Kirby Hill and District Parish Council

Inc. Thornton Bridge, Humberton, Ellenthorpe and Milby

           

A meeting of the above Parish Council was held on the 26th February 2003 in Coronation Hall, in accordance with the Local Govt. Act 1972, due notice having been given

 

The meeting opened at 7.20pm

 

PRESENT: Mr Rae (Chair), Mr McKenzie (Vice Chair), NYCC Cllr Wilson, Mrs Lister,

Mr Proctor, Mr Parr, Mr Wilkinson, Mr Owens. Mrs Y Jacobs (clerk). Members of the public: Mr Mrs Smailes, Mrs Warburton (Kirby Hill Primary School, Headmistress),

Sgt Sweeney and PC Cooper

1)      APOLOGIES: Mr Cope (resident who had advised that he would attend)

2)      MINUTES:
Resolved. That the minutes of the meeting held on the 4th December 2002, having been copied and distributed be taken as read and confirmed and signed
 

Mr Rae welcomed the councillors and visitors advising that the items on the agenda, in which the visitors had an interest, would be dealt with primarily.

He then asked if any councillor wished to declare an interest relating to the agenda or receipt of gifts above £25.00.

See agenda 6g – issues relating to Kirby Hill C. of E. Primary School –

Car parking: - A local resident and Mrs Warburton (headmistress), were both distressed about the ongoing difficulties relating to parent parking outside the school. Mrs Warburton confirmed the exhaustive lengths that she had taken to remedy this.

 

Sgt Sweeney, firstly advised that school parking is a nation wide problem, but unfortunately the Police Force do not have the resources to patrol schools during those limited times that this occurred. He believed that parents should be educated on parking; Mrs Warburton agreed and due to Health and Safety Regulations had been attempting to do this. She stated that if parents used the “turning area” at the school entrance for the correct purpose, many difficulties would be overcome.

Cllr Wilson suggested, and the Parish Councillors agreed, that Highways Dept. could erect a sign, “Drop Off Only” on the turning area.

Sgt Sweeney advised he considered that for the short length of time involved both morning and afternoon, a “live and let live” situation could be adopted.
Action: - Cllr Wilson to arrange for the new sign with Highways Dept.
     ..         Sgt Sweeney to arrange “spot checks” on parking.


Firing of shotguns in the Area: - Mr Cope had raised this issue; PC Cooper confirmed that he had dealt with this matter with Mr Cope.

Conversion of Old School into Houses in Church Lane: - Mr Cope is concerned about the safety aspect of lorries etc parking partially on the footpath/road, when the new building work commences. Church Lane is a narrow road and his worry is that pedestrian and road users will be at risk. It was suggested that the developers were requested to park on the building site, thus avoiding potential accidents.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs when writing to Falcon about the state of village green, to include this request.

Car Park Lighting: -Mrs Warburton confirmed that the new lights were to be fitted

27th /28th February.
Action: -None

Goods, Delivery Notice: - Mr Rae advised the meeting that this notice had now been fitted to the front school gates. Cllr Wilson asked why the school deliveries couldn’t be made to the front of the school? Mrs Warburton explained that as the kitchen and the dustbins are at the rear of the school, it is more practical for these vans to deliver to that area.
Mr Proctor advised that Mr Wilcox had complained that his grass at the front of his property was badly “churned up” by delivery vans, but unfortunately due to the narrowness of this back road it is very difficult for the large lorries to get into the car park. This is not made any easier when every day, Mr Wilcox leaves his car parked, albeit on his own land, but at this point, it is difficult to manoeuvre around the road. Mr Proctor suggested that smaller delivery vans be used, but Mrs Warburton advised that this was not practical.
Action: - None

Litter: -Mrs Warburton announced that there is a waste bin with a fitted lid, sited in the playground for crisp packets etc. and that this is chained to a post; there is on order an extra bin. She also commented on how receptive the children were in dealing with their litter.
Action: -None

Time Capsule: -A letter, which had been sent from Accord to Falcon Developments, was shown to Mr Rae requesting that should the Capsule be unearthed during building work at the old school, that it be reburied.
Action: -None

 

Tree on the Village Green: -Mrs Warburton explained to Councillors that due to Health and Safety Regulations, it was not possible to allow the children to use any metallic/cleaning materials in case of allergies, etc.

Mr Proctor volunteered to clean the plaque/plinth. Mr Rae thanked Mr Proctor.

