MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2008 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
· Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. P. Cockett,
· Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender.
1 Public Participation – None.
2. To Receive Apologies - Received and accepted from Mr. I. Butterfield and Mrs. L. Hunter.
3. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest
Mr. Payne declared a personal interest in Item No. 10 (Sale of charity land). Mr. Featherstone
declared a personal interest in Item No. 19 e) (Planning application at 18 Ravenswood Drive).
4. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 9th January 2008
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
5. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
a) Smartwater – Council has published information in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter advising residents that
Smartwater may be ordered from Council for the sum of £11.75 per bottle. Closing date to
place an order is 7th March.
b) Drainage Problems – Severn Trent advises there are no plans to upgrade the pumping station at
the present time as it is not considered necessary. This site does have an overflow, but they
have not received any reports of discharge, although the site was at a high level in January during
storm conditions. There is a pump out of action at the site which they hope to repair by the
8th February, however, if the problem is found to be mechanical or electrical this may take longer
than anticipated.
Community First Officer reports that an order has been placed for the gullies at School Lane to be
cleansed between Mosham Road and Spey Drive. An assessment will be made of the areas that
have been affected by the recent flooding and, if required, orders will be placed with contractors.
RESOLVED - It was agreed to write to Severn Trent and remind them that the pumping station
is approximately 40 years old. As development since then has increased three-fold, would it be
possible to review whether the system is working efficiently in this low-lying area.
c) Hayfield Amenity Centre – DMBC’s Enforcement Officer has advised the Clerk that the issue of a breach of the planning permission has been put into the hands of the Legal Dept., and this is unfortunately taking some time.
RESOLVED – Enforcement to be asked re. progress and informed that an unauthorised board advertising the Centre has been placed at the junction of the A638 and Hayfield Lane.
d) Bid For Funding To Provide Play Equipment – The Neighbourhood Manager writes that, following her discussion with Mrs. Worthington regarding the allocation of 106 monies towards play equipment at Riverside Park, she has discussed the proposals with Ward Members. It was considered there were insufficient funds for a new play area, and as there is already sufficient play equipment for younger children locally the money should be targeted at older children. It was also found that the ground on the proposed site was boggy. If Council agrees with the use of these funds an officer decision will be drawn up and detailed costings sought for the project. At this stage it is considered there are sufficient funds, but this needs to be confirmed by playground suppliers.
RESOLVED - Members were concerned at this response, and it was agreed to write to Ward Members and inform them that Council had hoped to provide a play area for children of all ages from toddlers to teenagers, with the 106 funds being used to kick-start this project. Members questioned why only older children were being earmarked for the funds.
e) Claimed Public Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – The Clerk to write to the Footpaths Officer to
enquire whether any progress has been made in this matter.
f) Hanson Quarry – A reminder to be sent to the Community First Officer regarding Council’s
request for a meeting with the quarry management
g) Derelict Building, Sycamore Drive – Pending.
h) Request to Remove Bus Stop Base – Pending.
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i) Swedish-Style Houses - Pending.
j) Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7 – Pending.
6. Community Police Report
There was no Police Officer present at the meeting.
Members reported there have been problems associated with young people congregating on the
Spey Drive play area - drinking alcohol and causing annoyance to nearby residents. The land in the
corner near the Nene Grove passageway, and to the rear of an Ellers Lane property is being used as a
toilet, and there is a suggestion that illegal substances are being used.
Another cause for concern is motorists parking on double yellow lines outside the Ellers Lane shops.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to inform P.C. Pyle of these activities.
The Clerk to contact Community First to ask whether DMBC could fence off the area being used as a
toilet, and also install a street lamp to illuminate the passageway which is currently very dark.
Council has received complaints that some dog owners are allowing their pets to roam on the playing
field, and wonders whether ‘Dogs On Leads’ signs could be provided in the park.
