MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9TH MAY 2007
COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
Before the meeting began tributes were paid to the Revd. Dr. David Ottewell, Vicar of Finningley and
1. Election of Chairperson – Mr. Cockett proposed Mrs. Worthington to serve as Chairperson, this
was agreed, and Mrs. Worthington was duly elected to the post.
2. Election of Vice Chairperson – Mr. Warrender proposed Mr. Butterfield to serve as Vice Chairman,
this was agreed, and Mr. Butterfield was duly elected to the post.
3. To Adopt New Code of Conduct
RESOLVED – A resolution was passed that the Parish Council adopts the Standard Board’s Model
Code of Conduct for Parish and Town Councils 2007, including paragraph 12 (2).
4. To Receive Declarations of Acceptance of Office and Registration of Interests
Declarations of Acceptance of Office were signed, and Registration of Interests forms given out.
5. To Receive Apologies – None received.
6. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest
Mr. Butterfield declared a personal interest in Item No. 27 (a) (Planning application for No. 4
Mr. and Mrs. Cockett both declared a personal interest in Item No. 15 – (Application for Council to
fund a line marker machine for football pitch)
7. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Parish Council Meeting Held on 11th April 2007
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
8. To Make Appointments to Committees:
a) Airport Community Sub-Committee – Mr. I Swainston
b) Airport Transport Sub-Committee Mr. P. Cockett
c) Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee Mrs. J. Worthington
d) Joint Parishes’ Airport Liaison Group Mr. I. Swainston Mr. G. Payne and
Mrs. L. Hunter
e) Hayfield Lane Sports, Community Centre Mrs. J. Worthington
Nominations to Outside Bodies:
a) YLCA Branch Meeting with voting powers No nomination
b) Chairman, Vice Chairman & YLCA reps.Branch Meeting Councillor P. Burke
c) Representatives on DMBC Standards Committee Mrs. L. Hunter
d) Representatives on DMBC Standards (Parish Council) Sub Mrs. L. Hunter
9. Community Police Report
Police Constable Julie Gibbon reported that patrols have been increased in Auckley to address
problems of anti-social behaviour, and details taken from 51 young people - 10% of whom were
advised and taken home. Since then young people have been appearing in small groups, and no major
problems have occurred. The Police will continue to monitor the situation, and are liaising with shops
to see where alcohol is being purchased. Mrs. Worthington thanked the Police for their efforts.
P.C. Gibbon warned that a bogus Water Board official has been operating
at
10. Matters Arising From the Above Minutes
a) Re-Siting of Bus Shelters – DMBC advises that when the work is fully completed a check will be
made to ensure the improvements have been constructed according to the design objectives. The
comments Council has received from parents regarding visibility will be included in this review.
b) Parish Web Site – The new Web Master has added the agenda and minutes. He will send a
quotation for future maintenance and update of the web site.
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10. Matters Arising (continued)
c) Fencing at Hurst Lane/Railway Line – Community First Officer has taken photographs of the site
and does not consider any encroachment has taken place as the fence line follows the edge of path
RESOLVED – Council still considers there has been encroachment – the boundary should run
behind the hawthorn bush growing halfway down the slope.. If the boundary follows the line of the
fencing there will be no room left for a grass verge. The Clerk to write again re. this matter.
d) Application to go on Pharmaceutical List – The Clerk has been advised that the appeal is being
considered by an independent committee. The Parish Council cannot submit further comments.
e) Sewage Problems – DMBC’s Environmental Health Officer reports they have been in contact
with Severn Trent who are responsible for public sewers in the
village. The letter sent by
businesses discharging certain materials into sewers. This matter is going to be discussed with
them again in the near future and, following this, he will contact Council again.
f) New Schedule for Wheelie Bins – Mayor Winter advises that DMBC is committed to increasing the
amount of waste that is recycled in
introduced to reach this target and reduce the use of landfill sites. If the Authority does not reach
its target the Government will impose fines which could run into millions of pounds
g) Groundwork Scheme at Front of Parish Centre – Work has begun on the scheme and will take
approximately 2 weeks.
h) Senior Citizens’ Outing – The clerk now has 43 names of people wishing to go on the outing.
Mr. Cockett and Mr. Butterfield will attend on behalf of the Council.
RESOLVED – Council discussed whether another coach might be needed if more than 47 eligible residents wish to go on the outing. It was agreed to wait and see.
