A meeting of the above Parish
Council was held on the 7th March 2005, in the meeting room at
Coronation Hall, in accordance with the Local Govt. Act 1972, due notice having
been given.
The meeting opened at 7.00pm.
Present:- NYCC C Wilson, Cllr N
Wilson, Cllrs. M Rae (Chairman), G Owens,
R Wilkinson, J Graham, G
Smailes, C Merson, M Lister, L Proctor. Mrs Y Jacobs (Clerk)
visitors- Mr J Bentham, Mrs Wilkinson, Mr Mrs R Brown, Mr Mrs D Norfolk, Mrs J
Cooley
1) Apologies:- Cllr G Parr, PC N Waite
Mr Rae welcomed the
councillors and visitors.
Cllr Wilkinson declared an interest in items 6a,6b,7e
Cllr Lister declared an
interest in item 7c
Cllr Graham declared an interest
in item 6d. There were no receipt of gifts above £25.00.
Cllr Rae agreed that items 4a and 6d would be taken first as there were several
visitors present who wished to participate in the proceedings
4a – St Johns Walk Building Site
Local Kirby Hill residents had written to the Parish Council for assistance
with the untidy state of a building site opposite their homes and were
disappointed that their request had not received attention. Cllr Rae re
iterated his comments to the residents, which had been sent in an earlier
letter, that this complaint should initially be taken up with the builder in
question. Whilst he did sympathise with the situation, it was felt that this
was not a Parish Council matter. The residents hold a letter from the builder’s
solicitor, dated 18 months previously, which claimed that the new houses on
this site would be completed in 3 years. They fear that this will not be the
case and are therefore faced with a lengthy delay before completion. Cllr Rae
again stated that the P.C are not a “party” to this communication, but that the
builder would be willing to meet the residents.
Mr Norfolk will write to Mr Ellis for a meeting. Cllr Rae again confirmed that
Mr Ellis was hoping to finish this year the building of all the properties which
face the aggrieved residents and they would not then be looking onto the
building site, but he urged the residents to seek confirmation from Mr Ellis on
this matter.
Action:- None
6d – Village Green
Cllr Rae regretted that the
residents who wished to retain the path from their property in Church Lane over
the village green had not come to this meeting, having been invited.
He explained that an error of judgement had been made in allowing this footpath
to be constructed, but a mutual compromise with Mr Ellis had been agreed
involving removal of the existing pathway and replacing this with a product
which would allow grass to grow through and render the path invisible. Mr Ellis
was hoping to complete this work by the end of April, when the weather would
hopefully be more suitable for grass sowing.
The visitors were extremely annoyed and stressed their disappointment with the
council’s action and requested that the footpath be completely removed and the
area re grassed.
Cllr Owens advised that in all probability the residents would then still walk
over the village green, with the possibility of making it very muddy and
unsightly.
Cllr Rae confirmed that the compromise reached with Mr Ellis was still valid
and that the footpath would be replaced with the product approved by the Kirby
Hill councillors.
Action:-None
4l Harrogate Borough Council – Local Dev. Framework
Harrogate Dist Cllr, Nick Wilson,
apologised that he would have to leave the meeting, but stressed the importance
of a Parish Councillor attending the forthcoming meeting of the above. Cllr
Owens agreed to attend should the date be convenient.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to confirm date of
meeting and advise Mr Owens
Cllr N Wilson left the meeting at 7.40pm as did Mr Mrs Brown, Mr Mrs
Norfolk,
Mr Bentham.
NY Cllr C Wilson agreed to pursue items 6a closure of the B6265 lay- by and 6f
re siting of the 30mph sign in Kirby Hill, with NY highways. He was also asked
to deal with the illegal banners, which were attached to fencing at a local
roundabout in Kirby Hill. Cllr Rae then thanked Cllr C Wilson for his
assistance in the completion of the back road to Kirby Hill School. Cllr Wilson then left the meeting at 7.50pm.
2) Minutes
Resolved. The minutes of the meeting
held on the 10th January 2005 were amended for item 3a. These had
been copied & distributed, were taken as read, confirmed and duly signed.
3) Finance
a. The a/cs as of 7th March stood at £1,414.31
b. Mole control a/c………………...…£50.00
c. Pollarding of V.G. trees………….£411.25
d. Rent of room, Coronation hall……...£5.00
e. Clerks Salary (Jan/Feb2005)……..£306.00
Cllr Rae confirmed that the clerk’s salary would be increased w.e.f. 28/4/05
as agreed with SLCC/NALC pay award
and minuted 4l 13th Sept. 2004
Clerks expenses ………………...... £7.51
f SLCC membership renewal…….....£64.00
g York/Humber training F.O.I Act…..£15.00
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to settle a/cs
4) Correspondence
a) St Johns Building Site – dealt earlier
b) Boroughbridge Town Council Flood Meeting
Cllr Rae advised that the council had been invited to join a group of local
councillors who would compile an emergency plan to cover flooding and other
emergencies. This was to be completed by the end of April 2005 and weekly
meetings were being currently run. Cllr Rae and Cllr Smailes represent this
council.
