Minutes of a Meeting of Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council held on Tuesday 9th December 2008 in the Village Hall

 

Agenda Item 1 – Attendance:            - Parish Councillors P. Jesse (Chairman), K. Marquis (Vice Chairman), John Scott, Miss E. Blacklee, Mrs J. Smith, J. Chapman, D. Baxter and A. Swales. Also present Ward Councillor S. Wiseman.

 

Agenda Item 2 – To receive apologies for absence: - Councillors C. Chambers, P. Coverdale, R. Plant, I. Smith and N. Smith. Mrs S Walker was also unable to attend and Councillor Marquis took notes of the proceedings.

 

Agenda Item 3 – To approve and sign the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11th November 2008:- The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11th November 2008, having previously been circulated, were considered. Cllr Jesse requested that on Page 9 in the third line from the end the reference to Cllr Smith should be amended to read Cllr J. Smith. With this amendment it was proposed by Cllr J. Scott and seconded by Cllr J. Smith that the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of that meeting. This was unanimously agreed.

 

Agenda Item 4 – Matters arising from the Minutes of 11th November 2008 Meeting:- Cllr Jesse reported that he had not yet contacted BT to establish whether the red telephone box located near the Half Moon was on the list to be removed but would contact them shortly. Cllr Jesse also reported that Cllr Nick Smith had not yet arranged a meeting of the working party to discuss long term strategy but had indicated that he would be able to provide a report at the February meeting.

 

Agenda Item 5 – Police Report / To receive Cllr J Smith’s Police Liaison Report: – There was no Police presence at the meeting but the Neighbourhood Police Report for November had previously been circulated to councillors. Cllr J. Smith produced her report, which is attached to these minutes, and explained the reference to problems in and around the Tesco store recently when the Police were called to deal with a large group of young people. Cllr Jesse also reported on a Radio York interview which took place on 3rd December at Durlston Drive the subject of which was the effects of the introduction of the No Alcohol zones.

 

Cllr Jesse arranged to bring forward Agenda Item 8 in order to allow input by the Ward Councillor before she left the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 8 – To consider and decide on the application by Foss and Forest Medical Services Ltd for pharmacy services at Strensall Medical Centre: – It was agreed by all present that Cllr Jesse should respond to the letter from York NHS Trust stating the following points:

  1. It was considered that elderly and people with disabilities would benefit from being able to obtain their prescriptions from the Medical Centre. It would also be convenient for people attending the Medical Centre outside of the opening hours of the Boots Pharmacy to be able to obtain their prescription without having to travel to the closest supplier such as at Monks Cross where there is no direct bus service from Strensall.
  2. Concerns were raised of the possibility that the Medical Centre would be able to supply non prescription medications in direct competition with the Boots Pharmacy.
  3. Concerns were also raised over the viability of the Boots Pharmacy to exist with the increased competition from the Medical Centre. Although it was likely that the Boots Pharmacy would be able to provide a better delivery service to those who preferred to obtain their prescriptions by that method.

 

Agenda Item 6 – To receive the reports of the Planning Committee:

 

Cllr Chapman gave the report of the Planning Meeting held on Tuesday 25th November 2008 which was as follows: -

 

1.         Attendance: Parish Councillors J. Chapman (Chairman), Miss E. Blacklee, P. Jesse, R. Plant, D. Baxter and I.  Smith

2.         Apologies: J. Scott

3.         Declarations of Interests: None

4.         Planning Applications:

 

a)         08/02504/FUL – 9 Riverside Walk – two storey pitched roof side and single storey rear extension (resubmission) – The Parish Council noted that the concerns regarding the distance between the boundary and the proposed extension had been addressed.   Yorkshire Water and neighbours must be consulted on this resubmission

 

  1. Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

            Ref:                    Location                               CYC Dec.       PC Rec:

            08/02339/TPO   67 The Village                       Approve         No Application received

            08/02373/TCA    11 Princess Road                 Approve         n/objections

            08/02367/AGNOT OS Field 2000                  PPR*              Object

 

            (*Planning Permission Required)                   

                                                                                   

 

6.                  Any other business:                                              

            Planning updates as available:

 

Cllr Chapman gave the report of the Planning Meeting held on Tuesday 9th December 2008 which was as follows: -

 

  1. Attendance: - Councillors J. Chapman (Chairman), P. Jesse, E. Blacklee, J. Scott and K. Marquis. Also in attendance Ward Councillor S. Wiseman.

