THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8^TH NOVEMBER 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
• District Councillor Mrs. Y. Woodcock
• Four members of the public

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

2. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest – None received.

3. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 11^th October 2006

The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Drainage Problems, Riverside Park – Mr. Lambert reports that the engineer has visited the site and arrived at a similar conclusion to what was suspected. The engineer advises that a pipe to the soakaway will probably not remove the excess water from the site - if the soakaway is excavated to a sufficient depth the water table will be reached, therefore water will have no escape. The next option is to run a drainage pipe into the dyke, however there appears to be 3 service cables running across the site which will cause problems. He will keep Council informed.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to monitor the site and wait and see.

b) Missing “School” Sign, Hayfield Lane – DMBC Highways Officer advises that the sign was removed when contractors working for Peel were installing traffic lights at the junction. DMBC is still awaiting action on various points noted, but has arranged for the sign to be replaced.

c) Sand on Hurst Lane - Community First Officer has arranged a meeting with Hanson’s on Thursday, 9^th November. To report at the December meeting.

d) Registration of Charity Land – Council’s solicitor has advised there is some discrepancy regarding the exact boundary of a small part of the charity land.

RESOLVED The Chairperson and Clerk are to visit the tenant to clarify the situation.

e) Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry, Hurst Lane - DMBC Minerals Officer reports that a meeting was recently held, in attendance were the Quarry Agent and DMBC Mineral and Ecological Officers. In relation to ecology it was recognised that the site represents a transitional landscape and that further mineral workings were consented. He confirms the planning permissions contain restoration conditions, but would make the point that quarried land cannot be re-instated to its former state because the removal of large volumes of materials will mean the restored landform will be markedly different to its original state. In conclusion, the site is an active mineral extraction site, although output is currently sporadic and of low tonnage. Once extraction ceases the site will be restored in accordance with the restoration requirements of the planning permissions.

f) Electricity Charges for Christmas Tree Lights – N Power advises the administration charge is a charge set against N Power by the Local Distribution Service Operator (LDSO), which they have to pass on to their customers. The LDSO runs the network that the customer’s equipment is connected to, and the charge is made for the registration and maintenance of the MPAN (Metering Point Administration Number) which appears on the bills and without which the customer would be unable to receive a supply. This is a standard charge which applies to all sites and cannot be reduced. RESOLVED – To await further correspondence.

g) Overhanging Trees, River Way Footpath – Community First Officer advises that he will endeavour to contact the owner of the trees. The conifers are well tended and mature, and it would be detrimental to trim them back.

RESOLVED - It was agreed to write and point out that the landowner has a duty to trim back the

trees that are encroaching, because they are substantially reducing the width of the footpath.

h) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Nothing heard from resident since 2005.

RESOLVED – Agreed to write and inform Council’s solicitor that no request has been made for adverse possession, and Council is anxious to finalise this matter. Would he please advise.

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4. Matters Arising (continued)

i) Non-Compliance with Condition (Removal of Caravan) – Planning Enforcement informs that the problem is now resolved. It was reported that the caravan has recently been chopped up. Complete

j) Gate Blocking Pathway, Sandhill Rise – Residents who have made objections to the obstruction have been asked to complete a further statement.

k) Donation Towards Hire of Bouncy Castle – The hire charge for the Bouncy Castle was £30, it had therefore been agreed to pay the charge in full.

l) Christmas Arrangements – The trees will be erected approx. 22^nd – 24^th November, and the lights will be festooned on the trees in early December. The possibility of some extra lighting being provided to enable the carol singers to see the carol sheets was discussed – maybe lighting could be relayed from one of the stalls. Mrs. Cockett is to make enquiries.

m) Land at Main Street – Pending.

n) Provision of Speed Humps – Pending.

o) Joint Funding of Community Warden – Blaxton Clerk enquires whether any progress has been made. The Clerk to reply that Council is waiting to see how the project works in Hatfield.

5. Community Police Report

The Community Police Officer did not attend the meeting.

