2008 January (2)

Minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2008

Present: Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), U. Cansfield, C. Florance, E. Bolton, M. Mitton, T, Martin, B, Butler.

Apologies for absence: District Councillor C. Bayliss.
Declarations of interest in items on the agenda:

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes of the meeting held on 17.1.08:

The Chairman signed the minutes as a correct record. Proposed by T. Martin and seconded by M. Mitton.

Matters arising from the minutes:

Rural Safety Scheme – NYCC have provided a revised position for the 30 mph sign on Spofforth Lane. The Parish Council were in agreement with the amended site. Clerk to inform NYCC.

Street lighting, Main Street – It was noted that the light beside the bottom ‘bus shelter had been re instated. The light at the end of Walker Terrace was now mostly obscured by a conifer and the local authorities had been informed. The Chairman agreed to look into this.

‘Bus stop, bottom of Main Street – noted that this had still not been re instated. Clerk asked to contact NYCC.

Local Development Framework:site allocations (Homes and Jobs):

The councillors had each read volume 10 of the consultation document which was concerned with a group of villages earmarked as having potential for the development of housing. Follifoot is one of the villages in this category and a number of possible sites had been put forward by local landowners. All had been assessed for their suitability by Harrogate Council. Following this exercise one site east of Manor Fold was established as the preferred site option for housing. The Parish Council discussed the proposed site and after long and careful consideration concluded that it was unable to support the proposal. A detailed Parish Council response to the consultation document would be communicated to the Harrogate Council by the Clerk.

Public meeting Thursday 7 February 2008 at 8 pm in the Village Hall – this was planned to give residents the opportunity to find out more about the proposal, listen to others and seek clarification. It was acknowledged that the councillors would not be able to provide detailed information on all matters as they were not the experts, but would rather aim to facilitate discussion.

It was decided that there would be a poster to advertise the meeting and an agenda. The Parish Council decided it would be helpful to have some ground rules for the conduct of the meeting. Copies of the map of the sites considered and the appraisal of the Manor Fold site, together with consultation response forms would be available at the meeting.

Guidelines for Public Participation in Parish Council meetings:

A draft had been distributed to councillors prior to the meeting. B. Butler proposed that the guidelines be adopted by the Parish Council. This was seconded by U. Cansfield. B. Butler agreed to review the amended Standing Orders with a view to making recommendations at a future Parish Council meeting.

Clerk’s contract of employment:

B. Butler, having examined the minor amendments to the contract, recommended approval. The Parish Council were in agreement and the Chairman signed the contract on behalf of the Council.

Planning:

Applications 6.121.194.FUL and 6.121.194.A.FUL – Manor Cottages, Main Street, Follifoot­ for two storey rear extension as part of a scheme to convert two dwellings into one and erection of detached garage to rear. The Parish Council objected to the applications.
Application received since the agenda was compiled – 6.121.195.FUL – Moorland House, Pannal Road, Follifoot for erection of rear conservatory and front porch. The Parish Council had no objection to the application.
Application 6.108.42.FULMAJ – Thistle Hill Farm, Knaresborough for 7 rugby pitches, etc. The high volume of written material relating to the application meant that to allow proper consideration it would need to be circulated amongst councillors and dealt with at the next meeting.
Appeal against refusal of planning permission for change of use of land to allow the siting of one holiday lodge at land north east of Beagle Cottages, Follifoot.

Date of next meeting: Thursday 7 February at 8 pm.