thursday 15 th march 2018, 10:00am craddock room, … · cannock chase area of outstanding natural...
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Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee
Thursday 15th March 2018, 10:00am
Craddock Room, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ
A G E N D A
1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 11th January 2018
3. Matters Arising
4. Declaration of Interests 5. Financial Update
Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee
6. Action Plan Progress
Report of the Chairman of the Officers’ Working Group
7. Any Planning Items that may require consideration Report of the AONB Officer
8. Partners’ News Item for Members to update all from their own part of the AONB
9. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting
10. Exclusion of the Public and Press
The Chairman to move:
"That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business
which involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the local Government Act 1972 (as amended) indicated
below"
Part Two (All reports in this section are exempt)
11. Cannock Chase AONB Resource Review Report from Officers Working Group
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee
Thursday 11th January 2018, 10:00am
Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield
M I N U T E S
Name Representing
Members
Cllr Frances Beatty, Chairman Stafford Borough Council
Cllr Bob Awty, Vice Chairman Lichfield District Council
Cllr Bob McCardle South Staffordshire Council Cllr Mark Winnington Staffordshire County Council
Nominated Substitutes
Cllr Len Bates South Staffordshire Council Cllr Ian Pritchard Lichfield District Council
Officers Sarah Bentley Staffordshire County Council
John Broad Staffordshire County Council, Honorary
Treasurer Janene Cox OBE Staffordshire County Council
Kelly Harris South Staffordshire Council
Sarah Matile Lichfield District Council
Anne Walker Cannock Chase AONB Unit, Clerk to the Joint Committee
Bill Waller Stafford Borough Council
Glenn Watson Cannock Chase Council
Advisers Cllr Pat Ansell Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association Roger Broadbent West Midland Bird Club, Representing
Recreation Groups
Nick Carter Historic England
Ruth Hÿtch Cannock Chase AONB Officer Hazel McDowall Natural England
Mike Shurmer RSPB
Apologies
281 Apologies were received from Cllr John Preece (Cannock Chase Council), Mary Cope (Beaudesert Park Farm/NFU), Helen Dale (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust), June Jukes MBE
(Friends of Cannock Chase), Hayley Mival (National Trust) and John Rowe (Honorary Secretary)
Minutes of the meeting held on 15th June 2017
282 The minutes of the last meeting were proposed by Cllr Awty, seconded by Cllr
McCardle and accepted by all.
Matters Arising
283 There were no matters arising.
Declaration of Interests
284 There were no declarations of interest.
Financial Update
Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee
285 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by J Broad. He noted that
the current underspend would be committed mainly to actions in the current Management Plan Action Plan.
Questions/Comments:
Comment Response
J Cox – asked about what the underspend
would be allocated to.
R Hÿtch – core projects are delivered
centrally for all partners and are in the
agreed action plan that the Task & finish
Groups are going through.
J Cox – visibility of those, what will be
projects be? Who is on these Task & Finish
Groups? There is significant funding to be allocated.
Cllr Beatty – asked if any projects had come
through yet. At what stage will it be known what the Task & Finish Group spend will be.
S Bentley – decisions are made between
different projects.
R Hÿtch – Officers Working Group oversees
projects coming through; operational
matters. The Task & Finish Groups have
been looking at this since September but no projects have yet come forward. There is
now an issue over timings.
H McDowall – the Task & Finish Groups will
be meeting in the coming weeks and all will
be asked individually about projects.
Cllr Beatty – concerned about the slippage in timescale, need spending to be achieved
by the end of the financial year. How will
the Joint Committee know what the plans are?
R Hÿtch – the Joint Committee had previously approved the Annual Action Plans
and projects should be coming forward to
achieve these actions. This should be an operational matter.
Cllr McCardle – this does not answer the
question completely. Needs to be very clear
of where the underspend will be spent.
Cllr Beatty – unknown that the money
would be spent by the end of the financial year. What if this is not the case.
J Broad – an enquiry had been made to
Defra to see if any grant underspend could
be carried forward to the next financial year. Awaiting clarification on this. In his
opinion the risk is minimal, however it
would be better if as much as possible can be spent on projects.
G Watson – Appendix 3, 2018-19 revenue budget. Salaries budget has 1% uplift,
recent agreement seems to indicate 2% uplift, what is now a realistic budget?
J Broad – the budget had been prepared prior to the announcement, can recalculate
the salaries budget.
R Hÿtch – the current budget allows for 3
members of staff but there are still only 2. This will need to be discussed later this
month.
J Cox – the budget should be built around the establishment of the three posts.
R Hÿtch – if we do move forward on three staff, this will also have some issues for core projects.
Action Point:
J Broad – will recalculate the budget and
recirculate.
Resolved 1a) Revenue Budget Outturn 2017/18
That progress on the current net revenue spend for 2017/18 was noted. 1b) Revenue Budget 2018/19
The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 was considered. Addendum: subject to budget recalculation to reflect the proposed 2% salaries uplift rather than 1% uplift. J Broad to
recalculate and recirculate to members for agreement.
1c) Risk Register The updated risk register was considered and agreed.
1d) Draft funding bid The position on the draft grant bid to Defra for Single Pot funding in 2018/19 was noted and officers are authorised to submit a final submission by late January 2018.
J Broad left at this point.
Cllr Winnington arrived at this point.
Action Plan Progress
Report of the Chairman of the Officers’ Working Group
286 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by H McDowall.
