Minutes of Meeting held on 20 January 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).
County Cllr John Weighell. Residents: Mrs Anita Harvey, Mr Michael Monkton.
APOLOGIES: Cllr David Webster.
3. OPEN MEETING: Goal posts at Pickhill. Mr Monkton confirmed that a cross bar was broken and John Fletcher (Walking Football Group) had offered to carry out the repairs. Team unable to play at present due to prevailing wet conditions affecting the Green. Arranged that Mr Clarke would deliver the spare parts he had, to the Green on Saturday (25 January).
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (2 December 2019)
Copies distributed and agreed.
5. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
(i) Parking signs at school: The new signs (Parking – school use only) now been installed by Mr Barker– one on the front of the building, the other mounted on posts, in the side car park. Mr Barker was thanked for his work.
(ii) Condition of road - Lowfields Lane: Mrs Grubb wrote to County Council Highways in December enclosing letters from several residents. No response to date. There had been some restoration of the verge after the water mains installation to the new houses but the remainder of verges and road surface still require urgent attention. Mrs Grubb to chase them. County Cllr Weighell said the County’s A and B roads were in generally good condition, but he acknowledged that C roads, such as this, were not as healthy. NYCC had more roads than any other local authority. Mrs Grubb will copy him in and he will re-inforce the request. Review at next meeting
(iii) Condition of Street Lane: remains a concern – potholes and lakes making it single track, affects all residents of Pickhill. The engineer had recently marked further potholes for attention, but it’s only remedial on the most serious holes. Last written response from Highways on file was 2015, when they agreed work was required but funding was not available. Again, Mrs Grubb to write to Highways. Mr Weighell will follow up. Review at next meeting
(iv) Parish Council website: Mr Ollie Reade has purchased the website domain, which is: www.pickhillandsinderbypc.co.uk He had found a discount offer, so he got it at under £29 instead of the usual price of £125. Further set up costs to come, as the site is developed. Discussion followed re email addresses to be created, format and content, so that further “construction” work could be carried out. Mr Reade was thanked in his absence for his help and expertise. Review progress at next meeting
(v) Goal posts on village green: as discussed in open meeting. Review at next meeting
(vi) Zip Wire – Rospa report: Reply received from the director at Image Playgrounds. They have carried out an operational inspection and reported there were “no immediate risks”. This did not address the specific issues raised in the ROSPA report, the relevant extracts of which which had been sent to Image (ie. regarding the zip wire end stop and the rubber matting). They will again be pursued. As the Parish Council is in the middle of this dispute, it was suggested that Image and Rospa are invited to meet on site with a parish councillor, to try resolve this disparity. Review at next meeting
(vii) Mud etc on Swainby Lane: issue dormant over winter. Keep on agenda for review. For next Agenda
(viii) RAF Leeming – liaison re activity. Mr Barker had learned from the local paper that the activity in November/December was an exercise with US Air Force - fighter jets - bigger and noisier than the usual aircraft there. Up to two or three years ago, he got regular updates from Leeming in advance so he could post it on the notice-boards. County Cllr Weighell had also noted the lack of updates in the last couple of years. It was queried whether they may now just publish details on their website. Mr Barker will contact to clarify. Review at next meeting
5. PLANNING
(i) Planning application: Church Hill Cottage, Pickhill; work to fell two silver birch trees in conservation area. Mrs Grubb advised that this application had already been granted by Planning and she set out the timeline for this. The application was received by Planning on 4 December (two days after the last Parish Council meeting). Planning wrote to the Parish Clerk on 12 December, though this was received by her on 17th (presumably Christmas post). A meeting could not be convened before the holiday period (seven days notice required), so she had emailed councillors in the New Year to seek availability. The meeting was set for the earliest convenient date – 20 January. She received notification from Planning on 18 January that the permission had been granted.
Mr Barker expressed his dismay that the Parish Council had been denied the opportunity to express its view on the application, or suggest any conditions. Mrs Grubb said the application form indicated that the applicant had planted these two trees himself 40 years ago and that one of them was damaged by gales, the other is now leaning over the highway. The applicant stated he intended to replace the two trees with two new silver birches. She had spoken to the Planning Officer at Hambleton who advised that this type of application is in fact a notification, the planning authority then having six weeks to reach a decision – either to allow the work or to issue a tree preservation order, preventing it. In this case the decision was made on 13 January, the day before the 6 week period expired. None of the Parish Council members were aware of this procedure / time limit. The Planning Officer had said in any event these trees were not likely to have been made subject of such a preservation order. It was pointed out that other planning applications take much longer than six weeks. There followed a discussion on the parish council’s procedure, to avoid this happening in future, including prompt fixing of meetings and liaison outside of a meeting if necessary.
