MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2010 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. S. Featherstone (Vice Chairman) Mr. J. Fletcher,

·        Mr. G. Payne, Mrs. S. Platts, Mrs. J. Staniforth, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender,

·        District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

·        Mr. Michael Eardley, Neighbourhood Services

·        Two members of the public

 

      Members of Council met with the owner of the Blaxton Quarry and his planning consultant, before the

      Parish Council meeting commenced, to discuss 3 planning options being considered to develop the land

      at the quarry. The first option is for an industrial site, second is wholly residential and third is a mixture

      of residential with a petrol station and small retail unit.  Council was asked for its views on the proposals

      and is to consider this matter later in the meeting.  The owner will also undertake public consultation to

      ascertain local residents’ views before a planning application is submitted to DMBC.

1.   Public Participation

A resident reported on the following:

a)  Rubbish at Eastfield Lane – Some building materials have been dumped on the slope adjacent to the

     Nursery School and further down the lane.  There is also a duvet and some bottles in the copse.

b)      Parking, School Lane – Congestion is occurring on School Lane outside school as a result of parents double parking, and at times there is insufficient room for tractors to pass through safely.  Mr. Eardley is to inform the Traffic Enforcing Officer and the Community Safety Wardens.

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

3.   Declarations of Interest – None declared.

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Last Meeting Held on 8 September 2010

      The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Last Meeting

      a)  Sandhill Rise – It was reported that since the last Council meeting a further incident has occurred

           involving paint being thrown over a resident’s car and two properties.

           RESOLVED – It was agreed to write with Council’s concerns to the Manager of the Housing

           Association, with copies to Inspector Cowling and the DMBC Cabinet Member for Housing.

b)      Ponding, First Avenue – It was reported that water is still ponding at this location following heavy rain.  DMBC to be asked for an update.

c)      Clothes Bank at Car Park  -  Highways Officer advises that the clothes bank is on highway land and he does not wish to encourage containers of this nature being placed on the highway long term.  Neighbourhood Services Officer is to contact the local Salvation Army rep. regarding this matter.  Both the Clerk and Handyman have removed rubbish left near the bank.  Members toandyman monitor.

     d)   Charity Land  -  Mr. Swainston reports there are no horses currently on the land, the gate is missing.

e)      Hayfield Amenity Centre  - Enforcement Officer advises that the excavation allegedly being used for

illegal waste disposal was referred to the Environment Agency.  He has now been informed this matter has been resolved and no further action is to be taken.  However the investigation into the non-compliance with the conditional planning permission is still ongoing.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write again and ask when this matter will be resolved.

f)        Derelict Building  - The Clerk to write and enquire whether there has been any progress regarding a possible bat study, and request that the owner removes the rubbish around the building.

g)      Footpath No. 7 – A reminder to be sent to Footpaths Officer.

h)      Crossroads Garage Sign – The proprietor advises that the sign is not redundant – he is currently organising the refurbishment of the sign and decorating the exterior of the workshop ready for winter.

i)        Overgrown Trees and Hedge, Spey Drive Play Area – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

j)        Internet Banking – Nat West Bank has now sent the appropriate form and this was duly signed.

k)      Loose Manhole Cover at Crossroads – DMBC has painted round the cover and placed cones on top.

 

 

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5.   Matters Arising (continued)

l)        Map for BT Telephone Kiosk – DMBC Planning Dept. informed the Clerk they no longer supply maps, these are now obtained from the Chamber of Commerce, however the price the Chamber  quoted was £25-£50 for a detailed map of the village.  Mr. Warrender offered to download a map.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask ‘Need A Hand’ to submit a quotation to paint the kiosk.

m)    Sand on Highway – DMBC to be reminded of problems.

6.   Community Police Report – No member of Community Police was able to attend the meeting. 

7.   District Councillor’s Report

      Mrs. Schofield has received a number of complaints with regard to ‘First’ buses either not turning up or breaking down on the Doncaster to Finningley route, and she has written to Pam Horner of SYPTE with a request for a meeting to be held to discuss this matter.

8.   Neighbourhood Services Officer – Application for Council to Fund Maintenance

      of Gates at Common Lane

      Mr. Eardley reports that to comply with legal requirements a different design of gate is to be used and the first gate will now be sited further down the lane just after Broadoaks Farm.  DMBC is not able to fund the maintenance of the gates and he wonders whether Council would consider providing maintenance cover.  The cost of replacing each gate would be £449, however, the gates are very sturdy and will not easily be damaged.

      Mrs. Schofield suggested it might be possible to obtain a contribution from the flexible budget.  It was also pointed out that the gate to be situated near the Thorne Road will be in Blaxton Parish.

      RESOLVED – Following discussion Members agreed in principle to fund maintenance of the gates.

9.   To Approve Quarterly Audit

      The Audit has been checked and signed as correct by the designated Member.  Accepted by Council.

