The Minutes of Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

Present: Cllr. Knight (Chairman), Cllr. Eden, Cllr A Juckes, Cllr. Eberlin, Cllr. Ballard, Cllr. Andrew, Cllr. Gibson, Cllr. Goodman, Cllr. Nott. .

In Attendance: Cllr. Cumming (District Councillor),(Carole Hirst) Clerk.

Item 241 Apologies Cllr. Gibson, Cllr. Pollock (WCC) 242 Declarations of Cllr. Eberlin declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest in the item “Suffolks Lane and Jacobs Interest Well – flooding issues”. Cllr. Andrew declared a non-pecuniary interest in Shavers End Quarry as a Trustee of Earth Heritage Trust. 243 Democratic Period/ Public No Parishioners were in attendance. Time

244 Minutes Cllr. Nott Proposed and Seconded by Cllr. Eden that the Minutes were a true record, and all agreed to adopt the minutes of the meeting held on the 16th October 2019. The Chairman duly signed them as a true record.

245 Matters Arising Matters Arising from the Minutes of the 16th October 2019.

• Shavers End Quarry- Cllr. Eberlin to speak to the landowner regarding fly tipping on their land and to discuss whether maybe looking at changes to the fencing could help prevent this in the future. Cllr. Eberlin reported that there was no update to report as other Parish Council work on planning matters and Suffolk Lane flooding had been a priority. Cllr. Eberlin to progress this and give an update at the next meeting. • Branches and debris removal from Suffolk Lane- Cllr. Eberlin agreed to inspect and take photos and forward to the Clerk to pass to Cllr. Pollock as evidence. Cllr. Eberlin had been and taken photos as evidence but commented that the branches etc were very difficult to distinguish now as there had been so much overgrowth and the branches were looking like part of the hedge line now which may be why they have not been identified previously. Cllr. Eberlin agreed to forward the photos to the Clerk to forward to WCC Highways for them to get this cleared by the original contractors. • Mineral Products Assessment Report – The Mineral Products Assessment Report was received for information to share with Working Group for Shavers End Quarry. • Further reports on defective footpaths reported by Councillors and discussed at the October Parish Council meeting with Cllr. Pollock where the footway near to the village shop to Clows Top Road has been cut back and there is no tarmac left. Further footpaths around the Village Green also need siding out and widening. Following a site meeting between Cllr. Knight with Hannah Davies from WCC Highways, Hannah Davies from WCC Highways has prepared a plan of paths that require siding out. This plan of work will take place from April 2020 subject to funding approval. • Pavement Parking- Cllr. Knight has prepared an advisory article and the Clerk has uploaded it to the Parish Council website and sent it to Parish News.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, . DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

246 Reports (District Cllr. Cumming MHDC Report circulated prior to the meeting attached as Appendix 1. and Council Councillors) Cllr. Pollock WCC Report circulated prior to the meeting attached as Appendix 2.

247 Fly tipping and See Minute 245 Matters Arising – Shavers End Quarry Report. Cllr. Nott reported that Trespass at the he had met with the Clerk to Astley and Dunley Parish Council who informed him that Shavers’ End the Chairman of Astley and Dunley Parish Council had met with the Landowner to Quarry. discuss Shavers End Quarry and measures to mitigate dangers to life, fly-tipping and trespass to his land and that it was clear that the Landowner was not interested in taking any actions to try to stop further instances at the quarry. The Parish Council discussed their concerns regarding this and whilst they agreed that Shavers End Quarry was within the boundaries of Astley and Dunley Parish Council they felt they had responsibilities to Abberley Residents who are also affected especially from the flytipping. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the Clerk of Astley and Dunley to clarify the Landowner’s position with regard to Shavers End Quarry security measures and to ask Astley and Dunley Parish Council whether there is anything else that can be done. Shavers End is part of the Worcestershire Way and it was discussed that as part of the Worcestershire Way the Clerk should write to Cllr. Pollock (WCC) to see if he can push anything from this end. Cllr. Juckes suggested an article be created for the Parish News and the Website to be press released early 2020 warning of the dangers of Shavers End Quarry. Cllr. Juckes agreed to write this article early 2020 when it is felt it would have greater impact when released.

