MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

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

·        Mr. P. Cockett, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender.

·        District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

·        P.C. Brian Pyle

1.   Public Participation  - None. 

2.   To Receive Apologies  - Received and accepted from Mrs. S. Platts.

3.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests – Mr. Payne declared a personal interest in Item

      No. 14 (To consider giving a donation towards the Youth Club).

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 11th November 2009

      The minutes were approved and accepted as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Flower Tubs at Eastfield Lane – The tubs have been planted with flowers.

      b)   Derelict Building Adjacent to Nisa Store – DMBC’s Planning Investigation Officer reports he is

            aware that the compliance date has now been achieved and the building is still in the same condition.

            He has recently spoken to a Planning Officer regarding the site and a possible planning application

            which is to be submitted soon.  He is unable to enforce the Notice further by way of a Direct Action

            to remove the building and charge the owner, as there are insufficient funds  to carry out such events

            in the current financial year.  He is hopeful that the planning application may resolve the problem.

            RESOLVED – The Clerk to point out that part of the roof is missing, and ask if there anything the

            Authority can do to hasten this on.  A reminder to be sent to David Smith of Peel re. ownership of site          

a)      Path Along River – The owner of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park has informed the Clerk that she has contacted the Environment Agency regarding this matter.

b)      Public Inquiry Re. Sandhill Rise Path – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer advises that the confirmation of

the Order is now printed in the press and will soon be posted at the site.  Mr. Harker has offered to write a press notice informing the public of this path once the 6 week’s grace has elapsed.

RESOLVED – Council agreed this would be very helpful.

c)      Overgrown Hedges  -  The owners, Urban-i, have advised Community First that the works have been completed and they are not prepared to undertake any further action.  CF Officers confirm the work has been done, but Urban-i will not reduce the height of the hedges.

d)      Non-Functioning Pedestrian Crossing – Highways Officer advises the crossing is the responsibility of

the Airport and DMBC does not maintain these signals.  He has contacted the Airport requesting the signals be made operational as soon as possible.

e)      Bricks Left On Pavement, Avon Court  - Community First Officer has spoken with the residents and

subsequently the bricks were removed.

f)        Collapsible Bollard at Access to Spey Drive Park – DMBC will ensure that all maintenance staff are  reminded to leave the bollard locked upright.  Council was informed it has now been locked upright.

g)      Wheelie Bins – Sita apologises for bins being left overnight – this was due to vehicle breakdowns.

h)      Roundabout at Gatehouse/Hayfield Junction – Highways Dept are making enquiries to see whether Peel owns the roundabout and why it is not being maintained.

i)        Fishing Signs on Riverbank – Gavin Holloway of Environment Agency has asked the Clerk to mark where the signs are situated on a plan of the riverbank.  This has been done and sent back to E.A.

6,  Community Police Report

     P.C. Pyle reported the following incidents have occurred in Auckley over the past month:

            Theft of a ‘Sat. Nav.’ from vehicle

            Theft of trailer from garage

            Damaged vehicle

            Possible attempted burglary  

    P.C. Pyle was informed that motorists continue to park on the double yellow lines in front of the shops at

    Ellers Lane.  The Clerk to write to the Neighbourhood Manager to enquire whether traffic wardens are

    able to enforce restrictions at this location.

 

 

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7.  District Councillor’s Report

     Mrs. Schofield reported on the following:

     Willow Farm – Complaints have been received from residents of Riverside Gardens re. the continued

     workings at the site.  There also appears to be some dispute between the resident and the Environment Agency regarding a Flood Assessment of the site.

     RESOLVED – A letter to be sent to Planning Dept. asking when this project is likely to be resolved.

     Highway Repairs – Highway repairs will commence in early January 2010 at Hurst Lane and Doncaster

     Road,  Branton

     Budget – The Mayor will present his budget in December and DMBC’s official budget will be announced

     in February 2010.

8.  To Consider Council’s Budget

     The Clerk reported cash in the bank plus Treasury Reserve on 1st December 2009 was                    £48,095.48

     Predicted expenditure 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2010                                                                 £29,057.00

     Predicted income 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2010                                                                        £27,283.00

     RESOLVED – It was agreed that Council’s main project for 2010/2011 was the provision of new play

     equipment at Riverside Park, and it might be possible to combine the natural play equipment provided by

     the ‘Playbuilding’ Scheme with Council’s proposed project as outlined by ‘Record’ Play Equipment.

