Minutes of Azerley Parish Council Meeting
DATE: Thursday 29th November 2007
TIME: 19.30
LOCATION: Galphay Village Institute
PRESENT: Councillors Reg Merrin (Chairman), Allan Martin (Vice-
Iona Appleyard (Clerk)
District Councillor Margaret Atkinson
2 members of the public.
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Matthews declared a personal interest in planning application 6.19.75.F.LB (at Bobbin Mill, Galphay) due to the proximity of the application site to her home.
2. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Jackson and received from P.C. Gareth Jones.
3. KHYATI VAUGHAN – RURAL HOUSING ENABLER
Mrs Vaughan, Harrogate Borough Council’s Rural Housing Enabler, attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the provision of affordable housing in rural areas. Councillors were given the opportunity to ask questions about this subject.
4. MINUTES FROM THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting held on 26th September 2007 were agreed and signed.
5. MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Ings Bank and Galphay Mill Bridges.
It was noted that Highways North Yorkshire has now cleared the sides of these bridges.
5.2 Reimbursement of tax paid on bank interest.
A letter of acknowledgement has now been received from HM Revenue and Customs.
5.3 Fly tipping on Cote Hill – no progress to be reported.
5.4 Alterations to access at The Cottage, Galphay.
Highways North Yorkshire will investigate the changes made to access at this property and report back to the Parish Council.
5.5 Parish Consultation meeting with Harrogate Borough Council.
Councillor Merrin and the Clerk reported that they had recently attended the annual meeting between representatives of Harrogate Borough Council and local Parish Councils. This Council’s questions had been answered as follows:
§ Incidents of people putting out their rubbish before the official collection date can be reported to Harrogate Borough Council. An inspector will travel with the collection lorry to ensure that rubbish is being collected appropriately by the bin men.
§ Harrogate Borough Council is unable to consult Parish Council on amendments made to planning applications, but noted that the details of all applications can be found on the Borough Council’s website.
§ Harrogate Borough Council is now proposing to offer training on the new Code of Conduct. Any Councillor wishing to take advantage of this is asked to contact the Clerk.
5.6 Hedges off B6265.
Highways North Yorkshire has advised that they will request that the landowner cuts this section of hedge, although the works have not yet been carried out.
5.7 Direction sign at junction near the church in Winksley.
Highways North Yorkshire has advised that the pole for this sign will be replaced when resources allow. They will be advised that it poses a danger to the highway as the string holding it up has rotted through and it is now lying on the verge.
5.8 Consultation on changes to Post Office provision.
It was agreed that this Parish Council should object to proposals to provide a part-
6. PARISH CARETAKER
6.1 Appointment of caretaker.
It was agreed that Robert Mitchell of Crayton View, Grewelthorpe – the only applicant for the position – should be appointed as caretaker.
6.2 Task list.
A number of jobs (including repairing one of the windows in Galphay bus shelter were considered). An article inviting local residents to suggest jobs will be submitted to The Fountain.
7. WINKSLEY SIGN
After considering feedback on possible designs from local residents, it was agreed to progress obtaining a cast metal sign with a picture of the church on.
8. MICKLEY VILLAGE ROOM WORKING GROUP
8.1 Progress report.
Councillor Merrin reported that a planning application for the proposed changes to this building has now been submitted (see item 8.2) and that the architects have been asked to prepare a cost estimate for the works to the building.
8.2 Planning application for proposed changes to the Village Room building.
After consideration, it was agreed that the Parish Council supports this application.
9. FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/09
9.1 Budget.
The previously circulated budget, prepared by the Clerk, was considered.
9.2 Grasscutting in 2008 season.
The quotation received from Farm & Land Services Ltd was accepted. The cost of cutting Galphay Village Greens will be £32 + VAT. The cost of cutting the verges in Mickley will be £28 + VAT.
9.3 Precept.
It was agreed that a precept of £3328 be requested from Harrogate Borough Council.
10. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
10.1 Application 6.19.75.F.LB – Listed building application for the conversion of attic to form additional living accommodation to include the installation of 3 rooflights to North elevation at Bobbin Mill, Galphay.
It was agreed that the Parish Council has no objections to this application.
10.2 Comments on applications sent to Harrogate Borough Council since the last meeting.
Reference No. Proposal Comments
6.19.156.FUL Installation of 2 solar panels to South East elevation of The Steadings, Gate Bridge Road. No objections.
6.19.159.LB Listed Building alterations at Holme Grange Farm, Galphay. Support.
10.3 Decisions on planning applications and enforcement investigations received from Harrogate Borough Council.
Reference No. Proposal Outcome
6.19.153.C.TPO Tree works at Holme Grange Farm, Galphay. Passed.
6.19.101.K.FUL Erection of single storey front extension at Meadow View Cottage, Gate Bridge Road. Refused.
Planning Enforcement:
07/00536/PR15 Possible change of use of land and removal of section of hedge to create access to field at field off Galphay Lane. Land has been sold to two parties and demarcation is being carried out to reflect this. Planning permission is required for the new access.
Planning enforcement:
06/00303/PR15 Alleged incorrect siting of caravan bases, creation of gravel access track and blocking of Public Right of Way at Woodhouse Farm County Park. Some minor changes have been made to the siting of the caravans, but no further complaints have been made and no action will be taken.
11. CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on items received including:
11.1 Letter of introduction from Rima Berry of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council.
A letter of introduction was received from Ms Berry who is promoting the production of Parish Plans. The Clerk’s suggestion of carrying out targeted consultation as and when necessary, rather than preparing a Parish Plan, was agreed.
11.2 Defra publication ‘Ways to Tackle Climate Change’.
It was noted that a copy of this publication has been received.
12. FINANCIALS
12.1 Accounts book.
Councillor Merrin signed the previously approved accounts for 2006/07.
12.2 Donation to Ripon CAB.
It was agreed that a donation of £50 be made.
12.3 Payments made prior to or at this meeting.
§ Iona Appleyard (Clerk – September and October 2007) £196.13
§ Farm & Land Services Ltd (Invoice 2840) £277.30
§ Fountains PCC (Hall hire on 26/9/07) £15.00
§ Galphay Village Institute (Hall hire on 29/11/07) £5.00
12.4 Monies received prior to or at this meeting.
§ Harrogate Borough Council (Ground Maintenance Grant) £120.00
§ HBOS Dividend £32.04
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 31st January 2008 at 19.30 in Mickley Village Room.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
14.1 Flag for Galphay Village Green.
It was agreed that the Parish Council will make a donation towards the cost of purchasing a new flag. This item will be placed on the next agenda.
14.2 Footpath in Mickley.
Concerns have been raised about recent works undertaken on and near a footpath in Mickley to prevent flooding to nearby properties during heavy rainfall. These concerns have been reported to North Yorkshire County Council.
14.3 Pot hole on West Lane, Galphay.
This pot hole will be reported to Highways North Yorkshire.
14.4 Wall at Burn Brae, Galphay.
It was noted that the boundary wall of this property is leaning and in danger of falling into the nearby beck. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the owners asking that they carry out any necessary works to secure the structure.
14.5 Galphay Beck.
Thanks were expressed to Mr Curzon, a Galphay resident, for obtaining a license from Defra and keeping the beck clear as well as carrying out other maintenance jobs around the Parish.
Meeting closed at 20.50.
These minutes were recorded and prepared by Iona Appleyard, Clerk to the Parish Council.