Minutes of a meeting of Strensall & Towthorpe Parish Council held on Tuesday 12th August 2008, in the Village Hall

 

Agenda Item 1 – Attendance Parish Councillors K. Marquis (Chairman), R. Plant, Miss. E. Blacklee, J. Scott, J. Chapman, A. Swales, I. Smith, Mrs. J. Smith, D. Baxter and P. Coverdale.

 

Agenda Item 2 – Apologies for absence – Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillors P. Jesse and I Cuthbertson.

 

Ward Councillor Sian Wiseman was in attendance and as she wished to leave quickly to attend another appointment the Chairman invited her to address the meeting.

 

Cllr Wiseman said that since the installation of the new fence at Durlston Drive Sportsfield, the gate at the riverside of the field for use by the Foss Internal Drainage Board was not wide enough. It was only 5ft wide and the Foss Internal Drainage Board required a minimum width of 13ft. Cllr Marquis proposed that the Parish Council talk to the Sports Association and the contractor to find out what costs were involved to provide a 13ft gate. Cllr Wiseman said she would also assess the situation for further Ward funding.

Cllr Marquis reported that he now had the petitions for the highway works and he would now forward this to Cllr Wiseman who would present it to the next full City of York Council Meeting.

Cllr Marquis thanked Cllr Wiseman for this information and she then left the meeting.

 

Cllr Marquis said Cllr Jesse was becoming concerned at the length of time meetings were taking to complete and requested all Councillors to consider how they would like meetings to be conducted and to bring any ideas they may have to the September meeting.   Cllr Jesse and Cllr Marquis (and anyone else interested) may attend other Parish Council meetings in the area to see how they conduct their meetings and if anything can be brought to our meetings to try and cut down the duration of meetings.

 

Cllr Marquis invited Cllr Plant to speak on the new Code of Conduct and register of interest forms, and requested all Parish Councillors to complete these and hand to the Clerk.

 

Agenda Item 3 – To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8th July 2008 – The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 8th July 2008, having previously been circulated, were considered.   On the proposition of Cllr Ian Smith, seconded by Cllr Mrs. J. Smith, it was unanimously agreed that the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of that meeting.

 

Agenda item 4 – Matters Arising from minutes of 8th July 2008

 

Parish Vacancies.  There was one vacancy still outstanding for Towthorpe Parish and City of York Council had confirmed that the vacancy for Strensall Parish Council could now be filled by co-option.   Two members of the public (who were in attendance at the meeting) declared an interest in joining the Parish Council.   Both members of the public gave a brief resume of their background and also their interest in joining the Parish Council.   The Chairman asked all those present who were not Councillors to leave the meeting so that this matter could be discussed.   The Chairman said that vacancies had now been advertised for some time and that there were no other nominations and therefore proposed that both were co-opted to fill the two vacancies.

 

Following a unanimous vote Mr. Chris Chambers was co-opted onto the Strensall Parish Council and Mr. Nick Smith was co-opted onto the Towthorpe Parish Council.   Both new members were handed the declaration of acceptance of office forms and the new code of conduct/register of interest forms which they duly signed.

 

Agenda Item 5 – Police Report Cllr Smith reported that she had requested police presence at this meeting but was informed that no-one was available.   Cllr Marquis referred to the police report and the recent article in the Press regarding Durlston Drive.   However, one member of the public said that the situation had not improved in his area and it was felt that the 0845 telephone number was not providing the service required especially when dealt with by the Northallerton HQ.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Cllr Swales asked about the locking of the gates at Durlston Drive as it was his experience that the gates were not being locked.   Cllr Swales said he had taken this up with the Sports Association previously but would do so again.   Cllr Marquis reported that Cllr Jesse had spoken to the Manager at Costcutter regarding CCTV.   However it was reported that there was already a system in operation there.   The Parish Council, through Cllr Jesse, was to investigate the possibility of getting this system expanded.  Cllr Mrs. Smith reported that there were 4 youths (3 boys and 1 girl) constantly being watched by the Police, following a number of complaints from residents.  Following a discussion it was agreed to write to Inspector Anderson to investigate the possibility of the police using mobile phones as a method of contact, to request that they enforce the alcohol ban and to request that they start using the Village Hall again as a contact base and to express the Parish Council and residents concerns that the Police presence in Strensall and Towthorpe was not enough.   However it was reported that the Police were now using Hurst Hall as a temporary contact base.   Unfortunately the Parish Council were not aware that they had actually moved from the Village Hall to Hurst Hall. Cllr Scott intimated that this may be due to the cycle ban at the village hall but that this could be overcome.

