Read about parish grass cutting and a review of the Millennium Feature landscaping at agenda item 11. Reminder the minutes are not posted on this site until they have been agreed by the Councillors which is normally the month after they were taken.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday April 14th 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
The normal monthly meeting was preceded by a special meeting at 7.15 p.m. with David Spenceley of Premier Events who had asked to speak with Slaley PC and explain the benefits that Premier Events bring to the parish of Slaley. (see 8d 10/3/08 + 4c 10/3/08 & 9b 11/2/08).
Slaley Parish Council (PC) Chairman, Cllr I Hancock, reported to the public Mr Spenceley’s concerns that in the past when the PC has received a complaint about Premier Leisure (PL) activities or raised concerns itself about some aspect connected to PL, PL had not always been included in the loop of communication. He explained that this was partly due to the difficulty of identifying whether the activities concerned were the responsibility of De Vere Slaley Hall or PL.
David Spenceley (DS) thanked the PC for giving him the opportunity to present his company Premier Events and Leisure (PE) and try to address some of the concerns reported through the PC minutes. With the aid of a laptop presentation and a collection of advertising leaflets DS explained that there are four shareholders in PE; he and one other own 90% of the company. PE is totally independent of De Vere Slaley Hall (SH) although they do have a tenancy agreement to undertake activities on the SH estate. DS who took over PE approximately three and a half years ago lives at Castleside and his other main shareholder at Kiln Pit Hill. Both are committed to the countryside and try to keep the events fields in tune with nature. DS indicated that his company was responsible for arranging for the County Council to skim the U8080 through the events section of the highway. DS feels that PE provides jobs for local people and is a good source of income for local businesses, eg. pies from Slaley Post Office and beer from the local Inns. Seasonal work for part time students is one example of the positive impact on the local community. PE provides employment equated to 30 full time members of staff all trained by DS. PE has a nationwide infrastructure with a sales offices based in Birmingham. At Slaley Hall the company provides individual and corporate activities, ranging from off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, paint-balling etc to Casino nights, pig and ferret racing. PE provide the only extreme sport in the North of England. Activities are available for young people from six years upwards. The terms of operation for all activities are laid down and personally handled by DS. Local groups made up a significant proportion of the 10,000 customers during 2007. PE has provided activity raffle prizes for Whitonstall First School.
The paint-balling activity has been sublet to All Out Paintball, run by two ex-employees of PE with experience in this specialist activity. Although floodlit arenas are advertised for this activity the floodlighting will not happen until an agreement has been reached. DS dictates the terms of operation for the paint-balling and this includes the health and safety aspect. DS indicated that there was floodlighting already installed at the site and therefore was not aware of any contravention of planning conditions. DS reported that he had a weekly liaison meeting with a member of the planning authority.
Conditions in planning permission 20050557 has had an 80% reduction in (clay shooting activity hours?), or (revenue?) which in turn meant the loss of two permanent positions. The ban on shooting during weekends and bank holidays was a drawback for possible clients.
Mr Spenceley then answered questions about:
(i) The impact of PE activities on the private water supply; DS replied that the planning consent of 20050557 indicated PL activities did not affect the private water supply.
(ii) The problem of overshooting on particular dates; DS gave a report of how or why this had happened.
(iii) Noise barriers and silent shotguns; DS offered discussion on these possibilities, but indicated that any financial improvements would need to be matched by increased income which would require more shoot activity hours/days.
(iv) Reports that unlicensed, uninsured activity vehicles were traveling on the U8080 public highway contrary to the planning condition that they should be transported by trailer to activity site; DS said he would look into this.
(v) 4x4 vehicles using routes outside of the SH grounds i.e. Slaley Forest BOATs; DS replied that these were not PE vehicles – their 3 Landrover 1.10 all stayed within the SH grounds.
(vi) Use of steel or lead shot for clay shooting; DS would need to check and report which was used.
(vii) Siting of the PE booking office/ kiosk/ activity bike storage if the Slaley Hall planning permission is approved; DS did not know - the bookings will probably be from within the hotel and PE is presently in conversation with a local landowner to convert a grain store into a storage building for PE vehicles.
