MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2008 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice 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

·        Police Constable Safety Officer  John Bellamy

  

1.   Public Participation – No issues raised.

2.   To Receive Apologies – None.

3.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest – None declared.

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 9th July 2008

      Item no. 12 to be amended to read that football fees for Auckley Football Club were increased in 2007

      to £205.00 – not £105.00 as stated.  The minutes were then accepted and signed as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes 

      a)   Dilapidated Building, Hayfield Lane  - Enforcement Dept has spoken to the owner of the building

            who advises there have been problems with the development, however, the building should be

            removed within a relatively short period of time, bearing in mind that it has remained in that state

            for many years without being the subject of any complaints.    

            RESOLVED – DMBC to be informed that a number of complaints have been sent re. this matter.

b)      Blocked Public Footpath No. 7  - The Footpaths Officer has contacted the land agent for Peel to

instruct them to remove the crops.  She has since checked and confirms that it has been cleared.

c)      Request for Pedestrian Crossing – The Mayor’s office has advised the Clerk that it would not be appropriate to publish excerpts from the Mayor’s letter in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter, but the office would provide a statement.   However, no statement has yet been received.

RESOLVED – It was agreed that if no statement is received before going to press then Council will use excerpts from the letter.

d)      Mosham Road Quarry  - Highways Officer reports that he has spoken with the quarry owner

      regarding the condition of the road.   The water standing in the entrance is a highway maintenance

      problem as the area in question forms part of the highway, and the Highway Maintenance Dept.

      has been requested to investigate and rectify.

e)      Response from District Councillor – In reply to Council’s query re. the flexible budget,

      Councillor Allan Jones advises that the Ward Members will be discussing the budget with the

      Neighbourhood Manager with a view to looking into how they can support specific enterprises

      within the Ward.

      RESOLVED – Agreed to write again and ask for Councillor Jones’s comments on two earlier

            questions, i.e. lack of play equipment at the Hayfield Estate, and increased HGV’s on B1396.

f)        Unauthorised Trading, 67 Main Street – Enforcement Officer reports that investigations into the

Parish Council’s enquiry are presently ongoing.  He is unable to provide a final response at this time, but hopefully will be in a position to do so in the near future.

g)      Lack of Street Sign, Hayfield Lane – Community First reports that Street Lighting Dept. has

received the ‘Lancaster Court’ street plate, but has yet to install it.

h)      Parking Problems Outside Auckley Fish Shop – Community First Officer has not noticed any

      parking problems at this location, but has reported Council’s concerns to Highways Dept.

i)        Request for Fencing, Lamp Post and Dog Signs at Spey Drive Play Area – Mrs. Schofield is

to take this up with Community First.

j)        Application for Funding for Proposed Play Equipment – Mr. Hawley has prepared the grant

      application to submit to WREN and asks Council to confirm the Disability Audit and Equal

      Opportunities Policy. 

      RESOLVED – Agreed to amend the Disability Audit to state that Council will request DMBC

      to provide a dropped kerb at this location..   awley

 

 

 

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5.  Matters Arising (continued)

     k)    Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7 – The Planning Inspector reports that the diversion

            of the footpath was requested in order to allow the construction of an access road to serve the

            airport.  The Inspector visited the site and found that the road is in place and open to public use.

            Given that the road has been constructed and opened to the public without the footpath being

            diverted, it is considered that the development is complete, and therefore there is no basis for a

            Diversion Order to be made, and therefore no Hearing is required.

            DMBC writes to confirm that the effect of this decision is not to stop up Public Footpath No. 7.

l)        Potholes, Hurst Lane – Community First Officer has taken photographs of the holes and has sent

      copies to Highways Dept for them to investigate and take action accordingly.

m)    Overgrown Hedge Adjoining Norwood Avenue – Council has been informed that the hedge will be trimmed after the bird nesting season has finished.

n)      Flooding, Hurst Lane/Mulberry Park Junction – Community First advises there are 6 gullies in the

general vicinity that are blocked.  Arrangements will be made for them to be cleansed.