 

Agenda Item 6 – Planning – To receive and approve the report of the Planning Committee held on 22nd July  and 12th August 2008

 

 

22ND July 2008

 

1.         Attendance: Parish Councillors R. Plant (Chair), Miss E. Blacklee, J. Scott P. Jesse, J.   Chapman

2.         Apologies: K. Marquis

3.         Declarations of Interests: None

4.         Planning Applications:

 

            a)         08/01658/FUL – 1 Princess Road – 2 detached dwellings and garages after demolition of existing bungalow

 

            The Parish Council objects to this planning application for the following reasons:

 

1)         No 1 Princess Road is in Conservation Area No 23 of the City of York. This proposal is in direct contravention of City of York Council Planning Policy HE3: Conservation Areas. Demolition of the existing bungalow and the building of 2 detached houses on such a small site will have an adverse effect on the environment in Princess Road, because of the cramped nature of this site for 2 two houses which will increase the density of housing in Princess Road and the height of         the houses will not be in keeping with its surrounding area with conservation aspects to Princess Road.                                            

 

2)         Surface water drainage – there is long experience of flooding in this area which leads us to conclude that the proposal to deal with surface water by means of soak away in the GARDEN will simply not be adequate. During recent wet weather  there was considerable flooding outside No 1 Princess Road and No 2 Princess Road (this may in part be caused by blocked roadside gulleys. Yorkshire Water should be consulted on this application regarding drainage.

 

3)         Parking – this junction of York Road/Princess Road/Southfields Road is notoriously dangerous and we believe that access to the site and any attempt to park on the side of Princess Road or Southfields Road is a very hazardous prospect.

 

            4)         All neighbouring properties must be consulted.

 

                        We request that the North East Planning Committee should deal with this application and a site meeting be held.      

 

For the above reasons this application should be refused.

 

            b)         08/01409/FUL – 39 Middlecroft Drive – two storey pitched roof side extension and single storey pitched roof rear extension.

 

                        The Parish Council object to this application on the following grounds:

 

1)         The proposal is too large for the site.  The cubic capacity appears to be in excess of 50 c.m. or 15% of the original house which is a fairly small semi detached house. The resulting building would look incongruously unbalanced.

            2)         The proposed extension extends to the building line. There is no open access to the rear of the property.

3)         There is no mention of surface water drainage and as has been proved is an essential requirement of any planning proposal in Strensall.     

            4)         Yorkshire Water must be consulted on this planning application with regard to drainage.

            5)         All neighbours must be consulted.

 

For the above reasons this planning application should be refused.

 

 

            c)         08/00918/FUL – 10 Chatsworth Avenue – Rooflights to front and rear elevations

 

The Parish Council have no objections to this planning application but a recent inspection of the property indicated that these rooflights have already been installed.

                        All neighbours must be consulted.

 

12th August 2008

 

 

1.         Attendance: Parish Councillors R. Plant (Chairman), J. Scott, Miss E. Blacklee, P. Coverdale, J. Chapman and K. Marquis.

 

2.         Apologies: Parish Councillors P. Jesse and I. Cuthbertson.

 

3.         Declarations of Interests: Cllr Plant declared an interest in Court Green 7 Orchard Way and left the meeting whilst this application was being discussed.   Cllr Scott declared an interest in Blands Farm, 36 The Village.

 

4.         Planning Applications:

 

            a)         08/01674/FUL - The Willows 71 The Village

           

The Parish Council cannot recommend acceptance of this application for the following reasons:

 

This property falls within the area covered by Conservation Area 23.

