Minutes of a meeting of Strensall & Towthorpe Parish Council held on Tuesday 8^th July 2008 in the Village Hall Strensall

 

Agenda Item 1 – Attendance: Parish Councillors P. Jesse (Chair), K. Marquis (Vice Chair), R. Plant, Miss. E. Blacklee, J. Chapman, I. Smith, Mrs. J. Smith.  Cllr Swales and Cllr Baxter joined the meeting.

 

Agenda Item 2 – Apologies for absence – Apologies for absence were received from Cllr J. Scott and I. Cuthbertson

 

Agenda Item  3 – To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th June 2008

 

The minutes of the meeting held on 10^th June, 2008, having been previously circulated were considered.   Cllr Marquis reported that Cllr Cuthbertson had requested that the minute on Page 4 line 7 & 8 be amended to read “Cllr Cuthbertson said the Parish Council cannot walk away from the Sports Association lease as the Sports Association and City of York Council are other parties involved with the lease”.

On the proposition of Cllr Marquis, seconded by Cllr Ian Smith, it was agreed that with the above amendment, the Parish Council minutes for 10^th June 2008, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of that meeting.

 

Cllr Jesse reported on last months meeting and expressed his disappointment at the number of Councillors, particularly those on the Planning Committee, who had left the meeting early, as there was an urgent matter related to planning to discuss later on in the meeting.   In view of this, he proposed that Agenda Item 8 Planning Reports – be brought up earlier in the meeting in the hope that all those in attendance would be available to hear the planning reports.   Notes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 24^th June 2008 had been distributed with the Agenda and Cllr Plant would give a resume of the meeting held this evening.

 

Agenda item 4 – Matters Arising from minutes of 10^th June 2008

 

Vacancies – Cllr Jesse reported that an enquiry had been made regarding the vacancy on the Towthorpe Parish.   He also reported that Cllr Jack Ord had resigned and this vacancy would be dealt with in the normal way.   Cllr Jesse agreed to write to Jack Ord thanking him for his contribution to the Parish Council during his time as a Councillor.

 

Agenda Item 8 – Planning – To receive and approve the report of the Planning Committee held on 24^th June 2008 and 8^th July 2008

 

24^th June 2008

 

 

1.         Attendance: P Coverdale (Chairman), Miss E. Blacklee P. Jesse, K. Marquis and J. Chapman

 

2.         Apologies: R Plant, J Scott, I Cuthbertson

 

3.         Declarations of Interests: None

 

4.         Planning Applications:

 

a)         08/01211/CAC – Manor Farm, Towthorpe – demolition of existing outbuilding.  – The Parish Council does not object to this application but point out that any new building must be in keeping with the Conservation Area.    

 

b)         08/01197/FUL – 9 Riverside Walk – Two storey pitched roof side and single storey rear extension – The Parish Council do not object to this application but are concerned at the close proximity to the boundary and are concerned as to whether the development is within the allowed limits. However it is pleasing to note that a garage is to be added to this property.    Yorkshire Water regarding the disposal of surface and foul water and neighbours must be consulted.

 

c)         08/01199/FUL – OS Field 2000 Lords Moor Lane – retention of a mobile home as a temporary agricultural dwelling in connection with free range laying birds        (resubmission).

 

The Parish Council objects to this application for the following reasons, and would reiterate their objections to the original planning application reference number 07/01943/FU.

 

There is no evidence to suggest any changes to the original application, reference 07/01943/FUL which was refused by City of York Council on 9^th November 2007

 

There is no mains sewer as given in answer 12 (Foul Sewage) of the application form or mains      water on site.

 

There is no provision for the disposal of rainwater from the mobile home (answer to Question 13 shows surface water to be disposed of by soak away) and the site constantly floods.

 

The site via a track is totally unsuitable for such an operation due to the proximity of the entrance/egress to Lords Moor Lane level crossing.  The security gate at the entrance to the track       should be padlocked at all times according to the owners of the track, Network Rail.

                       

The applicant has squatted on this site since May 2005, with the mobile home being sited without permission and this Parish Council has constantly approached City of York Council Enforcement Officers to take action to remove all items, including the mobile home. The applicant’s reason given for retention of a mobile home on this site is to operate an organic free range laying birds operation.   However it is known that the only agricultural business carried out on this site by the applicant has been grazing by six Dexter cattle and therefore does not require living         accommodation on site.

 

The siting of a mobile home on this site is inappropriate development in the Green Belt and conflicts with Central Government advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 “Green Belts” and with Policy GB7 of the City of York Draft Local Plan. No effort has been made over the last few years to demonstrate that a new accommodation is necessary to run an established holding and therefore this could not be classed as a sustainable development in a rural area.