RESOLVED – Council to report that flooding is still a problem at this location and, in addition, many gullies on Hurst Lane, between the railway bridge and the quarry, are in need of cleaning.

o)      Re-Instatement of Land at Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry – DMBC’s Principal Minerals and Waste

Officer advises there is no requirement on the current owner/operator to carry out a permanent

restoration prior to a sale.  A condition of the planning permission does however state that in the

event of the cessation of the winning or working of minerals for a period of 5 years, prior to the achievement of the completion which constitutes a permanent cessation, a revised scheme shall be submitted within 6 months of confirmation of cessation, and the approved scheme fully implemented within 2 years of the written approval.

p)      Resident’s Letter Re. Condition of River Torne – The Environment Agency advises that the

resident’s complaint of neglect refers to the number of times the grass is cut in a season.  The

Agency’s study has shown that a reduction in grasscutting would have very little impact on the river flows.  The Agency will continue to monitor the situation through current inspection processes.  A copy of the Agency’s letter is to be sent to the resident concerned.

q)      Request for Vehicle/Pedestrian Count – Pending.

r)       Lack of Play Facilities, Hayfield Estate – Pending.

6.   Community Police Reportayfield

      PCSO John Bellamy reported the crime figures from 13th August – 10th September were as follows::

      Two thefts from motor vehicles, 1 theft of a motor vehicle and 3 general thefts. 

      There were 32 Police incidents – many of which were related to youth nuisance.   The area around the

      Nisa Store remains a trouble spot for youth nuisance.

      Police are monitoring a number of motor cyclists seen riding without lights or helmets.  Attempts are

      being made to find a location where they can ride without causing a noise nuisance.  

      PCSO Bellamy and Community Safety Wardens continue to carry out patrols to identify fly tipping.

      Council reported that young people are again congregating on the Spey Drive play area to consume  

      alcohol.  They are not currently causing a nuisance, but are leaving litter.

      It was also reported that a resident has been photographing young people playing harmlessly on the

      field, and Council queried whether this was appropriate behaviour.   PCSO Bellamy is to have a word

      with the resident concerned.

7.   District Councillor’s Report

      District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield reported on the following:

      Park and Ride Parks – Parks have been opened in areas both north and south of the Borough.

      Green Waste Strategy – The present contract is coming to an end and the new firm promises to allow

      greater flexibility.

      Report on Flooding – DMBC has considered the Pitt Report on flooding.  Councillor Simpson has

      proposed that the Authority takes on board all the recommendations of the Report.

      Flexible Budget – This is to be decided later.

     

 

 

 

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7.  District Councillor’s Report (continued)

     Airport’s Application for Rate Deferral - The airport applied to DMBC for its rates to be deferred

     for 5 years.   A committee of 12 has been giving this matter consideration and has finally decided to

     reject the application.

     Hurst Lane -  Mrs. Schofield has received information from Highways regarding the highway verges

     along Hurst Lane near the Hanson Quarry, and will pass this on to Council.

8.  To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit

     The 2 delegated members have checked the audit and signed it as correct.  Council accepted the audit.

9.  To Consider Funding a Replacement/Modified Gate at Access to River

     Mr. Holloway of Environment Agency has advised that the fencing erected across the riverbank by the

     adjacent resident should be removed. 

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, it was agreed in principle to fund a new/modified gate across

     the access to the riverbank to enable a stile to be erected at the side or incorporated within the gate.

     The Clerk to advise Mr. Holloway of this decision, and ask what minimum width is required for

     Environment Agency vehicles using the access.    o

10.To Consider Funding a Poppy Wreath      

     RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that the sum of £50 be paid to The Royal British Legion

     to include the purchase of a poppy wreath (approx. cost £18) and the rest as a top-up donation.  The

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

11.To Consider Show Committee’s Application For Funding and Request to Level Ground

     The Show Committee writes to ask permission to use Riverside Park for the Show on 15 August 2009,

     and asks whether Council would consider giving a donation towards the payment of the marquee, the

     cost of which will be approx. £4,000.  The Committee also asks for a site meeting with Council

     Members to discuss whether the hump at the entrance to the field could be removed and the sign re-

     sited because these are causing problems for stall holders and visitors driving onto the field.

