Meeting Minutes

1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors : Mr Ron Barker, Mr Graham Clarke, Mrs Norma Grubb, David Grubb (Minutes). Cllr David Webster (NYC). Residents: Mr R Walker. 2. APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife , Mr James Wadsworth 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM - 23 May 2023 Agreed and signed by Mr Barker. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM 2023 MINUTES: none 5. PARISH CLERK’S REPORT: (1) Finance : balance sheet for year ending 31 March 2024 was presented. (2) Planning – summary for year ending 31 March 2024: nine applications made for Pickhill/Sinderby; the Parish Council had no objection to any of them; eight were granted by the planning office and one was withdrawn. There had been an appeal to the Secretary of State against refusal of planning permission in 2022 for an agricultural workers dwelling at Sinderby. The Parish Council had no objection to the application and has supported the appeal. Result awaited. 6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mr Barker said the routine duties of Parish Council have continued through the year. Major road repairs were completed through Pickhill village in the summer of 2023, on Street Lane and also the length of Lowfields Lane, the extent being over and above what we expected. A very satisfactory result. Trees on the village green at Sinderby had been trimmed back resolving an issue there. The Pickhill playground was undergoing renovation. The tower roofs had been replaced, climbing wall renewed and mats placed. Materials cost only as Councillors had undertaken the work. The Parish Council was grateful to Cllr Webster (NYC) for a grant towards these materials. The Pickhill signs at either end of the village had been power-washed and verges tidied around them. Damage to Pickhill village green is an ongoing problem along the “School Lane” side, particularly in winter months due to vehicles being driven onto it. He concluded by thanking Mrs Grubb for her Parish Clerk duties, Mr Grubb for keeping the minutes and Mr Reade our webmaster. Mr Clarke responded that Mr Barker was too modest as it was Mr Barker who had done most of the renovation work and we are most grateful to him. 7. OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 2024/2025: Election of Chair: Mr Barker was proposed by Mr Clarke and was seconded by Mrs Grubb . Agreed. Election of Vice-Chair: Mr Clarke was proposed by Mr Barker, also seconded by Mrs Grubb. Agreed . Appointment of Parish Clerk: Mrs Grubb was re-appointed, in tandem with her role of Councillor. Mr Grubb agreed to continue taking the minutes. 8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None. Signed: R Barker Dated: 20 May 2025

1. OPEN SESSION : Mr Walker: pleased to report that the emergency repairs to a water pipe across Street Lane near Cow Corner, resulting in an unscheduled one week road closure, were all now completed. Mr Clarke: referred to the Parish being like living “in a bubble” and that we were very lucky. 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Minty Scaife. Others: D Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mr R Walker, Mr S Barley. APOLOGIES: Cllr David Webster (NYC). 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (4 Feb. 2025 - Ref 340): Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. Damage to trees on Street Lane (opposite “Station” wall): Both Mr Barker and Mr Clarke had spoken separately with the owner of the field hedge which was being trimmed when the tree damage occurred. She was very upset about it and willing to assist in rectifying the damage. Discussion on the best way forward: whether the trees could be saved; if replacing would just lead to further damage in future; an alternative site for planting, etc. Agreed: defer to the AGM in May, for a wider consultation. 5. PLANNING: 1. New Applications (a) Highthorne Farm, Pickhill: change of use of agricultural barn (north) to 2 dwellings (previously had permission for conversion to single dwelling (not done). Mr Clarke declared an interest and withdrew from discussion... – no objection. (b) As at (a) above: change of use of second barn (west) to 3 dwellings. Again Mr Clarke declared an interest and withdrew.... – no objection. 2. Dealt with prior to meeting due to time constraints in responding: (c) 1-2 The Cottages, Pickhill: minor change to existing plan - create gateway – no objection. (d) Chancefield, Pickhill: change of use - 2 agricultural buildings into 5 dwellings - no objection. (though Parish Council suggested if granted that passing places be created along Swainby Lane.) However the planning application was refused by Planning due to environmental concerns. 3. Earlier applications: Church House (change of access and new driveway) – granted by Planning. Pickhill School (rear extension to create classroom) also granted by Planning. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update: Parish Clerk presented the balance sheet for financial year ending 31 March 2025. Detail discussed.... accounts and balance in a healthy state though some substantial project bills to come. Balance sheet approved & signed; accounts to be submitted to local auditor. . 2. Grass-cutting contracts: The Parish Clerk advised that the invoice for Pickhill, for the growing season of 2024, we have paid. There were no issues regarding the 2025 contract, which we have signed. However, with regards to Sinderby: following a protracted exchange with North Yorkshire Council, they accept they own the green so they are responsible for cutting that. After a further challenge they now concede they have not been cutting the verges in the village (they are believed to be cut by residents). Therefore NYC have declared the Sinderby contract null and void and they have not charged us for 2024 season. They have also confirmed we are still entitled to receive payments for visibility splays in both villages and the Clerk has invoiced them for 2024. Mrs Grubb expressed her sincere thanks to NYC Cllr David Webster for pursuing the Council officials to get this matter resolved. 3. AGAR Forms : Clerk proposed acceptance of the Annual Governance statement and applying for exemption from central audit for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. Agreed. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Village Green improvements: (i) Seats: Mr Clarke reported that the order had been placed with Charltons. Two benches have been manufactured and just await painting. The third is still in production. Noted. (ii) Signage: Mr Scaife reported the two signs are ready and will be delivered this week. At a site meeting last month the proposed locations were determined along the Lowfields Lane side of the village green. Mr Clarke had offered to dig the holes by hand due to the underground services running along that stretch of the green. He and Mr Barker will then concrete in the posts and fit the signs. Noted. 2. Playground: The ROSPA report had identified lack of adequate signage at the gate and this needs to be addressed. Existing sign does not meet current requirements. Report to be consulted for detail and wording to be agreed. Mr Scaife will then get a quote. The goalposts are broken beyond repair and need replacing. Quotes to be obtained from YPO. Mr Barker said that he proposes seeking volunteer help with playground maintenance and will use the village “Chatter” page on Facebook. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) (1) Gypsy & Travelling People Survey for North Yorkshire Council. Response sent. Noted. (2) NYC Newsletter to Parish Councils . Info only - no action required. Noted. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Clarke: has spoken to the new Highways Area Engineer regarding the opened out floodwater chamber on Swainby Lane (in the “railway dip”). Mr Clarke had dug this out two years ago as the then Engineer had said he would install a new chamber, however he retired before it was done. There had been two changes of Engineer since, but the matter is now to be considered again. Noted. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Parish Council Annual General Meeting set for Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 7.30pm – Pickhill School (ordinary Parish Council meeting to follow on). Signed: R Barker Dated: 20 May 2025

1. OPEN SESSION : nil 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Minty Scaife, Mr Jim Wadsworth. Others: D Grubb (Minutes). NYC: Cllr David Webster. Residents: Mr R Walker APOLOGIES: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (7 Jan 2025 - Ref 339): Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. Speed reduction signage on entering Pickhill: still awaiting response from Highways. 5. PLANNING: 1. Church House, Pickhill (Grade II Listed) : retrospective application re various works discovered during ongoing renovation. Agreed – no objections. 2. Church House, Pickhill (Grade II Listed): change of use of land to domestic; create new vehicle access track and parking; alter existing yard access to pedestrian only. Agreed – no objections. 3. 1-2 The Cottages, Pickhill: retrospective application to convert existing garage to a granny annexe including small extension to create porch. Agreed – no objections. 4. Any updates on earlier applications - none 6. FINANCE: 1. Update since last meeting: Parish Clerk confirmed last statement from bank at end of November. Invoice received for parish council website renewal & domain name at £159.45. Renewal agreed. 2. Grasscutting contract for Sinderby: Following last meeting Mrs Grubb had signed and returned the Pickhill contract and had requested a copy of the plan for Sinderby showing the verges to be cut . Still awaiting a response. Cllr Webster offered to chase that with the member of staff. For next Agenda. 