THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11^TH OCTOBER 2006 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE HAYFIELD LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL

• Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairperson),
• Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston
• One member of the public

1. To Receive Apologies – Received from Mrs. M. Cockett and Mr. P. Cockett.

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

3. To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 13^th September 2006

The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Drainage Problems, Riverside Park – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

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. There are still some snagging problems to be corrected, and he will remind them to replace the sign.

c) Web Site – Concern was expressed that the agenda for the meeting was not displayed until the day before the meeting. The Web Master to be reminded of his responsibilities.

d) Sand on Hurst Lane - Community First Officer advises that he has made an appointment to visit

Hanson, and he will update Council on the outcome of his visit.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to request a meeting with Hanson, DMBC and Parish Councillors.

e) Catering Van on A638 Lay-By – Community First Officer advises that the lay-by is the responsibility of DMBC Highways Section (general rule of thumb is 1.5 cm from the edge of the highway which includes the lay-by). The landowner has been asked to contact Community First to ascertain whether he holds Public Liability Insurance. Legal Section would be unlikely to support a prosecution, particularly considering that any breach may only be for a couple of inches onto highway land which could be rectified easily.

f) Registration of Charity Land – Council’s solicitor has prepared a statement to be signed by the Chairperson and witnessed by an independent solicitor. The cost of registration will be £120 and the witness fee will be £9.

g) Overgrown Trees at Sandhill Rise – The trees have now been trimmed.

h) Future Management of Land at Main Street – The solicitor acknowledges receipt of letter from Council.

i) Electricity Charge for Christmas Lights – Caroline Flint reports that she has taken up Council’s

concerns directly with N Power, and will write again when she has more information.

‘Energywatch’ has also written to N Power asking them to contact Council within 10 days.

j) Potholes on Railway Bridge – DMBC Highways Officer reports that Highway Inspectors have recently checked Hurst Lane, and anything that meets their safety criteria has been picked up to be repaired.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write again pointing out that DMBC has a serious responsibility to repair the holes which are dangerous.

k) Buildings of Interest in Auckley - In view of the fact that there has been no courtesy of reply to

two letters, it was agreed to write to District Councillors Mrs. Woodcock and Mr. Jones re. this

matter.

l) Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry – DMBC to be asked if any progress has been made.

m) Update on Parish Centre – Revd Ottewell is agreeable for the information contained in his letter to be displayed on Council’s web site.

n) Overhanging Trees, River Way Footpath – Community First will co-ordinate the grounds maintenance required.

o) Encroachment of Recreation Ground – Pending.

p) Non-Compliance with Condition (Removal of Caravan) – Pending.

q) Possible Provision of Speed Humps – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

r) Gate Blocking Pathway, Sandhill Rise – This is ongoing.

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5. Community Police Report

The Community Police Officer did not attend the meeting.

It was reported that a number of thefts have taken place in the Ravenswood Drive/Thorncliffe Gardens

area - several bicycles have been stolen and a garage break-in has occurred. These incidents have been

reported to the Police.

6. District Councillor’s Report

Mrs. P. Schofield sent her apologies.

7. To Consider Application For a Donation Towards Cost of Hiring Bouncy Castle

The Headteacher of Auckley School advises that to mark the 130^th Birthday of Auckley School a week of celebratory events is planned including a Victorian Market, Olde Tyme Music Hall and a sponsored bounce, the proceeds of which will go to their school fund to subsidise school trips, pay for theatre groups, etc. Mrs. Cox enquires whether Council would consider donating half the cost for hiring the bouncy castle – cost anticipated to be approx. £75.

RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council pay half the hire costs – not exceeding £75.

This was agreed.

8. Charity Land – To Confirm Surveyor’s Terms of Engagement

Members of Council have each received a copy of the terms.

RESOLVED – Following consideration it was agreed to accept the surveyor’s terms, these were then

signed to be returned. The Clerk to also write to Peel regarding this matter.

9. To Consider Review of Charity Rents

Council’s Land Agent advises in his opinion there is no room for an increase in Tuke’s Charity Land.

In respect of the Town Close Land his opinion is the full market rent would be no more than £300. If,

however Council serves a 12 month’s notice to effect an increase from March 2008, and the tenant

does not respond, the landlord will have to appoint an Arbitrator at a cost of £150 who will decide

the rent and apportion costs which could be substantial. His advice is to ask if the tenant would be

prepared to pay the sum of £280 from March 2007.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, it was agreed to write and ask the tenant to pay £280 with effect

from March 2008. YLCA to be asked what likely costs might be incurred if Council goes to

arbitration, and what date should a reply be expected from the tenant.

10.To Discuss River Torne Footbridge Project

Stephen Tupper of Environment Agency - replies he was unaware of increased cost of bridge – he will

contact DMBC to see whether the Agency can offer any assistance. With regard to fencing – the

owner of Willow Farm contacted the Agency with a request to erect fencing because he has had issues

with trespassers on his land. The Agency agreed but only on a temporary basis pending the footpath

works being looked after by DMBC. There was never any open public access from Auckley bridge.

Any access which may have existed was on an informal basis, as 2 locked gates were present.

