Minutes of meeting held on 5 March 2024 at Pickhill School. Ref: 335

1.   OPEN SESSION:  Mr Robson: discussion re charges for cutting grass in Church grounds compared with village green (same NYC contractor).                    Concluded charges probably in balance.

 

2.   PRESENT: Mr Ron Barker (Cllr & Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Cllr & Vice Chair) Mrs Norma Grubb (Cllr & Parish Clerk),  Mr Jim Wadsworth (Cllr) , D               Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mrs Harvey, Mr Robson, Mr Walker

      APOLOGIES:    Mr Minty Scaife (Cllr)

 

3.   MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (2 Jan 2024: Ref 334): Agreed by Cllrs present. Signed by Chair.

 

4.   MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:

1.    Pickhill road resurfacing – finalisation: Signs and rubble now removed.  Mrs Grubb had an email from the contractors thanking her for kind feedback re quality of work and helpful workforce. 

2.   Tree trimming: Sinderby - trees trimmed, satisfactory outcome; tree surgeon invoice paid.  

Pickhill – branches by noticeboard and around Lime seats need trimming. Cherry trees damaged during hedge cutting on verge opposite “station” wall, one is dead.       Agreed: Parish Council to trim trees and replace dead tree. Mr Clarke volunteered.

3.    Vehicle damage to Pickhill Green: less incursions, but still an issue. Mr Barker said we may have to consider installing posts / chains to prevent damage to Green. To be monitored.        For next agenda.

 

5.   PLANNING:

1.   Appeal to Secretary of State: West Garth Sinderby. As this required response by 5 March, reply agreed earlier – “Parish Council had not objected to the planning application and supported the appeal, as an on-site farm manager was seen as necessary at a large pig breeding unit.”  Response submitted.

2.   Application: Brook House, Pickhill: work to trees in back garden (conservation area). Again response required by 28 February, so after earlier consultation.....      Agreed: no objections.                                                                                               

3.   Modification  application: 1-2 The Cottages, Pickhill: changes to 2021 drawings to move proposed dwelling forward, square off garage, add 1st floor, dispense with proposed detached barn for gym, fenestration amendments. Plans considered.....                   Agreed: no objections.  

4.   Updates on earlier applications: Highthorne Farm, Pickhill (conversion of barn to dwelling) adjudged by planning as permitted development. Pear Tree House in Sinderby (extension) has been granted. Noted.

 

6.    FINANCE:

1.   Update since last meeting: Tree surgeons invoice paid. Payment made to NYC for 2023 grasscutting. We have received payments for cutting the splays. Website/domain name invoice paid.

2.   Parish precept for 2024/25: increase same as last year – a difference of only pence per household per month on Council tax. More homes in Parish Council area also means slightly less per household.

3.   Grasscutting/pitch-marking for 2024: contract agreed with NYC Facilities. Mr Barker queried whether we need the pitch marked now there is no walking football. Agreed to monitor this summer.

4.   Cutting splays in 2024: we have agreed to continue cutting the junction visibility splays for which we receive a small remuneration from NYC Highways.

 

 7.   PROJECTS:

1. Pickhill Playground: Mr Barker and Mr Clarke reported that the timber has now been delivered. Climbing wall panels and roof of one tower removed to workshop for restoration.

2. Dog Waste bin for Sinderby: Parish Clerk is liaising with the NYC manager who deals with this and is arranging a site meeting. Mr Wadsworth and Mr Barker will also attend.

3. Verge at Pickhill sign – top of hill. Further discussion re shaping of banking and levels. Mr Barker & Mr Clarke will meet there with digger and do some sculpting, before any planting.            For next agenda.

                                 

8.        CORRESPONDENCE: nil

                                                         

9.    COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Mr Clarke: has some historic photographs of village which could be placed on Parish Council website – will be of                       interest.                                           Agreed.                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

10.   ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  none.     

