MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH
NOVEMBER 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
1. To Receive Apologies – None received
2. To Discuss Co-Opting a New Member Onto the Parish Council
Council had received one letter of application from Mrs. L. Allwood, a resident of Auckley.
RESOLVED – Mr. Cockett proposed that Mrs. Allwood be co-opted onto the Council, this proposal
was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried. Mrs. Allwood was not present at the
meeting, and will be asked to sign a Declaration of Acceptance of Office before the next meeting.
3. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest -
Mr. Warrender declared a personal interest in Item No. 5 (k) (Problems re. drainage of sewage)
Mr. Featherstone declared a personal interest in Item No. 22 (a)(Planning application
Mr. Payne declared a personal interest in Item No. 14 (
Mrs. Caygill (Clerk) declared a prejudicial interest in Item No. 22 (f) (Planning application to fell
Ash Tree with TPO), and left the room whilst this matter was being discussed.
4. To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 14th October 2007
The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.
5. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes
a) 20 mph Speed Limit – DMBC advises that the powers relating to the setting of speed limits on
local roads are devolved to local authorities, in partnership with the Police, under the provisions of
the Road Traffic Act 1984. The Dept. of Transport provides advice and guidance re. speed limits
in the form of the recently revised publication circular 01/2006 – ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’ in
order to ensure the consistent application of speed limits throughout the country.
b) Application for Vehicular Access, Church Close – St. Leger Homes advises that an application to form a vehicular access has been received. Residents of Church Close have been consulted and the responses received were against the proposal because this would involve loss of the grassed frontage and some trees. St. Leger Homes has therefore refused this proposal.
Community Area Service Director advises that the Authority has taken the decision not to install a collapsible bollard at Church Close. The area is patrolled by Community Safety Wardens and Police Community Support Officers and they have not seen any vehicles parking on the grass or any evidence of this occurring. They will continue to monitor the area.
RESOLVED – Members of Council will also keep the area under surveillance.
c) Traffic Lights, Airport Entrance – Highways Officer informs that the Traffic Signals Team are
currently investigating the configuration of this particular site along with 3 other signalised
junction sites within the vicinity of the airport. Mrs. Hunter reported that when motorists approach
the lights at
the airport entrance from the direction of
approximately 3.5 minutes.
d) Request for Provision of ‘
provided at the junction with the B1396 – this will take several weeks.
e)
Unauthorised Signs at
f) Rubbish at Rear of Church Close Dwelling – Community First Officer has informed the Clerk that the Authority does not consider the material is a risk to health or safety and therefore will not be pursuing this matter.
g)
Public Footpath No. 2 - No
reply received. A reminder to be sent to
Footpaths Officer.
h)
High Conifers in
i)
Overgrown Hedges and Verges – Pending.
j) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Pending.
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5. Matters Arising (continued)
k) Drainage Problems – The Clerk to write and ask DMBC whether any progress has been made with
investigations re. sewage system, and suggest they also include the surface water drainage to river.
l) Amenity Centre – Pending.
m)
Bid for Funding to Provide
Play Equipment – Pending.
6. Community Police Report
Chief Inspector Chorlton writes that, in recognition of the importance of working with communities
and the ongoing debate around Police attendance at Parish Council meetings, he wishes to take the
opportunity to ask for Council Members’ views on what kind of attendance they would wish to see, i.e.
Inspector/Sergeant/Local P.C.
RESOLVED – Members agreed that ideally they would like to see a member of the local Community
Neighbourhood Team at every meeting, but if not, would it be possible to supply Council with a list of
crime figures for the month. The Clerk to also mention the following matters that have been reported
to the Parish Council:
A number of discarded lighters have been found in the copse by the Handyman - this could indicate
that drug or solvent abuse may be occurring at this location.
Several houses at
Reports have been received of motorists speeding along
7. District Councillor’s Report
a) Highway Repairs - Mrs. P. Schofield has been informed by the Area Manager that no highway
schemes are currently proposed for this area, apart from pothole repairs.
b) Budget Scheme - There are plans to increase council tax to just above the level of inflation.
c) Winter Bulbs - Mrs. Schofield will make enquiries regarding the issue of free bulbs.
Section 106 Funding – Mrs. Woodcock is waiting for a decision on the Section 106 funds from
Annington Homes to provide play equipment.
