THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE HAYFIELD LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett,
  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston.
  • Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman) was present from Item No. 18.  
  • Two members of the public

1.  To Receive Apologies – None received.

2.  Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest – Mrs. L. Hunter declared a personal interest in:

     No. 21 a) -  Planning application - Change of use of vacant land to domestic curtilage,  Land adjacent

                        to 17 Walnut Avenue, Auckley.

     No. 21 j) – Planning Appeal - Erection of 22 apartments, Land bordering Hurst Lane and the railway

                       line, Poplar Way, Auckley

3.  To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 10th January 2007

     The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a)     Christmas Trees – Pleveys will inspect the Christmas tree socket and give a quotation. It will probably need to be concreted into the ground.  It was reported that one of the Siberian Spruce on The Green is bent over.  DMBC to be asked to stake it up.                     

b)     Provision of Speed Bumps – DMBC advises that the provision of traffic calming measures on adopted roads is the responsibility of the Highway Authority, and such schemes are targeted at those areas which have the worst problems.  The collision record in Auckley does not currently give cause for concern, and therefore priority cannot be given to works in this area.  The provision of a single road hump would in any case not be permitted as the regulations require the provision of a system of traffic calming measures throughout the length of any treated road in order to achieve consistent speed reduction.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask whether Community First Officer could meet Council on site and make suggestions to combat speeding drivers.

c)     Provision of Signs Bearing Coat of Arms – Mr. Cockett is to contact the Heraldic Office for more

      information.  

d)     Flooding, Main Street – Community First has been advised by Highways that the stretch of Main Street from Lidgett Gardens to Ellers Lane is to be investigated to see why flooding occurs.  No response from Highways Officer regarding provision of a map of the surface water drainage.

RESOLVED  It was agreed to ask Mrs. Schofield to speak to the Highways Officer concerned.    

e)     Sewage Problems – A reminder to be sent to Environmental Services.   

f)      Land at Main Street  -  A discussion took place on the future management of the land, whether to leave the fencing in situ and continue keeping the grass tidy…

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask YLCA for advice on whether to continue maintaining the land.

g)     Re-siting of Bus Shelters Outside School  - Council expressed concerns that the two bus shelters outside the Hayfield School were being re-sited, with the shelter on the school side being moved nearer to the railway bridge. In Council’s opinion this will create a traffic hazard when motorists overtake the bus at the new stop and oncoming traffic is not visible over the hill. 

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and object to the proposed scheme, and express concerns that Council was not consulted prior to the works being carried out.   

h)     Venues for Meetings – The new Parish Centre has been booked for the March meeting, and the Hayfield Lane Primary School is booked for alternate months up to April 2008. 

RESOLVED – It was agreed to book the meeting room of the Parish Centre on months alternate to the school bookings.

i)      Road Markings on A638 – It was reported that the lines have been covered.

j)      Unlit Street Lamps – There are still some lights out on Hurst Lane.

k)     Public Footpath, River Way – Pending.

l)      Ponding, Eastfield Lane – Pending.

m)   River Torne Footbridge – Pending.

 

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5.  Community Police Report

     P.C. Sowerby was unable to attend the meeting but hoped to be present at the March meeting.

     Crime figures for Auckley from 1 September 2006 to 8 February 2007 were as follows:

     Theft                               13

     Damage                          15

     Assaults                          12

     All other recordable

     offences                          14

     Total number of offences recorded was 88.  Of these 20 offences were actually detected.

     Percentage detected        22.7%

6.  District Councillor’s Report

     Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend, but sent the following report:

a)     The Town Centre Manager has promised more seats will be provided in the town centre.

b)     As a result of Government reducing the grant to Local Authorities there will be fewer Community Support Police Safety Officers.

c)     According to the Police there has been an 11% reduction in violent crime.

d)     Mrs. Schofield is progressing well with obtaining details for the proposed shared community warden and will keep everyone informed.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask Mrs. Woodcock and Mr. Jones if they would be kind enough to inform Council of any issues affecting the Parish, and invite them to attend meetings.

