Slaley Councillors discuss the NCC distribution of Northumberland News. Read more on agenda items 7d and 8a
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday November 9th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies: Councillor Ms M Palmer.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors S. Davison, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs L. Norris, Mrs A. S. Robson & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Hugh McKendrick. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes Jean Elphick. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr Mrs C. A. Brooks as a member of the CT declared an interest on agenda item 6.
County Councillor C.W. Horncastle declared an interest on agenda item10.
3. Minutes of October Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 562- 566 + appendix 1 page 567 & appendix 2 page 568).
Proposed as a true record by Cllr L. Norris and seconded by Cllr. C.A. Brooks the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a). Lighting at Parks-Side in relation to the Post Office (see Special discussion last paragraph page 563). E-mail from Neil Johnson, no design ready yet for additional light due to staff illness. Cost will be between £1k – £2k depending upon access to electricity cables. If NCC install the light then it will be adopted for maintenance and energy purposes by the County. It was decided that no action could be taken until the actual estimate arrives.
b) 4a 12/10/09; 4a 14/9/09 Alan Bawn has replied that if Parish Councils fund their own VMS Speed Units and the location is agreed by NCC officers and the maintenance is with the PCs then a second unit can be purchased to reduce the costs of rotation. It was decided not to purchase a second unit with the Beacon Grant.
c) 4b 12/10/09; 4e 14/9/09. 8f 10/8/09: A salt bin has been positioned at Parks Side Bungalows. Clerk to purchase a strong shovel for the bin.
d) Parish Plan October AP Update 10 12/10/09 request to MR for any progress:
(i) Keep Slaley Lively section – Moyra Riseborough reported that she had hoped to start a Business Group to help with purchase of office supplies, insurance etc. This had not got off the ground partly due to the economic climate and partly through lack of interest.
(ii) Communicate More Effectively section – Moyra Riseborough reported that she was looking forward to the updated Slaley web site where hopefully it would be used by more people and with interlinks to different sites in the community i.e. accommodation and places to eat. The Business Directory and Where to Buy Locally were lost in the present web site system she felt.
(iii) More Services for Older People section – Moyra Riseborough reported that initially talks with Age Concern indicated that finding suitable transport for the shopping trips was a real problem. These customised vehicles were limited and got booked up well in advance, consequently when the shopping trips were finalised often the coaches had been hired elsewhere. Slaley people are currently joining the Age Concern trips with Blanchland parishioners. Moyra has sent an e-mail dated 4/11/09 confirming that she is handing out Posters locally and trying to regenerate interest in trips by Age Concern visiting local people. Copy of the Poster was presented to the meeting and the Councillors felt it should be displayed in the Village Shop and other parish notice boards. The Councillors asked about help for younger disabled parishioners (below Age Concern remit). Cllr Brooks suggested ADAPT.
5. Public Participation.
It was suggested that catagorising people once they reached 60 years was sometimes seen as derogatory. ‘Older people’, ‘Pensioners’, ‘Elderly’ etc. were words which conjured up old and frail individuals. It was suggested that the PC carefully refer to such people as ‘The Over 60′s’.
Mr. Elphick reported that he hoped the updated web site would have progress made or be available by Christmas.
6. Community Trust Report Circulated and attached as Appendix 1/081109
The Councillors discussed the request for financial help towards the repair of the school hut. The question was asked “is the repair due to wear and tear or vandalism?” Mr. Elphick replied that it was general maintenance because the roof was rotten. The roof may or may not have been damaged by vandalism. Any grant which the PC made would be seen as a good-will gesture to the school. There was a great deal of discussion about this and finally a vote was taken: “Who supports the award of a grant to the CT towards the school hut repairs?”. There were no Councillors in favour – they agreed that it was unclear that the need for repairs had any connection with the Community Trust-sponsored public use of the school grounds. Cllr Brooks abstained from voting.
7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W. Horncastle.
a) NCC draft budget early February. To achieve the £20m shortfall it is proposed that all NCC departments should take the same % reduction in funding.
b) Local Development Framework LDF Drop-in-Day at Hexham Racecourse.
c) Day- care Centres to close. He believed that the changes had the potential to improve support for many people but would disadvantage the relatively few regular users of the drop-in centres.
d) Northumberland News posted to 142,000 households. Jill Dixon Executive Director for Performance is responsible for this publication and is taking the back-lash from the adverse publicity attracted to the publication. It will however, for contractual reasons, continue for the full twelve months.
e) Young people involvement in local government- Young Mayors etc.
f) November date for meeting with Slaley Headteacher about NCC support for public use of school premises has been cancelled due to illness.
g) Richard Powell has moved to a different position. Susi Goncu now heads CFs for this area.
