In the last 7 days (since Saturday 15 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Development Control Committee on Monday 17 June 2024
2. Cabinet Delegated Decisions on Monday 17 June 2024
3. Planning Applications Committee on Thursday 20 June 2024
4. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Thursday 20 June 2024
5. Standards Committee (SMDC) on Friday 21 June 2024
6. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Friday 21 June 2024
7. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Friday 21 June 2024
8. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Friday 21 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Planning Applications Committee on Thursday 20 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Springfield Farm Café and Tea Room Application

The committee deliberated on an application to change the use of a former agricultural building at Springfield Farm to a café and tea room. The application sought to expand the existing ice cream parlour's offerings to include a café and tea room.

Key Points:

• The application was to change the use of the remaining part of the agricultural building to a café and tea room.
• The site is within the green belt, but the change of use of existing buildings within the green belt is acceptable in principle.
• The committee considered the impact on residential amenity, highway safety, and the character of the area.

Quote:

The change of use of existing buildings within the green belt is acceptable in principle, provided there isn't a harmful impact on openness. - Planning Officer

Concerns and Objections

Several residents and speakers raised concerns about the potential impact on residential amenity, noise, and traffic. There were also discussions about the enforcement of previous planning conditions and the need for better communication between the applicant and residents.

Key Points:

• Residents expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and the impact on their quality of life.
• There were issues with the enforcement of previous planning conditions, including the use of the site for activities not covered by the original permission.
• The committee emphasized the importance of dialogue between the applicant and residents to address concerns.

Quote:

I think your voices have been heard hopefully by the applicant today, and that the red line, although it doesn't, the purple line, doesn't actually include south of Springfield House and the field that we looked at today. - Councillor Keith Flunder

Decision and Conditions

The committee approved the application with conditions to address the concerns raised. These conditions included restrictions on the use of the site, the implementation of landscaping measures, and the enforcement of previous planning conditions.

Key Points:

• The application was approved with conditions to mitigate the impact on residential amenity and highway safety.
• Conditions included restrictions on the use of the site, landscaping measures, and the enforcement of previous planning conditions.
• The committee encouraged the applicant to work closely with residents to address ongoing concerns.

Quote:

I hope that the applicant has listened to what the residents require. As for conditions, I think condition 20, what we've put on today, was put on before. I think we need to act on that as soon as possible. - Councillor Paul Roberts

This week's meetings highlighted ongoing themes of community engagement and the balance between development and residential amenity. The discussions about the Springfield Farm application underscored the importance of addressing residents' concerns and ensuring that development within the green belt is managed responsibly.

The implications of these discussions are significant. The approval of the Springfield Farm application with conditions reflects the council's commitment to supporting local businesses while protecting residential amenity and the character of the area. The emphasis on enforcement and dialogue with residents will help ensure that future developments are managed in a way that benefits the entire community.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Cabinet on Tuesday 11 June 2024
2. Corporate Select Committee on Monday 10 June 2024
3. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Tuesday 11 June 2024
4. Cabinet on Tuesday 11 June 2024
5. Climate Change Working Group (SMDC) on Wednesday 12 June 2024
6. The Executive on Thursday 13 June 2024
7. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Friday 14 June 2024
8. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Friday 14 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Corporate Select Committee on Monday 10 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Transition Buxton Update

Jean Beale from Transition Buxton provided an update on their activities, including the monthly repair cafe, which has repaired 650 out of 1,085 items, saving 21.4 tonnes of CO2. They also run a hard-to-recycle scheme, a library of things, and have been recognized as a plastic-free community by Surfers Against Sewage. The group aims to reduce waste, fossil fuel use, and plastic use, and they work in partnership with various organizations to achieve these goals.

Key Points:

• The repair cafe has a 60% success rate, having repaired 650 out of 1,085 items.
• The hard-to-recycle scheme has processed 550kg of crisp packets.
• The library of things has 87 items and 123 members, allowing people to borrow useful items instead of buying them.
• Transition Buxton has been recognized as a plastic-free community by Surfers Against Sewage.

