Council Meeting – 20 March 2024
Minutes of the meeting of Great Longstone Parish Council
held at 7pm on Wednesday 20th March 2024,
in Great Longstone Village Hall
Present = Cllr Long (Chair), Cllr Barrett, Cllr Rigby, Cllr Briggs, Cllr J Cox, Cllr Headington (Acting Clerk)
From Item 20/24 = Cllr Douglass
In attendance = County Cllr Sutton (Until end of item 21/24)
17/24 Apologies for absence from members.
Apologies from District Cllr Bothroyd
18/24 Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest relating to items on the agenda.
Cllr J Cox:
- 27.1.1 Playground equipment – Chain and fitting of new swings
- 27.1.2, 27.2.2, 27.8 & 28.2 – Painting/Staining of benches and equipment
- 28.1 Village Green – Moles30.2 Village Hall – Roof
- 31.2 Churchyard – Ivy spraying
19/24 To approve minutes of the meeting held on 24h January 2024.
Proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Cox. Approved.
20/24 Co-option of new Councillor
20.1 Proposal: To approve application for co-option to the Parish Council from Andrew Douglass
Proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Briggs. Approved.
20.2 Accept declaration of interests: This was received and the clerk was instructed to submit Cllr Douglass’ Declaration of Pecuniary Interests to DDDC and to post a copy onto the parish council’s website.
21/24 Report from County Councillor: To receive County Councillor’s report (if available) and questions to County Councillor arising from report.
Cllr Sutton explained that the County Council was working though a large backlog of flooding issues and repairs to potholes. He emphasised the importance of noting reference numbers when issues were logged, as this makes it easier to follow-up on them at a later date. (See 32.1 & 32.2 below)
Cllr Sutton hopes to be able to look favourable, in the new financial year, at the Parish Council’s earlier request for support with the cost of new bunting for the village. (See 33.1 below)
22/24 Standing Orders were suspended to allow for public comments
Two members of the community spoke about plans to start youth cricket and proposed work, with the support of the Chair of Buxton Cricket Club, to try to bring adult cricket back to the village.
One member of the community spoke about issues related to using public footpaths and thoughts behind letters written to local farmers by Little Longstone Parish Meeting.
23/24 Standing Orders Resumed
24/24 Report from District Councillor: Apologies sent. No report.
25/24 Report from Police Community Liaison Officer (PCLO): No recent reports.
26/24 Village/Neighbourhood plan:
Proposal: That the Parish Council support the development of a village or neighbourhood plan, ideally working in co-ordination with nearby Parish Meetings and PDNPA. GLPC to act as lead and formal sponsor.
Proposed Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Briggs. Approved
27/24 Recreation ground.
27.1 Playground
27.1.1 Proposals: To replace the two baby swings and chains by either:
a) Accepting quote from supplier to supply and fit two new baby swings & chains
or b) Accept quote from supplier to supply the baby seats and to engage a local contractor to supply the chains and to fit the new seats.
After some discussion it was agreed that if it is possible to save at least £100, on the price quoted in (a) above, that the clerk be instructed to look into at buying replacement seats, that meet the appropriate standards, direct from an online supplier, and then arrange for a local contractor to supply the chains and fit the new seats. If this saving can not be made the clerk is to go ahead and accept the supplier quote in (a) above.
Proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Douglass. Approved.
27.1.2 Proposal: Review quote for painting of playground equipment, including:
- Boat – climbing wall, green sections on north (pavilion/tea hut) side, bow of boat and all colours on bow side facing east towards Platform housing bungalows.
- Jumbo lander tower – climbing wall (not handrails).
Requests were sent to three local contractors. Only one quote was submitted, which was considered acceptable. (Quote also relates to items See also 27.2.2, 11.9 and 12.2.
Proposed Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Barrett. Approved
27.1.3 For information: The annual inspection of equipment on the recreation ground, by the trading arm of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, is due to take place during May.
