Guilden Sutton Parish Council
March 2006, no 113
Budget 2006/07.
Councillors voted to hold
the parish precept at £12,000, the same level as this year, at their annual
budget meeting. This is equivalent to £1.56 a week for an average band D
property in the village. The budget will increase to £14,575 with the
difference financed by anticipated income.
To find out more about
the Council’s finances – turn to our centre pages to see full details of the
budget.
Bus services.
The Council responded to
a consultation on future bus services in Cheshire. It pointed out that if you
live in Guilden Sutton, you cannot hold a job with normal shop or office hours
in Chester and travel by bus as the last journey home is 5.05pm from Boots in
Foregate Street.
Read more in p2.
Public Rights of Way.
Many people in the
village were disappointed by Cheshire County Council’s proposal to upgrade the
status of the green lane to a byway open to all traffic. The County Council has
now sought views on the future of rights of way in Cheshire.
What did the parish
council say – see p8 and 9.
Planning.
Thirty years ago, the
`Prowting’ part of the Oaklands estate was designed with views out through gaps
between properties and over their linked garages. A recent planning application
for an extension above a garage led the Parish Council to consider the
implications of new guidance which allows extensions to the boundary provided
they are set back by 2m - to avoid the so called terracing effect.
What did parish
councillors feel? See p3.
Highways.
Improvements have been
requested for Wicker Lane and Guilden Sutton Lane.
Find out more in p5.
Bus services –
What your councillors told transport co-ordinators.
Consulted on a proposed new strategy, the Parish
Council said it welcomed measures to improve bus travel and help achieve the
County Council's overall transport objectives.
The fundamental issue in tackling congestion was
seen by the Council as providing regular, reliable, clean and modern transport
served by shelters and appropriate real time information of a high
standard. Services must take account of
peoples' transport needs.
If this was done, but only if it was done, would
more people be willing to leave their cars at home, thereby reducing
congestion.
Accessibility to jobs and services would be best
improved by having a more frequent service within a reasonable walk.
Improved bus stops and shelters by themselves would
not be sufficient. They must go hand in hand with improved services and modern,
high standard vehicles.
If money was limited, the County Council should
make decisions based on which services would offer the greatest benefit to the
largest number of people. The prospects of these services encouraging a long
term shift away from car travel should also be considered.
`Thinking out of the box’ and considering post
buses, taxi services, circular hail and ride services, modern yellow school
buses and the use of computer technology was seen essential.
The Council asked transport coordinators to take on
board as a matter of urgency an investigation into bus services in villages
such as Guilden Sutton where there is a demand for public transport to the
urban area and where services preclude this for anyone holding a full time job
with shop or office hours.
Although it is possible to travel into Chester from
Guilden Sutton by early morning bus, the last return journey is at 1705 from
Foregate Street, compared with 1740 from the Bus Exchange not too long ago.
This clearly cannot be considered by anyone whose employment requires them to
remain until 1700 or more usually 1730.
Local bus contact.
Any views on public transport, contact Cllr Pat
Astbury (see p12.)
Local distinctiveness –
Your parish councillors’ views.
Councillors argued a proposed first
floor extension above an Oaklands garage had the potential for terracing and
that such a precedent would be detrimental to the local distinctiveness of that
part of the estate.
The Council believed approval could
lead to a fundamental change in the character of the locality if similar
extensions were allowed at the substantial number of other comparable
properties which exist.
It pointed to previous decisions at
nearby dwellings where proposals for first floor extensions were refused or
required significant amendment to overcome their impact on local
distinctiveness.
The Council said that in dealing with
terracing, the guidance for home extensions. said the purpose was to protect
the street scene and the character of the neighbourhood by ensuring that areas
originally designed and laid out as detached or semi detached development were
retained as such. That part of Oaklands was originally laid out as a detached
development.
The attention of planning officers was
drawn to an appeal in Elton for an extension above a garage which was similarly
immediately adjacent to the garage of a neighbouring property. The inspector
had referred to the `clear view‘ above the adjacent single storey garages
between the two storey houses which maintained a visual separation between
them.
