Minutes of a Meeting of Strensall and Towthorpe Parish
Council held on Tuesday 10th February 2009 in the Village Hall
Agenda Item 1 – Attendance:
Councillors P. Jesse (Chairman),
K. Marquis (Vice Chairman), R. Plant, John Scott, Miss E. Blacklee,
Mrs. J. Smith, J. Chapman, D. Baxter, P. Coverdale, C. Chambers, I. Smith, A.
Swales and I. Cuthbertson.
Mrs T. Dixon,
Chair of Durlston Drive Sports Association also in
attendance.
Agenda Item 2 – To Receive
Apologies for Absence:
Cllr N. Smith
and Mrs S. Walker (Parish Clerk) Minutes taken by Cllr K. Marquis.
All present asked for their
condolences to be passed to Mrs Walker in regard to the recent bereavement in
her family.
Agenda Item
3. – To approve and sign the
minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th January 2009:
The minutes of the Parish Council
Meeting held on 13th January 2009, having previously been
circulated, were considered. Cllr I. Cuthbertson reported that he was present
at the January meeting. The heading for Item 3 referred to the minutes of the
meeting held on 11th November 2008 and should have been 9th
December 2008. On page 2
Agenda Item 7 the date of the Planning Sub-Committee should have
read 23rd December 2008. Proposed Cllr P. Coverdale and seconded by
Cllr R. Plant that with the above alterations that the minutes be signed as a
true record.
Agenda Item 4. – Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 13th January 2009 (for information only).
Cllr Jesse reported that he had made enquiries about the red telephone box located outside Manor Farm, Strensall and the list obtained from BT by YLCA did not include this particular unit but requested that councillors report any sign of a notice of removal displayed by BT on the phone box.
Agenda Item 5 – Police Report/ Cllr J. Smith’s Police Liaison Report.
The Police Report had been circulated to councillors with the agenda and was self explanatory. Cllr J. Smith recalled the visit to Fulford Police Station Control Room and was impressed by the organisation. Details had also been circulated with the agenda. Cllr J. Smith reiterated that other councillors may wish to visit the police control room and Cllr Jesse asked for anyone interested to liaise with Cllr J. Smith so that arrangements could be made. Cllr J. Smith expressed disappointment that there had been an increase in crime numbers for January 2009 compared with the previous year. Councillors all agreed that residents must avoid leaving items on show in unattended vehicles.
Agenda Item 6 – To receive the report
of the Planning Sub-Committee.
Cllr Chapman reported on the following meetings:
Planning Meeting
27th January 2009
1. Attendance: Parish Councillors J.
Chapman, K. Marquis, R. Plant, D. Baxter, Miss E. Blacklee
and C. Chambers
2. Apologies:
Parish Councillors I Cuthbertson, N Smith, P Jesse and P Coverdale
3. Declarations of Interests: None
4. Planning Applications:
a) 08/02775/FUL
– 36 Kirklands –
Single storey pitched
roof rear extension after demolition of
Conservatory – no objections
providing neighbours are consulted.
5. Decision Notices received from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
08/02596/FUL 1
08/02643/FUL 113 Moor Lane Approve n/objections
08/02504/FUL 9
08/02502/FUL Strensall Coachworks Approve n/objections
Meadowside
House – this application has now been withdrawn.
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as available:
Conservation Area – It was agreed to
invite the new Conservation Area representative
to the next Planning Meeting.
106 Payments – the files were still
being checked for any section 106 agreements
attaching to the planning approval conditions.
2 Oak Tree Close – a letter had been
sent to the resident from CYC regarding work
which had been carried out on this tree.
It was agreed to check on the trees
on the reserve land in
The Firs – this was ongoing.
Planning Meeting 10th February 2009
a). 09/00093/TCA – 67 The Village – Fell Pinus (T2) in the Conservation Area.
Strensall and Towthorpe Parish
Council do not object to this application but recommend the City of
The Parish Council wish to draw the attention of the Tree Officer to a recent application at the same site under reference number 08/023339/TPO.
The tree in question is located in Conservation Area No.23.
Ref: Location CYC Dec PC Rec:
08/02709/FUL Little Garth, Approve No objection
Planning updates as available.
The Firs – Cllr Jesse updated councillors about the current progress and there was unanimous support from councillors for the actions being taken.
