THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2006 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY SCHOOL

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairperson),
  • Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. I. Swainston
  • District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
  • Six members of the public

 

1.  To Receive Apologies – None received.

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

3.  To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 12th July 2006

     The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a)      Request for Houses to be Listed - English Heritage replies that original external and internal photographs are required, plus the reasons why Council believes the properties require listing.

Council understands that some photographs have already been taken.  Discuss at next meeting. 

b)      Drainage Problems, Riverside Park – DMBC Recreation Officer has arranged for DMBC’s Drains Dept. to have a look at the field.  Perhaps they will be able to provide a reason why the area floods.

c)      Encroachment of Garden Onto Recreation Ground – Land Registry confirms that no application has been made for adverse possession of a portion of land to the rear of No. 29 Sandhill Rise., however, if an application is received the notice will be served on the Parish Council as owner.

It would appear that the registered extents of the two properties have been completed correctly on first registration.

d)      Gate Blocking Pathway at Sandhill Rise – Public Rights of Way Officer has sent out more detailed forms to residents who originally gave statements of usage.

e)      Overhanging Trees, Ellers Lane – DMBC has inspected the trees and advises that the alder is to be crown lifted and thinned. The ash tree has fungal growth indicative of internal decay, therefore it is to be removed, due to its position in relation to the adjacent highway and footpaths.

f)        Business Sign on Domestic PropertyDMBC’s Enforcement Officer has visited the premises, and  has established that the sign is no longer displayed on the frontage.  Complete.

g)      Request for Litter Bin at Ellers Lane – Community First Officer has visited the site in front of the Chinese Takeaway and agrees this would be a suitable location.  However, there is no spare funding to provide a bin in the current financial year.  A request will be placed for one next year.

h)      Provision of Seat on Riverbank – The seat has now been installed.

i)        Slurry Tankers Accessing Common LaneTillertech advises the access to Common Lane from the A614 would be a dangerous operation due to the junction being on a blind bend, and the access to Common Lane being extremely narrow.  The lorries would have to pull over to the wrong side of the A614 to enable them to gain access to the lane.  In the interests of road safety it will therefore be necessary for the lorries to continue to gain access to Common Lane through the village, and drivers have been requested to observe the 15 mph speed limit through the village.  Drivers have been instructed to leave Common Lane directly onto the A614.

j)        Overgrown Land, Hurst Lane – It was reported that the grass has been trimmed but not the hedges.

RESOLVED – A reminder to be sent to the landowner.

k)      Missing “School” Sign, Hayfield Lane – DMBC to be reminded.

l)        Anti-Social Behaviour at Riverside Park – Inspector Payling reports that, in addition to concerns expressed by Council, he has received correspondence from some of the local residents re. this matter.  He has visited the residents and explained that the area is to become one of their targeted ‘hot spots’.  Unfortunately officers from the SNT have been directed to deal with similar incidents across the Borough when working the afternoon shift which means they cannot be as proactive in targeting areas in the South such as Auckley.  He is to arrange a meeting with DMBC to discuss alternative solutions which may be implemented to eradicate the problem, and has asked for the continued support of local residents by continuing to record any incidents that occur.

 

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m)    Anti-Social Behaviour (continued) – Mayor Winter expresses his concerns regarding the anti-social behaviour, and wonders whether the Parish Council might wish to consider closing off access to the area to reduce complaints.  Community Safety Wardens are aware of the incidents and will visit and monitor this location.

n)      Risk Assessment Recommendations – The Clerk reported that the Council minutes from

      December 1894 to December 2003 have been deposited with Doncaster Archives Department for

      safe keeping.  Mr. P. Dennis, Clerk of Blaxton Parish Council, has agreed to provide cover at

      meetings in the event of the Clerk being unable to attend.

o)      Web Master – The Web Master advises that he prefers to have a short contract, but is quite happy  to continue with the web site for the foreseeable future.

