MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL 2010 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson),  Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman),

·        Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mrs. S. Platts, Mrs. J. Staniforth, Mr. I. Swainston,

·        Mr. G. Warrender.

1.   Public Participation  -  None.

2.   To Co-Opt a New Member of Council

      One application has been received from Mrs. J. Staniforth to serve on the Council.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed unanimously to co-opt Mrs. Staniforth onto the Council.

3.   Resignation of Parish Councillor

      Mrs. L. Allwood has resigned from the Council due to other commitments.  Members praised her

      efforts on behalf of the community – particularly her involvement with the senior citizens’ outing. 

      Notices have been posted inviting anyone eligible to claim a poll within 14 working days.

4.   To Receive Apologies – None received.

5.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

      Mr. Payne declared a personal interest in Item No. 19 (Highway surface at Sycamore Drive)

6.   To Approve Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting Held on 10 March 2010

      The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

7.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      The proposed gating of Common Lane is an agenda item to be discussed later in the meeting.

8.   To Approve Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 10 March 2010

      The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

9.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Provision of New Chamber for Christmas Tree – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

      b)   Request for 20 mph Zones – Mayor Davies replies that he appreciates Council’s concerns re. road

            safety but notes these issues have been investigated by DMBC on a number of occasions.  Having

            reviewed the situation he must reiterate the Authority has a duty to consider the need for road safety

            on a priority basis and he is satisfied that previous requests have been fully assessed, the speed limits

            correctly set and there is no justification for further safety improvements on a priority basis.

            DMBC awaits the revised guidance regarding the setting of speed limits and full account will be

            taken of any relevant changes in advice in due course.

            RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask the Mayor to define ‘priority’ and invite him to attend a meeting

            of the Parish Council

c)      Derelict Building, Hayfield Laneayfield HH – It was reported that the building has not been dismantled although

it is more than 28 days since the owner was instructed to do so.  There is some material piled up in the fenced-off area between the building and Nisa – possibly plaster boards which could be a fire hazard.  

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write to DMBC to express concerns re. fire risk, and enquire whether the Parish Council would be allowed to demolish the building and reclaim the costs from the owner.

d)      Double Yellow Lines – A reminder to be sent to DMBC Highways.

e)      Sandhill Rise Footpath – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer has inspected the path and found it obstructed with trees, and she enquires whether the dispute between Council and the resident has now been resolved.  The Clerk has advised her that Council is still in correspondence with its solicitor because the resident has not complied fully with the Order.

f)        Christmas Carol Singing – The Armthorpe Elmfield Band is available to play on Tuesday,

      21 December, and therefore the carol singing will take place on that date.  A resident who suggested

      the provision of a Santa’s Grotto has advised the Clerk it would not be possible to feature a Grotto

      on that day, but he is willing to act as Santa and will provide his own costume.

g)      Ponding of Water on Highways – A reminder to Community First regarding ponding of water on the corner of First Avenue and outside No. 43 Main Street.

 

 

 

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h)      Removal of Bollards from Riverside Park – DMBC quotes the sum of £64.50 inc. VAT to remove the

      bollards from the ground.  They are very heavy and will require the use of lifting equipment.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed Council accept the quote, this was seconded by

      Mrs. Platts, and the motion was carried.

i)        Potholes on Highways – Community First reports that orders have been raised to fill potholes on

Common Lane and Ellers Lane.  School Lane has been inspected and anything found was picked up for repair.  Some areas show merely surface scabbing only down to 10 mm which are not dangerous.

j)        Faded ‘Stop’ Lines, Mosham Road/Gatehouse Lane Junction  - DMBC Highways informed.

k)      Kitchen Signs at Blaxton Quarry – Planning Dept. advises that, following enquiries, it has been found that the signs are displayed on land that forms part of the highway and therefore does not come under current planning legislation.  The matter has been referred to the Neighbourhood Team. 

l)        Fishing Rights on River Torne – Pending.

m)    Willow Farm – Pending.

10. Community Police Report

      No Police Officer was able to attend.  There were no matters to bring to the attention of the Police.

11. District Councillor’s Report  -  No one was able to attend.

12. To Approve Council’s Accounts for Financial Year 2009/2010

      The Clerk reported as follows

      Cash in bank on 31st March 2010 was:                   £39,708.64

      Income for year:                                                     £27,382.83

      Payments for year:                                      £29,896.91

      RESOLVED -  The accounts were approved and Section 1 and 2 of the Audit Annual Return was

      signed by the Chairperson and Clerk.

