Minutes of meeting held on 7 January 2025 at Pickhill School. Ref: 339

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:   4.2.2025New Paragraph