April 2025 Signed

MILLOM WITHOUT PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING AT THE HILL VILLAGE HALL ON 7 APRIL 2025 COMMENCING AT 7.30PM

Present

Cllr C Carrington (Chair), Cllr M Bates, Cllr B Wright, Cllr D Savage, Cllr V Pogrel, Cllr M Kitchingman, Cllr A Calsy

Cllr A Pratt (Cumberland Council)

Lesley Cooper (Clerk)

Apologies for Absence

Cllr I Lockwood (Ill) – Accepted

Exclusion of Press and Public

None

Declarations of Interest

None

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3 March 2025 were signed by the Chair.

Police Liaison Report

Circulated. Cllrs Lockwood, Carrington, and Calsy will represent the Council on the regional groups.

Progress Report

Clerk’s Report

The Clerk has reported potholes and the poor state of the road leading to Underhill.

Public Participation

None

Cllr Kitchingman joined the meeting at 19:40.

Unitary Councillor Report

Cllr Pratt submitted a report which included:

• Increased patrols and fines for dog fouling.
• Enforcement against roadside fly-posting.
• Charges for additional brown bins.
• New round of community funding available.
• Family Hub visit to Millom on 16 April.
• Millom Town Deal progressing.
• Installation of approved traffic speed signs.

Cllr Bates raised concerns about the new retaining wall at The Oaks being out of keeping with the village. Highways do not require planning permission or consultation. Complaints to be directed to Cumberland Highways. Council to review at the next meeting.

The Chair thanked Cllr Pratt for his report.

Applications for Development

New Applications

• 4/25/2082/0F1 – Daisy Cottage, The Hill
  Two-storey rear extension forming additional bedroom at first floor and kitchen/dining room, utility, WC, and side porch.
  Comment: Supported. Preferred roof to be slate to match original building.
• 7/2025/4023 – Broadgate, Thwaites
  Reserved matters (paint colour of external joinery) – planning ref 7/2024/4051.
  Comment: For information only – no comment.
• 7/2025/4022 – Broadgate, Thwaites
  Reserved matters (siting of solar PV array) – planning ref 7/2024/4050.
  Comment: For information only – no comment.

Ratification of Observations Submitted Under Devolved Powers

None

Planning Decisions

None

Financial Records

Approved Payments

• L Cooper – Clerk’s salary & expenses (February): £217.96
• HMRC – PAYE: £45.80
• CALC – Subscription renewal: £249.81
• L Butcher – Removal and treatment of bamboo: £240.00

Receipts

• Garage licence fee received on 28 February 2025.
• Precept received on 27 March 2025. May affect ability to self-certify for the financial year. Awaiting clarification from external auditor (Moore).

Bank Reconciliation

Statement dated 31 March 2025 with internal auditor.

Budget Comparison

Overspend attributed to new website and 10 replacement benches. Covered from reserves.

• Current Account: £10,820.52
• Deposit Account: £12,108.93
• Committed Reserves: £10,277.40
• General Reserve: £12,228.48

Risk Assessment 2025

Approved – Proposed: Cllr Pogrel, Seconded: Cllr Calsy

Asset Register as of 31 March 2025

Approved – Proposed: Cllr Calsy, Seconded: Cllr Savage

Parish Matters

Community Plan

a) Audit of Assets

Cllr Kitchingman updated the asset condition report. Proposed replacing three remaining wooden benches – approved. Cllr Wright suggested benches either side of Lady Hall. One bench to be located at Thwaites School. Clerk to follow up with school.

b) Community Plan Review

Cllr Savage produced an action plan. Start dates set for May 2025. Community Plan to be launched at the Annual Parish Meeting on 19 May 2025 and published online.

c) Path to Play Area

Cllr Kitchingman reported that the Village Hall will open direct access to the play area. Clerk to arrange meeting with contractor and reps from TVH and MPC.

d) Empty Houses

Cllr Carrington reported that a site meeting is pending. Elf Hall at Lady Hall has been sold.

Parish Projects

i) Active Transport

Cllr Calsy reported on a meeting about linking Ravenglass to Barrow. Landowner consultations ongoing.

ii) Pinnel Hole

Parking review now included in Community Plan.

iii) Bamboo Hill Brow

All bamboo has been removed and treated.

iv) Annual Parish Meeting

Date: 19 May 2025 at 6:30 PM, Thwaites Village Hall (launch of Community Plan)

Policies, Procedures and Consultations

None

Subgroup Reports

Environment Group

Cllr Calsy reported that ad hoc litter picking has resumed.

Reports from Representatives on Outside Bodies

a) South Copeland Community Partnership – GDF

Cllr Carrington reported ongoing delays from NWS following suspended meetings. A separate meeting was called by members, which led to positive progress, including agreement on a new chair, recorded meetings, and revival of workstreams like the Community Impact Report.

b) Duddon Marshes

Cllr Bates attended. Topics included climate change impact on tidal levels, river course, and farmland ditch maintenance.

Correspondence

No new correspondence received.

Councillor Matters

• Cllr Pogrel raised concerns about temporary roadwork signage causing dangerous driving. Clerk to contact Karl Melville.
• Cllr Savage requested website usage stats and clarification on linking the website to Facebook.

Date of Next Meeting

12 May 2025 at Thwaites Village Hall, commencing at 7:30 PM.

Meeting closed at 20:55.