Task & Finish Groups:
Landscape – update of the Landscape Character Assessments complete and report
available on Cannock Chase AONB website (http://www.cannock-
chase.co.uk/assets/downloads/164672910Cannock%20AONB%20LCA_FINAL_Aug.17.pdf )
Land Management for Biodiversity & Geodiversity – last met in October when the two SAC officers also attended. Discussed grazing and monitoring. Jim Stewart from
Forestry Commission offered to lead a sub-group on deer management. Mike Shurmer from RSPB leading sub-group to identify priority species.
Visitor Management – also met in October, SAC officers also attended. Discussed volunteers to assist with signage audit and progress of the draft car parking strategy.
Simon Smith who is leading the Love Cannock Chase Group also attended to outline the
Group's work with engaging local businesses.
Questions/comments:
Comment Response
Cllr Awty – reports are that there are high
rates of incidents of traffic collisions with deer. What are the numbers, are they now
B Waller – information is not readily
available but it is something that the deer management group will want to look at.
Comment Response
overstocked and is it a question of culling? Also asked if the scheme on A513 has seen any reduction of collisions?
Cllr Winnington – Staffordshire County Council are in the process of letting a
contract for a deer census and potential culling to manage the herd. Need to ensure
that the sub-group and contractor work together.
Some landowners are less willing to manage the deer population on their land. A more accurate indication of numbers is
needed.
R Hÿtch – the deer detection project
equipment along the A513 was sponsored through a Sustainable Development Fund
grant. A report on the effectiveness of the project is awaited.
Cllr Winnington – asked about progress on the car parking strategy, including
timescales for this important piece of work.
R Broadbent – expressed concern for local people and members of interest groups who
perhaps visit the area 2-3 times a week.
Increases in car park charging and more car
parks with charging will have an impact. Will they be able to have special
consideration? Also mentioned the
installation of gates at the entrance to Seven Spring Car Park, there is confusion
about if and when they may be closed.
K Harris – the SAC Partnership sent the brief out to tender and a board to assess
applications has met recently. An
announcement on the successful contractor will be made shortly. The submissions had
included a variety of timescales and consultation with stakeholders.
It was suggested that progress is reported to the next Joint Committee.
K Harris – the draft brief had been discussed at the Visitor Management Task &
Finish Group. Not at the point of charging at
the moment, the purpose of this first phase
of work is to ensure protecting the SAC and the AONB. After that, charging may be
considered. Progress will be reported back
to and discussed with the Task & Finish Group.
Historic Environment – Met in November. Group is looking at Management Plan policies and actions and made initial comments about how the historic environment can be better
reflected in the new Management Plan. Monitoring information also needs to be fed into
the State of the AONB reporting along with data collected from Historic England. Further funding application had been made by Friends of Cannock Chase to the Heritage Lottery
Fund for the fourth phase of the WW1 commemoration project. This will focus on
engaging with young people. The Chase Through Time project is due to finish at the end
of March 2018. A project proposal has been put together to address the three actions in the current Management Plan relating to parklands. Staffordshire Parks and Gardens Trust
had worked with Staffordshire County Council on this draft. Further work needs to be
done and it may be put forward for a Heritage Lottery Fund application, which will include archive and documentary research.
Cannock Chase AONB Unit – R Hÿtch outlined work undertaken recently and included in the report. With a still depleted team, not all actions expected can be addressed currently,
including some of the Defra objectives and statutory duties. Cllr Beatty - asked that a list of what is not being done is drawn up and circulated to the Joint Committee. Cllr
Winnington – statutory duties are important and need to be done so that we are not in
breach of the Defra grant. J Cox – suggested that Officers Working Group look at this
along with indicative costs and circulate to Joint Committee. Cllr Beatty – two issues, one is about finance, the other about statutory duty. Cllr McCardle – there is a matter of
urgency in meeting the Defra objectives and ensuring spend of the grant. Suggested that
there may need to be an additional meeting before March.
Resolved:
1.1 Members noted progress with Task & Finish Groups and will contact the AONB Unit
if they wish to attend any meetings. 1.2 Management Plan delivery progress – The Committee noted the progress outlined
in the AONB Unit’s report.
Annual Conference Feedback
Report of the AONB Officer
287 A report was circulated prior to the meeting, which included full feedback from the
conference in September. R Hÿtch noted that the content of the comments related to the
Management Plan review. The recommendations of the report are to note progress and agree to a Task & Finish Group being established to plan celebrating the 60th anniversary
of the AONB designation on 16th September.
Delegates at the conference indicated that the content, policies and issues are still
relevant for the next five year Management Plan, 2019-2024. More work is suggested,
however, on a new action plan which makes actions live and delivery more achievable for
partners. Delegates were not necessarily representative of all areas of work, comments on the historic environment were lacking as there was no representation.
A 'virtual' Task & Finish Group to review feedback and assess development of the emerging Management Plan 2019-24 is due to be established once participants are
identified and confirmed. Discussions are taking place with Historic England and Environment Agency on sections pertinent to their specialist areas. Next steps are outlined in section 4.11, including checking data. Stakeholders, such as Parish Councils,
will be consulted directly.
Careful thought is needed into how to present to partners that is palatable and ensures
that actions can be achieved. With this in mind, R Hÿtch informed the meeting that a brief had been circulated to guide presentation to support implementation of actions. This
would be funded from the unspent budget allocated for Management Plan Review.
Other partner celebrations this year and next are Friends of Cannock Chase 70th anniversary and West Midland Bird Club 90th anniversary.
Question/comments:
Comment Response
H McDowall – discussions with the Task &
Finish Groups all indicated not too many
changes with the Management Plan policies,
more in terms of actions. Officers Working Group to confirm this at their next meeting.