 

Having considered all aspects of this application we believe that it conflicts with the Planning Guidelines for Extensions 1.6 in that the proposed extension appears to exceed the 50 cu.m. allowed in a Conservation Area.   However it is up to the East Planning Committee to make a final decision on this matter.

 

Although it is a large site the width of the proposed extension takes up the whole plot and extends to each boundary.

 

We have reservations about the surface water drainage of the site because the planned extension or enlargement will provide a great increase in run off water into the site and there is no mention of any drainage arrangements on the application and Yorkshire Water must be consulted on this matter.

 

We also have reservations on the suggestion that the perimeter wall 2m high should be constructed in close proximity to a Horse Chestnut Tree which we believe is subject to a TPO Order and which may also interfere with traffic sight lines.  There may also be other trees on the site which are subject to a TPO Order and which may be affected by the construction of a 2m high brick wall.

 

Neighbours must be consulted.

 

The Parish Council recommends a site visit and request that the decision is taken by the North East Planning Committee.                                                 

 

            b)         08/01765/FUL14 Chatsworth Avenue - Conservatory to rear.

 

No objections but neighbours must be consulted.

 

            c)         08/01772/FUL – 4 Lakeside Gardens – Single storey pitched roof rear extension.

 

No objections but neighbours must be consulted.

 

            d)         08/01858/FUL – 24 Westpit Lane, Strensall – Carport to side of garage

 

No objections but neighbours must be consulted.

 

            e)         08/01771/FUL – 3 Brunswick Close – Two storey pitched roof side extension (resubmission)

 

We had no objections to this application when it was submitted in April. The plans as submitted now appear to be not materially different from those originally applied for. However in view of the refusal notice of 22nd May 2008 we cannot recommend approval of this application and the decision must be made by the North East Planning Committee.

 

            f)          08/01739/FUL – Court Green 7 Orchard Way – First floor pitched roof extension at front of house

 

No objections but point out that this is adjacent to Conservation Area 23 and neighbours and Yorkshire Water must be consulted.

 

            g)         Blands Farm – 36 The Village – erection of a detached dwelling and garage (revised scheme)

 

The Parish Council have no objections to this application but wish to point out that this is in Conservation Area No. 23 and the height of the proposed dwelling is of some concern.

 

Neighbours must be consulted.

           

           

5.         Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

            Ref:                             Location                                 CYC Dec.                  PC Rec:

 

            08/01476/FUL           17 Moorland Garth               Approve                     n/objections

            08/01181/FUL            4 Lynwood Close                Approve                     n/objections

 

            APPEALS:

 

            OS Field 2000, Lords Moor Lane - APP/C2741/A/08/2066413 – Appeal A – Appeal dismissed.

 

            OS Field 2000, Lords Moor Lane - APP/C2741/A/08/2066414 – Appeal B – Appeal dismissed.

 

OS Field 2000, Lords Moor Lane – APP/C2741/C/081064810 – Appeal C – The appeal is dismissed, the enforcement notice upheld and the deemed planning application refused.

 

           

6.         Any other business:

            Planning updates as available:

           

            The Firs - 

            City of York Council – York Local Development Framework: City Centre Area Action Plan Issues and Options Report.

 

5.         Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

            Ref:                             Location                                             CYC Dec.                  PC Rec:

            08/01181/FUL     4 Lynwood Close                                  Approve                     n/o – neighbours

            08/01134/FUL     8 Moorland Garth                                  Approve                     n/o – neighbours

            08/01129/FUL     Windrush Lords Moor Lane                 Approve                     n/o

            08/01048/FUL     Martin House                                         Approve                     n/o - neighbours

            08/01199/FUL     OS Field 2000                                        Refuse                       Object

6.         Any other business:

 

            Planning updates as available

 

            The Firs –

 

OS Field 2000 – City of York Council had confirmed that the Enforcement Notice for OS Field 2000 came into force on 29th July 2008 and the site should be cleared by 28th October 2008.

 

Agenda Item 7 – Councillors Reports:

 

Highways – Cllr Marquis’s report having been issued with the agenda was approved. There was nothing to add except what was reported earlier in the meeting, i.e. the petition would be handed to Ward Cllr Wiseman.

