Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee

Thursday 15th March 2018, 10:00am

Craddock Room, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ

A G E N D A

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 11th January 2018

3. Matters Arising

4. Declaration of Interests 5. Financial Update

Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee

6. Action Plan Progress

Report of the Chairman of the Officers’ Working Group

7. Any Planning Items that may require consideration Report of the AONB Officer

8. Partners’ News Item for Members to update all from their own part of the AONB

9. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

10. Exclusion of the Public and Press

The Chairman to move:

"That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business

which involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the local Government Act 1972 (as amended) indicated

below"

Part Two (All reports in this section are exempt)

11. Cannock Chase AONB Resource Review Report from Officers Working Group

Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee

Thursday 11th January 2018, 10:00am

Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield

M I N U T E S

Name Representing

Members

Cllr Frances Beatty, Chairman Stafford Borough Council

Cllr Bob Awty, Vice Chairman Lichfield District Council

Cllr Bob McCardle South Staffordshire Council Cllr Mark Winnington Staffordshire County Council

Nominated Substitutes

Cllr Len Bates South Staffordshire Council Cllr Ian Pritchard Lichfield District Council

Officers Sarah Bentley Staffordshire County Council

John Broad Staffordshire County Council, Honorary

Treasurer Janene Cox OBE Staffordshire County Council

Kelly Harris South Staffordshire Council

Sarah Matile Lichfield District Council

Anne Walker Cannock Chase AONB Unit, Clerk to the Joint Committee

Bill Waller Stafford Borough Council

Glenn Watson Cannock Chase Council

Advisers Cllr Pat Ansell Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association Roger Broadbent West Midland Bird Club, Representing

Recreation Groups

Nick Carter Historic England

Ruth Hÿtch Cannock Chase AONB Officer Hazel McDowall Natural England

Mike Shurmer RSPB

Apologies

281 Apologies were received from Cllr John Preece (Cannock Chase Council), Mary Cope (Beaudesert Park Farm/NFU), Helen Dale (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust), June Jukes MBE

(Friends of Cannock Chase), Hayley Mival (National Trust) and John Rowe (Honorary Secretary)

Minutes of the meeting held on 15th June 2017

282 The minutes of the last meeting were proposed by Cllr Awty, seconded by Cllr

McCardle and accepted by all.

Matters Arising

283 There were no matters arising.

Declaration of Interests

284 There were no declarations of interest.

Financial Update

Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee

285 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by J Broad. He noted that

the current underspend would be committed mainly to actions in the current Management Plan Action Plan.

Questions/Comments:

Comment Response

J Cox – asked about what the underspend

would be allocated to.

R Hÿtch – core projects are delivered

centrally for all partners and are in the

agreed action plan that the Task & finish

Groups are going through.

J Cox – visibility of those, what will be

projects be? Who is on these Task & Finish

Groups? There is significant funding to be allocated.

Cllr Beatty – asked if any projects had come

through yet. At what stage will it be known what the Task & Finish Group spend will be.

S Bentley – decisions are made between

different projects.

R Hÿtch – Officers Working Group oversees

projects coming through; operational

matters. The Task & Finish Groups have

been looking at this since September but no projects have yet come forward. There is

now an issue over timings.

H McDowall – the Task & Finish Groups will

be meeting in the coming weeks and all will

be asked individually about projects.

Cllr Beatty – concerned about the slippage in timescale, need spending to be achieved

by the end of the financial year. How will

the Joint Committee know what the plans are?

R Hÿtch – the Joint Committee had previously approved the Annual Action Plans

and projects should be coming forward to

achieve these actions. This should be an operational matter.

Cllr McCardle – this does not answer the

question completely. Needs to be very clear

of where the underspend will be spent.

Cllr Beatty – unknown that the money

would be spent by the end of the financial year. What if this is not the case.

J Broad – an enquiry had been made to

Defra to see if any grant underspend could

be carried forward to the next financial year. Awaiting clarification on this. In his

opinion the risk is minimal, however it

would be better if as much as possible can be spent on projects.

G Watson – Appendix 3, 2018-19 revenue budget. Salaries budget has 1% uplift,

recent agreement seems to indicate 2% uplift, what is now a realistic budget?

J Broad – the budget had been prepared prior to the announcement, can recalculate

the salaries budget.

R Hÿtch – the current budget allows for 3

members of staff but there are still only 2. This will need to be discussed later this

month.

J Cox – the budget should be built around the establishment of the three posts.

R Hÿtch – if we do move forward on three staff, this will also have some issues for core projects.

Action Point:

J Broad – will recalculate the budget and

recirculate.

Resolved 1a) Revenue Budget Outturn 2017/18

That progress on the current net revenue spend for 2017/18 was noted. 1b) Revenue Budget 2018/19

The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 was considered. Addendum: subject to budget recalculation to reflect the proposed 2% salaries uplift rather than 1% uplift. J Broad to

recalculate and recirculate to members for agreement.

1c) Risk Register The updated risk register was considered and agreed.

1d) Draft funding bid The position on the draft grant bid to Defra for Single Pot funding in 2018/19 was noted and officers are authorised to submit a final submission by late January 2018.

J Broad left at this point.

Cllr Winnington arrived at this point.

Action Plan Progress

Report of the Chairman of the Officers’ Working Group

286 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by H McDowall.

Task & Finish Groups:

Landscape – update of the Landscape Character Assessments complete and report

available on Cannock Chase AONB website (http://www.cannock-

chase.co.uk/assets/downloads/164672910Cannock%20AONB%20LCA_FINAL_Aug.17.pdf )

Land Management for Biodiversity & Geodiversity – last met in October when the two SAC officers also attended. Discussed grazing and monitoring. Jim Stewart from

Forestry Commission offered to lead a sub-group on deer management. Mike Shurmer from RSPB leading sub-group to identify priority species.

