MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11th JULY 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. G. Warrender.  
  • No members of the public were present

1.   To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. I. Butterfield and Mr. S. Featherstone

2.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest  -

      Mrs. M. Cockett declared a prejudicial interest in Item No. 8 (Application for funding from school)

      Mrs. Hunter declared a personal interest in Item No. 21c) (Planning application at Lilac Close)

      Mr. Warrender declared a personal interest in Item No. 17 a) (Flooding featured under ‘Highways’)

3.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 13th June 2007

      The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Senior Citizens’ Outing – Members who attended reported on a most enjoyable event.  The coach

            company to be informed that the driver was extremely helpful and attentive to passengers.         

b)     Flooding, Main Street – Highways Officer, Mr. Raven advises that drainage issues are not within his responsibility, and he has passed Council’s request for a map of the surface water drains to a colleague who will deal with this matter direct.  It was pointed out that during the recent floods the firemen pumping out residents’ properties were unsure which direction the drains were flowing, and it would be useful for Council to have a map of all the surface water drains.

c)     Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor has written to resident advising him that the Land Registry has confirmed the strip of land on which he has trespassed lies within the Council’s registered title.  Council requires him to vacate the land and remove both fencing and plants he has installed within 28 days.  Failure to do so is liable to result in legal action.   

d)     Public Footpath No. 2 DMBC’s Footpaths Officer appreciates Council’s concerns, however the footpath only has a definitive width of 3 feet and runs between the boundaries of private properties.  In view of this she cannot see what the Authority can do, other than ensure that the adjacent hedge is trimmed back to increase the width.  A meeting is not considered appropriate.

            RESOLVED – The Footpaths Officer to be asked why is it not possible for  the Local Authority

            to take appropriate action under its legislation to increase the width of the footpath.  

e)     Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7 – Footpaths Officer advises that on 26th June the

      Planning Committee gave authorisation to advertise an Order, under The Town and Country

      Planning Act, to divert a section of Public Footpath No. 7 Auckley and No. 1 Austerfield.  The

Order will be advertised, and Council will be notified.    .

f)      Claimed Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – The Rights of Way Officer advises that permission has

      been sought and granted from the Authority’s Planning Committee to make a Draft Modification

      Order to add the claimed footpath to the definitive map.  All the relevant information has been

      passed to their legal team for them to progress the Order.  Council will be informed when the

      Order is due to be advertised..

 g) Proposed Pedestrian RefugeDMBC’s Highways Officer would be happy to look to finding a

         suitable location for an additional refuge on Main Street, but this will not be until late July.  Once

           a survey of the site has been carried out the Council will informed of their findings as to a suitable

           location.

      h)  20 mph Speed Limits – Highways Officer confirms there are no plans to change the position of

           Auckley as a low priority area with regard to provision of 20 mph zones in the Borough.  These

           will continue to be targeted on a ‘worst basis’ to those locations which have the most serious

           problems in terms of the numbers and severity of injury road traffic collisions.  Dept. of Transport

           survey shows the chance of survival for an adult pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 30 mph is 80%,

           at speeds of 20 mph this chance increases to 95%.

           RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to District Councillors to ask if they could bring pressure to

           bear on Highways to provide 20 mph zones near schools.  Council is concerned for safety of

           children – particularly as Auckley is in the fairly unique position of having three schools within the

           Parish.  

 

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4.   Matters Arising (continued)

      i)  Erection of Gate at Entrance to Riverside Car Park  - The Chairperson and Clerk have met with the

          contractor, and hopefully the gate will soon be installed.  Padlocks and keys to be ordered from

          DMBC, and a key given to all 7 residents of the cul-de-sac.

      j) Traffic Lights at Airport Entrance – Members reported there has been some improvement in the

          timing sequence of the traffic lights since problems were reported.

k)     Representative to Serve on Standards Committee  - Council was informed that Mrs. Hunter has been elected as Parish representative to the Standards Committee.

l)      Flyer Advertising Hayfield Amenity Centre – No reply received from DMBC. 

RESOLVED – Agreed to write and ask Mrs. Woodcock to investigate.

m)   Pavilion Electrical CheckCockin Electrical has been asked to delay test for further 2 weeks.

n)     Sunken Soakaway, The Green – A reminder to Community First.

o)     Untidy Hedges and Verges, – A reminder to Community First

p)     Land at Main Street – Pending.

q)     Provision of Bollard Pending.

r)      Sewage Problems – District Councillor to be asked to make enquiries.