(ii) Update on outstanding applications: the remaining 2019 planning applications were outlined. Roman Castle Barn extension, Nags Head store-room alterations and the Pasture Farm construction of piggery unit, were all granted in December. Going into 2020, just two still pending: Manor Farm, Sinderby – new farm-workers bungalow and Broadlea, Pickhill - alteration to two dwellings.
6. FINANCE MATTERS
(i) Income/outgoings – update: We have now received the reclaimed VAT (£1,344.40), the Precept instalment and a grass-cutting payment. Account currently stands at £8,680.
(ii) CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy): In answer to a query raised at the previous meeting, the last levy payment received was in 2018/19, a sum of £7,116, in respect of the new homes opposite the School.
(iii) MAD (Making a Difference) Grant: The closing date for this was 13 January, but as the Clerk only learned of this grant at the previous meeting, there had been insufficient time to consult, cost, obtain quotes and prepare a bid. Suggestions made included provision of picnic tables made from re-cycled plastic, for the village green(s), or flashing speed warning signs, or additional dog waste bins. It was agreed that more time needs to be allowed to prepare a bid and work should be carried out through the year, so a bid can be ready, should the grants run again in January 2021. In relation to speed signs, C/Cllr Weighell said it had been found these were usually only effective for 6 to 8 weeks, so a good initiative was for three or four Parish Councils to share costs and rotate the signs, so each village had them for a period, a couple of times a year. The more effective type need a fixed electricity supply point, but the sign itself can be uplifted and moved. For next Agenda
(iv) Donation received : 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:
C/Cllr Weighell was asked about the 30mph zone in Lowfields Lane, which now “straddles” the row of new homes opposite the school. He agreed it would make sense to extend it beyond the housing, though it is linked to street lighting area. The parish Clerk had raised it in the letter sent to County Council Highways last month.
Mr Weighell reported that whilst the level of Council Tax for 2020/21 had not yet been formally fixed, it did look like the County would raise the rate by 2% and it was probable there would again be the additional 2% precept for social care. That did not take account of the District, Parish, Police, Fire/Rescue elements.
Mr Clarke welcomed Mr Jim Wadsworth to his first meeting as Parish Councillor for Sinderby and begged his forgiveness for not introducing him earlier.
Mr Wadsworth mentioned that following the refurbishment after the fire at Sinderby Village Hall, broadband had now been installed, with a monthly charge of £18 per month, currently borne by the hall committee. He hoped it would attract future users to the Hall’s facilities.
Mr Clarke reported that Sandra Hedges had advised that some trees on the green at Sinderby need lower branches trimming before Spring; no planning consent required (not conservation area) and Mr Clarke agreed to speak to the tree surgeon about this. Review at next meeting
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS - nil
Signed: G Clarke Date: 10 February 2020
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1. OPEN SESSION : Mr Lane challenged Vice Chair Mr Clarke regarding a letter Mr Clarke had sent to the Planning Officer regarding Mr Lane’s planning application to convert farm buildings into homes. Mr Lane said he believed Mr Clarke was trying to stop him getting planning permission. Mr Clarke pointed out that the Parish Council had not objected to either of Mr Lane’s planning applications. He had written personally to Planning to correct an assertion in Mr Lanes’ architect report that Mr Clarke’s adjacent farm buildings were not used for rearing animals, pointing out that whilst he did not currently have animals there, he would in future and that he was applying for planning permission for a further building there. He emphasised he had not objected to Mr Lanes’ applications in his letter. Mr Barker wound up the discussion, saying Mr Lane clearly had strong views but that the Parish Council had not objected to the applications and he thanked him for raising the matter. Mr Barker invited Mrs Pawlow to comment on an issue involving her bee-hives on Swainby Lane, which had given rise to two complaints to the Parish Council, which would be coming up later. Mrs Pawlow said she had only learned that morning there had been an issue. She said that on 1 st May she had been causing dividing a hive, by creating a “false swarm”. There were bees in the air, but not a swarm. She has since learned that some people walking by on the lane had been stung. Mr Barker pointed out that one resident was hospitalised with multiple stings and that two children who were stung were now fearful of passing there – which they have to do to get to and from school. Mrs Pawlow said she was sorry about that – it was a case of wrong place, wrong time. She was happy to talk to the children about how to deal with the bees. She asked if Mr Barker should recuse himself as the children were related to him. It was pointed out this was an open session, not bound by meeting conventions. Asked if the hives could be moved further away from the road, Mrs Pawlow said she only owns an 11 metre triangular plot, with seven hives currently...they could not be moved further away. Asked if the timing of such activity could avoid school start and end times, she did not see how she could. Asked if there was anything she could do to minimise the risk she said the hedge could be allowed to grow, but that it gets cut back – not sure who by. Mr Barker concluded by explaining how the Parish Council works and that the complaints would be discussed during the meeting. He thanked her for attending. 