MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8^TH JULY 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

· Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairman), Mr. P. Cockett,

· Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mrs. S. Platts, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender.

· District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

· P.C. Brian Pyle

· Two members of the public

1. Public Participation – A resident of School Lane reported that on Sunday, 5^th July a group of teenagers

had caused annoyance to residents throughout the day by persistently kicking a football around the senior citizens’ bungalows and adjacent houses. There had previously been a “No Ball Games” sign sited on the garages to the rear of School Lane, but this is now missing. St. Leger Homes has supplied a replacement sign, and P.C. Bellamy has offered to install it.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact St. Leger Homes and ask if they would be able to supply a

second sign to fix on the side wall of the end garage.

2. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mrs. L. Allwood.

3. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests – None.

4. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 10^th June 2009

The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

5. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Narrow Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 - DMBC’s Footpaths Officer replies that she appreciates

Council’s concerns and is investigating the possibility of improving the access to the footpath.

However, the Definitive Map and Statement records a limitation of a stile at this point, therefore

the landowner is entitled to maintain a stile at this location and the Disability Discrimination Act

has no power over this. Furthermore at the present time access to the path is easier than it would be

if a stile still existed.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and point out that the original post was wooden – this was

then replaced with a stone post, and finally a brick pillar which members feel is not in the

original place. The vegetation on both sides needs to be cut right back to the boundary.

b) Bid For Funding to Provide Play Equipment – Mr. Hawley reports that he has had no success from several organisations such as Sport England, The Peoples’ Millions and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation. The main obstacles to obtaining grant funding appear to be the size of grant Council is looking for, and the fact that there are limited funds for a Parish Council which is already a publicly supported organisation. After many months of searching through the various funding streams it is self evident that there is nothing appearing on the radar screen that will satisfy the Parish Council’s need.

RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed to dispense with Mr. Hawley’s services and thank him for his efforts on behalf of Council. Application forms to be obtained for the airport’s Community Fund and “Awards for All”

c) Dilapidated Building, Hayfield Lane – No response from Enforcement Dept. Another letter to be sent pointing out that the site is becoming more unsightly every day – the grass is long and children are climbing on the roof which is a potential hazard. A copy to be sent to Clare Wilson.

d) Improvements to Riverside Car Park – It was reported that all the work has now been carried out.

The contractor to be asked whether the asphalt surface laid on the enlarged corner is the final level.

e) Blocked Drains – Caroline Flint has written to Severn Trent and encloses their reply which is similar

to the letter sent to the Parish Council. Environmental Officer, Mr. Bradley, reports that he has been in contact with Severn Trent and further action is planned for the future.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write and ask Severn Trent whether their investigations are complete, and when do they intend to meet with Council.

f) Missing Seat, School Lane – The Clerk to ask the Neighbourhood Manager whether DMBC is

claiming damages from the motorist whose vehicle was responsible for demolishing the seat.

g) Moles On The Green – DMBC’s Pest Control Officer has set traps. One mole has been caught so far

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5. Matters Arising (continued)

h) Vegetation in Gutters – DMBC staff have sprayed vegetation growing around the village but

have omitted some areas on Myrtle Grove and Orchard Walk. Community First to be informed.

i) Football Matches – No reply received from the secretary of the Branton football teams. One junior team has been seen training on the pitch on the evening of Wednesday, 1^st July.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again and point out that Council does not wish to discourage

young players, but it would be appreciated if they would train on the grass next to the pitch because

the ground is currently in a good condition, but could deteriorate if additional games are played on it.

j) Bus Timetables – South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive advises that the footway in front of the shelter on Main Street near the junction is too narrow to install a carousel, and brackets would not hold on the wooden shelter. However, a timetable will be fitted at the shelter near The Green.

k) Meeting to Discuss Bus Services – A meeting has been arranged for 23^rd July. Members to attend.

l) Potholes – DMBC Highways Officer has advised that no action is to be taken on shallow potholes measuring 10-20mm in depth. They will only action repairs on holes that are at least 40mm deep.