(viii) DS said that he was unaware that the U8080 public highway is presently under a Draft Map Modification Order for a 60-foot wide BOAT application (Byway 44). Or that as designated in 1771 it has a dogleg to the south (copy of the map was presented) through the area where PE currently has a 4x4 activity track on the site (aerial photograph was presented). The PC informed him that NCC ‘s legal department have instructed the people affected by the proposal that no further encroachment onto the U8080 must be made until the exact status is determined, probably through the Magistrates Court.
The Chairman thanked Mr Spenceley for his presentation and said the PC would keep him in the loop with any further concerns. DS’s business cards were available for anyone who wanted one.
Main Meeting
1. Apologies. Councillor Mrs A. S. Robson & County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs L. Norris, S. Davison, Ms M Palmer & Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public: Mr & Mrs H Willis, K Bates, M Tully, Mr & Mrs I Clarke, R Ferguson. Slaley Notes & Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick. Hexham Courant Rebecca Dixon. Invited Guests for part of meeting David Spenceley.
2. Declaration of Interests & Hospitality Record.
Cllrs Mrs L Norris for BOATs agenda item 19.
3. Minutes of March Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 393-398 + appendices 1 page 399, 2 page 400, 3 page 401, 4 page 402, 5 page 403, 6 page 404, 7 page 405 & 8 page 406) Proposed by Cllr C.A. Brooks and seconded by Cllr M. Palmer the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) Discussions with Barry Moore reported in Hexham Courant resulted in concerned telephone call from the within the parish “there should be a line drawn under the allocation problems this continued reporting and discussion is not doing anyone any good”. Also a letter from one resident with a copy of her letter to the Hexham Courant regarding the disheartening articles was read to the meeting. The Chairman reported that he agreed that a line should be drawn under the initial allocation process of the affordable houses and unfortunately the meeting with Barry Moore to find out about the two part-ownership properties “had not been a productive meeting”.
b) 9a 10/3/08: Belonging Communities meeting on March 12th attended by Cllr’s L Norris & I C Hancock report: The meeting had split into groups which were asked to suggest possible structures and priorities on which advisors should give guidance in future meetings. Official minutes attached as appendix 1/140408, page 414.
c) 9m 10/3/08 Reply from Post Office network in answer to our request for the consultation period be increased to 12 weeks. Circulated and noted DC Massey reported that TC are watching the Essex trial and may suggest something similar once the May elections are over.
d) 19b 10/3/08 Reply from TC regarding our letter reporting that the elderly and disabled Slaley people travelling by bus into Hexham will be dropped off at a considerable distance from the town unless the proposal is for all coaches from outside the town to make it to a central bus stop and return to the proposed Loosing Hill site. The reply indicates that TC assume that Slaley people arrive via Eastgate and could be dropped off at Priestpopple. Circulated and noted it was felt that none of the concerns from Slaley parishioners had been addressed.
e) 19c 10/3/08 Mobility problems at the west curb outside the vehicle entrance into Slaley First School. E-mail from Richard McKenzie indicates that NCC have an annual ‘dropped kerb’ grant and he hopes that the Slaley work can be carried out very quickly in the 08/09 financial year.
5. Public Participation.
a) The road closure of the C280 was questioned and why traffic lights had not been used. The alternative route B6306 then C279 (old lead road) was very narrow and not at all suitable. Hexhamshire PC had not seen any problems with this closure when they had been informed. Clerk to telephone highways and ask about the traffic lights.
b) The total cost for the repair and maintenance of all the BOATs network in the County of Northumberland for the period April 2007 – March 2008 was requested.
6. Community Trust Report.
Circulated as appendix 2/140408, page 415. Mr Elphick expanded on the cost of the Interpretive Board estimated at a total cost of £2,700 + Vat (£472.50 at 17.5%) = £3172.50 - £900 grant = £2272.50 to be paid by PC. This did not include installation costs, which it was hoped would be met by the PC. The Councillors reaffirmed their request to see and approve the draft before it is approved especially since there will not be an annual amendment and the estimated life span of the information would be 5 years. Mr Elphick also indicated that once in place the Interpretive Board would come under the ownership/insurance of the Parish Council because the CT did not own anything in the parish.
b) Copy of correspondence from CT to Marston Brewery, asking for an update on a tenant for the Rose & Crown Inn. A rumour was reported by the Councillors that Marston Brewery has sold the R&C to Enterprise Inns and it is rumoured that the R&C will reopen this coming weekend.
