. Chair Martin Huddleston stated that the Council liability cover is only for the play equipment. Further insurance may require fencing, etc. Cllr Sheila Rae said the site is near to other play areas.

Rent review - Martin Huddleston said that some rents had not been touched for years, so they were reviewing rents and leasing agreements. Garage sites and sports pitches have now been done. Cllr Chris Barnes felt that fishing rights must be valuable. Martin said that Birch Vale Cricket Club rent would increase from April 2004 - it is currently £100/yr, but would be kept in line with borough rents. It is a matter of drawing a balance. Cllr Barnes asked for clarification on the lease-holder at the allotments on Seddon fields.

Under the matter of dog-fouling at the canal, Cllr Barnes said that there is a new management team on British Waterways, who are looking to raise money. Martin Huddleston said the Council should look to make a meeting with British Waterways about the dog bin at the canal and about raising the profile of New Mills from the Marina site.

Parks Site Visits

High Lee Hall - Rowcliffes have indicated a possible rent for the upper floor property, but consider there to be a limited market. Police Crime Prevention Design and Architectural Liaison Officer, Mark Freel, has undertaken a security survey for High Peak Community Arts. Stephen Lewis described the garden at the rear of the house as integral to the working of the parks department and also a security issue. It is used for growing plants such as primulas and wallflowers, therefore it will add a cost if it is to be used for other purposes.

Ian Fletcher felt that a decision needed to made quickly as otherwise the property will deteriorate. The upper floor would make two ideal flats and so double the income. Trevor Jefcoate thought the property to need a detailed survey to see what experts come up with as solutions - this could be done by trainee architects. This would be better than piecemeal developments which may conflict with others. Cllr Barnes considered that money needed spending on the Hall. It would be easy to make two apartments. Chair Martin Huddleston felt this was jumping ahead, as they have not yet decided what to do with the premises. Cllr Jefcoate wondered if there are grants available from the conservation aspect, with a view to ultimately dividing into two flats.

Martin Huddleston said they would then need to think about the use of the gardens. Cllr Jefcoate thought these may enhance the value of the property. Martin indicated the other issue of security. Having the parks foreman on the premises was a deterrent effect. The Council have not yet decided whether to make the flat available to a member of staff. Cllr Barnes said they could have a member of staff there and some income if the flat was split. He had recently looked inside Watford Lodge, which is an old building very nicely converted into apartments. Martin Huddleston suggested the property could be partly residential and partly offices. Cllr Jefcoate said that only with people there would there be security. However, Susan Stevens wondered if a member of the public would want the responsibility.

Chair Martin Huddleston said now that they had started the debate the matter could go to the full Council. Sheila had looked at community use. Lance had looked at use for adult education, such as horticulture. Ian Fletcher suggested a short-term lease for 6 months. He speculated that Stephen may be interested. Martin said they would need to talk about that. There needs to be an assessment of options. A lot of money needs spending. Cllr Jefcoate said that is why grants are needed. Cllr Sheila Rae said they could put to full Council the option of a short-term let, and the project to assess by architects - led by HPBC as project leaders. Cllr Jefcoate indicated that as a project for a university a class would assess and present a range of options.

Cllr Lance Dowson said that High Peak Community Arts had expressed an interest. Another suggestion is a cafe or restaurant. Martin Huddleston thought there would be problems with disabled access. Sheila Rae wanted to go for a community project. It was necessary to restrict the options in order to shorten the timescale. Cllr Barnes said that as a beautiful Hall it needs maintaining in good order with a return for the Council. Cllr Jefcoate said the whole area could be looked at in the project. However, Sheila Rae was not so sure about widening ideas. Cllr Jefcoate said there is expertise in HPBC regarding the refurbishment. Martin Huddleston thought that as there are 7 councillors present they could make a decision to ask HPBC. Cllr Barnes asked if the building is listed. It is as Grade II. Ian Fletcher felt there to be a need to put a timescale on. Sheila Rae thought that as they town does not get much from HPBC this project is something they could help with.

Seddon Fields - Stephen Lewis said there has been some public consultation on this, as feedback from newspaper articles. Cllr Jefcoate considered it a thoroughly commendable idea. There is a similar idea at Tatton park, where an orchard is being restored with early varieties. Martin Huddleston said the question is now how to take it forward. Lance Dowson thought the next step to be to look for funding. Stephen Lewis said they were looking to set up a partnership to establish community need and involvement. Chris Barnes thought local schools would get involved. Lance Dowson asked if the Council are looking to a working party of representatives from councillors, organisations, etc. Stephen Lewis wanted it to be more community led.

Ian Fletcher asked how many years it would be in development. Stephen answered 3 years, but kids would be involved in the planting also, which would ideally be in November. Sheila Rae felt they needed a design and Trevor Jefcoate thought children could also get involved in this. However, Stephen Lewis said that the south aspect of the site required that the trees be in rows to prevent shading.

Cllr Barnes suggested Swizzels be approached for funds. Lance Dowson felt that it first needed publicising and organising as a community-led project. Cllr Jefcoate suggested a computer image be constructed of what it would look like. Martin Huddleston wondered if HPBC would be interested in the project. Or DCC, suggested Sheila Rae. Martin Huddleston said it could be publicised with leaflets at the coming One World Festival to the community groups there. Lance Dowson said a general leaflet could be devised asking people to record their interest.