The extension would remove part of that
separation and if a similar extension was built at the adjoining property `the
appearance of a long terraced building would be created.’ `This would have a
`particularly urban appearance' suggested the inspector which would not be
sympathetic to the relatively spacious suburban character of the estate.
Although the first floor would be
setback slightly to avoid any future terracing effect, the inspector believed
there would be an insufficient break to guard against the danger of
terracing.
The Parish Council said it was
difficult to see how the argument behind that decision should not apply to that
part of Oaklands.
It referred to City Council policies
which require that:
Development should only be permitted if it does not have a significantly
detrimental effect on the amenities of people living nearby. This is intended
to ensure that all development in Chester district safeguards the quality of
life for residents of the district.
When considering the impact of a
proposal on neighbouring properties, the City Council will have regard to any
other relevant factor which results in a reduction in quality of life.
Any proposal should have a positive impact on the local environment, in
particular the built environment in Chester and the villages, by requiring that
new development contributes to local distinctiveness.
Policies aim to protect the quality of life of existing residents who are
affected by development proposals
All relevant issues should be taken into account in the decision making process
and to ensure that the development can be satisfactorily achieved without harm
to the environment and to quality of life.
The Local Distinctiveness policy goes further in that it aims to secure a
positive contribution to the local built environment.
The original design guidelines for
development in Guilden Sutton were intended to preserve or improve the
environment and ensure a high standard of new development. On that part
of the Oaklands estate, the feeling of spaciousness has been achieved through a
low density of housing and by retaining valuable open views across the roofs of
linked single and double garages between individual detached properties. This
is the local distinctiveness of the area and applies not only in prominent
locations such as the gap between two properties at the head of a cul-de-sac
but also between individual properties within the street scene.
If planning guidance for house
extensions was followed to the letter, a significant number of properties could
potentially be extended to the boundary, albeit with a 2m set back, giving rise
to the harm identified by the inspector in Elton. This would be especially harmful
where the gap between two detached properties themselves may not be great, of
which there are examples.
Even with the alternative of a 1m step
in from the boundary, a total gap of 2m above garages should both occupiers
extend in a similar manner would represent a fundamental design change which
the Council believed would be harmful to local distinctiveness.
The planning authority was asked to give careful consideration to the
appropriateness of applying the guidance to the particular application and especially
to the cumulative effect should other similar properties be extended in the
same way.
Planning permission was subsequently refused on the
grounds the extension would result in the loss of first floor space between the
two properties to the detriment of the character and appearance of the
locality.
Planning applications.
Did you know - the parish council is consulted on
all local planning applications.
Wicker Lane.
A group of residents on
Wicker Lane took advantage of public speaking time – which is available before
each meeting of the parish council - to raise concerns about the road and
present a list of issues they wished to see considered.
The Council made
arrangements for the occupiers concerned to meet informally with
representatives of the highway authority and put forward their views.
Long standing wishes for
footpaths and complete kerbing were discounted because of lack of land or
money. A 30mph speed limit will not be possible as the lane does not meet the
requirements.
Possibilities to be
considered include selective kerbing in an attempt to protect the verges near
the homes of residents, passing bays, the removal of some of the white lines in
the middle of the road and a footpath from Cinder Lane to the vicarage. The
highway authority’s response will be considered in public by the Council when
it is received.
A signing and lining
scheme was previously agreed between The Steadings and Station Lane
Guilden Sutton Lane.
A site meeting was held with the highway
authority to consider possibilities for measures to slow the speed of traffic
approaching the parish playing field and the bend at Belle Vue Lane into School
Lane. The outcome is awaited.
Street light out?
Phone the Guilden Sutton
highways depot on 01244 603475 with the road name and column number.
Message In A Bottle scheme
This scheme, sponsored by
Chester Lions, is being promoted throughout Chester district. It is aimed
particularly at vulnerable people but all residents could benefit.
