Draft Minutes:-

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting

held at

The Deer Park, Maker Lane, Hoar Cross

on

Monday 19^th May 2025

Present

Cllrs Mrs Smith, Mrs Baxter, Mrs Prince, Cllr Marsden

Liz Goodwin, Clerk to the Parish Council

Mrs R Major, Mr J Major, Mrs J Carpenter

County Cllr Brown, Borough Cllrs George and Gould

Apologies

Cllr Mrs Patterson, Canon Greenwell, Mr Aspland

Welcome

Chairman Cllr Mrs Smith welcomed everyone to the Meeting, and said it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces.  This Meeting gives the Cllrs an opportunity to reflect on the past year, the progress made, the challenges faced, and what to work towards.  It is a chance for the residents to hear about the work of the Parish Council, and to raise any questions, suggestions or concerns they may have.  They will also hear updates from the Cllrs, review the financial position and look ahead to the priorities for the coming year.  Cllr Smith finished by thanking everyone for being there.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 8^th May 2024

The Minutes were signed as a true representation of the Meeting.

Matters arising not covered by the Agenda

There were no matters arising.

Annual Reports of the Council

• Highways Cllr Mrs Smith read out Cllr Mrs Patterson’s report.  Cllr Mrs Patterson reported that the Parish Council continue to monitor and address concerns regarding the condition and safety of roads within the village.  Potholes have been reported to the County Council, and there has been some progress, but the timescales for completing repairs and the level of deterioration required before action is taken remain ongoing sources of frustration.  Residents are encouraged to report potholes directly via the County Council website. Patching work appears to be underway.  Drainage remains a concern with some drains still blocked; the Parish Council will continue to follow up on these before winter.  The Parish Council remains committed to working towards improved road conditions throughout the village, and residents are encouraged to report any road related issues to Cllr Mrs Patterson.

Cllr Brown said she would pass on Cllr Mrs Patterson’s comments to the Cabinet member for Strategic Highways.

• Planning Cllr Mrs Baxter reported that the Parish Council had received 14 Planning Permission Applications since for discussion and consideration since May 2024, which is down from 26 last year.  The Parish Council consider each application carefully, consult neighbours where relevant, and use the Hoar Cross Village Design Plan and Conservation Area regulations as reference points if they are applicable.  Of the 14 applications, ESBC approved 10, 1 was withdrawn and 3 are awaiting a decision.  There were 6 applications for conversions of dwellings, extensions or garages, and 1 included change of use.  There were 8 applications for tree removal or coppicing; permission is needed within the conservation area or where a Tree Preservation Order is in place.  The Parish Council had concerns with two of these applications; after the first application received objections, it was withdrawn and re-applied for with the addition of ‘change of use’ added to it.  It is understood that ESBC received 20 comments on this application and a decision is still awaited.  The Parish Council also contacted the ESBC Enforcement Team about a Permitted Development they had allowed under class E and the correct planning permission must now be sought.  There were no retrospective planning applications this year.
• Environment Cllr Mrs Prince reported that it had been very quiet.  Litter is an ongoing problem, and she made a request for litter pickers.
• Footpaths Cllr Marsden had just taken up the role at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council earlier that evening.

Accounts for year ending 31^st March 2025/Budget for 2025-2026

There were no comments regarding the Accounts or the Budget.

County Councillor Brown’s Report

Cllr Brown said that Cllr Jessel had worked extremely hard over the last 8 years; the Clerk was asked to write to Julia to thank her for her support during her time as Cllr.  Cllr Brown is looking forward to working with the people of Hoar Cross.

Borough Councillors George and Gould Report

Cllr George said for the Parish Cllrs to get in touch if they needed advice.  There are changes ahead at ESBC, and Cllr Brown explained that Staffordshire is looking to become a unitary authority.

Questions/comments from members of the public

There were no questions or comments.

Signed by the Chair

Name

Signature

Date