MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2009 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
· Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairperson),
· Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. P. Cockett, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender
· District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
· Community Constable Brian Pyle
1. Co-Option of New Parish Councillor
No applications received.
2. Public Participation – None.
3. To Receive Apologies for Absence - Received and accepted from Mr. G. Payne.
4. To Receive Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest – None received.
5. To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 10th December 2008
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
6. Matters Arising From the Above Minutes
a) Drainage Problems – A resident of The Green reports that on 12th January 2009 her garden was
flooded with raw sewage, and nearby neighbours suffered blocked drains. Severn Trent were
contacted and came out to unblock the main drain at Ellers Lane. The resident in question has
also experienced similar problems in the past, i.e. twice in 2006 and on three occasions in 2007,
including one occasion when sewage entered into the house.
RESOLVED - Council is to contact DMBC and Severn Trent to request that investigations are
carried out as a matter of urgency, and also ask them to check whether cooking oils have been
discharged into the sewer.
b) Unauthorised Trading at Main Street – Enforcement Officer advises that the compliance date of
the Enforcement Notice is 5th February 2009 when the occupier is required to comply with
requirements of the Notice. Until such time is reached the officer is unable to advise further.
c) Encroachment Onto Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor reports that he has written to the
resident’s solicitor and given a deadline of 31st January 2009 which he trusts is acceptable.
RESOLVED – Council accepted this timescale, taking into account delays due to Christmas.
d) Gypsy Horses on Charity Land - Following the December meeting DMBC’s Animal Welfare
Officer was contacted and wrote to the owner to enquire whether the horses had been issued with passports, and issued a deadline for him to reply. However, since that time a local farmer has informed the Clerk that the horses have been re-located to a field at Blaxton.
e) Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 – DMBC Footpaths Officer has again had discussions with the Authority’s solicitor about the new gate post, and she is still of the opinion that obstruction of the post would be considered de minimus.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again and enclose photographs clearly showing the very
narrow access to the footpath from River Way, and also ask for the conifer hedge to be trimmed.
f) Public Footpath No. 7 - Footpaths Officer has been in contact with Peel Holdings and instructed
them to remove sections of fencing that are obstructing the public footpath where it meets the airport access road, together with a small amount of planting. Once this has been completed ‘Waymarking’ will be put in position to clearly indicate the line of the footpath. The crossfield section of this footpath has been clearly marked out and works have been carried out in the woodland to clear obstructions from the footpath.
g) Path at Sandhill Rise - The Footpaths Officer has spoken with the Authority’s external legal
consultant regarding a delay in the submission of the Order, however, he is now up to date and
Council should be hearing from the Planning Inspectorate in the near future.
h) Modification of Access Gate to River - Brindley Engineering has modified the existing gate to
a minimum width of 8 ft 6 inches and manufactured a steel-fabricated stile and post with handle, all of which have been galvanised. The completed structure has now been installed. Cantley with Branton Council has contributed half the cost of the work plus VAT, i.e. £655.50, and Auckley will pay a corresponding amount.
Page 2
6. Matters Arising (continued)
i) Untidy Land at Main Street – The landowner’s solicitor informs Council that his clear and strict
advice to his client will be that the grant of a 50 year lease must be totally unacceptable. Such a
grant would effectively have to be viewed on a commercial basis, and whilst he is sure his client
would not be prepared to agree to such a grant, his advice would obviously be to obtain a
commercial valuation of the property which may run into several tens of thousands of pounds as a
potential consideration for such a grant.
RESOLVED – Following discussion the Clerk was instructed to write and inform the solicitor
that Council is unable to accept these terms, and intends to remove all the fencing erected on the
land, unless his client is willing to purchase the fencing.
j) Dog Fouling – Council received further reports of dog fouling – particularly on Riverside Park
and the Spey Drive play area, Ellers Lane, Common Lane and School Lane.
RESOLVED - It was agreed to write to Community First and request firm action be taken to
address this worrying problem.
k) Dilapidated Building at Hayfield Lane – Another letter to be sent.
l) Blocked Manhole, Ellers Lane – Community First has reported this to the relevant department.
m) Purchase of Megaphone - Mr. Cockett is being advised of a suitable model to purchase.
n) Request for Provision of Lamp, Sign & Fencing on Spey Drive Play Area – Mrs. Woodcock has
advised the Clerk that DMBC currently has no funds to provide these items.
o) Electricity Charges for Christmas Trees - Pending.
p) Traffic Lights at Hurst Lane/Hayfield Lane Junction – Pending.
7. Community Police Report
Crime Figures - P.C. Pyle reported that for Auckley there has been a 25% reduction in all crimes over the period, February 2008 to January 2009 compared with the previous year. There has been a total crime reduction for all villages of 34% for the same period.
