NETHER POPPLETON PARISH COUNCIL

NETHER POPPLETON PARISH COUNCIL

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

PRESENT:

Cllr. D M Tomlinson (Chairman)

Cllr. G A Bradley

Cllr. J L Craven

Cllr. P H F Powell

Cllr. C Robinson.

City Cllr. Ian Gillies

Four members of the public

Mr B J W Mackman (Clerk)

TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM THE POPPLETON COMMUNITY TRUST

Peter Hawkins, Secretary, gave apologies for the absence of Chairman Dave Doggett and Treasurer Rod Clark. From a prepared brief outlining the events and aspirations of the Trust Peter gave a presentation which was noted by Councillors. There were no questions and Peter was thanked for his presentation.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Two residents from Poppleton Park spoke about the number of light standards in Poppleton Park that have never been illuminated. They also mentioned that the roads are not swept or gullies cleaned. City Councillor Ian Gillies explained that the Poppleton Park development has not yet been adopted by the City Council so the responsibility for upkeep of lighting, road sweeping and landscaping is the responsibility of the developers. He said that the street lighting was in the hands of their contractor, Amey. He would make enquiries and see if the matter could be resolved.

07/210 - DECLARATION OF INTEREST ON ANY MATTERS OF BUSINESS

None.

07/211 - TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. F A Brown and P Knowles

07/212 - TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15 OCTOBER 2007

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

07/213 TO RECEIVE THE CITY OF YORK COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Councillor Gillies reported that:-

· Plans for the rising bollard in Low Poppleton Lane have been passed. First York has not yet made a decision to divert the No. 10 bus along Millfield Lane.

· Traffic lights are to be installed at the junction of Beckfield Lane and the A59. This project has been brought forward to coincide with the installation of the rising bollard.

07/214- CLERK'S REPORT:

(a) Progress on replacing the broken concrete rails above the beck in Main Street (Min. 07/194b)

The replacement of the rail is now in the hands of the City Council’s Neighbourhood Services Department.

(b) Progress on new internal audit procedure (Min. 07/194c)

The Chairman and Clerk attended the SLCC training session on 1 November when the subject of internal audit appraisal was discussed. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Clerk are to meet on 18 December to agree what the Parish Council should expect from an Internal Auditor and report back to the next meeting.

(c) Progress on improving access through the kissing gate adjacent to the Wildlife pond (Min. 07/194d)

No report.

(d) Progress on the replacement of the litter bin by the Main Street bus shelter (Min. 07/194e)

A new cylindrical bin with a domed top has been installed.

(e) Progress on the proposed circular footpath (Min. 07/201)

It was agreed that Councillor Powell should arrange for the map that shows the footpath from St Everilda’s to the location of the A1237 to be copied. The Clerk mentioned the Discovering Lost Ways Project where it is possible to register footpaths that have been missed off the definitive map. Claims can be made until the year 2026. It was agreed that this line of research should be pursed.

(f) Progress on moving the handrail installed by the city council at the end of the footpath to Main Street (Min. 07/202)

An appointment has been arranged for the Councillors to meet with City Council Officer Fred Isles on site at 2.30pm on 22 November when the feasibility of moving the handrail to the other side of the path will be discussed.

(g) News of the winter opening hours of the Beckfield Lane household waste recycling centre (Min. 07/204)

It was agreed that this subject be closed.

07/215 - TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE CLERK

07/215/1 - The Clerk read a letter from the Standards Board which stated that the allegations against Councillor Craven were unfounded and that he was totally exonerated over any wrong-doing.

07/215/2 - It was agreed that the correspondence received since the October meeting, as listed below, be circulated to the Councillors

(a) Clerk & Councils Direct - November 2007, Issue 54

(b) CPRE - AGM notice

(d) CYC - York Northwest Area Action Plan

(e) CYC - Your City, Issue 19, October 2007

(f) Ernest White - Thankyou letter

(g) NALC - LCR, Volume 59, No.4 - November 2007

(h) NYCC - Minerals & Waste Dev. Framework video

(i) Thorp Arch Estate - The Archway, Autumn 2007

(j) Upper Poppleton Parish Council - Minutes of 8 October

(k) YLCA - Country Air, Autumn 2007

(l) Yorwoods - Woodfuel Development Service posters

07/216 - FINANCE

(a) Financial Report

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

Current Account £100.00

Business Money Manager Account £25,156.44

National Savings Investment Account £13,494.03

(b) Accounts for payment (net of VAT);
1074	YLCA	Training course	£37.00
1076	Peter Powell	Travelling expenses	£35.36
1077	Poppleton Community Trust	Room hire - October	£16.00
1077	Poppleton Community Trust	Room hire	£10.00
1080	James Mackman	Salary – November plus backdated pay	£477.09
1081	Post Office Ltd	Tax & NI	£182.69
1082	James Mackman	Daffodil bulbs	£79.95
1082	James Mackman	Wreath	£16.50
1082	James Mackman	Expenses	£8.19

(c) Income Received
Sir Thomas Glemham Regiment	Cartshed rent	£75.00

(d) To confirm the cost of hiring a room for the Youth Shelter Working Party meeting

The cost of hiring a room at the Community Centre on 25 October was £10.00. It was agreed that this sum be paid.

