MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12th MARCH 2008 COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
· Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman),
· Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston,
· Mr. G. Warrender.
1 Public Participation – None.
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 (
personal interest in Item No. 18 a) (Planning application to extend store).
4. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 13th February 2008
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
5. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
a) Smartwater – Council has received 11 orders for Smartwater.
b) Drainage Problems – Severn Trent advises that the pump has now been repaired and is running correctly without any problem. This site is designed as a ‘standby site’ and 2 pumps are not designed to run together. Their technicians believe the recent flooding was more likely due to the storm conditions recently experienced. It is not possible to guarantee that flooding of properties from public sewers will not occur. Flooding incidents can be as a result of blockages caused by debris, fat, root intrusion, etc., sewer pipes can break or collapse, and rainfall can be in excess of the current design criteria for sewerage systems. In these circumstances, as with any other Water Company, Severn Trent is not viewed as being legally liable for any flooding from the public sewerage systems.
c) Hayfield Amenity Centre – DMBC’s Enforcement Dept. advises that the breach of conditions on the premises is currently with the Legal Dept. and Council will be advised of any progress in due course. Enforcement is unable to investigate Council’s complaint re. unauthorised display of an advertisement at this present time, however, a record of the complaint will be kept, and it will be reviewed in the future with a view to investigating at a later date.
d) Claimed Public Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer advises that the Modification Order should be advertised shortly but she does not have a definite date. Council will be sent a copy of the Notice and Order by the Legal Consultants dealing with this matter.
e) Hanson Quarry – A reminder to be sent to the Community First Officer regarding Council’s
request for a meeting with the quarry management
f)
g) Request to Remove Bus Stop Hardstanding – DMBC’s Highways Officer advises that the removal of the hardstanding was considered an unnecessary expense. In addition, there is no footway on that side of the highway and the hardstanding provides a convenient surfaced landing area when crossing to the housing estate. The removal of the hardstanding and kerbs would most probably give rise to erosion.
RESOLVED - It was agreed to write again re. flooding of footway and untidy grass.
h)
Swedish-Style Houses - Members
of Council were pleased to see that the houses have now been painted.
h)
Proposed Diversion of Public
Footpath No. 7 – The Planning Inspectorate asks
whether Council wishes to be heard by the appointed inspector or prefers to
adopt the written representative procedure.
Mr. Warrender and Mr. Payne have both agreed
to attend a hearing, and the Clerk is to write and advise the Planning
Inspectorate accordingly.
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5. Matters Arising (continued)
i)
Mosham Quarry – DMBC has taken action to deal
with mud and materials on the road. Blaxton Parish Council has asked DMBC whether a site
meeting could be arranged to discuss these issues and whether it is appropriate
for the large stone blocks and the ‘dead’ lamp post to be left so close to the
carriageway.
j) Molehills on The Green – Community First Officer advises that the molehills have been flattened
in order to cut the grass, but to employ molecatchers would incur a charge on the Parish Council
for pest control.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and express Council’s concerns that the molehills pose a
risk to health and safety as pedestrians could trip and fall on the uneven ground.
k)
l)
m)
Airport Signs – Community First has referred this matter
to the Highways Dept.
n)
Provision of Seat for Parish
Centre- The seat has been ordered and hopefully
will be installed in the near future.
o)
Pavilion Geyser – The geyser is now working satisfactorily.
p)
Adoption of Charter – Mr. Leask has replied to all Council’s
queries. Along with Auckley there are
other Councils who have requested an extension to the response date.
RESOLVED - It was agreed to wait until after the forthcoming PCJCC meeting before making a
decision on whether to sign the Charter.
q) Bid for Funding to Provide Play Equipment - Pending.
6. Community Police Report – P.C. Brian Pyle reported that there has been a spate of burglaries in
the Auckley and Blaxton areas. Three youths have been arrested in relation to these incidents and one
remains in custody. There has been one case of assault and damage - and another of damage – one
person has been arrested. P.C. Pyle is hoping to purchase a Speed Watch Camera, and is looking
for some funding from the local communities towards this equipment.
7. District Councillor’s Report – Mrs. Woodcock answered Council’s queries on the following:
a) Neighbourhood Funding – The three Ward Members were awarded the sum of £11,000 to spend
on areas where no other funds are available as follows: Goodison Boulevarde - to repair potholes,
and provide dropped kerbs in front of bungalows, to erect safety fencing round recreation ground
at
problems at the Old Cantley roundabout.
