MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8^TH JUNE 2011, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

· Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. S. Featherstone (Vice Chairman), Mr. J. Fletcher,

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

· Two members of the public.

1. Public Participation – None.

2. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. I. Butterfield.

3. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

Mr. Fletcher declared a personal interest in Item no. 10 (To decide football fees for 2011/2012).

4. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 11^th May

The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 11^th May were approved and signed as a true record.

5. Community Police Report

No Police Officer was in attendance at the meeting. It was reported that the Police had recently been

contacted by residents after a barbecue had been lit in the copse to the rear of The Hollows Estate.

6. District Councillor’s Report

No Ward Member attended. It was agreed to write and ask the three Ward Members whether the

Neighbourhood Charter is still in existence and, if defunct, what will replace the Charter.

7. Matters Arising From the Above Minutes

a) Dyke at Public Footpath No. 7 – A reminder to be sent to DMBC Footpaths Officer.

b) Repairs to Pavilion – Council was informed that one toilet has been replaced and a new seat and ball

valve installed in the other. The water heater has been installed but still has to be connected to

the mains.

c) Hurst Lane Highway Verges – DMBC’s Grounds Supervisors have advised Neighbourhood Services

that in their professional opinion the areas which were originally seeded still need time to thicken and

expand which should in turn provide the verges with a full coverage. They therefore do not believe

the verges require re-seeding at this current time.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and point out that in 2010, when the verges were full of weeds,

Council was advised that verges would be re-seeded, due to poor quality grass seed being used.

d) Unsightly Verge In Front of Spar Store – The proprietor advises that at one time the verge was regularly maintained by DMBC, but this has now stopped and it has become untidy and unkempt. He is willing as a goodwill gesture to repair the verge, however, this will only be a short-term solution because the area has now become a thoroughfare for customers. The improvements to the outside will be carried out in mid September. After consultation with his landscape gardener and DMBC, the plans were amended, and eight Swedish Birch Trees will be planted instead of the original seven. The cobbled surface has been omitted as it would not allow enough rainwater to penetrate the tree roots, and the bow fence has been omitted because it would cause irreparable damage to the roots of the existing tree.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to write to Planning Department, following residents’ safety concerns regarding fans on an outside wall which are not covered, and the temporary builder’s fencing around this area rather than a properly secured complex. It was also agreed to point out that the path marked on the plan to the rear of the extension is yet to be constructed.

e) Parking on Double Yellow Lines – DMBC’s Parking & Enforcement Officer has made a request for the area be placed on their ‘hot spot review’ list which will ensure that Officers visit the area and issue to vehicles that are found to be parked in contravention. The lining at Ellers Lane is to be reviewed. His team will prepare a report outlining any obstruction or dangerous problems and, if found, Police Officers will visit to issue fixed penalty tickets. The Clerk to write and ask for an update regarding this matter.

It was reported to Council that a resident of The Paddocks had been subjected to verbal abuse from motorists after he had photographed the registration numbers of their cars parked outside the shops which were restricting access to The Paddocks cul-de-sac.

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7. Matters Arising (continued)

f) Painting of BT Telephone Kiosk – The Clerk has been unable to contact the painter by letter or phone.

Mrs. Worthington will attempt to locate him.

g) Request to Trim Hedge at Ellers Lane Car Park - The owner of the shops and car park has informed

the Clerk that he is happy for Council to undertake trimming of the hedge in order to enhance the look of the village. The Handyman to be asked to carry out trimming of the lower branches.

h) Dilapidated Building Adjacent to Nisa – DMBC Planning Enforcement Officer has consulted with colleagues and reports that there is no asbestos present.

i) Untidy Building Site, Fir Tree Avenue – DMBC Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer has asked the

land owner to voluntarily improve the condition of the land and provide him with an approximate

timescale of when this work will take place. Should the work not take place there is the potential that the Authority may be able to undertake enforcement action to improve the appearance of the site.

j) N Power’s Standing Charges – N Power has refunded the sum of £278.23, this being half the sum paid by Council for standing charges. N Power advises that Council will need to use its own electrician to undertake an electrical inspection before the meter can be re-energized prior to the lights being connected in December.

k) Rubbish Dumped at Riverside Park – N. Services Officer is unable to determine the location of waste dumped behind a property at River Way, due to the overgrowth and size of the area, and the difficulty of defining where the property boundaries end and the park begins. He does not think the letter devised for the properties adjacent to the copse would be appropriate for this location and suggests that Council might be able to construct one to deliver to residents of River Way.

l) Rubbish Dumped at Eastfield Lane – N. Services Officer is to seek advice on the material dumped

opposite a property at Eastfield Lane.

m) Untidy Condition of Village Green – DMBC Grounds Maintenance Team has trimmed the lower

branches of the trees and cut the grass, and the area is now looking more presentable.

n) Selection Paper for Standards Committee – Council is allowed to nominate 2 candidates from the list

to serve on the main Standards Committee.

RESOLVED – Mrs. N. McCarron and Mr. M. Summers were nominated.

o) Seminar on Code of Conduct – Mrs. Worthington, Mr. Swainston and Mrs. Caygill (Clerk) will attend

the seminars. Mr. Featherstone is unable to attend the evening seminar due to other commitments, but will attend one in the future.

p) Ponding Outside No. 43 Main Street – Highways has confirmed they will be inspecting this issue by means of a dig down to determine what damage if any is underground, and remedial work carried out.

q) Problems Re. Grounds Maintenance, Riverside Park – Veolia Grounds Manager apologises for not cutting the grass in time for the scheduled football match - there was a problem with the Bank olidays holidays, i.e. May Day and the Royal Wedding which put them behind, and unfortunately this resulted in the pitch being left. They are now on schedule and have taken down the posts and renovated the goal area. He will make sure the schedule is completed as stated.

r) Gating Order – A reply has been received from YLCA regarding possible alternatives to a Gating Order. It was agreed to wait until the next meeting when hopefully Council has Mr. Harker’s reply

s) Hurst Lane Aggregates Quarry – Pending.

t) Hole on Public Footpath No. 3 – Pending.

