GENERAL MEETING

 

The MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Wednesday 5th September 2007 at 7.00p.m.

 

Present                         Mrs. P S Sweeney (Chairman)

                                    Mr. I Baker

                                    Mrs. T M Birkett

                                    Mr. R M Gimbert

                                    Ms. P Hardman

                                    Mr. D J Lace

                                    Mr. J E Lightfoot

                                    Mrs. C A Moughtin

                                    Mrs. P Pugh         

                                   

In attendance                Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

                                                                

CHAIRMAN’S           07/167               The Chairman welcomed the Press to the

WELCOME                                          meeting and wished to reiterate her thanks through Mr. Baker to all the Carnival Committee in organising a successful Peel Carnival.  Mrs. Sweeney referred to the Viking Boat Races and indicated that a member of Down County Council had presented her with a engraved glass bowl on his visit to the Town of Peel.  It was AGREED that the bowl be displayed in the display cabinet.  In conclusion Mrs. Sweeney indicated that Peel had once more had a successful summer and wished to thank all those that had helped to make it such. 

 

MINUTES                   07/168               The Minutes of the meeting held on the 1st August 2007 were taken as read and CONFIRMED. 

 

RAGGATT                  07/169               The Town Clerk referred back to Minute

LANDFILL                                           07/135 and indicated that the Public Analyst was obtaining samples from the Waste Operations Unit at the Department of Local Government and the Environment for analysis.  The results would be copied to the Commissioners for information.  NOTED

 

HIGHWAYS               07/170               Reference was made back to Minute 07/137

ACT 1986                                             concerning the application by the licencee of The Creek Inn for an Order under Section 78 of the Highways Act 1986 to set out tables and chairs in front of The Creek Inn.  Mr. Lace indicated that he was aware of a recent accident involving a vehicle outside The Creek Inn and it was noted that the Police were monitoring the situation to ensure that the licencee complied with the limit on placing chairs no more than 2 metres from the front of the property outlined in the plan submitted to the Licensing Court.  The Town Clerk indicated that the consent of the Department of Local Government and the Environment as required by Section 78 was still awaited and that that Department was in consultation with the Department of Transport over this matter. 

 

FORMER                    07/171               Reference was made back to Minute 07/140

LEGENDS BUILDING                         concerning the untidy condition and out of date

MICHAEL STREET                             mail left inside the front door of the former Legends Shop in Michael Street.  It was AGREED that further contact be made with Mr. Robert Smith to ensure the out of date mail was removed. 

 

OFF SHORE               07/172               Mr. Gimbert referred back to Minute 07/141

AGGREGATES                                    and indicated that a lot of group interest had been noted with regard to the Department of Trade and Industry proposal for issuing prospecting licences offshore.  Mr. Gimbert was keen that proper checks on possible damage to the seabed and coastline were in place.  Mr. Lightfoot confirmed that the current licence application at present was only to survey the seabed and not to excavate.  NOTED

 

SEWERAGE               07/173               Mr. Lace referred to the planning appeal

MATTERS                                            decision to permit the building of twenty detached dwellings and six semi detached dwellings on land adjacent to Croit-ny-Greiney, Douglas Road, Peel.  Noting that no regard had been given to the Commissioners concerns over further housing development without due regard to the sewerage issues it was AGREED that a letter be sent to the Honourable Mr. J Shimmin, Minister of the Department of Local Government and the Environment indicating that large scale developments should not be approved until the sewerage infrastructure was in place to properly accommodate the additional sewerage generated. 

 

                                                              Arising therefrom reference was made to the possible impact of concentrated waste and its effect on the sea water quality.  It was AGREED that a request be made to meet with Mr. Peter Winstanley, Director of Drainage to discuss these matters. 

 

DOGS ACT 1990        07/174               Mr. Gimbert referred back to Minute 07/146 and reported that the dogs bags were not within the sac-o-mat bins on the headlands and that replacements were required.  The Town Clerk undertook to ensure suitable bags were available for dog users on the headlands. 

