Council Meeting – 25th September 2013

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
ON 25^TH SEPTEMEBER 2013
GREAT LONGSTONE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM

Present: Cllr Wendy Long, Cllr James Cox, Cllr Hugh Wright, Cllr Peter Thompson, Sarah Stokes (Clerk), UTE and 7 parishioners.

Public comments.

Resident  (1) enquired into which footpath 4 is, an item on the agenda, also the growth on the beech hedge behind the tennis court, needing trimming back.

Resident (2) Enquired into a First Aid course mentioned in a previous meeting, is this still being run for the community.

Cllr Long Chaired the meeting (with all in favour), which opened at 7.33pm.

118/13 To accept any apologies for absence.

Cllr Judith Twigg sent her apologies.

119/13 Declarations of business interests.

Cllr Wright registered an interest in items covering Fearnehough yard, Leys Lane and DCC.

120/13 Resignation of Chair.

The Clerk reported that Cllr Simon Headington has resigned with immediate effect, due to the pressures of work. There was a vote of thanks for all his efforts on the Parish Council since 2007. Clerk to write a letter of thanks.

121/13 Minutes of the meeting 10^th July 2013.

The minutes were proposed by Cllr Cox and seconded by Cllr Wright.

122/13 Recreation ground.

122.1 Playground.

122.1.1 Rospa inspection. To look at on inspection of PC land.

122.1.2 Burma bridge. Cllr Thompson reported that the chain work has been carried out on Burma Bridge. Clerk to note in Monthly inspection. Thank you to Godfrey Frankland and Cllr Thompson for their work on this.

122.2 Equipment for older children.

122.2.1 Options for the tennis court.

Cllr Long reported that the PC had asked Longstone Action Group to look at costs for adapting the tennis court, on  a much less scale to those discussed earlier in the year. The following information was presented to the Cllrs:

650. Tennis court in a less than fair state of repair (photos were shown).
651. Tennis club membership has fallen, therefore the income has fallen, major refurbishment costs would be looked upon from the PC.
652. Quotes:
653. Replace mesh chain link fencing – £10,300 for 102 linear metres, with a gate being an additional £650. No guarantee given. A possible 10 years lifespan.
654. Replace the mesh fence with gate using a more substantial material would be £14,200. This has a 25yr guarantee ‘Fair wear and tear’, paint 5 years guarantee.
655. To reskim the existing tarmac surface to the existing pin kerb edging would be approx. £12.000, £750 for line markings.

The above quotes are based on adapting the present tennis court.

38. To change to a multiuse facility, installing stronger fence panels, square back goals and basketball hoops with 2 gates would be £38.000, resurfacing synthetic turf costing £26.000 (including 2 line markings).

Quote D is for a facility to the East of the present tennis court.

To note further quotes would be required if any action moved forward. Parish allocated funds are not enough to cover both a lower quote of fencing and to resurface.

Cllr Long reported that that Longstone Action Group had held a meeting with residents against a multi use facility. The group had agreed that with the full support of the PC, an alternative trial scheme be set up, at no cost to the Parish (funded by local businesses and school).

There was much discussion on other tennis courts in the area that have adapted to suit more sports, with wooden resounding boards, some have put walls in. Cllr Long showed a photo of what the boards would look like at Longstone (with a sample board being used on site). A negative design feature of some of the other ‘tennis courts’ allows for climbing. A compacted version was shown on the ‘sample’ photo.

To note the Cllrs were asked to visit the local adapted tennis courts over the summer.

Noise was discussed.  A 6 month trial was discussed, which then moved on to a possible 6 month, 9 month and 12 month review, covering all seasons. How to measure success was discussed. Very much treated as an experiment.

The tennis net was discussed and its removability. It was noted that the current net system is not easy to remove. Also that holes would need to be filled if taken out. No action agreed on this matter.

The proposal is for the businesses/school to pay for netball hoops on steel posts, goal ends cut out of the net, relining for netball and football.  The Clerk highlighted it would be useful to inform Peak park of the plans. The Clerk also reported that professional noise measurements can be taken by DDDC, if this is seen as a requirement for a professional analysis.

Times of use were discussed, where a polite notice would be appropriate, 9pm or dusk were discussed as limits. No action agreed on this matter.

Cllr Thompson proposed that the PC accept the following in principle:

Tennis court to be part boarded; relined, recessed goal, ‘permanent’ hoops at the goal mouths. The time scales to review the experiment are 6months, 9 months and 12 months.

The meeting was closed at 8.17pm.