 

  1. Apologies for absence: - Councillors C. Chambers, N. Smith, P. Coverdale and R. Plant.

 

  1. Declarations of interest: - None.

 

  1. Planning Applications :

 

a)   08/02502/FUL – Strensall Coachworks - Replace existing 17.5 metre telecommunications monopole with 22.5 metre monopole and associated equipment.

 

We have no objections to the application but wish to have assurance that any requirement to install additional equipment is dealt with by further planning application(s).

 

Neighbouring properties must be consulted.

 

b)   08/02561/FUL – 8 Cundall Close - We have no objections but wish to make the following comments:

 

  1. We are concerned that the size of the extension is too large in comparison to the original building.

 

  1. We are also concerned that the design of the extension lends itself to conversion of a single residence to one which can support multiple occupancy.

 

  1. Yorkshire Water must be consulted regarding the disposal of surface water.

 

  1. Neighbours must be consulted.

           

 

c)   08/02385/FUL – 521 Strensall Road - Replacement two storey dwelling after demolition of existing dwelling and temporary siting of caravan.

 

We do not object but wish to make the following additional comment:

 

1.      We are concerned about the disposal of foul drainage whilst the caravan is occupied.

 

 

d)   08/02596/FUL – 1 Newton Way - Two storey side extension and garage after demolition of existing garage.

 

We have no objections but wish to make the following comments:

 

1.      Yorkshire Water must be consulted regarding the disposal of surface water.

 

2.      Neighbours must be consulted.

 

 

e)         08/02531/FUL – Sevenoaks, Ox Carr Lane - Erection of 3 no. two storey detached dwellings with rooms in roof and associated external works after demolition of existing bungalow.

 

We object to this application as under:

 

1.      We consider that the replacement of a single story property by 3 x three storey buildings is gross overdevelopment of the site in contravention of Planning Guidance Policy GP1.

 

2.      The area is notorious for drainage problems and both Yorkshire Water and City of York Council’s Drainage Department must be consulted. The potential amount of surface water is at least three times the volume of the existing dwelling and the Drainage and Utilities Statement doe not provide for any rainwater harvesting but will be directed to drain into the present drainage system.

 

3.      The proposed buildings are totally out of character with the streetscape of Ox Carr Lane.

 

4.      The height and design of the proposed buildings are such that neighbouring properties on three sides will be overlooked especially those bungalows in neighbouring Oak Tree Close.

 

5.      The access to the property is over land owned by City of York council and is leased to Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council on a 99 year lease due to expire in 2095. The wording of the lease prevents any alteration to the present access to properties over the leased land.

 

6.      The Design and Access Statement accompanying the application is flawed. An example is the statement that Strensall is served by the Number 5 bus service with a stop close by. The Number 5 bus service is routed via York Road and not Ox Carr Lane where the bus stop is located near to the property.

 

7.      The design of the 3 properties provides secure and open parking of two vehicles for each dwelling with one or possibly two spaces for visitors. However the potential occupancy of the proposed dwellings suggests more than this number of vehicles and there is no other off road parking available. The access from the site is on to a highway with a maximum speed limit of 40 mph.

 

8.      It is requested that this application be dealt with by the East Planning Committee.

 

9.      A site visit is also recommended.

 

10.  Neighbours must be consulted.

 

5.      Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

Ref                                    Location                                  CYC Decision             PC Rec.

 

08/02325/FUL       Strensall Training Area                        Approve                      Approve

 

6.      Any other business:

Planning Updates as available – None

 

Agenda Item 7 – Finance – To receive, consider and decide on the recommendations of the Finance Committee who met on 27th November 2008.

