MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9^TH SEPTEMBER 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

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

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

· Zelia Lyne and Ian Wilson representing Severn Trent Water

· Two members of the public

1. Report From Severn Trent Regarding Blocked Drains

Representatives from Severn Trent advised that following recent blockages the foul sewer and surface

water drain have been thoroughly cleansed and an inspection shows the drains are clear and no defects

found. A cleansing programme every 6 months is planned, and leaflets are to be distributed to house-

holds and industrial properties advising occupants to refrain from discharging oil, grease, fat and waste

food down the drains because these can solidify and block drains. S. Trent will disinfect sewage leaks

occurring in the gardens of properties, however, in certain circumstances they are unable to carry out

work in case it renders a resident’s insurance void. A resident reported an occasional smell of drains

emanating from a stench pipe at School Lane. S Trent advised that the sewage is treated with nitrates

at Blaxton to lessen the smell. Council was advised that sewage is piped from both Blaxton and the

Hayfield Estate to the Common Lane pumping station and from there is pumped to the treatment works

at Branton.

2. Public Participation

a) Request for Plaque - A resident of School Lane enquired whether it would be permissible to install

a small plaque on the grassed triangle at the School Lane/Eastfield Lane junction in memory of a

local resident who had for many years planted and maintained flower tubs at this location. DMBC to

be asked if this would be acceptable. The resident making the request was thanked for continuing to

provide flowers for the tubs.

b) The Copse - A resident reported that young people have dragged straw from a nearby field into the copse to make a den, and he was concerned that the straw could be a fire risk. He was informed that P.C. Pyle has been asked to monitor the area.

c) Garages at Rear of School Lane – Council was informed that the garages are to be painted and new

roof cladding applied. Two signs with the wording “No Ball Games” have been attached to garages.

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

4. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

Mr. Butterfield declared a personal interest in Item No. 18 (Future use of BT Telephone Kiosk)

5. To Approve Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 8^th July 2009

The minutes were approved and accepted as a true record.

6. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 – DMBC Footpaths Officer is to contact adjacent landowners and

arrange for the hedges to be cut back as soon as possible.

b) Bid For Funding for Play Equipment – An application has been submitted to ‘Awards For All’.

c) Dilapidated Building, Sycamore Drive – DMBC’s Amenity Protection Officer reports that documents have been received by Legal Dept. which state that the previously mentioned 215 Notice has now been served on the owner. It becomes effective on 28 August and compliance date is 28 November

He has reminded the owner’s agent of the generous compliance period that has been allowed. He

expects the building to be removed regardless of the outcome of a planning application, otherwise he

will seek authorisation for a Direct Action.

Peel to be asked to trim long grass in the vicinity of the building and at the rear of the Nisa Store.

d) Improvements to Riverside Car Park – It was reported that the final level of tarmac has been laid.

e) Missing Seat, School Lane – Neighbourhood Manager confirms that DMBC did not obtain details of the vehicle involved in the demolition of the seat, and therefore is unable to claim compensation.

f) Bus Timetable – SYPTE has erected a bus timetable outside the bus shelter near The Green.

g) Extension of Garden Onto Recreation Ground – The court fee has been paid which enables Council’s

solicitor to commence court action.

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6. Matters Arising (continued)

h) Dogs on Leads Signs - Signs have been erected at entrances to the football field and River Way. RESOLVED Following discussion, Mrs. Platts proposed that another sign be provided near the riverbank. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Payne, and the motion was carried.

It was agreed to ask whether DMBC would be able to provide ‘Dogs on Leads’ signs on the Spey Drive play area. Council is willing to fund the signs if the Authority is unable to do so.

i) Christmas Trees – Mr. Payne enquired whether Council would re-consider its decision made in February 2009 that a Christmas tree would no longer be provided at Hurst Lane, due to persistent vandalism of the lights and transformer, particularly during the 2007 and 2008 Christmas periods. This matter to be discussed at the next meeting. Plevey’s to be asked for a quotation to supply trees.

j) Potholes at Sycamore Cresent – Community First Officer has twice contacted David Smith of Peel

k) Adoption of Narrow Verge, Main Street – DMBC has cut the grass.

