Minutes of Meeting held on 10 February 2020, at Pickhill School
1. PRESENT: Mr Graham Clarke (Chairman), Mr Ron Barker (Vice Chairman), Mrs Norma Grubb (Parish Clerk),
Mr Minty Scaife, Mr James Wadsworth.
David Grubb (Minutes), Residents: Mrs Anita Harvey, Mr Roger Walker.
APOLOGIES from Cllr David Webster.
2. OPEN MEETING: The condition of Lowfields Lane and Street Lane was raised. Highways had responded to the Parish Council letter saying that remedial work would be carried out on Lowfields Lane (to the deeper potholes), but funding was not available for any comprehensive work. Some “patching” of potholes had been done on Street Lane, but the general condition of the stretch at the top of the hill was worsening. It was agreed the fundamental problem is that the road is just not wide enough, resulting in potholes to the sides of the carriageway. The road had been flooded again in the current storm conditions and there seemed to be a long term problem of lack of drainage. The Parish Clerk would seek a site meeting of Parish Council and Highways, for both roads. With the support of County Councillor Weighell the Parish Council would continue to press. Propose to place an item re this on the “Chatter” Facebook page.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (20 January 2020)
Copies distributed and agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
(i) Lowfields Lane: as discussed in open meeting Review at next meeting
(ii) Street Lane: as discussed in open meeting. Review at next meeting
(iii) Parish Council website: This is now live in a skeleton form and marked “under construction”. The “legal” pages re privacy and accessibility need to be added. Draft copies had been sent out to councillors for amendment/approval. Costs so far remain at £29 though further expenditure anticipated as the site develops. Discussion re a working party with the webmaster, Mr Reade. It was agreed that the webmaster should have an email address for security. Mr Reade thanked once again, in his absence, for his help and expertise. Review at next meeting
(iv) Playground/Rospa – In hand by Mr Clarke, trying to get Image and Rospa to a site meeting. For next Agenda (v) Goal posts on Pickhill village green: Mr Clarke had delivered the spare parts as promised.
(vi). RAF Leeming liaison re activity. Mr Barker liaising. For next Agenda
(vii) Trees on green in Sinderby – Mr Clarke reported these were due to be trimmed in the next couple of weeks.
(viii) Mud etc on Swainby Lane: issue dormant over winter. Keep on agenda for review. For next Agenda
5. PLANNING
(i) Planning Application: The Old Post Office, Sinderby – alterations and extensions to form two dwellings and create parking to front. Mr Wadsworth advised that these used to be two separate cottages years ago. It was agreed smaller homes were needed in the villages. Agreed: No objections from Parish Council.
(ii) Update: Broadlea, Street Lane, Pickhill – application has now been granted by Planning Committee, who had also expressed the view that smaller, more affordable homes, were desirable.
6. FINANCE MATTERS
(i) Income/outgoings: A grasscutting invoice from NYCC for £2,268 has been paid. We have also paid the website invoice (£28.68). A payment of £144.12 has just gone into the bank (believed to be for cutting verges – but no advice note received yet).
(iii) MAD (Making a Difference) Grant for January 2021: Discussion around various suggestions “on the table” so far: re-cycled plastic picnic tables for the Green, flashing 30mph warning signs, additional dog waste bins. Mr Wadsworth reported that the village hall would welcome assistance with broadband costs and purchase of a trolley for moving/storing chairs. It was pointed out this would be a “one off” grant so ongoing broadband costs would probably not qualify, but the trolley would be placed on the list, all to be considered at a future meeting. The project decided on would then have to be costed and a quote obtained. For next Agenda
(iv) Donation from Mrs Cunningham (£514.41) for use to benefit children of Pickhill. Suggestions invited for next meeting. For next Agenda
7. CORRESPONDENCE (not included above): nil
8. COUNCILLORS REPORTS:
(i) Mr Clarke recalled that a few years ago County Councillor Weighell provided a grant of £1,000 for bulb planting. Aconites, crocus, daffodils, tulips, bluebells etc were planted around the two villages and on parts of the A6055 (old A1). It will be interesting to review in the next month or two how these plantings are progressing. He noted that the Aconites around the church walls are developing into a carpet of yellow. (photos invited?) Next meeting
(ii) Following discussion, Councillors agreed that a review of suitable sites for any future tree planting should be undertaken. Next meeting
(iii) The condition of the footpath between the Pickhill village green and playground had deteriorated recently and would require repair. Believed this is responsibility of Hambleton District Council. (HDC) Next meeting
(iv) The question of ownership of the village green at Pickhill was discussed. Presently belongs to HDC.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS - nil