Councillors who wished to attend the Development Control
Seminar at The Guildhall were asked to confirm the desired dates of attendance
so that arrangements could be confirmed with CoYC. Action Cllr Marquis
Cllr Jesse referred to a letter which had been received from
Carolyn Vaughan-Downes in response to the letter sent
after the January meeting by the Parish Council. The respose
explained the differences between the use of brownfield
sites as opposed to
Cllr Chapman referred to similar developments of affordable housing at Stillington and Tollerton and it was agreed to contact the parish councils about their approach to such developments.
Details had also been requested by Carolyn Vaughan-Downes about “brownfield” sites that may be available within the parishes. Cllr Plant referred to the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held in February 2008 where it was stated that even if the Parish Council objected to such a scheme it could be introduced without agreement. Councillors were in accord with the provision of affordable housing for people with a close relationship to the parishes but were extremely concerned about the affect of a substantial development would have on the infrastructure.
It was also thought that the proposed location went against
central government policy of building development divided 80% to brownfield sites and 20% to
Councillor Jesse expressed concern that the Parish Councillors needed expert assistance in dealing with this subject.
It was agreed that a holding reply be sent to Carolyn
Vaughan-Downes advising her that Ward Councillor S.
Wiseman wished to be involved but would not be available until early March. Action Cllr Jesse.
Cllr Jesse said that he would now deal with Agenda Item 8 as Cllr N. Smith had been unable to attend.
Agenda Item 8 – To receive a report on
Youth/Sports Association from
Cllr I. Smith reported that the Sports Association had lost the services of a valuable member due to the resignation of Martin Shepherd. He agreed with the Chair of the Sports Association that the facilities should be opened to various activities in order to boost income as the main source was from the tennis and football clubs.
There had been some difficulties in obtaining membership data from these clubs but the Chair was confident that the problems would be overcome. Similarly access to the Association’s finances had been addressed and this was expected to be resolved soon.
Cllr Jesse reported that some repairs had already been
carried out on the pavilion but even if all the facilities were restored the
building was too small to attract other activities such as badminton etc. Mrs
Dixon said that there had been interest from groups within the community to use
the
Cllr Jesse referred to the problems encountered with vandalism over recent years and that the installation of the security fence appeared to have resolved this aspect and in that respect progress had been made. Cllr I. Smith referred to the Regen Centre building at Riccall as an excellent venue for sporting activities. Cllr Baxter stated that initially the planned building had been large enough to accommodate 3 badminton courts and also had kitchen facilities but due to opposition from local residents to the submitted plans the application to develop the site had been refused by Ryedale DC and a sum of money had been included in the Hogg Trust Fund instead. This money had since been given to the Sports Association to part fund the current building.
Cllr J. Smith asked whether in its current state was the
Sports Association financially viable. Mrs Dixon said she believed it could be
so but there was a need to establish support from the community. Cllr Scott
said that expertise, as available at City of
He referred to a letter from Central Government about funds under the Playbuilder Scheme that may provide financial assistance. Mrs Dixon said that an independent survey was required to establish what the community wants in the way of sporting facilities. She said that she had not brought a begging bowl but needed to know what to aim for. Cllr Marquis said that there was some funds left from the security fence grant which could be used by the Sports Association but that the Parish Council should not dictate how it was spent although there must be consultation about the current needs. Cllr Jesse then referred to the subject of Agenda Item 7 and that the working party had met on Monday 9th February and agreed that a short questionnaire be compiled to deliver to residents and that a question could be included to provide answers required by the Sports association.
Cllr Jesse also spoke about the need to enlarge the gate near the River Foss to ensure it was suitable for use by the Foss Internal Drainage Board and that this matter was almost concluded.
Cllr Swales expressed his ongoing concerns that since the
resignation of Martin Shepherd that the entrance gate from
The debate was concluded with Cllr Jesse asking all
councillors to consider the wording of a question for the survey mentioned
previously and to pass their thoughts to either himself, Cllr I. Smith or the
Parish Clerk. Action
All Councillors.
Agenda Item 7 – To receive a report on Long Term Planning from Cllr N. Smith.
Due to the absence of Cllr N. Smith Cllr Jesse reported on the meeting of the working party which had taken place the previous evening.
There are
several established formats that may be used - it is expected that the
appropriate format will emerge from the data gathered during the process. It
was noted that these include the Village Design Statement although a previous
attempt to create one of these was not well supported by the community. In a
population of ~6,500 there will be skills and talent which it would be good to
tap into, and increasing involvement in village governance and activities may become
one of the objectives of the plan.
General
agreement that 5 years is the right sort of timeframe.
For
discussion only, several potential themes were identified by those present:
More social
activities
A vibrant
community centre
An active
sports centre
Improved
transport links
There was
especially strong support for retaining the feeling of being a village e.g. not
to grow in size/number of dwellings and increased social and support
activities.
