March 2004

At a meeting on 4^th March the Parish Council (PC) considered no fewer than seven Planning Applications. Although it resolved to make no objection to any of them it did express serious concern at the apparent failure of the Planning Authority to ensure compliance with certain conditions attached to earlier permissions relating to the Knighton motocross site.

At the start of the March Monthly Meeting Rev A Oakley and Mr M Rhodes addressed those present on the possible future of Apse Heath Methodist church in the light of needed expenditure on its buildings, pointing out that use or development is constrained by the Charities Act. They stated that suggestions for suitable community use would be particularly welcome.

It was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Meeting immediately before the Monthly Meeting of the PC on 19^th April starting at 7.30pm.

The Chairman asked the meeting to consider various possibilities regarding the refurbishment of the Parish Hall and the upgrading of the facilities it offers, including resiting and rebuilding of the toilet(s) and possibly the kitchen. After some discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should write to regular users of the Hall to ask for comments on the proposals to be submitted by 19^th April; it was also agreed to post details of the options in the Parish Hall itself.

It was noted that Planning Permission had been granted for “provision of Post Office services” within the Parish Hall and that these were scheduled to start the following Friday (19^th March). The Chairman reported that the WI had agreed to run coffee mornings at the time the PO would be open.