MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY 2009 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. I. Butterfield, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mrs. S. Platts,

·        Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender, Mrs. J. Worthington

1.   Election of Chairperson – Mr. Featherstone proposed Mrs. Worthington to serve as Chairperson.

      Mrs. Allwood seconded the proposal, and Mrs. Worthington was duly elected.

2.   Election of Vice Chairperson – Mr. Featherstone proposed Mr. Butterfield to serve as Vice

      Chairperson.  Mrs. Allwood seconded the proposal, and Mr. Butterfield was duly elected.

3.   Public Participation – None.

4.   To Receive Apologies – Received from Mr. Cockett.

5.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

      Mr. Warrender declared a personal interest in Item No. 17 (Re. blocked drains) and No. 22 (f)

      (Planning application to extend supermarket)

      Mrs. Worthington declared a personal interest in Item No. 22 (b) (Planning application for

      No. 18 Ellers Lane)

      Mrs. Caygill declared a personal interest in Item No. 22 (a) (Planning application for No. 19

      Ellers Lane) and planning application No. 22 (b) (Planning application for No. 18 Ellers Lane).

6.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 8th April 2009

      The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

7.   To Make Appointments to Committees

      It was agreed that the following persons would serve on the various committees:

            Airport Consultative Sub-Committee                 Mr. Swainston

            Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Group             Mr. Cockett Mrs. Worthington Mr. Swainston

            Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee   Mrs. J. Worthington

            Parish Centre Trustees                                      Mrs. Caygill, Mr. Cockett

            Standards Committee   (Parish Councils’                      Mrs. Allwood was nominated by Council

            Sub-Committee)                                                           Nomination to be sent to YLCA

8.   Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

      a)   Bid For Funding to Provide Play Equipment – Mr. Hawley reports that ‘Sport for England’ have

            published their application forms for the rural communities and unfortunately Council does not fit

            the criteria for a rural community grant.  He will contact them to see if there are any other funds

            they manage, and search the lottery site again.

b)      Narrow Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer advises that the public

footpath’s defined width of 3 feet is available along its length, apart from at its junction with River Way, where historically there was a stile.  This stile was recorded at the time the original definitive map was drawn up and therefore is a limitation to the use of the path.  Although the stile was removed some time ago to make the path easier for people to use, the limitation at this point is still valid.  The Officer is aware that when the current fence was erected at No. 7 River Way it was done so on the house side of the existing wooden fence.  Although this did not have the effect of making the path noticeably wider, it did not make it any narrower.  She does not believe that any benefit will be gained from meeting with members on site to discuss this footpath.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again and ask how the narrow entrance fits in with the Disability Discrimination Act.

c)       Untidy Building at Hayfield Lane – The Enforcement Officer to be informed that the site is still looking an eyesore – the grass is long and metal fencing surrounds the building.

d)      Speed Camera – A cheque in the sum of £332 has been sent as Council’s contribution.

e)       Unlit Street Lamp, Main Street – Community First Officer is pursuing this matter.

f)        Molehills on The Green – DMBC advises that this issue is dealt with across the Borough by skimming the soil mounds and only undertaking professional treatment in sports areas.  Treatment does not guarantee success nor do the chemicals or methods used be seen as environmentally friendly.  RESOLVED – The Clerk to ask whether DMBC is going to take action and, if not, would Council be permitted to fund the services of a mole catcher to deal with this problem.

 

 

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8.  Matters Arising (continued)

      g)   Trees In Need of Trimming – It was agreed to write and ask Community First if maintenance staff

            could trim untidy lower branches of trees situated on The Green and Spey Drive Play Area.

h)      Potholes on Highway – Council was informed that holes at Sycamore Drive/Fir Tree Road have

now been repaired.  Community First Officer is still pursuing maintenance of the unmade path between Common Lane and Rossmoor Close.

i)        Traffic Lights at Airport Entrance and Hurst/Hayfield Junction – A reminder to be sent to

DMBC Highways.

j)        Work to Improve Access to Riverside Recreation Ground – The Clerk reported that the contractor

      has constructed a dropped kerb in order to create a vehicular access onto the field where horse

      jumping takes place during the Show.  The two bollards have been delivered ready to be placed in

      situ.   The contractor has also levelled off the entrance to the football field and laid down gravel.

k)      Liner Paint for Football Pitch – Council agreed to purchase 3 containers of liner paint from

      Pitchcare at a cost of £162.15 (including carriage and VAT)

l)        Unauthorised Trading, Main Street – DMBC Enforcement Officer advises that a recent site visit

      would show that the requirements of the Enforcement Notice have been complied with and that no

      further action is required by the Directorate.  Whilst there are a number of vehicles on the land, all

      are the private vehicles of the occupier and at the time of the visit none were being offered for

      sale.   The Officer would advise that the occasional sale of a motor vehicle from a residential

      property would not by itself amount to a material change of use of the land that would require a

      separate planning permission.  In such instances there would not be a breach of planning control. 