8. To Receive Update Re. Provision of Play Equipment

Mr. Snowden attended the meeting to report on procedures to be taken – he will act as Contracts

Manager and arrange for a Topographical Survey to be carried out and obtain a site plan of elevations and

levels from SMP. He will also ascertain whether a Tree Survey and Flood Assessment will be required.

Council informed him that a contractor has recently undertaken a Tree Survey, however, this might not

cover the specific details required by the Planning Authority.

The planning application takes approximately 8 weeks.

Mr. Eardley of Neighbourhood Services advises that in order to apply for the Section 106 funds that have

been designated for the project, Council must provide details of the total amount it intends to contribute,

plus copies of plans from the contractor and a breakdown of the total cost of the whole development.

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9. To Discuss Proposed Bus Shelter

No news has been received from Council’s solicitor regarding this matter, although the £77.70 search fee

has been cashed. The Clerk to write and ask for an update as Council is eager to make progress.

10. To Decide Football Fees for 2011/2012 Season

Council was advised that income last year from football fees was £215.00 from Auckley Football Club

and expenditure for pitch and pavilion was £985.00. The Club had to cancel several matches during

December and January as the pitch was covered in ice and snow.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that the fees remain at £215.00 for the

forthcoming season, the proposal was seconded by Mrs. Platts, and the motion was carried.

11. To Consider Making a Donation to Auckley Gardens & Allotments Association

Council expressed its gratitude to the members of the Association for continuing to plant, water and

maintain the flower tubs on the village green and in the pinfold throughout the year.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that a donation in the sum of £250.00

be made to the Association. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Payne, and the motion was carried.

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

The Association has made a request for members of Council to visit the ground and view the plots.

Mrs. Worthington and Mr. Payne agreed to meet the Chairman on site later in the week.

12. To Discuss Highway Matters

Neighbourhood Services to be asked to address the following matters:

a) Overhanging Trees – Trees are overhanging the footway that runs between Hawthorne Road and Lancaster Court.

b) Weeds on Footways – DMBC to be asked to spray the path leading from School Lane to Main Street,

including round the garages. Also the path running between nos. 29 and 31 Sandhill Rise.

c) Overgrown Hedge - A hedge is encroaching onto the Norwood Avenue footway and needs trimming

d) Spey Drive Sign – A bush in the adjacent garden is obscuring the sign and requires trimming.

13. To Discuss Recreation Matters

It was agreed to contact RG Electrics and ask them to undertake a Periodic Electrical Inspection of the

pavilion before the Auckley Show is held. In addition, to carry out an inspection of the electricity meter

at Oak Tree Road before the meter is re-energised in December ready for connecting Christmas lights.

14. To Report Meetings

Auckley Parish Centre – Mr. Warrender reported on the meeting.

15. To Consider Planning Application:

No. 11/01533/FUL – Erection of pitched roof porch extension to front, ground floor pitched roof

extension to side/rear and installation of dormer window to rear in connection with formation of rooms

in roof space of semi-detached house - 9 Walnut Avenue, Auckley

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

16. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee

No. 11/00546/FUL – Conversion of coach garage from light industrial (User Class B1) to detached

dwelling (User Class C3) and associated works and improvements

Rear of Stonehaven, Gatehouse Lane, Auckley

The above application was refused as the proposal has not provided sufficient information to suitably

assess the impacts of the proposed drainage system which is contrary to policy PU5 of the Doncaster

Unitary Development Plan 1998

The following applications were granted planning permission:

a) No. 11/00902/FUL – Erection of agricultural building (22.86m x 9.14m) following demolition of

existing - Fullbrook, Hurst Lane, Auckley

b) No. 11/00278/FUL – Erection of residential development comprising of 2 semi-detached dwellings

on 0.05 ha of land - Land adjacent to 17 Walnut Avenue, Auckley

c) No. 11/00952/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side and rear and two storey

pitched roof extension to side of detached house following demolition of existing garage

2 Maple Avenue, Auckley

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17. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 002270 - Need A Hand (Fit frame and Perspex at BT phone booth) £45.00

Cheque no. 002271 - Amy Computer Boost (and H

To correct faulty internet connection) £48.00

Cheque no. 002272 - Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of room for June meeting) £24.00

Cheque no. 002273 - NALC (Annual subscription for LCR magazine) £15.50

Cheque no. 002274 - Arrow Publication (Full page advert in newsletter) £114.00

Cheque no. 002275 - Auckley Gardens & Allotments Association (Donation) £250.00

Cheque no. 002276 - N Power (Standing charges for meter cubicle March – May) £22.47

18. To Receive Correspondence

a) Information on Data Protection – Council will discuss this item at the July meeting.

b) Consultation Questionnaire on possible relaxation of planning rules for change of use from business

to residential.

c) Members of Council invited to meet the Civic Mayor at the Mansion House on 1^st July 2011.

d) An invitation extended to Council Members to attend the Armed Forces Day on 25^th June 2011.

19. To Discuss Staffing Matters

Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, Council by resolution

requested that members of the public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to

the confidential nature of the item to be discussed.

20. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 13^th July 2011, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at

The Auckley Parish Centre.

Chairperson ………………………………