1. 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). Residents: Mr R Walker, Mr B Lane, Mrs J Pawlow. 2. APOLOGIES: Cllr David Webster (NYC), Mrs A Harvey. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (15 April 2025 - Ref 341): Agreed. Signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : 1. Damage to trees on Street Lane (opposite “Station” wall): Mr Barker said it was evident there was little appetite for replacing the damaged trees if they were to be damaged again during the hedge cutting. He agreed with suggestions to find an alternative verge to plant new ones. Mr Clarke favoured the verges between Pickhill and Sinderby. No other suggestions. Mr Barker concluded we were a long way from planting time and we could let the matter settle. 5. PLANNING: 1. New Applications (a) Windrush, Pickhill – application to erect an agricultural building : Mr Clarke declared an interest as the applicant and left the building for this item. Mr Barker said the Parish Council tried to support all applications wherever possible, particularly for farming. Agreed: no objections. (b) Sinderby Sewage Treatment Works – erection of a motor control kiosk . Agreed: no objections. (c) Church House, Pickhill - change of access and new driveway. Has been granted by Planning, but amended plans now submitted and referred back for further consultation. Changes involve adding seven trees and spec for the types of driveway surface. Agreed: no objections. 6. FINANCE: Update: accounts audited locally by Mr Robson; AGAR exemption form has been sent and the financial returns will be posted online. Noted. The public liability insurance is due for renewal at £449.24, an increase of £10 on last year. Agreed: renew with Zurich . 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Village Green improvements: (i) Seats: Mr Clarke reported that the three new benches have been manufactured; currently being painted. The invoice is on its way. Noted. (ii) Signs: Mr Clarke (holes) & Mr Barker (concrete) arranged to meet to install new signs. Noted. (iii) Goalposts: Mrs Grubb - two portable goalposts from YPO are £342.98 +VAT. Purchase agreed . 2. Pickhill Playground: (i) Sign: new entrance sign required to meet changes in legislation. Proposed wording accepted. Mr Scaife to order. Agreed. (ii) F ence: Mrs Grubb reported that more slaits have gone from the fence and Mr Grubb has filled the gaps with new from stock. (We lose half a dozen a year at about £4 each). As the existing ones are just nailed on and easy to remove by children, it was suggested they all be screwed. A couple of boxes of screws are less than a years losses. Mr Grubb offered to do this. Agreed . (iii) Gateposts: require renewal due to rot. Mr Barker would add this to his list. Agreed. (iv) Powerwashing : Mr Scaife and Mr Barker are to arrange a session to improve the appearance of play equipment, tables etc. Mr Barker is going to seek volunteers to help via social media. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) (1) NYC Newsletter to Parish Councils . Info only - no action required. (2) Pickhill School – consultation with stakeholders on nursery proposals - positive response sent. (3) NYC consultation - re new Local Plan briefings taking place online on 15 & 19 May. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Clarke: the floodwater chamber in the old railway dip on Swainby Lane, referred to at last meeting, has now been completed by NYC Highways engineers. Noted. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Letters of complaint: Mr Barker advised there had been two letters of complaint to the Parish Council regarding “a swarm of bees” having stung several people, multiple times, near hives on Swainby Lane. This included two children, and a lady who had been hospitalised after sustaining multiple stings to the head, all on the afternoon of 1 st May. At this point he declared an interest as the two children were related to him. The meeting felt there was no conflict in this instance. The owner of the hives, Mrs Pawlow, was present observing the meeting. Extracts of the letters were read out by the Parish Clerk. After a thorough discussion, during which Mrs Pawlow was able to answer some questions from Councillors, she was asked to consider changes aimed at minimising the risk, which she declined. She said she was happy to talk to the children concerned to advise how to deal with such issues. Mrs Pawlow said she had seen Mr Stafford’s letter, but asked for a copy of the other letter. The Parish Clerk said she would seek consent first from the writer. It was decided that the Parish Council would write to Mrs Pawlow, to North Yorkshire Council and to the Beekeepers Association. Parish Clerk to deal. Signed: R Barker Dated: 17 June 2025
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