MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman),
  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender.  
  • Six members of the public.

      Public Participation

      It was agreed to hold public participation before the meeting commenced.  The following issues were

      raised by members of the public:

a)     Application No. 07/03033/COU - Change of Use from Newsagent to Hot Food Takeaway

     A number of residents voiced their opposition to the application due to concerns re: smell, noise,

     cars parking late at night, movement of delivery vans, litter, young people congregating, existing

     problems with blocked drains,   The residents also made the point that there are already enough

     fast food outlets in the Parish.  Council agreed to take residents’ views into account when

     submitting its comments to Planning Dept.

b)     Application for Extension at The Paddocks - Concern was expressed that a large mature tree

within the garden of the property might be at risk during the building of the development.  The Planning Dept. to be made aware of this matter.

c)     Access Problems, Willow Crescent – A resident of Willow Crescent expressed concerns regarding  a recent outline planning application to build a pair of semi-detached houses adjacent to his property.   He maintains the map submitted with the application is inaccurate because it does not show his front garden.  Council agreed to write to Planning Dept. re. this matter.    

1.   To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. P.Cockett.

2.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest  -

      Mrs. Hunter declared a personal interest in Item (c) of public participation (Access problems at

      Willow Crescent)

3.   To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 12th September 2007

      The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Casual Vacancy on the Parish Council – The Clerk reported that no nominations have been

            received by the Returning Officer, therefore the Council will fill the vacancy by co-option at its

            meeting on 14th November.  Notices to this effect have been posted in the usual places.

b)     20 mph Speed Limit – Highways Officer advises that the decision to exclude the main route

      network from the 20 mph Zone Priority Implementation Programme was taken by DMBC.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and enquire under which clause in the Highway Act was

            this decision implemented.

c)     Overgrown Hedges and Verges – Although some hedges have been trimmed it was reported that

      there are still a number of untidy hedges and verges at Hayfield Lane and Gatehouse Lane.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again re. this matter, and also mention the verge on Main

      Street adjacent to Auckley Church.

d)     Church Close  - Council was informed that a resident of Church Close has applied to DMBC to

construct a driveway and vehicular access from the B 1396 to the dwellings at Church Close.  Nearby residents have received letters and do not appear to be in agreement with the proposal because it would involve taking down some trees and losing part of the attractive green area.

            RESOLVED – Council agreed to make objections to the proposal on the grounds that it would

            raise serious safety issues with regard to pedestrians using the footway adjacent to where the

            resident wishes to park his car, and in fact Council funded the erection of bird’s beak fencing

            specifically to address this safety issue by preventing irresponsible drivers from taking vehicles

            onto the frontage.  There would also be a loss of trees and green space.

e)     River Torne Footbridge Project  - The Clerk to write to the Rights of Way Officer to enquire  whether a meeting of interested parties could be arranged, and to Steven Tupper of Environment Agency to ask whether he has any up to date information on this matter.  To also mention the newly erected fencing that is blocking access to the proposed right of way.

     

 

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4.   Matters Arising (continued)

f)      Flyer Advertising Amenity Centre – DMBC’s Enforcement Officer has advised the Clerk that DMBC Officers have visited the Amenity Centre and found that conditions have been breached,   therefore this matter has been referred to the courts for prosecution. 

      g)   Meeting Re: Strimming of Recreation Ground – Mr. Butterfield and the Clerk met with

            Veolia’s Contracts Manager to show him the areas in need of strimming.  Members reported

            that the strimming subsequently carried out was reasonably satisfactory, although not perfect.

            RESOLVED – It was agreed to pay the cheque withheld at the September meeting.

g)     Traffic Lights at Airport Entrance – It was reported that the lights on Hayfield Lane outside the airport entrance are on red for an inordinate length of time, even when there is no traffic emerging from the entrance to the airport.

      RESOLVED  - Agreed to ask DMBC Highways Officer to monitor the timing sequence.

h)     Electricity for Christmas Lights – Council has received a reminder from N Power re. outstanding administration charges of £210.68.  

