is, therefore, important that Members who wish to call in a decision should seek support from other...

INDEX Page No Section 1 Cabinet Decisions 1.1 - 1.3 Section 2 Reports Supporting Cabinet Decisions 2.1 - 2.21 Section 3 Minutes of the Council 3.1 - 3.13 Section 4 Minutes of the Scrutiny Committees 4.1 - 4.36 Section 5 Minutes of the Regulatory and Joint Committees 5.1 - 5.32 Section 6 Forward Plan 6.1 - 6.3 Section 7 Corporate Information 7.1 - 7.51 Section 8 Articles -

SECTION ONE

Cabinet Decisions

Call-in Process Any Member of the Council may by notice in writing to the Head of Law and Administration request that a decision of the Cabinet be referred to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee. The reports supporting the decisions are reproduced in Section 2 and further information can be obtained from the Officer contact identified in the report. The notice must state the reason why the Member wishes the decision to be referred and must be received by the Head of Law and Administration by 5.00 pm on the last day of the call-in period - shown on the front cover of the Digest. If notices are received signed by one Member of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee and any two other Members, the decision will be referred to the Scrutiny Committee. It is, therefore, important that Members who wish to call in a decision should seek support from other appropriate Members. If you return the call-in response without securing support from other appropriate Members you risk there not being the necessary three signatures to support the call-in. If you cannot obtain the support of two other appropriate Members, you may still return the call-in request to register your concern/objection but this will not result in call in unless two other appropriate Members act independently of you on the same issue. Blank call-in forms have been sent to you in the past and further copies are available on request from the Committee Services. However, if you do not have a form, a letter or a fax to the Head of Law and Administration setting out the item and reason for call-in will be accepted. The Head of Law and Administration will accept three separate forms, letters or faxes, suitably signed, to call-in an item or three signatures on one form, letter or fax. You can obtain further information on the call-in process by telephoning Stafford (01785) 619214. Call-in forms or letters relating to call-in items should be returned to Head of Law and Administration Committee Services Civic Centre Riverside Stafford ST16 3AQ Faxes should be sent to Stafford (01785) 619119

Stafford Borough Council - Members Digest - 16 March 2007

CABINET - 13 MARCH 2007

Councillor Mrs J M Dalgarno (Chairman)

Present (for all or part of the meeting):- Councillors:

W D Davis M R Heenan J S Highfield R M Smith

- Planning and Regeneration Portfolio - Resources Portfolio - Environment and Community Safety Portfolio - Leisure Portfolio

Also present Councillor A H Stafford Northcote CAB87 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting of 6 February 2007 were submitted and

signed. CAB88 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T J Reeves. CAB89 HEALTH ACT 2006 Considered the arrangements needed to support the introduction of the

ban on smoking in enclosed public places, the delegation to the Head of Environmental and Health Services of powers necessary for the implementation of Part 1 of the Health Act 2006 and proposals for the staffing arrangements necessary for the implementation of the ban, as set out in Section 2 of Digest No 100 issued on 16 March 2007.

RESOLVED:- that (i) the proposal of the Cabinet Member -

Environment and Community Safety, be approved as follows:-

That (a) the authorisation of officers be

delegated to the Head of Environmental and Health Services for the enforcement of Part 1 of the Health Act 2006;

(b) the Head of Environmental and

Health Services be empowered to authorise staff to undertake

1.1 Cabinet Decisions


enforcement work in relation to the Part 1 of the Health Act 2006;

(c) the Head of Environmental and

Health Services, in conjunction with the Head of Human Resources, be authorised to appoint staff, for the purpose of the duties set out paragraph (b) above;

(d) to support the work on the implementation, training, co-ordination and enforcement of the ban on smoking, the post of Health Promotion Officer be extended until 31 March 2008 and to reflect the additional duties the post be regraded to Scale 4;

(e) the Council’s Scheme of

Delegation in the Constitution be amended accordingly;

(ii) the Cabinet’s appreciation be placed on record

for the work undertaken by the Head of Environmental and Health Services in relation to this matter.

CAB90 SUNDRY DEBTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL TO WRITE OFF Considered the proposed writing off of Sundry Debts listed in the

Confidential Appendix set out in Section 2 of Digest No 100 issued on 16 March 2007.

RESOLVED:- that the proposal of the Cabinet Member - Resources be

approved as follows:- That the arrears listed in the CONFIDENTIAL

APPENDIX be written off. CAB91 COUNCIL TAX AND BUSINESS RATES ARREARS SUBMITTED FOR

APPROVAL TO WRITE OFF Considered the proposed writing off of Council Tax and Business Rates

arrears listed in the Confidential Appendix set out in Section 2 of Digest No 100 issued on 16 March 2007.

RESOLVED:- that (i) the proposal of the Cabinet Member - Resources

be approved as follows:-



That the arrears listed in the CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX be written off. (ii) the issue of the responsibility for the payment of

Business rates falling on tenants of property, as opposed to the owner(s), be taken up again with the Local Government Association.

CAB92 APPLICATION FOR EARLY RETIREMENT Considered a request for early retirement as set out in the Confidential

Appendix in Section 2 of Digest No 100 issued on 16 March 2007. RESOLVED:- that the proposal of the Cabinet Member - Resources be

approved as follows:- That the request for early retirement be approved. CAB93 MEMBERS FACILITIES GROUP - 30 JANUARY 2007 Considered the Minutes of the Members Facilities Group held on 30

January 2007, as set out in Section 2 of Digest No 100 issued on 16 March 2007.

RESOLVED:- that the Minutes of the Members Facilities Group of 30

January 2007 and the decisions contained therein be noted.

Proceedings commenced at 6.30 pm and terminated at 6.53 pm.


SECTION TWO

Reports Supporting Cabinet Decisions


SECTION 2 - REPORTS SUPPORTING CABINET DECISIONS

INDEX Page Nos Health Act 2006 - Smokefree Legislation 2.1 - 2.5 Sundry Debts Submitted for Approval to Write Off 2.6 Council Tax and Business Rates Arrears Submitted for Approval to Write Off 2.7 Application for Early Retirement 2.8 Members Facilities Group - 30 January 2007 2.9 - 2.15

Reports Supporting Cabinet Decisions


Health Act 2006 - Smokefree Legislation

This is the Report supporting Cabinet Decision reference CAB89/07 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 This report sets out the arrangements needed to support the introduction of

the ban on smoking in enclosed public places; delegates to the Head of Environmental and Health Services powers necessary for the implementation of Part 1 of the Health Act 2006; and set out proposals for the staffing arrangements necessary for the implementation of the ban.

2 Proposal of Cabinet Member That (a) the authorisation of officers be delegated to the Head of Environmental

and Health Services for the enforcement of Part 1 of the Health Act 2006;

(b) the Head of Environmental and Health Services be empowered to

authorise staff to undertake enforcement work in relation to the Part 1 of the Health Act 2006;

(c) the Head of Environmental and Health Services, in conjunction with the

Head of Human Resources, be authorised to appoint staff, for the purpose of this duties set out paragraph (b) above;

(d) to support the work on the implementation, training, coordination, and enforcement of the ban on smoking the post of Health Promotion Officer be extended until 31 March 2008 and to reflect the additional duties the post be regraded to Scale 4.

(e) the Council’s Scheme of Delegation in the Constitution be amended

accordingly. 3 Key Issues 3.1 The Health Act 2006 comes into effect at 6.00am on Sunday 1 July 2007. The

Act will require all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces to become smokefree. Internal smoking rooms and enclosed external smoking shelters will be illegal and all premises will have to display designated “No Smoking Signs” on entrances to their buildings. Failure to comply with the legislation will attract financial penalties and there will be associated fines for failure to display no smoking signage, allowing smoking in a smokefree building and smoking in a smokefree building.

2.1 Reports Supporting Cabinet Decisions


4 Relationship to Corporate Priorities 4.1 P10 – Ensuring that people within our community have the appropriate advice

and assistance to improve their quality of life. 5 Background 5.1 The Health Act 2006 makes provides for the prohibition of smoking in certain

premises which are enclosed or substantially enclosed and certain vehicles. This will include:-

All business premises Multi-occupied and shared housing Vehicles used as public service vehicles Vehicles used at any time by more than one person in connection with

their business or employment 5.2 The Act creates a number of offences:- Smoking in a smokefree place Failing to display adequate no-smoking signs Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place 5.3 Enforcement of the provisions of the Act fall to the Borough Council. 5.4 The approach to enforcement will focus on raising awareness and

understanding to ensure compliance, and enforcement officers will work closely with businesses to build compliance through education, advice and support before the legislation comes into force. Enforcement inspections will be based on risk and, where possible, combined with other regulatory inspections to reduce burdens on business.

5.5 Based on business rates records there are 3,739 commercial premises in the

Borough. These can be broken down into; Pubs 152 Restaurants 83 Take Away premises 72 Other registered food premises 982 Non-food registered Premises 2,450

5.6 In addition to fixed premises it will be necessary to ensure all taxis, private hire and other hire vehicles are complying with the smokefree legislation.

Implementation Plan

Stage 1 – Internal advice and information



(i) Discussion with Planning and Engineering and Street Scene on the implications of the Health Act to agree policy and procedural arrangements.

(ii) Seminar for Council Members to explain the requirements of the

legislation and advise them on the support being offered to local business.

Stage 2 – Advice and Support (local Business)

(i) Mail shot to local businesses setting how the Act will apply to

them. (ii) Support local businesses to ensure they are aware of the new

legislation and the impact it will have on them. (iii) Establishing a specific area on the Council Web site to support

this process. (iv) The Environmental and Health Services inspections programme

for commercial premises will be used to provide advice and guidance during the run up to the 1 July 2007.

(v) A series of work shops around the Borough will be held to which

local businesses will be invited. (vi) Advice to the general public, in partnership with the local media.

5.7 The Staffordshire Chief Environmental Health Officers Group has set up a sub-group to look at the co-ordination of advice and guidance provided throughout Staffordshire.

Stage 3 – Post 01 July 2007

(i) Education, support and advice will be the first priority. (ii) The main thrust of the enforcement work will need to take place

in pubs, clubs, restaurants and other licensed premises. Experience from the work undertaken in both Scotland and Ireland indicates that in order to ensure high levels of compliance it is necessary to undertake highly visible compliance inspections of premises in the period immediately following the introduction of the ban.

(iii) The number of premises covered is such that resources will

need to be directed at those premises where the greatest chance of non-compliance is likely to be found.



(iv) Any complaints about breaches of the law will be investigated and the appropriate action taken.

(v) The objective of the enforcement work will be to seek

compliance through advice, education and agreement. In only the most serious cases of persistent non-compliance will formal enforcement action be taken. Investigation and enforcement will be undertaken in accordance with the Environmental and Health Services Enforcement Policy.

Stage 4 – Long term compliance work

(i) Following the initial implementation period, compliance work will be undertaken as part of the normal inspection and enforcement work of the service.

5.8 The work set out above is new work; if performance on existing duties is not

to be compromised additional resources will be required. The Department of Health recognises that the introduction of the smokefree legislation represents new work for local authorities. It has therefore provided additional funding for 2006/7 and 2007/8. The proposals in this report can be supported by the these new funds.

5.9 The promotional work with premises will be undertaken by the Council’s

Health Promotion Officer. This is an existing temporary appointment which is already funded until September 2006.

5.10 In order to carry out the high level of compliance inspections needed a new

approach to enforcement is called for. It is therefore proposed that existing Council staff are invited to apply for a number of the smokefree surveillance officer posts to undertake work in the evenings and at weekend. These surveillance posts will be used to identify any premise where breaches of the smokefree legislation are taking place. Follow up visits and any formal enforcement work will then be undertaken by staff from Environmental and Health Services.

5.11 It will be necessary to undertake most of the compliance inspections in the

evenings and at weekends. It must also be remembered that the Act comes into force on Sunday 1 July 2007. For this reason it is not feasible to use existing Environmental Health staff working on the time off in lieu system as this would have a significant and adverse effect on performance of the service for an extended period.

6 Financial Implications 6.1 In a letter to the Chief Executive the funding for 2006/7 was confirmed as

being £10,096 and for 2007/8 £49,346.



£Cost of smokefree surveillance and enforcement– evening and weekend working

26,500

Seminars, publicity and promotional work 15,000

Administrative support officer (fixed term appointment April 2007 – September 2007

7,000

CRM additional resource to support front line contact 5,000Total Cost (max Department of Health (DH) funding £59,442) 53,500

7 Risk Management Issues 7.1 The implementation of the new non-smoking legislation will represent a

significant public health gain to local residents and workers. It will, inevitably attract considerable interest from local businesses, residents and the media.

7.2 If the Council does not establish early and effective links with local businesses

the advice and support needed by them to comply with the requirements of the Health Act 2006 will not be delivered in time.

7.3 Failure to allocate the correct level of resources and obtain proper

authorisation for enforcement officers will result in ineffective implementation of the new legislation.

This report has been produced having considered the following additional issues Strategic Plan Implications, Sustainability Issues, Human Rights Issues, Crime and Community Safety Issues, Data Protection Act Implications, Legal Implications, Human Resource Implications. Contact Officers: John Fraser Telephone No: 01785 619389



Sundry Debts Submitted for Approval to Write Off

This is the Report supporting Cabinet Decision reference CAB90/07 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To approve the write-off of arrears listed in the CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX.

This APPENDIX contains exempt information of the type specified in Paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

2 Proposal of Cabinet Member 2.1 That the arrears listed in the CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX be written off. 3 Key Issues 3.1 All debts in this report have been through the recovery processes specified in

the Credit Policy for Sundry Debtors. The outstanding balances are now submitted for approval to write-off.

4 Relationship to Corporate Priorities 4.1 Not Applicable 5 Background 5.1 Exempt 6 Financial Implications 6.1 As set out in the APPENDIX This report has been produced having considered the following additional issues Strategic Plan Implications, Sustainability Issues, Human Rights Issues, Crime and Community Safety Issues, Data Protection Act Implications, Legal Implications, Human Resource Implications. Risk Management Issues. Equality Issues. Contact Officers: D Howden Telephone No: 01785 619259



Council Tax and Business Rates Arrears Submitted for Approval to Write Off

This is the Report supporting Cabinet Decision reference CAB91/07 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To approve the write off of arrears listed in the CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX.

The APPENDIX contains exempt information of the description mentioned in Paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

2 Proposal of Cabinet Member 2.1 That the arrears listed in the attached CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX be written

off. 3 Key Issues 3.1 The normal course of action has been pursued, but despite the best efforts of

Council Tax and Business Rates staff, and/or bailiffs, the debtors cannot be traced and no further action can be taken.

4 Relationship to Corporate Priorities 4.1 N/A 5 Background 5.1 In accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, this report relates only to debts

in excess of £1,000 that can be legally recovered. 6 Financial Implications 6.1 Business Rates write offs are wholly offset against the National Non-Domestic

Rating Pool, and there is no cost to this Council. 6.2 Council Tax write offs are losses to the Collection Fund and as such, form

part of the cost of collection incurred by this Council. This report has been produced having considered the following additional issues Strategic Plan Implications, Sustainability Issues, Human Rights Issues, Crime and Community Safety Issues, Data Protection Act Implications, Legal Implications, Human Resource Implications, Risk Management Issues, Equality Issues. Contact Officers: C Craddock Telephone No: 01785 619239



Application for Early Retirement

This is the Report supporting Cabinet Decision reference CAB92/07 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To approve a request for Early Retirement as set out in the CONFIDENTIAL

APPENDIX. This APPENDIX contains exempt information of the type specified in Paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

2 Proposal of Cabinet Member 2.1 That the request for early retirement be approved. 3 Key Issues 3.1 The request is being considered in line with the Council’s early retirement policy. 4 Relationship to Corporate Priorities 4.1 The consideration of this request is being considered in line with the Council’s development of Electronic Document Management technology and the need to ensure continuous system and process improvement. 5 Background 5.1 Exempt 6 Financial Implications 6.1 As set out in the CONFIDENTIAL APPENDICES 1 AND 2 This report has been produced having considered the following additional issues Strategic Plan Implications, Sustainability Issues, Human Rights Issues, Crime and Community Safety Issues, Data Protection Act Implications, Legal Implications, Human Resource Implications. Contact Officer: Alistair Welch Telephone No: 01785 619204



This is the Report supporting Cabinet Decision reference CAB93/07 ITEM NO E1 ITEM NO E1

MEMBERS FACILITIES GROUP - 30 JANUARY 2007


Mrs A M Loughran D B Price

W R Simpson D J Skelland

Officers: M D Jones - Democratic and Members Services Manager P Kendrick - Head of Technology D Wesley - Systems Technician Mrs S Cunningham - Communications Manager Mr K Fletcher - Office Services Manager (for MFG 11) Mr N Raby - Head of Human Resources (for MFG 13) Mr D Bishop - Payroll Manager (for MFG 13) Mr J Holmes - Development Control Manager (for MFG 14) MFG10 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B McKeown and S R Oldfield. MFG11 MINUTES Arising out of the Minutes of the Group held on 26 September 2006 the

Group discussed the following issues:- (a) Postal Services (MFG 2) - the Office Services Manager informed the

Group of the ongoing monitoring of the Council’s mail, particularly to Members of the Council. The Democratic and Members Service Manager confirmed that in relation to minute MFG 2(c), the Council’s Digest had been posted to Members on a Thursday, whenever possible;

(b) Borough Council Year Book and Diary 2007/08 - Format (MFG 3) - the Communications Manager discussed with the Group the

approach relating to the design of the Year Book and Diary, the Group noting that production of the Diary would now proceed on the basis discussed, and that the Year Book would be produced following the 3 May 2007 Borough Council/Parish Council elections;



(c) Refreshments at Committee Meetings (MFG 8) - the Group stated its preferred option for traditional china

cups/saucers to be used and reiterated its view that refreshments should be provided immediately proceeding meetings to ensure freshness. In relation to the Development Control Committee, the Group considered that the numbers catered for should be increased to reflect the potential number of Ward Members attending.

AGREED:- that the Minutes of the meeting of 26 September 2006 be

received. MFG12 TECHNOLOGY SERVICE Considered the report of the Head of Technology as set out in Schedule

No 1. The Head of Technology and Dave Wesley, Systems Technician,

discussed with the Group the approaches taken in the various initiatives taken in the report.

AGREED:- that (a) the report of the Head of Technology be noted; (b) the Head of Technology consider further the

training needs of Members, particularly following the May 2007 Borough Council elections;

(c) the capacity for the computer in the Members

Room to accept Members external emails such as Hotmail be reviewed;

(d) the Head of Technology make contact with all

Members regarding the contents of their individual web pages on the Council’s website;

(e) the Head of Technology to contact all

appropriate Members re access to the Notilla system;

(f) the Group’s appreciation be again recorded for

the work undertaken by the Systems Technician on Members Technology equipment.



