April 2007 was the last Parish Council meeting of Councillor J. Keith Robson who had served on the PC since 1976. see agenda 15c
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday April 16th 2007, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. Councillor T. A. Henderson & County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the Chair. Councillors J.K. Robson, I.C. Hancock, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A.S. Robson. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public: None. Slaley Notes: None, Courant Reporter: Will Green. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick
2. Declaration of Interests and hospitality record (see 19e 13/3/07).
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 21.
Cllr CA Brooks & Clerk P Wilson accepted the invitation from Slaley Hall for Friday March 23rd to celebrate the opening of the refurbished Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar.
3. Minutes of March Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 297-301+ appendices 1, 2 & 3 pages 302, 303 & 304).
Proposed by Cllr IC Hancock and seconded by Cllr JK Robson the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 12/3/07: 18 12/2/07 Bottle bank to rear of Rose & Crown – reply from TC to confirm they will contact new tenants of Rose & Crown. No reply from immediate neighbours ‘at West Orchard House’, E-mail reply from ‘Stangearth’ with many concerns and questions.
b) 4g 12/3/07: 12f 12/2/07 Correspondence regarding name of Affordable Houses. After many telephone calls and e-mails Slaley PC were asked to comment by TC on ‘Townfoot Paddock’. After consultation with Councillors a reply was sent confirming support for this name.
c) 4e 12/3/07; 9a,b,c,d, 12/2/07 TDC LDF Core Strategy Examination – copy of the ‘final’ programme for the Examination. Given to Councillor IC Hancock.
5. Public Participation. None
6. For discussion with County and District Councillors.
a) (i) DC Massey briefed the Councillors over the concern that Government appears to be taking its time making a decision with the reform proposals for local government in Northumberland. Cllr JK Robson reported an article in the Newcastle Journal from Shropshire indicating that the Government does not legally have the authority to reform local government.
(ii) DC Massey led a discussion on proposals for a new town hall in Hexham for Tynedale. Cllr AS Robson was especially concerned about losing the public gardens and bowling green when the Council Office listed buildings were sold off.
(iii) Funds presently held by Tynedale would proceed as planned over the next two years regardless of the unitary decision. e.g. swimming pool.
(iv) DC Massey was informed that no reply had been received from TC Enforcement Officer, Richard Stewart, regarding the standard annual occupancy letter for the Holiday villas at Slaley Hall (6b 12/3/07 & 16 11/12/06). Also informed (agenda item 20b below) that the PC is waiting for a reply from the Enforcement Officer as to whether planning permission is needed or is the work building a new agricultural building under planning regulations is covered. (4b 12/2/07 & 9(i) & 16f 8/1/07)
b) In the absence of CC Purdue the Clerk to ask if the below mentioned is from his small scheme grant see agenda item 8e NCC parking outside 12 South Park – put forward a scheme for creating parking outside 9 – 12 – finances are restricted – not guarantee that the scheme will be approved. Also 8ei Integrated Transport Priorities?
7. Community Trust Report.
Annual Report for the Year 2006-2007 + Minutes of the Third AGM + Financial Report. circulated by e-mail attached as appendix 1/160307
Mr Elphick explained that like every organization it is difficult attracting volunteers to take on specific positions. Photographs were shown of where it was proposed to site the Information Board – the grassed area, east of the telephone kiosk, near the village parish seat. The CT is presently in contact requesting permission with NCC highways who own the grassed area and TC planning department.