Quote:

We at Transition Buxton are very keen to work in partnership with anybody and everybody to tackle a problem on a planetary scale. We all have to do everything we possibly can and that means collaborating and working together. - Jean Beale

Challenges and Opportunities

The committee discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by Transition Buxton, including the need for regulatory reform to eliminate designed-in obsolescence and the importance of community engagement.

Key Points:

• Many electrical appliances are designed not to be repaired, which limits the success rate of the repair cafe.
• Transition Buxton has been advocating for regulatory reform to address this issue.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of their initiatives, and they have been working closely with local councils and organizations.

Quote:

Our experience in the repair cafe tells us that there is a need for a regulatory reform to eliminate designed-in obsolescence. There is considerably more overt progress in the EU than the UK around that but our manufacturers will have to conform to those EU rules anyway but it would be really nice to see them coming in here in the UK as well. - Jean Beale

Future Steps

The committee discussed the future steps for Transition Buxton, including increasing targeted outreach, exploring new projects and funding opportunities, and continuing to work in partnership with local councils and organizations.

Key Points:

• Transition Buxton plans to increase targeted outreach and attend more events to reach more residents.
• They are exploring new projects and funding opportunities to enhance their service delivery.
• The committee expressed support for Transition Buxton and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

Quote:

We believe in putting people before planet. We offer free home energy audits although there are others doing it better than us now we have to admit but we're still there willing to do it. We have a dispersed community orchard of over 112 trees I think it is now and we love working in partnership we think it's the only way forward. - Jean Beale

This week's meetings highlighted ongoing themes of community engagement and support for environmental initiatives. The presentation from Transition Buxton underscored the importance of addressing waste reduction, energy efficiency, and plastic use in the district. The discussions about challenges and opportunities reflect the council's commitment to supporting local organizations and ensuring effective service delivery.

The implications of these discussions are significant. The work of Transition Buxton is crucial for supporting environmental sustainability and addressing waste reduction. The council's commitment to engaging with local organizations and improving communication will enhance service delivery and ensure that more residents receive the support they need. The focus on future projects and funding opportunities will help Transition Buxton continue its important work and address the challenges it faces.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 01 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Climate Change Working Group (HPBC) on Tuesday 04 June 2024
2. Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 03 June 2024
3. Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 03 June 2024
4. Service Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 05 June 2024
5. Audit & Regulatory Committee on Wednesday 05 June 2024
6. Audit & Accounts Committee on Friday 07 June 2024
7. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Thursday 06 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 03 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Beat the Cold Presentation

The panel received a detailed presentation from Fiona Miller of Beat the Cold, an energy advice service and energy efficiency charity operating in Staffordshire. The presentation covered the organization's work in supporting vulnerable residents, particularly those facing fuel poverty.

Key Points:

• Beat the Cold has supported 451 households in the moorlands over the past 12 months.
• The organization has signposted residents to over £60,000 in fuel voucher support and provided other forms of assistance such as food bank vouchers and water tariff support.
• Beat the Cold specializes in retrofit schemes and works closely with Ofgem to deliver grant-funded projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and combating fuel poverty.
• The presentation highlighted the importance of NICE guidelines in dictating the service's operations and the broad definition of vulnerable people within these guidelines.

Quote:

We pride ourselves in getting up to speed and working very closely with Ofgem to ensure we have all the latest updates with these schemes to deliver them effectively to residents in order to combat fuel poverty and improve the quality of our housing stock. - Fiona Miller

Capacity and Resource Challenges

The panel discussed the challenges Beat the Cold faces in terms of capacity and resources, particularly during the energy crisis. Fiona Miller emphasized the importance of strategic planning and the need for additional funding to support the organization's work.

Key Points:

• Beat the Cold has experienced capacity issues due to the high volume of work during the energy crisis.
• The organization is undergoing a program of recruitment to increase capacity and improve service delivery.
• The panel discussed the market for home energy advisors and the challenges in recruiting qualified staff.

Quote:

I think it's a hard sector in the fact that it changes so variably but we have our eyes on everything. - Fiona Miller

Engagement with Town and Parish Councils

The panel emphasized the importance of engaging with town and parish councils to reach more residents and improve service delivery. There was a discussion about the need for better communication and collaboration between the council and Beat the Cold.

Key Points:

• Town and parish councils can play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable residents and facilitating support.
• The panel suggested setting up a framework for better communication and engagement with town and parish councils.