MFG13 MEMBERS ALLOWANCES - TAXATION The Head of Human Resources and the Payroll Manager attended the

meeting and discussed with the Group the process of renegotiating every 4 years tax allowances with the Inland Revenue.

The outcome of current round of negotiations, based on the increase in the

RPI over the past 4 years, would be made known to Members in due course, particularly in the context of the new Council, following the May 2007 Borough Council elections.

AGREED:- that in advance of the outcome of the current negotiations

with the Inland Revenue, the Head of Human Resources circulate to all Members the existing arrangements regarding tax allowances.

MFG14 ACCESS TO PLANNING OFFICERS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL The Development Control Manager attended the meeting and rehearsed

with the Group the recent difficulties which had been experienced in accessing Planning Officers by telephone and the arrangements which were now in place which enabled calls to be routed by the Council’s Customer Contact Centre to the appropriate Planning Officer in the event of Members clearly identifying themselves to Contact Centre operators.

AGREED:- that the report of the Development Control Manager be

noted. (Note:- Contact Planning Officers on 01785 619337) Proceedings commenced at 2.00 pm and terminated at 3.05 pm.



SCHEDULE NO 1 TECHNOLOGY SERVICE

Report of Head of Technology 1 Detail 1.1 To advise the Group on progress towards the objectives specified at the

previous meeting of the Group on 26 September 2006. 2 Current Support from Technology 2.1 It may be useful to list all the facilities that are currently on offer from the

Technology Service:-

• Laptop or Desktop PC • Broadband wireless router • Microsoft Office 2000 • Norton Internet security • Printer • Allocation of Paper • Allocation of Printer ink/toner • Broadband internet access (£15 toward the monthly costs) • Forwarding of emails from an @staffordbc.gov.uk address • Desktop PC and printer in the Members` Room. • Wireless Access broadband in Members` Room. • Personal support from the Technology Service to make any of the above

work through the corporate helpdesk ([email protected] tel. 610666.)

• Own web page on the Council’s website with an area for the Councillor to put individual information about current issues. See the profile area.

• Remote access to the Council’s systems (security permitting) . This facility also gives access to a personal storage area and a common ‘Members Only’ area. Access to this area also allows the Councillor to examine the electronic maps held by the Council. (Mapviewer)

• Remote printing. Members can request a large document to be printed through the corporate fast printers by emailing it to the helpdesk. ([email protected])

3 Progress

Councillors with an SBC laptop. 25 Councillors with wireless access at home 22 Councillors with an SBC Desktop 10 Councillors with an SBC PC 35 Councillors with an SBC email contact. 51


mailto:[email protected]


Councillors who have requested Netilla access 9 Councillors who have signed the email and security declaration.

37

Councillors with SBC assisted broadband 30

4 Netilla Access 4.1 The 9 Councillors who have requested access to the Council systems using

remote access will shortly receive their unique logon ID and password. Any Councillor who logs onto the Borough Council’s systems in the Members Room will also receive a unique ID and password. As soon as this has been done the generic ‘Member’ ID will be removed.

4.2 This will allow access from any PC with a broadband Internet connection. 5 Access to Planning Information 5.1 At the previous Members Facilities Group there was discussion about access

to further Planning documents. In particular the original Planning application document, details of design, site plan and "Call in" and "Withdrawal of Call in" forms.

5.2 All these documents will be available on the ‘Public Access’ System when

planning goes live (June 07) with the new document management system. Planning documents will be scanned when the applications are validated.

5.3 An example web form for the Councillor 'Call In' & 'Withdraw Call In' should be

operational by April 07. An example is at http://www.do-it-online.org.uk/officeforms/stf_formslist.htm

6 Update Form for the Website 6.1 The APPENDIX shows the form that has been created and instructions for

changing the text on a Councillor’s web page. Officer Contact Peter Kendrick, Head of Technology, Tel 619274


http://www.do-it-online.org.uk/officeforms/stf_formslist.htm


APPENDIX TECHNOLOGY SERVICE Councillor Name <Name of Councillor> Special Interest Date to be

published on SBC web

Date to be removed from SBC web site

Example: New Leisure Centre Development My Interests include: Planning stage Consultation

January 2007

Instructions to be included on the e-mail when form sent to councillors: To update your web page with ‘special interests’ information then please perform the following instructions: Rename the attached file as <councillor name>_special interests.doc For example, JDalgarno_special_interests.doc Save the document on your pc Fill in your name on the form and save the change. Update the form as and when you want to provide information to update the ‘special interests’ information on your web page. Please include the date that the information is to appear on the web page. Also, please notify us when any information is to be removed. Save any changes made to the form. E-mail the form, as an attachment, to Eve Owen in Word Processing, [email protected] who will arrange for the changes to be updated on your web page. Eve will then e-mail you back to inform you when the changes have been made. The information that you provide will appear under the ‘profile’ section of your web page. Please select your name from the list on the following web page http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/static/dynamic/DemServCouncillors.asp to check your web page details.



http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/static/dynamic/DemServCouncillors.asp


An Example Webpage with profile information.


SECTION THREE

Minutes of the Council


SECTION 3 - COUNCIL MEETINGS

INDEX

Page Nos Council - 26 February 2007 3.1 - 3.13

Council


COUNCIL - 26 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor M A Shone (Mayor) Present (for all or part of the meeting):- Councillors:

D Allan Mrs C A Baron M J Bentley Mrs M Bowen H Butter J E G Cantrill M Carey G R Collier R P Cooke B M Cross Mrs J M Dalgarno Mrs L Davies W D Davis Mrs A P Edgeller J C H Fairbanks Mrs J W Farnham P M M Farrington J S Francis Mrs S Francis A T A Godfrey A S Harp M R Heenan J S Highfield J R Kelly

W J Kemp P A Leason M C Leese B McKeown S R Oldfield A N Pearce A J Perkins D B Price T J Reeves G O Rowlands P M Rowlands J A Russell D R Seary J C Sillito W R Simpson D J Skelland R M Smith A H Stafford Northcote R M Sutherland Mrs J E Tabernor Mrs D A Wakefield C C Wilkinson M J Winnington

C83 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2007 submitted and signed.

C84 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A B Compton, F A

Finlay, P G Goodland, J H Kennedy, Mrs A M Loughran, M T Millichap, B J Stamp and K S Williamson.

C85 ANNOUNCEMENTS

(a) The Mayor

3.1 Council


The Mayor provided an update regarding the First Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment who were serving in Basra, as detailed in a letter received from the Regiment Commander. The Mayor informed the Council that the regiment had returned to Iraq on 30 October 2006 and were expected to remain until early June 2007.

The Mayor reported that he would be responding to the letter

received from the Commander in Chief of the Staffordshire Regiment. The Mayor reminded Members of the last date for applications for

tickets for his Spring Ball was Friday 2 March. The Mayor hoped that Members and their partners would support the event. Dancing was to be to the internationally famous group - Intrigue and in the second half of the evening, they would be performing their Abba tribute, for which they are renowned.

(b) The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mrs J M Dalgarno The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mrs J M Dalgarno reported that

she had also received a letter detailing the ongoing operations performed by the Staffordshire Regiment serving in Iraq. The Leader wished to thank the Regiment for their commitment to their duties in such difficult circumstances.

RESOLVED:- that the Chief Executive write to the Commander in

Chief - Staffordshire Regiment to convey the Council’s best wishes to those serving in Iraq.

C86 COUNCILLOR SESSION

Councillor W J Kemp had submitted the following item for consideration under Paragraph 12.3(b) of the Council Procedure Rules as follows:-

“I should like the Council to discuss the relocating of the RAF Harrier from

RAF Stafford to the Falklands Gardens and:- (a) The proposed security arrangements at the Falklands Gardens in

detail; (b) The cost of relocating the Harrier from RAF Stafford and the cost of

the proposed protection measures such as the fence, extra CCTV and lighting;

(c) Any Health and Safety matters that may arise, resulting from its

relocation and use of a security fence with a serrated top rail; (d) The ongoing maintenance costs.”

3.2 Council


Members of the Council discussed the item as submitted by Councillor W J Kemp as provided for in Paragraph 12.5 of the Council Procedure Rules. During the debate a motion was moved by Councillor W J Kemp and seconded by Councillor G O Rowlands:- “that this Council constructs a large raised flower bed on the Falklands Gardens to be used to commemorate the link between the town and the Royal Air Force.”

C87 TIME LIMIT

The Mayor reminded the meeting of the 10 minute time limit associated with Councillor Session Items (Paragraph 12.6 of the Council Procedure Rules). At the expiration of 10 minutes consideration of the item a motion was moved by Councillor R P Cooke and seconded by Councillor A N Pearce:- “that in being convenient and conducive to the conduct of business, the matter be considered further at this meeting.” On being put to the vote the motion was declared to be lost.

C88 NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillors T J Reeves and P M M Farrington had given Notice of the following Motion pursuant to Paragraph 13 of the Council Procedure Rules:-

“This Council expresses its concern about the stress and disruption which

will be caused in our community to families who have relied on the services of Staffordshire County Council Social Services Department for past and present support and are being placed in a period of indecision about their future, resulting from the County Council’s decision to reconstruct its social care and domiciliary care services.

Accordingly, this Council instructs the Chief Executive, to contact the Chief

Executive of Staffordshire County Council with a view to convening an early meeting between prospective partners from Service organisations with a view to developing a new strategy to continue to assure our communities of Stafford Borough that social care and health provision will continue to be provided where needed.”

Councillor T J Reeves proposed and Councillor P M M Farrington

seconded that the motion be approved. Members of the Council discussed the item as provided for in paragraph

15 of the Council Procedure Rules. During the debate an amendment was

3.3 Council


proposed by Councillor G O Rowlands and seconded by Councillor R P Cooke:-

“To delete the first paragraph from the existing notice and insert the

following “Stafford Borough Council deplores any move that the County Council might make which results in the closure of day centres and old people’s care homes in Stafford Borough”.

The Council then debated the amendment as put forward. Councillors T J

Reeves and P M M Farrington indicated that they accepted the wording of the proposed amendment, to which the Council consented.

Subsequently, on being put to the vote the amendment was carried. The Council continued to debate the item during which time a second

amendment was proposed by Councillor D R Seary and seconded by Councillor B McKeown.

“That the Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to Central

Government recommending free health care for the elderly.”

Following further debate the second amendment was withdrawn, with the Council’s consent.

RESOLVED:- that (a) Stafford Borough Council deplores any move

that the County Council might make which results in the closure of day centres and old people’s care homes in Stafford Borough;

(b) the Council instructs the Chief Executive to

contact the Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council with a view to convening an early meeting between prospective partners from Service organisations with a view to developing a new strategy to continue to assure our communities of Stafford Borough that social care and health provision will continue to be provided where needed.

Councillors Mrs J E Tabernor and W J Kemp declared a personal interest in this item but remained in the meeting during the debate and voting thereon.

C89 OFFICES OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

RESOLVED:- that (a) Councillor D B Price be nominated for the office of Mayor for the Municipal Year of

2007/08;

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(b) Councillor B McKeown be nominated for the office of Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year of 2007/08.

C90 COUNCIL TAX 2007/2008

The Council considered the overall level of Council Tax for 2007/2008 inclusive of County Council, Police Authority, Fire Authority and individual Parish Council requirements. An updated version of the report was circulated to the meeting.

RESOLVED:- that the following be approved:- (1) the revenue estimates for the year 2007/2008, incorporating the Fees

and Charges for 2007/2008, as set out below:-

2007/2008

Budget £000’s

Portfolio spending Environment and Community Safety 4,459 Housing General Fund 377 Leisure 3,345 Planning and Regeneration 1,777 Resources 7,433 17,391 Other Items Financing/Technical (1,849) and accounting adjustments Less Use of Balances (690) Net Revenue Budget 14,852

(Within the Local Government Act 2003 there is a requirement for the Chief Financial Officer (ie the Section 151 Officer) to report to the Council on the robustness of the estimates included in the annual budget and the adequacy of the reserves for which the budget provides. The Executive Director (Section 151 Officer) reports that in his view, the 2007/2008 budget outlined above includes estimates which take into account circumstances and events which are reasonably foreseeable at the time of preparing the budget. In addition, the level of reserves remains adequate for the Council based upon the budget and the circumstances in place at the time of preparing it.)

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(2) That it be noted that under the power delegated to the Council’s

Section 151 Officer, the Council calculated the following amounts for the year 2007/2008 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

(a) 45,498.02 being the amount calculated by the Council, in

accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 (as amended under the Local Government Act 2003) as its Council Tax base for the year.

(b) Part of the Council’s Area

Parish Tax Base

Adbaston 221.40 Barlaston 1,059.29 Berkswich 785.60 Bradley 208.42 Brocton 549.01 Chebsey 215.92 Church Eaton 280.60 Colwich 1,722.90 Creswell 128.33 Doxey 731.08 Eccleshall 1,911.70 Ellenhall 53.90 Forton 144.66 Fradswell 79.85 Fulford 2,260.22 Gayton 74.84 Gnosall 1,900.82 Haughton 436.70 High Offley 372.02 Hilderstone 269.31 Hixon 681.08 Hopton and Coton 256.73 Hyde Lea 184.62 Ingestre 78.42 Marston 65.01 Milwich 185.73 Norbury 165.43 Ranton 179.80 Salt and Enson 182.44 Sandon and Burston 165.33 Seighford 773.88 Standon 323.33 Stone Town 5,674.99

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Parish Tax Base Stone Rural 754.54 Stowe by Chartley 181.84 Swynnerton 1,861.18 Tixall 103.31 Weston 384.14 Whitgreave 81.81 25,690.18

Unparished Stafford Town 19,603.54 MOD contributions in lieu 204.30 45,498.02

being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with

Regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.

(3) That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the

year 2007/2008 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

(a) £49,566,032.50 being the aggregate of the amounts which the

Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) to (e) of the Act.

(b) £34,104,776.00 being the aggregate of the amounts which the

Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c) of the Act.

(c) £15,461,256.50 being the amount by which the aggregate at

(3)(a) above exceeds the aggregate at (3)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year.

(d) £8,532,175.02 being the aggregate of the sums which the

Council estimates will be payable for the year into its general fund in respect of re-distributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant and increased by the amount of the sums which the Council estimates will be transferred in the year from its collection fund to its general fund in accordance with Section 97(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and from its collection fund to its general fund pursuant to the Collection Fund (Community Charge) Directions under Section 98(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 made on 7 February 1994.

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(e) £152.29 being the amount at (3)(c) above less the amount at

(3)(d) above, all divided by the amount at (2)(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year.

(f) £609,406.50 being the aggregate amount of all special items

referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act. (g) £138.90 being the amount at 3(e) above less the result given by

dividing the amount at 3(f) above by the amount at 2(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates.

(h) Part of the Council’s Area

£.p Adbaston 143.90 Barlaston 165.33 Berkswich 186.30 Bradley 153.29 Brocton 150.59 Chebsey 159.42 Church Eaton 154.67 Colwich 178.44 Creswell 199.10 Doxey 149.16 Eccleshall 163.49 Ellenhall 139.46 Forton 144.15 Fradswell 146.11 Fulford 158.81 Gayton 149.03

Gnosall 156.21 Haughton 160.51 High Offley 145.90 Hilderstone 154.50 Hixon 171.20 Hopton and Coton 156.43 Hyde Lea 158.40 Ingestre 151.65

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being the amounts given by adding to the amount at 3(g) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at (2)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.

Milwich 152.36 Norbury 150.99 Ranton 160.12 Salt and Enson 155.89 Sandon and Burston 158.04 Seighford 149.72 Standon 162.48 Stone Town 172.82 Stone Rural 157.45 Stowe by Chartley 178.22 Swynnerton 145.35 Tixall 148.58 Weston 162.18 Whitgreave 149.90

(i) Valuation Bands

Parish Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Adbaston 95.93 111.92 127.91 143.90 175.88 207.86 239.83 287.80 Barlaston 110.22 128.59 146.96 165.33 202.07 238.81 275.55 330.66 Berkswich 124.20 144.90 165.60 186.30 227.70 269.10 310.50 372.60 Bradley 102.19 119.23 136.26 153.29 187.35 221.42 255.48 306.58 Brocton 100.39 117.13 133.86 150.59 184.05 217.52 250.98 301.18 Chebsey 106.28 123.99 141.71 159.42 194.85 230.27 265.70 318.84 Church Eaton 103.11 120.30 137.48 154.67 189.04 223.41 257.78 309.34 Colwich 118.96 138.79 158.61 178.44 218.09 257.75 297.40 356.88 Creswell 132.73 154.86 176.98 199.10 243.34 287.59 331.83 398.20 Doxey 99.44 116.01 132.59 149.16 182.31 215.45 248.60 298.32 Eccleshall 108.99 127.16 145.32 163.49 199.82 236.15 272.48 326.98 Ellenhall 92.97 108.47 123.96 139.46 170.45 201.44 232.43 278.92 Forton 96.10 112.12 128.13 144.15 176.18 208.22 240.25 288.30 Fradswell 97.41 113.64 129.88 146.11 178.58 211.05 243.52 292.22 Fulford 105.87 123.52 141.16 158.81 194.10 229.39 264.68 317.62 Gayton 99.35 115.91 132.47 149.03 182.15 215.27 248.38 298.06 Gnosall 104.14 121.50 138.85 156.21 190.92 225.64 260.35 312.42 Haughton 107.01 124.84 142.68 160.51 196.18 231.85 267.52 321.02 High Offley 97.27 113.48 129.69 145.90 178.32 210.74 243.17 291.80 Hilderstone 103.00 120.17 137.33 154.50 188.83 223.17 257.50 309.00 Hixon 114.13 133.16 152.18 171.20 209.24 247.29 285.33 342.40 Hopton and Coton 104.29 121.67 139.05 156.43 191.19 225.95 260.72 312.86 Hyde Lea 105.60 123.20 140.80 158.40 193.60 228.80 264.00 316.80 Ingestre 101.10 117.95 134.80 151.65 185.35 219.05 252.75 303.30 Milwich 101.57 118.50 135.43 152.36 186.22 220.08 253.93 304.72