 

 Signed:  R Barker                                                          Dated: 28 May 2024


Latest News

Accounting Return 25/26

June 1, 2026
Accounting Return 25 / 26

Minutes of meeting held on 14 April 2026 at Pickhill. Ref: 348

May 26, 2026
OPEN SESSION: A resident raised an issue re the number of dog walkers who do not clean up dog poo around Pickhill. He felt there was a need for community involvement, such as the school - might want the children to be involved in raising awareness, such as by designing posters to encourage cleaning up by dog owners. He was happy to laminate them. Also could poo bag dispensers be provided? Mr Barker advised that this was an issue for Parish Council’s everywhere. In the past, dog wardens have patrolled the villages, but with little success. The Parish Council has put up several notices asking owners to clean up after their dogs. Mrs Grubb said there are numerous dog poo bins around the villages. She had recently asked for some of these to be replaced and additional bins installed. To be placed on next Agenda. 1. PRESENT: Parish Councillors: Mr Ron Barker (Chair), Mr Graham Clarke (Vice Chair), Mrs Norma Grubb (also Parish Clerk), Mr Jim Wadsworth. Also Cllr D Webster (NYC), D Grubb (Minutes), Two residents. 2. APOLOGIES: Mr Minty Scaife. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (31 Mar 2026– Minute Ref. 347): Agreed. Signed by Chair. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: Item 6: Mr Clarke had confirmed the Church grass was still being cut by Stuart Boynton. There had been a question over whether he would be able to continue which had prompted Mr Robson to seek the NYC quote, but that was prohibitive. In the mean-time Mr Clarke proposed the Parish Council support the Church with these costs, as in past years. Agreed: Donation of £300. Mr Robson had also referred to debris accumulating in the beck, at the bridge grid. Mr Clarke will deal. 5. PLANNING: 1. New Application: Stannum House, Pickhill – timber framed workshop. Agreed: no objections. 2. Earlier Application at Brooklyn, Pickhill. Parish Council objections sent to Planning on 1 April and architects submitted amended plans on 10 April. Mr Barker noted these showed the ground floor extension had been reduced slightly at front and rear. Changes to dormers included opaque, non opening windows. This addresses Parish Council objections. Agreed: P/C will lift its objection if consulted. (Note: Not further consulted but application granted 20/4 based on amended plans. 3. Earlier Application at Beechcroft, Pickhill (annexe): now granted by Planning. Noted. 6. FINANCE: 1. Parish Clerk’s Update: The draft balance sheet for year ending 31 March 2026 was presented. Invoice received for Pickhill grasscutting in 2026 growing year... (£1,970). Cheque signed. 2. AGAR: Applying for exemption from central audit of accounts 2025/26. Discussed.... Agreed. 7. PROJECTS: 1. Car Parking. Plan to improve parking on the area in front of Church House by levelling, put down grid mats, erect a fence along the back edge. Could accommodate 20 extra cars. Mr Clarke advised the Water Board have a 9 metre way-leave either side of the beck, so consent needed. Mr Barker and Mr Clarke to meet on-site to confirm measurements & draft application. Mr Barker felt volunteering farmers may have to be offered some diesel costs, in current fuel crisis. Cllr Webster advised of locality budget grants for 2026/27. After discussion.... Agreed: apply for grant towards fence costs. 2. Litter & Dog Waste Bins: No progress so far, since request submitted. For next Agenda. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: (circulated to councillors in advance of meeting): Nothing requiring action. 9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS. Cllr Webster (NYC): Central government had allocated 8% of the highways budget to the Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, resulting in NYC having a £20m reduction of that budget over the next 4 years. The new bin re-cycling arrangements have been rolled out in Malton – lessons learned, which will benefit the imminent roll-out in Richmond/Northallerton. Changes to government funding for rural support, Fairer Funding Formula and National Insurance come to 42m reduction, leaving NYC with a £17m budget deficit. Mr Barker: a NYC circular highlights the Crisis Resilience Fund, aimed at helping those in difficulties due to heating oil increases etc., in the current fuel crisis. He asks for details to be made available to residents. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Nil. Signed: R Barker Dated: 21 May 2026
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