2008 September

FOLLIFOOT WITH PLOMPTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4 September, 2008

Present: Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), U. Cansfield, T. Martin, C Florance, S Milligan, B. Butler and four residents.

Apologies for absence: Parish Councillor E. Bolton and P.C. M. Ayre

Declarations of interest in items on the agenda:

There were none.

Public Participation session:

A resident attended the meeting to express his views on agenda item 11b). This concerned the draft conservation area appraisal in which it had been suggested that Hillside might be enhanced and more open views afforded if the conifers on the green were removed. The resident stated his opposition to the proposal. The Chairman explained that this was one of the issues in the report that the Parish Council had not had an opportunity to consider which was why it was on the agenda. The resident was thanked for conveying his opinions which would be taken into account in the later discussion.

Minutes of the meeting held on 24.7.08:

The minutes were signed as a correct record by the Chairman having been proposed by T. Martin and seconded by U. Cansfield.

Minutes of the planning meeting held on 21.8.08:

The were signed as a correct record by the Chairman having been proposed by S. Milligan and seconded by C. Florance.

Matters arising from the minutes of 24.7.08:

Agenda item 8 – the Plompton payphone. The Clerk had contacted BT to request that the telephone box be repainted. The box would be inspected and then placed on a list for future action.

There were no other matters arising from the minutes.

Chairman’s communications:

Duck’s Nest Farm – a representative of Rudding Park Limited had invited the Parish Council to visit the site of the outbuilding conversion. The majority of councillors had been able to view the plans and attend a meeting on site. The application would be considered at agenda item 15 b).
Effluent dosing system at Rudding Park – this was now operational and the councillors were asked to report if any foul odours were detected.
Access to the by-pass from Rudding Lane – this had been reported as a potential hazard as the sight line was impaired by a large sign and overgrown vegetation. The Clerk was asked to report this to NYCC Highways.

Matters concerning Plompton:

There was nothing to report.

‘No Cold Calling Zone:

Following on consideration of the criteria for adoption of a ‘no cold calling zone’, the Parish Council decided it was not an issue of major concern in the villages at this time. It could be considered at a later date.

Bulb planting 2008:

A sum of £ 390 was available from the Harrogate Council for planting on the verges on the approaches to Follifoot from the by-pass. B. Butler had investigated the suppliers and suggested that Brookside Nurseries provided a competitive price. Councillors decided that mixed varieties of daffodils would provide an effective display.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 18 TH AT 10 AM OUTSIDE THE POST OFFICE was proposed as the date for planting to be carried out. There was a query about whether a tool to turn over the earth on the verges might be available from a local landowner which would make the task easier. The Chairman agreed to make enquiries. The event would be publicised as volunteers were needed to assist with the planting. U. Cansfield agreed to contact the Parish Magazine editor and J. Chilton for an entry in the local newspapers. C. Florance agreed to contact D. Watkin to request posters. Mrs. Jan Butler was proposed as the contact person for volunteers for the planting – ‘phone number 01423 872354.

Complaints Procedure:

This had been revised to incorporate recent changes to the process of making complaints against councillors. These would be dealt with initially by the local authority rather than the Standards Board. The procedure was adopted by the Parish Council having been proposed by B. Butler and seconded by T. Martin.

Conservation area appraisal:

Listing the Mounting block – The councillors thought it would be a good idea to pursue the proposal. Application was to be made to English Heritage including historical information and photographs. It was thought that the mounting block had been given to the village by a former resident, Mr. Robinson over 30 years ago. T. Martin agreed to try to contact him with a view to finding out more about its origins and S. Milligan agreed to take photographs. The matter would be considered at the next meeting.
Conifers on Hillside – the suggestion contained in the report that the trees be removed was discussed. It was noted that they provided a safe enclosed area for play on the green. The major concern that had been raised was the need for the trees to be trimmed back regularly so they did not overhang onto the road. No representations had been received from residents requesting that the trees be removed, should this occur, the views of all the residents of Hillside would be sought.
Response from the Brewery – a copy of the report had been sent as there were recommendations about enhancement of the floorscape of both pubs. The area manager replied that the suggestions would be kept in mind, but he thought they would be rather expensive to implement. The councillors were disappointed and asked the Clerk to write back to the brewery to express their views. It was also noted that the stile from the car park of the Harewood Arms was difficult to access at present because of overhanging bushes.

Highways:

Speed survey, Main Street. The Parish Councillors had had an opportunity to review the detailed results of the survey which showed a mean speed of 26 mph up and down the street. NYCC Highways regarded this as within expectations. The Parish Council resolved to take no further action.
It was noted that markings on the road surface of Hillside and Pellentine Road are thought to be intended for repair and resurfacing activity.
Tofts Lane – the road surface is in a poor condition. It was suggested that this was a private road and that any repairs were the responsibility of the residents.

Finance:

Balance at the bank – a total of £ 8784.61 is in the accounts.
Request for authorisation of expenditure: – to Harrogate Council for grass cutting £11.05 and £ 33.14; to AWJoinery for repairs to the ‘bus shelters £ 55.75; to Mazar’s LLP for external audit £141. B. Fisher proposed that the expenditure be authorised and it was seconded by T. Martin.
External Audit – the Clerk reported that the accounts had been audited and that no issues of concern had been highlighted. A copy of the accounts, governance statement and auditor’s opinion would be displayed on the noticeboard’s. The Parish Council resolved to make a charge of £ 2.50 to any person requesting a copy of the document. It was noted that the 2008/09 accounts had to be approved by the Parish Council by 30.6.09.

Clerk’s report and correspondence:

Questionnaire from Harrogate Council – consultation on corporate priorities, Council budget 2009/10 and statement of account. The Chairman agreed to complete this on behalf of the Parish Council.
Notice of a training event for clerks/councillors on 8.10.08 organised by Harrogate Council
East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership – request for letter of support to reinstate the Colne to Skipton rail link. Councillors to consider the supporting documents prior to decision.
Proposed infrastructure improvements to Knaresborough – Wetherby ‘bus corridor. The Parish Council decided not to respond as the changes lie outside the parish.

Papers received since the last meeting were circulated to councillors.

Planning:

Application 08/03847/FUL Holly Bush Pasture, Thistle Hill for revision to unimplemented scheme for the erection of 1 agricultural storage building. The Parish Council had no objection to the application. Assurance was sought that the applicants would make an undertaking to erect only one building on the site.
Application 08/04005/FUL Ducks Nest Farm, Rudding Lane, Follifoot for conversion of outbuildings to form 2 holiday cottages and installation of package treatment plant. The Parish Council had no objections to the application.
Application 08/04001/FUL Follifoot Ridge Business Park for erection of attached industrial building (use class B1 and B8). The Parish Council had no objection to the application but sought clarification that it was intended that the stable block would be demolished to make way for the project.
Outcome of previous applications – Approved – extensions to Claro Cottage, Railway House and Follifoot Cricket Club. Treeworks (Parish Council consultation not required) 1 Springfield Cottages for removal of 1 Birch, 1 Willow and 1 Conifer.
Rudding Hotel – extension to hotel and creation of spa. The Chairman informed colleagues that revised plans had been submitted to the planning authority and an invitation had been extended to the Parish Council by the applicant to a presentation where it would be possible to raise any questions about the proposals. The councillors would first have an opportunity to examine the plans and also to be reminded of the concerns they had voiced when the first application was submitted. The Chairman would arrange a suitable time for the Parish Council to visit the hotel.

Date of next meeting : Thursday 9 October 2008 at 8 pm.