Quote:

We work very closely as you're aware with the NHS, we're building those links all the time, we've got new projects coming through and many of the team over at the NHS are really up the skill to look for the key indicators where it would be the call referral would be really useful and so we're starting to build those numbers coming through as well. - Fiona Miller

Future Steps

The panel discussed the future steps for Beat the Cold, including the need for more targeted outreach and the potential for new projects and funding opportunities. There was a commitment to continue supporting the organization and addressing the challenges it faces.

Key Points:

• Beat the Cold plans to increase targeted outreach and attend more events to reach vulnerable residents.
• The organization is exploring new projects and funding opportunities to enhance its service delivery.
• The panel expressed support for Beat the Cold and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

Quote:

We're absolutely willing to find new ways of working if we need to to reach people but I think the first port would be start with the data and please do tell me where you want us to look at and we'll do that analysis and not shy away from it whatever the outcome. - Fiona Miller

This week's meetings highlighted ongoing themes of community engagement and support for vulnerable residents. The presentation from Beat the Cold underscored the importance of addressing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency in the district. The discussions about capacity challenges and the need for better engagement with town and parish councils reflect the council's commitment to supporting local organizations and ensuring effective service delivery.

The implications of these discussions are significant. The work of Beat the Cold is crucial for supporting vulnerable residents and addressing fuel poverty. The council's commitment to engaging with town and parish councils and improving communication will enhance service delivery and ensure that more residents receive the support they need. The focus on future projects and funding opportunities will help Beat the Cold continue its important work and address the challenges it faces.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 18 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Planning Applications Committee on Thursday 23 May 2024
2. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Thursday 23 May 2024
3. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Monday 20 May 2024
4. Development Control Committee on Monday 20 May 2024
5. Cabinet Delegated Decisions on Monday 20 May 2024
6. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Tuesday 21 May 2024
7. Cabinet Delegated Decisions on Tuesday 21 May 2024
8. Resources Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 22 May 2024
9. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Wednesday 22 May 2024
10. Economy and Growth Select Committee on Thursday 23 May 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Resources Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Corporate Peer Review

The council discussed the recent corporate peer review conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). The review highlighted several strengths of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, including well-managed finances and effective governance. However, it also recommended areas for improvement, such as accelerating the pace of change in ICT programmes, environmental aspects, and accommodation. The review emphasized the need to assess the value for money derived from working in the Alliance with High Peak Borough Council.

Key Points:

• The review praised the council's financial management and governance.
• Recommendations included accelerating the pace of change and assessing the value for money from the Alliance.
• The council plans to publish the review along with an action plan to address the recommendations.

Efficiency Programme

The council discussed the efficiency programme, focusing on income and charges. The programme aims to balance the council's budget without compulsory redundancies or material detriment to frontline services. The discussion included a presentation on the various income streams and the importance of recovering costs through fees and charges.

Key Points:

• The efficiency programme is critical for balancing the council's budget.
• The programme includes five themes: income and charges, asset management, project management, council-controlled companies, and recruitment and retention.
• The council aims to ensure that fees and charges are appropriate and that costs of service delivery are recovered.

Car Parking Charges

The council discussed the importance of car parking charges and their impact on town centres. There was a call for evidence-based discussions on the relationship between car parking charges and economic performance.

Key Points:

• Car parking charges are crucial for the success of town centres.
• The council plans to review car parking charges to ensure they are appropriate and support town centre vitality.

Engagement with Town and Parish Councils

The council emphasized the importance of involving town and parish councils in discussions about the efficiency programme, particularly regarding asset management. There was a commitment to engage and consult with relevant parties when making decisions about assets.

Key Points:

• Town and parish councils will be involved in discussions about the efficiency programme.
• Engagement and consultation are crucial for decisions about asset management.

Future Steps

The council plans to continue working on the efficiency programme, reviewing fees and charges, and ensuring that the programme aligns with corporate priorities. There will be regular updates and scrutiny of the programme's progress.

Key Points:

• The council will continue to review and refine the efficiency programme.
• Regular updates and scrutiny will ensure the programme's success.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the exclusion of the public for the next agenda item.