There were no matters reported by Council or members of the public for the attention of the Police.

6. District Councillor’s Report

Mrs. Y. Woodock attended the meeting and reported on the following issues:

a) Buildings of Interest in Auckley – Mrs. Woodcock apologised for the lack of reply to Council’s

query, and advised that there are no buildings of historical interest in the village. To conserve green field sites Planning Authorities are now encouraged to make use of brown field sites, including back gardens of properties. Up to 39 dwellings are now allowed to be built per hectare.

b) Application to Build Apartments, Hurst Lane - The plan has been amended and the application deferred for a site meeting. Concern was expressed that residents of the nearby estate have been informed of the amendment, but not the Parish Council or a member of Council who sent in

individual comments. Mrs. Woodcock is to take up this matter with Planning Dept.

c) Willow Farm Planning Application – Planning Dept. has received objections to the application from residents of Riverside Gardens.

d) Gatehouse Lane Speed Limit – Ward Councillors are to meet with Highways Dept. to discuss the possibility of reducing speed limit to 30 mph.

e) Hurst Lane Speed Limit – Efforts continue to reduce speed limit to 30 mph past Hayfield School.

Council expressed concerns regarding dangerous potholes at Hurst Lane. Mrs. Woodcock is to speak with Highways Department. ighways Dept. regarding dangero

7. To Consider Quarterly Internal Audit

The audit has been checked and signed by the 2 designated Members of Council.

RESOLVED – The audit was accepted by Council.

8. To Decide Items for Newsletter

RESOLVED – It was agreed to feature an item relating to sewerage problems in the village, also

the Christmas Market and Carol Singing Round the Tree.

9. To Discuss Feedback From DMBC and Severn Trent Re. Sewage Problems

Community First Officer advises that Severn Trent have responsibility for all main drains not within

private land/private property. Any problems are between Severn Trent and the affected party. DMBC

is responsible for surface water drains. The Community First Officer will be visiting the department

which holds plans of the sewerage system and will contact Council later.

Severn Trent reports that on 22^nd September, when the first sewage leak occurred, they were

particularly busy with sewerage enquiries, and priority was given to those customers who were

experiencing flooding inside their homes. As a result of the blockages a CCTV survey of the public

sewers will be undertaken as soon as possible, and any defects that are identified by the survey will be

repaired shortly afterwards.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again to Severn Trent to enquire whether their Authority has the

power to prosecute fast food outlets who dispose of waste oils down the drains.

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10.To Discuss Charity Lands

a) Surveyor’s Report – The report was circulated at the meeting, but Members did not have sufficient

time to study it in detail. Agreed to leave until the December meeting

f) Charity Rents – Awaiting a reply from the YLCA and the tenant of land at Common Lane. Agreed

to discuss at the next meeting.

11.To Consider Quotation to Apply Bolts to Pavilion Doors

Brindley Engineering quotes the sum of £10 per bolt, i.e. £240 plus VAT to install 24 bolts.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask ‘Need A Hand’ to provide a quotation to undertake the work.

12.To Discuss River Torne Footbridge

DMBC’s Footpaths Officer, Mr. Houghton, is willing to meet with both Auckley and Cantley with

Branton Parish Councils to discuss this matter. The Clerk to supply suitable dates for a meeting.

13.To Discuss Possible Listing of Swedish-Style Houses

Mr. Cockett is to speak with the tenants and explain that Council is considering applying to have the

houses listed.

14.To Discuss Engaging a Funding Manager to Submit Bids for Play Equipment

Council was informed that CVS Officer, Mr. Tony Appleton, has a very experienced funding person in

his team who may be able to assist the Council.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to accept Mr. Appleton’s offer.

15.To Discuss Provision of Hanging Baskets for 2007anging Baskets for 2007

DMBC’s Horticulture Officer advises there will be a slight increase in the cost of planting and

maintaining hanging baskets for 2007. The cost for 2006 was £50 per basket.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Swainston proposed that Council does not fund the

provision of hanging baskets in 2007, in view of the fact that it now has responsibility for 12 flower

tubs in the village. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

16.To Discuss Coat of Arms for Auckley

RESOLVED – Before undertaking research into a possible Coat of Arms it was agreed to check with

DMBC to see whether Highways would permit signs displaying Coats of Arms at the 3 entrances to

the village.