The meeting was re opened at 8.18pm.

The adjacent hedge to be looked at on the inspection, taking consideration for it being a noise buffer.

All Cllrs in favour of the proposal.

Thanks went to Cllr Long and the working party for all their efforts.

122.2.2 Goal posts. Letters had been received from Longstone and Baslow Junior football club and a resident regarding the positioning of the new goals, which are planned in for an imminent changeover. It was resolved to go ahead with the moving of the posts moving the north end posts more towards the tennis court, broadening the gap at the South side between post and residents fence. Clerk to liaise with the Junior football club.

122.2.3 Trees. There is no progress with the tree work on the tree near to the pavilion.

122.2.4 Fence panel. To look at on inspection of PC land. To note the panel is behind the hedge to the rear of the tennis court.

122.2.5 Hedge at bottom of the recreation ground. Clerk to write to Dales Housing inviting them to come onto the recreation ground to cut the hedge from that side, the hedge being planted on the property side not on the rec, is in the Dales Property ownership. Also to inform the residents that a letter has gone to Dales Housing.

123/13 Village greens.

123.1 Lease for tree area near bus shelter. Ongoing.

123.2 Low tree branches on village greens. To look at on inspection of PC land.

123.3 Main roadside verge next to West Green and shrub area on West Green. The Clerk reported that DDDC are coming out to look at the verge. Shrub area to be looked at on inspection of PC land along with verge. To note a letter received from a resident regarding the shrub area and visibility when emerging from Croft Road.

124/13 Burial grounds and Fearnehough Yard.

124.1 Burial grounds. The Clerk reported she had spoken to DDDC, they are looking into the ivy leading towards the vestry wall; with regards to the roadside wall, this is with their structural people, who will then proceed to gain quotes, whilst liaising with the PCC on the matter.

124.2 Fearnehough Yard. The Clerk highlighted that the PC are aware of building work in this area. Peak Park had reported that the owners had been asked to submit applications for a change of use to domestic use. It was noted that 1 application had been received.

125/13 Footpaths/roads.

125.1 Verges. It was noted that the hedge at the bottom end of Station Road was very overgrown.

125.2 Overhanging bushes /tree branches onto streetlights. Tree work has now been actioned.

125.3 Dog bin relocation. The bin is now in situe, with many residents thanking the PC. Bin being well used already.

125.4 Resurfacing Footpath number 4. No progress to report. It was noted that the area has not been weed killed all year. Clerk to contact Cllr Judith Twigg to look into the matter.

125.5 Steps down from the Monsal Trail. The step work has now been carried out by Peak Park.

125.6 Gates on public footpaths leading from Station Road towards Little Longstone, in disrepair.  Clerk to ask Peak Park to look into this.

125.7 Ordering of grit, as necessary. The Clerk reported that the PC bin near to the bus shelter is virtually full, the one on footpath four, requiring a small bag to fill. Cllr Cox to fill with last year’s stocks. A letter had been received from DCC stating that they are in the process of filling DCC grit bins in the next few weeks. Clerk to enquire into costs for extra grit, if required, costs for extra snow measures and the person assigned to GL for winter 2013 by DCC.

126/13 Council Administration.

126.1 Land registration. The Cllrs accepted the declaration for the village greens with all in favour. Clerk to contact the Solicitor to proceed with the declaration.

126.2 Civil emergency plan. Three local residents have volunteered their services. To note it had been raised that there is to be a first aid course run by the PC, this is not the case, this would be training for ‘first response’. Plan is ongoing.

126.3 Inspection of Council owned land. Inspection to go ahead on Sunday 30^th September at 10am.

126.4 Precept policy. Cllrs to think towards the precept policy for 2014/2015 to be discussed at the October meeting.

126.5 Affordable housing. No report.

126.6 Recruitment of Parish Councillors. Cllr Wright to put an insert in UTE.

127/13 Financial matters.

127.1 Bank reconciliation for 31 July 2013

INCOME – none

EXPENDITURE – £1,534.37

UNPRESENTED – B Legion – £25.00

Closing balance in the current account                   £1000.00

Closing balance in the deposit account                    £36,331.29

To note the Land Registry and Axiom Zimbra cheques will not be presented. The British Legion cheque for £25.00 has been cashed.

Bank reconciliation for 31 August 2013 – There were no transactions during August, therefore the figures remain the same as at end July 2013.