Mr Rae offered his thanks on behalf of the Parish Council to Mrs Warburton and Accord for their ongoing help in resolving the difficulties that have arisen. Mrs Warburton agreed to pass on those thanks to Mr Greaves – School Manager with Accord.

Action: - Mrs Jacobs to write and thank both parties.

 

Safety Measures on B6265, Leeming Lane (see item 6l on agenda)
Mr McKenzie asked Sgt Sweeney if “red anti skid markings “ were a deterrent to speeding motorists. Sgt Sweeney confirmed that this is so. (The Parish Council is still waiting for NYCC to finish the work on these markings along Leeming Lane– Mrs Jacobs had recently pursued this with NYCC, Head of the Environment Enhancement Dept. in York)

Action: - Mrs Jacobs to diary for follow up.


B6265 Lay-by Parking of Overnight Vehicles (see item 6a on agenda)
Sgt Sweeney confirmed that he had forwarded Mrs Jacobs’s letter about the B6265 to NYCC, solicitors for advice on this issue. Mrs Jacobs advised that she had not yet had a reply.

Mr Owens told the meeting that this was of particular importance to the ongoing MSA Public Inquiry, as both the Parish Council and the RAMS are “fighting” to prevent the proposed MSA, and continued acceptance of overnight parking did not help the case.

Mr McKenzie stressed that this area is an eyesore  (Mrs Jacobs has in the past attempted to get NYCC to tidy up and fill in the potholes – unsuccessfully) and should be pursued in view of the MSA situation.
Mr Rae thanked Sgt Sweeney and PC Cooper for attending the meeting; they then left at 815pm.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs to diary for follow up of correspondence
Action: - Cllr Wilson to continue to put pressure on NYCC to take action to tidy up

lay-by.

Road at Rear of Old Kirby Hill Primary School see agenda item 6i
This item was discussed as Mrs Warburton had an interest.  
It appeared that there is some dispute as to actually owns this road and which parties are responsible for its maintenance. Mr McKenzie suggested that a working party be set up to look into this in more detail. Cllr Wilson and Mr Proctor agreed to take part in this sub committee. Mrs Jacobs advised that Rev Horton had also shown a keen interest.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs to arrange for K.H. Councillors, Mrs Warburton, Cllr Wilson and Rev Horton to meet.

3)      FINANCE AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

a)      The balance of a/cs stood at £682.64

b)      Rent of room …………………………………………………£5.00

c)      Clerks Salary-Dec/Jan……………………………………..£268.00
     ..     Expenses. postage/envelopes/tele a/c                         £31.62

d)      Audit A/c…………………………………………………….£58.75

e)      Receipt of Maintenance Grant – Hg. Boro. Cncl                 £299.00

Mr Rae advised that Mazars had confirmed a clear audit.

4)      CORRESPONDENCE

a)      Enquiry from Kirby Hill Resident
Mrs Jacobs confirmed that she had received a copy of the letter sent to Sgt Sweeney from this resident. Refer to minutes relating to school car parking, firing of shotguns and the conversion of the old school - page 1.

b)      Harrogate Borough Council Register of Electors
Mr Rae advised the Councillors that the new full register had been received. This must now only be used at Election Times and at P.C. meetings to ascertain visitors are of the Parish electorate. This register must not be shown to anyone for any purpose other than as stated. A copy of this is held in Harrogate should anyone wish to see it.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs to bring register to every meeting.

c)      Harrogate Borough Council – Litter awareness Week
Mr Rae confirmed that this is to take place - 7th to14th April and as last year asked for volunteers to assist in this campaign. Several Councillors and Mrs Smailes agreed to help.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs to contact Harrogate to arrange.

d)      Harrogate Borough Council – Trial Recycling Newspapers/Magazines
Mr Rae advised the committee that this trial had now begun and was proving very successful. Mrs Jacobs is holding paperwork should any residents have queries.
Action:- None

e)      Harrogate Borough Council – Multi-Agency Review of Services and Accommodation for Older People-Consultation
Mrs Jacobs had been asked to submit the names of 10 residents for this review- details of agreed people forwarded; Mr Proctor and Mr Smailes both confirmed that they had been contacted.
Action:- none

f)        Regional Planning Guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber
Unfortunately these papers were not to hand for the meeting
Action:- Mrs Jacobs to deal