Council made the point that Auckley Parish Council was not consulted on how these funds were to
be spent, and asked whether it could be included in future discussions.
b) 106 Monies -
The sum of £16,000 has been spent on updating the
leaves approx. £48,000. Mrs. Woodcock does not know what equipment will be provided or
where it will be sited, and she was asked whether it might be possible for maybe £19,000 to be
given to the Parish Council to kick-start its funding bid. Mrs. Woodcock promised to speak to
Sue Borrington and see whether there is any possibility of Council being awarded this sum.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to Sue Borrington and ask what equipment she intends to
purchase, where it will be sited, and whether there is any time scale for spending the 106 funds.
The Clerk to write to all three Ward Members to ask if they would support the suggestion for funds
to be awarded to the Parish Council towards its play scheme.
c) Hayfield Recreation Facilities – Mrs. Woodcock reported that the project has been taken over by
CVS. There is a commuted sum of £17,799 which can be used towards the scheme.
Mr. Swainston is on the committee and advised that meetings are still being held and a provisional
plan has been made to provide a sports hall, gym, football pitch and community facility. The committee is anxious not to duplicate existing facilities
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8. Application from
Gala and the Use of Recreation Facilities - Council is asked whether it would consider supporting
the Gala by giving a donation towards the provision of inside drapes for the marquee instead of the
insurance policy and extra toilet facilities normally provided by Council. The audited accounts for the
2006 and 2007 Gala have been provided for Council to inspect.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, a proposal was made by Mr. Payne to give a donation in the
sum of £500. Mr. Featherstone proposed an amendment to give the sum of £600. The amendment
was seconded by Mr. Warrender and, being put to the vote, the amendment was carried. The donation
is made under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972. Permission given for the Gala
committee to use the facilities at
9. To Consider Quotation to Re-set Tennis Net Post
DMBC’s Playground Officer quotes the sum of £117.39 to re-set the post which has been uprooted.
RESOLVED – Council agreed that the posts have never been used, and therefore it was decided not
to re-instate the post and have the remaining
post removed.
10. To
Consider Quotation to Remove Rubbish from
The firm ‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of £525 to remove a large quantity of garden and household
rubbish dumped in the wooded areas around Sandhill Rise and to the rear of
includes hire of a skip and removal of a large bush.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation.
Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried. The contractor to be asked to also
remove the redundant tennis net post and fill in the hole at the same time.
11. To Discuss Encroachment of Recreation Ground
Council was informed that the application from the resident of No. 29 Sandhill Rise has been
rejected by the Land Registry, and Council’s solicitor has written to the resident’s solicitor to insist
that their client vacates the land and removes fencing and plants within 7 days, failing this the matter
will be passed to the Litigation Department. The resident of No. 27 has also applied and the Land
Registry is to investigate by carrying out a land survey.
12. To
Consider Applications For Inclusion in the
Pharmaceutical List in the Vicinity of
a)
RESOLVED – Following discussion, members agreed that they had no objections to make in
respect of this application. However, they would point out an inaccuracy in the letter of application which states the population of Finningley to be 4,048 when it is under 2,000.
b) Vicinity of the Mayflower Medical Practice, Finningley – Application from a pharmacist to be
included in the list in the vicinity of the Mayflower Medical Practice, Finningley, no actual
address given. The applicant maintains that Finningley and the surrounding villages are without
adequate pharmaceutical provision.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, members agreed that they had no objections to make in
respect of this application.
13. To Decide Items For the April Newsletter
It was agreed to feature the following items:
Rubbish on
Dog owners to be requested to keep dogs on a lead when walking through recreation areas.
Dogs fouling pavements and recreation areas – request for owners to use dog waste bins provided.
Unauthorised parking on double
yellow lines in front of
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14. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) Speeding on Ellers Lane – A letter has been received from a resident requesting action from the
Council to deal with motorists seen speeding on
but it appears that no action has been taken, and the situation is becoming worse every day.
