AGM
Present: Mr Gunn, Mrs Jenkins, Mr Cringle & Mrs Maiden.
Apologies: Mrs Glover MBE and Mr Hargraves.
In Attendance: The Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Mr Moorhouse MHK
1. Minutes of previous year’s AGMs
The Minutes of the Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners Annual General Meeting held Wednesday 15th May2024 were approved having been proposed by Mrs Jenkins and seconded by Mr Cringle.
2. Chair’s review on his year in office.
This is very much a review rather than a report of the past year as the Commissioners operate as a collective team and each member has individual talents.
Notwithstanding the major events taking place both internationally and nationally it has been an eventful year, with some unexpected events casting a long shadow and the cause of much sorrow following David Radcliffe’s death. I would like to thank all the commissioners both past and present who have supported the various committees required to fulfil various obligations.
On a more positive note there have been successes to applaud following the excellent film of Romance of a River which has received many plaudits, and again many thanks to all involved in its production.
Work is ongoing in progressing the development of Ballakilley Park and the board will be mindful of recent proposals for a pump track which will require careful consideration. The Board is committed to making progress in the development of the park in coming years but inevitably these efforts take time.
We have also had, thanks to the enthusiastic support of Mrs Glover, a very successful Civic Sunday which showed community involvement at its best.
Looking to the future the Board will face challenges in connection with the proposed wind turbines at Earystane when the planning application is presented for consideration. The Commissioners were closely involved in a current planning application for development of wind turbines at Ballaman which was taken to appeal, and the ultimate outcome is awaited.
A sincere thank you to all the Commissioners for their support over the year and also to the Clerk and Deputy Clerk for keeping us on the straight and narrow. Finally, congratulations to Sally Ann and Juan on their election to the Commissioners. Well done for stepping forward and your enthusiasm will bring a fresh approach.
It took some time but during my year in office I’m made it to page three – gladly this was the Courier rather than the Sun. We will all miss Stan Pilling who stepped down from the Board and we wish him well for the future. By tradition we are welcoming and hospitable board so remember that cakes and biscuits and a pint of milk are always appreciated at meetings as we ponder the parish business.
3. Election of chairman and vice-chairman for the forthcoming year.
The Clerk took the Chair for this item.
Chair – Mrs Jenkins was elected Chair having been proposed by Mr Cringle & seconded by Mrs Maiden.
Vice Chair – Mrs Maiden was elected having been proposed by Mr Cringle & seconded by Mrs Jenkins.
4. Election to various boards/committees.
Mr Cringle proposed that the following positions be reaffirmed. This was agreed by the Board.
a) Southern Civic Amenity Site – Mr Gunn
b) Swimming Pool Board – Mrs Jenkins
c) Southern Sheltered Housing Board – Mr Hargraves
d) Municipal Association – Mrs Maiden and Mr Gunn
e) Southern Local Authorities Healthcare Committee – Mrs Glover
f) Representative on the Southern Community Partnership nominations – Mrs Glover
g) Port St Mary Allotments Committee nominations – Mr Hargraves
h) Rushen Emergency Ambulance – Mr Gunn
i) Southern Neighbourhood Policing Team – Deputy Clerk
j) Community Champion – Mrs Glover
k) Ballakilley Park subcommittee – Mrs Glover and Mrs Maiden
l) Southern Authorities Working Party on Closer Working – vacant
5. Any other Business – none
Minutes of the Monthly Board Meeting
Ballabeg – 7 pm Wednesday 21st May 2025
1. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners monthly meeting held Wednesday 16th April 2025 were approved having been proposed by Mrs Jenkins and seconded by Mr Cringle.
2. MATTERS ARISING – not covered by the agenda
a) Ballakilley recreational area – the Deputy Clerk reported that he had met with a Senior Planning Officer from DEFA regarding the Ballakilley Park development, including the creation of a soil cycle track.
