LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Held on Tuesday 5th December, 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
Coronation Hall
Present: Chairman Cllr. M. Fisher (from 7.35)
Vice Chairman Cllr. M. Collins took the Chair
Cllr. D. Fearnside
Cllr. L.R. Gill
Cllr. D. Grinstead
Cllr. J. Burton
Dist. Cllr. N. Wilson
Acting Clerk Anne Collins
1. Welcome: Everyone was welcomed by the Vice Chairman .
2. Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr. M. Fisher (who was delayed arriving at 7.35 p.m.) and Clerk, Isabel Ward.
3. Declaration of Interests
Declaration recorded from Cllr. Gill on planning applications for Cherry Garth and Rose Villa.
4 Minutes of the last meeting held on the 26th September 2006
The above minutes were read and approved – proposed by Cllr. Gill, seconded by Cllr. Grinstead.
In order that Dist. Cllr. Wilson could leave the meeting early it was agreed to deviate from the printed agenda.
In response to Cllr. Fisher’s enquiry about the New Planning Development, Dist. Cllr. Wilson replied that there is little information as yet, but much debate including Green Belt Development, the definition for which may be changed and development in Harrogate, Ripon and the Market Towns.
In reply to Cllr. Collins, Dist. Cllr. Wilson was able to confirm that The Local Development Framework is being collated and should be available Spring 2007.
Cllr. Burton reported that at the Kirby Hill Parish meeting, Ellis’s Yard was proposed as a possible development site; Dist. Cllr. Wilson was requested to check if the Yard is incorporated into the LDF following representation from Kirby Hill PC.
MSA - Dist. Cllr. Wilson reported that the appeal from Kirby Hill had been won and the decision for using Kirk Deighton stands, there being no time now left for appeal.
Commuted Sums – situation update requested by Cllr.. Gill will be followed up by Cllr. Collins.
Play Area – Cllr. Collins displayed plans from Lappset which were well received. A sample of solid mesh fencing was shown, which will be more durable and reduce noise but needs planning confirmation from Harrogate. Colour samples of Wet Pour surface were shown and Green chosen.
Quotation from Lappset to include fencing and equipment is £55,000, with landscaping, earthwork, seeding and tarmac likely to bring it to approx £70,000 (VAT is payable but refundable). The equipment had been chosen by a community group for its interest , durability and cost effectiveness. Lappset have already sent updated prices and the current price can only be held for a short time.
£45,000 is available from commuted sums and £25,000 would need to be borrowed, offset by grants in the future. The Clerk will apply to PWLB for a loan.
Cllr. Collins proposed that: the project go ahead,
loans would be applied for as necessary
and a small working party would run the project.
The proposal was unanimously accepted. Cllr. Collins will show plans to Kirby Hill PC, to see if they wish to contribute.
Levying a precept to raise £4,000 - £5,000 was mentioned but deferred for discussion later in the meeting.
Dist. Cllr.. Wilson advised that grants should be secured before work begins and Cllr. Fearnside agreed to plan a cash flow budget to minimise effects of VAT payments. Cllr. Burton suggested asking for 90/120 day terms to assist this.
Cllr. Collins and Cllr. Fisher will comprise the working party. They would co-opt Paul Gill for his advice and to keep him informed.
Dist. Cllr. Wilson will give the project his support and left the meeting at 8.00 p.m.
The meeting resumed according to the agenda as issued.
5. Matters Arising
· Picnic Area
Cllr. Gill reported that he had met with Capt. Rollinson and the Memorial bench is being installed.
The rubbish bin system is working well.
· Cottages
Cllr. Burton reported on the two cottages.
Holly Cottage – repairs needed to chimney, shed and rebuilding of front wall and gate. Estimates received from Styans and Laffords.
Cllr. Grinstead proposed Laffords quotation be accepted, seconded by Cllr. Fearnside.
Rose Cottage – extensive damp was found in the chimney and lounge areas. Neither Styans nor Laffords would quote as specialist work is needed. Hambleton Preservation would treat damp and re-plaster.
Cllr. Burton and Cllr. Gill will check water and install a portable heater to provide minimal heating through the winter.
Cllr. Burton requested a decision on the timing of repairs. Cllr. Collins pointed out repairs would probably also be needed to floors, etc and Cllr. Gill proposed repairs as well as installing central heating should be deferred until they could all be done together. A suggested amount for this was £15,000.
· Grass Cutting.
All Councillors were happy with the job done this year and Cllr. Collins will arrange for the Contract to be renewed.
· Overgrown Footpaths
Cllr. Collins suggested clearance of the footpaths would be a suitable project for those on the Young Offenders Community Service Scheme.
The recurring problem of overgrowth at the entrance to Riverside Gardens was thought best notified to the owner of the property, rather than the occupier. Cllr. Gill will find details of owner.
· Wheelchair Access along Leeming Lane
Cllr. Burton reported that crossing Hill View is the only part of Kirby Hill settlement area not to have wheelchair access. This is to be funded in the forthcoming year by NYCC.