Visitor Management – also met in October, SAC officers also attended. Discussed volunteers to assist with signage audit and progress of the draft car parking strategy.

Simon Smith who is leading the Love Cannock Chase Group also attended to outline the

Group's work with engaging local businesses.

Questions/comments:

Comment Response

Cllr Awty – reports are that there are high

rates of incidents of traffic collisions with deer. What are the numbers, are they now

B Waller – information is not readily

available but it is something that the deer management group will want to look at.

Comment Response

overstocked and is it a question of culling? Also asked if the scheme on A513 has seen any reduction of collisions?

Cllr Winnington – Staffordshire County Council are in the process of letting a

contract for a deer census and potential culling to manage the herd. Need to ensure

that the sub-group and contractor work together.

Some landowners are less willing to manage the deer population on their land. A more accurate indication of numbers is

needed.

R Hÿtch – the deer detection project

equipment along the A513 was sponsored through a Sustainable Development Fund

grant. A report on the effectiveness of the project is awaited.

Cllr Winnington – asked about progress on the car parking strategy, including

timescales for this important piece of work.

R Broadbent – expressed concern for local people and members of interest groups who

perhaps visit the area 2-3 times a week.

Increases in car park charging and more car

parks with charging will have an impact. Will they be able to have special

consideration? Also mentioned the

installation of gates at the entrance to Seven Spring Car Park, there is confusion

about if and when they may be closed.

K Harris – the SAC Partnership sent the brief out to tender and a board to assess

applications has met recently. An

announcement on the successful contractor will be made shortly. The submissions had

included a variety of timescales and consultation with stakeholders.

It was suggested that progress is reported to the next Joint Committee.

K Harris – the draft brief had been discussed at the Visitor Management Task &

Finish Group. Not at the point of charging at

the moment, the purpose of this first phase

of work is to ensure protecting the SAC and the AONB. After that, charging may be

considered. Progress will be reported back

to and discussed with the Task & Finish Group.

Historic Environment – Met in November. Group is looking at Management Plan policies and actions and made initial comments about how the historic environment can be better

reflected in the new Management Plan. Monitoring information also needs to be fed into

the State of the AONB reporting along with data collected from Historic England. Further funding application had been made by Friends of Cannock Chase to the Heritage Lottery

Fund for the fourth phase of the WW1 commemoration project. This will focus on

engaging with young people. The Chase Through Time project is due to finish at the end

of March 2018. A project proposal has been put together to address the three actions in the current Management Plan relating to parklands. Staffordshire Parks and Gardens Trust

had worked with Staffordshire County Council on this draft. Further work needs to be

done and it may be put forward for a Heritage Lottery Fund application, which will include archive and documentary research.

Cannock Chase AONB Unit – R Hÿtch outlined work undertaken recently and included in the report. With a still depleted team, not all actions expected can be addressed currently,

including some of the Defra objectives and statutory duties. Cllr Beatty - asked that a list of what is not being done is drawn up and circulated to the Joint Committee. Cllr

Winnington – statutory duties are important and need to be done so that we are not in

breach of the Defra grant. J Cox – suggested that Officers Working Group look at this

along with indicative costs and circulate to Joint Committee. Cllr Beatty – two issues, one is about finance, the other about statutory duty. Cllr McCardle – there is a matter of

urgency in meeting the Defra objectives and ensuring spend of the grant. Suggested that

there may need to be an additional meeting before March.

Resolved:

1.1 Members noted progress with Task & Finish Groups and will contact the AONB Unit

if they wish to attend any meetings. 1.2 Management Plan delivery progress – The Committee noted the progress outlined

in the AONB Unit’s report.

Annual Conference Feedback

Report of the AONB Officer

287 A report was circulated prior to the meeting, which included full feedback from the

conference in September. R Hÿtch noted that the content of the comments related to the

Management Plan review. The recommendations of the report are to note progress and agree to a Task & Finish Group being established to plan celebrating the 60th anniversary

of the AONB designation on 16th September.

Delegates at the conference indicated that the content, policies and issues are still

relevant for the next five year Management Plan, 2019-2024. More work is suggested,

however, on a new action plan which makes actions live and delivery more achievable for

partners. Delegates were not necessarily representative of all areas of work, comments on the historic environment were lacking as there was no representation.

A 'virtual' Task & Finish Group to review feedback and assess development of the emerging Management Plan 2019-24 is due to be established once participants are

identified and confirmed. Discussions are taking place with Historic England and Environment Agency on sections pertinent to their specialist areas. Next steps are outlined in section 4.11, including checking data. Stakeholders, such as Parish Councils,

will be consulted directly.

Careful thought is needed into how to present to partners that is palatable and ensures

that actions can be achieved. With this in mind, R Hÿtch informed the meeting that a brief had been circulated to guide presentation to support implementation of actions. This

would be funded from the unspent budget allocated for Management Plan Review.

Other partner celebrations this year and next are Friends of Cannock Chase 70th anniversary and West Midland Bird Club 90th anniversary.

Question/comments:

Comment Response

H McDowall – discussions with the Task &

Finish Groups all indicated not too many

changes with the Management Plan policies,

more in terms of actions. Officers Working Group to confirm this at their next meeting.

Expressed concern that members of the

Officers Working Group had not seen the brief and would have preferred to have

done so before it was circulated.

