Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 18th. May 2023 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.

Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).

Councillors S. Dickinson & R. Lovell.

In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

1/23 Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from K.Shaw.

2/23 Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

3/23 Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance at the meeting.

4/23 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

5/23 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23rd. March 2023 had been circulated and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.

6/23 Matters Arising.

(a) Co-option of Councillors.

It was noted that there had only been four Councillors elected with a resulting three vacancies. It was agreed to forcefully advertise the vacancies as the Council could co-opt immediately.

(b) Memorial Seat.

It was reported that the memorial seat had been ordered and delivery was awaited.

It was also mentioned that the existing seat on the suggested site could be re-located onto the common land. Enquiries to be made with the Lengthsman.

7/23 Other Business.

(a) Planting of Village Tubs It was agreed to ask the lengthsman to summer plant the village flower tubs.

8/23 Correspondence.

The following had already been distributed to Councillors :-

Moorlands Climate Action Newsletter – Spring 2023.

Draft SMDC Development Planning Document.

Clerks & Councils Direct Magazine, May 2023 issue, and Notice of Road Closure of Dunwood Lane on 23rd. May 2023 had also been received.

9/23 Planning Matters.

The following planning application had been received for discussion:

SMD/2023/0147 Demolition of Existing Public House & Erection of Farm Shop and Café/restaurant with associated works including change of use of adjacent field to car park, upgrading and improvement to existing field access and hard and soft landscaping.

It was agreed to forward no objections, in principle, but to point out that there is no public sewer in Longsdon as is stated on the plans.

It was also suggested that a rider should be added that the demolition of the existing dangerous and delipidated building should be undertaken without delay as part of the scheme.

10/23 Finance Matters.

(a) A copy of the Annual Accounts for 2022/2023 was distributed to Councillors and perused.

(b) Appointment of Internal Auditor.

Marion Corbishley of Cheadle had been recommended as the replacement Internal Auditor. It was agreed that she be employed.

(c) External Audit Exemption Certificate.

As the Council’s turnover was below £25,000 it was agreed to submit an External Audit Exemption Certificate in due course.

(d) Insurance Police Renewal.

As the increase in the premium for renewal of the Council’s policy was reasonable it was agreed that it be renewed again with Zurich Municipal.

(e) Orders for Payment.

It was agreed that the following items be paid:

11/23 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

12/23 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.

Items to be included on the next agenda were the Clerk’s Salary and the White Lines on the main A53 Leek Road,

13/23 Date of Next Meeting.

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 22nd. June 2023 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.