7. District Councillor’s Report
Mrs. P. Schofield reported the following issues:
a) Mosham Quarry - DMBC has insisted that a wheel wash is installed by the following week,
otherwise action will be taken. The road is to be swept daily – if not then the Authority will carry
out the cleaning and charge the owner accordingly.
b) Willow Farm – The owner has informed Mrs. Schofield that he is restoring the land at great cost
to its pre-subsidence level, and intends to build a flood bank to the rear of Glen Road.
c) Gulley Cleaning – The Gulley Cleansing Service is now back under the jurisdiction of DMBC.
The matter of Ward Allocation Monies was raised with Mrs. Schofield – evidently some parishes have received funds, and Blaxton has been consulted, but Auckley Council has not been contacted to see whether it has any requests. Mrs. Schofield is to make enquiries.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to also write to Mrs. Woodcock and Mr. Jones regarding this matter..
8. To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit
The two designated members, Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Cockett have checked and approved the
internal audit up 31st December 2007.
RESOLVED – The audit was accepted and approved by Council.
9. To Consider Tenders to Carry Out Grounds Maintenance of Riverside Park
Three tenders were invited to carry out grounds maintenance of the recreation ground to include
grass cutting x 14 occasions, strimming round trees, boundaries, bollards, pavilion, etc., removal,
storage, painting and re-instatement of goal posts, renovation of goal mouths, and chemical spray.
Mr. Hargreaves of ‘Need A Hand’ replies that regretfully he is unable to tender for the contract as he
does not have the capacity or storage facilities
DMBC quotes the sum of £2,308.58 + VAT
Veolia ES (UK) quotes the sum of £1,857.52 + VAT
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the lower tender
received from Veolia ES, this was seconded by Mr. Payne, and the motion was carried.
All the above were invited to submit a separate quotation to carry out maintenance of the memorial
garden adjacent to the recreation car park.
Only one quotation had been received from ‘Need A Hand’ in the sum of £125.00 per visit.
RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that the quotation be accepted, Mr. Payne seconded the
proposal, and the motion was carried. The work to be carried out twice yearly.
10. To Consider Making a Donation to Auckley Garden & Allotment Association
Council was informed that last year members of the Garden and Allotment Association planted and
maintained the tubs on The Green and pinfold, and recently planted daffodil bulbs. In addition they
also trimmed and tidied the memorial garden. Council had agreed in principle to give a donation to
the Association for carrying out this work.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed giving a donation of £200.
Mr. Payne proposed an amendment to the proposal to give the increased sum of £250, and this was
seconded by Mrs. Allwood . Voting took place on the amendment and the amendment was carried.
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11. To Discuss Sale of Charity Land
Pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions and 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’s solicitor has given an update on the situation, and this was considered by Council.
12. Encroachment of Land
Council’s solicitor has contacted the resident’s solicitor, who advises that, following an application
to the Land Registry, the resident and his neighbour have received a requisition on the application
which is to be returned on 13th February.
RESOLVED - The Clerk to contact the solicitor to express Council’s concern and ask for
clarification regarding this matter – particularly in view of his letter of June 2007 in which he reported
that the Land Registry had confirmed the land in question falls within the Council’s Registry Title
and not that of the resident. The point was also made that the land sold to the original owner did not
include the strip of land which is now owned by the Council and registered by them.
13. To Discuss Derelict Land at Main Street
YLCA has discussed Council’s letter with NALC’s legal team and is now of the opinion that Council
should not enter the land without the owner’s permission as this could be considered as trespass.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to DMBC’s Planning Dept. to report residents’ complaints that
the site is an eyesore in the centre of the village, is infested with vermin and has a dangerous chimney.
Council to enquire whether the Authority could use its powers under the Town and Country Planning
Act to have the land cleaned up.
14. Review of Council’s Risk Assessment
Members studied the Risk Assessment and agreed that no changes were required.
15. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) Proposed No Stopping Outside Schools – DMBC proposes to make an Order under the provisions
of the Road Traffic Regulations Act to prevent stopping on the school ‘Keep Clear’ signs between
8.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The Order will include
Auckley School and Hayfield Lane Primary School.
