MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

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

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. P. Cockett,

·        Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender

·        District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

·        Community Police Constable Brian Pyle

·        One member of the public

  

      Before the meeting commenced those present observed a minute’s silence as a tribute to     

      Mr. Ren Perry who served as a loyal member of the Parish Council for many years, and held the  position of Chairman during part of his time in office.

 

1.   Public Participation – No issues raised.

2.   To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. I. Butterfield.

3.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest – Mr. Cockett declared a personal interest in

      Item No. 12 (To decide football fees for 2008/09 season).

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 11th June 2008

      The minutes were accepted and approved as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes 

      a)   Dilapidated Building, Hayfield Lane  - Planning Enforcement is investigating this matter. 

            RESOLVED - A reminder to be sent

b)      Senior Citizens’ Outing – Mr. Cockett reported the outing was enjoyable and the weather fine.

c)      Blocked Public Footpath No. 7  -Council was informed that the path has still not been cleared.

RESOLVED – A reminder to be sent to Footpaths Officer.

d)      Missing Footpath Sign, Hurst Lane – Footpaths Officer advises that an order has been raised, but

unfortunately there has been a delay in the work being carried out, should be completed shortly.

e)      Goal Posts, Riverside Park – The clerk reported there had been a delay in removing the goal posts

because they were firmly stuck in the sockets.  The posts were finally hoisted out of the sockets by means of a tractor on 20 June.  The grass only had one cut in June instead of two.

f)        Traffic Problems B1396 – DMBC Highways Officer replies that if Council insists he would be willing to repeat a traffic count.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to request a traffic/pedestrian count to be carried out in September once children are back at school after the summer holidays.

g)      Request for Pedestrian Crossing, B1396 – Mayor Winter replies that whilst he does appreciate

      Council’s concerns and those of the children, he can only reiterate his earlier comments that the

      long-term safety record on the B1396 does not give cause for concern.  There have been some

      safety improvements provided in Auckley,  i.e. vehicle-activated signs to both village approaches,

      provision of pedestrian refuges, additional footways, reduction of speed between Auckley and

      Blaxton, and provision of anti-skid surface at Lidgett Crossroads.

            RESOLVED  - It was agreed to publish the Mayor’s letter, in response to Council’s request for a

            crossing, in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter.   

 h)   Motorists Parking Outside Ellers Lane Shops – The Parking Enforcement Team Leader advises

       that his department will provide some enforcement to the area as often as possible and address any

       illegally parked vehicles.

h)      Mosham Road Quarry – The Minerals Planning Officer has sent a copy of the Appeal decision.

      This permits the Certificate of Lawful Use to allow a number of activities to be carried out at the

      plant. If Council members know of any activities that contravene the certificate they should

      contact him.  Council’s comments on the condition of the road have been passed to Highways for

      their attention. 

i)        Non-Reply From District Councillor – Council has still received no courtesy of reply from District

      Councilllor Allan Jones in spite of two letters having be sent. 

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again.

 

 

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j)        Unauthorised Trading at Main Street Property  - The Planning Enforcement Officer confirms that

the trading of vehicles at this property is unauthorised, and the occupant has been requested to

take steps to cease this use and also to remove the illegal advertisement sign from the boundary wall.   Officers from DMBC Highways have visited the premises but vehicles had at that time been removed from the highway.  The area will be monitored.

k)      Hosepipe Spraying Water on B1396 Near Willow Farm – Highways Officer advises that this was agreed by their department as a short-term fix to a problem that was being caused.  The water actually helped in keeping the road clear on a number of occasions.  Although some motorists may have had their cars splashed, this was a much safer way of dealing with the problem on those particular days at such short notice. 

l)        Annual Joint Training Conference 26/28 September – Council agreed to fund Mrs. L. Hunter to

attend the conference as a day delegate.

m)    Overgrown Hedges, The Paddocks/Rushley Close Pathway – Pending.

n)      Lack of Street Sign, Hayfield Lane Development – Pending.

o)      Parking Outside Fish Shop – Pending.

p)      Lack of Play Facilities at Hayfield Estate – Pending.

q)      Request for Fencing, Lamp Post and Dog Signs at Spey Drive Play Area – Mrs. Schofield is to speak with Community First Officer.

