{"id":2285,"date":"2025-06-29T11:42:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T11:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/?p=2285"},"modified":"2025-10-03T10:41:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T10:41:51","slug":"minutes-of-the-131st-north-rode-parish-council-annual-general-meeting-8th-may-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/2025\/06\/29\/minutes-of-the-131st-north-rode-parish-council-annual-general-meeting-8th-may-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Minutes of the 131st North Rode Parish Council Annual General Meeting \u2013 8th May 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Draft Minutes of the 131st Annual General Meeting
Thursday 8th May 2025 at St Michaels Church
following the Annual Parish Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Present :-<\/strong>
Councillor Huw Williams, Chairman
Councillor Georgina Bailey, Vice Chairman
Councillor Jacqui Lea
Councillor Alastair Bayley
Councillor Brian Evans
Councillor Jon Burwood
Cheshire East Ward Councillor Lesley Smetham
Brenda Lomas \u2013 Clerk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of the Public \u2013 Mr Mark Bullock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.             Apologies for absence \u2013 none<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.             Public Participation \u2013 none<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.             To Elect a Chair and Vice Chair for 2025-26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nominations for Chairman : Cllr Georgina Bailey nominated Cllr Huw Williams, Seconded by Cllr Jon Burwood. Cllr Huw Williams accepted the position as Chairman for 2025\/26<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nominations for Vice Chairperson : Cllr Huw Williams nominated Cllr Georgina Bailey, Seconded by Cllr Jon Burwood. Cllr Georgina Bailey accepted the position as Vice-Chairman for 2025\/26<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chairman and Vice Chairman signed the acceptance of office forms<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.             To confirm that current Councillors wished to remain in post \u2013 and to invite applications to fill the vacant role of Parish Councillor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Councillors wished to remain in their positions. Following the recent resignation of Councillor Richard Edwards \u2013 a vacant Councillor position was required to be filled.  Mr Mark Bullock was invited to consider the role of Parish Councillor and accepted the position. Cllr Huw Williams proposed that Mark Bullock be co-opted to the Parish Councillor role. Seconded by Cllr Jon Burwood<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.             To discuss defined roles for Parish Councillors to support the Chairman<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Williams was happy to continue with liaison with the CEC Highways Department in respect of Highway issues and to continue with the recently formed Parish Liaison Group.  Cllr Bailey was happy to support Cllr Williams in those responsibilities and also to take on responsibility for the PC website and planning matters. Cllr Jon Burwood offered to assist with planning matters and police matters. Cllr Evans offered to continue to assist with finance (reconciliation of the PC bank account), police matters and the defibrillators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Bailey was already booked to attend an online planning training course and it was agreed that Cllr Burwood would attend at the same time. Individual roles of Councillors were resolved \u2013 as above<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.             To review, and approve the Standing Orders for North Rode Parish Council for 2025\/26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clerk had sent a copy of the Standing Orders to Councillors prior to the meeting. There was no change to the previously approved Orders other than bringing them up to the current year date. Councillors resolved to accept the 2025\/26 Standing Orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.             To receive any Declarations of Interest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

None received<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.             To review, approve and sign the minutes of the previous PC meeting held on 27th February 2025.<\/strong>

Councillors resolved to approve the minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.             To discuss any matters arising from the minutes of the meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were no matters for discussion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.          To discuss the upcoming Railway fete \u2013 14th June 2025 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Clerk had booked the Elworth Silver Band<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark & Sue Bullock are kindly providing their marquee, toilets, tables & chairs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Williams had approached Mr Woodward of Crossley Farm to see if he would bring a traction engine to the event. Cllr G Bailey is to bring a gazebo for the duck sales and decorating of the ducks by children. The Chairman had written to the individual train companies with a request that  train drivers sound their train horns as they travel over the railway arches. The number of ducks and the purchase or hiring\/borrowing of ducks for the duck race was discussed. It was resolved that as long as the ducks could be bought for under \u00a31 each \u2013 then they would be a useful purchase for future events. The number of races might be four adult races and four children\u2019s races.  The ability for children to decorate their own duck etc. was considered. Donation buckets would be provided. Helpers would be required for car parking \/ safe access on and off the A54 and for assisting in the river with the duck races. It was agreed that a separate committee to organize the event should be formed \u2013 to include Huw, Jon, Georgina and Brenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11.          To discuss the well dressing event in August \/ September<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was agreed that a well dressing committee is required to organize the event.  Malcolm Kidd of Yew Tree Farm is assisting with the well as the location of the well is adjacent to his field. Mark, Brian and Huw have offered to undertake physical digging \/ preparation work to the well. Georgina offered that she has slabs of stone if they might be useful. A workshop to make the well dressing will be created \u2013 and all residents will be invited to participate. It was resolved that a well dressing committee is required<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Planning Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