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Norbury 100.66 117.44 134.21 150.99 184.54 218.10 251.65 301.98 Ranton 106.75 124.54 142.33 160.12 195.70 231.28 266.87 320.24 Salt and Enson 103.93 121.25 138.57 155.89 190.53 225.17 259.82 311.78 Sandon and Burston 105.36 122.92 140.48 158.04 193.16 228.28 263.40 316.08 Seighford 99.81 116.45 133.08 149.72 182.99 216.26 249.53 299.44 Standon 108.32 126.37 144.43 162.48 198.59 234.69 270.80 324.96 Stone Town 115.21 134.42 153.62 172.82 211.22 249.63 288.03 345.64 Stone Rural 104.97 122.46 139.96 157.45 192.44 227.43 262.42 314.90 Stowe By Chartley 118.81 138.62 158.42 178.22 217.82 257.43 297.03 356.44 Swynnerton 96.90 113.05 129.20 145.35 177.65 209.95 242.25 290.70 Tixall 99.05 115.56 132.07 148.58 181.60 214.62 247.63 297.16 Weston 108.12 126.14 144.16 162.18 198.22 234.26 270.30 324.36 Whitgreave 99.93 116.59 133.24 149.90 183.21 216.52 249.83 299.80 All other parts of the Council's 92.60 108.03 123.47 138.90 169.77 200.63 231.50 277.80 area

Being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (3)(g) and (3)(h) above by the number by which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands. (4) That it be noted for the year 2007/2008 the Staffordshire County Council,

the Staffordshire Police Authority and the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Fire Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:-

Precepting Valuation Bands

Authority

Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H

£.p £.p £.p £.p £.p £.p £.p £.p

Staffordshire County Council

631.69 736.98 842.26 947.54 1,158.10 1,368.67 1,579.23 1,895.08

Staffordshire Police Authority

106.77 124.56 142.36 160.15 195.74 231.33 266.92 320.30

Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Fire Authority

40.18 46.88 53.57 60.27 73.66 87.06 100.45 120.54

(5) That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at

3(i) and 4 above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2007/2008 for each of the categories of dwellings shown overleaf:-

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Valuation Bands

Parish Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H

£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Adbaston 874.57 1,020.34 1,166.10 1,311.86 1,603.38 1,894.92 2,186.43 2,623.72 Barlaston 888.86 1,037.01 1,185.15 1,333.29 1,629.57 1,925.87 2,222.15 2,666.58 Berkswich 902.84 1,053.32 1,203.79 1,354.26 1,655.20 1,956.16 2,257.10 2,708.52 Bradley 880.83 1,027.65 1,174.45 1,321.25 1,614.85 1,908.48 2,202.08 2,642.50 Brocton 879.03 1,025.55 1,172.05 1,318.55 1,611.55 1,904.58 2,197.58 2,637.10 Chebsey 884.92 1,032.41 1,179.90 1,327.38 1,622.35 1,917.33 2,212.30 2,654.76 Church Eaton 881.75 1,028.72 1,175.67 1,322.63 1,616.54 1,910.47 2,204.38 2,645.26 Colwich 897.60 1,047.21 1,196.80 1,346.40 1,645.59 1,944.81 2,244.00 2,692.80 Creswell 911.37 1,063.28 1,215.17 1,367.06 1,670.84 1,974.65 2,278.43 2,734.12 Doxey 878.08 1,024.43 1,170.78 1,317.12 1,609.81 1,902.51 2,195.20 2,634.24 Eccleshall 887.63 1,035.58 1,183.51 1,331.45 1,627.32 1,923.21 2,219.08 2,662.90 Ellenhall 871.61 1,016.89 1,162.15 1,307.42 1,597.95 1,888.50 2,179.03 2,614.84 Forton 874.74 1,020.54 1,166.32 1,312.11 1,603.68 1,895.28 2,186.85 2,624.22 Fradswell 876.05 1,022.06 1,168.07 1,314.07 1,606.08 1,898.11 2,190.12 2,628.14 Fulford 884.51 1,031.94 1,179.35 1,326.77 1,621.60 1,916.45 2,211.28 2,653.54 Gayton 877.99 1,024.33 1,170.66 1,316.99 1,609.65 1,902.33 2,194.98 2,633.98 Gnosall 882.78 1,029.92 1,177.04 1,324.17 1,618.42 1,912.70 2,206.95 2,648.34 Haughton 885.65 1,033.26 1,180.87 1,328.47 1,623.68 1,918.91 2,214.12 2,656.94 High Offley 875.91 1,021.90 1,167.88 1,313.86 1,605.82 1,897.80 2,189.77 2,627.72 Hilderstone 881.64 1,028.59 1,175.52 1,322.46 1,616.33 1,910.23 2,204.10 2,644.92 Hixon 892.77 1,041.58 1,190.37 1,339.16 1,636.74 1,934.35 2,231.93 2,678.32 Hopton and Coton 882.93 1,030.09 1,177.24 1,324.39 1,618.69 1,913.01 2,207.32 2,648.78 Hyde Lea 884.24 1,031.62 1,178.99 1,326.36 1,621.10 1,915.86 2,210.60 2,652.72 Ingestre 879.74 1,026.37 1,172.99 1,319.61 1,612.85 1,906.11 2,199.35 2,639.22 Milwich 880.21 1,026.92 1,173.62 1,320.32 1,613.72 1,907.14 2,200.53 2,640.64 Norbury 879.30 1,025.86 1,172.40 1,318.95 1,612.04 1,905.16 2,198.25 2,637.90 Ranton 885.39 1,032.96 1,180.52 1,328.08 1,623.20 1,918.34 2,213.47 2,656.16 Salt and Enson 882.57 1,029.67 1,176.76 1,323.85 1,618.03 1,912.23 2,206.42 2,647.70 Sandon and Burston 884.00 1,031.34 1,178.67 1,326.00 1,620.66 1,915.34 2,210.00 2,652.00 Seighford 878.45 1,024.87 1,171.27 1,317.68 1,610.49 1,903.32 2,196.13 2,635.36 Standon 886.96 1,034.79 1,182.62 1,330.44 1,626.09 1,921.75 2,217.40 2,660.88 Stone Town 893.85 1,042.84 1,191.81 1,340.78 1,638.72 1,936.69 2,234.63 2,681.56 Stone Rural 883.61 1,030.88 1,178.15 1,325.41 1,619.94 1,914.49 2,209.02 2,650.82 Stowe By Chartley 897.45 1,047.04 1,196.61 1,346.18 1,645.32 1,944.49 2,243.63 2,692.36 Swynnerton 875.54 1,021.47 1,167.39 1,313.31 1,605.15 1,897.01 2,188.85 2,626.62 Tixall 877.69 1,023.98 1,170.26 1,316.54 1,609.10 1,901.68 2,194.23 2,633.08 Weston 886.76 1,034.56 1,182.35 1,330.14 1,625.72 1,921.32 2,216.90 2,660.28 Whitgreave 878.57 1,025.01 1,171.43 1,317.86 1,610.71 1,903.58 2,196.43 2,635.72 All other parts of the Council's 871.24 1,016.45 1,161.66 1,306.86 1,597.27 1,887.69 2,178.10 2,613.72 Area

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C91 PRUDENTIAL CODE AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT Considered the report of the Head of Finance. RESOLVED:- that approval be given to the following:-

(a) the Prudential Code Indicators;

(b) the Treasury Strategy Statement;

(c) the Annual Investment Strategy for 2007/2008;

(d) the application of unapplied capital receipts to reduce the Capital Financing Requirement to zero in 2006/2007 as outlined in Section 11 of the report.

C92 REVIEW OF MEMBERS ALLOWANCES

Considered the joint report of the Head of Law and Administration and the Head of Human Resources.

RESOLVED:- that (a) the Scheme of Members’

Allowances be increased by 2.9% for the year 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 as detailed in the attached SCHEDULE NO 1;

(b) the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for use by

Parish Councils, be increased by 2.9% for the year 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 as detailed in the attached SCHEDULE NO 2, should such Councils so resolve;

(c) the Head of Law and Administration convene an

Independent Panel to meet as soon as possible to make recommendations to the Council on the allowances for 2008/09 onwards.

C93 REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES AND ORGANISATIONS –

MID STAFFORDSHIRE GENERAL HOSPITALS NHS TRUST Considered the report of the Head of Law and Administration. RESOLVED:- that Councillor C C Wilkinson be appointed to the Council

of Governors on the proposed Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

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C94 THE INTRODUCTION OF DECRIMINALISED PARKING ENFORCEMENT IN STAFFORD BOROUGH

Considered the joint report of the Head of Planning and Engineering

Services and the Head of Law and Administration. RESOLVED:- that Councillors P M M Farrington, A S Harp and W R

Simpson be appointed to the Joint Parking Committee.


3.13 Council

SECTION FOUR

Minutes of the Scrutiny

Committees


Scrutiny Committees

SECTION 4 - MINUTES OF SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

INDEX Page Nos Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Committee - 15 February 2007 4.1 - 4.4 Health Scrutiny Committee - 20 February 2007 4.5 - 4.11 Special Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee - 21 February 2007 4.12 - 4.13 Leisure Scrutiny Committee - 28 February 2007 4.14 - 4.16 Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee - 6 March 2007 4.17 - 4.36


4.1

ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – 15 FEBRUARY 2007

Present for all or part of the meeting):- Councillors:- Mrs C A Baron D J Skelland Mrs A P Edgeller A H Stafford Northcote P G Goodland Mrs J E Tabernor W J Kemp Mrs D A Wakefield M T Millichap C C Wilkinson Also present: Councillor R M Sutherland ECS33 COUNCILLORS J H KENNEDY AND J S HIGHFIELD

It was reported that Councillors J H Kennedy (Chairman) and J S Highfield (Cabinet Member – Environment and Community Safety Portfolio) were recovering following ill health.

RESOLVED:- that the Scrutiny Committee convey their best wishes to

Councillors J H Kennedy and J S Highfield. ECS34 STAFFORD CREMATORIUM – REDUCTION OF MERCURY

EMMISSIONS The Head of Environmental and Health Services circulated for Members

information a letter from the Minister for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare outlining the Governments position on the above, as discussed at the last meeting of the Committee.

ECS35 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN RESOLVED:- that Councillor Mrs D A Wakefield be appointed as

Chairman of the Committee for this meeting. Councillor Mrs D A Wakefield (Chairman) ECS36 MINUTES Minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2006, submitted and signed. ECS37 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J S Highfield, J H

Kennedy (substituted by Councillor W J Kemp) and M J Winnington.

Scrutiny Committees


4.2

ECS38 LICENSING ACT 2003 – REVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF LICENSING

POLICY Considered the report of the Head of Environmental and Health Services

(V1 05/02/07). Members discussed the Policy at length, and gave particular consideration

to the issues of internal communication at Staffordshire Police, and applicants responsibilities for consulting with interested parties.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the unamended policy be circulated for consultation

for a 12 week period from April 2007; (ii) a further report be submitted to this Scrutiny

Committee following the licensing policy consultation period;

(iii) Officers be congratulated for the continued

successful operation of the Licensing Act 2003. ECS39 ST JOHNS MARKET STAFFORD Considered the report of the Head of Regeneration (V3 05/02). Members discussed each explanation of variances as included in the

report in detail, with the Facilities Co-ordinator responding where required. Particular reference was made to Monday opening of the Market and the varying discount rates of stall holder rents.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee

the report be noted. ECS40 ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PORTFOLIO BUDGET

MONITORING 2006/2007 Considered the joint report of the Head of Environmental and Health

Services, the Head of Planning and Engineering, the Head of Regeneration and the Head of Finance (V2 05/02/07) for the Environmental and Community Safety Portfolio’s net revenue expenditure for the period ended 31 December 2006.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the report be noted;

Scrutiny Committees


4.3

(ii) the Head of Finance provide further details of the variances relating to Borough Markets.

ECS41 GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2006/07 – 2010/11 –

ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY SAFETY Considered the report of the Head of Finance (V3 05/02/07) containing

proposals for the General Fund Capital Programme 2006/7 to 2010/11. This matter had been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4

January 2007 and had been referred to the Scrutiny Committee for consultation.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the General Fund Capital Programme 2006/07 –

2010/11 Environment and Community Safety as considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 January 2007 be noted;

(ii) a report detailing the breakdown of the St Johns

Market refurbishment be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.

ECS42 REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Considered the quarterly progress report on the performance for the

services within the Committee’s purview for the quarter ended 31 December 2006 (V5 01/02/07).

The Head of Environmental and Health Services provided updates

regarding the performance of indicators BV82ai and BV84 against the action plans as detailed in the report.

Particular attention was given to indicators LI S5, LI S6, BV82bi and

BV126, with Head of Service responding accordingly. RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the performance management report and associated

executive summary be noted; (ii) future executive summary reports include both full

figures as well as percentages; (iii) a presentation be received by the Committee

detailing domestic violence issues within the Borough;

Scrutiny Committees


4.4

(iv) Officers be thanked for their efforts in achieving the

levels of performance relating to Food Hygiene inspections.

ECS43 HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SERVICES It was reported that this was the last meeting of the Scrutiny Committee

which Bob Ball, Head of Environmental and Health Services would be attending before retirement.

Members conveyed their appreciation to Mr Ball for the work he had

undertaken for the Council. Proceedings commenced at 2.00 pm and terminated at 4. 16 pm.

Scrutiny Committees


4.5

HEALTH SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - 20 FEBRUARY 2007 Present (for all or part of the meeting):- Councillors:

Mrs A P Edgeller P G Goodland W J Kemp M T Millichap G O Rowlands D J Skelland

A H Stafford Northcote Mrs J E Tabernor Mrs D A Wakefield C C Wilkinson M J Winnington

Cabinet Member - Councillor J S Highfield, Environment and Community Safety Portfolio

HES24 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN RESOLVED:- that Councillor Mrs D A Wakefield be appointed as

Chairman for this meeting. Councillor Mrs D A Wakefield (Chairman) HES25 MINUTES Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 November 2006 submitted and signed. HES26 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs C A Baron and

J H Kennedy (Substituted by G O Rowlands).

HES27 PRESENTATION BY MID STAFFORDSHIRE GENERAL HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

The Committee received a presentation from Toni Brisby, Chair and Martin

Yeates, Chief Executive of the Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals Trust relating to their application to become an NHS Foundation Trust with effect from October 2007.

During the presentation, they referred to the changes that would occur in

becoming a Foundation Trust, the timetable for authorisation, governance structures and a new Trust name. A copy of the presentation is attached as a SCHEDULE to the minutes.

The Committee discussed various aspects of the presentation, which both

Toni Brisby and Martin Yeates responded to accordingly.

Scrutiny Committees


4.6

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) Toni Brisby and Martin Yeates be thanked for their

presentation; (ii) this Committee supports the proposals by Mid

Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust to become an NHS Foundation Trust and conveys their best wishes with the application;

(iii) this Committee recommends “Central Staffordshire

Healthcare” as a more representative name for the new NHS Foundation Trust.

HES28 REPORT OF COUNCILLOR C C WILKINSON Considered the report of Councillor C C Wilkinson on matters considered

by the Staffordshire Health Scrutiny Committee at their meetings held on 10 October 2006, 15 November 2006, 7 December 2006, 15 January 2007 and 14 February 2007, which included a wide variety of health related issues.

The Committee discussed various aspects of the report, which Councillor C C Wilkinson responded accordingly.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust be

requested to formally consult the Committee on the transfer of £1.7 m of NHS funding for learning disability respite care services from South Staffordshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust to Staffordshire County Council in order for the Council to become the responsible commissioning authority for all learning disability respire care services;

(ii) the transfer of responsibility for all learning disability

respite care services from South Staffordshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust to Staffordshire County Council be referred to the Health and Social Care Board for consideration;

(iii) further information be sought on the performance of

the Staffordshire Ambulance Service during the 2005/06 Annual Health Check NHS Performance Ratings;

(v) the report be noted.

Scrutiny Committees


4.7

HES29 HEALTH SCRUTINY UPDATE Considered the report of the Head of Law and Administration, which

updated the Committee on the reinstatement of three drugs for use by the Community First responders.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee,

the report be noted. HES30 HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

It was reported that this was the last meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, which Bob Ball, Head of Environmental and Health Services would be attending before retirement. Members conveyed their appreciation to Mr Ball for the work he had undertaken for the Council.

Proceedings commenced at 6.30 pm and terminated at 8.25 pm

Scrutiny Committees


4.8

Scrutiny Committees


4.9

Scrutiny Committees


4.10

Scrutiny Committees


4.11

Scrutiny Committees


4.12

SPECIAL PLANNING AND REGENERATION SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 21 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor A J Perkins (Chairman)


Mrs C A Baron M J Bentley H Butter G R Collier B M Cross

J C H Fairbanks A S Harp D B Price W R Simpson

Councillor W D Davis (Cabinet Member - Planning and Regeneration

Portfolio) Also present Councillor D R Seary PRS28 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2007 submitted and

signed. PRS29 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J A Russell

(substituted by Councillor Mrs C A Baron). PRS30 THE INTRODUCTION OF DECRIMINALISED PARKING

ENFORCEMENT IN STAFFORD BOROUGH This matter had been published in Members’ Digest No 98 of 26 January

2007 and had been called in to this Committee by Councillors J A Russell, Mrs C A Baron and D R Seary for the following reason:-

“To seek clarification of the details, enforcement and operation of the

proposed scheme.” Councillor Mrs C A Baron rehearsed with the Committee the reasons for

calling in this matter, to which the Cabinet Member (Councillor W D Davis) and the Head of Service responded accordingly.

Members discussed the scheme at length, and were afforded the

opportunity to question the Cabinet Member and Lead Officer on all elements of the implementation and enforcement of decriminalised parking in the Borough.

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4.13

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee, the decision of the Cabinet be noted as follows:-

(i) the Head of Planning and Engineering Services, in

conjunction with the Head of Law and Administration, be authorised to complete the agreed DPE agreement with Staffordshire County Council;

(ii) the Borough Council be represented on the Parking

Board by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, or their nominated representative;

(iii) the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration

plus three other Members represent the Borough Council on the Joint Parking Committee;

(iv) the Head of Planning and Engineering Services be

authorised to make all necessary arrangements for the setting up of DPE in line with the principles of this report;

(v) the Head of Planning and Engineering Services be

authorised to make arrangements with other Staffordshire authorities to procure or jointly establish a shared service for the provision of “back office” support services for DPE (notice processing and fine collection);

(vi) the Borough Council maintain membership of the

National Parking Adjudication Service for the duration of the operation of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement;

(vii) the Borough Council be represented on the National

Parking Adjudication Service by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration or their nominated representative.


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4.14

LEISURE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – 28 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor F A Finlay (Chairman)

Present (for all or part of the meeting):-

D Allan R P Cooke Mrs J W Farnham J S Francis J R Kelly

B McKeown G O Rowlands P M Rowlands P Roycroft

Also present:- Councillor R M Smith - Cabinet Member Leisure Portfolio LS29 MINUTES Minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2006 submitted and signed. LS30 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J E G Cantrill

(substitute Councillor J S Francis) and Councillor P M Farrington (substitute Councillor D Allan).