27.2 Equipment for years 11+ and Tennis Court / MUGA
27.2.1 Cllr Long offered to wash down the adult exercise equipment before the annual inspection is due in May.
27.2.2 Accept quote for staining of wooden storage unit by tennis courts (see 27.1.2 above)
Proposed Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Barrett. Approved
27.2.3 Report from Cllr Cox on work needed on holes for Netball poles.
Cllr Cox reported that the holes just need plastic caps, similar to the ones used to cover the goalpost holes. He was happy to buy and fit these and that the parts would cost around £10. It was proposed that Cllr Cox go ahead and buy these, up to a maximum refundable cost of £20. All agreed in favour
27.3 Noticeboard Report from Cllr Barrett on options for repair of noticeboard.
Cllr Barrett reported that one door was probably beyond economic repair and the other door looks like it is damaged. The notice board and doors are made from oak, and the glass is toughened plastic.
It was thought that the noticeboard had been made by a local supplier, some 10+ years ago, though no one could remember who. The clerk was instructed to investigate the cost of replacement doors and how this compared with replacing the whole noticeboard.
27.4 Cricket and Football.
27.4.1 Football: The Council received a detailed report a Parishioner who is the Under 12’s Team Coach, discussing the activities of Baslow and Longstone Junior Football Club (BLJFC) and their use of the recreation ground. It was noted that use of the recreation ground has increased in recent years and, with the possible introduction of a new league, specifically for girls’ teams, is likely to increase further. BLJFC are looking forward to working with the new sports association and co-ordinating efforts to increase access to sporting activities for young people.
27.4.2 Cricket: A verbal report, from a villager in the public section of the meeting, discussed plans to set up a junior cricket training programme, for local children, and the possibility of a new adult team playing a couple of ad hoc matches over the summer.
27.5 Proposed New Sports and Recreation Association. Update and report on progress.
27.5.1 Update on: Registering proposed new sports and recreation association, as a charity.
Following a community meeting, held in October 2023, to discuss the future of the Cricket Club buildings on the recreation ground, this provided the stimulus to work towards the creation of a new Sports and Recreation Association for Longstone and the surrounding settlements.
A steering group has been meeting regularly and have agreed to move ahead with preparing to register the proposed new organisation as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Draft “Objects” have been agreed and the plan is to put these to a public meeting, in the Village Hall, on the evening of Wednesday 24th April. If approved at this meeting an application will be submitted to the Registrar of Charities. From this point it is expected to take around 45 working days to complete the registration process.
27.5.2 Transferring ownership of Tea Hut and Pavilion from Cricket Club to another village organisation.
At the meeting held in October 2023, the buildings were offered to the community, with the intention that this would be the best way of ensuring that they remained available to support the playing of Cricket and other sports and activities on the recreation ground.
The Parish Council expressed their willingness to hold the ownership of the buildings, on behalf of the community, on the basis that they would then be leased to the new sports association.
27.5.3 Granting of a Lease for either the land or the land and buildings: As a public authority the Parish Council is bound by various pieces of legislation, including the Local Government Act of 1972. Section 127(1) of this act details the procedures that the Parish Council will have to follow to arrange a lease of publicly owned land or buildings. The Council and fledgling sports association will work together on drafting a legally compliant document that can be finalised once agreement has been reached over the ownership of the buildings and when the Charity Registration has been completed.
27.5.4 Granting the proposed new sports and recreation association a licence for the use of the Recreation Ground, once it has been registered as charity: It was acknowledged that the Parish Council will need to grant the new sports association, once registered as a charity, with a Licence that covers rights and responsibilities. It was acknowledged that this licence needs to take into account the needs of both the Parish Council and the new sports association, whilst also taking into account the needs of casual users of the recreation ground, the school and occupants of neighbouring properties.
27.6 Tea Hut and Pavilion.
27.6.1 To Note: Cricket Club have paid for the buildings insurance for year commencing 8th March 2024
27.6.2 To Note: Little Longstone Parish meeting have donated £850 towards urgent maintenance and money from Tennis Club (£172.12) is also available for work on these buildings.