      However, the situation will be monitored at periodic intervals to ensure a continued compliance.

m)    BT Telephone Kiosk – The Headteacher of Auckley School replies that she considers it a brilliant idea to ask the children for ideas regarding the use of the telephone kiosk – often they are far more imaginative than adults.  The children will be asked to draw and write about their designs.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to also write to the Headteacher of the Hayfield Primary School.

n)      Encroachment of Garden Onto Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor has supplied a copy of the

Particulars of Claim that the barrister has drafted.  The Chairperson and Clerk are to meet with their legal representative in the near future to discuss this matter.

RESOLVED – Council approved the Particulars of Claim.

o)      Roads Outside Quarries – Pending.

p)      Missing Bus Timetables – Pending.

 

9.   Community Police Report

      No Police Officer was available to attend.

      Council was advised on the forthcoming PACT Meeting to be held at the Branton School on 28 May.

      Council was informed that the following incidents have occurred since the last meeting:

      Two burglaries

      Three men assaulted at Ravenswood Drive

      A car theft on the Hayfield Estate

      Expensive plant containers stolen from a garden

10. District Councillor’s Report

      Mrs. P. Schofield was unable to attend the meeting and sent her apologies.

11. To Approve Accounts for Financial Year 2008/2009 and Quarterly Internal Audit

 

      The Clerk reported that cash in the bank and on the Treasury Reserve at 31st March was £42,222.72

      Income for 2008/2009 was £27,454.36 and expenditure was £ 23,499.69.       

      RESOLVED – The accounts were approved by Council and the Annual Return Audit form was signed by the Chair and Clerk.  The quarterly internal audit has been checked and signed as correct by the two designated Council Members.   Council approved the quarterly internal audit.

12. Review of Council’s Risk Assessment and Financial Regulations

      RESOLVED – Council approved the Financial Regulations without amendment.

      The Risk Assessment was approved – apart from the contingency plan to provide cover in the event of

      the Clerk’s absence.  The name of the stand-in person to be changed.

 

 

 

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13. To Decide Football Fees

      The football fees for the Auckley Football Club were increased in 2008 to £210.

      RESOLVED – Members of Council considered the charges made for the upkeep of the pitch and

      pavilion.  Mr. Featherstone proposed that the fees remain at £210 for the 2009/2010 season.

      Mrs. Allwood seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.  

14. To Consider Zurich’s Quotation for Insurance

      The Clerk is still awaiting a quotation from Zurich, but has been informed that there will be no charge

      for including the BT telephone kiosk in the public liability cover, and the reduced cover for the

      computer and copier will mean some reduction in the premium.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that the quotation be accepted if it is no more than 10%

      greater than last year.  Mrs. Allwood seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

15. To Consider Problem of Dogs Exercised Without Leads on Riverside Park

      The Byelaws made by the Parish Council in 1993 require dog owners to remove canine waste and

      exercise dogs on a lead at Riverside Park.  In view of the fact that this ground is now covered by

      DMBC’s dog fouling Byelaws, the Clerk is to check with the Neighbourhood Manager to see whether

      the new Byelaws also include a clause relating to dogs on leads.

16. To Discuss Removal of Barrier on Riverbank and Residents’ Concerns Regarding Earthworks

      Members of Council were extremely pleased to learn that the barrier has now been removed and

      access to the north side of the river upstream is once more available to the public.  However, concerns

      were expressed that the adjacent landowner has put two strands of barbed wire atop his boundary

      fence which could prove to be a danger to walkers.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask the Environment Agency for their comments on this matter.

      District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield has received complaints from some residents of the Riverside

      Gardens estate regarding the opening up of the path.  They are also considering forming a protest

      group to oppose the earthworks being undertaken on the north side of the river. 