Latest News
A message from RAF Leeming: RAF Leeming will soon be entering a period of exercise hosting, during which there will be additional jet and helicopter movement. The local community can expect increased flying from 20 August to 2 October - including some night flying. We understand that Exercises can cause disturbance to the local community, and endeavour to minimise low and late flying in particular. Norma Grubb, Clerk to the Parish Council, 15 August 2026 Email: clerk@pickhillandsinderbypc.co.uk
OPEN SESSION : Mrs Clarke – re anaerobic digester for Low Ness, she did not object to the project, - her concern is the junction of A6055 with site access road – danger from heavy traffic turning. Would Highways be involved and are alterations proposed for the junction? Mr Trewhitt, from Low Ness, understands traffic consultants are involved. The company leading the proposals, Engie, are sending leaflets to all residents and holding a public consultation at Carthorpe on 16 July. Mr Barker pointed out the site itself and the junction, are in Burneston Parish, and residents may wish to make representations to them. Mrs Clarke gave her thanks and then left the meeting. 1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk). Also: D Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mr & Mrs Trewhitt, 2. APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife, Cllr David Webster (NYC). 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (21 May ‘26 – Minute Ref. 349) Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : Church Hill – road surface: Parish Clerk is liaising with Highways. 5. PLANNING: 1. New Application: Scarborough House Farm: proposed new farm building . Agreed: no objections. 2. New Application: Broadlea, Pickhill: proposed additional bungalow as part of existing development. Noted that the application is based on 2019 planning, granted to convert existing bungalow into semi detached dormers. However in 2024 permission was granted to demolish existing bungalow and build two detached dormers. Agreed: No objection to new application. 3. Pre-Planning Consultation: proposed agricultural anaerobic digestion facility on land off the A1(M) at YO7 4LJ: land at Low Ness Farm. Whilst Low Ness is in this Parish, the digester site is just in Burneston Parish, as is the access road and junction with A6055. Public consultation session at Carthorpe on 16 July. Parish Councillors can access a separate Zoom facility,plus a site visit can be arranged with Mr Trewhitt direct. Noted. 4. New Application: Ramshaw Farm, Pickhill: change of use – agricultural land to dog exercise/training area, plus create caravan storage compound. Agreed: No objection. 5. New Application: (received that day) : Scots Dene, Pickhill: convert integral garage into liveable room. Agreed: No objection. 6. Updates on Earlier Applications: none. 6. FINANCE: 1. Parish Clerk’s Update: Mrs Grubb clarified issue from last meeting re grasscutting bill. The invoice for 2025 growing season was only received on 14 April 2026 so is in the 2026/27 accounts. Noted. 2. Financial records for 2025/2026: have been posted on the Parish Council website. Noted. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Car Parking Improvements at Pickhill: Mr Barker reported that multiple tons of soil had been placed and levelled on the site in the past week. Now to be harrowed and grass seeded. Samples of the two types of surface grid were examined. Agreed: heavier type to be ordered. 400sq meters = approx £12,000 plus VAT. (VAT is recoverable). Mr Barker to get the final figure and circulate it. Parish Clerk has received offer of £300 grant from NYC towards the fence. It was proposed this fence should go length of the site; creosoted posts 7ft 6in, finished fence height at 4ft. Agreed. Revised fence specification. Parish Clerk to obtain quotes. Mr Clarke said that Mike Barker had provided extended use of a large excavator for the site and should be offered something towards the substantial diesel costs. The Chairman suggested Mike would be happy with written thanks from the Parish Council. Parish Clerk to deal. The work had unearthed a long time buried roadside drainage grate at the corner of Church House garden wall. It is full of soil/debris and requires clearing. Parish Clerk to contact Highways. 2. Playground: Mr Barker will carry out maintenance review, prior to ROSPA inspection due September. 8. CORRESPONDENCE : (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting): 1. Email from Sinderby resident re a public health issue . Environmental Health at NYC had been contacted. Mr Barker & Mr Clarke have arranged to speak to the agent for the land concerned. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS. Mr Clarke: The seat around the Lime tree on Pickhill Village Green is obstructed by new growth. Could this be trimmed back? Agreed: requires trimming. Mr Barker to contact usual contractor. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS : Nil. Signed: R Barker Dated: 18/8/26 New Paragraph