11th July 2024
MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
Held in the Village Hall on 11th July 2024
1. PRESENT: Chairman N MacDermid, Vice Chairman A Dewsnip, Cllrs C. Dickinson, T. Hall, K Tharby and S. Gallimore. Also in attendance Cllr A Paraskos (NYC)M Richards (Clerk) and 2 residents. A further 4 residents joined for item 4.
2. Apologies: Apologies for absence were received and accepted from J. Locke,
3. Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’ Register of Interest: None.
4. Public participation session.
a) A resident reported that a tree adjacent to her property is in need of pruning back. When she contacted NYC she was informed that a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) was now in place and it would be illegal to carry out any trimming or pruning. Cllr Paraskos advised that a planning application would need to be made to allow any trimming or pruning and he was happy to help in progressing the matter.
b) School bus between Follifoot and Spofforth for reception class children. The several residents present expressed disquiet and discontent at the discontinuance of the above bus service which would cause significant difficulties for the individual families concerned. Cllr Paraskos indicated that he had attempted to contact the School in the hope of resolving the problem. NYC was prepared to continue the service but the cost would need to be met by the School. As yet no communication had been forthcoming from the School but he would continue to try to make contact.
He suggested that an approach to the NYC Cabinet Member for Education might be useful
– the clerk will initiate contact.
The 4 residents left at this point
5. Minutes of the meetings held on 13th June 2024: The minutes of the meeting were proposed as correct records by Councillor Hall and seconded by Councillor Tharby. The Chairman then signed the minutes.
6. Matters arising from previous minutes: Dealt with as part of the agenda.
7. Planning
Applications Received
a) ZC24/02112/FUL – Erection of rear extensions, porch to side elevation, and
associated external alterations. Pinderpound, Plompton Road, Follifoot.
The Chairman displayed the site plan with existing and proposed elevations. He observed
that it was a significantly increased footprint, but it was a large plot of land and the
extension is to the rear of the property. Other councillors agreed and did not have any
concerns. Consequently, it was agreed to SUPPORT the application.
b) ZC24/02105/FUL – Demolition of existing attached garage and carport. Re- build of
detached garage. Erection of two-storey & first-floor side extensions. Lifting of roof line.
Field House, The Paddocks, Follifoot.
The location, existing and proposed elevations were displayed and councillors discussed
the details of the scheme. Some concern was again expressed at the size of the building
footprint but It was the responsibility of planners to assess compliance or otherwise with
planning regulations. It was noted that a “green notice” had not been displayed, and this
should mean that the consultation period will be extended. Whilst councillors did have
some concerns, overall they thought this was an acceptable scheme and it was resolved
to SUPPORT the application.
NB an email had been received from a resident but too late to be considered at the
meeting. He remarked on the absence of a green notice and expressed concern that
residents in the immediate area may not therefore submit comments to the Planning
Authority. He also observed that there was a covenant on Field House which clearly states
‘that no dwellinghouse shall be erected thereon other than a single storey or dormer type
dwellinghouse’. Councillors subsequently considered these relevant points in the days
following the meeting, but it was decided that as the decision to support had been based
upon the merits of the scheme and consideration of planning policy, there was no clear
reason to change the decision. It was seen as being beyond the remit and expertise of the
Parish Council to become involved in the legal covenant aspects. This should be left to the
property owners and their legal advisors. Irrespective of what the Parish Council decides,
the neighbours do have the ability to respond to North Yorkshire Planning who will be much
better qualified than the Parish Council, to decide if it has a bearing on the planning
decision.
Decisions
c) ZC24/01502/FUL – Proposed erection of single bay domestic garage. Former Alexander
House, Pannal Road. GRANTED
d) ZC23/04114/FUL | Demolition of existing rear extension and section of outbuilding.
Proposed rear extension with single storey and two storey elements. Proposed veranda.
Creation of hallway in central arch driveway. Fenestration alterations. Internal alterations.
Creation of new parking area to front of property with level alterations. Proposed sliding
gates. East View Cottages, Main Street, Follifoot.
REFUSED but ALLOWED on appeal.
Councillors noted and had no comments.
9. Chairman’s communications
a) The Chairman had been informed that the overhanging vegetation on the sharp bend on
Plompton Road was obstructing sight lines and was potentially dangerous. He undertook to
trim back the respective hedges and Cllr Dickinson offered to assist (with particular
emphasis on Health and Safety issues) It was also observed that overhanging branches on
certain trees were a traffic hazard. The clerk will notify NYC Highways.
b) The exit from the Great Yorkshire Show on Rudding Lane has left quantities of mud on
the road. The Clerk will contact the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to request the road be
cleared and to have plans in place for future events.
