BELPER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 14th JULY 2004
PRESENT: Councillor Peter Arnold (Town Mayor) - in the Chair
Councillors: Jim Anderson, Deborah Biss Alan Cox, Jackie Cox, Melvyne Cluskey, Colin England, Peter Makin, John Nelson and Mick Nelson
In Attendance: Mrs Elaine Hibbert (Clerk), PC Neil Sanders, Councillor Patrick Clark and, to speak on the Fuchs development: Mr David Harrison (Bimoto Developments Ltd), Mr Graham Day, Mr Chris Butt (The Planning Bureau Ltd), Mr Tim Bennett (Nicol Thomas Ltd) and Mr Robert Reid (A.V.B.C.)
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
- POLICE MATTERS
PC Neil Sanders attended the meeting to present the crime detection statistics and answer any queries raised.
Prior to the meeting, Inspector Arnie Hicklin who could not attend the meeting, had spoken to Councillors Dorey and Makin on the specific issues they wished to raise.
- The dog pound is sited in a residential area behind Belper Police Station and is a noise nuisance, particularly at night. PC Sanders said that efforts were being made to keep the noise to a minimum but enquiries would be made regarding the possibility of re-siting the kennels at Butterley.
- Councillor Dorey advised that although the increased security at Whitemoor Lane had improved the vandalism problem, the vandals had just moved elsewhere but instances were not always reported. The possibility of the Police carrying out a leaflet drop to all properties to ask them to report all instances was discussed. However, PC Sanders advised that an idea was already being considered whereby a "Mailbox" system may be introduced.
- Road safety issues were commented upon. The merits of installing flashing speed warning signs as opposed to speed cameras were discussed. Concern was expressed at the delay by the County Council regarding improving the signage at Short Street.
- Crime detection statistics were circulated and noted. However, the cumulative totals were found to be incorrect and PC Sanders was asked to ensure that accurate statistics are submitted in the future.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillors Joe Booth, Anna Hingston, Russell Horsley and Mick Nelson who were unfortunately attend because of the change of date of the meeting.
- CHANGE IN THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
It was agreed to take item 10 i) Presentation on the Fuchs development for before item 6.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors Jim Anderson, Alan Cox, Les Dorey and John Nelson, being Members of Amber Valley Planning Board, declared an interest in item 10 i) Development of the Fuchs Site and left the meeting during this presentation.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
i) Presentation on the development of the Fuchs Site
The presentation had been arranged by Mr Robert Reid of Amber Valley Borough Council in order to answer any points of interest or concern re the proposed development of the old Fuchs site.
Plans and drawings were available for viewing showing the proposals for offices, a 40 bed hotel, residential, integrated accommodation and four storey sheltered housing which did not show any fundamental changes from the orginal application. Several problems had been encountered including land contamination issues which had been resolved. The developers and architects were enthusiastic about this scheme which they assured Members was of a very high quality and with the proposed landscaping would provide a very attractive, desirable development. In answer to concerns regarding the suitability of a four storey sheltered housing scheme, it was confirmed that such properties (category 2) were in high demand and that a thorough survey had been carried out which highlighted the effectiveness and benefit to the occupiers of such accommodation. Copies of the report were made available to Members.
Councillor Peter Arnold thanked everyone for taking the trouble to attend the presentation.
- IN CAMERA
There were no items other than items 24-26 which warranted being taken in camera.
- TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE MINUTES 8-36 OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD 8 JUNE 2004
25 - Updating of IT equipment
The Clerk would meet with Councillors Alan Cox and Peter Arnold before the end of July.
31 - The Lost Tunnel
No further progress to report. However a meeting of the Friends of Belper Parks was to take place shortly.
29ii - Coppice Barrier
The barrier had mainly been left secure except for one occasion of which Council staff were aware.
36 - Bargate Neighbourhood Watch
No further contact from the County Council regarding a formal consultation.
The Clerk advised that a letter and newsletter had today been received from BNW trusting in the Town Council's support for this scheme.
It was resolved to receive and adopt Minutes 8-36 of a Meeting of the Council held 8 June 2004.
- MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 6 JULY 2004
These were received and noted.
- MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Peter Arnold advised that he attended various Mayoral functions since the last meeting.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The planning applications circulated on the schedules dated 11 June, 24 June, 1 July and 14 July 2004 were noted. Comments were made on application AVA/2004/0666 - (Schedule 22 June) and AVA/2004/0760 (Schedule 1 July) where it was noted that residents had made complaints to AVBC.
- JUSTICES AND ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCES
No comments were made on the applications circulated on the schedules of 11 June, 24 June, 1 July and 14 July 2004.
- CONTINENTAL MARKET
It was resolved that as the last continental market was such a success, permission should be granted for two further markets to be held in September, provided the dates did not clash with the Farmers' Market.
- CAR BOOT SALE - BELPER MEADOWS SPORTS CLUB
It was resolved to agree the request for the Club to hold further car boot sales on 1 August and 3 October 2004 but the Clerk should make it clear to the Club that these dates are fixed and any change of date would need approval.
- FINANCE
It was resolved to approve the schedule of payments and receipts covering the period 22 May to 1 July 2004. The schedule is attached to these minutes and shows net expenditure of £25029.32 and receipts totalling £5326.46.
- SPEED LIMIT ON THE A6 MATLOCK ROAD
It was resolved that the Town Council should support Belper & District Road Safety Committee's efforts to obtain a reduction to the speed limit on the A6, Matlock Road fronting the Fire Station and St Elizabeth's School.
- USE OF COUNCIL SEAL
It was resolved to agree retrospectively the Clerk's use of the Council seal on a document reaffirming the Council's commitment to twinning with Pawtucket, dated 2 May 2004.
- QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL STATUS
Members considered the criteria for accreditation as a Quality Parish Council in so far as the requirement to produce a Newsletter was concerned. It was generally agreed that the Town Council would rather not apply for Quality status than place the cost of this unnecessary burden on Belper ratepayers. The Clerk was asked to write to NALC and express Council's concern that non-compliance with this requirement should prevent a Council for applying for Quality status.
- REMOVAL OF PUBLIC PAYPHONE - MILL ST/ACORN DRIVE
Members were in agreement that the removal of this vital facility used mainly by elderly people was to be deplored and the Clerk should write to BT accordingly.
- BLACK SPOT LIGHTING SCHEME - ST PETER'S CHURCH
Although Members were broadly in favour of this scheme, as the amount requested would take up a considerable portion of the Town Council's budget, it was considered that the Church should be asked to make a contribution. The Clerk would contact Amber Valley Borough Council to enquire whether they would be in agreement to a scheme whereby BTC, AVBC and the Church/Diocese each contributed one-third towards the cost.
- WAITING RESTRICTIONS - BELPER TRIANGLE
It was resolved that the Clerk should respond positively to the proposed scheme of waiting restrictions to be implemented at Belper Triangle.
- PROVISIONAL RIGHTS OF WAY MAP - THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY
The map detailing the provisional rights of way drawn up by the Countryside Agency in respect of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 was noted.
- BCTV - POTENTIAL WORK PROJECTS
It was agreed that enquiries should be made of BCTV in respect of the following suggested projects:
- repairs to the bridge at the Coppice Brook (which the Environment Agency had failed to carry out)
- a secure boundary between Hunter Road Allotments and the school playing field has been requested by the Allotment Association
- ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The items on the schedule dated 14 July 2004 were noted.