Minutes of Extra-ordinary Meeting held in the Library on Monday 14th January 2008 (6.30pm):

PRESENT: Councillors – P Hill (Chairman), Mrs A Hall, Mrs E Kelly, H. Lakin J Stoddart and L Tarr; Clerk – Mr C Sargeant; and, 22 members of the public (C Barrow (Cricket Club), B Bateman (Sequence Dancing), Mrs M Brownlee (Age Concern), Mrs L Cooper (Carers), J Coward (Fire & Rescue), Mrs A Grisedale (Christmas Lights), Mrs L Hill (Sports & Social Centre), D Holland (Association), Rev P Houghton (Catholic Church), Mrs G Irwin (Surgery & First Responders), Mrs V Jenkinson (Royal British Legion), Mrs J Johnson (Cameo), Mrs J Jones (WI), I Kelly (First Responders), B Lett ( Royal British Legion), Mrs H Nicholson (Christmas Lights), Mrs J O’Reardon (Catholic Church), D Shepherd (St Andrew’s), Mrs K Shepherd (John Ruskin School), Mrs M Studholme (Methodist Church), Mrs B Todd (Carers) and Mrs B Wilson (Age Concern)).

1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public came to discuss the arrangements for a St Valentine’s function; open to all; to be held in the Institute Hall on Friday 15th (amended to 22nd) February; 7 for 7.30pm start ‘til late; food and drink to be brought as a Jacob’s Join; Jean Johnson to co-ordinate food; recorded background-music to be supervised by B Bateman; a St Valentine’s quiz to be arranged by Mrs G Irwin; Rev P Houghton to invite Father Bede as special guest; other dignitaries also to be invited; the Clerk to open a Barclays account for subscriptions; I Kelly and Mrs G Irwin to make enquiries about suitable gifts; publicity in the Newsletter.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr D Coxon (away from village), J Armstrong and G Dowker.

3. DECLARATNS OF INTEREST: None.

4. PLANNING APPLICATION:

Planning Application: 7/2007/5700 Location: Browside, Little Arrow, Coniston LA21 8AU Observations: CPC supports this application, acknowledging that the development will be a small increase in the footprint, the design will give a more coherent look to the property and no change will be made to the access and footpaths.

5. CORRESPONDENCE: The Chairman approved and signed letters of appreciation to Mrs E Belshaw (District Nurse) and Mrs J Butterworth (Car Scheme).

6. PUBLIC QUESTIONS: None.

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: RESOLVED: to confirm the next Meeting will be held on Monday 21st Jan 08 at 7pm in the Library.

Meeting closed at 7.15pm. SIGNED: Peter Hill, Chairman DATE: 21st January 2008

Minutes of Meeting of 21st January 2008:

GUEST SPEAKERS: Mr J Loxham, NT Property Manager for Coniston & Little Langdale, introduced Moira Herring, NT Tarn Hows Project Manager (replacing Sue Ward). Ms Herring spoke of the progress of the developments at Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston. Mr Loxham requested another slot in the Meeting of 21st April to introduce Simon Franks, NT Officer (replacing David Preston).

PRESENT: Councillors – P Hill (Chairman), D Coxon, Mrs A Hall, Mrs E Kelly, J Stoddart and L Tarr; Clerk – Mr C Sargeant; and, 3 members of the public (D Adams, B Bateman, G Dowker Martin).

1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Mr Dowker, Manager of Coniston TIC, raised two issues:

1.a. Ruskin Avenue Toilets: Mr Dowker said he was seeking to revamp the toilets near the TIC following complaints from the public. Cllr Mrs Hall said SLDC was reconsidering its policy regarding public toilets and would use location and management as important criteria. She also thought that the partnership between SLDC and the LDNPA (such as the one in Coniston where a SLDC toilet was attached to a LDNPA car park) was to be reviewed.