10. To Consider Quotation to Carry Out Work on Trees, Riverside Park – ‘Need A Hand’ quotes:

      To take down and make safe one wind-blown tree and one hung tree                                               £480.00

      To carry out substantial thinning of interior copse 13 and remove overhanging branches         £1,195.00

       RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed the quotations be accepted, the

       proposal was seconded by Mr. Warrender and the motion was carried.

11. To Consider Quotation to Carry out Electrical Repairs

      ‘Select Electrical’ submits a quotation in the sum of £302.93 + VAT to carry out electrical repairs in the

       pavilion which were identified when the Periodic Inspection was undertaken.  

       RESOLVED – Following consideration, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation,

       Mrs. Platts seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.  It was agreed that the cooker switch is no

       longer required and therefore needs to be blanked off rather than repaired

12.  To Consider Application for Donation Towards a Family Room at Doncaster Infirmary

       Council has received a letter from 2 senior nurses who work on surgical wards at the hospital providing

       care for patients being treated for cancer of the stomach and bowel.   The nurses are endeavouring to

       refurbish an unused room within the wards to use for relatives who wish to stay with patients who are

       dying or seriously ill, and a fund-raising effort has been launched to raise £8,000 to make this possible.

       Council is asked to consider giving a donation towards the project.

       RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Payne proposed that Council give a donation of £500 towards

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

       Donation made under Section 137 Local Govt. Act 1972.  Mrs. Staniforth abstained from voting.

13.  To Consider Auckley All4All Group’s Suggestion for Improvements to The Green

       Council has received no reply from the group since the last meeting and, in spite of an item in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter, no member of the public has written in with any suggestions for improving the state   

       of the Green.   Members of Council discussed this matter further and concerns were expressed that if 

       Council applied for ‘Village Green’ status the responsibility and cost of maintenance would ultimately

       fall on the Council, and they were happy with the area in its current state being maintained by DMBC.  

       RESOLVED  -  After further discussion Mr. Warrender proposed that Council does not take on the  

       responsibility and cost of maintaining the Green or applying for ‘Village Green’ status.  The proposal  

       was seconded by Mr. Fletcher and the motion was carried unanimously. 

 

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14.  To Discuss Loss of Bus Shelter at Main Street

       The owner of the land on which the shelter was sited replies that he has been corresponding with both

       DMBC and SYPTE since 2004 to establish a lease.  It appears there has been some  misunderstanding

       between DMBC and SYPTE, with both Authorities believing that the other one was responsible for

       arranging a lease, leading to the eventual removal of the bus shelter.   

       Neighbourhood Services Manager advises that Highways and SYPTE have carried out a risk assessment

       on the bus stop following removal of the shelter and confirm they are satisfied that the bus stop meets

       meets with current Health and Safety requirements. 

       RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask the landowner whether he would be prepared to either

       donate the land to the Parish Council or rent it to Council on a lease.  DMBC to be asked to replace the

       safety barrier which was removed with the shelter.

15.  To Receive Update on Provision of Play Equipment

       The Neighbourhood Manager reports that the balance of the Section 106 fund currently stands at

       £46,669  The Parish Council has pledged the sum of £22,500 towards the project, but may consider

       increasing this amount.  The Neighbourhood Manager wishes to arrange a meeting between Members of

       Council, Ann Sims and the Officer who carried out the appraisal.  She advises that a flood report has

       been undertaken and only one area has been identified as suitable for installing play equipment.

       RESOLVED – A meeting to be arranged preferably in the evening.

16.  To Discuss Encroachment of Recreation Ground

       Council’s solicitor advises that has not received any communication from the solicitor acting for the

       resident, following his letter in September.  He has therefore written to Jordan’s to inform them that if

       he has not received a reply in 7 days his clients will instruct him to proceed with their action out of the

       County Court.

       RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and reiterate that Council wishes him to commence court

       proceedings if no response is received within 7 days.

17.  To Discuss Provision of Christmas Trees

       Funding is to be obtained from the flexible budget towards a Christmas tree and lights at Hurst Lane

       and the Clerk has obtained the following quotations:  

       a)  To supply, deliver, erect and eventually remove a 20 foot high Serbian Spruce       £510 + VAT

       b)  To supply an 80 lamp set of low voltage lamps plus transformer                                  £855 + VAT

       Council was informed that funding allocated from the flexible budget is £1,350, so Neighbourhood

       Services will provide the additional £15.  The Clerk to liaise with Neighbourhood Services re. logistics.

       RESOLVED – Members of Council agreed that instead of ordering a Christmas tree for the Green this

       year, if practicable, they would festoon one of the spruce trees currently growing at this location.

