LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

 

Held on Tuesday, 20th September 2005 at 7.30p.m.

Coronation Hall

 

 

Present                                               Chairman                    Cllr. M. Fisher                                                                                                           Cllr. M. Collins

                                                                                                Cllr. D. Fearnside

                                                                                                Cty. Cllr. John Watson

                                                                                                Dist. Cllr. N. Wilson

                                                            Clerk                           I.M. Ward

 

1.         Welcome                    

 

The Chairman welcomes Cty. Cllr. Watson to his first meeting.  Dist. Cllr. N. Wilson was also welcomed.  Two members of the public were in attendance and made welcome.

 

2.         Declaration of Acceptance D. Fearnside & Registration of Interests

 

Cllr. D. Fearnside was welcomed to his first meeting of Langthorpe Parish Council and was invited to complete his Declaration of Acceptance.  He also completed the form of Registration of Financial and Other Interests.

 

3.         Apologies

 

            The Clerk reported that she had received apologies from Cllr. J. Burton, Cllr.    L. Gill, Cllr. D. Grinstead and P.C. Neil Waite.

 

4.         Registration of Interests

 

            There were no registrations of interest.

 

5.         Minutes of the last meeting held on the 19th July, 2005

 

The above minutes were read and approved - proposed by Cllr M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. M. Fisher.

 

To allow Cty. Cllr. Watson and Dist. Cllr. Wilson to leave the meeting early the following was discussed:

 

Cty. Cllr. Watson addressed the meeting regarding the Waste Disposal site which had been identified in Roecliffe Lane.  It is thought that this site will not be ready until 2008.

 

Cty. Cllr. Watson reported on the traffic calming measures in Langthorpe which should have been completed.  He will investigate further as to why the work has not yet been done despite being given a grant 2 years ago.

 

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Dist Cllr. Wilson reported on his latest findings regarding Millbrook House.  No negotiations have taken place between the owner and the Planning

Department since 2003.  It was reported that unless the building was in a dangerous condition then nothing can be enforced.

 

Rose Villa – Dist. Cllr. Wilson reported that no retrospective planning application has yet been received but it was pointed out that the time limit had not expired.

 

Local Development Plan Framework – Dist. Cllr. Wilson spoke at length on this subject.  He could not stress enough that the Parish Council should become actively involved in this and should make it of prime importance to attend all meetings.  We should endeavour to input as much as possible.

 

Dist. Cllr. Wilson explained that there are three Planning Committees but the Government would like Harrogate Borough Council to have only one.   It would appear that there will probably be two Committees and a decision should be made next month.

 

The above two Councillors were thanked for their input and were allowed to leave the meeting whenever convenient.

 

6.         Matters Arising

 

·        Nu-Era Windows

 

It was reported that Nu-Era Windows had started trading again despite that fact that they have not completed work for the Parish Council. Cllr. Fearnside agreed to look into the matter and find out who the Directors are etc.   Once this has been established then a decision will be made as to our further action.

 

·        Speed Signs update

 

Already reported by Cty. Cllr. Watson.

 

·        Parish Plan

 

No real progress on this as been made.  Cllr. Fisher would like to revitalise the questionnaire.  Councillors were requested to distribute them again in an effort to get a better response.  When this has been completed then a decision can be made whether to continue with the Parish Plan or change to a Village Design Statement.

 

 

 

 

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·        Picnic Area

 

Benches – The Clerk requested to contact Cllr. Gill on his return from holiday to find out if another bench has been ordered.  If not, one has to be ordered.

 

Hedges – It was noted that Cllr. Gill had trimmed back the hedge around the notice.  He has to be thanked.

 

·        Fencing alongside Canal.

 

A Post Card was read out from North Yorkshire County Council Environmental Services that the offending fence will be repaired by the Central Group of Modern Apprentices.

 

·        Cottages

 

Doors Quote - Two quotes were discussed for replacement front and back doors at Rose Cottage.  Euro Design quoted £1,109 while Orion Windows Ltd quoted £1,450.  It was agreed that Euro Design quote should be accepted – proposed by Cllr. Collins, seconded by Cllr. Fearnside.