1.b. Coniston TIC: Mr Dowker said it was likely there would soon be a vacancy for a Director.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Lakin (business commitment)

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Hill (all matters relating to E.ON), Cllr Coxon (all matters relating to LDNPA and Cumbria Landscaping).

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS: The Chairman was authorised to sign, as correct records, the minutes of the Meeting of 17th December 2007 and the Extra-ordinary Meeting of 14th January.

5. MATTERS ARISING from those Meetings:

5.a. Peter Martin - In Memoriam: The council remembered Mr Martin’s contribution to its last full meeting and expressed its regret at his death on 27th December. It was resolved to carry out the work on Dow How verge that Mr Martin had been keen to undertake. Cllr Stoddart agreed to seek the co-operation of Alan and Brian Wilson.

5.b. Drain maintenance: The weather over the last month had increased the concern about the inadequacy of drain maintenance. Cllr Mrs Hall suggested that road resurfacing up to Thurston Bank had blocked drains. Mr Adams suggested that a spring might be making matters worse on the Banks. Cllr Mrs Kelly said there was a problem at Curdle Dub about which the owner was aware but unable to resolve.

5.c. Playground: (i) The council completed the application for the closure of the Defibrillator Account and the transfer of its monies to the Amenities Account.

(ii) Cllr Tarr confirmed the ropes on the climbing frame were fraying and recommended removal.

5.d. Highways: The request for Highways to remedy the problem on the A593 in front of the bus shelter on Adam Bridge to be added to the list to be submitted for repair in February.

5.e. Sign on Church Beck Bridge: The clerk, with Brantwood’s approval and Mr Johnston’s co-operation, had moved the sign to the left of the bridge..

5.f. Coppermines Valley Office: Although an approach had been made to Mr Johnston, the problem of the obstruction caused by vehicles parked outside the office continues. The council was informed that a local had complained to the police.

5.g. Twinning: Cllr Mrs Hall said there would be a fund-raising event in on Tuesday 12th February.

5.h. Library: Cllr Mrs Hall said a member of the Institute Committee would meet the County Librarian, Bruce Benison the Culture Officer and a representative of the Rawdon-Smith Trust on Wednesday 23rd January to discuss the Library issue and other matters relating to the development of the Institute.

5.i. Bus Shelters and Playground Maintenance: Cllr Coxon to draft advertisement for Newsletter for tenders for both bus shelter and playground maintenance for the year 2008-2009.

5.j. Quality Parish Status: The clerk had contacted CALC to clarify the impact of the May election on a submission.

5.k. Bench Repairs: Cllr Tarr reminded the meeting that the bolts on the bench on Dow How still needed tightening. RESOLVED: the clerk to seek repair.

6. MATTERS ARISING Since that Meeting:

6.a. CPC QUARTERLY UPDATE: The clerk had received agreement from the Newsletter management team to insert a quarterly update of parish council business into that publication; starting February.

6.b. STANDING ORDERS: New Standing Orders were approved for signing by the Chairman.

7. FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: RESOLVED:

7.a. To issue cheques:

101383 SLDC for Campbell Memorial (58 years) £2.90

101384 Coniston Institute for room hire £32.00

101385 E.ON for street lighting (December) £80.00

101386 R J Airey for bus shelter maintenance £30.00

101387 C Sargeant for clerk’s expenses £945.00

7.b. To approve statement of accounts for signing by the Chairman.

