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
Latest News
OPEN SESSION : (Those present as at Item 1 below) Mr M Barker asked about the application for a new bridleway between Swainby Lane and Maunby. Mrs Grubb advised the matter was on the agenda at Item 4 and she read out a summary: “North Yorkshire Council (NYC) are considering an application to create a public bridleway between Swainby Lane (from where the railway bridge once stood and following the existing public footpath past Landends/Highfield Farm and continuing on the footpath behind Manor Farm along the route of the old railway line to join the existing bridleway, east of Low Swainby Farm). The consultation only takes account of public rights and seeks evidence of those rights. In other words they are seeking to establish the historical position of the route. NYC points out that matters such as safety, suitability and desirability cannot be taken into account in this process. There are means to address such matters at a later stage, if necessary, once the issue of what public rights exist has been determined. A list of supporting evidence refers to various maps and records, going back as far as 1771.” Mr Ron Barker said he would declare an interest when the item came up in the meeting, as he owns land affected. Mr Clarke said he would also be declaring an interest for the same reason. It was agreed they could contribute during the open session. Mr Ron Barker said the route has been a public footpath but has never been a public bridleway. At the river at Maunby there used to be a ferry which could transport people, horses and cattle across the Swale. The ferry has not operated in his lifetime. He pointed out there is already a bridleway from Swainby Lane via Low Swainby Farm which arrives at the same place as the proposed bridleway. There has never been a public right of way on the railway bridge across the Swale. His research showed that old maps have a public footpath from Swainby Lane towards the river but not a bridleway. Mr Clarke confirmed that a bridleway already exists from Swainby Lane via his farm drive to the river at Maunby and a new bridleway on the suggested route would only create a second route to the same place, a dead end as there is no way across the river. Mrs Grubb said the British Horse Society had campaigned over many years to reinstate disused bridleways across the UK, before the register closed. Mr R Barker commented that this application was a creation rather than a restoration, as there had never been a bridleway on this route, just a public footpath. Mr Clarke would be canvassing horse riders who use the existing bridleway for their views. He pointed out he did allow horse riders along the route of the old railway line, which he owns, but on an individual consent basis. Mr R Barker, Mr Clarke and Mr M Barker all expressed their opposition, pointing out again that this route had never been a bridleway. Mrs Grubb summed up and advised that the consultation period is 30 days from 5 September and anyone can submit their views either to her, to include in the Parish Council response, or direct to North Yorkshire Council – email address available. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Jim Wadsworth. Others: Mr D Grubb (Minutes), Cllr D Webster (NYC). Residents: Mrs K Barningham, Mr M Barker. APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife (Parish Cllr). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (17 June 2025 - Ref 343): Agreed. Signed by Chair . 3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES : nil. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS. The Chair moved this item forward as Cllr Webster had another engagement. Cllr Websters summary: 260 families homeless in North Yorkshire and 570 children in care; Benefits processing has been reduced from 9 days to 2 days; NYC has a £5m shortfall in funding; there are refuse collection delays across the County due to a variety of reasons including job vacancies and difficulty in recruiting, new shift pattern of working four days of ten hours. He was asked about asylum seekers – very few being accommodated in the county. A proposal to use the Allerton Hotel at Northallerton has been withdrawn. Cllr Webster was thanked for his input and he left the meeting. Continued over..... 4. INFORMAL CONSULTATION : WILDLIFE & COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981 – Definitive Map: Application to add a bridleway and upgrade public footpaths 10.116/7/1 & 10.144/1/1 to a bridleway – Swainby Lane to Maunby. Mr Barker and Mr Clarke both declared an interest as affected landowners and stood down for this item, joining the “audience”; Mrs Grubb took the Chair. She pointed out that whilst the matter had been discussed at length in the open meeting, there was a requirement for it to be discussed by the Parish Council. However, as two members had stood down and Mr Scaife had been called away on business, the meeting was not quorate for this item. She advised that she proposed to discuss the matter without a formal vote and to consult Mr Scaife on his return and then formulate a response to NYC accordingly. Mrs Grubb said she had seen no documentary evidence that a bridleway had ever existed along this route and certainly not in living memory, having consulted residents who had lived in the village for over 70 years. The main line railway ran along the entire route of the proposed bridleway for 120 years until 1963, hardly compatible with a bridleway alongside. She was aware that there is a bridleway from the continuation of Swainby Lane, through Low Swainby Farm to the same point as the proposal and as there is no route across the river, it is a dead end, so it appeared to her pointless to now create a second route to nowhere. She understood there had been a ferry across the Swale which could transport people and livestock including horses, but the ferry ceased early in the 20 th century. Her opinion was that as there had not been a bridleway on that route in the past she was not supportive of its creation. Mr Wadsworth said his view accorded with that of Mrs Grubb – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. 5. PLANNING: 1. New Application: Whitby Lodge, Pickhill: construction of single storey extension to side of existing house. Mr Barker outlined the proposal for a shower room and boot room. Agreed: no objections. 6. FINANCE: 1. Update: The Parish Clerk provided an update on the current account. The pads for Sinderby defibrillator have been routinely replaced (two year shelf life) at £72.19. 2. Setting the Parish Precept for 2025/26: She proposed a similar increase to recent years at 10 per cent, from £4,620 to £5,082. With the increase in homes in the Parish this spreads the load and will only result in an increase of pence per month per home. Agreed. 3. VAT Re-claim for period 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025. A re-claim was submitted to HMRC on 11 September for the VAT paid in the period, amounting to £936.72. Noted . . 7. PROJECTS: 1. Pickhill Village Green improvements: The new goalposts have been installed. The parking signs are having an effect with a marked improvement in incursions onto the Green. The three new benches were installed in time for the Stawberry Fair in July. Noted. 2. Pickhill Playground: The volunteers days this summer were a resounding success. On the first Saturday, before the Strawberry Fair, half a dozen residents assisted with power washing the fencing and all the playground equipment. The painting day had to be postponed from mid July until early August due to adverse weather, but again several residents and youngsters gave up their time to apply preservative to the fencing and playground timber, whilst the climbing tower and climb poles were painted in rainbow colours, making a huge difference. Fence palings have been screwed in place and trip hazards removed. Thanks to all those concerned. A new sign at the playground entrance complies with the latest legal requirements. The ROSPA inspection is due during September. Noted. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting) Mr Barker referred to a circular from Citizens Advice seeking a donation from the Parish Council. The view in the past has been that as the Parish Council’s funding comes from the precept levied on our residents, funds should only be spent within the Parish so he proposed that we decline making a donation. Agreed. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None Signed: R Barker Dated: 4 Nov 2025 New Paragraph
OPEN SESSION - prior to start of Parish Council meeting. 1. PRESENT 2. APOLOGIES 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (23 Sept 2025 - Minute Ref: 344) 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES (1) Consultation re application under Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Item 4) 5. PLANNING (1) New Applications – if any (2) Any updates on earlier applications. 6. FINANCE (1) Update on accounts since last Parish Council meeting. (2) VAT re-claim 7. PROJECTS (1) Pickhill Playground - maintenance and ROSPA Inspection results. (2) Pickhill Village Green – proposals for accommodating vehicle parking. (3) Condition of Litter / Dog Poo bins in Pickhill and Sinderby 8. CORRESPONDENCE (circulated to Councillors prior to meeting) 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Norma Grubb, Clerk to the Parish Council. Posted: 25 October 2025 Email: clerk@pickhillandsinderbypc.co.uk