g)      Yorkshire and Humber County Training Partnership
Mr Rae asked the Councillors if there were any specific training, which would be beneficial to them; would they wish to attend. There were no offers.
Action:- Mrs Jacobs to return documentation duly completed

h)      Boroughbridge Town Council-Community Investment Prospectus
Mr Rae advised that there is to be a meeting 5th March at 7.00pm at Boroughbridge High School to discuss the above. He agreed to attend.
Action:-Mr Rae to reply to BBTC

i)        NYCC-Waste Local Plan-Proposed Modifications to the Revised Deposit Draft
Action:-None

j)        N.Y. Joint Structure Plan review: Pre Deposit Consultation Draft Plan
Leaflets were distributed to all Councillors and they were requested to advise
Mrs Jacobs of any comments by 21st March 2003.
Action:- Diaried for replies

k)      Meet The Funder
Mr Rae advised that there is to be an Information and Advice Day on funding for Voluntary and Community groups in the Harrogate District – 26th march 2.00pm to 8.00pm
Action:-None

l)        Harrogate Borough Council-Civic Service
Unfortunately no-one was able to attend
Action:- Mrs Jacobs to advise

m)    Citizens’ Advice Bureau/S137 Donations
Firstly, Mrs Jacobs advised that Citizens Advice Bureau had sent their thanks for the donation of £25.00, which was sent in December.
Secondly, as Mr Proctor had queried the S137 donations at the meeting on the
4th December 2002, Mrs Jacobs had checked back in her records. She had listed donations and to whom they had been made. It appeared that from 1991 to 1999 varying amounts had been sent to Boroughbridge Communicare and then nothing for the years 2000 and 2001. Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Royal British Legion received donations every year.
Action:-none at present, to be looked at later in the year when donations are given

n)      Harrogate Borough Council – Landscape Character Assessment
Mr Owens advised the Councillors that during the MSA Public Inquiry, it had been stated that ”Kirby Hill was degraded, eroded by agricultural work and needed restruction”. Mr Smailes asked how Kirby Hill could be improved: he and other Councillors thought that this statement was inaccurate. This Assessment is to be carried out by Harrogate Council and a future meeting be arranged with any interested parties. Mr Owens agreed to attend. Mr Rae thanked him.
Action: - Correspondence taken by Mr Owens to deal.

5)      CLERKS/COUNCILLORS REPORTS AND MEETINGS

a)      Boroughbridge Community Care-Parish Transport Grant
Mr Proctor advised that he and Mrs Jacobs had attended a meeting on the above. At this stage it was not known if there would be any benefit to the Parish, although there is funding available from grants for many projects. There is to be a further meeting
8th April, which Mr Proctor and Mrs Jacobs have agreed to attend.
Action:- ongoing

b)      Police Liaison
Mr Wilkinson had been unable to attend the meeting, but as there had been a police presence at the meeting it was considered that all relevant issues had been covered.
Action:-None

c)      Commuted Sums (106) Monies
Mrs Jacobs reported on the meeting, which she had attended. Parishes are asked to keep a look out at all times for projects where these funds can be spent. Harrogate Boro.Cncl. will give assistance/help in determining sites. They do not wish to see monies being lost.
£10,155.00 is held for Children’s equipped Play Area
£173.00                ..     Casual Play Area
£2,725.00             ..     Youth and Adult

The above monies stem from the development at Grange Farm, Kirby Hill.
Mrs Jacobs advised that Leanne Harknett, Hg. Boro.Cncl. had contacted her to confirm that additional monies are in the pipeline from proposed developments at the old Kirby Hill School:
£999.00  for a Children’s Equipped Play Area
£311.00       ..  Youth and Adult
£148.00       ..   Leisure Area. (This could be used toward the new notice board, village green or the well area)

Leanne explained that although the plans have not yet been passed, she had to allocate these proposed monies to a project before the Inspector will agree the plan. She therefore had allocated the majority of these to the Langthorpe Play Area, as there are no other available sites in this area.

