Agenda and minutes

·         Disclosable Pecuniary Interests:

·         Other Interests

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Board received a report which provided an update and reviewed progress on the grants already approved (in previous years) under the Moorlands Partnership Board.

This report dealt with progress to date on these projects, awaiting commencement, on site or, completed since the last meeting of the Moorlands Partnership Board.

This report was for information only but offered Members an opportunity to comment on progress. The report was presented with an accompanying power point presentation which displayed images of each project.

Project updates and progress

2016/17 OFFERS:

Biddulph Town Council Projects

·       The Trough – The protective bollards were now in place and a stone sample had been approved for the restoration of the trough.

·       Halls Road Community Notice Board – Grant paid and noticeboard in place.

·       Gillow Heath Station – Platform edging works due to commence on 3 April and would be completed the same week.

The above grant offers had been live for some significant time and it was agreed at the last meeting that the projects should be complete and paid within this financial year. Halls Road community board had now been paid. There had now been some progress made on the Trough repairs and Gillow Heath Station. As such, the Board considered giving the Council a further 3 months to complete the repair of the Trough and Gillow Heath Station.

2019/2020 OFFERS:        

          42 Compton, Leek – sash window reinstatement

          Members agreed at the last meeting to extend the grant offer until 31 March 23. This had been relayed to the applicant and despite a desire to complete the works they had not completed the works or indeed applied for planning permission for replacement windows. As such, the grant will be withdrawn. 

2020/2021 OFFERS:

          St Edwards Summerhouses – Repair of 5 grade II listed summer houses within site

The managing agents were now involved with this project and wanted to ensure confirmation from the local Building Control/Conservation Officer that the updated repair specification provided by Lyell Partners was satisfactory. This confirmation had now been obtained. A second estimate for the work was due to be submitted with work starting as soon as a contractor was appointed.

          2021/2022 OFFERS:

          Heaton House, Rushton Spencer – Reinstatement of stone boundary wall to match original

Planning Permission for the wall was approved in August and the stone sample and pointing mix had also been approved. There had been a delay to the start of works due to an ongoing insurance claim against a delivery vehicle being reversed into one of the new gate posts. 

          St Giles Church, Cheadle - Funerary Monument repairs

          Diocese permissions being sought prior to commencement of works but progress was slow.

          Guild Hall, Alton Castle – Roof repairs

          Fund raising and grant awards have secured 90% of the funding required for the repair to the roof of the building. There had been a slight delay to start the works as a Bat survey is required which can only be carried out between May – August. This would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

The Board considered a report which sought Members’ approval to allocate grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board in 2022/23. The budget for this year was £60,000.

The Council had received more grant applications than available budget. As a result, there were insufficient funds to offer grants to all projects within this financial year. However, in agreement with the Council’s Finance section, the Board could offer grants to all projects, with any overspend being met from next year’s budget of £60,000.

RESOLVED: The Board: -

1.    NOTED the financial summary in 3.1 of the report.

2.    APPROVED a maximum grant £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £13,830 (exc VAT) at Bank House, Leek The work is subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

-       All new joinery or repaired joinery details must match the existing exactly.

-       Decoration scheme/paint colour to be agreed with the Regeneration Officer.

3.    REFUSED a grant of £5962 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £7949 (inc VAT) at 6 Sheep Market, Leek.

4.    APPROVED a grant of £5250 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £7000 (VAT na) at 35 St Edward’s Street, Leek. The work is  subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

-       The windows must be constructed in accordance with planning approval SMD/2022/0594 and any conditions attached.

-       The new frames and opening mechanism must match exactly the traditional ground floor frame.

-       Windows shall be glazed internally. 

5.    APPROVED a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the reinstatement of a GRP decking at Consall Station. The work is subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and technical conditions requested by the Conservation Officer.

6.    APPROVED a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £19,680 (VAT na) at Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek. The work will be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions.

7.    REFUSED a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the roof repairs and new timber dormer window at Rock House, Rudyard.

8.    APPROVED a 75% grant of £1,500 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £2,000 (exc VAT) at Brown Edge Playing Fields. This will be subject to the standard grant schemes conditions and the following technical conditions:

-       Decoration scheme to match existing

-       A high standard exterior paint to be used with a warranty.