9.  To Decide Council’s Precept for 2010/2011

     RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed to increase the precept to allow for inflation and also 

     give additional funds for the purchase of new play equipment.  A small increase would mean a negligible  

     increase in the Parish Rate for householders as this would be offset by additional dwellings recently built

     in the Parish.  Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council precept for the sum of £28,000.00.   Mr. Butterfield

     seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried. 

10.To Consider Quotations to Trim Trees at Sandhill Rise

     ‘Need a Hand’ submits a quotation of          £565.00 to substantially trim the height of 3 trees

     Mr. Barrass submits a quotation of  £300.00 + VAT to fell and remove one willow tree, plus 

     substantial pollarding and trimming of up to 5 other trees.

     RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Featherstone proposed that the lower quotation from

     Mr. Barrass be accepted.  The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Allwood, and the motion was carried.

11.To Consider Quotation to Undertake Annual Inspection of Trees at Riverside Park

     No reply received from DMBC’s Tree Officer.  It was agreed to invite Mr. Barrass to submit a quote.

12.To Consider Quotation to Provide New Cover for Christmas Tree Socket

     Mr. Winder of DMBC has contacted Highways and Lighting Dept. to ask their advice on this matter.  He

     has given an approximate quotation of £386.70 to undertake the work.

     RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that if the official quote is similar to the one given by

     Mr. Winder then the Clerk can accept the quote without waiting until the next meeting.  Mrs. Allwood

     seconded this proposal, and the motion was carried.

13.To Consider Quotation to Replace Windows of BT Phone Kiosk

     ‘Need A Hand’ submits a quotation in the sum of £95.00 to supply and fit Perspex-type glass and

      construct 2 frames to fit telephone box.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation.  Mrs. Allwood seconded

      the proposal, and the motion was carried.

14.To Consider Donation Towards New Youth Club at Hayfield Lane Adult Education Centre

     Mr. Payne has met with the Neighbourhood Manager to discuss the establishment of a new Youth Club

     which will hopefully be up and running in January to be based at the Hayfield Lane Adult Education

     Centre.  The Youth Club should be self-funding once subscriptions start coming in, but the Public

     Liability Insurance costs £535, and a cabinet is required in order to lock up some equipment.

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that a donation of £750.00 be given,

     with the proviso that the Youth Club may come back to the Parish Council if they find that more is

     required.

     Mr. Butterfield seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.  The donation is made under

     Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

 

 

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15. To Receive Report on Encroachment of Recreation Ground      and,’H

 

      On 26th November Council’s solicitor wrote to advise it had not been possible to have the Consent

      Order signed and released to the Court in time for the hearing on 27th November, and an adjournment  

      had been requested.  He had also received a message that the resident was seeking a period of 21 days to

      clear the trees, rather than the 14 days previously suggested, and members of Council reluctantly agreed

      to the extension with the proviso that no further concessions were made.  Council’s solicitor is now

      awaiting the signed Consent Order from the resident’s solicitor.

16. Report of Site Meeting with Agent for Play Equipment

      Three Members of Council and the Clerk met with Debbie Chambers, an agent for ‘Record’ Play

      Equipment, who suggested it might be possible to combine Council’s proposed scheme with the natural

      play scheme funded by Government scheduled for 2010/2011 (Playbuilding Scheme).   Mrs. Worthington

      is to speak to the Neighbourhood Manager regarding this matter.   Record will send some posters of  

      various items of equipment and local children can then attach stickers to the ones they would prefer.

17. To Invite Members to Undertake Quarterly Internal Audit

      Mr. Warrender has agreed to undertake the Quarterly Audit from the October/December 2009 period.

18. To Discuss Highway Matters

      It was reported that one of the ‘Stop’ red lights is not functioning on traffic lights at the entrance to the

      Airport on the approach from Gatehouse Lane.  This matter to be reported to Community First.

19. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a) Storing of Parish Plan Model  - Mr. Helliwell asks whether Members of Council have any suggestions

          for storing the plan as he no longer has room.  Mrs. Allwood is to speak with him re. this matter.

      b) Christmas Carol Singing  - Members will take a collection and give out carol sheets.  Unfortunately

          it has not been possible to find anyone to take on the role of Santa.

20. To Make Comments on Draft Supplementary Planning Document

      The Clerk will confirm ownership of Charity Land at Common Lane which is featured in the document.

21. To Make Comments on the Joint Charter

      Mr. Duncan Wright, Vice Chairman of the PCJCC has written to all Parish Councils to ask whether they

      have any issues they wish to be discussed by the PCJCC.