Expressed concern that members of the
Officers Working Group had not seen the brief and would have preferred to have
done so before it was circulated.
R Hÿtch – the Management Plan Review sits
with the AONB Unit. The brief included
asking potential consultants that any new
drafting would be in consultation with the Task & Finish Groups.
Cllr Winnington – perturbed by this R Hÿtch – in terms of statutory duties, the
Comment Response
approach. Concerned that the AONB Unit was bypassing Officers Working Group and Joint Committee. Congratulated all on the
Conference but the governance of the partnership is that these two groups are
involved in decisions regarding
consultations.
Joint Committee meeting in June 2017 confirmed that the AONB Unit be formally appointed to undertake the Management
Plan Review. This is in line with previous reviews and is the format for most AONBs
nationwide.
Cllr Winnington – thought that the decision was that the Joint Committee did not want the review.
R Hÿtch – the decision was that the Officers Working Group would take this forward and part of this was to establish a Task & Finish
Group specifically for the Management Plan Review and re-write. Contributors to this
virtual group are still to be confirmed. This had delayed the programme for the review.
A budget for public consultations had not
yet been used and use of external consultants to assist was thought to be
useful expenditure.
Cllr Winnington – asked if this was the case
that the lack of input was the responsibility of the Officers Working Group.
H McDowall – thought that the virtual group
was in place with the Officers Working Group and Task & Finish Groups.
Cllr Beatty – asked what the consultants
would be asked to do.
R Hÿtch – use the information collected
from conferences in 2016 and 2017, research what other AONBs are doing on
formulating actions and recommend how
best to present actions that can be achieved
by partners.
The meeting discussed the issue of letting a contract as described further and concluded
that this should be withdrawn. R Hÿtch was requested to prepare a set of revised milestones to be presented to the next Joint Committee meeting. Action for R Hÿtch.
Cllr Winnington – requested that budget planning is undertaken covering the next five
years.
R Hÿtch – regarding the 60th anniversary celebrations, delegates at the conference put
forward suggestions that are outlined in the report. It is suggested that a Task & Finish Group be established to look at potential celebratory events. H McDowall – asked if there
was anyone in mind to lead and be part of this. Cllr Awty – suggests local interest groups be included. J Cox – is there a budget for this? R Hÿtch – yes this is included in the 2018-19 budget and as with the 50th anniversary, there is potential to bring in sponsorship.
The meeting discussed whether there was anyone to lead on this and as there was no one
coming forward it was decided that the second recommendation of the report was not
accepted.
Resolved 1.1 The Joint Committee noted the progress and actions relating to the on-going
Management Plan review information from the annual conference.
1.2 The Joint Committee declined to form a Task and Finish Group to establish projects
for the 60th anniversary of the AONB’s designation on 16th September 2018.
Any Planning Items that may require consideration Report of the AONB Officer
288 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by R Hÿtch. She drew attention on p27-28, an application to Lichfield District Council. This had been a
‘conditional object’ but following additional information that was supplied by the
applicant’s agent, the objection had been withdrawn.
The report shows that comments on 34 development control applications had been made
in the period between June and December 2017.
Cllr Beatty asked that the Planning Consultant, Clive Keble, be thanked for his work on
behalf of the Partnership.
Resolved
The Joint Committee noted progress made on planning matters since the last meeting.
Partners’ News Item for Members to update all from their own part of the AONB
289 The Joint Committee received the following reports:
Historic England • N Carter now in post as Inspector of Ancient Monuments for this area following Ian
George leaving.
West Midland Bird Club
• Completed the five year species report, partly funded from the Sustainable
Development Fund.
• Attended the recent priority species meeting (sub-group of Land Management Task & Finish Group)
R Broadbent was commended for the work on the species report.
Natural England The North and South Mercia teams had now been re-merged and will now be the West Midlands team. Emma Johnson is the area manager.
Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association
Cllr Ansell asked about recent reports of Alabama Rot. • R Hÿtch – when this was first reported on social media, the local vet practice was
contacted about what should be put on our social media pages, particularly Freda’s
Footsteps. This is a viral infection and it is unclear how it is transmitted. The key thing for dog owners to do is to make sure that dogs paws/legs are washed after
they have been walked. It is understood that further discussions between Staffordshire County Council and Forestry Commission had taken place regarding measures on the ground. The original complainant had also been in touch with his
local MP, Amanda Milling. There seems to be the expectation that landowners will take this on.
• Cllr Winnington – from Staffordshire County Council’s viewpoint, currently this is a
sporadic outbreak with no proof that it was a problem with Cannock Chase alone. If
and when this can be proved the specific landowner will take appropriate action. As mentioned, it is up to dog owners to do basic hygiene and keep an eye on pets for
potential sores on legs.
Cllr Winnington commented on the West Midland Bird Club’s report, some positive points
come out. R Broadbent noted that in the main species are doing well, although Redstarts
seem to be in decline. Cuckoos however were recorded in all sectors. Cllr Winnington – as far as farming is concerned, there is much discussion of the links between badgers and
bovine TB. However, ground nesting birds on farmland are in decline due to badgers
eating the eggs.
South Staffordshire Council
Cllr Bates – commented on the annual conference. Pleased to see that a question and
answer session was included, however was disappointed that not enough members of the Joint Committee came forward to sit on the panel. He felt that he answered 50% of the
questions. Cllr Awty – thought that more time should have been allocated to this part of the conference and more preparation was needed.
