Stourbridge Township Council - The Neighbourhood Council of Stourbridge established 1979

MINUTES OF THE 366th MEETING OF STOURBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL STOURBRIDGE ON THURSDAY 10th APRIL 2012 AT 7.15 P.M

PRESENT:
Stourbridge Township Council: Mr B S Craddock (Vice Chairman), Mrs K C Shepherd (Clerk), Mrs M Wakelam (Deputy Clerk), Mrs J Collins, Mr A C Dawes, Mrs E E Fellows, Miss A Green, Mr P J Miles, Mr D M Price and Mr P Shepherd.
Also Present: Mr R Edwards, Mrs W Packer, Ms L Speake and Mr L Watton (Express & Star).

Mr B S Craddock, Vice Chairman opened the Meeting and advised members that Mrs EMD Scott was unwell.
Members wished her a speedy recovery.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
A presentation was given by Mrs W Packer, a resident of Oldswinford regarding the planning application (P12/0365) to improve and expand the Hagley Road entrance to Stourbridge College which is causing great concern to local residents. Whilst acknowledging that the entrance needs to be updated, the proposed design with its stark white ultra modern facade is totally out of character with other properties on Hagley Road and the surrounding mature neighbourhood. The ‘ultra modern’ design is similar to the new Brierley Hill Campus and in line with the corporate image but no thought appears to have given to the visual impact it will have on the street scene in Oldswinford. It is also noted that over a period of time, additional building has been carried out at Oldswinford Hospital School but it has been carried out sympathetically and indeed promoted its traditional style to enhance the area. Plans have also been submitted for the former West Hill Clinic site: the new building and flats to be of traditional red brick and blend in with the adjacent West Hill Lodge. Mrs Packer asks Stourbridge Township Council to support the opposition to the planning application on behalf of local residents. Mr B S Craddock proposed the motion to oppose the planning application, due to the design, and it was unanimously supported by all members. The Clerk to write to Dudley Council to register our objection before the 18th April 2012.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from members: Mrs EMD Scott (Chairman), Mr I J Hackett, Mrs J D Hackett, Mr R S Owen, Mr D Pope, Ms S Turner and Mr D I West. Also from Ms M James MP for Stourbridge, Mr D Harcourt and Ms H Rogers.

POLICE MATTERS
No communication has been received from Stourbridge Police.

Mrs K C Shepherd commented on the recent press release concerning the drug dealing on licensed premises in Lower High Street and was concerned if this was an isolated incident or if there was evidence of regular drug dealing or use on other licensed premises in the town as Stourbridge has a large number of evening visitors to the bars and night venues.
Mr P J Miles praised Stourbridge Police together with Bowmer and Kirkland and Dudley Council for the way in which the demolition of Bell Street Car Park was organised and carried out. The disruption to residents and traffic was kept to a minimum and the execution carried out promptly so that normality was speedily resumed –including residents returning home and the reopening of the Ring Road. Nearby residents who were evacuated to St. Thomas’s Church Hall, were provided with a breakfast, prepared by the French Connection and viewed the actual demolition live on a large screen. Several videos are available on Utube for all to see.
Dates of future PACT meetings were distributed by the Clerk.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Vice Chairman, Mr B S Craddock, advised members of the sad sudden loss of Cllr Angus Adams, who had supported the Township Council over a number of years and was always ready to listen to points raised within the community. He had been hugely instrumental in the development of Stourbridge Interchange and played a key part in the future planning for Stourbridge within the Area Action plan. Sadly he will not be able to witness the results of his hard work but he will be remembered. Details of his funeral will be advised when know.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Mr B S Craddock had noted an error in the minutes under Item TC2012/136 a) – with reference to the traffic lights at Oldswinford. Correction “the right turn signal could cause an accident” and not be dangerous to pedestrians. Correction noted and the minutes signed by the Vice Chairman accordingly.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (There were no matters raised under this item)

REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
The Clerk had contacted the owners of the Page Arms site in Market Street and confirmed that the Township Council was in principal, in favour of the proposal to use it as a car park in the medium term, a previous planning application had been turned down by Dudley Council so more evidence would be needed to support a further planning application to show the benefit to the town and as to the historic worth of the existing premises. Mrs E E Fellows remembered that the property had belonged to the Haynes family, possibly built in 1920’s and had been a women’s dress shop in the mid 1970’s. The owner could contact Dudley archives for historical information and members were also asked for any memories they had.
The WRVS confirmed that the Carlisle Hall had been sold to a local charity within the area and the sale should be completed within the next 2 months. They declined to say who the new owners are. Dudley Council had responded regarding the historic value of the building and the preservation of the stained glass windows. A meeting was being arranged for week commencing 23rd April between the Clerk and the Regeneration Officer to discuss the matter further.
Mrs K C Shepherd had attended a discussion group at Age Concern regarding the future plans for New Bradley Hall. Although New Bradley Hall is outside our area, the closure of New Swinford Hall, Lye in 2013, will mean the loss of 18 beds which provides step down care - a valuable service for patients requiring occupational therapy before returning home and also for persons needing respite care - is one of the 4 options for the future use of New Bradley Hall. The Clerk asked members to submit their own views direct to Dudley Council, before 27th April 2012and a decision will be announced in July 2012.
The Clerk had visited Broad Meadows in Dudley, an extra care housing project for older persons (over 55) which consists of 1 and 2 bedroom flats either to buy or rent with full on site facilities which include a shop, library, gym, restaurant and bar, hairdressers and many more. Should additional support be needed, this can be arranged in house and personalised to meet the individual’s needs at a time to suit them (24 hours a day). It is a modern retirement village providing a safe friendly environment for residents, family, friends, pets and also local neighbours too. This is the second project built by Dudley Council in partnership with Midland Heart and there are a further 3 planned to be built by 2015, 1 of which is in Stourbridge –the site is yet to be confirmed. Mrs Shepherd commented that you really need to see it to get the true picture and if members wished to visit Broad Meadows she could arrange an informal visit. She added that Extra Care Housing is definitely retirement living for now and the future but still does not replace the need we have for current, ongoing, long term nursing care provision.

ITEMS RAISED UNDER STANDING ORDER NO 13 (There were no matters raised under this item).
MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONAL SERVICES
A communication had been received from Ms S Orton, Dudley Council confirming that the plans for the Lottery bid for Mary Stevens Park were moving forward and offering to attend a future meeting to outline the proposals. The Clerk was asked to write and accept this offer. They look forward to seeing the plans in the near future.

MATTERS RELATING TO TECHNICAL SERVICES
Details of the Stourbridge Area Action Plan are now available for members of the public to view and comment on by 1st May 2012- the link had been circulated to members. The plan highlights the importance of maintaining and restoring the Heritage of Stourbridge as well as, opening the town up by making it more accessible and pedestrian friendly via road crossing and new pathways. Improving the Canal and River Stour to provide housing for all needs and enhance the local environment and living space.
Item A: Mrs K C Shepherd had raised a concern with Dudley Council regarding Birmingham Street Car Park and the Waste Disposal Site. The car park is well advertised with large illuminated signs around the ring road, but at weekends a queue builds up on Birmingham Street due to the increased number of vehicles visiting the tip and the town. Cars wanting to park on Birmingham Street Car Park will not queue or turn around but may well travel to Merry Hill or Halesowen. Is it possible to reopen the Stamford Road entrance to the Disposal Site, to alleviate the current problem, as a temporary measure, whilst the redevelopment work in the town is carried out?
Mr P Shepherd asked if the parking area in Talbot Street, behind Victoria passage was only for the shop proprietors or if shoppers were allowed to park there and what are the restrictions? The Clerk to make enquires and report back.
Item B: Details of the Stourbridge Interchange, due to open on Sunday 22nd April 2012 were circulated to members. Centro had advised the Clerk that they are currently carrying out operating trials, 24 hours a day to ensure that all the equipment, including electronic signs, doors and lighting will be fully functional from the day of opening. The official opening is due to be carried out in May 2012.
Mr P Robbins, owner of the The Red Lion PH redevelopment had contacted the Clerk and advised that the former public house was being converted into 6 apartments with off street parking. The original external structure was to be retained with replacement windows and doors to be fitted to include modern security measures. He invited members to view the property.
Item C: A concern had been received about the Rock Tavern car park – the amount of litter and several black bags left outside the caravan (mobile food outlet). The Clerk had passed the concerns onto the Cleansing department and local Councillor and the site has been cleaned but needs to be monitored to ensure the tenants comply with health and safety regulations.

CHAIRMAN’S OTHER BUSINESS
Mr B S Craddock, Vice Chairman, closed the meeting at 8.50pm.

Chairman
10th May 2012

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