Minutes of Parish Council meeting - 22nd March 2016

DRAFT

1.         Welcome, Councillors present & Apologies

Cllrs. David Banks, Andy Dorman (Chair), Jessie Garnett, Richard Green and Simon Lealman, and Clerk, Jem Charles were present.  Rona Charles was present for Item 3d.

2.         Minutes of the January meeting were approved and signed as being a true record.

           

3.         Matters Arising

a)  Copper beech

Andy, Simon & Jem have removed the branches overhanging the road and causing problems for grass cutting.  There was some debate regarding the need to remove a further 2 branches to “balance” the appearance.  The Council voted in favour of removal.  Andy will enquire whether David Bayes might do this free of charge.

b)  Superfast Broadband

Boundless Communications are continuing to work on improving the transmitter at Birdsall Bank and will consider installing a repeater station in the village if there is sufficient demand.  Jem will draft a short piece for inclusion in the May Bulletin requesting expressions of interest.

c) Good Neighbours scheme

The imminent launch on Saturday 26^th was welcomed.

d)  Kirkham Weir & Sluice engagement group

Rona and Andy reported on the first 2 meetings.  At this stage it is not clear whether the consultation will be very productive and it was noticeable that some contributions were much more partisan than Huttons Ambo’s in general.  Rona will place information to date on the village website and would welcome any further feedback. The final meeting will be on April 20^th.

e)  Finger Post & Village Signs

These are with the AONB contractor for repair/refurbishment.  Jem will ask when their re-instatement might be expected.

f)   Mud on Roads

RDC had sent a road sweeper, requested by Andy, and pavement verges have been swept.  The verge on the bank side of Low Lane between the villages requires more effective cleaning.

g)  Footpath in front of Manor Farm

Andy will ask whether the grass encroachment could be cut back.

h)  Barneygate Lane End blocked drain

NYCC Highways have been made aware but, until wet weather returns, it will not be known whether action has been taken.  At that time Jem will write again either to thank them for the work, or to remind them of the requirement.

i)       Jem will also write to accept Sharon Fox’s offer of a visit to see the blocked drains along Back Lane and arrange a date

ii)      All Councillors will notify Jem of potholes exceeding 45mm in depth so that this information can be passed to Highways for action.

4.         New Matters

a)  Chairmanship 2016/17

Andy reminded the meeting that another Councillor should be prepared to accept nomination at the next meeting as he will not, though he will continue as Councillor.

b)  YLCA membership

The subscription rate is set to rise to £112 as the concession granted for the last 2 years will not be extended.  The value to the community was questioned.  Jem will contact RDC to check that notice of legislative changes affecting Parish Councils will be passed on.  A decision as to whether to renew membership will be made at the next Council meeting.

c)  Village Hall parking

Stephenson’s of Easingwold had raised the issue of the bus finding difficulty passing the Hall on some occasions due to parked cars obstructing the road.  It had been agreed with the VH management committee that they would issue guidance to all who booked the Hall that a maximum of 6 cars may be parked and all should face the same way and be parked on the left of the road, whether facing up or down hill.

d)  Donation of printer paper

A kind donation of 4 reams of A4 paper had been received for Council use and for the Bulletin.  The Council expressed sincere gratitude.

5.         Planning

a)  Land at Cherry Farm

The Council had withdrawn its objection after revised plans were submitted.  The application has been approved.

i)       Andy had met representatives of Malton Town Council to continue discussion of preparation of the Malton & Norton Town Plan.  It was agreed that the part of Huttons Ambo Parish at York Road industrial estate already developed, or with permission for development, should be included in the Plan and that the Parish Council will be involved in the development of the Plan as it affects this area.  Jem will confirm with the Clerk of Malton TC.

b)  Low farm Cottage – Approved

c)  The Redings – Approved

d)  Procedure

Jem requested that Councillors supply comment, including “no comment”, whenever a response from the Council is required.  Coucillors confirmed that they would.

6.         Finance

a)  Budget Progress

Jem presented income/expenditure data to date and the position is satisfactory.

7.         Any Other Business

a)  Appealing planning approval

At present the only right of appeal is for the applicant against a refusal.  With Government planning guidance now dictating a presumption for approval some councils have launched a petition asking that the right of appeal against approval be returned to Parish Councils.  Jem will forward information.

b)  Sledhow Cottage

A letter had been received giving advance notice of proposals for alterations at Sledhow and Oak Lea Cottages.  The Council expressed appreciation of this positive engagement.

8.         Date of Next meeting(s)

Tuesday 10^th May after the Annual Parish Meeting and, provisionally, 20^th of July 2016 at 7.30.

Jem Charles, Clerk to the Parish Council

parishclerk@huttonsambo.com

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