13. To Review Council’s Financial Regulations

      RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Featherstone proposed that the Financial Regulations be

      accepted, this was seconded by Mrs. Platts, and the motion was carried.

14. To Review Council’s Risk Assessment

      RESOLVED – Members of Council reviewed the Risk Assessment and agreed to accept it without

      amendment – apart from the person designated as stand-in for the Clerk.  To be changed at a later date.

15. To Review Council’s Insurance

      Council’s insurance cover is due for renewal on 1st June. 

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to invite Zurich, Flair and Cayman Insurance to submit quotations.

16. Report of Meeting to Discuss ‘Play Building’ Scheme and to Consider Possibly Funding

      Details of Scheme in ‘Arrow’ Newsletter

      Mr. Swainston reported on the recent meeting.  The design team will put the design together and

      Council may have to find 10% of the cost, plus maintenance costs.  There will be a public consultation

      at Riverside Park when questions will be answered.

      The Clerk had been informed earlier that day that the consultation would take place on Tuesday 27 April

      between 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.   Council agreed that if it was necessary to make information available

      to the public about the scheme then it would fund an article in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter if this was

      required later.  

17. To Discuss Horses Grazing on Land

      Following Council’s March meeting, when proposed gating of Common Lane was discussed, the

      Neighbourhood Team Leader has written to list the options that need to be considered to overcome the

      issue of horses occupying land on Common Lane.  The tenant has not given permission for the horses,

      and needs to grow and harvest hay for his cattle.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the tenant, inform him he is responsible for the land, and give

      him the names of organisations to contact.

 

 

 

 

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18.  Encroachment of Recreation Ground

       In response to Council’s earlier letter, the resident maintains that he has removed everything he possibly

       can from the site, however, Councillors make the point that he has not drawn back to the correct

       boundary of the hawthorn tree as agreed on site and there is a quantity of topsoil 7 inches above

       ground level which needs to be removed and the ground levelled to allow for maintenance.  In addition

       there is a quantity of bricks and rubble to be cleared from the site. 

       RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and request that the land is reinstated to its previous condition.

       The Clerk to also write to the adjacent neighbour and request that he restores his boundary to the correct

       position and advise Council accordingly.  Council would expect a reply within 14 days of the letter.

19.  To Discuss Highway Matters

       The Clerk to write to Community First regarding the following issues: 

a)      Gatehouse Lane - Potholes and sunken gullies on the highway, a mulch of leaves and other vegetation on footway, and overhanging branches.  There is no safe crossing place for pedestrians wishing to cross Mosham Road to walk along the footway to Blaxton.  Are there any funds available.

b)      Rumble Strips  - The Clerk to enquire whether the rumble strips will be replaced on the railway

      bridge during the improvement works to Hurst Lane.

c)      Footway at Thorncliffe Gardens – The surface of the footway outside No. 10 is crumbling.

d)      Claim for Injury at Sycamore Drive – A Leeds solicitor writes on behalf of a client who suffered an

injury when she fell on an uneven surface on Sycamore Drive in 2009, and enquires whether the Parish Council received any complaints concerning the poor surface of the highway.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to reply that Council has received no correspondence of any injury sustained or reports of a poor road surface at this location.  The highway is unadopted and it would be advisable to contact the landowner regarding this matter.

e)      Damaged Verge, Hayfield Lane – A resident reports that two years ago workmen dug up part of the grass verge at Hayfield Lane alongside the development taking place on the ex-community centre site.  The damaged verge looks an eyesore, and perhaps the developer might be prepared to put some topsoil on and level it.  The letter to be forwarded to Neighbourhood Services.

20.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       a)   Riverside Park – It was reported that parts of the ground need tidying, e.g. there are remnants of

             a fence to the rear of Sandhill Rise and other items in the long grass.   Members agreed to walk

             round and inspect the whole ground and report to the May meeting.

b)        Tree Survey – Mr. Hargreaves of ‘Need a Hand’ has undertaken a comprehensive survey of all the

             trees on Riverside with recommendations for future management.  To be discussed at next meeting           

c)         Electrical Inspection of Pavilion – It was agreed to contact a qualified electrician for a quotation

to undertake a Periodic Inspection of the pavilion before the Auckley Show.

21.  Nominations for South Yorkshire Branch of YLCA

       Council nominated the following persons to serve on the committee:

                        Chairman of South Yorkshire Branch Committee                       Mr. Liddell

                        Representative on Joint Executive Committee                Mr. Summers

22.  To Consider Training Days for Councillors

       Mrs. Worthington wishes to attend a seminar entitled ‘In the Chair’.   The cost of a place is £115, and

       Cantley with Branton Council have already paid half the fee.  