A cheque was authorised in payment for the coach with £20 added for the driver’s tip.
i) Traffic Signals Hurst/Hayfield Lane Junctions – DMBC Highways Officer advises that the traffic
signals engineers are planning to carry out a signal timing review on these signals during the
Summer. However, he will ask an engineer to check the operation of timings on these sites and
make anyighways Officer advises that the traffic signals H necessary adjustments.
RESOLVED – Council expressed concerns that the present timings are dangerous and need to
be altered as soon as possible. Highways to be asked to monitor the lights as a matter of urgency.
j)
Pothole,
Another request will be sent.
k)
Dumped Rubbish Between
Sandhill Rise and
inspected the recreation ground – the grass has been cut and no rubbish was found.
l) Sand Quarry – Community First Officer is awaiting a reply from Mr. Sides, Highways Officer,
with regard to services that may be under the grass verges, and his opinion on the work proposed.
Hanson management has been speaking with P.C. Sowerby and there may be a possibility of some
partnership working, in view of the fact that C. First is unable to consider undertaking this sort of work until the growing season is ended. It would be very costly for Community First, when it may
be a Highways issue. The matter will be pursued.
m) Unlit Street Lamps, Dart Grove – Community First has reported this matter to Lighting Section.
n)
i) Felled Trees – DMBC advises the reason for felling the trees was because a self-set ash and
sorbus were lifting a resident’s fence.
ii)Vandalised Wooden Blocks – DMBC is to provide a new climbing frame with safety surface.
Grounds staff will either carry out alterations to surrounding wooden blocks or replace them.
iii)Request for Dog Bins – DMBC advises that at present there are no funds available for dog bins.
Community Safety Wardens have been asked to monitor and also assess the village for signage.
CSW’s and Police have been visiting Spey Drive Area on a regular basis. CSW’s have not
encountered any incidents of anti-social behaviour but will continue to monitor.
o)
River
p) Flooding, Main Street – Pending.
q) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Pending.
r)
Public Footpath
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11. District Councillor’s Report
Mrs. P. Schofield has been re-elected as a Ward Member, and has now been appointed Leader of the
Conservative Group of
attend all the Parish Council meetings, but will endeavour to attend when possible.
Alcohol-Free Zones – Mrs. Schofield commented that many people have concerns regarding
underage alcohol consumption. She supports the implementation of alcohol-free zones, and feels
these should be applied to rural areas as well as the town centre.
Request for Weight Restriction,
reply to her request for a weight restriction at
Mrs. Schofield expressed her sadness on hearing of the death of Revd. Dr. David Ottewell.
12. To Approve Accounts for Financial Year 2006/2007 and Quarterly Internal Audit
The accounts were approved and the accounts book signed by the Vice Chairman.
The quarterly internal audit, checked by the delegated members, was accepted by Council
13. To Consider Quotation to Undertake Funding Application for Play Equipment
The firm Hawley and Partners informs Council that they were successful in obtaining funding for
maintenance works at Finningley Village Hall. Their fees were based on the time involved, but they
are happy to cap their fees at 10% of the grant awarded, obviously if the time taken to obtain the
grant is less then they would invoice the appropriate amount. Their hourly rate applicable to this
type of work would be £85 per hour plus VAT.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, it was agreed to enquire what fee would be charged in the
event of the bid being unsuccessful. Mr. Cockett proposed that if the charge is no more than £500,
Council should go ahead and engage the firm. Mr. Swainston seconded the proposal, and the
motion was carried.
Council’s Application to YRCC for Grant Towards Play Equipment
YRCC advises Council that its application has been refused on the grounds that sport and recreation
are ineligible activities for the Rural Target Fund, unless a project can demonstrate a substantial
economic and/or training need.
14. To Consider Expenditure To Provide Plants for Tubs at The Green and Pinfold
Members of the
plants for the tubs – estimated cost no more than £80.
RESOLVED – Mr. Warrender proposed that Council accept this offer. Mr. Featherstone seconded
the proposal, and the motion was carried.
15. To Consider Auckley Football Club’s Application for Provision of Line Marker Machine
Council was informed that the current line marker machine is over 20 years old and is no longer
usable due to rust and buckled wheels and is beyond repair. Two quotations supplied:
Hucknets (UK) Ltd. – Ultimate Line Marker + 1 x paint pail £456.00
Pitchcare.com GM5 Line Marker + 2 x paint pails £464.13
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Payne proposed that the GM5 Marker be purchased, as
this model appears the most suitable, seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.
