THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12^TH JULY 2006 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, Mr. I. Swainston
• District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
• Nine members of the public

1. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. I. Butterfield and Mrs. L. Hunter

2. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Mrs. M. Cockett and Mr. P. Cockett declared a prejudicial interest in Item No. 9 (To decide football

fees), and both left the room whilst this item was being discussed.

3. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 14^th June 2006

The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Request for Houses to be Listed – Awaiting information from English Heritage.

b) Drainage Problems, Riverside Park – DMBC Recreation Officer has inspected the ground over the

period to the end of May, and reports that the water did remain on the surface. He is now seeking

advice on what steps to take next to solve the problem.

c) Erection of Fencing and Bollard – Community First Officer has received further complaints from a

resident, but confirms that there has been no breach of planning regulations. Details have been obtained to offset the bollard to ensure there is access for wheelchair users.

d) Encroachment of Garden Onto Recreation Ground – No information received.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write to Land Registry to ascertain whether an application has been made for adverse possession.

e) River Torne Footbridge Project – Simon Houghton has advised Cantley with Branton Council that the Environment Agency has declined to dedicate a right of way along the river. As far as other options are concerned he has instructed the District Valuer to assess the extent to which the land value would be affected in the event of a footpath being created, and he expects a reply by the end of July. Mr. Houghton is in discussions with the landowner on the other side of the river, as one of the suggestions made was to look at taking the route on the other side. Once he has the District Valuer’s report he will obtain advice on the legal, financial and practical implications of all options and present them to the Planning Committee in order for them to make a decision on how to proceed.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write and inform Mr. Houghton that Council is totally opposed to the proposal to take the route on to the other side of the river. The original route was decided at public consultation, furthermore the two Parish Councils spent considerable funds on plans for this project.

f) Unauthorised Signs – Signs at Hurst Lane have now been removed.

g) Sunken Area at The Green – Community First advises that an order was raised on 26^th April, but staff have been busy grass cutting. Council can be assured that work will be carried out shortly.

h) Land at Main Street – The landowner’s solicitor writes to advise that his client has considered the Parish Council’s letter, and is not prepared to make a gift of the land.

Council was informed that ragwort is currently growing on the land which is harmful to horses.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to check whether adjacent landowners keep horses and, if so, contact Environmental Dept. for advice.

i) Registration of Charity Land – Council’s Land Agent has contacted solicitor dealing with the registration and provided him with a valuation of the land in question.

j) Gate Blocking Pathway – Rights of Way Officer, acknowledges receipt of Council’s application for a Modification Order to claim a right of way along the path.

k) Overhanging Trees, Ellers Lane – Community First has arranged for trees to be inspected.

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4. Matters Arising (continued)

l) Senior Citizens’ Outing – Council was informed that 53 passengers had attended the event. Five

people who were not residents of Auckley were allowed to fill vacant seats on the coach, and were

each charged the sum of £5. Mr. and Mrs. Cockett were thanked for attending and supervising the

outing.

m) Dogs on Leads Sign – Beacon Signs quotes £15 to supply and install.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to accept the quote.

n) Overgrown Hedges at The Paddocks and River Way – Community First is to investigate.

o) Spey Drive Play Area – Community First reports that the developer has seeded the tracks, and the bollard is now in an upright position.

p) Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry – DMBC’s Minerals Officer has forwarded Council’s letter to the agents acting for the site operators requesting they address the issues raised by the Parish Council. In addition he has asked the agents to address a number of related issues.

q) Business Sign on Spey Drive Property – It was reported that the sign has now been removed.

r) Overgrown Public Footpath No. 2 – Footpaths Officer advises the responsibility for cutting upgrowth on a public right of way is the responsibility of the Authority. The path should have been cut in April but there were problems. Nevertheless, the cut back team are to carry out the second cut and should be working in the Auckley area in the coming week. This will be checked

s) Litter Bins – Community First to be asked whether it would be possible to provide a litter bin on the site where a dead tree has recently been removed, in front of the Chinese Takeaway.

t) Seat On Riverbank – Pending.

u) Slurry Lorries Accessing Common Lane – Pending.

v) Overgrown Land, Hurst Lane – Pending.

w) ‘School’ sign at Hayfield Lane – Pending.

