59/2017-2018 PATELEY BRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL The Council Chamber, King Street Pateley Bridge, HG3 5LE Tel: 07751 571 374 Email: clerk@pateleybridgecouncil.org.uk MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 07 NOVEMBER 2017 Present: Cllr C Hawkesworth (Chairman) Cllr D Brackley Cllr T Brown Cllr J Critchley Cllr S Hesselden Cllr M Holt (Deputy Chairman) Cllr H Jefferson Cllr J Leggett Cllr S Lumley Cllr C Skaife Cllr I Skaife Clerk: Mrs S Adamson In attendance: one Parishioner 1 To accept Apologies and reason for absence: none. 2 Parishioners Representations (a) request for improved signage to the Museum: the Chair of the Museum Society had mentioned to the Clerk that there had previously been two directional signs to the Museum including one half way down the High Street, and the current lack of good signage had led to complaints from one or two frustrated visitors. The Clerk had passed this information on to Mr Iain Mann of the UNLPS who was reviewing signage as part of the Scheme. It was agreed that the Council would support the Museum in whatever way was necessary, but only after the UNLPS had finished its own plans. Cllr Hawkesworth left the Chamber during the discussion of the following two items: complaint that for sale signs at Glasshouses Mill are blocking sight lines: as it was not clear how the sight lines were being blocked, it was suggested that the Parishioner should be encouraged to put the complaint in writing to enable the Council to take this forward. query about future use of footpaths at Glasshouses Mill: concerns about this amongst parishioners had been raised by both Cllr Critchley and Cllr Brackley, namely that the permissive footpath through the Mill site, which has been used to access the footpath to Low Laithe along the north side of the river, would not be accessible during the building phase, and the definitive footpath along the riverside would not be accessible until the developers had built a new footbridge across the waterwheel discharge outlet. The Clerk had contacted Newbys about this who had said that at the end of the development the permissive footpath through the mill yard would return to the river bank as per the Definitive Map when a new footbridge would be built to link up to Low Laithe; this would also provide a view of the arch and other historical features, and provide access to the café and community shop. In the meantime the permissive path through the yard would be retained and made safe, with improved signage. The Site Manager s office was open during normal working hours for any other queries.
60/2017-2018 3 Councillors Declarations of Interest and Consideration of Dispensations: Cllr Hawkesworth had already declared an interest in Items 2 and 2. Cllr Holt declared a pecuniary interest in Item 8(i), Cllr Hesselden in Items 8(ii) and 9(iii). Cllr Lumley declared an interest in Item 8(ii) due to his longstanding friendship with the Hesselden family. There were no requests for Dispensations. 4 Minutes of the Meetings held on Tuesday 17 October 2017: it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all that the Minutes were a true record of the proceedings and they were signed by the Chair. 5 Matters Arising (a) Min. 2(a): confirmation from NYCC that memorials cannot be put on the highway: Highways had confirmed that memorials are not allowed on the highway, and Cllr Hawkesworth thanked Cllr Jefferson for talking to the family concerned. (e) (f) Min. 2: to note response from contractors working at the school and Glasshouses Mill following complaint about subcontractors speeding in village: Newbys had said that they would pass this request on to their subcontractors but Willoughbys had not replied as yet. Min. 5(a): to discuss weekly checks on defibrillators in Glasshouses: it was agreed that as the defibrillator on the Broadbelt Hall belonged to the Council, the Council should have responsibility for the weekly checks. However as the NHS had undertaken to carry these out, Cllr Critchley was charged with liaising with their representative so that there was consistency. Cllr Critchley to buy a notebook to keep inside the cabinet to record the dates when it was checked. Min. 7(e): to receive report on footpath at Southlands from NYCC Field Officer: the Field Officer and the Definitive Map team had looked at historic maps, the route on the ground and the Definitive Map and Statement. These showed that the No Public Rights of Way sign on the field gate was legitimate, and