Minutes of a Meeting of Strensall and Towthorpe Parish
Council held on Tuesday 13th January 2009 in the Village Hall
Item 1 Attendance: Parish 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, D. Baxter and N. Smith. Ward Councillor Mrs. S. Wiseman.
Also in attendance were Mrs
Carolyn Vaughan-Downes, Rural Housing Enabler, City of
Item 2 To receive apologies
for absence: Councillor A. Swales.
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 9th December 2008, having previously been
circulated, were considered. On the
proposition of Cllr Plant, seconded by Cllr N Smith, it was unanimously agreed
that the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of that
meeting. The Clerk thanked Cllr Marquis
for taking the minutes of that meeting.
Agenda Item 4 Matters Arising
from the minutes of 9th December 2008 meeting for information only
The cheque from the Michael Hogg
Trust Fund, in favour of Hurst Hall, for £2,000.00 had now been received from
City of
BT Telephone Cllr Wiseman
reported that she had been unable to obtain any information on this. Cllr Jesse agreed to investigate this
matter. Action Cllr Jesse
An acknowledgement letter had been received from York and North
Yorkshire NHS in response to the Parish Councils letter to them regarding the proposed
pharmacy at Strensall Medical Centre.
Item 5 Housing Needs Survey
Report Cllr Jesse introduced Mrs.
Carolyn Vaughan-Downes and Laura Peacock to the meeting. Mrs Vaughan-Downes
spoke about the report which had been issued and said that 583 responses to the
recent survey had been received with 49% of those 583 supported the scheme, 40%
were against and 11% did not know. However there was concern that the infrastructure
was not able to support any further housing in Strensall.The Rural Housing
Trust had identified a need for 25 properties to be developed in the Village,
with a mix of 2 and 3 bedroomed houses. Mrs. Vaughan-Downes was informed by the
Parish Council that the village does not have a secondary school, as was stated
in the report and the question was asked as to how correct this report was in
view of that incorrect statement. Mrs. Vaughan-Downes said this was a genuine
error and did not affect anything else in the report. Cllr Chapman said there
were many private properties in Strensall which were empty and could possibly
be made available. Laura Peacock stated that many of the social houses in
Strensall were under-occupied properties and the Rural Housing Trust would look
at developing units for older people, which was a way of freeing up some of the
social housing. Cllr Plant expressed many concerns regarding some of the
statements in the report and asked what affordable housing
really meant, as most household income
was not from one person. Mrs. Vaughan-Downes said there would be a mix of
affordable rented and affordable ownership, as mortgages were not available for
affordable housing. A site for 25 houses had been
identified but there was no
mention of the reservations regarding the infrastructure and this concern
should be addressed first. Cllr Plant said there were already 7 sites in
Strensall earmarked for housing development. The Rural Housing Trust should
look at brownfield sites such as the Tannery,
Agenda Item 6 Police Report
To receive Cllr J. Smiths Police Liaison Report Cllr J Smith Cllr Smith said there was nothing much to add to last
months report as it had been fairly quiet over the Christmas period. She
informed the meeting that she was to attend Fulford Police Station one night to
see how the system worked. Police
surgeries are planned to be held in Strensall Village Hall on the following dates:
Wednesday 28th January
2009 - 16.00-18.00;
Wednesday 25th February
2009 1630-1830;
Sunday 22nd March 2009
-1200-1400;
Tuesday 21st April
2009; - 1630-1830;
Friday 29th May 2009
1630-1830;
Friday 26th June 2009
16301830; and
Friday 24th July 2009
1630-1830.
Agenda Item 7 To receive the
Report of the Planning Committee:
23rd December 2009
1. Attendance: Parish Councillors J.
Chapman (Chairman), P. Jesse, N. Smith, C. Chambers, K. marquis and Miss E.
Blacklee
2. Apologies: Parish Councillors R. Plant,
J. Scott, P. Coverdale
3. Declarations of Interests: None
4. Planning Applications:
a) 08/02643/FUL
Conservatory to rear
no objections but raise concerns with City of
b) 08/02709/FUL
Little Garth
Single storey pitched roof rear extension,
alterations and Extensions to existing garage to form games room and Garden
store no objections but raise concerns with City of York Council regarding
extra surface water run off and request Yorkshire Water be consulted. Neighbours must also be consulted.
c) 08/02679
25b The Village Strensall
Display 1 no internally
illuminated projecting sign and 2 no Part
externally illuminated fascia signs The Parish Council object to this
proposal as it does not comply with Planning Policy HE8 for adverts in historic
locations, Policy GP21 and HE3 Conservation Area. However,
we would not object to a proposal similar to that which has been carried out at
Haxby.
5. Decision Notices received from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
08/02366/FUL Blands Farm Approve n/o
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as available:
The
Chairman reported the following:
08/02145/CAC
08/02144/FUL
Moorland
Garth The Clerk reported that a letter had been received form City of
The Firs
13th
January 2009
1. Attendance: J. Chapman (Chairman), Miss
E Blacklee, P. Jesse, J. Scott, N. Smith, R. Plant, C. Chambers, K. Marquis, D.