Staffordshire County Council • Winter works continuing as part of the stewardship programme, including some
thinning work in Brocton Coppice and removing scrub from archaeological features. • Work ongoing on the next stewardship application, including grazing, consultation on
Brocton Coppice, Oldacre and a whole site management plan. Beaudesert Park Farm/NFU (in absentia)
• Seasons of Hope Dementia Days are going well, 2 done 4 to go with bookings for all sessions.
• NFU are busy in discussions with the authorities regarding Brexit and HS2 on behalf
of members.
Friends of Cannock Chase (in absentia)
New calendar of events for 2018-19 to be produced by the end of February 2018.
Calendar of Meetings 2018
Report of the Clerk to the Joint Committee
290 A Walker outlined this report, which included dates for the Task & Finish Groups
meetings. K Harris requested that dates for the Visitor Management Task & Finish Group meetings be looked at again as she will be unavailable for some. Also thought that it may be short notice for people to attend the first meeting on 1st February. A Walker to
circulate email invitation and gauge how many may be able to attend.
Resolved The Committee agreed the proposed meeting schedule for 2018.
Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 15th March 2018, 10:00am, Craddock Room, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Stafford ST16 3AQ.
Remaining meetings in 2018:
Thursday 21st June 2018, 10:00am
Thursday 6th December 2018, 10:00am
Exclusion of the Public and Press
The Chairman to move:
"That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business which
involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the local Government Act 1972 (as amended) indicated below"
Part Two
(All reports in this section are exempt)
None
Meeting ended 11:50am
Item No. 5 Local Members
Interest N/A
Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee 15th March 2018
Finance Update
Revenue Budget 2017-18
Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee and the AONB Officer
Recommendations 1. a) Revenue Budget Outturn 2017/18
That progress on the current net revenue spend for 2017/18 is noted. b) Revenue Budget 2018/19 The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 is considered and agreed. c) The AONB Reserve That the current balance held on the AONB Reserve is noted.
Part A Why is it coming here – what decision(s) are required? 2. The Joint Committee in its role under the Partnership Agreement is responsible for:-
• The management of the core funding from Defra and the co-ordination of partner projects. This report updates the Joint Committee on progress to date on the current year’s budget.
• The approval of budget provision. The current proposal for the 2018/19 net revenue budget is recommended to the Joint Committee.
Reasons for Recommendations: 3. The recommendations represent an effective way to continue to carry forward the implementation
of the Management Plan for the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership.
Part B
Background: 4. Revenue Budget Update 2017/18 4.1 The forecast financial position for the Core and Action Projects Budget is set out in Appendix 1
which shows a net spend to date of £123,607 together with the outturn currently predicted for the year. The predicted outturn for the end of the financial year totals £164,590 compared to the approved net budget of £185,450, giving an anticipated underspend of £20,860 which will be transferred to the Cannock Chase AONB Reserve at the year end. It should be noted that given
the previously reported underspend position, that an additional £1,800 has been committed towards the upkeep and repainting of the Chase’s WW1 huts.
4.2 Defra has recently confirmed that any unspent budget balance held at the year end on the Core
and Action Projects budget can be retained by the AONB and carried forward and invested in the next financial year.
4.3 The latest position available for the £18,087 Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for 2017/18 is
set out in Appendix 2 with projects now approved to date currently amounting to £16,278 in total. After the administration fee earned by the AONB Unit of £1,809 is deducted, the £18,087 SDF Grant will be expected to be fully spent by the end of the financial year.
4.4 At the year end, the Cannock Chase AONB will now be subject to new auditing arrangements
which the DCLG has reintroduced. This new auditing arrangement will require the AONB Unit to complete a new annual return known as the "Annual Governance and Accountability Return" which will then be audited and subsequently published.
5. Revenue Budget 2018/19
5.1 The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 is set out in Appendix 3 and generally reflects an
expected annual inflationary uplift of 2% on salaries and 0% on all non-pay items. 5.2 It is proposed that the budget for the Core and Projects Cost for 2018/19 should remain at its
existing 2017/18 funding level of £167,360 of which £146,077 is confirmed Defra Grant funding. The total SDF Funding for 2018/19 available will therefore be set at £20,557 which represents an increase of £2,470 on the current year in terms of funding levels.
6 The AONB Reserve 6.1 The balance on the Cannock Chase AONB Reserve stood at £67,612 at the start of 2017/18. A
summary of the Reserve is attached as Appendix 4. 6.2 It has previously been recommended that the priorities for the use of the Reserve Fund should be
as follows:
• Income from sales, donations and consultancy work should be available to supplement the delivery of projects within the Annual Action Plans and to provide ‘matched funding’ for any major grant applications (approximately £37,612) and;
• The remaining funds should be ‘earmarked’ to enable the AONB unit to respond to the implications of any potential future reductions in funding (approximately £30,000).
6.3 These priorities are reviewed annually in December of each year in conjunction with the annual
update of the Cannock Chase AONB Risk Register which is undertaken in December of each year.
7. Equalities Implications
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Equal Opportunities policies of the County Council.
8. Legal Implications
Actions recommended in this report are in accordance with the provisions of the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership Agreement.