5.  Community Police Report

     No Police Officer attended the meeting.  There were no issues to report to the Police.

6.  District Councillor’s Report

     Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend the meeting and sent her apologies.

7.  To Receive Internal Auditor’s Report

     The Internal Auditor has completed the internal audit for year ending 31st March 2007.  There were no

     matters to bring to Council’s attention, and he is therefore happy to complete and sign Section 4 of the

     Annual Return.  The accounts have been kept to an overall high standard, and he thanks the Clerk for

     keeping them in an orderly manner.

     The Quarterly Internal Audit has been checked and signed by the 2 designated members of Council.

     The audit was then accepted by Council.   

8.  To Consider Auckley School’s Application for Funding Towards Purchase of Maths Game

     Mrs. Cockett made representation, and then left the room whilst this matter was being discussed.    

     In order to promote and raise attainment in maths skills the school wishes to purchase a number of

     maths games for the whole school which will be available for children to use both in class and at

     home to play with parents.  The school has raised the sum of £110 towards the £900 cost of these

     games, and Council is asked whether it would consider helping the fund.

     RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Payne proposed that Council give the sum of £500, subject

     to the school raising the remaining balance.  Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal.

     Mr. Cockett proposed an amendment to the proposal which was to give the sum of £790.  There was  

     no seconder to the proposal, and therefore the amendment fell.  Voting then took place on the original

     proposal, and the motion was carried. 

9.  To Consider Quotation to Install Socket for Christmas Tree

     Mr. Parker, DMBC Playground Officer quotes the sum of £578.60 + VAT to design, supply and install

     a socket capable of supporting a Christmas Tree with a girth of 20-30cm at its base.  Council can be

     assured the unit will be substantial and capable of being adjusted to change the vertical alignment of

     the tree and suit various girths.  It will also be manufactured to be removable and covered so as not to

     be a hazard to members of the public when not in use.

     RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Warrender proposed that Council accept the quotation.

     Mrs. Hunter seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

10.To Decide a Suitable Seat To Install Outside the Parish Centre

     Members perused several brochures and, following discussion, it was decided that the most suitable

     model would be one which was made from recyclable material which would be impervious to

     vandalism.  The Clerk is to make further enquiries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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11.  To Consider Purchasing a Working Drawing of Auckley Coat of Arms

       The York Herald advises that the arms identified are those of Thomas Green of Awkeley and not the

       village of Awkeley.  Villages very rarely have coats of arms and in any case it would have been

       granted to the Parish Council.  The cost of providing a coloured working drawing will be £435.

       RESOLVED – Discussion took place as to whether Auckley is actually entitled to use the coat of

       arms – Mr. Cockett is to ask the York Herald for his advice re. this matter.  An alternative suggestion

       was for Council to organise a competition for children from the local schools to design a village

       sign.   Agreed to wait and see.

12.  To Discuss River Torne Footbridge Project

       Simon Houghton advises that he will be leaving shortly, and the Neighbourhood Manager will have

       to progress this project.  Both Parish Councils are to be approached to consider contributing small

       amounts of money annually to assist with maintenance of the route. 

       RESOLVED  - It was agreed in principle to contribute towards maintenance of the route.  Council to

       request that a meeting is arranged as soon as possible to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

13.  To Discuss Funding Bid for Playground Equipment

       A reply from Hawley’s is awaited.  An up to date quotation in the sum of £119,000 has been received

       from the firm ‘Record Play’ of Selby.

14.  To Discuss Sale of Charity Land

       Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admission to Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the

       public and press leave the meeting during consideration of this item, due to the confidential nature of

       the business to be transacted.

       Council’s solicitor advises that Council must take the surveyor’s advice, and YLCA endorses this

       decision. 

15.  To Consider Items for Newsletter

       Council to feature the following items:

a)     Traffic Lights – Ongoing discussions with Highways Officer re. timing of traffic lights

b)     Play Equipment – Council has engaged Hawley’s to make bids for funding.

c)     Pavements in Front of Dwellings – Residents to be asked if they would kindly clean rubbish and overgrown vegetation from pavements fronting their properties.

16.  To Receive Update on Parish Centre

       Council was informed that outside the hall the fencing has been erected however, the kerbing is still

       to be completed, and the pea gravel has not been applied to the surface of the car park.

