MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH JUNE 2007
COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
1. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. Geoff Payne.
2. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest - None received.
3. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 9th May 2007
The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.
4. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
a) Fencing at Hurst Lane/Railway Line – A reminder to DMBC.
b) Senior Citizens’ Outing – Mr. Cockett and Mr. Butterfield to accompany residents on outing.
c) River Torne Footbridge Project – Mr. Houghton to be asked to arrange another meeting.
d) Flooding, Main Street – Highways Officer will remind Maintenance Dept.
e) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor advises that the Land Registry confirms
the strip of land in question does lie within the Parish Council’s title, not the resident’s.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to instruct the solicitor to ask the resident to remove both the fence
and plants he has installed within 28 days, otherwise Council will have no alternative but to take
further action.
f)
Public Footpath No. 2 – In reply to Council’s letter, DMBC’s Footpaths Officer agrees
that the entrance to the footpath is narrower than its definitive width. This is because of the stone gatepost. The post is predominately on private land and
does not obstruct the free passage along the footpath. In view of this, together with the length of
time the post has been in position, she believes the obstruction would be
deemed to be de minimus and therefore
it is not appropriate for the Authority to take action to have it removed.
RESOLVED – Council to request a site meeting with Footpaths Officer – there are concerns that the narrow width of footpath will prevent access for disabled people.
g) Plants at The Green and Pinfold – Garden and Allotment Association members have planted
bedding plants in the tubs. Invoice is awaited.
h) Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7 – Footpaths Officer advises that the objection made
by Council is the only one outstanding, and in view of this a report is currently being prepared for
presentation to the Planning Committee recommending that authorisation be given for the
advertising of the Order and, should it be granted, Council will be notified and will be able to
make a formal objection. The Authority is unable to confirm an Order to which objections have
been made and not withdrawn, and in such circumstances the matter is referred to the Secretary of
State, and could result in a Public Inquiry at which a Council representative will be invited to
present the case for objecting.
RESOLVED – Mr. Warrender offered to represent Council in the event of a Public Inquiry. The Clerk to enquire what were Austerfield Council’s comments in relation to the diversion.
i) Claimed Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – The Planning Committee will consider whether to
authorise the making of a modification order on 28 June. The report recommends giving
authorisation for the making of a modification order to add this right of way to the definitive
map as a public footpath and that the Authority takes a neutral stance. Should authorisation be
received, the order will be advertised and open to objection.
j) Proposed Pedestrian Refuge – DMBC advises that, due to overrunning of other schemes within the work programme, the project has had to be postponed to a later date, and it is now anticipated that work will start sometime during June/July
RESOLVED – Members expressed dissatisfaction with this reply, and also reiterated that
residents are having to wait for long periods to cross the road, and in their opinion a refuge is
badly needed near The Green. The Clerk is to request a site meeting.
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4. Matters Arising (continued)
l) Funding Bid for Playground Equipment - LHL Group advises that their fee, in the event of an
unsuccessful bid, would be capped at £1,250.00 plus VAT.
RESOLVED – At the previous meeting Council had resolved to hire LHL if their fee was no more
than £500, in the event of an unsuccessful bid. In view of the information now received from LHL
Mr. Cockett made a proposal that Council rescind this resolution. The proposal was seconded by
Mr. Warrender, and agreed by Council. Mr. Butterfield then proposed that Council accept LHL’s
terms, this was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.
m) Pavilion Electrical Check – Cockin Electrical has agreed to carry out an electrical test in week
commencing 13th August. Clerk to ask the firm to delay the check for 2 weeks.
n) Sunken Soakaway, The Green – A reminder to Community First.
o)
Untidy Hedges and Verges,
Hayfield and
p) Provision of Bollard – A reminder to Community First.
q)
Sewage Problems – Pending.
5. Community Police Report
Crime in Auckley - Inspector Payling reported that things have been reasonably quiet in Auckley over
the past few weeks, but Branton has had some problems, and these issues will be tied in with Auckley.
No crime figures are available, but house burglaries are down in number, whereas thefts from sheds
and garages are up. It has been established that bogus callers recently operating in Auckley are from
Nottinghamshire. No recent of incidents of this nature have been reported.
Request for Alcohol-Free Zone – In reply to Council’s request for an alcohol-free zone
Inspector Payling advised that he does not
believe an application to obtain a ‘
Order’ (DPPO) would be successful at this time. However, the Police can rely on the ‘Confiscation of
Alcohol (Young Persons’) Act’. This allows Officers to seize alcohol from young people. He is
confident the Act will be successful in combating the problem.
Spy Glasses for Doors – Council was informed that spy glasses costing £7.50 each are available for
the use of vulnerable residents. Inspector Payling will make further enquiries and inform Council.
Mrs. Worthington thanked the Police for their efforts in the village.