It was agreed that most of what is now proposed for the Ballakilley Park development is covered under a Permitted Development Order (PDO). However, it was pointed out that the planning approval was for four years ending on 26 November 2024. In the Planning Officer’s opinion, the work which has been carried out to date (planting & signage) does not constitute the development having started despite planting being a condition of the approval. The only elements of the plan which are affected by the approval having been deemed to have lapsed are the access from Ballafesson Road and the bicycle parking racks, the rest falling under the PDO. These will need to be subject to a further planning application.
b) Port Erin Commissioners subcommittee – nothing further to report.
c) LED Conversion & Ballacrye lights – nothing to report.
d) Ballacannell D51 Highway – nothing to report.
e) Wind Farm – the Board noted recent developments.
f) Worn/damaged signs – Mill Road & Garth Avenue & Friary Park – the Deputy Clerk had passed on the contact details for Manx Rock to the Clerk.
g) Ballafesson Hall – the Clerk reported that a new committee of supporters had been established and he would meet them shortly.
h) Civic Service – Mrs Glover has provided the following report:
Card and donation cheque sent to Arbory Church. Simon Archer sends thanks to the Board. Isle Listen Cheque still needs presenting; I suggest it is the new Chair once elected. To be done at Castletown office.
i) Destination First Board – the Clerk reported that the Destination First Board will be attending the July meeting for half an hour to discuss its work and how it might be able to help.
j) Visit to the SCAS – Mrs Maiden reported that the visit was very good and well attended. She felt that attendees learned a lot from the visit.
k) Plans for addressing housing need – the agreed response had been submitted but not acknowledged.
l) Poor lighting – Ballakillowey to Ballafesson – the Board considered the quote received and agreed that the Clerk should investigate what standards are generally used to consider whether to light new areas.
m) Fitting memorials for Gill Kelly and David Radcliffe – nothing to report.
n) Isle of Man (Speed Limits) Order 2025 – the agreed response had been submitted to the Minister but not acknowledged.
o) Rushen Parish Flower Festival – Mrs Glover has provided the following report:
Theme chosen is Manx Bards. Annie Kissack asking the Bards to write poems from which the best will be used in the display. Deadline needs setting by the team to work towards but plenty of time as not until July.
p) Ballakilley Dog enforcement – nothing further to report.
q) DoI consultation on the Local Government Amendment Bill 2023, New Clause 2 – agreed response submitted to the Minister. It was agreed to forward the Commissioners’ submission to all Members of the Legislative Council.
r) Invitation – Mona’s Queen III Anchor Memorial Service – 29th May 2025 – it was noted that at the April meeting it was agreed that Mrs Glover may attend but if not Mrs Maiden will attend on behalf of the Commissioners. Mrs Glover is unable now to attend so the Chair agreed to try to attend if other commitments allowed.
s) BMX track – at the last meeting, the Commissioners agreed in principle to support a soil-built BMX track but felt this should be a decision for the new Board to take in May and this decision would be subject to confirmation that the proposed development wouldn’t need planning permission. It was further agreed that a meeting of all the southern local authorities should be held to consider how to ensure all areas have appropriate services and that there is no unnecessary duplication – the Board supported the previous Board’s decision.
t) Food trailer operation request – the Board agreed in principle to the request and asked the operator to make an offer for the summer. The Commissioners would also expect the following 1] the business would need to be responsible for ensuring waste generated by the businesses was managed and binned;
2] necessary insurances would need to be in place with copies supplied to the Commissioners;
3] all necessary licences for operating the business would need to be in place and again copies supplied to the Commissioners; and
4] a site rent would be paid to the Commissioners.
u) Meet and talk to their Commissioners – the Board agreed to further discussion on the matter when the proposer Mrs Glover is present. In the meantime they would look to attending one of the constituency surgeries with Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Messers Glover and Moorhouse.
v) Obstructions on verges – the Clerk will write to the new owner of Balladoole House requesting that the newly positioned balls and stones be either removed or repositioned to be less obstructive.
w) Local authority Pension scheme correspondence and responsible investment under Southern Swimming Pool – to Board noted the Department of Infrastructure’s positive action in this matter and agreed that the Clerk should write to the Minister expressing their thanks.
x) Colby Telephone kiosk – Mrs Jenkins raised the matter of the Commissioners adopting the phone box in Colby. The Board agreed in principle to the proposal and Mrs Jenkins agreed to circulate more details including the contract from Manx Telecom for adoption of the kiosk.
3. RISK MATTERS – nothing to report
4. HIGHWAYS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND GRASS CUTTING
– Clerk reported on works in the parishes including weed spraying, grass cutting and some hedge trimming.
