Minutes of meeting held on 3 February 2026 at Pickhill School. Ref: 346
OPEN SESSION: Mr Walker referred to potholes at the bend out of Sinderby towards Pickhill, and
a groove in the verge on Lowfields Lane, just after the school. Noted.
1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk),
Mr Jim Wadsworth. Also: Cllr D Webster (NYC) , Mr D Grubb (minutes). Residents: Mr R Walker.
2. APOLOGIES: Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mr Minty Scaife
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (4 Nov 2024 Ref 345) Agreed: signed by Chair.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: nil
5. PLANNING
(1) Land off Sinderby Lane, Sinderby: proposal to demolish existing farm buildings and
build new dwelling (consent previously granted to alter to a dwelling). Agreed: No objection
(2) Beechcroft, Pickhill: create annexe in existing outbuilding. Agreed: No objection
6. FINANCE
(1) Update provided on current account balance.
(2) Highways seek confirmation of Parish Council once again mowing their splays. Agreed.
Parish Clerk pointed out that Highways had not yet made payment for the 2024 season, after
invoices were submitted in March 2025. These have been re-submitted. Noted.
7. PROJECTS
(1) Update on car parking improvement proposals for Pickhill: Mr Barker reported there are two
Types of grid matting – one lies on surface and grass grows through; the other – more expensive
option - is laid on hardcore with soil and grass seed applied into grid. He suggests that we level up
with soil and then consider matting. The soil is available, just need volunteers with tractors/trailers. .
(2) Update on litter and dog waste bins – Pickhill and Sinderby. The request for renewal/repair was
submitted in November. Still await response.
8. CORRESPONDENCE (circulated to Councillors prior to meeting). Nothing requiring action
9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Councillor David Webster reports the NYC budget debate would be on 13 February. There is a £42m
loss of income due to agricultural changes and a £17m deficit on CARE and SEND costs. The savings
from the new County have been absorbed and there is less coming from central government. Roll-out
of new refuse collection arrangements is imminent. Local elections will be in May 2027. There will be
boundary changes for our division (Bedale) to accommodate reduction of council seats to 89.
In answer to a question from Mr Wadsworth, Cllr Webster explained the CIL payment rules and
exemptions, for new build homes and policies for affordable housing and the Govt targets for housing.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Following on from the discussion re CIL payments, Mr Barker asked the Parish Clerk to check if
there were any outstanding payments due to our Parish, from recent building projects.
Signed: R Barker Dated: 31.3.2026