7. Matters for Discussion with County & District Councillors
8. Correspondence.
a) Letter from Andrew Coney informing the PC of his leaving Slaley Hall for a new opportunity. He and his family intend to stay in Slaley village. Clerk to write and thank AC and express the hope that, like him, his successor sees the importance of a good working relationship with the parish.
b) NCC C275 8/10 week road closure for bridge redecking. Clerk telephoned Richard Ridley of Dipton Foot Farm to alert him of this. Also contacted G Martindale (via Peter Brewis) and gave Dipton Foot farm details to him. Liaison will need to take place between the Ridley family whose farm is split 2/3 north of bridge, 1/3 including farmhouse and building south of bridge.
c) NCC photograph and description of proposed work at 9 South Park funding through CC Purdue’s small schemes grant. This was confirmed after consultation with Cllr Hancock.
d) Minutes of Planning Forum Meeting held 21/2/08 circulated by e-mail 12/3/08. Date of next meeting May 15th 10 a.m.
e) NSP Rural Update. Special Edition: Post Office Network Change Programme e-mailed from David Francis and circulated by e-mail 16/3/08
f) NCC Development of Area Travel Information Co-ordinators – circulated.
g) Great North Air Ambulance Service annual letter for financial aid – circulated (already allocated in precept for 08/09.
h) TC Hanging Baskets 2008 Northumbria in Bloom 2008 circulated.
i) TC Council Election 1st May 2008 Notice of Election & Notice of Poll candidates placed on Notice Board.
j) NSP Partnership Update via David Francis circulated by e-mail 21/3/08 – No Comment.
k) Cllr. L. Norris informed the Easter Tynedale & Western Castle Morpeth Parish Councils Forum that it would not be appropriate for her to attend further meetings because Slaley intends to join the Hexham & Hexhamshire Belonging Community. Circulated by e-mail 25/3/08
l) FOSS minutes circulated by e-mail.
m) TC Easter Play Programme – Poster displayed notice board and leaflets to Slaley Post Office 4/4/08; Community Action Northumberland meeting 6/5/08 LEADER presentation + LEADER 28 page brochure “Celebrating North Northumberland - Working together with the Community”. Glasdon advertising leaflets; Cleveland Land Services advertising leaflet; Milecastle Home truths Spring 2008; Wicksteed advertising brochure; NALC Royal Garden Party 22/7/08 Clark telephoned chairman and asked if he wanted his name put forward – there was no positive reply therefore no action taken.
9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed. None.
b) Interim payments.
No 331 Slaley Commemoration Hall 6 meetings £84.00 Signed by Cllrs Norris & Hancock.
c) £500 cheque received from NCC towards village speed unit. Paid into PC account 28/3/08 and included in 07/08 financial records. Clerk telephoned VMS today and given a date of week commencing April 23rd to install the unit. Apparently a delay with the metal poles prevented the March 17th commencement date.
d) Balance Sheet presented to the meeting and attached as appendix 3/140408, page 416.
10. Current Planning Applications.
20080262 Construction of single storey spa facility including hydrotherapy, treatment rooms, café, shop, changing rooms and associated service facilities, together with new pedestrian walkways and overspill car parking. Slaley Hall. Draft reply agreed.
20080210 Tree Preservation Order – felling of eight Sycamore, one Conifer, two Beech and two Ash at Townhead Farm – Object – Acknowledgment from Planning
20080045 Removal of existing timber structure & construction of new two storey leisure club including swimming pool, gymnasium, studios, relaxation space, bar and associated accommodation together with revised road and car parking layout.
No objections, but PC pointed out incorrect wording on written attachments and no mention of where Premier Leisure building will relocate to on the estate must be questioned.
20080046 Listed Building Consent. Internal refurbishment, conversion of existing pool room / residents lounge into new reception area, conversion of existing meeting room into new whisky bar, conversion of restaurant annex into fine dining area and existing suite upgraded. Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20080174 Conversion of barn to dwelling, construction of garage, farm office and staff facilities. Blackburn Farm. Granted
20080095 Construction of loose box stables comprising two stables and tack room.
North Cottage, Marley Cote Walls. Granted.