Action:-ongoing
c) NEDL
This letter requested the emergency contacts within the parish in the event of
electricity failure/ flooding through adverse weather conditions. Cllr Rae to
include this in the Emergency Plan
Action:-Cllr Rae to deal
d) Leeming Lane Damaged Tree
Cllr Rae explained that in the gales earlier this year a tree on the old
railway embankment had become dangerous. Mrs Jacobs dealt; the tree was then
removed by NYCC.
Action:-none
e) DEFRA-Clean Neighbourhood & Environment Bill
Cllr Rae explained that the P.C now had powers should they wish to use them for
several issues relating to the above project. The papers were placed in the
circ. folder
Action;-none
f)
NYCC. Consultation
Results
Cllr Rae reported on this and the document was placed in the circulation folder
Action:-none
g) Y.R.C.C.
Cllr Rae explained about the competition/grants open to any local community
group. The papers were passed to Cllr Owens to link with the VDS. To advise Mrs
Jacobs if to proceed and she will input paperwork.
Action:- awaiting contact
h) Off. Of the Dep. Prime Minister-F.O.I. Act
Cllr Rae confirmed that Mrs Jacobs is the
“primary authorised person” on the Parish Council for the release of
information under the Freedom of Information Act. All requests for information
to be in writing and this must be disclosed unless it falls under one of the
exemptions in the Act. It was pointed out that the Freedom of Information Act
also allows for public authorities to charge to
comply with certain requests for information on the grounds of cost, where
these requests would be particularly expensive i.e. if the cost of complying
would exceed the “appropriate limit” prescribed in the Regulations (£450.00)
Action:-papers filed in Freedom of
Information Act folder
i)
Office of the Dep. Prime
Minister – Citizen Engagement & Public Services
Papers placed in the circulation file.
Action:-none
j)
The Standards Board for
England – A Code for the Future
Documents distributed to councillors for completion.
Action:- Mrs Jacobs waiting additional
copies for Kirby Hill councillors
k) Harrogate Boro. Cncl- N.Y. Small Project Fund
Papers with Cllr Owens for the VDS scheme
Action:- None
l)
Harrogate Borough
Cncl-Harrogate in 2001 Local Dev. Framework
This item had been dealt with earlier in the meeting
m) The Countryside Agency-Maps of Registered Common Land
& Open Country
Cllr Rae explained that maps had been received for each village in the parish
and these were then distributed to the councillors. Kirby Hill Village Green is
not highlighted on the map and Mrs Jacobs was therefore requested to enquire
about this.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to deal
n) NHS-Craven, Harrogate & Rural District –Pointing
the Way
Papers in circulation folder
Action:-none
o) Clerk- Conditions of Service
Cllr Rae advised that the SLCC & NALC had agreed revised conditions for
clerks and that this would have to be perused at a later date.
Action:-Cllr Rae & Mrs Jacobs to
deal.
p) B6265 Roundabout – Banners
This item was dealt earlier
q) Dishforth Road –Deposit of Garden Rubbish
Cllr Merson reported that garden rubbish was being deposited over the fences of
houses on Market Hill, which backed onto the Boroughbridge to Dishforth
Road.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to contact Harrogate
Borough Council for tidy up.
5) Clerks/Councillors
Reports & Meetings
a) Police Liaison
Cllr Wilkinson advised that the next meeting will be 14/3/05 which he hopes to
attend.
Action:-none
b) JPC-Leeming Lane Grass Cutting/Speeding
Cllr Rae confirmed that the next meeting is to be held 17/3/05. Mrs Jacobs
advised that at a recent planning meeting 4 councillors had stated that they
were satisfied with the existing grass cutting service and felt that this
arrangement within Kirby Hill should be maintained. All councillors present
agreed to retain the existing service.
Cllr Owens is to attend the next JPC meeting and therefore the case papers
relating to speeding on Leeming Lane were passed to him.
Action:-ongoing
c) Renaissance Market Town Initiative
d) Boroughbridge & Dist. Community Partnership
Cllr Rae advised that the two above items were now a combined issue. He gave a
brief insight into the projects in hand together with future intended plans.
