MINUTES OF CHRISTLETON PARISH COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING INCORPORATING KING GEORGE’S TRUST Held on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 7.0 pm Via ZOOM Virtual Meeting APPROVED Present Cllr Luke Henley (Chairman) Susan Robson, John Beckitt, Elizabeth Inall, Kate Sinclair, Damian Murphy Peter Tonge, Graham Ranger, Lauren Buckley & Janet Brown

In Attendance: CWAC Cllr Stuart Parker, Jonathan Masters, Bridgemere Development, Gary Halman. Avison Young & Sue Thwaite, Clerk

Apologies: There were no apologies Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests. Minutes of the last Meeting 1. The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 12th January 2021 were approved as a true and correct record and will be formally signed by the Chairman following lockdown restrictions being lifted. Public Forum 2. Cllr Parker reported that CWAC were in the process of setting the financial budget for the following year, looking at recent flooding issues, the COVID vaccination programme was working very well and reminded members to complete the Waste Management consultation questionnaire currently being carried out. The Northgate Development was well under way with some of the steel work under construction. Broadband Connections 3. A group has been formed incorporating representatives from Christleton, Waverton, Rowton and Littleton Parish Councils together with a rural representative who are reviewing all the options available with this scheme. IT Improvements Update on GDPR issues 4. Cllr Henley reported on progress with updating the Council’s GDPR Action Plan and looking at the current policies for compliance purposes. Also, to look at systems to confirm we are not holding information unnecessarily, the feasibility of each Councillor having a separate account on their computers for purely Council business and for all councillors to have a.gov.uk email address. Action: Clerk to contact Data Protection Officer to enquire if a separate account on a personal computer would comply with GDPR rules. Confirmation of completion of GDPR Training 5. Only one councillor has not completed the training but confirmed he would do so. To approve taking out Cybersecurity Insurance Policy 6. It was approved that Cybersecurity Insurance Policy be put in place and the quotation from Zurich Insurance was agreed subject to some outstanding queries being satisfied. Action: The Clerk to action this item.

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Item 7b bt/fwd – Update on UOL development – Presentation by Bridgemere Developments 7. Jonathan Masters, Director of Bridgemere Land, who are developing Christleton Hall site and Gary Halman from Avison Young their Planning Consultants introduced themselves and proceeded with a slide presentation of their plans to develop the Christleton Hall Site. 8. Jonathan Masters is also a Trustee of the Steve Morgan Foundation and it is their intention to develop offices on the site for the Foundation Headquarters. 9. Gary Halman started the presentation by showing slides of the proposed development, which reflect the information for the upcoming virtual public consultation. This information will be online for the public to view from Monday 15th February until Friday 26th February, there will be a proforma document to enable people to make their comments and feedback on the proposals. The closing date for feedback is Monday 1st March. They are hoping for a good response to the consultation in line with their previous consultation last year. 10. The proposed development comprises of 26 - 3/4/5-bedroom family homes, Christleton Hall Building will be converted to house 14 - 2/3-bedroom luxury apartments and for the affordable housing requirement, comprising of up to 10 units, it is planned to build these off sites on land by the Cheshire Cat next to the affordable housing currently being developed. 11. A background of the work of the Steve Morgan Foundation and the work that it had been carrying out during the current Covid crises was highlighted. The proposal to develop part of the walled garden into offices for the Foundation Headquarters were then displayed comprising a two-storey building of modern design with a meeting rooms and office space and a green planted flat roof, the remaining space would be landscaped with new planting including fruit trees. 12. The playing field area of the site would not form part of the development for planning purposes and this green space would remain unaffected. 13. The benefits of this proposal were highlighted including family housing, affordable properties and some employment opportunities in the area. 14. The matter of access for construction vehicles was highlighted with an agreement for access off Little Heath Road with the landowner. A legal agreement has now been entered into to lay a temporary haul road to the site which was demonstrated with a slide showing an aerial view of the proposed haul road. It will form part of the planning application. 15. The presentation ended and a question-and-answer session commenced, with some concerns being raised by the proposal to put affordable housing on the Cheshire Cat site which is Green Belt land, also sufficient development for affordable housing has already been met. This was not a view shared by all councillors. 16. A question that the existing green space was outside the planning application and its status remained unchanged was confirmed, the maintenance of the green space would remain with Bridgemere Land and maintained in a managed condition 17. A query about the walled garden was raised and it was confirmed that the surrounding wall would be maintained and improved by the developer. 18. The presentation ended by Jonathan Masters thanking the Council for affording the opportunity to present their proposals. 19. Cllr Beckitt went on to thank the developer on behalf of the working group, it had been a pleasure to work with them and the recent visit round the site was very informative and acknowledged that many of the items that would concern residents, the group highlighted concerns had been addressed, the presentation then ended with the visitors leaving the meeting. 20. The meeting then went on to discuss issues raised that the Working Group would have to follow up and further consideration to all the aspects of the proposal need to be carefully considered to agree on the Council’s thoughts going forward. 21. The matter of the siting of the affordable housing by the Cheshire Cat was discussed with a number of conflicting arguments being put forward but any proposal for affordable housing by the developer would have to prove a need for such a development and to also prove

