Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held at British Legion Room, Memorial Hall, Warkworth on Thursday 4 December 2014 at 7.00pm. Present: Cllrs Mr Watson (Chair), Mrs Black, Mr Cashmore, Dr Hobrough, Mr Lilley, Mr Scott and Miss Wilson. in attendance Miss Brown Members of the public were present. Actions 84 Apologies for absence: Cllrs Mr Clark and Mrs Frisch. 85 Declarations of Interest: None. 86 87 88 Public Questions: Sergeant Wharrier Northumbria Police Sergeant Wharrier informed that Warkworth in general was very quiet in terms of crime figures, with 21 crimes in this financial year. Recently there had been a spate of opportunistic thefts from sheds and there was an increased police presence in the village. Any concerns of parishioners should be reported to Sergeant Wharrier. Cllr Watson raised the concern of increased vandalism at the Beach Road car park/toilets; Sergeant Wharrier would look into appropriate signage for this area. Sergeant Wharrier informed of Operation Sanctuary, a Northumbria Police investigation into allegations of a series of sexual offences. Sergeant Wharrier was thanked by all for his attendance. Karen Fender Village Play Facilities Mrs Fender requested an improvement in the play facilities of the village be considered, commenting that the football posts on the Castle Field are too short and there are no nets for the posts. The current facilities were inadequate and used by a wide spectrum of ages. The basketball court surface requires some improvements and drainage on this site is a problem. Cllrs Black and Hobrough had recently visited the local Brownies group, who had come up with a list of ideas for play facilities they would like. It was agreed that the drainage issue, which also affected the football field, required attention before purchasing replacement goal posts and nets. The minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2014 were agreed as a true record. Matters arising there from: None. 88.1: Report of bankside erosion (if any) It was noted that moles were active again along the bank. The would contact the mole man who addressed this problem last year. The would also request Northumbrian Water monitor erosion with pegs. 88.2: Environment Agency flood defence scheme event It was noted that the EA had levelled out the car park although it was still very loose. 88.3: Shortening of parking bays at The Stanners This work was now 1173
89 complete. 88.4: Cutting back of vegetation on Cemetery Road The traffic signage was still obscured by trees; this would be raised again with NCC. 88.5: New dual purpose bin Rotary Way The replacement of the bin would go ahead prior to the tourist season. 88.6: Magna Carta update Mrs Webber was pleased she had been able to pick up the facsimile copy, pop up banners were also of very good quality. Momentum in the village was gathering and the village association was applying for a grant for the framing of the facsimile. Cllr Elliott was looking into vinyl signage for the entrances of the village. A plan of action to commemorate the event would be added to the February agenda. 88.7: Missing signage Dial Place The signage had now been replaced. 88.8: Heather Grove to Heatherleazes footpaths. 88.9: Rights of Way. 88.10: Station Road The Members informed that the vehicles were still obstructing the footpath. The was to send a letter to the residents of Pinegarth stating that this is becoming a public nuisance and a danger to the public and this should be reported to the police. 88.11: Trees on South Bank The had reported this to the NCC Tree Officer but to date had not received a reply. Cllr Black was delegated to ask David Orange to lift the crown on the middle tree. 88.12: Hermitage Landing stage. 88.13: Memorial plaque on Monks Walk This had been repaired. 88.14: Gate on eastern side of St. Lawrence s Churchyard The handyman had looked at the hinge and found that there were problems with the structure of the pillar. Cllr Watson had discussed this with the PCC and was to ask Paul Foster to repair and make good the pillar. 88.15: Gulley clearing The had requested a plan of the gulleys in the village from NCC. 88.16: Pavements Bridge St and Castle Street The had chased up this report to NCC from March; the Highways Inspector updated that most of the jobs that the PC reported have been completed by a contractor from Amble; lifting and replacing some of the flagstones on Castle Street and Bridge Street and also the kerb outside the Memorial Hall. There are still a large number of broken flagstones that need replacing, none of which have any trip hazards on so these will only be replaced sometime in the future when funding becomes available. In the meantime NCC would try to keep on top of any defects that are reported through NCC and the PC. Cllr Hobrough informed that there were still many trip hazards. A record of trip hazards would once again be made and forwarded to NCC. 88.17: Concern of ground swell of developments The had not yet been able to draft this letter but would do so before the next meeting of the Council. 88.18: Grass cutting tender The and Cllr Watson were to meet with Bill Pringle of NCC to clarify areas of Parish Council land for inclusion in the tender. 1174 Cllr Elliott Cllr Black Cllr Watson /Wa tson Cllr Lilley
