Minutes of a
Meeting of Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council held on Tuesday 10th
March 2009 in the Village Hall
Agenda Item 1 – Attendance: Parish Councillors K. Marquis (Vice Chairman), J. Chapman, R. Plant, Miss E Blacklee, J. Scott, A. Swales, I Smith, N. Smith, I. Cuthbertson, D. Baxter and C. Chambers.
Agenda Item 2 – To Receive Apologies for Absence: Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillors. P. Jesse, P. Coverdale and Mrs. J. Smith
In the absence of the Chairman, Cllr Jesse, Cllr Marquis chaired the meeting.
Agenda Item 3. – To approve and sign the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10th February 2009 – The minutes of the meeting held on 10th February 2009, having previously been circulated were considered. On the proposition of Cllr Baxter, seconded by Cllr Plant, it was unanimously agreed that the minutes be signed by the Chairman of the Meeting as a true record of that meeting.
.
Agenda Item 4. – Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 10th February 2009 (for information only). Cllr Marquis informed the meeting that Youth representatives would be invited to attend the April meeting to inform the Parish Council of what activities they would like to see provided in the Parishes.
Agenda Item 5 – Police Report/ Cllr J. Smith’s Police Liaison Report. The Police Ward Report had been issued with the minutes. Cllr Scott reported on recent events which had occurred on the evening of Friday 6th March. The Police had responded fairly quickly. However one resident was quite concerned that it took the Police some time to respond to his call. Cllr Marquis agreed to take this matter up with Sgt. Donna Musgrove.
Agenda Item 6 – To receive the report of the Planning
Sub-Committee. – Cllr Chapman
Notes on Planning Committee Meeting held on 24th
February 2009
1. Attendance: Parish Councillors J.
Chapman (Chairman), K. Marquis, P. Jesse, J. Scott, R. Plant, D. Baxter and N.
Smith
2. Apologies: Parish Councillors Miss E
Blacklee and P. Coverdale
3. Declarations of Interests: Cllr Baxter
declared an interest in the application for
4. Planning Applications:
a) 09/00058/GRG3
–
The Parish Council have no objections to this application but wish to make the following comments or seek safeguards as set out below:
i. This site is adjacent to a Conservation Area.
ii. The trees should be inspected by the Tree Preservation Officer. If any are damaged, or to be removed, they should be replaced.
iii. The issue of drainage/surface water should be addressed and Yorkshire Water should be consulted for their comments.
iv. With regard to the grass verge area outside the existing car park, this area should be reinstated and stones or bollards placed at the edge to prevent cars parking on this grassed area.
v. A site visit is requested.
vi. We are aware that neighbours have objected to this application and their comments should be considered when a decision is made.
b)
09/00195/FUL
– 10
No objections but point out that this is in a Conservation Area. Drainage
should be looked at by Yorkshire Water and neighbours must be consulted.
5. Decision Notices received from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
None
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as available:
The Firs – Cllr Jesse gave an update
on this situation and reported that letters had now been sent to City of
Notes on Planning Committee Meeting held on 10th
March 2009
1. Attendance: Parish Councillors J.
Chapman (Chairman), Miss E Blacklee, J. Scott, K. Marquis, C. Chambers, D.
Baxter, N. Smith and
2. Apologies – Parish Councillors P. Jesse
and P. Coverdale
3. Declarations of Interests
4. Planning Applications:
a)
09/00278/FUL
– Ravenscar 9 Glebe Close –Two storey pitched roof side extension and single
storey pitched roof garden store attached to rear of garage –
Object on the grounds of scale, size and mass of the development were out
of character with the area and the size of the site, and all neighbours
including
b) 09/00292/FUL
– 5 Cundall Close –Conservatory to rear –
No objections but neighbours must be consulted.
c) 09/00238/CLU
– OS Field
The Parish Council objects to this application and the following letter
was sent in response to City of
“The Parish Council objects to this application for a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use for the following reasons:
·
The
applicant claims there is a ‘lawful existing use of the land’ which justifies
the stationing of a caravan on the site.
This ‘existing use’ however involves just seven cattle and this, in our
opinion, does not justify the stationing
of a caravan, two containers, a shed and an aviary on the site.
·
There is a very long history of planning
applications and planning appeals for this site, all of which have been refused
by City of
· Highway safety issues arising from any development constitutes a compelling objection and the proposals in Mr. Pain’s planning statement accompanying the application would appear to increase traffic movement on this junction to an unacceptable level.
