Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 4 July 2012 at Kilham Hall commencing at 7.00 p.m.

 

PRESENT: Councillors J Worthington (Vice-Chair), Y Butterworth, B Fussey, M Sidebottom and

                   N Williams 

                                 

IN ATTENDANCE:   J Staniforth (Clerk to the Council) and 6 Members of the Public.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Five members of the public denoted they had attended regarding the proposed development on land to the north of Doncaster Road expressing concern that it was felt part of the land was green field and not brown field and that the recent public exhibition had not clarified such aspects and had only sought to collect comments.  Other concerns relating to the proximity of proposed dwellings to properties on The Close and the width of access roads were raised. The residents requested that a meeting be convened with the Local Planning Authority, the Parish Council, David Wilson Homes and the land owner to discuss issues raised. The Vice-Chair agreed to discuss the issues raised with a view to arranging a meeting with relevant parties and that the agreed spokesperson would be informed of the outcome of the request.

A resident from Carlton Close expressed concern over a planning application for the building of three properties to the rear of Kalewa on Whiphill Top Lane as it was felt these would overbear properties on Carlton Close which were bungalows, it was an over intensity of development and that there was a possible flood risk. The previous removal of trees was raised prior to the instigation of a tree preservation order and that further development would require the removal of further trees.  The Vice-Chair explained that the planning application would be considered as part of Item 14.

 

1)         APOLOGIES

The Clerk reported that apologies had been received from Councillors B Cheetham and G Warrender. In the absence of the Chair the Vice-Chair took the Chair.

RESOLVED (1)

That the apologies be received and accepted.

 

2)         DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS

A declaration of personal interest was received from Councillor Fussey in respect of items 7c), 9 and 10 relating to Kilham Hall and a declaration of personal and prejudicial interest was received from Councillor Sidebottom in respect of Item 18.

 

3)         REPORT FROM COMMUNITY POLICING TEAM

No representative of the police was in attendance. The Clerk reported the receipt of information relating to speed gun work for 2.5 hours in Branton and 0.5 hours in Auckley denoting 187 vehicles checked, 15 issued with cautions or warnings and the seizure of one vehicle.  The location of PACT meetings was raised as these no longer took place at any locations in the Finningley Ward thus making it difficult for residents to attend meetings now held in only Tickhill and Bawtry as there was no direct public transport.

RESOLVED (2)

a) That the information be received and noted

b) That a request is made to Inspector Cowling for PACT meetings in locations in the Finningley Ward to be included within the schedule for the area.

 

4)         REPORT FROM DMBC WARD COUNCILLORS AND UPDATE ON THE FLEXIBLE BUDGET

The Clerk reported the receipt of apologies from Councillors Y Woodcock and P Schofield. Councillor Woodcock had notified the Clerk that it would not be possible to fund the cost of improvements to the fork junction at Whiphill Top Lane as there was insufficient funding. Funding was to be expended on holiday play schemes in all villages, skips in the autumn and a luncheon club was to be held at the Three Horse Shoes on 17 July 2012.  It was suggested that if any funding was requested for alternative projects that this be notified to the Area team for consideration.

RESOLVED (3)

That a request be made for the installation of a speed display sign within the village of Branton so as to seek to encourage drivers to slow down when approaching the fork junction at Whiphill Top Lane.

 

5)         PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON DONCASTER ROAD

The Clerk reported that the Planning Officer for the developer was unable to attend the meeting and an update had been promised relating to the consultation meeting held on 28 June 2012 but no update had been received.  Consideration was given to the request from members of the public for a meeting with the Planning Authority and the Developer to discuss the concerns raised.

RESOLVED (4)

That the Clerk contacts DMBC’s Planning Department to request a meeting with a Planning Officer and representatives of the developer as soon as practicably possible.

 

6)         MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 6 JUNE 2012

RESOLVED (5)

That the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting be agreed and signed by the Chairman subject to ‘when the changing rooms were in use’ being replaced by ‘ as soon as possible’ in the last line of item 10.

 

7)                  CLERK’S REPORT ON ACTION ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING

a) Highway Matters – A letter had been sent to Royal Mail with a copy to DMBC regarding driving over the grass verges on Milton Road and St Vincent’s Avenue but no response had been received, DMBC had agreed to monitor.  A Highways Officer had confirmed that all the footpaths identified to be in a poor condition had been identified on a provisional programme for footway slurry resurfacing treatment but the timescale for the work had still to be determined, further details may be available in September. A response had been received from DMBC that the resident on Chapel Lane had been provided with a quotation for a dropped kerb but no further communication had been received.  DMBC had investigated parking on the pavement at a property on Moor View and that the practice had been a temporary measure and had now ceased.  A letter had been sent to the property on Whiphill Top Laneregarding the overgrown  hedge.  Arrangements were being made to replace the missing road sign at the junction on Gatewood Lane and Nutwell Lane but may take up to eight weeks. DMBC explained that vehicles in excess of the weight limit could travel on Nutwell Lane for access. A response had been received regarding the quality of grass cutting of verges around the parish stating that the wet weather had made the programme of grass cutting problematic and that the issue would be monitored.     

