Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 27th March 2007 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs J Imeson, P Bell, J Fletcher, N Waters, Mrs M Stevens. PC Glyn Jones, Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, and one member of the public also attended.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs F Greenwell
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 27th February 2007 were approved and signed.
Police Business
PC Jones said that there had been a significant amount of autocrime. Cars had been attacked all over the village and petrol pipes had been cut. An operation was underway to tackle the problem. There had been seven incidents of criminal damage including the breaking of windows and damage to a fence.
Councillor Fletcher expressed disappointment at the re-emergence of youths in cars blocking the roads on High Green. PC Jones said that two officers had been appointed as problem solvers, supported by 8 PCs and 2 PCSOs. They would liaise with HDC, NYCC or any other agency to find solutions.
It was agreed that it would be best to leave a public meeting until the autumn. A meeting of the problem solving group would be left until after the elections.
Councillor Mrs Stevens requested that the police kept an eye on the playing field. Mr Atkinson said that there did not seem to be a problem there at present. He had been leaving the gate unlocked as youngsters caused more damage if the gate was locked.
Councillor Bell said that there was a problem with drinking at the allotments. PC Jones would point officers in that direction.
Councillor Waters reported that youths were congregating at Barkers Buildings, Little Ayton on Friday and Saturday nights.
Councillor Fletcher again raised the dangers at Tree Bridge junction where there were accidents weekly.
Cemetery
Trees overhanging cemetery – minute continued; grave shoring – a visit to Guisborough cemetery had been arranged. Mr Atkinson said that one side of the new cemetery was already filling up. It was a long way from his shed to the new area and it was agreed that he should have a hut at that end of the cemetery. The mower had been serviced.
River
Bund for water storage – minute continued. Mr Suggitt had cleared rubbish from the river but it needed doing again. He would do it before the Easter weekend.
A member of the public, Mrs Pickering, joined the meeting briefly to complain about a large bonfire on one of the allotments. A letter would be sent to the tenant warning him that he risked eviction if he continued to have fires which caused nuisance to the neighbours.
A complaint had also been received that a UPVC door had been installed in the allotment hedge on Guisborough Road. The tenant would be asked to remove it.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall - The architect and Councillor Kirk were looking for grants on three schemes. It could prove difficult to get grants as they were allocated on usage. Arrangements would be made after the election to visit Great Broughton village hall
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – minute continued; railings Waterfall Terrace etc – Councillor Kirk would speak to Mr Thethi to see if he could get things moving
Riverside Park – copse – minute continued
Yatton House lease – Councillor Kirk would speak to Mr Towler to see if the matter could be expedited
RoSPA play area inspection – minute continued
Planning matters - caravans at Bank Flow Farm and in field off B1292 –HDC had responded that the two caravans in the field appeared to be abandoned. The caravan at Bank Flow far had shown no evidence of permanent occupation. The entry on the electoral role was a mistake; tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane – HDC had responded that the land did not belong to them or to NYCC. Nothing could be done from a planning point of view. The Parish Council would ask the person who had planted the trees to provide evidence of ownership.
Appointment of Parish Council representative to Standards Committee Councillor Mrs Imeson left the room. The remaining Councillors nominated her for appointment to the Standards Committee
Memorial tree at Riverside It was agreed that the unwanted self-set alders gradually be replaced by memorial trees. The applicant would be asked if she would prefer to plant her tree on Low Green or the Riverside.
Accounts
Richard Collins (grave digging) 80.00 D I Holden (reimburse phone account £57.91, stationery
£15.26, ink cartridge £25.49)98.66 Hambleton District Council (cemetery rates) 81.58 G Ward & Son (replacement seat Bartle Bridge) 376.00 Farmway (rat poison, gloves) 68.24 Hambleton District Council (wheelie bin collection) 211.50 Teesside Insurance (mower insurance premium) 198.83 Receipts D Bailey (garage rent) 10.00 Worthy Pearson (flower tub sponsor) * 15.00 D and L Monaghan “ “ “ 15.00 J Turnbull “ “ “ 15.00 Cemetery receipts 705.00 J Harrison (flower tub sponsor) 15.00 Broadacres “ “ “ 15.00 A Suggitt “ “ “ 15.00 M Lowe (grave reservation) 60.00 J Allanson “ “ 60.00 H M Revenue and Customs (VAT refund) 114.74
* Mr Trenholme would be asked if he was willing to continue looking after the tubs and signs. It would be suggested, if he had not already planted seedlings, that plants which required minimal care be used.
Correspondence
G Hetherington – copy of letter to HDC re removal of trees on Low Green. Councillor Fletcher said that permission was not required to remove the trees, although it had been obtained for those already taken out. The trees were in the river bank and the Environment Agency had no objection to their being removed. Councillor Waters observed that he was all for trees in the right place but the alders impinged on the river and impeded flow. After some discussion, it was agreed that they be taken out and replaced by something more suitable one at a time as people applied to plant memorial trees.
Department for Constitutional Affairs – advice regarding safety of memorial stones. Comments noted
Stokesley and Villages Community Regeneration Group – agenda for meeting 11.4.07. Councillors Mrs Greenwell and J Fletcher to attend.
