MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE HAYFIELD LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL

 

  • Present: - Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman), Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett,
  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston.
  • District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
  • Police Sergeant R. Higham and PCSO R. Saywell  
  • Two members of the public

1.  To Receive Apologies – Received from Mrs. J. Worthington

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

3.  To Approve Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting Held on 14th March 2007

     The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising from the Above Minutes:

     Markers on Charity Land – The tenant has advised the Chairman and Clerk that he gave permission for

     a firm to leave some equipment on the land for a temporary period.  This has now been removed.

5.  To Approve Minutes of the Parish Council  Meeting Held on 14th March 2007

     The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

6.  Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

     a)  Re-Siting of Bus Shelters, Hurst Lane – DMBC advises that appropriate warning signs are already

          in place to warn of the hump-back bridge, and local residents will be familiar with particular

          difficulties associated with forward visibility in the vicinity.  As the bus stop on the west side has

          been  re-located only a short distance towards the bridge, it is not considered that this will cause

          additional problems.  The changes have been implemented following specific safety concerns

          raised by the school, and in order to resolve these issues local ward members were consulted and

          the proposals were fully supported by the Police.  Due to the nature of the changes, and the need to

          address the concerns of the school regarding safety of students, it was not considered necessary to

          consult more widely regarding these proposals.  A response re. railings obscuring vision is awaited.

b)     Public Footpath No. 2, River Way – Footpaths Officer advises that the definitive width of this path

      is 3 feet and unfortunately the Authority does not have any powers to insist that the path is made

      wider.  In 2002 the adjacent householder erected a new fence along the east side of the footpath,

      with the post erected in the same position as the old one, and the fence along the same line.  The

      householder on the west side has a responsibility to keep the conifer hedge trimmed, and the

     Authority can take action if he fails to do so.  The hedge has been trimmed annually.  The path will

     be monitored during the growing season to ensure the hedge is not allowed to obstruct the footpath.

     RESOLVED – The Clerk to reply that the path is nearer 2 feet in width at the River Way entrance.

c)     River Torne Footbridge Project – Mr. Houghton advises it would appear that the Environment

Agency and the local farmer have agreed an understanding regarding the stock watering points.

The way forward appears to be for DMBC to own the strip of land, so he is awaiting a meeting with the Neighbourhood Manager to progress, as the management of the site will fall to that team, so they need to agree it.  Details can then be drawn up with Environment Agency for land transfer and with the farmer for site management issues, and application be made for planning consent for bridge.  There remains the issue of a shortfall in funding, but he is hopeful this can be resolved.

d)     Parish Web Site – Council was advised that in order to run the site the purchase of software costing approx. £290 will be required.   A web master who currently runs the Branton site has offered to manage Council’s site initially for free, and then decide a fee when he has found out what is required.

      RESOLVED  -It was agreed to accept this offer.  The Clerk to supply all details of the web site.

e)     Registration of Charity Land – Registration of all 3 plots of land is now complete, and Council’s

      solicitor is storing the documents.  The fee of £682 + VAT was approved.

f)   Fencing at Hurst Lane/Railway Line – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

g)     Flooding, Main Street – Pending.

h)     Sewage Problems – Pending.

i)      New Schedule for Wheelie Bins  - Pending.

j)      Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Pending.

k)   Application to go on Pharmaceutical List  - Pending.

Page 2

 

 

7.   Report of Meeting With Police – 5th April

      Following complaints from residents a meeting had been held with Inspector Payling, Community First Officer, Andrea Law, Community Wardens, Residents, Parish Councillors and Independent Youth Workers.  Residents voiced their concerns regarding anti-social activities that are occurring in the village and particularly on the car park at Riverside Park.  In response Inspector Payling promised to increase patrols in the village, and visit the local shops to check that alcohol is not being sold to under age teenagers.  He approved Council’s proposal to erect a gate across the entrance to the car park in an effort to reduce incidents at this location.

8.  Community Police Report

     Sgt. Higham reported that the crime figures for this area are low at the moment – currently the main problem appears to be anti-social behaviour.  He has visited the local supermarket and found the staff  very co-operative.  He has also looked at the possibility of extra lighting at recreation car park.  Last week he dealt with one person re. a drug-associated offence.  Extra patrols have been ordered for the village, and Julie Gibbon is working on a profile for the area.  Members enquired whether it might be possible to implement an alcohol-free zone in Auckley and were advised that alcohol-free zones are in force in parts of Doncaster and at Mexborough, but permission is extremely difficult to obtain.

9.   District Councillor’s Report

      Mrs. Schofield reported that a fracas occurred in Doncaster Town Centre on Good Friday night, as a result of which one man sustained a fractured skull, and a woman had some of her teeth smashed.  The Licensing Committee has already revoked two licences following violent behaviour in Doncaster centre clubs. 

      Mrs. Schofield would support an alcohol-free zone in the village.

      Mrs. Schofield had earlier written to DMBC Highways to request the implementation of a weight restriction at Gatehouse Lane, and the Parish Council had written to support her request.   A lengthy response from DMBC had arrived too late for Members to study, and it was therefore agreed to discuss this matter at the May meeting.