m) Rumble Strip on Railway Bridge – Highways Officer advises that this type of material would not be used again, and there are doubts as to the overall effectiveness in any case. There are no plans to replace the material at present, however a maintenance scheme for Hurst Lane is in the planning stage and when the road is eventually resurfaced they will consider an alternative arrangement at this location. It is unlikely to consist of a rumble device, due to the proximity of residential property near the railway bridge which was not present when the rumble surface was originally laid.

n) Domestic Accesses Onto Highway – Community First Officer has informed DMBC highways of the two properties where drives have been constructed without a dropped kerb.

o) Leaning Wall at Spey Drive – Community First Officer reports that the resident has removed the vertical bricks and placed coving slabs on the horizontal courses. DMBC’s Building Inspector has since visited - he is happy with the wall and does not consider that it is a danger.

p) Dumped Rubbish, Hayfield Lane – Community First Officer reports that the rubbish has been dumped on private land and is therefore not the responsibility of the Local Authority. He has contacted the landowner and made suggestions on how to enclose the land to prevent further dumping

q) Encroachment Onto Recreation Ground – Council’s application to Allianze Insurance for a claim for legal expenses has been refused on the grounds that this was not included in the specific cover. The solicitor has therefore been instructed to go ahead with proceedings.

r) Trimming of Trees – Community First Officer has trimmed trees on The Green and the Spey Drive play area.

6. Community Police Report

P.C. Pyle reported there has been a re-structuring of the Police Neighbourhood Team based at the

Airport – the team now consists of 5 Officers and 2 PCSO’s. The 5 Officers have each been allocated a

village, P.C. Pyle will now cover Auckley Village and P.C. Venables will cover the Hayfield complex.

The PACT meetings are continuing each month and the next one will be held at Blaxton on 23^rd July.

Crime figures from 1^st June to 8^th July are as follows:

2 miscellaneous thefts

Theft of motor bike from Holly Road

Damaged vehicle – Holly Road

3 assaults – none serious

Theft of tractor from local farm

Wheelie bin set on fire

P.C. Pyle reported that 3 Officers have now been trained to use the speed camera and 3 are awaiting

training. 60 cautions have been given out to motorists driving on Main Street – all but 3 were locals.

Members of Council reported that young people are congregating at the Spey Drive play area and causing

a nuisance – dog excrement has been found on the swings and slide, and cans and rubbish have been left

on the ground. Council was assured that PCSO’s or Wardens will be delegated to monitor the area.

It was also reported that cars are being parked behind the Nisa Store, and motorbikes are being ridden

over the speed limit at Hayfield Lane. Residents have expressed concerns regarding a group of youths

seen hanging around the Hayfield Lane area.

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7. District Councillor’s Report

Mrs. P. Schofield was congratulated on being elected as Deputy Mayor for DMBC.

Mrs. Schofield reported that the Elected Mayor currently has a cabinet of 5 members, but this could

increase as the maximum number of members is 9.

Children’s Services – improvements are taking place slowly but surely. It has been suggested that a

Board might be set up with representatives serving on it from outside organisations.

8. To Review Web Master’s Contract

The Web Master advises that since first maintaining the web site he has not applied for a price increase,

The current price is £300 + VAT. He is applying for a 10% increase for 2009, i.e. £330 + VAT and this

will remain the price for 2010/2011.

RESOLVED - Following discussion, Mr. Warrender proposed that Council accept the proposed

increase, the proposal was seconded by Mr. Butterfield and the motion was carried.

The Clerk reported that she had submitted 3 sheets of advertising material relating to the Auckley Show

and asked for it to be displayed on the web site, however the Web Master had informed her that this

service would cost £25 + VAT. Council agreed that the service should be included in the annual fee.

9. To Discuss Format and Sites for Proposed Dog Signs

Jubb Signs advises that a digitally printed and laminated sign measuring 24” x 18” mounted on a 60mm

square galvanised post would cost £120 +VAT to supply and install.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to order 2 signs – one to be sited at the River Way entrance and one on

the slope leading to the football field. The contractor to be also asked to remove the sign that is currently

on the slope.

10.To Discuss Insuring the BT Telephone Kiosk

A discussion took place as to whether it was necessary to insure the kiosk against damage to the structure.