10. Clerk’s communications
a) Standards Bulletin. The clerk had circulated the Standards Bulletin, received from NYC,
for councillors’ information. The Bulletin includes references to such areas as adherence to
the Coded of Conduct and instances of unacceptable behaviour – thankfully not relevant to
this Council!
b) Supply of wildflower seeds. A communication was received from GreenTech (Agricultural
and Horticultural supplies) offering 1kg quantities of wildflower seeds. As the free supply of
such seeds and bulbs from the former HBC has now ceased, councillors considered this a
possible future option and asked for the information to be kept on file.
c) Community Award Scheme. Scheme sponsored by NYC to recognise a group or
individuals who have contributed most to the welfare of their local community. Councillors
considered but did not identify any person or group to put forward at this time.
11. Parish matters – updates
a) Cllr Hall repeated his previous comments that the drain on the A661 adjacent to the
entrance to Plompton was still blocked with consequent flooding. The clerk will report again
to NYC Highways, copying to Cllr Paraskos who will also raise the matter.
Village Upkeep
b) Village benches – Councillors agreed that the “Kitty Corner” bench should be returned to
its original location and Andrew Walker (who had rebuilt and refurbished the bench) would
be asked to re-install the bench securely and also asked if he needed any assistance in its
transportation. Andrew will also be contacted for a quote to refurbish the bench outside
Rudding Gates.
c) Grass cutting and maintenance schedule. Still awaited from the village handyman.
d) Himalayan Balsam. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Dickinson who had commenced
cutting back the weed on Pannal Road. The task had been completed by Rudding Estates
and it was suggested that an approach be made to enquire whether this could be done on
an ongoing basis, with or without a contribution from the Parish Council towards the cost
e) The Pound – future use. The Chairman had been informed that the current tenants of the
Pound were leaving the village and would therefore be giving up the tenancy. The tenants
are prepared either remove or leave the chicken coops, depending on the wishes of the
Parish Council and prospective new tenants.Councillors considered that tenancy should be
advertised and the wishes of any new tenants taken into consideration. An advert will be
placed on Parish notice boards, the website and FaceBook page.
12. Traffic calming.
The data from the NYC speed pipes exercise provided some interesting facts:
- the overall summary showed averages, all basically around 40 mph;
- the more detailed analysis split into hourly blocks shows a number of
significantly excessive speeds at certain times;
- there is a large volume of traffic passing the houses at 50-60 mph.
It was agreed that the data will be shared with Haggs Road residents, and their views
sought.
13. Follifields
Upkeep and maintenance – work required.
a) Willow Tunnel. Cllr Gallimore has consulted a landscape contractor who advised that
any restructuring and consolidation of the tunnel should be delayed until September when
growth will have slowed. As previously discussed, a working party will be established then,
possibly in conjunction with a specific village event.
b) Basket swing. Cllr Gallimore has not been able to ascertain whether the swing is still
under warranty. The clerk and Chairman will check respective files to confirm or otherwise.
14. Finance
a) Review of finances, approve expenditure.
Balance at the bank on 11th July 2024 – in Current Account £1442.52 and Deposit Account
£23,141.86, total £24,584.38. Bank statements to be initialled by the Chairman in
confirmation, as part of his payment authorisation process. Monthly Reconciliation –
reconciliation as at 11th July was provided with receipts and payments in the period 13th
June to 11th July, reconciling to the account balances shown above. Councillors then
unanimously agreed the 6 amounts below(including Clerk’s August salary and PAYE) for
payment.
| Clerk’s salary (July) | M Richards | £285.59 | Bank transfer |
| PAYE income tax | HMRC | £190.38 | Bank transfer |
| Clerk’s salary (July) | M Richards | £285.59 | Bank transfer |
| PAYE income tax | HMRC | £190.38 | Bank transfer |
| Internal Audit | R Chambers | £100,00 | Bank transfer |
| Follifields grass cut | S Bush | £92.40 | Bank transfer |
b) A donation of £140 from the proceeds of the Safari Supper had been received. This and
the various other donations received throughout the year (including those from the
donation box in the Post Office) go towards the upkeep of Follifields. The Parish Council
would like to thank everyone who takes the time and trouble to make donations no matter
how big or small – everything is most welcome and much appreciated.
15. Any items for the next meeting:-
Horse Pond Beck – update
Future of Refuse Collection – consultation
The meeting finished at 9.05.
Date of next Parish Council meeting: Thursday 12thSeptember 2024, commencing at 7.30pm.