RESOLVED – Members welcomed the news. DMBC to be asked to renew the yellow zig zag
lines on the road in front of Auckley School.
b) Signs for Airport – It was reported that on the approach to the Hurst Lane/Hayfield Lane crossroads
from the direction of the railway bridge, the directional signs for the airport are confusing i.e. one
sign before the traffic lights directs motorists straight on to the new link road, whereas a sign on
the corner railings points left.
RESOLVED – Community First to be asked to bring this to attention of Highways Dept.
16. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) Provision of Seat for Parish Centre – Following discussion it was agreed to order a seat with the
addition of extendable legs welded onto it which will be set in postcrete at the front of the Parish
Centre. Total cost will be £825 + VAT.
b) Tree Lights - Following damage to the Christmas tree lights at Hurst Lane it was discovered that the lamps were not insured – only the meter cubicles and the tree were covered. The Clerk subsequently contacted Zurich Insurance and asked for the lights at The Green to be covered, and this was done without any extra charge. The issue of whether or not to provide another tree with lights at this location is to be discussed at the March meeting.
c) Pavilion Geyser – The Handyman has reported that the geyser is not filling up with water.
Mr. Cockett offered to inspect
d) Signs for Riverside Park - Members to check where posts are situated for ‘ Dogs on Leads’ signs.
17. Adoption of Joint Charter
Members have inspected a copy of the Charter, and although they feel in principle the Charter is a
good idea, they seek clarification on a number of points, i.e.
Item 15 – Copies of Agendas and Papers – what are the papers in question?
Item 24 – Delegating Responsibility for Service Provision – Which services is DMBC considering?
Item 26 - Level of funding - ~Why will the level of funding be a DMBC decision rather than a joint
agreement with Parish/Town Councils?
Council is to also request that the deadline for replies to be delayed beyond 9th March 2008.
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18. Report of Parish Councils Joint Consultative Meeting
There were no items of note to report.
19. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No. 07/03029/FULM – Erection of 66 apartments in 3 blocks with associated parking on approx.
0.7 ha of land - Land off Hayfield Lane, Rear of 1-24 Willow Crescent, Auckley
Council is opposed to this development for the following reasons:
i) Some of the information is misleading, i.e. the current use of the land is listed as vacant and last used for former RAF houses when it has always been used as an open space for
recreational purposes. Council would query the classification of the land as brownfield.
ii) The height of the buildings is not stated and there is no indication whether the apartments will be 2 or 3 storeys high.
iii) The proposed buildings will have a detrimental impact on occupiers of nearby dwellings and will be completely out of character with the surrounding area.
iv) The access onto Hayfield Lane is directly opposite 2 schools, and the large numbers of vehicles generated from this development will be unacceptable in terms of traffic safety.
v) The increase in the number of residents will have an adverse effect on local services, and problems with the old inefficient sewage system will be further exacerbated.
b) No. 08/00063/FULFT – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to side and pitched roof porch extension to front, conversion of garage to playroom and erection of pitched roof detached double garage to rear of detached house following demolition of existing porch
38 Main Street
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
c) No. 08/00025/COU – Retention of change of use from agricultural to landscaped garden (being re-submission of application under ref: 06/00169/COU) – Walkers Nurseries, Mosham Road, Blaxton
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
d) No. 08/00199/FUL – Erection of first floor pitched roof extension above existing to rear of detached house - 29 Ellers Lane, Auckley
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
e) No. 08/00295/FUL – Erection of ground floor conservatory to front and single storey pitched roof extension to side/rear of detached dwelling - 18 Ravenswood Drive, Auckley
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
f) No. 08/00136/WCC – Retention of use of hangars 4 and 5 for B8 storage and distribution, without compliance with condition 1 (temporary permission granted until 31.8.2008) of planning application 02/46/1832/WCC granted on 28.08.2002 - Hangar 4 and 5, Finningley Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley - Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
20. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee
No. 07/03680/FUL – Erection of 4 detached dwellings, 1 detached double garage, 1.8m high
boundary walls, alterations to door/window to 16 Main Street, and formation of vehicular access
to 18A Main Street all on 0.45 ha of land – Land to rear of 14, 16 and 18A Main Street, Auckley
Planning permission refused – in the opinion of the LPA it is considered the development
will have a detrimental impact on occupiers of nearby dwellings i.e. over looking and loss of
privacy, inadequate separation distance from existing to proposed dwellings. The access will
create unacceptable living conditions for frontage properties, the turning facility is inadequate
for emergency vehicles and the visibility for drivers of Plot 1 and 16 Main Street will be
restricted due to the height of proposed boundary walls and unacceptable in terms of safety.