     RESOLVED – Permission given for the Show Committee to use the playing fields and pavilion. It

     was agreed in principle to provide some funding, but Council needs to see the audited accounts of this

     year’s show before a decision can be made as required by Council’s financial regulations.

     Mr. Featherstone agreed to meet with the Chairman of the Show to discuss the uneven entrance.

     The Show Secretary to be reminded that the concrete bollard adjacent to the car park has not yet been

     re-instated.

12.To Discuss Untidy Land at Main Street

     A reply is awaited from the owner’s solicitor.

     RESOLVED – Agreed to write and ask re. progress and mention the untidy state of the land.

13.Encroachment of Recreation Ground – The Clerk to write and ask Council’s solicitor whether he

     has received any news on this matter.

14.To Discuss Hurst Lane Near the Hanson Quarry

     DMBC ighways Officer has carried out as ite Highways Officer has carried out a site visit with Highways Maintenance Officer.  A visual

     inspection was carried out and the gullies appeared to be running satisfactorily, the side entry gullies

     had been dug out and seem to be taking surface water.  An estimated cost for reducing the height of

     the highway verges is to be obtained, obviously any contributions from Hanson’s may help speed up

     the proposed works. 

15.To Discuss Possible Retention of Red BT Telephone Kiosk

     BT has written to unitary authorities across the country advising that it is now possible for them to

     retain ownership of a traditional kiosk by applying to BT to ‘Adopt A Kiosk’ before 1st October 2008.

     RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed to apply to adopt the kiosk at Ellers Lane and later

     look into the possibility of re-locating it elsewhere.

16.To Decide Items for October Newsletter

     It was agreed to feature the following items:

     A statement from the Mayor’s office, or excerpts from the Mayor’s letter re. request for a crossing.

     Thanks to be extended to the Show Committee for staging the Show, and members of Auckley Garden

     and Allotment Association for planting and maintaining the flower tubs. 

     To advise that Public Footpath No. 7 will not be diverted.

     To advise that consultations are ongoing with Environment Agency to regain access to the riverbank

 

 

 

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17.  To Comment on DMBC’s Discretionary Transport Consultation Paper

       Comments made opposing the proposals.

18.  To Discuss Highway Matters

       a)   Replacement of Gulley Covers – Several gulley covers were stolen in Auckley during July,

             including 3 from the recreation car park.  DMBC replaced the covers within a week.

b)      Resident’s Letter Re. Flooding – A resident writes to complain that Council has not shown any

concern for residents who have suffered from flooding, and asks whether Council has taken any steps to ensure that the drainage system is flushed throughout the village.  Council has replied that DMBC as the Highway Authority is responsible for maintaining the drainage system and the

Parish Council is only responsible for the dyke at Riverside Park.   Council has been in communication with DMBC and the Water Authority regarding the drainage system over a long period of time, and this is recorded in the minutes which can be viewed on the web site.

       c)   Hayfield/Gatehouse Roundabout – Roundabout and nearby verges untidy.  DMBC to be informed

19.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       a)   Quotation to Supply and Install Goal Posts – DMBC quotes the sum of £776.56 + VAT to supply

             the goal posts, the cost of installation will be £25.00 for materials and £123.00 for labour + VAT.

             Mr. Cockett reported that the goal posts installed by Veolia are satisfactory at the moment. Noted.

b)      Electrical Inspection of Pavilion – Cockin Electrical to be asked to carry out a full inspection

on 11/12 August 2009 in time for the 2009 Show.

c)       Re-Location of Dog Bin – DMBC to be asked to give a quotation to move the bin which is used infrequently and re-locate it nearer to the river.

d)      Services of Molecatcher  - The molecatcher is currently treating the recreation ground. 

e)       Football Teams Using Football \Pitch – It was reported that various Branton Boys’ teams are training on the pitch 5 days a week and using the goal mouths.  If this continues there will soon be no grass left on the goal mouths.  Recently Mr. Cockett approached members of one of the teams to ask them to play away from the goal mouths, but he was completely ignored.