 

VIKING FESTIVAL   07/175               Mr. Gimbert referred to Minute 07/148 and requested that the Minute be amended wherein the final sentence “the pipes would be dug up and removed” be deleted and the following be inserted “the Committee would investigate the removal of the pipes”. AGREED

 

NEWSLETTER           07/176               Reference was made back to Minute 07/150 and Mrs. Birkett indicated that she had received negative feedback on the newsletter.  It was suggested that a newsletter on A3 sized paper may have more impact.  Discussion ensued as to whether a bespoke newsletter from the Commissioners or contribution to the local papers western supplement was more effective.  It was AGREED that a wider circulation and subsequent impact was required to ensure that the general public had better knowledge of the Commissioners work and services provided. 

 

                                                              Mrs. Pugh suggested that some form of an open day/coffee morning might be suitable to ensure the residents had an opportunity to meet with the Commissioners on an informal basis.  In this respect the Chairman indicated that the range of events organised for the Centenary of the Ward Library would provide an opportunity later that month to enable the Commissioners to meet with residents and visitors to the library.

 

KERBSIDE                 07/177               Members considered a letter from the

COLLECTIONS                                   Department of Local Government and the Environment dated 23rd August 2007 together with a report by Enviros a consultancy appointed by the Department to facilitate a study into kerbside collections throughout the Island. 

                                   

                                                              Mr. Gimbert indicated that the study did not fully address the cost implications as Central Government was looking only to fund the transport costs from the various areas Civic Amenity Sites to the Energy from Waste Facility.  Bulking of waste costs were not included.  It was noted that a presentation had been organised for Monday 17th September 2007 at 6.30p.m. in the lecture theatre at the Manx Museum.  Both Mr. Gimbert and the Town Clerk would attend.  In the meantime it was AGREED that a letter be forwarded to the Department indicating that the  study did not provide adequate break down of costs. 

 

WAR MEMORIAL     07/178               Consideration was given to a letter from the

PRESERVATION SOCIETY               Secretary to the Isle of Man War Memorial Preservation Society indicating that some minor remedial works were required on the steps to the memorial in the Cathedral grounds.   As required under legislation it was AGREED that these remedial works be undertaken in due course. 

 

ISLE OF MAN            07/179               Ms. Hardman referred to the recent meeting

MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION            with Mrs. Megson, Chairman of the Municipal Association in which she had presented a case to the Commissioners to join the Association.  Mrs. Megson had outlined the work of the Association and indicated that it was a platform for local authorities to express a common viewpoint to Central Government on various issues of interest.  It was noted that the Association was due to meet on 6th September 2007 and it was AGREED that Ms. Hardman and Mrs. Birkett attend the meeting on a watching brief basis and report back to the Commissioners in due course. 

 

ROAD TRAFFIC        07/180               Consideration was given to two draft Orders

REGULATIONS ACT 1985                 under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985. 

 

                                                              The first provided for the provision of double yellow lines along a 35 metre section of Peveril Road immediately beneath the Mountain View lane. 

 

                                                              The second Order related to the removal of a reserved parking place on a section of Glenfaba Road. 

 

                                                              It was AGREED to not object to either Order.

 

 

CIVIC SUNDAY        07/181               Consideration was given to invitation to three

SERVICES                                           local authority Civic Sunday Services.  The Chairman indicated that she would be available to attend Lezayre Parish Commissioners Civic Sunday Service scheduled for 11.00a.m. on 28th October 2007 at Lezayre Parish Church. 

 

                                                              Invitation had been extended by the Commissioners of Port Erin and the Commissioners of Maughold to attend their Civic Services on Sunday 30th September 2007 at 3.00p.m.  It was AGREED that the Chairman would attend one service and the Vice-Chairman attend the other service.

 

PEEL COMMUNITY 07/182               Reference was made to the preparation of a

PARTNERSHIP                                    Memorandum of Understanding between the Isle of Man Constabulary and Peel Commissioners.  The Board considered the document which placed emphasis on the Commissioners and the Western Neighbourhood Policing Team working together in a partnership and after discussion it was AGREED that the Chairman sign the document. 