RESOLVED – YLCA is pursuing these charges with N Power and it was therefore agreed to await the outcome of these investigations.

i)      Pedestrian Refuge, B1396 – A refuge has been installed near the Eagle and Child.  Highways

      Officer advises that it would not be safe to site a further refuge in the vicinity of The Green or

      Orchard Walk because vision is restricted due to a bend in the road - the nearest possible location

      would be close to the to Bell Butts Lane entrance.

j)      Meeting with Quarry – Community First Officer advises that she is to speak with Planning Dept.

regarding issues at the quarry.

k)     Leaning Serbian Spruce on The Green – Community First Officer will speak to the Tree Team.

l)      Dumped Rubbish, Common Lane – This has been reported to Community First.  Mr. Butterfield is to check whether the material has been removed.

m)   Ponding at Ellers Lane – Community First Officer has met with resident concerned and an order placed for 7 gullies in the vicinity to be cleaned.  If this does not resolve the problem then Highways Dept. will be contacted to see whether it is either the highway itself or the drains that are the problem.

n)     Late Night Bus Service Doncaster-Finningley – SYPTE advises that Service 191 will be run on a commercial basis by ‘First’ as from Monday, 29th October, leaving Doncaster at 2300.

o)     Flooding on Highways – Maps of sewers and surface water drains have been supplied free of charge by Severn Trent.

p)     Maths Games for Auckley School – Mr. Butterfield represented Council at the school’s assembly when the games were introduced to the children.

q)     Land at Main Street – No reply from solicitor.  To discuss at November meeting.

r)     Public Footpath No. 2 – Pending.

s)     Sewage Problems – Pending.

t)      Application for Funding to Provide Play Equipment – Pending.

u)     Maintenance of Memorial Garden – Pending.

5.   Community Police Report

      No Police Officer was present.  The Clerk to write once more to Inspector Payling regarding an

      incident that occurred at the Spey Drive Play Area, and also ask whether Police would be able to

      monitor the two outdoor Christmas trees which will be sited in Auckley during the Christmas period. 

      Council was informed that there are now 10 dedicated Police Officers based at the airport who are

      also deployed in the Borough when required.

6.   District Councillor’s Report – Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend the meeting- apologies sent.

7.   To Discuss Encroachment of Recreation Ground

      There has been no response from resident to solicitor’s letter of 26th June 2007 requesting him to

      vacate the land and remove fencing and plants within 28 days.

      RESOLVED – It was unanimously agreed to write to the solicitor and ask him to put Council in

      touch with their litigation department to discuss the procedures and likely costs.

 

 

 

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8.   To Discuss Sale of Charity Land

      DMBC’s Principal Engineer, Mr. Lucas has passed Council’s letter to Mr. Turner, Consulting

      Engineer acting on behalf of Peel.  Mr. Turner promised to contact the Clerk in September when he

      had visited the site, but has been unavailable since.

      RESOLVED – The Clerk to write to Mr. Lucas and ask for action to be taken as soon as possible to

      resolve this matter.  

9.  To Consider Quotation to Supply Christmas Trees

     Plevey’s submits the following quotation to supply 2x20 ft high Norway Spruce Trees:

            2 x 20ft Norway Spruce          £400.00

            Erect Trees                              £180.00

            Delivery charge                       £100.00

            Eventual removal                    £170.00

            Total                                        £850.00

            Minus £20.00 discount            £830.00 + VAT

      RESOLVED  - Following discussion, Mr. Butterfield proposed that the quotation be accepted, the

      proposal was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

10. To Nominate Council Representative to Parish Centre Management Committee

      Members present were unable to serve on the committee, due to other commitments.   The Clerk was

      nominated and agreed to represent Council on the committee, in addition to Mr. Cockett.

11. To Discuss Provision of Seat on Frontage of Parish Centre

      Neither of the firms that Council considered is able to install the seats.  Mrs. Worthington suggested

      that Members may wish to take a look at the seat installed at the Branton rose garden by Cantley with

      Branton Parish Council.  This item is to be discussed at the November meeting.

