4 Planning Applications
The order of the Agenda was re-arranged to bring forward the discussion on the application for two houses adjoining Alder House, Strawberry Lane. This had been notified to the Village residents and 58 people of the Village were in attendance.

The application is to develop on Green Belt land and further contravenes other guidelines in the NPPF, the Vale Royal Local Plan (VRLP) and the submitted CW&C Local Plan Part 1.The Chairman explained the background to Green Belt and the limitations to building in the Green Belt. It is believed, from the data submitted with the application, that claims are being made of 'infill' and sustainable development. The Parish Council reject these assertions.

The definition of 'infill' is not applicable to the proposal, either grammatically or practically. The data presented to support 'sustainable development' has questionable legitimacy to building in the Green Belt but in any case is disingenuous and flawed.

The residents put forward many objective points to refute the data and to seek rejection of the application. In outline these were;
Acton Bridge is 'washed-over' Green Belt,
Not infill - no gap between houses,
Close to listed building and historic houses,
No shops, schools, employment,
No post office or banks,
No doctor surgeries,
No transport of value to employment prospects,
If allowed would be precedent for many such applications throughout the Village,
No public gain only profit to developers,
There are a significant number of houses of various sizes and prices for sale in the Village,
Strawberry Lane is narrow, single width lane,
Strawberry Lane is not suitable and cannot carry additional HGV traffic during construction, and later,
The proposed properties introduce privacy issues with the new houses being much higher than those on Strawberry Lane, head-lights shining in windows, etc.
Oil pipelines across the field,
Insufficient drainage and water will run-off to Strawberry Lane properties,
Existing sewage system is inadequate for existing properties,
No proposals on the application for dealing with sewage,
Damage to the environment and loss of agricultural land.

Clr Fifield said that he had already spoken to the Planning Officer. He is against developing the field a slice at a time. He stated that there is a requirement for housing. He acknowledged the concern of the Village residents and said that if the Planning Officer was minded to approve the application he would ask for it to be 'called in'.

The question was asked if there are anyone in favour of the application. There were no speakers.

The residents were urged to forward their own comments to the Planning Officer. The Parish Council will send a letter to the Planning Officer urging refusal of the application.

A vote of thanks was expressed from the meeting to the Parish Council.

Village Matters
A further topic of speeding problems was raised and also the use of Hill Top Road and Acton Lane by heavy goods vehicles in spite of the weight restriction. The possible revision of the speed limits on the B5153 were discussed. However it was pointed out that CW&C may ask for contributions from Parishes along the route and for Acton Bridge this could be well in excess of the full annual precept for the Village. Enforcement of the weight restriction is required.

The meeting continued with the normal monthly agenda.

1 Public Matters
No additional matters were raised.

2 Minutes of Previous Meetings
a) The minutes of the meeting 3rd March 2014, were accepted and signed.

3 Matters arising
June 2013 meeting
Item 4 Planning Applications
a) Extended garage 23, Milton Rough
The Chairman mentioned that the neighbour is still working to get resolution of the drainage / culvert problems. The support by CW&C has not been satisfactory and the resident is considering further action. The resident has sought guidance from the Environment Agency and has also liaised with Network Rail regarding water discharge from the lines upstream of the culvert. Environment Agency advise that CW&C as the local authority are classed as the Lead Local Flood Authority and as such should manage all associated drainage matters.
The resident is considering making a formal complaint or taking the matter to the Ombudsman. The meeting agreed to support the resident and to assist, where possible, with any action to bring the matter to conclusion.

July 2013 meeting
Item 10 Village Matters
The topic of replacement stiles and costs has not been cleared as yet. Clr Evans reported that he had been in touch with Mr Holden (CW&C Public Rights of Way) and he had been given another persons name to contact. Action Clr Evans- Ongoing.
The Chairman mentioned that a problem had been raised over signs being altered for the footpath between Hill Top Road and Strawberry Lane. He had informed Mr Holden who will check what has been done.

December 2013 Meeting
Item 9 Correspondence
b) Superfast Broadband
Clr Pardoe reported on the work all around the area to install the cables and junction boxes. He said that an 'official type' opening event is planned for the new equipment opposite the Hanging Gate. This will be on ist May at 2-00 pm.

February 2014 Meeting
4 Planning Applications
a) Acton Hall Farm - See Item 5 Planning Decisions.
6 Financial Matters
b) A letter has been received from AON Insurance asking to quote for the Parish Council insurance. It was agreed that the form be completed and returned. Action Clerk - ongoing
7 CWAC Ward Councillors
b) The new speed limits for Station Road and Milton Rough, as part of the B5154 amendments, are being progressed. Clr Fifield will seek clarification of the funding. At present it is believed (letter from Highways refers) to be half by CW&C and half by the relevant Parish Council. Action Clr Fifield - ongoing.
8 Reports from other meetings
b) Highways
Further to the quotes for speeding signs and Mr Jones agreeing to obtain quotes and send the information to the Council, the Chairman reported that Mr Jones now estimated £5600 as the cost of a standard sign using electrical power supply. The cost would be similar for solar powered equipment allowing for the cost of batteries. Action Clr Holt. - Completed

4 Planning Applications
No other applications

5 Planning Decisions
Acton Hall farm is now approved with the stables being reduced in size to comply with guidelines.

6 Financial Matters
a) Authority for cheques;
The following cheques were approved;
Cheshire Community Action - £20.00
Zurich Insurance - £243.80
ChALC - £147.60
Footpath Society - £8.00

7 CWAC Ward Councillors
Ward Forum will be held on 17th April at Cuddington.

8 Reports from other meetings
It was noted that the Joint Cemetery Committee have appointed a new Clerk.

9 Correspondence
Letter received from CPRE requesting an increase in membership subscription next year.
Weaverham Parish Council letter received notifying proposed boundary straightening and small change at A49 junction. Letter to be sent acknowledging the Weaverham letter. Action Clerk
Footpath Society AGM is 9th April. Clr Evans offered to attend.
CPRE magazine has interesting information on planning matters.
CW&C - Members Briefings, issues 640 to 651.
CW&C - Bulletin - March 2014.
CPRE - Country Voice magazine - Spring 2014.
CPRE Charter - request for signatures.
Cheshire Playing Fields Association - request for fee.

10 Village Matters
a) A cycle race will be held on 27th April. Several notable riders are taking part.

11 Any other business
a) It was reported that some of the lights on Acton Lane are staying on through the day.
b) Clr Evans stated that there is concern in Homewatch about tall hedges providing opportunities for crime. He will pass the information to Clr Pardoe for inclusion in the web site.

Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 6th May 2014, at 7-00pm. AGM at 7-30 pm.