8. PLANNING ISSUES:

8.a. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

8.a.i. Planning Application: 7/2007/5712 Location: Hilltop, The Banks, Coniston LA21 8HF Observations: Decision deferred to site meeting Sunday 27th January at 1pm

8.a.ii. Planning Application: 7/2007/5719 Location: Field near Lane Head, Coniston LA21 8AA Observations: It was resolved to submit no observations and to offer no objections to this application

8.a.iii. Planning Application: 7/2007/5738 Location: The Estate Office, The Bridge, Coniston LA21 8HJ Observations: Decision deferred to site meeting Sunday 27th January at 1pm

8.b. PLANNING DECISIONS:

8.b.i. 7/2004/5504 Ruskin Museum – amendment to fenestration and omission of second vent from roof

8.b.ii. 7/2007/5546 The Old Coach House, Silverbank – Notice of Grant of Planning Permission

8.b.iii. 7/2007/5604 33 The Garth – application has been withdrawn

8.b.iv. 7/2007/5621 Land at rear of Kirkdale House - Notice of Grant of Planning Permission

9. CORRESPONDENCE: (other than that referred to elsewhere in the Minutes)

SLDC Letter and information packs re- District Council Elections

Communities and Local Government Letter and publication re- Orders and Regulations Relating to the Conduct of Local Authority Members in England

Malcolm Wilson Rally Notice of rally on 1st March 2008

Councils and Clerks Direct Magazine January 2008

The Clerk Magazine January 2008

LCR Magazine January 2008

CALC Booking Forms for The Effective Council course, Keswick, February.

CALC Letter re- Advice on Standing Orders/Public Participation

Cumbria CC Letter and poster re- Cumbrai Supported Lodgings Scheme

Cumbria CVS Newsletter January 2008 and Rock Reports January 2008

10. PUBLIC QUESTIONS: Mr Bateman expressed dissatisfaction with the level of service provided by the County Council. This was supported by Mr Adams.

11. REPORTS:

11.a. POLICE REPORT: None.

11.b. HOUSING REPORT:

11.b.i. Email correspondence from The Clerk to Alastair Cameron (30 Dec 2007): Nicola Park reported your comments under the heading, in quotation marks, ‘Let locals have keys to your second home’, page 6, Evening Mail, Thursday December 27, 2007. I offer you this reflection: There seems to be a growing proportion of planning applications coming to the parish council that seek to expand second homes/holiday- lets that possibly do two things: 1. further push the sale price of such properties beyond local resources; and, 2. make letting them out to locals financially impracticable. I wonder if the PA would consider a ban on house extensions where there isn’t permanent occupancy.

11.b.ii. Email correspondence from Alastair Cameron to Tim Farron MP (30 Dec 2007): I hope you have managed to have a good, quiet Christmes and I wish you a Happy New Year. Also many congratulations on your recent appointment. The attached from Charles Sargeant, clerk to the Coniston Parish Council, is of interest. It is certainly something I hadn't flagged up myself and I am not sure how significant it is. However I will discuss it with Mairi Lock when I see her next in a couple of weeks time. Had this ever been mentioned to you? The article in the Evening Mail related to my suggestion that it might be beneficial for second home owners, who want to fund their cottage from holiday lets, to consider letting to local couples via the local authority on a short-term lease. I suggested to Tony Whittaker that we might get a small forum together in the new year made up of parish council people from the S Lakes area to discuss it.

11.b.iii. Email correspondence from Tim Farron MP to Alastair Cameron (11 Jan 2008): Thank you very much for your recent email with regard to both your and Charles’ ideas for measures to assist local occupancy of homes in Coniston. Both ideas are good and I have been touting them around the House and the Press all this week. I can confirm that I have written to the Chief Executive of the LDNPA to ask for a full consideration of the proposal to ban house extensions, where there is no permanent occupancy. Please keep me informed, if you manage to arrange the small forum because I would love to attend, if I am in the constituency and can find time free from engagements.

11.c. CLLR COXON: (i) Proposed a letter be written to Inspector Tudor Griffiths to express concern about lack of policing, no monthly reports and no enforcement of speed limit on A593 from Park Gate to Gateside. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

(ii) Reported that village gritting scheme is ready.

(iii) Drew attention to continuing problems with vehicles parked on A593 between Campbell House and Gateside. RESOLVED: to monitor.