· The report also mentions that the ancillary structures and uses would not be essential to the functioning of an agricultural holding and the appellant would be unable to demonstrate his ability to develop the proposed enterprise.
· The Parish Council also request that this application is decided by the East Planning Committee.
The applicant has erected new buildings on the site even though the site is subject to an enforcement notice (see attached photographs).
In a letter from Mandy
Swithenbank, of City of
Item 8 of the application requests the use of agricultural land for stationing of caravan, 2 no containers, a shed and aviary – all of which were identified to be removed from the site when enforcement action was served on 29th July 2008
Item 9 of the application form states that “The use began within the last 10 years as a result of change of use not requiring planning permission ..” but the aforegoing planning applications contradict this statement.
Item 10 (first) refers to a date when the use or activities began and this is shown as 01/01/1900 – is there any proof or relevance for this date. Proof is available that the site was used as a market garden in the mid 1930’s by an entry in the electoral roll and this evidence was provided with the PC response to 06/00015. The previous owner is known not to have worked this land for a number of years.
Item 10 (second) asks whether the application relates to a residential use where the number of residential units has changed. The answer is given as no but as there has never been a dwelling on the site, however the current occupation with a residential caravan suggests otherwise.
Item 11 asks whether the site can
be seen from a public road, public footpath, bridleway or other public land and
has been answered NO. Although the
question is headed “site visit” it must be pointed out that the site can be
seen from
The submission accompanying the application confirms that there are still a number of inaccurate statements which affect the viability of the business plan for the site as under:
a) The plan to increase the cattle stocking levels up to 25 cows plus steers for meat production and 5,000 free range hens on the land will conflict with the new Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Regulations that came into force on January 1st 2009 and affect the sustainability of Mr. Pain’s future plans as outlined in the planning statement. DEFRA were consulted on the 6th March 2009 and they share the concerns regarding his proposals.
b) The bore hole, if it can produce waster fit for drinking, may affect the bore hole already in use by York Golf Club which is for irrigation only and would require a 50 sq metre isolation zone. It would require consent under Section 32 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (see form WR31) enclosed, and may require planning permission.
c) The applicant’s claim that the calf, ID No UK133065 5000001 at 12 months old still needs to be kept separate from the rest of the herd is not true, as the photograph enclosed shows. Note – at 6 months the calf would normally be off made milk feeds.
d) The use of the straw/haylage in shrink wrap big bales removes the need for under cover storage.
e) Due to the concerns raised we feel that a further Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out.
The site of both fields OS 2000 and OS 3000 have a combined area of 5.5 hectares and includes large areas which are waterlogged and therefore virtually unusable for either grazing or free range egg production. This of course reduces the amount of available land for the suggested use. Previous applications declare that to comply with regulations an area of 1 hectare per 1000 birds is required therefore 5 hectares are required for a flock of 5000 birds. This leaves an area of less than half a hectare for grazing of the planned herd of 24 Dexter heifer cattle in addition to unknown quantity of bullocks plus the area taken up by the items identified in the application for Lawful Development Certificate. These cannot run alongside each other as there is insufficient land available.
The applicant refers to a letter, which is provided with the application, from the Minster Veterinary Practice which suggests a requirement for on site drinking water and shelter for the cattle.
Aspirations for rehabilitating injured wild birds of prey and breeding of squirrels suggests that further aviaries will be required. Although it is alleged that the caravan is now used as an office it is likely to be also used as a residence as suggested in previous applications. Concerns are also raised as to how and where the other aspects of the applicant’s business ventures are to be carried out. These include funerals, discos, bouncy castle hire etc (as advertised in yellow pages). There is no apparent need for an office for agricultural activities on the site.
For all the above reasons, the Parish Council strongly objects to this
application and the application for a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use should
be refused.
5. Decision Notices received from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
08/02775/FUL – 36 Kirklands Approve n/objections
08/02800/FUL - Manor Farm Towthorpe Approve n/objections
08/02679/ADV – 25B The Village Refuse Object
09/00058/GRG3
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as available:
The Firs. – Cllr Marquis reported that a reply was awaited to the letter
sent by the solicitor to City of
The advertising
banner at
Cllr Marquis
referred to an article in the York Press dated 4th March 2009,
regarding the Local Development Framework which suggested that 53 houses could
be built on The Tannery, 12 houses built on
Cllr Baxter reported
that sewage was smelling from the vents in the road manholes in the main
village.