• To accept and approve payments:

S Stokes                    Admin                          £698.00 (includes August)
S Stokes                    Expenses                    £121.01
GL Cricket Club         Mowing rec                 £1,225.00
A Mounsey                  Football posts            £275.00
Grant Thornton         External audit            £120.00

The Payments were proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Thompson.

• Printer and Clerks expenses. The Clerk reported that LL Parish would look towards monies towards a printer. Ownership of the printer was discussed. It was resolved for the Clerk to look into a laser printer, to be owned by G L P Council with a cost in the region of £100. It was raised that perhaps L Longstone could purchase the next printer when required. The Clerk raised the question of telephone expenses, where no amount had been claimed during the last 3 years due to her husband’s business arrangement. Due to a change of this arrangement the Clerk has looked into previous Clerks costs for telephone expenses, bearing in mind that email is now the major form of communication. It was resolved for the Clerk to Claim £24 a year, being £2 a month.
• HMRC Appeal. To note there is now no penalty to pay.
• Acceptance of external audit. The external report was accepted, with the following comments made by the Auditor: Annual return form – PC should have entered the bank statement balance on box 8, rather than the cash book balance; The bank reconciliation contained a £3 additional error.

• To approve the ordering of the village xmas tree. The Clerk is looking into the costs using the same supplier for an 18ft tree with free delivery. The lights were raised, as new lights had not yet been purchased, which was approved earlier in the year. The Clerk to order the 18ft tree and contact J Fawcett with regards to the ordering of the lights, also to put an insert in UTE asking for a xmas tree donor.
• To approve the ordering of the wreath for Remembrance Day. Clerk to order wreath and enquire into delivery of.

128/13 Planning matters.

• Removal of condition number 2 from application NP/DDD/1199/520 at Castcliffe Barn, Long Lane, Wardlow. Noted.
• Use of yard for parking 2 lorries for commercial use, recreational vintage lorry and recreational competition tractor hauling unit, all in addition to existing use of yard for agricultural purposes. NP/DDD/0413/0339. At Five Acres Farm, Wardlow. Noted.
• Planning decision notice. NP/DDD/0413/0339. Five Acres Farm, Wardlow. Use of yard for parking 2 lorries for commercial use, recreational competition tractor hauling unit, all in addition to existing use of yard for agricultural purposes. REFUSED. Noted.
• Planning decision notice. NP/DDD/0613/0516. Meadow Croft, Grisedale Road. GRANTED. Noted.
• PC Consultation. NP/DDD/0713/0555. Longstone Ce Voluntary Aided Primary School. Demolition of existing ICT room and construction of new extension to provide toilet facilities and additional space to the class base area. Additional work – roof lights; canopies; perimeter lighting. No correspondence sent in, all Cllrs had the opportunity to view the document prior to the deadline in August.
• PC Consultation. NP/DDD/0713/0552. Bleaklow Farm, Hassop. Demolition of farmhouse and erection of replacement dwelling house. ‘No comments’ sent in.
• PC Consultation. NP/DDD/0813/0690. 14 Edge View Drive. Erection of conservatory to the side of property. ‘No comments’ sent in.
• PC Consultation. NP/DDD/0813/0709. Cluden Bank, Main Street. Proposed Extension of Dwelling. ‘No comments’ sent in.
• PC Consultation. NP/DDD/0913/0767. Ash House, Main Street. Listed building consent – Second floor extension above existing kitchen. ‘No comments’ sent in.

Cllr Wright took no part in the discussion on the following planning application.

• Pc Consultation. NP/DDD/0913/0817. 3 Victoria Terrace. Change of use from open space to domestic cartilage. ‘ No comments’ sent in.

129/13 Police maters and neighbourhood watch. Cllr Wright reported that post-boxes on posts are being taken from the Leek area. Reports of computer fraud in Chesterfield.

130/13 Clerks report.

1. Wrote to the LAGS group re: tennis court.
2. Wrote to the football club re: going ahead with goal posts.
3. Contacted DDDC re: verge adjacent to West Green on the Main Rd side.
4. Chased  DDDC re: the ivy and roadside wall in the Closed Churchyard.
5. Contacted relevant residents/DCC re streetlights with overhanging trees.
6. Chased DDDC re: relocation of dog bin from Croft Rd.
7. Wrote to resident re: Monsal head steps.
8. Wrote/liaised with Cockertons re: land reg of village greens.
9. Organised date for inspection of Council owned land.
10. Looked into ‘unpresented cheques’.
11. Looked into printer options.
12. Contacted P Park re: developments in Feemouth yard.
13. Large amounts of filing and reorganisation of parish files.

