Parish Council 4 April 2023

BERKSWICH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Berkswich Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 4 April 2023
at 7.30 pm at Walton Village Hall
Present: Cllr Sue Francis (Chairman), Cllr Malcolm Millichap (Acting Secretary), Cllr Margaret
Crossland, Cllr Graham Kilford, Cllr Ann Millichap, Cllr Alan Taylor, Cllr Tim Luker, Cllr
Caroline Pearson.
In attendance: Three members of the public and Cllr. A. Cooper (SBC).
Cllr S. Francis welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public questions
There being no items from the public, the public session was closed.
23/28 Apologies received from Cllr Ben Rowell as he was away and Sue Fullwood (Clerk to
the Council) due to illness. Resolved that both apologies were accepted.

23/29 To record Declarations of Interest regarding items on the agenda. None received.
23/30 Minutes of the Council meeting of 7 March 2023. Resolved that the minutes of the
Berkswich Parish Council meeting were a true record and should be approved and
signed by the Chairman.
23/31 Update on matters arising which were not agenda items
The Council letter concerning environmental matters had been sent to the relevant
Government Minister and a standard reply received, which had been circulated.

23/32 Reduction of the speed limit to 30 mph at Milford
We were informed the criteria for speed reduction was not met. Cllr Kilford suggested
we obtain a copy of the criteria. Cllr Taylor said the Police were keen to meet with local
people to consider issues and recommended the Clerk arrange a meeting with the
Council and interested parties at Milford. Action: Clerk
23/33 Replacement of the bench at the end of Stockton Lane
It was pointed out that this location was outside of the Parish, therefore no further
action.

23/34 Congestion around the garage on the Rise
. It would appear that the approval granted by the Borough Planning Department was
vague, which makes it difficult to raise objections. The use of the site is thought to be
temporary, but this is not defined. The movement of vehicles and especially large
vehicle transporters on the A513 and The Rise opposite the High School entrance,
creates a danger. It was agreed we should seek support from the High School Head
Teacher and then express our joint concerns for children’s safety, to the Borough
Council. Action: Clerk
23/35 Potential for having allotments
The Council does not own suitable land for this project, so will have to work with local
landowners. It was suggested we could work with anyone who has a large,
unmanageable garden and therefore “float” the idea in our Newsletter. Action: Clerk.
23/36 Dignity at Work Policy and NALC Civility and Respect Pledge
Deferred to the new Council.
23/37 Financial Matters:
i. Bank Reconciliation and expenditure for March 2023. Resolved: approved

ii. Budget Report for March 2023. Resolved: approved.
iii. Cheque signatories for the immediate post-election period were discussed – it
was proposed that current cheque signatories could continue to sign cheques
until 31 July, 2023 to ensure smooth handover following election. Resolved:
approved, with the exception of Cllr Kilford.
23/38 Planning Matters
i. Response to application 23/37087/FUL land at Home Farm, Milford The
massing of the proposed buildings would be intrusive to the AONB. The
proposal represented intensification of business activity. It was unclear what
would happen to the vehicles on site. Such development was contrary to
environment policy in the AONB. It was proposed Council object. Resolved:
Council would object to the proposals. Action: Clerk
ii. Response to applications 22/36522/COU and 23/37182/COU at 196/196a
Main Road Milford Whilst this was an extension of the garden, it was proposed
that Council should object on the grounds that it could become residential
development. Resolved: Council would object to the proposals. Action: Clerk.
23/39 Reports from other Meetings
i. Environment Group – The group had met and reviewed the work done in
Walton Coppice. Further review was needed. A wildflower meadow project was
being considered. Contact was to be made with the local landowner to consider
joint work to improve the environment.
ii. Village Hall Council of Management – AGM has been held.
iii. Trent Valley Collaboration Group 9 March 2023 – The main item under
discussion was meeting with the local police officers.
23/40 Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council is the annual meeting which will take place
on Tuesday 9 May 2023 at 7.30 pm at Walton Village Hall. The Annual Parish
Meeting will be held at 7.00 pm on the same date, at the same location.
The Chair thanked the Council for support over the last four years and closed the meeting at 20:10
hours.