Vandalism on Rail Track – Police were informed that the boundary fence between the railway track
and Hawthorn/Elder Grove is broken, and children have been seen putting stones on the line.
6. District Councillor’s Report
Mrs. Schofield reported on the following:
St. Leger Homes – The organisation has been awarded 2 stars which has brought match-funding and
will mean that there are now resources for many more houses to be renovated.
Highways – DMBC is to carry out a review of local roads.
Refuse – There are plans for a separate collection of plastics.
Food
Plan – Environment Dept. has been asked to monitor foodstuffs coming into
Up to now there has only been one delivery, and this was fruit.
Post Office Closures – There will be an announcement in November on Post Office closures.
Meeting with Chief Executive – Mrs. Schofield has asked for a meeting to discuss various issues, i.e.
potholes, flooding, lack of kerbing, a possible speed and
weight restriction at
7. To Approve Sections 1 and 2 of Annual Return Form for Audit 2006/2007
Sections 1 and 2 were approved by Council and signed by the Chairperson and Clerk. The accounts
will now be inspected by the Internal Auditor.
8. To Consider Making a Donation in Memory of Revd. David Ottewell
RESOLVED – Following discussion it was agreed to provide a hardwood seat with plaque to be
sited at the front of the Parish Centre. This matter is to be considered at the July meeting.
9. To Consider Web Master’s Terms
Mr. Cadman (Officemate Ltd.) advises that he is willing to run the web site for the sum of £300 plus
VAT per annum. This will consist of monthly updating of Council meeting minutes and agendas,
ad-hoc changes to web content and administration of the web site. There is scope to accommodate
minor changes (20 mins. per month) without incurring additional cost.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation.
Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
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10. To Consider Quotation to Carry Out Renovation Work to Pavilion
Council considered a quotation from ‘Need A Hand’ in the sum of £1,555.00 to carry out the
following work:
Outside – Replace one fascia board, rub down and paint all fascia boards, sofits, underside of porch.
door frames and paint wood covering windows. Apply vandal-proof paint to front fascia boards
Inside – Remove old sink unit and sink and supply new ones, supply and fit new stop cock with lever
type, also new taps with lever type, remove loose tiles and replace, emulsion ceilings, gloss inside
frames and replace broken toilet seat.
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Featherstone proposed that the quotation be accepted.
Mr. Warrender seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
11. To Consider Quotation to Erect Fencing at Front of Pavilion
Following repeated attempts to break open the pavilion doors it has been decided to erect palisade
fencing in front of the building in an attempt to prevent further damage.
AGN Fencing quotes the sum of £1,559.34 + VAT to supply and fix 16.2 metres of 1.8 metre high
galvanised triple pointed top fencing and 3no. lines of razor barb. Also a 1.2 metre wide single leaf
gate.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quotation,
this was seconded by Mrs. Hunter, and the motion was carried.
12.To Discuss
Following solicitor’s comments that Council may not be complying with the Charities Act
requirement on “best value”, advice is to be sought from YLCA regarding this matter. .
13.To Discuss
Land at
YLCA advises it is the Associations’ opinion that the Parish Council shall not be able to take
possession of the land. They have considered the Property Register supplied by the Land Registry,
and it is clear that the person mentioned on the register holds absolute title to the land. Where a
prospective adverse possessor is aware there is an identifiable owner there is little point in pursuing the
possession. Perhaps this may be an issue for DMBC’s Environment Officer, should the condition of
the land become a nuisance or pose a threat to health in the future.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the owner explaining that the land was a dumping ground
until the Council fenced it off and arranged for it to be maintained. The Clerk to enquire whether the
owner would consider selling the land to Council, or perhaps allow Council to maintain the land with
the owner funding the maintenance.
14.To Discuss Highways
a)
outside the quarry, entrance to Poplar Way and on the rumble strips. In addition the persistent
flooding near the bus stop in front of
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to Community First regarding these problems.
b) 20 mph Speed Limits
RESOLVED - The Clerk to write to Highways and point out that some Councils are increasing
the number of 20 mph zones in their area, and to ask for information on survival rates at 20 mph.
c) Hedges Overhanging Footways – Community First to be informed of several dwellings where
hedges overhang footways.
d) Coat of Arms – Mr. Cockett has received information from the York Herald concerning a Coat of
Arms. This matter is to be discussed at the July meeting.
15.To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) Erection of Gate At Car Park – Highway Dept raises no objections to the gate and bollard,
providing they are erected clear of the highway boundary and the gate does not open into the
highway. Electricity, water and gas services advise there are no services where the gate is to be
fixed. The contractor is to be given approval to install the gate. It was agreed to purchase a
universal padlock from DMBC and a number of keys in order to give one to each of the residents
of the cul-de-sac.