9. Resource and Value for Money Implications This report recommends actions to ensure the continued efficient delivery of the Cannock Chase
AONB Management Plan and reflects the principles set out in the Partnership Agreements. 10. Risk Implications
If continuity of funding and spend are not continued as recommended to the Joint Committee, then the five authorities involved in the current Partnership will need to seek other methods of fulfilling their statutory obligations for the AONB under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Report authors: Authors Name John Broad Place Finance Unit 01785 854861 Ruth Hÿtch AONB Unit 01785 619184 List of Background papers None
Appendix 1
Actuals Actuals Actuals Approved Spent or Predicted Variation
2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 Budget Committed Outturn
to Date
£ £ £ £ £ £
AONB Core Budget
Staff Salaries and Associated costs 118,989 121,794 104,555 128,310 86,668 103,832 -24,478
Accommodation /Office Equipment 8,436 7,421 7,599 7,480 6,586 7,480 0
Transport 4,995 5,113 4,839 5,110 3,583 5,110 0
Partnership budget for PR events 3,706 2,784 3,166 2,500 1,027 2,500 0
Sustainable Development Fund 5,000 15,649 18,090 5,390 18,090 0
Partnership running costs 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 0
142,726 148,713 142,406 168,090 109,854 143,612 -24,478
Core Action Projects
AONB Website 160 160 160 160 0 160 0
AONB Annual Review 435 388 1,208 500 0 500 0
Monitoring Projects 0 3,696 3,000 2,568 2,568 -432
Community Involvement and Awareness Events 2,237 3,415 2,797 2,000 2,795 4,350 2,350
Planning Support Project 6,000 6,240 8,820 7,000 7,000 7,000 0
Maximising Income 3,019 1,525 1,925 1,000 0 1,000 0
Advisory Partnership WW1 3,151 1,250 500 403 2,200 1,700
Dementia Friendly Community Project 5,206 3,110 0 0 0
Visitor Management yr 2 6,595 5,109 0 0
Management Plan 3,849 0 0 2,200 0 2,200 0
Annual Conference 774 1,000 987 1,000 0
Governance Review 11,876 0 0
Gateway Signs 4,875 0 0
Interpretation Strategy 4,814 0 0 0
Peace & Tranquillity 2,338 3,600 0
Fixed Point Photography Analysis Report 6,224 -5 0
24,633 39,598 40,720 17,360 13,753 20,978 3,618
TOTAL BUDGET 167,359 188,311 183,126 185,450 123,607 164,590 -20,860
FUNDED BY:
Natural England 4,300 0
Defra 125,518 138,792 141,179 143,610 -1 143,606 -4
Lichfield District Council 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 0
South Staffordshire District Council 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 0
Cannock Chase District Council 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 0
Stafford Borough Council 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 0
Staffordshire County Council 20,921 20,920 20,920 20,920 20,920 20,920 0
167,359 184,932 183,019 185,450 41,839 185,446 -4
Sales and Donations 542 996 0 0 1,359 0 0
Membership Fee Income 0 7,569 0 0
Funding from(+)/to reserve(-) -542 2,383 108 0 0 -20,856 -20,856
167,359 188,311 183,126 185,450 50,767 164,590 -20,860
CANNOCK CHASE AONB JOINT COMMITTEE
Predicted Outturn for 2017/2018 for
Cannock Chase AONB Core and Project Costs
2017/2018Previous Years
Budget Forecast Variation
Outturn
£ £ £
AONB SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND
Approved Projects
Chase Through Time Project - WW1 June Events (Staffs CC) 3,000 3,000 0
Cannock Chase AONB Action Learning Set (Love Cannock Chase Group) 1,000 1,000 0
Cannock Chase Cultural Hub Youth Engagement Festival 2,000 2,000 0
Dementia Support Days (Beaudesert Park Farm CIC) 3,000 3,000 0
Aerial Photography on Connecting Cannock Chase Project 300 300 0
Wolseley Centre Boardwalk (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) 3,584 3,584 0
The Hills are Alive with Awareness (Friends of Hednesford Park) 1,000 1,000 0
Cuckoo Tracking Project Phase 1 (West Midland Bird Club) 297 297 0
Thermal Imaging Camera (Brewood Ringers) 2,089 2,089 0
Total Approved Projects 16,270 16,270 0
Admin Fees 1,809 1,809 0
Currently Unallocated 8 8 0
TOTAL 18,087 18,087 0
2017/2018
Appendix 2
CANNOCK CHASE AONB JOINT COMMITTEE
Budget Update for 2017/2018 for
Sustainable Development Fund
December 2017
Appendix 3
March ‘18 DRAFT Cannock Chase AONB Budget 2018-19
Total Defra Grant
75%
AONB Core Budget
Staff Salaries and Associated costs £130,490.00 £97,867.50
Accommodation / Office Equipment £8,150.00 £6,112.50
Transport £5,100.00 £3,825.00
Partnership budget for PR & Events £2,000.00 £1,500.00
Partnership running costs £6,600.00 £4,950.00
Subtotal £152,340.00 £114,255.00
Core Action Projects
AONB Website £160.00 £120.00
Annual Review £500.00 £375.00
Monitoring - State of the AONB Report £1,000.00 £750.00
Annual Conference £1,000.00 £750.00
Community Involvement & Awareness £2,000.00 £1,500.00
Planning Support Project £7,000.00 £5,250.00
Management Plan Review £3,360.00 £2,520.00
Total Expenditure £167,360.00 £125,520.00
Core Budget £167,360.00
Defra £125,520.00
SDF £20,557.00
Total Defra award £146,077.00
Cannock Chase Council £8,368.00 5.00%
Stafford Borough Council £8,368.00 5.00%
Lichfield District Council £2,092.00 1.25%
South Staffordshire Council £2,092.00 1.25%
Staffordshire County Council £20,920.00 12.50%
TOTAL £41,840.00 25.00%
Appendix 4
Financial Opening Visitor Survey Balance of Closing
Year Balance General WW1 Hut Work Admin Fees Interest Balance
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
2007/2008 10,214 -1,766 8,448
2008/2009 8,448 572 7,713 16,733
2009/2010 16,733 1,326 5,795 23,854
2010/2011 23,854 896 9,564 3,823 38,136
2011/2012 38,136 1,240 17,845 -221 57,001
2012/2013 57,001 387 2,685 195 60,269
2013/2014 60,269 1,001 2,459 249 63,979
2014/2015 63,979 596 1,273 289 66,137
2015/2016 66,137 -1,883 293 64,547
2016/2017 64,547 921 554 1,457 132 67,612
6,941 554 27,409 21,335 1,159 67,612
Notes:
CANNOCK CHASE AONB RESERVE
Admin Fees earned against the SDF may be subject to 25% 'match funding' if drawn down to offset revenue budget or project
spend - TBC
Income/Donations
Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee – 15 March 2018
Report of the Chairman of the Officers' Working Group
Agenda Item 6
1. Recommendations
1.1 Members to note progress with Task & Finish Groups and contact the AONB
Unit if they wish to attend any meetings.