p)      Maintenance of Grass Verges, Hayfield Lane – Community First advises that DMBC Highways are awaiting completion of re-instatement work along several lengths which is why the Authority has not formally taken over their maintenance as yet.

q)      Non-Compliance With Condition (Removal of Caravan) – DMBC Enforcement Officer reports that investigations are presently ongoing.  He is unable to provide Council with a final response at this time, but hopes to do so in the near future.

r)       Problems of Sand on Highway at Hurst Lane – Community First Officer reports that staff have been asked to monitor when patrolling the area and photograph any spillage.  He is also considering speaking with the quarry to ask if they would pass a letter to drivers/contractors informing them of issues raised by the community re. soiling of the highway.  Actions are in hand to identify additional cleansing requirements and the possible costing implication.

     RESOLVED  - Following further complaints regarding sand deposits and blocked drains it was

     agreed to ask Community First to arrange a meeting with the quarry to discuss concerns.

s)       Catering Van on A638 Lay-By – Community First Officer has visited the trader and reports that he displays the necessary certificate and has been visited by the Environmental Health Dept. to approve his trading.  He has the landowner’s permission and is not contravening any planning or highway regulations.  S.Y Police’s opinion seems to be that the lay-by is safer for visitors when such an additional presence is there. 

RESOLVED – The Clerk to enquire who is the landowner, whether it is maintained by DMBC, and whether the trader is insured.

t)        Buildings of Interest in Auckley – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

u)      Enquiry Re. Road Humps – Pending.

v)      Registration of Charity Land – Pending.

w)    Yorkshire Aggregates Quarry – Pending

5.  Community Police

     No Police Officer was available to attend the meeting.  There were no matters brought by Council or

     members of the public for the attention of the Police.

6.  District Councillor’s Report

     FARRS Link Road -  Mrs. Schofield reported that DMBC is having to widen the White Rose Way to

     meet the Ministry of Transport’s criteria for the FARRS link road.   The link road is to be discussed by

     the Cabinet in the coming week.  If the go-ahead is given for this development work could begin in

     2009 and be completed by 2012 if no problems arise.  Peel will have to contribute towards the road.

     Sand Deposits on Hurst Lane – Complaints re. blocked gullies and high verges.  Mrs. Schofield would

     be willing to attend a meeting if one is arranged with the Hanson management.

     New Bus Interchange – Mrs. Schofield and Mrs. Woodcock have visited the new bus interchange, and

     also walked to the various bus stops in the town centre to ask passengers’ views on the new travel

     arrangements.  These comments have been sent to SYPTE.

7.  To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit

     The Internal Audit was accepted by Council.

     External Auditor BDO Stoy Hayward reports they have completed the external audit.  There were no

     matters in the accounts which required further attention.  The Annual Return Form was approved and

     accepted by Council.  This information will now be displayed for 14 days on Parish notice board.

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8.  Bank Accounts

     An application form was signed to transfer monies from the Liquidity Manager Account to the Bonus

     Saver Account for a higher rate of interest.

9.  To Consider Quotation to Trim Trees at Sandhill Rise

     ‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of £475 to trim trees overhanging the garden fence of a property at

      Sandhill Rise. 

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Cockett proposed that Council accept the quotation.  The

     proposal was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

10.To Consider Planting of Flower Tubs

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, it was agreed to write and ask the Auckley Gardens and

     Allotments Association whether they would be prepared to supply, prepare and plant a variety of

     bulbs, in the tubs on The Green and in the pinfold, on a rechargeable basis.

11.To Consider Provision of Remembrance Wreath

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mrs. Hunter proposed the sum of £50 be given to the Royal

     British Legion to cover the cost of a wreath and a small donation to the organisation.  Mr. Cockett

     seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

12.To Discuss Joint Funding of Local Community Warden

     Council was informed that Hatfield Town Council is considering employing a Community Warden.

     RESOLVED – It was agreed to wait and see how this project proceeds.