11. Parish Grass Cutting (4d 11/2/08) & review of Millennium Feature landscaping (see 5b, page 351, 8/10/07 minutes)
A tender notice was placed on Parish Notice Board – there have been no further inquiries. A copy of the Work Schedule was sent to Hollybush Nursery the reply was circulated.
Two tenders were received. After discussion the Councillors agreed to accept the lowest tender, but wished to see the public liability insurance policy before work commenced. A thank you letter to be sent to Hollybush landscaping.
The Councillors voted on the Millennium Feature landscaping on whether the gravel should be left. It was a unanimous decision to retain the gravel. The Clerk to write a letter to Keith Robson informing him of the decision and thanking him for cutting the grass at Townhead which will now be carried out as part of the overall grass-cutting programme agreed above.
12. Parish Council Insurance Quote (see 6d 11/2/08)
a) Renewal quote from Allianz is £354.55.
b) Write with a copy of this quote to Came and Company requesting a quote for equivalent cover.
13. Annual Highways Report – update.
These reports need to be with SPC Clerk by April 30th for their presentation in book form at the AGM in May. Cllr Palmer changed part of her route with Cllr Brooks.
14. Audit Arrangements.
DBO Stoy Hayward LLp confirmed as Slaley PC auditor.
15. Request Reports for Annual Meetings in May
a) from Chairman of Slaley Parish Council.
b) From Chairman The 4 Parishes BOATs Joint Committee
c) From B Massey District Councillor
d) From Bill Purdue County Councillor
e) From Slaley Youth Club
f) From the Commemoration Hall Representative.
g) From Chairman of Slaley Community Trust.
These reports need to be with SPC Clerk by April 30th for their presentation in book form at the AGM in May.
16. Parish Plan April 2008 Update.
Draft circulated amendments made. Attached as appendix 4/140408, page 417.
17. Parish Plan Litter Pick – date in April.
Unfortunately because of personal commitments the Councillors are unable to carry out a Litter Pick before mid May therefore it was thought that an Autumnal Litter Pick would be a better suggestion. Slaley Notes to carry this information to the public.
18. A.O.B.
a) Jameson’s Well Cllr Hancock and PW met Kevin Allen of NCC Highways and Peter Rogers, NCC listed buildings Manager on Wednesday April 9th at the Well and discussed possible reasons for the excess water. These ranged from planning applications for a soak away from new septic treatment works at High Clear to ground water accumulation since piped water came to Slaley and the Springhouse and Moorgair tanks were closed down. Although there is no damage to the Well it was felt that exploratory work at the site was needed and consultation with Northumbrian Water and the Environmental Agency should be made. It was also wondered if the trees being felled in Slaley Forest could have an impact on the water level at a lower level in the parish.
b) It has been reported that street lighting has been installed at Springhouse Caravan Park. Clerk to write to planning and ask if a retrospective planning application is expected.
19. B0ATs update.
a) Report of transit pick up with unlicensed trail bikes entered Slaley Forest, Sunday April 13th at 9.15 a.m. At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday 13th April a Volkswagen silver/beige car with trailer containing unlicensed trail bikes was recorded exiting Slaley Forest
b) a convoy of 7/8 Landrovers has been regularly spotted using the BOATs network both claimed and approved.
c) Natural England & Defra have abandoned the Discovering Lost Ways Project - individuals will have to fund their own research into Lost Ways.
The meeting closed at 10.05 p.m.
During the March 2008 Parish Council meeting Councillors and members of the public met our Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Ian Robertson, read more at agenda item 2i.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday March 10th 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
The normal monthly meeting was preceded by a special meeting at 7 p.m. with Barry Moore, Regional Housing Manager, of Two Castles RSL who had agreed to speak with Slaley PC and explain why two Affordable Houses are still un-occupied despite local people waiting for a home. Report attached as appendix 1/100308
1. Apologies. Councillors Mrs L. Norris, S. Davison & County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A. S. Robson, Ms M Palmer & Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public: Susan & Rachel Dart, Derek Hull, Raymond Craig & Moyra Riseborough. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick & Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
Invited Guests for part of meeting Barry Moore of Two Castles RSL, Andrew Coney of Slaley Hall De-Vere & PC Iain Robertson, Neighbourhood Beat Manager
2. Declaration of Interests & Hospitality Record.
Clerk through her daughter-in-law’s employment has a personal interest in Planning Application 20080045.