It consists of a plastic
bottle in which is stored personal details such as details of medication,
contact numbers etc. This is kept in the fridge with a sticker on the fridge
and on a prominent spot elsewhere in the home alerting emergency services that
the bottle is being used. They can then have the information if people in the
property are unable to communicate due to illness, etc. The Parish Council has
obtained a limited number of bottles which are available by contacting any
member of the Council (see p12.)
Guilden Sutton Parish Council |
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Agreed budget 2006/07 |
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Head |
Budget |
Budget |
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2005/06 |
2006/07 |
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Subscriptions: |
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Cheshire Association of Local Councils |
275 |
280 |
|
CPRE |
25 |
25 |
|
Cheshire Community Council |
50 |
50 |
|
Mid Cheshire Footpath Society |
10 |
10 |
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British Trust for Conservation Volunteers |
25 |
25 |
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County Playing Fields Association |
15 |
15 |
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Cheshire Landscape Trust |
0 |
25 |
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Parish Car Park business rates |
650 |
575 |
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Insurance |
1250 |
1400 |
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Audit |
200 |
200 |
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Grounds maintenance |
825 |
915 |
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Lengthsman |
1300 |
1000 |
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Playing field rent |
550 |
550 |
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Footpath Group grant |
350 |
350 |
|
Newsletter |
375 |
375 |
|
Room hire |
20 |
20 |
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Memorial garden maintenance |
50 |
50 |
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Play area - future capital provision |
0 |
1000 |
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St. John's PCC |
0 |
250 |
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Conference costs |
25 |
25 |
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Spring bulbs |
100 |
100 |
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Contingency |
1475 |
1465 |
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Provision of a public seat |
350 |
500 |
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Web site |
25 |
25 |
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Shelter cleaning |
50 |
50 |
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CCTV maintenance |
250 |
250 |
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Provision of Christmas tree/competition prize |
50 |
50 |
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Salaries |
3000 |
4500 |
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Postages |
230 |
115 |
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Photocopies |
250 |
125 |
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Stationery and office equipment |
75 |
105 |
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Telephone |
50 |
50 |
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ileage |
100 |
100 |
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12000 |
14575 |
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Financed by: |
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Precept |
12000 |
12000 |
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VAT |
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525 |
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Double taxation grant |
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1000 |
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Interest |
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600 |
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Lengthsman grant |
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450 |
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12000 |
14575 |
Notes:
Membership of the
Cheshire Association of Local Councils brings free legal advice, training
opportunities and other services.
A City Council grant is
obtained towards part of the costs of the lengthsman who carries out a weekly
litter pick of the playing field on Guilden Sutton Lane, the children’s play
area and surrounds, the village hall and surrounds and the parish car park on
Church Lane.
The replacement cost of
the play area and safety surfacing would approach £30,000. Grants may be
available but the Council is allocating £1,000 pa towards any future
replacement.
The increased expenditure
for salaries reflects a review of the hours incurred.
The reduction in postages
and photocopies reflects the increasing use of e communications.
The double taxation grant
from the City Council follows action by the Chester Area of the Local Councils
Association to secure recognition of the anomaly dating back to 1974 under
which residents in parishes pay twice for some services provided at no
additional cost elsewhere. Council tax payers in Guilden Sutton fund the rental
of the parish playing field on Guilden Sutton Lane and contribute, for example,
to the cost of the playing fields in Hoole. Occupiers in Hoole do not pay
towards the Guilden Sutton field.
The Parish Council’s
accounts are audited annually by the appointed auditors, UHY Hacker Young of St
John’s Chambers, Love Street, Chester.
* Twice in recent years, the Council has obtained
grants approaching or exceeding the value of the precept paid by council tax
payers in the parish. *
The future of public rights of
way –
Your parish council’s response
to Cheshire County Council.
In response to a consultation, the Parish Council
said fully it supports the view that a safe, well maintained and attractive
public rights of way network is necessary to provide for pedestrians, cyclists
and horse riders and to enable people to benefit from the quiet and peaceful
enjoyment of a healthy physical activity.
The Council believes that rights of way should be
maintained to an appropriate standard although it is accepted this will vary
according to the location.
