THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14 TH JUNE 2006 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY SCHOOL

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett,
  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston
  • Community P.C. Mark Gee
  • District Councillors Mr. A. Jones, Mrs. P. Schofield
  • Three members of the public

 

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

2.  Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest

     Mrs. Worthington declared a prejudicial interest in Item no. 24 f) – planning application for

     development at Norwood Avenue, and left the room whilst this item was being discussed.  

3.  To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 10 May 2006

     Minutes were amended to read that there are no captions displayed with photographs of the village

     on the web site.  The minutes were then accepted and signed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a)       Potholes, Hurst Lane – DMBC advises that Hurst Lane was inspected on 18 May and any defects

that meet the Authority’s safety criteria have been noted and will be repaired.

b)      Request for Houses to be Listed – Another letter to be sent to DMBC.

c)      Drainage Problems, Riverside Park – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

d)      Erection of Fencing and Bollard at Church Close – Fencing has been erected.  A resident has

     objected to the fencing and has contacted  the Planning Dept. and two of the Ward Members.

     Planning Department has advised Community First Officer that there has been no breach of

     planning regulations as fencing is less than 1 metre high.  The collapsible bollard to be erected as

     soon as possible.  Council to insure fencing and bollard.

e)      Encroachment of Garden Onto Recreation GroundDMBC’s Enforcement Officer is still awaiting confirmation from the resident’s solicitor in respect of the current position re. this matter.  The last update being that the resident’s solicitor was applying to the Land Registry for possessionary title of the land.  If successful with this claim the evidence of possessionary title will be submitted with the application for a lawful use certificate as corroborative evidence of the use of the land as domestic curtilage. 

f)        Sunken Area, The Green – A reminder to Community First.

g)      Ellers Lane Street Sign – The sign has been erected.  Complete.

h)      Traffic Lights at Hurst Lane/Hayfield Lane Junction – DMBC confirms that vehicle and pedestrian surveys have been undertaken, and an assessment of the junction is currently being carried out.  Regarding collisions – formal Police records show there has been one reported slight injury accident at the junction since installation of signals, whereas 2 similar junctions reveal a total of 7 injury collisions over a similar period.  If the new access to the airport from Hurst Lane goes ahead many of the difficulties currently experienced at this junction will be eased.

     i)   River Torne Footbridge Project – DMBC to be asked for an update on the recent meeting.

j)        Vandalism at Riverside Park – It was reported that vandals recently kicked open the double doors of the pavilion.  ‘Need a Hand’ has installed a heavy duty hasp and clasp to prevent further damage at a cost of £65.

           RESOLVED -  Payment approved

In a separate incident a concrete bollard on the perimeter of the recreation car park has been uprooted.  A group of men were seen collecting a ‘Hot Tub’ from the rear garden of a dwelling on Ainsley Close, and loading it into a pick-up truck, and it would appear the bollard was knocked down to give them access.  The Police were informed and visited the site.   DMBC has concreted in the bollard at a cost of £50.

RESOLVED - Payment approved.

k)      New Computer for Clerk – Mr. Garner has provided a package of monitor, printer, etc. for a

total cost of £625.  RESOLVED – Payment approved.

 

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4.  Matters Arising (continued)     

l)        Flashing 30 mph sign, Mosham Road – It was reported that the sign is now functioning normally.

m)    Overgrown Land, Hurst Lane – No reply.  Mrs. Hunter is to have a word with the landowner.

n)      Query Re. Airport Police Station – Peel advises that currently there is no Police Station at the airport.  They do have South Yorkshire Police based within the terminal building, however they operate the ports unit only.  In the future it is hoped to have an additional Police presence on site, but a number of consultations are required between the Airports Operators’ Authority, South Yorkshire Police and Local Government, and unfortunately this process can take some time.  They will endeavour to keep the local community informed when a final decision is made.

o)      Unauthorised Signs – Community First Officer is to visit the owner of a sign advertising a nursery at Hurst Lane.  Highways have been consulted re. an advertising banner on Hayfield School fence.  Providing the sign does not breach any legislation, the school is willing to support a local business.

p)      Entrance to Mosham Road Quarry – Pending.

q)      Provision of Seat on Riverbank – Pending.

r)       Land at Main Street – Pending.

s)       Lorries Accessing Common Lane – Pending.