l) Traffic Signals, Hurst/Hayfield Junction – DMBC Highways replies that Council’s suggestion to replace existing ‘Keep Clear’ signs with ‘Yellow Box’ markings does not meet requirements as prescribed under ‘The Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002’. Yellow Box markings are not intended to be used on private accesses. As regards moving the ‘Stop’ line further to the junction mouth on Hayfield Lane, this would not be possible because it would cause a conflict between vehicles standing at the ‘Stop’ line and vehicles turning into Hayfield Lane.

m) Highway Surface, Main Street, Branton – Highways Officer reports he is awaiting a reply from his Assessment Team regarding a scheme proposed for the road. It is all measured and awaiting funding.

n) Litter Bin Near Pavilion – Community First has been asked for the bin to be put on rota for emptying.

o) Application to Include Charity Land in LDF – DMBC acknowledges receipt of application.

p) Extension of Property at Ellers Lane – DMBC’s Planning Investigation Officer advises that the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Amendment 2, Order 2008) provides provision for permitted development in respect of the enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwelling house if it meets a certain criteria. In this case the extension complies with such requirements, and is therefore permitted development and does not require planning permission.

7. Community Police Report

No member of the Community Police Team was available to attend.

Caroline Flint, M.P. has written to the Police following a recent ‘ram raid’ at the Nisa Store. Police have

replied that the only other attack of this kind in the local area was in 2002 at the Spar Store.

8. District Councillor’s Report

Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend the meeting.

9. To Accept Quarterly Internal Audit

The two designated members of Council, Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Cockett have checked the audit and

signed it as correct. RESOLVED - The audit was accepted by Council.

10.To Consider Providing a Poppy Wreath and Top-Up Donation to British Legion

RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that a donation of £75 be given to provide a poppy wreath

costing approx. £20, with the rest of the funds going towards British Legion funds. This was agreed.

11.To Consider Donations to The Ramblers’ Association, & The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society

RESOLVED – Mr. Payne proposed that a donation of £50 each be given to The Ramblers’ Association

and The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society, seconded by Mrs. Allwood and the motion was carried.

12.To Consider Quotations to Trim Trees at Sandhill Rise

A resident of Sandhill Rise has written to complain that trees on Riverside Park to the rear of her property

are out of control, have grown very thick and are blocking her light.

‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of £1,200 to thin out the copse and all overhanging trees and branches to

the rear of properties at Sandhill Rise – particularly those of Nos. 18 and 39

RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that the quotation be accepted, this was seconded by

Mrs. Platts, and the motion was carried.

13.To Consider Quotation to Purchase Megaphone

It has been decided to purchase a megaphone to use during the singing of carols round the Christmas tree .

RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed the purchase of a megaphone from Martley Electronics at a

cost of £69.15 including 8 x batteries. Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

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14. To Discuss Resident’s Letter Re. Path Near River

A resident has complained that the newly-modified access gate leading to the riverbank does not have a

gap for a dog to go under, over or around. Also at the point where the Willow Farm land meets the

former Brockholes Farm land there is some barbed wire at ground level which is hidden, and

unfortunately her dog caught its leg on the wire.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Councillors agreed that they were unable to sanction any further

work on the gate. The modification undertaken last year had been jointly funded at considerable cost

by the Parish Councils of Auckley and Cantley with Branton. The adjacent landowner has been

informed of the barbed wire and hopefully will address the problem.

Members of Council are to visit the location to see what measures can be taken to alleviate the situation.

15. To Discuss Use of Reparation Team

The Neighbourhood Manager has asked the Parish Council for its views on a plan to utilise a small

number of people from the Reparation Team to work alongside DMBC Officers, to carry out

environmental tasks such as grounds maintenance, path edging, painting litter bins, etc, The team will be

rotated on a monthly cycle to each of the 3 Neighbourhood Teams

RESOLVED - Members of Council agreed that members of the team be allowed to work alongside

DMBC Officers in the village.

16. To Decide Items For Newsletter

It was agreed to feature the following items:

A thank you to members of the Show Committee for providing a successful Show.

A thank you to members of the Auckley Gardens & Allotments Association for planting and maintaining

flower tubs on The Green and the pinfold.

Severn Trent representatives’ update report to Council

Comments to be invited on whether a Christmas tree should be provided at Hurst Lane

To mention the school child who submitted the winning suggestion regarding the telephone kiosk

To report the Mayor’s response to Council’s request for a reduction in the speed limit at Hurst Lane.

