Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 15th January 2008 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs J Imeson, Chairman, Mrs F Greenwell, J Fletcher, N Waters, D Conroy, G Readman and R Kirk. Mr H Atkinson, Mr P Suggitt, and eleven members of the public also attended.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and wished them a Happy New Year. She invited the members of the public to state their cases.
Mr Bates spoke on behalf of the Quaker Meeting on the subject of the trees in the burial ground. He said that they thought it would be courteous to explain the reasoning behind the decision to apply for planning permission to carry out works to the trees. They were in favour of conservation but also had to consider public safety, and there were very serious concerns about two of the large trees. It would be very costly to preserve them. Mr Bates was thanked for his explanation.
Mr I Vallely and other members of the public had attended to express their concerns about the rowdy and intimidating behaviour of the gangs of youths congregating in the vicinity of James Court and Linden Avenue. Windows had been broken, rubbish thrown into gardens and graffiti painted on walls and fences. It was recognised that all the procedures had to be gone through before the footpath between The Hawthorns and Linden Grove could be closed off. The police, Broadacres and the Parish Council were all in favour of closure and efforts would be made to expedite the matter. The police and Broadacres had names of problem families who would be visited and threatened with eviction and/or ASBOs. A further letter would be sent to Inspector Richardson informing him in the strongest terms of the concerns of the residents, with which the Parish Council heartily concurred. The Council’s support for the closure of the footpath, and for a dispersal order, would be reiterated.
Councillor Readman asked why the dispersal order could not cover the whole village. He was advised by Councillor Mrs Greenwell that it would be too large an area to police. It could be enlarged at a later date but the focus was initially on the problem area.
A resident asked if the CCTV camera at James Court was working and suggested that the police should look at it. The Parish Council thought a CCTV camera should be installed at the Chapel steps. Councillor Waters observed that the crime statistics had significantly increased.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 4th December 2007 were approved and signed.
Police Business
See above
The statistics for December 2007 showed that there had been a total of 20 crimes which included 1 violent assault, 8 autocrimes and 3 burglaries. There had been one injury accident and 2 non-injury/animal accidents. Total incidents recorded were 94. Councillor Waters noted that the figures were significantly higher than for the same period last year.
Cemetery
Mr Atkinson reported that the work on the drains seemed to have been effective. They may need flushing out again in a year or two. The grave shoring should be ready shortly.
Play area Youths had started another fire in the play area near to the wooden play equipment. The police would be asked to keep an eye on the area.
Allotments There had been an explosion in the rat population. Mr Atkinson was authorised to purchase as much rat poison as was necessary to deal with the problem.
River
Mr Suggitt had cleared rubbish from the river. Councillor Readman had spoken to Mr W Harbottle about the Angling Club which covered the lake as well as the river. A letter would be sent to Mr Robinson, who had made enquiries about river fishing some time ago, advising him to contact the secretary of the club, Mr G Stephenson. Northumbrian Water would inspect the problem manhole which had been reported at the previous meeting.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall – Minute continued
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction - Minute continued; railings Waterfall Terrace etc - Minute continued; footpaths - Easby Lane to Hollygarth – hedges cut, minuted concluded; rear of Cliffe Terrace – Minute continued. Planning matters - tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane - Minute continued
Memorial tree at Riverside - Minute continued
Frankfield Place – It was reported that Frankfield Place was well lit.
Christmas – The Christmas events had been very successful and both had raised more money than ever – the carol singing raised £536.66 for the Chairman’s chosen charity Research into Multiple Sclerosis, and the float £424.44. Disappointment was expressed that the police escort requested for the float had not materialised but fortunately it had not been needed on the night. Minute concluded
Hedge at Pease Cottages – It was agreed that the landlord be politely asked to cut the hedge back further as the footpath was very narrow there. Minute continued
Road closure Newton Road – Highways had responded that the road would be closed for short periods to undertake repairs before surfacing-dressing. The Parish Council would be advised of exact dates when they were known. It was suggested that residents of Linden Crescent could enquire as to the availability of any road planings to repair their potholes
Accounts
Sam Turner & Sons Ltd (mower service) 851.95 M L Holden (reimburse sweets for float 70.38, Xmas cards 11.25) 81.63 Farmway Ltd (items for cemetery, rat poison) 102.56 HCS Drain Services Ltd (clearing cemetery drains) 3482.68 The Snilesworth Trust (Christmas tree) 117.50 Hambleton District Council (salaries Oct, Nov, Dec 2007) 7512.83 Northumbrian Water (cemetery £6.51, allotments £51.77)(direct debit) 58.28 The Royal Oak (drinks for bandsmen, carol service) 41.73 Richard Collins (grave digging) 340.00 P H Greenwell (ex gratia payment for Christmas expenses) 200.00 P H Greenwell (light bulbs for Christmas display) 305.83 Research into Multiple Sclerosis (carol service collection) 536.66 M A Fletcher (reimburse flower baskets) 9.52 Think Interiors Ltd (paint) 27.22 R D Alderson (hedge cutting) 146.87 Receipts M Hopper (for loan of Father Xmas suit) 5.00 M Thompson (grave reservation) 60.00 Carol singing collection 536.66 Float collection 424.44 D Bailey (garage rent Jan) 10.00 Cemetery receipts 2955.00
Correspondence
