MINUTES OF COCKERHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 12th OCTOBER 2011 IN COCKERHAM PARISH HALL AT 7 45pm.

11/098 No APOLOGIES were received.

11/099 MINUTES of the previous meeting held Wednesday 14th September 2011 were signed as a true and correct record.

11/100 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Cllr Rossall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 5 (Lengthsman) 11/101.
Cllr Sutcliffe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item 9 (Two planning applications) 11/105.

It was RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned to listen to representations from the public: -

OPEN SESSION
A report was received from the Police detailing three crimes in the last two months.
There are also proposals to employ a new Police Officer to cover Cockerham and surrounding areas. He/she will be based at Lancaster Police Station.
Current proposals regarding speed limits were discussed and will be followed closely over the coming months.

The meeting reconvened

11/101 VILLAGE LENGTHSMAN
Cllr Rossall declared a personal and prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting – 11/100.

It was RESOLVED that jobs for the month would include collecting litter with special attention to Crimbles Lane, preparing to erect the Christmas tree and repairing grass on the village island.

After discussion it was RESOLVED that Cllr Sutcliffe would attend the Lengthsman meeting on 1st November 2011 at 7 30pm.

Cllr Rossall re joined the meeting.

11/102 VILLAGE SPEED LIMITS
After discussion it was RESOLVED that the situation regarding proposed 20mph limits in rural areas is closely monitored via the County Council web site and that further discussions with County Highways take place regarding limits on Marsh Lane around Marsh Close.

Cllr Jacques joined the meeting.

11/103 VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE
After discussion it was RESOLVED that the format for the Christmas tree would follow previous years.
The Lengthsman was given authority to purchase the tree and it was noted that a new electrical connection would be required this year as would some new bulbs.
Cllr Slater was nominated to give the speech before a child from the primary school turns on the lights.

11/104 REMEMBRANCE DAY
After discussion it was RESOLVED that Cllrs Jacques and Holmes would lay the wreaths in Church.
It was also RESOLVED that Cllrs Rossall and Fearnley would lay wreaths at the Cross on the village green at the civic service.

11/105 PLANNING MATTERS

Planning Applications: -

Cllr Sutcliffe declared a personal and prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting– 11/100.

Mr Sutcliffe, Moss House, Gulf Lane, Cockerham (11/00722/FUL)
Erection of a covered midden lean to extension.

After discussion, followed by a vote resulting in 3:3, the Chair took the casting vote in favour of the application it was therefore RESOLVED to support this application after requesting that City Planners consider re locating the midden away from existing dwellings.

Cllr Sutcliffe re joined the meeting.

Cockerham Green Energy, Hillam Lane Farm, Hillam Lane, Cockerham, (01/11/0879)
Construction of an anaerobic digestion plant for the production of electricity from farm manure and grass silage with associated 2 anaerobic digester tanks and feed hoppers, a plant room containing a workshop and a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, a visitor centre, access road and car parking.

After discussion it was RESOLVED to support this application.

Mr and Mrs Kellet, Mill House, Sandside, Cockerham (11/00883/AD)
Erection of a new roof over existing silage clamp.
The meeting noted that this application had already been approved.

Cllr Sutcliffe declared a personal and prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting– 11/100.

Mr N Sutcliffe, Moss House, Gulf Lane, Cockerham. (11/00762/FUL)
Proposed agricultural workers dwelling.

Afterlengthy discussion followed by a vote resulting in 1:4 and 1 abstention against the proposal it was RESOLVED not to support this application on the grounds that there appears to be existing suitable housing at this site.

Cllr Sutcliffe re joined the meeting.

Permission granted (Noted)
Graham Atkinson, Woodside Chase, 3 Crookhey Gardens, Cockerham (11/00768/FUL)
Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a new single storey side extension to form a double garage and additional living accommodation.

William Hunter, Braides Farm, Sandside, Cockerham (11/00747/FUL)
Erection of an agricultural/livestock equipment and machinery store.

11/106 FINANCE

Balances
Community A/c £936.29      BMM A/c £7222.17

It was REOLVED to pay: -
Chq 250 £224.32 J & CM Rossall (Oct grass cutting)
Chq251 £162.00 BDO LLP (Y/e 31/3/11 audit)

Received
£ .43 HSBC (Sept interest)

It was RESOLVED to approve and accept the running budget for ¼ to 30/9/11

It was RESOLVED to approve and accept the completed external audit to 31/3/11.

It was RESOLVED to approve the finances.

11/107 CLOSE MEETING
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9 20pm

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2011.