R Hÿtch – the Management Plan Review sits

with the AONB Unit. The brief included

asking potential consultants that any new

drafting would be in consultation with the Task & Finish Groups.

Cllr Winnington – perturbed by this R Hÿtch – in terms of statutory duties, the

Comment Response

approach. Concerned that the AONB Unit was bypassing Officers Working Group and Joint Committee. Congratulated all on the

Conference but the governance of the partnership is that these two groups are

involved in decisions regarding

consultations.

Joint Committee meeting in June 2017 confirmed that the AONB Unit be formally appointed to undertake the Management

Plan Review. This is in line with previous reviews and is the format for most AONBs

nationwide.

Cllr Winnington – thought that the decision was that the Joint Committee did not want the review.

R Hÿtch – the decision was that the Officers Working Group would take this forward and part of this was to establish a Task & Finish

Group specifically for the Management Plan Review and re-write. Contributors to this

virtual group are still to be confirmed. This had delayed the programme for the review.

A budget for public consultations had not

yet been used and use of external consultants to assist was thought to be

useful expenditure.

Cllr Winnington – asked if this was the case

that the lack of input was the responsibility of the Officers Working Group.

H McDowall – thought that the virtual group

was in place with the Officers Working Group and Task & Finish Groups.

Cllr Beatty – asked what the consultants

would be asked to do.

R Hÿtch – use the information collected

from conferences in 2016 and 2017, research what other AONBs are doing on

formulating actions and recommend how

best to present actions that can be achieved

by partners.

The meeting discussed the issue of letting a contract as described further and concluded

that this should be withdrawn. R Hÿtch was requested to prepare a set of revised milestones to be presented to the next Joint Committee meeting. Action for R Hÿtch.

Cllr Winnington – requested that budget planning is undertaken covering the next five

years.

R Hÿtch – regarding the 60th anniversary celebrations, delegates at the conference put

forward suggestions that are outlined in the report. It is suggested that a Task & Finish Group be established to look at potential celebratory events. H McDowall – asked if there

was anyone in mind to lead and be part of this. Cllr Awty – suggests local interest groups be included. J Cox – is there a budget for this? R Hÿtch – yes this is included in the 2018-19 budget and as with the 50th anniversary, there is potential to bring in sponsorship.

The meeting discussed whether there was anyone to lead on this and as there was no one

coming forward it was decided that the second recommendation of the report was not

accepted.

Resolved 1.1 The Joint Committee noted the progress and actions relating to the on-going

Management Plan review information from the annual conference.

1.2 The Joint Committee declined to form a Task and Finish Group to establish projects

for the 60th anniversary of the AONB’s designation on 16th September 2018.

Any Planning Items that may require consideration Report of the AONB Officer

288 A report was circulated prior to the meeting and outlined by R Hÿtch. She drew attention on p27-28, an application to Lichfield District Council. This had been a

‘conditional object’ but following additional information that was supplied by the

applicant’s agent, the objection had been withdrawn.

The report shows that comments on 34 development control applications had been made

in the period between June and December 2017.

Cllr Beatty asked that the Planning Consultant, Clive Keble, be thanked for his work on

behalf of the Partnership.

Resolved

The Joint Committee noted progress made on planning matters since the last meeting.

Partners’ News Item for Members to update all from their own part of the AONB

289 The Joint Committee received the following reports:

Historic England • N Carter now in post as Inspector of Ancient Monuments for this area following Ian

George leaving.

West Midland Bird Club

• Completed the five year species report, partly funded from the Sustainable

Development Fund.

• Attended the recent priority species meeting (sub-group of Land Management Task & Finish Group)

R Broadbent was commended for the work on the species report.

Natural England The North and South Mercia teams had now been re-merged and will now be the West Midlands team. Emma Johnson is the area manager.

Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association

Cllr Ansell asked about recent reports of Alabama Rot. • R Hÿtch – when this was first reported on social media, the local vet practice was

contacted about what should be put on our social media pages, particularly Freda’s

Footsteps. This is a viral infection and it is unclear how it is transmitted. The key thing for dog owners to do is to make sure that dogs paws/legs are washed after

they have been walked. It is understood that further discussions between Staffordshire County Council and Forestry Commission had taken place regarding measures on the ground. The original complainant had also been in touch with his

local MP, Amanda Milling. There seems to be the expectation that landowners will take this on.

• Cllr Winnington – from Staffordshire County Council’s viewpoint, currently this is a

sporadic outbreak with no proof that it was a problem with Cannock Chase alone. If

and when this can be proved the specific landowner will take appropriate action. As mentioned, it is up to dog owners to do basic hygiene and keep an eye on pets for

potential sores on legs.

Cllr Winnington commented on the West Midland Bird Club’s report, some positive points

come out. R Broadbent noted that in the main species are doing well, although Redstarts

seem to be in decline. Cuckoos however were recorded in all sectors. Cllr Winnington – as far as farming is concerned, there is much discussion of the links between badgers and

bovine TB. However, ground nesting birds on farmland are in decline due to badgers

eating the eggs.

South Staffordshire Council

Cllr Bates – commented on the annual conference. Pleased to see that a question and

answer session was included, however was disappointed that not enough members of the Joint Committee came forward to sit on the panel. He felt that he answered 50% of the

questions. Cllr Awty – thought that more time should have been allocated to this part of the conference and more preparation was needed.

Staffordshire County Council • Winter works continuing as part of the stewardship programme, including some

thinning work in Brocton Coppice and removing scrub from archaeological features. • Work ongoing on the next stewardship application, including grazing, consultation on

Brocton Coppice, Oldacre and a whole site management plan. Beaudesert Park Farm/NFU (in absentia)

• Seasons of Hope Dementia Days are going well, 2 done 4 to go with bookings for all sessions.