HDC – Hambleton Local Development Framework; Draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document
HDC – Council Tax for Parishes – Revenue Estimates 2008/9. After consultation with each Parish Councillor it had been agreed to precept for £30,000
Mrs J Hodgson – request for memorial seat for parents Alan and Hilda Barugh. Approved. There was an empty plinth in Waterfall Park
North Yorkshire Youth – details of new project; request for information on youth groups
HDC – Street naming and numbering – new development at Hollygarth Close – the Parish Council would say that it would prefer the Hollygarth name to be continued and suggested Hollygarth Grove; new properties – 11 – 13 Bridge Street
Mr A Eardley (by phone) – Yatton House hedge; trod adjacent to Yatton House – HDC would be asked to ensure that the footpath was cleaned
The Community Care Association – re sponsorship of The Stream; Parish Council representative on CCA Committee – Councillor Readman was nominated to be Parish Council representative
Mike Morgan, Evening Gazette – re rowdy youths and vandalism. A press release would be provided
The following items of information were received:-
NYMNPA – Local Access Forum – Annual Report
HDC – advance information re Stakeholder Consultation on Car Park Charging
HDC – Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, Regulation 10: Request for Scoping Opinion. Proposed Seamer Wind Farm, Land between Hilton and Seamer
Hambleton Over Fifties Forum – newsletter and registration leaflet
CE Electric UK – Preparing for Mother Nature – information leaflets and posters
CPRE – Fieldwork newsletter
YRCC – Parish Government Conference – 7th to 9th March 2008, Scarborough
RAF – offer to organise a presentation re military activity, particularly low flying activities
NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda 13.12.07; agenda for meeting 17.12.07; Northern Area Parish Forum 19.2.08 – request for agenda items
Middlesbrough Council – Local Development Framework Submission Core Strategy DPD – Proposed Changes
NYCC – Pension Fund – Pensions Focus Newsletter; Annual Report; Details of outcome of consultation on Rule of 85; NYPF Governance arrangements; 2007 Triennial Valuation Consultation; Grouped Scheduled Bodies Contribution Rate; Ill health third tier consultation; Contribution banding from 1.4.08
Nuclear Public Engagement – Government decision on future of nuclear power in the UK
North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board – newsletter
NYMNPA – North York Moors LDF – Core Strategy and Development Policies Submission version
Planning applications
Proposed felling of a weeping beech tree – Friends meeting house – The Parish Council would not object if there was no way the tree could be saved, subject to HDC obtaining a report. It would like to see the tree replaced
Erection of a wooden shelter and a timber trail at Marwood CE Infant School. Councillor Mrs Greenwell declared an interest. No representations
First floor extension to existing dwelling – 81 Roseberry Crescent. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – Airdbreck, Station Road. The Parish Council would say that the extension would be over-development of the site. It would overshadow the bungalow next door
Proposed works to cherry and fir trees – Ayton House, Easby Lane. No representations
Two storey extension to existing dwelling – 7 Roseberry Drive. No representations
*Proposed felling of several trees - Great Ayton Tennis Club, Mill Terrace
*Amendments to above
Siting of log cabin to be used as an office/reception – Whinstone View Camp Site. Councillor Mrs Greenwell declared an interest. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 4 Linden Road. No representations
* Date for comment passed
Plans approved
Proposed attic conversion with internal alterations, porch and garden room, including raising main roof – 2 Byemoor Avenue
Revised application for first floor extension to existing dwelling as amended – 105 Wheatlands
Siting of log cabin at existing caravan park – Whinstone View Camp Site
Installation of awning – Great Ayton Working Men’s Club
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 27 Roseberry Road
Pitched roof over existing flat roof garage – 38 Roseberry Crescent
Alterations and extension to existing Health Centre – Rosehill
Plans withdrawn
Alterations to existing detached domestic garage – Stanley House, Yarm Lane
Alterations and first floor extension to existing dwelling – 5 Roseberry Road
Invitation to attend Development Control Committee meeting Thursday 13th December – proposed felling of Beech tree and works to an ash tree – Friends Meeting House
Fete
The theme for the fancy dress would be “The Queen’s Birthday Celebrations”. Judges would be chosen at the next meeting.
Councillors’ reports
Councillor Fletcher reported that the Little Ayton finger post in Park Square had been torn off. Highways would replace it.
Councillor Mrs Greenwell said that she and Councillor Mrs Imeson were of the opinion that the village hall should be given over for the exclusive use of the youth of the village, with money being spent only to make it sound and usable. Grants may be more readily available for a youth project. The young people could be involved in the refurbishment which would give them purpose and a sense of ownership. Other current hall users, including the Parish Council, would have to find another venue. Councillors recognised that there would be many obstacles but agreed to put out feelers and talk to youth workers.
Councillor Readman had received a number of phone calls complaining about the recycling scheme. HDC had admitted that they had got it wrong. The rounds had been revised and the service should be better.
He asked for assurance that planning work was being undertaken on Tree Bridge junction. Councillor Fletcher would check.
Councillor Conroy said that the open recycling boxes caused a litter problem when it was windy. He had received a report that a garage had been built without planning permission. Councillor Fletcher was aware of it and said that planning permission was not required in this instance.
Councillor Waters said that the footpath surface at the top of the Chapel steps was very poor. Highways would be notified.
Date for January meeting
The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 29th January 2008