(e) To review the level of the Fidelity Guarantee insurance

The Clerk explained that Mazars, the external auditor, has pointed out that the Parish Council’s fidelity guarantee insurance was for the sum of £10,000. They recommended that the Parish Council consider if this sum should be increased as the Parish Council funds are considerably more than this. After discussion it was resolved to keep the current cover.

(f) To agree the Clerk’s annual pay increase as per the National agreement

The Chairman explained that the Clerk’s pay and conditions are based on the National Agreement between the SLCC and NALC. It was incumbent on the Parish Council to award the newly agreed pay increase of 2.475% back-dated to 1 April. This was agreed.

07/217 - 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: 07/02230/FUL – Erection of 6no. 10-metre high floodlights on playing field (part retrospective) at OS Field 6031, Millfield Lane by Poppleton Junior Football Club.

No objections

Ref: 07/02315/REMM – Reserved matters application for erection of 4no. two-storey blocks comprising office/workshop units (B1, B2 and B8 Use) at Plot 8b Great North Way by Evans Easyspace Ltd.

No objections

Ref: 07/02336/OUT – Outline application for erection of dormer bungalow with access from Millfield Lane (Access only) at 16 Midway Avenue by Alex Connelly.

We object on the following grounds.

1. The proposal causes an impact on the local environment and compromises quality of life for existing residents.

2. The scale and design is not compatible with neighbouring buildings in Millfield Lane or Midway Avenue

3. The proposal is detrimental to the character and amenity of the local environment — sub division of rear gardens is not acceptable in Poppleton.

4. No example is provided to confirm the proposed good design.

5. There is not a housing need of this type in the community.

6. The site is not housing land. It is designated domestic garden.

7. The previous similar application for this site was refused on similar grounds to those above.

Ref: 07/02377/TCA – Crown clean, reduce elongated limbs on Pears x 3 and Oak x 1; Trees in Conservation Area at The Granary, Church Lane by Mark Wray.

No objections

Ref: 07/02415/FUL – Variation of condition 6 of approved application 06/02495/FUL to allow 24 hour use of office/light industrial units Class B1 at Westfield House, Millfield Lane by J M Butler Builders Ltd.

No objections

Ref: 07/02461/FUL – Replacement garage to rear at 3 Long Ridge Lane by Mrs G Walker.

No objections

Ref: 07/02566/TPO – Crown clean and deadwood Cedar x 3 protected by Tree Preservation Order 1/1970 at St Everilda’s Church, Church Lane by St Everilda’s Church.

No objections

Ref: 07/02569/FUL – Two-storey pitched roof side extension at 19 Allerton Drive by Mr P Moore.

No objections but concerns about the closeness of these extended properties, the gable roof which cannot be maintained easily and the terracing effect on the street scene.

Ref: 07/02608/FUL – Installation of gates to allow staff parking to the rear (removal of condition 10 of permission dated 28.02.2007; 07/00088/FUL) at Dodsworth Hall, Millfield Lane by Honeypots Ltd.

No objections

(b) To note Local Authority Planning Decisions

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

Ref: 07/02088/FUL – Two-storey pitched roof side extension after demolition of existing garage and outside toilet at 11 Nursery Road by N C & C E Wright.

Ref: 07/02095/FUL – Replacement conservatory to rear at 23 Midway Avenue by Mr & Mrs Ross.

Ref: 07/02136/TPO – Crown clean and deadwood: Crown thin by 15% and crown lift by 3m, Crown reduce upper crown, Oak protected by Tree Preservation Order 1/1970 at Ryder Cottage, 20 Main Street by Mrs Craven.

Ref: 07/02152/FUL – Single-storey pitched roof garden room to rear after demolition of existing garden shed at Town Farm, 27 Church Lane by Dr G B Jackson.

07/218 - PARISH COUNCIL LAND - TO RECEIVE PROGRESS REPORTS AND MAKE APPROPRIATE DECISIONS ON

(a) Grass cutting

It was noted that Deans had not yet cut the hedge at the corner of Ebor Way and Allerton Drive. When they do they are to remove the sycamores.