12. To Discuss  HigiHhway Matters

      The following matters to be reported to Community First:

a)     Ellers Lane Sign – There is an ‘Ellers Lane’ sign on the B1396/Ellers Lane junction to direct drivers approaching from the direction of Doncaster, but none for drivers travelling from the direction of Finningley, consequently some motorists miss the turn-off.  It would be helpful if a second sign could be provided on the corner facing the direction of Finningley.   

b)     Unauthorised Notices at Junction – Notices advertising ‘Blue Tooth’ have been posted on signs at

the A638/Hurst Lane Junction.

c)     Potholes, Hurst Lane – There are still a number of potholes on the highway at Hurst Lane.

d)     Rubbish at Church Close – A passageway to the rear of No. 5 Church Close has been filled with rubbish this includes car doors, etc. The passageway has been fenced off, and Council is concerned that the material poses a health and fire hazard.

       e)  Dead Tree on The Green – Perhaps DMBC could provide a replacement tree.

13. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a)   Overhanging Trees – A resident of Sandhill Rise reports that some trees on Riverside Park have

            grown so high they are blocking light from his property, and he wonders whether Council could

            arrange for them to be trimmed. 

            RESOLVED  - It was agreed to obtain a quote from ‘Need A Hand’.

b)     Path Leading to Copse – It was reported that there is a considerable amount of rubbish including a

bicycle frame, vacuum cleaner, broken glass, etc.  The path is overgrown and needs strimming.

RESOLVED – Agreed to ask ‘Need A Hand’ for a quote.

c)     Recreation Ground  -  Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Featherstone have walked round the Riverside Park

and identified a number of trees that require trimming back and large areas of nettles in need of strimming. 

RESOLVED  - It was agreed to ask representatives from ‘Need A Hand’ and Veolia to meet with Members who will advise what is required and invite them to submit quotations to undertake the work. Council is to write to residents of 2 properties at Sandhill Rise and ask them to reduce the height and width of their conifer trees overlooking the recreation ground.  

 

 

 

 

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14. To Discuss Public Path Diversion Order – Public Footpath No. 7 (Auckley) (part), Public

      Footpath No. 1 ( Austerfield) (part)

 DMBC has made an Order to divert the footpath.  Any objections are to be made before 16th Nov.

 RESOLVED – Members of Council had previously opposed the diversion on the grounds that they

 wished to see the footpath remain in situ, and could see no reason for it to be diverted.  They agreed

 to add further comments, i.e. the existing footpath is over 100 years old and follows a more scenic

 route through Hurst Wood, whereas the proposed diversion route will consist of little more than a

 series of gravel paths linked to a crossing over the access road to the airport.urst Wood, whereas

 

 

 

 

 

15.  To Receive Report on Scarborough Conference

       Mrs. Hunter reported on a very interesting and informative conference.  A number of workshops

       were held featuring a variety of subjects including the following: staff development, budgeting,

       planning, financial risk, role of Councillors and Clerk, successful grants, code of conduct, regional

       issues and affordable housing.

16.  To Receive Report on Meeting of Airport Sub-Committee

       The committee was informed that there has been a 20% increase in passengers, the airport has a new

       route to Geneva and the airport is encouraging visitors to use the airport to fly to the Olympics. 

       Information was given on the progress of the new access road and the surface access survey.        

       Complaints have been received regarding the DHL freight carrier recently seen flying over the area.

       Freight generally is not up to forecast.  The Community Fund still has funds available.

17.  To Receive Report of Joint Parishes’ Airport Liaison Meeting

       It was reported that members of committee have taken a decision not to meet again until there is

       something relevant to report.

18.  To Receive Report of Airport Noise Meeting

       It was reported that the station monitor booster is broken and a mobile is operating in its place.

       The new radar system is in place but will not be operational until July 2008. 

       During 2006 only 3 planes were fined for exceeding the accepted noise levels.