 

Village Traffic Study –  Cllr Blacklee said there was nothing to report at the moment. However after some discussion Cllr Blacklee agreed to draft a letter to City of York Council regarding various speeding areas of concern i.e. York Road through to The Village – request a 20 mph; Oak Tree Close coming out onto Ox Carr Lane which is  40mph – request speed on Ox Carr Lane to be reduced to 30 mph; speeding on Sheriff Hutton Road, particularly the stretch from the bridge to Rose Cottages; request that the speed limit be moved from the bottom of the bridge to just beyond Rose Cottages.

 

Street Lights – Cllr Marquis’s report having been issued with the agenda was approved. Cllr Marquis added that the lights on the railway bridge were now working. Cllr Baxter had suggested that the lights be lowered and the arm turned away from the bridge at the Middlecroft Drive end of the bridge. There was no further information about vandal proof lanterns or the improvements to the street lights in the Village and Church Lane.

 

Play Equipment – Cllr Scott reported that all equipment was satisfactory. However the play areas were in need of weeding and he was authorised to request Darren Baxter to do this work. With regard to Kirklands a new cradle swing would cost around £2,207.00 (2 bay swing as it is not acceptable to have a mix of swings in the same bay). Cllr Scott said some thought should be given to doing something with the goal post areas, particularly in view of the wet weather.  These matters would be considered at the next Finance Meeting.  

 

Environment Committee – Cllr Scott reported that replies had been received to the letters sent to various organisation in the Village regarding a Parish Emergency Plan. The Robert Wilkinson Primary School and The Village Hall had been identified as help centres should the need arise, along with the Medical Centre, Ministers etc. A further meeting of the Environment Committee would be held shortly.

With regard to litter bins and dog bins Cllr Marquis said the regularity of emptying of these bins was not satisfactory at the moment. He had spoken to the Manager in charge of this operation at City of York Council. Cllr Marquis and Cllr Baxter were check all the bins and identify any which are incorrectly shown on the schedule.

 

Cllr Swales commented on the litter bin at the Barley Rise shops which was constantly overflowing. Although this was private land it was understood that City of York Council was responsible for emptying. Cllr Swales agreed to telephone York Pride about this, tel 551551.

 

Open Spaces – Cllr Chapman reported that MOD contractors were trying to make a start on cleaning out the gutters/drains on the common. Land drains on private land and council road gulleys were blocked up and he had been in touch with City of York Council to report blocked gulleys.

 

Cllr Marquis reported that City of York Council had now tidied up the area in Brecks Lane which had been left in an unacceptable state by a contractor when they chopped back the hedge at land sides in Brecks Lane. City of York Council has also been requested to ensure that Yorkshire Water do not interfere with this particular parcel of land in the future.

 

Cllr Marquis reported that one of the flower tubs in York Road had been tipped over again and he was given authority by the full Council to have this tub replanted.

 

With regard to the seat at Northfields, Cllr Marquis reported that the family concerned do not wish to pay for its replacement. Cllr Marquis had already contacted the Street Environment Officer to see if York Pride will provide a new seat. The Parish Council agreed to replace this if City of York Council were unable to. Cllr Swales said he was not happy with this arrangement. It was agreed to contact the family concerned to see if they wanted the plaque returning to them. Cllr Swales objected to the plaque being put on the new seat. Cllr Baxter said he had already contacted Angus Young of York Pride regarding the seat and its replacement but there had been no response.

 

With regard to the allotments a complaint had been received regarding tenants lighting fires to burn their rubbish. It was agreed to contact City of York Council to see if they worked to any regulations regarding burning of rubbish on allotments. It was also reported that the lock on the gate to the allotments had gone missing. In view of the fact that there are two other accesses to the allotments it was agreed that it was of no benefit to replace the lock.

