Minutes of meeting held on 1 August 2023 at Sinderby. Ref: 332
1. OPEN SESSION: nothing raised.
2. PRESENT: Mr Ron Barker (Cllr & Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Cllr & Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (Cllr & Parish Clerk), Mr Minty Scaife (Cllr), Mr Jim Wadsworth (Cllr).
D Grubb (Minutes), Cllr D Webster (NYC), Residents: Mrs A Harvey.
APOLOGIES: none
3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (23 May 2023 - Minute Ref 331): Agreed by all. Signed by Chair.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
1. Road Repairs in Pickhill: Work has been in progress since 10 July. Seems to be much more being done than originally envisaged. The top of hill approach has been widened, which has created a passing place, as the Parish Council had requested. Many positive comments regarding the work so far and the helpfulness of contractors in getting residents in and out of their properties during the work.
2. Tree trimming at Sinderby: Mr Barker has got a second quote. Councillors would inspect the trees after the meeting (when they agreed the quote from Mr Holmes & that the weeping trees not to be trimmed).
3. Defibrillators: Sinderby pads have been replaced; both units are regularly checked. Noted.
5. PLANNING:
1. Miramar, Pickhill: Application for a two-toilet block on campsite. Agreed: No objections.
2. Charity Farm, Pickhill: Application for Lawful Development Certificate: Councillors unsure of the status of this property; the paperwork provided does not make it clear. No planning permission? Breach of restrictions such as agricultural ties? Agreed: Parish Council to confirm dwelling and poultry sheds have been there since 1960’s/1970’s. Ask Planning to clarify property status.
6. FINANCE:
1. Update: with the full amount of the precept paid in April, account totals £11,281, plus petty cash of £52.
2. Mr Robson (Parish Church Warden) emailed requesting help with costs of grass-cutting in church grounds, currently over £1,100 a year. Agreed: donation of £250. 3. Mr Robson also wants to place a sign at foot of Church Hill (Vicar’s details/times of services). Clerk spoke to Planning, who ask for Mr Robson to email them a sketch with location, dimensions of board and its construction: they will advise if planning application needed. Mr Robson has been informed.
7. PROJECTS / ONGOING ISSUES:
Pickhill Playground: A swing mount had loosened; repaired by Mr Barker. Climbing wall needs new section, removed due to rot; new nut covers, mats, etc.: parts only available from the maker, so usual two quotes not possible. Mr Barker asked Mr Clarke to order the parts. As Rospa report due September, councillors to meet on site to list necessary work. Agreed: expenditure for work needed.
8. CORRESPONDENCE - nil
9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS:
Cllr Webster: gave a brief outline of the new Council’s seminars on Planning, IT, Economy, Energy, etc. The seven former district councils each has its own area Planning Office. Efforts being made to ease Councillors ability to “call in” planning applications where there are issues. There will be economies of staffing and accommodation as the new Council progresses. Some parts of Northallerton Civic Centre (former HDC offices) will be mothballed as some functions move to County Hall. Noted.
Mr Barker: reports that the stone village name signs at each end of Pickhill require power-washing due to moss & algae build up. Mr Barker offered to undertake this, for which he was thanked. Noted.
Mrs Grubb & Mr Barker: The Strawberry Fayre on the Village Green, put on by Friends of Pickhill School, was very well organised, with good attendance despite poor weather on the day. Noted.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: none.
Signed: RB Barker Dated: 14 Nov 2023