7. PROJECTS: Pickhill Village Green improvements. (i) Seats: Parish Clerk confirmed a grant application was submitted for three bench seats at £900 +VAT. (best of two quotes obtained). Cllr Webster said he had recommended a grant of £500 towards this, for which he was thanked. Design is to match the one existing fixed blue bench seat. Will be heavy but free standing; discussed need to try out positioning. If they get moved by the public we can consider securing them down later. It was proposed that the order be placed with Mr Charlton. Agreed. (Mr Clarke to order) (ii) Signage: Second quote, obtained by Mr Scaife from Swift Signs (£312 + VAT each) beats that from Fox’s. After discussion it was proposed two signs be ordered from Swift. Agreed. (Mr Scaife to order) 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) (1) Speed campaign/road safety in NY villages – update from campaign co-ordinator – this is a campaign to have fixed enforcement cameras in villages, which is resisted by the Mayors office/Police & Crime Commisioner as the policy is to use mobile camera units across North Yorkshire. Noted. (2) Message from All Saints Church. Email received thanking Parish Council for the donation towards Church’s grass-cutting bill. Noted. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Barker: reports that trees on the Street Lane verge opposite the “Station” wall have again been damaged during hedge trimming. He had spoken to the owner of the hedge who confirms the contractor had reported this back to him. Mr Barker noted that these trees were planted by the Parish Council some 20 years ago, yet it is only in the last 2 winters that this has occurred. The Parish Council had to replace one of the trees last winter and others needed “first aid”. Councillors to go and inspect the damage / layout: to discuss further at next meeting. For next Agenda. Cllr Webster: · NY Council meeting the following day to discuss the deficit. · It is likely that Locality Grants budget will be halved next year (to be applied for in second half of 2025 – applications will close 31 Jan 2026. · Each household will be getting one extra recycling bin. · There is a move to even out each Councillors area (based on number of residents) and it is likely that our Parish Council will not be in his area (Bedale division) by the next NYC elections in 2027. · National target of 1.5 million extra homes during this Government means North Yorkshire having to substantially increase its target on the local plan. Mrs Grubb: on that last point, she had downloaded the Local Plan map of the County showing sites suggested by landowners as possibly available for building/development. There was just one within our Parish Council area (copy viewed). Cllr Webster issued a note of caution in that these sites were unfiltered – ie., had not yet been evaluated. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none. Signed: R Barker Dated: 15.4.2025 New Paragraph

1. OPEN SESSION : nil 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Minty Scaife, Mr Jim Wadsworth. Others: D Grubb (Minutes). NYC: Cllr David Webster. APOLOGIES: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS (12 Nov 2024 - Ref 337 and 3 Dec 2024 - Ref 338): Both Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. Speed reduction on entering Pickhill: reinstatement of SLOW signs on road at 30mph entry points: Highways have been asked to reinstate them. Awaiting their response. 2. Vehicle damage to Pickhill Village Green: see Item 7(2). 5. PLANNING: 1. Application re land west of Sinderby Lane, Sinderby – change of use of farm buildings to dwelling house and associated building works – discussed. Agreed – no objections. 2. Previous applications: (1) Chancefield, Pickhill – conversion of agricultural buildings into six dwellings - has been refused by the planning department. (2) Church House, Pickhill – staircase/loft hatch, etc – was granted. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update since last meeting: The Parish Clerk outlined position of current account. A cheque for the Church grounds donation (£300) was signed. The proposed precept forms (2025/26) were submitted in November (£4,620). 2. Grasscutting contracts: Quotes for 2025 growing season received.... Pickhill: The NYC contractors will charge £1665.83, whilst Highways will pay £112.34 for cutting their visibility splays. After discussion, this was accepted. Sinderby: NYC originally quoted over £800, but when Mrs Grubb queried the amount it transpired this included the “village green”, as they believed we owned it. They have now accepted that NYC do own it and have re-quoted £416 for just the roadside verges. Highways will pay us £52 for the splays. Councillors queried the £416 as there seems to be little which was not splays. Mrs Grubb to request plans showing the verges to be cut within that quote For next Agenda. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Playground improvements : due to winter conditions no further work had been undertaken. 2. Vehicle damage to Pickhill Village Green: Mr Barker had obtained a quote from Fox’s for two signs mounted on posts, at £334 each, plus VAT, and showed images of the wording options. Mr Scaife would obtain a second quote to same specification. For next Agenda. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) None 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Cllr Webster : will be attending NYC budget meeting the day after, so little to report. Locality Grants available on a 50/50 basis; closing date is 31 January. Discussion regarding seating benches to improve amenities on Pickhill Village Green, which only has one bench currently. Quotes to be obtained. Mr Scaife: recalls earlier suggestion for a flower bed on the verge by Pickhill sign at top of hill – ongoing. Mrs Grubb: a resident at Holme on Swale had asked if our Parish Council could represent their village as their Parish Meeting had ceased to exist. Mrs Grubb had advised her that it was not within our remit and referred her to NY Council. Cllr Webster confirmed that was the position and advised there were other villages in the area in a similar position, such as Ainderby Quernhow and Howe. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none. Signed: R. Barker Dated: 4.2.2025 New Paragraph

1. OPEN SESSION: nil 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair). Others: D Grubb (Minutes) APOLOGIES : Parish Councillors: Mrs Norma Grubb, Mr Jim Wadsworth & Mr Minty Scaife; also Cllr David Webster (NYC) As the meeting was not quorate, due to short notice unavoidable absences of three Parish Councillors, the Chairman would close the meeting, with a new meeting to be arranged for January 2025. It was determined that two planning applications (documents re both previously circulated to all Councillors) had time limits so could not wait until then and would be dealt with, as follows: Church House – majority had already indicated they had no objections and reply required by 4 December. Pickhill School – email circulation to be sent for councillors’ response as reply required by 10 December. (Subsequently no objections.) The meeting was then closed. Signed: R Barker Dated: 7. 1. 2025

1. OPEN SESSION : nil 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair) Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Jim Wadsworth. Others: D Grubb (Minutes). NYC: Cllr David Webster. Residents: Mr Walker, Mrs Harvey, Mr Lane, Mr Burgess. APOLOGIES : Parish Councillor Mr Minty Scaife 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (28 May 2024: Ref 336): Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. School use of public play area. Following liaison with school head, our insurers and parish councillors, this has been agreed and the public playground is now being accessed during school play sessions, with access direct from school grounds and supervised by their staff. Public still have access at these times. 2. Improving water quality in Pickhill Beck: Mr Clarke reported that a grant has been applied for to monitor water quality and explore ways to make improvements. Separately Yorkshire Water is in the process of installing pipe-works between the sewage pumping station at Sinderby and the River Swale, to reduce the run-off that has been overflowed into the beck along that stretch, causing bad smells. 3. Speed reduction on entering Pickhill: it is noted that the “Slow” signs painted on the road on approach to the 30mph area, at both ends of the village, had not been replaced after last years re-surfacing. Highways are being asked to reinstate them. 4. Vehicle damage to Pickhill Village Green: ongoing issue along the school lane side. Mr Barker has monitored this. Biggest mis-use is at school pick-up time when numerous vehicles wait, parked on the green. Also vehicles reversing out from driveways, or when delivery vehicles park. As winter approaches more damage will occur. It is accepted that infrequently a large funeral or wedding may encroach. It was proposed quotes to be obtained for two signs... “No parking or driving on the village green”. Agreed. 5. PLANNING: 1. Applications dealt with since last meeting: The applications for Manor Farm (holiday let rail carriage), Church House (internal & external alterations), Middle Park Farm (agricultural barn), and The Cottage in Pickhill (demolish and rebuild) – were not opposed by the Parish Council; all have now been granted. 2. New Applications: (1) Chancefield, Pickhill – to determine if prior approval is required for proposed conversion of three agricultural buildings into 6 dwellings. Discussed at length, plans examined. The applicant Mr Lane was able to answer Councillors questions. Agreed: no objections. (2) Broadlea, Pickhill – to demolish bungalow and build two detached dwellings. Mr Clarke declared an interest and withdrew from discussion. In 2019 permission was granted to convert this property into two semi detached houses. The new plans were examined. Agreed: no objections. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update since last meeting: The Parish Clerk outlined that in 2017 planning permission was granted to build 3 homes behind the Nags Head and the development was completed in 2020. At that time the Parish Council was told that no CIL money (Community Infrastructure Levy) was payable to us. Last month the Council contacted her to advise that a mistake had been made and there was a CIL payment for this development. We have now received £3,918.75. Noted. Recent payments made for a combination lock for playground vehicle gate, new pads (adult and paediatric) and a new battery for Pickhill defibrillator. We had also paid a contractor to trim the lime tree (around the Knowles seat) on Pickhill Village Green. Noted. 2. Setting the Parish precept: For year 2024/2025 we had received a precept payment of £4,200.This is collected as part of the Council Tax. We now need to set this for 2025/2026 (starts 1st April). A similar increase as the previous year would take it to £4,620. As this was divided by the total number of homes in the Parish and the number of new houses had again increased, the actual rise to each home was minimal (pence per month). Agreed to set at £4,620 3. Request from Pickhill Church – assistance with grasscutting costs. In recent years we had made a donation of £250. It was proposed to increase this to £300 this year and this was seconded. The Parish Clerk said this was a 20% increase and suggested it remain at £250. After a vote it was carried by a majority to make a donation of £300. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Playground improvements : Mr Barker reported he had continued improvement repairs on the Playground over the summer, particularly addressing issues identified in the last ROSPA inspection report. Mats fitted under “wear” areas, swing joist replaced; work on timber of climbing tower, all at minimal cost. Mr Clarke proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Barker which was agreed unanimously. 2. ROSPA Report. The annual inspection was carried out in October and the work undertaken by Mr Barker had paid off as there were no items rated as “red” this year. As a lot of the timber equipment is now approaching 30 years old, it is inevitable there will be wear and tear issues, such as ground level strimmer damage to swings and climbing equipment and rot to the top of posts. 3. Defibrillators. Pickhill - routine renewal of pads and battery in October. Pads (separate adult and child sets) cost £172 and expire in Nov 2026; they can only be used once. Battery cost £336 and lasts up to four years. We were alerted just the day before this meeting that the unit may have been used (999 call to Ambulance). Mr Grubb checked and the unit was intact (pads still vacuum packed), but he then had an issue in re-setting; taking advice from suppliers to resolve. No info available to meeting re Sinderby unit. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) 1. Interest savings account offer for Parish Councils. Hinckley & Rugby Building Society offer an online account which pays 2.4% interest. It can be accessed by a single signatory. The Parish Clerk expressed her discomfort with that and it was agreed this was not viable. 2. Northern Gas Network – Community Initiative Newsletter. Having studied the contents Councillors agreed there was nothing of relevance to the Parish Council . 3. HugoFox Websites for Parish Councils: offering a “gov.uk” website and email facilities to Parish Councils.The annual charges are three times our current arrangements (a “co.uk” address with emails) supplied at cost by Ollie Reade, with design, updates and servicing for no extra charge, providing an excellent facility for the Parish. Councillors expressed their satisfaction with the current arrangements and declined the new offer. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Barker: explained why we had not had a meeting since May – no issues requiring a meeting and the few planning applications put in over the summer were straightforward and had been dealt with remotely. Cllr Webster : gave an outline of the new North Yorkshire Council’s progress. There would be a deficit next year of some £28.2million. The recent National Insurance increases would add £8million to the Council’s costs as employers. However the second homes premium could bring in an additional £11million. The Council aims to add 800 affordable new homes; several sites being explored. The size and spread of the new Council is causing some communication issues. The old Hambleton District offices at Stone Cross, Northallerton, still houses Planning and Electoral Services but its future is uncertain. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none. Signed: R Barker Dated: 7. 1. 2025