The crime figures from 1st December 2008 to 15th January 2009 were as follows:
Six thefts of various kinds
Five criminal damage
Two burglaries
P.C Pyle is monitoring young people who tend to congregate on the Hayfield Lane sports field.
Speed Gun
The speed gun will only be used by Police at the present time, but will belong to the community and
be used in Auckley, Branton and Finningley. P.C. Pyle will check the protocol with regard to the public using the speed gun.
Parking on Yellow Lines - Police have been monitoring vehicles parked on yellow lines outside the shops and warning letters have been issued. DMBC has been asked for more enforcement action.
8. District Councillor’s Report
Hayfield Recreation Project - Mrs. Schofield reported that the Ward Members have met to discuss
the project which is now moving forward.
Mosham Quarry – The road has again been thick in sludge leading from the quarry entrance to Lidgett
Gardens and, in the opposite direction, beyond Blaxton Crossroads. The surface of the highway
is also breaking up near the entrance. Mrs. Schofield is to write to DMBC and ask for urgent action
to be taken to alleviate the situation and Council agreed to also write in support of this request.
Nisa Car Park - Mrs. Schofield reported there are several deep holes which are a danger to public
safety. Some of the holes were filled in at some time but the concrete washed out exposing wires and
debris, and water ponds in the holes. Mrs. Schofield and the Parish Council are to contact the owner.
9. To Consider Council’s Budget for 2009/2010
The Clerk reported cash in the bank and on Treasury Reserve on 1st January 2009 was £46,568.50
Predicted expenditure 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009-01-27 £25,090.00
Predicted income 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009 £27,298.00
RESOLVED – It was agreed to increase the amount Council intends to contribute towards the
proposed new play equipment at Riverside Park from £20,000.00 to £22,500.00.
Page 3
10. To Decide Council’s Precept for 2009/2010
It was agreed that the main priority for the coming financial year is the planned new play equipment
at Riverside Park, and Council’s contribution to this project has been increased in the budget. In
addition, allowance should also be made for inflation. The increase in the precept should only
make a small difference to residents’ Parish Rate as this will be largely offset by the substantial
number of new houses recently built in the Parish.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, a proposal was made by Mr. Cockett to increase the precept
to £25,000. This was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.
11. To Consider Increasing Council’s Donation Towards Purchase of Speed Gun
The Police intend to purchase a Unipart SLT Speed Gun at a cost of £2,114.00 with an additional
yearly calibration charge of £134.00. Auckley has pledged the sum of £300.00, however, the
decision of one Parish Council not to support this scheme unfortunately means that they have to
approach Council again to consider injecting a further sum of £100.00 to make up the shortfall.
RESOLVED - Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council donate the revised
sum of £400.00 towards the project, with the proviso that the gun is not used in Blaxton.
Mr. Butterfield seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
12. To Consider Request to Provide Column-Mounted Illuminated Christmas Motifs
Council had discussed this matter at the December meeting including a report from DMBC’s
Lighting Engineer stating that the cost of one column-mounted Christmas motif would be
approx. £560.00. In addition, the columns would have to be surveyed and found to be satisfactory
before DMBC would authorise their use.
RESOLVED – The majority of Members were not in favour of providing the motifs and considered
that the outdoor Christmas tree with lights provides an adequate display for the festive season.
A proposal that Council does not provide column-mounted Christmas motifs was made by
Mr. Featherstone. The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Allwood, and the motion was carried.
13. To Discuss Bid for Funding to Provide Play Equipment
Council’s agent, Mr. Hawley informs Council that WREN has decided not to offer any grant
assistance towards the proposed play equipment. He will now review his notes of various
discussions with other funding bodies and will provide a short report with some recommendations
for Council to consider early in the New Year.
RESOLVED – Council was very disappointed with the outcome. The Clerk to write and ask
Mr. Hawley for a list of all the organisations he has contacted.
The Neighbourhood Manager has asked for the project delivery plan/timescales – Council to advise
that the bid was unsuccessful, and further information is awaited from Mr. Hawley.
14. To Discuss Adoption of BT Telephone Kiosk
The Clerk reported that BT will only transfer the kiosk with the ceiling light in operation, and
Council needs to supply a new MPAN number before BT will authorise the transfer. N Power is
being obstructive and will not supply a new MPAN until the current one used by BT has been
identified. The Clerk has contacted two BT employees for advice, and awaits a reply.
15. To Decide Items For Newsletter
It was agreed to feature the following items:
a) Council’s precept for 2009/2010
b) Problems of dog fouling
c) Report on Christmas Market and carol singing.
16. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) Results of Pedestrian/Vehicle Count – DMBC’s Highway Officer reports that a count was
undertaken in September 2008 which unfortunately does not demonstrate the required values in
which to qualify for a formal crossing at this point.
b) Information Regarding Adoption of Private Drains and Sewers - Caroline Flint, M.P. writes to
inform Council that the Government has decided that all private sewers and lateral drains will be
transferred to water and sewerage companies. The cost of transfer will be met by an increase in the sewerage element of bills currently estimated to be around 7.5 – 28 pence per week.
Page 4
17. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) Pavilion Repairs – It was agreed to leave the damaged ceiling for another 2-3 weeks before
carrying out repairs.
b) Vandalism of Christmas Tree and Lights at Hurst Lane – Council was informed that the site had
suffered vandalism on two occasions – firstly before Christmas when several of the wooden
chocks holding the tree in the socket were pulled out. These were later hammered back in
place. Secondly, just before the lights were due to be dismantled, it was discovered that the
transformer had been stolen from the electricity cubicle which supplies electricity to the lights.
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Featherstone proposed that a Christmas tree is no
longer provided at this location, in view of recent and past vandalism. Mr. Butterfield seconded
the proposal, and the motion was carried.
18. Report of Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee Meeting
It was agreed that Mrs. Worthington would represent Auckley at future meetings, following
Mrs. Hunter’s resignation. Mrs. Worthington reported on the recent PCJCC as follows:
a) Double Rating Grant – DMBC intends to continue giving the double rating grant to Parish
and Town Councils.
b) Planning Applications – It was reported that from 2010 all DMBC planning applications will be sent electronically, and no hard copies of plans will be provided. Parish Council Members on the committee expressed concerns that their respective Councils would have to provide a projector, and other costly equipment in order to allow everyone to view the plans. DMBC has promised to give this matter consideration.
19. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No. 08/03481/OUTM – Erection of 750 homes, roads, footpaths, cycle routes, landscaping,
open area and play facilities on approx. 18.5 ha of land,
Land Off Hurst Lane adjoining Airport and Hayfield Green, Hayfield Lane, Auckley
Council Members had not had sufficient time to view the plans, and it was decided to circulate
the plans in order for Members to make their final comments later. Initial observations were:
concerns regarding the building of houses on green fields and the adverse effect on local services
and the old sewerage system.
b) No. 08/03469/CON – Consultation by Doncaster Sheffield Airport on Variations to Agreement
under Section 106 of Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to upgrade night noise provisions and alter restrictions on night cargo operations including:
i) Introduction of Quota Count 4 aircraft at night
ii) Introduction of a new 0.25 Quota Count Control
iii) Prohibition of use of airport at night by Quota Count 8 and 16 aircraft
Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley
Plans to be circulated to Members for comments.
c) No. 08/03498/FUL – Erection of detached house with double garage on approx. 0.02 ha of land
and formation of/alterations to vehicular access to 38 Main Street,
38 Main Street and Land Adjacent, Auckley
Council was opposed to erection of the detached dwelling because the access onto the B 1396 is on a dangerous bend where vision is restricted in both directions. DMBC refused Council’s request for a pedestrian refuge at this location due to the limited vision. Infill development.
20. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee
Planning Permission Granted to the Following:
a) No. 08/03214/FUL – Erection of 2no dormer windows to rear elevation in connection with
rooms in roofspace created & new roof over existing conservatory to rear of semi-detached house - 32 Hawthorne Road, Auckley
b) No. 08/02982/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to front/side of semi-
detached house - 33 Spey Drive, Auckley
Page 5
21. Appeal Dismissed Regarding the Following Application:
No. 08/01220/FUL – Erection of four detached dwellings with garages, 1.8m high boundary
walls, alterations to door/window to 16 Main Street and formation of vehicular access to 18A
Main Street, all on approx. 0.45 ha of land (Being application number 07/03680/FUL refused on
07/02/08) 14, 16 and 18A Main Street, Auckley
22. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001954 – Doncaster Alzheimer’s Society (Collection round tree) £91.25
Cheque no. 001955 – Auckley All 4 All (Provision of tower lights for carols) £105.00
Cheque no. 001956 – J.F. Brindley Engineering (To modify gate at riverside) £655.50
Cheque no. 001957 – Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting) £24.00
Cheque no. 001958 – Yorkshire Rural Community Council (Annual membership) £35.00
Cheque no. 001959 – HM Revenue & Customs (Employer’s N.I. employees’ tax) £276.62
Two of the Council’s bank signatories signed a mandate form to remove Mrs. Hunter’s name from
the list of signatories, following her resignation from Council.
23. To Receive Correspondence:
a) Information on eco-towns
b) Consultation on Doncaster’s Waste Strategy
24. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 11th February 2009, commencing at 7.00 p.m.
at the Auckley Parish Centre.
Chairperson ……………………………….