10. To Consider Quotations to Supply and Erect Swing Gate

      Four firms have been invited to submit quotations, but only one quotation has been received from

      T.L.H. Fabrications Ltd. who have quoted a price of £955.00 inc. VAT to supply and erect a 6 metres wide swing barrier gate in heavy galvanised steel with posts across the entrance to the Riverside car park.  To include a locking open post, padlocked security box system and spring-lock wheel fitted to the bottom of the gate.  In addition, a bollard to be erected in gap at the side.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation, subject to residents of the cul-de-sac being consulted on this matter.  Mr. Butterfield seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried. 

11. To Consider Provision of a “No Ball Games” Sign

      Following a resident’s complaint regarding teenagers persistently kicking a ball on the recreation

      car park, it had been agreed to discuss whether a “No Ball Games” sign at this location might deter

      this practice. 

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to wait and see how things develop once the gate is in place.

12. To Consider Quotations For Groundwork Scheme At Front of Parish Centre

      The Trustees have supplied 2 quotes for the work – the lower one being for the sum of £2,689 which

      will involve the Trustees project managing the work themselves and using sub-contractors.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that a donation of £2,500 be given towards this scheme.

      The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Hunter, and the motion was carried.

      The donation was made under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

13. To Consider Application From Youth Workers For Funding

      Two independent youth workers attended the meeting held with the Police on 5th April.  They are in

      the process of developing a voluntary youth provision at the Hayfield Community Centre, and need

      funds to provide a number of facilities including sports equipment, tables, benches, etc. 

      RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed that Council is happy to support schemes to help

      young people, however, under its audit regulations can only give funding to a properly constituted

      organisation with its own bank account, and therefore is unable to give a donation in this instance

 

Page 3

 

14. To Discuss Sale of Charity Land

      Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admission to Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the

      public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to the confidential nature of

      the item to be discussed.

      Council has consulted with YLCA and is awaiting a response before any progress can be made in this

      matter.  

15. To Consider Holding All Meetings in the Community Centre

      Members were very impressed with the facilities provided at the new Parish Centre.  Although

      Council has held alternate meetings at the Hayfield Lane School for some time to encourage local

      residents, the response has been very disappointing.

      RESOLVED – Following discussion Mrs. Cockett proposed that all future Parish Council meetings

      be held at the Parish Centre, subject to availability.  The proposal was seconded by Mr. Featherstone,

      and the motion carried.

16. To Discuss Land at Main Street

      A reply from YLCA has been delayed due to the office being re-located.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to replace the sign which has been uprooted.  Mr. Butterfield to obtain

      a quotation from a Branton firm regarding provision of a sign.

17. To Discuss Council’s Insurance Cover

      The annual insurance premium is due in June 2007.

      RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed to remain with Zurich Municipal.  Additional

      items to be insured are the two existing gates on the car park and the third one proposed across the

      entrance to the car park.  

18. To Discuss Residents’ Suggestions for Outing and Party Funded From Charity Rents

      A number of residents have suggested that another outing to Whitby and Goathland would be

      appreciated.   One suggestion has been received for a visit to a Stately Home.

      No response received with regard to a proposed party.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to organise another outing to Whitby and Goathland on Monday,

      18th June 2007.  Details to be published in the May ‘Arrow’ Mrs. Cockett to contact Wilfreda

      Coaches.

19. To Discuss Application to List Swedish-Style Houses

      External and internal photographs have now been taken.

      RESOLVED – Mrs. Cockett proposed that Council write and apply to English Heritage for the

      houses to be listed.   Mr. Featherstone seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.  Reasons

      given for applying are: They are original buildings from the immediate post-war period and are a

      talking point in the village where most of the dwellings are relatively modern.  The houses are

      environmentally friendly and the wooden cladding  ensures that they remain warm and cosy.  When

      the houses were erected their predicted lifespan was 60 years, and may therefore be at risk of being

      demolished, whereas if they are listed their future is assured.    

      Council has received a letter from St. Leger homes advising that they are hoping to commence the

      Decent Homes Programme between July and August 2007, if their inspection by the Audit

      Commission is successful.

20. To Discuss Information from Funding Advisor Re. Bids for Play Equipment

      Mr. Able has contacted the Clerk.  He can suggest various funding organisations, but is unable to

      assist with completing application forms to bid for funding.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact the firm Hawley and Partners and enquire what their fee

      would be to make applications for funding towards the purchase of play equipment.

21. To Discuss Highway Matters:

      a)  Traffic Signals – Hurst/Hayfield Lane Junctions – Highways Dept. to be informed that the signal

           timing requires altering on traffic lights at the junction of Hayfield Lane/Airport Entrance and the

           junction of Hurst Lane/Hayfield Lane.

