14th September 2023
MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
Held in the Village Hall on 14th September 20231. PRESENT: Vice Chairman A Dewsnip, Cllrs T. Hall, C. Dickinson, J. Locke, S. Gallimoreand K.Tharby,
Cllr A Paraskos (NYC) and M Richards (Clerk) also in attendance
AGENDA:2. Apologies: Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Cllr. N MacDermid3. Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’ Register of Interest: None.4. Minutes of the meeting held on 10th August 2023: The Vice Chairman submitted an amendment to the minutes to clarify item 5a) – instead of “some 10 yards before the 30mph zone” she proposed “at the location agreed at the Parish Council meeting on 10th August”Councillors agreed and the revised minutes were proposed as a correct record byCouncillor Hall and seconded by Councillor Dickinson. The Vice Chairman will sign the amended minutes in due course. 5. Matters arising from previous minutes: None.6. Chairman’s communications
a) A resident had asked for an update on the refurbishment of the Follifields benches. The clerk responded that he had received a quotation from one contractor but was still awaiting a response from the other. He will inform councillors as soon as it is received.
b) Other items dealt with as part of the agenda.7. Clerk’s communications
a) Commuted sums. The Chairman had requested details of the amount potentially available for the proposed hedging bordering the Village Hall. The clerk had been informed that qualifying contributions would only amount to some £250 (details previously circulated to councillors)
b) Hedgehog Highway Project. Details had been circulated of an initiative to promote the welfare and care of hedgehogs in the community. On closer examination of proposals, it seemed that the project was not really relevant to Follifoot (as a rural location) and it was resolved not to participate in the scheme.
c) Speed Limit Review. NYC is undertaking a review of all speed limit zones throughout the County. Cllr Paraskos commented that he did not understand this to be a specific change in policy and would not, for example, automatically result in the wholesale introduction of 20mph zones. He did encourage however, an application for a 20mph limit outside the village school. Councillors agreed and the clerk will pursue.8. Parish matters
a) Plompton
Cllr Hall reported that he had been approached by a number of residents, enquiring about progress on the cases reported to NYC Enforcement. The clerk responded that he had received no recent updates on the outstanding cases. Cllr Dewsnip confirmed that she was aware of visits to the location by Enforcement Officers but had no further information. The clerk undertook to follow up with Enforcement. Cllr hall also commented that the Plompton notice board was in need of refurbishment and the replacement of the “Follifoot with Plompton Parish Council” signage. The clerk will seek quotations.
b) Plompton Road. It was reported that a number of trees on the road out of the village, towards the “gravel pit” had overhanging branches which were causing sight line hazards. The clerk will report to NYC Highways.
c) Information Centre/Telephone Box refurbishment. Several residents had noted the excellent job in the refurbishment but had commented that the wrong colour had apparently been used! The clerk contacted the painting contractor who in turn contacted the paint supplier. It is pleasing to note that the paint supplier acknowledged their mistake and, in conjunction with the painting contractor, have undertaken to rectify the position with the correct paint being used.
d) Defibrillator signage. It had been decided to replace the “TELEPHONE” signs on all 4 sides of the Information Centre, with “DEFIBRILLATOR” signs, but as the Centre is a Listed Building, planning permission may be needed. The clerk has submitted a “Householder Planning Check” form which will be assessed by a Planning Officer who will then decide whether a formal planning application needs to be made.9. Traffic calming
a) VAS – Cllr Dickinson has downloaded current data which shows little variance fromprevious. It was interesting to note however, that last week’s data showed a reduction in traffic flow but an increase in speeds – no apparent explanation for this.
b) Picket fences. No reply had been received from NYC Highways re the need or otherwise for traffic lights for the installation works. The clerk will pursue again, but in the meantime will seek a quotation from the contractor showing the split between the actual cost of installation and the cost of traffic lights hire. The location will be as specified in thecorrected minutes (as above, item 4)
10. Follifields
Upkeep and maintenance – work required.
a) Hedge and wildflower area. Quotations sought for trimming the beech hedge along thefull length of Radcliffe Close and cutting down the wildflower area, collecting the arisings and removing from site.
b) Weeding around the table tennis area and footpath. Quotation sought from contractor,
also to confirm licence held for application of industrial weedkiller.
c) Signage for bottom gate. Quotation received from Colton signs of £30 – to pursue.
d) Goal net pegs. Extra heavy duty pegs purchased, clerk will install.
e) Bench refurbishment. Quotations awaited – clerk will pursue
f) ROSPA inspection – due in late September/early October. Cllr Gallimore confirmed she is contacting Playscheme regarding warranty items and that some minor items from the last review are still in need of attention. She has in hand.
11. Planning
Applications Received
a) ZC23/03163/FUL – Removal of rear porch and the erection of a single storey rear extension, 3 Leconfield Garth.
The Vice Chairman displayed the site plan. Councillors could see no reason to object and it was resolved to SUPPORT the application.
Decisions
b) ZC23/02345/FUL Erection of detached garage, Alexander House, Pannal
Road.REFUSED
c) ZC23/02236/FUL – Single storey rear in fill extension, alterations to roof over side
extension – Killibeg, 6 Pellentine Road.
GRANTED
d) ZC23/02323/OUT – Outline application for the erection of 1 no. dwelling within the garden of Field House (all matters reserved) – Field House, The Paddocks, Follifoot.
WITHDRAWN
Councillors noted the above decisions.
12. Finance
a) Review of finances, approve expenditure.
Balance at the bank on 14th September 2023 in Current Account £1226.91 and Deposit Account £25328.29, total £26555.20. Bank statements to be initialled by the Chairman i confirmation, as part of his payment authorisation process.
Monthly Reconciliation – reconciliation as at 14th September was provided with receipts and payments in the period 13th July to 14th September, reconciling to the account balances shown above. Councillors then unanimously agreed the 8 amounts below
for payment.
| Clerk’s exps (“nd qtr) | M Richards | £87.50 | Bank transfer |
| Clerk’s salary (Sept) | M Richards | £346.66 | Bank transfer |
| PAYE income tax | HMRC | £86.67 | Bank transfer |
| Grasscutting | S Bush | £176.00 | Bank transfer |
| Goal net pegs | M Richards | £33.98 | Bank transfer |
| Planning form | M Richards | £85.00 | Bank transfer |
| Print cartridges | M Richards | £52.49 | Bank transfer |
| ROSPA | M Richards | £74.40 | Bank transfer |
The clerk explained that the £85.00 “Planning form” related to item 8 d) above. There was nothing to report regarding the overall budget position, the Parish Council has a healthy balance, sufficient to cover contingencies if required. Councillors had no questions.
b) Other
A councillor asked that the donations of £245, shown in the budget statement, be formally recorded in the minutes, as contribution towards Follifields bench refurbishment. Cllr Gallimore commented that she was looking into the possibility of setting up a “QR” code for collecting income/donations for Follifields. It was also suggested that aligning the Council with the Harrogate Lottery could provide an additional source of income. The clerk will follow up.
13. Items for next meeting
a) Kitty Corner seat – remove or repair?
b) Confirm date of Autumn litter pick – Sunday 15 October?
Date of next Parish Council meeting: Thursday 12th October.