18.  To Discuss Highway Matters:

       The following matters to be reported to Neighbourhood Services:       

a)      Ponding, Main Street  - Severe ponding of water is again occurring opposite No. 43 Main Street

      following heavy rain.  DMBC has investigated in the past, but obviously more work is required.

b)      Parked Car – A car has been parked several weekends on the grass verge in front of the James’s Garage at Lidgett Crossroads.

c)      Blocked Gulley – Water recently overflowed from a surface water gulley on Dart Grove following  heavy rain – the gulley may possibly be blocked.

d)      Conifer Trees – A resident has complained that conifer trees bordering No. 72 Main Street are blocking the sight lines of passengers waiting at the bus stop.

e)      Dog Fouling – Several complaints received regarding dog fouling of footways on Dart and Nene Grove and the footway between Auckley School and Spey Drive. 

f)        Litter at Bus Stop – Council was informed of problems with litter in the hedge and on the grass around the bus shelter near the entrance to Hayfield Green.

g)      Signal Lights, A638 – Council was informed that traffic lights on the A638, at the entrance to the ‘Park and Ride’ site, remain on red for some considerable time, even when the site is closed and no vehicles are emerging during late evenings and Sundays.  The Clerk to write and ask Highways whether it would be possible to alter the sequence of lights at times when the site is not in operation.

 

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18.  Highway Matters (continued)

h)      Overhanging Trees, P. Footpath No. 2 – The Clerk to write to DMBC’s Footpaths Officer regarding overhanging conifer trees from the adjacent garden that are reducing the width of the footpath  between River Way and the recreation ground.

i)        Parked Cars, River Way – The daughter of an elderly lady writes to complain that vehicles from nearby dwellings are frequently parked on the turning head in front of her mother’s property, and consequently health care professionals or anyone transporting her mother to hospital are unable to park close to the house.

A copy of the letter to be sent for the attention of WPC Julie Gibbons.

19.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       Council was informed that 2 litter bins on Riverside Park are not being emptied.  The Clerk is to check.

20.  Report of Meetings

       a)   Airport Community Sub-Committee – The committee was informed that Vancouver Airlines is

             buying into the Airport.

       b)   Hayfield Lane Recreation Committee – The committee has made a bid for funds and is also awaiting

             a decision from Yorkshire Forward.

c)       Seminar ‘In the Chair’ – Mrs. Worthington reported on a very interesting and informative seminar

 held at South Kirkby on 20th September.

21. To Consider Planning Applications:

      a)   No. 10/02652/OUTM – Erection of Business Park comprising up to 60,700 sqm of building for use

            classes B1,B2 and B8

            Doncaster Sheffield Airport, First Avenue, Auckley

            Council expressed concerns that the current road infrastructure is not suitable for the additional traffic

            that will be generated as a result of this development.

            The map appears to show that Phase 3 development covers part of Auckley Public Footpath No. 7.

b)      No. 10/02387/FUL – Erection of detached house on approx. 0.01 ha of land, following demolition of

garage  -  3 Lilac Grove, Auckley

Council has concerns regarding:

Infill development

The building not being in character with the surrounding area

The height of the roof in relation to adjacent properties

22.  Report of Meeting with Owner of Blaxton Quarry to Discuss Development Options

       Members of Council considered the 3 options put forward for developing the land, and were agreed they

       would support in principle the sympathetic development of a residential site (as opposed to an industrial

       site), whether this is purely residential or mixed residential with a small commercial/petrol station

       element.  However, there are concerns regarding the poor highway infrastructure which will have to cope

       with an increase in traffic generated by the new development.

23.  To Report on DMBC’s Planning Decisions

       The following applications were granted planning permission:

a)      Erection of pitched roof extension to existing porch to front elevation of semi-detached dwelling

24 Elder Grove, Auckley

       b)   Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side forming integrated garage and utility room

             and demolition of existing garage to rear of house  -  4 Avon Court, Auckley.

24.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)   Consultation ‘Better Homes, Better Places’ Doncaster Housing Strategy.  Members to make

             comments at November meeting.

b)      NALC Legal Briefing regarding future of Standards Committee

c)      Adoption by DMBC of Development and Flood Risk supplementary document.

d)      PCJCC Minutes for July. 

 

 

 

 

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25.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 002178 – HM Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax, employer’s Nat. Ins)         £232.01

       Cheque no. 002179 -  Veolia ES (UK)  (Grounds maintenance)                                               £78.34

       Cheque no. 002180 -  Arrow Publications (Print items in newsletter)                                        £64.63

       Cheque no. 002181 -  N Power (Lighting at BT phone kiosk)                                                    £0.39

       Cheque no. 002182 -  N Power (Lighting at BT phone kiosk)                                                    £2.71

       Cheque no. 002183 -  Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting)                                 £24.00

       Cheque no. 002184 -  Yorkshire Water (Allotment water rates)                                               £52.41

       Cheque no. 002185 -  Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospital Charitable Fund (Donation)              £500.00

26.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting  

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 10th November 2010, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at

       the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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