Council Meeting – 24th January 2024

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
held on WEDNESDAY 24TH JANUARY 2024
in GREAT LONGSTONE VILLAGE HALL

Present: Cllr Wendy Long (Chair), Cllr Simon Headington (Vice Chair), Cllr Phil Barrett, Cllr James Cox, Dan Cox (ref: planning application), Andy Douglas (applied to be a Parish Cllr), County Cllr Sutton and Sarah Stokes (Parish Clerk).

The Chair opened the meeting at 7pm.

Public comments. 

Farmer, Dan Cox spoke regarding the planning application for Church Lane Farm, for 5 caravans on the site on Church Lane. The farm needing to diversify. The farm is currently on a knife edge with finances. There have been a large number of positive online responses to the plans, with 1 negative. Stressed there are not many farms left. The Farmer having to work elsewhere to supplement the income. Farmers looking to diversify. There is now TB on local farms.

The PC thanked the farmer for coming to the meeting to share the reasons for the application.

County Cllr Sutton. Reported: Pot hole issues in social media, Cllr reports pot holes when travels through the village; complaints received on the triangle areas (beyond bridge) and parking issues – Chair reported that the Thornbridge car park had helped parking issues; reports also of the parking issues at Hassop roundabout, being monitored as not sure if particularly bad due to the recent birdwatchers; traveller site (Monsal Head on list), been withdrawn at present awaiting new CEO of Peak Park’s input; Bakewell  Cllr Mark Wakeman has resigned, there will be a bi election in Bakewell.

Cllr Sutton to do a site meeting to look at drains, Clerk to arrange. Noted that Cllr Sutton has asked that DCC go back to the twice-yearly drain emptying.

Cllr Sutton and local Farmer Dan Cox left the meeting at 7.15pm.

01/24 Apologies for absence from members.

Apologies were received from Cllr Caroline Briggs and Cllr Jane Rigby.

02/24 Declarations of interest.

Cllr Headington declared an interest in the Church Lane Farm planning application, as he lives next door.

03/24 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th November 2023.

The minutes were proposed by Cllr Long and seconded by Cllr Headington.

04/24 Proposal to consider developing a Village/ Neighbourhood plan:

a. To authorise the preparation of a formal proposal, to be presented to the Parish Council for consideration at the meeting in March 2024, relating to developing of a village/neighbourhood plan.

b. To instruct the Clerk to write to the Little Longstone, Rowland and Hassop Parish Meetings to ask if they would be interested in being involved in the preparation of a village/neighbourhood plan with Great Longstone and possibly the other surrounding hamlets.

Cllr Headington had circulated a document outlining key points of a village/ neighbourhood plan. Highlighted that there are different levels of plan; PC does not have to lead on this matter; to encourage local hamlets to be part of the consultation, as they use the facilities in GL, including the village hall and rec; look into the feasibility of doing a more formal proposal – aim for the May Annual Parish Meeting.

The meeting was closed at 7.22pm.

The meeting was re-opened at 7.27pm

The above proposals were proposed by Cllr Headington to work with Andy Douglas (knowledge of village/neighbourhood plans), on a plan and the Clerk to write to Little Longstone, Rowland and Hassop parishes, seconded by Cllr Long.

05/24 Recreation ground.

5.1 Playground. Update on work on boat – joiner has few more jobs to finish.  Power washing – Clerk to ask Dan Cox if can still help. PC inspection report – 19/12/23 Toddler swing seat looked perished; 22/01/24 toddler (same as in Dec). Clerk already gaining a quote for the toddler swing seats from local playground installer/ Clerk to look at buying the seats and chains separately/ gain a quote for local builder to install.  Chair had sourced a quote for a new metal framed toddler double swing @ £2.5 k. Cllr Long to re install the toddler springer eyes in finer weather.

To note new play equipment project to be looked at 2024/2025 (one piece at a time).

5.2 Equipment for years 11+. Noted that the tennis club has folded (funds left donated for the recreation of £172.12). PC to transfer funds to the Sports Association when bank a/c open. Clerk to look at wording on signage on court (which includes tennis club times) – new signage. Netball hole – Cllr Cox to look at work required/ suitable ‘lid’ for flap.

5.3 Noticeboard. Rec noticeboard door came off in high winds. Cllr Barrett to look if the door can be fixed back on, or if work required by joiner. Clerk to gain a price for a new sign on the rear of the noticeboard, as the email address requires updating for the parish email.

