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 : 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