MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th February  2011 at the Halley MacLiag.   Present were Mr  Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mrs Edds  and Mr Cowin.   The Clerk, Mr  Lowey, was in attendance.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th Janury 2011, after an amendment, were  confirmed as a  true record and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk  Matters

There were no new risk issues to report.

Highways Matters

A review by the DOI Highways Section of  actions to be taken in the event of serious snowfalls was received and considered.  It was agreed to request more salt bins in the Parish and to participate in a scheme whereby hand-pushed gritters  would be given on loan to local authorities for use in emergencies.

It was noted that no-waiting restrictions were about to come into force at Duck Street Corner.

Police Matters

Mr Cowin reported that there had been four recorded crimes in the Parish during December/January.

He also advised that the issue of vans parking on pavements had been taken up by the police, possibly with a view to holding an Island-wide campaign.

He also advised that the police, schools, youth clubs and local authorities were co-operating to run another Golden Jubilee Trust young people’s challenge event later in the year.

Mr Berry suggested that Neighbourhood Watch might usefully be re-launched and it was agreed to approach the Home Affairs Department.

Municipal Association Matters

Mrs Edds reported that at a recent meeting of the Association there had been discussion on staff contracts of employment, job descriptions and performance monitoring.    It was agreed to investigate these matters.

She also advised that discussion had been held about a two-tier planning system, involving preferential treatment for high net worth applicants, reportedly being considered by central government.  The Board were of the strong view that this would be very wrong in principle and against all  normal standards of  equitable behaviour expected of a democratic government.  It was agreed to advise the Rushen MHKs accordingly.

Meeting with Rushen Parish Commissioners

There was a brief discussion of the issues to be raised at the joint meeting to be held on 23rd February.

Colby Clock

It was reported that TE Leece & Son Ltd were to attach a device to the pillar to ascertain whether any movement was taking place.

Refuse Collection

An increase of 5% in the refuse collection charge, being in accordance with the contract arrangement to increase in line with Manx RPI at 31st December, was agreed.

Ballamaddrell Allotments Lease

The Chairman and Clerk were authorised to sign the lease on behalf of the Board.

It was reported that, following the recent heavy rainfalls,  part of the entrance to the allotments was very muddy.  It was agreed to liaise with the Arbory Allotments Association over possibly restricting vehicular access until the situation had improved.

Southern Health Care Trust

Mrs Edds reported that the occupancy of  Southlands was to be the subject of discussion between the Rushen MHKs and the Health Minister in the near future.

She also reported that the Committee were considered means of raising additional funds.

Colby Christmas Tree

It was noted that the time switch had not been working over Christmas and it was agreed to purchase a replacement.

Monthly Budget Report

The monthly report was received and noted.

Modified Draft Area Plan for the South

The following issues were raised:-

• the need to clarify whether the south wall of Colby Bridge was included in the Colby Glen Road Conservation Area.  It was agreed to request clarification.
• the reluctance of the planners to retain the recreational zoning and parking related to the shop on the Ballabeg Shop Field.  The reason given, that complicated ownership problems made it unlikely that the field could be developed within the lifetime of the Plan, was  felt to be unconvincing.  It was agreed to pursue this matter.
• the extension,  considerably in excess of that required by Colby AFC’s present plans, of the area zoned for recreational activity below Station Park.  It was understood that this had been requested by Colby AFC, and the contrast of the treatment by the planners to this request, compared with their treatment of the Ballabeg Shop Field, was noted.
• the omission of the proposed churchyard extension at Arbory Church from the Plan.  It was agreed to request that this be rectified.

Planning Matters

The following planning applications were received:-

1100150 – Earystane Chapel – detached garage and private stables.  It was agreed to suggest that any approval should include firm conditions that the existing sheds on the site be removed within a strict time limit.  It was also noted that change of use from agricultural to residential use of part of the field did not appear to have been sought in the application, and there was a query concerning the need for the cavity wall structure and attic with velux windows in the proposed detached garage.

1100156 – Ballagarmin House – surfacing work to existing track (retrospective).  It was agreed to ensure that the DOI Footpaths Officer was aware of this application and that she was satisfied with the public right of way implications.

1100162 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – vehicular entrance, horse walker, staff accommodation & external revisions to replacement dwelling.   Mr Cringle requested that his strong opposition to this whole development be minuted.   There was general agreement that the proposals were very much out of keeping with the Manx countryside and frustration was expressed  that it seemed to be pointless making any objections, as it appeared to be central government policy to encourage high value residential developments,  and  not to apply the criteria relevant to other planning applications in such cases.    With regard to the proposed entrances and driveway, it was agreed to seek clarification on lighting and to ensure that the highways authority was satisfied with visibility at the two junctions with the Ronague Road.