Affordable Housing –
Cllr Marquis reported that the Parish Council were no further forward with this
but it was hoped that a meeting could be held towards the end of March. Cllr
Cuthbertson agreed to contact Mrs. Vaughan-Downes regarding this matter.
Agenda Item 7 – To receive a report on Long Term Planning from Cllr N. Smith.
Cllr Smith reported that a second meeting of the Working Group had been held on Monday 2nd March and it had been agreed to survey all residents. He handed a draft of the survey to be issued and asked for any comments. It was hoped that distribution to residents could take place on 20/21st April, with responses to be in by Monday 11th May which was the date of the PAM Meeting. It was also believed that targeting this date for responses would encourage residents to come to the PAM. The next meeting of the working group was to be held on 6th April 2009. A quotation of £259.00 had been received for printing of the surveys. On the proposition of Cllr Plant seconded by Cllr I Smith it was unanimously agreed that this quotation be accepted.
Agenda Item 8 – To receive a report on
Youth/Sports Association from
Nothing further to report.
Agenda Item 9 – Parish Review/Parish Charter – As
there had been no further update Cllr Cuthbertson agreed to contact City of
Agenda Item 10 – Finance
Expenditure
The following accounts were presented for approval for payment this month from the General Account:
Code Inc VAT exc VAT
M. Clouth (Viking Trees) - 306 £350.00 £350.00
Burrows Davies – Memorial stone 306 £426.65 £371.00
Burn & Co 306 £530.44 £461.25
City of
Landmarc Support Services 312 £175.00 £175.00
B
The final decision notification regarding the Clerk’s salary had been received by YLCA and the arrears plus holiday pay and office expenses would be calculated and paid before the end of the financial year.
Income: VAT Repayment £2110.92
Cemetery Account:
Expenditure:
Income: £70.00
On the proposition of Cllr Plant seconded by Cllr Blacklee it was unanimously agreed that the above accounts be paid.
Cllr Marquis said he was investigating the situation regarding 106 payments which were tied up with planning applications.
Agenda Item 11 – To receive councillor’s reports and or updates
Highways/Streetlights
– Cllr Marquis’s report had been issued with the minutes. However he added that
some funding for highway work in Strensall was included in the City of
Village Traffic Study – Cllr Blacklee said there was nothing to report.
Play Equipment – Cllr Scott reported that the work on Kirklands play area would be carried out in April. The cost of the new swings would not be as much as at first thought. Cllr Scott agreed to request Darren Baxter to cut the bramble hedge back at this site. Cllr Baxter requested that work be carried out to the new Memorial Stone for Cllr Dunn as he felt the sharpness of the corners of the stone were a safety issue. Cllr Marquis agreed to contact Burrows Davies.
Environment Committee – Cllr Scott thanked Cllr I Smith for printing the documents. These would be circulated round the Committee so that all members were aware of their responsibilities, and then returned to Cllr Scott. A public copy of the plan would be put in the Library and on the website. Security and access would be considered at a later date.
Open Spaces –
Cllr Jesse, Cllr Marquis and Cllr Chapman had walked round certain areas of the
village today with Angus Young of City of
Youth – Cllr N
Smith said there was nothing to report. Cllr Swales expressed his concern regarding
the entrance to the Sports Association and the bad state of the football field.
Cllr Swales also expressed concern that other sporting activities did not
appear to be catered for at the
Bus Shelters/Seats – Cllr Swales said there was nothing to report.
Cemetery – In the absence of Cllr Coverdale the Clerk reported that quotes were being obtained for extra drainage work. The Clerk was to contact Darren Baxter regarding other work to be carried out, i.e. hedge cutting, tree tidying up, graves to be tidied up and work to be done on the entrance.
Sports Association – Cllr N Smith said little had been done about the Sports Association and they had no income. It appears that there is very little interest. The amount left from the Ward Committee grant was £2,762.00. The next meeting on the Sports Association was to be held on 19th March.
War Memorial – Cllr Plant said there was nothing further to report.
YLCA – Cllr Marquis said there was a YLCA Liaison Meeting to be held tomorrow. Pay awards had been agreed.
Agenda Item 11 – Publicity/ Website/Newsletter – There was nothing further to add to the PAM agenda at this stage. The Notice Boards at Towthorpe and Barley Rise had now been replaced and re-sited.
Agenda Item 12 –
Agenda Item 13 – To consider correspondence received - None
---o0o---
Signed………………………………………
Chairman
Dated………………………………………..