17. To Discuss Christmas Market

Mrs. Cockett, main organiser for the Christmas Market, enquires whether Council would have any

objections to children from Auckley School making decorations and hanging them on the Christmas tree.

RESOLVED - Council had no objections to children hanging decorations on the tree, provided these

are substantial and not likely to disintegrate and look unsightly.

Mrs. Cockett also reports that she has contacted the Tourist Board to publicise the Christmas Market and

is in talks with Coach Companies to transport passengers to this event.

RESOLVED – Members of Council expressed concerns as to whether there is the capacity to cope with

An increased number of visitors being bussed to the Market, in view of the small area involved. Perhaps

the event would benefit from moving to a different venue.

18. To Consider Members’ Views Regarding Future Use of BT Telephone Kiosk

Discussion took place on whether to move the kiosk to another location. It was pointed out that to move

the kiosk would be a major operation, and therefore be more sensible to leave it where it is. The

general consensus was that it should not be dramatically altered, otherwise it might attract vandals.

RESOLVED - Mr. Featherstone proposed that a £10 award be given to a school child who has

suggested improving the interior by providing a shelf and pen to enable members of the public to write

their cards before posting them in the nearby postal box. Mrs. Allwood seconded the proposal,

and the motion was carried. ‘Need a Hand’ to be asked to submit a quotation to construct a shelf.

19. To Discuss Highway Matters

a) Request for Speed Restriction, Hurst Lane – Mayor Davies replies that the speed limit has been

reviewed on several occasions in recent years and the result has indicated that the speed limit is set

at the correct level. South Yorkshire Police fully support this decision. DMBC is therefore satisfied

that the situation has been correctly assessed and the 40 mph limit is both appropriate and consistent.

b) Road Surface Outside Blaxton Quarry – The surface of the highway has become fragmented at the entrance to the Blaxton Quarry. Community First to be informed of this matter.

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19. To Discuss Highway Matters (continued)

c) Building Site, Hayfield Lane – Community First to be informed that some of the fences have been vandalised, and the site overall looks an eyesore.

d) Overgrown Hedges, Hurst/Hayfield Lane – A reminder to be sent to Community First.

e) Dropped Kerb, Common Lane – Community First to be asked whether any progress has been made.

f) Possible Road Improvements, Hurst Lane – Mrs. Schofield to be asked for an update on possible road works at Hurst Lane, including reduction of grass verges.

20. To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Electrical Inspection of Pavilion – Cockin Electricals carried out an electrical inspection before the

Auckley Show and reported that everything is in a satisfactory condition – two minor issues noted.

b) Request to Use Pitch – During August an application to use the pitch was made by a member of the ‘Three Horses Football Club’. Members were consulted at that time, and the majority were of the opinion that the pitch would be seriously affected if more than one team was allowed to use the ground. A decision was therefore made to refuse the applicant.

c) Use of Field for Show – Members were summoned to the field on the morning of the Show as a

heavy generator had been placed on the football pitch and there was concern that this could damage

the pitch. Fortunately there was no rain and the pitch was relatively unscathed, however it has been

decided that next year the pitch will be cordoned off to prevent further incidents of this nature.

d) Strimming of Grass on Recreation Ground – The Contractor maintains that the area near the River Way access is not part of the monthly programme because of the sloping terrain and the large amount of bushes and overgrown vegetation at this location. He quotes £100 to bring a tractor with a side arm flail to clear the area to a satisfactory condition which would be suitable for future strimming.

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

was seconded by Mr. Payne, and the motion was carried.

21. Report of Meetings:

a) Meeting with SYPTE – The timing and frequency of local services was discussed. Pam Horner from

SYPTE advised that DMBC does not have control of the buses, and any company can tender to

supply a service.

b) Meeting of PCJCC – The following issues were discussed:

Planning applications by electronic transfer

Joint Charter

Green Belt/Core Strategy – Local Development Framework 2011-2026

Playbuilder Grant

Sustainable Communities Act 2007

c) Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – Gavin Baldwin, Dept. of Leisure & Culture, Debbie John-Lewis and Ray Bartlett attended a recent meeting. A bid has been submitted to Yorkshire Forward and there has been another look at figures for the Business Plan. There is a plan to make the playing field operational, but this will not generate any income, and therefore the committee needs to keep the rest of the project going in order to make the scheme viable.

d) Meeting with Ramblers’ Secretary Re. Inquiry – Mr. Harker is to represent Council at the forth-

coming Public Inquiry on 22 September, and has briefed Members of Council on proceedings.

RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Mr. Harker officially represents the Parish Council at the Inquiry regarding a blocked path at Sandhill Rise. Mrs. Platts seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried unanimously.

22. To Make Comments on Consultation Paper ‘Strengthening Local Democracy’ – Noted.

23. To Consider Planning Applications:

a) No. 09/01896/COU – Change of use from Class B1, B2 and B8 use to physiotherapy practice

Class D1 - Unit 8, Hayfield Business Park, Field Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of this application.

b) No. 09/01911/FUL – Erection of extension to detached garage with new pitched roof overall to rear

of detached dwelling - 36 Ellers Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of this application.

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23. To Consider Planning Applications

c) No. 09/02048/OUTM – Outline application for erection of 750 homes, roads, footpaths and cycle

routes, car parking, landscape, open areas and play facilities on approx. 18.6 ha of land (being

re-submission of application 08/03481/OUTM withdrawn on 10.02.09)

Council reiterated the comments made at its earlier submission. In addition, after viewing a CD of the application, Council considers that the whole development is not energy efficient and is unlikely to comply with the Merton Rule. Apart from rainwater harvesting it would appear that no renewable energy products are being used.

Plans of the development show an access onto the Poor’s Land, however, this land is owned by the Auckley community and is not part of the development. Public footpath no. 7 runs through the development, and Council seeks assurances that the path will be protected.

A considerable amount of traffic will be generated from the development leading to additional traffic passing the Hayfield School on Hurst Lane which will be an added danger to local children. Council feels the speed limit should be reduced to 20 mph.

24. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC Planning Committee:

Planning permission has been granted for the following applications:

a) Outline application for Mixed Use Commercial and Industrial Development on approx. 9.6 ha of land

Blaxton Quarry, Mosham Road, Auckley

b) Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of mid-terraced house following demolition of

existing porch - 35 Sandhill Rise, Auckley

c) Outline application for erection of 2 detached dwellings and garages on approx. 0.21 ha of land

(being re-submission of previous application refused on 12.08.08) - 7 Larch Square, Auckley

d) Erection of pitched roof bungalow following demolition of existing flat roofed dwelling on approx.

0.83 ha of land - Oaks Farm, Hurst Lane, Auckley

e) Installation of roller shutters to front and rear elevations of shop - 30 Ellers Lane, Auckley

f) Erection of first floor pitched roof extension to rear - 77 Main Street, Auckley

g) Erection of ground floor pitched roof extensions to front and rear of detached bungalow and erection

of pitched roof to garage to replace existing flat roof (being re-submission of application refused

on 27.04.09) - 9 Myrtle Grove, Auckley

g) Retrospective app, for erection of conservatory to rear of detached house - 32 The Hollows Auckley

25. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 002036 – DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins March-June) £141.45

Cheque no. 002037 - N Power (electricity charges for pavilion) £101.43

Cheque no. 002038 – Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting) £32.00

Cheque no. 002039 – Cockin Electrical Ltd. (Full periodic inspection of pavilion) £207.00

Cheque no. 002040 – ‘Need A Hand’ (Maintenance of Memorial Garden) £150.00

Cheque no. 002041 – SLCC South Yorks. Branch (Clerk’s course) £10.00

Cheque no. 002042 – Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance for July) £150.33

Cheque no. 002043 – Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance for August) £393.98

Cheque no. 002044 – Royal British Legion (Donation- poppy wreath and top-up fund) £75.00

Cheque no. 002045 – Ramblers’ Association (Donation) £50.00

Cheque no. 002046 – The Peak and Northern Footpaths’ Society (Donation) £50.00

Cheque no. 002047 – Martley Electronics Lt. (Supply megaphone + batteries) £69.15

Cheque no. 002029 – Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance for June) £286.06

26. To Receive Correspondence

Core Strategy Consultation Meeting 25 November – Mrs. Worthington is to attend.

27. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting – It was agreed to hold the meeting on Wednesday,

14^th October 2009, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre

Chairperson……………………..