13.To Discuss Future Management of Land at Main Street

     Following the discovery of ragwort on the land, which is dangerous to horses, the Clerk has spoken

     with the adjacent landowner and ascertained that no horses are being grazed on the land, with no plans

     to graze any in the foreseeable future. Therefore no action is required.

     RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the client’s solicitor and point out the dangerous chimney and

     other problems, and enquire what are their plans for future maintenance.  Documentary proof of

     ownership to be requested.

14.To Discuss Charity Land

     a)  Reply from Charity Commission – The Commission advises that, provided the trustees are able to

          satisfy the statutory requirements in relation to the proposed disposal of the land, and as set out in

          sections 36 to 40 of the Charities Act 1993, the consent of the Commissioners will not be required.

          The first requirement would be to instruct a surveyor to prepare a report on the proposed disposal.  

          RESOLVED – It was agreed to invite Mr. Goodall to act on behalf of the trustees.

b)      Charity Rents – The rents have not been reviewed since 2001, due to the temporary transference of

charities to the Church.

          RESOLVED – It was agreed to invite Mr. Goodall to review land at Common and Hurst Lane.

15.To Discuss Establishing a Fund-Raising Committee to Provide Play Equipment

     There has been no response from members of the public re. forming a committee.  In view of the

     complicated nature of the grant application forms it was suggested that someone from CVS or DMBC

     might be willing to advise on this matter.  Council’s application to the Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme

     for funding has been refused.  Funding is limited, and the project was not scored within the top four,   

16.To Discuss Highway Mattersighway MattersHighway  

     a)  Update of Neon Signs at Gatehouse Lane Level Crossing – The Parish Council is asked to

         comment on Network Rail’s application to the Secretary of State for Transport to replace the

         existing flashing neon “Another Train Coming” signs with the current equivalent static signs which

         display the words “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING if lights continue to show”.

         RESOLVED – The Parish Council was in favour of this proposal.

17.To Discuss Recreation Matters

     a)  Electricity Charge for Christmas Lights  - N Power has sent a bill in the sum of £65.10 for

          administration charges in relation to Christmas tree lights, even though all the information

          regarding number of lamps, hours of use, etc. is already supplied to N Power.  The Clerk has

          written to N Power concerning this matter, but has received no courtesy of reply.

          RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact Caroline Flint and Ofgem and ask for their assistance.

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17.) To Discuss Recreation Matters (continued)

      b) To Approve Decision to Order New Goal Sockets – New concreted-in goal sockets were required  

          in order for the football pitch to be in a suitable condition to enable the team to play in August.

          With no meeting due until September, the Clerk took the decision to accept the quotation of £230.

          Since then DMBC has advised that a further £102.34 is required because staff had to make another

          visit to trim the metal tops on the previously used sockets, as they were a trip hazard, and also alter

          the height of the crossbar, due to concerns raised by  the referee. 
          RESOLVED – Following consideration, Council approved these payments.

c)       Damage to Pavilion Doors – It was reported that vandals had attempted to rip off the steel facing.

RESOLVED Agreed to ask Brindley’s Engineering to bolt through the doors to secure the metal.

d)      Horses on Field – It was reported that the rider of a small grey horse has been seen taking the horse onto Riverside Park.  Members to monitor.

e)       Damaged Trees – A resident reports that young people have damaged some of the poplar trees

on the football field alongside the river.

18. To Discuss River Torne Footbridge Project

      Footpaths Officer has written to Cantley with Branton Parish Council and advised the project will probably be discussed at a Planning Committee in October.  DMBC engineers have obtained quotations of £45-£60k for installation, abutments, consents, etc. for the bridge, which means seeking

      other avenues to obtain the additional money.  The Parish Councils have pledged £3,000 towards fencing – perhaps they may be prepared to upgrade their pledge.

      RESOLVED – Agreed to write and enquire why the cost of the bridge has trebled.  Also to point out that an open access to the riverbank has been blocked off by the adjacent landowner’s fencing.

