FROM YOUR ON THE SPOT PARISH COUNCIL REPORTER
The October parish council meeting began with a couple from Castlesteads View asking what had happened to the promised safe crossing of the A65 and the proposed bus shelter. They asked very politely but it certain amount of frustration was obvious. Clr Rathbone was there to speak for W&F and the answer seems to be a paper work blockage on the bus shelter and a mixture of 'expense and difficulty' for the safe crossing. But a meeting is planned to see if a solution can be found.
The other input from the floor was a query as to what had happened about street lighting for the entrance/exit to the village. Although W&F have been asked for this, apparently the correct form has not been submitted by Natland yet. Perhaps it will get done by next winter; not sure whether I mean the paper work or the light!
There has been one applicant to fill the vacancy on the parish council, and the council agreed to his co-option except that (yes you've guessed it) the paper work is not yet fully complete.
There was now a lengthy session of seeking information from the W&F cllr about the progress of the Story Homes development and the situation regarding the Land Allocations for Natland. Both issues are clouded by the changes to Planning Rules within W&F. It is unlikely that the Story Homes planning application will go before a committee of councillors and will therefore be decided by a Planning Officer. Two main areas of concern are the footpath along Natland Rd and the provision of infrastructure for other services, particularly health services. The planning application is unclear about the proposed footpath and an eagle eyed parish councillor has spotted that Story now only intends to provide a 'contribution' to the expense.
The same councillor has also noticed that in the next round of Land Allocations it appears that 3 sites in Natland are still being considered, with the land behind Long Meadow now included.
It seems to be difficult to get any clarity about the progress of planning issues, with no certainty that either of the issues concerning Natland will come before the parish council again for comment.
You may have read in the Westmorland Gazette that Stage Coach has agreed to review its planned changes to bus routes; the parish council will therefore delay any decision on renovating the bus shelters on the A65. A position for a Notice Board to serve the Beeches estate was decided and this project will go ahead.
The Highwayman reported that Helm Lane was in need of resurfacing throughout its length, and it was noted that there had been flooding by the post box. Clearance of the drains would be requested Cllr Catnach has agreed to take over as the Footpaths Officer. The chairman cllr P Smith would continue as the CALC representative, update the web site as needed and become the Village Hall representative.
The next meeting will be on Monday 30th November at 7pm in the Village Hall.