25\/1424\/FUL<\/strong> \u2013 Thisilldous, Macclesfield Road, North Rode \u2013 a change of use of an agricultural field to a dog exercise area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillors resolved that they had no objections to the proposal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24\/2680C<\/strong> – Bank Farm, Bank Lane, North Rode \u2013 change of use of agricultural land and woodland to a wedding venue \u2013 update – A decision on this application had still not been made by CEC Planning Department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Planning Enforcement (the below to remain on the agendas until resolved)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Tinker Bells Hollow, Bramhall Hill Lane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No change – it is understood that the mobile home on the site is not being lived in at present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b) Land behind Daintry Hall<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Clerk had received a written complaint from the land operator in terms of his opinion that he is being unfairly targeted and identified by the Parish Council.  It was discussed that the facts of the case relating to the land use and changes to the land were of genuine concern to the Parish Council – in terms of potential breaches of planning regulations and of waste disposal issues.  It was agreed that the involvement of the Parish Council could not therefore be avoided and that the Parish Council has a duty to notify the relevant authorities of the concerns.  Any enforcement action or otherwise \u2013 fell under the relevant Authorities remit \/ responsibility.  It was resolved that correspondence will be sent to the land operator to confirm this position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clerk to write to the land operator<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c)  Mobile caravan at North Rode Stables, Bank Lane, North Rode<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Clerk has referred this issue to the CEC planning enforcement department<\/p>\n\n\n\n

d) Far Whittles, Farm, Bramhall Hill \u2013 use of chalet for holiday accommodation.
The Clerk has referred this issue to the CEC planning enforcement department -Ref. 25\/0259\/ENF Dougey P3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Highways \u2013 the following highways issues were discussed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Update on progress on traffic issues on Bank Lane \/ Church Lane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There had been much discussion in the Parish Meeting about the traffic difficulties at the \u2018pinch point\u2019 on Bank Lane.  Suggestions to improve the current situation had included the provision of traffic lights or making the road \u2018access only\u2019.  The possibility of having a video camera installed at Daintry Hall to record the traffic from 7am to 7pm over a week (powered by wi-fi) was also suggested. It was agreed that the PC need to push for a further traffic count \/ traffic survey \u2013 to be undertaken by CEC in September \/ October 2025 \u2013 but not during the school half term holiday. Cllr Williams to approach Highways re a further traffic count<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b) Flooding \/ drainage issues on Bank Lane & Bramhall Hill and drainage issues on Church Lane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Highways Department have recently undertaken remedial works to both areas.  The success of the work or otherwise will be apparent following the next bouts of heavy rain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Bullock reported that a grid had been filled in with tarmac at the bottom of Bank Lane and also that the fire hydrant which is located on Church Lane outside Rode Hall Farm had also been filled in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Williams to investigate both issues and refer them to the Highways Dept<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Finance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Approval of the following expenditures for 2025\/6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

i. ChALC membership – \u00a379.56
ii. Zurich Insurance      – \u00a3196.19
iii. Hire of Church for the Parish Meeting & AGM – \u00a330
iv. Website and email hosting \u2013 Tech Division – \u00a3163.86
v. Printing of leaflets for VE80 & Railway 200 – \u00a357.97
vi.Three Parish Boundary signs & erection costs – \u00a3270.31
vii ChALC Planning course for Cllr Bailey (\u00a335 – \u00a325 credit note) – \u00a310<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was resolved to approve the above expenditures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b) Discussion regarding future expenditure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

i. Cheese & wine & soft drinks and cups, plates, serviettes for Parish Meeting \u2013 costs to be confirmed at the next meeting following calculation of the amount used
ii. Costs for Railway Fete \u2013 brass band \u00a3200, hire of marquee \u00a3100,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following costs were not known but would be confirmed at the next PC meeting :-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase of ducks
Purchase of netting material for the river
Purchase of prizes for best Victorian costume
Purchase of materials for signs to the event on the highway and traffic warning signs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was resolved to approve the above future expenditure costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c) To approve the Parish Council accounts for 2024\/25<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Brian Evans is to undertake a bank reconciliation of the PC accounts on 21st May 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs Lynn Petts will undertake an internal audit the 2024\/25 Parish Council accounts thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PC accounts will then be submitted to the external auditor, P K Littlejohn \u2013  by the clerk before 1st July 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was resolved that the accounts should be submitted to the external auditor  following the bank reconciliation and the internal audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Parish Council Liaison Meetings \u2013 Multi Parish Ecological Network Mapping Proposal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to the meeting – the Chairman had notified Councillors of a proposal for a multi-parish wildlife mapping survey of the Parish. There had been a choice of a paid survey from one provider or a free survey from a different provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was resolved to accept that a wildlife survey be undertaken at the \u2018no cost\u2019 option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Move from Gawsworth Ward to Sutton Ward \u2013 update<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No information to report  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Communication costs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an option to Councillors communicating by email – using their own personal email addresses – Cllr Burwood had looked into the cost for each Councillor to have their own dedicated \u2018Councillor\u2019 email address. The cost was estimated to be \u00a320 per month per email address \u2013 being a total cost of \u00a3250 per annum for seven Councillors. It was generally agreed that this was a high cost considering the current PC precept and the degree of required communications – and was not therefore  considered to be value for money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Bullock raised the point that the cost of hosting the website and email addresses by Tech Division could be reduced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Bailey offered to look into the possibility of moving the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dates of next two meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday 7th August 2025 and Thursday 6th November 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting closed at 10.15pm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Draft Minutes of the 131st Annual General MeetingThursday 8th May 2025 at St Michaels Churchfollowing the Annual Parish Meeting Present :-Councillor Huw Williams, ChairmanCouncillor Georgina Bailey, Vice ChairmanCouncillor Jacqui LeaCouncillor Alastair BayleyCouncillor Brian EvansCouncillor Jon BurwoodCheshire East Ward Councillor Lesley SmethamBrenda Lomas \u2013 Clerk Members of the Public \u2013 Mr Mark Bullock 1.             Apologies for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-minutesagendas","category-noticesminutes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2285"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2312,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285\/revisions\/2312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northrodepc.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}