19.  To Consider Planning Applications:

       a)   No. 07/03033/COU – Change of use from newsagent (Class A1 – Shops) to hot food takeaway

             (Class A5 – Hot Food Takeaways)  -  30 Ellers Lane, Auckley   

             Council opposed the application for the following reasons:

             Noise Nuisance and Parking – The applicant intends to open 7 days a week which will attract

             substantial numbers of customers – particularly on Sunday evenings when other food outlets are

             closed.  Residents wishing to sleep will be disturbed by the noise from car radios, slamming

             doors,  people talking in the car park and delivery vans leaving from the back of the premises. 

             Young people will be attracted to congregate in the car park.

             Some motorists will park on the double yellow lines in front of the shop.

             Smell Nuisance – Local residents complain they can smell cooking odours from the existing

             Chinese Takeaway, even though the shop operates a filter system.  Another food outlet will

             intensify the problem.

             Blocked Drains – Nearby residents are experiencing problems with blocked drains – these are   

             currently being investigated.  A second fast food outlet will exacerbate the problem.

             Litter – Additional litter will be generated.

             Number of Outlets – Council considers that a second Takeaway will not be suitable or in keeping

             with this quiet residential area, and also makes the point that there are already sufficient fast food

             outlets within Auckley Parish.  The newsagent’s shop has never been a food outlet before.

b)     No. 07/02973/TPO – Consent to crown clean six Oak trees (T1-T6 on plan) and crown lift over

road and driveway four Oak trees (T1,T2, and T6 on plan) (all being subject to A7 of DRDC Tree

Preservation Order No. 16 Auckley 1971)  -  9 Eastfield Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections to make regarding the application.

c)     No. 07/02909/TPO – Consent to remove and replace two Sycamore trees (Being subject to G3 of

DRDC Tree Preservation Order No. 16: Auckley (1971)

The Eagle and Child, 24 Main Street, Auckley

Council had no objections to make regarding the application.

 

 

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19. To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

d)     No. 07/02925/FUL – Erection of first floor pitched roof extension to rear of detached house,

1 The Paddocks, Auckley

Council had no objections to make with regard to the development.  However, the Planning Dept. to be made aware of the mature ash tree in the rear garden of the property.  This is the only remaining tree from a former orchard, and there are concerns that the tree might be damaged during the building work.

e)     Appeal Against Refusal – No. 07/00080/Ref – Outline application for detached dwelling on

approx. 0.10 ha of land   -  Land Adjacent to No. 9 Eastfield Lane

Council had previously objected to the application, and did not wish to add any further comments.

20.  Decisions Made by DMBC Planning Committee

       The following applications have been granted planning permission by the Planning Committee:

a)     No. 07/02723/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of mid-terraced house,

21 Sycamore Drive, Auckley

       b)   No. 07/02246/COU – change of use of aviation training offices (Class D1 non-residential

             institutions) to offices (Class B1 business) 

             Meteor House, 2 First Avenue, Auckley

       c)   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, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

       d)  No. 07/02733/ADV – Display of 2 x 6m and 1 x 8m high flagpoles,

             Hangar 3, Fourth Avenue, Auckley

21.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 001804 – Veolia ES (UK) – (Grounds maintenance for July)                £255.37

       Cheque no. 001812 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages)                                       £146.20

       Cheque no. 001813 -  Rosedale Lighting (Supply 50 tree lamps and globes)           £176.72

       Cheque no. 001814 -  Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of hall for meeting)            £24.00

       Cheque no. 001815 -  Arrow Publications (Items published in newsletter)               £55.00

       Cheque no. 001816 -  Veolia ES (UK) – (Grounds maintenance for August)           £272.76

       Cheque no. 001817 -  Veolia ES (UK)  - (Grounds maintenance for September)     £206.96

22.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)  Listing of Swedish-Style Houses  - English Heritage informs Council that the houses situated at

            Ellers Lane have been listed Grade II.  Built in 1948 with timber sent from Sweden, less than

            3,000 dwellings of this type were erected – mainly in Scotland where many were affected by wet

            weather conditions and have since been demolished.  Apart from new windows, the dwellings at

            Ellers Lane have retained all their original features, and as such are excellent examples of this type

            of post-war housing.

b)     Minutes of YLCA Branch Meetings

23.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 14th November 2007, commencing at

       7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre.

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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