1.2 Members to note the update on HS2 Phase 2a.
2. Why is it coming here – what decision(s) are required?
2.1 This report is to outline progress to date and offer the opportunity for
Members to ask any questions on the information provided.
3. What are Task & Finish Groups?
3.1 Task and Finish Groups are topic specific groups, set up to ensure specific
projects and assigned tasks in the AONB Management plan are delivered.
Task and Finish Group topics will be flexible to respond to different
opportunities and projects that present themselves. Task and Finish Groups,
as part of a wider Partnership structure, will work together to deliver specific
actions and objectives within the AONB Management Plan, in order to
protect and enhance the AONB, promote its understanding and appreciation to help to deliver sustainable development.
4. Land Management (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) Task & Finish
Group (Chair Bill Waller)
4.1 This group met on 23 January 2018. Roger Broadbent circulated the West
Midland Bird Club report and highlighted some of the good news stories for
Cannock Chase AONB. He also explained that many of our woodland species
fell into the bad news category. There are a set of recommendations coming
out of the report which feed directly into the work of the priority species sub group and the Management Plan review.
4.2 The priority species sub group, Chaired by Mike Shurmer, have produced a draft report to feed into the Management Plan review. This includes a
proposed new action relating to Bats.
4.3 A deer management subgroup has met twice to explore how the AONB Management Plan aspiration of a more coordinated approach to deer
management across the area can be achieved. A deer census is planned this
spring to develop a better understanding of deer numbers in different parts
of the area. This significant collaborative effort includes input from key
landowning organisations, deer management experts, farmers and
volunteers. Proposals are also being developed for a deer impact and activity
assessment across the AONB to better understand the population and its
effect on habitats.
4.4 The next meeting of this group is 9 May 2018. Partners have been asked to
forward key issues/priorities around invasive species for discussion.
5. Visitor Management Task & Finish Group (Chair – Kelly Harris, Clare Eggington, Angela Grove)
5.1 This group met on the 1 February 2018. Key actions included;
5.2 Brief for the web site hub, to co-ordinate visitor information from different
organisations, to be circulated in the Summer.
5.3 Signage – SAC team to report back to the group on progress with the audit
and then to advise on rolling out more widely but to start with the Rights of
Way as the priority.
5.4 Consultants (Footprint Ecology) have recently been appointed for both, the
car parking survey and the site user strategy, by the SAC Partnership. The
site user strategy will focus on how people use the Chase, will be subject to
consultation and will dovetail into the car parking strategy. Tasks to develop
the car parking strategy will include a Sensitivity Map of the Chase
(habitats/species/tranquil spots/honeypot sites etc), based on existing
data. Data collection through car park surveys. Final drafts for
consultation, for the car parking survey are anticipated in October. There will
be consultation on the draft report leading to a final version for adoption by
local authorities and site owners. Review after 5 years.
6. Historic Environment
6.1 The group has not met since the last Joint Committee but is scheduled to
meet again in late April. Meetings have however been held with the
Staffordshire Gardens and Parks Trust to develop proposals for a project
focusing on historic parklands, which are a key feature of the AONB. The
project is likely to include archive research, a parkland owners network, field
survey and awareness raising.
7. High Speed Rail (HS2) Phase 2a update
7.1 Further to the paper circulated on 13 February 2018 it was agreed that
Officer’s Working Group would liaise with Staffordshire County Council and
local stakeholders, to petition Select Committee, in order to set up a
mitigation and restoration package and fund to address impacts on the
AONB and its setting. This would be overseen by a specially created AONB
HS2 Panel.
7.2 This proposal was discussed at a meeting of local partners on the 21st February and petitions went forward incorporating the proposal.
7.3 The window for petitioning against the High Speed Rail Phase 2a (West
Midlands – Crewe) Bill has now closed. The petitions received by the
Committee should be published in the next few days, including a list of those
who have petitioned.
Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee 15 March 2018
Agenda Item 7 - Planning Issues for period since last Joint Committee Report of the AONB Officer
1 Recommendations
1.1 The Joint Committee notes progress made on planning matters since the last meeting, shown below.
Planning Applications
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
Stafford Borough
Council
Alterations/extensions to rear
single storey dwelling. The Rambles, 11 Heather Close,
Brocton
Ref: 17/27642/HOU
2/1/18 Conclusion: no objection
The scale of the extension and the location within the village, where it is not visible from the wider AONB, means
that there would be no adverse impact on the landscape
and scenic beauty of the designated area.
South Staffordshire
Council
Conversion of Rural Building
to 4-Bed. house & associated works. Toll Croft Cottage,
Parkside Lane, Hatherton, WS11 1RL.