5..  Community Police Report

     P.C. Gee reported on the following:

     Nuisance Youths  Two youths are to appear in court in connection with damage to a car on 8th May

     near the Nisa Store.  Other problems associated with youth nuisance at this location have been

     resolved.  Police and Youth Services have been in talks with offenders, and a firm warning given

     Police continue to monitor Riverside Park and Spey Drive play area.  

     ‘Motorbike Operation’ – Has been operated on several Sundays in an effort to tackle problems

     associated with young people riding these vehicles, but the scheme has now been withdrawn.

     Under-Age Consumption of Alcohol -  Three weeks ago Police targeted shops in the area to check

     whether they were selling alcohol to under- age youngsters, and Auckley Stores were found to be

     adhering to the law.  Any shops found selling to this age group will receive a fixed penalty fine of £80. 

     Alcohol Exclusion Zone – Implementation of the exclusion zone depends on the severity of

     the problem, and it is very difficult to push legislation through.  Mexborough is currently operating

     the scheme. 

     Speed Check -  P.C. Gee has received a report of the DSD speed check at Hayfield Lane and has sent

     the report to  Camera Partnerships – this may result in a camera being provided. 

     He will make enquiries re. the distribution of ‘Smart Water’.

6.  District Councillor’s Report

     Mrs. Schofield reported on the following:

     Church Close Fencing – St. Leger Homes has confirmed that residents have been consulted. 

     Green Bins Pilot Scheme – The scheme is being tried first at Bawtry, Tickhill and Braithwell.

     DMBC is only just meeting its target set by Government, and more recycling is required.

     Champion Sports Pass – This is eligible to anyone under 19 years of age and can be used for all

     activities. 

     Smart Water – Only certain areas are eligible, these do not include any villages in Finningley Ward.

     Cold Weather Response – Important areas will be gritted in icy weather conditions, e.g. the frontages

     of Post Offices and other main buildings used by the public.

     Potholes – Mr. Jones reported that Ward Members have had a meeting with Highways Dept.

     Members of the public may report potholes to Ward Members, but to receive attention potholes are

     required to measure more than 40mm (1.75 inches) deep.

7.  To Receive Internal Auditor’s Report and Approve Annual Returns Statement

     The Internal Auditor points out that according to Financial Regulations the 2 signatories signing

     cheques should also initial cheque stubs.  It is also advisable to initial the invoice or documentation. 

     Whilst this appears to be the normal practice there are several instances where this has not been done.

     The accounts have been kept to an overall high standard.  Council agreed to implement regulations.

 

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8  Report of Meeting to Discuss New Play Equipment

    Members have met with a representative from a firm manufacturing play equipment.  The firm has

    designed a plan for the Riverside Park which includes several items of play equipment and a youth

    shelter.   Approximate cost will be £114,000.  Application forms have been obtained from several

    organisations that provide funding, and an application has been sent to Doncaster Aggregates Levy

    Fund.

    RESOLVED – It was agreed to place an article in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter asking for volunteers to join

    a fund-raising committee.  Mrs. Cockett agreed to serve on the committee.

    Following Council’s enquiry re. use of 106 fund for Spey Drive play area, Community First Officer

    reports that £13,500 was available - £7,500 was used to purchase a climbing frame and the rest is for

    installation and safety surface.   The Play Team has been attempting to acquire additional funding to

    upgrade the whole site to include a toddler area and junior swings before installing the climbing frame.

    Council asked whether it wished to apply for funding, but declined because it is DMBC’s land.

9. To Discuss Advice from YLCA re. Charity Land

    YLCA advises the trustees have a duty to ensure that proper procedures are complied with in the

    disposal process, this includes a written report on the proposed disposal from a qualified surveyor, and

    advertise in accordance with surveyor’s advice.  There are also separate rules relating to disposal of

    permanent endowment.  YLCA will offer further advice when they have seen correspondence from

    Charity Commission.

    RESOLVED – Agreed to ask Planning Dept. whether the land will be required for link road.

10.Report of Meeting with Solicitor to Register Charity Land

     The Chairperson and Clerk have met with Mr. Edwards, who suggested it might be appropriate to

     only register the 2 plots at Common Lane, and leave land at Hurst Lane pending developments. 

     RESOLVED – Members were agreed that it would be prudent to register all 3 plots of land.