Baxter,
2. Apologies: None
3. Declarations of interests: None
4. Planning Applications:
a) 08/02800/FUL
Manor Farm, Towthorpe
single storey pitched roof
outbuilding after demolition of existing
The Parish Council do not object to this application
if it is for private and personal use, but would strongly object to ANY
applications for ANY change of use.
5. Decision Notices received from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
08/02561/FUL 8 Cundall Close Approve n/objections
08/02385/FUL 521 Strensall Road Approve n/objections
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as available:
The Firs
Cllr Jesse gave an update on the situation regarding the Firs. Information
had recently been made available to the Parish Council and it was agreed that a
meeting should take place between Cllr Jesse, Cllr. Marquis and Ward Cllr
Wiseman. Cllr Plant had previously declared
an interest in this matter.
Cllr
Chapman reported that alcohol use was becoming a problem on the Heath at
City of
Agenda
Item 8 Finance
Cllr
Marquis stated that with regard to the RFOs report the total balance should
have been added to the bonds, which totalled £35,000.00, making the total bank
balances £69,233.65
The
Clerks salary had now been finalised through YLCA and an additional amount of
£91.00 would be paid as arrears to bring the salary up to date following the
2008/09 agreed pay scales.
Double
Taxation Cllr Marquis was still awaiting information from City of
The
Clerk reported that she had now been in touch with Mr Ken Stephenson regarding
the appointment of an Internal Auditor. Mr. Stephenson had agreed to put a
quote in the post, but it was likely that the costs would be in the region of
£500.00 + VAT on the assumption that two visits per year would be required. Cllr
Cuthbertson offered to do the job of Internal Auditor if this was acceptable. It
was agreed to check with with YLCA.
Expenditure:
To
approve the following accounts for payment this month from the General Account:
Code Inc VAT Ex VAT
K. Marquis
reimbursement 306 £23.54 £20.48
J.
Chapman expenses 103 £23.48 £20.42
Darren
Baxter open spaces 306 £326.00 £326.00
CPRE
membership 202 £28.00 £28.00
CoYC
Lease Leyfield Close 111 £10.00 £10.00
There
was no income this month
To Approve
the following payment from the Cemetery Account:
Darren
Baxter £120.00
On the
proposition of Cllr Coverdale seconded by Cllr Marquis it was unanimously
agreed that the above accounts be paid.
Agenda
Item 9 To receive Councillors Reports/Updates
Highway/Street
Lights Cllr
Marquis reports had been issued with the agenda. Cllr Marquis said there
appeared to have been some confusion with the City of
Village Traffic Study Cllr Blacklee said there was nothing to report. Information
was awaited on training regarding the SID scheme. Action
Play Equipment Cllr Scott reported that Playdale were looking at Kirklands
Play Area on Thursday. A supply of wood chip was still required for Northfields
Play Area. A quotation for the repair of the goal post area at Northfields was
discussed. On the proposition of Cllr Marquis seconded by Cllr Baxter it was
agreed to try the reseeding process first at a cost of £100.00. Action Cllr Scott
Environment Committee Cllr Scott reported that the draft Emergency Plan had
now been worked out and was now with City of
Open Spaces/Conservation - Cllr Chapman
said there were no real problems at the moment. It was agreed that a standard
letter from the Parish Council should be prepared to send to all residents who
insist on cluttering neighbouring open space areas with hedge clippings and
garden rubbish.
Work by City of
City of
City of
The Beech Trees had now been
planted on Northfields in memory of Chris Dunn. Cllr Marquis had organised a
plaque and plinth and the provisional date for a ceremony was to be held on 24th
February 2009. Also a plaque for the new seat to replace the one near
Youth Cllr I Smith said he had not yet been able to pursue
this matter as previously promised due to pressures of work. With regard to the
Youth Club at the school nothing had happened yet and no date was fixed for an
opening. However it was hoped that when it was opened it would be available for
the village youth on Mondays 4-6p.m. and Wednesdays 7-9pm. A suitable note
would be put in Outreach. Cllr Plant to
arrange Outreach item.
Bus Shelters Nothing to report
Cemetery Cllr Coverdale asked for a meeting of the Committee. The
Clerk reported that the Deed of Grant regarding the drainage work recently
carried out was now with Mr. Pontefract for signing. Action Cllrs Jesse, Coverdale and Parish Clerk
Sports Association Cllr I Smith reported on a recent meeting of the Sports
Committee and raised the following points from that meeting:
1) The
Sports Association still had circa £2,000.00 to spend from the Ward Grant
2) A
recent application to CPP for community funding had been declined.
3) There were
no further applications for funding and the Sports Association was now looking
for added funding.
