Minutes of Meeting held on 24 August 2020, at Pickhill. Ref: 317
Held in compliance with Government restrictions
1. PRESENT: Mr Graham Clarke (Chairman), Mr Ron Barker (Vice Chairman), Mrs Norma Grubb (Parish Clerk), David Grubb (Minutes). APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife, Mr James Wadsworth
2. OPEN SESSION: Parish Clerk reported that as restrictions meant we could not invite residents to attend, the agenda had been circulated with a request to send in any issues. One planning matter raised, but as it was in Holme, the resident was referred to the Holme Parish Meeting.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (15 June 2020 – Minute Ref: 316) Approved.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: Public footpath at Low Ness. Checks with County Council showed that the new route, by-passing farm buildings at Low Ness and High Ness, is on the County map in a solid purple line. Unfortunately the old route is still showing (dotted red line), because the change awaits “formal certification”. When viewing the map on-line different zoom levels produce varying results, but the map is correct and future ordnance survey maps will have the amended route.
5. PLANNING –
(1) Updates. Recent applications for Roman Castle Barn at Pickhill, Devonshire House in Sinderby, Sewards at Sinderby Station, all approved by Planning Dept.. The one for land at rear of The Cottages in Pickhill, was granted, subject to the following changes: detached house - gymnasium removed; Semi’s: rear bedroom windows will be opaque glass.
(2) Change of name: “Craiglynne” in Pickhill: re-registered with Hambleton District Council as “Lupin House".
6. FINANCE MATTERS
(1) External Audit Exemption for 2019/2020: We applied in July & just had confirmation this has been granted.
(2) Accounts/Returns for 2019/2020 – Independent Inspection. Now signed off by the independent auditor. Accounts/returns approved by Parish Council. To be published on Parish Council website by 31 August 2020
(3) Assets Register: This book requires updating and depreciation recorded annually.
7. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Due to COVID-19 postponed in May. Agreed: continue postponement
8. CORRESPONDENCE
(1) NYCC proposal for a single unitary authority. This would combine all district councils with the County Council, for all North Yorkshire (possibly excluding City of York) to allow more direct funding from central government. Would also create a North Yorks Mayor. Letters from NYCC and HDC had been circulated to Councillors and an on-line seminar was hosted by NYCC last week, which the Parish Clerk “attended”. She briefed the meeting on the main aspects. Will be a NYCC decision and if passed could start as early as April 2022.
(2) Pickhill Church Grasscutting – support request. In recent years the Parish Council had made periodic donations of £250 to support the Church with these costs, which total over £1200 annually. This year, with the Church being closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, their income had been decimated. It was agreed that in the special circumstances applying this year the donation should be increased. Agreed: Donation of £500
(3) Citizens Advice Bureau – support request. After discussion, decision deferred. For next Agenda
9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Allotment Opportunity - Mr Clarke advised that a Pickhill resident had recently been allowed to create a small allotment plot on land behind Pickhill Engineers. It had been of great benefit to this resident, who he said, has done a first class job on the plot. He is exploring whether there is any call for creating similar opportunities for other residents. For next Agenda
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Next meeting. Agreed to meet again in 6 weeks (week of 5 Oct), unless any urgent matters require earlier consideration. Venue to be arranged when latest meeting restrictions are known.
Signed: G Clarke Date: 5 October 2020
Latest News
OPEN SESSION - prior to start of Parish Council meeting. 1. PRESENT 2. APOLOGIES 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (31 March 2026 - Minute Ref: 347) 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES (1) Item 6 – Church grass-cutting – Mr Clarke to report. 5. PLANNING (1) New Application: Stannum Barn, Pickhill: erect timber workshop. (2) Any updates on earlier applications. 6. FINANCE (1) Update on accounts since last Parish Council meeting. (2) AGAR: Applying for exemption from central audit of accounts 2025/26 7. PROJECTS (1) Proposed improvements to car parking in Pickhill (2) Litter / dog waste bins in Pickhill and Sinderby 8. CORRESPONDENCE (circulated to Councillors prior to meeting) 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (1) Setting date of Annual General Meeting in May 2026 Norma Grubb, Clerk to the Parish Council. Posted: 7 April 2026 Email: clerk@pickhillandsinderbypc.co.uk
OPEN SESSION: Mr Walker referred to potholes at the bend out of Sinderby towards Pickhill, and a groove in the verge on Lowfields Lane, just after the school. Noted. 1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Jim Wadsworth. Also: Cllr D Webster (NYC) , Mr D Grubb (minutes). Residents: Mr R Walker. 2. APOLOGIES: Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mr Minty Scaife 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (4 Nov 2024 Ref 345) Agreed: signed by Chair . 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: nil 5. PLANNING (1) Land off Sinderby Lane, Sinderby : proposal to demolish existing farm buildings and build new dwelling (consent previously granted to alter to a dwelling). Agreed: No objection (2) Beechcroft, Pickhill : create annexe in existing outbuilding. Agreed: No objection 6. FINANCE (1) Update provided on current account balance. (2) Highways seek confirmation of Parish Council once again mowing their splays. Agreed. Parish Clerk pointed out that Highways had not yet made payment for the 2024 season, after invoices were submitted in March 2025. These have been re-submitted. Noted. 7. PROJECTS (1) Update on car parking improvement proposals for Pickhill: Mr Barker reported there are two Types of grid matting – one lies on surface and grass grows through; the other – more expensive option - is laid on hardcore with soil and grass seed applied into grid. He suggests that we level up with soil and then consider matting. The soil is available, just need volunteers with tractors/trailers. . (2) Update on litter and dog waste bins – Pickhill and Sinderby. The request for renewal/repair was submitted in November. Still await response. 8. CORRESPONDENCE (circulated to Councillors prior to meeting). Nothing requiring action 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS Councillor David Webster reports the NYC budget debate would be on 13 February. There is a £42m loss of income due to agricultural changes and a £17m deficit on CARE and SEND costs. The savings from the new County have been absorbed and there is less coming from central government. Roll-out of new refuse collection arrangements is imminent. Local elections will be in May 2027. There will be boundary changes for our division (Bedale) to accommodate reduction of council seats to 89. In answer to a question from Mr Wadsworth, Cllr Webster explained the CIL payment rules and exemptions, for new build homes and policies for affordable housing and the Govt targets for housing. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Following on from the discussion re CIL payments, Mr Barker asked the Parish Clerk to check if there were any outstanding payments due to our Parish, from recent building projects. Signed: R Barker Dated: 31.3.2026