2007 February

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8 February 2007

Present : Parish Councillors U. Cansfield, E. Bolton, B. Fisher (Chairman), B. Butler, C. Florance, M. Mitton, T. Martin.

Apologies for absence :
District Councillor C. Bayliss, P.C. Ayre

Declarations of interest in items on the agenda
There were none to declare

Minutes of the meeting held on 11.1.07
Signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Proposed: U. Cansfield and seconded by T. Martin.

Matters arising from the minutes:

Parish consultation meeting with the Harrogate Council executive was cancelled owing to lack of support.
Damaged pavement – The Paddocks/ Main Street has been inspected by NYCC Highways and is considered part of the adopted highway. An order for repairs will be issued when resources are available.
Harrogate – Wetherby ‘bus corridor – Response received from NYCC re. incomplete works to new stops and redundant pole at the bottom of Main Street. It appears that it is the responsibility of Harrogate and District Travel for the former and the company has been slow to finish the task. The NYCC officer responsible will again instruct the contractor to remove the pole and put further pressure on the ‘bus company to complete the job.
‘Bus stop at Harewood Arms – complainant has received a response from NYCC to indicate that no change can be made to the stop on its current site as the land is owned by the brewery. Councillors suggested relocation of the stop to the pavement outside Manor Cottages, Clerk to contact NYCC.

Chairman’s communications :
Emergency plan for Follifoot and Plompton – the Chairman reported that a further meeting of the working group had been held. The plan is almost complete but with some data protection issues to resolve. It was noted that the W.I. is prepared to assist with catering if an emergency arises.

Matters concerning Plompton :
There were no matters to raise.

Matters raised by Councillor T. Martin :

Street name plates – some residents had approached him about the difficulty visitors and contractors sometimes experience in locating roads in the village because much of the signage is only on one side of the road. After careful consideration, the councillors resolved not to recommend any increase in signage to the Harrogate Council.
Gate to public footpath on Spofforth Lane – noted that this was in need of repair. Maintenance of gates and stiles appears to be the responsibility of the landowner. Clerk to write to Rudding Estate.

Parish Assets :

The Stocks – Two quotes received for the works. One for £538 including VAT, the second for £185. Subject to a reasonable estimate for minor works to the roof, the Parish Council resolved to accept the second quotation. Enquiry of the conservation officer indicates that a contribution to the costs may be considered. Further information on the wording of the faded inscription has been obtained and this will be re-carved.
Tree felling, bottom ‘bus shelter – Two quotes received one for £74 + VAT, the second for £50 + VAT. The Parish Council resolved to accept the second quotation.

Finance :

Balance at the bank – A total of £7746.74 in the accounts. All cheques issued to date have been cashed.
Request for authorisation of expenditure – Rudding Estate £23.50 for Christmas trees at Rudding Gates; Commicorp £9.50 for subscription to Clerks and Councils Direct; Society of Local Council Clerks for update of reference material. Proposed by B. Butler and seconded by T. Martin.

Clerk’s report and correspondence :
Information received since the last meeting was circulated to councillors.

Planning :

No applications had been received for consultation. There were two applications not requiring Parish Council comment that related to tree felling: – The Gardens, Main Street – fell 7 conifers and 22 Hillside – fell 10 trees.
Outcome of previous applications – Summerfield, Tofts Lane approval for retention of single storey side extension. Hilltop House approval for modified plans to construct walls to the property. Councillors expressed concern that outbuildings to this Listed Building had apparently been demolished without permission. Clerk to write to reiterate concerns to planning authority.
An application yet to be received was drawn to the attention of the councillors, that of a tree felling application located at land north of the cottage, part of Burnison’s Whin, Collins Hill, Follifoot. This was to fell .90 hectares of coniferous and .10 hectares of broadleaf trees.

Date of next meeting :

Thursday 8 March 2007 at 8 p.m.