Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2024 be approved.

·         Disclosable Pecuniary Interests:

·         Other Interests

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 those 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.

Members discussed the process for chasing applications which were coming toward their grant expiration date and when funding should be withdrawn.

RESOLVED:

·         That the update report be noted.

·         That the application for Christ Church, Biddulph Moor remain open until the next meeting.

The report sought Member's approval to allocate grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board (MPB) in 2024/25. The budget for this year is £60,000.

Members discussed the requirement for applications, the difficulties in obtaining Diocese approval for religious buildings, the implications of funding limited companies and private dwellings. Members questioned the length of time the current door at 31 London Street had been there as well as the windows in the property not being of any historical significance.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the financial summary in 3.2 be noted.

2.    That a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works towards the repointing of St Mark’s Church, Foxt be approved. The work would be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

·         The works to be carried out in accordance with the Architects specification.

·         The works receive approval from the Diocese.

3.    That a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works towards the refurbishment of the mural at the Plough Inn Endon be approved. The work would be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

·         Listed Building Consent is approved prior to works commencing on site.

·         There is an approved scheme of redecoration for the rest of the building prior to works commencing on the mural.

·         Full payment of the grant is withheld until the entire frontage of the building’s redecoration is complete or well underway.

·         That the brewery be in direct contact with Officers.

·         That there is significant progress on works by November 2024. If members consider that insufficient progress is being made the grant will be withdrawn and reallocated.

4.    That the application for a 75% grant of £5,475 (VAT inc) towards the cost of eligible works towards joinery repairs and restoration at 31 London Street, Leek be refused.

5.    That a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the project costs of internal bell protection to St Giles Church in Cheadle be approved. The work would be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:

·         Works to be carried out in accordance with the architects specification and drawings as approved by the Diocese of Birmingham.

6.    That the application for a maximum grant of £8,000 towards the cost of eligible works for the repair of summer house No 2 at St Edwards Cheddleton be deferred until the end of the financial year and be considered at the March meeting if funds permit.

The Chair thanked Officers and members for their support and attendance at the tour earlier today. She advised that she had requested more social media presence and documents to be added to the website. This would advise the community what Moorlands Partnership Board offers and how it supports the economy and tourism by preserving the heritage and landscape within the Moorlands.