8. Correspondence.
a) Accidents on the B6306, Friday March 23rd – Monday March 26th reported verbally to Clerk and Kevin Allen and then by e-mail to Clerk. Action agreed by e-mail was to write a letter to all parish farmers (17) reminding them of action needed to keep roads clean and a reminder through Slaley Notes column for parishioners to slow down this time of year because of tractor work.
b) E-mail dated 16th March from residents of Greyholme claiming that David White of Tynedale Council had agreed to exchange the red dog bin for A GREEN bin at Slaley. A second e-mail dated 16th April asking when the red box will be replaced received today. After discussion the Clerk to write to David White and request a copy of his correspondence indicating a change of dog bin. Generally the Councillors were happy with a red bin, red denoted something different to general litter in green bins.
c) Correspondence since the March meeting regarding water running down the B6306 from Townhead towards Hexham. A site visit with Kevin Allen on Wednesday March 28th was beneficial in highlighting the damage being done to the B6306. Repair work lasting three days and traffic lights, was successfully completed during the first week of April. Cllr JK Robson informed the meeting that the water was from an underground spring and had been piped to an underground soak-away. (see also agenda 20e below)
d) A Slaley resident has indicated that he intends to make level visitor parking space on the west of the B6306 opposite Townhead development. This has been reported to NCC highways and KA ask that the “eyes” of ‘Slaley covert operations team’ report immediately any activity to NCC highways via the Clerk.
e) NCC letter dated 4/1/07 (mistake with month or lost?) re parking outside 12 South Park (PC had put forward a scheme for creating parking outside 9 – 12) Finances are restricted, proposal rejected and no guarantee that the scheme would be approved if it was resubmitted. Ask CC Purdue see agenda item 6.
ei) NCC NLTP Integrated Transport Priorities 07/08 not included the parking area – it remains on directory, however it is unlikely that LTP funding could be used for car parking. Ask CC Purdue see agenda item 6.
f) Letter from Andrew Coney, DeVere at Slaley Hall re annual Christmas Treat possibility for the coming Festive season – Place on yearly planner under September to see if new Councillors are prepared to organise, deliver invitations and transport the elderly to and from Slaley Hall.
g) Reply from Andrew Coney, DeVere at Slaley Hall re light pollution – driving range to have a device installed that only illuminates the range when in use. Councillors now wonder if it could be the houses at Slaley Park which give off light pollution.
h) NALC Council training dates. Keep until after the May election – see agenda item 15
i) Communities & Local Government – Sustainable Communities Bill reply to our letter of January 4th to Ruth Kelly.
j) NCC Mark Henderson – update on the Governments announcement for reform of local government in Northumberland. We may be contacted as part of a stakeholder consultation. If we are consulted either Cllr Norris or Hancock will reply.
k) NCC Temporary closure of Allendale household waste recovery centre – copy to Slaley Notes.
l) Department for Constitutional Affairs – memorial safety – Clerk e-mailed that Slaley PC is not responsible for a burial ground.
m) Thank You for the £50 from Tynedale Sports Council.
n) Thank You for the £50 towards Selefest 2007
o) North Pennines AONB Partnership (i) Events & Activities during 2007; (ii) Annual Forum 29/6/07; (iii) Planning Guidelines; (iv) Election Nomination Form + booklets Events Programme 7 April – 3rd October & Northern Rocks 19th May – 3rd June.
p) Milecastle Housing ‘Home truths’ Spring 2007; Society of Local Council Clerks Regional Conference 15/5/07; Glasdon advertising leaflet – order on line save 10%; Community Action Northumberland – The Consortium – What’s it all about? Community Action Northumberland -Spring Meeting 10/5/07; NCC Tynedale Area Committee meeting 22/3/07 Corenside (delivered to Chairman)
9. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 295 Allianz Cornhill Insurance £335.83
* a letter to be sent with updated costs as per asset register + new parish seat (cost to include installation)
Proposed by Cllr CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr L Norris.
b) Interim payments. None.
c) Balance Sheet 06/07 presented to the meeting. Attached as Appendix 4/160407
d) Audit arrangements: (i) Date of audit at BDO Stoy Hayward 13th July 2007; (ii) Notice of electors rights displayed for 14 days 28th May – 10 June 2007; (iii) Records available for 20 working days from 11th June – 6th July 2007; (iv) Internal Audit with Margaret Weatherley April 20th – May 7th; (v) Internal audit report and presented to Public at AGM May 14th. (vi) Annual Governance Statement approved by the Council. (page 3 of Risk Assessment Appendix 2/120307).