b)      Recreation Ground – The coach for Branton Juniors Football Club had been notified that it would not be possible to provide access to the car park at the present time and no response had been received.  The Gardener/ Handyman had repaired both the front and side gates.

c)      Kilham Hall – The Management Committee had now agreed to the hire of the hall free of charge for health checks and the details were being finalised.

d) Community – The planter at Old Cantley had now been planted, the daffodil leaves had been removed and a stake for the Salix plant purchased.

e)      Administration – The Clerk would complete the General Power of Competence module following training on 24 July 2012. The Health and Safety Policy was work in progress.  The annual external audit return had been submitted by the due date.

RESOLVED (7)

a)       That DMBC are asked to consider urgent repairs to the pavement on Valley Drive due to the condition.

b)      That a letter is sent to the resident on Chapel Lane to enquire as to whether it is intended to instate a dropped kerb at the property.

c)      That all other information is received and duly noted.

 

8)         ISSUES RAISED BY THE PUBLIC

Issues raised were considered under items 5 and 14 of the agenda.

 

9)         APPOINTMENT OF A KILHAM HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE

The Clerk confirmed that that Trust Deed stated that the two members appointed by the parish council must be parish council members. Councillor Fussey reported that meetings would take place every two months in future and eventually every quarter. No nominations were received.

RESOLVED (8)

 

That the appointment of a representative be deferred to the next meeting.  

 

10)       KILHAM HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Councillor Fussey reported that in spite of expenditure exceeding £1k for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations the balance remained health at over £13.5 k. Booking had been received for most evenings and a charity rounders match may be held on the recreation ground. The Clerk advised that insurance needed to be obtained by any third party and that a written request for use of the ground should be submitted.

RESOLVED (9)

That the information be noted.

 

11)       RECREATION GROUND/GARDEN ISSUES

There were no separate matters to consider.

 

12)       HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES RELATING TO THE RECREATION GROUND          

The Clerk reported that the insurance company had recommended that annual servicing of equipment be undertaken and that the amount of petrol carried for use with the machinery posed no risk.  An enquiry was made as to whether a licence was required to undertaken strimming work.

RESOLVED (10)

a) That quotations for servicing gardening equipment be obtained from Doncaster Garden Machinery, Branton Farm Nursery and K Tyas Gardening Services for consideration at the next meeting.

b) That the Clerk seeks advice from YLCA on the requirements to carry out strimming.

c) That other information is received and noted.

 

13)       ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE TESTING

The insurance company had been unable to provide any details for the meeting and discussion took place on the arrangements to be enacted. Councillor Williams agreed to discuss the matter with a local contractor.

RESOLVED (11)

That the Clerk be authorised to arrange the testing of the water supply in the changing rooms as agreed at the June meeting up to a cost of £100 and the information is sought as to the frequency that testing should be carried out.           

 

14)       PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND UPDATE

The following new applications were considered;

12/01336/FUL Jasmine Cottage, Main St	a)    Retrospective Application for erection of single storey detached garage to side/rear	No Comments
12/01450/EXT 5 Warnington Drive	b)    Extension to time for extensions re raising roof height to from rooms in roofspace and 2 dormer window	No Comments
12/01462/FUL Kalewa Whiphill Top Lane	c)    Erection of 3 detached houses with integral garages on approx 0.23 ha of land	Objections
12/01209/FUL Langdale House, Beech Tree	d)    Erection of pitched roof conservatory to rear of detached house following demolition of existing	No Comments
12/01623/TCON 313 Bawtry Road	d)                                            Crown lift and clean including removal of 1 bough to Chestnut and Oak trees	No Comments

Details of decisions reached since the last meeting were circulated including the decision that planning permission was not required for repairs to the railway bridge considered at the previous meeting. Consideration was also given to the notification that Armthorpe Parish Council intends to develop a Neighbourhood Plan and the date for an informal hearing relating to the appeal for Greenacres on Doncaster Road.  The Chair and Vice-Chair will attend the hearing.

RESOLVED (12)

a) That the Clerk notifies the Planning Authority of the parish council’s objections in respect of application 12/01251/FUL on the grounds that it is out of character with surrounding properties, it will overbear other properties, it is an over intensity of development, access to the highway will increase and there is a flood risk.

b) That there are no comments or objections in respect of Armthorpe Parish’s Council’s intention to create a Neighbourhood Plan.

 

15)       HIGHWAY MATTERS

The following issues were raised;

• Maintenance of the land at the garages on Moor View
• Clearance of land to the rear of Silverdale Close
• Clearance of land at the rear of the Chinese Takeaway and the rear of Bassey Road
• Vegetation growing in the Poppyfields estate area
• A damaged street name plate on Springwood Close
• Overgrown shrubbery at the corner of Brockholes Lane and Doncaster Road

RESOLVED (13)

That the Clerk notifies the relevant DMBC departments of the highway issues identified.