90 91 88.19: Christmas Lights Switch on Concern was raised of Cllrs climbing trees whilst putting together the display and it was agreed that professionals should be used next year. The Lights Committee were thanked for a wonderful display. Cllr Lilley would document the details of the display for the future. Correspondence Received: 89.1: Rotary Club of Amble and Warkworth Donation towards Christmas Lights The would send letters of thanks for the donation. 89.2: Northumberland Theatre Company Request for financial support It was agreed that the Council were not able to support the Theatre Company. 89.3: Citizens Advice Bureau Pursuant to Local Government Act 1972 Section 137; it was agreed to donate 50. 89.4: Coquet Shorebase Trust A letter of thanks had been received for the donation; the Members would await the official opening of the new premises. 89.5: NCC Winter Services; Grit bins + Policy and Information This was noted for information, 89.6: NCC Archaeology in Northumberland Volume 21 This was noted for information. 89.7: CAN Autumn News 2014 This was received for information. 89.8: NCC - Budget 15-17 - consultation with parish and town councils A proposed budget cut of 41% in public convenience provision was noted. Cllr Black would raise concern of this at the North Area Committee meeting. 89.9: NCC - Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy The was requested to once again circulate the dates of the drop-in events due to take place throughout January. 89.10: Warkworth History Society - Bridge Head Tower Following being contacted by the press, the History Society had queried if the Parish Council thought there was anything that the Society could usefully do with regard to the potential sale of the Bridge Head Tower. The had informed Mrs Webber of a Heritage at Risk programme event due to be run by English Heritage on 9 th December that may provide insight into some ideas. 89.11: Concern over danger of junction by 2 Morwick Road The had reported the concerns to NCC and had been informed that they would have to wait until the next round of the Local Transport Plan. Residents would need to be consulted on ideas for improvements. With regard to the turning area it was not felt there could be much done as it appears to be driver error. Finance: a. Current Balance: 374.57 Treasurer s Account, 47737.32 Instant Access Account as at 30 th October 2014 b. Payments for Approval: 00017 Mrs Webber Magna Carta 77.81 1175 Cllr Black
4 Expenses 00017 Joan Robinson Print 15.00 5 00017 Becks The Stanners - 843.31 6 Fencing 00017 E Brown Wages and expenses 226.37 7 00017 HMRC PAYE 53.60 8 00017 Dial Dave Plaque repair 34.00 9 00018 Citizens Advice Donation 50.00 0 Rotary Club Inner Wheel Greys Donation Xmas Lights Donation Xmas Lights Donation Xmas Lights 50.00 50.00 100.00 Planning: To report on any planning decisions: 14/02829/ADE - Sun Hotel, 6 Castle Terrace, Warkworth - Advertisement consent for one banner positioned on railings to advertise holiday caravan sales at Coquet View Caravan Park, Warkworth Application refused. Planning applications pending: 13/00923/VARYCO - Land North East of Riverside Park - new permission to replace an existing permission to extend the time limit (Tesco Stores) no objections 13/01520/RENE Land East of East House Farm siting of 50m meteorological mast for a further 12 months no objections 13/03459/OUT Land North of Gloster Hill Outline permission for construction of six detached dwellings and detached garages, demolition of redundant outbuildings objections 14/00620/FULES - Coquet View Leisure Park, Warkworth - Extension to existing caravan park to provide additional 124 holiday static caravans - Objections 14/03057/FUL The Black Bull, 19 Bridge Street, Warkworth NE65 0XB Internal and external alterations to form up to a 6 bedroom bed and breakfast & owner s flat within existing flat above the Public House. 14/03208/OUT - 7 Morwick Road, Warkworth - Outline application for demolition of garages and outbuildings and construction of two storey dwelling with attached garage. 14/03215/FUL - Coquet Shorebase Trust Site Amble - Extension of fenced area and location of four 2.5 x 6m containers at new Coquet Shorebase Trust site currently under construction and approved under 1176