10. Current Planning Applications.
20070315 Advertisement Consent – post mounted sign at Affordable houses 12 months. No object
20070350 Variation of condition No 4 to reduce tree felling exclusion zone from 50 m to 35 m on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. No objections
20070265 Construction of two storey extension Glen Cottage – if removal of sun room (20061498) results in necessary decrease in volume. No objections.
2007 0268 Single storey side extension & porch to front Townfoot Bungalow. Pending
20070073 Variation of condition No 4 on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. Withdrawn
Decisions from Planning Authority
20070121 Micro Wind Generator attached to garage – Foresters Lodge, Trygill. Granted
11. Millennium Feature Landscaping work (11 12/3/07; 13 12/2/07, 4a 8/1/07; 15d 11/12/06)
Clerk asked Trevor Golightly and Kevin Allen (NCC) about cobbles and setts and both men felt either was dangerous especially during wet and frosty conditions. TG recommended Woburn textured paving slabs which he has laid in Rookhope and Fogget Cottage, Hexhamshire. E-mailed this reply to Councillors and an opinion was to leave the chippings and maybe use money for a pathway. Cllr JK Robson who keeps this grass in good order informed the meeting that he would no longer cut the grass if the chippings, which are often thrown onto the grass by younger residents, were not replaced by something more permanent. The Councillors agreed to get brochures from builders merchants and discuss at May meeting.
12. Parish Seat in Slaley 4i 12/3/07; 17 12/2/07; 14 11/12/06; 4a 13/11/06; 11 9/10/06.
Michael Swanson was asked for a cost for weatherproofing and also the wording ‘Slaley Parish Council’ to be carved on the top rail of the seat. He refused to consider any type weatherproofing unless the seat would be stripped twice each year but has agreed to the wording. English Oak is intended to mellow to a dull grey without treatment. Trevor Golightly attached the seat to the concreted base on Sunday April 15th. Mr Elphick has a digital photograph of the seat for the Slaley web site.
13. Parish Plan Action Plan April Update
Draft circulated amendments and additions were made. Update will be attached as appendix 3/160407
14. Arrangements for Annual Meetings (May 14th)
a) The 4 Parishes BOATs joint committee report by Chairman, David Short received
b) The Toddler Play Area report by Pat Wilson, received
c) Cllr JK Robson’s Highways report.
d) A representative of the PC on the Commemoration Hall Management Committee was discussed. After the election the new Councillors will be given the opportunity to represent the PC on the Management Committee which meets approximately four times each year. Retiring Councillor JK Robson indicated that he would be willing to continue as the PC representative and give a report as and when requested.
e) Cllr Mrs L. Norris informed the meeting that her annual holiday would take place when the May annual meetings take place. Should she be elected as a Councillor she would be happy to be Vice Chairman. Cllr Mrs Norris also confirmed that she wished to nominate Cllr IC Hancock as Chairman should he be elected onto the Parish Council.
15. May elections.
a) Councillors JK Robson and TA Henderson will not be standing for election. The remaining four Councillors: Mrs L. Norris, Mrs CA Brooks, Mrs SA Robson and Mr IC Hancock will go into an election for the SIX Councillors needed to serve Slaley parish. Three members of the parish have put their names forward for election onto the Parish Council they are; Mrs SA Armstrong, proposed by Cllr Mrs AS Robson, seconded by Mr. B Warman. Mr S Davison proposed by Mrs SA Armstrong and seconded by Cllr Mrs SA Robson. Mrs M. Palmer proposed by Mrs SA Armstrong and seconded by Mr AP Robson.
b) Cllr TA Henderson had been thanked by telephone for his work on the Parish Council by the Chairman and the Clerk.