248 Progress reports The NP working group have not met in October, but the steering group have met to from Councillors/ consider how best to respond to the response to the call for sites consultation and the A) revised planning applications on two of the SWDP sites. With two proposals and the SWDP consultation all requiring responses, NP councillors time has been heavily Neighbourhood used on this. Plan Working Group We are in the process of exploring with David Nicholson how the additional site proposed in the consultation would impact the NP and the direction we were intending to take over sites. Responding to the consultation is likely to delay writing of the Abberley NP and impact the timescale for claiming the grant support. Members of the group have also attended training organised by MHDC on the SWDP consultation. The NP working group meet next week with David Nicholson.

B)Lengthsman Cllr. Nott reported that everything is fine and up to date and the Lengthsman is doing a great job. Following last week’s floods, it was reported that the usual suspect drains remained clear due to the Lengthsman’s dedicated work throughout the storms. Cllr. Nott further reported that on Suffolk Lane (Brick Yard end) there are 2 blocked drains. Clerk to report to WCC Highways. Cllr. Andrew reported Rosedale/The Common, there is a grill that runs across the road which is full of soil. The Clerk to report this to WCC Highways.

C)Footpaths Cllr. Gibson submitted apologies to the meeting. There was no update report.

D)Planning for Cllr. Ballard reported that the Working Group had looked at 106 projects undertaken elsewhere and looked at the 106 general guidelines. They had also discussed Section 106 potential sites for a Section 106 project such as the sports field. provision within There is space around the Village Hall which could be used for Public Open Space. the Parish Cllr. Ballard agreed to produce a more detailed report for the next meeting in January. Cllr. Cumming advised that they discuss Section 106 with Duncan Rudge from MHDC Planning and with MHDC Section 106 advisor Jo Cross.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

E)Flooding on Cllr. Eberlin submitted a detailed report to the Parish Council (below). Suffolk Lane at Hannah Davies came to see Suffolk Lane just after the recent flooding with two Jacobs Well colleagues from the land drainage department. We discussed the results from the last survey where the notes indicate that a section could not be surveyed (see map) and perhaps this might be possible now that there is an additional manway for access on Jacobs Well field adjacent to the road. We don’t know whether this section is blocked or possibly collapsed, restricting flow. The section from the main manway under the road was cleared of silt at the time of the survey.

There is considerable water flowing out of the exit pipe adjacent to Holy Acre road, but the Jacob’s Well manway is back flooding as the water cannot escape quickly enough. We also discussed the problems of the various streams coming off the land from each side and Hannah agreed that we should approach the landowner, Guy Neath, via the council with the support of the land drainage expert to discuss possible options to attenuate the flow. I confirmed that the home-owner from Thistledown had also experienced recent flooding in his garage - he has tried to fill in the uphill side of his garage with pea gravel- but he should certainly be included in any plans regarding floodwater run off improvements from the various houses on his side and the field. The 100mm pipe on Suffolk Lane (that connects to the manway) which is not a proper drain, was agreed that this needs improving, to be modified to a design with greater flow capacity that won’t become blocked with debris- i.e. 2 x 150mm connections with drain covers. The land drainage engineer (Martin?) suggested the following: • Install new drain cover • Improve the road design to divert water away from Jacob’s Well with possibly another drain point where the road puddles • Survey the remaining sections before deciding on whether there is simply insufficient flow area needing a new pipe to the outfall. • These improvements were to be costed. We should also have any recommendations as to how run-off can be reduced after discussions with the landowner by this time. Cllr. Eberlin reported that there had been further flooding since the site visit. It was decided that Cllr. Eberlin complete the inspections with the Drainage Engineer and then try to set up a meeting with the landowner to see whether measures can be agreed from his end.

