Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 23rd May 2006 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs M Stevens, Chairman, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs J Imeson, J Fletcher, P Bell, R Kirk and N Waters. Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, and Acting Sgt Sally Bunce also attended.
Election of Officers
Before nominations for officers were taken, the Clerk reminded Councillors that there would be elections in 2007. It had been the tradition of the Parish Council for many years that whoever topped the poll would take the chair, except in the case of a newly elected councillor. Therefore, whoever was elected Vice Chairman this year would not automatically become Chairman in 2007.
Councillor Mrs Stevens thanked Councillors and the Clerk for their support during her year of office and called for nominations for Chairman. Councillor Mrs Imeson proposed Councillor Kirk. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Greenwell and unanimously agreed. Councillor Kirk offered sincere thanks to Councillor Mrs Stevens for her work during the year. He then asked for nominations for Vice Chairman. Councillor Bell was nominated by Councillor Mrs Stevens, seconded by Councillor Mrs Imeson and duly elected.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 25th April 2006 were approved and signed
Police Business
Acting Sgt Bunce reported that there had been less trouble in the TIP car park since the installation of the CCTV, which covered as far as High Green and Swans jewellers. The youths, most of whom came from Great Ayton, seemed to have moved to Low Green, which was viewed by the police as a tolerance zone as there were fewer people to be bothered by them. They were mostly too young to go to the pub but too old to want to stay in with their parents, and had nowhere else to meet. When challenged about their antisocial behaviour most recognised that they were at fault and would try not to annoy residents.
Councillor Waters asked if the police had any idea as to who had thrown a brick through a school bus window. The police had no clues.
Councillor Bell reported that there had been thefts and damage to property at the allotments which appeared to be the work of 10 to 12 year old children.
Cemetery
Estimates were to be obtained for paving or tarmac-ing a path in the cemetery. The Cemetery Managers preferred tarmac but would decide which material to use on receipt of the quotations.
The Cemetery Superintendent had obtained green tarpaulins to cover the planks and sheeting, which was a great improvement. The cemetery railings needed a coat of paint. Community Service would be asked to provide the labour.
Mr Atkinson had replaced a tyre swing and all the equipment was now safe. Councillor Mrs Stevens said that the toddler equipment needed painting. Mr Atkinson would inspect it.
River
Mr Suggitt had cleared rubbish from the river, including a buggy. The grass banks had been strimmed. He had been given an estimate of £1000 to clear out the shoals in the river. The Environment Agency would be asked for an up to date report on their work on the river and a timetable for what else they intended to do. It was suggested that a meeting with them would be useful.
Councillor Waters asked about progress on the Riverside path. He was advised that the volunteers had run out of materials.
Councillor Mrs Imeson commented that the grass was very long on the verge next to the river opposite the tennis courts.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall – Councillors had seen the survey report. The building was basically sound but a great deal of expensive cosmetic work was required. It was agreed that the two-floor option was preferable as it made best use of space. Councillor Kirk would prepare some guidelines to be circulated before any decisions were made. Ultimately it would be leased to a village hall committee to facilitate the quest for grants. The lease would need to be very specific with regard to maintenance. It was suggested that it would be useful to look at Great Broughton village hall which had plenty of room.
Frontage of Bells Store. A planning application to alter the frontage had been received. Minute concluded.
Highways matters - barrier for footpath, Chapel Steps – minute continued; Tree Bridge junction – a response had been received from Mr G Cresty. Councillors were very disappointed that he was unable to expedite the installation of a roundabout and he would be so advised; railings Waterfall Terrace, footbridges – minute continued.
Siting of post boxes – a satisfactory meeting had been held with representatives from Royal Mail. Minute concluded.
Arcade – A further letter from Mowden Park Estate Co. Ltd indicated that they were looking into the matter of damaged paving
Fete – final arrangements for organisation were discussed
Website – Robert Holden had sent a report showing how many visits had been made to the website from all over the world. The response had been pleasing and Councillors were urged to visit it themselves. Minute concluded
Trade waste – NYCC had responded that they were working through options for a number of policies, including commercial waste options. Minute concluded.
Buck Hotel – The land in question was not common land. A letter had been sent to the landlord and the advertising boards had been moved. Minute concluded.
Accounts
W Eves & Co Ltd (petrol, direct debit) 112.23 C L Prosser & Co Ltd (hire of skip) 141.00 E Harrison (grass cutting) 400.00 Paul Suggitt (work to trees Low and High Greens) 750.00 M L Holden (reimburse laminating pouches £3.25; coffee –
meeting with Royal Mail £2)5.25 Richard Collins (grave digging) 80.00 Alan Dale (grave digging) 120.00 H Atkinson (reimburse phone card) 10.00 Brian Noble Fencing Contractors Ltd (play area gate/fence) 963.50 D I Holden (reimburse phone bill) 68.42 Receipts NEDL (wayleave) 17.25 M Bishop (grave reservation) 60.00 J Hutchinson “ “ 120.00 E Gill “ “ 60.00 L Sigsworth “ “ 60.00 S Dawson “ “ 60.00 M Scott “ “ 60.00 D Bailey (garage rent) 10.00 B Hawkins (fete stall) 10.00 C Barker (grave reservation) 60.00 Hambleton District Council (precept) 14,000.00 Hambleton District Council (balance of Sec 106 payment) 779.30 M Winterschladen (grave reservation) 60.00 Great Ayton Dramatic Society (quarterly rent) 130.00 Cemetery receipts 138.00
Correspondence.