7.  To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit

     The Internal Audit has been checked and approved by the two designated members. 

     RESOLVED – Council accepted the Audit.

8.  To Consider Tenders For Riverside Park Grounds Maintenance

     Three firms have been invited to tender for grounds maintenance to include 14 grass cuts, form

     mowing strip, strimming, removal, storage, painting and re-instatement of goal posts, renovation of

     goal mouths and marking out of pitch.  Quotations as follows:

     G. & P. Plevey                                                       £6,809.40 + VAT       

     DMBC                                                                    £2,846.00 + VAT

     Serviceteam                                                           £1,461.53 + VAT

     RESOLVED – Following discussion a proposal was made by Mr. Featherstone to accept the lowest

     quotation from Serviceteam, with the proviso that the grass is cut to a satisfactory standard.  The

     proposal was seconded by Mrs. Cockett, and the motion was carried.

9.  To Discuss Registration of Charity Land

     The solicitor enquires whether Council has any Orders or Schemes issued by the Charity Commission

      relating to the land, and was any formal appointment made on the change of trustees in 2002 and 2005

      or was this simply undertaken by resolution of the Council.

      The Clerk has advised him that Council does not hold any other information other than what has

      already been supplied.  Regarding the change in trusteeship – this was undertaken by resolution of

      Council.  Copies of the relevant minutes and correspondence have been forwarded to the solicitor.

10. To Discuss Possible Sale of Charity Land

      Pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies 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

      This matter is ongoing.

11. To Discuss Council’s Web Site

      The Web Master is unable to continue running the site after February, due to an increasingly busy

      schedule.  He will burn the site to CD and send it along with any information to his successor.

      RESOLVED – The Clerk to ask for all details including password to be sent.  Council will then

      decide whether to run it themselves or employ another Web Master.

 

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12. To Discuss Encroachment of Recreation Ground

      The detailed letter received from the resident in question has been forwarded to Council’s solicitor

      who has since written to the Land Registry to clarify the situation re. the boundary.  The solicitor

      comments that the resident appears to be suggesting that Council may not have been entitled to

      become registered as the owner of the open land to the rear of Sandhill Rise, but it is quite clear that

      the land was formally transferred to the Parish Council by Auckley Homes Ltd. on July 1979, the

      transfer was then registered at the Land Registry in the normal way.

      RESOLVED  - It was agreed to write and inform the resident that his letter is being considered by

      Council’s solicitor, and also make him aware of the latter’s comments regarding the Council’s

      entitlement to the land.

13. To Discuss Highway Matters – The following issues were raised:

      a)   Fencing at Hurst Lane – Fencing has been erected round land situated between the railway bridge

            and Poplar Way, and there is uncertainty whether the fence has encroached on the Local

            Authority’s boundary.   Community First to be asked to investigate.

b)     Potholes on Bridge – The Clerk to report to Community First.

c)     Cement Slurry Spillage – There have been spillages at the junctions of Hurst/Hayfield Lane and

Mosham Road/Gatehouse Lane.  Slurry has since been cleaned away. Clerk to write to quarry.

14. To Receive Update from Play Equipment Funding Manager

      Council understands that the Funding Manager has visited schools in the Auckley area – awaiting her

      Report.  It was suggested that the Parish Plan could be useful in relation to the project.

15. To Make Comments on Consultation Re: Proposed Airport Airspace Change  

      Members discussed the proposal to increase the airspace – if permitted the airport will be provided

      with its own radar, rather than having to rely on Manchester as is currently the case.  This will

      ultimately lead to larger aircraft using the airport.

      RESOLVED – Following discussion, it was agreed to support the Robin Hood Airport airspace

      change proposal.

16. Report of Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting    

      The committee had no objections to make to the proposed changes to airspace.  The committee was

      informed there are proposals to test aircraft engines at the airport.