• NFU are busy in discussions with the authorities regarding Brexit and HS2 on behalf

of members.

Friends of Cannock Chase (in absentia)

New calendar of events for 2018-19 to be produced by the end of February 2018.

Calendar of Meetings 2018

Report of the Clerk to the Joint Committee

290 A Walker outlined this report, which included dates for the Task & Finish Groups

meetings. K Harris requested that dates for the Visitor Management Task & Finish Group meetings be looked at again as she will be unavailable for some. Also thought that it may be short notice for people to attend the first meeting on 1st February. A Walker to

circulate email invitation and gauge how many may be able to attend.

Resolved The Committee agreed the proposed meeting schedule for 2018.

Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 15th March 2018, 10:00am, Craddock Room, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Stafford ST16 3AQ.

Remaining meetings in 2018:

Thursday 21st June 2018, 10:00am

Thursday 6th December 2018, 10:00am

Exclusion of the Public and Press

The Chairman to move:

"That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business which

involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the local Government Act 1972 (as amended) indicated below"

Part Two

(All reports in this section are exempt)

None

Meeting ended 11:50am

Item No. 5 Local Members

Interest N/A

Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee 15th March 2018

Finance Update

Revenue Budget 2017-18

Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee and the AONB Officer

Recommendations 1. a) Revenue Budget Outturn 2017/18

That progress on the current net revenue spend for 2017/18 is noted. b) Revenue Budget 2018/19 The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 is considered and agreed. c) The AONB Reserve That the current balance held on the AONB Reserve is noted.

Part A Why is it coming here – what decision(s) are required? 2. The Joint Committee in its role under the Partnership Agreement is responsible for:-

• The management of the core funding from Defra and the co-ordination of partner projects. This report updates the Joint Committee on progress to date on the current year’s budget.

• The approval of budget provision. The current proposal for the 2018/19 net revenue budget is recommended to the Joint Committee.

Reasons for Recommendations: 3. The recommendations represent an effective way to continue to carry forward the implementation

of the Management Plan for the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership.

Part B

Background: 4. Revenue Budget Update 2017/18 4.1 The forecast financial position for the Core and Action Projects Budget is set out in Appendix 1

which shows a net spend to date of £123,607 together with the outturn currently predicted for the year. The predicted outturn for the end of the financial year totals £164,590 compared to the approved net budget of £185,450, giving an anticipated underspend of £20,860 which will be transferred to the Cannock Chase AONB Reserve at the year end. It should be noted that given

the previously reported underspend position, that an additional £1,800 has been committed towards the upkeep and repainting of the Chase’s WW1 huts.

4.2 Defra has recently confirmed that any unspent budget balance held at the year end on the Core

and Action Projects budget can be retained by the AONB and carried forward and invested in the next financial year.

4.3 The latest position available for the £18,087 Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for 2017/18 is

set out in Appendix 2 with projects now approved to date currently amounting to £16,278 in total. After the administration fee earned by the AONB Unit of £1,809 is deducted, the £18,087 SDF Grant will be expected to be fully spent by the end of the financial year.

4.4 At the year end, the Cannock Chase AONB will now be subject to new auditing arrangements

which the DCLG has reintroduced. This new auditing arrangement will require the AONB Unit to complete a new annual return known as the "Annual Governance and Accountability Return" which will then be audited and subsequently published.

5. Revenue Budget 2018/19

5.1 The draft net revenue budget for 2018/19 is set out in Appendix 3 and generally reflects an

expected annual inflationary uplift of 2% on salaries and 0% on all non-pay items. 5.2 It is proposed that the budget for the Core and Projects Cost for 2018/19 should remain at its

existing 2017/18 funding level of £167,360 of which £146,077 is confirmed Defra Grant funding. The total SDF Funding for 2018/19 available will therefore be set at £20,557 which represents an increase of £2,470 on the current year in terms of funding levels.

6 The AONB Reserve 6.1 The balance on the Cannock Chase AONB Reserve stood at £67,612 at the start of 2017/18. A

summary of the Reserve is attached as Appendix 4. 6.2 It has previously been recommended that the priorities for the use of the Reserve Fund should be

as follows:

• Income from sales, donations and consultancy work should be available to supplement the delivery of projects within the Annual Action Plans and to provide ‘matched funding’ for any major grant applications (approximately £37,612) and;

• The remaining funds should be ‘earmarked’ to enable the AONB unit to respond to the implications of any potential future reductions in funding (approximately £30,000).

6.3 These priorities are reviewed annually in December of each year in conjunction with the annual

update of the Cannock Chase AONB Risk Register which is undertaken in December of each year.

7. Equalities Implications

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Equal Opportunities policies of the County Council.

8. Legal Implications

Actions recommended in this report are in accordance with the provisions of the Cannock Chase AONB Partnership Agreement.