Ref: 17/01076/FUL
2/1/18 Conclusion: no objection
Although the application site is locally visible from the adjoining public footpath, it is not that clearly visible from
the wider AONB landscape at Shoal Hill, by virtue of topography and vegetation. In addition, the existing
building is part of a complex of buildings which were
probably associated with Shoal Hill Farm but are now in residential use along with two adjoining cottages.
This is a sensitive location, where Green Belt policy
complements the protection of the landscape and scenic
beauty of the AONB and new buildings should be resisted unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, in
this case, the proposal is to utilise an existing building,
without any extensions proposed. The design approach is measured and the agricultural character of the building will
be retained. In addition, access arrangements will have little
impact on the wider landscape. Therefore, the proposal will have only a limited impact on the AONB and is acceptable in
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
principle. In terms of detail, it is important that materials/
finishes are covered by appropriate conditions and we support the proposed used of profiled metal sheeting for the
roof. However, to retain the character of the building and to protect the AONB, it is important that proposals for future
extensions, outbuildings or enclosures are subject to
planning control and we would request that Permitted Development rights are removed.
Lichfield District Council
Erection of 2 bed detached dwelling and single garage
with associated works. Land South of Sunny Corner,
Upper Way, Upper Longdon.
Ref: 17/01604/FUL
15/01/2018 Conclusion: Objection The application site is within the settlement boundary and
outside the Green Belt but this is separate issue to the acknowledged need (Para. 115 NPPF). This is necessary to
protect the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB,
across the whole of the designated area and its setting, including open land within villages and settlements. It is
pertinent that the application site is alongside a track which
forms part of the public footpath from Brereton Hill to
Russell’s Bank. This path (running south) and Startley Lane/Upper Way is, in effect, a gateway to the AONB where
there is a transition to and from the village and open
countryside. Therefore, the quality of the built environment of Upper Longdon is an important component of the
landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB in this area. It is
also a significant factor that to the east of the footpath there is no substantial built development in the rear
gardens of other properties on Upper Way.
We are concerned, taking into account the recently built dwelling and the apartments at No 76 Upper Way, about the
cumulative scale of new built development in what is a
sensitive AONB. The proposed development, including access and parking provision would result in further
urbanisation and may lead to pressure for more development in rear gardens which would have an adverse impact on the open landscape and on views of the village
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
from the public footpath.
Based on the above, although the design of the proposed
dwelling is reasonable, the proposal represents increasing urbanisation and over-intensification in an already
pressured location. I can confirm, therefore, that the AONB
Joint Committee objects to this planning application. We cannot see, in this instance, that amendments would be
sufficient to overcome this objection.
However, in the event of an approval, the final choice of materials should continue to reflect the rural setting and the
local vernacular, we would be grateful if you would apply
planning conditions to cover these matters. In addition, we consider that permitted development rights should be
removed to enable any future development that could or
harm the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB to be brought under planning control.
Cannock Chase
Council
Erection of a detached
dormer bungalow (outline
application with access & layout). 72, Peakes Road,
Etchinghill, WS15 2LX
Ref CH/17/477
13/02/2018 Conclusion: No Objection
The main issues for the AONB are: - The impact of the proposed development (in principle) on
the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB
- Whether the development would lead to any significant loss of trees, especially along the Whitworth Lane frontage.
It is acknowledged that a single smaller dwelling could be
accommodated on the site and that it would form part of an existing built up area, which would not have any impact on
the wider AONB. The principle is, therefore, acceptable.
The application refers to the retention of trees and if this
can be achieved, I am satisfied that there would be no detriment to the immediate AONB landscape. Therefore, there is no objection to the proposal, provided that the
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
local planning authority is satisfied that there will be no loss
of important trees. If the application is to be recommended for approval, I would be grateful if you would consider
imposing planning conditions to require submission of a landscaping scheme, including measures to secure the
retention and long-term management of existing trees. In
addition, the location of a new dwelling in a rear garden, means that it is desirable for Permitted Development rights
to be removed.
Cannock Chase
Council
Erection of a 3-bedroom, 1.5
storey, bungalow with ancillary buildings (double
garage and stables). 66,
Hayfield Hill, Cannock Wood. Ref: CH/18/019
22/02/2018 Conclusion: Objection
The proposal is to construct a substantial new dwelling in
what is a currently undeveloped garden, close to the
western boundary of the curtilage. A large (triple?) garage and a double stable block are to be built closer to the
existing property, connected to the proposed dwelling by a
new shared access with an extensive gravel drive and block
paved area. The new dwelling is described as a 1.5 storey bungalow, but the roof structure is tall and complicated,
with an eaves height of 6.675m at the highest point. At
present the existing house footprint extends to only a small percentage of the garden, but the proposed property and
outbuildings would increase this to around 50%.
The Planning and Design statement refers to the approval of
a new dwelling in the rear garden of No.74 Hayfield Hill in
2014 (Ref. CH/14/0175). It is pertinent that the AONB Joint
Committee objected to that proposal and it is not now considered that a precedent has been set by that approval,
especially given the location of the current proposal at the
end of the garden, next to and relying upon a public footpath for vehicular access
The proposed house is not in the Green Belt, but the large garden of this and other properties complement the
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
adjoining open countryside which is Green Belt land.