17. Application to List Swedish-Type Houses

      English Heritage enquires whether Council wishes to proceed with the application to list these

      properties.  Mr Cockett is to take photographs and speak with the residents.

      RESOLVED – Agreed to write and ask St. Leger Homes when they propose to begin work on the

      houses.

18. To Discuss Possible Change in Procedures to Transfer Monies Between Accounts

      RESOLVED Members were in agreement that the Clerk be authorised to transfer funds between

      accounts by telephone, rather than having to produce a letter signed by two signatories. A mandate

      form to this effect was signed by all 6 signatories.

19. Report of Meeting Held 25th January to Discuss Joint-Funded Community Warden

      The representatives who attended were unsure what services are provided for the money, and

      whether it will be a viable proposition.  Hatfield Town Council has suggested a meeting with

      Councillors and Clerks of the Councils involved in order to discuss this issue.

20. Report of Meeting to Discuss the Hayfield Lane Recreation Project

      It was reported that as no specifications have been provided for the buildings, the committee is not

      sure what is on offer.  Members will shortly be visiting the site and will then have a better idea.

21. To Consider Planning Applications:

      a)  No. 07/02443/COU Change of use of vacant land to domestic curtilage,

           Land Adjacent to 17 Walnut Avenue, Auckley

           Council objects to this application for the following reasons:

i)                  The applicant refers to the land in question as ‘common land’.  If it is in fact common land

             then it cannot be used as domestic curtilage

ii)         Enclosure of the land will result in the loss of a green space.       

   

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21.  To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

       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),  Robin Hood Airport, First Avenue, Auckley

            Council is opposed to this development for the following reasons:

            i)         The noise from the units will annoy nearby residents

            ii)        Possible pollution from industrial units

iii)       Additional traffic will be generated.

c)     No. 07/00243/FUL – Erection of part two storey/part single storey pitched roof extension to side

and flat roof porch extension to front of detached house,  2A Briar Close, Auckley

Council had no objections to make on this application.

d)     No. 07/00276/OUTM – Outline application for residential development on approx. 0.34 ha of

Land  -  Land off Hayfield Lane, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

Council is opposed to this development for the following reasons:

i)                Council has concerns regarding the effect these additional dwellings will have on public services, i.e. doctors’ surgeries, schools, etc.

ii)              The development will exacerbate problems associated with the antiquated sewerage system

iii)            More traffic will be generated.

e)     No. 07/00286//REM – Details of access road to rail station (Being matters reserved in outline

previously granted permission under ref. 99/46/4333/P on 03.04.03)

            Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

            No objections raised.

f)      No. 07/00284/REM – Details of Business Park internal access roads (Area 3) (Being matters

      reserved in outline previously granted permission under ref. 99/46/4333/P on 03.04.03)

      Business Park (Area 3), Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

            No objections raised.

g)     No. 07/00287/REM – Details of improvements to existing Business Park internal access roads

(Areas 1 and 2) (Being matters reserved in outline previously granted permission under

Ref. 99/46/4333/P on 03.04.03),   Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckleyayfield  

No objections raised.

h)     No. 07/00288/REM – Details of access road Hayfield Business Park (Area 4 and 5) (Being

      matters reserved in outline previously granted permission under ref. 99/46/4333/P on 03.04.03)

      Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

No objections raised.

i)      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

No objections raised.

j)      Appeal No. 07/00011/REF, Application No. 05/02501/FULM – Erection of residential

development consisting of 22 apartments in 3 and 4 storey blocks on approx. 0.27 ha of land,

Land Bordering Hurst Lane and the Railway Line, Poplar Way, Auckley

Council had already made objections regarding the planning application, and did not wish to add

any additional comments.