 

J. Lafford’s Quote (£148) This quote was accepted at the last meeting.  The guttering has not yet been repaired.

 

Sink Drainer/toilet Rose Cottage (Harry Pratt quote) This quote for repairs/replacement.  It was agreed to accept the quote for £496.00 – proposed Cllr. Fearnside, seconded by Cllr. Collins. 

 

Cllr. Burton’s report on the cottages was presented to the meeting. It was agreed that this should be an agenda item for the next meeting.

 

·        Grass Cutting Tender update

 

Cllr. Collins reported that tenders had gone out to three firms:

                             

                              Dean Landscapes,

                              Farm and Land

                              Mr. Norgate

 

The tenders are for 2006, 2007 and 2008.  The bids should be back by 2oth October.

 

·        Pavements Skelton Road/Leeming Lane - verges & weeds

 

Considerable discussion took place on the condition of these two roads.  These roads along with Riverside Gardens, Greenholme Close and the roundabout all require treatment for weeds.  Cllr. Fearnside did thinks that these had been sprayed by the Clerk to follow up and check.

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The other cause for concern on Skelton Road and Leeming Lane is the gradual encroachment of the grass verges making the footpath very narrow and dangerous for children walking to school, people pushing prams and wheelchair users.

 

The gulleys down Skelton Road have become overgrown and blocked again.

 

The Clerk requested to write to Highways reporting the above concerns.

 

·        Tow Paths

 

A Post Card has been received from North Yorkshire County Council in acknowledgement of the Clerk’s  letter of the 12th August requesting an inspection of the tow path from the roundabout to the Old Barn, Langthorpe.  As yet no response has been received.

 

It was agreed that, in view of the public complaints, the Clerk should write to British Waterways requesting a site meeting to discuss the state of the footpath which would appear to be eroding in places.

 

·        Christmas Lights

 

The proposed extension of the Christmas lights was discussed.  It was agreed that 4 lamp posts lie within the Parish boundaries.  It was agreed that 4 new spirals should be funded by the Parish Council i.e. 4 x £80 per spiral.  The Clerk requested to write to the Chamber of Trade and inform them of our decision.  A copy of the letter should be sent to the Clerk of Kirby Hill and District informing them of our funding.

 

·        Complaint from 16 Riverside Gardens re barge

 

The Clerk reported that she had written to the residents of 16 Riverside Gardens explaining that the barge is now on the Boroughbridge side of the river and that she would pass the complaint on together with all the information available to the Town Clerk, Boroughbridge.

 

7.         Correspondence as received by 14th September, 2005

 

·        Members Code of Conduct (Introduction to)

 

There will be a training session on the above subject on the 20th October at 6p.m. at Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.

 

 

 

 

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·        Appointment of new Commuted Sums Officer (Mathew Rollings)

 

A letter received from Harrogate Borough Council informing the Parish Council that a new Commuted Sums Officer had been appointed.  He has produced a statement showing the Commuted Sums already awarded.  Two sums viz £110 and £292 was discussed and it was proposed that these amounts should go towards the possible provision of new bins.  The matter to be discussed at the nest Parish Council meeting.

 

7.         Financial

 

·        Clerk’s Report

 

The Clerk reported the following Bank Balances:

 

                  Current Account                       £2,698.39 Cr

                  High Rate Account                   £2,619.21 Cr

 

Clerk’s Expenses amounted to £19.99

Mazar’s audit fee £141.00

Seekings & Wardle – Public Liability £345.00

Internet website renewal £116.27

All the above expenditure proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, approved by Cllr. D. Fearnside.

 

8.         Planning

 

·        Maltings Update

 

It was reported that a start should be made in November. 

 

·        Millbrook House update.

 

This has already been reported – see comments from Dist. Cllr. Wilson.

 

·        The New Maltings (Show Flat)

 

Complaints had been received regarding new access to show flat.  Planning due to report back.

 

·        5 Riverside Gardens – erection of detached garage.

 

The Parish Council has object to this proposed plan since there is not sufficient room past the existing garage for vehicular access.

