Present: Members of the Parish Council Councillor Mike Cumming, Chairman; Bill Wilson, Vice Chairman; Harry Barker, Alan Mason and John Shields; Westmorland and Furness Councillor Daniel Edwards, PC Chloe Dixon and 3 members of the public
Chairman Cllr Mike Cumming paid tribute to Cllr Barker for his tenure of 10 years as Chairman, and the Council gave a vote of thanks and appreciation to him for serving in that role.
1/07/25: DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST None
2/07/25: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Elisabeth Donachie, John McLean, Susan Orrell, Cllr Ben Shirley and the Clerk Mrs Janice Cumming.
3/07/25: PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
None
4/07/25: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 10 JUNE 2025
These were approved and agreed as a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chairman.
Proposed Cllr Bill Wilson Seconded Cllr Alan Mason Agreed
5/07/25: PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
5/07/25/1: Survey of Parish Benches. Cllr Wilson and Cllr Cumming met with Wayne Smith of Aqua Projet and Wayne will be looking at the work needed to bring the benches up to standard or replace if necessary..
6/07/25: REPORT FROM BARROW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM
1 Public Order offence at DIR , crime recorded, Criminal Damage Offence under investigation, Youth causing issues and damage at Urofoam , Patrols being vigilant offenders unknown at this stage, 2 Harassment reports between neighbours and under investigation, One instance of sheep on the road, One instance of a tree down on road, One minor BBQ fire, Police and Fire crew attended, One instance of Cows on the road, One incident of Criminal damage and assault of a policeman mental health unit referred. Chairman thanked PC Chloe Dixon for her report. She apologised for the brevity of the previous months report.
7/07/25: TO REPORT AND DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Reference Number : B21/2025/0193 Location : 52 Caspian Road Askam-In-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Erection of first floor side extension, single storey rear extension and conversion of garage (amended description). No comments or objections.
Reference Number : B21/2025/0161 Location : 4 Ireleth Brow Askam-In-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Erection of two storey rear extension, single storey side and rear extension. No comments or objections.
Reference Number : B20/2025/0225 Location : 23 Dalton Road Askam-In-Furness Cumbria
Proposal : Section 73 Variation of Conditions 2 (Use of Site) and 3 (Dates of Occupation) of Planning Application ref: B20/2014/0055 (Change of use of land for the siting of a holiday caravan for seasonal occupation). Variation to consist of change to use to permit use of property as residential accommodation by owners and with no time/date limitations. The parish council support this application.
Reference Number : B13/2025/0258 Location : Land rear of 55 Duddon Road Askam-in-Furness Cumbria LA16 7FD (Plot 2) Proposal : Section 73 Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 9 (Drainage Strategy) of Planning Application ref: B13/2021/0933 (Construct of 1.5 storey 4 bedroom detached dwelling (Amended layout)). Variations to consist of changes in dwelling, garage and site design and to drainage. No comments or objections.
Reference Number : B03/2025/0242 Location : Land to North of Sowerby Lodge, Bank Lane, Barrow-In-Furness Cumbria Proposal : Construction and operation of a solar farm together with all associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure. The parish council had questions regarding this application and these would be directed to the planning officer.
Reference Number : B23/2025/0240 Location : Low Brookside, Saves Lane, Askam-In-Furness, Cumbria,
Proposal : Listed Building Consent for re-roofing (re-using existing slate and sourcing Burlington slate to match), chimney repairs, replacement of rainwater goods and replacement rooflight. Supported by the parish council.
Reference Number : B23/2025/0239 Location : Low Brookside, Saves Lane, Askam-In-Furness, Cumbria,
Proposal : Listed Building Consent for replacement of windows with a mixture of timber sliding sash and casement frames, replacement timber doors, exterior decoration, repairs to internal plasterwork and ceilings and removal of fire surrounds. Supported by the parish council.
8/07/25: UNSIGHTLY KERBSIDE WEEDS
Councillor Bill Wilson brought this item to the agenda and the parish councillors all agreed that this was an issue within Askam and Ireleth and it was very disappointing to see the village in such an unkempt state. Cllr Edwards reported that W&F weed spraying activities were due to take place last weekend, but for 2 reason it was not carried out. 1) the equipment had broken down and 2) it was too hot to spray. Cllr Edwards has contacted the weed sprayer team, and the work should be carried out soon. During the discussions it was also noted that the surface drains were blocked and needed cleaning, and weeds were growing from the kerb drainage system and blocking the system. Cllr Edwards was asked if he could investigate getting them cleaned before it caused a flooding problem. Action Cllr Edwards
9/07/25: UPDATE FROM WESTMORLAND AND FURNESS COUNCILLORS
Councillor Edwards reported that he had attended a meeting regarding Furness General Hospital and the changes in the levels of response for critical care.
10/07/25: REPORT FROM CLERK (including Finances)
The monthly expenditure sheet was made available. This was accepted. It was agreed to purchase a flag for VJ day for the memorial garden.
Proposed Cllr Alan Mason Seconded Cllr Bill Wilson Agreed
11/07/25: CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence sent to the parish councillors prior to the meeting.
Email received from 2 members of Askam Scouts requesting funding for a Scout camp to Sweden next year.
12/07/25: SANCTIONS FOR PAYMENT
Aqua Projet monthly maintenance and landscape £866.15, Annual Membership of CALC £570.15, Rental of Community Centre £100.00
13/07/25: DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 16 September 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Duke Street, Askam.
Signed ……………………………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..
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