22.  DMBC Planning Decisions

       a)  No. 06/02976/FUL – Erection of agricultural building (32m x 24.3m),

            Oaks Farm, Hurst Lane, Auckley

            Planning permission granted.

b)     No. 06/03023/WCC – Continued use of Amenity Blcok and Café with variation to Condition 14

Of previous permission granted under ref. 99/05/1264/FUL on 17.09.1999 (Opening Hours),

The Hayfield, Hayfield Lane, Auckley

Planning permission refused.  In the opinion of the local Planning Authority it is considered that the granting of approval to extend the permitted opening hours would exacerbate the current breach of planning permission that restricts the building to be used as ancillary to the main use of the site as commercial fishing lakes.  As such it is considered that the proposal is contrary to policies ENV4 and ENV7 of the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan. 

 

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23.  To Sign Cheques:

       Cheque no. 001722 – DMBC (Level play area, erect barrier gates                       £3,456.86

       Cheque no. 001723 -  Mrs. M. Caygill (Clerk’s salary and expenses)                  £1,781.56

       Cheque no. 001724 -  Doncaster & South Humber NHS (Connect tree lights)         £299.63

       Cheque no. 001725 -  Armthorpe Elmfield Band (Playing for carols round tree)     £150.00

       Cheque no. 001726 -  ‘Need A Hand’ (Replace damaged pavilion roof tiles)         £145.00

       Cheque no. 001727 -  DMBC (Hire of Auckley School x 3 meetings)                     £135.00

       Cheque no. 001728 -  John H. Pickup & Co. (Dealing with tenant re. charity rent)    £58.75

       Cheque no. 001729 -  Arrow Publications (Printing items in newsletter)                  £55.00

       Cheque no. 001730 -  DMBC (Hire of Hayfield Lane School for December meeting)                                                                                                                                           £49.50

       Cheque no. 001731 -  Mr. A. Siddons (Updating web site)                                        £35.41

       Cheque no. 001732 -  Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water charges)                              £33.55

       Cheque no. 001733 -  Yorkshire Water (Allotment water charges)                              £8.05

       Cheque no. 001734 -  C.P.R.E. (Annual membership)                                                £27.00

       Cheque no. 001735 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for 35 hours)                   £203.05

       Cheque no. 001736 -  Mrs. L. Hunter (Conference car allowance 144 miles x 40 pence)                                                                                                                                           £57.60

24.  To Receive Correspondence:

       a)  Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7 – There is a proposal to divert the footpath in a wide

            sweep in an easterly direction towards Austerfield Parish.  There the path will cross the link road

            and then continue in a westerly direction to join the existing path from Hurst Lane.

            Members of Council were vehemently opposed to this proposal and unable to see why there is any

            need for a diversion because, in their opinion,  it would be possible for the path to cross over the

            link road near the roundabout, thus keeping to the original route of the footpath.  They question

            whether the diversion is planned to accommodate some future housing development.

      b)   Request for Dog Bin and Pedestrian Crossing  - The Clerk of Blaxton Parish Council has

            contacted Community First to ask whether DMBC could provide a dog waste bin somewhere

            along Mosham Road, and also spray some ‘Pick Up Or Pay Up’ notices on the pavement.  In

            addition, the resident who spoke with him has complained about the difficulties faced by people

            on foot when trying to cross near the traffic lights at Mosham/Gatehouse junction.

            RESOLVED – It was agreed to inform the Clerk that it would be appreciated if any issues

            relating to Auckley Parish could be brought to the attention of the Parish Council – rather than

            contacting Community First.

c)     ‘The Future of Post Offices’ – Caroline Flint has sent a detailed letter regarding this item.

d)     Standard Board’s Minutes

e)     YLCA’s Training Series – ‘In The Chair’ consists of 5 seminars, one each week spread over 5 weeks.  No one was able to attend.

25.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 14th March 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at

       the new Auckley Parish Centre.  The Annual Parish Meeting will commence at 7.00 p.m., this will be

       followed by the Parish Council Meeting at approximately 7.30 p.m.

 

       At the close of business time was set aside for public participation.  There were no issues raised by

       members of the public.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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