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