8. Correspondence.
a) NCC complimentary copy of the Northumberland News No 2 being delivered to every household by Royal Mail (PC noted the Hexham Courant letter from Dr. Stan Beckensall on 16/10/09 and on 23/10/09 from Phil Harley and an- unrecorded writer. Apart from the content they complain of the cost of production and postage. See 7d above. Councillors were annoyed that the PC had received a separate copy but acknowledged that it was not in the PC’s power to influence this wasteful expenditure of tax-payers money for the current year.
b) David Smurthwaite requested by e-mail a colour poster be printed and placed on notice board advertising indoor coaching of women’s cricket. This was done.
c) West Northumberland Citizens Advice Bureau. Request for financial aid. Agreed for 10/11
d) NSP revising the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS). Current SCS published September 2007, NCC has asked that as the SCS be revised. Meetings until Christmas will identify ‘The Perfect 10′ outcomes central to making the county a better place to live. Closing date 15/1/10 draft due in Spring 2010. County Councillor C.W. Horncastle did not know of this – Clerk to Scan and forward via e-mail.
e) NHS Improving hospital services, hard copy of e-mail
f) Tynedale Hospice at Home is looking for Volunteers
g) (2 copies of each) NALC AGM 14/11/09 Agenda, Subscriptions paper B, Annual Report 08-09 Booklet (Point No 2 is a large section on the Charter for local Councils). CAN AGM on 4/11/09 with agenda and 2008 minutes + election of Executive Committee.
h) E-mailed 15/10/09 Central Tynedale Community Forum meeting on Monday 19/10/09.
i) E-mailed 16/10/09: NHS Commissioning Board meeting 23/10/09.
j) E-mailed 20/10/09: People and Places Mid October Bulletin (6 pages).
k) E-mailed 20/10/09: 28/10/09; 9/11/09 Weekly Rural Focus for Oct 19th, 27th & Nov 6th.
l) E-mailed 22/10/09: Invitation to Area Committee meeting (reply on line).
m) E-mailed 22/10/09: Free Home Insulation Available.
n) E-mailed 23/10/09: Meeting 20/11/09 to discuss NCC draft voluntary & community Sector Funding Policy. Cllr. Mrs AS Robson will attend and report.
o) E-mailed 28/10/09: 12 pages of ‘Joint Funding Bulletin For All’ Bulletin No 38.
p) E-mailed 29/10/09: NHS Improving hospital services for Northumberland & North Tyneside. (see8e above).
q) E-mailed 2/11/09: Communities Survey – For Parish Councillors – Survey for The State of Rural Services Report. Focus on public transport, affordable housing, primary schools, facilities for young people and support services for older people. Cllr Hancock been on line to look at the survey – he felt it was aimed at the general public.
r) E-mailed 4/11/09 agenda for West Area Committee on 10/11/09 at Stocksfield
9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed:
Cheque No 393 Grant – Commemoration Hall £1,000.00
Cheque No 394 Grant – St. Mary’s Churchyard £0,050.00
Cheque No 396 Grant – Community Trust £0,120.00
Cheque No 394 Grant – Age Concern £0,100.00
Cheque No 392 Grant – Slaley Show £0,325.00
Cheque No 395 Grant – Community Action Northumberland £0,020.00
Cheque No 389 Grant – Whitley Chapel YFC £0,100.00
Cheque No 390 Grant – Air Ambulance £0,150.00
Cheque No 388 Grant – Tynedale Community Hospice (new) £0,100.00
Cheque No 397 Commemoration Hall Hire of Room £0070.00
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr AS Robson the cheques were signed.
10. Current Planning Applications.
20090787: Construction of one residential unit. Winter House, Slaley.
Copy of Laburnum Lodge Reply was tabled.
Hugh McKendrick was able to provide further information.
It was agreed that the Clerk contact the School/School Governors and ask if they have been consulted.
Typed page from Cllr Hancock Object.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. Pending,
Decisions from Planning Authority
20090692: Certificate of lawfulness for proposed demolition of outhouse and construction of new single storey extension and conversion of garage to living accommodation. South Highclear Cottage. Granted
20090636: Variation of condition No 3 of planning permission 86/E/125 to allow caravans to be used for human habitation between 1st March in one year and 31st January in the succeeding year. Springhouse Caravan County Park. Granted
20090637: Variation of condition No 5 of planning permission 75/E/460 to allow caravans to be used for human habitation between 1st March in one year and 31st January in the succeeding year and the use of one caravan unit for the purpose of human habitation by a site warden all year round. Springhouse Caravan County Park. Granted
The meeting noted a Hexham Courant article on 30/10/09 entitled “Holiday Site Reaps Rewards” reporting that “the new managing company invested £275,000 on improved facilities including rewiring, Installation of a new water and sewerage system, refurbishment of the toilet block and reception blocks”. The article also states “In the coming months we plan to invest in a number of further improvements including the layout of the park and the installation of wireless Internet and CCTV”. Question Would any of these require planning permssion? Probably Not.
