NETHER POPPLETON PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, UPPER POPPLETON, AT 7.30PM ON MONDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2007

 

PRESENT:

 

Cllr. P H F Powell (Chairman)

 

Cllr. G A Bradley

Cllr. F A Brown

Cllr. J L Craven

Cllr. C Robinson.

Cllr. D M Tomlinson.

 

 

 

One member of the public

 

 

Mr B J W Mackman (Clerk)

 

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None.

 

07/020 - DECLARATION OF INTEREST ON ANY MATTERS OF BUSINESS

None

 

07/021 - TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. P Knowles.

 

07/022 - TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15 JANUARY 2007

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 15 January 2007, having been circulated, were approved and signed.

 

07/023 - CLERK'S REPORT

(a)     Progress on Footpath No.4 problems (Min. 06/231)

The Clerk read a letter from Public Rights of Way (PROW) Department of the City Council which answered some of the points raised about the footpath that runs between Riversvale Drive and Main Street.  The City has been cutting back the vegetation every July.  In future it will be cut back at the end of May and again in August.  Surfacing of the footpath is the responsibility of the Highways Department.  Dog waste bins could be financed through the Ward Committee.  Cycle barriers are to be investigated by PROW.  The Councillors agreed that the Highways Department should be approached with regards to providing a non-slip surface at the Main Street end of the footpath.  The Ward Committee will be asked to fund a dog bin in Main Street at the appropriate time.

 

(b)     Progress on the Section 30 agreement for Broad Lane (Min. 07/004a)

The City Council is working on the proposal.

 

(c)      Progress on replacing the litter bin by the Millfield Lane bus stop (Min. 07/004b)

The litter bin has not yet been replaced.  The Councillors asked the Clerk to write to the City Council to express its disappointment that the bin had not been installed despite assurances that it would be.

 

(d)     Progress on public footpath response (Min. 07/004c)

Plans are in hand to walk the length of the proposed footpath in the near future.

 

(e)      Progress on removing chewing gum from the pavement in front of the shops (Min. 07/014)

The City Council had reported that the gum busting machine is not suitable for use on tarmac surfaces.  It is possible that another machine may be hired by the City and Nether Poppleton has been put on the list of places where it may be used.

 

07/024 - TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE CLERK

07/024/1 - The Clerk read or referred to the following items of correspondence

(a)      A letter from the Audit Commission confirming the re-appointment of Mazars, the external auditors

(b)     The 2007-8 precept schedule from the City Council

 

07/024/2 - It was agreed that the correspondence received since the January meeting, as listed below, be circulated to the Councillors

(a)      Communities & Local Government - Revised Code of Conduct

(b)     CYC - Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design & Construction

(c)      CYC - Local Development Framework - Draft Statement

(d)     Enjoy England - Guide to taking part

(e)      Hambleton District Council - Local Development Framework info

(f)       Local Works - Sustainable Communities Bill - 2nd reading

(g)      NALC - Review of the Quality Town & Parish Council Scheme

(h)      North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board - Working Together for Justice

(i)        PMP Consultancy – Open Space Sport & Recreation Study details

(j)       Poppleton Ward Residents Association - Minutes of 31 January

(k)     Upper Poppleton Parish Council - Minutes of 8 January

(l)        Y&NY PFA - The Playing Field, Winter 2006-07

(m)    YOPF - Newsletter - January 2007

 

07/025 - FINANCE

(a)   Financial Report

The Clerk presented a detailed report showing the actual income and expenditure for the year for the period to 19 February 2007.  The report reflected the receipts and payments below.  The bank balances at 19 February were:

 

Current Account                                                                                                               £400.00

Business Money Manager Account                                                                              £11,370.82

National Savings Investment Account                                                                           £13,494.03

 

(b)   Accounts for payment (net of VAT);

1001

Open Spaces Society

Donation

£50.00

1003

Ryland Horticulture

Tree works

£3,112.50

1004

James Mackman

Salary - February

£395.38

1005

James Mackman

Clerk's expenses

£45.14

1005

James Mackman

SLCC Subscription

£57.97

1006

Inland Revenue

Tax & National Insurance

£38.96

1007

Poppleton Community Trust

Room hire - January

£16.00

DD

CPRE

Subscription

£27.00

 


 


(c)    Income Received

National Savings

Annual interest

£441.28

City of York Council

Annual grass cutting allowance

£1,111.00

Sir Thomas Glemham Regiment

Cartshed rent

£75.00

Main Street households

Common Land rent cheques

£7.50

 

(d)   To agree to give £250.00 for weed control at the Moat Fields

Following a request from the Poppleton Moat Fields Management Group for the sum of £250 to be used for weed control it was agreed that this sum be paid. (Action Clerk)

 

(e)    To agree attendance at the Parish Government Conference at Scarborough from 2nd to 4th March 2007

No Councillor is going to attend this Conference.

 

(f)     To agree to subscribe to the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC)

It was agreed to pay £57.97 towards the total subscription of £135 for the current year.