RESOLVED - Agreed to write to P.C. Pyle re. this matter. The resident to be informed that
Council has written numerous letters to DMBC to provide 20 mph zones and traffic calming
measures in the village, but so far without success.
b) Letters from Schoolchildren Re. Lack
of Crossing – The children of Year 6 at the
School have been discussing local issues as part of their literacy lessons and a topic which they
feel
very concerned about is the lack of a safe crossing at
interest
to these pupils who will be required to cross
to the
RESOLVED – Agreed to send the letters to Mayor Winter and suggest that one solution would
be to provide traffic lights at Lidgett Crossroads and incorporate a crossing in the sequence of
lights. The Clerk is to write and inform the teacher of Council’s efforts re. provision of a crossing
15. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) Christmas Tree Lights at Hurst Lane – Discussion took place as to whether to provide a tree and
lights at this venue in December 2008 in view of the wanton vandalism the lights have sustained
over the past 2 years.
RESOLVED - Mr. Payne proposed that Council tries again and liaises with Community Police
prior to the tree being installed. Mrs. Hunter seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
b) Dogs
on Leads Sign – Beacon Signs to be invited to quote to provide sign on
c) Public Footpath No. 2 – The local farmer is considering re-instating a stile where the footpath
runs through his land, as a result of his gate being vandalised. Council welcomed the news of a
stile because it will prevent lifestock from gaining access to the recreation ground.
d) Moles
on
a quotation from a recognised pest control operator.
16. Report of Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee Meeting
Mrs. Hunter reported on information given to the meeting regarding planning issues – changes are
being made which will give consideration to design and the impact developments have on the
surrounding area. Factors which will not be considered are: a loss of view, loss of light, competition,
financial loss and properties being devalued. DMBC is to encourage members of the public to
become involved in the planning process.
17. To Make Comments On Consultations:
a) DMBC’s Proposed Environmental Consultation - Noted.
b) Barnsley, Doncaster and
18. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No.
08/00467/FUL – Erection of single storey extension to side (24.1m x 4.75m) and
single storey
extension to rear (13.2m x 4.1m)
including pitched roof over existing shop,
Council opposed this development for the following reasons:
The development will mean the removal of trees planted by public subscription and loss of a grass
verge. There is some uncertainty re. the ownership of the verge..
Air conditioning fans at the side and a chiller unit at the back will be closer to residents’ properties
and will create a noise nuisance.
The pitched roof will not be in keeping with the existing property.
Increased customer and delivery traffic will be generated.
Drainage problems will be exacerbated.
c)
No. 08/631/WCC – Erection of
two storey office block (37.8m x 21.4m overall) with removal of
Condition 1
of application granted under ref: 06/00147/REMM on 03.04.06 (temporary period
of
two years)
Council had no objections to make in relation to this application.
19. Planning Decisions Made by DMBC Planning Committee - None.
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20. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001856 – N Power (Pavilion electricity charges) £49.08
Cheque no. 001857 - Need A Hand (Renovation of recreation ground 3rd inst.) £712.50
Cheque no. 001858 - Cockin Electricals (Remedial works to pavilion) £205.63
Cheque no. 001859 - Need A Hand (Maintenance of
Cheque no. 001860 - Auckley New Parish Centre (Meetings x 3) £56.00
Cheque no. 001861 - Positive Internet Company (Web site domain name) £58.75
Cheque no. 001862 - Positive Internet Company (Web site Z hosting) £146.88
Cheque no. 001863 - DMBC (Maintenance Riverside park 2006/2007) £3074.98
Cheque no. 001864 - DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins 2007/2008) £516.91
Cheque no. 001865 - Mrs. M. Caygill (Clerk’s quarterly salary and expenses) £1,741.77
Cheque no. 001866 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for 28 hours + sacks) £154.33
Cheque no. 001867 - H.M. Revenue & Customs (Tax and National Insurance) £192.30
Cheque no. 001868 - Need A Hand (Remove and replace damaged roof tiles) £125.00
Cheque no. 001869 -
21. To Receive Correspondence:
a)
Public Rights of Way –
March, July, November.
b) Clerks & Councils Direct.
22. To
Discuss River
Pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions and Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the
public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to the confidential nature of
the item to be
discussed.
Following discussion, it was
agreed to write and ask if Mr. Holloway would meet Councils again to
discuss this matter.
23. To
Discuss
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions to Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the
Public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to the confidential nature of
the item to be discussed.
Council is to contact the Charity Commission for further advice on the Trusteeship.
24. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 9th April 2008, Commencing at 7.00 p.m. at
The Auckley Parish Centre.
Chairperson ……………………………