 

For the above reasons the Parish Council strongly object to this development and the application should be refused.

 

It was noted that Cllr Ian Cuthbertson had agreed to speak on behalf of the Parish Council at the East Area Planning Meeting on 26^th June about this application.

 

d)         08/01027/FUL – Church Farm 15 Church Lane – new gate and railings to existing garden wall.  –

No objections but neighbours must be consulted.

           

5.         Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

            Ref:                    Location                                           CYC Dec.       PC Rec:

            08/01070/FUL    Manor Farm Towthorpe                  Approve          n/objections

08/00794/FUL     5 Northfields                                  Approve          n/objections

                                                                                                    with reservations

            08/00865/FUL     48 West End                                  Approve          n/objections

                                                                                                                with reservations

6.         Any other business:

            Planning updates as available:

 

            Site Meeting: Bonneycroft 22 Princess Road – Wednesday 25^th June 11.00a.m.

 

            East Area Planning Sub Committee Meeting Thursday 26^th June 2008 at the Guildhall, York at 2.00p.m.

 

Cllr Jesse reported on the letter received from the solicitors acting for the Trustees of the   properties in Towthorpe which outlined the situation to date.

 

The Clerk reported on the following planning applications received which would be included on the next Planning Meeting Agenda:

 

            117 The Village

 

            17 Moorland Garth

 

            Low Farm Towthorpe

 

            The report was accepted and approved.

 

8^th July 2008

 

            Cllr Plant gave the following report.

 

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

K. Marquis and J. Chapman

           

2.         Apologies: Parish Councillors J. Scott and I. Cuthbertson

 

3.         Declarations of Interests: None

 

4.         Planning Applications:

 

a)         08/00991/LBC- Low Farm, Towthorpe – Listed Building Consent for alterations and renovation of farmhouse, erection of single storey side extension, and demolition and rebuilding of single storey rear outbuildings.  

           

This is a near derelict farmhouse.   Anything done to improve this building as a useable residence must be applauded.

 

            And

 

b)         08/01249/FUL – Low Farm, Towthorpe – Alterations to detached farmhouse and erection of single storey side extension, single storey rear extension, front porch and detached double garage following demolition of rear extension and front porch

 

This is a near derelict farmhouse. Anything done to improve this building as a useable residence must be applauded.

 

It is a listed building and it is assumed that any alterations made will be supervised closely by English Heritage and the City of York Council. This will involve specialise knowledge and advice which is not available at Parish Council level.

 

The Parish Council are concerned about surface and foul water disposal and this should be dealt with adequately. The highway outside this property is flooded from time to time. Yorkshire Water must be consulted on this planning application and a condition of any planning approval must be applied that Yorkshire Water must give consent to the disposal of water.

 

The plans, as submitted, do not appear to cover any outbuildings some of which appear to be in use, others not. The future of these buildings must be decided by the East Trans port and Planning Committee. Any constraints applied to the house should also be applied to the garage which should be in keeping with the rest of the property.

 

                        The residents of Towthorpe must also be consulted.

 

c)         08/01256/FUL – 117 The Village – single storey rear extension including dormer windows – no objections providing neighbours are consulted.

 

d)         08/01476/FUL - 17 Moorland Garth – flat roof dormer to rear – no objections providing neighbours are consulted.

 

e)         08/01339/FUL – 80 Middlecroft Drive – first floor extension over existing study and single storey rear extension to replace conservatory – no objections providing neighbours are consulted.

 

f)         08/01402/FYL – 11 Church Lane – two storey pitched roof extension to side and single storey pitched roof extension to rear (resubmission) - This property is in a Conservation Area.  Object due to the loss of the garage there is no provision for concealed parking. Neighbours must be consulted.

 

g)         08/01309/FUL – 28 West End – erection of 2 no dwellings – no objections but make the following concerns. Extra traffic generated by the development will exit onto the narrow West End which is already very busy as well as being congested with parked vehicles. West End is the main thoroughfare for access to Robert Wilkinson Primary School which is only a few yards from the proposed development and this is a route taken daily by some five hundred children arriving at/leaving school by car or on foot. The new site access would cut across the only footpath used   by children arriving at/leaving school on foot and is therefore potentially dangerous. The entrance to the site (between two houses) appears to be too narrow for safe two-way car access. Car parking on either side of the exit route will also exacerbate the problem. York highways must be consulted. Yorkshire Water must also be consulted regarding the disposal of surface and foul water.  Neighbours must also be consulted.  