David Harrison – re visit of vintage tractors 20.6.06. It was agreed that a donation of £25 be made to whichever charity the group was supporting.
HDC – re smoke complaint, allotments. The matter had been dealt with. A new rule relating to the lighting of bonfires had been added to the Allotment Regulations
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – Local Authority Byelaws in England: A Discussion Paper – comments invited. Councillor Mrs Greenwell to peruse
Margaret Connolly – request for permission to hold cake stall 9.9.06. Approved
The Great Ayton Community Archaeology Project – re village hall. Comments noted
North Yorkshire Police Authority – re police restructuring – comments invited. The Council would respond that the proposed new force was too large, too expensive and inappropriate for a rural area.
The following items of information were received:-
NYMNPA – agenda for Northern Area Parish Forum 24.5.06; Moors Messenger newsletter; Roadside Verge Leaflet; Planning Committee agenda for meeting 11.5.06
NYCC – Pension Fund Circular 185 from the LGE; Pension Matters, Regulation Special; NYPFOG minutes 22.3.06
HDC – street collection licences – Diabetes UK 10.6.06, Herriot Hospice Homecare 24.6.06
Great Ayton Cricket and Football Club – thanks for donation
NYCC – poster promoting composting
Wheels 2 Work – poster; statistics update
Unite – information re mediation service
NYCC – re urban grass cutting; notification of sum to be paid - £2436
Askham Bryan College – Open Day and Countryside Show 17.6.06
Shaw’s – brochure
RAF Linton-on-Ouse – notification of night flying 8 – 11.5.06 (reserve week 15 – 18.5.06)
Clerks and Councils Direct – magazine
External Environment – brochure
Patient & Public Involvement Forum for Hambleton and Richmondshire – agenda for meeting 22.5.06 at Middleham
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council – Local Development Framework – Core Strategy DPD Submission; Development Policies DPD Submission – comments invited. Councillor Mrs Greenwell to peruse
North Yorkshire Police – Local Policing Summary
Planning applications
Construction of a replacement domestic garage – 7 Pearsonville. Councillor Mrs Greenwell declared an interest. No representations
Application to display an externally illuminated sign at existing shop – 115 High Street. The Council had no objection to the sign but objected to the proposed frontage of the store which was out of keeping with the village and inappropriate in a Conservation Area. The village scene was much photographed.
Application for prior approval for installation of a base station – Angrove West Farm. Councillor Waters declared in interest. It was thought that there was room on an existing mast and that this should be used first. The base station would be visible from the road.
Single storey extension to existing dwelling (minor amendment) – 16 Wainstones Drive. No representations
Construction of six dwellings – 11 and 13 Bridge Street. The Council objected that it was over-development of the site. The two-and-a-half storey town houses were out of keeping as there were none in that area
Amended application for two storey extension to existing dwelling – 3 Stanley Houses. The Council objected that the extension was still far too big and did not relate to the footprint that should have been followed in the first place.
Amendment to application from proposed agricultural building to proposed domestic building – Langbaurgh Farm. The Council objected that the building was still too large and did not differ from the previous application.
Application for construction of a two storey side extension and single storey rear extension – Rye Hill Farm Cottage. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing bungalow to form first floor – 1 Angrove Close. No representations
Plans approved
Proposed works to two willow trees – 21a High Green
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling as amended – 38 Roseberry Crescent
Plans refused
Construction of a boundary wall at existing dwelling as amended – 35 Addison Road
Planning appeals
Mr B Simpson – 9 Wheatlands
Mr and Mrs E Canney – 14 Wainstones Drive
Year end accounts for approval
The accounts and Statement of Assurance were approved and signed.
Councillors, reports
Councillor Fletcher had received many complaints about the changed bus services. Arriva and NYCC would be contacted.
There were branches coming off trees in Waterfall Park. Paul Suggitt would be asked to deal with them.
Councillor Bell reported that there was damage to the entrance to the allotments caused by the burst pipe in the road. Northumbrian Water would be asked to have it repaired.
Complaints had been received about a large horsebox which was parked in Langbaurgh Close. It was suggested that the complainant discuss the matter with the owner.
Councillor Waters said that the dog fouling situation seemed to have improved.
The owner of the cut hedge on Stokesley Road had been told to cut it by Highways.
He pointed out that many walkers used Easby Lane and that a footpath was required to improve safety. Councillor Fletcher would raise the matter with NYCC.
Councillor Mrs Stevens said that the landlord of the Royal Oak was concerned about safety following the incident when a car demolished his porch. It was suggested that the parking area immediately outside the Royal Oak be restricted to cycles.
Councillor Mrs Greenwell had received a complaint that the hedge on the Yarm Lane footpath needed cutting. This would be arranged.
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 20th June 2006