27.6.3 Proposal: To authorise spending on following items. It was agreed that the Clerk was to discuss the following projects with Cllrs Barrett, Cox and Douglass, along with representatives of the embryonic sports association and the Cricket Club to get this work done, at best possible value, and within the total budget in 26.6.2 above as soon as possible to ensure that the buildings are as safe and secure as possible for the coming summer:
27.6.3.1 Electrical Testing of building wiring
27.6.3.2 PAT Testing of electrical appliances
27.6.3.3 Replacement of glass/doors to use safety glass
27.6.3.4 Repair to leaks in the roof.
Proposed by Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Briggs. Agreed with all in favour
27.7 Managing bookings for use of the Recreation ground
27.7.1 To note existing bookings
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- 27th June & 16th July – School Sports Day / back-up day
- 6th September – Fell Race
- New Requests for discussion / approval
- From JH Fitness to run activities on 2nd & 5th April – Approved
- Request from Buxton Cricket Club to use the recreation ground for matches Sunday 16th June and Sunday 14th Approved with condition that best possible efforts are made to find off-road parking for the visiting teams.
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27.8 Painting of benches list 2024. Accept quote for staining back slats only on bench in front of cricket pavilion. Approved (see 27.1.2 above)
27.9 Removal of Rowan tree to East of Tennis Court. It was noted that the tree contractor has obtained the appropriate permissions for the removal of this tree, the base of which is diseased.
27.10 Contractors
27.10.1 To note: Request for the “Cricket Square” to be left by the contractor and for as the sports association have offered to take on responsibility for mowing that area.
27.10.2 To note: That maintenance contract for grass cutting will need retendering towards the end of 2024.
28/24 Village Greens
28.1 To report: On moles on West Green and action taken. Three moles were caught.
28.2 To accept: Quote for staining of Croft Rd “Long” Bench and Feemouth Yard bench
Approved (see 27.1.2 above)
28.3 To note: That grass cutting contract will be due for retendering at the end of 2024.
29/24 Allotments.
29.1 To note: Plot number 9 has been released and re-allocated.
29.2 To note: GLPC has 15 allotments and currently have 5 people on the waiting list.
29.3 It was noted that GLPC does not currently have a set of rules for the management/allocation of plots. It was agreed that, particularly given the amount of legislation and guidance in this area, that the Parish Council should look at developing an appropriate document in the coming months.
29.4 To note: That GLPC currently has £1,133.51 available in restricted funds for the water supply project.
Proposal: Water Supply Project – to authorise spending on materials, labour and equipment hire to allow work to be completed as soon as possible.
Cllr Barrett updated the council on the current situation and explained that we have quotes from Markovitz and “Pump Supplies” for the materials. It was also agreed that a small skip would probably be needed for the waste that is dug out.
Cllr Barrett to discuss the final details with the designer and then to arrange with the clerk for the purchase of the equipment needed. Project spending not to exceed the total amount available (£1,133.51).
Proposed by Cllr Barrett, seconded by Cllr Long. Approved.
30/24 Village Hall
30.1 To note: A copy of the minutes of the Village Hall Committee AGM, that took place on 13th March 2024, and a copy of the accounts for 2023, were received
Proposal: To accept a quote from TW Cox Contractors to repair the leaking gutter and replace missing roof times at back of the Village Hall.
Proposed by Cllr Rigby, Seconded by Cllr Douglass. Approved
31/24 Closed Churchyard
31.1 To note: Update on the biodiversity project and proposed changes to grass cutting requirements for 2024. The plan, if the contractor agrees, is to cut the grass in front of the church, fortnightly, instead of weekly. Area behind the church to be left uncut from early May until early August. It will then be strimmed and cleared, thus replicating the life cycle of a hay meadow. It is hoped that this will allow wildflowers to grow and self-seed.
31.2 Proposal: To accept quote for ground Ivy to be sprayed for a second time.
Proposed by Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Briggs. Approved.
31.3 To note: That grass cutting / maintenance contract will be due for retendering at the end of 2024
32/24 Footpaths and highways
32.1 Drainage/flooding issues
32.1.1 Update on flooding issues on “new road”, between junction with Longreave Lane and The Willows:
Passed to a Senior Technician at DCC for review. Budget for 2023/24 already fully committed so will be on list for review again in new financial year. A discussion took place around foul drainage water pushing up the manhole cover during periods of heavy rain and if this should be reported, as an accidental discharge sewage, by Severn Trent, every time it happens.
