Minutes of meeting held on 13 December 2021 at Sinderby. Ref: 321
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).
2. OPEN SESSION: A resident had messaged re parking on Street Lane between Village Green and Cow Corner. Discussed at length - agreed this is an issue - consensus view was that no Parish Council action could be taken.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (1 Nov 2021- Minute Ref. 320): Agreed by all / signed by Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
(1) Dog fouling on Pickhill Village Green – Mr Scaife had kindly sourced and mounted signs near to the green, asking dog owners not to allow their animals to foul on the green. Mr Scaife has some additional signs should they be required for Sinderby.
(2) Road Maintenance Street Lane – Parish Clerk had contacted Highways and outlined the issues re resurfacing, surface water, widening and passing places. Awaiting a response.
5. PLANNING
(1) Planning Application – Pickhill C of E Primary School – demolition of temporary classroom and erection of new prefabricated single storey building, external lighting, tarmac footpath, re-locate shed, landscaping. Agreed: No objections.
(2) Planning updates since last meeting:
Pickhill: The Cottage – has been granted. Sinderby: West Garth - decision pending.
6. FINANCE MATTERS
(1) Update summary: Income/outgoings since last meeting outlined. Cheque signed for use of Sinderby Village Hall for the two PC meetings.
(2) Review of Banking Arrangements. Virgin Money closing its local branches, making Harrogate or Darlington the nearest, but some banking can be done at local post offices. Agreed: monitor how this goes.
7. PROJECTS
(1) Defibrillators. Sinderby: Unit inspected during meeting - all in order. Cabinet access code is C147.
Pickhill: known that new battery due in 2022. To be inspected after the meeting. (NOTE: found on inspection to be indicating new battery required immediately. Unit is connected to power in Nags Head and cabinet heater working. Battery ordered by Parish Clerk at £220+VAT and fitted on 15 Dec. Access code is C0147X. Ambulance Control non-emergency contact number for defib. queries is 0300 330 0251.
(2) Queens Platinum Jubilee: Mr Clarke has kindly offered to supply the oak tree sapling, along with a substantial tree guard. To be planted on Pickhill Village Green at 2pm on Sunday 6 February 2022, (anniversary of date of succession, as the designated bank holiday in June will be outside planting period). Location selected adjacent to Street Lane, near the line of Cherry trees. Plaques to be ordered for this tree and for the Lime tree planted in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
(3) Water Fountains – restoration: We had been unable to identify a company that could quote for all the work. Most helpful was HCS Mechanical Services in Northallerton, who advised they could install but we would have to first find & engage a designer, an engineer to do the conversion meeting current water safety regulations, a shot blaster/powder coating specialist for restoration and Yorkshire Water to provide mains supply and water meters. We have consequently missed the deadline for the MAD grant, so a project for exploration now, ready for next year.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
(1) ROSPA Playground Inspection: Report was circulated to Councillors prior to meeting. Eight minor issues (all classed as Amber). We need to speak to the Inspector to clarify what the issue is with Zip Line end stop positioning, as we altered this after it was identified last year. Agreed: Parish Clerk (PC) to liaise and report back.
(2) New “North Yorkshire Council”: The make-up of the new Council was outlined; replaces County and District Councils on 1 April 2023, though elections for new Councillors will take place in May 2022, to allow for planning/set up etc. All subject to the legislation being passed by Government in the new year.
(3) Parish Council Elections: Also contained in the new North Yorkshire plans is a proposal to bring forward the Town & Parish Council elections from 2023 to May 2022, so that they are aligned with the new Council elections. All Parish Councillors indicated their willingness to stand for election in 2022.
(4) Ainderby Quernhow CIL. Mr Clarke has been approached by Hambleton District Council asking if we would assist Ainderby Quernhow village to access their Community Infrastructure Levy, after a development of three new homes there. As they do not have a Parish Council, they cannot receive the grant, but it could be paid to us if we agree to act for the village. Cllr Webster had spoken to Lord Jopling who had suggested that it could be used to purchase a village notice board. Agreed: PC to contact HDC to confirm the process & we will get some costs and Mr Clarke will liaise.
(5) Grasscutting – visibility splays: Letter from NYCC asking if we wish to continue this arrangement. Agreed: Arrangement to continue. PC to request a map of the relevant splay areas for both villages.
9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS
(1) Station Farm Development: complaints received by Councillors about issues at the new building site at Station Farm, Street Lane. Mud on the roads outside the site, verges being churned up and lorries parking on Street Lane awaiting access to the site – have to wait for a lorry to leave before they can enter - all in breach of planning conditions. Agreed: PC to write to Planning.
(2) Damage to tree in Conservation Area: The large ash tree in the field gate opposite entrance to Melltown Green has lost two large boughs in recent weeks. Concern as to whether it is safe. Agreed: PC to contact owners.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(1) Pickhill Millenium Book: Mrs Grubb has collected the remaining stock from Mrs Hopper. Intends to provide one to new residents once COVID eases. A non resident in Devon has asked to buy one. Confirmed price is £15.
Signed: G Clarke Dated: 7 March 2022