8. To Receive Auditor’s Report and Quarterly Internal Audit
a) External Auditor’s Report
i) Fidelity Guarantee Insurance - Auditor recommends that Council reviews its Fidelity Guarantee
insurance annually. It appears to be insufficient in light of bank balances held 31st March 2007
and the amount of precept subsequently received in April 2007.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to increase this insurance cover to £70,000.
ii) Disclosure of Charity Details - It was stated on the Annual Return that Council is sole trustee
of the charity, but Charity Commission records show that there are several trustees. Council
advised to clarify with the Charity Commission what term is technically correct.
RESOLVED – Council agreed to accept and approve the External Auditor’s report and act on
its recommendations.
b) Quarterly Internal Audit
The internal audit has been checked and approved correct by the two designated members of Council. The Clerk pointed out that expenditure for the half year has substantially increased from
the same period in 2006.
9. To Review the Clerk’s Salary
NALC’s National Salary Award for 2007/2008
The rates for part-time Clerks on SCP 26 is £11.129 per hour, an increase of 26 pence per hour,
backdated from 1st April 2007.
RESOLVED – Council agreed to
accept the recommended increase.
10.To Review Handyman’s Rate of Pay
Council has not yet been officially notified, but understands that DMBC’s recommended increase is
from £5.8061 to £6.00 per hour. It was agreed to increase in principle, awaiting official confirmation.
11.To Consider Football Team’s Application to Use Riverside Pitch
A 19 year old student studying sport and exercise science is hoping to start a new football club (AFC
Auckley) and asks to use the pitch for Saturday games in the Doncaster Senior League
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Payne proposed that the application be refused on the
grounds that the pitch is now in a very good condition after former problems, and another team
playing on it would damage the pitch. Mrs. Hunter seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried
The club to be given details of other local pitches that are available.
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12.To Consider Quotations to Carry Out Maintenance Work at Copse and Recreation Ground
a) Quotation to Tidy Copse - ‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of £375.00 to strim bushes and
vegetation around path and copse, removal of clippings, litter picking of copse and path and
removal of large items of rubbish. To include hire of a skip.
RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Warrender proposed that Council accept the quote, this
was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.
b) Quotation to Fell Trees at Rear of Sandhill Rise – ‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of £525.00 to
substantially reduce the height of 3 trees at rear of 21 Sandhill Rise that are blocking light from the garden of the property.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Cockett proposed Council accept the quote, this was
seconded by Mrs. Hunter, and the motion was
carried.
c)
Quotation to Carry Out
Substantial Renovation Work at
been received so far. To be discussed at December meeting.
13. To
Discuss
No response to Council’s latest letter has been received.
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the solicitor once more pointing out that under the Town and
Countryside Planning Act - District Councils can serve a notice to tidy up untidy land.
14. To
Discuss
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions 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 agreed to contact its solicitor and land agent to move progress.
15. To
Discuss River
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions 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 discussed the recent meeting with all interested parties regarding this matter.
16. To Discuss Provision of Seat for Parish Centre Frontage
Members of Council have been to look at the metal seat installed at the
garden by Cantley with Branton Parish Council. Members agreed the seat would be suitable, and if
this meets with the Parish Centre committee’s approval, then one will be provided.
17. To
Discuss Carol Singing Round the Tree
Christmas Market organiser, Mrs. Cockett, advises Council that she has made enquiries to illuminate
the area where carol singing is to take place. Unfortunately this year the lighting is being provided
by a different supplier who can supply spotlights but these would cost £95. Mrs. Cockett is looking
for some funding towards this item. Council agreed in principle to contribute towards the cost but, as
this was not an agenda item, it would have to be ratified at the next meeting.
It was agreed to ask DMBC to cut the grass a few days before the Christmas Market. Money was
collected to buy sweets for Santa to distribute to the children.
18. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) HGV’s on
Hurst Lane – A resident who lives on
number of large HGV’s being driven along the lane from the direction of the A638, and turning
right at the Lidgett Crossroads, where they create congestion negotiating the narrow junction.
It is understood that the
vehicles are based at the haulage depot at
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to DMBC’s Enforcement Officer re. this matter.
b) Potholes –
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again re. this matter.
c) Sand Quarry - Members reported there are still problems with sand deposits and blocked drains
at
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write again to Community First Officer regarding a meeting.
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4
19. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a)
Flower Tubs and
has advised the Clerk it is not suitable at the moment to plant flowers as it has recently been very
dry - there are problems watering the area, and the Winter bulbs will soon be appearing.
