12th September 2024
MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
Held in the Village Hall on 12th September 2024
- PRESENT: Chairman N MacDermid, Vice Chairman A Dewsnip, Cllrs C. Dickinson, T. Hall, K Tharby, J Locke and S. Gallimore.
Also in attendance M Richards (Clerk), North Yorkshire Councillor A Paraskos and 8 residents.
- Apologies: There were no apologies for absence as all councillors were present.
- Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’ Register of Interest: None.
- Public participation. The Chairman acknowledged the 5 Haggs Road residents attending for agenda item 10b) and informed them that this discussion would be brought forward to item 7.
- Minutes of the meetings held on 11th July and 15th August 2024. Cllr Paraskos asked for a correction to be made to the 11th July minutes (para 4b) in that NYC had not stated that it would continue the school bus service. In fact the school is providing a taxi service. That being noted, the minutes of the meetings were proposed as correct records by Councillor Dewsnip and seconded by Councillor Dickinson. The Chairman then signed the minutes.
- Matters arising – none.
- Traffic calming – Haggs Road. The data captured from the speed pipes exercise in the week commencing 14th June, had been supplied to all Haggs Road residents. The Chairman displayed details of the traffic and speed data as part of the discussions. The data showed that the mean average speed of vehicles was just over 40mph compared with the current National Speed Limit of 60 mph. Within this average number though there were a significant number of vehicles travelling between 40 & 50 mph and some very concerning outliers with speeds in excess of 60 and 70mph. He then invited questions and comments. A resident observed that the mean average would be affected by slow moving vehicles, turning into driveways, making deliveries etc but he and others were mostly concerned at the number of high speeding vehicles which residents felt was in excess of the numbers recorded in the exercise (although it should be noted that in the whole period (7 days) there were in excess of 200 vehicles travelling over 60mph) Discussion then ensued over possible measures to be introduced to reduce speeds. The Chairman summarised the action taken by the PC over recent years, including the placement of picket fences and continuing lobbying regarding the possibility of a reduction in the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on the road past the houses. The Chairman said that contact would again be made with the Highways Safety Officer to enquire whether better signage could be installed to emphasise the need for more care to be taken at this residential area. He also said that the Parish Council would look at the possibility of installing picket fences with a safety message at the bypass end of Haggs Road. Consultation would take place with residents before any installation would take place. The clerk also mentioned the possibility of involving the local MP in discussions as this had been done at an adjacent parish.
The 5 residents left the meeting at this point - Planning
Applications Received
a) ZC24/02700/FUL – Demolition of existing roof and erection of first floor extension above with living accommodation within roofspace. Erection of porch extension to front and part two storey/part single storey extension to rear with first floor external terrace. Alterations to fenestration and installation of 9no. solar panels to front roofslope. Demolition of existing garage and erection of garage with home office above and link extension to dwelling. Glenshee, Spofforth Lane, Follifoot.
The Chairman displayed the location and site plan. The applicant (who was present) confirmed that the overall footprint remains the same and the single storey ground floor extension was approved under permitted development. He is now seeking approval for an upper storey and the garage development. Similar materials will be used. His neighbours have no objections to the proposals and councillors agreed, noting that there were no problems with views from the road.
Accordingly, it was agreed to SUPPORT the application.
b) ZC24/00830/LB – Replacement of 10 no. existing windows. Hilltop House, Pannal Road, Follifoot. No documentation on Planning Portal. The clerk will make enquiries and inform councillors of outcome.
c) ZC24/02942/DVCON: Section 73 application for variation of Conditions 2 (plans), 4 (materials) and 6 (access) to allow for alteration to plans of Planning Permission 24/00012/HOUSER –
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.
The Chairman summarised the new proposals which involved a revised gradient for the drive and changes to the retaining wall and minor changes to proposed windows. He observed that the PC’s original concerns related to the street view and car parking arrangements and these were no longer an issue due to screening and vehicle parking requirements. It was agreed therefore, to SUPPORT the application.
Decisions
d) d) ZC24/02112/FUL – Erection of rear extensions, porch to side elevation, and associated external alterations: Pinderpound, Plompton Road, Follifoot.
GRANTED
Councillors noted and had no comments.
Other – Enforcement
e) 24/00280/PR05 – Plompton Hall Farm House, Plompton, Knaresborough. ALLEGED
BREACH: Potential internal works to a listed building. Councillors noted and agreed to await the outcome of the investigation before making any comments.
- Chairman’s communications – dealt with as part of the agenda but it was agreed to discuss agenda item 9c) now, for the convenience of the two residents present who had expressed an interest in the matter.