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exceptional circumstances for building on green belt land to justify a need in Christleton. The developer would have to carry out a consultation in the area to ascertain whether there is a need for this type of property and submit a report with their findings. Planning Planning Applications 22. A list of planning application previously circulated to all Councillors was considered. Comments were noted by the Clerk for submission to CWAC Planning Authority. All comments can be viewed on CWAC website 23. Planning application number 20/04878/FUL – objections were raised to this application which will be forwarded to CWAC Planning Authority Traffic & Road Safety CWAC Highways Backlog 24. There were still problems with blocked drains, Highways are considering increasing frequency of cleans to 2 per year, the soakaway on Plough Lane awaiting clean, resurfacing issues on Pepper Street to be completed within 12 months, signage to improve safety at Plough Lane/Rake Lane junction design nearing completion. 25. Build outs on Plough Lane and Birch Heath Lane, design a few weeks away from completion. 26. Rowton Bridge Road VAS – awaiting sign off from Tree Officer, possible need to remove tree to accommodate the sign. Resolved: The Council are opposed to the removal of any trees to accommodate the VAS sign. Action Cllr Beckitt will convey this decision to CWAC Highways. 27. Canal towpath maintenance planned but no date fixed yet. Slurry seal footpath treatment considered low priority by Highways. Update on Sustainability Transport Taskforce Plans 28. Cllr Beckitt reported that CWAC has started to develop its strategy going forward for climate change which very much links in with the cycling and walking plans; a diagram showing the links to the Sustainable Transport Taskforce of how it is being viewed by CWAC who are proposing to put a number of pilot areas in place in various locations within Chester and surrounding areas. A request to have a representative from the South East Chester (SEC) Taskforce which would start to make plans for sustainable transport for that area was highlighted. 29. One of the key aspects of the SEC Taskforce will be to take an overview of cycling plans which include all our proposals for Christleton. Other proposals being considered were also brought to the meetings attention. 30. Going forward it is essential that Christleton be part of this taskforce and it was agreed unanimously that Cllr Beckitt be our representative on the SEC Taskforce. Update on A41 Proposals 31. A response to the joint letter from Christleton, Waverton & Rowton Parish Councils to CWAC is still awaited. A CWAC A41 improvement plan was shared with the High School headteacher and made available for this meeting. The CWAC plan includes a temporary segregation feature on the A41 carriageway over the rail bridge. Clarification on this temporary proposal is required as design work to replace the railway bridge (with a segregated cycle/footpath facility) is due to start in the Spring. The CWAC A41 plan also includes a shared user pathway (cycleway/footpath facility) from the Trooper to the Quarry Lane bridge. The Christleton Cycle Plan submitted to CWAC in October 2020 recommended two existing routes for improvement 1) Canal footpath to Pepper Street, Quarry Lane Bridge and Rowton Bridge Road and 2) A41 footpath to Pepper Street. The CWAC A41 plan