249 Planning • 19/01553/FUL- Meadow Cottage, Stockton Road, Abberley, WR6 6AT- Replacement dwelling and garage building (including demolition of existing structures) CONSULTATION to 8th November. No comments submitted. • Land At (So 7452 6790), Clows Top Road, Abberley (Walshes Farm Development)- Amended site layout and house type plans and drawings. Additional information regarding levels, site sections, drainage proposals, landscaping and swept path analysis. Comments submitted 11/11/19. A site visit for Planning regarding Walshes Farm Site took place on Tuesday 19th November with the Developers agent to look at the concerns of neighbours over the access. A report has since been received from the Planning Officer detailing everything that was discussed and agreed at the site meeting. The Clerk agreed to forward on Simon Rowles (Planning Officer) email to all Councillors for information.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

• 19/00674/RM- Land At (OS 7450 6737), The Common, Abberley - Residential development of 25 dwellings, including 10 affordable units, with public open space, a vehicular and pedestrian access point and associated landscaping. Comments submitted 11/11/19. A meeting has been requested by the Parish Council and Cllr. Cumming with the Planning Officer which will include discussions with flood/drainage experts and a full site meeting that will attempt to allay the fears of local affected residents. • 19/00741/HP- Westlyn Old Farm, Stockton Road, Abberley, Worcester, WR6 6AS- Rear extensions and internal modifications and changes. Extension to existing garage. APPROVED. • 475/EA57309-Netherton Farm, Abberley- Agricultural notification for an agricultural building for storage of agricultural products, supplies and equipment- Consultation to 21st November. Councillors commented that they had no objection to this application and the Clerk agreed to respond to the Planning Portal with this response. • 19/01313/FUL- 33 The Village, Abberley, Worcester, WR6 6BN- Remodelling and extension of 'The Cottage', removal of existing greenhouse and storage buildings. Construction of new greenhouse and agricultural storage building. Extensive restoration of landscape and orchards. - Withdrawn – 14/11/19. • SWDP- Consultation and response from the Parish Council and the timetable for Preferred Options Consultations-The consultation runs from 9am on 4th November 2019 to 5pm on Monday 16th December 2019. The preferred site as identified in the Preferred Options under the SWDP review as “Land East of Clows Top Road, Abberley (behind the Village Hall) Preferred Options Reference SWDP NEW 100 – CFS Planning Reference - CFS0601sc. Category 2 Settlements. Cllr. Andrew commented that the Percentage Growth Calculation do not reflect the actual state of affairs with regard to development on The Common and we have been advised to pursue our calculations. Cllr. Cumming suggested that this be contained within the Parish Council’s response to the SWDP Consultation. Cllr. Knight suggested next steps of the NDP Group with the Planning Committee prepares a response to the SWDP Consultation to the Proposed Site which should be done by the 10th December following a meeting with David Clarke (MHDC) due to take place on the 5th December with David Nicholson (Planning Consultant for NDP) and Councillors from the NDP. A response would be drafted and circulated for comment before submission. Councillors agreed that the response would be that we do not want this site. 250 Correspondence • 22/10/19- WCC- Adult Services social work teams are working with local groups and voluntary and community sector to capture all adult support opportunities in the local area with a view to promote the assets available. A form was sent to complete and return to Abberley Village Hall. The Clerk to chase the Village Hall to see if it has been completed. • 24/10/19- MHDC- Parish Councillor Training Programme: Tree Preservation Orders- Presentation on TPO’s for information. Cllr. Knight also reported that she and Cllr. Eberlin attended training on the th 13 November based around Planning Matters. The SWDP – Strategic Policies and Generic DM Policies, National Planning Policy Framework

(NPPF), Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) and Neighbourhood Plans. Cllr. Knight felt it was very informative and encouraged Councillors to read the

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

presentation which had been forwarded for information. Clerk to forward to Councillors. • 24/10/19- - West Mercia PCC's Rural Crime Strategy Consultation- Closing date for consultation 8th November. Noted.

