23/036 PRESENT
Councillors Coan, Banks, Dalzell, Gardiner, Hartley, Johnson, Lowe, McCulloch, Mears, Robertson, Russell, Watson and Wood
In attendance: A Keppel-Green (Town Clerk) and B Allen (Planning and Facilities Officer)
23/037 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllrs Forrest and Gray (personal business)
23/038 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
No member declared an interest in any item under discussion.
23/039 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A resident spoke in relation to 23/045 and the action under the Environment and Transport Committee to develop an action plan to implement the conservation area management plans, suggesting that whilst the public realm and environment aspects may fall under this committee issues of boundary treatment and design should be led by the Planning Committee.
23/040 CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held 12th June.
23/041 COMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes were noted.
The Town Clerk provided an explanation as to how confidential business is recorded in minutes and undertook to check a reference in the Planning Committee minutes of the 10th instant.
23/042 CHESHIRE EAST COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
The written reports of Cllrs Coan, Dean and Gardiner was noted. Cllr Gardiner additionally reported that the Chief Executive Officer had tendered her resignation and that there were a number of additional senior staff absences, that the council had narrowly voted to introduce green bin charges, and that as the council cannot lawfully charge for the collection of food waste the official communication will be that residents should compost food waste or dispose of it in their black bins. Cllr Gardiner further reported that the council had approved reductions to library opening hours which would now be subject to union consultation with respect staffing changes.
Cllr Gardiner responded to questions in respect of the reconfiguration of the Canute Place roundabout advising that he understood further technical work was being undertaken by officers to determine the scheme, sequencing of traffic lights advising that he understood works would be funded through planning contributions and that he would check at which point these are triggered and the From Top to Bottom Street proposals advising that he understood it was with the Regeneration Department.
Cllr Gardiner responded to a question in respect of the derelict property at 8 Beechwood stating that he had spoken with the Acting Head of Place who had instructed the relevant teams to progress matters but that it was a complicated issue where the council had to use its powers carefully; a clear timeline for action was requested.
23/043 MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Cllr Hartley reported he had attended the council’s Visit Knutsford stand at the RHS Tatton Show highlighting it was extremely worthwhile and suggesting the council avail itself of similar opportunities in the future.
Cllr Banks reported on attendance at the Manchester Airport Consultative Committee, noting the airport was introducing a Foundation Degree in airport leadership, upgrading security scanners and that terminal one would be closing for renovation in the future. Cllr Banks further reported on the recent noise complaints advising that it was due to the wind direction, aircraft needing a straight 6-8 mile approach and had to consider the proximity of air traffic at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Cllr Russell reported on a meeting with the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership noting that they still support the airport western link and Middlewich branch line campaigns and noting they support HS2 for its potential to reduce congestion at Stockport enabling increased frequency of trains on the Mid Cheshire Line.
Cllr Watson reported he had met with the secretary of Friends of the Heath, that the tripartite meeting between the Friends, Tatton Estate and the Town Council had been scheduled and that he believed the council should contribute toward the running costs of the Heath as an open space.
23/044 USE OF GLYPHOSATE WEEDKILLER
It was noted that the council had previously used glyphosate weedkiller selectively and a discussion took place on alternatives and the merits/demerits of glyphosate use.
It was RESOLVED to permit the use of glyphosate weedkiller.
The Planning and Facilities Officer left the meeting.
23/045 COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN 2023/24 ACTION PLANS
The committee action plans were noted, and it was agreed to add an action under the Planning Committee to implement a system to ensure the conservation area management plan objectives are considered when reviewing planning applications within said areas.
23/046 REGISTRATION OF LAND AT THE CANUTE MOSAIC
It was RESOLVED to approve an application being made to register the land at the Canute Mosaic, Heritage Way.
23/047 MENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS: MARKET HALL RESPONSIBILITY
In accordance with Standing Order 117 it was RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order 118 for this item.
It was RESOLVED to amend the terms of reference of the Town Centre committee to insert “(except the long-term management of the asset)” immediately following the words “Market Hall”.
23/048 MAYORAL DUTIES
The Town Mayor reported on attendance as detailed below.
23/049 PAYMENTS
The payment schedules were noted.
23/050 OUTSTANDING MATTERS LOG
The log was noted.
23/051 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public were present.
23/052 QUESTIONS TO THE TOWN CLERK
It was requested that an item be tabled at the appropriate meeting to discuss the derelict property at 8 Beechwood. The council noted its thanks to officers for the successful alfresco dining events, mayor’s BBQ and Civic Sunday.
The Town Clerk responded to questions advising that there is an Order in place which enables the police to prevent anti-social drinking in the town centre and that a meeting between the Assets and Operations Committee and Bruntwood was scheduled for August.
23/053 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
It was noted that the next scheduled meeting will be held on 9th October 2023 at 7:00pm.
APPENDIX A: MAYORAL ENGAGEMENTS
ENGAGEMENTS ATTENDED
| Date | Event | Attended by |
| 14/06/23 | Just Drop In Youth Counselling Centre Opening | Town Mayor |
| 22/06/23 | Slater & Gordon Launch Party | Town Mayor |
| 24/06/23 | Scout Camp at Tatton Park | Cllr Gardiner |
| 02/07/23 | Manor Park Summer Fair | Cllr Dalzell |
| 02/07/23 | Opus 5 & Aya Summer Concert | Town Mayor |
| 05/07/23 | Toft Taverners Day Trip Departure | Town Mayor |
| 16/07/23 | Macclesfield Civic Service | Deputy Town Mayor |
| 18/07/23 | Flowers in Wallwood Launch | Town Mayor |
| 20/07/23 | RHS Floral Walk Judging | Deputy Town Mayor |
ENGAGEMENTS DECLINED
| Date | Event |
| 30/06/23 | Cranford Grange Care Home Summer festival |
| 02/07/23 | Congleton Civic Service |
| 18/07/23 | North West Green Flag Awards Ceremony |