Chapel-en-le-Frith

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH PARISH COUNCIL

 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting

held at 7pm on 4^th November 2025

at Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Present: Cllrs J Adshead, T Dales (Chair), Miss M Daniels, A Foreshew-Cain, Cllr T Gilfillan, P Ockenden, Cllr J Perkins , C Williams & S Young 

In Attendance: Ms G Turner (Clerk)

26/297 Apologies were received from M Chantler, Mrs M Drabble & M Drabble who were unable to attend due to holiday. 

26/298 To make any Declarations of Interests – None.   

26/299 To consider any applications for Dispensations - None

26/300 Matters to be discussed following the exclusion of press and public – It was resolved to exclude members of the press and public, under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1, from agenda items 10, 17(c) and (d), 20, 21 & 22.

26/301 To agree any variations of order of business – Agenda items where the press and public are excluded will be moved to the bottom of the agenda.

26/302 Police matters – PC Jake Schofield was in attendance at the meeting and gave a list of the crimes reported during October.

Theft (including burglaries)   12

Criminal Damage                   3

Assaults                              18

Public Order                          7

Drug Offences                       1

Sexual Offences                     1

Stalking/Harassment              8

Forthcoming policing priorities for Chapel-en-le-Frith remain parking issues, retail thefts and speeding.

Councillor Adshead noted that there seemed to be a spike in the number of crimes. PC Schofield confirmed that this is the case, due to increased retail crime which is usual in the run up to Christmas.  The police think that the crime is mainly by people travelling to Chapel from outside the area.

Councillor Adshead stated that the doors at Morrisons appear to be faulty as the alarms go off randomly, which doesn’t help when trying to detect thefts.

26/303 Public Speaking – there were two members of the public present at the meeting. 

One of the members of public stated that the Council receives a concurrent function from HPBC and wonders whether the Council has spoken to HPBC regarding what will happen to this payment after 2027 when the Local Government Reorganisation takes place.

He also mentioned that a representative of the Duchy of Lancaster had said in 2023 that there was a budget for renovations to the market cross, however nothing has been done.

Invitations to attend the meeting were sent to the following Borough and County Councillors:

District Councillor A Benham – apologies sent due to a HPBC meeting the same night. Written update received and attached

District Councillor D Capper – no response

District Councillor S DePee – apologies sent due to a HPBC meeting the same night.  Written update received and attached

District Councillor P Roberts – no response

District Councillor K Sizeland – no response

County Councillor N Gourlay – no response

County Councillor R George – attended the meeting to provide additional information for agenda item 21.

26/304 To approve minutes of the previous meetings. Councillor Gilfillan proposed and Councillor Williams seconded that the Chair be authorised to sign as being a true and correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 9^th September. All Agreed.

26/305 The Chair gave the following report:

·         The Chair attended a site meeting with heads of HPBC and councillors to discuss the marketplace, toilet renovations, falling down house. Ownership and responsibility of the Market Place is a work in progress and there is a possibility for future joint working

·         Reminder that PCSO Karen Green offered dates for a joint walkabout. Chair has committed to 19^th November. Available dates are 13^th, 14^th am 17^th 12-10pm 20^th 12-10pm. Please sign up if you can as it’s a great opportunity to discuss any policing issues and achieve a higher profile with the public.

·         Tomorrow night there will be a bonfire on the Market Place in order to maintain the long standing tradition. There won’t be fireworks, but there will be stalls and singers. Next year’s event is currently being talked about, where could it be sited?

·         Thanks to Councillor  Foreshew-Cain and the numerous volunteers for organising the Market Place clean up in readiness for remembrance Sunday.

·         Due to safety concerns around the ongoing refurbishments at the Market Place the Christmas Light’s switch on will take place at the Methodist Church at Town End on 28^th November. Lights on Market place will be switched on at the same time. Followed by an event at the Town Hall. Hot Chocolate, Mulled Wine and minced pies will be served accompanied by the Chapel Singers.  Volunteers welcomed.

·         A Children’s Christmas party organised by the Parish Council and Little Cherubs will take place on 14^th December at the Town Hall. Please let the Assistant Clerk know if you are able to help out. Watch this space for times.

·         We have received copies of the High Peak Local plan. A very comprehensive document which will be available in the Clerks office for anyone who wishes to read it.

·         With regard to the concerning news of proposed 250 plus houses to be built on Crossings Road, a meeting has been requested with HPBC head of planning to discuss the Parish Council’s current Neighbourhood Plan and whether or not it will have any impact on Barratts proposal. The Chair approached County Councillor Ruth George regarding this matter and she will be attending later to provide some important information as part of the agenda item with public and press excluded. We have received no reply from HPBC planning. But it is diarised weekly to resend the invite until we have a reply.

·         Finally, a big thankyou to Phil our Parks Manager and Neil our seasonal Parks Operative, for stepping in and helping with the dismantling the MUGA removal, re-landscaping and recycling of materials.  It is estimated that they have saved the Parish Council an estimated £8,700.

26/306 Motion from Councillor Gilfillan that the Council Implements a triage system for Councillor queries – deferred to December meeting.

26/307 Motion from Councillor Gilfillan that Councillors consider what content should be included in a proposed Councillors information folder.  Councillor Gilfillan explained that there is a need for Councillors to access information in a speedy and timely way.  The easiest way for this to happen is via a secure folder where all information that Councillors need to be aware of is stored. Councillor William seconded the motion and all agreed.

26/308 Motion from Councillor Gilfillan that the Council should consider the purchase of ID badges for Councillors – Councillor Foreshew-Cain seconded the motion and all agreed.