Mr Owens mentioned that he had been asked if there were any funds available that could be utilised toward a children’s play area at Kirby Hill Primary School.
Mrs Jacobs advised that this had been suggested in the past, but Harrogate Borough Council had advised her that the play area would have to open to the public on evenings and weekends. Unfortunately, the school had not been receptive to this due to insurance reasons.
Action:- Mr Owens to contact Mrs Warburton and discuss further

6)      FURTHER UPDATES ON ONGOING MATTERS

a)      B6265 Lay-by Parking of Overnight Vehicles
see previous minutes, page 2

b)      MSA
Mr Owens gave a thorough and well-presented update on the MSA, showing to the meeting The Proofs of Evidence and Rebuttal documents, which he on behalf of the Parish Council together with members of the RAMS had produced.
He advised that since the start of the Inquiry, Kirby Hill has made a big impact, making the Inspector fully aware of them and their objections.
He again reminded that the meeting on the 7th May at 7.30pm at the Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge must be well attended, as the Public Inquiry Inspector will be in the chair. He specifically asked that everyone in the meeting remind other residents of this date. Mr Owens then asked that he be informed by the end of March, should anyone wish to speak at the 7th May meeting, so that coaching and non-duplication of issues could be arranged.
Mr Rae asked that the minutes state the Parish Councils thanks to both Mr Owens and the RAMS for their ongoing dedication to the MSA.
Action: -Mrs Jacobs to write and thank Mr Owens and the Rams.

c)      Langthorpe Play Area.
Mr Rae confirmed that this has now been granted planning permission.
A sub committee is to be set up, with Mr Collins (Langthorpe Parish Council) –Chair, a local youth, a play leader from Coronation Hall, a local resident and a Kirby Hill Councillor. This parish had been asked to participate as their 106 monies had been committed to the project.
Mr Rae asked for a volunteer for this committee; Mr McKenzie, as he often works away from home, agreed to share the post with Mr Wilkinson.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to advise Mr Collins of Councillors involved

d)      Re-Instatement of Bus Stop outside Kirby Hill School
Mr Proctor and Mr Cope had asked that this be re-instated. Mrs Jacobs advised that the bus company had agreed to do this by early/mid March.
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to diary and follow up

e)      Provision of a Village Design Statement
At this moment in time due to the ongoing MSA Public Inquiry, and the earlier mentioned Land Character Assessment see item 4n, it was suggested that this be dealt with in the foreseeable future.
Action:-ongoing

f)        Freedom of Information Act
This had been publicised both on the Parish Notice boards and Beyond the Pews.
Mr Rae advised that the Information Commission had written accepting the Model Scheme from the Council.
Action: -none.

g)      Kirby Hill Primary School- Several Issues
see previous minutes pages 1& 2. 

h)      Village Green
Mr Parr confirmed that several weeks ago workmen acting on behalf of Falcon Developments had demolished the prefabs at the old Kirby Hill School site.

Falcon had not sought permission to cross the Village Green, but used an entrance to the school, which crossed the green, adjacent to the War Memorial.

Mrs Jacobs had telephoned Falcon with a view to the repair of the Green once the work was completed and she was assured that this would be done. Heavy vehicles had crossed this area numerous times so consequently the Green was deeply rutted and although the workmen did attempt to fill this in, the area had been left in an extremely bad state.
Action: -Mrs Jacobs to write to Falcon, requesting that V.G be properly
re-instated, that care be taken when building commences that vehicles are parked on building site and not on the pavement/road.

i)        Road at the Rear of Old Kirby Hill Primary School
see previous minutes page 2


j)        Church Lane, Milby
This item had arisen from an enquiry that the Lane was overgrown and unusable. NYCC had been approached for assistance in the repair, but due to the fact that it is little used, this is not financially viable.
Mrs Lister advised the Council that although minuted, the hedges owned by Mr Ward had not been cut and that Listers had. Mr Proctor stressed that Mrs Ward had informed that their hedge had been done. He will pursue again with Mrs Ward.
Mrs Jacobs apologised for the letter, which had been sent in the mistaken belief that Lister Farm hedges had not been cut.
Action:-Mr Proctor to speak to Mrs Ward
Action:-Mrs Jacobs to reply to Mrs Wilkinson’s letter.


k)      Maintenance of Pavements/Roads in Kirby Hill
Mrs Jacobs advised that NYCC are to patch the pavements during the summer at
No. 10 St Johns Walk, together with those along Church Lane, which are worst affected. There are no funds to repair Manor Drive, as this is a concrete Road, however Mr Proctor advised that it was the pavements that were in need of attention!
Action: -Mrs Jacobs to contact NYCC and advise accordingly/ also inform the resident at No. 10 St Johns Walk.