                       

5.         Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

            Ref:                    Location                               CYC Dec.                   PC Rec:

            08/00957/FUL    1 Pulleyn Close                   Approve                      n/objections

            08/01112/TPO   22 Princess Road                  Approve/Refuse          Leave to TPO

 

6.         Any other business:

            Planning updates as available

 

Cllr Jesse reported on the latest position regarding The Firs. No response had been received to the Parish Council’s letter dated 18^th June and it was agreed to write again.

Cllr Jesse had spoken to Mr. Blythe at City of York Council who had advised that the Parish Council write again seeking a response within 14 days and also seeking a return of the land to its original state within 3 months.   It was anticipated that solicitors may need to be involved.   It was agreed that this course of action be taken and Cllrs Jesse and Marquis agreed to draft a suitable letter.

 

Cllr Plant reported on the Planning Enquiry for OS Field 2000/3000 held earlier in the day. The Inspectors decision was expected in about a month’s time. Thanks were expressed to John Chapman and Cllr Ian Cuthbertson who both spoke very well on behalf of the Parish Council and residents.

 

Cllr Mrs. Judy Smith asked why the planning committee had agreed to object to the planning application for 11 Church Lane as she felt there was no reason to object.   Cllr Plant explained the Planning Committees discussion and decision and this was accepted by Cllr Smith.

 

 

Agenda Item 5 – Police Report – There was no Police Report available.   Cllr Mrs. J. Smith reported that she had been in contact with the residents at Woodleigh Close who were not happy with the fencing at Durlston Drive where youths had damaged her fencing and were cutting through her garden to short cut through to the playing field.   Cllr Smith went to see the resident. The incident had been reported to the Police and an incident number obtained. The Police had indicated that they would see the resident concerned that afternoon and Cllr Smith went to see the police with the resident. Cllr Smith then went to see Martin Shepherd who repaired the fence the following day. Cllr Smith had telephoned the resident today and no further damage was reported. The test would come when the schools broke up for their summer holidays. P C Alex Dobson also went round to see the resident. Cllr Smith had also spoken to PC Alex Dobson regarding the lesser police presence which was becoming a cause of concern for the Parish Council and residents.

 

Agenda Item 6 – Councillors Reports:

 

Highways – Cllr Marquis’s report which had been issued with the Agenda was approved.    Cllr Jesse reported that a resident from Portisham Place had complained to Ward Councillor Mrs Kirk regarding the frontage of the shops at Barley Rise. However this was private land and Cllr Jesse would take this matter up with the Police at the Ward Meeting on 9^th July. Cllr Chapman said he had spoken to a resident at Durlston Drive and was told there had been a great improvement in that location over the last 5 or 6 weeks.

Cllr Marquis added that these had been an unacceptable amount of flooding on various highways in the parish and he had emailed City of York Council about this.   Cllr Wiseman agreed to take this up with City of York Council. [Addendum. Cllr Wiseman later emailed advice of works to be carried out at Towthorpe Moor Lane (Strensall Road junction), Scot Moncrieff Road, Princess Road (near junction with Southfields Road) and The Village (near Station House) were included in a list of locations throughout the area which were to be funded with money from central government. Work started at Towthorpe Moor Lane on Monday 14^th July]. Cllr Wiseman said that petitions are very useful in getting action from City of York Council as they were brought to the full council.   It was agreed that the Parish Council should go down this route particularly with highway surfacing at the present time. Cllr Marquis also agreed to take up with City of York Council the matter of the vegetation south of Strensall Park. Lynette Nelson volunteered to approach the MoD about this matter.  

 

Village Traffic Study – Cllr Blacklee said there was nothing to report but she was still concerned that speed light posts should be placed along York Road, between the Southfields Road/Princess Road junction and the Old Vicarage.

 

Street Lights – Cllr Marquis’s report which had been issued with the Agenda was approved. Cllr Marquis agreed to check on the situation at the curly bridge over the railway line.

 

Play Equipment – Cllr Scott had issued a report which was issued with the Agenda. Cllr Scott had indicated in the report that he was taking up the matter of a child swing at Kirklands Play Area.

 

Cllr Baxter said he had requested Darren Baxter to cut round the picnic tables at the play area on Northfields.

 

Environment Committee – Cllr Jesse reported that he had been in touch with City of York Council regarding costs for the alcohol ban.   It was agreed that the Parish Council should await an account for this project.   Responses had been received from local organisations regarding the Emergency plan and these would be passed to Cllr Scott.

