25th May Annual Parish Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
Held in the Village Hall on 22nd May 2025
PRESENT: Chairman N. MacDermid, Vice Chairman A. Dewsnip, Councillors K.Tharby, T. Hall, C. Dickinson and S Gallimore. Clerk M. Richards. Also in attendance three residents. (2 representatives from Rudding Park (RP) arrived at 7.20pm)
Election of Chair: Cllr MacDermid was proposed as Chairman for 2025/26 by Cllr Dickinson, seconded by Cllr Dewsnip, and was elected unanimously.
Election of Vice Chair: Cllr Dewsnip was proposed as Vice Chairman for 2025/26 by Cllr MacDermid, seconded by Cllr Hall and was elected unanimously.
Election of Village Hall Representatives: Cllr MacDermid was re-elected as the Village Hall representative.
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Cllr Locke
- Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’ Register of Interest:
None. - Public Participation session: No items notified.
- Meeting Minutes held on 10th April 2025: The minutes were proposed as a correct record by Cllr Hall and seconded by Cllr Dickinson. The Chairman duly signed the minutes.
- Matters arising from the Annual Parish Meeting and previous minutes: None.
- Planning – brought forward to enable comment from RP. – Agenda items 11a)- 11h).
a) ZC25/00786/REMMAJ – Reserved matters application for Phase 1a (Tennis) seeking approval of access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale for the construction of a new tennis pavilion, outdoor tennis courts, access, car parking, landscaping, and associated engineering operations and ancillary works pursuant to outline planning permission reference 23/01184/OUTMAJ. Rudding Holiday Park, Follifoot.
b) ZC25/00787/REMMAJ – Reserved matters application for Phase 1b (Grounds Shed) seeking approval of access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale for the construction of a new grounds shed, with access, parking, landscaping, and associated engineering operations and ancillary works pursuant to outline planning permission reference: 23/01184/OUTMAJ.
Rudding Holiday Park, Follifoot.
The Chairman explained that the above two applications were in fact the first two of the various phases of refinements to the substantial development already given outline planning approval (as referenced above) and displayed for councillors’ benefit, the overall site plan and building details. RP then gave more detail as to the actual location of the proposed buildings, access arrangements, screening and lighting. Councillors had some concerns over night-time lighting and noise and RP explained that the line of screening trees would remain and strict protocols would apply to night-time usage. A councillor noted that other consultees had expressed some concerns over various aspects of the applications, but the Parish Council should concentrate purely on the direct impact on residents. On this basis, given the detailed explanations provided by RP and that the PC had already supported the original application, the Chairman recommended that a SUPPORT response be submitted. All councillors agreed.
c) ZC25/01099/FUL – Demolition of existing attached garage and carport. Erection of dormer roofed extension, rear two storey & first-floor side extensions including 2no. balconies to rear. Lifting of roof line. Erection of detached garage. Field House, The Paddocks.
The Chairman displayed the site plans and elevations. Councillors commented on the roof line in comparison with the height of neighbouring properties, agreeing that there was no difference. Noted that there were no comments as yet from neighbouring home owners so the PC was able to form its own view from councillors’ local knowledge. As there didn’t seem to be any strong contra-indications, the Chairman suggested a SUPPORT response and all councillors agreed.
Cllr Paraskos joined the meeting at this point 8.10pm
d) ZC24/02245/FUL – Installation of 2no. external glazed screens within 2no. existing external archways and associated works. Keepers Cottage, Plompton.
e) ZC24/02246/LB – Installation of 2no. external glazed screens within 2no. existing external archways and associated works. Keepers Cottage, Plompton.
The Chairman displayed the site plan and elevations of the above application. Cllr Dewsnip observed that the PC had supported the original application and as this was merely a slight revision, she suggested a SUPPORT response was appropriate for both. Councillors agreed.
f) ZC25/01060/FUL – Proposed rear extension and internal reconfiguration including insertion of 1no. external door. Plompton Hall Farm House, Plompton.
g) ZC25/01061/LB – Listed Building Consent for proposed rear extension and internal reconfiguration including insertion of 1no. external door. Plompton Hall Farm House, Plompton.