17.To Consider Purchase of Planning Book

DMBC has loaned Council a copy of the publication “Planning, A Simplified Guide for Councillors”

and this has been circulated to Council Members.

RESOLVED - Mr. Swainston proposed that council purchase a copy of the publication at a cost of

£12. The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Worthington, and the motion carried.

18.To Discuss Highway Matters

a) Flooding of Highway, Mosham Road – A resident of Lidgett Gardens reports that severe flooding

of the highway is again occurring at the entrance to Lidgett Gardens, following heavy rain, and

provides photographs of the flooded road.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write and ask DMBC to investigate this matter.

g) Pothole, Gatehouse Lane – Council was informed there is a large pothole on the highway surface

at Gatehouse Lane. DMBC to be informed.

19.To Discuss Recreation Matters

No issues were raised.

20.Report of Hayfield Recreation Project Meeting

The Business Plan and Project Manager were discussed. There are now 5 full Directors who are

in the process of establishing a timetable for the scheme.

21.Report on Scarborough Conference 29^th September/1^st October

Mrs. Hunter reported on a very interesting and informative conference. Items included:

Ferryhill Town Council – ‘Successful Youth Café’

Debate on precept – ‘Save or Spend’

‘How to Undertake Staff Appraisals’

‘Revitalising the Villages/Towns’

‘Chairmanship’ – Some Councils have public participation at the beginning of the meeting

‘Where’s the Next Generation of Councillors Coming From?’

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22. To Consider Planning Applications:

a) No. 06/02694/CPE – Certificate of lawful use for retention of dwelling and of residential caravan,

Oaks Farm, Hurst Lane, Auckley

Council has no objections to make on this application.

b) No. 06/02829/RET – Retention of fence and gate posts, 6 Laurel Square, Auckley

Council has no objections to make on the application.

c) No. 03/5243/P – Erection of office/store (8.5m x 5.5m) and car park in connection with proposed

market garden and construction of fishing lake,

Willow Farm, New Road, Branton

Council is unable to comment on the application, due to the fact that the description is totally

inaccurate. According to the accompanying letter the applicant no longer requires the office/store,

car park or market garden, and the lake is now described as ‘ornamental’. Council recommends

that the application is re-worded to avoid any misunderstanding.

DMBC’s Planning Committee’s Decision:

a) No. 06/02047/FT – Erection of pitched roof conservatory to rear of detached property,

5 Spitfire Way, Auckley - Planning permission approved.

23. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 001692 – Mrs. M. Caygill (Clerk’s salary and expenses £1,943.49

Cheque no. 011693 - Mr. A. Siddons (Updating web site) £35.41

Cheque no. 011694 - Auckley Gardens & Allotments (Supply plants for tubs) £86.40

Cheque no. 001695 - Neat Ideas (Supply printer cartridges) £64.53

Cheque no. 001696 - Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates) £13.15

Cheque no. 001697 - Yorkshire Water (Allotment water rates) £53.95

Cheque no. 001698 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages) £263.00

Cheque no. 001699 - Central Books ( Purchase Planning Book) £12.00

24. To Receive Correspondence

a) A reminder that the Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Meeting is being deferred until 28^th

November

b) Information from DMBC on new green and black wheeled bin collections. These are to commence in Auckley and surrounding villages in the Spring of 2007.

c) Written representations regarding application for inclusion in Pharmaceutical List.

25. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 13^th December 2006, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

at the Hayfield Lane Primary School.

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

The resident who has extended his garden onto the recreation ground reiterated his earlier claim that his property and that of his next-door neighbour were wrongly registered initially, and therefore the land he is cultivating belongs to him. These comments were noted.

Chairperson ………………………….