that there was no right of way through the gate or through the field and had never been so previously. The wooden Footpath sign at the Southlands car park end was in the correct location, but the public footpath itself had been obstructed by a post and rail fence and gardens of properties. NYCC were now considering a solution, which would be subject to staff time, workloads and money available. Options might include removing the wooden signpost to prevent confusion; working with the landowner (HBC) to open up the Definitive line and remove the obstructions; or apply to stop up the footpath as there was an alternative footpath along Nidd Walk. The Field Officer also apologised for the length of time the enquiry had taken and said that NYCC would be happy for the Parish Council to comment. The options were discussed and it was agreed that the preferred solution would be to remove the wooden signpost to prevent confusion. Min. 8: Council Christmas meal Cllr Holt: Cllr Holt had circulated the menu and asked that everyone let him know their menu choices as soon as possible. Min. 10(a): Volunteering Oscars Presentation evening report from Cllr Brown: Cllr Brown and the Mayor had attended the evening, with Mr Martin Dunleavy and Mr Paul Lambert, who had been nominated by the Council for their longstanding service with the Scouts. They did not win but were shortlisted in their category. 370 people attended the evening which had been extremely enjoyable and it was good to see volunteers efforts being recognised. The
61/2017-2018 following day however, both men received the Nidderdale Community Hero award presented by Clare Balding at the Nidderdale Food Festival. Cllr Brown was thanked for writing the nomination. 6 County Matters (a) To note Road Closure Notification from 9.00am to 11.00am on Thursday 23 November 2017, from Fellbeck to Thistle Hill: noted. b) The North Yorkshire Now https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/e-newsletter newsletter had already been circulated to councillors. In addition County Cllr Lumley explained that Phase 2 of supafast broadband had been completed so that 90% of the county could access it. The remaining 10% would inevitably be to the most isolated properties but work to start this was about to be contracted out. 7 District Matters (a) Response from Housing re. progress on bin store at Yorke House flats: Cllr Jefferson reminded councillors of the background to this situation. Residents of the flats were expected to keep their dustbins in a cupboard under the communal stairs and during the summer, this attracted flies and smelt in the heat. This was exacerbated by families living in the flats who produced more waste than the single elderly people who had traditionally been housed there. Meetings with housing and the waste disposal department at HBC had not resulted in a satisfactory solution, although Cllr Jefferson said there was room at the back of the flats to build a bin store. The Clerk had now been told by the Neighbourhood Team Leader in the HBC Housing Office that although there had been suggestions to alterations for refuse storage and collections at the flats no alternative had been found, but he intended to discuss it further with the Property Team in the coming weeks when time allowed. The Council considered this to be totally unsatisfactory and the Clerk was asked to contact both departments at HBC to urge them to find a solution. Cllr Lumley said that the Local Plan, although it had been controversial and had attracted a record number of responses from the public, was now close to finalisation. Cllr Leggett raised two queries for Cllr Lumley: (i) he had read in the press that HBC was one of a few councils who paid 10p more than the HMRC recommended mileage allowance for private cars. (ii) he wondered why it was necessary to spend 1 million on refurbishing the Tower Street car park. Cllr Lumley said that this was to be discussed in cabinet the following evening. 8 Planning Matters: Having declared an interest, Cllr Holt left the room during the discussion of 8(i) and Cllr Hesselden left the room during discussion of 8(ii). (a) Applications to North Yorkshire County Council (i) NY/2017/0231/FUL. Consultation on planning application for the purposes of the part retrospective planning application for proposed deposit of 66,000 tonnes of inert materials to achieve restoration of a former quarry by 30 November 2018 on land at Crossgates Quarry, Brimham Moor Road, Fellbeck HG3 5EU. No objections.