11. Post Christmas Meal for Over 60′s Update.
E-mail sent with information to 18 addresses – only one confirmation via Post Office.
Slaley Village Shop has a poster and many booking forms.
Slaley Notes carried an article
Newsletter carried announcement in the November issue details to follow in December.
12. Community Forum Update. Minutes from September 09 meeting attached as appendix 2/081109.
Councillors noted the editorial in the Hexham Courant of October 23rd entitled “Forum launch marred by skepticism”. The report on the Central Tynedale Forum pointed out the close similarity in membership to the Hexham Community Partnership. The need for the two separate groups was questioned.
A meeting at Whitley Chapel Parish Hall will take place on Tuesday November 24th to discuss an agenda for the first formal meeting of the “Rural Hexham” Forum at Slaley Commemoration Hall booked for Wednesday January 27th.
13. Precept Spending 2010/2011. Balance Sheet & Precept Sheet attached as appendix 3/081109
A start was made. It was proposed by Cllr AS Robson that grants are not agreed unless an application is furnished with a recent financial balance sheet. After discussion this was agreed. A proposal that £2,100 be included in the Precept for grants, without specifying them at this stage, was also agreed.
The current grant recipients should receive a letter telling them of the new arrangements and that a formal request must be made accompanied by an up to date balance sheet for consideration during 2010/2011 and this should be received by September 30th 2010.
14. NCC West Area Committee joint meeting with Parish Councils 27/10/09 Report Circulated and attached as appendix 4/081109
There were no questions from this report and CC Colin Horncastle reported that Jim Heavyside would produce some official minutes of the meeting.
15. Report from Cllr IC Hancock of the public meeting with Reverend D. Irvine, 14/10/09 (see 4c 12/10/09; 6 14/9/09; 4a 13/7/09 & appendix 1/130709) re proposed changes to St Mary the Virgin Church building. Report circulated and attached as appendix 5/081109.
a) The question was asked if charges would be made for hiring the building and if not who would pay for the additional heating costs of keeping the Church heated during the winter months?
b) After discussion it was agreed that a letter be sent to Reverend Irvine, as Chair of Slaley PCC saying that Councillors would like to discuss further the plans, details and costs for the disabled access aspect of Stage 1. It is possible that the Parish Council could make a contribution of financial support for the disabled access.
c) The PC noted an alternative to a Churchyard memorial which has appeared at Herds House in Slaley Forest – a brass plaque is attached to a tree commemoration the local man, while angels and other adornments compliment a small plant filled remembrance garden around the base of a tree. Photograph provided.
16. BOATs update.
a) A report of two trail bikers on BOAT 21 during wet weather was reported to DB.
b) A website ‘blog’ has reported that the JLAF walked the trails in Slaley Forest, October 22nd 13.00 – 16.30 followed by a meeting in Slaley Village Hall 17.30 – 21.00. There will be a “mopping up meeting” to formulate a policy on usage of such trails. We overlooked our notice of this meeting on 30/7/09 and no-one attended to hear their findings.
c) Maggie Keyte is currently drafting a letter to NCC on Entitlement to Park under Schedule 7, Section 34, Subsection 3 of the CROW Act 2000 giving users a 15-metre parking entitlement either side of a BOAT. Cllr Hancock said that on his interpretation of this Clause, taken in conjunction with Subsection 5 (a and b) this was not a worry.
17. A.O.B.
a) Cllr Hancock reported on a telephone conversation from TH regarding 9 microlights flying out of the Wooley airstrip on a Saturday in October over Wooley Grange when one aircraft engine failed. The residents group has reported this to the Planning Authority.
b) Planning Permission 20050557: Renewal of temporary planning permission for permanent use of land as outdoor pursuits area etc. Should the PC be writing to NCC about this renewal due in 2010 ? The permission granted September 2005 states (Section 7.7) : The development accords with the development plan subject to appropriate conditions, any breaches of condition since the grant of permission ref: 20030243 have not been significant, and therefore a permanent permission is recommended. However, CC Horncastle and the PC thought that the permission had been temporary. CC Horncastle to check.
c) Still waiting for a reply from Planning department Enforcement Officer on the Slaley Hall Holiday Villas occupancy details for 2009.
18. Date of December 2009 meeting.
Monday December 14th 2009
There being no further business the meeting ended at 10.10 p.m.