9. Resource and Value for Money Implications This report recommends actions to ensure the continued efficient delivery of the Cannock Chase

AONB Management Plan and reflects the principles set out in the Partnership Agreements. 10. Risk Implications

If continuity of funding and spend are not continued as recommended to the Joint Committee, then the five authorities involved in the current Partnership will need to seek other methods of fulfilling their statutory obligations for the AONB under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Report authors: Authors Name John Broad Place Finance Unit 01785 854861 Ruth Hÿtch AONB Unit 01785 619184 List of Background papers None

Appendix 1

Actuals Actuals Actuals Approved Spent or Predicted Variation

2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 Budget Committed Outturn

to Date

£ £ £ £ £ £

AONB Core Budget

Staff Salaries and Associated costs 118,989 121,794 104,555 128,310 86,668 103,832 -24,478

Accommodation /Office Equipment 8,436 7,421 7,599 7,480 6,586 7,480 0

Transport 4,995 5,113 4,839 5,110 3,583 5,110 0

Partnership budget for PR events 3,706 2,784 3,166 2,500 1,027 2,500 0

Sustainable Development Fund 5,000 15,649 18,090 5,390 18,090 0

Partnership running costs 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,600 0

142,726 148,713 142,406 168,090 109,854 143,612 -24,478

Core Action Projects

AONB Website 160 160 160 160 0 160 0

AONB Annual Review 435 388 1,208 500 0 500 0

Monitoring Projects 0 3,696 3,000 2,568 2,568 -432

Community Involvement and Awareness Events 2,237 3,415 2,797 2,000 2,795 4,350 2,350

Planning Support Project 6,000 6,240 8,820 7,000 7,000 7,000 0

Maximising Income 3,019 1,525 1,925 1,000 0 1,000 0

Advisory Partnership WW1 3,151 1,250 500 403 2,200 1,700

Dementia Friendly Community Project 5,206 3,110 0 0 0

Visitor Management yr 2 6,595 5,109 0 0

Management Plan 3,849 0 0 2,200 0 2,200 0

Annual Conference 774 1,000 987 1,000 0

Governance Review 11,876 0 0

Gateway Signs 4,875 0 0

Interpretation Strategy 4,814 0 0 0

Peace & Tranquillity 2,338 3,600 0

Fixed Point Photography Analysis Report 6,224 -5 0

24,633 39,598 40,720 17,360 13,753 20,978 3,618

TOTAL BUDGET 167,359 188,311 183,126 185,450 123,607 164,590 -20,860

FUNDED BY:

Natural England 4,300 0

Defra 125,518 138,792 141,179 143,610 -1 143,606 -4

Lichfield District Council 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 0

South Staffordshire District Council 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 2,092 0

Cannock Chase District Council 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 0

Stafford Borough Council 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 8,368 0

Staffordshire County Council 20,921 20,920 20,920 20,920 20,920 20,920 0

167,359 184,932 183,019 185,450 41,839 185,446 -4

Sales and Donations 542 996 0 0 1,359 0 0

Membership Fee Income 0 7,569 0 0

Funding from(+)/to reserve(-) -542 2,383 108 0 0 -20,856 -20,856

167,359 188,311 183,126 185,450 50,767 164,590 -20,860

CANNOCK CHASE AONB JOINT COMMITTEE

Predicted Outturn for 2017/2018 for

Cannock Chase AONB Core and Project Costs

2017/2018Previous Years

Budget Forecast Variation

Outturn

£ £ £

AONB SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND

Approved Projects

Chase Through Time Project - WW1 June Events (Staffs CC) 3,000 3,000 0

Cannock Chase AONB Action Learning Set (Love Cannock Chase Group) 1,000 1,000 0

Cannock Chase Cultural Hub Youth Engagement Festival 2,000 2,000 0

Dementia Support Days (Beaudesert Park Farm CIC) 3,000 3,000 0

Aerial Photography on Connecting Cannock Chase Project 300 300 0

Wolseley Centre Boardwalk (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) 3,584 3,584 0

The Hills are Alive with Awareness (Friends of Hednesford Park) 1,000 1,000 0

Cuckoo Tracking Project Phase 1 (West Midland Bird Club) 297 297 0

Thermal Imaging Camera (Brewood Ringers) 2,089 2,089 0

Total Approved Projects 16,270 16,270 0

Admin Fees 1,809 1,809 0

Currently Unallocated 8 8 0

TOTAL 18,087 18,087 0

2017/2018

Appendix 2

CANNOCK CHASE AONB JOINT COMMITTEE

Budget Update for 2017/2018 for

Sustainable Development Fund

December 2017

Appendix 3

March ‘18 DRAFT Cannock Chase AONB Budget 2018-19

Total Defra Grant

75%

AONB Core Budget

Staff Salaries and Associated costs £130,490.00 £97,867.50

Accommodation / Office Equipment £8,150.00 £6,112.50

Transport £5,100.00 £3,825.00

Partnership budget for PR & Events £2,000.00 £1,500.00

Partnership running costs £6,600.00 £4,950.00

Subtotal £152,340.00 £114,255.00

Core Action Projects

AONB Website £160.00 £120.00

Annual Review £500.00 £375.00

Monitoring - State of the AONB Report £1,000.00 £750.00

Annual Conference £1,000.00 £750.00

Community Involvement & Awareness £2,000.00 £1,500.00

Planning Support Project £7,000.00 £5,250.00

Management Plan Review £3,360.00 £2,520.00

Total Expenditure £167,360.00 £125,520.00

Core Budget £167,360.00

Defra £125,520.00

SDF £20,557.00

Total Defra award £146,077.00

Cannock Chase Council £8,368.00 5.00%

Stafford Borough Council £8,368.00 5.00%

Lichfield District Council £2,092.00 1.25%

South Staffordshire Council £2,092.00 1.25%

Staffordshire County Council £20,920.00 12.50%

TOTAL £41,840.00 25.00%

Appendix 4

Financial Opening Visitor Survey Balance of Closing

Year Balance General WW1 Hut Work Admin Fees Interest Balance

£ £ £ £ £ £ £

2007/2008 10,214 -1,766 8,448

2008/2009 8,448 572 7,713 16,733

2009/2010 16,733 1,326 5,795 23,854

2010/2011 23,854 896 9,564 3,823 38,136

2011/2012 38,136 1,240 17,845 -221 57,001

2012/2013 57,001 387 2,685 195 60,269

2013/2014 60,269 1,001 2,459 249 63,979

2014/2015 63,979 596 1,273 289 66,137

2015/2016 66,137 -1,883 293 64,547

2016/2017 64,547 921 554 1,457 132 67,612

6,941 554 27,409 21,335 1,159 67,612

Notes:

CANNOCK CHASE AONB RESERVE

Admin Fees earned against the SDF may be subject to 25% 'match funding' if drawn down to offset revenue budget or project

spend - TBC

Income/Donations

Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee – 15 March 2018

Report of the Chairman of the Officers' Working Group

Agenda Item 6

1. Recommendations

1.1 Members to note progress with Task & Finish Groups and contact the AONB

Unit if they wish to attend any meetings.

1.2 Members to note the update on HS2 Phase 2a.

2. Why is it coming here – what decision(s) are required?

2.1 This report is to outline progress to date and offer the opportunity for

Members to ask any questions on the information provided.

3. What are Task & Finish Groups?

3.1 Task and Finish Groups are topic specific groups, set up to ensure specific

projects and assigned tasks in the AONB Management plan are delivered.

Task and Finish Group topics will be flexible to respond to different

opportunities and projects that present themselves. Task and Finish Groups,

as part of a wider Partnership structure, will work together to deliver specific

actions and objectives within the AONB Management Plan, in order to

protect and enhance the AONB, promote its understanding and appreciation to help to deliver sustainable development.

4. Land Management (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) Task & Finish

Group (Chair Bill Waller)

4.1 This group met on 23 January 2018. Roger Broadbent circulated the West

Midland Bird Club report and highlighted some of the good news stories for

Cannock Chase AONB. He also explained that many of our woodland species

fell into the bad news category. There are a set of recommendations coming

out of the report which feed directly into the work of the priority species sub group and the Management Plan review.

4.2 The priority species sub group, Chaired by Mike Shurmer, have produced a draft report to feed into the Management Plan review. This includes a

proposed new action relating to Bats.

4.3 A deer management subgroup has met twice to explore how the AONB Management Plan aspiration of a more coordinated approach to deer

management across the area can be achieved. A deer census is planned this

spring to develop a better understanding of deer numbers in different parts

of the area. This significant collaborative effort includes input from key

landowning organisations, deer management experts, farmers and

volunteers. Proposals are also being developed for a deer impact and activity

assessment across the AONB to better understand the population and its

effect on habitats.

4.4 The next meeting of this group is 9 May 2018. Partners have been asked to

forward key issues/priorities around invasive species for discussion.

5. Visitor Management Task & Finish Group (Chair – Kelly Harris, Clare Eggington, Angela Grove)

5.1 This group met on the 1 February 2018. Key actions included;

5.2 Brief for the web site hub, to co-ordinate visitor information from different

organisations, to be circulated in the Summer.

5.3 Signage – SAC team to report back to the group on progress with the audit

and then to advise on rolling out more widely but to start with the Rights of

Way as the priority.

5.4 Consultants (Footprint Ecology) have recently been appointed for both, the

car parking survey and the site user strategy, by the SAC Partnership. The

site user strategy will focus on how people use the Chase, will be subject to

consultation and will dovetail into the car parking strategy. Tasks to develop

the car parking strategy will include a Sensitivity Map of the Chase

(habitats/species/tranquil spots/honeypot sites etc), based on existing

data. Data collection through car park surveys. Final drafts for

consultation, for the car parking survey are anticipated in October. There will

be consultation on the draft report leading to a final version for adoption by

local authorities and site owners. Review after 5 years.

6. Historic Environment

6.1 The group has not met since the last Joint Committee but is scheduled to

meet again in late April. Meetings have however been held with the

Staffordshire Gardens and Parks Trust to develop proposals for a project

focusing on historic parklands, which are a key feature of the AONB. The

project is likely to include archive research, a parkland owners network, field

survey and awareness raising.

7. High Speed Rail (HS2) Phase 2a update

7.1 Further to the paper circulated on 13 February 2018 it was agreed that

Officer’s Working Group would liaise with Staffordshire County Council and

local stakeholders, to petition Select Committee, in order to set up a

mitigation and restoration package and fund to address impacts on the

AONB and its setting. This would be overseen by a specially created AONB

HS2 Panel.

7.2 This proposal was discussed at a meeting of local partners on the 21st February and petitions went forward incorporating the proposal.

7.3 The window for petitioning against the High Speed Rail Phase 2a (West

Midlands – Crewe) Bill has now closed. The petitions received by the

Committee should be published in the next few days, including a list of those

who have petitioned.

Cannock Chase AONB Joint Committee 15 March 2018

Agenda Item 7 - Planning Issues for period since last Joint Committee Report of the AONB Officer

1 Recommendations

1.1 The Joint Committee notes progress made on planning matters since the last meeting, shown below.

Planning Applications

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

Stafford Borough

Council

Alterations/extensions to rear

single storey dwelling. The Rambles, 11 Heather Close,

Brocton

Ref: 17/27642/HOU

2/1/18 Conclusion: no objection

The scale of the extension and the location within the village, where it is not visible from the wider AONB, means

that there would be no adverse impact on the landscape

and scenic beauty of the designated area.

South Staffordshire

Council

Conversion of Rural Building

to 4-Bed. house & associated works. Toll Croft Cottage,

Parkside Lane, Hatherton, WS11 1RL.