2i) At this point PC Iain Robertson was invited to speak.
PC Robertson is the Neighbourhood Beat Manager, he applied for the position and is based at Corbridge Station. His area covers from the A68 west to Hexham and south to the Durham border. Iain is keen to reestablish the Neighbourhood watch scheme and is responsible for the Farm Watch Scheme. He asked for volunteers for the neighbourhood scheme especially in the village (Slaley Notes to carry something in the Courant). Recent crime was discussed and he advised all farmers/country people to keep their motorcycles and tools in a locked building without ignition keys. PC Robertson is eager to make himself known in the area and be contactable by telephone or text message. Three- page leaflets describing the new policing arrangements for our area were distributed. A talk at Whitley Chapel School is already planned and he indicated that he hoped to do the same at Slaley School. He was asked specifically if he could do Road safety and Cycle Proficiency Training for children during school holidays? Iain said he hoped that his Sergeant would welcome this suggestion. The Parish Councillors are eager to work with PC Robertson on any aspect of child safety and asked to be kept informed. PC Robertson was thanked for his introduction.
2ii) Agenda item 6 was brought forward next
Moyra Riseborough reported that a meeting with Michael Elphick and Peter McKendrick to discuss the PC’s request had resulted in the decision to meet sometime during May or September for a ‘gentle discussion’ to revise the Action Plan template. This was a good time to examine the Action Plan with the Local Government Review taking place. The original Steering Group would be invited although anyone else who was interested could attend. Some of the ‘Actions’ are out of date and a line should be put under the achievements. The many achievements are commendable. Moyra was thanked for her report.
2iii) Andrew Coney, General Manager of Slaley Hall De-Vere was invited to speak next.
The Master Plan for the future development for Slaley Hall Hotel was examined. The new owners of 18 months feel the time is right to upgrade the facilities to 5 star deluxe rating. Of particular interest was the new underground Spa which is proposed by the Japanese garden. Several inconsistencies between the plans and the supporting application documents were mentioned. These will be reported to Tynedale Planning Department in the PC response to planning application 20080045. The loss of the Premier Leisure Booking Office and Information Kiosk was accepted but lack of knowledge of where the replacement building will be situated, especially in light of the DMMO for Byway 44, was unfortunate. Mr Coney was thanked for his time and showing the Master Plan.
3. Minutes of February Parish Council Meeting (pages 385-388 + appendices 1 page 389, 2 page 390, 3 page 391 & 4 page 392)
Proposed by Cllr C.A. Brooks and seconded by Cllr A. Robson the minutes were approved and signed. The January minutes agreed at the February meeting were also signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4c 11/2/08 (appendix 3/110208); 15e 14/1/08 (see question 6 12/11/07 minutes, page 362) Reply received from Chris Brinton to letter for Andrew J Dean “once occupied the tenant is an assured tenant under the 106 agreement”.
b) 6n11/2/08; 11 14/1/08; 13 10/12/07; 3 12/11/07; 13 8/10/07; 14 10/9/07 Post Christmas Meal for elderly parishioners. Andrew Coney of Slaley Hall DeVere confirmed by e-mail that he would be delighted to discuss a repeat event in 2009. This will be placed on the September meeting agenda.
c) Reply from Planning re 9b 11/2/08 queries re floodlit paintball arenas receiving attention.
5. Public Participation.
The public had already spoken during the discussions with Barry Moore, PC Iain Robertson & Andrew Coney.
6. Moyra Riseborough Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Group asked to comment on proposals to update the Action Plan (4b 11/2/08; 14b 14/1/08).
Copy of the 2003 Action Plan sent by e-mail to Councillors on 29/2/08 together with background of history + meeting discussions of 20/2/08. Attached as Appendix 2/100308.
(Item brought forward and reported at 2ii above)
7. Community Trust Report.
Report circulated by e-mail and attached as Appendix 3/100308
8. Matters for Discussion with County & District Councillors
E-mail replies from DC B Massey 12/2/08 regarding Non Allocation of part-buy AH agenda item 4c 8/11/08 & Blackburn planning application agenda item 8 11/2/08.