Action:-ongoing
e) Village Design Statement
Cllr Owens advised that the VDS was now gathering momentum and how the
different aspects are in draft form. Sheffield University students are to
interview a cross section of local residents on the 16th April in
the Bluebell Inn and Cllr Graham’s home
Action:-ongoing
f)
YLCA-regional Training-
Freedom of Information Act
Cllr Rae reported on the training, which he had attended, stating that this
would mainly affect Mrs Jacobs. He would liaise with her shortly.
Action:-Cllr Rae & Mrs Jacobs to
deal
g) Emergency Plan
Cllr Rae informed the councillors that he and Cllr Smailes had been attending
these meetings to produce this emergency plan. He then advised that the group
were requiring a list of volunteers who would be shown on the plan and could be
called upon should an emergency occur. He quoted from a list several resources
and equipment that might need to be sourced locally in an emergency and asked
councillors to consider where these items might be available. Some specialised
equipment would require trained/qualified operators to use.
Cllr Merson agreed to be listed on the plan as a general volunteer.
Cllr Rae advised that all volunteers would be covered for 3rd party
insurance covering basic jobs; those using their own specialised equipment
would need to be covered through their own insurance.
Action:-ongoing
6)
Further Updates on Ongoing Matters
a)
B6265 Lay-by
NYCllr C Wilson to deal – dealt earlier
b)
MSA
Cllr Owens advised that he is still waiting for a copy of the Inspectors Report
into the Public Inquiry regarding the MSA; he has been advised though that
under the Freedom Of Information Act this document is not for public sight. He
is still pursuing.
Action:-ongoing
c) Road Rear of Kirby Hill Old School.
This item had been dealt earlier and now can be removed from the agenda.
d) Village Green Issues, Insurance/Pathway/Moles
Cllr Parr had requested that it be confirmed the Parish Council had sufficient
insurance, in the event of an accident from playing on the Village Green. It
was agreed unanimously there were no practical measures that could be taken to
prevent children from falling out of trees, tripping, or running into the road
from the village green to retrieve balls.
Mrs Jacobs had confirmed with Allianz Cornhill that the P.C. has cover for
£5,000,000.00 under public liability, third party.
Action:-none
The issue relating to the pathway over the village green had been dealt
earlier.
Moles
Cllr Rae was pleased to report that the moles had been caught; the a/c was
therefore due for settlement under finance.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to settle a/c and
thank Mr Alderton.
e) Kirby Hill Telephone Kiosk Repainting
Cllr Rae advised that this had not yet been done, but Mrs Jacobs would pursue.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to deal
f)
Speeding Milby to
Brafferton/Re Siting of 30 MPH Sign in Kirby Hill
Mrs Jacobs had been in contact with NYCC about these issues as this had been
ongoing since 2003. NYCC advise that the current criteria from the Dept. of
Transport Traffic Advisory Information suggests that this stretch of road does
not warrant a speed reduction and this is verified also by N.Y.Police. NYCC
will however enhance and supplement the road markings on both approaches to
Milby and the bends beyond, on the way to Thornton Bridge. This work is
dependant upon available funds and planned for 2005/6.
The re siting of the 30mph sign, which
is opposite Kirby Hill Church, will also, subject to approval, consultation and
the advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order, be completed in 2005/6. Cllr C
Wilson will pursue this issue.
Action:-ongoing – papers to file in
“diary” for retrieval late 2005 for follow up.
g) Langthorpe Play Area/106 Monies
An update on the play area could not be given as Cllr Parr was on holiday.
Mrs Jacobs advised that she had recently received a letter from Hg.Boro.Cncl.
requesting that she contact Patrick Kilburn about the £11327.00, which the
Kirby Hill P.C. believe can be used
by Langthorpe Parish Council for the new proposed play area. It had not been
possible to contact Mr Kilburn as he was away on holiday until
14th March 2005.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to follow later
h) Varnishing of Benches
This work to be completed when the weather improves.
Action:-ongoing
i)
St Johns Walk – Ramp
Mrs Jacobs had written to Mr Ellis after the previous meeting, about the ridge
in the road, requesting signage or remedial work with a view to preventing
potential accidents. No reply had yet been received.
Cllr Graham requested that as there is a potential danger from the raised
manhole covers on the pavements and road along St. Johns Walk, the completion
of these areas should be finalised quickly. Mrs Jacobs advised that Mr Ellis
had advised her last year that the base of the road and pavement would be laid,
but the top/final layer would be done upon completion of the houses. It was
suggested that Mrs Jacobs contact Harrogate Borough Council for adoption of the
road.