(b) Purchasing and planting spring bulbs

i. The working party on 22 October had planted the bulbs along Main Street between Riversvale Drive and Ousemoor Lane.

ii. It was confirmed that the Clerk be re-imbursed for the second supply of daffodil bulbs that the Councillors had agreed to purchase subsequent to the October meeting.

iii. The Clerk reported that the City Council has supplied a large bag of daffodil bulbs some English bluebells, some snowdrops and some aconites. It was agreed that a working party would meet at 1.30pm on 26 November to finish daffodil planting in Main Street and start planting in Millfield Lane. Residents will be invited to take part in a working party to plant bulbs in Millfield Lane at 2.00pm on Saturday 1 December. The Clerk is to arrange for suitable posters advertising the event to be put up on village notice boards. (Action Clerk)

(c) The Moat Fields

i. The Clerk reported that he had written to DCMS seeking permission to put the boulder seats on the Moat Fields. DCMS had written to say they were consulting English Heritage. No work can be done until permission has been granted.

ii. Recent emails from Gerry Jackson were noted.

(d) Repairs to the fence by the pond

It was agreed to accept a quotation of £258.85 from Ken Falkingham for replacing the whole of the fence in front of the pond. (Action Clerk)

(e) Refurbish the Nether Poppleton sign in Millfield Lane

It was agreed that the Nether Poppleton sign in Millfield Lane be refurbished. It was pointed out that the hedge has overgrown and the lettering has faded. The City Council refurbished the sign by the Community Centre. The Clerk is to ask the City Council to carry out the refurbishment of the Millfield Lane sign and was authorised to spend the same sum as last time plus a consideration for inflation. (Action Clerk)

(f) Resurfacing St Everilda’s car park in Church Lane

It was agreed that the area should be resurfaced. There was much discussion as to the type of material to be used. It was agreed that Councillor Bradley ask Gerry Jackson to investigate the various types of surface including grasscrete. (Action Councillor Bradley)

07/219 - TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON VILLAGE POLICING

There was no report from Jerry Holland. Councillor Robinson said that at the Police Liaison Committee held that afternoon it had been reported that crime in the Rural West York Ward was down 21% on last year. The figures covered assault, auto-crime, burglary and damage.

07/220 – TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PROGRESS ON THE PROVISION OF A YOUTH SHELTER

A copy of a report on the progress on the provision of a youth shelter, written by Councillor Bradley, was given to all Councillors. Councillor Bradley gave information and the background of youth shelters. The Councillors expressed some concerns about siting and design. Representatives from village youth are to be invited to participate in the decision making process. The Councillors resolved to continue to support the initiative and agreed that the subject should be moved to the next stage of consultation.

07/221 - TO DISCUSS THE HANDRAIL INSTALLED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THE END OF THE FOOTPATH TO MAIN STREET

See 07/214f above.

07/222 - TO DISCUSS THE MERITS OF A WARDED SINGLE PARISH COUNCIL FOR POPPLETON

It was agreed that Councillor Bradley would consult with Elizabeth Ellis, the City Council’s Electoral & Civic Services Officer and report back with the various options that there are on this subject. (Action Councillor Bradley)

07/223 - TO CONSIDER PRODUCING A WINTER NEWSLETTER

It was agreed to produce a Newsletter in the same format as the previous Newsletter. Councillor Bradley agreed to put the Newsletter together. A number of subjects were suggested and Councillors agreed to write articles. These articles will be accepted up to two weeks before the January meeting. Councillor Bradley will put the Newsletter together and send it to Councillors for approval. It is hoped to print the Newsletter by the end of January. (Action All Councillors)

07/224 - TO CONSIDER THE OFFER OF A NEW SEAT FOR THE VILLAGE

An offer of a new village seat from a resident was discussed. It was agreed that the Clerk should ask the Chairman of the Millennium Green Committee if he would like a seat for the Millennium Green as there are few sites in the village where seats are acceptable to residents. (Action Clerk)

07/225 - TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE VILLAGE’S SALT BINS

There are three salt bins in Nether Poppleton located by the shops in Allerton Drive, in Riverside Gardens and at the corner of Long Ridge Lane with Millfield Lane. All have been in place for many years and have been maintained by the City Council. New City Council policy is to remove salt bins. It was agreed that the Parish Council takes the safety of its residents very seriously and requires the City Council to continue to maintain the bins. (Action Clerk)

07/226 – TO DISCUSS A REQUEST TO REMOVE THE BARRIERS AT EITHER END OF THE SNICKET THAT RUNS BETWEEN MILLFIELD LANE AND HILLCREST AVENUE

The request to remove the barrier has come from a resident who is restricted to a mobility scooter. It was noted that the barriers were originally erected to stop cyclists and motorcyclists from using the footpath. It was agreed that the City Council’s Cycling Officer be asked to propose alterations to the entrances to the footpath that would accommodate the mobility scooter but continue to deter two-wheeled users. (Action Clerk)