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Trooper to Quarry Lane bridge route is a third route along that stretch of the A41, where the 20-year accident record showed several accidents injuries at the rise in the A41 compared to none on the bridge at the entrance to Pepper street. This route would also take the cyclist across a wide sweep on the entrance to Pepper Street which is dangerous. Residential parking on this stretch of theA41 would be disrupted and hazardous to cyclists. The Parish Council could not recommend that this third route is progressed. 32. There were a number of outstanding proposals that were awaiting decisions from Highways. 33. A number of recommendations were discussed and these will be now be taken back to Highways. Action: Cllr Beckitt will take our recommendations back to CWAC. Update from Air Quality Working Group 34. The proposed trials have been delayed due to the COVID restrictions and will be some months before it is activated again. KING GEORGE’S TRUST ITEMS To approve expenditure for February 2021 35. There was no expenditure for February To consider grass cutting regime for First Field 36. Following discussion on trying in looking at ways to generate some income from the field, without success and taking into account the additional cost with extra grass cutting this year it was decided to bring forward Items 9(b) & (9e) and incorporate them with this item. To discuss Trees for Climate Project/To consider request from Chester Soroptimists to plan trees 37. Follow the broad discussion on the use of the first field and keeping within the terms of the Charity Commission scheme for the KGF land, the two offers to supply and plant trees in areas in Christleton from Trees for Climate Project and Chester Soroptimists were considered. The area required from Tress for Climate of a minimum of 0.5 ha was too large an area to find for this project and we would not fill the criteria for this project. 38. The discussion then centred about tree planting around the periphery of the first field, which would enhance the area and help with the poor drainage and leave an area in the middle of the field as a sports facility. The offer of 40 whips (small tress) with 10 each of deciduous trees native to Britain was felt would be the way forward. It was: Resolved: (1) To revert back to previous regime for cutting the first field until we agree alternative uses for the field. Action: The groundwork contractor will be made aware of the change of regime. Resolved: (2) To accept the offer form Chester Soroptimists for the planting of 40 small trees around the periphery of the first field. Action: Cllr Robson and Tonge to liaise with Chester Soroptimists with this project. Update on remedial work at Play Area 39. The Clerk reported that we are still awaiting to hear from Ludus Leisure with the work required to equipment on the play area without success, but will continue to chase this up. 40. Cllr Robson also reported that still looking at alternative surfaces under the multi-play equipment. Update on additional car parking by LHPA 41. Cllr Robson has been in contact with a contractor regarding this item is awaiting costings for this proposal.

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Monthly Inspection Report LHPA/Bike Track 42. Due to recent exceptional weather conditions the play area is very muddy and the disc spinner has been filled with sand and was waterlogged; the sand has now been removed. Action Items Update on footpaths PROW registration 43. There was nothing to report on this item. To approve the Pit Group Risk Assessment document. 44. The Council considered this document which has covered all the items it needed to cover, with some suggested amendments. Resolved: The PC considered the Risk Assessment and subject to making changes we have suggested we are happy for this to go to the Pit Groups Insurers for their approval Action the Clerk to convey the decision to the Pit Group. To consider compiling volunteer Risk Assessment document 45. Discussion to consider compiling a volunteer risk assessment document was highlighted following enquiries with our Insurers in situations when the Council required volunteers to assist on project on their behalf – e.g., Speedwatch volunteers (using SID machine), air quality monitoring etc. 46. It was agreed that enquiries with other Parish Councils it they had developed their own volunteer risk assessment and seek advice from ChALC on this subject. Action: The Clerk to action this item and report back to the next meeting. Parish Council Open Morning 2021 47. A provisional date to hold the Open Morning this year of 24th April was discussed and it was agreed due to the ongoing COVID restrictions and it being unlikely that restrictions would be lifted sufficiently by April that we postpone holding an Open Morning indefinitely but review the situation should restrictions allow later in the year. To consider Flood defence ideas 48. The idea to find a volunteer flood warden was considered, this idea has been successful in other areas of the country where a regime during the spring and summer reviewing all the ditches with farmers, checking all the grids were clear, with a series of walks around the area to check all the ways water lies on the land can drain away. Enquiries with CWAC confirmed they had no resources and form emergency groups when necessary. 49. Cllr Beckitt put the idea to have such a flood warden and a group of volunteers to carry out such a project for the village and would the Council support this suggestion. 50. To consider this further would require getting training and proper resources in place to back up a volunteer carrying out the work. It would require CWAC to commit to supporting such a role and give briefing on training and provide the plans and drainage layouts. Resolved: This proposal be looked into in more detail and be brought back to the Council at a later date Action: Cllr Beckitt & Tonge to action this item Progress with updating Village Directory/Guide 51. This item is ongoing.