At a higher
level, several possible general objectives were identified, including increased
community participation (goes beyond increased opportunity) and
increased/improved communication with residents. The amount of involvement of
residents may be one of the measures of success of the plan.
We
will aim for a broad brush approach to the plan, and achieve this via a simple
questionnaire. This may start with something like “do you wish your views to be
heard?” or may seek responses/support for an objective such as ‘It is our
ambition to produce housing, infrastructure and facilities to enable a vibrant
village community to be maintained’. Either way, it is likely to include
questions on the key aspects of Community, Housing and Infrastructure.
We also
recognise that Strensall has a higher proportion of young residents than most
Wards in
Agreed to undertake a simple survey of resident’s wishes in the form of
a questionnaire.
This should be short to encourage replies, and well presented. It will be hand delivered
to all 2,300 properties (includes Army Camp) by Councillors. We may use other
forms of promotion as well, likely to include the website. Return could be by
mail, email (can we establish a separate email address?) and/or collection
points (e.g. in the Post Office).
Agenda Item 9 – Finance
Expenditure
The following accounts were presented for approval for payment this month from the General Account:
Code Inc VAT exc VAT
£ £
K. Marquis – reimbursement 102 3.00 3.00
D.E. Baxter 306 140.00 140.00
Abbey Signs 306 74.75 65.00
Landmarc Support Services 312 175.00 175.00
City of
City of
DD – Carphone Warehouse (Telephone and Broadband accounts)
Income
NIL
Cemetery Account:
Income - £270.00
Expenditure - NIL
On the proposition of Cllr Plant and seconded by Cllr Chambers the above accounts were unanimously approved for payment.
Agenda Item 10 – To receive councillor’s reports and or updates
Highways/Streetlights
– Several councillors commented on the poor state of the highway particularly
in
Cllr I. Smith referred to problems with the lack of response
to a particular street light in
Cllr J. Smith asked when the promised lantern upgrades were
to be carried out in The Village and
Village Traffic Study
– Cllr Blacklee again requested a VAS sign be erected
outside
Play Equipment – Cllr Scott reported that Playdale had recently inspected the site at Kirklands where the cradle swings were to be erected. He had requested a quote for wood chip infill for the existing swing area and was awaiting a response.
Environment Committee – Cllr Scott reported that he had received the approved the Emergency Plan and had returned it to him electronically. Cllr I. Smith agreed to print 3 copies and return them to Cllr Scott. It was agreed that two lockable boxes be obtained to hold the documents at the agreed locations.
Open Spaces –
Cllr Chapman reported on the progress of City of
Cllr Marquis stated that he was attempting to contact a
member of the Probation Service regarding the use of community service persons
to carry out tasks on the leased land on
Youth – this subject had already been debated under Agenda Item 8.
Bus Shelters/Seats
– Cllr Swales reported that the bus stop signs were the responsibility of CoYC
and that the signs at The Tump,
Cemetery – a meeting of the cemetery committee is still to be arranged.
Sports Association – this subject had been discussed under Agenda Item 8.
War Memorial – Cllr Plant said there was nothing new to report.
YLCA – Cllr Jesse reported that at the recent branch meeting the Parish Charter had been discussed and was almost ready to be accepted.
Agenda Item 11 – Publicity/ Website/Newsletter.
Cllr Marquis requested if there were any amendments to the March Newsletter which had been issued with the agenda. Cllr I. Smith reported a alteration was necessary to his address. Action Cllr Marquis.
Cllr Marquis reported that a licence had been obtained from CoYC’s Highways Department for the erection of the Towthorpe Notice Board and he sought approval for the order to be placed with Magson’s at the revised quoted costs. This was agreed unanimously. Action Cllr Marquis.
Cllr Jesse asked for volunteers to assist Cllr Marquis with the production and maintenance of the web site. Cllr Chambers said he would like to help and it was thought that the clerk could also be trained.
Agenda Item 12 –
Cllr Jesse reported that the portakabin at the school which was to be used as a youth facility was being delayed due to extensive Health and Safety work having been identified.
Agenda Item 13 – To consider correspondence received
Cllr Marquis reported that an advice had been received from the contractors working on the Hopgrove Roundabout that overnight diversions would take place on the 15th/16th February2009. It was also planned for overnight week-end diversions to take place on 21st – 23rd August and 5th September 2009.
A list of news and events at Hurst Hall, Strensall.
Cllr Scott was given the Playing Fields newsletter.
