To receive apologies for absence

38.1    The Chairman welcomed Mike Walker who was substituting for Hilary Claytonsmith.

38.2    Apologies for absence had been received from Gillian Binks (Caring for Gods Acre), Andy Boddington (Individual Member), Mike Brogden (Shropshire Tourism), Sarah Bury (CPRE), Pete Carty (National Trust), Hilary Claytonsmith (Town & Parish Council Rep), Patrick Edwards (National Trust), Yvonne Holyoak (Town & Parish Council Rep), Clive Leworthy (Town & Parish Council Rep), Hazel McDowall (Natural England), David Mills (SASTAK), Cecilia Motley (Shropshire Council), John Pritchard (Individual Member), David C Smith (Shropshire Geological Society) and John Tucker (Town & Parish Council Rep).

The note of the meeting held on 14 June 2016 is attached for confirmation

39.1    The note of the meeting held on 14 June 2016 had been circulated.

39.2    The Committee Officer informed the meeting that Mrs Lee’s name had been omitted from the list of apologies.  It was agreed that her name should be added.

39.3    RESOLVED

            That subject to the above the note of the meeting held on 14 June 2016 be agreed as a true record.

To receive the minutes of the Transition Board meeting held on 9 August 2016.  (For information)

40.1    The Minutes of the Transition Board meeting held on 9 August 2016 had been circulated for information.

40.2    The AONB Partnership Manager referred the meeting to paragraph 3.4 and confirmed that he and the Chairman had met with an officer from the Shropshire Pension Fund and it had been confirmed that the new organisation would become an admitted member of the Pension Fund and that and actuarial report would need to be carried out.  He confirmed that employer pension contributions had been added to the budget.

40.3    The AONB Partnership Manager informed the meeting that the Partnership Administrator had secured another position and would be leaving at the end of the month.  He advised that a post was being advertised with reduced hours which would mean a saving going forward.

To receive a verbal update

41.1    The AONB Partnership Manager advised the meeting that the Charity had been registered as a CIO by the Charity Commission as The Shropshire Hills Trust.

41.2    The AONB Partnership Manager informed the meeting that the trust was seeking 4 more trustees, one from the Partnership and three independent trustees and that the vacancies would be advertised shortly.  He asked that if members knew of anyone who may be interested to let him know.

This paper presents a second draft of the Business Case for creation of a Conservation Board for the Shropshire Hills AONB, and seeks endorsement of this from the Partnership, subject to further comments and refinement

42.1    Members received the report of the AONB Partnership Manager which presented a second draft of the Business Case for the creation of a Conservation Board for the Shropshire Hills AONB.

42.2    The AONB Partnership Manager advised members that subject to slight alterations following the meeting the Draft Business Case would go forward to the cabinets of Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Councils for approval prior to submission to DEFRA

42.3    In response to a query the AONB Partnership Manager confirmed that it would be possible to amend the business case following approval by the Councils’ prior to submission to DEFRA

42.4    Members then held 2 workshop sessions to look at different aspects of the business case.

42.5    RESOLVED: -

            That subject to amendments arising from this meeting, the AONB Partnership endorses the Business Case for the creation of a Conservation Board for the Shropshire Hills AONB for submission to the Cabinets of Telford & Wrekin Council & Shropshire Council for approval.

Members are reminded that the next meeting of the AONB Partnership will be held on Tuesday 15 November 2016

43.1    Members were reminded that the next meeting of the AONB Partnership would be held on Tuesday 15 November 2016