11.To Discuss DMBC’s Suggested Siting of a Pedestrian Refuge at the B1396

     DMBC reports that the pedestrian refuges at Branton are on a relatively straight road, whereas at

     Auckley there are many restrictions, i.e. junction of River Way, Dursley Court, various driveways,

     the bus stop and Eagle & Child car park.  There is one suitable site outside nos. 24 & 25 Main Street

     RESOLVED – Following discussion it was decided by a majority to accept DMBC’s proposal

     to provide a pedestrian refuge at the suggested site.

12.To Consider Sites for New Litter Bins

     Community First now has new budgets and there may be potential for additional resources.  Council is

     asked to suggest sites for new litter bins.  Sites suggested were: Gatehouse Lane, Hayfield Lane,   

     School Lane and Church Close.

     In response to Council’s letter re. litter outside Nisa Store, Peel Holdings advises that the land is theirs

     but the tenant is responsible for keeping it clean.  Peel will be in contact with the tenant.

13.Application for a Modification Order to Claim a Right of Way

     Rights of Way Officer has sent a form of Application for a Modification Order to Claim a Right of

     Way with regard to the path leading from Sandhill Rise to Riverside Park.  Once completed all the

     residents involved are to be notified of the Council’s claim.

14.To Discuss Council’s Web Site and Future Contract with Web Master

     The Clerk reported that when the Web Master was appointed he was paid a proportion of his fees in a

     lump sum and the remaining £850 was to be paid over 24 months at £35.41 a month.  Last payment is

     due in August 2006.

     RESOLVED – Agreed to ask the Web Master to name his terms which Council will then consider.

15.To Review Clerk’s Telephone Allowance

     The Clerk is to be supplied with Broadband in the next few weeks – this will be with ‘Pipex’ at a cost

     of £24.99 per month, plus line rental. 

     RESOLVED – Following discussion Mrs. Cockett proposed that Council pay a monthly allowance of

     £25, w.e.f 1st July 2006.  Mrs. Hunter seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

16.To Consider Proposed 20 mph Speed Limit at Vulcan Mews Development

     Council had no objections to make on the proposal.

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17. To Discuss Senior Citizens’ Outing

      The Clerk reported that 49 names have been received, including 3 people who do not live in Auckley.

      It was agreed that, as the outing is funded from charity money for the benefit of Auckley residents, a

      charge should be made for non-residents.

      RESOLVED – Mrs. Cockett proposed a charge of £5 per person be made, this was seconded by

      Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

18. To Discuss Highway Matters

      A resident of Ellers Lane has asked for trees to be trimmed on highway verge in front of her property.

      RESOLVED – This matter to be referred to DMBC.

19. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a)  Electrical Inspection of Pavilion – Council was informed that the electrical inspection undertaken

           in 2005 cost £418, and will need to be repeated once every 5 years.  However, an annual inspection

           is required for the Gala Entertainments Licence, although this year  it may not be needed because

           the Gala is early and within the  year covered by the 2005 inspection.  The Clerk to check with the

           Gala secretary re. this matter.

           RESOLVED – Council agreed that, under audit regulations, it would not be possible to continue

           to fund a yearly inspection for the benefit of one organisation, and suggested it would be prudent

           for the Gala committee to look into hiring a generator for future events.

b)      ‘Dogs On Leads’ Sign  - A sign to be ordered from Beacon Signs – to be attached to existing post

20. Joint Training Conference for Parish Councillors/Clerks 29 September/1 October

      Mrs. Hunter expressed a wish to attend the conference, and this was approved.

21. Report of Meeting Held to Discuss Hayfield Recreation Project

      It was reported that a 25 year lease has now been offered, plus free rent for 2 years. 

      Following recent trouble near Nisa Store the Police have had a meeting with Peel, and subsequently

      Police have been invited to attend the recreation meetings.  The Youth Service has also become involved with the project.  The Police intend to erect a mobile building for the use of teenagers . 

22. Report of Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Meeting

      A presentation on planning was given.

23. Report of Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting

      The 106 Agreement was discussed. The committee was informed that diffusion tubes are monitoring air quality near the airport, and findings show that pollution comes from vehicles rather than planes.

24. Report of Meeting with Community Manager, Mr. Ajman Ali

      The Chair and Clerk met to discuss objectives of the new community structure.  Mr. Ali will attend Council meetings for specific issues.  