· Graffiti
Cllr. Collins proposed that cleaning the graffiti under the A1 and canal bridges and the Back Lane sign should be added to the list of jobs for Young Offender’s community Service. The Clerk to write to request this be done.
6. Correspondence received by 1st December, 2006
· Open Spaces
HBC have written concerning Public Amenity Sites. Cllr. Grinstead proposed the new Play Area should be declared and, also the Slipway. Unanimous agreement was given.
· Potholes
These are currently repaired but need regular reminders to keep them so.
· Towpath
Repairs have been made by British Waterways on the land they control, which does not cover the stretch beside The Moorings.
· Maltings
New photos have been received. 90% of apartments are now sold. We look forward to welcoming the new residents.
· Village Road Safety Scheme 2007/8
Requests have been received for suitable projects for funding, it was agreed not to apply this year.
Cllr. Grinstead reported Ringmaster Message had been received concerning a
4-County Police initiative on how to make roads safer. A reply would be sent asking for extra police presence around the Picnic area.
7. Financial
a. Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported the following balances at the bank:
Current Account £2,835.58
High Rate £3,693
Payment of the Clerk’s Expenses of £46.31 was proposed by Cllr. Fearnside and seconded by Cllr. Grinstead.
b. Precept
After earlier discussions concerning the new Play Area and the repairs to the Cottages, the need for a precept had been evident. The proposal to levy a precept was made by Cllr. Grinstead and seconded by Cllr. Fearnside and an amount of £5,000 was unanimously agreed. Cllr. Fearnside will reply to HBC concerning the precept and cite the cottages and Play Area as expenditure.
c. Payments
Invoices: Mazers £141.00
British Legion £25.00
Farm & Land £411.25
The above expenditure was proposed by Cllr. Burton, seconded by Cllr. Fearnside.
d. Fishing rights were discussed and a proposal to raise the fee from £275 to £300 was unanimously agreed.
8. Planning
· Cherry Garth – side extension plus roof space – no objections (Interest declared by Cllr. Gill)
· 10a Greenholme Close - side extension – granted,
· Building Plot rear of Jaynes House - granted
· 13 Hill View – rear extension and conservatory - granted
· Maltings – unauthorised access enforcement
New Planning received since 1st December
· Greenacres – conservatory at rear – no objections.
· Rose Villa – Retention of store, single storey – (Cllr. Gill declared Interest and left the room during discussion)
Planning to be returned to HBC with the recommendations that:
a. The proposed building should be constructed of materials in keeping with the rest of the house.
b. Nothing to be stored on top of the roof area.
c. Drainage from the roof to go into proper drains and not be allowed to soak away into adjacent properties.
9. Sub Committees.
· Joint Parish Meetings
Cllr. Collins reported that opinions are sought on the signs appearing on the Canal roundabout and at the top of Kirby Hill. Cllr. Collins will report back that Langthorpe PC has no objection to short term community advertising, but not trade adverts.
The next Joint Parish meeting on 14.12.2006 will discuss waste incineration, Yore Vision, footpaths and the MSA decision.
· Yore Vision Partnership
a. Youth Conference - Cllr. Fisher reported on the conference.
b. Footpaths – Cllr. Collins circulated a map of the proposed footpath routes, with the ‘Ure Walk Through Time’ shown. Langthorpe and Kirby Hill are arranging a circular route through their parishes.
· Neighbourhood Watch.
Cllr. Fisher reported that the updating of the data base is still incomplete and will be revised in January if funding allows. Training is going well and there is a definite increase in messages received.
· Police Liaison
Cllr. Fisher reported that there are 20 Police dog handlers in the Harrogate area.
There is a 9% reduction in crime in the area.
It was proposed that the £24million reserve for pensions (being funded elsewhere) and force mergers (not going ahead).
It is proposed to make Boroughbridge into1 Police area, not 2.
· Langthorpe Welcome Pack
Cllr. Fearnside circulated a draft copy, which needs some photographic input which Cllr. Fisher will provide. Cllr. Fearnside was thanked for his work.
· Play Area update
See previous minute.
9. A.O.B. (received by 1st December and listed below)
· Ownership of Canal Bank
The bank beside Riverton is subsiding but there is no record of who owns the banking. The Clerk is asked to make enquiries with British Waterways.
· Parking in Skelton Road
Cllr. Fisher reported that Maltings construction vehicles had now moved to Leeming Lane to park.
Residents of Greenholme Close had been parking large vehicles on the road but the problem now seems to be resolved.
· Street Signs - Riverside Gardens
The Clerk has reported that the sign posts have rotted . The Station Terrace sign needs attention and the Back Lane sign needs red paint removing. The Clerk is asked to write to HBC about the signs.
Dates for 2007/8
The following dates were confirmed for Parish Council Meetings during 2007/8:
23rd January, 2007
20th March, 2007
22nd May, 2007
24th July, 2007
25th September, 2007
27th November, 2007
22nd January, 2008
.
The Meeting closed at approximately 9.30 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on 23rd January, 2007
Signed………………………… Dated……………………