1. OPEN SESSION : Cllr Webster (NYC) suggested we may want to consider an annual Open Village meeting, inviting organisations like school, church, village hall, charity groups, etc, to report. It is recommended good practice and some Parish Councils incorporate it into their annual general meeting. Noted, to consider. 2. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair) Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Others: D Grubb (Minutes). NYC: Cllr David Webster. Residents: Mr Walker APOLOGIES : Parish Councillors Mr Minty Scaife & Mr Jim Wadsworth. 3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (5 March 2024: Ref 335): Agreed by Cllrs present. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. Vehicle damage to Pickhill Green: ongoing issue along the school lane side. Some damage caused by vehicles reversing out from driveways, or when delivery vehicles park as well as funerals/large events at Church. Vehicles mount the kerb and damage the grass surface. Always worse in winter/wet weather. Road widening or creation of passing places prohibitive. Posts and chain? To monitor. 5. PLANNING: 1. Application: Church House, Pickhill : work to trees in garden (conservation area). Proposal to remove six trees at front of property, as they are causing damage. Discussed at length. Agreed: no objections. 2. Application: Manor Farm, Pickhill: siting one converted railway carriage for holiday let use. Mr Clarke declared an interest, which left the meeting without a quorum. Reply required by 7 June so no opportunity for another meeting. To deal with this remotely so absent councillors can be involved. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update since last meeting: Precept payment received in full. 2. Exemption from external audit (Agar forms): re accounts for year ending 31 March 2024 . Agreed: Parish Clerk to apply for exemption 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Playground : Mr Barker has restored the climbing wall with new panels, supports and he replaced missing foot and hand holds. He has also completed the roof tower renewal, all for which he was thanked. Cost of materials only. Mr Grubb has replaced six missing fence palings. 2. Upkeep of trees in Pickhill. Mr Clarke reported that he had trimmed some trees on the village green and replaced the fatally injured cherry tree near Station House. Mr Barker reported that Mr Monkton had kindly trimmed some of the damaged young trees there as he is Forestry Commission trained. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated in advance, as received) 1. Pickhill School - consultation on expanding local federation of schools: has now gone ahead. 2. Pickhill School – school proposal to utilise Pickhill playground with school play area: Questions raised – how often; would non school youngsters still have access during those sessions; need to consult our insurers, provide our risk assessment to school. (ie the annual ROSPA report). Agreed: Parish Clerk to liaise with Head and report back . 3. NYC Election on 2 May 2024 – Mayor of York & North Yorkshire: election notices posted in April. 4. NYC – Standards in Public Life – document re Councillors register of interests etc. Request to check our Councillors details and declarations are on the NYC register of interests. Checked/confirmed . 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Clarke: Villagers have asked whether Pickhill Beck could be made cleaner, Mr Clarke reports grants are available through Rural Payments Agency to farmers for monitoring/improving. He had met with a group of farmers to explore this. Would the Parish Council support such an initiative? After discussion.... Agreed. Mr Clarke: has been asked re speed warning signs for Pickhill. He is aware flashing speed signs not feasible, but could other warning signs re speed be installed? Clerk to enquire with Highways. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none. Signed: R Barker Dated: 12 November 2024

1. OPEN SESSION: Mr Robson: discussion re charges for cutting grass in Church grounds compared with village green (same NYC contractor). Concluded charges probably in balance. 2. PRESENT: Mr Ron Barker (Cllr & Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Cllr & Vice Chair) Mrs Norma Grubb (Cllr & Parish Clerk), Mr Jim Wadsworth (Cllr) , D Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mrs Harvey, Mr Robson, Mr Walker APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife (Cllr) 3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (2 Jan 2024: Ref 334): Agreed by Cllrs present. Signed by Chair. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: 1. Pickhill road resurfacing – finalisation: Signs and rubble now removed. Mrs Grubb had an email from the contractors thanking her for kind feedback re quality of work and helpful workforce. 2. Tree trimming: Sinderby - trees trimmed, satisfactory outcome; tree surgeon invoice paid. Pickhill – branches by noticeboard and around Lime seats need trimming. Cherry trees damaged during hedge cutting on verge opposite “station” wall, one is dead. Agreed: Parish Council to trim trees and replace dead tree. Mr Clarke volunteered. 3. Vehicle damage to Pickhill Green: less incursions, but still an issue. Mr Barker said we may have to consider installing posts / chains to prevent damage to Green. To be monitored. For next agenda. 5. PLANNING: 1. Appeal to Secretary of State: West Garth Sinderby. As this required response by 5 March, reply agreed earlier – “Parish Council had not objected to the planning application and supported the appeal, as an on-site farm manager was seen as necessary at a large pig breeding unit.” Response submitted. 