• 4/11/19- WCC- Launch Event Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership - 10.30am Friday 8 Nov 19. Noted. • 4/11/19- SWDP- Consultation timetable for Preferred Options Consultations- The consultation runs from 9am on 4th November 2019 to 5pm on Monday 16th December 2019. Venues listed for consultation if required. Noted. • 11/11/19- MHDC Parish Council update. An email MHDC update was

circulated to Councillors. The Clerk asked Cllr. Cumming to report back that the Parish Council update would be better circulated as a pdf rather than an email making it easier to upload onto websites etc for general circulation to communities.

251 The Clerk ascertained that Heartstart a charity from Drotwich can undertake the training Defibrillator which will include Recovery, C.P.R., Choking, Heart attack, Bleeding, Defib awareness. Training Cllr. Goodman agreed to take this to the next meeting of the Village Hall and report

back.

252 Procedure for Cllr. Knight discussed a general problem within Abberley of overgrown hedges which are encroaching on the footpaths. She felt that a procedure should be written which cutting back would be published on the website and in the Parish News that would advise residents hedges in Abberley on the correct procedures and process for keeping hedges in a tidy manner whilst observing the Countryside Laws in undertaking this at the correct times of the year. Cllr. Knight agreed to take on this task.

253 Finance Finance

th a) Payments and Receipts list 20 Nov 19

Carole Hirst Salary Oct 19 £ 389.00

HMRC Payment Oct 2019 £ 97.20 Carole Hirst expenses 16th Oct to 20th November 19 £ 34.20 IN2OUT - Lengthsman Oct £ 180.00 Abberley Village Hall £ 10.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE £ 710.40 RECEIPTS up to November not previously reported HSBC Compensation £ 100.00 WCC Lengthsman Scheme £ 186.00 HSBC Interest £ 4.41 TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 290.41

b) Formal Bank Reconciliation to 17th November 2019. Cllr. Nott Proposed and Cllr. Goodman Seconded that the reconciliation was a true and accurate record and that it reconciled. All in favour. c) 2019/20 Out-turn Estimate to year end and Precept and Budget 2020/21. A revised budget for 2019/20 (PAPER 1) was prepared by the Clerk and presented to Abberley Parish Council Finance Committee for approval on Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

the 18th November. The revised Out-turn Budget Paper was Approved by the Finance Committee who requested that this be referred to the Abberley Parish Council November meeting for their subsequent approval. The Budget Paper for 2020/21 and Precept Proposal (PAPER2) was also prepared and presented to the Finance Committee on the 18th November 2019. This was approved by the Finance Committee who requested that this be referred to Abberley Parish Council November meeting for their subsequent Approval. Cllr. Goodman Proposed and Cllr. Nott Seconded that the Outturn Estimate Budget for 2019/20 and the 2020/21 Budget and Precept request be Approved. All in favour. The Clerk to notify MHDC of the Parish Council’s request to set the budget with a 5% increase to £10,143 for 2020/21.

254 Councillors Cllr. Goodman reported that a recent meeting of the Hester Severne Trust it was Reports and Proposed and agreed that a substantial contribution be given towards a new Items for Future classroom at the school.

255 Date of next The next meeting will be Abberley Parish Council scheduled for Wednesday 15th meeting January 2020 at the Village Hall

The meeting was declared closed at 9.20pm

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

APPENDIX 1 MHDC Report. Cllr. Cumming. MHDC continues to be quiet at the moment as it is still settling its priorities, but certain subjects are still progressing.

Medium Term Financial Plan. The Medium-Term Financial Plan is being discussed at the Executive Committee on Tuesday 19th November. Although I am no longer responsible for this aspect of the Council, it is encouraging that the principles behind it are not changing.

SWDP Review The SWDP revision preferred options document has now been released for public consultation.

Climate Change Emergency The District Council are still working on their actions in relation to the declaration of an emergency. It seems that it is now less urgent as the agreed December production date for the plan has now been put back. Members are assured that matters are progressing well and the Executive is being asked to earmark £250,000 and additional money for a “resource” to progress. I shall be exploring these two issues at the meeting.