 

Open Spaces – Cllr Chapman said he was trying to trace Bone Dyke to assess the water levels.  Roads in the area were flooded on 3 days and he felt that Bone Dyke could take more water. He reported that a survey was being conducted to get water off the common.   With regard to Scott Moncrieff Road and Flaxton Road junction there was nowhere for the water to go as the drain was blocked and redoing this drain was the responsibility of the riparian owners of the properties concerned. The MOD would only investigate this matter up to Seven Oaks on Ox Carr Lane. Cllr Chapman said he was to visit some residents over the next two weeks to try to assess the problem locations. Cllr Wiseman said that the Foss Internal Drainage Board did camera survey through Strensall Drain from the Foss up towards Scott Moncrieff Road but couldn’t get through a blocked drain and advised the Parish Council to request a copy of the report from FIDB. Cllr Wiseman said City of York Council and the Foss Internal Drainage Board were committed to a plan to continue investigation work.

 

With regard to the trees on Northfields, Cllr Marquis said these would be replaced later in the year. Cllr Marquis reported a fallen tree branch which needed to be removed on Lords Moor Lane. Cllr Wiseman agreed to contact City of York Council about this. Cllr Marquis and Cllr Baxter were to inspect low tree branches on the footpath between Lords Moor Lane and Moor Lane, although some work had already been carried out. Cllr Marquis said he had contacted Russell Stone at City of York Council regarding strimming round the street furniture but to date this had not been done and the request would be repeated. Darren Baxter had now completed the work at Chaldon Close. Cllr Jesse said the dog bin at Pasture Close/Kirklands had now been moved. Cllr Swales said the dog bin at Middlecroft Drive (curly bridge) needs to be moved. It was agreed to contact Angus Young. With regard to the hedges on the allotment boundary (Terrington Court) it was agreed to contact Darren Baxter to see what could be done.

 

Youth – Cllr Jesse reported that Earswick Parish Council were forwarding information regarding 5 a side football nets.   Cllr Jesse said a meeting was to be held next week at Robert Wilkinson School to see if a youth project was feasible. Lynnette Nelson of Hurst Hall Community Centre gave a report on activities at the centre and asked whether the Parish Council could contribute to this project. After some discussion and on the proposition of Cllr Ian Smith seconded by Cllr Plant it was agreed that the Parish Council would contribute £500.00 for specific items and Cllr Marquis proposed that this would come from the Trust Fund.  

 

Bus Shelters – Cllr Swales said there was nothing to report at the moment except he was finding it extremely difficult to get a response from First York.   With regard to the donation from MOD towards the cost of repairing the two bus shelters at the camp it was anticipated that this would be received shortly. Thanks to Cllr Marquis. It was agreed to investigate the replacement of the seat at Northfields which had been donated in memory of a resident (Mr. Dean) some years ago. Cllr Wiseman confirmed that the Parish Council were under no obligation to do this.

 

Cemetery – Cllr Coverdale was not present at the meeting. However the Clerk reported that a new waste bin was required and a meeting of the Cemetery Committee should be held shortly. Cllr Marquis agreed to look into the request for a new bin.

 

York Pride – Cllr Jesse reported that the next meeting was to be held on 9^th July on Northfields. Cllr Marquis agreed to speak to Russell Stone at City of York Council regarding the none emptying of litter bins and dog bins. Ward Committee grant requests were to be with the Ward Committee by 1^st August. Projects for grant could include flower barrels, trees for Northfields, seats, goal nets and posts, infill for children’s play area at Northfields and new child swings at Kirklands.

 

Sports Association – Cllr Jesse reported on a meeting held on 7^th July and said this was now moving along. The football club now had over 120 children on its books and the tennis club had membership of over 40 people. A ward grant would be applied for to help with the costs of repair of the building. Steel lining was required to the doors of the building to help with security. The grass cutting account had been received from the contractor, but the Sports Association were to speak to the contractor regarding the frequency of cuts. Insurance for Howard Road was being investigated by the Sports Association. A quote was being obtained to bring the MUGA back into use. A notice regarding dog fouling was to be put on the gate. It was agreed to ask Cllr Scott to deal with this. The gates were not being locked. With regard to the matter of the resident’s fence a quotation of £600.00 had been received to continue the Durlston Drive fence to protect the resident’s garden. However it was felt that a certain type of plant planted behind the fence would be more suitable. Cllr Jesse reported that a fun day was to be held on 13^th July. Cllr Jesse said the Parish Council were still awaiting the business plan which the Sports Association had promised sometime ago.