 

Youth – In the absence of Cllr Jesse, Cllr Mrs Smith reported on youth. Mrs Smith reported on a public meeting to discuss youth provision at the School. Unfortunately there were not many members of the public in attendance although the response to a letter drop in the immediate area of the school had proved positive. The Governors of Robert Wilkinson School had agreed to a youth facility going ahead at the school. At the moment it was hoped to get a start in October/November, with two groups per week, one group 11-14 year olds and another 14-18 year olds. There would be no police around and any problems would be dealt with by City of York Council with no cost to the school at all. Youth would be given responsibility to run their own evenings. A Committee was to be set up and it would be up to the youth to then decide what they call themselves and how the sessions would be organised. Helpers would be in the background.

It was reported by Ms Lynette Nelson that Hurst Hall was very busy at the moment. Thanks were expressed to the Parish Council for their donation from the Trust Fund and if any Councillor wished to go down and have a look at what facilities there was at Hurst Hall they would be welcome. The Ward Councillors have advised Ms Nelson that they cannot fund Global. It was hoped that Hurst Hall would merge with Fulford Youth Centre in the future.

 

Bus Shelters – Cllr Swales said there were no problems at the moment.

Cllr Marquis reported that he had been in touch with Corillian Enterprises regarding the partial funding of the repairs to the two bus shelters at the camp. (Sec note – cheque for full amount since received)

 

Cemetery – Cllr Coverdale left the meeting before this item was discussed. Cllr Marquis said the there were two outstanding items in relation to the Cemetery, 1) the agreement regarding the new drainage and 2) the provision of a green bin.  

 

York Pride – Cllr Marquis reported that Ward Committee grants had been applied for as follows:

            £2,000.00 War Memorial for cleaning and re-lettering

            £300.00 for 2 Beech Trees

            £400.00 for 8 new half barrel planters.

 

Sports Association – In the absence of Cllr Jesse, Cllr I Smith gave the report.

The Fun Day had been a success with 130 adults attending and the day went very well. It suggested by the SA Chairman to have further fund raising events, i.e. bonfire, Village Cycle Ride, Village Fete, with sponsorship coming from the Parish Council.

Estimates had been sought for the repair of the MUGA and these were in the region of £30/£40,000.00. It was going to cost a lot of money to get the Sports Association back running.

With regard to grass cutting Cllr Marquis had been in contact with G. Aitkin and the SA Chairman and it was hoped this matter was now resolved

 

War Memorial –.Cllr Plant had been in touch with three contractors for quotations to carry out cleaning and re-lettering to the War Memorial. Only one had replied. However he requested information from the Financial Regulations in order for him to proceed with his enquiries regarding cleaning and re-lettering.

 

YLCA – The Clerk reported that Cllr Jesse was to attend the Annual Conference at Scarborough in September.

 

Agenda Item 8 – Finance

 

 

General Account:                                         Code.                         inc VAT                    Ex VAT

Expenditure:

S. Walker – salary                                        100                             £372.45                      £372.45

Yorkshire & Humber Training                   110                             £130.00                      £130.00

Darren Baxter                                               306                             £  75.00                      £  75.00

Deans Landscapes                                     303                             £465.30                      £465.30

 

Income:

                        NIL

 

Cemetery Account

 

Expenditure:

 

Darren Baxter                                                                                   £60.00                        £60.00

 

Income:

 

                                                            £87.00

 

On the proposition of Cllr Marquis, seconded by Cllr Plant it was unanimously agreed that the above accounts be paid.

 

An account of £65.00 from Darren Baxter would be queried in relation to work carried out at the Barley Rise open space area.

 

Cllr Marquis had received two estimates for checking the Parish Councils electrical equipment and was given authority to make a decision as to which contractor to use.

 

Cllr Marquis reported on Double Taxation and was to check the new information he had received from City of York Council.

 

Agenda Item 9 – Involvement with Robert Wilkinson School – see report under Youth

 

Agenda Item 10 – Publicity – Website – Cllr Marquis reported that a publicity meeting was needed shortly in order for any items to be published in the October Outreach.

 

 

Agenda Item 11 – Chair/Clerk/Councillor Training – No information at this time.

 

Agenda Item 12 – To consider correspondence received

 

            A letter had been received from Mencap requesting a donation. It was agreed that on this occasion the Parish Council were unable to assist financially.