Mrs B Hawkins – invitation to meet and greet international group carrying banner for Fair Trade - 19.4.07. No Councillors able to attend
Dave Harrison – re visit of vintage tractors to Great Ayton on 20.06.07. Donations in aid of prostate and testicular cancer. ApprovedThe following items of information were received:-
YRCC – Country Air – newsletter; Playing Fields Assoc – invitation to subscribe; invitation to meeting at Pickering 28.3.07 or Masham 29.3.07 for advice for community groups
NYMNPA – agenda for meeting 26.3.07; agenda Planning Committee 15.3.07
HDC – agenda for District/Parish Councils’ liaison meeting 26.3.07NYCC – notification of relocation of Thirsk Highways Depot to Thirsk Industrial Park, York Road, Thirsk, YO7 3BX
Hambleton LDF – Development Policies DPD Examination – Pre Examination meeting 15.3.07 – correspondence seen by Chairman, Councillor R Kirk, who concluded it was not relevant to the Parish Council
Parchments of Oxford – brochure
CPRE – Fieldwork newsletter; Houses and Gardens 2007 handbook; Countryside Voice magazine
Clerks and Councils Direct - magazine
NYCC Pension Fund – re costs arising from early retirement; triennial valuation 2007, the potential effects of job evaluation on the employer contribution rate; Pension Fund Committee report 15.2.07
Action for Market Towns – details of event; application form for market town awards
Mrs B Hawkins – invitation to Fairtrade coffee morning 10.3.07
NYMNPA – re The Moorsbus Network, timetable and poster
Audit Commission – confirmation of appointment of Mazars as auditor to Great Ayton Parish Council
Planning applications
Alterations to existing domestic outbuildings to form ancillary accommodation – Manor House, Low Green. No representations
Application for Listed Building Consent as above. No representations
Two dormer window extensions to existing dwelling – 4 Romany Road. No representations
Change of use of ground floor of existing buildings form B and B to café – 5 – 9 Bridge Street. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 22 Wainstones Drive. Councillor Mrs Imeson declared an interest and left the room. No representations
Retrospective change of use of agricultural land to equestrian/domestic, siting of a mobile home and construction of a stable block – Cherry Cottage, Mill Lane. The Parish Council was very concerned about the increase in traffic, including the movement of horses, from the lane onto a very busy road. Highways should be asked for their views. There was currently no development on the side of the lane in the application. This would have the effect of extending the village and open up possibilities for the whole field. The Council requested that the application went to Committee and asked for a site visit.
Construction of 6 bungalows for occupation by elderly residents and creation of a new vehicular access – land at Holly Garth Close. Councillor Mrs Imeson declared a non-pecuniary interest. No representations
Single storey extensions to existing dwelling – 58 Roseberry Crescent. No representations
Construction of eleven holiday units and a sewage treatment plant at existing caravan park – minor amendment – Whinstone View Caravan Park. No representations
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form a pitched garage roof and dormer window – 51 Roseberry Crescent. No representations
Single storey extension to existing dwelling and resiting of detached domestic garage – 42 Marwood Drive. No representations
Plans approved
Construction of a replacement detached domestic garage – 12 Guisborough Road
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling and construction of a replacement detached domestic garage – 6 John Street
Proposed works to three trees – The Vicarage, Low Green
Letter from Mr and Mrs Wakefield re proposed development at Holly Garth
Matters arising from Annual Parish Meeting
Rubbish and damaged fence – Yatton House Yatton House had always repaired the fence and removed litter in the past. The manager did not believe it was their responsibility. Highways would be asked to inspect the fence as it was thought to be theirs.
Footpath and refuge - Langbaurgh Close Councillor Fletcher would check on progress with the footpath. Councillor Bell observed that the junction had been safer for pedestrians when Northumbrian Water had the road up.
Parking of Royal Mail vans A letter would be sent to Royal Mail saying that the matter had been raised again in a public meeting and there had been no improvement since their meeting with the Parish Council. The Council would be pleased to meet them again to discuss the matter.
Councillors’ reports
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 24th April 2007Councillor Waters had read in the press that a new dog warden had been appointed. He felt that matters had improved recently but was advised that there were still severe problems in some areas. He commented on the new cycle stands, which did not take up any car parking spaces.
He expressed concern about inaccuracies in a resident’s letter to the Darlington and Stockton Times. Councillor Mrs Imeson advised him that she had replied privately.
Councillor Mrs Stevens had received reports of litter and glass on the trod between The Hawthorns and Linden Grove. Broadacres would be asked to investigate.
Councillor Fletcher said that The Stream was produced at a loss. He proposed that the Parish Council fund it to the tune of £100 per issue. This was agreed.
The cycle racks had been installed free of charge except for the plinth for the one on Low Green, for which the Parish Council may be charged.
Councillor Kirk reported that the Tourist Information group had set up a new organisation under the chairmanship of Alan Parker. It was understood that HDC had made a grant towards running costs. It was pointed out that the stock did not belong to the Parish Council.
The Parish Council expressed its gratitude to those residents who cleared up litter and dog-dirt left by other people. It was recognised that there were several who did so and their actions were much appreciated.