Having displayed the site plan and elevations, the Chairman went through the detailed proposals. A councillor observed that the new build was not really in keeping with the rest of the building but there was no significant impact on other neighbouring properties and there has been a precedent set by other schemes in the area. The Chairman agreed and recommended a SUPPORT response – councillors agreed.
h) ZC25/01124/FUL – Erection of single storey rear extension and alterations to fenestration.
Cherry Tree Cottage, Plompton Road, Follifoot.
Proposed elevations compared to existing were displayed along with the site plan. Councillors agreed it was a straightforward application and a SUPPORT response was appropriate.
Decisions
i) Conversion of 1 & 2 Home Farm Cottages to form single dwelling along with erection of a two-storey rear extension and alterations. Home Farm Cottages, Follifoot.
REFUSED
j) ZC25/00358/FUL – Single storey extension to form additional changing room facilities. Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot. GRANTED
k) ZC25/00359/LB – Single storey extension to form additional changing room facilities. Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot. GRANTED
l) ZC25/00572/FUL – Single storey extension to side gable along with new gates and boundary wall. Loxley Barn, Plompton.
GRANTED
Councillors noted the above decisions and had no comments. - Chairman’s communications – included within the agenda.
- Clerk’s correspondence
a) Outdoor Gym and funding opportunities.
Councillors had previously given some thought to the idea of installing an outdoor gym in Follifields but wanted to gauge any interest from residents before taking the matter forward. It now seems that there are at least two potential funding streams which could contribute to this concept. Councillors discussed further and queried whether the sloping nature of much of Follifields would be suitable for gym equipment and whether planning permission would be required? Nevertheless, it was agreed that some form of survey would be carried out to assess whether this initiative should be taken forward. Cllr Dewsnip did point out that the original deliberations for the establishment of the play area were to include “all-age” provision.
b) NYC Local Plan. NYC had commenced a consultation process, inviting relevant bodies (such
as parish councils) to submit their views on the priorities and issues the North Yorkshire Local
Plan can help address. Of particular relevance is the document “Housing and Economic
Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA)” which can be found at:
https://northyorksconsult.objective.co.uk/kse/. Cllr Paraskos warned councillors of the
Government’s stance on housing targets, achievement and timescale which is likely to be a
crucial feature of the Plan. Councillors and residents were encouraged to take part in the
consultation which closes on 15th July.
- Parish Matters
a) Main Street Bus Shelter – bees. A number of residents had reported their concerns over the number of bees or wasps in the Main Street bus shelter, during the recent hot spell. The clerk had reported the matter to NYC Pest Control and a Pest Control Officer had visited. He confirmed the “infestation” was in fact honey bees and he would not be allowed to eliminate them unless they were a serious health and safety issue. He recommended contact with a local bee society if a “swarm” needed to be removed. However, there does not now seem to be a continuing problem, but the position will be monitored in case of a recurrence.
b) Drones – a Follifields resident had complained about a drone being flown adjacent to their property and the rude comments by the “flyer” in response to his (polite) complaint. There are strict rules which apply to the flying of the large size category of drones but this is less so for the smaller “hobby” type, as applicable here. In any event it would be virtually impossible for a police response to a nuisance complaint, due to timing. However, the flying of drones from private property, such as Follifields, does require the owner’s permission. Accordingly, a sign will be produced, forbidding the operation of drones from within Follifields.
c) Storing and burning of waste materials – Haggs Road. Numerous complaints had been made about the storage and burning of waste materials at a property on Haggs Road. Whilst the offender’s property does lie in the Spofforth PC boundary, the grievances affect Follifoot residents. Cllr Paraskos reported that he (as NYC councillor for Spofforth) is pursuing this matter with the Environment Agency, but he suggested that additional support would be very helpful if we reported the issue to NYC Enforcement. The clerk will contact Enforcement and also Spofforth PC.