DMBC Footpaths Officer, Simon Houghton – advises that in preparation for committee report he has

re-visited the issue of the bridge with DMBC’s engineers – the lightweight structure being considered

would have been available delivered to site for approx. £22-£25k. The construction of footings,

negotiation of access and necessary consents would have been additional to this. Until the committee

have made their decision he cannot actively move forward to account for the difference in the sum

already budgeted in Section 106. If committee approves the bridge he will consider other means of

funding to make up the shortfall – possibly some from his revenue budgets, the South Area Support

Team and Big Lottery Fund. He asks Council to confirm the current amount committed to the project

and whether Council is prepared in principle to increase this amount.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask Mr. Houghton if another meeting can be arranged with DMBC

and Parish Councillors to discuss these matters. The Clerk to also ask for a break-down of the

proposed costs. Once these are to hand the Parish Council will consider a possible increase in the

amount committed to the project.

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11. To Discuss Christmas Trees and Lights

Plevey’s has supplied the following quotation to supply, deliver, erect and eventually remove two

Norway Spruce Christmas trees.

2x 20ft. Norway Spruce £330.00

Delivery £90.00

Erection £160.00

Eventual removal £150.00

Total £730.00

Less discount of £20 is total of £710 plus VAT

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed the quotation be accepted, this was

seconded by Mr. Butterfield, and the motion was carried.

The Clerk to liaise with Mr. Cockett regarding the electrical connection to the lights.

12. To Discuss Blocked Sewers

A resident reported that on the evening of Friday 22^nd September a sewage leak occurred. As a result

the gardens of two properties at The Green became covered in raw sewage, and several other

dwellings on Ellers Lane were also affected to a lesser extent. Severn Trent was contacted, but it was

36 hours before their staff came to deal with the blockage in the main sewer on Ellers Lane. In the

meantime residents were unable to use the toilet, have a bath or even get washed. When Severn Trent

staff finally arrived they did make the point that sometimes waste oil discharged from fast food outlets

can solidify and contribute to a blockage.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to and report this incident to Environmental Services and

enquire whether the Authority has any enforcement procedures in place to order Severn Trent to

attend more promptly to an emergency of this nature, and whether there are any regulations to ensure

that local fast food establishments are disposing of their waste oil correctly. The Clerk to also write to

Severn Trent to clarify what is the procedure for reporting a blocked sewer, and ask why it took 36

hours for their staff to respond to this emergency.

13. To Discuss Planting of Flower Tubs

The Chairman of Auckley Gardens & Allotments Association had earlier advised the Clerk that

members of the Association were willing to supply and plant a variety of bulbs and plants to give a

colourful display through the Winter and into the Spring – approximate cost would be £70-£80.

The offer was accepted, and the tubs have now been planted with a display of pansies which are

currently flowering, and bulbs to flower in the Spring.

14. To Discuss Possible Listing of Swedish-Style Houses

Awaiting photographs – discuss at next meeting.

15. To Consider Engaging a Professional to Submit Bids for Funding of Play Equipment

Council was advised that a Bessacarr firm has successfully bid for grants towards the renovation of

Finningley Parish Hall. It was agreed to write and ask the firm to supply their estimated costs

to bid

for grants to fund play equipment.

16. To Discuss Highways

It was reported that flooding occurred at several locations on Hurst Lane following recent heavy

rain. DMBC to be informed.

17. To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Dyke on Recreation Ground – Mr. Bichan has quoted approx. £200 to clear out the dyke.

RESOLVED – Quote accepted.
b) Offensive Graffiti Sprayed on Pavilion. – ‘Flag’ has successfully removed the graffiti.

c) Gate on Spey Drive Play Area – Council was informed that the gate leading to the toddler area

is now repaired.

18. Report of Hayfield Lane Recreation Project Meeting, 25 September

The committee has been going through the contract. The number of committee members is falling, and it has been decided to write to all Parish Councils in the area to ask if anyone is interested in serving on the committee. The Business Plan will cost approx. £8,000.

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19. Report of Airport Meetings

a) Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting, 20^th September – It was reported that a letter was sent

from the committee to DMBC with regard to noise and air quality, but no suitable response

received. An amendment to the 106 Agreement regarding night flying is awaited.

b) Airport Sub-Committee Meeting – Clare Wilson was the only representative from Peel who

attended the meeting. It was reported that a number of complaints have been received relating to

aircraft noise over Blaxton and Finningley. Members were informed that 2 successful bids have

been made for funding.

20. To Discuss Planning Applications:

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

5 Spitfire Way, Auckley - Council had no objections to make on the application.

b) No. 06/02572/FT – Erection of pitched roof two storey extension to rear of semi-detached house,

1 Briar Close, Auckley - No objections raised.

c) No. 06/02489/FULM – Conversion of and alterations to former hangar to form aviation academy,

Hangar 3, Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Auckley – No objections raised.

DMBC’s Planning Committee Decision

Planning permission granted to the following:

No. 06/02010/FUL – Erection of pitched roof garage/residential part two storey part single storey

extension to side/rear of detached house following demolition of existing detached garage,

31 Ellers Lane, Auckley

21. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 001686 – Arrow Publications (Items for newsletter) £55.00

Cheque no. 001687 – DMBC (To saw level old football posts) £120.25

Cheque no. 001688 – ‘Need a Hand’ (Trim trees) £475.00

Cheque no. 001689 - Mr. A. Siddons (Updating web site) £35.41

Cheque no. 001690 - Auckley School Fund (Donation) £30.00

Cheque no. 001691 - Jones Solicitors (To witness signature) £9.00

22. To Receive Correspondence

a) Draft East Midlands Regional Plan

b) White Rose Update

c) SY Police – Information on operation to combat firework- related nuisance

23. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 8^th November 2006, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

at the Auckley School.

At the close of business time was set aside for public participation. No issues were brought to the

attention of Council.

Chairperson ……………………………