5. Community Police

A number of Ravenswood Drive residents had attended the meeting and expressed serious concerns

regarding anti-social behaviour of young people who congregate on the car park at Riverside Park.

Several teenagers have vehicles and speed into the car park where they park window to window

and then proceed to drink alcohol, scream and shout, drive round revving up their engines, play loud

music, and generally create a nuisance for nearby residents. Another ploy is to repeatedly kick a

football against boundary walls of properties and then run across gardens to retrieve the ball. When

challenged they use foul language and make intimidating gestures. Residents have telephoned the

Police on a number of occasions but are usually informed that the Police are too busy to attend.

No Police Officer was present at the meeting, but Inspector Payling had been made aware of this

problem and had promised to include this location in the ‘hot spots’ target scheme.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write to the Police, Mayor Winter and Caroline Flint to express concerns re.

this behaviour and non response from Police. A request to be made for Safety Wardens/ Police

Community Safety Officers to make regular patrols in village. Residents are also to write individually

to the Police, etc.

The Clerk to write to Community First to advise that Council proposes to install a road hump at the

entrance to the car park to deter teenagers from speeding and, in addition, would be prepared to fund

a second hump at the entrance to the Ravenswood Drive cul-de-sac if this is acceptable to Highways.

6. District Councillor’s Report

Following the concerns expressed by residents regarding anti-social behaviour, Mrs. Schofield is to

contact Area Manager, Glenys Wall.

Mrs. Schofield reported on the following:

a) Planning application for farm building, Eastfield Lane – Planning Officer has advised that

buildings higher than 3 metres in height and situated less than 3 kilometres from the airport are now required to have planning permission.

b) Proposed Closure of Care HomeomeH - The Cabinet has decided to defer the proposed closure of

Rose House Care Home.

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7. To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit

The audit has still to be checked by the designated Members. To be presented at the next meeting.

8. To Review the Handyman’s Rate of Pay

Council was informed that DMBC’s rate for manual workers has been increased to £5.8016 per hour

with effect from 1^st April 2006.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to increase the Handyman’s rate of pay in line with DMBC’s rate with

effect from 1^st April 2006.

9. To Decide Football Fees for 2006/2007 Season

The Auckley Football Club’s fees were increased to £190 in 2005. Members made the point that

Council does not seek to make a profit from the fees, however a slight increase should be made

otherwise the auditor will question why the fees have remained static while costs have gone up.

RESOLVED – Mr. Swainston proposed fees be increased to £200 for the coming season. The

proposal was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

10.To Consider Web Master’s Terms

The Web Master advises that he is happy to continue with the monthly update payments of £35.41,

however, he wishes to reduce the length of the contract to 6 months.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to accept these terms.

11.To Review Council’s Risk Assessment

It was agreed to make the following amendments:

Health and Safety – Any contractor carrying out work for Council is required to fill in a questionnaire

and provide details of insurance and health and safety responsibilities.

Care of Documents – All recent minutes have been recorded on disk. Older minute books to be placed

with Doncaster Archives Department for safety,

Cover for Clerk at Meetings – It was agreed to approach the Clerk of Blaxton Parish Council to ask

whether he would be prepared to provide cover at a Council meeting in the event of the Clerk being

unable to attend.

12.To Decide Items for Newsletter

It was agreed to feature a) an item on youth nuisance at Riverside Park b) an item asking for

volunteers to form a committee to raise funds for play equipment.