d) Guilders Bridge – inconsiderate parking. The clerk and Chairman have produced a form of words for notices to be displayed at both ends of the bridge, warning vehicle users of NY Police actions. Councillors agreed with the wording but Cllr Gallimore suggested a slight amendment which implied continuing police action rather than “one-off”. Councillors agreed.
e) Japanese knotweed – Follifields. The owner of a property overlooking Follifields had warned about the proliferation of weed growth which he considered to be Japanese knotweed, If this is correct, action needs to be taken to prevent it from spreading. Cllr. Gallimore however, was of the opinion that the growth could be bindweed, not knotweed. The Chairman suggested that the Council’s gardening contractor be contacted to confirm the existence or otherwise of the knotweed. The clerk will make contact. - Traffic calming
a) VAS. Cllr Dickinson reported that the latest data does not show significant change in traffic speeds but volume is now at some 5k per week as opposed to the previous average of 4k. Councillors discussed but could not determine a potential cause although Cllr Dewsnip did refer to the increased number of building projects within the village as a possible reason. Cllr Dickinson will continue to monitor.
b) Speed pipes – Plompton Road. The equipment is to be in place in early June for a week to 10 days, at the “What3Words” location provided by the Chairman.
c) The weight restriction sign at the entrance to the village from the A658 is faded. The clerk will report again to NYC Highways.
- Follifields
a) Maintenance – the three items of maintenance, highlighted by the Chairman, are in hand. The gate closure has been fixed and the tiling on the Fairy Bridge Tower and rotted benches are the next jobs for the contractor.
b) Wildflower area “plaques” The clerk will follow up with Playscheme to obtain replacements.
c) Willow Tunnel – Cllr Gallimore is to arrange a working party to adjust and re-shape where necessary.
11. Finance:
a) Balance at the bank on 22nd May 2025 in Current Account £1,116.56 and Deposit Account
£26,594.39, total £27,710.95. Bank statements to be initialled by the Chairman in confirmation, as
part of his payment authorisation process.
Monthly Reconciliation – reconciliation as at 22nd May was provided with receipts and payments
in the period 10th April 2025 to 22nd May 2025, reconciling to the account balances shown above
at a)
Councillors then unanimously agreed the 5 amounts below for payment.
| Grass cutting | S Bush | £184.80 | Bank transfer |
| Clerk’s salary | M Richards | £285.59 | Bank transfer |
| PAYE income tax | HMRC | £190.38 | Bank transfer |
| Defib – electricity supply | NYC | £212.87 | Bank transfer |
| Insurance | Clear Councils | £750.21 | Bank transfer |
The clerk commented that the insurance premium quoted was somewhat higher than expected and included an administration charge of £50. He would query this amount before inputting the £750.21 payment into the bank payment system. NB subsequently confirmed premium is correct and will not be reduced.
b) Monthly budget statement. The clerk briefly ran through the Cumulative and Summary statements, confirming all recent amendments had been accounted for and the budget would be closely monitored as before. As agreed previously, the CIL receipt of £1,090 would be ringfenced along with the other specific items and shown separately in the monthly reconciliation statements and the Follifields memorandum account statement.
c) Draft annual accounts
The clerk had presented the draft accounts to the Annual Parish Meeting and councillors indicated their agreement for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) to be completed based on these figures. The clerk confirmed that the Parish Council is again exempt from an external audit review as turnover is below the £25,000 turnover limit, The AGAR statements including the Exemption Certificate and Annual Internal Audit certificate will be available for formal review by councillors and will be signed off at the June meeting.
Items for next meeting
a) Leakage onto pavement from septic tank on Follifoot Ridge (reported by Follifoot Riding School) -clerk has reported to NYC Environmental Health.
b) Unofficial “Gate” into Follifields from property on Radcliffe Close.
Date of next Parish Council meeting: Thursday 12th June 2025 at 7.30pm in Follifoot Village Hall.
The meeting concluded at 9.35pm