Parish Council Meeting Notes

Ed : we are grateful to  our reporter for providing this summary of the Audlem Parish Council meeting 10.9.26.The official minutes will be provided by the Parish Council

The meeting was opened by the chairman, who read a prepared statement regarding the current, known position regarding activities at the old grammar school.

He basically re-iterated the information which has already been published on AOL and FB. CE are collating information and evidence regarding what is taking place and will decide on future action to be taken. It is a slow process and the APC recognises everyone’s frustration.

He thanked those parishioners who have submitted evidence to them, it has been passed to CE. Authorities have visited the site and identified breaches which should require planning permission. CE have written to the individual believed to be the owner, but received no reply. The temporary stop notice (TSN) is still in place.

During the public session a number of parishioners expressed their fears over what was taking place at the old grammar school, the lack of information coming from CE and the MP, the lack of deadlines for such information.

It was explained that CE will continue their investigation until the end date of the TSN, at which time they may commence legal proceedings, issue a permanent stop notice or a further TSN. It was also mentioned that if the school was intended to be used as an HMO then there are more planning stages to go through, not an easy process.

A question was asked about repairing the church flag pole. APC assured it was in hand and a new flag is ready.

Mention was made of the gents toilets being closed on the public car park. Apparently criminal damage has been caused to the fixtures and fittings in the toilets. The entry door has been damaged and won’t close properly. A police investigation is being carried out to identify who has been responsible for the damage, it is the APC position that they would wish to prosecute any alleged offender.

Ward councillor Rachel Bailey was unable to attend but submitted a report re recent CE activity and proposals. It included a proposed meeting with CE and the police re works on Baddington Bridge in spring next year which will cause more traffic disruption.

The clerk submitted her report, which included that the trial in respect of the missing APC funds will take place in 2027, date to fix. The police witness care team will be getting in touch with witnesses for their availability so a date can be set.

A dog poo bin should be in place at Bagley Lane shortly. There is a wasps nest near the entrance to Turnpike Field by the bridge. It has been decided not to do anything to anger the insects, they should only be there for about 4 weeks.

Police report. There has been an increase in the theft a pedal cycles in the Nantwich area.

Their priorities are parking and activities at the grammar school. There have been incidents of loose dogs near livestock.

In relation to planning applications it was noted that despite CE determining that the building of a new house would be beyond the Audlem boundary line and conflict with polices of the Cheshire East local plan (CELPS) and the Audlem Neighbourhood plan (ANP), because CE is unable to demonstrate a five year supply of housing, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was engaged and the planning approved.

The APC do not believe that this ruling should affect the applications in favour of the developers to build houses on the two sites at Moorsfield Avenue and Audlem Road. They will amend their objections in the report to be submitted in respect of Audlem Road, a further submission will be made for Moorsfield Avenue.

A number of administrative matters were discussed. APC bank balance at the end of August was £71K. In order to complete APC accounts to allow them to apply for grants, the services of a solicitor will be sought to apply to Santander bank to obtain bank statements to do this.

Due to criminal damage and essential repairs to the public toilet block, works will have to be carried out which will prove expensive.

The monument has been re-installed in The Square. An electrician needs to reconnect the light. APC will undertake the placing/removal of flags round the village.

Speedwatch. 17 vehicles in July, 52 vehicles in August caught speeding and reported to the police.

APC is engaging with the Highways dept to have gully’s and drains cleared around the village.

Turnpike Field updates. Cheshire plant Seeds have been selected for the wildlife meadows. Weeds need to be removed. An operation to remove Himalayan balsam will be undertaken. FP 26 is being upgraded. Grass cutting will be taking place. A new dipping platform has been identified. Funds are available, grants may be forthcoming. A planning application should be ready for the next meeting for submission; to CE. It will outline 3 proposed areas for the track, CE will make the final decision.

If approved it is intended to complete the track in phases in order to monitor the uptake by the cyclists.

The next meeting will be 15.10.26.