MINUTES OF THE PYONS GROUP PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 7.30 PM ON TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2021 AT CANON PYON PARISH HALL
Present: Mr M. Perruzza (Chairman); Mr R. Shubert (Vice Chairman); Mrs L. Pugh; Mr I. Barber; Mr D. Spooner; Mr H. Ray and Mr N. Davies.
In attendance: Ward Cllr. M. Jones; and Mr R. Hewitt, Clerk. There were two (2) members of the public present.
2021/67 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies accepted from Mrs G. Dickson, Mr B. Thomas, Mr D. Bowen-Jones and Mr R. Murray.
2021/68 NOTE OF THANKS
The resignation of Mr G. R. Vaughan was acknowledged with regret. It was agreed to send a letter to Mr Vaughan thanking him for his many years of community service.
2021/69 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION – None.
2021/70 MINUTES OF MEETING
The minutes of the meetings held on 6 July and 5 August 2021 were agreed to be a true record.
2021/71 REPORT OF THE WEOBLEY WARD COUNCILLOR
Ward Cllr. Jones highlighted the provision of free bus services at the weekends to support the economy, ongoing consultation on the budget for 2022-23 and children’s services. A drainage grant scheme is being considered for 2021-22. Balfour Beatty have jetted the drains at Canon Pyon with a high-powered jet and sent down cameras as part of their investigation.
2021/72 VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS
A member of the public asked about the next stage of the neighbourhood development plan review. It was noted that a second Regulation 14 public consultation will be held for the community and stakeholders to comment on the revised draft NDP Review document, and that this will be done once the new clerk is in post.
2021/73 PLANNING
213143 Land Adjacent Dove Cottage, Westhope, HR4 8BL – Application for approval of reserved matters following Outline approval 182345 (Proposed outline application with all matters save access reserved for the erection of a detached 2/3 bedroom chalet).
The parish council noted the proposed height of the eaves relative to the neighbouring properties as set out in the design and access statement. The scale of the roof above the eaves is not referenced. The parish council asks that due consideration is given to ensuring that the roof is not out of scale with the proposed dwelling and neighbouring properties. planning application was supported.
The following planning decisions by Herefordshire Council were noted: 211655 Black Hall Farm, 211055 Fullbridge House and 211317 Copse View.
2021/74 CLERK’S REPORT
The meeting with Herefordshire Council’s accident investigation officer to look at options for the A4110 at Canon Pyon will be made by the new clerk. Herefordshire Council is holding a Parish Summit on 14 September 2021. The police are looking to engage more with the community. A cultivation licence has been requested from the highway authority for two Mountain Ash trees at Kings Pyon. New riparian responsibilities guidance has been provided by the highway authority.
The Chairman and Vice Chairman have attended HALC to interview for the new clerk.
2021/75 FINANCE
The following payment was agreed: R Mills, lengthsman/ footpaths (£375.12). A payment that was not processed by the bank was re-issued (R Mills – £285.60).
Consideration of a quotation to re-site the Ledgemoor kiosk at the Club Room was deferred.
2021/76 HIGHWAYS/ LENGTHSMAN/ FOOTPATHS
Damage to the restored footbridge over Wellington brook opposite the Great House has been reported by a member of the public. Two planks of wood with nails were removed by Balfour Beatty following a report by a member of the public.
2021/77 SANDBAGS AT CANON PYON
A proposal to purchase a small shipping container to store sandbags locally in Canon Pyon was considered. The container could be located in the public open space or subject to the permission of the landowner, stored at the far end of the parish hall car park. It was agreed to approach the parish hall committee and investigate the cost of a container, believed to be in the region of £500-700.
2021/78 PARISH COUNCIL TREE REPORTS
Tree reports commissioned by the parish council were reviewed. The highway authority will be advised of the recommendation in the report on the redwood tree at Kings Pyon, which is located on the public verge. The parish council agreed to undertake maintenance as highlighted in the report for trees on parish land at Westhope. As in previous years, Friends of Westhope may want to do some of the maintenance. The redwood trees at Kings Pyon and Ledgemoor are not the responsibility of the parish council. A member local to Westhope Hill will be asked to review the report on trees at Westhope with Friends of Westhope.
2021/79 WAR MEMORIAL AT CANON PYON
The lengthsman will be asked to replace the dead shrub in one of the plant pots at the war memorial, Canon Pyon.
2021/80 SAFER WEST MERCIA PLAN
The consultation on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan was noted.
2021/81 HEREFORDSHIRE BUDGET AND COUNCIL TAX PROPOSALS
The consultation on Herefordshire Council’s proposals for 2022-23 was noted.
2021/82 NEWSLETTER
It was agreed to plan for a parish council newsletter in February 2022.
2021/83 MATTERS RAISED FOR NEXT MEETING (no discussion)
Proposal to establish a flood group, Regulation 14 consultation for the NDP review, and lengthsman quotation for work at Kilbullock.
2021/84 INFORMATION ITEMS – Noted.
2021/85 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
(Ward Cllr. Jones left the meeting.)
(The remainder of the meeting was held in closed session in order to consider employment matters.)
The group parish council agreed to appoint a new clerk subject to contract. The starting date was delegated to the Clerk attending the meeting who will provide a two-week handover period from the agreed starting date on an ad hoc basis. The new clerk is expected to be in post by the time of the next meeting.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday, 5 October 2021 at Canon Pyon Parish Hall.
The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.16pm.