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Finance: To approve retrospectively expenditure for February 2021 52. The following expenditure was approved:

ORGANISATION £ Act Sue Thwaite – Clerk Expenses January 2021 59.63 LGA 1972 – Sec 112 ChALC – The Good Councillor Guide – 6 copies 25.50 LGA 1972 – Sec 112 Council Viking Office Supplies – Stationery supplies 91.17 LGA 1972 – Sec 112 Rob Pierce – Groundworks – January 2021 450.00 Open Spaces Act 1906 Cllr John Beckitt -ZOOM subscription 7.20 LGA 1972 – Sec 112 National Allotment society – Annual subscription 66.00 Small Holding & Allotments Act 1908 No Prior Approval Payments Sue Thwaite Clerk – Salary and add hours for January 808.79 LGA 1972 – Sec 111 2021 Derek Garner – Village Asst Pay & expenses January 40.78 LGA 1972 – Sec 112 2021 HMRC – PAYE & NICS for January 2021 250.90 LGA 1972 – Sec 2 INCOME: Bank Balances – @ 20/02/21 H/I Account 88276.16 Current A/C 101.81 Dredging A/C 12053.58 To discuss budget capital projects 53. Following a meeting of the finance sub-committee it was suggested that meeting of the Council be convened to discuss the suggested capital projects contained in the budget listed for the coming financial year. 54. A proposal to hold a meeting was put forward for Tuesday 16th March, 2021 to discuss and finalise the capital projects, to bring the decision back to the full Parish Council meeting for formal adoption at the next meeting. Planit Update 55. The tracking study has been completed with some minor adjustments to the Village Green design to accommodate the largest vehicles. 56. CWAC required capital cost estimates for the work from three sources, which are currently being sought, for the work, and alternative sources of funding being required as well as the Saighton Camp S106 fund were being investigated. 57. To influence how the S106 money is spent and impact on the priorities set by SE Chester Task Force, the SE Chester Cycling Group has presented the cycling plans to CWAC Highways and the Chairman of the Sustainability Taskforce to which Cllr Beckitt had registered an interest on behalf of the Council. 58. Cllr Beckitt reported Gt Boughton and Christleton have projects that qualify for S106 money and that application forms for each of the projects we are proposing currently are being completed for submission to CWAC, subject to our village consultation to be completed. 59. A second draft of the Planit brochure which Cllr Beckitt will circulate to all members following the meeting for comments. The content of the brochure was approved at the meeting in January, but put into the format for the brochure.

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60. Further discussion on the layout of the brochure was further considered showing the graphics proposed. There were 3 options to consider (1) with no graphics (2) Graphic of Village Green only - £1800 cost and (3) Graphic for Village Green and Plough Lane junction/Rowton Bridge Road Pedestrian/cyclist priority - £3300. 61. In order to put the proposal to the Village the consultation document was vital to put to the residents the best possible information for them to consider and fully understand what is being proposed to decide whether they want the project to go ahead. 62. A vote to approve the cost of £3300 on the graphics for the Planit proposal was carried by 5 for the proposal and 3 abstentions (two councillors had left the meeting early and were not present for this discussion) Action: Cllr Beckitt with further this item. Consultation & Engagement 63. Discussion on when to carry out a village consultation on the University of Law application was raised, normal planning applications allow 21 days for comments to be lodged, but in certain circumstances an extension to the deadline will be granted. Should the application be called into the Planning Committee this extends the consultation period further. 64. The Parish Council will consider arranging their own public consultation on the proposal when the developer’s final plans are known Community Safety Matters Update on safety improvements at the Pit and LHPA 65. There was nothing to report at this meeting. Allotments Update from the Allotment Working Group 66. The main issue to be discussed is to approve the expenditure for putting drains on a number of allotment plots, which worked out for a total cost of £660 for materials, a lot of the preliminary work in digging the trenches and clearing ditches has already been caried out by the plot holders. Resolved: This cost was approved. Action; Clerk to covey decision to the Secretary of the Allotment Association. Christleton Schools Update from Christleton High School 67. A travel survey of how students get to school will be presented to the Headteacher in the near future Update from Christleton Primary School 68. There are a high number of vulnerable and children of key workers currently attending school and there has been some issues with flooding in some areas of the grounds and car park. Monthly Inspection Report Capesthorne Road Community Orchard 69. There are no issues with the trees and all the shrubs have now been hard pruned and the re- furnishment of the benches is underway, and there are some problems with the gate being swollen due to the wet weather. Information Correspondence 70. A full list of correspondence received as per attachment with the Agenda was distributed to the Councillors prior to this meeting.

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Information Only Items 71. There were no item to report at this meeting.

Dates of the next meetings: Tuesday 9th March 2012

Meeting closed at: 10.15 CPC 09/02/2021

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