Draft Minutes of a Council Meeting on July 10, 2003,

at 7.30pm in the Club

Present: Cllr Mike Gover (Chairman)
Cllr Michael Binns
Cllr Andrew Wheatstone
Cllr Malcolm Willetts
Cllr Helen Marshall

District Cllr Mark Wheeler
District Cllr Pat Fairbank

Parish Clerk Stephen Cohen

 

1.    Apologies for absence
There were no apologies received

2.    Minutes of the previous meeting
Minutes of the meeting held on June16 were agreed as a correct record.

3.    Questions from the floor
There were no questions from the floor

4.    Clerk’s report
The Clerk’s report was accepted. There was a short verbal report on questions raised with CDC and NYCC on double taxation, speed advisory signs and broadband internet access.

It was agreed that Cllr Binns would contact Kit Cowgill and give directions on the shrubs that needed to be pruned.

It was agreed to obtain signposts and to name the Millennium Walk in the recreation park. Cllr Marshall would speak to Oswald Smith to establish his preference for his name on a plaque.

It was agreed to request CDC to provide a litterbin in the park and a wheelie bin in the recycling area.

Cllr Gover agreed to check the gate opposite Ashfield Farm before requesting a grant from NYCC.

5.    Correspondence received/items for circulation
  1. Craven District Council: Local Government Review in North Yorkshire.
  2. North Yorkshire County Council: Best Value Review of Countryside Services Questionnaire/Best Value Performance Plan for 2003-4 and performance history/Craven Area Committee July 10 Skipton 10.00
  3. Countryside Agency: 3 months notice for application form for Parish Plan grant
  4. DEFRA: Quality Parish Council Scheme
  5. Playing Fields Association: AGM July 22 invitation and annual report
  6. Boundary Committee: Postponement of electoral review for NYCC because of local government review in Yorkshire and Humber region.
  7. Local Council Review

 

6.    Reports from County and District Councillors

Cllr Fairbank handed over new leaflets for the Little Red Bus service for display on notice boards.

Cllr Wheeler reported that CDC would shortly be issuing its best value report.

He stated that the recent site visit to Lower Kirk Hill Farm was unsatisfactory and he was asked to inform CDC planning department that the Parish Council was not happy with the process.

7.    Finance

It was agreed to pay these accounts

(i) Accounts for payment

Clerk £147.56 + £10.00expenses

Robertshaws £133.23 mower maintenance

JC Cowgill £99.63

J Meegan and Son £250.00

    1. Bank balances

Treasurer account £3646.99

No Notice account £3895.85

It was agreed to give the Clerk authority to obtain signatures for cheques for accounts for recreation ground work and Clerk’s salary during August.

8.    Planning
    1. Applications received:
          1. Conversion of Barn to Dwelling and garage extension, Low Kirk Hill. Site visit on June 30 at 12.20pm

            It was agreed to make no objection to the application

          2. Replacement of existing fenestration at Lothersdale Community Primary School.

      Cllr Wheatstone declared an interest in the application.
      It was agreed to make no objection to the application.
       

    2. Applications approved:
        1. Variation of 3rd condition imposed upon planning approval 53/2003/1677 to allow conversion of part of double garage to form a play area. Stratford House, 7 North View. 53/2003/3146
        2. Conversion and extension of existing barn to create 2-bedroom cottage, 5 Garden Terrace. Conditions: Water to be supplied from a new borehole, window in the north elevation to be non-opening and obscured glass, sample of wall stone and roof slate to be approved in advance, car parking and turning area to be kept free of obstructions and retained for its intended use at all times. 53/2003/3113

 

9.    New seats

It was agreed that Councillors would visit existing seats during the summer and report on their condition in September. Locations for new seats were requested.

10.    Footpaths

It was felt that more footpath signs were needed. Cllr Binns would supply the Clerk with grid reference points for two new signs that would be passed to NYCC.

11.    Minor items and information

Cllr Willetts stated that the village was looking untidy: stiles were overgrown and weeds were causing a problem. He proposed employing a lengthsman and it was agreed to discuss the matter in September.

The Clerk was asked to write to NYCC requesting a re-paint on the black and white signposts in the village and a new sign to be installed at the top of Centre Road opposite East Hainslack.

The Clerk was asked to check with the manufacturer about faded colours on the playground equipment.

Cllr Binns complained about the redundant telephone post on White Hill Lane.

Cllr Gover requested a letter be sent to NYCC Highways Department about the condition of Bent Hall Bridge.

It was agreed to support a merger of Craven, Richmond and Harrogate councils to form a unitary authority in the event of a regional assembly being created. Opposition was declared to North Yorkshire County Council taking over the functions of the district councils and to any expansion of Bradford Metropolitan authority.

It was requested that village twinning, lengthsman, a youth shelter and the wall at North View be placed on the agenda for September.