Chairman, Mr C Tolley

Mesdames, S Clarke, M Scott, C Williams, Miss E Clift (District Councillor)

Messrs, P Brown, G Lowe, A Biggs, J Goldsmith (Footpaths Officer), G M Brewin (Clerk).

Mr L Higginson, Mr J Guise (District Councillor), B Hickling, (County Councillor),

Visitors: Mr Alan Saunders, Housing Enabling Officer, Mr Simon Vick of Elgar Housing and eleven parishioners.

Mr Saunders and Mr Vick presented the initial proposals for affordable housing in the parish. As a result of the survey earlier in the year there was a definite need for affordable housing probably between five and seven units and together with some additions to the waiting list this indicated that ten houses would be the preferred development, consisting of four 2-bedroom apartments, four 2-bedroom houses and two 3-bedroom houses. Possible sites have to be outside and adjacent to the development boundary as set out in the Malvern Hills District Council plan and in conjunction with their planning officers several sites have been reviewed. The only one that meets their conditions is an area on the south side of the Leigh road immediately after the houses in St Mary's Crescent. This would be the only such development that would be permitted in the village and its introduction would not alter the development boundary. A draft proposal was presented showing the possible layout of the site and there was a discussion about its viability. Problems with land drainage and sewage disposal were raised. A Parish Meeting would be held on the 27th January 2004 to review this matter.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 21^st October and circulated in advance to members were approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

All matters arising were covered by agenda items.

Subsequent to the discussion prior to the meeting the council agreed that Mr Saunders and Mr Vick should proceed with the development of the site plans and to present these to the next council meeting on 20^th January prior to the public presentation a week later on 27^th January 2004

The clerk reported that the external auditor had given an unqualified opinion on the accounts.

The following payments were agreed:

npower - Street Lighting £10.44

J Roberts - 2 Notice Boards £446.72

R Thomas - War Memorial plants etc  £32.90

W-CALC Standing Orders etc £14.98

Clement Keys (auditor) £58.75

The following Planning Applications were reviewed

03/01781/FUL Dove Cottage Alfrick, Extension etc No comment

03/01145/FUL Folly Farm Barns - Road works, No comment

The clerk reported on the second meeting of the Steering Committee on 11^th November. A copy of the minutes of this meeting is attached to these minutes as appendix-A.

The treasurer Mr N Macleod had resigned due to ill health. This would now be covered by himself as both secretary and treasurer and the Steering Committee would use the Parish Council's bank account to simplify matters and take advantage of the audit procedures applied to it. The Business Plan had been prepared and would be submitted following the council's agreement. This was approved and signed by the chairman

Broad Dingle Viaduct;

The clerk reported that there had been no further progress on this matter. Mr Lowe mentioned that the landowner at the eastern end of the viaduct had offered help in securing access and this was noted.

Following recent autumn ploughing etc the location of some footpaths has been obscured and this matter is being raised with landowners. Work is still progressing installing steps and footbridges. It was agreed to obtain a quotation from a contractor to clear the beginning of footpath 14-Lulsley as the landowner had failed to respond to requests on this matter.

The following procedures were approved:

Standing Orders for the Parish Council.

Financial Regulations.

Job Description for the Parish Clerk

Delegation of Decisions; the relevant councillors for planning matters being - Old Storridge- Mr G Lowe, Mr A Biggs, Alfrick - Mrs S Clark, Mr C Tolley, Lulsley - Mrs C Williams, Dr P Brown

Details are attached to the agenda. Specific items;

It was agreed that the clerk should contact a local contractor to see if this would be a practical proposition.

It was agreed to donate £75 to this organisation.

The roadway at Old Storridge above Millham Farm is in need of repair. Thee clerk will advise the Highways Partnership.

The mid-week bus schedules are not conducive to easy access to Worcester. The Saturday schedules are preferred. The clerk will contact the bus operators.

Date of the next meeting;

The next meeting of the council was confirmed as 20^th January 2004 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Chairman