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15. To Discuss Recreation Matters (continued)
b) Provision of Metal Basketball Nets – A suggestion has been received for Council to provide metal
nets for the basketball posts.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Council decided that the equipment is rarely used, and
therefore does not warrant further expenditure.
16. To Elect Parish Representative to the DMBC Standards Board
RESOLVED – Council was asked to select one parish representative from a list of 5 candidates.
Council agreed to vote for Mrs. Lynn Hunter.
Mrs. Hunter has also recently been accepted to serve on the Standards (Parish Council) Sub-
Committee.
17. To Discuss Seminars for Local Councillors
YLCA is running evening seminars during July and August aimed particularly at new members,
but also providing a refresher for re-elected members.
DMBC is to hold 3 evening training sessions during June to highlight the implications of the new
Code of Conduct. No member of the Council was available to attend any of the above.
18. To Receive Report on Airport Meetings
a) Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting – Nothing to report.
b) Airport Community Sub-Committee Meeting – It was reported that in May a plane took off from
the airport at 4.50 a.m. contravening the 106 Agreement. Consent had been given by DMBC.
The committee was informed that two complaints relating to noise have recently been received.
19. To Receive Report on Recent Clerk’s Seminar
The Clerk reported on a very interesting and varied seminar including items on the new Code of
Conduct, Playground Safety, The Conduct of Meetings and ‘
20. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No.
07/01725/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to rear and
pitched roof infil
garage to side of detached house -
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.
b)
No. 07/01631/FUL – Erection
of flat roof single storey extension to front and pitched roof two
Storey
extension to side of detached house being amendment to application granted
under ref.
07/00243/FUL on 21.03.07) 2A Briar Close, Auckley
Council had no objections to make in respect of this application
21. To Consider DMBC’s Planning Decisions:
a) No. 07/01363/FUL – Erection of part 2 storey part single storey pitched roof extension to rear and
erection of pitched roof porch
extension to side of detached house with alterations to garage,
2A
Planning permission granted
b)
No. 07/00774/COUM – Change
of use from vacant former RAF Officer’s Mess (Sue Generis) to
School
(Class D1) - Former RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters,
Planning permission granted.
c)
No. 07/01008/ADV – Display
of non-illuminated free-standing pole sign (2.43m x 2.43m) 4.9m
High - Site of Club Impact, Finningley Estate,
Advertisement Consent Refused – The proposed advertisement is considered to be contrary to the
Policy ENV 58 of the Doncaster UDP by virtue of the location. It is considered that there would be undue clutter caused by allowing this unnecessary advertisement in the proposed location, which would result in a detrimental effect on the visual amenity/appearance of the site.
Appeal Decision
Appeal Ref. APP/F4410/A/07/2035803 – Erection of development
consisting of 21 apartments
in 3 and 4 storey blocks
- Land bordering Hurst
Lane/Railway Line,
The Appeal has been allowed, subject to a number of conditions.
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22. Update Report on Hayfield Recreation Project
Council was informed there was nothing to report at this stage.
23. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001763 –
Cheque no. 001764 - Bridge Sanderson Munro (Legal services) £731.98
Cheque no. 001765 - Arrow Publications (Item in newsletter) £55.00
Cheque no. 001766 - N Power (Pavilion electricity charges) £34.70
Cheque no. 001767 - Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water charges) £18.39
Cheque no. 001768 - Auckley Parish Centre (Hire for May meeting) £24.00
Cheque no. 001769 - ‘Need A Hand’ (Repair of pavilion doors) £65.00
Cheque no. 001770 - Finningley Village Hall (Hire for meeting) £7.00
Cheque no. 001771 - Serviceteam (Grounds maintenance) £206.96
Cheque no. 001772 - Officemate Ltd. (Web master’s annual fee) £352.50
Cheque no. 001773 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages) £203.05
24. To Receive Correspondence
a)
Naming of Street – The developers of the site off
suggestions, and Council is invited to make written comments on the following:
Run Way
RESOLVED – Council gave this matter consideration and decided the only name remotely
suitable was ‘
b) Auckley Show – Auckley Garden & Allotment Association advises that, due to a lack of volunteers, the Auckley Show will be held this year at the Parish Centre, rather than the usual
venue at
c)
Road Traffic Regulations,
September. This is to allow the road to be closed for a time during work on the new link road.
d) Listing of Dwellings – English Heritage’s territorial team will be assessing the houses at
Ellers Lane for possible listing, and will be compiling their advice to the Secretary of State.
e) Flyer for Hayfield Cafe - A flyer advertising the Hayfield Bar is currently being circulated. The times of opening listed far exceed the ‘dawn to dusk’ condition made when planning permission was given. The Clerk has written to bring this matter to the attention of the Planning Dept.
25. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 11th July 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at
The Auckley Parish Centre.
At the close of business time was set aside for public participation. No issues were raised.
Chairperson …………………………..