6.   Community Police Report

      P.C. Pyle reported that the following crimes were committed between 23 June and 9 July:

      Six thefts from vehicles – items stolen included satellite navigation systems, tools, etc.

      Criminal malicious damage to vehicles – two offenders arrested.

      Two burglaries plus an attempted burglary at the local service garage.  Two domestic incidents.

      Council reported that cars being parked by non-residents at The Green cul-de-sac  are creating an

      obstruction for occupants.   Also a number of vehicles, including a van, have in recent times been

      parked on Common Lane close to the junction with Main Street.   These vehicles are creating a traffic

      hazard because they completely obscure the vision of motorists driving from Common Lane towards

      the junction.  P.C. Pyle is to monitor these areas.

7.   District Councillor’s Report 

      Mrs. Schofield reported on the following:

      Rural Transport Meeting – The meeting was well attended by Parish Council representatives.

      SYPTE advises that the cost of running each bus for a year is £100,000.

      Matters Relating to Airport  - Peel is to submit a planning application to introduce QC4 planes 

      to carry freight.

      It has been suggested that the Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Committee should be resumed after

      two years in abeyance, and Mrs. Schofield has offered to arrange a venue and date for the meeting.

8.   To Consider Quotations and Make a Decision Regarding Land at Main Street

      Four firms were invited to submit quotations to rotavate land, remove and dispose of any rubbish

      from within the soil, level the ground and plant with grass seed.  Two quotations received as follows:

            Veolia quotes the price of                     £10,080.00 + VAT to carry out the work

            North Notts Landscapes quotes              £2,100.00 + VAT to rotavate, level and seed area and

      remove rubbish, with additional charge for disposal of rubbish i.e. 6 tonne skips @ £125.00  plus

      car tyres £3.50 each, lorry tyres £11.00 each.

      RESOLVED – Council to reply to solicitor’s letter advising that a 10 year lease would be preferable,

      with possibly a break after 5 years.  The yearly rent of £100.00 is acceptable, plus Council to carry out  

      maintenance of the land.  However, the cost of bringing the land to an acceptable state should be the

      responsibility of the owner, and therefore the two quotations received are to be sent to the solicitor.

9.   To Consider Funding Additional Lighting for Christmas Carols

      The Christmas Market Organiser, Mrs. Cockett, has made enquiries and advises that if Council wishes

      the Lighting Hire Company to again provide tower lights to illuminate the carol singers, the price has

      increased slightly from 2007, due to the increase in fuel, and will now be £105.00    

      RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Payne proposed that Council accept the quotation, this was

      seconded by Mrs. Allwood, and the motion was carried.

 

 

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10.  To Decide An Organisation To Receive Christmas Collection

       RESOLVED – Mr. Cockett proposed that the recipient should be the Doncaster Alzheimer’s

       Society.   No other suggestions were made, and it was therefore agreed to donate any proceeds

       from the ‘Carols Round the Tree’ collection to the Society. 

11.  To Discuss  Possible Funding of Projects From the Flexible Budget

       The flexible budget is an amount of money awarded to the Ward Members of each area, and Parish

       Councils may apply for funds towards a particular project. 

       RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask Ward Members to consider the following projects identified by

       Council as follows:

a)      Funding towards the proposed new play equipment at Riverside Park

b)      Funding towards the employment of a ‘Lollipop Man/Lady’ on Main Street

c)      Funding towards the repair of potholes on highways within the Parish.

12.  To Decide Football Fees for 2008/2009 Season

       There is currently one team using the pitch, i.e. The Auckley Football Team.  Fees were increased to

       £205.00 in 2007. 

       RESOLVED – It was agreed that some increase should be made to take account of inflation and

       also satisfy audit regulations.  Mr. Featherstone proposed that the fees be increased to £210.00 for the

       2008/2009 season.  The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Allwood, and the motion was carried.

13.  To Consider Council’s Statements for Planning Inspectorate Hearing

       Mr. Warrender and Mr. Payne have prepared statements for the Hearing on 27 August 2008, and

       these were approved by Council.

14.  To Decide Items for August Newsletter

       It was agreed to feature, if approved, Mayor Winter’s letter in reply to Council’s request for a

       pedestrian crossing to be provided on the B1396.