 

PLANNING                07/183               The following planning applications were

APPLICATIONS FOR COMMENT    considered as follows:-

 

                                                              PA 07/01465/B Residential development of 21 dwellings with associated parking, field 311788 adjacent to Brickworks entrance, Glenfaba Road, Peel.  The Town Clerk indicated that the approval in principle previously granted in this application had required a percolation test and this had not subsequently been completed together with a plan showing that the surface water from this development would connect into the adjacent surface water sewer in the main roadway.  It was however noted that no such surface water sewer existed and on that basis it was AGREED that the Commissioners would object to the planning application.

 

                                                              PA 07/01474/B Refurbishment work and installation of replacement windows/roof light, 50 Michael Street, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/001488/B Erection of a single storey extension on rear elevation, 9 Close Quane, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/01491/R Retention of conservatory on rear elevation, 38 Patrick Street, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/1524/B Erection of an extension to rear elevation, 9 Cushag Drive, Ballawattleworth Estate, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/01564/B Installation of a dormer and roof light and erection of a conservatory on north-east elevation, Wayside, Peveril Avenue, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/001454/B Erection of external lighting for nursing home adjoining Glenfaba Road and Ballatessan Meadow, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/01592/B Conversion of garage to living accommodation with pvc door and window to front with face brick wall, 35 Queens Drive, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/01567/B Replace existing front and rear windows with brown upvc windows, 15 Mona Street, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

PLANNING                07/184               The following decisions had been notified by

DECISIONS NOTIFIED                      the Planning Committee:-

 

                                                              PA 07/01193/B Erection of alternative dwelling type from that previously approved Plot 128 residential development under construction adjoining to Derby Road, Kerroo Coar and Rheast Bridson, Peel for Heritage Homes Limited.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/01192/B Erection of alternative dwelling type from that previously approved on Plot 1, adjustment of boundary between Plots 1 and 2 and alteration of cul-de-sac turning area at Plot 1 and 2 residential development under construction adjoining Derby Road, Kerroo Coar and Rheast, Peel for Heritage Homes Limited.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/01191/B Alteration of car parking area by creation of a vehicle turning area and one new space, car parking area for Plots 34-42 residential development under construction Derby Road, Kerroo Coar and Rheast Bridson, Peel for Heritage Homes Limited.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00567/A Approval in principle for the erection of a dwelling with access onto Albany Road, land to the rear of St. Germans Vicarage, Albany Road, Peel for St. Germans Church Wardens.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00645/B Installation of satellite dish, 54 Patrick Street, Peel for Mr. L Exton.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/01042/B Replace existing roof tiles with slate, 30 Stanley Road, Peel for Mr. C & Mrs. J Alford.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00468/B Erection of an industrial building land at Fish Yards, Mill Road, Peel for Jones Services Limited.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00906/B Creation of rear access, providing a rear yard, parking spaces and raised patio, new dwellings site adjacent to 17 Circular Road, Peel for Mr. R B M Quayle. APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00824/D Provision of sign writing on front elevation of Viking Longhouse, East Quay, Peel for Street Heritage Limited.  APPROVED

 

                                                              PA 07/00924/B Alterations, creation of a dormer to Unit 4 and conservatories to Unit 23 and 24, Quirk Coal Yard, Smithy Site, Viking Longhouse and Harbour View, East Quay, Peel for Street Heritage Limited.  REFUSED

 

PA 07/0300                 07/185               Members noted receipt of the decision of the

ON APPEAL                                        Inspector into an Appeal concerning the erection of a bungalow with integral garage, land at The Gables, Rheast Lane, Peel for Mr. K Turner.  The Minister had considered the Inspectors report concurred with his conclusions and accepted the recommendation that the Appeal should be dismissed and that the approval of the application should be confirmed.  NOTED

 

PA 07/00924/B            07/186               The Town Clerk advised that an Appeal had

ON APPEAL                                        been requested in respect of the refusal for alterations, creation of a dormer to Unit 4 and conservatories to Units 23 and 24, Quirk Coal Yard, Smithy Site, Viking Longhouse and Harbour View, East Quay, Peel for Street Heritage Limited.  It was AGREED to make no comment on this Appeal application.