92 93 94 Planning consent 13/02307/FUL 14/03312/OUT - Land North Of Hermitage Drive, Warkworth - Development of approximately 6 residential dwellings and associated access and ancillary works - Objections on the following grounds: The cumulative effect of all of the developments on the village, including pending applications 14/03313/OUT, 14/03494/OUT and approved application 13/00302/FUL. Detrimental effects on wildlife Detrimental effects on the village character The inappropriate use of a greenfield site 14/03269/FUL Southmede, Beal Bank, Warkworth - Conversion of existing holiday cottage within the grounds of Southmede to a residential property. Provision on new shared driveway with Southmede with additional 2 car garage. 14/03313/OUT - Land West Of 30 Watershaugh Road, Warkworth - Outline application with all matters reserved for development of approximately 11 residential dwellings and associated access and ancillary works - Objections on the following grounds: The cumulative effect of all of the developments on the village; including pending applications 14/03312, 14/03494/OUT and approved application 13/00302/FUL The Members consider the ecological survey to be flawed and incorrect The inadequate roads, pavements and pedestrian access to the village from the site The detrimental effect to the character of the village 14/03494/OUT - Land South Of West Close C105 New Hall Farm Junction To Guilden Road, Warkworth - Outline application for a residential development of approximately 50 dwellings and associated public open space and infrastructure It was agreed to object to the application on the following grounds: The proposed development is out of scale with the size of the village Planning policy - There is no core strategy to guide decision making. The current development rate for towns was to be 10-15% and lower for villages; however, the current housing plans proposed for Warkworth were at least a 17% increase. The principle of planners/planning inspectors considering applications in isolation is flawed and contradicts the Localism Act; the cumulative effect of this with the other proposed and approved developments is unacceptable. There are no jobs in the village or the surrounding area to attract residents to the housing There is danger of creating a holiday village The creation of dangerous traffic situations at the school and on Beal Bank The increased use of Guildens Road Southwards on an 1177
inadequate road. The mix of housing fails to reflect the demographics of the area Errors and inaccuracies within the planning application The inappropriate use of a greenfield site The future maintenance of the play area within the application was also a concern. 14/03598/FUL - 48 Morwick Road, Warkworth - Proposed single storey extension to rear, demolition of porch and erection of two storey wc/ensuite to rear The Members had no objections to this application. 14/03057/FUL The Black Bull, 19 Bridge Street, Warkworth NE65 0XB Internal and external alterations to form up to a 6 bedroom bed and breakfast & owner s flat within existing flat above the Public House It was agreed that the Council s existing comments would remain. (The Parish Council welcomes this development. We do however have concerns of overlooking other properties from the roof terrace and would like to see more details of the materials to be used provided. We would like to see the disruption to traffic on Bridge Street and the disturbance to neighbouring properties kept to a minimum during refurbishment works). Planning applications to consider: None. A relaxation of standing orders was agreed at 9.00pm Requested Agenda Items 92.1: To consider donation to The Pelican It was agreed to look at the amount donated in the last financial year and defer to the January meeting. 92.2: To consider donation to Parochial Church Council - It was agreed to look at the amount donated in the last financial year and defer to the January meeting. 92.2: To consider draft 2015/16 Budget - The draft budget was circulated and it was agreed to defer this to the January meeting of the Council for consideration. 92.3: To consider a date for a spring litter pick/community clean-up day The setting of a date was deferred to the January meeting of the Council. Items for Next Meeting: Cllr Lilley requested the consideration of cycle racks be added to the January agenda. Date and Time of Next Meeting The next meeting would be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 7 th January 2015. The meeting closed at 9.20pm and the Chair wished all a Merry Christmas 1178