The network includes public footpaths adjoining
residential development which are surfaced, for example the dingle path
(Guilden Sutton 2) and these must be swept on a regular basis to keep them
clear of accumulations of litter and leaves in order they may be available for
use by people in every day footwear, perhaps with a push chair or in a
wheelchair. It is also important that vegetation adjoining such lengths of path
is also trimmed on a regular basis to avoid encroachment onto the route.
In the rural area, routes should be well sign
posted and free from all obstructions such as barbed wire and impassable crops
in order to encourage casual use by people of all ages.
The Council would wish to see the development of
circular routes, improvements to existing paths, better links between rights of
way and public transport, improvements to routes used to get to shops and
schools, the development of key fully accessible routes, the removal of
barriers across the network, developing and improving routes, improving the
general condition of the network and involving land owners as a priority.
Councillors were disappointed that the Parish Paths
Partnership, which enabled parish councils to work in partnership with the
County Council, had not continued. They felt it should be re-established as a
matter of urgency.
Parish councils had an important role to play, they
believed, in bringing matters to the attention of the Rights of Way Unit where
these required action and in making helpful and constructive suggestions. The
scheme also engendered a genuine feeling of partnership between parishes and
the County Council. With more regular, informal contact between parishes and
the Rights of Way Unit, the partnership approach perhaps enabled difficulties
to be avoided which a more formal, legalistic approach would be likely to
exacerbate to the detriment of relationships between the County Council and the
community.
The Parish Council also believes the network of
bridleways should be extended, particularly where these are available on the
fringes of urban areas in order to provide young people with a safe route off
the highway.
The proposal that the multi user route on the
former railway line from Chester to Deeside should be extended to Mickle Trafford
and Guilden Sutton is strongly supported and the County Council was asked to
ensure this is achieved as soon as possible.
The Parish Council paid particular attention to
references to byways open to all traffic.
Although the document suggested that if managed correctly, the use of
the countryside by motorised vehicles can be achieved without causing conflict
and can assist in route management, the County Council was asked to ensure that
particularly where such a route might be close to residential properties or
have substandard access to the road network, or could be used by young horse
riders or as a safe route to school for children, appropriate measures, for
example pre-emptive traffic regulation orders, were available and in place to
deal with the difficulties which might arise.
The Parish Council further noted a comment that
work to create such routes was done with minimal intervention by the County
Council. This was welcomed.
The consultation sought peoples' views on a range
of priorities including involving land owners.
Parish councillors said this should also include a reference to
involving the parish council which in many instances would be the most local,
fully representative and democratically accountable body able to give a view on
a proposal which may come forward.
Footpaths in Guilden Sutton
Under the Parish Paths
Partnership scheme mentioned above, a full colour leaflet and map was produced
showing footpath walks in the parish. The last remaining stocks of this are
being distributed to households in the village – look out for yours.
Many of us often forget
that although Guilden Sutton is relatively close to the city centre, you can
quickly escape into tranquil countryside with stunning views towards the
sandstone ridge, Beeston Castle and the Welsh hills. The River Gowy also sparkles its way along the parish boundary.
The paths are there to be enjoyed – if you have not done so, why not give them
a try.
Parish Footpath Group.
The footpaths group works
hard on a voluntary basis to keep our network of paths in good order. Why not
given them a hand? Contact Brian Lewin, the parish paths warden. (See p12.)
Green Lane.
A newsletter recently
circulated in Guilden Sutton erroneously suggested the Parish Council had
agreed a change in the status of this path. As regular readers will know,
parish councillors in fact objected to a proposed redesignation, as did a
number of residents and presented arguments against the County Council’s case
at a public inquiry.
The order has yet to be
confirmed as modifications have been put forward by the inspector.
The County Council’s
countryside access manager kindly attended a meeting of the Council to explain
the present position and to give an assurance your parish councillors would be
closely consulted on any changes which would be made to the route in the
future. The aim would be to retain its rural character.
Community Safety.
Sheds.
Lighter evenings are upon us and at least one shed in the village has already
been burgled, warns PC Mal Baker. Make sure your shed is secure and equipment
of any value is security marked.
