Present: Cllr. W. Austin, Cllr. P. Bardon, Cllr. P. Beadle, Cllr. D. Bentley, Cllr. P. Chapman, Cllr. G. Foxton, Cllr. M. Robson, Cllr. E. Storm, Cllr. A. Turner, Cllr. D. Gray and County Cllr. R. Baker Also present were the Clerk, Alexandra Little, 3 members of the public and PC Harrison 1. Members of the Public A member of the public raised an issue with the No Cycling lane. She walks a lot and find this is abused along the play area path and asked the council whether the No Cycling rule was abolished. PC Harrison advised that it is illegal however the police cannot prosecute children but would ask the adult riders to ride on the road. NYP do not have the staff to specifically target cyclists and don't look to prosecute for these offences. Cllr Storm stated that the worst thing is the speed of the cyclists and also Cllr Turner mentioned the importance of awareness of the cycle path on the Flatts. Cllr Foxton suggested that signage could be improved as the paintwork is fading. Resolved Cllr Baker to organise a repainting of the No Cycling signage A resident also mentioned the speed of cars on front Street. PC Harrison suggested that residents use the North Yorkshire Police website to log a complaint about speed. Resolved Clerk to put a link to this web page on the Parish Council website The question was asked of Cllr Baker whether the new bus route from Bagby will be gritted in the winter. Resolved Cllr Baker to look into this A report of litter around the block of flats near Ivy Dean was made. Resolved Cllr Robson to request more regular sweeping 2. Apologies for absence from Cllr Hoyland were received and accepted. 3. Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 14th April 2016 approved and signed by the Chairman. 4. NY Police Incident Report: PC Harrison updated the Parish Council on the following 2 incidents of criminal damage 3 incidents of theft 1 serious incident 3 highway matters 1 burglary 1 stolen vehicle PC Harrison updated that cars parked at Town End are actually on a highway, this is right up to the shop window. Cllr Robson offered thanks to the PC Harrison for attending the meeting. 1
5. Report from County Councillor Baker: The signage and sandbags on Blakey Lane have been dealt with. A fracking debate will take place at North Yorkshire County Council offices next Friday the 20th, where about 4000 objectors are expected. Cllr Baker assured the Parish Council that the application is being dealt with with the utmost seriousness. NYCC have recently had a peer review and have come out with a high accolade. A 5000 community grant will become available. 750 was donated to the bus service in Sowerby last year and Cllr Baker has encouraged applications to be put forward. 6. Reports from District Councillors: Cllr Bardon attended planning committee but there was nothing for Sowerby. The next full meeting of Council is next Tuesday. 7. To discuss matters arising: Cllr Robson advised that it was not possible to exempt the new library from the 20% business rate liability because all charitable organisations would want this to be waived. Gravel at the side of Abbeyfields has received mostly positive feedback however one or two are concerned about it not being easy for a pushchair, walker or wheelchair to be moved along the path. However the path is now passable and is not wet or muddy and the stones will flatten over time. The donation to Thirsk town council was received with thanks. Cllr Robson reported how well attended the Tour de Yorkshire was across the district and paid tribute to the Yarn Bombers and the organisations for their efforts in the Thirsk and Sowerby area. Thirsk stood out above anywhere else in this instance and was mentioned on national TV. It was a tribute to the huge amount of people who were involved. Cllr Baker added it was excellent and felt they did Yorkshire proud. 8. Planning Applications: 161000821/FUL Cllr Robson declared an interest and passed this to Cllr Bardon. 1610 0950/FULL Cllr Bardon declared an interest as a member of the planning committee. There was a discussion around this application for 25 bungalows at the former Buffer Depot, the concern is regarding access. Local residents have also expressed concern to Cllrs Robson and Turner. Cllr Robson advised that highways will review the access. 8a Decisions 8b New Applications see appendix i Resolved the Parish Council would welcome the application to build bungalows however cannot wish to see this approved because of the access issues 2
9. Financial Matters: 9a Receipts 9b To Note and Approve Payments All finance matters were all approved anonymously. see appendix ii 10. New Agenda Items: Clerk recommended a policy Health check takes place Resolved the clerk complete this and report back to the council Delegated authority for urgent matters within the parish was discussed council has agreed unanimously that to the clerk should have a this authority Resolved the Clerk to have delegated authority to a maximum spend of 1000 for urgent matters which need to be dealt with between meetings Our insurance with Zürich is to be renewed as per the renewal quotation Resolved the Clerk to arrange this 11. To receive Correspondence for information see appendix iii 12. To receive Reports from Sub Committees Cllr Foxton presented a report from the Town Hall Committee see attached appendix. 13. Any other business that may be legally discussed Cllr Turner raised the issue of the post holes on the Flatts Trust. Cllr Robson advised that these are being dealt with. Cllr Austin raised issues with the A boards outside the bathroom cladding shop and also the items placed for sale on the pavement in front of Utter Clutter. Cllr Gray commented that the website looks good however some PDF documents are not able to be opened and the Clerk will review this. The issues of pot holes around the village were discussed and Cllr Baker advise everyone that these are regularly measured and reviewed. A meeting of the Greens Committee had taken place to review the Memorial Park renovations. Suggestions were to widen the footpath, look at benches, fill up the hedges, plant bulbs and consider options to replace the fencing. This is an ongoing project, no decisions have been made, prices will be gathered and reported back at a future meeting. Councillors will consider traditional metal style fencing to be in keeping with Front Street. 14. Date of next meeting: Thursday 9 th June 2016 at 7.30pm The meeting closed at 8:40 PM 3