RESOLVED – Mrs. Worthington is to contact the manager of the Branton teams to inform him that this behaviour is totally unacceptable.

f)        Remembrance Garden – ‘Need A Hand’ to be asked to tidy up the garden.

g)      Public Footpath No. 2 – The wooden post at the River Way entrance to the footpath has been replaced with a brick pillar which has reduced the width of the entrance to 2 feet. 

RESOLVED  -  DMBC’s Footpath Officer to be informed of this development.

20.  Report of Meetings:

       a)   Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting  - The committee met with Mike Morton, the Airport

             Director.  An application is proposed to amend the 106 Agreement to allow larger planes to carry

             freight and run throughout the night.  It is not clear whether there will be any public consultation

             on this proposal.

b)      Hayfield Recreation Project – The committee is now establishing the ‘Sport for England’ plan

      and a draft specification drawn up for a medium-sized costing is to be made.  Hopefully a

      business plan will be drawn up in time for the next meeting on 21st October.

21.  To Consider Planning Applications:

a)      No. 08/02506/RET – Restoration of an ornamental lake and restoration of pre-subsidence land

levels (Being amendment to application granted under Ref 03/5243/P on 10.01.2007)

Willow Farm, Doncaster Road, Branton

Council was opposed to the application because of serious concerns as follows:

Will the development affect the flood plain?

If bunding is installed will water be displaced to other areas as a consequence?

Is the Old Mill Dyke which runs through the land and under the B1396 still functioning?

Has the applicant been granted an Extraction Order?

The development area is part of Torne Valley SSI, and the works currently being undertaken will

adversely affect wild life.  Will measures be taken to redress the damage?

As the site lies within a mineral safeguarding area, is the area being monitored to ensure that minerals are not being excavated?

    

.)   ayfield ayfield H 

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21.  To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

       b)   No. 08/02478/ADV – Display of several internally, externally and non- illuminated signs of

             various sizes - Ramada Hotel, First Avenue, Auckley

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

c)       Appeal No. 08/00079/REF – Erection of four detached dwellings with garages, 1.8m high

      boundary walls, alterations to door/window to 16 Main Street and formation of vehicular

      access to 18A Main Street, all on approx. 0.45 ha of land (Being application no. 07/03680/FUL

      refused on 07.02.08)

      14, 16 and 18A Main Street, Auckley

             Council had already made comments to the Planning Dept. and did not wish to submit any

             further comments to the Appeal Inspector.

d)      Tree Preservation Order (No. 326) 2008.  The Green, Ellers Lane, Auckley

The 5 trees concerned are 3 growing on the grass verge to side and rear of the shops, and 2 on the Ellers Lane frontage of the shops

The Order took effect on 29th August 2008 and will continue on this basis for a further 6 months or until the Order is confirmed by DMBC, whichever first occurs.

The information was noted.

22.  To Report DMBC’s Planning Decision

       Planning permission granted to the following application:

       No. 08/01725/FUL – Erection of attached double garage with elderly person’s annexe at first

       floor level following demolition of existing garage to side and new roof and minor alterations to

       existing conservatory to rear of detached house,

       1 Ivy House Court, Auckley   

23.  Signing of Cheques

       Cheque no. 001915 -  Yorkshire Water (Allotments Water Rate)                                       £41.68

       Cheque no. 001917 -  N Power (Pavilion electricity charges)                                             £83.25

       Cheque no. 001918 -  DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins March – June)                          £165.39

       Cheque no. 001919 -  Veolia ES (UK) (Grounds maintenance July 2008)                        £149.13

       Cheque no. 001920 -  Veolia ES (UK) ( Grounds maintenance August 2008)                  £493.38

       Cheque no. 001921 -  Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire for meeting)                                £24.00

       Cheque no. 001922 -  Arrow Publications (Items published in newsletter)                          £55.00

       Cheque no. 001925 -  Royal British Legion (Donation)                                                      £50.00

24.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)   South Yorkshire Transport Advisory Group  - applications invited from persons willing to

             serve on the Advisory Group. 

b)      Battle of Britain Commorative Service

c)      Consultation on the Draft NHS Constitution

25.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 8th October 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

       at the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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