32.1.2 Update on flooding at bottom of Church Lane: It has been reported by a resident that DCC staff came out 2 days in a row and removed a substantial blockage. We need to wait for another heavy rainfall to see if this has now been fully cleared.
32.2 Potholes – It was reported that DCC are working to clear the backlog of potholes.
32.3 Temporary Road Closure: To note application received by DCC for temporary closure of the section of Moor Road from Main Street to Longstone Moor Farm from 6:30pm to 10pm on 26th June for a cycling event.
32.4 Cows and Footpaths: Cattle and public access in England and Wales Advice for farmers, landowners and other livestock keepers. Awareness of the Health and Safety Executive Agriculture Information Sheet No 17EW(rev2)
There was a long discussion about the responsibilities of both walkers, with and without dogs, and landowners and farmers. It was agreed that it would help if all parties could be reminded of actions that they should (and should not) be taking. It was agreed that thought needs to be given to the wording of possible letters, accompanied by articles in “Under the Edge”.
33/24 Section 137 Projects
33.1 Replacement bunting: Waiting for the new financial year and possible funding.
33.2 Defibrillators:
33.2.1 To note that overhead light is not working in the telephone kiosk. Electrician has checked and found that the light is a 5w LED that stays on 24 hours a day. The bulb cannot be replaced so it was agreed to request that the electrician instal a new unit at a cost of £125.
33.2.2 To note that a replacement battery, for the defib in the kiosk, has been ordered as it is at the end of its 4-year life. The cost of this is covered though the Parish Council’s annual maintenance contract.
34/24 Planning Applications
34.1 Recent – for information
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- NP/DDD/1223/1446 – Change of use of land to siting of 5 pitches (for motorhomes or caravans for leisure) – No comment from GLPC – Decision from PDNP due 23 February. No decision yet.
- NP/TCA/1223/1474 – 1 rowan tree to fell – decay at base of tree – on behalf of GL Parish Council –GLPC Not routinely notified of Tree Conservation Orders. Approved by PDNP.
- NP/GDO/0322/0431 – GDO Notification – New building for mixed agricultural use – Middle Hay – GLPC not notified. Appeal to Secretary of State, following refusal.
- NP/DDD/0124/0114 – S.73 application for removal or variation of a condition – Barley Croft – No comment from GLPC. Decision due 26 March.
- NP/DDD/0224/0174 – Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use – Erection of garden room – 2 Glebelands – No comment required from GLPC. Decision due 10th April.
34.2 New – for consideration in meeting
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- No new applications
35/24 Council Administration.
35.1 Change of Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer. Cllr Headington is taking on the role of Acting Clerk, on a temporary basis.
35.2 Ongoing Land Registration project
35.2.1 Fields, track and quarries. Papers are with the solicitor. The solicitor has requested that we arrange a site visit to verify the plots of land that are in question, as some records to not appear to agree. Clerk to arrange.
35.2.2 Recreation Ground: Correcting incorrect ownership details. The solicitor is aware and will update once we have sorted out a permanent address for the Parish Council.
35.2.3 Updating Parish Council address on all Land Registrations. It was agreed to ask the Village Hall committee if the Parish Council can fix a letter box to the outside of the building, to use as a permanent address for the council.
35.3 Vacancies for Parish Councillors: Following the co-option of the Cllr Douglass the council now has one vacancy.
35.4 Update to Standing Orders. Proposal: To adopt a new Clause 31 “Consideration of Planning Applications Received Between Meetings of The Council” and to renumber existing clause 31 and all subsequent clauses.