16. To Discuss
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admission to Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the
public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to the confidential nature of
the item to be discussed.
Council has received advice from YLCA and is acting on this information.
17. To Discuss Land at
YLCA advises that clearly the steps Council took previously were the right ones at the time, and in
other circumstances could have led to Council claiming adverse possession, but circumstances have
changed. YLCA is therefore seeking further advice from NALC, although this may take some time.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the presumed owner’s solicitor again to ask what his client’s
intentions are re the land, and to point out there is a dangerous chimney. To also enquire why the
padlock has been changed on Council’s property (gate).
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18. To Discuss Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No. 7
Before the meeting commenced Mr. Peter Nears of Peel Holdings had briefed Council on the
proposed diversion which will link up with paths from Marr Flatts Plantation and Austerfield High
Common. All other parties consulted have given their approval – apart from the Parish Council.
RESOLVED - Following prolonged discussion Mr. Featherstone made a proposal to support the
proposed footpath diversion, and this was seconded by Mr. Swainston. On being put to the vote
3 voted in favour of the motion and 4 voted against, with 1 abstention. The motion was therefore
defeated. DMBC is to be informed of this decision.
19. To Discuss Claimed Footpath at Sandhill Rise
DMBC’s Public Rights of Way Officer intends to list the claimed footpath. The evidence submitted
suggests that members of the public have walked various routes once they entered the playing fields,
and she would be grateful if Council would confirm that this is acceptable, or whether they would
prefer to claim the entirety of the route(s)
RESOLVED – Council agreed to claim the path running from Sandhill Rise, between numbers 29 &
31 Sandhill Rise, and on to the recreation ground.
20. To Consider DMBC’s Reply to Application for Weight Restriction at Gatehouse Lane
DMBC advises that to prohibit large
goods vehicles from
significant detrimental effect on
takes 6 months to implement a traffic order, and objections would certainly be lodged by the freight
transport industry. South Yorkshire Police would not entertain the implementation of a weight
restriction, and it would be unenforceable, given that this is the prescribed route.
RESOLVED – The report was noted.
21. To Consider Making an Application for Auckley to be Made an Alcohol-Free Zone
RESOLVED – Council discussed whether to apply for Auckley to become an alcohol-free zone,
given that a great deal of anti-social behaviour is directly due to young people drinking alcohol in
public places. It was agreed to ask Mrs. Schofield for information regarding application forms.
22. To Discuss Items for Newsletter
It was decided to submit 3 items:
The names of all 9 new Councillors,
The measures taken by Police to combat anti-social behaviour in Auckley
To report that bogus officials are operating in the area.
23. To
a) Gatehouse Lane – Cars parked on pavements and verges. A large pothole has appeared in front of
the bus shelter.
b) The Green – Pothole in front of the Little Manor House. Moles playing havoc on the grassed
area. There is a sunken area of ground opposite the Little Manor House that needs some top soil.
c)
Hedges and Verges – Some hedges and grass verges on
attention. Some are owned by DMBC, some are privately owned.
d) Car Parked at Church Close - It was reported that a car is again being driven over the grassed
frontage and then parked adjacent to a dwelling at Church Close.
RESOLVED – The Clerk to request DMBC to install a collapsible bollard, as earlier agreed.
e) Pedestrian Refuge – Highways Dept. to be reminded that they promised the refuge would
be installed in March, but nothing has been done as yet.
24. To Discuss Recreation Matters:
a) Quotation to Carry Out Pavilion Electrical Check – Two quotes invited but only one received
from Cockin Electrical Contractors Ltd. to carry out full 16th Edition Periodic Inspection and Test
and issue a full Periodic Inspection Certificate for the sum of £180 + VAT
RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council accept the quote, this was seconded by
Mrs. Cockett, and the motion was carried.
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24. Recreation Matters (continued)
b) Proposed Gate at Car Park – A majority of residents are agreeable to the proposal, and some are
willing to hold keys. The Clerk has written to the various services to make sure there are no
cables, etc. underneath the concrete – currently only one reply has been received. Mr. Parker,
Playgrounds Inspector, is also to carry out a ‘Cat’ Scan later in the week.
Times of opening and closing the gate were discussed and agreed as follows:
April – October Gate opened – 7.30 a.m. Gate closed - 9.30 p.m.
November - March Gate opened - 7.30 a.m. Gate closed - 6.00 p.m.