l)        Safety Measures on B6265, Leeming Lane, Kirby Hill
see previous minutes page 1 or2

m)    Parish Council Notice Board
Mr Rae requested that he and Mrs Jacobs proceed with this. The Councillors agreed.
Action: -Mrs Jacobs to discuss with Mr Rae at a later date.

n)      Trees at Milby Lock
Mr Rae confirmed that Thorpe Trees had replaced the dead tree.
Action: -none.

o)      Neighbourhood Watch
This was not discussed, as unfortunately Mr Whitehouse did not attend the meeting. This item will now be removed from the agenda as it had been listed for discussion since September 2002.
Action: -none.

p)      Dog Bin for Kirby Hill/Notices for Lampposts
Mrs Jacobs reiterated that Harrogate Borough Council does not have funds for the dog bin, but she will diary for later in the year. Mr Proctor had been given notices re dog fouling, which he will attach in the near future to lampposts.
Action: - Mrs Jacobs to diary for later in the year.

7)      PLANNING

a)      John Ellis Developments  St Johns Walk, Kirby Hill. 6.47.344.D.FUL  02/0400722/FUL  Substitution of house types for plots 15 and 16.
Parish council agreed, on provision that houses faced the village green. Mr Ellis had requested permission to cross village green to front door of plot 16 – agreed by PC.
A query had arisen in relation to the land measurement between the village green and Mr Elliss’s land. Mr Ellis will check on this; he will also forward new sketch of footpath. Mr Smailes asked that attention be drawn to Mr Ellis, in the summer, of Ragwort, a poisonous plant, which grows on the land at the end of St. Johns Walk.
Action:-ongoing

b)      Falcon Developments (UK) Ltd. Kirby Hill C.of E. Primary School. 6.47.46.O.FUL 02/02993/FUL – Conversion of old school and erection of 2 new dwellings
Plans withdrawn

c)      Falcon Developments (UK) Ltd   Kirby Hill Primary School. 6.47.466.Q.FUL  03/00262/FUL Conversion of old school house to form 1 dwelling and erection of one garage and formation of new vehicle access.
Parish council does not object but wished to make comments.

Falcon Developments (UK) Ltd – Kirby Hill Primary School 6.47.46.P…OUT 03/002225/OUT – outline application for 1 dwelling including access.
Parish Council objected.

d)      Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd – erection of 15m monopole telecomm. mast & antennae.
Planning permission granted after appeal.

e)      Mr D Smith.  40 Market Hill, Milby – 6.57.56.A.FUL  03/00206/FUL – Erection of a 2 storey side and single storey rear extension
Parish Council does not object but wished to make comments.

f)        Mr Mrs Allen. 15 Manor Drive, Kirby Hill – 6.47.62.A.FUL  03/00539/FUL
Erection of a single storey rear extension (revised scheme)
The Parish Council had no objection

g)      The Crown Estate   Thornton Manor Farm Estate. 6.36.6.A.FUL 02/055575/FUL Refurbishment of 1 dwelling, conversion of Agricultural buildings to form 4 dwellings with a package treatment plant and altered vehicular access.
The Parish Council had no objection.

h)      Mr Dyble    12 Market Hill, Milby. 6.57.51.A FUL  03/00060/FUL  - Demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement garage, and erection of 1.8m high close boarded fence.
The Parish Council had no objection.

i)        Mr Simpson.   2 St Johns Walk, Kirby Hill. 6.47.60.B.FUL 02/05671/FUL Erection of a single storey side extension forming garage and store
The Parish Council objected.

j)        Mr Kirbitson. 8 The Grange, Kirby Hill. 6.47.62.FUL 03/00096/FUL Erection of 2 storey/first floor side extension
The Parish Council had no objection.

k)      Mr Batty  5 Market Hill, Milby. 6.57.45.A.FUL  03/00326/FUL Conversion of integral garage to form additional living accommodation.
The Parish Council had no objection.


DATE OF NEXT MEETING (WHICH WILL COMMENCE WITH THE AGM) :-
15TH MAY 2003, 7.00PM - GROUND FLOOR MEETING ROOM, CORONATION HALL, MILBY

Action: - Mrs Jacobs to advise Cllr Wilson,  PC Mick Cooper and Mrs Warburton of meeting.

The meeting closed at 10.35pm. In view of the length of this meeting and items to be discussed Mr McKenzie suggested that the Parish Council meet on a more frequent basis.
This was agreed by all present.

SIGNED                                                                                     DATED