Stephen Lewis stated that the trees, stakes, ties, etc would be around £2000 - quite a low figure. Cllr Jefcoate wondered if a horticultural college might help with stock. Stephen felt it might be cheaper from commercial suppliers. Cllr Barnes expressed the worry that nothing might get done and that the project needed to be led by the Council. Martin Huddleston stated that they would be looking to Stephen for project management. Sheila Rae asked if planning permission would be needed. Chris Barnes did not think it would. Martin Huddleston considered it courtesy to consult people and to get HPBC planners on board.

High Lee Park - Chair Martin Huddleston said the paddling pool is being revamped and the shelter is to be dealt with. Stephen Lewis was strongly of the opinion that it should be got rid of as it is used as a urinal, for drugs and broken glass gets strewn around, even into the nearby paddling pool. Ian Fletcher wondered if the roof could just be removed. Stephen said it could be cut down to the base and seat, but had been designed for mothers with kids in the rain.

Martin Huddleston said the shelter had been built out of money donated by a resident off High Lea Rd and designed by Brian Rose like a bus shelter. It needed handling sensitively since it resulted from a donation. Stephen Lewis said the stone could be used at the top of St Mary's Rd to make a raised flower bed, where people walk across the current bed. Sheila Rae suggested they check the legal restrictions surrounding a gift and if possible demolish the shelter. Lance said it would be nice to put a plaque in the stonework of the raised bed. Stephen indicated that there is such a plaque in the current structure, which could be transferred.

Sheila Rae reiterated the possibility of legal restrictions on what can be done with bequests. The shelter is a meeting place for teenagers and she would like something else in the park, otherwise the removal would be seen as merely negative. Martin Huddleston described a stainless steel structure which is available. Sheila Rae thought these to be around £6000 and could be sited on the other side of the park where they had identified a site. Chris Barnes said he had seen such a shelter at Broadbottom. Lance Dowson said such a structure had been considered for Whittle play area. Sheila Rae wondered if they should consult the Youth Service. Lance thought they should liaise with HPBC Social Inclusion and Leisure Committee who were looking at funding such facilities in parks. Cllr Jefcoate mentioned that the Prince of Wales Trust also fund youth work.

Martin Huddleston resolved to move Stephen's proposal. Lance added that they should look into replacement prior to removal. However, Martin thought they may then have to wait a year. Trevor Jefcoate suggested taking the shelter down, use as a raised bed, and investigate alternatives on the longer scale.

Ollersett Avenue Playing Fields - Martin Huddleston felt they really need to get going on this now. There was no money available, unless the sale of the land at the Town Hall goes ahead. We are now in a position to seek planning permission. Then PMP would be asked to put together a funding application. The public consultation has been done, but they must not get side-tracked by some of the grander ideas. There are two schemes - the allotments and the sports. Cllr John Pritchard is now the HPBC representative on this and should be asked to contact the Allotments Society.

Newtown Recreation Ground - here there are problems of subsidence. The play scheme would go ahead when they have the money and can do it properly.

Correspondence

Torr Mill Ruins - a letter from Joanne Brooks, the Conservation Officer, stated that it is important that all stone and timber taken down be retained in a safe place for rebuilding. Stephen Lewis said this wall had been falling down for some time. Susan Stephens said that United Utilities had been asked to take responsibility, so all is in hand. The timber lintel must be retained. HPBC and Conservation involvement were needed to put it right. Work needs doing - it is not safe at present, but is caged off. Martin Huddleston said that Alan Morrison is to advise.

Poplar Trees at Whitle - a petition from local residents requested that the trees be removed or cut back due to the risk from branches breaking off and from bird droppings. Stephen Lewis stated that these trees are sound. Cllr Jefcoate had visited the site and said the trees are well removed from the properties in question. They had probably been there longer than the residents. Lance Dowson said that the matter needed killing off completely by referal to Nigel Bates the Borough arboriculturalist. Cllr Jefcoate thought they should not open themselves up to that decision. Martin Huddleston said the matter had already been refered to Nigel Bates and there was nothing more to be done.

Further parks site viewing was arranged for Monday 9th June at 6.30pm - this would start from the Heritage Centre and take in the Torrs and Spinnerbottom.

Any Other Business

A wall at the play area on Alsfeld Way had been knocked down. Stones had been removed by the parks department with the intention of cementing back, but this had been prevented by rain, and in the interim a 6m section of the wall had been demolished by a HPBC building inspector. Local residents are up in arms. Cllr Barnes said they should write to complain and ask that the wall be reinstated.

Cllr Lance Dowson brought up the matter of a letter about the 'Picker' in the Buxton Advertiser. He alledged that there had been disgusting and aggressive behaviour, accusing the Town Council of all sorts and worrying local people who were frightened by possible court proceedings. A press release should be given to spell out what has happened. The application for Town Green status was in prior to the purchase. He was disgusted and disturbed by matters. Cllr Jefcoate wanted to know the history of the matter, he felt he needed to look into the documentation on this. Cllr Barnes alledged that residents had been approached in their gardens by the owner and had to ask him to leave. The Town Council could put a letter in the Buxton Advertiser. The auctioneers for the land sale had been informed of the Town Green application before the sale. He alledged an attempt to bully people. Martin Huddleston said the owner had been present at the Annual Town Meeting. He felt Stephen Lewis and Martin Doughty new this matter best. Cllr Dowson felt they should deny the threats made. Cllr Barnes considered they should just state the facts.

At this point the public were asked to leave.