5.4 Cricket and Football. Deep spike machine update. Clerk to re contact D Cox.

5.5 Longstone Area Sports Association. Update and report on the 17th January 2024 village meeting.

5.5.1 Proposal: Nominate 2 people to represent the Parish Council on the steering Group/Management Committee of the new organisation.

5.5.2 Proposal: Agree to work on a formal agreement between GLPC and LASA with regards to the management of the use of the recreation ground on a day-to-day basis and the management and use of the former Cricket Club buildings.

Report of the meeting; a very positive meeting; residents who would like to be involved being contacted; another meeting 31 Jan 2024; sports association to manage the two buildings; look at long term fund raising/events; cricket club have paid for the insurance until June on the buildings; need £3k a year; noted C Club had a bar licence; a formal bank account is needed; a constitution is being looked at using a standard model, which could then be set up as a charity.

To set up a formal agreement with the GLPC to be annually reviewed. This would include standards for the buildings, who manages bookings/ tennis court booking system. The Parish Council own the land, there will have to be clear limits

Resolved to:

Cllr Long proposed Cllr Barrett to be a PC representative on the Longstone Area Sports Association, seconded by Cllr Cox.

Cllr Barrett proposed Cllr Long to be a PC representative on the Longstone Area Sports Association, seconded by Cllr Cox.

It was proposed by Cllr Headington to agree to work on a formal agreement, seconded by Cllr Long, with all in favour.

5.6 PC Annual Inspection (Sept 23) Clerk asked to look at suitable tree wraps for the two village green trees to avoid mower damage.  Work already requested on other areas of the PC inspection (Autumn 23).

5.7 Land registration rec. Noted to update following, new Clerk

5.8 Painting list 2024.  Clerk to gain quotes for the staining work as agreed by the Cllrs, along with a price for lengths of recycled plastic for the benches Infront of the terraces.

5.9 Mowing schedules for 2025 (3-year contract).  Cllrs to look at the schedules used in the last tender process, looking at areas to reduce costs, also to look at each schedule what goes on which schedule as two contractors currently work on the rec.

6/24 Village greens and village hall.

6.1 Allotments. Update on water project/ application for ordinary watercourse land drainage consent. DCC had confirmed that ‘land drainage consent will not be required for the work.’ Cllr Barrett to work with resident on moving the project forward. Clerk to check on timings to spend grant.

6.2 Xmas. Review and/plans for xmas 2024. Reported that the PC had a plan, the band then pulled out and then needed someone to lead to lead the carols; the church prepared carols and music, the carols then changed when asked local to lead the singing, a lot of changes with lots of people involved. The children liked Santa; the carols were shorter (had comments people liked this). The QR code went down well (even though behind the scenes changes on this due to max on QR code). Noted the local pubs prepared/involved in the event. Noted that numbers being part of the event increase every year (around 200 people this year). Also noted that the cones/ Marshalling etc all went to plan (risk assessment document to be reviewed for future).

Thanks went to Andy Gray.

In future not to use a band and to look at a large speaker and a compeer was noted.

Xmas to stay on the agenda, to plan for Xmas 24.

6.3 Village bunting. Length of bunting used last time noted. Clerk to request a sports and leisure grant from County Cllr Sutton towards the costs. To note old bunting disposed of.

6.4 Old infant school building. Sale not gone through as expected. Owners have now registered the land and re launched it for sale.

7/24 Closed churchyard and cemetery.

7.1 Bio diversity project. Noted seeds are being collected/ parishioners growing plants. Clerk to gain a quote for ivy spraying at the appropriate time.

8/24 Footpaths and roads.

8.1 Defibs. Clerk to separate out the ‘webnos’ reporting from Little Longstone. A Cllr to take on defib checking in GL.

8.2 Speeding/streetlights/grit bins. Grit bins filled.

8.3 Electric charging points. Noted Monsal Head electric charging points, Little Longstone PM working with DDDC on this.

8.4 Drain issues. Flooding issues between bridge and The Willows. Clerk to report this ongoing issue, as the issue has become worse over the years, with deep floods recently. Thankyou to Vic Holmes for his help on this.

To note work to the ramp at bridge on to the trail to be carried out over winter.

To note receipt of up-to-date insurance documents for mowing contractors.

9/24 Council Administration.