2. Application: Brook House, Pickhill: work to trees in back garden (conservation area). Again response required by 28 February, so after earlier consultation..... Agreed: no objections. 3. Modification application: 1-2 The Cottages, Pickhill: changes to 2021 drawings to move proposed dwelling forward, square off garage, add 1st floor, dispense with proposed detached barn for gym, fenestration amendments. Plans considered..... Agreed: no objections. 4. Updates on earlier applications: Highthorne Farm, Pickhill (conversion of barn to dwelling) adjudged by planning as permitted development. Pear Tree House in Sinderby (extension) has been granted. Noted. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update since last meeting: Tree surgeons invoice paid. Payment made to NYC for 2023 grasscutting. We have received payments for cutting the splays. Website/domain name invoice paid. 2. Parish precept for 2024/25: increase same as last year – a difference of only pence per household per month on Council tax. More homes in Parish Council area also means slightly less per household. 3. Grasscutting/pitch-marking for 2024: contract agreed with NYC Facilities. Mr Barker queried whether we need the pitch marked now there is no walking football. Agreed to monitor this summer. 4. Cutting splays in 2024: we have agreed to continue cutting the junction visibility splays for which we receive a small remuneration from NYC Highways. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Playground: Mr Barker and Mr Clarke reported that the timber has now been delivered. Climbing wall panels and roof of one tower removed to workshop for restoration. 2. Dog Waste bin for Sinderby: Parish Clerk is liaising with the NYC manager who deals with this and is arranging a site meeting. Mr Wadsworth and Mr Barker will also attend. 3. Verge at Pickhill sign – top of hill. Further discussion re shaping of banking and levels. Mr Barker & Mr Clarke will meet there with digger and do some sculpting, before any planting. For next agenda. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: nil 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Clarke: has some historic photographs of village which could be placed on Parish Council website – will be of interest. Agreed. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none. Signed: R Barker Dated: 28 May 2024

1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker, Mr Graham Clarke, Mrs Norma Grubb, Mr James Wadsworth. David Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mr R Walker. 2. APOLOGIES: none 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM - 23 May 2022 Agreed and signed by Mr Barker. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM 2022 MINUTES: none 5. PARISH CLERK’S REPORT: (1) Finance: Audited accounts for year ending 31 March 2023 were presented. Thanks expressed to Mr Chris Robson for once again carrying out the local audit. (2) Planning – summary for year ending 31 March 2023: only seven applications made for Pickhill/Sinderby; the Parish Council had no objection to six of them; one was subject of objections from the Parish Council, but was granted. One application was withdrawn. (3) New Council Structure from 1 April 2023: brief outline of North Yorkshire Council – the single unitary authority, replacing District Councils and the former County Council. Parish Council structure remains unchanged. First mayoral election for York and North Yorkshire will be held in May 2024. 6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mr Barker reported that we have had a good year and there was no bad news! Planning issues and grass-cutting contracts go on as normal. Playground maintenance is ongoing and the new multi-coloured picnic tables were a welcome addition and are popular with the users. With thanks to Cllr Webster for the grant towards these. The usual issues with potholes, parking & speeding; the road condition through Pickhill has been an issue for some years but major repair work is scheduled to start in the summer 2023. Following local government reorganisation we are pleased that Cllr Webster is still our representative on the new North Yorkshire Council. The parish is one of the most crime free in the County according to recent local press reports; not being on a “through route” must play a big part in keeping us a low crime area. Finally thanks expressed to Ollie Reade who manages our very good Parish Council website free of charge. 7. OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 2023/2024: Election of Chair: Mr Barker was proposed by Mr Clarke and seconded by Mr Wadsworth. Agreed. Election of Vice-Chair: Mr Clarke was proposed by Mr Barker, seconded by Mr Wadsworth. Agreed. Appointment of Parish Clerk: Mrs Grubb was re-appointed, in tandem with her role of Councillor. Mr Grubb agreed to continue taking the minutes. 8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None. Signed: R Barker Dated: 28 May 2024