 

Councillor Marquis referred to the documents which had been issued to councillors and asked for those present to approve the expenditure, funding and budget calculations for 2009/2010 and to also approve the precept. Before deciding on their decision Councillor Marquis said that he would first speak about the other items discussed by the Finance Committee as listed below:

 

i)                    Councillors unanimously agreed with the recommendation that the hire fees for the Howard Road football facility should be met by the Parish Council, from reserves, for a further three months (i.e. until May 2009). Councillor Jesse to advise the Sports Association (Football Section).

 

ii)                  Councillors also agreed with the recommendation that the quotation received from Playdale for swings at Kirklands for small children should be accepted. The costs to be met from reserves. Councillors Scott and Baxter to arrange.

It was also agreed that in order to counter the worn grassed area in front of the goalposts on Northfields Open Space  that the goalposts be moved to allow the grass to recover. Councillor Baxter to arrange.

iii)                Councillors agreed to accept the quotations for grass cutting of verges and open spaces for the 2009 season.

iv)                Councillors agreed that notice boards be purchased for Towthorpe, Barley Rise and one for the Sports Association at Durlston Drive. Costs would be met from the current budget and reserves.

v)                  Councillors were advised of the contents of a letter from Councillor Coverdale regarding the funds invested in the Hogg Trust Fund. It was agreed that a withdrawal of £2,000.00 be made to allow the Youth facility at Hurst Hall to purchase more equipment. It was also agreed that the decision concerning the remaining funds be included on the Agenda of the May 2009 Parish Annual Meeting. Parish Clerk to arrange withdrawal.

vi)                Councillors agreed with the recommendation that there were no changes necessary to the Financial Regulations.

vii)              Councillors were advised that a payment under Planning (Section 106) had been received from City of York Council and that this was to be used to fund Amenity Open Space and Playground spending. And would be taken into account for items (i) and (ii).

viii)            Councillor Jesse reported that the investigation into the parish receiving funds from the sale of the Old School was continuing. Councillor Marquis reported that information had been received concerning the revision of spending amount under Section 137(4) (a) of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

Councillors then unanimously agreed with the recommendations for expenditure, funding and precept for 2009/2010.

The RFO’s report was circulated with the agenda and was self explanatory.

 

Expenditure: -

To approve the following accounts for payment this month from the General Account:

 

                                                                        Code               Inc VAT          Exc Vat

S. Walker – Salary                                          100                    £372.45           £372.45

J Rycroft                                                         306                 £1,739.00         £1,480.00

Dean Landscapes                                            306                    £775.51            £660.00

Burn & Co                                                        -                       £399.50            £340.00

Stoneplan                                                        406                    £170.38            £145.00

K. Marquis                                                      102                      £63.58              £55.27

Outreach Production Contribution                 203                    £400.00           £400.00

St Mary’s Churchyard Mtce                           408                    £500.00           £500.00

 

DD – Carphone Warehouse (Telephone and Broadband)

 

Income: -         CoYC (Section 106 payment)                        £1,000.00

                        Resident                                                             £500.00

 

To approve the following payment from the Cemetery Account : -

 

Yorkshire Water                                                                                  £9.23

 

Councillors were advised that letters had been received from CoYC in connection with the precept for 2009/2010.

 

Agenda Item 9. - To consider the New Mandatory Publication Scheme:

 

The proposed documents received from the Information Commissioner’s Office had been issued to councillors with the agenda. The format of these documents was approved and will be introduced by 1st January 2009. A suitable permanent notice will be displayed in the Notice Case located outside Strensall Post Office.

 

Agenda Item 10. – To receive Councillor’s Reports/Updates.

 

Highways/Street Lights – Councillor Marquis’ reports had been issued with the agenda but information on improved street lighting lanterns for the locations in The Village and Church Lane had been provided by CoYC. Councillors agreed that the

costs of improving columns 10 and 12 in The Village, 2, 3 and 4 Church Lane and 1 St Mary’s Close should be met from reserves and the proposed budget expenditure.

Councillor Marquis to liaise with CoYC.

 

Village Traffic Study – Councillor Blacklee had nothing to report. Parish Clerk to investigate training as agreed last month.