RESOLVED – Taking into account that the Council’s Insurance Policy charges £250 excess for

malicious damage, it was agreed that it would not be worth insuring the building against damage.

However, the kiosk is covered under Council’s Public Liability cover.

11.To Decide Which Organisation Will Receive Proceeds from Christmas Collection

Mr. Featherstone proposed that the proceeds of the collection should be given to The Doncaster Branch

of the Parkinson’s Society and Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal.

Mr. Payne proposed an amendment that the proceeds should go to the Coronary Care Unit and Mrs. Platts

seconded the proposal. On being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Council then voted on Mr. Featherstone’s proposal and the motion was carried.

It was agreed that the Coronary Care Unit will receive the Christmas collection next year.

12.To Decide Items for Newsletter

Mrs. Allwood has already submitted a letter to the ‘Arrow’ thanking all the local businesses who donated

prizes for the Senior Citizens’ Outing. This, together with an expression of thanks from the Parish

Council to Mr. Butterfield and Mrs. Allwood and family, will be sufficient for half a page.

13.To Discuss Highway Matters

a) Traffic Speeds on Hurst Lane – A letter to be sent to the Elected Mayor requesting a reduction in the

speed limit from 40 to 30 mph on Hurst Lane.

b) Address of Hayfield Green Properties – Council has been informed that DMBC’s Council Tax Dept.

is sending letters to some properties on Hayfield Green addressed as ‘Finningley’, even though

they are situated in Auckley Parish. The Clerk has contacted the Building Control Officer who

advises that the streets mentioned do currently have their postal address as ‘Auckley’. However,

the Council Tax Office do have a number of dwellings down as ‘Finningley’, and they are looking into this matter.

c) Potholes – Community First to be informed that more potholes have appeared on the road surface

near the Hayfield Lane/Sycamore Drive junction.

d) Narrow Verge, Main Street – DMBC to be asked to include the narrow verge outside Brooke Farm in

their maintenance schedule.

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13. Highway Matters (continued)

e) Traffic Lights at Hurst/Hayfield Junction - Concerns expressed that the ‘Keep Clear’ lettering has

faded on the areas in front of the Hayfield Post Office and drivers are driving onto these areas instead

of leaving a clear gap for drivers turning into Hayfield Lane and wishing to then turn right for the

Post Office.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask Highways Dept whether yellow box markings could be provided in place of the ‘Keep Clear’ signs and, in addition, whether the ‘Stop’ line could be moved further up to the junction to allow better access to the Post Office and adjacent shop

f) Sunken Drain Covers – DMBC to be reminded there are two sunken drain covers on Main Street

alongside the Eagle and Child Public House.

g) Main Street, Branton – Complaints have been received regarding the terrible state of the road through Branton. The Clerk to write to DMBC.

14. To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Maintenance of Path and Copse - ‘Need A Hand’ submits a quotation of £130 to trim grass and

overhanging branches.

RESOLVED – Mr. Cockett proposed that the quotation be accepted, Mr. Featherstone seconded the

proposal, and the motion was carried.

b) Strimming Round Bollards – The ‘Need A Hand’ contractor has strimmed round the car park

bollards whilst tidying up the Memorial Garden. Members agreed that this is not part of his

contract, and he is to be made aware of this matter.

b) Emptying of Litter Bin Near Pavilion – DMBC quotes a price of £7.50 per visit to empty the litter

bin near the pavilion which unfortunately some dog owners are using to dispose of dog excreta.

RESOLVED - It was agreed to accept DMBC’s quotation.

15. Report of Meetings

a) Charity Trustees’ Meeting – Council was informed that the Will of 1672 is the Governing Document

It might be possible to change the object of the charity but this would be a very lengthy process and

it has been agreed to leave things as they are for the moment and not adopt an additional constitution.

The Clerk to write and remind DMBC of the Trustees’ application for the charity land to be included

in the Doncaster Local Development Framework.

b) Meeting of Airport Community Sub-Committee – The committee was informed of the following:

A complaint has been received from Armthorpe regarding aircraft noise

The feed back from the Draft Master Plan has been positive.