Together, the gardens and pasture land comprise an important element in the rural landscape of the AONB,
especially so because of the clear views provided from the adjoining public footpath. Therefore, the principle of this
type of development in the AONB and the adverse impact
that it could have on the landscape and scenic beauty of the designated area is an important consideration. I am
concerned that, in addition to the impact another new
dwelling on the immediate site and surroundings, it would
lead to a further precedent for similar development in the rear gardens of other properties on Hayfield Hill. In
addition, the access arrangements will detract from the
rural character of the existing agricultural access and the public footpath and could create pressure for development
on the adjoining plot to the north. Overall, there is a need
to resist any further urbanisation in this location which outweighs any benefits from the provision of a single new
dwelling.
I have concluded, therefore, that the proposed development would adversely affect the landscape and scenic beauty of
the AONB contrary to the NPPF and Local Plan polices. I can
confirm, therefore, that the AONB Joint Committee objects to this planning application.
I am not of the opinion that the application could be revised in any way to overcome this objection. However, should the
application be recommended for approval in its current form, I would be grateful if you would consider imposing
planning conditions to require the approval of materials and
the submission of a landscaping schemes prior to commencement works. In addition, permitted development
rights should be removed to bring any further proposed
development in the gardens of the two properties under
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
planning control.
Local Plans Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
Stafford Borough Council
Local Green Space Designation Consultation
5/1/18 The AONB Partnership does not wish to impose Local Green Space designation on any local community and we would not wish to formally propose any site until it
is supported by the community/Parish council and they have agreed to take the process forward. However, we
recognise that you will be wishing to make progress
with this work and will endeavour to confirm the overall position as soon as possible, once we have discussed
this further with the parish councils.
South Staffordshire
Council
District Design Guide &
Sustainable Development SPD
5/3/2018 SSDC - District Design Guide
This is a comprehensive and well put together document, and so we only have brief comments and
one substantive suggestion with regard to farm
buildings and equines developments. We welcome the reference to the 2014-19 AONB
Management Plan on page 4, but on page 5, you could
also refer to the para. 115 of the NPPF which states the
need for the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB to be conserved. We welcome the reference to the
existing policies CP 1 and EQ4, both of which concern the AONB, on page 6. On page 18 an additional guideline could be included,
along the lines of: “within the AONB and its setting, to
ensure that development that does not adversely affect
the landscape, scenic beauty and quiet enjoyment of the AONB.”
We welcome reference on page 24 to Shoal Hill and the
AONB.
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
A cross reference to the need for particular care in the AONB may be helpful at appropriate points in the
Design Principles section and in Section 5 (Minor developments).
Finally, and possibly more substantively, we wonder if
there is a need for some specific references (generally as good practice) and specifically, for where planning
permission is needed, to design standards for
agriculture buildings and to equine related
development? A cross reference to the AONB leaflet Horse Sense may be helpful in this respect albeit that
the guidance focuses on pasture management rather
than built development. See: http://www.cannock-chase.co.uk/assets/downloads/Cannock.AONB.Horse.pd
f
Sustainable Development SPD
The sections 2. (Sustainable locations and modes of
transport), and 4. (Increasing biodiversity in scheme
design), are directly relevant to the AONB. The aims and content of the SPD are supported, and we have
only three specific comments.
1 In section 2, it may be worth a reference to the desirability of ensuring good access on foot and cycling,
to the countryside, including the AONB. Any measures that reduce unnecessary car journeys to and across the AONB would be supported.
2 In section 4, at para 4.2, it may also be worth referring to the NPPF (Para 117) and the specified need
to “…protect the landscape and scenic beauty of the
AONB” (and its setting). 3 In section 4, at para 4.15 or after, it may also be
worth referring to the importance of lowland heath
(Shoal Hill) and parkland (Hatherton and Bednall) in
Local Authority Application / Location Comments
submitted
Summary of Comments
(and adjoining) the parts of the AONB in SSDC.
Page 29 of 31
Longdon Neighbourhood Plan Submission Consultation
Representation Form
Longdon Parish Council has submitted the Longdon Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2029 to Lichfield
District Council. Under section 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 20121 Lichfield
District Council are now consulting on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan and would like your
comments. In order for your representation to be taken into account at the Neighbourhood Plan
examination and keep you informed of the future progress of the Neighbourhood Plan your contact
details are needed. The closing date for representations to be made is 9 March 2018 at 17:00pm.
Please return your completed representation forms by the closing date via email to
[email protected] or by post to the following address;
Spatial Policy & Delivery Lichfield District Council District Council House Frog Lane Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6YY
You can view the Longdon Neighbourhood Plan and associated documents via
http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/longdonnp or hard copies of the documents are available in
reception at Lichfield District Council.
1 Including amendment regulations; The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 and The
Neighbourhood Planning (General) and Development Management Procedure (Amendment) Regulations 2016.
All comments will be publicly available and identifiable by name and organisation
(where applicable). Please note that any other personal information provided will
be processed by Lichfield District Council in line with the Data Protection Act
1998.
Page 30 of 31
Please complete the boxes below using a separate form for each representation:
Please state whether you would like to be notified of the Council’s decision on the Neighbourhood Plan Proposal: Yes No
If ‘Yes’ is your preferred method of contact either via email or post?
Email Post
Name(s): Anne Walker (for Cannock Chase AONB Officer)
Name(s) of Organisation (if applicable): Cannock Chase AONB Partnership
Address (including postcode): Cannock Chase AONB Unit
Stafford Borough Council Civic Centre
Riverside
Stafford
ST16 3AQ
Email address: [email protected]
Y
Y
Page 31 of 31
Please state which part of the Neighbourhood Plan (for example which section, paragraph or policy)
your representation relates too:
Please use the space below to make comments on this part of the Neighbourhood Plan:
Please return your completed representation forms by the closing date via email to
[email protected] or by post to Spatial Policy & Delivery, Lichfield District
Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6YY