Appendix i Planning Decisions SPC Comments Decision 16/00516/FUL Replacement of 2 front windows Wish to see approved Granted 43 Front Street, Sowerby 16/00541/FUL Alteration to existing dwelling and two storey extension Wish to see approved Granted 24 Saxty Way, Sowerby 16/00372/FUL Extension to the rear of the dwellinghouse Wish to see approved Granted 37 Admirals Court YO7 1RS 16/00577/FUL Loft Conversion and formation of dormer windows Wish to see approved Granted 23B Back Lane, Sowerby 16/00507/ADV Advertisement Consent for illuminated fascia and flags Wish to see approved Granted Applications 16/00949/RPN 16/00909/FUL 16/00875/RPN 16/00768/FUL 16/00821/FUL 16/00595/FUL 16/00920/CAT 11 Acacia Drive, Sowerby, YO7 1GU Prior Notification for a larger home extension to the rear of the dwellinghouse extending 4.0m beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling, 2.25m at the eaves, and a maximum height of 3.4m above ground level 3 Belgrave Terrace, Mowbray Place, Sowerby Demolition of existing garage; alterations and extension to existing dwelling and construction of two terraced houses to include parking and landscaping 5 Gravel Hole Lane, Sowerby, YO7 1NS Proposed extension of roof and construction of supporting brick piers to provide new porch covered area at rear of house. Distance extending beyond the rear wall 5m: Maximum height measured from the ground 3m: Height to the eaves from ground level 2.1m. Glenroy, 8 Croft Gardens, Sowerby Proposed single storey extension to the rear of the dwellinghouse, covered decking, garden studio and car port Juel, 58 Victoria Avenue, Sowerby Extension to garage to form ancillary accommodation The Ings, South Moor Lane, Sowerby Alterations and extensions to property to form bed and breakfast accommodation 42 Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, YO7 1RB Proposed works to Silver Birch and Alder trees 16/00950/FUL Former Buffer Depot, Sowerby,YO7 1QY Change of use of former depot to residential development of 25 bungalows 4
Appendix ii Balances Community Account as 3rd May 2016 118,284.52 Business Saver Account Balance as 3rd May 2016 9,040.09 Receipts 29.04.2016 Hambleton D C Precept 32750.00 20.04.2016 Abbeyfield Cheque 300.00 Payments Chq No VAT 01.05.2016 Office Rent 312.00 Standing Order Payment 12.05.2016 C E & C M Walker Ltd Grass Cutting 2016 812.00 162.40 12.05.2016 BT 66.46 13.29 12.05.2016 SolutionsNOW 395.00 79.00 Website Redevelopment 12.05.2016 Cummins Young 54.00 10.80 Payroll Services 15.05.2016 C M A Little Clerk s Salary Bank Transfer 643.50 5
Appendix iii Correspondence Invitation to Planning Applications and the Community Infrastructure Levy Training 18th May ICO Certificate of Registration Advice of Annual Property and Electrical Inspection from landlords Hambleton and District Update Notification of appeal for planning application 15/02211/FUL Hambleton Business Awards Nomination Paperwork Thirsk Tourist Information Newsletter Broadband and Business Forum 10th June White Rose Update Good Councillor's Guide copy for all 6
Appendix iv Town Hall Report New Addition have confirmed their only slot for the replacement windows is week commencing 15 th August. Whilst within the timescale of the grant terms, this is tight but the firm have given an undertaking that work will be completed to deadline. The firm have requested a deposit of 4k which will be paid initially by the Town Hall then recovered when the grant settlement is made. Attention was drawn to the condition of the tarmac surface in front of the main doors which was becoming cracked. It was noted that repair would be needed at some point within the next two years. Similarly it was noted that two of the gully s under downpipes were overflowing. Steve Lumley to investigate and advise. Obsolete stage lighting found under the stage had been photographed and photo s sent to Drew Pritchard from the T.V. programme Storage Hunters. His assistant had contacted the Secretary and advised that he may be interested in purchasing. Andrew Newton from Telecom Yorkshire has been contacted and asked to price up a whiteboard screen, projector which is likely to be ceiling mounted, phone line and router. Also the cost of provision of an extension to the WI Fi to reach the Secretary's office. The two Parish Councils would bear half the cost with the Town Hall being responsible for the ongoing monthly charges. Following the recent conviction of the Town Hall s previous Caretaker it was proposed that a review of the Town Hall staff who needed a D.B.S. (Disclosure & Barring Service) check be undertaken. Whilst there is a requirement that anyone with unsupervised one on one contact with children or vulnerable adults be cleared it was felt that in light of events it would be wise to ensure that the Caretaker, Cleaner and Secretary be D.B.S. cleared. As a charity there would be no cost for this. Secretary to check that the current D.B.S. clearances of Caretaker and Cleaner were of the correct type and current Noted that hire income was very healthy at the moment with a greater level of occasional hire than expected. 7