Minutes of Arbory Parish Commissioners Monthly Meeting 19th August 2009
The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19th August 2009 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae and Mr Cowin, and apologies for absence were received from Mrs Edds and Mr Cringle. The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.
The Minutes of the July Meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
The effects of a possible swine flu pandemic on the Commissioners’ functioning was discussed. It was felt that the only area of concern would be refuse collection and it was agreed that the Clerk should liaise with neighbouring authorities to establish an agreement in principle that they would co-operate with refuse collection if it became necessary.
Police Matters
The minutes of the July Southern Neighbourhood Policing Meeting were received and noted.
There was further inconclusive correspondence concerning the noisy neighbour problem at Ard Wooilley.
Highways Matters
It was noted that the widening of the pavement at the Glen Road/Main Road junction was again under consideration by the DOT.
Mr Berry reported on the July Meeting of the Southern Road Traffic Liaison Group, including an update on the DOT’s plans for re-aligning the junctions at Colby Bridge and Duck Street.
Mr Rae reported that a Cronk y Thatcher resident had complained about cars being parked opposite his house. It was agreed to bring this to the attention of the DOT.
Allotments
It was noted that Mr Berry would be representing the Board at the Appeal against approval of the first planning application on 9th September.
Hall Roof Project
It was noted that the preparatory work would start on 2nd September and that the slates were due to arrive on 7th September.
Dilapidated Buildings
Mr John Howie and Mr Ian Mansell from DOLGE Environmental Health Department attended part of the Meeting and clarified the Commissioners’ role regarding unsightly properties and the procedures involved. Five particular properties in Colby were discussed, and Mr Howie agreed that action was justified and would be taken in most of these cases. Other matters such as public nuisance and the roles of DOLGE and the Police in noise problems were also discussed.
Parish Gardens Competition
It was confirmed that the judging had taken place. It was agreed to publish the results on the website and in the press, and that the best garden in each village award would be a glass and marble trophy. It was felt that the judging should take place a fortnight earlier next year and that consideration be giving to extending the competition, with additional classes for gardens not readily viewable from the public highways.
Municipal Association Matters
The Minutes of the July Meeting were received and noted.
It was also noted that a seminar on planning enforcement had been arranged on 17th September. Mr Berry agreed to attend.
Japanese Knotweed
Advice was received from the DOT Footpaths Officer that this was a matter for the landowner under the Noxious Weeds Act and, regarding farmland, the field officers at DAFF should be approached. It was agreed to contact DAFF.
Streetlights at Station Park
Following an approach by the MEA and a site meeting with MEA officers, it was proposed by Mr Rae, seconded by Mr Cowin, and agreed, to take advantage of trenching work being done by DOLGE in connection with the re-wiring of the houses on the estates and have three existing streetlights, located on the sides of houses, renewed and placed onto standards and three additional streetlights installed at a total cost of approximately £12,000.
Friary Park Play Area
It was reported that a small section of fence adjoining Tramman Cottage had been trampled down and it was agreed to have this repaired.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
- 09/01224 – Ballacubbon Farmhouse, Colby – conversion of garage to living accommodation – No comments.
- 09/01242 – Magher Feailley, Main Road, Colby – dormer windows, rooflights & addnl window – No comments
The following planning decision was received and noted:-
- 09/01024 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – enclosed stables and manege with living accommodation - Application withdrawn.
- 09/01025 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – building to contain a horse walker – Application withdrawn.
- 09/01026 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – alterations to driveway and vehicular access – Application withdrawn.
- 09/01027 – Ballacomish, Rongue Road - manege – Application withdrawn.
- 09/00998 – Ballastroke, Ronague Road – replace doorway with patio doors – Approved
- 09/00760 – Colby Chapel Hall – French doors – Approved
- 09/00866 – Yn Shenn Oik Post, Main Road, Ballabeg – extension & replacement windows and door – Approved
- 09/00919 – Ballabeg Shop – amended plans incl canopy – Refused.
- 09/00579 – 21 Ballachrink – alterations & extensions – Approved
- 09/00700 – Seaview Cottage, Main Road, Colby – alterations & extensions, etc – Application withdrawn
- 09/00719 – Ballacarmick, Main Road, Colby – alterations & extensions, etc – Application withdrawn. A new application to be submitted in due course.
- 09/00529 – Phase 2 Cronk Cullyn – 81 dwellings, etc – Application withdrawn. The applicant no longer wishes to pursue this scheme.
- 09/00532 – Croit Veg, Main Road, Colby – detached garage, alterations to vehicular access, etc – Application withdrawn. A new application to be submitted in due course
- 09/00340 - Fields below Colby Station – football ground & associated facilities – Approved. There was concern expressed that the permitted hours of use of the clubhouse had been given as up to 10.30pm on Sundays to Thursdays and up to 11.45pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It was however decided not to seek an appeal, but to takeup this aspect if an alcohol licence was sought.
- 09/01063 – Field 420855, Ballagawne Road – temporary storage of infill material – Approved.
Appeals:-
- 09/00932 – 23 Ballachrink – alterations & extensions – Appeal requested
Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters
The following correspondence was received:-
- Consultation documents on Tynwald Commissioner for Administration Draft Bill – discussion deferred until September Meeting.
- Consultation documents on Tynwald Auditor General Draft Bill – discussion deferred until September Meeting.
- DOLGE document – Corporate Governance Principles and Code of Conduct for Local Authorities – discussion deferred until September Meeting.
- Recommendations of Tynwald Report on the Affairs of Braddan Parish Commissioners – discussion deferred until September Meeting.
- Consultation on DOT Flood Risk Management Bill – no comments.
- Consultation on Housing & Local Government Bill 2009 – no comments.
- Consultation on amendments to Dogs Act 1990 – no comments. Extension of provision to churchyards and car parks welcomed.
- Invitation to Maughold Civic Service 20th September – no member able to attend.
- DAFF Proposals on future of Sulby Claddaghs – noted.
- Tynwald Advisory Council for Disabilities Newsletter. – noted.
- Appointment of PKF (IOM) as public auditors for 2009/10 to 2011/12 – noted
- IOM Children’s Plan 2009-1012 – noted.
- 2nd Supplemental Rating List 2009 – noted.
- Invitation to Marown Civic Service 13th September – Mr Berry agreed to attend.
- IOM Strategic Plan for Pandemic Flu outbreak – noted.
- Erin Arts Centre – programme of events – noted.
- DOT Highways Monthly Newsletter – noted.
- Leaflets from DHSS on sensible alcohol consumption – noted.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
- Manx Telecom Office - phone £45.11
- DOLGE - Refuse disposal June £1,328.50
- David Cregeen - Grass cutting £423.68
- Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection July £2,459.48
Sundry Matters Raised by Members
Mr Rae raised the following matters:-
- the hedges adjoining the pavement between Colby and Ballabeg and also through Ballabeg were in need of trimming before the school re-opened – request DOT.
- the garden of the unoccupied property, 30 Friary Park, was becoming badly overgrown – contact owner.
- the Spa Shop had requested a waste bin with a small slot, so that people would not be able to use it for depositing bags of waste materials - investigate.
- for information, Mr Rae advised that planning permission had been obtained by the Marashen Crescent Board for 34 new sheltered units for elderly persons at the former Four Roads Water Board houses and yard, Port St Mary, and that it was hoped that these would become available by 2012.
A complaint was received from a resident of Ballacubbon Estate, Ballabeg regarding low branches from trees on the adjoining property over-hanging the road and driveways. It was agreed to advise the DOT.