 

Play Equipment – Councillor Scott reported that supplies of wood chip for the Northfields play area had not yet been sourced but as soon as these are available and the weather conditions are appropriate he would progress this matter. Councillor Scott to liaise with Councillor Baxter in regard to the cradle type swing order for Kirklands (as indicated in Item 6(ii)).

 

Environment Committee – To receive, consider and decide on the Report from the Environment Committee re The Emergency Plan. – Councillor Scott reported that agreement had been reached for an emergency box to be kept at the Post Office.

 

Open Spaces/Conservation – Councillor Chapman reported on the progress which had been made by CoYC’s Drainage Department in locating and attempting to resolve drainage problems in the area around Ox Carr Lane. Oak Tree Close, Moor Lane and Flaxton Road. Councillor Chapman also reported that arrangements were in hand to tidy the hedge between the Highlands Avenue open space and Oaklands. Councillor Marquis reported that information was awaited from two tree surgeons regarding the willow tree in the Highlands Avenue open space area. Councillor Marquis also

reported that the Street Environment Officer had ordered the seats for Northfields, The Village and Ox Carr Lane. (Sec note – SEO later reported that the delivery and fixing of the seats would be approximately 3 weeks).

 

Youth – No further information was available at this time regarding the Youth Club in the porta-cabin at Robert Wilkinson School. Councillor Jesse agreed to speak to the Ward Councillors about this matter.

 

Bus Shelters/Seats – Councillor Swales reported that he had been unable to progress the subject of missing bus stop signs at Middlecroft Drive and The Tump due to lack of response from First York.

 

Cemetery – nothing to report.

 

York Pride/Ward Committee – Councillor Jesse reported on the subjects discussed at the recent Ward Liaison meeting.

 

War Memorial – Nothing to report.

 

YLCA – Councillor Jesse reported that a the recent YLCA liaison meeting that progress had been made towards agreement with CoYC about the local council’s charter.

 

Agenda Item 11. – Publicity/Website/Newsletter – Councillor Marquis reported that due to the requirements received from the ICO (see Agenda Item 9) there needed to be substantial alterations to the web site.

 

Agenda Item 12 – To consider correspondence received –

 

Leaflets from CVS

Newsletter from Playing Fields Association.

Housing Needs Survey Report – Councillor Jesse distributed copies of the report to each councillor and stated that arrangements were in hand for Carolyn Vaughan to address councillors at the January meeting.

 

---ooo---

 

Date and Time of next meeting – Tuesday 13th January – Village Hall at 7.00pm

December 2008 Reports

 

Highways

 

There has been much activity since 18th November on Ox Carr Lane and Oak Tree Close by CoYC’s Drainage Department to overcome the problems of surface water disposal via Strensall Drain.

 

CoYC have been advised of an apparent subsidence in the highway close to the junction of The Village and Southfields Road. The area has been examined and further checks are to be made.

 

The planned highways item on the agenda for the EMAP meeting of CoYC was omitted and is now expected to be on the agenda for 19th January 2009.

 

Street Lights

 

CoYC have provided costings to replace the lanterns on columns in The Village at £234.97 per column for 70w units which have an increased illumination spread and at £116.32 per column for 42W compact fluorescent units in Church Lane which also have a better illumination spread and are better suited for cul-de-sacs.

 

Open Spaces

 

CoYC have been contacted about the willow tree in Highlands Avenue and confirm that no TPO exists but are concerned about the reason for felling the tree. Darren Baxter has been requested to tidy up the hedge on this plot of leased land and has also agreed to give his opinion on the willow tree. Following conversation with CoYC’s Tree Officer two reports are required to be supplied about the condition of this tree. These have been requested together with quotes for any necessary work. Darren Baxter has also been requested to cut back overhanging branches on the Flaxton Road path close to the access to the properties.

 

Finance

 

Nothing to add to the report of the Finance Meeting held on 27th November 2008.

 

Keith Marquis.

POLICE WARD REPORT

November 2008

 

Haxby/Wigginton

 

            There were a total of 18 crimes reported on the area during the month of November, a reduction of 6% compared to 2007. The crimes were spread over a wide range of categories with no category showing a significant increase compared to the previous year.