Ref: 17/01076/FUL

2/1/18 Conclusion: no objection

Although the application site is locally visible from the adjoining public footpath, it is not that clearly visible from

the wider AONB landscape at Shoal Hill, by virtue of topography and vegetation. In addition, the existing

building is part of a complex of buildings which were

probably associated with Shoal Hill Farm but are now in residential use along with two adjoining cottages.

This is a sensitive location, where Green Belt policy

complements the protection of the landscape and scenic

beauty of the AONB and new buildings should be resisted unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, in

this case, the proposal is to utilise an existing building,

without any extensions proposed. The design approach is measured and the agricultural character of the building will

be retained. In addition, access arrangements will have little

impact on the wider landscape. Therefore, the proposal will have only a limited impact on the AONB and is acceptable in

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

principle. In terms of detail, it is important that materials/

finishes are covered by appropriate conditions and we support the proposed used of profiled metal sheeting for the

roof. However, to retain the character of the building and to protect the AONB, it is important that proposals for future

extensions, outbuildings or enclosures are subject to

planning control and we would request that Permitted Development rights are removed.

Lichfield District Council

Erection of 2 bed detached dwelling and single garage

with associated works. Land South of Sunny Corner,

Upper Way, Upper Longdon.

Ref: 17/01604/FUL

15/01/2018 Conclusion: Objection The application site is within the settlement boundary and

outside the Green Belt but this is separate issue to the acknowledged need (Para. 115 NPPF). This is necessary to

protect the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB,

across the whole of the designated area and its setting, including open land within villages and settlements. It is

pertinent that the application site is alongside a track which

forms part of the public footpath from Brereton Hill to

Russell’s Bank. This path (running south) and Startley Lane/Upper Way is, in effect, a gateway to the AONB where

there is a transition to and from the village and open

countryside. Therefore, the quality of the built environment of Upper Longdon is an important component of the

landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB in this area. It is

also a significant factor that to the east of the footpath there is no substantial built development in the rear

gardens of other properties on Upper Way.

We are concerned, taking into account the recently built dwelling and the apartments at No 76 Upper Way, about the

cumulative scale of new built development in what is a

sensitive AONB. The proposed development, including access and parking provision would result in further

urbanisation and may lead to pressure for more development in rear gardens which would have an adverse impact on the open landscape and on views of the village

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

from the public footpath.

Based on the above, although the design of the proposed

dwelling is reasonable, the proposal represents increasing urbanisation and over-intensification in an already

pressured location. I can confirm, therefore, that the AONB

Joint Committee objects to this planning application. We cannot see, in this instance, that amendments would be

sufficient to overcome this objection.

However, in the event of an approval, the final choice of materials should continue to reflect the rural setting and the

local vernacular, we would be grateful if you would apply

planning conditions to cover these matters. In addition, we consider that permitted development rights should be

removed to enable any future development that could or

harm the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB to be brought under planning control.

Cannock Chase

Council

Erection of a detached

dormer bungalow (outline

application with access & layout). 72, Peakes Road,

Etchinghill, WS15 2LX

Ref CH/17/477

13/02/2018 Conclusion: No Objection

The main issues for the AONB are: - The impact of the proposed development (in principle) on

the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB

- Whether the development would lead to any significant loss of trees, especially along the Whitworth Lane frontage.

It is acknowledged that a single smaller dwelling could be

accommodated on the site and that it would form part of an existing built up area, which would not have any impact on

the wider AONB. The principle is, therefore, acceptable.

The application refers to the retention of trees and if this

can be achieved, I am satisfied that there would be no detriment to the immediate AONB landscape. Therefore, there is no objection to the proposal, provided that the

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

local planning authority is satisfied that there will be no loss

of important trees. If the application is to be recommended for approval, I would be grateful if you would consider

imposing planning conditions to require submission of a landscaping scheme, including measures to secure the

retention and long-term management of existing trees. In

addition, the location of a new dwelling in a rear garden, means that it is desirable for Permitted Development rights

to be removed.

Cannock Chase

Council

Erection of a 3-bedroom, 1.5

storey, bungalow with ancillary buildings (double

garage and stables). 66,

Hayfield Hill, Cannock Wood. Ref: CH/18/019

22/02/2018 Conclusion: Objection

The proposal is to construct a substantial new dwelling in

what is a currently undeveloped garden, close to the

western boundary of the curtilage. A large (triple?) garage and a double stable block are to be built closer to the

existing property, connected to the proposed dwelling by a

new shared access with an extensive gravel drive and block

paved area. The new dwelling is described as a 1.5 storey bungalow, but the roof structure is tall and complicated,

with an eaves height of 6.675m at the highest point. At

present the existing house footprint extends to only a small percentage of the garden, but the proposed property and

outbuildings would increase this to around 50%.

The Planning and Design statement refers to the approval of

a new dwelling in the rear garden of No.74 Hayfield Hill in

2014 (Ref. CH/14/0175). It is pertinent that the AONB Joint

Committee objected to that proposal and it is not now considered that a precedent has been set by that approval,

especially given the location of the current proposal at the

end of the garden, next to and relying upon a public footpath for vehicular access

The proposed house is not in the Green Belt, but the large garden of this and other properties complement the

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

adjoining open countryside which is Green Belt land.

Together, the gardens and pasture land comprise an important element in the rural landscape of the AONB,

especially so because of the clear views provided from the adjoining public footpath. Therefore, the principle of this

type of development in the AONB and the adverse impact

that it could have on the landscape and scenic beauty of the designated area is an important consideration. I am

concerned that, in addition to the impact another new

dwelling on the immediate site and surroundings, it would

lead to a further precedent for similar development in the rear gardens of other properties on Hayfield Hill. In

addition, the access arrangements will detract from the

rural character of the existing agricultural access and the public footpath and could create pressure for development

on the adjoining plot to the north. Overall, there is a need

to resist any further urbanisation in this location which outweighs any benefits from the provision of a single new

dwelling.