       RESOLVED  - Following discussion, it was agreed to write and inform the committee that, as

       Council has given a substantial donation towards this work, members are disappointed that the work

       is still to be completed, and wonder when this is scheduled to be carried out.

17.  To Discuss Highway Matters

       a)  Flooding – The recent flooding was discussed and it was agreed to write to Mayor Winter and

            Caroline Flint to enquire whether there are any contingency plans in the event of future incidents,

            and any procedures in place to contact volunteers who are willing to help in circumstances such as

            these.   The Clerk is to also write to Severn Trent re. leakage of sewage into gardens.

b)     Closure of Hurst Lane – DMBC to be asked where traffic will be diverted during the closure.

       c)   Traffic Lights Hurst/Hayfield Junction – It was agreed to write to DMBC regarding problems

             with the timing sequence  of the lights, and non functioning left filter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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17.  To Discuss Highway Matters (continued)ighway

 

d)     Derelict Building – Complaints received regarding the prefabricated building situated on the

corner of Sycamore Drive and Hayfield Lane – formerly the RAF Families’ Office.  Residents

consider the building is an eyesore, and it is attracting the vandals.

RESOLVED  - It was agreed to write and ask DMBC Planning Dept. what if any conditions were imposed when planning permission was granted, and whether any time limit was stipulated for the development to commence.

e)     Hurst Lane – DMBC to be informed of potholes on the highway.

f)      Dart Grove – The Clerk to report that ponding of water occurs, whenever there is heavy rainfall, at the end of this cul-de-sac adjacent to the recreation ground.

g)     Meeting with Hanson Quarry – The Clerk to contact Community First re. meeting with quarry.

18.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       a)   Cleaning of Dyke – It was agreed to ask Mr. Bichan to clean out the dyke during Autumn.

       b)   Football Posts – Serviceteam to be asked to re-instate the goal posts, mark the pitch and ensure

             the grass is cut and any cuttings removed in time for the first game on 12th August.

h)     Children’s Activities – Children’s Activities organised by the Library Service will be held on:

Tuesday 24th July at the Parish Centre and Monday 30th July at the Hayfield Community Centre.

19.  To Discuss Disbanding of Community Group

       Council was informed that the Community Group acting for the Hayfield Lane Recreation Project

       has agreed to disband after taking a vote.   Peel has decided to invite a business group to run the

       project.    

       RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to Mrs. Woodcock regarding the sum of £18,000 paid by

       Annington Homes as part of the Section 106 Agreement and specified for the provision of play

       equipment.  In view of the disbandment of the Community Group, might it be possible for these

       funds to be used towards the cost of proposed play equipment at Riverside Park.

20.  To Discuss Joint Training Conference September

       It was agreed that Mrs. Hunter be funded to attend the conference as a delegate.

21.  To Consider Planning Applications:

a)   No. 07/01972/FULM – Erection of three storey block containing 24 apartments on approx.

      0.29 ha of land following demolition of existing gymnasium,

      Club Impact, Finningley Estate, Hayfield Lane, Auckley    

             Council was opposed to this application for the following reasons:

             This will be over-density development, totally out of character with the surrounding area.

             There are concerns regarding additional demands on public services, and problems associated

             with the old inefficient sewage system.

             No. 07/01870/FUL – Erection of children’s nursery (24.1m x 18.0m),

Land on the North Side of Hayfield Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections to make.

b)     No. 07/01876/OUT – Outline application for erection of one detached house on approx. 0.01ha of

      land  -  Adjacent 3 Lilac Close, Auckley

      Council was opposed to this development for the following reasons:

      It is understood that the applicant does not own all the land within the plan.

      There are concerns re. infill development, poor drainage, and demands on public services.

c)     No. 07/02039/FULT – Alterations and raising of roof in connection with formation of first floor

rooms to detached dwelling  -  12 Eastfield Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections to make.

d)     No. 07/02025/FUL – Erection of part two storey/part single storey pitched roof extension to front,

single storey pitched roof extension to rear and extension to existing detached garage including

             new pitched roof to replace existing flat roof to rear of semi-detached house

             15 Nene Grove, Auckley

             Council had no objections to make.