9.1 Land registration. (fields and track and builders’ yard). No update (Solicitor).

9.2 Community Facebook and website. No report.

9.3 Two vacancies for Parish Councillors. Three residents interested in being a Parish Cllr. Resident Andy Douglas attended today’s meeting. Andy to contact the Clerk if would like to join as a Cllr at the next meeting, Clerk to send a declaration and look into Dalc Cllr courses.

9.4 Code of conduct and Standing orders.

9.4.1 Its was proposed by Cllr Headington to adopt the DDDC (amended by PC) version of the code of conduct, seconded by Cllr Long.

9.4.2 It was proposed by Cllr Headington for the standing orders to be amended for approval at the March meeting, to include the provision for planning matters in between meeting.

9.5 Recruitment of new Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.  Chair reported that following advertising there had been one application, who requested a zoom interview, when the PC looked into an alternative date for a face-to-face interview, there was no reply. Noted the application was from Derby direction. The applicant covered a number of parishes. Noted that some Clerks do make the job full time by covering several parishes.

Clerk has suggested advertising via school. Clerk to arrange advertising via school and Peak Advertiser, another advert going in UTE/also advertised via the Dalc website.

Vice Chair Simon Headington had volunteered to take over as temporary Clerk, for a short period. It was proposed by Cllr Long for Cllr Simon Headington to take over, seconded by Cllr Barrett. To note the Clerk handed her notice in last summer, to leave during winter 23/24.

It was resolved for Sarah Stokes to retire from the post of Parish Clerk to Great Longstone on 16th February 2024.

To note minutes of meetings 2016 – 2021 now with Derbyshire records office, Matlock.

10/24 Financial Matters.

10.1 Bank reconciliation 30 November 2023.

INCOME
Bank int £14.80
Rents £56.24

EXP £3196.63

Unpresented None

Balance of A/cs:
RBS current a/c £1000.00
RBS deposit a/c £12,419.86
Unity a/c £3,613.06

10.2 Bank reconciliation 31 December 2023.

INCOME
Bank int £14.33
Reimbursables £3281.00
Donation £172.12

EXP £774.10

Unpresented None

Balance of A/c’s:

RBS current a/c £1000.00

RBS deposit a/c £12,448.99

Unity a/c £6292.08

10.3 Two monthly report. Cllr Headington went through the report. Chair thanked Cllr Headington.

10.4 To accept and approve payments since the last meeting.

• W Brindley Mowing £2,242.50
• Unity credit card Exp £9.00
• Peak Advertiser Clerks Adv £68.40
• Peak Advertiser Clerks Advert £68.40
• S Stokes Clerks Admin (Dec) £645.20
• S Stokes Clerks exp (Dec) £33.50
• Kualo Email £71.88 plus vat (Unity C card)
• Festive lights xmas light bulbs £66.50 plus vat (Unity C card)
• Amazon Stationary £9.99 plus vat (Unity C Card)
• Payroo pay £10.00 plus vat (Unity C Card) Two transactions

10.5 To accept and approve payments.

• S Stokes (Admin – Jan) £505.20
• S Stokes (exp – Jan) £16.20
• T W Cox. (debris work v greens) £72.00

The payments were proposed by Cllr Long and seconded by Cllr Barrett.

To note precept form sent in.

To note receipt of reimbursable expenditure.

To note VAT claim to go in before end of financial year.

To note internal audit booked in with Allen West and Foster – Bakewell.

To note invoices to be send for rent for Moor Rd builder’s yard, school, JFC and Fields Moor Rd.

Kashflow used for accounting.

11/24 Planning. Planning Applications

11.1 Thornhill House. NP/DDD/1123/1380. Increase in size of car park.    PC COMMENTS – No objections.

To note the Parish Council was disappointed to learn that the application was rejected and hope that they are able to make a successful application in the future.

11.1 Church Lane Farm, Church Lane. NP/DDD/1223/1446. Change of Use of land to siting of 5 pitches for motorhomes or caravans for leisure) seasonal permissions sought March – October. Altered access and hard standing – erection of electric pick-up points.

PC COMMENTS – No objections

12/24 Police report. PC Boswell had reported: 1 crime of harassment and 1 incident regarding a concern for a person.

