The Democratic & Scrutiny Services Officer invited nominations for the election of Chairman for the Potters Marston Parish Meeting.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2019  (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2019, as circulated, were approved as a correct record.

Fly Tipping

The Chairman, Mr. George Holt expressed concerns around the local ford that has been gated and closed due to high levels of water recently caused by littering/fly tipping that is causing the water to be blocked, increasing the water level. The Chairman raised whether this should still be open to the public and who was responsible for the maintenance of the ford.

Cllr. Maggie Wright advised residents that it should be the Environmental Agency that is responsible for the maintenance of the Ford. Cllr. Wright also advised that she had been in contact with the Fire Service who have expressed their views on the Ford and that is it now a risk to life for people attempting to pass through due to the high levels of water. Cllr. Wright advised that she will contact Highways for an update on the Ford.

Hinckley Rail Freight

Residents requested whether there are any updates regarding the Hinckley Rail Freight proposal.

Cllr. Wright advised residents that it is currently in the process of preparing for the formal consultation on proposals and also advised that residents within 3 kilometers of the proposed plan would receive a written letter regarding the consultation for updates.

Cllr. Maggie Wright shared information with residents that a budget of £25,000 has been provided to improve highways. The funds can be used for enhancements such as new signage and dropped curbs. The share of funds for the village would stand at approximately £2,744. Cllr. Wright informed residents that requests needed to be submitted to the County Council by November 2021. Cllr. Wright then opened the discussion for residents to share any ideas for them to use the grant.

Residents and Cllr. Wright highlighted the issue of speeding within Potters Marston, however, believe that this would benefit more from a larger presence from the police, rather than signage.

The Chairman, advised Cllr. Wright that he felt as though there is nothing particularly Potters Marston would benefit from by using the funding allocated, therefore, they would be happy for Cllr. Wright to use this to improve highways in another of the Fosse Villages.

Strategic Housing Development in Stoney Stanton

Residents questioned whether there was an update on the proposed Strategic Development plan in the Stoney Stanton area.

Cllr. Wright advised that there would be visionary workshops held in October at the Stoney Stanton Village Hall for members of the public to attend. Residents were also advised that any plans within the District would follow the Blaby District Local Plan’s Core Strategy.

Resident Melvin Holyoake questioned whether developers were being encouraged to use alternative or renewable energy sources in new houses built in the District.

Cllr. Wright said this is an issue that the Council is trying to raise, however, it cannot enforce this onto developers. Cllr. Wright expressed the Councils dedication to the Green agenda and explained that the Council now have a Green Officer. 

The Chairman, Mr. G.Holt thanked Cllr. Wright for her work within the District.

The date of the next Parish Meeting to be arranged in consultation with the Chairman for a date in May 2022.