LS31 MEMBERS’ ITEM Councillor R P Cooke had submitted the following item under Paragraph

2.8 of the Scrutiny Procedure Rules:- “I should like the Leisure Scrutiny Committee to discuss the progress

made to date with regard to archaeological finds on the site of the new Leisure Centre.”

Councillor R M Smith, Cabinet Member, Leisure Portfolio, responded that

a ‘watching brief’ was being maintained during the development of the site. Findings were being examined by Staffordshire County Council’s Archaeology Department but it was unlikely that they would prove to be of high historical value.


the Members’ Item be noted.

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LS32 REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT The Committee considered the Performance Management report for

services within its purview for the period ended 31 December 2006 (V1, 07/02/07).

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) LI WT1 andd LI WT4 figures comparable to the last

four quarters be circulated to all Members of the Committee;

(ii) the formula used for calculating leisure centre user

figures be circulated to all Members of the Committee;

(iii) future reports include occupancy figures of the

Fitness Studio at Riverside Recreation Centre; (iv) Staff based at Riverside Recreation Centre, Alleynes

Sports Centre, and Westbridge Park Fitness Centre be commended for the low level of customer complaints received;

(v) the report be noted. LS33 GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2006/07 – 2010/11 -

LEISURE Considered the report of the Head of Finance (V1, 26/01/07) containing

proposals for the General Fund Capital Programme 2006/7 to 2010/11. The report had previously been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting held 4 January 2007 and had been referred to this Committee for consultation.

The Cabinet Member informed the Committee that the item of £50,000 for

Alleynes was in respect of infrastructure (replacement pool lining). RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the Committee conduct a site visit to the Health and

Wellbeing Service to learn more about the new technologies and practices adopted;

(ii) the report be noted.

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LS34 SECTION 106 CONTRIBUTIONS At the meeting of the Leisure Scrutiny Committee held on 22 November

2006, under consideration of LS23/06, Members’ Item, it was resolved that updated and more in-depth details of Uncollected and Collected Off Site Contributions be reported to the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

Considered the joint report of the Head of Leisure and the Head of

Finance (V3, 20/02/07) detailing the requested information. RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:-

(i) development completion dates for Planning Applications 36945/34788, 37548, 40308, 03/01596, 03/01537, 41894 and 06/06210/FUL and the development commencement date for Planning Application 05/05028/OUT be circulated to all Members of the Committee;

(ii) where applicable, development commencement

dates be included in future Section 106 Contributions reports;

(iii) the Committee receive a presentation to a future

meeting detailing the work of the Destination Management Partnership;

(iv) the report be noted. Proceedings commenced at 10.00 am and terminated at 11.55 am

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PLANNING AND REGENERATION SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - 6 MARCH 2007

Councillor A J Perkins (Chairman)


H Butter G R Collier B M Cross J C H Fairbanks

A S Harp D B Price J A Russell W R Simpson

Councillor W D Davis (Cabinet Member - Planning and Regeneration

Portfolio PRS31 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2007 submitted and

signed. PRS32 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A T A Godfrey. PRS33 STAFFORD BOROUGH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

EMPLOYMENT LAND REVIEW - FINAL VERSION Considered the joint report of the Head of Planning and Engineering

Services and Head of Regeneration (V2 14/02/07). RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee: (i) the representations made to the Draft Employment

Land Review be noted; (ii) the report be withdrawn from consideration at the

meeting of the Cabinet held on 13 March 2007. PRS34 REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Considered the quarterly progress report on performance for the services

within the Committees purview for the quarter ended 31 December 2006. Members considered the performance of indicators BV109a/b and

LI09a/a1/b/b1 with the Head of Planning and Engineering Services responding accordingly. Continuing, Members discussed potential delays

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4.18

in processing planning applications caused by the length of the call in process and its impact on the Councils overall performance.

RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the performance management report and associated

executive summary be noted; (ii) the Committees views regarding planning application

call-in period be expressed to the next meeting of the Resources Task and Finish Review Working Group.

PRS35 PLANNING AND REGENERATION PORTFOLIO BUDGET

MONITORING 2006/2007 Considered the joint report of the Head of Planning and Engineering

Services and Head of Finance (V1 22/2/07) for the Planning and Regeneration Portfolio’s net revenue expenditure for the period ended 28 January 2007.

Members discussed the format of the report with the Head of Finance

responding accordingly. The Head of Planning and Engineering Services provided clarification

relating to building control and miscellaneous highways function variances. RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee:- (i) the report be noted; (ii) the Head of Finance investigate reformatting of

budget monitoring reports for consideration by the Committee.

PRS36 GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2006/07 - 2010/11 -

PLANNING AND REGENERATION Considered the report of the Head of Finance (V3 21/2/07) containing

proposals for the General Fund Capital Programme 2006/07 - 2010/11. This matter had been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4

January 2007 and had been referred to the Scrutiny Committee for consultation.


the General Fund Capital Programme 2006/07 - 2010/11 Planning and Regeneration as considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 January 2007 be noted.

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PRS37 NOTES OF THE MEETING OF THE JOINT PLANNING AND

REGENERATION AND HOUSING SCRUTINY TASK AND FINISH REVIEW WORKING GROUP - AFFORDABLE HOUSING -

7 NOVEMBER 2006 Considered the report of the Head of Law and Administration (V1 21/2/06). RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee

the notes of the Affordable Housing Task and Finish Review Working Group meeting held on 7 November 2006 be received.

PRS38 URGENT ACTION - STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE

TO THE WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY - SPATIAL OPTIONS

This item was considered under Paragraph 7.5 of the Scrutiny Procedure

Rules. The Committee considered the letter and associated report circulated

separately to the Agenda (see attached SCHEDULE NO 1). Concerns were raised regarding the content Staffordshire County Council Cabinet’s response to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy - Spatial Options, in particular the references to “urban growth points”.


Councillor W D Davis (Cabinet Member - Planning and Regeneration Portfolio) be requested to write to Staffordshire County Council expressing this Committees concerns to their response.


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4.20

SCHEDULE NO 1 Contact

Telephone Fax E-Mail Our Ref Your Ref Date

Councillor Doug Davis 01889 505164 01785 619119 [email protected]/AC 01 March 2007

Dear Staffordshire County Council Response to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy - Spatial Options On 21 February 2007 the Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet considered an item in response to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy - Spatial Options consultation document. The purpose of this letter is to raise my concerns about the contents of this Cabinet item, attached, and the fact I was unaware of this report until Thursday 22 February 2007 preventing this matter being considered by the Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee because papers had to be finalised on that day. In particular on page 2, paragraph 5 and bullet points (iii) and (iv) of the Cabinet item attached suggest a more even distribution of development across the Staffordshire authorities, particularly focused on ‘urban growth points’ at Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield and Tamworth. The implication of this suggestion, as set out in bullet point (iv) is more housing development at Stafford. I look forward to seeing you at the Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 6 March. In the meantime if you have any queries regarding this letter or you wish to discuss matters in more detail please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely

Councillor W D Davis Cabinet Leader - Planning and Regeneration

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Scrutiny Committees

SECTION FIVE

Minutes of the Regulatory and Joint

Committees


SECTION 5 - MINUTES OF REGULATORY AND JOINT COMMITTEES

INDEX

Page Nos Development Control Committee - 14 February 2007 5.1 - 5.21 Public Appeals Committee - 16 February 2007 5.22 - 5.25 Licensing Sub Committee - 21 February 2007 5.26 - 5.30 Standards Committee - 22 February 2007 5.31 - 5.32 Development Control Committee - 7 March 2007 5.33 - 5.38 Licensing Sub Committee - 12 March 2007 5.39 - 5.40

Regulatory and Joint Committees


5.1

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE - 14 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor H Butter (Chairman)


Mrs M Bowen G R Collier Mrs A P Edgeller J S Francis A S Harp W J Kemp S R Oldfield

P M Rowlands J A Russell J C Sillito W R Simpson R M Sutherland Mrs J E Tabernor

DC161 MINUTES Minutes of the meetings held on 24 January and 2 February 2007

submitted and signed. DC162 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence received from Councillors I F J K Jennings and G O

Rowlands (substitute Councillor W J Kemp). DC163 BUILDING REGULATIONS Submitted details of decisions made under Building Regulations for the

period 5 - 19 January 2007.

Full Plans Apps.

Building Notices

Cavity Wall Insul. Building

Notices Received 35 22 46 Approved 15 N/A N/A Refused 1 N/A N/A

DC164 DELEGATED APPLICATIONS Submitted details of delegated applications. DC165 PLANNING APPLICATIONS Submitted the Head of Planning and Engineering Services` report and

recommendations on planning applications received. RESOLVED:- that (a) the following applications be determined in

accordance with the recommendations and



5.2

subject to the conditions set out in the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services:-

06/07080/FUL, 06/07415/FUL,

06/07438/FUL, 07/07587/ADV, 07/07640/COU, 07/07649/FUL

(b) application No 05/05038/LBC - Restoration,

repair and selective demolition and making good, former St. Georges Hospital Corporation Street, Stafford, be permitted subject to no intervention by the Secretary of State and to the conditions set out in Schedule No1 to the signed copy of the Minutes.

(c) application No 05/05039/OUT - Reuse of former

hospital and redevelopment, offices, apartments, retirement village and care home and residential development (phase 2) (outline), former St. Georges Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford be permitted subject to the applicants first entering into a Section 106 Agreement to secure the off site pedestrian/cycle link to the town centre and it’s phased provision; open space and a bond to secure future maintenance and the applicant’s participation in design/management team for open areas; travel plans for both employment and residential together with community sum for monitoring; SUATMS contribution; contribution for loss of outdoor sporting facilities to be used to meet the emerging priorities of Green Space, playing pitches and sports and recreational facilities in proximity to Stafford Town Centre; contribution for biodiversity enhancement and conservation management on land adjacent to the development including LNR; adoption of calculation to provide for possible financial contribution for use on off site affordable housing in the event of sale of residential land (phase 2) and retirement village/care home exceeds an assumed value and to the conditions set out in Schedule 2 to the signed copy of the Minutes.

(d) application No 06/07144/FUL - demolition of

existing bowling club pavilion and construction of 44 one and two bedroom apartments with fifteen associated parking spaces, Stone Crown Green



5.3

Bowling Club, Crown Street, Stone, be deferred pending further discussions with the developer on the height and appearance of the development.

(e) application No 06/07263/FUL - erection of ten

dwellings, Haughton Farm, Newport Road, Haughton be deferred pending further discussions with the applicant to resolve the identified space about dwellings issues, no of dwellings and proximity of houses to the road.

(f) application No 06/07344/FUL - conversion of

redundant farm outbuildings to three residential units, The Yews Farm, Seighford, be refused for the following reason:-

The proposed layout, involving the shared use of the access drive, would result in conflict between vehicular and pedestrian users accessing the development and vehicles accessing the adjacent farm complex, to the detriment of the safety of users of the access and amenity of residents. The proposal, therefore, conflicts with Policies E&D7 (vi), E&D17 (v) and HOU1 (iv) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

(g) application No 06/07482/COU - change of use to

hot food takeaway (A5), 109 First Avenue, Trinity Fields, Stafford be refused for the following reasons:-

1 It is considered that the proposed change of

use would result in significant harm to the residential amenities of existing neighbouring residential properties, most significantly the two neighbouring residential flats at 107A and 109A First Avenue. This loss of residential amenity will be caused by nuisance from noise, odours and litter which will result from this change of use. The proposal, therefore, is contrary to Policies E&D5 and SHO5 (a) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

2 It is considered that the proposed installation

of a large unattractive chimney and cowl which extend significantly above the roof of



5.4

the building and which is in close proximity to principal living room windows and to the access to the two neighbouring residential flats at 107A and 109A First Avenue would result in a significant and unacceptable loss of visual amenity to the area and specifically to the occupiers of these properties. The proposal, therefore, is contrary to Policy SHO5 (a) and (b) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

(h) application No 07/07620/PTEL - one 12.5m

replica telegraph column and cannon type B cabinets, Uttoxeter Road, Stone be refused for the following reason:-

The local planning authority does not consider

that the installation of telecommunications equipment in the location proposed provides the least visually intrusive option for providing the required radio coverage. It is considered, therefore, that the proposed development by reason of its siting and appearance would be visually intrusive and harmful to the amenities of the surrounding area and that this would conflict with Policy E&D57 (b) (i) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

The Head of Planning and Engineering Services reported receipt of the following correspondence:- (i) application Nos 05/05038/LBC and 05/05039/OUT - the further

comments of the Highways Authority, English Heritage, the Borough Arboriculturalist, the Borough Conservation Officer and the Borough Head of Leisure Services; Revised conditions for both applications were circulated at the meeting.

(ii) application No 06/07080/FUL - the further comments of the Highways

Authority; Councillor Mrs M Bowen declared an interest in application No 07/07640/COU and left the meeting prior to the discussion and voting thereon. The following Councillors attended the meeting and at the invitation of the Chairman spoke on the applications indicated:-



5.5

Councillor Mrs C A Baron - application Nos 05/05038/LBC, 05/05039/OUT, 07/07587/ADV and 07/07649/FUL Councillor D J Skelland - application Nos 05/05038/LBC and 05/05039/OUT Councillor J C H Fairbanks - application Nos 06/07080/FUL and 06/07415/FUL Councillor M C Leese - application No 06/07144/FUL Councillor B J Stamp - application No 06/07263/FUL Councillor M Winnington - application No 06/07344/FUL Councillors A B Compton, B M Cross and J E Cantrill - application No 06/07482/COU Councillor W D Davis - application No 07/07620/PTEL

DC166 APPEALS Submitted details of:- (i) appeals notified as follows:-

App No Location Proposal 06/06252/OUT Land at Tittensor

Road, Barlaston Development of 18 affordable houses on land at above location

06/06580/FUL Ivy Cottage,

Rickerscote Lane, Stafford

Detached dwelling, access and associated works

06/06656/FUL Land adjacent 6

Radford Bank, Stafford Two no. four bed roomed detached houses and detached garage

06/06785/FUL Plot 9 Old Croft Road,

Stafford Detached house with integral single garage

06/07141/COU Rear of 75/76 Marston

Road, Stafford Change of use of habitable dwelling to office use Class B1



5.6

06/07234/OUT 11 Weeping Cross and

land to the rear of 7, 9, 13 and 15 Weeping Cross, Stafford

Construction of nine new dwellings and garages

06/07279/OUT Land r/o 40 Baswich

Lane, off Sandringham Road, Stafford

Two-storey chalet bungalow

830.901 Land and buildings at

23 Corporation Street, Stafford

Living/kitchen extension at ground and first floor to the rear

(ii) Appeal decisions as follows:-

App No Location Proposal 02/042952/LUE DISMISSED

Manor Lodge Farm, Rough Close, Stoke on Trent

Certificate of Lawfulness

05/03906/FUL ALLOWED

Land off Walton Lane, Brocton, Stafford

Dwelling house with detached garage

06/06083/FUL DISMISSED

The Stable Barn, Horsley, Eccleshall

Proposed tractor store/carport

06/06125/FUL ALLOWED

Land adjacent High Trees, Cresswell Road, Hilderstone

Agricultural access to be constructed off the existing carriageway in Cresswell Road

06/06307/ADV DISMISSED

Happy Meeting, 56a Marston Road, Stafford

Signage

06/06368/PTEL ALLOWED

Little Stoke Cricket Club, Uttoxeter Road, Stone

Installation of telecom equipment - One 12 m Street Furniture Telegraph Pole and one cabinet

830.870 (b) DISMISSED

56 Marston Road, Stafford

Operational Development



5.7

830.870 (d) DISMISSED



830.870 (f) WITHDRAWN



830.870 (g) WITHDRAWN



830.870 (h) WITHDRAWN



830.870 (i) WITHDRAWN



830.870 (j) DISMISSED



830.875 (a) ALLOWED

Barn Bank Manor, Barn Bank Lane, Stafford

Erection of Play Equipment

830.875 (b) DISMISSED


Erection of Fence

830.875 (c) DISMISSED


Change of use from agricultural use to use of residential garden

830.875 (d) DISMISSED


Construction of an access, hardstanding and driveway (with lamp posts)

DC167 SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AT HOME FARM, INGESTRE Considered, the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services

and the Head of Law and Administration from whom a copy is available. RESOLVED:- that the Head of Planning and Engineering Services, in

consultation with the Head of Law and Administration, be authorised to take the appropriate enforcement action including, if necessary, the instigation of court proceedings, together with any other associated works as required, to secure the carrying out of a suitable surface water drainage system to serve the development.



5.8

(Councillor F A Finlay attended the meeting and at the invitation of the Chairman spoke on this matter).

DC168 UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AT HOME FARM, INGESTRE Considered, the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services

and the Head of Law and Administration from whom a copy is available.

RESOLVED:- that (a) the Head of Planning and Engineering Services, in consultation with the Head of Law and Administration, be authorised to initiate prosecutions in respect of the following unauthorised works:-

Elevational changes including narrower

external door at Plot 10; Poor brick match in selected areas of all

Plots; Near complete rebuilding of Plot 8; Raising of height of Plots 12 to 14;

Omission of bull nose detail to Plot 10 archway;

Rebuilding of lean-to rear of Plots 1 to 5; Raising of height of the main building of

Plots 1 to 4; Repositioning of ground floor window and

larger first floor window added at Plot 4; Use of inappropriate plastic pipework on

exterior walls; Addition of brick plinth at Plots 1 to 4 and 12

to 15; and Increase in the number of skylights from

that approved, (b) no further action be taken in respect of the

works identified in List 2 in the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services.

(Councillor F A Finlay attended the meeting and at the invitation of the

Chairman spoke on this matter). Proceedings commenced at 6.30 pm and terminated at 8.40 pm



5.9

05/05038/LBC SCHEDULE NO 1

RECOMMENDATION Subject to no significant intervention by the Secretary of State, permit subject to conditions:- 1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later

than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted.

2. The works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved, submitted

schedules, plans and specifications including plan nos. 288/112, 151d, 152d, 153d, 154d, 164, 165, 166, 167, 177, and 200 and 3644/53 and 58 except as required by other conditions of this consent.

3. The limited extent of demolition hereby permitted is only that shown on

drawing nos. 288/105a and 106a. All other parts of the building including the Lodge, a curtilage Listed Building, shall be retained

4. Demolition shall not take place until a contract for the redevelopment of the

site in accordance with planning permission no. 05/05039/OUT has been signed and a copy lodged with and acknowledged by the Local Planning Authority.