Planning A site visit for Planning regarding Walshes Farm Site was arranged and took place on Tuesday 19th November with the Developers agent to look at the concerns of neighbours over the access. A report has since been received from the Planning Officer received on the 20th November which details everything that was covered and agreed at the site meeting. The Clerk to circulate the report to Councillors for information.

Cllr. Cumming asked Councillors if they knew of any living areas affected by the recent floods. Jacobs Well was reported as a living area affected. Cllr. Cumming agreed to report that back to MHDC.

WCC Report. Cllr. Pollock. APPENDIX 2 Local matters I was very sorry to hear about the flooding in Market Street, Tenbury, as when I toured the town, the water was high, but not that threatening. I was pleased to see that several businesses had deployed their floodgates and I received enquiries about the availability of sandbags. There is no easy answer to the dangers of such events, and we cannot expect huge sums of money being spent to guard against such flooding. You will know that the foods were widespread throughout the county, along the rivers Teme, Severn and Avon. Our officers worked very hard to mitigate effects as much as possible, but there was extensive flooding on the A443 at , the A456 at as well as closing both bridges across the Teme just downstream of . I hope there have been no lasting effects of the damage caused and that we can be sure that effective systems are in place for future occurrences. Diversion signs were deployed in Abberley for several reasons. Firstly, HGVs were directed away from Eardiston and through Abberley Common because of the work to rebuild the retaining wall on the A443. The single lane was too narrow for HGVs.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]

The Minutes of Abberley Parish Council Held at Abberley Village Hall Committee Meeting Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th November 2019

In addition, there was flooding between Lindridge and the Eastham bridge, while on the first Saturday, Newnham Bridge was also flooded, so traffic was not directed to Clows Top. The safe way through to Tenbury was via the B4204 and Hanley. You will also know of the flooding in the dip just before the Elms Hotel. This covered the road for some time and one car at least was stuck there, before the water drained away. I hope there were not any more serious problems within the village, but please let me know of any difficulties.

County Matters There was a full council meeting two weeks ago, where the Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Authority reported on their year. I have been pleased to be a member of FRA for the last two years, and it was good to see the Tenbury appliance deployed on two occasions on the Saturday afternoon when I was in the town, to assist with mitigating the effects of the flooding. You may know that there is a plan to put the Fire and Rescue Authority under the management of the Police and Crime Commissioner. While this makes good sense, in combining such blue light services, we have voted against it, partly on the grounds that cooperation works very well at present. We await the outcome of an appeal against a judicial review that approved the amalgamation. Among the several other reports on the agenda, there was a detailed account of the capital projects to be undertaken or continued in the coming months. Among these are the various town centre improvements, along the lines of the Public Realm work in Tenbury. Then there are the developments of the rail stations, including the rebuilding of Kidderminster and the new Parkway station at Norton. As part of the commitment to encourage walking and cycling, there is provision for work in refurbishing the Sabrina Bridge in Worcester, as well as providing a further walking and cycling bridge to the north at Keepax, leading to Gheluvelt Park. I reported on the latter in Cabinet last Thursday.

Extinction Rebellion Many of you will have read the two-page spread in a recent copy of the Tenbury Advertiser, recording the demonstration in London by over 100 Shropshire residents, as part of the Extinction Rebellion protest. While the report illustrates very effectively how the event caused a deal of disruption and could have left no-one doubting the sincerity and passion of the protesters, the report was short on actual policies that they wish to see followed. In that regard, I would like to be bold enough to suggest that the “emergency” is not as urgent as many would have us believe. I will attach to this report a short exposition by Paul Homewood, who writes a blog entitled “Not a lot of people know that”, criticising the recent BBC TV programme “Climate Change – the Facts”. He and others protested that the programme did not live up to its title. From the information in the supplementary report, you may also come to believe that the problem is exaggerated, at least in terms of how urgent it is for us to take action. Indeed, I wrote a ten-page critique of the programme myself, and I would be happy to send that to anyone who may be interested.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………….. Date………………………………………

Parish Website. http://www.abberleyparish.org.uk Parish Clerk. Parish Office, 1a Church Walk, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire. DY13 0AL email [email protected]