15.  To Discuss Encroachment of Recreation Ground

       Council’s solicitor confirms that use as part of a garden would be in conflict with the covenant in the

       transfer from Auckley Homes which states that the land must “not be used for any purposes other

       than as a recreational or amenity area”.  He also reports that the resident’s neighbour has recently

       withdrawn his application to the Land Registry, however, the Registry have agreed the footpath

       should have been included in his original title and amendments are being made with regard to same.

       RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed that Council cannot allow the resident to rent the

       land because this would contravene the covenant.  The resident’s solicitor to be informed of this

       decision.     

16. To Receive Update on Funding for Proposed Play Equipment

      Biffa has informed Council’s agent that they will not fund Local Authority-financed bodies such as

      Parish Councils.  He is now pursuing an application to WREN, but in the meantime recommends that

      Council considers a phased scheme based on present available funding.

      RESOLVED – Members did not agree to a phased scheme but were anxious to move progress.  The

      Clerk to request the agent to write to other organisations apart from WREN.

17. To Discuss Highway Matters

      Community First to be requested to take action with regard to the following matters:

a)      Potholes, Hurst Lane – Large hole at entrance to quarry and several on rumble strip.

b)      Flooding – After heavy rain the road floods at the bottom of the slope leading to Mulberry Park.

c)      Overgrown Hedge – The boundary hedge in the garden of No.11 Ellers Lane requires trimming.

18. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a)   Repair of Recreation Car Park Gate  - The gate had begun to sag and the bottom was dragging

            onto the concrete.  The contractor has dug out and re-instated the post and adjusted the hinges.  He

            will fix a new tab to the locking-open post later in the week. 

      b)   Re-instatement of Land at Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry  -  The quarry is for sale as a ‘silent’

            quarry.   Now that extraction appears to have ceased, Council wonders whether the site will be

            restored in accordance with the restoration requirements of the planning permission.

            RESOLVED  -  It was agreed to ask the Minerals Officer for clarification.

 

 

 

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19.  Report of Meetings:

a)      Charity Meeting – The Trustees are still corresponding with the Land Agent.

b)      Meeting at Hanson Quarry – Hanson’s are to follow up the weekly clean and digging of drains

          and to seek possible highway pressure for agreement of contract.  They will write and let Council

          know the contract details.  Council to take up possibility of levelling verges with Highways and

          enquire re. costs for possible joint funding.

c)      Site Meeting Re. Access to River Torne – Representatives from Auckley and Cantley with Branton

 Councils met with Mr. Holloway and the adjacent landowner re. the lack of public access to the

 riverbank on the Branton side.  Mr. Holloway confirmed that he would agree to removal of the

 barrier if a solution could be reached to ensure security of adjacent property.  His reply is awaited.  

d)      Hayfield Recreation Project – The committee has decided to opt for the ‘Support for England’  

Scheme and this is to be costed up.  A stall will be manned at the Auckley Show displaying information and plans for the project, and hopefully the public will be encouraged to support

this endeavour.  Links are to be forged with local schools.  The site is currently being cleared.

e)      Airport Noise Consultation Committee -  The committee was advised that 24 properties have now been insulated.  Plans are to be submitted to DMBC Planning Dept. for the night flying of freight.  More information to be sought on QC4 planes. 

f)        Airport Consultative Sub-Committee – The new Airport Manager is Mike Morton.

          Passenger numbers have increased and flights to Jersey are planned for 2009. 

          Complaints relating to noisy training flights have been received from a resident of Wroot.  

          There will be a public consultation on proposals for flights carrying freight.

g)      Parish Centre Trustees’ Meeting – The Centre is being used by a number of organisations on a

    regular basis, plus bookings for birthdays, etc.

h)      A Short Report on YLCA’s South Yorkshire Branch AGM

20. To Consider a Response to News That The PCJCC Has Been Postponed Due to Lack of Response From DMBC Staff

      Council was concerned to learn that the meeting scheduled for 22 July had been cancelled due to a delay in the appointment of DMBC Councillors, and three meetings were also cancelled in 2007.    The delay is regrettable in view of the fact that most Parish Councils have signed the Charter promoting a partnership with the Authority.  It was agreed to write and express Council’s concerns.