5. Before any works of demolition are undertaken the applicant shall secure the

stability and safety of those parts of the building(s) which are to remain in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

6. Before any works are commenced full details of rainwater goods which shall

be of cast iron shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

7. Before any works are commenced full details of the exterior roof material to

match the originals in terms of size, colour and geological nature shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

8. Before any works are commenced full details of the bricks to be used in the

construction of the external walls shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

9. The phasing of the proposal shall be approved in writing by the Local

Planning Authority prior to any works of demolition, alteration, refurbishment or redevelopment commencing.



5.10

10. Notwithstanding any submitted information, no development or works shall

commence until detailed plans and specifications for the proposed works to the chapel and refectory elements have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

11. No works shall be commenced until details of the specification and/or design

and/or means of application or construction of any proposed damp proof course together with a justification for such works from a consultant experienced in working with historic buildings have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

12. Sample areas of restored brickwork of approximately 1m sq. shall be provided

for inspection for each of side elevations AA and BB, Rear, West and East Elevations, Front Elevation and the Water Tower, to be approved before the works are generally executed. The works shall include the removal of plaster, cleaning of brick and stonework, reclaimed brick match and pointing. Thereafter the method of cleaning, mortar mix colour and pointing shall be in accordance with the agreed scheme.

13. No repainting of cleaned stonework shall take place without the prior approval

of the Local Planning Authority. 14. All works of repair shall be carried out in complete accordance with the

'Schedule of repairs for restoration and Services' dated 1 December 2006, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.

15. Before any development commences, full details of the new openings, i.e.

dimensions, sills and lintels, in elevations AA, BB and the Rear Elevation shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

16. All existing timber windows shall be repaired and reused where possible.

New sash windows in all elevations shall match the historic exactly in terms of materials, construction, dimensions, profile of glazing bars and recess within opening.

17. All timber windows shall have a painted finish in an off-white colour. 18. All new external and apartment entrance doors shall have a painted finish in a

colour to be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. 19. All external doors shall be recessed within their brick reveals by a minimum of

100mm, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 20. Before any development commences, details of door furniture shall be

submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.



5.11

21. Before any development commences, full details of the new glazing to the Water Tower shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

22. Before any development commences, specification of the paint type and

colour to be provided for rendered plinth shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

23. Existing plastic waste pipes or vents shall be removed and internally sited,

with any damaged brickwork made good to match the existing before the development is brought into use.

24. Repairs to the stone steps shall be carried out in accordance with a scheme

submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 25. The retained isolation cells shall be re-plastered with a lime plaster in

accordance with a specification submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

26. All skirtings, coving and panelling in the Conference room shall be repaired

and/or reinstated to exactly match the existing unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

27. Before any works are commenced, full joinery specifications shall be

submitted to and approved in writing for the lancet windows to the Chapel, including elevations, sections, profile of glazing bars and recess within the opening.

28. Prior to the installation of fire alarm, smoke detection system and emergency

lighting specification shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

29. Before any works are commenced, details of any additional disabled person's

facilities shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

30. The works specified in the 'Outline Method Statement for Repairs to Make

Structures Weathertight' dated November 2006 shall be completed within 6 months of the date of consent unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The reasons for the Council’s decision to grant permission for the development subject to the above conditions are: 1. The time limit condition is imposed in order to comply with the requirements of

Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

2. For the avoidance of doubt as to what is permitted



5.12

3. In order to safeguard the architectural and historic character of this Grade II

Listed Building. (Policy E&D23 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). 4. To define the permission. INFORMATIVE(S) 1 The reasons for the grant of Listed Building Consent are as set out in the

'Issues' section of the attached officer report. Longer reports include a separate 'Summary' section. The report also includes a separate 'Policies' section, which lists the relevant policies taken into account in the determination of the application. This is to comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003.

2 The attention of the applicant is drawn to the advice of English Heritage

attached to this permission



5.13

05/05039/OUT

SCHEDULE NO 2

RECOMMENDATION

Subject to a Section 106 Agreement to secure the off-site pedestrian/cycle link to the town centre and its phased provision, open space provision and a bond to secure future maintenance and the applicant’s participation in the design/management team for open areas; Travel plans for both employment and residential together with commuted sum for monitoring; SUATMS contribution; contribution for loss of outdoor sporting facilities to be used to meet the emerging priorities of Green Space, playing pitches and sports and recreational facilities in proximity to Stafford Town Centre; contribution for biodiversity enhancement and conservation management on land adjacent to the development including LNR; adoption of calculation to provide for possible financial contribution for use on off site affordable housing in the event of sale of residential land (Phase 2) and retirement village / care home exceeds an assumed value, permit. 1. Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local

Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

2. This is an outline permission and before phases 1, 3, 4, 5, 6a and 6b,

including the multistorey car park, shown on drawing no. 3644/57 are commenced and before St Chad`s Court is brought into use, details of the landscaping of these phases shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. Furthermore, before phase 2 shown on that plan is commenced, details of the siting, design and external appearance of any buildings to be erected, the means of access to that phase and the landscaping of that phase shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

3. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of

two years from the date of approval of the last of the reserved matters to be approved.

4. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted

specification, documents and plans as amended by the additional and amended information and plans, including plan nos. 3644/04b, 07, 10a, 11a, 12a, 13a, 15, 16a, 17a, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 55, 60a and plan nos. 288/151d, 152d, 153d, 154d and except as required by other conditions of this permission.

5. No development shall commence until details of a phased timescale for the

carrying out of the overall development, including that for staged demolition, the staged completion of works to phases of the Listed Buildings before the staged commencement of phases of the new build development, and the staged completion of car parking spaces, have been submitted to and agreed



5.14

in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter, the development shall only be carried out in accordance with that agreed scheme of phasing unless otherwise agreed in writing.

6. The Retirement Village shall be used for purposes within Use Class C2 (care

home for the elderly only) and/or as residential apartments 7. The Care Home shall be used for purposes within Use Class C2 (care home

for the elderly only) 8. The existing curtilage Listed former Lodge building on Corporation Street shall

be used for purposes within Use Class C3 (dwellinghouse) 9. No development shall commence until details of the phased construction of

the pedestrian/cycle link to Corporation Street shown on plan no. 3644/04b in relation to the overall development has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter, the appropriate phases shall not be brought into use until the link has been constructed.

10. Notwithstanding any information submitted with the application, no

development shall commence until plans and details of amended designs and layouts to the elevations, roads and courtyard and increased design information on the corner entrances of the Retirement Village have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This shall include some car parking in the shared use of the courtyard. Thereafter, the development shall only be carried out in accordance with these approved amendments.

11. Before the development is commenced details of the surface treatment of all

roads, paths, vehicular accesses and manoeuvring areas and all other hard surfaced areas shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

12. Notwithstanding any information submitted with the application, no

development in phases 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 including the multistorey car park shall commence until samples of all external materials to be used for new building and including any for the Listed Building have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

13. Before the development is commenced details of all surface water drainage

shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 14. Before the development is brought into use the surface water drainage

system approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in pursuance of condition(s) 13 of this permission shall be provided and thereafter retained.



5.15

15. No development shall be commenced until the extent of any contamination of the site or adjacent sites which may affect the development have been assessed by investigation.

16. No development shall be commenced until a scheme of works to safeguard

the development from the effects of any contamination of the site or adjacent sites identified by the investigation required by condition(s) 15 of this permission has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

17. The development hereby permitted shall not be brought into use until the

scheme of works approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in pursuance of condition(s) 16 of this permission has been implemented.

18. Ground floor slab levels of all new buildings shall be set at no lower than

600mm above 76m AOD. 19. No development in the relevant phase or phases shall occur until the bat

habitat mitigation works in Section 7 of the submitted Habitat and Protected Species Survey (November 2006) and the badger habitat mitigation works in the submitted Badger Survey (May 2006) and Badger Relocation Method Statement have been carried out

20. Notwithstanding any information in the application, no bridge across the Pearl

Brook shall be constructed until precise details of its design, materials and finishes have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

21. The landscaping schemes to be submitted under condition 2 shall include the

retention of trees other than those to be removed as shown on plan no. 3644/56. Furthermore, no other trees shall be felled, lopped or topped without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority and the submitted schemes shall include provision for tree protection during construction on site..

22. The landscaping and planting scheme approved in pursuance of condition(s)

2 of this permission shall be implemented within eight months of the first phase of the development being brought into use.

23. Any tree, hedge or shrub planted as part of a landscaping scheme (or

replacement tree/hedge) on the site and which dies or is lost through any cause during a period of 5 years from the date of first planting shall be replaced in the next planting season.

24. The ground floor of the retained water tower shall be used for purposes within

Use Class A1 and/or A3.



5.16

25. No development shall take place within the area of the site until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

26. Notwithstanding the requirements of condition 2, no development shall

commence until comprehensive details for the design and laying out of an area or areas of recreational open space on the site have been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority. This shall include a constructional and costed specification for the works, the design of the balancing pond or ponds, a scheme or schemes for the landscaping of the site to protect ecology and preserve and enhance biodiversity including the 9m wide buffer zone, the surfacing of the Pearl Brook footpath, and a management plan that includes measures for nature conservation and/or a landscape/biodiversity strategy/framework for the overall site. Thereafter, no phase of the development shall be brought into use unless it is in accordance with the previously agreed in writing, phased implementation of these approved works.

27. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General

Permitted Development) Order 1995 no gates fences walls or other means of enclosure shall be erected without the prior permission of the Local Planning Authority.

28. Before any part of the approved development takes place full details of

existing ground levels proposed ground levels and floor levels of the proposed building(s) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

29. Parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with approved plans, and

once constructed shall be retained and maintained thereafter and shall not be removed without the written agreement of the Local Planning Authority.

30. No development within the relevant phase shall occur until details of security

measures including works for Secured By Design have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter, no relevant phase shall be brought into use until the approved measures have been constructed and are operational.

31. Before the development is commenced full details of street lighting and street

furniture shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

32. The health and fitness facility (located in the former hospital building) shall be

used for a health and fitness use only and for no other use within Use Class D2.



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33. No development shall commence on the Phase 2 residential development until a schedule of development principles has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

34. Before any residential development commences on Phase 2 details shall be

submitted for the written approval of the Local Planning Authority indicating: - layout of the site including disposition of buildings, footpaths/footways,

cyclepaths/cycleways including parking and turning areas within the site curtilage;

- full details of the construction of all estate streets including longitudinal sections and a satisfactory means of draining roads to an acceptable drainage outfall;

which shall thereafter be implemented, and retained, in accordance with the approved details.

35. Before any of the proposed development commences details of the surface

water drainage and outfall, including details of off-site provision and necessitated improvements shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority which shall thereafter be constructed in accordance with the approved details and a phasing programme agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.

36. Before the proposed development is brought into use the proposed traffic

signalled junction to Queensway shall be constructed in accordance with the amended drawing N50570-07REVA which shall incorporate further two-dimensional and three dimensional revisions as recommended in the Stage 1 Safety Audit (attached to this consent) and in accordance with engineering details which shall first be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority and which shall include construction, surface water drainage and street lighting details and which shall thereafter be constructed in accordance with the approved drawings the subject of this consent.

37. No part of the residential development permitted by this consent on Phase 2

shall be occupied until a Residential Travel Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan shall set out proposals (including a timetable) to promote travel by sustainable modes which are acceptable to the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan shall be implemented in accordance with the timetable set out in that plan unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reports demonstrating progress in promoting sustainable transport measures shall be submitted annually on each anniversary of the date of the planning consent to the Local Planning Authority for approval on an annual basis from first occupation of the development permitted by this consent.

38. The internal access road between Phase 3 and the proposed retirement

village as shown on drawing no. N50570/09 shall be re-designed in accordance with details to be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the



5.18

Local Planning Authority which shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

39. The internal access road between the proposed retirement village and the

care home and particularly the section of road between the proposed car parks as shown on the drawing no N50570/09 shall be re-designed to incorporate a 6.0 metre wide road and 1.8 metre footways either side in accordance with details to be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority which shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

40. The design of the car parks serving both the proposed retirement village and

the care home as shown on drawing no. N50570/09 shall be redesigned in accordance with details to be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority which shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

41. The road construction, drainage and street lighting details including

longitudinal section details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and shall thereafter be implemented and retained in accordance with the approved details.

42. 10 metre radius kerbs shall be provided at all the internal junctions on those

roads that will form part of the publicly maintainable highway on Phase 1. 43. Prior to any site clearance or movement on to site, Heras type protective

fencing must be installed at a distance as defined in BS5837:2005 Trees in relation to construction around all retained trees for the entire duration of the development. Fencing to be secured with diagonal scaffold stays. Notices to be attached to fencing - ‘Protected Area - No operations within fenced area.’

44. Driveways, access routes and footpaths located within a Tree Rooting Zone to

be constructed using the porous, no-dig principles detailed in Arboricultural Practice Note (APN 1 No Dig Techniques). The final specification must be engineered to take expected loads as detailed by an engineering schematic, and must include a full method statement regarding the construction of the access to the site, in particular the provision of ground protection to prevent compaction of rooting areas during construction and must be approved by the Local Authority Arboricultural Officer prior to construction.

45. Any underground service routes breaching Tree Rooting Zone or protected

area must be approved by Local Authority Arboricultural Officer. All service routes must adhere to NJUG 10 Regulations (National Joint Utilities Group Publication No. 10).



5.19

46. Within the tree rooting zone or protected area there shall be no soil level alteration; no excavation below existing ground level; no passage of machinery; no storage of soil, leachates/contaminants (petrol, diesel, cement, lime, unwashed sand or other toxic substances), temporary buildings, temporary latrines or any other materials not listed without formal written approval from the Local Authority Arboricultural Officer.

47. Concrete mixing or the storage or discharge of any leachates /contaminants

on the site must not be within 10m of the stem/trunk of any retained tree. Care to be taken to observe direction of surface water run off. No fires to be lit within 20 metres of the protective fencing area. Wind direction must be considered prior to lighting any fire.

48. Where trees and/or stumps are to be removed, retained trees must not be

used as anchorage for tree/stump removal. 49. The construction of St Chads extension must utilize pile type foundations to

avoid damage to the roots of the protected trees. The final specification must be engineered to take expected loads as detailed by an engineering schematic, and must include a full method statement regarding the construction of the building, in particular the provision of ground protection to prevent compaction of rooting areas during construction and must be approved by the Local Authority Arboricultural Officer prior to construction.

The reasons for the Council’s decision to grant permission for the development subject to the above conditions are: 1. The application is made for only partial approval of reserved matters. 2. The application has been made for outline permission only. 3. For the avoidance of doubt as to what is permitted. 4. The time limit condition is imposed in order to comply with the requirements of

Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 5. For the avoidance of doubt in that additional information was submitted after

the submission of the original application. 6. For the avoidance of doubt in that amended plans were submitted after the

submission of the original application. 7. The scheme is a comprehensive redevelopment of the site and thus to ensure

that the Listed Buildings are restored in an appropriate timescale and that appropriate car parking is available when uses commence. (Policy NC18 of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996 -2011 and Policies E&D23 and MV10 (d) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001).



5.20

8. For the avoidance of doubt as to what is permitted and as described in the application documents.

9. To secure appropriate cycle/pedestrian access. (Policy T1A of the

Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996-2011). 10. To safeguard the character and appearance of the area. ( Policies E&D1 (ii)

and E&D2 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). 11. To ensure the provision of adequate drainage facilities and to prevent the

pollution of any adjacent watercourses, wells and aquifers. ( Policy E&D4 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001).

12. To ensure there is no harm from ground contamination. (Policy E&D55 of the

Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). 13. To minimise the risk of flooding. (Policy E&D50 of the Stafford Borough Local

Plan 2001). 14. To safeguard habitats and enhance biodiversity. (Policy NC5 of the

Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996 - 2011). 15. In order to safeguard the architectural and historic character of this Grade II

Listed Building. (Policy E&D23 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). 16. In order to afford proper archaeological investigation recording and protection.

(Policy E&D34 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). 17. To secure open space that serves recreational and biodiversity purposes

(Policy NC 5 of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996 - 2001 and Policy HOU7 of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001).

18. To ensure the provision of adequate off-street facilities in the interests of the

convenience and safety of users of the highway. (Policy MV10 (d) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001).

19. To reduce the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour. (Policy E&D1 (iv) of the

Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001). INFORMATIVE(S) 1 The reasons for the grant of Planning Permission are set out in the 'Issues'

section of the attached officer report. Longer reports include a separate 'Summary' section. The report also includes a separate 'Policies' section, which lists the relevant policies taken into account in the determination of the application. This is to comply with the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Order 2003.



5.21

2 The applicants attention is drawn to the advice of the County Archaeologist,

the Police Architectural Liaison Officer, the County Ecologist, the Environment Agency, the Head of Environmental and Health Services and the Biodiversity Officer contained in the attached letters.



5.22

PUBLIC APPEALS COMMITTEE - 16 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor R M Sutherland (Chairman)

Present (for all or part of the meeting):-

Councillors: Mrs J W Farnham M T Millichap

J C Sillito Mrs D A Wakefield

PA19 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2007 submitted and

signed. PA20 APOLOGIES An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs L Davies. PA21 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER NO 428 OF 2006 - THE OLD COACH

HOUSE, CROXTON The Committee considered an objection to Tree Preservation Order No

428 of 2006 from Mr Edwards, the owner of the property. The Order had been made following a formal request from Eccleshall

Parish Council. The Council’s Arboriculturist considered that the Poplar tree was mature in form, healthy, generally well balanced and worthy of protection.

The owner had objected to the Order on the grounds that the species of

tree had a predisposition to shed limbs unpredictably and the potential risks that could afford to both persons and property. He particularly referred to an instant in August last year when a large branch had fallen from the tree and caused substantial damage to his vehicle. He therefore felt that the tree increasingly posed a real threat of damage to property or worse still to persons on the site.

The Council’s Arboricultural Officer maintained that the tree was significant

in the immediate landscape, had significant public amenity value having individual impact, it screened development, gave scale to surrounding buildings and contributed to the overall treescape in the area.

A copy of the Tree Preservation Order, the report of the Head of Planning

and Engineering Services, including the Council’s Arboriculturist‘s evaluation checklist, the letter from the owner and the report of Rob



5.23

Keyzor, Consultant Arboriculturist, was circulated to Members of the Committee prior to the meeting.

The Committee visited the site with the owner of the property and Mr R

Keyzor. Mr Edwards and Mr Keyzor attended the meeting and spoke in support of

the objection. Mr D Woodhouse, the Council’s Arboriculturist, attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services.