      Members of Council noted his letter, but have no specific issues to raise at the present time.

22. Reports of Meetings

      a)  Meeting of Charity Trustees – The Chairman reported that the tenants of all 3 areas of land have

           accepted a rise in rent for 2011.  Bank mandate forms have been signed to change the name of the

           2 Charity accounts from ‘Auckley Parish Council’ to ‘The Charity of Richard Metcalfe and Others’.

      b)  Hayfield Lane Recreation Projectayfield

  - Mr. Swainston reported that the committee has made a number of

            applications for funds from a basic recreation scheme to a business bid.  There is pressure from Ward

            Members to make the field suitable for use, but there are concerns regarding funding for maintenance

            of the grounds.  The option of small business units on part of the ground might offset costs.  It is

            hoped that Hill House will remain involved with the project.

c)      Airport Consultative Sub-Committee – The Master Plan will be ready for printing in March/April.

The development around the airport was discussed and litter at Old Bawtry Road, with a suggestion

to block off the road or issue fines.  Some hangars are being used for training flight management and

painting aircraft.  The management is looking to attract RAF flights in the event of an RAF base closing in Lincolnshire.  The airport is still looking to use QC4 noisier freight aircraft.

d)      PACT Meeting  - Members of the public were warned not to leave unattended items on show in cars,

and drivers were also warned not to leave car keys on show near the door where they can be hooked

by a fishing rod through the letterbox.  DMBC is looking into implementing a Gating Order for

Common Lane to prohibit unauthorised vehicles, due to the amount of litter deposited on the lane.

23. To Consider Planning Applications

      a)   No. 09/02866/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to side and two storey pitched roof

            extension to rear of detached house following demolition of existing garage

            38 Main Street, Auckley

            Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of this development.

 

 

 

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23.  To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

       b)   No. 09/02659/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof garage/residential extension to side and

             single storey pitched roof extension to rear  -  45 Main Street, Auckley

             Council is not opposed in principle, providing the development does not affect neighbouring

             properties.   However, this is a very large extension which is very close to the adjacent property,

             No. 43 Main Street, and there are concerns that it may affect the occupier’s privacy, although there

             does not appear to be any windows on the adjoining wall.  The extension may also affect the privacy

             of the occupants of the property to the rear at Sandhill Rise.

c)        No. 09/02867/FUL – Erection of physiotherapy practice (13.18m x 9.31m)

Formerly Club Impact, Finningley Estate, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

Council has concerns regarding safety due to the fact that the car park is situated very close to the junction of Sycamore Drive, Fir Tree Avenue and the access to the Nisa Store.  In addition there is no turning area in the car park.

24.  To Report Decisions of DMBC’s Planning Committee

       The following planning applications have all been approved by the Planning Committee:

a)      No. 09/01346/FUL – Installation of roller shutters, fluorescent lighting and signage to front

elevation of hot food takeaway and installation of extraction system

Adjacent Post Office, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

b)      No. 09/01674/FUL – Erection of conservatory extension to rear of dwelling

26 Nene Grove, Auckley

        c)   No. 09/02393/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side of house following

              demolition of existing conservatory  -  61 Main Street, Auckley

25.  To Sign Cheques 

       Cheque no. 002074 – Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance)                                       £210.89

       Cheque no. 002075 – Veolia ES (UK( Ltd. (Strimming of sloped area)                                  £115.00

       Cheque no. 002076 – G & P Plevey (Deliver, erect and remove 1 Christmas tree)                 £563.50

       Cheque no. 002077 -  Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates)                                                  £27.71

       Cheque no. 002078 -  Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates)                                             £14.45

       Cheque no. 002079 -  Arrow Publications (Parish news in newsletter)                                      £55.00

       Cheque no. 002080 -  Auckley Gardens & Allotments (Supply plants, compost)                      £33.40

       Cheque no. 002081 – Auckley Parish Centre (Hire room for December meeting)                     £24.00

       Cheque no. 002084 -  N Power (Pavilion electricity charge)                                                     £50.15

       Cheque no. 002085 -  Vulcan Youth Club (Donation towards insurance & cupboard)            £750.00

26.  To Receive Corresposdence

       a)   Clerks & Councils Direct

       b)   Local Council Review

       c)   Bus Services – A Vision for Doncaster.

27.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13th January 2010, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at the

       Auckley Parish Centre. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                          Chairperson ……………………………….