The Pound – future arrangements. It is proposed to establish a village co-operative with members sharing responsibility, probably via a rota system, to manage the chickens and associated issues. The resident leading the initiative has a farming background and is confident in chicken husbandry and management. She is proposing to “go live” in Spring 2025 as this is the optimum time of year for setting up such a venture. They would however be happy to take responsibility for The Pound in advance of this to clear weeds etc. It was also acknowledged that the previous tenants had kindly agreed to leave the chicken accommodation that they had installed. Councillors were all in favour of the proposal and were happy for the resident to make all the necessary arrangements.
The two residents left the meeting at this point.
- Clerk’s correspondence
a) LNER grant. Communication received regarding the availability of funding of up to £10,000, from the LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund, for certain projects benefitting the community. Unfortunately, the deadline for applications for this year has passed but councillors agreed to keep the initiative on file for potential future initiatives.
b) CAB donation. Councillors agreed to make a small donation of £50 to this local charitable organisation.
c) Boundary Commission report. The report setting out details and timing of the consultation process in determining new constituency boundaries (where appropriate) No action required, draft proposals to be available April-June 2025.
d) Covid/ Lockdown film. Communication received regarding a film company investigating the difficulties for families during the Covid lockdown. Volunteers to take part in the filming sought but councillors concluded it was not for the Parish Council to promote what is a commercial venture.
11. Parish Matters
a) Plompton – the drain on the A661, adjacent to the triangle at the entrance to Plompton is still blocked. Despite several requests from the clerk, no action has been taken by NYC Highways.
Cllr Paraskos undertook to raise this with the relevant senior officer.
b) Village Upkeep. The responsibility for cutting the various grassy areas throughout the Parish is unclear. The clerk will contact the relevant individual/organisations to establish an agreed programme.
c) The Pound – see item 9 above.
- Traffic calming – see item 7 above.
- Follifields
a) Fundraising events. Cllr Gallimore explained that a “traditional” Curry Night is to be arranged in the new year, probably in March. Watch this space! Cllr Dewsnip raised the issue of “fundraising” involving non Follifoot and Plompton residents who use Follifields. There is no facility to contribute to the upkeep of Follifields, even if they wish to do so. Accordingly, could a donation system be set up, possibly using a QR code? It was agreed to investigate the possibility.
b) Radcliffe Close/Follifields hedge. The contractor had submitted a verbal quote for the hedge to be trimmed. The importance of being very clear on the specification was stressed to avoid and confusion. The clerk will ascertain full details and agree a price.
c) Willow Tunnel. Agreed that reshaping/refurbishing will be done in Spring 2025.
d) Wildflower area. Quotation to be sought from the existing contractor for cutting back and removal, as previously.
14. Finance
a) Review of finances, approval of expenditure.
. Balance at the bank on 12th September 2024 in Current Account £2181.88 and Deposit
Account £21,229.31, total £23,411.19. Bank statements to be initialled by the Chairman in confirmation, as part of his payment authorisation process. Monthly Reconciliation – reconciliation as at 12th September was provided with receipts and payments in the period 11th July to 12th September, reconciling to the account balances shown above. Councillors then unanimously agreed the 5 amounts below for payment.
| Follifields maintenance | S Bush | £92.40 | Bank transfer |
| Clerk Payroll | M Richards | £285.59 | Bank transfer |
| PAYE (Tax & NIC) | HMRC | £190.38 | Bank transfer |
| Clerk’s exps – 2nd qtr | M Richards | £87.50 | Bank transfer |
| Stamps (Haggs Rd letters) | NYC | £16.20 | Bank transfer |
b) The clerk ran through the Summary and Cumulative budget statements, explaining the current position. He pointed out that the “Forecast Year to Go” figure for HMRC (PAYE) was incorrect and understated due to a change in tax code. The combined total of salary and PAYE is correct however and there is no adverse effect on the actual budget. He will amend the Budget figure in the Summary worksheet.
c) Honorarium for website manager. Councillors were happy to agree an honorarium of £100 p.a for this service, particularly that the individual and his wife have now moved out of the village.
d) Clerk’s expenses. The clerk pointed out that this amount has remained unchanged since 2016 and he asked if a review was now appropriate. Councillors agreed for the annual amount to be increased by £50 to £400.
15. Any items for the next meeting:-
a) The Pound – “ownership” – specific details to be confirmed
b) Village plants
The meeting finished at 9.10.
Date of next Parish Council meeting: Thursday 10th October 2024, commencing at 7.30pm.