(e) 62/2017-2018 Harrogate Borough Council (i) DCPARISH 6.49.554.L.FUL 17/04642/FUL. Modification of boundary wall to allow easier access to existing lane and removal of 1 birch tree at Glasshouses Community Primary School Lupton Bank To Glasshouses Bridge, Glasshouses HG3 5QH. No objections. (ii) DCPARISH 6.49.722.FUL 17/04374/FUL. Replacement of fenestration at 1 Bridge House, Wilsill, HG3 5EB, for Mr Hesselden. No objections. Cllr Lumley abstained having declared an interest. Decisions by Harrogate Borough Council: the following were noted: (i) DCPCDEC 6.49.413.N.FUL 17/03820/FUL. Conversion of workshop to form holiday cottage and installation of replacement package treatment plant at Tiplady Farm, Blazefield, HG3 5DN, for Mr K Harris. Approved subject to conditions. (ii) DCPCDEC 6.49.715.A.FUL 17/03699/FUL. Conversion of existing garage to annex and erection of detached garage at Owl Barn, Pateley Bridge HG3 5NH for Mr T Pickering. Refused due to appearance, scale and style and which would fail to preserve the traditional agricultural interest of the building and would harm the openness of the site. (iii) DCPCDEC 6.49.30.B.FUL 17/03006/FUL. Demolition of existing agricultural unit, stables, stores and garage; conversion and extension of existing milking parlour into annex, single storey extensions and single garage, conversion of barns and stores into habitable accommodation associated with farmhouse, internal alterations and associated external works, at Cliffe House Farm, Blazefield Bank to Springfields Farm, Fellbeck HG3 5EQ. Approved subject to conditions. Enforcement matters: the following was noted: (i) Case No 17/00572/BRPC Planning Ref 0/01186/FUL, 10/02565/DISCON West House Farm, Glasshouses HG3 5EA. Breach of condition 3 of permission by erection of white conservatory, before submission of sample of proposed colour for written approval by HBC. Appeals: none. 9 Financial Matters (a) Accounts for payment: the following were all approved for payment. Cllr Hesselden had declared an interest in 9(a)(iii) and abstained from the vote. (i) Clerk s Expenses: travel, postage, SLCC publication Meetings : 60.69 (ii) J Todd & Son: No Smoking sign: 8.90 inc VAT (iii) Sam Hesselden Ltd: collecting hardcore for Millennium Green: 48 inc VAT (iv) HBC: Annual Play Area inspection: 66 inc VAT (v) Clerk s salary payable on 30 November 2017: Gross 859.12 Net: 735.32 Receipts (i) Platt and Bajic: garage rental October: 31 10 Correspondence (a) Request from Bewerley Parish Council that the PBTC Caretaker should empty four bins in the Recreation Ground: Bewerley had relocated two bins in the Recreation Ground to encourage dog owners to use them and had also bought two additional bins for the same purpose. They had written to the Council to ask whether the Pateley Caretaker would be willing to empty the two new bins and
63/2017-2018 possibly the two relocated bins. For various reasons it was agreed that it would not be appropriate for the Pateley Caretaker and inevitably the Pateley Clerk to have responsibility for this work in Bewerley Parish; it had been agreed at the Joint Liaison Committee meeting in 2015 that Bewerley would undertake all administrative work in the Recreation Ground and although the Rec was jointly owned, the tenant was HBC. In addition the Caretaker would not be able to take his trailer to any of these bins but would have to go on foot. To receive information about YLCA Membership Subscription Fees 2018/2019: the Council had advised that there would be small increases in both the YLCA and the NALC elements of membership, resulting in an increase for Pateley Bridge Town Council from 546 per annum to 554. It was agreed that the Council could not afford not to be a member and continued membership was agreed unanimously. To receive information from the Road Safety Team at NYCC re. signage in Smelthouses for cyclists and road users: following various investigations, NYCC had made the following decisions: (i) several areas had been identified where the gradient warnings should be reinforced with new signage; the slow road markings would be renewed; and additional signage unsuitable for HGVs would be installed; (ii) Highways had agreed to this work and it was now in their schedule; (iii) the route had been assessed by a very experienced road safety officer and cycling coach, who had assessed the route and said that it was suitable for cyclists and other road users, if used with a normal and sensible level of caution and following the Highway Code; (iv) on behalf of the Council and residents in Smelthouses, NYCC would contact local clubs and mention residents concerns about cyclists behaviour through villages, which would also be included in the next print run of safety leaflets for the Way of the Roses route. The Council felt that this was a satisfactory outcome, although the Clerk said that the resident who had originally raised concerns was disappointed that no speed restriction had been recommended. The Clerk had sent advice on how to make such a request to the North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau. Information from Citizens Advice Bureau re Drop-In service to be run as a pilot scheme at Nidderdale Plus: this would take place on the first Wednesday of every month between 10.30am and 12.30pm to run as a six-month pilot scheme to assess demand. The Council welcomed this new service and it had been published on the website and the parish notice board. 11 Play Area/Millennium Green (a) Play Area (i) To receive the Annual Play Area Safety Inspection Report and to decide on necessary remedial action: Cllr I Skaife reported that risk scores were generally low with no recommendations for immediate action, but there were one or two remedial actions to be undertaken. Cllr Holt agreed to purchase a new basket ball net and Cllr Skaife agreed to organise the ground repairs to the goal mouths. He also agreed to contact Mr Ben Crosby re work to the damaged trees. Cllr Holt agreed to carry out the inspections in November.