 

PAY & DISPLAY       07/187               The Town Clerk referred to a letter from Mr.

CAR PARKING                                   Rodney Christopher of the Properties Division of the Department of Transport dated 31st August 2007.  The letter referred to the prior agreement of the Commissioners to implement pay and display car parking in certain car parks within Peel consequent upon receiving financial assistance to improve the Commissioners car parks.  The lack of progress was of concern to the Department and it was noted that a request had been made for a meeting to discuss the provision of pay and display car parking linked to the development of a business case to justify further investment to meet the ongoing needs for parking within Peel.  It was proposed to meet with the Department on 27th September 2007 at 2.30p.m.

 

SUPPORTING            07/188               The Town Clerk referred to a request from

OLDER PEOPLE                                  Karen Howard of the Social Services Division requesting permission to display an advertising banner “Supporting Older People in Mann” exhibition to be held on 21st and 22nd September 2007.  The Board AGREED to permit the display of such a banner on the Promenade railings prior to the exhibition.

 

ISLE OF WOMEN     07/189               The Commissioners noted receipt of an email

FESTIVAL                                            from Carol Male concerning the Isle of Women Festival linked to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer fund raising.  Mr. Baker indicated that he had been in touch with the organisers and was prepared to arrange some form of fund raising within the Town.  Mrs. Birkett indicated that she would also liaise with the Peel Chamber of Trade over fund raising.  It was Mr. Baker’s initial views that some form of a public house collection could be undertaken.  NOTED

 

BUS SHELTER           07/190               Upon enquiry from Mr. Lace the Town Clerk advised that the Bus Company had obtained a cantilever shelter and subject to final Department of Transport approval were prepared to erect such a shelter on the Douglas Road.  NOTED  Arising therefrom reference was made to the footway leading from Ballaquane Park to the Ramsey Road and comment had been made over its unclean condition with dog faeces in evidence.  It was AGREED that the area be cleaned.

 

WARD LIBRARY       07/191               Mr. Baker indicated that he had received a complaint concerning the outside condition of the Ward Library and the need for repainting.  It was stated that the Commissioners were not prepared to undertake the repainting of the Ward Library as it was deemed to be in a reasonable condition for the centenary celebrations.  However the garden to the side of the library was in need of attention and it was AGREED that it be tidied up as a matter of urgency. 

 

PEEL HILL                  07/192               Mr. Lightfoot indicated that a resident had commented to him that a number of self seeding trees were now evident on Peel Hill.  It was suggested that the hill was more attractive without trees and it was AGREED that contact be made with the Forestry Division to obtain advice and a report on this item. 

 

PEEL IN                      07/193               Ms. Hardman indicated that the winners had

BLOOM                                               been chosen for the various categories in the garden competition and it was AGREED that the prize winners be presented with their cheque at the next Board meeting.

 

PICNIC AREA            07/194               At the request of Mr. Gimbert it was AGREED

HEADLANDS                                      that the picnic table which had been previously removed and was in need of replacement be undertaken in due course. 

 

BALLAWATTLE-       07/195               Mr. Gimbert asked that this matter be placed as

WORTH MAINTENANCE                  an agenda item at the next meeting to discuss

CONTRACT                                        the contract currently undertaken by Top Spec Limited with regard to the upkeep and maintenance of the grassed and planted areas at Ballawattleworth.  Mr. Gimbert was keen to see a different type of bush introduced which would involve less maintenance. 

 

ROAD CLOSURES    07/196               Mr. Lightfoot expressed his disappointment at the lack of notice from the Department of Transport over the road closure of Patrick Street.  The Commissioners needed to be advised of road closures in advance so that residents could be informed. 

 

                                                              This part of the meeting ended at 8.25p.m.