13.To Consider Proposed 40 mph Speed Limit at Gatehouse Lane

DMBC advises that, following Council’s letter of objection, speed surveys were carried out at 2

locations. The average 85%ile results over 24 hours were 38.8 mph and 38.6mph and 39.8 mph and

40mph, eastbound and westbound respectively, which supports the present 40 mph speed limit as the

correct one for this road, and confirms that compliance with the existing speed limit is very good,

with only a small proportion driving above Police enforcement levels. A search of Police records

shows there have been no collisions along Gatehouse Lane from 2001 to April 2006, however this

data only records collisions involving personal injury, and it may be that recent incidents referred to in

Council’s letter were of damage only. The Authority feels there is currently no need for a footway on

the eastern side of Gatehouse Lane, and any resources would be better utilised on bringing the

existing footway on the western side up to a suitable standard.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Council agreed to reiterate its earlier objections to the proposed

40 mph limit.

14.To Discuss Charity Land at Hurst Lane

YLCA’s Officer reports that she has looked through numerous Charity Commission publications, also

case law, and cannot locate any enactment that will permit Council to dispose of the land, due to it

being defined as permanent endowment. She therefore advises Council to write to the Charity

Commission and ask whether there is any power that the Commission can confer upon the trustees to

dispose of the permanent endowment or any other power that the trustees can use for this purpose.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to write to the Charity Commission as advised.

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15.To Discuss Flower Tubs at Main Street

The flower tubs on the Green and in the pinfold are overgrown with vegetation, and look unsightly.

RESOLVED - ‘Need a Hand’ to be asked to clean out weeds from pinfold wall and remove

vegetation and 2-3 inches of soil from planters, in readiness for later planting.

16.To Discuss Electricity Supply for Gala

The Garden and Allotment Association advises that the rules regarding Entertainment Licences have

changed this year, and the Association is now only required to obtain a Temporary Events Notice

which does not request any Electrical Test Certificates. This year’s licence was applied for and

received without any request for certificates, which suggests these may not be required in the future.

The Association will continue to have their electrical equipment tested under the PAT system, and

will make enquiries to establish this approach is adequate, and will allow them to continue with the

plug-in system as previously used.

RESOLVED – Council was of the opinion that, in spite of no request being made for an Electrical

Test Certificate, a yearly electrical inspection is absolutely imperative whenever the electricity supply

is to be used for public events such as the gala. The Association to be advised of this decision.

17.To Discuss Highway Matters

It was reported that no repairs have been carried out to dangerous potholes on Hurst Lane railway

bridge, DMBC to be reminded of this matter.

18.To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Overgrown Trees at Sandhill Rise - A resident of Sandhill Rise reports that trees on the Riverside

Park are overhanging her garden, blocking out the sun and warping her fence. She wonders

whether the trees could be trimmed.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to meet ‘Need a Hand’ on site and ask for a quotation to trim trees.

b) Damaged Gate at Spey Drive Play Area - It was reported that the gate cannot be bolted into the ground and needs repairing. In addition, the grass cutters frequently leave the gate open.

Community First to be informed of this matter.

c) Possible Chain Across Car Park - Discussion took place on the possibility of erecting a chain across the car park entrance in an attempt to prevent nuisance teenagers from parking in the park.

RESOLVED – Council decided it would not be practical to provide a chain due to logistical problems associated with locking and unlocking the chain. It would also adversely affect members of the public who regularly leave their vehicles in the car park to walk along the riverbank.

19.To Discuss Establishment of Fund-Raising Committee to Provide Play Equipment

Unfortunately the information relating to the committee was left out of the July ‘Arrow’, and therefore

will not be made available to members of the public until the August edition.

20.To Discuss Buildings of Interest In Auckley

In recent years a number of old buildings of historical interest to the village have been demolished, and

there is concern that others could suffer a similar fate. These include the old Auckley School, the

Eagle and Child Public House, and cottages on Ellers Lane and Main Street.

RESOLVED - Agreed to write to Planning Dept. to enquire how these buildings can be preserved.

21.To Decide Which Organisation is to Receive Christmas Collection

Mr. Featherstone proposed the proceeds of the collection should go to the Special Baby Care Unit at

Doncaster Royal Infirmary, this was seconded by Mrs. Cockett, and the motion was carried.

