MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2007
COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
1. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter and
Mr. G. Payne.
2. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest -
Mr. P. Cockett declared a prejudicial interest in Item No. 10 (To decide football fees for season)
Mr. Warrender declared a personal interest in Item No. 6 (m) (Problems with sewage system)
3. To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 8th August 2007
The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.
4. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
To be discussed under Item no. 12.
5. To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 11th July 2007
Item No. 19 on the Hayfield Community Group to be amended to read: “The group took a vote and
decided to disband”. The minutes were then accepted and signed as a true record.
6. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
a) Flooding,
forwarded to their Highway Operations Section to investigate and respond. He has again re-sent
this request for them to contact Council direct. DMBC holds some electronic records of drains
on computer which are available for public inspection, but they are not permitted by legislation to
release hard copy plans.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to order a map from Severn Trent at an approx. cost of £23.00.
b) Public Footpath
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again and report that the width of the entrance to the
footpath now only measure 15 inches, and pedestrians have to turn sideways in order to access it.
c)
20 mph Speed Limit – DMBC advises that when the 20 mph Zone Implementation Programme
was established in 2001 it was made clear that the proposals did not include
any roads forming part of the main route network and therefore
RESOLVED – It was agreed to enquire whether this is DMBC’s or Government policy. If it has been decided by Government, would they identify the relevant legislation.
d) Flyer Advertising Hayfield Amenity Centre - A reminder to be sent to Enforcement Dept.
e) Pavilion Electrical Check - Cockin Electrical has undertaken a Periodic Electrical Inspection, and a number of works are required. A quotation for £175.00 submitted to undertake the works.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to accept the quote from Cockin Electrical.
f) Sunken Soakaway at The Green – The Clerk reported that the ground has been levelled with top soil. Council agreed to wait and see whether grass grows on the site.
g) Untidy Hedges – Hedges have been trimmed at various locations. Community First Officer has
inspected the overhanging bush at
obstruct pedestrians as it is located at a point where they will have to step onto the highway to
enter into the park, so he is reluctant to request this be cut back.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to leave this matter for the moment.
h)
Land at
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the solicitor to enquire whether the owner would consider purchasing the fencing, otherwise it will be removed. To enable this operation to be carried out the gate will need to be unlocked.
i) Provision of Bollard, Church Close - No reply has been received.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact Area Manager, Mr. Pat Higgs regarding this matter.
j) Socket for Christmas Tree – DMBC is to install a new socket which will centralise the tree.
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6. Matters Arising (continued)
k)
RESOLVED - It was agreed to authorise a cheque in the sum of £500.00 towards the purchase
under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.
l) Provision of Seat for Parish Centre – Glasdon, the firm previously chosen does not supply
brass plaques, only stainless steel. It was therefore agreed to select a seat from the ‘Streetmaster’ collection and ask whether the firm would install the seat.
m) Sewage Problems – Severn Trent advises that on checking their records it appears there are no
recent reports
of flooding however, on 25 June the
25th and 26th June and the site was on High Level 1 with one pump fail. On 17th July the site was on High Level 1 with no pump fail.
DMBC Officer, Mr. Bradley, reports that a meeting was recently held with Severn Trent on site and he has suggested using a section of the Waster Industry Act to address the problem of inappropriate material being discharged into any drain or sewer. To try and resolve this problem from a defective point of view he intends to organise a camera survey of the private sewer downstream of the takeaway in the near future, and has also requested that at the next food inspection they are asked about their oil disposal system.
n)
River
RESOLVED - It was agreed to contact the officer currently dealing with this matter and ask for
a meeting to be arranged as soon as possible.
o) Application for Funding to Provide Playground Equipment - The Clerk has met on site with
Mr. Hawley who reports that he has checked out a number of funding organisations and, in his
opinion, the Lottery appears to be the most suitable. He has requested and been supplied with
various items of information i.e. copies of accounts, deeds, quotations, etc. which will be required
when an application is made.
p) Parish Centre Car Park – The Management Committee Chairman writes to advise Council that the flag and kerb laying has now been completed and the surface of the car park has been rolled as flat as possible. The committee is endeavouring to complete the final surfacing as soon as possible and is trying to source an economical gravel supply.
q) Severe Flooding on June 25th – Mayor Winter advises that DMBC maintains a Corporate Emergency Plan designed to activate key staff at any time of the day or night. During any emergency they have a contingency plan to co-ordinate the management of offers of assistance from the public or business. The Environment Agency has advised DMBC that dredging would not significantly reduce flood risk, however, if it transpires that a different strategy for water course management or flood defence is needed, this will be taken up with the Agency.
Caroline Flint reports that 14 properties in Auckley were badly affected by flooding and residents
are living in alternative accommodation. She will bear Council’s views in mind in her future
discussions with Ministers on this matter.
r)
Building on
granted, but no full application has been submitted. According to the agent, discussions are still taking place between the applicant and the airport owners.
s) Riverside Football Pitch - The football team manager has complained that the Contracts Team is not burning off the lines when marking out the pitch, and prior to the first match grass cuttings were left on the pitch. The Contracts Manager replies that it is now illegal to burn off the lines in pitches, and grass collection was not priced in the original quote.