The Committee carefully considered representations made by the

Council’s Officer, the owner and Mr Keyzor. RESOLVED:- in exercise of the authority delegated to the Committee,

Tree Preservation Order No 428 of 2006 be confirmed for the following reasons:-

1 The Poplar tree is prominent in the local landscape

and makes a significant positive contribution to the amenity of the local rural landscape.

2 The confirming of the Order does not prevent the

owner from making an application to the Council to reduce the size and height of the tree

3 It is therefore expedient in the interest of amenity to

make provision for the preservation of the tree. (Copies of the documents referred to are available on request from the

Head of Law and Administration) PA22 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER NO 427 OF 2006 - LAND AT

STAFFORD QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, FOREGATE STREET, STAFFORD

The Committee considered two objections to Tree Preservation Order No

427 of 2006 from the owners of the Stafford Quaker Meeting House, the Society of Friends, and the Stafford Congregation’s of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the meeting, the Society of Friends informed the Committee that they were withdrawing their objection to the Order.

The Order had been made following a Conservation Area Notification

being submitted to the Council for the removal of two red oak trees and an evaluation assessment by the Council’s Arboriculturist. There were only three trees in the front area of this site, two being at the Red Oaks and one being a Cherry tree and the Red Oaks were highly visible from Foregate Street.



5.24

The Stafford Congregation’s of Jehovah’s Witnesses had objected to the

Order on the grounds of health and safety issues. The trees had damaged the boundary wall between the Kingdom Hall and the Quaker Meeting House and the roots had caused damage to the car park of the Quaker Meeting House and the footpath leading to the front entrance of the Kingdom Hall. The Congregation’s of Jehovah’s Witnesses were therefore concerned that the wall could be dangerous and could injure members of its congregation and the public.

The Council’s Arboriculturist, David Woodhouse, said that the trees were

significant in the immediate landscape, had significant public amenity value, having group impact, screened development and defined the overall treescape in the area.

A copy of the Tree Preservation Order, the report of the Head of Planning

and Engineering Services, including the evaluation checklist , letters from the objectors including a report by Peter Scott, Arboriculturist on behalf of the Friends and Rob Keyzor on behalf of the Jehovah’s Witnesses was circulated to Members of the Committee prior to the meeting.

The Committee inspected the trees on the site with representatives from

the Society of Friends and the Stafford Congregation’s of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Mr P Best and Mr P Brown, representing the Stafford Congregation’s of

Jehovah’s Witnesses attended the meeting and spoke in support of their objection. Mr Peter Scott, attended the meeting on behalf of the Society of Friends. Mr D Woodhouse, attended and spoke on behalf of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services.

The Committee carefully considered the representations made by both of

the objectors and the Council’s Officer. RESOLVED:- that in exercise of the powers delegated to the Committee,

Tree Preservation Order No 427 of 2006 be confirmed without modification for the following reasons:-

1 The trees are prominent in the local landscape, being

highly visible from Foregate Street 2 The trees make a significant positive contribution to

the amenity of the local landscape, since they provide the majority of tree cover in the vicinity of the Quaker Meeting House



5.25

3 The issues of the wall and the surface of the car park can be resolved without the need to remove the trees.

4 It is therefore considered expedient in the interest of

amenity to make provision for the preservation of the trees.

(Copies of the documents referred to are available on request from the

Head of Law and Administration) Proceedings commenced at 9.30 am and terminated at 12.50 pm



5.26

LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE - 21 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor J A Russell (Chairman)


J C H Fairbanks J R Kelly Also Present: Councillor J S Francis LCS55 MARTINS, 424 SANDON ROAD, MEIR HEATH, STOKE ON TRENT Considered, the report of the Head of Environmental and Health Services

on an application for a premises licence in respect of Martins, 424 Sandon Road, Meir Heath, Stoke on Trent.

The application for a premises licence had been made under Section 17 of

the Licensing Act 2003 as follows:- (i) Relevant Activities

• Sale of alcohol - for consumption off the premises

(ii) Supply of Alcohol

Monday to Sunday 0600 - 2000

(iii) Times Proposed to be Open to the Public

Monday to Sunday 0600 - 2000

(iv) Designated Premises Supervisor Ian Clark The Council had received 4 objections from interested parties in relation to

the above premises for the grant of a premises licence. The main reasons for the objections were that the premises were surrounded by residential properties and it was alleged that there were already problems with nuisance from use. The representations therefore maintained that the application did not meet the Licensing Objective for Public Nuisance.

Mr C E Bruder and Mr G Shields, Area Manager, representing Martins,

attended the meeting and spoke in support of the application. The



5.27

Company training pack which was referred to by the Solicitor and the Area Manager, was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting.

Mr and Mrs D Stonier, local residents, attended the meeting and spoke in

support of their objections to the application. The Sub-Committee gave careful consideration to the representations

made by both the Company and the local residents. RESOLVED:- that the licence be granted as submitted for the following

reasons:-

(i) it is not reasonable or proportionate to impose further conditions on the premises licence, particularly considering that there were no representations from the Responsible Authorities and the comprehensive nature of the proposed operating schedule

(ii) the existence of other outlets with premises licences

nearby is not an adequate reason to refuse to grant a premises licence;

(iii) the review process is available in the future should

Interested Parties or Responsible Authorities consider that there are problems relating to this premises licence.

LCS56 BARLEY MOW, MAIN ROAD, MILFORD, STAFFORD ST17 OUW Considered, the report of the Head of Environmental and Health Services

on a application for a Premises Licence in respect of the Barley Mow, Main Road, Milford, Stafford.

The application for a Premises Licence had been made under Section 17

of the Licensing Act 2003 as follows:- A NEW APPLICATION This is a new application for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of

the Licensing Act 2003. (i) Relevant Activities

• Films • Indoor Sporting Events • Live Music • Recorded Music • Performances of dance



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• Facilities for making music • Facilities for dancing • Provision of Late Night Refreshment • Supply of alcohol

(ii) Films, Indoor sporting events, Live music, Recorded music,

Performances of dance, Facilities for making music, Facilities for dancing.

• Sunday to Thursday 10.00 - 00.00 • Friday to Saturday 10.00 - 01.00 • New Years Eve 10.00 - standard start timing on New

Years Day • Maundy Thursday, Good

Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27- 30 December inclusive, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays preceding a bank holiday Monday.

Additional hour

• Christmas Eve 10.00 - 04.00 In the event of the transmission of any International Sporting Event which falls outside the standard hours, timing to commence 1 hour before the start of the event and ending 1 hour after the end of the event.

(iii) Provision of Late Night Refreshment




Additional hour

• Christmas Eve 10.00 - 04.00

In the event of the transmission of any International Sporting Event which falls outside the standard hours, timing to commence 1 hour before the start of the event and ending 1 hour after the end of the event.



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(iv) Supply of Alcohol




Additional hour

• Christmas Eve 10.00 - 04.00

In the event of the transmission of any International Sporting Event which falls outside the standard hours, timing to commence 1 hour before the start of the event and ending 1 hour after the end of the event.

(v) Proposed Hours Open to the Public

• Sunday to Thursday 05.00 - 00.30 • Friday to Saturday 05.00 - 01.30

An additional 30 minutes after the non-standard finish timings for the supply of alcohol.

(vi) Designated premises supervisor Deborah Brown The Council had received one objection from an interested party in

relation to the above premises for the grant of a Premises Licence. Arising from this, the Brewery had amended the hours as follows:-

Films, Indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music,

performances of dance, facilities for making music, facilities for dancing

• Friday to Saturday 10.00 - 00.00 hours Provision of late refreshments

• Friday to Saturday 23.00 - 00.00 hours



5.30

Supply of alcohol

• Friday to Saturday 10.00 - 00.00 hours. The objector had withdrawn his objection on the basis that the application

had been withdrawn, albeit he was advised on several occasions that the application had only been amended.

Mr Lucas, Solicitor, and Mr O’Kane, Area Manager, representing Greene

King Brewing Retailing Limited attended the meeting and spoke in support of the application.

The Sub-Committee gave careful consideration to the representations

made. RESOLVED:- that the Premises Licence be granted as follows:- (i) all licensable activities 10.00 - 00.00 hours; (ii) open to the public 05.00 - 00.30 hours; (iii) non standard hours as per the submitted application. Reasons:- (i) the above as an operation will meet all licensing

objectives; (ii) the objector has confirmed he would not oppose

these hours of operation. Proceedings commenced at 9.30 am and terminated at 11.00 am.



5.31

STANDARDS COMMITTEE - 22 FEBRUARY 2007

Councillor C C Wilkinson (Chairman)


B McKeown M T Millichap

D J Skelland A H Stafford Northcote

Independent Members Mr D Beckwith Mrs C Dawson

Parish Council Representative Mr R A Thomas

Mr B Orgill

ST5 MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2006 submitted and signed. ST6 APOLOGIES An apology for absence was received from Mr J C Allen (Parish

Representative Substitute). ST7 A REVISED MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY

MEMBERS

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Law and Administration, which sought the Committee’s views on a draft proposed new model Code of Conduct issued by the Department of Communities and Local Government. The Committee considered the consultation paper in detail, particularly the explanatory commentary on the proposals, which is attached as a SCHEDULE to the signed copy of these Minutes, and made the following comments:- (i) Bullying (paragraph 2) - The existing paragraph 2(b) of the

model code, which stated that a member must treat others with respect, was sufficient and needed no further clarification;

(ii) Behaviour Outside Official Duties (paragraphs 4 and 5) - The

actions by members in a private capacity that had been found to



5.32

be unlawful by the courts may (but not always) amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct;

(iii) Commission of Criminal Offence Before Taking Office

(paragraph 5) - When a member had committed an offence before taking office as a member, but was not convicted until after becoming a member, should be taken into account when considering whether the member had brought the authority into disrepute;

(iv) Publicity Code (paragraph 8) - The Code of Practice on Local

Authority Publicity should be retained and not abolished; (v) Gifts and Hospitality (paragraphs 7(a)(iv) and 8(3) -

Complications would arise with a five year requirement to disclose a personal interest following the receipt of a gift or hospitality, particularly across the term of the Council;

(vi) Definition of Personal Interests (paragraphs 8 and 7(c)) - In

relation to paragraph 7(c) of the Model Code of Conduct, some parish councils were warded and therefore covered more than one area;

(vii) Gender Neutrality of Language (the whole Code) - The most

user-friendly way of ensuring that the text in the Code was gender neutral was through reference to the term “Member” as opposed to “He or She”.

RESOLVED:- that the Committee’s comments on the draft proposed new

model Code of Conduct as outlined above be conveyed to the Department Communities and Local Government.

Proceedings commenced at 5.00 pm and terminated at 6.09 pm



5.33

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE - 7 MARCH 2007

Councillor H Butter (Chairman)


Mrs M Bowen Mrs A P Edgeller J S Francis A S Harp I F J K Jennings S R Oldfield A J Perkins

G O Rowlands P M Rowlands J A Russell J C Sillito W R Simpson R M Sutherland

DC169 MINUTES Minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2007 submitted and signed. DC170 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G R Collier and Mrs

J E Tabernor (substitute Councillor A J Perkins). DC171 BUILDING REGULATIONS Submitted details of decisions made under Building Regulations for the

period 22 January to 15 February 2007.

Full Plans

Apps Building Notices

Cavity Wall Insul Building

Notices

Received

57

44

48 Approved 37 N/A N/A Refused 3 N/A N/A

DC172 DELEGATED APPLICATIONS Submitted details of delegated applications. DC173 PPS3 - HOUSING Considered, the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services

on Planning Policy Statement 3 - Housing (PPS3).



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The Committee was advised that PPS3 - Housing would be considered in full at a future meeting of the Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:- that the report be noted. DC174 PLANNING APPLICATIONS Submitted the Head of Planning and Engineering Services report and

recommendations on planning applications received. RESOLVED:- that (a) the following applications be determined in

accordance with the recommendations and subject to the conditions set out in the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services:-

06/07373/FUL, 06/07465/FUL, 06/07485/OUT

and 07/07659/FUL (b) application No 06/06880/FUL - demolition of

existing vacant public house, proposed residential development comprising of 24 apartments with associated parking at former Charnley PH Site, Newton Road/Douglas Road West, Stafford be refused for the following reasons:-

1 The proposed development by reason of its

three storey height, excessive scale and massing in close proximity to the site boundaries and its inappropriate design would result in the development forming an incongruous and obtrusive feature within the Newton Road street scene. The proposal would consequently fail to integrate with and be in sympathy with the established character and appearance of the locality which predominantly comprises two storey dwellinghouses with front gardens. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to paragraph 34 of Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development, paragraph 13 of Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, Policy D2 (a) and (b) of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 1996-2011 and Policies E & D1 (i), (ii) and (iii), E & D2, HOU1 (ii) and (iv) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.



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2 The proposed development by reason of the

close disposition of the buildings to each other and to site boundaries combined with their excessive scale, massing and three storey height would result in an over development of the site which would appear incongruous in relation to the established character of the locality. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to paragraph 13 of Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, Policy D2 (a) and (b) of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 1996-2011 and Policies E & D1 (ii) and (iii), E & D2, HOU1(ii) and HOU5 (a) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

3 The proposed development by reason of the

close proximity of principal windows to site boundaries and particularly along the Newton Road frontage, would result in an unacceptable loss of privacy to potential occupiers. The proposal therefore conflicts with this Council's Space About Dwellings Supplementary Planning Guidance and Policy HOU1 (iii) of the Stafford Borough Local Plan 2001.

(c) application No 06/07552/OUT - site for the

erection of a new dwelling with highway access to existing and a new dwelling of Fircroft, 7A Newport Road, Eccleshall, Stafford be deferred pending the decision of the County Council on a request to rescind the Prescribed Highway Improvement Line and clarification on car parking and manoeuvring within the site;

(d) application No 07/07680/FUL - conservatory and

porch to the side elevations of the property at 14 The Saltings, Baswich Lane, Stafford, Stafford be deferred pending further discussions with the applicant regarding repositioning of porch and steps.

Councillor R M Sutherland spoke but did not vote on planning application

No 06/07373/FUL.



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Councillor A S Harp declared a personal interest in planning application No 06/07485/OUT and did not speak or vote on the application but was permitted to remain present.

The following Members attended the meeting and at the invitation of the

Chairman spoke on the applications indicated:- Councillor M Winnington - application No 06/07373/FUL Councillor W D Davies - application No 06/07485/OUT Councillor Mrs S Francis - application No 07/07659/FUL DC175 APPEALS Submitted details of:- (i) appeals notified as follows:-

App No Location Proposal

06/06559/FUL Staffs Fire and Rescue HQ, Pirehill, Stone

Temporary permission for retention of two of existing four portacabins for office use by Caretaking staff and document and data storage for PFI projects

06/06703/FUL 16 Camelford Close,

Stafford Rear gable extension to form two bedrooms in roof

06/07092/FUL Hixon Fish Bar, Unit 2

Smithy Lane, Hixon Retrospective planning application for the installation of extractor system and ON100 odour neutraliser

06/07239/FUL 5 Chestnut Drive,

Stafford Conservatory to the rear

06/07425/FUL 16 Barley Orchard,

Gnosall Retrospective application to reposition existing fence 1m in. Removal of gates. Provide planting/planters to diffuse fence line.

06/06857/FUL Land forming part of

Shelmore Farm, Radmore Lane, Gnosall

Phased development of buildings for rearing of beef cattle and associated storage buildings - Phase 1



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06/06858/FUL Land forming part of Shelmore Farm, Radmore Lane, Gnosall

Phased development of buildings for rearing beef cattle and associated storage buildings - Phase 2



















830.893 (a) Hixon Fish Bar, Unit 2

Smithy Lane, Hixon Installation of an external metal flue on the side of the building

(ii) appeal decisions as follows:-

App No Location Proposal


Land at Aston Lock, Lichfield Road, Aston by Stone

Formation of Canal Marina



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05/05284/OUT DISMISSED

Land at Pasturefields Industrial Estate, Church Lane, Hixon

Outline application for industrial use of land including approval of means of access (B1, B2 and B8)


Land adj 6 Smithy Croft, Church Eaton

Two bedroomed bungalow designed for disabled occupation

06/06972/ADV DISMISSED

Junction A51/Main Road, Colwich

Retention of sign

830.780 DISMISSED

Land opp Woodside, Within Lane, Hopton

c/o/u land from agricultural use to storage of materials


Plot 3, Bishton Farm, Bishton Farm Lane, Bishton

Re-building, alterations and additions

DC176 HORSLEY FARM COURT, HORSLEY LANE, ECCLESHALL Considered, the report of the Head of Planning and Engineering Services

and the Head of Law and Administration from whom a copy is available. RESOLVED:- that the Head of Planning and Engineering Services in

consultation with the Head of Law and Administration, be authorised to issue and serve a Breach of Condition Notice in respect of condition 2 including where necessary, the instigation of Court proceedings together with any other associated works as required to secure the removal and reduction in height of the fencing.

DC177 JACOBYRE, SHELTON UNDER HARLEY LANE, STABLEFORD -

ALLEGED BREACH OF PLANNING CONTROL The Head of Planning and Engineering Services reported that the shed

had now been removed. RESOLVED:- that no further action be taken on this matter. Proceedings commenced at 6.30 pm and terminated at 8.00 pm



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LICENSING SUB COMMITTEE - 12 MARCH 2007

Councillor R M Sutherland (Chairman)

Present for all or part of the meeting:- Councillors: D B Price J C Sillito LSC57 The Yard, Unit B, Epsley`s Yard, Stafford Considered, the report of the Head of Environmental and Health Services

on an application for variation of a Premises Licence in respect of The Yard, Epsley`s Yard, Stafford.

The application had been made by Barracuda Pubs and Bars Limited

under Schedule 8, paragraph 7(b) of the Licensing Act 2003, details of the existing and proposed hours are set out in Schedule No 1 attached to the minutes.