c) This being the last meeting of Cllr J.K. Robson, who has served as a parish councillor since 1976, the Chairman thanked Mr Robson for his work and commitment to the community over the past 31 years and jokingly wondered who would notify the Councillors about faulty street lights in the village.
d) NALC Council training dates. Keep until after the May election (see agenda item 8h)
16. Date of Annual April Litter Pick
Sunday April 29th was agreed upon. Beginning at 2 p.m. A prize for the most unusual piece of litter will be given. Cllr CA Brooks to collect highway notices from Mrs Gibson. Clerk to make posters for shop, notice board and Commemoration Hall and contact TC for refuse bags and protective gloves plus collection of litter from Commemoration Hall. Cllr Mrs A Robson volunteered to provide refreshments on completion of litter pick. Mr Elphick to advertise through Slaley Notes.
17. 4h 12/2/07, 7g 8/1/07 NCC draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland -Report attached as appendix 2/160407.
18. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/ Tynedale Community Agreement Update.
Nothing to report.
19. Eastern Tynedale & Castle Morpeth Parish Councils Forum next meeting is May 15th, Attendee
Because of a contested election, an attendee cannot be named, therefore Cllr Mrs L. Norris to give apologies.
20. AOB.
a) E-mail from Cllr Hancock re the definitive map and the showing of Townfoot football field. Clerk has written to David Brookes about this mistake.
b) Agricultural building at The Glen (4b 12/2/07; 9 (i) & 16 f 8/1/07) wooden cladding to a height of 10 feet. Still no planning application has been received Request update from Planning Enforcement Officer Richard Stewart (see 6(iii) above)
c) Cllr Mrs CA Brooks & Clerk attended the ‘Blackfriars’ production on March 27th by Hexham Partnership of Schools. Slaley First School was one of twelve first schools taking part. Excellent performance by everyone taking part, it is such a shame that no mention has been made either in the press or through a School Newsletter. Clerk to write on behalf of Slaley PC and congratulate the Slaley schoolchildren for their performance. They were a credit to themselves the school and their teachers. This letter to include a reminder for regular newsletters.
d) Millennium Feature. Cllr JK Robson reported some concrete missing between two portions of the seat, thus making it possible for fingers to be jammed. Clerk to contact Bill Hall for repair work a.s.a.p.
e) Clerk to ask Kevin Allen of NCC Highways if the area at Townhead where the water problem has recently been completed (8c above) will be further reinstated by NCC. If no further action intended by NCC, the Clerk to contact Hollybush Nurseries and ask them to level and reseed the damaged area.
f) The Clerk has recently been told of Mountain Bike tracks under consideration/construction in Slaley Forest. After discussion it was decided to write to Alex MacClellan, in charge of Recreational Development for the NE Forestry Commission and invite him or someone nominated by him to attend a PC meeting to discuss this, and any other recreational plans the FC may have for Slaley Forest, especially addressing concerns such as access, parking, litter, health and safety, increased traffic, security, public facilities and impact on the residential properties on the forest perimeter.
21. BOATs update
a) E-mail received from MK regarding Slaley BOATs Bundle, Cllr IC Hancock explained that the contents of this correspondence related to a written case recently completed by himself on the Conservation Status of the Slaley BOATs a legal requirement by Natural England especially in relation to the Nightjars, Black Grouse and Red Squirrel populations. Cllr Hancock will produce the necessary covering letter to be sent for signature at Blanchland, Healey and Hexhamshire Parish Councils. (21b 12/2/07)
b) MK has indicated to Cllr IC Hancock that NCC Rights of Way committee will shortly be discussing the BOAT application for Byway 44 (U8080 & U8081 in Slaley Parish & Espershield farm in Healey parish) Initially received December 2003 and comments made by March 16th 2004. Many concerns on this route were left unanswered from the initial 2004 consultation exercise.
Meeting closed at 9.20 p.m. Date of May meeting: Monday 14th