 

 

 

 

 

Page 4

 

21.  To Discuss Highway Matters (continued

       Community First Officer to be contacted regarding the following:

       b) Pothole, ayfield  Hayfield Lane – There is a large pothole near the Hayfield Primary School

       c) Dumped Rubbish – Reported dumping of rubbish to rear of Sandhill Rise/Ravenswood Drive

       d) Sand Deposits, Hurst Lane – The Clerk to enquire whether another meeting could be arranged with

           HansonQuarry.

22.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       Pavilion Electrical Check – It was agreed to invite quotations to carry out an electrical check of the

       pavilion.

23.  Report of Airport Sub-Committee Meeting

       a)  The committee supported a proposal to have a controlled air space around the airport. 

       b)  The Community Fund has granted funding to an archery club, but has refused an application from

            a local playgroup.

       c)  It is proposed to provide litter bins along Old Bawtry Road to deal with dumped rubbish.

       d)  Members were informed that noise is down 10-15%

       e)  Many of the trees on the bunding have died, and these are to be replaced.

24.  Report of Airport Noise Meeting

       It was reported that the airport is to invest in an improved radar system.

25.  Report on Neighbourhood Management Meeting

       DMBC will cost out the exercise for Parish Councils to engage their own Community Warden, 

       predicted cost would be approx. £50,000.  Another meeting to be arranged.    

 26. Update Report on Hayfield Recreation Project

       The committee has now heard from Peel and it appears that the community building will have

       electrical and mechanical fittings.  The walls will be bare breeze block which can be either painted or

       plastered later.  A draft Business Plan has been produced.  More information is required on the

       Section 106.  There have been 3 objections to the plans for the recreation complex.

27.  To Consider Planning Applications:

a)      No. 07/00774/COUM – Change of use from vacant former RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters (Sue

 

Generis) to school (Class D1)  -  Former RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters, Sixth Avenue, Auckley

Council had no objections to make on this application

b)     No. 07/01008/ADV – Display of non –illuminated free-standing pole sign (2.43m x 2.43m) 4.9m

high   -    Site of Club Impact, Finningley Estate, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

Council raised objections to this application for the following reasons:

The sign will be situated on a verge close to the highway and will be distracting to motorists. 

A steel advertising structure on a grassed verge will not be in keeping with the surrounding area.

        c)  No. 07/00877/FUL – Erection of 3 detached houses (being substitution of house types to plots

             90,96 and 100 previously granted permission under ref: 04/8349/RESM on 11.05.05)

             Land at Gatehouse Lane, Auckley

             Council had no objections to make on this application.

28.  DMBC Planning Decisions

       Planning permission granted for the following applications:

a)     No. 07/00563 – Erection of first floor pitched roof extension to front of detached house,

32 The Hollows, Auckley

       b)   No. 07/00115/FULM – Erection of 14no. small office units (units 1-14, B1 use) 2no. industrial

             units (B2 use) and 1no. office unit (B1 use),

             Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport, First Avenue, Auckley

c)     No. 07/00335/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to rear of detached dwelling

      following demolition of existing conservatory

      7 Myrtle Grove, Auckley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 5

28.  DMBC Planning Decisions (continued)

Planning Permission refused for the following application:

No. 07/00387/FUL – Erection of detached house on approx. 0.02 ha of land,

Land Adjacent 3 Walnut Avenue, Auckley

It is considered that the proposal, by reason of its siting and form, would be detrimental to the

character of the surrounding area, contrary to Policy PH11 a) The development would be of a density

or form which would be detrimental to the character of the surrounding area or would result in an over-intensive development of the site, of the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan adopted 1998 

29.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 001745 – YLCA (Annual Membership)                                                 £486.00

       Cheque no. 001746 -  Serviceteam Ltd. (Grounds maintenance)                                £64.83

       Cheque no. 001747 -  Bridge Sanderson Munro (Legal expenses)                           £801.00

       Cheque no. 001748 -  Arrow Publications (Items for newsletter)                              £55.00

       Cheque no. 001749 -  Near Ideas Ltd. (Supply cartridges and stationery)                  £92.52

       Cheque no. 001750 -  SLCC (Clerks’ Conference)                                                    £47.00

       Cheque no. 001751 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages + refuse sacks)                £163.43

30.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)   Honorary Freedom of the Borough – Nominations invited no later than 23rd May 2007.

       b)   Network Rail Sign – Copy of an Order made by the Secretary of State to allow Network Rail to

             remove sign at Gatehouse Lane level crossing.

d)     YLCA’s Information on Illegal Advertisements

e)     YLCA’s Information on The Freedom of Information

f)      NALC’s response on Lyons Inquiry – The Inquiry finds that Parish Councils should have

complete freedom to raise an unlimited precept on Council tax bills.

31.  To Confirm the Date and Time of the Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting – Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday, 9th May 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:

a)     A resident reported that certain street lights at Dart Grove were still not functioning properly.

Community First to be reminded of this matter.

b)     Council was asked why two trees had been chopped down at the Spey Drive play area, and

      whether it would be possible for a dog waste bin to be provided on the area.  The Clerk to write to

      Community First re. these matters.

        

 

 

 

 

ighway , awley  awley 

      eritage with an application Her

           

 

                                                                                                  Chairperson ……………………………