To receive Actions on updates from previous Minutes

-       26/296 Motion from Councillor Adshead - to update residents of South Head Drive on what progress has been made regarding the play park – This matter has been ongoing for some years now, due to a dispute between Barratt Housing and HPBC.  Councillor Foreshew-Cain seconded the motion and all agreed that the Clerk should contact HPBC to find out what is happening with the play area and then publish this on the website.

-       26/233 Update on branded workwear for staff or ID displayed on lanyards – It was noted that this is being progressed and the relevant staff have been asked to contact the supplier to order their workwear.  It was agreed that the Parish Council logo should be included on the workwear.

-       26/236 Investigation into the utilisation of Local Authority Constables – The Clerk stated that she had been unable to find contact details from the presentation.  Councillor Adshead agreed that he would obtain the contact details and forward them to the Clerk.

     26/309 Planning Applications - The following applications were considered:  

HPK/2025/0315 10 Netherfield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Demolition of existing garage and erection of new garage in situ with living accommodation.  It was agreed that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0352 - Land rear of 53 Beresford Avenue, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Retrospective application for siting of two storage containers for agricultural machinery with associated minimal permeable hardstanding: retention of beehive and small poultry enclosure.  It was agreed that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0376 - Old Dane Hey Lane End, Combs - Proposed conversion of disused building to self-build dwelling.  It was agreed that the Council has no comment on this application.

HPK/2025/0395 Land rear of 102 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Proposed erection of 2 custom-built dwellings. It was resolved to object to this application as similar planning applications in the locality have been refused permission on the grounds that an 8m wildlife corridor must be maintained between any development and warm brook. The Parish Council also has safety concerns regarding cars exiting from the properties as there is a restricted view when turning onto the main road due to the exit being alongside a shop and vehicles will need to cross both a pavement and roadside parking bays to get onto the road.

HPK/2025/0415 - 25 Crossings Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Demolition of side garage and construction of 2 storey side extension with single storey extension to rear. It was agreed that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0416 -22 Brookside Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Single storey rear extension. It was agreed that the Council has no objection to this application.

HPK/2025/0430 - Blythe House Hospice, Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith - Installation of roof mounted 31.85kw solar PV system compromising of 70 x Canadian solar 455w modules. It was agreed that the Council has no objection to this application.

26/310 Planning Appeals – none

26/311 Panning Decisions  

HPK/2025/0230 – 28 & 30 Hordern’s Park Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – New pitched roof to replace existing flat roofs - granted

HPK/2025/0097 – Peak Dale Molecular Ltd, Frith Knoll Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – Construction of a two-storey office extension - granted

HPK/2025/0112 – 22 Brookside Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith – Certificate of lawfulness of single storey rear extension - refused

26/312 Reports from Committees/working groups (except if the issue is elsewhere on agenda):

-     Regeneration & Communications Committee – the committee is currently looking at how to improve communication between the Council and residents. 

Councillor Williams stated that there had been a meeting with Chapel’s Biodiversity Group regarding the Biodiversity Action Plan.

-     Finance & Town Hall Committee – Councillor Young proposed the following motions from the committee

·         Motion that a rolling lease be drawn up for the flat which allows for an annual rent increase – not seconded.

·         Motion to advertise the flat for rent in its current condition for £650pcm – not seconded. Counter motion proposed by Councillor Adshead and seconded by Councillor Foreshew-Cain that the Council makes the flat sa fe and habitable in line with all regulations – not voted on.

Counter proposal from Councillor Ockenden that the Finance & Assets Committee will assess viable options for the future of the flat.  Councillor Adshead seconded this motion and all agreed that this motion will go to the Finance & Assets Committee for consideration.

·         Motion to draw up a new library lease for a period of 10 years with a break clause after 5 years – Councillor Gilfillan seconded the motion and all agreed.

·         Motion that the library annual rent should be increased in line with the average CPI over the previous 12 months – not seconded. Amended motion proposed by Councillor Williams that the starting point for negotiations with the County Council will be average CPI over the previous 12 months.  Councillor Adshead seconded and all agreed.

-     Personnel Committee

·         To receive a verbal update on progress of the staff records template – defer to the next meeting.

-     Chapel Memorial Park and MUGA Working Group – defer to the next meeting.

26/313 Finance –

(a)  Councillor Gilfillan proposed and Councillor Foreshew-Cain seconded that that the schedule of accounts presented for payment totalling £167,871.03 (including VAT) be authorised and the accounts to which they relate be paid.

(b)  The year-to-date income and expenditure actual -v- budget schedule was circulated to Councillors and noted. 

(c) Presentation on Budget Preparation – it was agreed that the Clerk will deliver this information at the beginning of each of the upcoming budget setting committee meetings.

26/314 To consider the Bowling Club rent for the 2025 season -  It was agreed that this should be considered by the Bowling Club Working Group before being put to full Council.

AT THIS POINT PRESS AND PUBLIC WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING

26/315 Motion from Trustees of United Charities to consider appointing Jeanette Saxby as a Trustee of United Charities – defer to the next meeting

County Councillor George joined the meeting to give an update on the following agenda item.

Before the item was discussed County Councillor George gave a brief overview of matters affecting the parish.

-       A Speedwatch is being set up at Tunstead Milton and Whaley Bridge

-       £200 allocated from the Councillor Initiative Fund for bins at Coombs Reservoir and £50 to Helping Hands at Coombs.

-       Papers for the Local Government Restructure will be published on 6^th November.

-       Peak School’s expansion into Alderbrook Day Centre is moving forward and will provide more SEN places. 

26/316 To consider the proposals for further housing off Crossings Road – County Councillor gave an update on the proposed housing off Crossings Road. A discussion then took place regarding the renewal of the Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan.  It was agreed that the Neighbourhood Plan renewal should be an agenda item going forward.

23/317 To receive an update on the court case – it was noted that there is a hearing 13^th November.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 10pm.

______________________                    

CHAIR