 

 

 

 

 

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21.  Planning Applications (continued)

       The following applications were received after the July meeting.  The Clerk has advised the

       Planning Officer there are no objections to these applications.

       e)   No. 07/02214/FUL – 3 Eastfield Lane, Auckley

      Raising of roof level and installation of 3 dormer windows to front in connection with rooms in

      roof space to detached dwelling following demolition of existing extension 

f)   No. 07/02334/FUL -  5 Elder Grove, Auckley

       Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side of semi-detached house

 g)   No. 07/02246/COU – Meteor House, 2 First Avenue, Auckley

       Change of use of aviation training offices (Class D1 non-residential institutions) to offices

       (Class B1 business)   

h)   No. 07/01874/FUL – 17 Sandhill Rise, Auckley - Erection of conservatory to rear of det. house

i)      No. 07/02314/FUL – 20 Norwood Avenue, Auckley -  Erection of ground floor pitched roof extension to side/rear of detached bungalow to replace existing attached garage  

22.  Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee

       Planning permission was granted for the following planning applications:

a)     No. 07/01725/FUL -  2 Larch Square  - Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to rear

      and pitched roof infill garage to side of detached house 

b)     No. 07/00774/COUM – Former RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters, Sixth Avenue, Auckley

      Change of use from vacant RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters (Sue Generis),to School (Class D1)     

c)     No. 07/01363/FULFT – 2A Birch Avenue, Auckley - Erection of part 2 storey part single storey pitched roof extension to rear, erection of pitched roof porch extension to side of detached house with alterations to garage,

d)     No. 07/01276/FUL – 12 The Hollows, Auckley   - Erection of first floor pitched roof extension above existing to front and ground floor bay window extension also to front of detached house 

e)     No. 07/01277/FUL – 4 Thorncliffe Gardens, Auckley - Erection of 2 storey pitched roof garage/ residential extension to side and pitched roof sun lounge extension to rear of detached house 

f)      No.07/00877/FUL – Land at Gatehouse Lane, Auckley

      Erection of 3 detached houses (being substitution of house types to plots 90, 96 and 100

      previously granted permission under ref: 04/8349/RESM on 11.05.05)

g)     No. 07/01264/FUL – 1 Ash Grove, Auckley

      Erection of 2 storey pitched roof garage/residential extension to side, conservatory to rear and

      canopy to front elevation of detached house following demolition of existing garage 

h)     No. 07/01394/OUT – 7 Mosham Road, Auckley

             Outline application for erection of residential development on approx. 0.21 ha of land   

i)      No. 07/00744/OUT – Land between 1 Willow Crescent and 4 Fir Tree Avenue, Auckley

             Outline application for erection of two semi-detached houses on approx. 0.04 ha of land

      The Following Planning Application Was Refused:

             No. 07/01347/OUT – Land Adjacent to 9 Eastfield Lane, Auckley

             Outline application for detached dwelling on approx. 0.10 ha of land,

             Permission refused for the following reasons:  The application site is Greenfield and its release

             would be contrary to the Council’s Greenfield Housing Moratorium.  The site is located within

             an area of land allocated as Countryside Policy area which is devoid from the main Residential

             Policy Area of the village where housing would be acceptable.

23.  To Sign Cheques:

       Cheque no. 001774 – Mr. J. Hutchinson (Internal Audit)                                           £35.00

       Cheque no. 001775 -  Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of hall for meeting)                    £24.00

       Cheque no. 001776 – Auckley Garden & Allotments (Purchase of plants)                 £63.30

       Cheque no. 001777 -  YRCC (Annual membership)                                                   £35.00

       Cheque no. 001778 -  HM Revenue & Customs (Employer’s National Insurance)     £49.14

       Cheque no. 001779 -  Neat Ideas (Supply stationery)                                               £110.59

       Cheque no. 001780 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages)                                       £162.44

       Cheque no. 001781 -  Mrs. M. Caygill (Clerk’s salary & expenses dated 8 August)                                                                                                                                      £1,777.98

       Cheque no. 001783 -  YLCA (One  delegate to conference)                                     £138.00

                                                                                                                                                    

 

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24.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)   Draft Charter – DMBC Support and Elections Manager advises that the revised Charter will be

             presented to the next  PCJCC meeting scheduled for 24th July.  It was agreed that Mrs. Hunter

             would continue to represent Council at PCJCC meetings.

b)     Public Rights of Way Forums – Dates supplied for future meetings.

c)     Bus Service Changes – Details of bus service changes in the Doncaster area.

25.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday 12th September 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

       at the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

       There being no other business, the meeting was closed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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