Planning permission granted to the following applications:
a) No. 07/03773/FUL - Erection of extensions to service bay 2 and service bay 3 and raise roof heights of existing service bays 2 and 3 - Cross Road Garage, 122 Main Street, Auckley
b) No. 07/03987/COU – Permanent use of building as children’s day care nursery (current temporary permission granted 13.09.05) Flying Start Day Nursery, Second Avenue, Auckley
c) NO. 07/03986/FULFT – Erection of 2 storey pitched roof extension to rear of terraced house,
9 Apple Grove, Auckley
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20. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee (continued)
d) No. 07/03749/FUL – Erection of 2-3m high brick piers with railings to match existing,
Land at Hayfield Court, Auckley
d) No. 07/02730/FUL – Erection of one detached dwelling with integral garage on approx. 0.05 ha of land - Land adjacent to 1 Beech Avenue, Hayfield Green, Auckley.
Appeal Dismissed
Planning App. No. 07/01347/OUT – Outline application for detached dwelling on approx. 0.10 ha of
land - Land adjacent to No. 9 Eastfield Lane, Auckley
Appeal dismissed because the proposed dwelling would represent an encroachment into the current
green space which would further erode the countryside around the settlement and detract from
openness. The proposal would be contrary to the Doncaster UDP.
21. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001843 – J W Bichan (Clearing out dyke) £211.50
Cheque no. 001844 – Need A Hand (Substantial trimming of 3 trees, Sandhill) £525.00
Cheque no. 001845 – Need A Hand (Renovation at Riverside Park 1st inst.) £712.50
Cheque no. 001846 – Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates) £7.55
Cheque no. 001847 - Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates) £19.56
Cheque no. 001848 - Biblelands Trading (Supply 50 carol sheets) £9.95
Cheque no. 001849 - Armthorpe Elmfield Band (Accompanying carols) £150.00
Cheque no. 001850 - Arrow Publications (Items printed in newsletter) £55.00
Cheque no. 001851 - Neat Ideas (Supply stationery) £118.49
Cheque no. 001852 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages + sweeping brush) £192.99
Cheque no. 001853 - Auckley Garden & Allotment Association (Donation) £250.00
Cheque no. 001854 - CPRE (Annual membership) £28.00
Cheque no. 001855 - Need a Hand (Renovation of Riverside Park 2nd inst.) £712.50
22. To Receive Correspondence
a) Consultation in Respect of Orders and Regulations Relating to Conduct of Local Authority
Members in England and Wales
b) Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Joint Strategic Waste Development Plan Consultation
c) Doncaster Geodiversity Action Plan
d) Biodiversity Mitigation & Compensation Supplementary Planning Document.
23. Report of Meeting Held to Discuss River Torne Project
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions and 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.
Representatives from Auckley and Cantley with Branton Councils met with Mr. Holloway to discuss
the project.
24. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting - Agreed to hold the next meeting on 12 March 2008.
in the Parish Centre - the Annual Parish Meeting will commence at 7.00 p.m., followed by the Parish
Council Meeting at approximately 7.30 p.m.