25. To Consider Planning Applications:

      a)  No. 06/01203/TPO – Consent to fell and remove 1 Horse Chestnut Tree and to crown lift 2 Horse

           Chestnut Trees (All being subject to G2 of DMBC Tree Preservation Order NO. 266, Land

           adjacent Rowan Close, Hayfield Green, Auckley 2004)  -  6 Hayfield Court, Auckley

           Council is opposed to the felling of a healthy mature tree which was obviously well-established

           before development took place.  There are no objections to the tree being thinned, and no

           objections to crown lift 2 Horse Chestnut Trees.

b)      No. 06/01113/TPO – Consent to fell and remove one Sycamore Tree (denoted 1 on plan) and to

crown clear, crown thin by up to 10% and to crown lift to maximum of 4m above ground level

1 Horse Chestnut Tree (Both being subject to G2 of DMBC Tree Preservation Order no. 266, Land

Adjacent Rowan Close, Auckley 2004)  -  7 Hayfield Court, Auckley

Council objects to the felling of a healthy mature tree which must have been well-established

before development began.  There are no objections to this tree being thinned.  There are no objections to proposals to crown clear, etc. the Horse Chestnut Tree.   

c)       No. 06/01075/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to side of semi-detached house,

1 Chestnut Drive, Auckley

Council had no objections to make with regard to this application

 

 

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25.  Planning Applications (continued)

       d)  No. 06/01330/FUL – Erection of part two storey/part single storey pitched roof extension to rear

            and pitched roof porch extension to front of semi-detached house   - 9 Sycamore Drive, Auckley

            No objections raised.   

e)      No. 06/01394/OUT – Outline application for erection of residential development on approx.

      0.21 ha of land  -  7 Mosham Road, Auckley

           Council strongly objects to this application for the following reasons:

           The access and egress is considered dangerous, being in close proximity to a busy crossroads

           without traffic lights

           Development at this site would be totally out of keeping with the surrounding area.

           Loss of green space.

f)        No. 06/01381/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side and pitched roof

conservatory to front of detached bungalow  -  19 Norwood Avenue, Auckley

Council had no objections to make with regard to this development.

     DMBC’s Planning Decisions – The following planning applications were approved:

a)        Erection of 8 two storey business units in 5 blocks,

Site B To The North of Hayfield Lane, Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster

b)        Formation of new airport access route from Hurst Lane,

Land adjoining Robin Hood Airport, Hurst Lane, Auckley

26. Signing of Cheques

      Cheque no. 001649 – Mr. A. Siddons (22nd Web Site update)                                           £35.41

      Cheque no. 001650 – Mr. A. Garner (Supply, set up & configure new computer)             £625.00

      Cheque no. 001651 – Zurich Municipal (Council’s annual insurance premium)                £1,268.45

      Cheque no. 001652 -  DMBC (Hire of Hayfield Primary School for meeting)                      £49.50

      Cheque no. 001653 – ‘Need a Hand’ (Supply & fit hasp and clasp to pavilion doors)         £65.00

      Cheque no. 001654 – Arrow Publications (Parish Council news in newsletter)                     £55.00

      Cheque no. 001655 – Mr. J. Hutchinson (Carry out internal audit)                                       £35.00

      Cheque no. 001656 – N Power (Pavilion electricity charge)                                                £27.92

      Cheque no. 001657 – Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages + wood stain)                           £203.12

      Cheque no. 001658 – J.W. Bichan (Trim grass on Main Street land)                                   £58.75

      Cheque no. 001659 – YLCA (One delegate to conference)                                                £91.00

27. To Receive Correspondence

      a)  A copy of letter sent from Hayfield School to DMBC and Police, etc. concerning 40 mph limit.

      b)  Agenda for Annual Meeting of South Yorkshire Branch of YLCA

      c)  SYPTE Travel Advisor – noted.

      d)  DEFRA publication ‘Getting to Grips with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005’

           To discuss at July meeting

28. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting 

      It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 12th July 2006, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

      at the Hayfield Lane Primary School.

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

      a)   Overgrown Hedgesayfield Lane Primary   - Community First to be asked to inspect overgrown hedges on path leading  

            from River Way to recreation ground, and path leading from The Paddocks to Rushley Close

      b)   Spey Drive Play Area – DMBC to be advised that developers have not re-instated grass, and the

            collapsible bollard has been left in the unlocked position. 

      c)    Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry  - A resident asked what steps are being taken to re-instate the land

 The Clerk to write and ask Planning Dept.

d)       Green Bin Notices – DMBC to be informed of notices left blowing about in gardens.

e)        Business Sign – DMBC to be informed there is a business sign on front of a Spey Drive property

b)       Untidy Verge – Developers at Gatehouse Lane to be asked to re-instate unsightly verges.