                The team have been concentrating their efforts on the areas of autocrime and anti-social behaviour this month. After the increase in incidents in autocrime during October this has been tackled, with only 3 incidents reported in November. This has followed an effort by the team to target individuals linked to this sort of crime in the area.

                Anti-social behaviour, which is always a priority for the team has again seen a decrease during this period and the incidents of criminal damage have also seen a corresponding reduction. During November this category saw a reduction of 42% compared to 2007.

                This work will continue into December with the team committed to continuing to reduce crime and its impact on the community.

 

 

Strensall/Earswick/Stockton on the Forest

 

            There were a total of 31 crimes reported in the period compared to 50 In November 2007. There were reductions in all categories with the exception of theft, where shop thefts have seen a slight increase in this area.

                During 2007 there were 23 reported burglaries and that has seen a massive reduction with only 3 reported during November 2008. This is the result of continued efforts by the team to target individuals and to give security advice to as many residents as possible.

                Anti-Social Behaviour is again becoming an issue over the week-ends in Strensall although the team have this in hand, with named individuals being targeted for Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and searches being carried out to find and seize alcohol on the streets. It should be noted there has been a 78% reduction in criminal damage compared to 2007.

               

 

 

Rawcliffe/Clifton without/Clifton Moor/Skelton

 

            November has historically seen an increase in reported crime on the area mainly due to an increase in thefts on the Retail Estate in the run up to Christmas. This year is unfortunately no different with an increase in thefts accounting for a large portion of the increase in reported crime on the area. The team will be increasing their presence on the Retail Estate during December to attempt to reduce the impact of this.

                It is important to notice however that following a spate of commercial premises being burgled last year there has been a reduction of 43% in this category compared to November 2007. This is due in no small part to the efforts of the team making sure that premises are kept secure and their visible presence in the area.

                Anti social behaviour has also been less of an issue than in previous years with Mischief Night and Bonfire Night passing without any major incidents on the area , a pleasing comparison to last year.

 

 

Other News

 

As of the 28th November we have a new PCSO on the team. PCSO 5230 Turner is not new to the role but has just transferred teams. PCSO 5558 Scott however has now left to pursue a different career.


POLICE LIAISON REPORT FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 08

 

As the Police Ward Report has stated the number of crimes in Strensall has fallen again by a significant amount.

 

On the other hand Anti-Social Behaviour has once been a problem on Friday and Saturday nights. I was involved in an incident on Friday 21st November when I was passing through the Village.  As I drove my car passed the Post Office there was a gang of approximately 60 youths and girls spreading across the road.  Most of them were drinking bottles and cans of alcohol and were acting in a threatening manner.

 

I did not have my mobile phone me so I went back to Tesco to ask if I could use their telephone.  They were obviously scared in case they all went into the shop. I decided to ring 999 to report this as I felt that the kids could potentially rampage through the Village. I told the police lady that I felt justified dialling 999 instead of the 0845 number due to the numbers of kids involved. I advised the shop Manager to close the shop early if he felt under threat, which he said he would do.

 

I went onto my meeting at the Garrison Church and went round by the village about 10.00pm. Two Police vans were in the Village and I went to talk to them informing them that I had rung 999.  There had been seven other phone calls that evening all ringing 0845.  The Police said that I had done the right thing, as by the time they arrived it was getting very nasty.  They managed to diffuse the situation and followed the kids until they were all dispersed.

 

Sgt.  Donna Musgrove has always told me to use my own initiative when calling 999. I was pleased that seven other people rang, as this is what we have been trying to convince the public to do and will hopefully continue to do.

 

PCSO Michael Hannon visited me a few days later along with all the other people who had reported the situation and he told me that our area policing would be changing their hours from 2pm till 10pm to 4pm to midnight, which will be a much better service.  The last bus will have gone before they finish their shift.

 

In the New Year we will be joined by an Officer in the Military Police based at Strensall Camp who will be patrolling the streets of Strensall two days a week.  This is in addition to the Policing we already have.

Judy Smith