The Head of Environmental and Health Services had received 13

representations in respect of the application on the grounds that there was already a history of alcohol related vandalism, loud music and violence in the area and it was submitted that the increase in hours would only lead to further disturbance. In the objectors’ opinion, the application did not therefore meet the licensing objectives for Prevention of Crime and Dis-order and Public Nuisance. At the meeting, a further letter from a local resident received by the Head of Law and Administration restating his previous objections, was circulated to Members together with a letter from a resident to Joelson Wilson and Co, Solicitors, modifying her previous objection. Mr David Clifton, Solicitor, Mr Paul Cutsforth, General Manager and Michael Jones, Site Manager, representing Barracuda Pubs and Bars Limited attended the meeting and spoke in support of the application. Mr David Lucas, Solicitor, and Matthew Paxton, Area Manager, Nexum Leisure Limited attended the meeting and spoke in support of their objection to the application. The Committee gave careful consideration to the presentations made by both parties and all the arguments put forward by the representors

RESOLVED:- that the application be granted as submitted for the

following reasons:-



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(1) It has not been shown that the variation would have

any adverse impact on the licensing objectives; (2) No further conditions were necessary or

proportionate in this case. Proceedings commenced at 9.30 am and terminated at 11.00 am


SECTION SIX

Forward Plan


6.1

Forward Plan April 2007 - June 2007

This plan is a list of important matters which are likely to be the subject of decisions made by the Council or the Council’s Executive during the next four months. Some of these decisions will be “Key Decisions” and the Leader of the Council is legally obliged to include these items in the forward plan. Other items are decisions, which although not “Key Decisions”, the Leader of the Council considers should be included for information. The “Key Decisions” are marked with an asterisk. Anyone wishing to make representations on any matter listed may do so by writing to the person named as the contact at Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford, ST16 3AQ by the closing date. Contents 1 Management of Public Open Space - Draft Action Plan 2 Housing Strategy

Forward Plan


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1 Management of Public Open Space

Title Management of Public Open Space – Draft Action Plan

Description of the decision to be taken

Approval of Draft Action Plan for consideration and subsequent implementation

Key Decision (yes/no)

Yes

Body that will take the decision

Cabinet

Anticipated date of decision

To be determined

Description of consultation to be carried out prior to taking the decision

To be identified

Documents to be provided to decision making body

Officer reports and relevant supporting documents

Closing date for receipt of representations on the decision

Not known

Officer contact (Name and Tel No.)

Chris Hindle, Head of Planning and Engineering Services, Tel 01785 619295

Forward Plan


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2 Housing Strategy

Title Housing Strategy

Description of the decision to be taken

Adoption of the revised Housing Strategy and approval of the revised action plan.

Key Decision (yes/no)

Yes

Body that will take the decision

Cabinet

Anticipated date of decision

14 June 2007 - Cabinet consider the strategy 5 July 2007 - Housing Scrutiny Committee receive jthe strategy and agree consultation proposals 27 September 2007 - Housing Scrutiny Committee - consider results of consultation and the comments from GOWM 4 October 2007 - Cabinet consider the recommendation of the Housing Scrutiny Committee 11 December 2007 - Council approved the Housing Strategy

Description of consultation to be carried out prior to taking the decision

Consultation with: Local Strategic Partnership - Social Task Group Government Office for the West Midlands Local Registered Social Landlords Voluntary Sector Staffordshire County Council South Staffordshire PCT

Documents to be provided to decision making body

Draft Housing Strategy Results of consultation process

Closing date for receipt of representations on the decision

Consultation process undertaken during July, August and September 2007.

Officer contact (Name and Tel No.)

John Fraser, Principal Environmental Health Officer, 01785 619389 Mac McCoig, Principal Housing Officer (Strategy) 01785 619380

Forward Plan

SECTION SEVEN

Corporate Information


SECTION 7 - CORPORATE INFORMATION

INDEX Page Nos List of Meetings - 19 March 2007 - 24 April 2007 7.1 Stafford Borough Walking For Health Initiative 7.1 - 7.3 Six Monthly Update June 2006 - Jan 2007 Stafford Borough Biodiversity Programme 7.3 - 7.9 Six Monthly Update From The Biodiversity Officer Outreach 7.9 Stonefield Exhibition 7.9 - 7.10 Shakespeare Education And Outreach 7.10 Chillout Is A Success For The Youngsters Of The Borough 7.10 - 7.11 New Football Coaching At Alleynes Sports Centre 7.11 Half Marathon, School And Family Fun Run And Stafford 7.11 - 7.12 Junior Mile New Activo Futures Membership For 14 And 15-year olds! 7.12 - 7.13 Regional Junior Skills Competition For Rookie Lifeguards 7.13 Book Your Stafford Festival Shakespeare Tickets Online Now! 7.13 - 7.14 Stafford Haunts 7.14 - 7.15 Temporary Traffic Orders 7.15 - 7.16 Code Of Conduct For Local Authority Members 7.17 - 7.48 Streetscene 7.49 Principal Mayoral Engagements 7.49 - 7.51



LIST OF PUBLIC MEETINGS – 19 MARCH 2007 – 24 APRIL 2007 Resources Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Tuesday 20 March 2007 Planning and Regeneration Licensing Sub - 9.30 am Wednesday 21 March 2007 Audit and Accounts - 6.30 pm Thursday 22 March 2007 Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Tuesday 27 March 2007 Development Control - 6.30 pm Wednesday 28 March 2007 Housing Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Thursday 29 March 2007 Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Tuesday 3 April 2007 Leisure Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Thursday 12 April 2007 Cabinet - 6.30 pm Tuesday 17 April 2007 Development Control - 6.30 pm Wednesday 18 April 2007 Public Appeals - 9.30 am Thursday 19 April 2007 Health Scrutiny - 6.30 pm Thursday 19 April 2007 Council - 7.00 pm Tuesday 24 April 2007

Contact Officer Mike Hooper, Committee Services, Tel 619210

____________________ STAFFORD BOROUGH WALKING FOR HEALTH INITIATIVE – SIX MONTHLY UPDATE JUNE 2006 – JAN 2007 The Walking for Health programme in Stafford Borough was set up as part of the Council’s Local Agenda 21 programme for sustainable development. It contributes to a more sustainable community and a better quality of life in several ways – by encouraging walking for mental and physical health benefits and by addressing sustainable transport issues, encouraging people to walk more rather than drive, thus bringing a range of resultant environmental gains. The programme has benefited from having the support of an externally funded part time Walking for Health Co-ordinator, since 2002. The post holder is currently Rosemary Connolly who has led the programme since April 2006. The following list details the main activities over the last six months:

• SBC Officer (Karen Davies) qualified as a Cascade Trainer in 2006 enabling SBC to run our own Volunteer Walk Leader (VWL) Training Courses ‘in house’.

• We have subsequently run two VWL training courses, one in Summer and

another in the Autumn, bringing the number of VWL’s in Stafford Borough up to 100. Approximately a quarter of these are active on a regular basis.

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• As part of the VWL training ‘Heart Start’ training is also arranged, which nearly all VWL’s participate in.

• The next VWL Training Course will take place at SBC, between 6-9 pm on

March 22. • Recently we have developed links with the local women’s prison at Drake

Hall, with two ladies training as VWL’s at each session. • Of the VWL’s who have trained recently, several have gone on to support led

Health Walks in Stafford, Gnosall, Hixon and Stone and two recently trained VWL’s are setting up new walks in the area of Wildwood.

• There is a keen VWL Network which meets regularly. This group was recently

constituted, so is now able to open a bank account and apply for funding. The group intends to apply for funding to purchase equipment for groups and events etc, as well as to establish incentives for newly trained VWL’s to encourage participation on walks once trained.

• We have also been continuing to expand the scheme in other ways to reach

socially and economically deprived groups in the Borough. We have for instance, been working with Stafford Together partnership who are establishing a community Signpost Centre in Highfields. It is planned that Health Walks will be run from the centre and members of the local Highfields community trained as VWL. The first Highfields Health Walk took place on 25 October at the Signpost Centre Fun Day.

• Working in partnership with the Sports Development Officer, Health Walks will

be offered as part of the Healthy Lifestyles Project “Life Bites”. This scheme is funded by the Children’s Fund and is a family health project, designed to provide families with the opportunity to take part in a wide range of free activities, tailored to meet each individual participant’s needs to bring about long term improvement in health, fitness and well-being.

• Links are being made with the Stafford Castle Woodland Trail project, to

further walking opportunities in Stafford Borough. • The programme celebrated the National Day of Walking and Stafford’s 800

Years of History on 17 September with a history walk (the “Stafford 800 Celebration Walk”) to Stafford Castle, including a heritage tour of the Castle and Shire Hall on return.

• On 10 December Winter Wetland Walks with a nature theme were held to

emphasise the physical and mental benefits of walking, in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of Riverway.

• We have established links with the Library Service through Health Information

Week giving a presentation at a local library on the health benefits of walking and organising a taster health walk from the Central Library.

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• We will be pursuing links with the Shire Hall Library and Friends of Riverway

in Spring through the Watershed Project which is designed to encourage Stafford residents to get out and take a walk either on their own or guided, to appreciate their local area and the River Sow and express their feelings in a poem. The poems will be carved on Poetry Stones to be placed by the River.

• The Walking for Health Co-ordinator attended ‘Pedometer Training’ run by the

Primary Care Trust this January. • Walk Wise leaflets are updated quarterly. These list current led Health Walks

across the Borough. These, as well as posters continue to be distributed to all GP surgeries. We aim to pursue further links with GPs.

• We have further developed links with Age Concern and in particular, the Day

Centre at Bradbury House. A presentation on Walking for Health was given during Age Concern Healthy Living Week. We intend to take this forward with SBC’s Health Promotion Officer as a joint presentation to incorporate healthy eating and healthy activity.

• The Walking for Health Co-ordinator now regularly gives a presentation at the

Pre-Retirement Course for SBC/ SCC employees, to pass on advice and benefits of walking and encourage people to take up VWL training.

• The Walking for Health Co-ordinator continues to regularly attend ‘Healthy

Heart Saturdays’ on Exercise and Stress Management, held at Stafford hospital.

• We have recently been advised that the Walking for Health programme has

been successful in the Staffordshire University run, ‘Diversity Awards’. This Awards Scheme aims to promote diversity and the presentation for this takes place at the end of March.

Contact Officers: Karen Davies, Principal Officer Sustainable Development, Tel 619408 Rosemary Connolly, Walking for Health Co-ordinator, Tel 619686

____________________ STAFFORD BOROUGH BIODIVERSITY PROGRAMME: SIX MONTHLY UPDATE FROM THE BIODIVERSITY OFFICER 1 Background

Over the past decades much of Stafford Borough’s wildlife has been in decline - and some of our favourite species have all but disappeared. This is mirrored across the UK to the extent that recent years have seen a

7.3



groundswell of effort to restore lost species and habitats – both for their own sake – and for the quality of our own lives.

In Stafford Borough, our response to biodiversity losses was closely allied to

the recognition of the need for sustainable development and therefore grew out of the Council’s Local Agenda 21 programme.

The initial step was to form the Stafford Borough Biodiversity Strategy

Steering Group in 1998. This Group together researched and produced the first Stafford Borough Biodiversity Strategy1 in 2000 – one of the first of its kind in the country. This was the starting point for proposals to restore and enhance the Borough’s biodiversity asset.

In 2001 the Steering Group organised a seminar entitled Biodiversity and

Planning, recognising the huge relevance of biodiversity within the planning system. There was significant interest in this event, which was attended by Planners and Councillors as well as those with a specialist wildlife and ecology interest. A Conference Report was produced subsequently.

In 2001 progress was being made on the ground too, with a successful

application to Defra to put two Council owned fields into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and thus restore them to species rich meadows.

By 2002, the biodiversity workload was building up and the Steering Group

supported the submission of an application for funding to the ‘Wildspace! Grant scheme – lottery funding administered by English Nature. This bid, submitted in January 2002 was successful, enabling the appointment for three years of a Community Biodiversity Officer, to take forward the mushrooming biodiversity programme. The appointment started in January 2003. Now, as biodiversity has become more prominent nationally and locally, and local authorities now have a new ‘biodiversity duty’, we have been able to appoint a permanent Biodiversity Officer, Bill Waller. The following is a summary of his activities since his appointment.

2 The post The new Biodiversity Officer is contributing towards the aims of the

Biodiversity Strategy for Stafford Borough, which was produced as part of the Council’s Local Agenda 21 programme for sustainable development. By working to conserve and enhance the characteristic biodiversity of Stafford Borough for present and future generations, this work contributes to the Council’s vision of a community and Borough that is Prosperous, Safe, Healthy, Clean and Green.

The main objectives of the post are to:

1 The Biodiversity Strategy was revised and updated in 2005. The original and the updated versions are also available on www.staffordbc.gov.uk/la21

7.4 Corporate Information


• Have central responsibility for the development of a co-coordinated, high profile programme of activity across Stafford Borough.

• Support and promote biodiversity conservation and restoration and

community participation.

• Contribute to the good management of existing Local Nature Reserves in accordance with Management Plans.

• Help to identify areas within Stafford Borough, which may be suitable for future Local Nature Reserve (LNR) declaration and declare new Local Nature Reserves or other Wildlife Sites as appropriate.

• Provide high quality biodiversity advice within the Council, in particular to the planning service, supporting the work of both the Development Control and Forward Planning Teams.

• Support the delivery of the Stafford Borough Biodiversity Strategy (and update as necessary) thereby contributing to the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan.

3 Barlaston and Rough Close Common LNR The officer has continued to co-ordinate heathland management work on

Barlaston and Rough Close Common Local Nature Reserve. In accordance with the site management plan, heather-brash spreading has been carried out on the Common with the help of a BTCV work party. This time heather harvested from the Common has been used (previously most of the heather brash has been from Cannock Chase). Further conservation work has been resumed as specified in the Management Plan for example, tree work and gorse and bramble control.

In October 2006 DEFRA approved the application to fence the lower common

in accordance with the aim of grazing the common for conservation purposes. With permission granted there is now much work to do to realise these plans. The Scheme of Regulations needs to be amended to allow fencing. Although a formality, notice must be given and a three-month period allowed for inspection of the proposal. A suitable grazier must be found to advise on the facilities required on site such as water supply and correct stock fencing, not to mention the right type of cattle. A meeting was held late January with a potential grazier, who has subsequently expressed interest. Funding for the fencing will be needed and it is hoped that Natural England will be able to cover some of costs, though external funding will also have to be applied for. A contractor will then be sought to erect the two and half kilometres of fencing required.

The Countryside Stewardship agreement is being re-examined with a view to

enter into Higher Tier Level Stewardship. This will guarantee a much higher payment per hectare for restoring heathland habitat.

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4 Kingsmead Marsh LNR Kingsmead Marsh LNR is a large wetland area, which provides a valuable

wildlife habitat close to the centre of Stafford town. The Stafford Local Environmental Quality (LEQ) group meets quarterly to discuss the ongoing management of the site, amongst other things.

It is hoped that the new development at St George’s will enable improvements

to the pathway from Lammascote Road to Gaol Square. Works on the Local Nature Reserve have also been requested.

Quotes have been sought from local environmental organisation Riverwoods,

to make improvements to the Lammascote Road entrance. Riverwoods have been asked to take over the coppicing of the marsh, as the willow harvested will go towards sustainable projects.

As part of ‘In Bloom’ this year, proposals for wildflower planting along

Queensway have been made. Some habitat piles have been made from a tree that fell in recent winds. 5 Astonfields Balancing Lakes LNR The Officer has continued to work with the Friends of Astonfields Balancing

Lakes group to organise a series of activities at the site. These events have helped to raise the profile of the site locally and highlighted the nature conservation value of the site. The group is extremely committed and organised and help arrange the events and activities, such as habitat management and nature walks.

The latest practical conservation days were held in mid January and early

February. These mainly focussed on protecting a small area of open water within the main reedbed. This area is used by numerous bird species including water rail, moorhens and teal, but is being gradually encroached upon by the surrounding reedbed. As a result an amount of emergent vegetation (mainly Phragmites australis and some Club rush) will be removed.

The Friends of Astonfields Balancing Lakes have been awarded a Stafford

Borough Council Green Award. They were “Highly Commended” for their volunteer work on the LNR during the last year. They also received an award from Staffordshire County Council, on being put forward to the County wide Green Awards.

An application to Awards for All will be made soon to fund further

environmental improvements. 6 Stone Meadows LNR The Officer is working on a Stone Meadows Newsletter to highlight the work

done recently and the future plans for the site including public events. He is



being helped by Danny Averill, who is currently continuing to work as a volunteer approx. 2 days per week.

Proposed events include a Guided Bird Walk and practical tasks, such as

Himalayan Balsam clearance. The Friends of Stone Meadows will also be encouraged to become more involved in the reserve and its management.

Recent issues on Southern Meadow have included local residents’ concerns

over a tree house built by local youngsters, in one of the large willows. The tree house was removed and the materials taken off site. A letter was sent to the local school and since then there has been no further activity.

Snipe, a Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP) species, has been

recorded using the new scrape on Southern Meadow, which was a target species for the scrape creation.

On the Northern Meadow, the Environment Agency came out to remove some

fallen trees from the brook. 7 Kingston Pool Covert (South) LNR The site is the most recent to be declared as a Local Nature Reserve. The

first management works carried out on the site included improvements to the main footpath and installation of new signage. An assessment of any trees deemed to be dangerous has been undertaken and the trees removed. A BTCV work party has undertaken work to clear the ground of nettles in order to allow a more diverse ground flora to develop. A series of recent events included an autumn litter pick and a Fungi Foray, both of which were very well attended. This will be followed up by supporting the formation of a new Friends of Group in the near future. Contact has been made with the existing Friends of Group from Kingston Pool (North) thus establishing what should become strong practical links between the two related sites and groups.

8 Crown Meadow LNR The Officer continues to help on this site, which is owned by Stone Town

Council. A new group named Crown Meadows Action Group (CMAG) has been formed to feedback on planned improvements to the site including a new pathway and bridge. Biodiversity will be improved on site by encouraging meadow plants and by the creation of a scrape. This should reflect and enhance the improvements works done on North and South Meadows. A schools project is planned to design interpretative signs for the reserve that will feature the wildlife found on site.

9 Proposed LNRs This year it is intended to concentrate on two sites, Clayton – Ferndown Drive

and Tittensor. Both sites have been considered for a number of years as good candidates for Local Nature Reserves. Stafford Borough Council and Swynnerton Parish Council currently manage them. Several other sites,

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including an important meadow bordering the River Sow, also offer good potential as LNR’s but require investigation.

10 Partnership working The Biodiversity Officer continues to work closely with a number of groups

and organisations including, amongst many others, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, and the Friends of Riverway. Links are being developed between the Friends of Riverway’s ‘Riverwoods’ project, which promotes sustainable use of woodlands and local craft in Stafford Borough, and Kingsmead LNR.

The Officer is supported by the well established Stafford Borough Biodiversity

Strategy Steering Group, which contains representatives from a variety of environmental conservation organisations, and attends meetings and provides support for the Local Environmental Quality group. The Officer also attends meetings of the Staffordshire and West Midlands Heathland Partnership, a group of local authorities and conservation organisations who work together to promote heathland management work throughout the region.

11 Other activities The Officer has assisted the Enforcement Section on ensuring that a

developer continued to effectively manage a wildlife area for Great Crested Newt.