 

(g)   To agree to purchase the updates for “Working With Your Council”

It was agreed to spend the sum of £19.50 to purchase the updates.  (Action Clerk)

 

07/026 - PLANNING APPLICATIONS

(a)   To consider the following planning applications

The Clerk had circulated a detailed list of current outstanding planning applications prior to the meeting. 

Consideration was given to the following new applications:

Ref:  07/00088/FUL – Single-storey rear extension and 4 no. Velux rooflights in existing rear roof at Dodsworth Hall, Millfield Lane by Honeypots (Dodsworth Hall) Ltd.

 

No objections

Ref:  07/00138/FULM – Erection of building comprising office and industrial units at Millfield Works, Millfield Lane by London Ebor Developments Pension Fund.

 

We object on the following grounds.  The drawings suggest that this is purely speculative to obtain planning for this site.  The design is not environmentally friendly having large glazed areas and no air conditioning.  With the proposed flat roof it does not match the existing streetscape.  No disabled parking provision is shown.  No provision for cycle storage is shown.  We suggest that Officers request that the scheme be re-thought.

 

Ref:  07/00151/FUL – Two-storey pitched roof side extension following demolition of garage; new sunroom to rear and porch to front at 66 Allerton Drive by Mrs S Jackson.

 

No objections


 

Ref:  07/00198/FUL – Single-storey pitched roof rear extension at 8 Nursery Road by Mr & Mrs M Robinson

 

No objections

 

(b)   To note Local Authority Planning Decisions

It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had approved the following five applications:

Ref: 06/01688/REMM – Erection of 2 no. light industrial/storage and distribution units (B2 and B8 uses) at Plot 15, Great North Way by White Rose Development Enterprises Ltd.

Ref:  06/02374/FUL - Change of use to B2 (general industrial) use including motor vehicle repairs and MOT testing at London Ebor Developments plc, Millfield Business Centre, Millfield Lane by Mr M Blenkinsop.

Ref:  06/02495/FUL – First floor extension and subdivision to form 9 no. office (B1), light industrial (B1), general industrial (B2) and storage and distribution (B8) units with associated car and cycle parking at Westfield House, Millfield Lane by J M Butler Builders Ltd.

Ref:  06/02584/FUL - Two-storey pitched roof side extension, single-storey rear extension and new pitched roof to existing front canopy at 16 Easthorpe Drive by Mr & Mrs Mulrooney.

Ref:  06/02707/FUL – Single-storey side extension at 39 Severn Green by Mr C Almack.

 

It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had refused the following application:

Ref:  06/02429/FUL - Dormer window to front, single-storey extension to side and rear including dormer window at Hazeldene, 5 Hillcrest Avenue by Mr R Birkin.

 

It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had refused the flagpole but had approved the other parts of the following application:

Ref:  06/02763/FUL – Display of internally illuminated fascia sign and wall star, 1 no. directional sign (retrospective) and 1 no. flagpole and banner sign at Hatfields of York, Great North Way by Daimler Chrysler.

 

It was noted that the following application had been withdrawn

Ref:  06/02129/FUL - Part two part three-storey side extension and three pitched roof dormers to rear (revised scheme) at 3 Church Lane by Mr & Mrs S Mann.

 

07/027 - PARISH COUNCIL LAND - TO RECEIVE PROGRESS REPORTS AND MAKE APPROPRIATE DECISIONS ON

 

(a)   Grass cutting

It was agreed that three quotations be sought for the grass cutting contract for the years 2007-8 and 2008-9, the specifications to be the same as for the current contract.  (Action Clerk)

 

(b)   Providing seats in the Moat Field

A meeting has still to be arranged. (Action Clerk)

 

(c)    A request for an annual allowance of £200 from the Moat Fields Management Group

It was agreed that the sum of £200 be given as an allowance towards the current year’s running costs. (Action Clerk)

 

(d)   Broken concrete rails above the beck in Main Street

It was reported that some of the concrete rails at the side of the bridge over the beck in Main Street were broken.  This is to be reported to the City Council.  (Action Clerk)

 

07/028 - TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PARISH PLAN

No report

 

07/029 - TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON VILLAGE POLICING

Councillor Robinson reported that the police had been operating a radar speed trap in Long Ridge Lane a couple of weeks ago.  The police had been waving down those travelling at up to 40mph and stopping those driving faster than 40mph.

Councillor Robinson also reported that there had been a bad accident the day before the meeting which involved two cars at the junction of Long Ridge Lane and Millfield Lane.

Special Constable Jerry Holland had produced a list of incidents in Poppleton which had been reported to the police during the period 1 January to 18 February.  The figures exclude all road traffic offences and collisions and only include incidents where an offence was found to have been committed.  There had been eighteen incidents in Nether Poppleton.  These were: two burglaries from dwellings, three thefts, one criminal damage, one cycle theft, six nuisance youths and five nuisance vehicles.  The nuisance vehicle incidents all refer to mini motorcycles mainly at Poppleton Park/Millfield Lane.  The majority of the behaviour incidents also occurred in Poppleton Park.