22.Report of Trustees’ Meeting to Discuss New Parish Centre

Concerns were raised that further education classes had been booked in the new Parish Centre, thereby

restricting its use by other organisations. Revd. Ottewell assured everyone that a misunderstanding

had occurred, and no classes had been booked. He has contacted the person who arranges the classes,

and it would appear that she is keen to expand the facility and was somewhat hopefully “testing the

water”. The matter has now been resolved.

The building is coming on apace, and hopefully will be completed by the Autumn.

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23.To Consider Planning Applications

App. No. 06/01477/AGR – Erection of agricultural building 18.5m x 18.5m),

Ivy House Farm, Eastfield Lane, Auckley - Determination of Need for Prior Approval

Council had no objections to make on this application.

24.Decisions of DMBC’s Planning Committee

Planning permission granted to the following applications:

a) No. 06/01012/FUL – Erection of part two storey part first floor pitched roof extension above

existing garage and erection of conservatory - 38 Ellers Lane, Auckley

b) No. 06/00802/FUL – Erection of 2 storey pitched roof extension following demolition of out-

buildings, single storey pitched roof extension, new pitched roof to existing conservatory,

10 Elder Grove, Auckley

c) No. 06/00600/REM – Erection of 8 two storey business units in 5 blocks on approx. 1.17ha of land

Site B to the North of Hayfield Lane, Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster.

c) No. 06/00460/FULM – Formation of new airport access route from Hurst Lane,

Land adjoining Robin Hood Airport, Hurst Lane, Auckley

Planning permission refused for the following application:

No. 06/00727/OUT – Outline application for erection of 2 detached dwellings on approx. 0.1ha of

land, following demolition of existing bungalow - Land at 7 Eastfield Lane, Auckley

25.Signing of Cheques

Cheque no. 000001 – Wilfreda Behive (Coach for Senior Citizens’ Outing) £355.00

Cheque no. 000002 - Deposit for bus (Re-imburse Council’s current account) £40.00

Cheque no. 001660 – Mr. A. Siddons (23^rd Update of web site) £35.41

Cheque no. 001662 - DMBC (3 meetings at Auckley School) £105.00

Cheque no. 001663 - DMBC (Remainder of grounds maintenance charges) £2,185.17

Cheque no. 001664 - Neat Ideas (Supply stationery) £70.38

Cheque no. 001665 - Mr. Baker (Handyman’s wages for 28 hours) £157.78

Cheque no. 001666 - Open Spaces Society (Annual subscription) £30.00

Cheque no. 001667 - Mr. A. Siddons (24^th Web Site Update. Dated 9th August) £35.41

Cheque no. 001669 - Mrs. Caygill (Clerk’s salary, tel., stationery. Dated 9^th August) £1,739.79 ood airport,

Cheque no. 001670 – Mr. H. Baker (Wages + backdated increase. Dated 9^th August) £179.91

Cheque no. 001671 – N Power (Cost of electricity for Christmas lights 2004/2005) £39.90

Cheque no. 001672 – Mr. A. Garner (To set up Broadband installation) £35.00

Cheque no. 001673 - ‘Need a Hand’ (Remove vegetation and soil from planters) £85.00

26.To Receive Correspondence

a) Copy of a letter Mr. Storey has sent to various bodies regarding the speed limit on Hurst Lane

b) Public Rights of Way Forum Agenda for 20^th July 2006.

c) Agenda for Standards (Parish Council) Sub-Committee 12^th July 2006

27.To Confirm Date and Time of the Next Parish Council Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 13^th September 2006, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

at the Auckley School.

After the close of business time was set aside for public participation, and the following issues were

raised by members of the public:

a) Grass Verges - A resident reported that some highway grass verges are not being cut regularly – i.e. the verges between the Hayfield Green Estate and the roundabout, and some sections along Gatehouse Lane. Community First to be informed.

b) Residential Caravan – Council was informed that a residential caravan used during the building of a domestic property is still present in the garden. Planning Dept. to be made aware of this matter.

Chairperson …………………………..