Please find below the minutes for the latest Formby Parish Council meeting. A copy of the minutes is available to download at the bottom of the page.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Present: Councillors: Bob McCann (Chairman), Colin Appleton, Derek Baxter, Sandra Baxter, Maria Bennett, Dawn Brodie, David Dutton, Susan McCann, Bernie Prescott, Carol Richards, Joe Riley, Mike Weild and Paul Wiencke.
In Attendance: Claire Jenkins (Clerk) and 9 Members of public.
83.0 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs D Irving and Y Irving.
84.0 Members Declaration of Interest
84.1 There were no declarations of interest.
85.0 Public Forum
The meeting was adjourned for this item.
85.1 Representatives from Freshfield Caravan Park addressed the Council. It was reported that the National Trust have removed permission for the caravan site owners to remove blown sand from the access road leaving the site isolated. They have been trying to negotiate with the National Trust as they have 10 years left on their lease. Natural England have advised the National Trust that the sand dunes must be allowed to form naturally and not be restricted by sand being removed manually. The dunes are being pushed back each year due to erosion of the coastline. Natural England will not communicate with the site directors; they will only communicate with the National Trust. They have been given notice to leave the site. The site directors have been informed by the National Trust that the road will be made accessible for them for a short period to remove the vehicles and leave the site. They have been accessing the site via this road since 1982 when the caravan site opened. Cllr Richards contacted the Planning Department on behalf of the site owners and reported that the proposed plans show an access to the caravan site. Members advised the site directors to write to the Chief Executive of Sefton Council and ask for his support. Members further advised that Natural England are subject to freedom of Information rules, and they could be asked for copies of documents relating to this. Members agreed to voice support for the representatives from the Caravan Park.
85.2 Residents voiced concern at the proposed development at Shorrocks Hill. It was noted that Parish Councillors opposed the development of this site at the local plan public inquiry. Access to the site is off a narrow one way lane which leads to the beach, Formby Caravan site and National Trust Car park. Residents were advised to submit petitions to Sefton Planning to be able to speak at the planning committee meeting.
85.3 A resident enquired about replacement tree planting at Kirklake Road/Edenhurst Drive, following the number of trees lost to the storm the previous year. The Chairman reported that the Parish Council have committed approximately £10,000 to new tree planting this year which includes 10 trees at Kirklake Road/Edenhurst Drive junction. We have been advised by the Sefton Tree Department that birch species trees, which can be found in the woods nearby and are squirrel friendly trees will be planted at this location.
The meeting was reconvened.
86.0 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
86.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 6 December 2022
It was resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
87.0 Matters of Report from Previous Meeting
87.1 It was reported that the additional tree lighting in the village is in the process of being installed.
88.0 Chairman’s Report
88.1 The Chairman and members wished Cllr D Irving well in his recovery.
89.0 Planning Applications
89.1 It was noted that a further application for the Brackenway site has been submitted to change the amount of private amenity space. The Parish Council have resubmitted our response to the planning application.
89.2 It was noted that the demolition of the Royal Public House is to progress. There is a lengthy report on how the demolition is to proceed.
90.0 To discuss and approve the following:
90.1 To discuss the budget report and approve the budget for 2023/24
It was resolved to approve the budget for 2023/24
90.2 To determine the precept for 2023/24
It was resolved to approve option 3. A 2% increase per band, equivalent to an additional 23p per household per year for a band D property. The full year cost for a band D property will be £11.73.
90.3 To approve for the agreement with Little Altcar Parish Council for the provision of clerk services.
It was resolved to approve the agreement with Little Altcar Parish Council for the provision of clerk services to be extended for a further term of office (2023 – 2027).
90.4 To note the cost of tree planting for 2023 season.
Cllrs noted the cost of £10,165 for tree planting for 2023 season.
90.5 To approve a contribution for the installation of stainless-steel bollards on Chapel Lane.
This item was deferred.
90.6 To receive the quotes and approve expenditure for a metal kissing gate for Lonsdale Road Park.
It was resolved to approve a budget of up to £2,000 and delegate the decision on design specification to the Environment Group.
91.0 Payments
January payments
- employer expenses – £1,598.79
- Office lease, Sefton MBC – £250.00
- Office phone and broadband, BT – £59.94
- Cleansing services for event, Sefton MBU – £300.00
- Xmas hampers, various supermarkets – £2,237.66
- Welcome signs, Sefton MBC – £916.50
- Office supplies, Select Office – £83.88
- boxes for hampers, Formby Fabrication – £177.79
Total £5,624.56
February payments
- employer expense – £1,598.76
- office lease, Sefton MBC – £250.00
- office phone and broadband, BT – £59.94
- Halo lights, Sefton MBC – £8,836.75
- tree fertiliser, Amazon – £41.38
- road closure, Sefton MBC – £488.00
- autumn winter planting/maintenance, JC landscape and horticulture – £2,075.00
- annual grounds maintenance, Sefton MBC – £2,510.80
- Lonsdale Park contract instalment, JC landscape and horticulture – £50,696.40
Total – £66,557.06
It was resolved to make the payments as listed above.
92.0 The following reports were noted (circulated with Agenda)
- Finance and General Purposes Group minutes
- Environment Group minutes
93.0 Date of Next Meeting:
The next Ordinary meeting of Formby Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 7 March 2023, 7pm, at Formby Library, Duke Street, Formby.
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