21. To Consider Re-Establishing the Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Committee

      Council was in favour of re-establishing the committee which last met in 2006.  The following members were nominated to represent Council:

            Mrs. L. Allwood

            Mr. P. Cockett

            Mr. I. Swainston

22.  To Consider Planning Applications:

       a)  No. 08/01830/OUT – Outline application for erection of four detached houses and garages on

            approx. 0.21 ha of land following demolition of existing dwelling,    7 Larch Square, Auckley

            Council was opposed to this development for the following reasons:

            Infill development

            Houses will be out of character with the surrounding area

            An increased number of residents will have an adverse effect on local services, and problems

            with the old inefficient sewage system will be exacerbated.

       b)   No. 08/01835/FUL – Formation of new vehicular access to classified road (B1396),

             38 Main Street, Auckley

             Council raised objections to this application as follows:

             A new vehicular access will be a traffic hazard due to the fact that vehicles will be egressing onto

             a very busy road, on a bend, and drivers will have no sight line in either direction.

             There has always been a shared drive since the house was built and present occupiers were aware

             of this when they purchased the property.

c)   No. 08/02189/FULFT – Erection of ground floor pitched roof link extension at rear of detached

 bungalow, erection of pitched roof over existing garage, and formation of rooms in new

 roofspaces including installation of two dormer windows,   39 Main Street, Auckley

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

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i)           No. 08/02175/FUL – Erection of four apartments, four town houses and one detached house on

             approx. 0.17 ha of land  -  Land Off Hazel Avenue/Lilac Grove, Auckleyazel avenue/L

 Council raised objections to this application for the following reasons:

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

 Not enough adequate parking space provided for properties and, if approved, existing street

 parking for residents of Hazel Avenue will be reduced.

 Detrimental effect on local services, and problems associated with the old sewage system will be

 exacerbated.

 Loss of the only green space on the estate where children can play and kick a ball about - children

 use this area every day for recreational activities.. 

23.  To Report DMBC’s Planning Decisions and Discuss Proposals for Electronic Plans

       The following planning applications have been granted:

a)      No. 08/01522/FUL – Erection of extensions and refurbishment to existing children’s nursery,

Flying Start Nursery, 9 Second Avenue, Auckley

b)      No. 08/00865/OUTH – Outline app. for erection of Business Development (Class B1), Community Hall, all, HCommunity Recreational Area and improvements to footpath access to Marr Flats Plantation   -   Land Off Hayfield Lane, Auckley

c)      No. 08/00459/FULM – Construction of rail station and car park with associated access road,

Land Rear of Hawthorne Road, Off Hayfield Lane, Auckley

d)      No. 08/00990/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to rear of detached house,

14 Ivy House Court, Auckley

e)      No. 08/01278/FUL – Erection of sports pavilion  -  Hill House School, Sixth Avenue, Auckley

      Proposal for Electronic Plans

      The Clerk to write to DMBC Planning Dept. to express Council’s concerns regarding a proposal to

      send all information relating to planning applications electronically to all consultees in the future.

      This is a nationwide scheme, currently being piloted in Bradford.   

24. To Sign Cheques

      Cheque no. 001906 – Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for July)                                    £134.40

      Cheque no. 001907 -  Auckley Gardens & Allotments (Supply plants)                                £62.68

      Cheque no. 001908 -  Veolia ES (UK) (Grounds maintenance)                                         £562.94

      Cheque no. 001909 -  Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of hall for meeting)                       £24.00

      Cheque no. 001910 -  HM Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax, employer’s N.I.)          £227.58

      Cheque no. 001911 -  T.L.H. Fabrications (Repairs to gate)                                             £176.25

      Cheque no. 001912 -  Yorkshire & Humber Regional Training (Conference)                       £65.00

      Cheque no. 001913 -  Yorskhire & Humber Regional Training (Conference)                       £65.00

      Cheque no. 001914 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for August)                               £168.00

25. To Receive Correspondence

      a)   River Torne - A letter received from a member of the public expresses concern regarding alleged

            neglect of the River Torne.  The letter is to be sent to the Environment Agency for their attention.

b)      Application For Inclusion in the Pharmaceutical List – The Primary Care Trust advises that it has

granted Part 1 of the application to Lloyds Pharmacy, to open a pharmacy in the vicinity of Hayfield Lane.

c)      Sandwith Hill – DMBC is considering how this open space can best be utilised.

26. To Confirm Date and Time of the Next Meeting

      It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 19th September 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

      at the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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