      RESOLVED – It was noted that no one had contacted the Parish Council and expressed concerns

      regarding these matters, therefore no action is to be taken in this matter.

17. To Discuss Blocked Drains

      Blocked Drains at The Green

      Following a further incident of blocked drains and sewage leaks into gardens at The Green on the

      25th April, the Clerk has written to Severn Trent Water, and they reply that the latest episode was

      again caused by blockages within the sewerage system.  The sewers in the area were cleansed

      following previous reports of flooding, and along with increased routine maintenance it was hoped

      that this would resolve the problem but obviously this has not been the case.  The blockages in the

      foul sewers are due to a build-up of fat and Severn Trent is currently trying to arrange a meeting with

      Environmental Health to agree a way forward to prevent the repeat build-up of fat in the sewers.

      They are also arranging a further CCTV survey of the sewers and in addition are hoping to survey the

      private drainage systems in the area.  Once investigations are complete they will be happy to arrange a

      meeting to discuss their findings.  

      RESOLVED – Agreed to send a copy of Severn Trent’s letter to Mr. Bradley, Environmental Officer,

      and enquire whether he would be willing to attend a meeting to discuss this matter.     

      Blocked Drain, Spey Drive Play Area

      Mrs. Allwood reported that drains were blocked on Nene Grove on 2nd May.  DMBC maintenance

      staff finally came out to investigate the problem and cleared the drain by removing a piece of wood

      from one of the manholes on the Spey Drive play area.

18. To Consider Items for Newsletter

      It was agreed to submit the following items for the newsletter:

      Auckley Show on 15th August – Council has given a donation of £900

      Public access to riverbank since barrier removed.

      Potholes repaired at Sycamore Drive/Fire Tree Road

      Untidy building at Sycamore Drive – Council is liaising with DMBC’s Enforcement Officer

      Dogs to be kept on leads when being exercised on recreation grounds

      Concern regarding horse riders using Spey Drive play area 

      

 owever, H

 

       eadteacher of the Hayfield     

 

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19. To Discuss Highway Matters

      a)   Potholes – Community First to be informed of potholes on the Hurst Lane urst Lane Hrailway bridge and near

            The Little Manor House.

      b)   Vegetation in gutters – DMBC to be asked whether maintenance staff could spray vegetation in

            gutters and on pavements

      c)   Overgrown Hedge -  Overgrown boundary hedge on land adjacent to Hurst Lane and Hayfield

            Lane – Community First to be asked if they can contact the landowner.

d)       Missing seat – The seat sited at the junction of B1396 and School Lane was demolished earlier in

the year when a motorist’s vehicle went out of control.  DMBC to be asked whether they intend to replace the seat, and also the litter bin which had been in situ several years ago.

      e)   Smoking Outside School - It was decided to write to the Headmaster of The Hayfield School

            after several people were seen smoking on the grass verge outside school.

20. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a)   Definitive Map Modification Order for Sandhill Rise - The Clerk reported that a Public Inquiry is

            scheduled for Tuesday, 22nd September at the Auckley Parish Centre.  Council’s statement of case

            is to be sent in by 18th June.  Members approved the statement drafted by the Clerk.

b)      Football Games – It was reported that two organised games have been played on the Riverside Park football pitch over recent weeks by teams from Branton without the knowledge of Council.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write to the secretary of the Branton teams regarding this matter.

c)      Glass Found on Slide – P.C. Pyle to be made aware of this matter.

d)      Enquiry Re. Chickens – A resident has asked a Council Member whether it is permissible to keep

chickens in a domestic garden.   The resident was advised to look at the house Deeds to see whether there is any clause prohibiting this practice

21. To Report on Meetings:

      a)   Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – It was reported that the committee is to hold a public relations

            exercise on 15th June at the school and then visit the field in an attempt to generate interest in the

            scheme.  A draft Business Plan has been completed.

b)      Charity Trustees’ Meeting – The Land Agent has recommended that an application is made to

            include the land in the Doncaster Local Development Framework and, as the Parish Council is the

            Corporate Trustee, it was agreed to enter it under the auspices of the Council.