64/2017-2018 Millennium Green: nothing to report. 12 Council Business (a) Caretaker Tasks for November: standard tasks plus clearing undergrowth on Nettle Lane, leaf clearing on footpath from Methodist Church to Nidd Walk, planting snowdrops in Millennium Green. Common Land & Village Green Training update by the Clerk: this had been extremely informative and interesting. Local common land and the Village Green in Glasshouses were correctly recorded on the Common Land and Village Green Register. The most recent legislation governing Common Land was the Commons Act 2006 but Village Greens were still governed by the Enclosure Acts of the 19 th Century. The Clerk reported that if a council had maintained common land as if it owned it, and there was no objection, it might be possible to apply to the Land Registry for possessory title but in practice, this was difficult taking into account the current Land Registry requirements. Village Greens had to be open with no encroachment, enclosure, erection of structures or parking of vehicles: recreational use was paramount. The only right the council had was to take steps to preserve the Village Green and whilst the Land Registry did not accept entry on the Commons Register as evidence of ownership, if the council had actively maintained the green for at least 12 years, it may grant title depending on the facts. However, the land remained as a village green, whoever owned title, and whether it was necessary to own title to the land was discussed. Ownership of Common Land became important when the question of granting easements or other property rights over the land arose. The Clerk was asked, before contacting the Land Registry, to seek advice from NYCC. To receive speed data for the High Street from North Yorks Police Traffic Bureau: The data showed that the average speed was 18/17 mph and when the top 7.5% and the bottom 7.5% of speeds was discounted, a more realistic average speed of 23/22 mph was obtained. This was an accepted tolerance so no further action would be taken. Signs generally reduced speeds by 1-2 mph. This confirmed the Council in its decision not to go to the expense of buying a vehicle activated sign for the top of the High Street, although County Cllr Lumley mentioned that NYCC was looking at its policies and protocols. To discuss topics for December newsletter: various topics were agreed and the Clerk said she would draft the newsletter before the deadline of 16 November. 13 Reports from Committees (a) Joint Emergency Committee: to receive Minutes from meeting on 17 November and to discuss small exhibition for householders: the flood wardens had attended a very useful seminar organised by the Environment Agency in York. In order to help householders plan for any flooding emergency, it had been suggested that the Council should host a small exhibition in the Memorial Hall to advise on products available and actions to take, as soon as possible. 14 Exchange of Information (a) Cllr Hesselden said that there was a water leak in the middle of the road on Lupton Bank which was getting worse. The Clerk to report to Yorkshire Water. Cllr Jefferson said that when she was in the Play Area, she had spoken to a representative of Accent Housing who was looking at the wall adjacent to No 1. The Clerk to chase to see if they intended to repair it.
(e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) 65/2017-2018 Cllr Jefferson also reported that door to door salesmen had appeared in the town and were not respecting the No Cold Calling zones. One resident had been particularly upset and the incident had been reported to the Police. Cllr Jefferson had arranged to meet Trading Standards the following week to discuss the problem and to look at extending the zones. Cllr Brown reminded everyone that the Armistice Day service parade would start at 10.15 on Saturday. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Martin Holmes to thank him and his team for the superb commemorative tableau at Fox s Head Well. Cllr Leggett said that as both Cllr Lumley and Cllr C Skaife were unavailable he would attend the Nidderdale Plus AGM on the 14 November. Cllr Leggett had found a water safety notice pinned to the fence by the river bridge. He thought this should be either more widespread or in a larger format. Cllr C Skaife agreed to raise this at the next Safer Neighbourhoods meeting. Cllr Jefferson said that the surface on the footbridge was bubbling up again and the Clerk said she would report it to Highways. Cllr I Skaife said he had met a Project Manager from the Environment Agency who was supervising the dispersal of the islands in the river. About ten saplings would be removed in order for the long reach bucket to reach the islands, and this would take place over the winter. The islands would be spread around so that rain would flush the debris downstream, and this second phase of the work would take place next year. The Clerk to pass on contact details of Bewerley Parish Council, Harrogate Parking Services and the Agricultural Society to the EA so that they could be kept informed, as a small are of the HBC car park would be cordoned off. There was a brief discussion about the Mayor s Valentine Charity Ball 2018, the Committee to meet shortly to discuss plans. The Clerk to forward details of the Allotment Society AGM to Cllr Brown and to Cllr Lumley, who had been invited to attend. 15 Parishioners Representations: none. 16 Dates of next meetings The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 November 2017. It will be proceeded by the AGM of the Millennium Green Trust at 6.30 pm and followed by a meeting of the Finance Working Group to start setting the budget for 2018/19. The following meeting will be held on Tuesday 05 December 2017 The meeting closed at 9.20 pm.