One of their members is willing to tidy the
20. To Consider Items for Newsletter
It was agreed to feature information on: ‘Carols Round the Tree’, Listing of Swedish-Style Houses,
and new play
equipment at the
21. To Receive Report on Meetings:
a) Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Meeting – Mrs. Hunter was unable to attend the meeting, but
did attend a seminar on planning and enquired why the Planning Department does not appear to
listen to the views of Parish Councils. She was advised this is an ongoing matter.
b) Report on Parish Centre Committee Meeting – The Clerk reported the main hall has been named in
memory of Revd. David Ottewell. The Centre is well-used by a number of organisations, and is
also a popular venue for parties, etc. There have been problems with the clock and the manufacturer
is to visit and correct it. It has been decided to purchase guards for all the radiators in the building
as a safety measure. The committee is awaiting a delivery of pea gravel for the car park from the
Hanson Plant.anson
22. To Consider Planning Applications:
a) No.
07/03134/FUL – Erection of single storey storage building (4.80m x 4.38m)
(being application
under Regulation 3 Town and
Country Planning (General Regulations 1992),
Auckley Junior and
Council had no objections to make in relation to this application.
b) No. 07/03220/WCC – Continued use of B1 offices, light industry and training without compliance
with Condition 1 (temporary permission
due to expire on 31.08.2009) granted under ref.
03/06496/FUL on 31.08.03
- Armstrong House,
No objections raised.
c) No.
07/03221/WCC – Continued use of offices, light industry and training without
compliance with
Condition 1 (temporary permission
due to expire on 1.08.2009) granted under ref.03/06496/FUL on
31.12.03 -
No objections raised.
d)
No. 07/03222/WCC – Continued use of recruitment and training facility
without compliance with
Condition 1 (temporary permission
due to expire on 31.08.2009) granted under ref. 03/4005/FUL
on 05.08.03 -
Meteor House,
No objections raised.
e) No. 07/03210/FUL –
Formation of windows to side elevation (being amendment to previous
planning permission granted under
ref. 07/00243/FUL on 21.03.08
2A Briar Close, Auckley
No objections raised.
f) No.
07/03373/TPO – Consent to fell and remove the Ash Tree (Being subject to T21 of
DRDC
Tree Preservation Order No. 16
Auckley (1971) -
The Clerk, Mrs. Caygill, declared a prejudicial interest in the above item and left the room whilst
this matter was being discussed.
Council had no objections to make in relation to this application.
23. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee
Planning permission was granted to the following planning applications:
a) No. 07/02925/FUL – Erection of first floor pitched roof extension to rear of detached house,
1 The Paddocks, Auckley. The Tree Officer has inspected the ash tree and does not feel the tree will be at danger because no excavations will be required.
b) No. 06/02694/CPE – Certificate of lawful use for the siting of residential caravan and
development for the construction of a
dwelling - Oaks Farm,
c) No. 07/02973/TPO – Consent to crown clean six Oak Trees (T1-T6 on plan) and crown lift over
road and driveway four Oak Trees (T1,T2, T3 and T6 on plan) all being subject to A7 of DRDC
Tree
Preservation Order No. 16 Auckley (1971) -
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d) No. 07/02909/TPO – Consent to remove and replace two Sycamore Trees (being subject to G3 of
DRDC Tree Preservation Order No. 16 Auckley (1971) - The Eagle & Child, Main St. Auckley
e) No. 07/00276/OUTM – Outline for residential development on approx. 0.34 ha of land,
Land off
24. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 001818 – Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of hall for November meeting) £24.00
Cheque no. 001819 - BDO Stoy Hayward (Annual external audit) £334.88
Cheque no. 001820 - Neat Ideas (Supply ink cartridges) £57.03
Cheque no. 001821 - Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates) £21.75
Cheque no. 001822 - Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates) £51.23
Cheque no. 001823 - Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages 35 hours, cleaning items) £190.32
25. To Receive Correspondence
a) A list of dates for Public Right of Way Forums
b) A DVD entitled “The Code Uncovered” – to be circulated to Members.
26. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 12th December 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m.
at the Auckley Parish Centre
After the close of business, time was set aside for public participation and the following issues were
raised by members of the public:
a) A resident asked what comments the Parish Council had made concerning the planning application for change of use of the Auckley Newsagent’s to an Indian Takeaway, and was advised that Council had objected to the proposal for a number of reasons.
b) A resident reported that some motorists are exceeding the speed limit when driving through the village. This matter to be mentioned when the Clerk writes to the Police.
Chairperson …………………………….