The following were noted:
a) Permit relating to reinstatement of Ironworks and Road Markings after the Microsurfacing – Ballacriy Park, Colby.
b) Permit for preparation works for surface dressing on behalf of Department of Infrastructure and Kiely Bros Ltd – Colby Glen Road.
c) Road Traffic Notice – Ronague Road, Ballagawne Road and Colby Glen Road -Temporary 40 mph speed limit 29.04.25 – 13.05.25.
d) Application for a temporary road closure – Glen Chass Road – to lay fibre duct – 17.06.25.
e) Road Traffic Notice – Southern 100 Course – temporary speed limits – 06 – 09.05.25.
d) Application for a temporary road closure – Ronague Road – 21.7.25.
5. SOUTHERN CIVIC AMENITY SITE – nothing to report as no representative.
a) Managing Fly Tipping within the South – the Clerk wrote to the SCAS Clerk as requested.
b) Waste Audit – Mrs Maiden will prepare something for the June meeting.
6. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION – Mr Gunn reported on a successful AGM and dinner.
7. SOUTHERN SWIMMING POOL AUTHORITY – Mrs Jenkins provided the following report:
Mr Vaughyn Williams was re-elected Chair with BB Vice Chair
Mr Cringle has joined from Castletown and Mr Kennaugh from Santon.
Mr Morley ex-Port Erin Commissioner resigned from the Board. Port Erin did not send a representative to the AGM.
The Manager is making good progress on operational matters, supported by his staff. Cosmetic work is planned to improve the changing village; and also a planning application will be submitted to improve the front doors and ensure compliance with updated regs.
The swim school has been reviewed to ascertain where income generation can be improved. The Community ‘splash’ initiative is being rolled out to younger primary school children, the costs being covered by the Southern Health Care Trust.
Discussions are ongoing with DESC re minor capital works grants, and contact made with DfE to see what support is available through various grants. The Pool finances are in a reasonably stable position due to careful and prudent budgeting but the Board is acutely aware that it can become precarious given the age of the building and plant equipment, and that a replacement pool would be the most desirable outcome.
The old board members were most grateful to hear the new board members affirm their commitment to the pool. CT Board have proposed an amendment to Mr Hooper MHKs proposal for an all-island leisure rate.
It would have been preferable to have all the LA’s consulted before such a change was proposed to Tynwald and hopefully that will be considered by Govt.
8. SOUTHERN SHELTERED HOUSING JOINT BOARD – Mrs Glover provided the following report:
Meeting held on 28th April. Retiring Chair, Mr Ludford-Brookes thanked for his work for the Board; he will handover to new Chair at meeting on 27th May. New member appointed from Castletown – Mr Patel. Still awaiting final quotes for switch from copper broadband. Only 1 vacant property which is being offered to someone so hopefully all filled. New Safeguarding oPolicy approved. Various consultations discussed including FOI Fees and NHS Levy. Storm damage work paid from existing funds as insurance did not cover.
9. SOUTHERN AUTHORITIES HEALTHCARE TRUST – Mrs Glover reported the following: No meeting has taken place since last meeting; next is on 26th June. New members from Castletown and Port St Mary appointed – Ms Quine and Ms Hughes respectively.
10. RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT.
A] REVENUE (inc. VAT where appropriate):
The receipts for the month were noted.
B] ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (inc. Vat where appropriate)
The accounts for payment were agreed.
C] Other Finance Matters
a) 2023/24 Financial Statements – Deputy Clerk reported on further delays.
b) Quarries revenue – nothing to report.
c) The Internal Auditor attended to answer queries on his report.
i) the Board considered the report and agreed that the relationship between the Board and its associated Trusts needed to be clarified;
ii) the Board gave suitable ‘know your customer’ information to the Internal Auditor;
iii) the Board agreed to a contract extension for the Internal Auditor.
d) Rates Statement 24/25 – this was noted.
e) A letter from IoM Bank confirming interest rate dropping from 1.56% to 1.31% was noted.
f) Tynwald Auditor General Survey: Delays in Local Government Audit Completion Follow Up Request – it was noted that the Deputy Clerk will complete the Survey.
g) Deadline for Financial Statements to be included in DoI’s annual local authorities finance report – 13th June – this was noted.