I have concluded, therefore, that the proposed development would adversely affect the landscape and scenic beauty of

the AONB contrary to the NPPF and Local Plan polices. I can

confirm, therefore, that the AONB Joint Committee objects to this planning application.

I am not of the opinion that the application could be revised in any way to overcome this objection. However, should the

application be recommended for approval in its current form, I would be grateful if you would consider imposing

planning conditions to require the approval of materials and

the submission of a landscaping schemes prior to commencement works. In addition, permitted development

rights should be removed to bring any further proposed

development in the gardens of the two properties under

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

planning control.

Local Plans Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

Stafford Borough Council

Local Green Space Designation Consultation

5/1/18 The AONB Partnership does not wish to impose Local Green Space designation on any local community and we would not wish to formally propose any site until it

is supported by the community/Parish council and they have agreed to take the process forward. However, we

recognise that you will be wishing to make progress

with this work and will endeavour to confirm the overall position as soon as possible, once we have discussed

this further with the parish councils.

South Staffordshire

Council

District Design Guide &

Sustainable Development SPD

5/3/2018 SSDC - District Design Guide

This is a comprehensive and well put together document, and so we only have brief comments and

one substantive suggestion with regard to farm

buildings and equines developments. We welcome the reference to the 2014-19 AONB

Management Plan on page 4, but on page 5, you could

also refer to the para. 115 of the NPPF which states the

need for the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB to be conserved. We welcome the reference to the

existing policies CP 1 and EQ4, both of which concern the AONB, on page 6. On page 18 an additional guideline could be included,

along the lines of: “within the AONB and its setting, to

ensure that development that does not adversely affect

the landscape, scenic beauty and quiet enjoyment of the AONB.”

We welcome reference on page 24 to Shoal Hill and the

AONB.

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

A cross reference to the need for particular care in the AONB may be helpful at appropriate points in the

Design Principles section and in Section 5 (Minor developments).

Finally, and possibly more substantively, we wonder if

there is a need for some specific references (generally as good practice) and specifically, for where planning

permission is needed, to design standards for

agriculture buildings and to equine related

development? A cross reference to the AONB leaflet Horse Sense may be helpful in this respect albeit that

the guidance focuses on pasture management rather

than built development. See: http://www.cannock-chase.co.uk/assets/downloads/Cannock.AONB.Horse.pd

f

Sustainable Development SPD

The sections 2. (Sustainable locations and modes of

transport), and 4. (Increasing biodiversity in scheme

design), are directly relevant to the AONB. The aims and content of the SPD are supported, and we have

only three specific comments.

1 In section 2, it may be worth a reference to the desirability of ensuring good access on foot and cycling,

to the countryside, including the AONB. Any measures that reduce unnecessary car journeys to and across the AONB would be supported.

2 In section 4, at para 4.2, it may also be worth referring to the NPPF (Para 117) and the specified need

to “…protect the landscape and scenic beauty of the

AONB” (and its setting). 3 In section 4, at para 4.15 or after, it may also be

worth referring to the importance of lowland heath

(Shoal Hill) and parkland (Hatherton and Bednall) in

Local Authority Application / Location Comments

submitted

Summary of Comments

(and adjoining) the parts of the AONB in SSDC.

Page 29 of 31

Longdon Neighbourhood Plan Submission Consultation

Representation Form

Longdon Parish Council has submitted the Longdon Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2029 to Lichfield

District Council. Under section 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 20121 Lichfield

District Council are now consulting on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan and would like your

comments. In order for your representation to be taken into account at the Neighbourhood Plan

examination and keep you informed of the future progress of the Neighbourhood Plan your contact

details are needed. The closing date for representations to be made is 9 March 2018 at 17:00pm.

Please return your completed representation forms by the closing date via email to

developmentplans@lichfielddc.gov.uk or by post to the following address;

Spatial Policy & Delivery Lichfield District Council District Council House Frog Lane Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6YY

You can view the Longdon Neighbourhood Plan and associated documents via

http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/longdonnp or hard copies of the documents are available in

reception at Lichfield District Council.

1 Including amendment regulations; The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 and The

Neighbourhood Planning (General) and Development Management Procedure (Amendment) Regulations 2016.

All comments will be publicly available and identifiable by name and organisation

(where applicable). Please note that any other personal information provided will

be processed by Lichfield District Council in line with the Data Protection Act

1998.

Page 30 of 31

Please complete the boxes below using a separate form for each representation:

Please state whether you would like to be notified of the Council’s decision on the Neighbourhood Plan Proposal: Yes No

If ‘Yes’ is your preferred method of contact either via email or post?

Email Post

Name(s): Anne Walker (for Cannock Chase AONB Officer)

Name(s) of Organisation (if applicable): Cannock Chase AONB Partnership

Address (including postcode): Cannock Chase AONB Unit

Stafford Borough Council Civic Centre

Riverside

Stafford

ST16 3AQ

Email address: anne.walker@staffordshire.gov.uk

Y

Y

Page 31 of 31

Please state which part of the Neighbourhood Plan (for example which section, paragraph or policy)

your representation relates too:

Please use the space below to make comments on this part of the Neighbourhood Plan:

Please return your completed representation forms by the closing date via email to

developmentplans@lichfielddc.gov.uk or by post to Spatial Policy & Delivery, Lichfield District

Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6YY