Speed. Speed indicating equipment will again be used in
the parish during 2006. The equipment collects data which enables an assessment
to be made of the proportion of drivers who exceed the 30mph and 40mph limits.
The speed of traffic at school times is a concern.
Cheshire Police have also
carried out a radar speed check on Guilden Sutton Lane.
Initial discussions have
been held with the headteacher as to the school taking part in a road safety
initiative as a first stage towards a wider campaign in the village. This would
enable people to sign up to agreeing to drive at an appropriate speed for the
prevailing limit and the road conditions.
PC Baker. PC
Baker says he would welcome an opportunity to speak to any members of the
community about issues which concern them. He can be contacted through 0845 458
6394 or people can call in at Mickle Trafford Police Station next to the
primary school.
Double glazing locks. Community
safety officers say they received several calls following an article in a
national newspaper which claimed that thieves were breaking into houses by
utilising a design flaw in a common lock used by double glazing manufacturers. The lock is called ‘Euro Profile’.
They say
they are not aware of any burglaries, ever, in Chester district where this type
of lock has been used to gain entry.
If you
are buying a new door, or a new lock, you are advised to look for the British
Standard kite mark or the secured by design accreditation. Doors or locks to these standards will meet
most insurance needs and are very robust and exhaustively tested.
The most
common ways of thieves breaking into a house are using an insecure door or
window, breaking glass or using a hook and cane to retrieve keys through a
letter box. Just locking the door and
keeping the keys out of sight will deter most burglars.
Unroadworthy vehicles. If you have an un-roadworthy vehicle you
want to dispose of safely, ring 01244 402477. Some restrictions apply and proof
of ownership may be required.
Free home fire safety checks. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reminds us that free
home fire safety checks, smoke alarms and special vibrating and illuminated
smoke alarms for people who are hearing impaired are available by calling the
free phone number 0800 389 0053.
Special collections. Every household in Chester District is entitled to one
free special collection of rubbish a year.
To get rid of large unwanted items, such as furniture etc. that can get
dumped and cause a hazard, ring 01244 402477.
Domestic violence. The domestic violence outreach service can be contacted
on 01606 351 375.
A
freephone 24 hour domestic violence help line is
available on 0808 2000 247.
The
number for Child Line is 0800 11 11
Anti social behaviour. The City Council's number for reporting anti social
behaviour such a rubbish dumping and graffiti is 01244 402477.
Abandoned vehicles. To get abandoned vehicles removed ring 01244 402477 or
email callcentre@chester.gov.uk
Vehicle
fires. If you have any information about vehicle fires or
any other crime, ring community safety officers on 01244 616183 or make a free,
confidential call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Parish councillors.
Contact details are in every parish newsletter (see
p12) and in the Summerfield Road noticeboard.
Annual Parish Meeting
Monday 8 May 2006
7.00pm
Guilden Sutton Village
Hall
Hear reports of the
Council’s work during 2005/06
Have your say on
speeding, parish plans and much much more.
All electors welcome.
Information. The
Council's e mail address is info@guildensutton.org.uk
and its web site is at www.guildensutton.org.uk
Future
meetings: Future meetings of the Council
are due to be held in the Village Hall on Mondays 3
April, 8 May (also the annual parish meeting), 12 June and 17 July, 2006.
Provisional dates have been agreed for 11 September, 9 October, 6 November and
11 December, 2006. Residents are
welcome to attend and all are preceded by public speaking time.
Contact Councillors Bob Armitage
300528, Pat Astbury 318276, Ron Bayton 301286, Danny Fisher 301398, Derek
Hughes 300185, Trisha Paterson 300307, Julie Proudlove 300318 and Gail Young
301558 or the Clerk, David Norbury,
1 Orchard Croft, Guilden Sutton, CHESTER, CH3 7SL,
300783. Cllr Astbury 318276 is the Local Bus User Contact and Brian Lewin
301501 is the Parish Paths Warden. The Parish Tree Wardens are Cllr Ron Bayton
301286 and Mr Alan Young 301558.