 

War Memorial – Cllr Plant reported on a letter from the War Memorials Trust who was requesting donations towards their funds for helping with maintenance of War Memorials. On the proposition of Cllr Plant, seconded by Cllr Marquis it was agreed that the Parish Council would donate £100.00 to the War Memorials Trust.

 

YLCA – Cllr Jesse reported on the Conference to be held in September. Cllr Jesse, Cllr Judy Smith and Cllr Ian Smith had expressed an interest in this.

 

Agenda Item 7 – Finance

 

 

General Account:                    Code                           inc VAT                    Ex VAT

Expenditure:

P. Jesse            - expenses        104                              £39.17                         £39.17

S. Walker – salary                   100                              £372.45                       £372.45

M. Clough (Viking Trees)       306                              £450.00                       £450.00

Darren Baxter                         306                              £100.00                       £100.00

Deans Landscapes                  306                              £310.21                       £264.00

G. Aitken                                306                              £250.00                       £250.00

G. Aitken                                s/a                                £250.00                       £250.00

War Memorials Trust              308                              £100.00                       £100.00

York Vale Fencing                  s/a                                £12,793.41                  £10,888.00

 

Income:

                        NIL

 

Cemetery Account:

Expenditure:

Darren Baxter                                                             £675.00                       £675.00

 

Income:

 

                        £255.00

 

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

 

The cheque for York Vale Fencing for the fencing at Durlston Drive had now been signed and included in the above list of expenditure.

 

Direct Debits –

Carphone Warehouse (23.6.08)                                  £25.11                         £21.37

Carphone Warehouse (2.7.08)                                    £10.00                         £8.51

 

 

A cheque for £500.00 payable to Hurst Hall Community Fund would be drawn from the Trust Fund.

 

Agenda Item 9 – Involvement with Robert Wilkinson School – Cllr Jesse said he hoped that there would be some information from the meeting to be held next week.

 

Agenda Item 10 – Publicity – Website – Cllr Marquis said a meeting would be required shortly in connection with the next news letter.

 

Agenda Item 11 – Chair/Clerk/Councillor Training – see above

 

Agenda Item 12 – To consider correspondence received

 

            None

 

                                    ---o0o---

 

 

Date and time of next meeting – 12^th August 2008 – 7.00p.m. Village Hall

 

 

 

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

 

                                    Chairman

 

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

 

 

 

 

July 2008 Reports

 

Highways

 

Some progress made in response to the items reported since March 2008 as shown on the attached spreadsheet.

 

The floral displays in barrels along York Road have been admired by many residents. Unfortunately the barrel opposite Newton Way has been vandalised twice and some replanting has been necessary. A resident from Kirklands has volunteered to water all these barrel displays and a letter of thanks would be appropriate.

 

The floral display at the Strensall Village sign on Strensall Road has been affected by a gas leak which has been reported several times to the utility. Remedial work arranged to be carried out by British Gas on Monday 30^th June so plants removed and replanted after work completed. It has been necessary to remove the contaminated soil and replace some of the plants.

 

CoYC requested to investigate “organised vandalism” of trees and hedges between Thompson Drive and Walbutts Water Treatment Works after flailing carried out on Tuesday 24^th June. Yorkshire Water deny they commissioned the work.

 

Street Lighting

 

Nothing to report.

 

Open Spaces

 

Following report by CoYC’s Tree Officer of damaged branch on oak tree on the Flaxton Road footpath, arrangements made for Darren Baxter to cut down this branch and also similarly deal with other dead branches near the route of the path.

 

York Pride/Ward Committee

 

Don’t forget your suggestions for projects in the 2009/2010 financial year.

 

The next Ward Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 9^th July and will commence at 6.00pm with a barbeque at Northfields. The mobile police office will also be in attendance and free cycle tagging will be available.

 

Finance

 

Following the acceptance of the year end report for 2007/08 the statutory notice has been published and the audit form despatched to the external auditor. The Parish Council still requires to appoint an internal auditor.

 

No progress yet with change of address on invoices from Carphone Warehouse for telephone and broadband accounts.

 

Cllr Keith Marquis

 

POLICE WARD REPORT

June 2008

 

Strensall/Earswick/Stockton on the Forest

 

June saw a 43% reduction in crimes reported compared to the same period last year. Again the crimes that were reported covered a variety of offences with the most significant reductions in the areas of theft and violent crime. The team are continuing to patrol the villages and 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.

 

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

The team are currently setting up a series of community consultation dates. These will move away from the use of the mobile office and we will hopefully have a regular slot in local community centres and village halls. Historically the mobile office has had few visitors and we are hoping this new approach will encourage more residents to come and discuss issues and priorities. Details to follow.