The residents concerned to be asked if these times are acceptable.
c) Pavilion Renovation – A meeting has been arranged for Saturday, 12th May for Members to
have a look and decide what work needs undertaking.
d) Repair of Leak in Pavilion – Following reports of water leaking out of the building, an emergency
plumber (Rapid Response) was called out, and the stop tap stem was fitted with new ‘olives’.
The plumber recommended that, as the water is being continually being turned on and off, a lever
valve should be fitted to the stop tap to prevent the problem re-occurring.
25. To Make Comments on Draft Charter and Provision of Information by E-Mail
a) Draft Charter – Council had no comments to make on the Draft Charter.
b) Information by E-Mail – The Clerk advised that more and more information from DMBC is now
being sent by e-mail to comply with E Governance. However, at a recent Clerks’ Meeting,
concerns were voiced that reducing DMBC printing costs will result in a disproportionate
increase in Parish Council printing.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write with these concerns.
26. To
Receive Update on
It was reported that negotiations are continuing slowly with Peel Holdings, and there is still some
uncertainty regarding the final outcome. Another meeting scheduled for following Monday.
One Member suggested it might be advantageous for the committee to liaise with the management of
the new St. Mary’s School.
27. To Consider Planning Applications:
a)
No. 07/01277/FUL – Erection
of 2 storey pitched roof garage/residential extension to side and
pitched roof
sun lounge to rear of detached house
- 4
Council was opposed to this application for the following reasons:
i) The extension will extend up to the boundary of No. 6
ii) The front elevation will be completely out of character with the surrounding area.
b)
No. 07/01276/FUL – Erection
of first floor pitched roof extension above existing to front and
ground floor bay window extension,
also to front of detached house - 12 The Hollows, Auckley
Council had no objections to make in relation to the application.
c)
No. 07/01264/FUL – Erection
of 2 storey pitched roof garage/residential extension to side,
conservatory extension to rear and canopy to front elevation of detached house, following demolition of existing garage - 1 Ash Grove, Auckley
Council had no objections to make in relation to the application.
d)
No. 07/01150/OUTM – Erection
of sports hall, swimming pool (65m x 38m overall) and
associated
car parking - Former RAF Officers’ Mess Quarters,
Council had n o objections to make in relation to this application.
e)
No. 07/01347/OUT – Outline
application for detached dwelling on approx. 0.10 ha of land,
Land Adjacent
to
Council raised objections to the application on the grounds that it is infill development.
f)
No. 07/01363/FT – 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,
Council had no objections to make regarding this application.
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28. Signing of Cheques
Cheque no. 001752 – Auckley Parish Centre (Donation towards landscaping) £2,500.00
Cheque no. 001753 - Plumbers Rapid Response Ltd. (Repair of pavilion leak) £65.80
Cheque no. 001754 – Auckley Parish Centre (Deposit for key) £10.00
Cheque no. 001755 - YLCA (Postage for booklets) £2.48
Cheque no. 001756 - Auckley Parish Centre (Rent x 2 meetings) £32.00
Cheque no. 001757 - Arrow Publications (Item published in newsletter) £55.00
Cheque no. 001758 - Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates) £54.67
Cheque no. 001759 - Mrs. M. Caygill (Quarterly salary stamps office & tel.allow) £1,935.53
Cheque no. 001760 -
Cheque no. 001761 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages for 14 hours work, 14 hols.) £162.44
Cheque no. 001762 - Pitchcare com. Ltd. (Supply line marking machine) £464.13
Cheque no. 000004 - Wilfreda Coaches ( From charity account for outing) £365.00
29. Provision of Wreath
RESOLVED – Council agreed to provide a wreath up to the value of £50 for the funeral of
Revd. David Ottewell. (To be funded from the Chairman’s Allowance). It was also agreed
to discuss a donation at the June meeting.
30. To Receive Correspondence
a)
Doncaster MBC’s
Annual Civic Service and Parade to be held on 16th June.
b)
SYPTE’s information on bus
routes.
31. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday 13th June 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m.
at the Auckley Parish Centre.
At the close of business time was set
aside for public participation
A resident from the Hayfield Estate complained that DMBC’s road sweeping machine is being
deployed too early at 7.30 a.m. when many cars are still parked on the streets, and therefore
large parts of the highway are not being swept. The Clerk to write to Community First re
this matter.
Chairperson …………………………..