Cllr Graham is concerned also about the current height of the kerbstone on St
Johns Walk which joins the village green pathway. Until such times that St
Johns Walk is finally completed, this kerbstone, especially for a local
resident in a disabled buggy, who has
difficulty in manoeuvring over this area, the kerbstone is too high.
Action:- Mrs Jacobs to pursue
j)
Kirby Hill
Pavements/Road Conditions/Pothole Outside Old School
Mrs Jacobs is to urge with NYCC the work which was promised on pavements/roads
in Kirby Hill in the next financial year.
Cllr Rae confirmed that the pothole left by the Waterboard contractors had now
been repaired in Church Lane.
Action:- Mrs Jacobs to deal and pothole
matter now closed.
k) Pruning of village Green Trees
Cllr Rae confirmed that this work had been completed and the a/c was now due
for payment.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to deal
l)
Street Lighting-St Johns
Walk/Church Lane
Mrs Jacobs had contacted NYCC requesting when the lighting was to be connected
at the new properties along St. Johns Walk. A copy letter had been received
from
Mr Ellis advising that the road contractors had forgotten to make the necessary
connections, this was now in hand.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to check on this in
one week.
m) Retained Council Papers
Mrs Jacobs advised that she had been clearing Parish Council files and found
that Minute Books between 1925 and 1966 were missing. Account books up to 1966
could also not be found. Cllr Rae suggested that previous parish councillors
could still be holding these and could all existing councillors please try to
ask anyone who might have these documents.
Action:-Councillors to deal
n) Annual Parish Meeting
This is to take place on 18th April in the main hall of Coronation
hall at 7.00pm
Speakers in attendance include Mr Sneddon on Safer Communities and Hg. Boro.
Cncl – Dog Warden. All items for the agenda to Mrs Jacobs by 25th
March 2005. This has been advertised in Beyond the Pews. Cllr Owens to
advertise this on the website and Mrs Jacobs to arrange advert for the Ripon
Gazette
Action:- ongoing
o) Harrogate Borough Council – Dog Warden
Cllr Rae confirmed that the dog warden service will be in attendance at the
Annual Parish Meeting.
Action:-ongoing
p) Harrogate Borough Council-Safer Communities –
Neighbourhood Watch
Cllr Rae confirmed that Mr Sneddon of Safer Communities will be attending and
speaking at the Annual Parish Council meeting
Action:-ongoing
q) Old Kirby Hill School Hedgerow Encroaching Village
Green
Cllr Parr had raised this issue, but as the developers were still working on
the old school building, the councillors decide to wait until the new residents
moved into the property, before requesting that the hedge be tidied.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to diary for checking
later
r) Awards for All Seminar
Cllr Graham gave a brief report on this seminar that she attended with Mrs
Smailes.
Action:-none
7) Planning
a) Mrs Dyble.12 Market Hill, Milby 6.57.51.B.FUL
04/05158/FUL.erec. of rear conserv
Agreed by Harrogate Boro. Council
b) Mrs Wright 2 Market Hill, Milby 6.57.63.FUL
05/00338/FUL Erec. of rear conserve.
Agreed by Parish Council
c) Newby Estate & J C Lister Farms. Langthorpe
Nursery Leeming Lane, Milby 6.57.5.B.FUL 05/00040/FUL Conv of garden centre to
form farm shop with re cladding of existing glasshouse in timber, erection of
single storey extn., siting of 3 containers & formation of 10 additional
parking spaces.
The P.C does not object to the
application, but wished to comment that the chillers have the potential to
create a noise disturbance 24x7 for the
adjacent residential properties and this should be avoided.
d) Mr Mrs Lawson Homewood, Church Lane, Kirby Hill.6.47.75.FUL
05/00159/FUL
Loft conversion with the erection of rear dormer window.
The Parish Council had no objections
e) Mrs Rispin. 20 Manor Dve, Kirby Hill 6.47.65.A FUL
04/05900/FUL
Erection of a car port
Agreed by Harrogate Borough Council
f)
Mr Simkins Hambleton
View, Kirby Hill.6.47.74.FUL 04/05464/FUL
Refused by Harrogate Borough Council
g) Mr D W Cupit Burton Grange, Helperby. Change of use of
agricultural building to form a workshop & office 6.48.7.A COU 04/06085/COU
h) Agreed by
Harrogate Borough Council
Date of the next meeting:- Annual Parish Meeting, 18th
April 2005 Coronation Hall, 7.00pm
Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council, 16th
May 2005, Coronation Hall at 7.00pm and then to be followed by the Parish
Council Meeting
This meeting closed at 9.15pm.
SIGNED
DATED