The following decisions were received and noted:-

1001853 – 6 Duck Street – replacement windows and door – Approved

1001802-  20 Ballacubbon, Ballabeg – rear conservatory – Approved

1001244 – Plot 1 Arbory Vicarage – dwelling – Approved

1001245 – Plot 2 Arbory Vicarage – dwelling & detached garage - Approved

Appeals, etc:-

1001554 – Field 421509 – relocation of barn – Application withdrawn.

•  1001615 – 72 Friary Park – fencing & wall -  There was further discussion on this appeal and, although there was some sympathy with the case that the applicants was making with regard to the existing erosion  of the open-plan nature of the estate, it was felt that  a low evergreen natural hedge would be preferable and more in keeping than a picket fence.
• 0801790 – Earystane Quarry – it was noted that the Senior Planning Officer had decided that the amendment of a 6 metre discrepancy on the southern boundary of the quarry site did not require a new planning application.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

• Tynwald Advisory Council for Disabilities  Annual Report – noted.

• 1st Supplemental List 2011 – noted.    It was agreed to conduct a review of properties in the Parish paying agricultural rates, to ascertain whether any could no longer be classified as agriculturally –related dwellings.

• Grass cutting price D Cregeen – a 3% increase was agreed.  It was noted that the DOI would reimburse for five cuts per annum for grass areas within their ownership and it was agreed that the Commissioners would fund the other four cuts.

• Letter from Janet Bridle re Men in Sheds – it was agreed to give continued support to the scheme in any practical way, but it was felt that the Board were not permitted to use ratepayers’ funds to give financial support.

• Application to demolish Colby Chapel Vestry – noted.

• Invitation to Malew Commissioners Civic Service 6th March.  Mr Berry and Mr Rae agreed to attend.

• House of Keys Boundary Review – request for views.  It was felt that the status quo served the people of Arbory well.

• Complaints regarding dog fouling on Friary Park – complaints were received from four residents of the estate, but none had been able to identify the responsible dog owner.    Means of combating this problem were discussed and it was agreed to do a leaflet drop,  to place  new signage at the most affected location, and to give the issue publicity in the forthcoming newsletter and on the website.

• Invitation to Event Safety Advisory Group meeting – noted.

• Minutes of Physical Activity Strategy Implementation Group – noted.

• Health Strategy document – Noted.

• Request from DOI for views on road closures for Royal Wedding street parties – no comments.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd               Refuse collection Jan                                                                             £2,651 10                    

DOI                                     Refuse disposal   Jan                                                                                £  1,421.77                     

Manx Telecom                     Office phone                                                                                                   £50.06

Quine & Cubbon                  Civic Service Orders of Service                                                               £ 112.80

MEA                                     Power to 28 Jan 2011                                                                                £  1,590.09     

Prof S Maddrell                    Rent Ballamaddrell Allotments (two years)                                              £ 100.00

Wicksteed                             Annual inspection of playground equipment                                          £ 129.60       

Quine & Cubbon                  Civic Service invitations                                                                               £  41.52

MEA                                     Colby Christmas tree                                                                                         £65.45

Colby Chapel                         Hire of hall for coffee meetings                                                                      £ 82.50

Sundry Matters Raised

The following issues were raised by members:-

Mrs Edds raised the relatively poor attendance at the recent Civic Service and it was agreed to consider ways of encouraging more people to attend next year.

Mr Cowin updated the Board on the fund-raising by Arbory School to re-surface the playground and replace the play equipment, and he advised that the Head Teacher had confirmed that the playground would remain open to the public outside of school hours.

Mr Cringle suggested that the developers of the Ballacomish site be requested to ensure that plastic sheeting was not allowed to blow into neighbouring properties or onto the road.   This was agreed.

Mr Rae suggested that new dog bins be placed at the entrance to the Viking Burial Site at Balladoole and near the bottom of Fishers Hill.  This was agreed.

He also reported that the two Hartford Homes properties alongside the Main Road in Colby remained in an unsightly state and it was agreed to  write again to the owners.

He also reported that a lady had slipped and fallen on the footpath from Upper Ballastrooan to the footbridge over Colby River.  It was agreed to ask the DOI to clear the adjoining ditch in order that the path did not become so slippery.   

The Meeting ended at 10.50pm.