MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2008 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

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

  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston.  
  • District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
  • Community P.C. Brian Pyle
  • Community Safety Wardens Dave Powell and Alison

Before the meeting CSW Dave Powell advised Council of the opportunity to purchase ‘SmartWater’ at a reduced cost of £11.75 per bottle if at least 10 kits are bought.  A small amount of the clear paint is marked on property and each bottle is unique to the purchaser. If goods are stolen and recovered by the Police the paint can be detected under ultra-violet light and the owner traced.

It was agreed to feature this information in the February edition of The ‘Arrow’ newspaper and inform Auckley residents that Council is able to order the paint on payment of £11.75.

1.   Public Participation

      No issues raised.

2.   To Receive Apologies - Received and accepted from Mr. P. Cockett.

3.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest 

      Mr. Payne declared a personal interest in Item No. 10 (Sale of charity land)

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 12th December 2007

      The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Public Footpath No. 2 at River Way  - Community First Officer has spoken with the Public Rights

            of Way Officer who confirms that the statutory width of a public footpath is 3 feet.  The path in

            question meets the criteria.

b)     Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor has been informed by the solicitor acting for the resident that they have contacted the Land Registry and, on their advice, statutory declarations on behalf of the resident and the neighbouring property have been prepared.   Council is advised to await the notice from the Land Registry.

c)     Conifers Trimmed at Rear of Sandhill Rise – The residents to be thanked for trimming conifers.

d)     HGV’s Using Hurst Lane  - Highways Officer advises it is unlikely that there are any conditions imposed on individual firms, and it would be almost impossible to enforce if there were.  Since the advent of the airport the area has a strategic importance and the reliance of Hurst Lane will increase, although movement will be encouraged towards the new access being constructed.  The quarry on Hurst Lane has been in operation for a number of years, and the movement of heavy commercial vehicles has been a feature on the area roads as a consequence.

e)     Drainage Problems – DMBC’s Environmental Officer reports that an inspection by camera found no defect in the sewer, however some fat deposits discovered downstream.  The Food Team is to speak to the takeaway and the drain will be monitored.

f)      Swedish-Style Houses – A member of staff at St. Leger Homes has informed the Clerk that hopefully the houses will be painted before the end of March 2008.  All non-traditional houses are to be subjected to a structural survey before any renovation work can take place.

g)     Mosham Quarry – Council was informed that the quarry is to close in 6 week’s time.

h)     Public Right of Way, Auckley Plantation – Footpaths Officer advises there is no legal reason why horses cannot be kept on land where there is a public right of way. She appreciates this can be intimidating for someone using the path in the same way that cows which may be kept on land with a right of way may intimidate a person.  The only advice is to suggest that people use the opposite bank, however, the Environment Agency regularly allows horses to be grazed on that side of the river.

i)      Public Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – Footpaths Officer has instructed the Authority’s Legal

Consultant to advertise the Order.  The Parish Council, along with other interested parties, will receive a copy of the advertised Order.

 

 

 

Page 2

 

5.  Matters Arising (continued)

     j)   Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7– Footpaths Officer advises that the Authority is

           unable to determine the Order because an objection has been received.  The necessary papers are

           currently being prepared to pass the Order to the Planning Inspectorate for determination.   The

           Planning Inspectorate will contact Council in due course.

j)      Derelict Land at Main Street – The solicitor acting for the owner replies that his client has owned the land from the outset and the title is now registered at the Land Registry.  He does not indicate whether his client wishes to retain the fencing.

RESOLVED  -  It was agreed to contact YLCA and enquire what approach should be taken by Council – can the fencing be removed, and would Council be liable if it removed the fencing.

k)     Hanson Quarry – Pending.

l)      Hayfield Amenity Centre  - Pending.

m)   Bid for Funding to Provide Play Equipment – Pending.

n)     Bus Stop, Hurst Lane – Pending.

6.  Community Police Report

     P.C. Brian Pyle, based at the airport, introduced himself as the new Community Beat Officer for

     Auckley, Branton, Finningley and Blaxton. 

     P.C. Pyle informed the meeting that he is keen to tackle speeding problems in the area, and a total of

     20 tickets have already been given out.  Parking on yellow lines in front of the Ellers Lane shops is

     also to be addressed.  

     In reply to a question relating to the parking of vehicles half on pavements, P.C. Pyle advised that this

     practice is permitted, providing there is room left for pedestrians and access for vehicles.

     P.C. Pyle has visited Riverside Park on a number of occasions, but has seen nothing untoward.

     No crime figures are available at the moment. 

7.  District Councillor’s Report

     Mrs. P. Schofield reported on the following matters:

a)     Allowances for Parish Areas – It is difficult at the moment to contact appropriate officers, due to

      staffing changes.

b)     DMBC Budget – The Authority has to save £5 million this year which may mean job losses.

c)     Flood Precautions – Mrs. Schofield has contacted the Environment Agency to ask whether they can dredge the River Torne which drains 100,000 acres of land in this area.  However, the Agency appears to be unwilling to carry this out in case it disturbs wild life.

d)     Bus Service – There will be a more reliable local bus service after 27th January.

8.  To Consider Draft Ground Maintenance Contract

     Tenders to be invited from DMBC, Serviceteam and ‘Need A Hand’.  It was decided to amend the

     contract to include trimming around the whole perimeter of the ground right to the boundary.  The

     subject of grass cuttings left on the pitch was mentioned - Council decided not to ask for cut grass to

     be removed, but instead to request an extra cut when necessary before football matches.  A separate

     quote to be invited to maintain the Memorial Garden twice yearly.  

