GENERAL MEETING

 

The MINUTES of a GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 17th January 2008 at 7.00p.m.

 

 

Present                         Mrs. P S Sweeney (Chairman)

                                    Mr. I Baker

                                    Mrs. T M Birkett

                                    Mr. R M Gimbert

                                    Mr. D J Lace

                                    Mr. J E Lightfoot

                                    Mrs. C A Moughtin

                                    Mrs. P Pugh

                                   

Apologies                     Ms. P Hardman    

                                   

                                   

In attendance                Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

                                    Mr. R Baker (Curator)

                                    Mrs. C Horton (Librarian)

 

 

LEECE                        07/349               Mr. Baker presented his quarterly report for the

MUSEUM REPORT                             Leece Museum which was noted by Members.  He indicated that new convector heaters were awaiting installation which would create additional floor space.  At this point he would look to provide a new layout for the Museum. 

 

                                                              Mr. Baker advised that a meeting of the Leece Museum Trustees was scheduled for 29th January 2008 at 10.00a.m.  The Town Clerk confirmed that both Mr. Cooper and Mr. Robinson had agreed to act as new trustees. 

 

                                                              Mr. Baker left the meeting at 7.10p.m.

 

WARD LIBRARY       07/350               Mrs. Horton presented the quarterly report for

REPORT                                               the Ward Library.  Members considered a review of the current subscription rates and after discussion AGREED that it be increased to £8 for adults and £9 for rural adults.  The revised rate would apply from April 2008. It was AGREED that the Librarian prepare a leaflet indicating why an increase had been sought which could be handed out to subscribers prior to April.  Mrs. Horton indicated that she would utilise some of the legacy from Mr. Jack Kneale deceased for additional books.

 

                                                              The Librarian tabled the conserved book which had been undertaken free of charge.  Members noted the excellent work in conserving the book and AGREED that the other Brown’s Directory be conserved at a cost of £319.00.

 

                                                              Mrs. Horton expressed concern about the condition of the upstairs flat which had been utilised for storage of Town Hall files.  It was confirmed that Mrs. Horton responsibility lay purely with the library on the lower floor.  Any defect or problem relating to the upper floor should be reported back to the Town Clerk or Technical Officer after which Mrs. Horton’s responsibility would end.  Mrs. Horton referred to an additional paper which had been tabled at that meeting relating to a small number of jobs that needed in her opinion to be carried out at the library.  Certain of these works had not yet been completed and the Chairman indicated she would contact Mrs. Horton before the next meeting on 6th February 2008 for an update. 

 

                                                              Mrs. Horton left the meeting at 7.45p.m.

 

EASTER FESTIVAL   07/351               Members noted receipt of a letter from the

OF ATHLETICS                                   Chairman of Manx Harriers concerning the schedule of events for the annual Easter Festival of Athletics.  It was noted that the Peel Hill Race was scheduled for 22nd March 2008.  Members AGREED that the mobile toilet be made available on East Quay for use of competitors. 

 

PLANNING                07/352               The following planning applications were

APPLICATIONS FOR COMMENT    considered by the Board:-

 

                                                              PA 07/02382 Planning in Principle for residential purposes, Isle of Man Water Authority, Peel Depot, East Quay, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

                                                              PA 07/02383 Planning in Principle for commercial purposes, Isle of Man Water Authority, Peel Depot, East Quay, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

 

                                                             

 

                                                              PA 07/02372 Replacement of existing wooden windows with uPVC window to match current bay window, 24 Patrick Street, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

 

PA 07/00490/B            07/353               Members noted receipt of a request for an

ON APPEAL                                        Appeal in respect of the refusal for the erection of two town houses to replace existing garage, office and yard, Lewis’s Yard, Gawnes Court, Douglas Street, Peel.  It was AGREED to make no comment on the application.

 

HARBOURS               07/354               The Town Clerk referred to a draft Harbour

BILL                                                     Bill which was available in electric form at and issued by Captain Brew from the Harbours Division of the Department of Transport.  It was AGREED that Members could access the Bill electronically and submit any comments to the Town Clerk for onward transmission to the Department on or before the deadline date of 31st January 2008. 

 

MANX                        07/355               The Town Clerk referred to an e-mail from J

SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE                Cotton of the Manx Saxophone Ensemble regarding a visit of around 50 to 60 people from the Huntingdonshire Music School from 23rd to 27th July 2008.  The group would bring to the Island a concert band, a brass band solo instrumentalists and some singers.  As part of the visit Mr. Cotton wished to arrange a day in Peel to take in some of the sights and attractions and put on an evening concert.  This would be followed by a barbeque meal, possibly on the beach for the visitors.  At this stage the Commissioners indicated their support for the visit and requested more details. 

 

PROMENADE            07/356               The Town Clerk referred to brochure

SHELTERS                                           information provided by Mr. Cannan from the Bus Company whereby bus shelters could be utilised and adopted for use on the Promenade.  It was suggested that the Technical Officer liaise with Mr. Cannan over an appropriate shelter that would be open on one side with appropriate seating for use on the Promenade.  The colour of the shelter should be brown and it was suggested a pitched roof would be preferred. 

 

PA 07/02224               07/357               The Town Clerk referred to a letter he had received from Mr. Trevor Cowin of Sea Peep, Poortown Road, Peel concerning his objection to the retrospective planning application made by Heritage Homes Limited for the storage of soil on land at Ballawattleworth.  Mr. Cowin’s objection had appeared to have been mislaid at the Planning Office and in consequence he did not have interested party status and was unable to appeal against the decision.  He indicated that as the Commissioners had commented on the size of the soil embankment requested whether the Commissioners would be appealing against the decision and if so would they taken into account the views expressed in his letter of 17th December 2007. 

 

                                                              Mr. Lightfoot indicated that along with the Town Clerk he had spoken recently to Mr. McLoughlin of Heritage Homes Limited who had indicated that they had applied for a licence to operate a tip at Ballalough.  A decision by the Department of Local Government and the Environment was awaited.  It was AGREED to advise Mr. Cowin that the situation at Ballawattleworth was of a temporary nature and the position should shortly be resolved.  It was also confirmed by Heritage Homes Limited that an assurance had been given to keep the height of the soil below 6 metres.  It was AGREED to advise Mr. Cowin accordingly.

 

BOILLEY                    07/358               Consideration was given to an enquiry from

SPITTAL                                              Mr. Sam Morrison regarding the Department of Transport barriers at the end of Boilley Spittal.  It was suggested that the no entry sign should be moved to the edge of the kerb to ease the situation.  It was further suggested that there was a need for a traffic/speed hump at the entrance to the Douglas Street car park from Boilley Spittal.  It was AGREED at this point to check whether a planning application would be required. 

 

FUN FAIR                  07/359               Reference was made to the approach made to the Department of Tourism enquiring as to whether the TT fun fair could be relocated to Peel for 2008.  Mr. Lightfoot suggested that it may cause controversy with residents and that the matter required publicising.  Whilst at this point no view had been received from the Department concerning the Commissioners interest it was AGREED that the matter be publicised in the next newsletter to be edited by Mrs. Birkett which would be issued in February/March 2008.

 

                                                              This part of the meeting ended at 7.30p.m.