This week's meetings highlighted ongoing themes of financial management and community engagement, which we've discussed before. The corporate peer review and efficiency programme are critical for the council's future direction. The focus on car parking charges and engagement with town and parish councils underscores the council's commitment to supporting local economies and ensuring effective governance.

The implications of these discussions are significant. The corporate peer review will guide improvements in council operations, while the efficiency programme aims to ensure financial stability without compromising services. The review of car parking charges could impact town centre vitality, and the engagement with town and parish councils could lead to more cohesive local governance.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 11 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Monday 13 May 2024
2. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Monday 13 May 2024
3. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions on Wednesday 15 May 2024
4. Cabinet Delegated Decisions on Wednesday 15 May 2024
5. Council (SMDC) on Wednesday 15 May 2024
6. Housing Board on Wednesday 15 May 2024
7. Cabinet on Thursday 16 May 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Council (SMDC) on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

1. Outgoing Chair's Final Remarks: The outgoing chair emphasized principles of caring, collaboration, advocacy, and respect. They thanked family, friends, and colleagues for their support and highlighted achievements and engagements with the community, including young people.

2. Election of New Chair: Councillor Ian Plant was unanimously elected as the new chair of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. He expressed his commitment to the role and outlined his background and future plans. His charities for the year will be Moorlands Homelink and Prostate Cancer.

3. Election of Vice-Chair: Councillor Adam Parks was elected as the vice-chair. He pledged to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability.

4. Approval of Minutes and Urgent Items: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, and there were no urgent items of business.

5. Declarations of Interest: Councillor Joe Porter declared his usual interests related to the police and NHS.

6. Chair and Vice-Chair Appointments: The council approved the election of chairs and vice-chairs for various overview and scrutiny panels and committees.

7. Local Plan Steering Group: The council confirmed the appointment of officers to the Local Plan Steering Group.

8. Enhanced Partnerships for Town and Parish Councils: The council discussed the development of enhanced partnerships with town and parish councils. Councillor Mike Gledhill proposed a revised approach for the chair of the parish assembly to be elected by the council, with Councillor Lynn Swindlehurst as the proposed chair. An amendment to consult parish councils was proposed but not passed. The original proposal was approved.

9. Appointments to Outside Bodies: The council approved appointments to various outside bodies for 2024-2025. Concerns were raised about the disbanding of sports councils, and there were discussions about reinvigorating these councils.

10. Calendar of Meetings: The council approved the calendar of meetings for 2024-2025, with a promise to produce a skeleton calendar for 2025-2026.

11. Checkley Neighbourhood Plan: The council approved the Checkley Neighbourhood Plan following a successful referendum with 88% support. Councillors Keith Flunder and Stephen Bell were thanked for their contributions.

12. Questions Under Procedure Rule 10: Councillor Keith Flunder asked about the distribution of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants. Councillor Ben Emery provided a detailed response, encouraging councillors to promote the grants in their communities. Councillor Joe Porter inquired about the transfer of countryside sites to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Councillor Andrew Yates highlighted the positive relationship with the trust and suggested an annual update to the community overview and scrutiny group. Councillor Joe Porter also asked about fly-tipping prosecutions. Councillor Mark Deaville provided national and local context, noting that Staffordshire Moorlands issued seven fixed penalty notices last year. Councillor Porter followed up with a question about increasing surveillance, and Councillor Deaville emphasized the importance of public information and education.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Checkley Neighbourhood Plan and the closing remarks from the chair.

The themes of community engagement and collaboration were prominent this week. The election of new leadership within the council, the approval of the Checkley Neighbourhood Plan, and the discussions on enhanced partnerships with town and parish councils all point towards a focus on strengthening local governance and community involvement. This aligns with the outgoing chair's emphasis on caring, collaboration, advocacy, and respect.

The implications of these decisions are significant. The new chair and vice-chair will shape the council's direction over the coming year. The Checkley Neighbourhood Plan will guide local development, reflecting the community's preferences. Enhanced partnerships with town and parish councils could lead to more cohesive and effective local governance.

This week's meetings also highlighted ongoing concerns about public services and environmental issues, such as the distribution of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants and fly-tipping prosecutions. These discussions underscore the council's commitment to addressing both economic and environmental challenges in the district.