Proposed by Cllr Long, Seconded by Cllr Headington. Agreed
35.5 Asset Register. Needs updating – action Clerk
36/24 Financial Matters
36.1 Bank reconciliations – 2 months to 29 February 2024.
INCOME
Bank int £30.72
Rents £370.44
Donations £193.51
Holme Meal £23.72
INCOME = £618.39
EXPENDITURE = £1,561.63
Balance of A/Cs:
RBS current a/c £1,000.00
RBS deposit a/c £12,503.43
Unity a/c £5,108.05
Credit Cards -£17.99
BAL AVAILABLE = £18,593.49
36.1 Bi-monthly finance report
To review bi-monthly financial report. No comments
36.2 To accept and approve payments since last meeting.
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- TW Cox Village Green £60.00 (plus VAT)
- S Stokes Salary for Feb 2024 £378.90
- S Stokes Expenses for Feb 2024 £10.14
- D Longden Playground repairs-part pay £500.00
- Unity Bank Charge for Credit Cards £9
- Payroo Payroll software fees x 2 £10 + VAT
- Kualo Domain renewals £27.98 + VAT
- Amazon Zip Drive for files £4.99 + VAT
36.3 To accept and approve new payments:
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- DALC Membership fee for 2024/25 £285.08
- DALC Course fee £50
- J Cox Pest Control Moles on West Green £60
36.4 VAT Refund: To note that a VAT refund of £131.24 was received on 22nd Feb 2024
37/24 Correspondence
1st Feb – PDNP – Notification about planning application NP/DDD/0124/0114
5th Feb –PDNPA about tree wrappings
5th Feb (and other dates) – correspondence from resident about closure of NatWest branch in Bakewell
9th Feb – January Police and Crime Commissioner Newsletter
15th Feb (and others) – communications with parishioners about change of tenant for allotment
19th Feb – DDCVS – introductory email from new Children and Young People Development Worker
21st Feb (and other dates) – Local Resident, messages about flooding Main St/Church Lane junction
21st Feb – Peak Parishes Forum, proposal for training on Planning in the Peak Park
22nd Feb – DALC – Cyber Crime training
26th Feb (and many others) – RBS – Support with change of banking mandate
26th Feb –Report from Police Community Support Officer
26th Feb – Local resident – email through website about recovery of a lost purse
26th Feb – PDNP – Notification about planning application NP/DDD/0224/0174
26th Feb – PDNP – Parishes bulletin
27th Feb – DCC – Notification about the Parish & Town Council Liaison Forum on 16th April 2024
28th Feb –Loveday Solicitors. Acknowledging contact about land registrations
2nd March – Resident re Village Hall leaky gutters and skipped tiles (several emails) and associated correspondence with Village Hall Secretary.
5th March – Community News from DCC (includes update on potholes)
5th March – JH Sports re booking recreation ground in Easter holidays
5th March – DCC – notification of road closure (Moor Road) for cycling event on 26th June
6th March – Briefing Note from DALC re: consultation on Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
6th March – DCC Highways hub about report of flooding on New Road.
6th March – Joining Instructions for DALC Councillor Essentials Course for A Douglass
11th March – Details Little Longstone Clerk of information being sent to local landowners about safety of walkers on footpaths through fields that contain cattle.
12th March – DDDC – Details about grant funding available for free energy efficiency upgrades for eligible households.
12th March – DDC – Bus Service Improvement Plan, Newsletter No 3
13th March – Notification from Play Safety Team of planned inspection for May 2024
13th March – Email from new owner of “The Old Infant School” with details of his intentions for the building.
14th March – Email from local resident about cricket matches
37/24 Items of Late Correspondence
18th March – Community news from DCC
18th March – DALC, reminder about DALC Forum on 20th March
18th March – Email from resident about ownership status of Sunny Bank
18th March – Copy of Village Hall Accounts and minutes of AGM
18th March – PKF Littlejohn LLP – Instructions for external audit
19th March – Email about burial of ashes. Passed to PCC
19th March – Rural Network bulletin
19th March – Update from Loveday Solicitors on land registrations
20th March – PDNPA Celebrating Volunteers – Press release.
20th March – Email from PCC about Ivy spraying
20th March – Certificate of attendance for Cllr Douglass for Councillor Essentials Course
20th March – Delivery by UPS of replacement battery for Telephone Kiosk Defibrillator
38/24 Date of next meetings
15th May 2024 (Annual Parish Meeting followed by the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council),
10th July 2024 (Parish Council Meeting),
11th September 2024 (Parish Council Meeting).
The Chair closed the meeting at 9.20pm
Simon Headington
Acting Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council
parishcouncil@greatlongstone.org