The Officer has provided advice and assistance to the new Wildwood

Community Pool group as they plan enhancements to the wildlife value of the Wildwood Pool in Stafford.

12 Strategic Work The Officer continues to work towards the aims set out in SBC’s Sustainable

Development Action Plan. 13 Planning The Officer is involved with various development control issues including

providing advice to planning officers regarding protected species and commenting on planning applications that have implications for biodiversity in line with the NERC Act 2006 and the Government’s Planning Policy Statement 9.

In total, 30 applications have been received so far, which break down as

follows: 12 Barn conversions Housing developments Industrial developments Moorings Sports developments



Agricultural 1 Religious 14 Training/Professional Development The Officer attended a 3 day training course, “A Non-Planners Guide to the

Planning System” in September. The Officer is now a member of the Association of Local Government

Ecologists (ALGE) and has attended the Annual Conference and a local sub-group in order to keep up-to-date on new government policy, law and environmental strategies. The Officer has recently enrolled on a University Certificate in Biological Recording and Species Identification, through the University of Birmingham to be studied over the next 2 years, which will not however affect his work programme.

Contact Officers Bill Waller, Biodiversity Officer, Tel 619676 Karen Davies, Principal Officer Sustainable Development, Tel 619408

____________________ OUTREACH An exciting outreach and new audience programme devised and led by Culturegen, the arts and creative industries development service for Stafford Borough will soon be confirmed. Several new client groups have been approached and will participate in activities such as dance, art, animation, creative writing and film-making. AREVA T and D have confirmed their support again. Contact Officer Helen Wilson, Culturegen, Tel 619727

____________________ STONEFIELD EXHIBITION Clients from Stonefield House, part of South Staffs NHS Foundation Trust are busy completing their material for their first and forthcoming exhibition at Stafford Library. The clients who have learning difficulties have spent the last six months attending animation and creative writing workshops. They also attended several shows at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre. Staff at the theatre spent time taking the group on a backstage tour, which made the clients feel very special.

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The exhibition illustrates work and memorabilia that have inspired them. The group have enjoyed working together as a team and working with different artists. So successful and inspirational have these creative classes been, that one of the clients will now be attending a literacy class at a local college. The exhibition will be on display from 19 March for a month, if you have a spare moment in town, please call in and view their work. Culturegen will continue to work with this group increasing their community participation and continued rehabilitation. Contact Officer Helen Wilson, Culturegen, Tel 619727

____________________ SHAKESPEARE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH The education programme to support this year’s Stafford Festival Shakespeare’s production of Much Ado About Nothing will start shortly with several new schools participating in exciting and innovative education workshops. Outreach workshops for the Open Doors session due to take place on the 20 June are being coordinated now and several local schools identified as being in fairly deprived areas will either be invited to attend the open doors sessions or will receive outreach workshops in the Schools. The programme boasts another strong partnership between Culturegen, the arts and creative industries development service for Stafford Borough, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and The New Vic Theatre. Contact Officer Helen Wilson, Culturegen, Tel 619727

____________________ CHILLOUT IS A SUCCESS FOR THE YOUNGSTERS OF THE BOROUGH February Half Term saw the annual Chillout programme run at both Riverside Recreation Centre and Alleynes Sports Centre for youngsters aged between 13 - 17. Chillout is funded by the Community Safety Partnership and organised and ran by the Sports Development Team. The aim of the project is to encourage teenagers to get involved in activities that will inspire them and encourage them to continue with it once Chillout has finished. Bungee Trampolines, Football, Circus Skills, Graffiti name boards and nail art are just some of the brilliant activities open to the young people who attended throughout the week.

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During the week over 250 young people registered to be a part of Chillout and there were 670 attendances on the various activities that were going on. The event was a massive success with the young people reporting very positively on the activities that were available to them. Contact Officer Jenny Moor, Sports and Physical Activity Development Officer, Tel:619565

____________________ NEW FOOTBALL COACHING AT ALLEYNES SPORTS CENTRE Saturday 3 March saw the start of a new footballing venture by the Sports Development team, which is being ran at Alleynes Sports Centre. The brand new synthetic pitch was the site for this new footballing venue and an impressive 50 children turned out to take part in this exciting new project. Stafford Rangers coach Ian Cranson and local coach Ian Challinor run the Saturday morning sessions, which are proving to be very popular with the youngsters in the borough. The coaching is open to all 5 - 10 year olds at a cost of £3 per week. The session starts at 9.00am and runs until 10.30am. For more information on these coaching sessions please contact Jenny Moore, Senior Sport and Physical Activity Development Officer on 01785 619565 Contact Officer Jenny Moor, Sports and Physical Activity Development Officer, Tel:619565

____________________ HALF MARATHON, SCHOOL AND FAMILY FUN RUN AND STAFFORD JUNIOR MILE THE HALF MARATHON, Family Fun Run and Junior Mile, organised annually by the Leisure Services Team at Stafford Borough Council are nearly upon us once again. This year’s race day is Sunday 25 March, and because running a half marathon is a huge personal achievement, ‘Marathon-Photos.com’ will be there this year to capture the highlights and to share the excitement. Images will be displayed online for viewing and ordering. Currently just over 1,200 runners have already signed up to the big event, and there is still one week to go before the final pre-entries will be accepted on Friday 16 March. “There will be limited entries on the day” said Sam Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator, “as there is a cap on the number of runners we can safely manage. My advice is, get your entry form submitted in advance of the race in order to avoid any disappointment.” Entry to the Half Marathon is £12 for runners affiliated to UK Athletics Running Clubs, and £14 for all other entrants. The closing date for pre-entries is Friday 16 March. Chip timing will be in place at this year’s event; so all runners will have an



accurate finish time recorded. Log on to www.theresults.co.uk after the race for the full race listing. This year’s finishers will be given a choice of either a commemorative medal or a T-Shirt celebrating their achievement. Entry to the Fun Run is free to all under 18s still in full time education in Stafford Borough, so long as they register in advance. For all other entrants the entry fee is £3. There will be a £2 surcharge for those who register on the day. Teams of no more than four people, one of which has to be an adult, pay £7. All finishers will receive a medal for their efforts. All entrants to the Junior Mile must pay £5 (chip timing will be used giving each runner an accurate finish time) and be pre registered, as there are limited places available. The Junior Mile is due to start at 10am in the Market Square, Stafford, and is two laps of the town centre course. The Fun Run, covering the same route, will commence 45 minutes later, just after the start of the Half Marathon. For more information on how to get involved, or if you wish to get sponsored and are seeking a worthy cause, please contact Liz Hulse on 01785 619300. Sponsors for this year’s Half Marathon, Katharine House Hospice have sponsorship forms downloadable from the website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon

Contact Officer Sam Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator, Leisure Services, Tel:619354

____________________ NEW ACTIVO FUTURES MEMBERSHIP FOR 14 AND 15-YEAR OLDS! The NEW off peak Activo futures memberships is about to arrive at Riverside Recreation Centre and Westbridge Park Fitness Centre this April 2007. We are looking to encourage 14 and 15 year olds to get involved in physical activity at their local leisure centre. We are offering them the opportunity to take out a membership and book a priority induction from 19 March, before the public launch in April. To qualify for this offer, sign up to our easy monthly payment scheme. Prices for juniors with a parent or guardian who has adult Activo membership are only £10 per month if paid by direct debit; otherwise it is £12 per month. The new Activo card offers unbeatable value for money and gives you unlimited access to:

• Activo Gym (off peak) • Fitness Classes (selected off peak)

• Swim (public sessions) • Induction

• Personal Programme

Stafford Borough Council recognises the responsibility towards creating a future full of healthy, strong and active children, especially in light of the growing childhood obesity epidemic. We believe that enjoyment is key to regular participation so we have included a range of activities that children can’t get enough of.


http://www.theresults.co.uk/

http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/halfmarathon


For full details of the terms and conditions, or for further information please call 01785 619000 between 9am and 8pm. To arrange an appointment to join Activo Futures please call Riverside Recreation Centre on 01785 619500 or Westbridge Park on 01785 619600. We look forward to seeing you soon! Contact Officer Riverside Reception,Tel: 619500

____________________ REGIONAL JUNIOR SKILLS COMPETITION FOR ROOKIE LIFEGUARDS Rookie Lifeguards at Riverside Recreation Centre, managed by Stafford Borough Council are preparing for a regional Junior Skills Competition. The 5 – 14 year olds have been learning the life skills of water safety and lifesaving at the RLSS Rookie Lifesaver Courses held at Riverside Recreation Centre. They are now preparing to demonstrate their aquatic rescue techniques and first aid in the Junior Skills Competition at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre on Saturday 17 March 2007. Simon Cockayne, Riverside’s Operations Manager commented, “Due to the high standard and skills demonstrated during the Rookie Lifesaver classes, Riverside Recreation Centre has decided to showcase their talent in the regional Junior Skills Competition.” The Junior Skills Competition comprises of both individual and team assessments. “In addition to the individuals competing for a medal by demonstrating their personal skills, two teams of Riverside Recreation Centre youngsters will be competing for the regional Junior Skills trophy” added Simon. Contact Officer Hannah Clifford, Marketing Projects Officer, Tel:619590

____________________ BOOK YOUR STAFFORD FESTIVAL SHAKESPEARE TICKETS ONLINE NOW! Ever wondered how to make the most of those glorious summer evenings? Well wonder no more! Stafford Festival Shakespeare offers the unique opportunity to watch a show whilst soaking up the long summer evenings as you sip a cool glass of wine against the enchanting backdrop of Stafford Castle. Stafford Castle makes for a superb venue high on a hilltop overlooking the county town. This historic setting has an unrivalled resonance for Shakespeare’s writing,

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and the specially designed stage set, combined with the production ‘village’ of marquees and state of the art seating, makes for a unique theatre setting. The seventeenth annual Stafford Festival Shakespeare Production to be presented Open Air at Stafford Castle will be Much Ado About Nothing. One of Shakespeare's freshest comedies, Much Ado About Nothing is a lively showdown between the sexes. Beatrice, independent and forthright, and Benedick, a self-confessed 'woman-hater', pass the time constantly goading and scorning each other. When they are thrown together to defend a friend's honour, their true feelings begin to emerge. You can enjoy the witty insults of Benedick and Beatrice in this farcical comedy from Thursday 28 June to Saturday 14 July 2007. 2007 sees Stafford Gatehouse Theatre celebrate its 25th anniversary and to commemorate the celebrations the venue is offering online booking to its customers. Online booking was made available to Stafford Borough Council employees on 19 February, and will be available to the wider public on Monday 19 March. Tickets are already on sale for the ever-popular Shakespeare under the Stars, and very soon the online booking system will make booking your seat for this event easier than ever. As well as individual and family tickets, you can also get party rates for groups of more than ten, and you can even discuss a Corporate Hospitality Package by calling Stuart Boyd at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on 01785 253595. To book your tickets simply log on to www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk and follow the instructions to book tickets for any of the theatre’s shows. As well as Stafford Festival Shakespeare you will be able to choose from huge names like Kate Rusby, Gervase Phinn and Freddie Starr and enjoy great nights out at a click of a button! Log on to www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk If you do have any problems or queries, please email [email protected] or call 01785 253 595. Contact Officer Sam Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator, Leisure Services, Tel:619354

____________________ STAFFORD HAUNTS Stafford Haunts, a tourist information leaflet produced by the Leisure Services Section at Stafford Borough Council is due to be updated and reprinted. The leaflet tells of ghostly goings on, famous ghostly characters, and some of the haunting history behind them. Sites included in the previous brochure included; The Ancient High House, The Swan Hotel, The Surgery, The Soup Kitchen, Stafford Gaol, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, The Shire Hall Gallery & Library and much more.


http://www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk/

http://www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/



If you have any interesting stories of ghostly goings on at sites which can be incorporated into a visitors tour, please contact Sam Ferguson on 01785 619354, or by email at [email protected]. Contact Officer Sam Ferguson, Marketing Coordinator, Leisure Services, Tel:619354

____________________ TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ORDERS Notification has been received from Staffordshire County Council Development Services Department of the following Temporary Road Traffic Regulation Orders:- Stafford Road, Stone (Old A34 –A520/A34 link) Due to carriageway resurfacing works, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding in the length of Stafford Road, Stone (old A34-A50/A34 link) between its junctions with Eccleshall Road A420 and Stafford Road A34. Alternative routes for traffic are available as follows:- Southbound - via Eccleshall Road A520, Stafford Road A34 southbound,

Valley Road. Northbound - via Valley Road, Stafford A34 southbound, Aston Roundabout

A34, Stafford Road A34 northbound, Walton Roundabout A34, Eccleshall Road A520.

The Order came into operation on 14 March 2007 and it is anticipated that the works will be completed by 20 March 2007. Littywood Lane, Bradley Due to drainage repairs and kerbing works, vehicles will be prohibited from proceeding in the length of Littywood Lane, Bradley, between its junctions with Bradley Lane and Bigwood Lane. An alternative route for traffic will be available via Bradley Lane, A518 Newport Road, Billington Bank and Castle Bank, Sundown Drive, Thorneyfields Lane, Bigwood Lane and vice versa. The Order will come into operation on 26 March 2007 and it is anticipated that the works will be completed by 5 April 2007.




Uttoxeter Road B5027, Stone (Aston by Stone level crossing) Due to track resurfacing works, vehicles will be prohibited from proceeding in the length of Uttoxeter Road B5027, Stone so much as passes over and is in the immediate vicinity of Aston by Stone level crossing. An alternative route for traffic will be available via Uttoxeter Road B5027, Hilderstone Road B5066, A51 Lichfield Road and Butterhill Bank, Lichfield Road B5027 and vice versa. It is anticipated that the works will be in operation from 10.45 pm on 31 March 2007 and be completed by 3.30 pm in 1 April 2007. Old Road, Stone Due to carriageway resurfacing works, vehicles will be prohibited from proceeding in the length of Old Road, Stone between its junctions with Radford Street and Oulton Road. An alternative route for traffic will be available via Longton Road A520, Airdale Road, Oulton Road, Princes Street, Old Road and vice versa. The Order will come into operation on 10 April 2007 and it is anticipated that the works will be completed by 13 April 2007. Contact Officer Mike Hooper, Committee Services, Tel 619210

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS

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STREETSCENE Since its launch in March 2005, Stafford Borough Council’s Streetscene service has been working to keep the streets of Stafford clean, green and safe for the community. The service is constantly trying to make improvements to its operations to keep the Borough clean and tidy, and while most people would agree that dropping litter is wrong, there is still a small minority who continue to drop items such as crisp packets, drink containers, chewing gum and perhaps most notably, cigarette butts. Under new legislation laid out in the 2005 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Act, the council has new powers enabling it to reduce the amount of environmental crime that takes place. To this end, an enforcement officer will shortly be employed to go out and about in the community, helping raise public awareness through publicity and education/information campaigns. Ultimately working in partnerships with PCSOs, the enforcement officer will be issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone who is caught dropping litter, and will also be taking action over fly tipping, graffiti and fly posting. Any members of the public or employees can call the Contact Centre on 01785 619000, email [email protected] or visit the council’s website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk and follow the link to report problems with the following: cleaning public toilets, dog fouling, emptying litter bins, fly tipping, graffiti, grass cutting, litter picking, street cleansing, maintaining borough council open spaces including sports pitches, play areas, flowerbeds, and trees and the removal of “sharps” (needles etc) or broken glass. Contact Officer: Phil Gammon, Head of Operations. Tel: 619108

____________________ PRINCIPAL MAYORAL ENGAGEMENTS - 17 MARCH - 20 APRIL 2007 17 March 12 Noon

Mayor Only Hospital Radio Stafford - 24 hour live Broadcast to celebrate 35 years of Hospital Radio - Asda Stores, Queensway, Stafford

1.15 pm Mayor Only The Trefoil Guild - AGM - Trinity Church,

Stafford 18 March 10.00 am

Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress

Staffordshire County Swimming Championships for the Disabled - Wolverhampton Baths, Wolverhampton

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19 March 9.30 am

Mayor Only Opening of Areva Analysis of Protection of Power Systems - Welcome to Overseas Students on Courses - Areva T & D UK Ltd, St. Leonard’s Avenue, Stafford

1.30 pm Mayor Only Photo-Call - Mayor`s Parlour, for Exercise AAYO

Gurkhali - to publicise Gurkha 200k Walk on 31 March from Colerne, Wiltshire to Stafford to celebrate their arrival in Stafford

7.25 pm Mayor Only Visit to Haughton Garden and Countryside

Guild, Haughton Village Hall, Haughton 21 March 10.30 am

Mayor Only Visit to Springfield House, Corporation Street, Stafford for Exhibition and coffee morning

23 March 6.55 pm

Mayor Only Mayor of Newcastle - Civic Ball - Keele Hall, Keele

7.30 pm Deputy Mayor

and Deputy Mayoress

Reception for Volunteers from Stone - Civic Suite, Civic Centre, Stafford

25 March 9.45 am

Mayor Only Stafford Half Marathon and Fun Run - Market Square, Stafford

30 March 7.30 pm

Mayor Only Service 1st Awards Dinner - Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford

31 March 4.00 pm

Mayor Only Exercise AAYO Gurkhali - Welcome to Stafford by Mayor of Gurkha Signal Squadron from Colerne, Wiltshire to mark their arrival in Stafford at Market Square, Stafford

5 April 3.30 pm

Mayor Only Visit to the Mayor`s Parlour of Residents of Forebridge Trust and Stafford Almshouses

7.00 pm Mayor and Guest Stone District Scouts Council - 40th Anniversary

Gang Show, Stafford Gatehouse 12 April 7.30 pm

Mayor and Guest Chairman of Staffordshire County Council - Informal Dinner Party for Civic Heads - County Buildings, Stafford

14 April 10.45 am

Mayor Only Stafford Art Group - Annual Selected Exhibition - Ancient High House, Stafford

12.00 Noon Mayor Only Mayor of Sandwell - Civic Luncheon - Ingestre

Hall, Stafford



17 April 2.30 pm

Mayor Only Presentation of Awards to Volunteers of Katharine House, Mayor`s Parlour, Civic Centre, Stafford

18 April 9.30 am

Mayor Only Opening of Summer Term of Crown Court

12.45 pm Mayor Only High Sheriff’s Luncheon - County Buildings 3.00 pm Mayor Only Visit to the Mayor`s Parlour of Volunteers and

Members of Stafford League of Hospital Friends 19 April 5.30 pm

Mayor and Guest Chairman of South Staffordshire - Charity Evening - Great Wyrley College of Performing Arts Theatre, Great Wyrley

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SECTION EIGHT

Articles

(NONE)

is, therefore, important that Members who wish to call in a decision should seek support from other...

Documents

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