The Clerk produced a schedule showing all the monthly figures from August 2006.

It was also reported that there have been a number of recent incidences in York where thieves have used cat flaps to gain access to the inside of houses in order to steal car keys.

 

07/030 - TO AGREE THE CONTENT OF A PARISH NEWSLETTER

Councillor Bradley provided a revised draft copy of a Newsletter and invited comments from the other Councillors.  Councillor Bradley thanked the Councillors for giving him articles for the Newsletter and said that he had had to précis some of them so that they would fit into the four available pages.  The Clerk is to arrange to have the Newsletter converted into a PDF file and liaise with the printer. (Action Cllr Brown, Clerk).

 

07/031 - TO PROGRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OPEN DAY ON 24 MARCH 2007 

The Clerk reported that the number of organisations that had booked a table at the forthcoming Open Day was disappointing but that he hoped that there would be a full complement on the day.

 

07/032 - TO DISCUSS THE PARISH COUNCIL’S RESPONSE TO THE CITY COUNCIL’S STANCE ON THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE PLAYING FIELD

The Councillors discussed the above subject and expressed their disagreement with the City Council’s attitude towards Poppleton in general and the Community Centre in particular.  The City Council considers Poppleton to have no areas of deprivation so, under its rules, Poppleton does not qualify for any financial support towards the Community Centre.  It was agreed that Councillors Tomlinson and Craven draft a letter reflecting the Parish Council’s views on the subject which the Clerk would send.  (Action Councillors Craven and Tomlinson)

 

07/033 - TO CONSIDER ORGANISING A “LITTER PICK”

It was agreed that there should be a litter pick on Saturday 31 March starting at 10.00am outside the shops in Allerton Drive.  Four Councillors will take part in the pick.  Posters inviting residents to participate are to be put on notice boards.  (Action Clerk)


 

07/034 – TO CONSIDER ENTERING THE CALOR GAS VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2007

The Clerk had asked the YRCC for more details about the competition.  These will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

07/035 – TO CONSIDER COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE AT THE “IN THE CHAIR” TRAINING SERIES

It was agreed that no Councillor would attend.

 

07/036 - TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO PLANNING OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SECTION 106 AGREEMENTS

It was agreed to defer discussion on this subject.  Councillor Bradley said that he would contact City Council Planning Officers to ask for more information. (Action Councillor Bradley)

 

07/037 TO RECEIVE REPRESENTATIVES' REPORTS

(a)           Councillor Powell reported on

i.           The meeting with North Yorkshire Police on 22 January.  It was agreed that the report by Upper Poppleton Parish Councillor, Stuart Robson, and Sergeant Andy Haigh should be circulated.  Items on the report related to role and personalities, Police support, current crime, self help and practical auto crime precautions and a list of contacts.

ii.          The YLCA meeting on 1 February the minutes of which will be circulated in due course.

 

(b)   Councillor Tomlinson reported on

The Community Trust Executive Committee that he attended as the Parish Council’s observer on 13 February 2007. 

 

(c)    Councillor Robinson reported on

i.           The Poppleton Wildlife Trust meeting of 15 February.  A copy of the minutes will be forwarded in due course.  However, Councillor Robinson reported that the following tasks need to be undertaken in the next few months.  Repair loose fencing, clear guttering on cart shed, erection of two more bird boxes, staking of trees, removal of self seeded elderberry trees growing at front of the pond, removal of iris seedlings from edge of pond, possible refurbishment of the seat at the front of the pond, general tidying up and raking of the wildlife area.  The date of the next working party is Monday 19 March commencing at 10.00am.  The Wildlife Trust intends to be represented at the Parish Open Day on 24 March but the stand will not be manned fulltime. 

 

ii.          The School Governors meeting that he had been to earlier that evening.  The Head teacher Tim Wilkinson had resigned and plans are in hand to recruit a new Head Teacher.

 

07/038 TO RECEIVE THE CITY OF YORK COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Councillor Bradley said that

(a)           The next Rural West Ward Committee meeting will be at Askham Bryan Village Hall on 28 February.  Items on the agenda include York in Bloom, What’s happening at Harewood Whin, the 2006/2007 Schemes update and what schemes will Rural West York Ward Committee fund in 2007/2008.

(b)          There is to be an Open Day at the EcoDepot in James Street on 25 February when all residents will be welcome to look round.

 

07/039 - TO NOTE THE DATES OF FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

Date of Meeting

Meeting

Venue/ Time

Councillors Attending

25 February

EcoDepot Open Day

James Street/ 10.00am-3.00pm

All

28 February

Rural West Ward Committee

Askham Bryan Village Hall/ 7.30pm

All

12 March

Police Liaison

Poppleton Community Centre/ 2.00pm

Powell, Robinson

 

07/040 TO AGREE THE DATE OF NEXT MEETING AS MONDAY 19 MARCH 2007

It was agreed the next meeting would be held at 7.30pm at the Community Centre on Monday 19 March 2007.

 

The meeting closed at 10.02 pm