 

·        Jaynes Cottage - proposed new entrance and erection of detached house

 

 

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The Parish Council has objected to this proposed plan because it is setting a precedent for properties on Skelton Road to develop their gardens with access onto Back Lane.  The new properties, whilst being within the planning line would need an access onto Back Lane.  Without the improvement which would be necessary for the road and therefore is probably against the planning intention for the southern boundary to Back Lane.

 

·        The Old Stables – renewal – no objections - with the proviso that the flood sign should be retained.

 

·        12 The Croft – erection of single storey rear & side extension – no objections

 

·        Langthorpe Villa – first floor window revised scheme – no objections.

 

·        North Road Cottage, Leeming Lane – change of use of poultry houses -  the Parish Council objected on the grounds that valeting and storage does not become a selling venue.  Also the roofs of the disused poultry farm are asbestos – a hazardous substance – do we need to ask for Health and Safety safeguards or ask planners to ensure the public are safe.

 

·        Mushroom Farm - conversion and extension to detached office building to form dwelling – refused.

 

·        Rose Villa – planning enforcement notice see report from Dist Cllr. Wilson earlier.

 

·        Former Boroughbridge Laundry Site – planning enforcement for lowering of fence – no further action.

 

·        14 The Croft erection of 2 story rear extension – approved.

 

·        2 Station Terrace – extension and conservatory – being considered.

 

 

9.         Sub Committees

 

·        Joint Parish Council Meetings (15th September 2005) 

 

Closer Working Discussion – Cllr. M. Collins had compiled a document showing footpaths within Langthorpe and Kirby Hill.  The main footpath is not walkable from Cottage Farm to Skelton.  Most of the fields in the Skelton area are cultivated.  The Clerk requested to write to Peter Myatt, Clerk to Skelton requesting the help of the Parish Council.

 

 

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·        Market Town Initiative/Boroughbridge & District Community Partnership

 

A document circulated last meeting 21st July.updating the situation.  It is imperative that we kept in touch.

 

·        Local Development Framework update

 

The next meeting will be on the 19th October in Ripon.

 

·        Neighbourhood Watch.

 

Cllr. Collins reported that he is awaiting information from P.C. Neil Waite as to what is happening.  Cllr. Collins will contact P.C. Waite again because it  is imperative that the scheme is up and running in the next two months.

           

·        Police Liaison (12th September)

 

Cllr. Fisher reported that at the last meeting it was reported that policing in this area had been dramatically cut and is likely to be cut even further.  It was agreed that Police Liaison Meeting Minutes should be circulated in the folder.

           

·        Play Area Update.

 

Cllrs Fisher and Collins have compiled a draft budget of £75,000 to £80,000.  An application has been made to Harrogate Borough Council for a grant of £35,000 plus there may be other grants.  Heather Chester requested to complete soil samples.

 

·        MSA Decision

 

It was reported that the MSA is now going to be sited at Kirk Deighton.

 

10.       A.O.B. (Received by 14th September 2005 and listed below)                     

 

·        Document distributions/planning

 

It was agreed that the present system is not working resulting in dead lines for the Clerk to act upon impossible.  To endeavour to improve the turn around it was agreed that a package per month of non-urgent items should be sent around.  The Clerk requested to hand all Planning Applications directly to Cllr. Fisher in the first instance and that she should keep a list of correspondence for the agenda.

 

 

 

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·        Parking on Pavements in Leeming Lane (KHPC)

 

Several complaints have been received by Kirby Hill Parish Council about the number of cars which are parked on the edge of the pavement in Leeming Lane.  This makes it almost impossible for wheelchair users and people pushing prams to get past safely without going out onto the road.   After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways Department requesting a site meeting to try and improve the safety on this section of road.

 

·        Public House licensing Hours.

 

Concerns have been raised by parishioners but it was felt that the Parish Council could take no action.

 

·        Roles and Responsibilities

 

Cllr. Fisher explained to Cllr. Fearnside that we have a scheme of Roles and Responsibilities to share out the work load.  This will be discussed and updated at our next meeting.  Cllr. Fearnside was approached whether he would like to oversee the financial side of the Parish Council – this he agreed to do.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45p.m.

 

The Next Meeting will be held on the 15th November, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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