9.  To Discuss Derelict Building at Sycamore Drive

     It was reported that the building looks an eyesore and attracts vandals.  An outline planning

     application to build a supermarket on the land was granted permission in 2005, but no full application

     has yet been made.

     RESOLVED  - It was agreed to write and inform the applicant of current problems and ask when the 

     development is likely to occur.

10.To Discuss Sale of Charity Land

     Council’s solicitor has contacted Council regarding the draft of the contract

     As requested by the External Auditor, the Clerk has written to the Charity Commission regarding the

     status of the trustees.  The Commission advises it would appear that the current members of the Parish

     Council are individually trustees of the charities.  There is no indication that the Parish Council is

     acting as a corporate trustee.

 

 

 

 

Page 3

 

11. Provision of Seat for Parish Centre Car Park

     ‘Plantscape’ has informed the Clerk that they can construct a concrete base and bolt in the seat for the

      sum of £300 - this will involve one trip to lay the concrete and then another trip to bolt in the seat.

      Total cost of seat, plaque and installation £825 + VAT. 

      RESOLVED  - It was decided to ask the firm to provide and install the seat. 

12. Items For Newsletter

      It was agreed to feature the following items in the February newsletter:

a)      Precept for 2008/2009

b)      Christmas carols round the tree

c)      Information on ‘SmartWater’

13. To Discuss River Torne Project  

      A meeting is to be arranged with the Environment Agency.

14. To Discuss Highway Matters

      a)    Leaves on Footways – DMBC to be asked to clear wet leaves from footways at Gatehouse Lane

             and Hawthorn Road.

b)      Cars Parked on Verge at Gatehouse Lane – This has been reported to Community Safety Warden.

c)      Traffic Lights at Entrance to Airport – It was reported that the time the lights are on red has been

 reduced to1 minute for lights approached from direction of Gatehouse Lane, and 2 minutes for

 lights approached from direction of Hurst Lane.

d)      Request For Second Pedestrian Refuge  - DMBC Highways Officer reports she has looked for a

 suitable location to site an additional refuge on Main Street in the general vicinity of Orchard

       Walk, as requested, to provide for pedestrians coming from the Common Lane and Ravenswood

       Drive areas in order to access the bus stop near the Eagle and Child.  Unfortunately the detour

       required to reach a refuge in this vicinity would be likely to deter pedestrians from using any

       facility provided at this location.  Crossing points positioned away from the pedestrian desire line

       tend to suffer from lack of use and therefore are not a reasonable use of their limited resource.

       For these reasons DMBC is unable to accede to Council’s request.

15.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       a)   Dyke at Riverside Park – The Clerk reported that Mr. Bichan has cleaned out the dyke which

             released a large amount of black sludge, followed by clear water.  The contractor is also to dredge

             the bottom of the dyke.

b)     Path From Ainsley Close to Riverside Park  - Council was informed that DMBC has levelled the

slabs, and the adjacent householder has removed the conifers and replaced with a metal fence.

c)     Memorial Garden  - The Clerk reported that members of the Garden and Allotment Association

have tidied up the garden and trimmed all the bushes, and have also planted daffodil bulbs in tubs

on The Green.  Council is to discuss making a donation to the Association at the next meeting.

16.  To Consider Parish Government Course 7th/9th March

       Information is to be circulated to Members for consideration.

17.  To Consider Planning Applications:

       No. 07/03986/FULFT – Erection of two storey roof extension to rear of terraced house,

       9 Apple Grove, Auckley

       Council had no objections to make in relation to this application.

18.  To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee

a)     No. 07/02656/FUL – Erection of 7 no. detached dwellings with garages on approx. 0.37 ha of

land following demolition of existing dwelling  -  1 Cedar Close, Auckley

Permission refused for the following reasons:

It is considered that the proposed development is of a density and layout that would result in a

harmful impact upon the open character of a prominent frontage site on Hayfield Lane, and is therefore contrary to the provisions of Policy PH11 (Part A) of the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan 1998. The application has provided inadequate information relating to the impact of the proposal upon existing trees within the site and is considered to be contrary to the provisions of Policy ENV 59 of the Doncaster U.D.P. 1998.

 

 

 

Page 4

 

18.  To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee (continued)

       b)   No. 07/03134/3FUL – Erection of single storey storage building (4.80m x 4.38m) (Being

             application under Regulation 3 Town and Country Planning (General) regulations 1992)

             Auckley Junior and Infant School, School Lane, Auckley

             Planning permission granted.

b)     No. 07/03210/FUL – Formation of windows to side elevation (being amendment to previous

planning permission granted under ref. 07/00243/FUL)

2A Briar Close, Auckley

Planning permission granted.

19.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 001837 – Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages + cleaner, refuse bags)                                                                                                                                                          £179.57

       Cheque no. 001838 -  Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice  (Christmas collection)                                                                                                                                                       £150.00

       Cheque no. 001839 -  ‘Need A Hand’ (Planting of daffodil bulbs)                                                                                                                                                                                  £40.00

       Cheque no. 001840 -  Auckley New Parish Centre ( Hire of hall for January meeting)                                                                                                                                                   £24.00

       Cheque no. 001841 -  South Anston Fire Extinguishers (Service 2 x extinguishers)                                                                                                                                                        £41.13

       Cheque no. 001842 -  Mr. A. Garner  (2 x call-outs re. printer problems)                                                                                                                                                                       £90.00

20.  To Receive Correspondence

       SYPTE – Changes in bus timetables

21.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 13th February 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

       at the Auckley Parish Centre                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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