 

16)       NALC’s FINAL TEMPLATE CODE OF CONDUCT/ REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS

Members were informed that DMBC’s Monitoring Officer would provide forms for completion by members to meet the requirements of The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 by 13 July and these would be forwarded to members for completion in order for the details to be published by 28 July 2012. 

RESOLVED (14)

a) That the NALC Briefings relating to the final template Code of Conduct and the Disclosable Pecuniary Interests regulations be received.

b) That members are requested to complete and return to the Clerk the new Register of Interest forms as soon as possible in order for the Clerk to forward these to the Monitoring Officer by the due date.

 

17)       REVIEW OF INSURANCE RENEWAL POLICY FOR 1 SEPTEMBER 2012

Consideration was given to the insurance renewal details and the renewal premium of £1,474.29 which included a no claims discount.

RESOLVED (15)

That the insurance details are agreed and the Clerk authorised to pay the renewal cost by the due date.

 

18)       PUBLICATION OF NEXT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Councillor Sidebottom withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item. 

RESOLVED (16)

That the next newsletter is published in the September edition of the Branton and Auckley Arrow and that the following items are included; Proposal to convene a meeting to discuss the proposed development to the north of Doncaster Road, a message of appreciation to Kilham Hall Management Committee for the organisation of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, the request for improvements to the fork junction at Whiphill Top Lane and the date for the Christmas carol singing.

 

19)              WEBSITE ISSUES

There were no issues or concerns to discuss.  .

 

20)       CONSULTATION ON IMPROVEMENT TO POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR RIGHTS OF WAY

RESOLVED (17)

That the consultation document be received and noted.

 

21)       DONATION TO VITALISE

The Clerk explained that the information had been received via YLCA but that YLCA were not endorsing any contribution.

RESOLVED (18)

That no donation be made as this was outside of the Grant Awarding policy.

 

22)       FIRST QUARTER BUDGET MONITORING REPORT

Consideration was given to the budget monitoring report which included £5.21 interest received on 30 June 2012. The overspend on the maintenance and repair budget due to the cost of the playground resurfacing would be met from reserves as agreed previously. All other budget headings were on target.

RESOLVED (19)

That the report be received and duly noted.

 

23)       YLCA TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR JULY AND AUGUST/CPRE PLANNING EVENT

RESOLVED (20)

That the details of the training programme be received and noted.

 

24)       AUTHORISATION OF BANK PAYMENTS

Consideration was given to the schedule of payments for signature.   

RESOLVED (21)

That the following payments be duly authorised:

D/12/25	Veolia	Weed & Feed/4 x grass cutting	£1,129.20
D12/26	SLCC	Clerk’s Attendance at Conference	£78.00
D12/27	Gardener/Handyman	1st quarter salary	£653.23
D12/28	HMRC	1st quarter return	£498.60
D12/29	J Worthington	Safety Vest for Gardener/Handyman	£5.95
D12/30	Clerk	July salary/travel	£503.11
D12/31	Clerk	Conference travel expenses	£21.50
D12/32	DMBC	2nd quarter emptying green waste	£54.90

 

25)       STAFF APPRAISAL ARRANGEMENTS

RESOLVED (22)

That the Clerk completes the SLCC appraisal document and forwards this to the Chair for consideration.

 

26)       REPORTS FROM MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED

   a)      YLCA South Yorkshire Branch Meeting

The Vice-Chair attended the meeting and reported that D Liddell and A Jones had been reappointed Chair and Vice-Chair respectively.  The main issues raised were that the government was being lobbied to allow local councils to receive business rates and the legality of preventing gypsies entering and leaving unauthorised sites was being sought.

b)         Airport Noise Monitoring and Environmental Sub- Committee          

There had been one complaint from a Branton resident regarding noise levels. Correspondence had been received indicating that passengers flying from northern airports would pay a reduced level of tax,

c)         SLCC Regional Conference

Consideration was given to the report circulated in advance of the meeting.  Reference was made to proposed legislation that would make the creation of local councils easier and it had been requested that there also be a right of appeal if the District Council refused an application. The Clerk advised that if any changes to the current parish boundary were to be proposed the procedure would need to be enacted within the next year in order to ensure a sufficient timescale prior to the next local elections in 2015. Overall the Clerk felt that the conference had represented good value for money.

RESOLVED (23)

That the information be received and duly noted.

 

27)       ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence denoted on the agenda was duly considered along with details from DMBC on the Neighbourhood Charter update and the forthcoming YLCA Joint Annual Meeting.

RESOLVED (24)

That the correspondence received is duly noted.

 

28)       DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED (25)

That the next meeting be held on Wednesday 5 September 2012 commencing at 7.00 p.m. at Kilham Hall

 

29) CONFIDENTIAL STAFFING MATTER