4) A
Valentines Ball was to be held towards fund raising.
5) There was
still no business plan available but it was recognised that such a plan was
required urgently.
6) There
were no details of membership
7) With regard
to finances, the Sports Association did not know what they had in the bank
account.
8) There had
been no access to the bank account for the last 3 months as signatories were
not known.
9)
The Sports Association
had agreed to rent out the car park facilities to a Motorbike training business
when the R W School site was not available.
Cllr Smith said there was not a
positive note that came out from the meeting.
War Memorial Cllr Plant said the planning application for the War
Memorial had not yet been presented to City of
YLCA A branch meeting was to be held on 5th February
at 7.30p.m. at which Cllrs Jesse, J Smith and I Smith would attend. A Conference at the Hospitium,
Publicity/Newsletter/Website A meeting would be required shortly to prepare a
newsletter for the March issue of Outreach. Cllr Marquis said the website had
been updated/amended. Cllr Marquis reported on the quote received and agreed to contact another supplier regarding the
Notice Boards. Action - Cllr Marquis. A
notice was to be put in Outreach regarding police issues, encouraging residents
to report incidents. Action - Cllr Plant
to arrange Outreach item. The PAM was to be held on 11th May in
the Village Hall at which the Michael Hogg Trust Fund would be the main Agenda
item.
With regard to Long Term Planning
a meeting was to be held shortly. Cllr N
Smith to arrange.
Agenda Item 10 To consider
correspondence Received
Health Walks in
Ward Cllr S Wiseman agreed to
forward a letter from Ed Balls regarding Youth Funding.
Date and time of next meeting
Tuesday 10th February 2009 Village Hall 7.00p.m.
---o0o
Signed
Chairman
Dated
..
January 2009 Reports
Highways
CoYC proposes to introduce a No
Waiting at Any Time restriction at the junction of Moorland Garth with
CoYC have again been reminded of
the subsidence in The Village close to the junction with
CoYC also reminded of the poor
surface condition and potholes in both
Street Lights
CoYC requested to arrange to have
the lanterns updated on columns 10 and the next un-numbered column in The
Village as well as correcting the alignment of the lantern arm on Column 11.
Similarly the lanterns on columns 2, 3 and 4 in
Open Spaces
A report has been received from
Viking Tree and Landscape Services concerning the willow tree in the Highlands
Avenue Open Space Area which is classed as healthy but recommends reducing
the canopy by 30% and to crown lift where it overhangs the pavement. No quote
for cost was received. A similar verbal report was made by Mr Darren Baxter. No
report yet received from Lewis Tree Surgeons.
The beech trees were planted in
Northfields on 7th January 2009 and it is hoped to have the
plaque/plinth supplied ready for a ceremony in late February.
---o0o---
There
were only 12 crimes reported during December across the area , a 7% reduction
on 2007. Calls for service about anti-social behaviour were again massively
reduced with only 2 reports of criminal damage compared to 8 in 2007. There was
an increase in theft on the area with half of the reported crimes being thefts.
This was due to an increase in thefts from shops although most of these
offenders were located and dealt with.
Overall
it has been a very successful month and the team will continue its efforts into
the new year to maintain this very pleasing result
Only
12 crimes were reported across the area during December, a 25% reduction
overall compared to 2007. There were reductions across all categories of crime.
The most significant reductions in autocrime , there were no reported incidents
during December and a 33% reduction in burglaries across the area.
There
had been problems with anti-social behaviour during October and November but
the team have been targeting specific locations and individuals whilst on
patrol and these reports have decreased dramatically.
Another
very successful month and the team will continue its efforts into 2009 to try
to ensure that this trend continues.
December
is traditionally a very busy month on the area. There were 65 reported crimes
during December , although this compares favourably with 70 during the same
period last year.
During
2007 there were 19 burglaries across the area , mainly in the retail and
business sector. The team have given a lot of prevention advice over the last
year and there have been steady improvements throughout 2008. This has
culminated in December with only 5 burglaries reported, an impressive 82%
reduction compared to 2007.
There
were no other significant decreases in any other categories, although it should
also be noted that there were no large increases either. Thefts accounted for
approximately 40% of the total crimes reported in December which is almost
identical to the 2007 figure.
The
team will continue its work into the new year with attempts to reduce autocrime
one of our priorities.
The
team would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2008 and look
forward to continue to work with you in 2009 and take this opportunity to wish you
all a happy new year.
---o0o---
RFOs Finance Report: 13th
January 2009 (amended explanatory notes)
Bank Balances as at 17th
December 2008
Treasurers
account: 21267.95
Premium
Business Account: 11794.99*
Contingency
Account: 1160.71**
34223.65
Cemetery
Account £1016.29***
* excludes amounts of £15,000
invested in Bonds due to mature April 2009
** excludes amount of £10,000
invested in Bond due to mature April 2009.
*** excludes amount of £10,000
invested in Bond due to mature April 2009.