19. To Discuss Auckley Boundary Review

      The public is being consulted by letter concerning a boundary review of Blaxton, Finningley and Auckley Parish Councils, and comments are invited from the Parish Council.  The proposed changes for Auckley are the amalgamation of an area of land within Finningley Parish, at the rear of the airport into the Auckley Parish.  The existing boundary would be amended to follow the airport perimeter to the rear of the hangars, rejoining the boundary at Hayfield Lane and continuing to the junction with Gatewood lane following this northwards before turning east at the junction of Mosham Road to rejoin the existing boundary.

      RESOLVED – Council had no objections to make on this proposal.

20. To Discuss Application for Inclusion in the Pharmaceutical List

      Doncaster NHS Primary Care Trust has received an application from a pharmacist to be included in the Pharmaceutical List, and he states the proposed pharmacy will be located at the junction of

      Main Street and Ellers Lane, Auckley.  If permission is granted the surgery at Ellers Lane will lose its dispensing services.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to oppose the application for the following reasons:

a)      The application is incomplete – no actual address or plan has been given, merely the junction of

Main Street/Ellers Lane which is an extremely hazardous location with large volumes of traffic and two bus stops.

b)      Council considers the community is well- served by the local G.P. and a new pharmacy is neither

      necessary nor desirable.  Rather than see a new pharmacy established, Council would prefer to see

      the existing G.P. given the opportunity first to provide a full surgery within his practice.

21. To Discuss Freedom of Information Act  

      A resident of Church Close has asked Council to supply him with copies of all minutes and letters  relating to himself and Church Close.  The Clerk has identified 2 sets of minutes and 6 letters/e-mails at a cost of £1.87.  He also requests consents from residents and permissions for erection of fencing.

      RESOLVED – Agreed to send correspondence, but all consents, etc. are responsibility of DMBC.

22. To Consider Application to Use Christmas Tree as a Memoriam Tree – ‘Auckley All 4 All’ asks

      permission to use tree as a memoriam tree for residents to write personal messages on cards to be

      attached with a bow to the tree.  RESOLVED – Permission given.  Council was informed that the

      Christmas Market will be held on 12th December on Main Street.  Road will be closed 12 noon-10 pm

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23. To Nominate Representative to Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Committee

      Mr. I Swainston agreed to serve on the committee.

24. Report on Airport Meetings:

      a)   Parish Councils’ Airport Liaison Meeting – Complaints received that aircraft are veering from

            their route.  It was explained that there is a 1.5 mile wide corridor, and pilots may use any of this

            airspace.

c)      Airport Noise Monitoring Meeting – Meeting was advised that 108 complaints (from 62 persons)

were received in May 2005.  This year 42 have been received.  Some planes have been fined for exceeding noise levels.  10 dwellings have been sound-proofed and 4 applications are pending.

25. Report on Hayfield Lane Recreation Project Meetings

      It was reported that the scheme is moving progress.

26. To consider Planning Applications:

      a)  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 (Being

           re-submission previously granted under 06/00101/FUL on 13.03.2006)  31 Ellers Lane, Auckley

           Council was informed that the ridge height has been reduced in the re-submitted plan.

           Council had no objections to make on this application.

b)      No. 06/02257/CPE – Certificate of Lawful Use for existing use of quarry to include storage of oils, plant, vehicles, equipment, scrap metals and timber; vehicle repairs, repair of heavy goods vehicles, plant and equipment and retail sales of bitumen, gravel and minerals not extracted from the site   -  Blaxton Quarry, Mosham Road, Auckley

Council recommends there should be strict guidelines on how the plant is operated, and the types of material should be listed.  Care should be taken with storage of materials as the water table is high and could affect some substances.  The plant frontage should be completely overhauled – at the moment the concrete blocks and earth mounds are not attractive on one of the main routes to the airport.  The gateway is liable to flood after heavy rain, creating a traffic hazard.  The hours of operation should be strictly controlled, with no early or late openings.