There were a total of 9 crimes reported across the area during February, a slight decrease from 11 in February 2008. This translates as a decrease of just over 18%. The crimes themselves were in various categories with no particular trends. We are pleased to be able to say that there were no burglaries in the villages during the month of February.
The team have continued their efforts to curb anti social behaviour with the continued use of targeted patrols and in some cases Acceptable Behaviour Contracts. There was only one incident of criminal damage reported in the last month which compares favourably with 3 at this time last year.
These efforts will continue as we move towards the Spring and Summer and actions taken to try to deal with any trends that begin to emerge.
There were 26 crimes reported across the ward during February compared to 41 during February 2008. The crimes were again spread over various categories with the most crimes recorded being thefts although at a comparable level with last year.
Following the recent spate of car crime across the ward we are pleased to be able to say that there was only one reported incident of car crime during February, a 66% reduction compared to 2008 and a massive reduction compared to recent months. This has followed on from an extensive leaflet drop throughout the ward by the team highlighting this trend. The team have also used information recorded on these incidents to more effectively target their patrols and this has obviously paid dividends.
There have been some problems with anti-social behaviour, particularly in Earswick and the team have put plans in place to target this in the coming weeks and months. The fact that the team are now working until 0000hrs is also of additional value in tackling this problem.
It has been another very successful month across the ward with a 53% reduction in reported crime and 8 young offenders being given early intervention with acceptable behaviour contracts. There were only 37 reported crimes during February with significant reductions in all areas.
There was a
reduction of 61% in auto crime, 83% in burglary, 81% in criminal damage and 42%
in thefts. The team will continue its own work and to work with other agencies
and organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch and RACY to ensure that these
successes continue. The
PCSO's on the ward are actively encouraging residents to set up new, or join
existing Neighbourhood Watch groups. The
rationale is to increase communication within the local community and to
encourage vigilance from residents and increase the likelihood of the
apprehension of offenders. Residents
that are interested should get in touch with the team on
yorknpt@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or 08456060247 and quote “FPB NW” in the title.
Notes of Planning Committee
Meeting held on 24th February 2009
1. Attendance: Parish
Councillors J. Chapman (Chairman), K. Marquis, P. Jesse, J. Scott, R. Plant, D. Baxter and N. Smith
2. Apologies: Parish
Councillors Miss E Blacklee and P. Coverdale
3. Declarations of Interests:
Cllr Baxter declared an interest in the application for
4. Planning Applications:
a) 09/00058/GRG3 –
The Parish Council have no objections to this application but wish to make the following comments or seek safeguards as set out below:
1. This site is adjacent to a Conservation Area.
2. The trees should be inspected by the Tree Preservation Officer. If any are damaged, or to be removed, they should be replaced.
3. The issue of drainage/surface water should be addressed and Yorkshire Water should be consulted for their comments.
4. With regard to the grass verge area outside the existing car park, this area should be reinstated and stones or bollards placed at the edge to prevent cars parking on this grassed area.
5. A site visit is requested.
6. We are aware that neighbours have objected to this application and their comments should be considered when a decision is made.
b) 09/00195/FUL – 10
Conservatory to rear – No objections but
point out that this is in a Conservation Area.
Drainage should be looked at by Yorkshire Water and neighbours must be
consulted.
5. Decision Notices received
from City of
Ref: Location CYC
Dec. PC Rec:
None
6. Any other business:
Planning updates as
available:
The Firs – Cllr Jesse
gave an update on this situation and reported that letters had now been sent to
City of
March 2009 Reports
Highways
Arrangements are in hand for City of
Street Lights
The new lanterns have been erected on the specified columns
in
Open Spaces
The drainage work on
Councillor Chapman has constructed a number of bird nest
boxes and erected them on trees along the
Preliminary talks have taken place with the North Yorkshire Probation Service concerning the use of unpaid workers carrying out suitable tasks on Open Space Areas throughout the parishes.
RFO’s Finance Report:
10th March 2009
Bank Balances as at 17thFebruary 2008
Treasurer’s account: 19,525.32
Premium Business Account: 11,795.68***
Contingency
Account: 1,161.13**
£32,482.13
Cemetery Account £1016.29*
* excludes amounts of £10,000 invested in Bonds due to mature April 2009.
** excludes amount of £10,000 invested in Bond due to mature April 2009.
*** excludes amount of £15,000.00 invested in Bond due to mature April 2009.
END