2007 March

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 8 MARCH 2007

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

Before the meeting started, Mr. N. Pettitt of Hilltop House was present to address concerns expressed by the Parish Council to the Planning Authority about the apparent demolition of outbuildings in the grounds of his property. This had become the subject of an enforcement investigation. Mr. Pettitt stated that a wall, not outbuildings had been demolished and that he had secured the requisite permission to carry out the work. He referred to a letter from the Planning Authority to this effect and showed photographs of the area in question. The Chairman explained that the Parish Council would pursue matters of concern expressed by residents with the appropriate authorities. The Chairman thanked Mr. Pettitt for his attendance and he left the meeting.

The Parish Council Meeting
Apologies for absence: P. C. M. Ayre and J. Hinchcliffe for agenda item 8

Declarations of interest in items on the agenda:

There were none

Minutes of the meeting held on 8.2.07

The minutes were signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Proposed by B. Butler and seconded by U. Cansfield.

Matters arising from the minutes

Gates to the public footpath on Spofforth Lane – Rudding Estate to replace with a stile.
The Stocks – additional quotation of £ 25 to replace broken roof shingles brings the total estimate for works to £ 210, wording to inscription completed by a resident and owner of Stocks Cottage consulted about access to the site. Outcome of the grant application is awaited.

Chairman’s communications:

Meeting held with a consultant engaged by Rudding Park to review sewage treatment on the site. Information was sought on how the current arrangements impacted on the village by way of foul odours.

Matters concerning Plompton:

There was nothing to report

Annual Parish Meeting on 12.4.06:
A discussion was held about possible agenda items and an update on progress in devising the emergency plan for the villages and the proposal for floral displays in Follifoot were suggested. An item is to be placed in the Parish magazine and posters on the notice boards to invite residents to the meeting and to ask for their contributions to the agenda.

Follifoot and Plompton in bloom:
Councillor T. Martin reported on the meeting of the working group. Various possibilities had been considered including hanging baskets, improvements to the Horsepond Beck and new village signs. It had been acknowledged that maintenance of displays was critical to the success of the venture. Following some discussion, it was resolved that floral arrangements would first be considered around the signs at the entrances to the village. The Clerk would check whether NYCC Highways have any objection to the proposal and also if the annual weed killing around this area would compromise the plan.

Hillside:
Councillor B. Butler explained that the condition of the road surface, kerbs and gutters were poor and some potholes were potentially damaging to vehicles. On the footways there was evidence of some subsidence. The gutters and drains were in need of cleaning. Trees on the green required inspection and trimming as branches were touching ‘phone lines.

Clerk to contact NYCC Highways to arrange for a site meeting between the inspector and B. Butler and Harrogate Council regarding the trees.

Harrogate Borough Spring Clean April 2007:

Councillors agreed to participate and decided upon Sunday 15 April at 2 p.m. outside the Post Office. Clerk to make arrangements and to place a poster on the notice boards requesting volunteers. Councillor C. Florance to arrange for storage of rubbish bags prior to collection.

Finance:

Balance at the bank – a total of £ 7815.45p in the accounts. All cheques issued to date have been cashed.
Request for authorisation of expenditure – Clerk’s salary for final quarter £ 616.87; Hire of Village Hall for the year £ 135; Tree felling at bottom ‘bus shelter £ 58.75. Proposed B. Butler. Seconded U. Cansfield.
Proposal to extend the appointment of the external auditor for the year 2006/07 – the Parish Council had no objections. It was noted that tenders for the work in following years would be invited by the Audit Commission.
External Audit revised fees for 2006/11 – the Audit Commission has approved new fees which will mean a reduced payment of £ 120 for the Parish Council.
Grounds Maintenance works in Follifoot 2007 – the Parish Council resolved to accept the quotation for grass cutting and weed killing works in the sum of £ 9.12 + VAT and £54.94 + VAT respectively. The quotation in the sum of £164.56 + VAT for tidying the Horsepond Beck area was not accepted. Mrs. J. Butler has offered to tend this area for the coming year and this kind gesture was accepted with thanks.

Clerk’s Report and Correspondence:
Local Government reorganisation – a newsletter from Harrogate Council had been received outlining opposition to the NYCC proposal. Councillors had already had a briefing note on this, but the full NYCC proposal was available if required. Other papers received since the last meeting were circulated.

Planning:

No applications had been received since agenda was compiled.
Outcome of previous applications – The Lido Caravan Park for change of use of land from touring to static caravans – withdrawn. Parish Council consultation not required(for information). The Gardens to fell 7 Conifers and Rowan Tree Cottage for crown reduction of 1 Rowan Tree – approved. 22 Hillside to fell 10 trees – part approved, part refused – a provisional tree preservation order made on 1 Scots Pine

Date of next meeting : 12 April 2007 at7.30 p.m.
for the Annual Parish Meeting followed by a Parish Council meeting.