22. To Consider Planning Applications:

      a)   No. 09/00797/FUL – Erection of detached house on approx. 0.02 ha of land following demolition

            of existing barn  -  19 Ellers Lane, Auckley  

            No objections or comments were made in relation to the above.

b)      No. 09/00757/FUL – New external block and render to side elevations in connection with

      previous planning application 08/00685/FUL granted on 03.12.08  -  18 Ellers Lane, Auckley

      No objections raised in respect of the above.

c)   No. 09/00963/FUL – Erection of part two storey/part single storey pitched roof garage/residential

Extension to side of semi-detached house following demolition of existing garage

17 Beech Avenue, Auckley

No objections raised in respect of the above.

      d)   No. 09/00919/FUL – erection of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of detached dormer

             bungalow  -  15 Mosham Road, Auckley

             No objections made in respect of the above.

e)      No. 09/00822/FULM – Erection of mixed use development on approx. 0.64 ha of land

      comprising of 14no apartments, 1no retail unit (Class A1) and 1no fast food unit (Class A3/A5)

      and associated parking  -  Land at First Avenue, Auckley

      Council is opposed to this application for the following reasons:

      The development could create a traffic hazard, given that it is to be sited on a junction in close

      proximity to the traffic lights, and near the entrance to the Hill House School.

      More traffic accessing and egressing the complex will add to the problem.

      An increase in the number of residents will have an adverse effect on local services and utilities,

      and problems associated with the old inefficient sewerage system will be exacerbated.     

 

 

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22.  To Consider Planning Applications (continued)

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

            (13.0m x 1 7.0m) of existing shop unit  -  34 Ellers Lane, Auckley 

            Council was concerned that air conditioning fans and a chiller unit will be moved closer to nearby

            residents’ properties and will create a noise nuisance. 

            Loss of part of the grass verge – Council was under the impression that this land was part of

            the highway.

            More traffic will be generated on the street.

            In the event of the application being approved, Council recommends that a condition of permission  

            be implemented that the new trees to be planted are of a substantial size to compensate for the ones

            being lost.  Larger trees will ensure that the trees are more likely to survive and not be uprooted.

f)        No. 09/00791/OUT – Outline application for erection of 2 detached dwellings and garages on

approx. 0.21 ha of land following demolition of existing dwelling (being re-submission of previous application 08/01830/OUT refused on 12.08.08

7 Larch Square, Auckley

Council was opposed to this application for the following reasons:

It will be infill development

It will have an adverse effect on local services and utilities

Problems associated with the old inefficient sewerage system will be increased.

23. To Report Decisions of DMBC’s Planning Committee

      No. 08/02175/FUL – Erection of four apartments, four town houses and one detached house on approx. 0.17 ha of land  -  Land between Hazel Avenue and Lilac Grove, Auckley

      Planning permission granted.

      No. 09/00490/FUL – Erection of ground floor pitched roof extensions to front and rear and pitched

      roof garage extension to side of detached bungalow  -  9 Myrtle Grove, Auckley

      Permission refused for the following reason:

      In the opinion of the local Planning Authority the proposed extension would result in a driveway in

      front of the garage entrance less than 5.5m minimum standard which would be to the detriment of 

      highway and pedestrian safety and contrary to Policy T15 of the Doncaster UDP Plan 1998

24. To Sign Cheques

      Cheque No. 001991 – Broxap Ltd.  (Supply 2x bollards for recreation ground)                £448.50

      Cheque No. 001992 – BT Payphones (Payment to adopt BT telephone kiosk)                     £1.00

      Cheque No. 001993 – Mrs. M. Caygill (Purchase of 2x padlocks for park gates)                £23.25

      Cheque No. 001994 – Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance)                                 £150.33

      Cheque No. 001995 – Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting)                   £24.00

      Cheque No. 001996 – Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water charges)                                        £11.60

      Cheque No. 001997 – Pitchcare (Supply 3x containers of liner paint for pitch)                  £162.15

      Cheque No. 001998 – DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins Dec 2008 – March 2009)         £107.92

      Cheque No. 001999 – J.W. Bichan (Clearing out drainage dyke)                                      £218.50

      Cheque No. 002001 – Auckley Show Committee (Sec 137 donation for Show)               £900.00

25. To Receive Correspondence

      a)   ACAS Code of Practice

      b)   Public sector Equality Duties

      c)   Employment Act 2008

26. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

      It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 10th June 2009, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

      at the Auckley Parish Centre.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    Chairperson ……………………………………