11. FINANCIAL SITUATION – the following position was noted.
Arbory and Rushen (main account) Balance on last statement – 1st April 2025
Current Account 7,818.84
add paid in 125,887.91 inc £70k tfr from reserve ac
less withdrawn 109,176.71 inc £30k tfr to reserve ac
New balance 24,530.04
HSBC Account – 23.02.25 2,375.97
Reserve Account – 01.04.25 70,000.00 inc £40k net tfr to current ac
12. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Tynwald Day – none of the Commissioners wished to receive Grandstand tickets. The Chair will attend the Garden Party and will respond when invited.
b) Climate Change Annual Reporting – Category C Online Report Form – for submission by 31 May – it was agreed the Clerk will complete the necessary paperwork on the Board’s behalf.
c) Notification of Syd Quirk Half Marathon Event – Sunday, 23rd November – this was noted.
d) Invasive and rapid spread of montbretia along flora rich verges in Earystane – it was agreed that the Clerk would liaise with the Manx Wildlife Trust and DEFA’s environmental support officers on suitable management.
e) NFU Mutual AGM papers – these were noted.
f) Great North Air Ambulance Service – a request for assistance was considered but it was felt that it very much fell outside of what the Commissioners had power to support.
g) Manx Nature – copy of the MWT’s magazine – this was noted.
13. PLANNING MATTERS
A] Planning Applications
a) 25/90436/B – Erection of attached garage and first floor extension to side of existing dwelling, 46 Magherchirrym, Ponyfields, Port Erin. WRONGLY INCLUDED AS RUSHEN
The following applications were supported by the Board.
b) 25/90458/B – Enlargement of existing attached garage, Thie Ny Droghad, Upper Ballastrooan, Colby.
c) 25/90475/B – Replacement of existing detached outbuildings with attached single-storey extension, alteration to first floor balcony and landscaping works, Ballacubbon Farm House, Grenaby Road, Ballabeg.
d) 25/90448/B – Erection of clubhouse with roof-mounted solar panels, viewing terrace, associated hard landscaping and external lighting, Field 414532, Magherchirrym, Port Erin.
e) 25/90277/B Replacement of existing utility room with single storey extension to side elevation, and erection of dormer to front elevation, Rowena, Glen Chass Road, Glen Chass.
f) 25/90366/B Replacement of existing utility room with single storey extension linking the dwelling house and existing detached garage, and extension of residential curtilage, Ballavayre Farmhouse, Ballakilpheric Road, Colby.
With regard to application 25/90394/B Mrs Jenkins left the room for its consideration. The Board noted the application represented an improvement on the previous building on the site which was recently demolished. The Commissioners note that there is no off-road parking for the property and are concerned that a property of this size is likely to generate the need for at least one car. The Commissioners feel that an explanation of where any cars connected with the new development would park.
g) 25/90394/B Replacement of existing dwelling with new two-storey dwelling, Alverstone, Ballafesson.
B] Planning Decisions – the following decisions were noted.
a) 24/91204/B 4 Carrick Bay View, Colby. Approved by the Head of Development Management – 29.4.25.
b) 24/91392/B Oak Hill Mansion, Ronague Road, Ballabeg. Approved by the Head of Development Management – 7.5.25.
c) 25/90250/B Ballaman Manor, Ballnahowe Road. Approved by a Principal Planner – 19.5.25.
d) 24/00124/B Cottage, Ballachrink Farm, Glen Rd. Refused by a Principal Planner – 20.5.25.
C] Completion and Regularisation Certificates – the following certificates were noted.
a) 21/07592/DEX Glen View, Glen Chass – 22.4.25.
b) 23/07147/DEX Glen Dene, Coan Ny Glion, Glen Road – 22.4.25.
c) 25/00275/LAW Reayrtyn Mie, Qualtroughs Lane, Ballafesson – 8.5.25.
D] Other Planning Matters.
a) An appeal lodged against the decision on Planning Application Number 25/90046/B – Former Pound Lane Depot was noted.
b) Notice of an intention to demolish – Strathallen Main Road Ballabeg. This was noted.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Parish Walk – it was agreed that the Church Field could be used again for the event.
b) Mr Cringle asked that the Friary Park play park be revisited as there are more younger families in Ballabeg. The Commissioners agreed that the matter be considered further.
c) Mr Cringle asked about the ownership of the lane to the east of Station Park as it appears to be being taken over by neighbours at Station Park – the Chair agreed to investigate this.
15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Monthly Meeting – Wednesday 18th June 2025 at Ballafesson.
Last modified: June 26, 2025