An advice of the events organised by the River Foss Society was available.
Date and time of next meeting –
Tuesday 10th March 2009 Village Hall – 7.00p.m.
---o0o---
Signed………………………………………
Chairman
Dated………………………………………..
There were a total of 22 crimes reported on the area in January which is a slight increase on the same period last year. The largest portion of this increase was in the category of theft, mainly from retail outlets in the village.
The team have continued to target anti-social behaviour in the ward and reports of this have again seen a dramatic decrease. Criminal Damage was down 50% compared to the same period last year.
The team will continue its efforts targeting specific individuals throughout the village in the coming months and with the shift changes that come into effect in February will be better placed to deal with any incidents of anti-social behaviour.
There were 37 crimes reported across the area in January. This is a small increase compared to January 2007. The increase is entirely due to a surge in vehicle crime in the early part of the month. Vehicles were broken into and valuables that were left on display have been stolen. The team have proactively patrolled those areas most effected and delivered crime prevention advice to around 500 houses in these areas. We have also ensured that all Neighbourhood Watch groups in the village have been made aware of this problem.
There has again been a reduction in calls for service around anti-social behaviour and only 4 instances of criminal damage compared to 17 in January 2008. The team have also seized 2 motorcycles from youths in the Strensall area that were being ridden in an inappropriate manner.
There were 46 crimes reported during January, a 43% reduction when compared to January 2008. The crimes were quite evenly spread across all categories with no particular trend.
The team are pleased to report that there has been a reduction of just over 50% in autocrime compared to the same period last year and a 66% reduction in the number of burglaries reported across the ward in January. These have been long standing priorities for the team and will continue to be so in the coming months.
January also saw a 45% reduction in thefts with the team proactively patrolling the retail parks which has undoubtedly had a positive effect.
The upcoming change to the shift patterns will only have a positive effect as the team target anti-social behaviour in the coming weeks and months.
POLICE
LIAISON REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2009-01-25
On Friday 16th
I visited the Control Room at Fulford Police Station.
SGT. Dave Sutcliffe who had kindly agreed to show me round.
I was very surprised
by the vast area of the Control room and the number of working stations within
that room. Dave informed me of a few statistics:
1.
999
calls—8,000 per month
2.
0845
calls—60,000 per month
3.
Non-Emergency
calls--- 30,000 per month
0845 numbers are
paid directly to B.T and not to the Police, as many people believe.
There are two Police
stations in North Yorkshire, one at
The area covered by
these Stations is vast. It is as far West as
Dave recalled events
Great
Heck Train crash.
Numerous
events at Fylingdales.
The
double murder at Strensall.
Events such as these
have to be co-ordinated, as they often require liaison with other agencies such
as Fire, Ambulance and Helicopter.
That particular
evening as we discussing this a call came through that
an Elderly gentleman had been reported missing by his family. This occurred up
in the Northern at Great Ayton. The RAF Helicopter had been scrambled and the
Dog handlers were out on foot, searching. The night was extremely cold and the
man was at great risk. Dave got in touch with me the next day to say that he
had been found much to the relief of family and all concerned.
I thoroughly enjoyed
my time spent at the Control room. It opened my eyes as to the vastness of the
area covered and the non-stop enquiries coming in.
Groups of youngsters
are encouraged to go and see what goes on there, as are the General Public.
Numbers of about six people the Police can cope with at any one time.
I thanked Dave very
much for his time and left feeling that I had learnt a great deal.
I was disappointed
to see that crime figures had increased by a small amount in January. We are
back to car crime, which is worrying. I reported to Alex the information given
to me at the last meeting regarding the Heath at the top of the Village. I said
that someone had seen youths hiding bags of cans etc. and later going back to
drink illegally. Unfortunately he didn’t get back to me so I am unsure if
anything happened regarding this matter.
Cllr. Judy Smith
Police
Liaison.
February 2009 Reports
Highways
City of
Streetlights
Report received from Amey that
they are unable to repair the defective no.5 light at Towthorpe due to adverse
ground conditions and have advised City of
A written complaint has been received from a resident in Knapton Close regarding light pollution. City of
Open Spaces
Viking Trees have been requested to carry out remedial work
on the
An email received from a resident in Pasture Close requesting permission to remove overhanging branches from a tree in the wild haven. The resident has been contacted about this request.
Another tree problem has been reported on the Open Space area between Leyfield Close and the River Foss which is being investigated.
Finance
The 2008/09 accounts have been checked to 31 Dec 2008 and found to be in order.
K. Marquis