       RESOLVED – Mr. Warrender proposed that Auckley Council pay the remaining half of the fee, this

       was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

23.  Report of Meetings

       a)   PACT Meeting – It was reported that things are quiet at the moment – particularly on Cypress Ave. 

             since several residents have left.   PCSO’s cannot issue parking tickets for vehicles on zig-zag lines,

             but can issue them for parking on double lines.   The next meeting is at Austerfield in early May. 

 

 

 

 

 

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23.  Report of Meetings (continued)

       b)   PCJCC Meeting – Trials will take place with 5 Parish Councils using proposed electronic equipment

             to view planning applications.

             There are proposals to “slim down” the Local Development Framework.

             A report was given on how Parish Councils will be involved in the Section 106 Process.

d)        Airport Consultative Committee – It was reported that there is currently £242 in the Community

       Fund.   Easy Jet and Wiz are now making 20 flights per week, and it is hoped that competition

       will result in a reduction in prices.  There is some discussion re. a possible change of airport name.

e)         Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – It was reported that the design plans can soon be signed off with

one or two minor amendments.  The project is on target and building should start in September 2010.

Hopefully the scheme will be up and running by June-July 2011.

24.  To Consider Planning Applications:

       a)   No. 10/00649/FUL – Erection of conservatory to rear of semi-detached house

             9 Childers Drive, Auckley    Council had no objections or comments to make.

       b)   No. 10/00758/FUL – Erection of single storey extension to rear of Post Office and takeaway

             following demolition of existing annexes (being re-submission of application ref.09/03104/FUL

             withdrawn on 04.03.2010)   -  Post Office, Hayfield Lane, Auckley  No objections or comments

c)      No. 10/00867/FUL – Erection of porch and detached garage following demolition of existing garage

118 Common Lane, Auckley -  Council had no objections or comments to make on the above.

       d)   No. 10/00799/FUL – Erection of single storey porch to front, pitched roof single storey extension to

              rear and pitched roof two storey extension to side of detached house  -  11 Torne View, Auckley

             Council raised objections with regard to the two storey extension for the following reasons:

i)                    The extension is in very close proximity to the adjacent property at No.15, and there are concerns that the development could undermine the foundations of the neighbour’s property.

ii)                   There will be no room at the side to carry out maintenance.  

25.  To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee:

       The following planning applications have been granted permission:

        a)   No. 10/00324/FUL – Erection of four bedroom detached house with integral garage on 0.05 ha land    

              Land Adj. 1 Beech Avenue, Auckley

        b)   No. 10/00268/FUL – Erection of chimney to external side wall of dwelling

              7 Dursley Court, Auckley

        c)   No. 10/02983/FULM – Erection of mixed use development consisting of 14 apartments, a 241 sqm.

              fast food unit (Class A3/A5) and a 418 sqm. retail unit (Class A1) with associated parking and

              vehicle access on approx. 0.64 ha of land (being resubmission of previous application

              09/0822/FULM withdrawn 16.07.2009)  Land at Junction First Ave/Hayfield Lane, Auckley  

26.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 002117 -  HM Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax, Nat. Ins.)                                £285.00

       Cheque no. 002118 -  Neat Ideas (Supply cartridges & stationery)                                              £115.74

       Cheque no. 002119 -  DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins)                                                            £115.62

       Cheque no. 002120 -  Arrow Publications (Publish items in newsletter)                                        £111.62

       Cheque no. 002121 -  J.W. Bichan (Clean out dyke)                                                                   £223.25

       Cheque no. 002122 -  YLCA (Annual membership)                                                                    £648.00

       Cheque no. 002123 -  Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates)                                                   £42.18

       Cheque no. 002124 -  Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates)                                                        £21.68

       Cheque no. 002125 -  ‘Need A Hand’ (Written and photographic tree review)                            £375.00

       Cheque no. 002126 -  Rotherham, Doncaster, South Humber Trust (Connect tree lights)              £289.49

       Cheque no. 002128 -  SLCC (Clerk’s annual membership)                                                          £106.00

       Cheque no. 002129 -  YLCA (Half fees for delegate to attend training seminar)                              £57.50   

      

 

            

 

 

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27.  To Receive Correspondence

 a)   PCJCC Minutes for Meeting held 18 January 2010

 b)   SYPTE – Report of bus changes.

28. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

      It was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday, 12th May 2010, commencing

      at 7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Chairperson ………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

      aving H