Council was also informed that vegetation is not being strimmed satisfactorily around the bollards and to the rear of properties at Sandhill Rise.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to withhold payment of their latest invoice in the sum of £255.37 until Council is satisfied with the strimming.
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6. Matters Arising (continued)
t)
Children’s Activities – An invoice for the sum of £25 has been received for the hire of
the Parish Centre to stage the Library Service’s Children’s Activities.
RESOLVED – Council was of the opinion that this fee should be paid by the Library Service.
u)
Traffic Lights,
improvement in the timing sequence.
v) Meeting With Quarry - A reminder to be sent to Community First.
w) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Pending.
x) Leaning Tree onThe Green – A reminder to Community First.
7. Report of Casual Vacancy on Council
It was reported that Mrs. M. Cockett has resigned from the Council due to work commitments.
Mrs. Cockett was thanked for the valuable contribution she has made to the Council and local
community. As a result of the resignation a vacancy now exists on the Parish Council, and a notice
dated 5th September has been displayed at the normal venues. This informs eligible persons wishing
to be considered that they have 14 working days to submit nominations to the Returning Officer. If
no nominations are received the Council will fill the vacancy by co-option at its November meeting.
8. Community Police Report
No Police Officer was present.
The following incidents were reported to the Council:
a) A fracas occurred sometime during August in the vicinity of the Avon Court/Spey Drive Play
area between two groups of teenagers aged approx. 16-18. During the disturbance a car was damaged and a fight ensued, as a result of which one of the group was left injured and bleeding.
b)
Young people have been seen
drinking alcohol in the evening on the Spey Drive Play Area near the entrances
to
c)
Some older teenagers are
speeding in their vehicles along
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask Inspector Payling whether he has any information
on the
disturbance at
9. District Councillor’s Report
Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend and sent her apologies.
10. To Decide Football Fees for 2007/2008 Season
Mr. Cockett declared a prejudicial interest and left the room whilst this matter was being discussed.
RESOLVED – After discussion Mr. Swainston proposed that the fees be increased from £200.00 to
£205.00. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Butterfield, and the motion was carried.
11. To Consider Providing a Wreath and Donation for Poppy Appeal
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Cockett proposed that a donation of £50.00 be given to the
Royal British Legion – approximately £20.00 will purchase a poppy wreath, the remainder for the
British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Mr. Butterfield seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
12. To
Discuss Proposed
Mrs. Worthington reported on her meeting with Council’s Solicitor and Land Agent who advised that
the land should go out to tender once access to the land has been restored. Since the meeting the
Clerk has written to DMBC’s Highways Dept. re. blocked access and an acknowledgement received.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the Land Agent, enclosing photographs of the blocked
access, and ask him to write to Peel regarding this matter.
13. To Discuss Christmas Celebrations
a) Christmas Trees –
Discussion took place on whether to provide a tree at
considerable damage perpetrated last Christmas by vandals which will cost the Council approx.
£150 for a new transformer, plus the system also needs re-wiring.
RESOLVED – Mr. Swainston proposed that Council makes another attempt to provide a tree at
Plevey’s to be asked to quote to supply and install 2 x Christmas Trees approx. 20 feet in height.
b) `.
c) To Select an Organisation to Receive Collection Round Tree
RESOLVED - Mr. Butterfield proposed that the collection should go to The Bluebell Wood
Hospice. Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
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14. To Discuss Council Representation on Parish Centre Management Committee
Council was informed that two Parish Council members were nominated to serve on the Parish
Centre Management Committee in 2004 - the minutes show that Council had nominated both
Mr. Cockett and Mr. Featherstone but, due to an error, the latter has never been invited to meetings.
Members of Council were happy for Mr. Featherstone to represent Council, and the Clerk is to check
whether he is agreeable to remaining
on the committee. The next meeting is scheduled
for 15th
October at 7.15 p.m.
15. To Consider Electricity Charges for Christmas Lights
Council has received two invoices from N Power with electricity charges for using Christmas tree
lights. The cost of administration is double the cost of the electricity used:
Christmas 2005 - Energy - £30.39 Administration - £62.00
Christmas 2006 - Energy - £67.32 Administration - £138.64
RESOLVED – It was agreed to pay for the electricity used, plus VAT, but not for administration.