131/13 To report on any items received and agree any actions arising.

• 10/07/13 Longstone CE School. Building project. See 128.5
• 11/07/13 HMRC. Amended Penalty Determination. See 127.4
• 11/07/13 DCC. Street lighting issues.See 125.2
• 19/07/13 DCC. Free workshop to raise awareness of Prevent (Counter Terrorism) Noted.
• 25/07/13 Dalc circular. General circular. Noted.
• 27/07/13 Resident. Local resources request. See 126.2
• 29/07/13 Local resident. Community emergency plan. See 126.2
• 29/07/13 Blackrock. Holme meal charity, report. Noted.
• 02/08/13 Resident. New goal posts. See 1222.2.2
• 07/08/13 Dept for communities and Local Government. Post office community enterprise fund. Noted.
• 07/08/13 DCC. Temporary Road closure. Dirty Lane, Great Hucklow. 9^th Sept – 23 Sept.Noted.
• 08/08/13 Resident. Wall at Hardrake Lane. Wall been reinstated.
• 11/08/13 DCC. Street lighting issues.See 125.2
• 12/08/13 DCC. Hardrake Lane. See above.
• 12/08/13 PP Parishes Forum. Planning training. 8^th October ABC at 9 – 1. Noted.
• 13/08/13 DCC. Seasonal decorations. Noted.
• 14/08/13 Peak District Green Lanes Alliance. New legislation on green lanes. Noted.
• 14/08/13 House of Commons. The rural fair share petition. Noted.
• 15/08/13 Poppy appeal. Unpresented cheques. See 127.1
• 16/08/13 Cllr Twigg. Hedge cutting. See 122.2.5
• 16/08/13 Cllr Twigg. ‘Staying on the right track’ . Noted.
• 19/08/13 PDNPA. Cherpit and Leys Lane TRO consultation update. See below.
• 20/08/13 Resident. Bushes on West Green. See 123.3
• 20/08/13 DCC. Order and Public notice amending the Countys definitive map and statement for the Bridleway from Lane Head along Black Harry Lane to Great Longstone Bridleway No 43. Noted.
• 21/08/13 Cockertons. Land Registration. See 126.1
• 23/08/13 Dalc circular. General circular. Clerk highlighted the section under pay review in line with national guidelines. It was resolved to raise the Clerks pay per hour by 9p in line with the guidelines.
• 23/08/13 PDNPA. Enquiry regarding Feemouth Yard. See 124.2
• 23/08/13 Residents. Hedge at bottom of rec. ground. 1222.2.5
• 02/09/13 PPPForum. AGM Saturday 12^th October 2013, Whitworth Centre, D Dale. Noted.
• 04/09/13 PDNPA. Enquiry regarding Feemouth yard. See 124.2
• 05/09/13 Resident. Community emergency plan. See 126.2
• 06/09/13 PDNPA. Review of old mineral permissions. Noted
• 07/09/13 Grant Thornton. Completion of annual audit. See127.5
• 07/09/13 Clerks and Councils direct. September 2013. Noted.
• 10/09/13 PDNPA. Enquiry regarding Feemouth Yard. See124.2
• 12/09/13 Dalc. General circular. Noted.
• 12/09/13 PDNPA. Leys Lane.Notification under Regulation 5 of the National Park Authorites Traffic Orders (procedure) (England) Regulations 2007. www.peakdistrict.gov.uk./consultations. It was resolved for no further response to be sent in.
• 16/09/13 RTB. ‘The end may be in sight’. Noted.
• 17/09/13 Blackrock. Holmemeal value. Noted.

18/09/13 Cllr Simon Headington . Resigning from the Parish Council. See 120/13

132/13 Late items of correspondence.

• 20/09/13 DDDC. Area Community Forum. Monday 14^th October, ABC, 7pm. Noted.
• 23/09/13 PDNPA. Caravan rallies. Two in G Longstone being in June and August, as in previous years.
• 23/09/13 Blackrock. Holmemeal statement. The subject of spending the income on a local casue was discussed, Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport was discussed. Clerk to discuss the terms/trustees of the Charity with Simon Headington.
• 24/09/13 DCC. Grit bin replenishment.

133/13 Date of next meetings.

Cllrs inspection of PC owned land – Sunday 29^th September 2013.

Wednesday 16^th October 2013 at 7.30pm (to note date changed)
Wednesday 13^th November 2013 at 7.30pm

The Chair for the meeting closed the meeting at 9.25pm.