13/24 Clerks report. Painting list for 2024; Contacted tenants regarding Moor Rd builders yard/adjacent issues; contacted the tree surgeon regarding the tree on the rec; asked Joiner – noticeboard work; With the cancellation of the band – adaptions/preparations  for xmas eve carols; contacted LEAP on bunting; changed electrodes in defibs; liaised with contractor /DCC on salt supplies; liaised with County Cllr on Main Street road closure; reported numerous drain issues; made changes  to the records retention document/Financial regulations and standing orders; disposal of documents in line with the records retention documents/Filing/preparations for a new Clerk; liaised with Dalc/DDDC on code of conduct model; advertised the Clerk job; sent precept form in; requested insurance documents from B Cardona;  took minutes in to records office – Matlock.

14/24 Correspondence.

• 16/11/23 Resident. Cllr vacancy.
• 16/11/23 St Giles. Xmas eve carols. Numerous emails.
• 16/11/23 DDDC. Road closure Main Street. Numerous emails.
• 20/11/23 DDDC. Code of conduct model.
• 20/11/23 Dalc. Code of conduct model.
• 20/11/23 Sarah Dines MP. Kings Portrait.
• 20/11/23 Resident. Blocked drain – thank you.
• 22/11/23 Dalc. Internal auditor via Dalc.
• 22/11/23 JFC. Sport Association.
• 22/11/23 Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner. Consulting on proposals for the policing of the Council Tax precept for 2024 -25.
• 27/11/23 Derbyshire Swift conservation project. Requesting funding from PC.
• 28/11/23 RBS. General circular.
• 28/11/23 Kualo. Tech support.
• 28/11/23 Cllr Sutton. Grit piles.
• 28/11/23 Cllr Sutton. Nat West closure petition.
• 28/11/23 Longstone CE school. Change on website.
• 29/11/23 LEAP. Bunting.
• 29/11/23 Peak Park Parishes Forum.  Newsletter.
• 29/11/23 RBS. General circular.
• 29/11/23 Dalc. Newsletter.
• 29/11/23 DD CVS. Better Derbyshire Dales fund evaluation. Clerk replied.
• 01/12/23 DCC. Application for Ordinary watercourse Land Drainage consent.
• 06/12/23 Cllr Sutton. Planning application Thornhill House. Clerk replied.
• 06/12/23 Derbyshire records office. Take minutes in.
• 07/12/23 Dalc. Advert for Parish Clerk.
• 11/12/23 Sarah Dines MP. Kings Portrait.
• 14/12/23 PDNPA. PDNPA confirms removal of unauthorised works at Cressbrook Dale.
• 15/12/23 Tennis Club. Letter with funds, stating club wound up.
• 15/12/23 PCSO Boswell. PC dates for 2024. Clerk replied.
• 15/12/23 Glorious gravel glorious gravel event 25th February 2023.
• 18/12/23 Allen West and Foster. Internal audit booked.
• 21/12/23 Resident. Planning application Thornhill house. Clerk replied.
• 22/12/23 PDNPA. Planning application Thornhill House. Clerk replied.
• 22/12/23 DDDC. Precept form.
• 02/01/23 Resident. Church Lane junction water issue.
• 02/01/23 JH Fitness. Donation for using rec.
• 03/01/23 DCC. Close Main Street. STW pipe repair 19 – 22 February 2024.
• 04/01/24 Dalc. January newsletter.
• 04/01/24 Cllr Sutton. Drainage map of village.
• 04/01/24 J Fawcett. Xmas tree lights
• 08/1/24 Clerks and Council’s direct. January 2024.
• 07/01/24 Dalc. January newsletter. Clerk highlighted that Nalc are looking at Councils funding and churches.
• 10/01/24 PCSO Boswell. Police report.
• 11/01/24 Resident. Recreation ground.
• 12/01/24 DDDC. Receipt of precept form.
• 16/01/24 Local resident. Help with website.
• 17/01/24 Resident. Sports Association.

15/24. Items of late correspondence.

• 19/01/24 Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner – poster.
• 20/01/24 Charity Commission. Holmemeal Charity annual return for 31/03/23. Thank you to Trustee Cllr Headington.
• 22/01/23 W Brindley. Dates for using the rec 2024.

16/24 Date of next meetings. 20th March 2024, 15th May 2024 (Annual Parish Meeting/s), 10th July 2024.

Thanks went to Sarah Stokes.

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.21pm.

Sarah Stokes, Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council, Longstone Byre, Little Longstone, Bakewell, DE45 1NN. Tel: 01629 640851. Email: parishcouncil@greatlongstone.org