16. To Consider Items for the October Newsletter
It was agreed to feature the following items:
Notice of casual vacancy
A thank you to Mr. Baker and Mr. Credland
Caroline Flint’s new address
17. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) Mosham Road Quarry – It was reported that the untidy entrance has been improved. It was
agreed to leave for the
moment.
b)
Path Leading from Ainsley
Close to
uncertainty, it has been decided this footpath should be part of the adopted highway, and their
records have been amended accordingly. The maintenance of the path will now be the
responsibility of the Authority, and their Maintenance Inspector has been asked to check the
uneven concrete slabs. A letter of thanks is to be sent to the Officer dealing with this matter.
c) Pedestrian Refuge – It was reported that the proposed pedestrian refuge will shortly be installed on the highway near the Eagle and Child Public House.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact DMBC and ask whether, as promised, a suitable site for
an additional refuge has been decided.
d) Dumped Rubbish – Community First to be informed there is a large quantity of rubbish dumped
along
18. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) To Authorise Payment for Additional Work to Pavilion – Mr. Hargreaves of ‘Need A Hand’ has
carried out renovation work to the pavilion as agreed by Council. He identified a number of
small additional jobs that required attention for the quoted sum of £120.00. The Clerk, in
consultation with the Chairperson, authorised Mr. Hargreaves to undertake these additional tasks
which were: to replace two roof tiles, clean two shower heads and provide biological hazard
prevention paperwork, prepare and paint railings at front of building, provide and fit internal vent
and provide and fit replacement door handles and cloakroom pegs.
RESOLVED – Council agreed to authorise a cheque in the sum of £120.00.
b)
Maintenance of
RESOLVED – It was
agreed to write and ask whether members of the
19. To Make Comments on DMBC’s Core Strategy & Local Development Framework Update
This item is to be discussed at the October meeting.
20. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No. 07/02313/FUL –
Erection of ground floor conservatory extension to rear of detached house,
28 The Hollows, Auckley Council had no objections to make on the application.
b) No. 07/02733/ADV – Display
of 2 x 6m and 1 x 8m high flagpoles,
Hangar 3,
c)
No. 07/02723/FUL – Erection
of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of mid-terraced house,
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20. To Consider Planning Applications:
d) No. 07/02730/FUL – Erection of one
detached dwelling with integral garage on approx. 0.05 ha
of land - Land Adjacent to
Council was opposed to the development because of concerns re. infilling, additional demands on existing resources, problems of drainage, and loss of green area.
e) No. 07/01656/FUL –
Erection of 7 no. detached dwellings with garages on approx. 0.37 ha of
land following demolition of
existing dwelling - 1 Cedar Close, Auckley
Council was opposed to this application because it is infill development, will lead to increased demands on public services, additional dwellings will exacerbate problems with the old inefficient sewage system. There will also be loss of green space, and there is no playground
21. To Consider DMBC’s Planning Decisions:
Planning permission was granted for the following planning applications:
a) No. 07/02214/FUL – Raising of roof level and instillation of 3 dormer windows to front in
connection with rooms in roof space to dwelling following demolition of existing extension,
b) No. 07/01983/FULM – Erection of B1 office units (numbers 15-21),
Phase 2 Workpods,
c) No. 07/02039/FULFT – Alterations and raising of roof in connection with formation of first
floor rooms to
detached dwelling -
d) No. 07/01876/OUT – Outline application for erection of one detached house on approx. 0.01 ha
of land - Adjacent
No. 3 Lilac Grove, Auckley
e) No. 07/01874/FUL – Erection of conservatory to rear of house – 17 Sandhill Rise, Auckley
22. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001793 -
Cheque no. 001794 - Beacon Signs (Supply and erect sign on gate) £52.88
Cheque no. 001796 - Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of hall x2 meetings) £40.00
Cheque no. 001797 - ‘Need a Hand’ ( Renovation & painting inside pavilion) £777.50
Cheque no. 001798 - ‘Need a Hand’ (Renovation & painting outside of pavilion) £777.50
Cheque no. 001799 - ‘Need a Hand’ (Additional work to pavilion) £120.00
Cheque no. 001800 - N. Power (Pavilion electricity charges) £40.25
Cheque no. 001801 - Cockin Electrical Ltd. (Full periodic test of pavilion) £211.50
Cheque no. 001802 - E.A. Combs Ltd. (Supply wall clock for Parish Centre) £170.32
Cheque no. 001803 - Veolia ES UK (Grass cutting 15 June) £64.84
Cheque no. 001805 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for 35 hours) £97.49
Cheque no. 001806 - Mrs. M. Caygill (Salary & telephone for 1 month) £442.36
Cheque no. 001807 - H.M. Customs & Revenue (Nat. Ins. and employees’ tax) £302.06
Cheque no. 001808 - Auckley School Fund (Donation towards maths games) £500.00
Cheque no. 001809 - N Power (Cost of electricity to power Christmas lights) £102.59
Cheque no. 001810 - Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal (Wreath & donation) £50.00
23. To Receive Correspondence
a) Annual audit of the Register of Electors – DMBC invites interested persons to apply for work.
b) National concessionary Travel Passes – Information on proposed changes to travel passes.
24. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting – It was agreed to hold the next meeting on
Wednesday, 10th October 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre
At the close of business time was set aside for public participation and the following issues were
raised by members of the public:
a) Ponding of Highway – A resident reported that water has recently started to pond in front of
First.
b)
Bus Times – A resident complained that the last bus now leaves
whereas when Leon Buses worked the route it was 11.00 p.m. The Clerk is to write to SYPTE.
Chairperson……………………………..