The Community Fund stands at £4,000

A Community Art Project has been launched – local groups have been asked to display their art works at the airport

A ‘Litter Pick’ was recently carried out at Old Bawtry Road, Finningley

A celebratory event is to be held to mark the 100^th anniversary of air transport.

c) Report on Freedom of Information Seminar - The Clerk reported on an interesting and complex

seminar which clarified what information can be given out, and what is exempt. As the ruling stands

at the moment anyone can ask for information from a Parish/Town Council. The applicant does not

have to be associated with the area, and is not required to give a reason why they are applying for

it. A Council may not charge for officer time, i.e. locating, retrieving, editing or extracting

information until the prescribed limit of £450 is reached (£25 per hour for 18 hour’s work)

A charge can be made for photocopying, postage and providing information in a specific form.

16. To Consider Planning Applications

a) No. 09/01462/FUL – Erection of pitched roof bungalow following demolition of existing flat roofed

dwelling on approx. 0.83 ha of land - Oaks Farm, Hurst Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of this application.

b) No. 09/01529/FULFT – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of mid-terraced house

following demolition of existing porch - 35 Sandhill Rise, Auckley

Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of this application.

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16. To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

c) No. 09/01403/REMM – Details of site layout, means of access and house types for 14 detached

houses on approx. 0.37 ha of land (being matters reserved in outline granted under reference

No. 07/00276/OUTM on 15.10.07)

Land Off Hayfield Lane (former St. Saviour’s Community Centre), Auckley

Council expressed concerns that, whereas the original application had only 1 access to the

development, the present proposal is for 6 accesses onto Lime Avenue and 3 onto Hawthorne Road.

On both these roads there is on street parking for present residents. However, if more accesses are

provided this will make entry and exit to the development very difficult and will lead to additional

traffic and congestion on these narrow domestic roads.

There is no mention of any replacement trees being planted to compensate for the ones that are

scheduled to be felled.

d) No. 09/01714/FUL – Installation of 5 roof lights to front elevation, one roof light to each side

elevation and erection of attached pitched roof garage to side of detached dwelling

Vulcan House, 1 Cedar Close, Auckley - Council had no objections or comments to make

e) No. 09/01736/RET – Retrospective application for erection of conservatory to rear of detached

house - 32 The Hollows, Auckley - No objections raised.

f) No. 09/01608/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to front/side of semi-detached

house (being amendment to application granted under ref: 08/02982/FUL on 10.12.2008)

33 Spey Drive, Auckley - No objections raised.

g) Extension to Rear of Ellers Lane Property – DMBC to be asked whether a planning application is

required for this development.

17. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee:

a) No. 09/00685/FUL – Erection of single storey extension to side (4.5m x 12.0m) and rear (13.0m x

7.0m) of existing shop unit - Spar Store, 34 Ellers Lane, Auckley

Planning permission granted.

18. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 002018 – Cantley with Branton Parish Council (Reimburse seminar payment) £35.00

Cheque no. 001019 – Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting) £24.00

Cheque no. 002020 – Auckley Gardens & Allotments (Supply plants) £46.00

Cheque no. 002022 – HM Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax employer’s Nat. Ins.) £274.74

Cheque no. 002023 – GNE Contracting Ltd. (Levelling entrance to field, dropped kerb) £928.34

Cheque no. 002025 – Officemate Ltd. (Web Master’s services) £379.50

Cheque no. 002026 – Bridge Sanderson Munro (Fee to court to issue proceedings) £150.00

Cheque no. 002027 – Need A Hand (Strimming grass and trimming trees at copse path) £130.00

Cheque no. 002028 – Arrow Publications (Items printed in newsletter) £49.50

Cheque no. 002030 – Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates) £101.28

Cheque no. 002031 – Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates) £3.73

Cheque no. 002032 – N Power (Electricity supply to telephone kiosk) £0.29

Cheque no. 002033 – N Power (Electricity supply to telephone kiosk) £2.02

19. To Receive Correspondence

a) Annual Joint Regional Training Conference – 30^th October /1^st November at Scarborough

b) Public Rights of Way Forum – 23^rd July

20. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

The meeting is to be held on Wednesday, 9^th September 2009, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at the Auckley

Parish Centre.

Chairperson ………………………………….