       DMBC Planning Committee Decisions:

       The following applications were granted planning permission:

a)      No. 06/01381/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to side and conservatory to

      front of detached bungalow  -  19 Norwood Avenue, Auckley

b)      No. 06/01075/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to side of semi-detached

      house  -  1 Chestnut Drive, Auckley

c)      No. 06/01330/FUL – Erection of part two storey/part single storey pitched roof extension and

      pitched roof porch extension to front of semi-detached house  -  9 Sycamore Drive, Auckley

d)      No. 06/01203/TPO – Consent to fell and remove 1 horse chestnut tree and to crown lift 2

      chestnut Trees (All being subject to Tree Preservation Order)  -  6 Hayfield Court, Auckley

e)   No. 06/01113/TPO – Consent to fell and remove one sycamore tree and to crown lift

one horse chestnut tree (both being subject to Tree Preservation Order)

7 Hayfield Court, Auckleyayfield  

       f)   No. 06/00855/FULM – Erection of hotel on ancillary accommodation, car parking, landscaping

             on approx. 1.41 ha of land  -  Land to North of Existing Terminal,  Robin Hood Airport, Auckley

27  Signing of Cheques

      Cheque no. 001674 – Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates)                                         £79.43

      Cheque no. 001675 -  Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates)                                             £17.21

      Cheque no. 001676 -  Arrow Publications (Council items in newsletter)                               £55.00

      Cheque no. 001677 -  N Power (Pavilion electricity charge)                                                £35.72

      Cheque no. 001678 -  Beacon signs (Provide and install sign)                                              £17.63

      Cheque no. 001679 -  DMBC (Supply, install 4 football sockets)                                      £270.25

      Cheque no. 001680 -  DMBC (Supply and plant 6 half hanging baskets)                           £300.00

      Cheque no. 001681 -  BDO Stoy Hayward (External audit)                                              £293.75

      Cheque no. 001682 -  Mrs. M. Caygill (Purchase of megaphone)

 

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27  Signing of cheques (continued)

      Cheque no. 001683 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman;s wages for 35 hours)                            £203.05

      Cheque no. 001684 -  Royal British Legion (Donation)                                                       £50.00

      Cheque no. 001685 -  Mr. A. Siddons (Updating web site)                                                 £35.41

28. To Receive Correspondence

      a)  Letter from proprietors of local gym enquiring whether Council has any land for sale.  Informed 

           that Council has none available, but advised of sites in Auckley that may be suitable.

b)      Letter from Headteacher of Auckley School informs Council of 130th anniversary celebrations of school to be held in October, and asks whether Council would consider a donation towards a bouncy castle.  Council agreed in principle, but will have to approve this at the October meeting.

c)       Letter from Revd. Ottewell with an update on the Auckley Parish Centre.  It was suggested that, with Revd. Ottewell’s approval, this information could be placed on the Council web site.

d)      Copies of letters from Mr. Storey to Police and Education regarding the speed limit at Hurst Lane.

29. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Parish Council Meeting

      It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 11th October 2006, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at the Hayfield Lane Priamry School.

 

      After the close of business time was set aside for public participation,  and the following issues were raised by members of the public:

 

a)      Aircraft - A resident complained that aircraft when approaching and leaving the airport are now flying considerably closer to her property than was the case when the airport first opened, this increases the problem of noise, and a burning smell has also been observed.  The resident was advised that this matter will be discussed at the next airport meeting.

b)      Public Footpath, River Way – Council was informed that trees from adjoining properties are encroaching onto the footpath.  Community First to be asked to investigate.

c)      Holes on Railway Bridge – A resident reported that an accident was narrowly averted when a cyclist swerved to avoid a pothole on the bridge and was nearly hit by a car.  DMBC to be reminded of potholes on the bridge.

d)      Coat of Arms – A resident enquired whether any progress has been made in Council’s quest for a coat of arms for the village.   To be discussed at the next meeting.

e)      Hayfield Newsletter – It was pointed out that classes to be held in the new Parish Centre are still being advertised in the newsletter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Chairperson ………………………