 

            Streets Ahead

 

            York Voluntary Voice

 

---o0o---

 

 

Date and time of next meeting – 9th September 2008

 

 

 

                                    Signed……………………………………………….

 

                                    Chairman

 

                                    Dated…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

August 2008 Reports

 

Highways

 

Email received from CoYC in response to lack of feedback from the Highways Department in regard to the items reported since March 25th 2008. Unfortunately this response only referred to some of the surface water flooding items as under:

Towthorpe Moor Lane/Strensall Road – faults found and rectified.

York Road between level crossing and Middlecroft Drive – flooding alleged to have been caused by a Network rail problem and has received attention.

Several other locations where blocked road gullies have been reported are alleged to be due to the inability of the Yorkshire Water infrastructure to cope with the volume and capacity of the surface water in recent weeks. CoYC are in discussion with other organisations including Yorkshire Water and The FIDB to work together to resolve flooding problems across the whole of the local authority area. Councillor Chapman has done sterling investigatory work which should be of use to solve our local flooding problems.

 

In regard to the condition of the highway surface more locations have been marked for patch repair attention but is still considered unsuitable to encourage cyclists to safely use our roads.

 

Street Lights

 

Nothing to report.

 

Finance

 

The three monthly check of the 2008/2009 finances has been carried out and found to be in order.

 

Carrillion Enterprises has again been advised that the promised cheque for the bus shelter repairs has not yet been received. A further promise of action has been given.

North Yorkshire Police Report

 

Strensall/ Earswick/ Stockton on the Forest

 

There were a total of 18 crimes in the area over the month of July compared to 25 crimes in July 2007, a reduction of 28%. Crimes were spread over a variety of offences including Criminal damage with 4 incidents in the month of July but down by 50% from July 2007. The team are continuing to visit victims of crime and are continuing to patrol the villages. Instances of Anti Social Behaviour have seen a marked reduction. This work will continue throughout the summer with a view to maintaining the current progress in the area and monitoring the alcohol exclusion zone.

 

Ward Surgery dates;

 

Strensall:

20.08.08 @ The Village Hall  1600 - 1800

29.09.08 @ The Village Hall  1600 - 1800

29.10.08  @ The Village Hall  1600 - 1800

26.11.08 @ The Village Hall  1600 – 1800

 

 

POLICE LIAISON REPORT JULY/AUGUST 2008

 

 

I have had no communication from the police this month. This comes as no surprise as I have had no communication for several months.

 

The following incidents have been reported to me directly. I have made sure that they all have been reported to the police and incident numbers obtained.

 

  1. Youths gathering and openly drinking alcohol on the field adjacent to heath ride.

 

  1. Second week in July a group of youths causing a disturbance outside the vicarage between 01.15 hrs until 02.00 hrs. The youths were wearing hoodies and were standing in the middle of the road making cars swerve around them. They were throwing things at fencing opposite the vicarage. Mrs. Harrison said it was quite scary!

 

  1. 25.07.08 an urn was picked up and thrown at a window at the bungalow next to the vicarage it was so heavy that it was dropped on the window ledge causing damage. These residents have had numerous incidents in the past knocking down their wall. Now they are talking about spending over £2000 00 to have railings erected. I find this appalling spending money to keep these yobs out.

 

  1. Monday 04.08.08. Tyre slashed by a stanley knife in church lane. This was during the night.

 

  1. Youths gathering on a regular basis on the other end of the field at Durlston Drive. The kids are known to be drinking alcohol. The same kids urinating in residents gardens in Woodleigh Close on a regular basis. This is just not acceptable!

 

  1. Eggs have been thrown at a property in Pelham Place.

 

  1. Dog excrement thrown all over a car in the vicarage grounds and also at the window and window ledge causing staining.

 

What i find worrying is that the police presence has been reduced in Strensall. They are in the mobile office for all to see but these incidents take place through the night when there are no police around. Durlston drive may be much quieter but it seems that there are many other areas of Strensall that are seeing an increase in petty crime causing much distress!

 

Councillor Judy Smith