Parish Council – 11th March

The Parish Council meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Astbury Village Hall, Peel Lane, CW12 4RQ, though we sometimes don’t hold a meeting in December.

 

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting, Wednesday 11 March 2026

Astbury Village Hall, 7.30 pm

 

Present:

• Councillor J Critchlow
• Councillor T Potts
• Councillor N Plant
• Councillor P Critchlow
• Councillor B Jelf
• Councillor M Bailey
• Councillor C Pear
• Councillor P Cliff
• Councillor A Banks
• Councillor S Harrop
• Councillor C Sutton
• Councillor I Parry
• Ward Councillor L Wardlaw
• Mr C Evans (Clerk)

Part 1 – Public and press Forum.  No members of the public were present.

024/26 – Declarations of Interest.  None.

025/26 – Apologies for Absence   No absences.

026/26 Minutes.  The Council resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2026 are a true and accurate record.

 

 

027/26 – Ward Councillor report

Cllr Wardlaw noted that she had received complaints about parking on the A34 at Lawson Motors and is pursuing this with Cheshire East Highways. Planning Application 25/2500/OUT had been approved by Cheshire East Council subject to significant CIL contributions per property. Posts for the SID should be installed in early April, and there might be more funds available for additional siding out along the A34.

 

028/26 – Accounts

The Council discussed and resolved to approve the accounts (see Annex 1 for details).

 

029/26 – Planning Applications

 

26/0303/OUT

Outline planning application for the demolition of existing farm outbuildings and a residential development comprising up to 85 no. dwellings together with parking, open space, landscaping, drainage and associated works.

Land South Of Sandbach Road (opposite the Loachbrook Estate)

The Council resolved to reiterate its objection to the application including the proposed access arrangements, character and scale, traffic implications and the preservation of heritage assets.

 

26/0635/CLPUD

Certificate of lawful development for proposed single storey side extension and garage conversion.

The Homestead, Moss Road, Astbury

The Council resolved to raise no objection to this application.

 

030/26 – Business Plan

Councillors discussed an update to the Business Plan which they felt should be more rooted in the Neighbourhood Plan and linked to budgets for the activities the Council had agreed on when setting the precept. The Council will return to this at its next meeting.

 

031/26 – Highways and SID installation

Cllr Plant had taken delivery of the SID which he and Cllr Cliff will assemble and install once the posts are in place. Cllrs noted, again, the poor state of the roads and the defective traffic lights by the Horseshoe Pub. Cllr Parry is in touch with Cheshire East Highways about further traffic calming measures which could be considered in 2026/2027.

 

032/26 – Collaboration with Congleton Town Council and others

The Clerk reported on his recent meeting with Congleton Town Council and neighboring parishes to consider the implications should Cheshire East Council fall under s114 ‘special measures’ and withdraw any non-statutory services. The Clerk will continue to liaise on this.

 

033/26 – Common Land

Chairman J Critchlow reported on the transformational works that had been done at the site, she will develop a more detailed plan for the next phase, including future hedge cutting, wildflower and tree planting etc. and the Council will consider approaching the William Dean Trust for additional financial support.

 

034/26 – Chairman and Members’ reports

Chairman J Critchlow reported that a parishioner had expressed an interest in applying to be a Councillor, and the Clerk will send the various forms and background information. Cllr Jelf noted that the next liaison meeting with Sibelco would be on 21^st April. Cllr Parry called for volunteers to help with the May Day activities.

 

035/26 – Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported on his investigations so far about adopting the phone box by the entrance to the cemetery and repurposing it. Once a decision had been taken on what to use it for, a formal planning application would likely be needed as it’s a Grade II listed building in a Conservation Area. The Council will return to the issue at a future meeting. He is also trying to get the company refurbishing and installing the replacement phone box at Ackers Crossing to liaise with Scottish Power so that the installation and power source are properly coordinated.

 

The meeting ended at 2040 hrs.

 

 

Annex 1 – Accounts

 

Bank Balance as of 01 March 2026:  £19,870.03 Of which: ·       £1,273.87 unspent CIL from July 2023 ·       £2,625.23 unspent CIL from April 2025   Received since 01 February 2026: ·       £1,078.55 – Scottish Power refund   Payments to approve: ·       none Payments noted since 01 February 2026: ·       £54.30 – NEST, Clerk Pension ·       £40.00 – Clerk Training (AI) ·       £40.00 – Clerk Training (AGAR) ·       £615.60 – Clerk Salary ·       £516.24 – Crewe Colour Printers