(iv) Drew attention to a survey conducted by the Rawdon Smith Trust among its moorings holders. He urged a unified approach from Coniston. He proposed a closer working relationship between the parish council and the RST. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

11.d. CLLR HALL: (i) Proposed that an invitation be sent to new officer at Cumbria Rural Housing Trust. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

(ii) Proposed that application be made to make the Brow footpath from Station Road to Days Bank a designated footpath. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

(iii) Reported on issues from District Council: conference on local government responsibilities; Barrow to be included in South Lakes area for housing-benefit levels; increase in areas with parking charges; all council houses to be advertised with choice-based letting.

11.e. CLLR KELLY: (i) Proposed a sign be erected on Hawkshead Road footpath to remind dog owners to use bin. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

(ii) Proposed a letter of appreciation to Fire Service for recent action and support in Little Moss Close. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

(iii) Proposed a letter of commendation to the village’s schools for excellent OFSTED reports. RESOLVED: the clerk to write.

11.f. CLLR STODDART: (i) Asked if there was any provision for local parking at end of Lake Road near the Bluebird Café. Cllr Coxon said it was a matter of first-come-first served. Cllr Stoddart felt this was contrary to verbal agreements when LDNPA imposed parking fees in the Boating Centre car park.

(ii) Reported a need of repairs to two benches in Little Moss (G W Usher) and Little Moss Close (Housing Association). RESOLVED: the clerk to contact those responsible with ultimatum: repair or remove.

(iii) Reported a slate still missing from the roof of the Ruskin Avenue bus shelter. RESOLVED: the clerk to seek repair.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: RESOLVED: to confirm that the next Meeting will be held on Monday 18th February 2008 at 7pm in the Library.

Meeting closed at 10.00pm.

SIGNED: Peter Hill, Chairman

Minutes of the Extra-ordinary Meeting of 27th January 2008 (1.00pm):

PURPOSE: To visit three sites for which planning applications had been received.

PRESENT: Councillors – D Coxon (Chairman), Mrs A Hall, J Stoddart and L Tarr; Clerk – Mr C Sargeant.

1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllrs Hill, Kelly and Lakin (all had other commitments).

3. DECLARATNS OF INTEREST: With reference to Plan.App.7/2008/5024 councillors used their special dispensation.

4. PLANNING ISSUES:

4.a. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

4.a.i Planning Application: 7/2007/5712 Location: Hilltop, The Banks, Coniston LA21 8HF Observations: It was resolved to submit no observations and to offer no objections to this application.

4.a.ii. Planning Application: 7/2007/5738 Location: The Estate Office, Yewdale Road, Coniston LA21 8HJ Observations: CPC supports this application, acknowledging that the development will tidy the site, making better use of the space available, and give the building a greater visual unity.

4.a.iii Planning Application: 7/2008/5024 Location: The Ruskin Museum, The Bridge, Coniston LA21 8HJ Observations: CPC supports this application, acknowledging that the development will assist the Museum to be more economically viable. The application is for an extension that is fully compatible with its parent building.

4.b. PLANNING RESPONSES:

4.b.i. Planning Application: 7/2007/5586 Location: Brantwood House, Coniston LA21 8AD Response: Notice of Listed Building Consent

4.b.ii. Planning Application: 7/2007/5687 Location: Coniston Corporate Embroidery UK Ltd, Coniston LA21 8AE Response: Notice of Grant of Planning Permission

4.b.iii. Planning Application: 7/2007/5697 Location: Sun Hotel, Coniston LA21 8HQ Response: Notice of Grant of Planning Permission

5. OTHER BUSINESS: a. RESOLVED: to provide financial support for the community event of 22nd Febrauary

b. RESOLVED: to monitor the development at 41 Bank Terrace

6. PUBLIC QUESTIONS: None.

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: RESOLVED: to confirm the next Meeting will be held on Monday 18th Feb 08 at 7pm in the Library.

Meeting closed at 1.55pm. SIGNED: Peter Hill, Chairman DATE: 18th February 2008