CC Purdue - Solar Powered Speed Unit correspondence from Reuben Morgan. Telephone call to VMS our speed unit should be with us by Easter.
9. Correspondence.
a) TC Andrew J Dean – Belonging Communities meeting 12/3/08 Cllr Hanock & Norris will attend and Michael Elphick is attending representing The Community Trust.
b) Jill Dixon LGR Programme Director – letter re review (also by e-mail) – Cllr Hancock made a response which was e-mailed to Ms Dixon. E-mail acknowledgement of our comments.
c) Selefest 2008 – It was agreed to give a £50 donation and ask for a list of contributors.
d) E-mail via Slaley web page, from David B Spenceley, one of the owners of Premier Events, in which he claims that PC minutes report that activities of PE have taken place outside of the conditions of planning consent. Request to attend a meeting. We have looked through the Slaley Web site and the only references found are as attached under appendix 4/100308. The Chairman’s suggested reply was agreed at the meeting as was the invitation to attend the April meeting for a 30 minute slot between 7.15 – 7.45 p.m.
e) County Life, page 37, spotted by Cllr. Linda Norris.
f) PB Power Pure Renewable Energy –Proposed Wind Clusters. Noted
g) Hexham Community Partnership Monday 17/3/08 meeting – Future ways of Working. No-one able to attend.
h) Community Action Northumberland News Vol 28 No 1 – Communities & Clusters. Noted.
i) Community Action Northumberland – Calor Village Competition. Noted.
j) Northumberland & Newcastle Society letter, diary, leaflet & booklet. Noted.
k) Northumberland Stragic Partnership meeting 19/2/08 Holiday inn Seaton Burn circulated by e-mail 12/2/08
l) E-mail from Tanya Merridew - Planning Forum 21/2/08 at 10 a.m. circulated by e-mail 12/2/08. No one was able to attend.
m) TC resolution regarding the Post Office network consultation in Tynedale. TC are requesting a letter supporting the extension of the consultation period to 12 weeks It was agreed that the Slaley write in support.
n) TC Posters What can you put in your recycling bin? Poster displayed Parish Board. Information to individual households is still awaited.
o) Northumberland National Park and Countryside JLAF Recruitment Year 6. Cllr Mrs A Robson indicated and interest in joining the JLAF.
p) Northumberland VCS Consortium (Cllr A Robson proposes to attend) – Conference details, Conference booking form, leaflets “What is the Consortium” and “What is the Northumberland Compact”.
q) Refuse Collection Easter Weekend – place on Notice Board. TDC minutes of meetings; NTC Northumberland Touring Theatre Company Grant Aid 08/09; Enjoy England Support St. George’s Day 23/4/08 full colour glossy 24 page publication; Glasdon advertising leaflet for Spring; Clerks & Councils Direct march 2008 Issue 56.
10. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed.
Number 328 DeVere delux Slaley Hall January meal £714.00
Number 329Mrs P. Wilson Final quarter salary £500.00
Number 329 Mrs P Wilson Annual Clerks expenses £270.92
Number 330 Tynedale Council Selefest 2008 £50.00
Proposed by Cllr M Palmer and seconded by Cllr C A Brooks.
b) Interim payments.
No 327 Pipex Hosting for Community Web £100.20.
Signed by Cllrs I.C. Hancock & Mrs L. Norris
11. Current Planning Applications.
Request from Andrew Coney to present the overall master plan of development for Slaley Hall. This includes applications 20080045 / 46 and future applications. (Item brought forward and reported at 2iii above)
20080174 Conversion of barn to dwelling, construction of garage, farm office and staff facilities. Blackburn Farm. Circulating.
20080045 Removal of existing timber structure & construction of new two storey leisure club including swimming pool, gymnasium, studios, relaxation space, bar and associated accommodation together with revised road and car parking layout.
No objections however incorrect wording on written attachments and no mention of where Premier Leisure building will relocate to on the estate must be questioned.
20080095 Construction of loose box stables comprising two stables and tack room.
North Cottage, Marley Cote Walls. No objections.
20080046 Listed Building Consent. Internal refurbishment, conversion of existing pool room / residents lounge into new reception area, conversion of existing meeting room into new whisky bar, conversion of restaurant annex into fine dining area and existing suite upgraded. Slaley Hall no objections to the plans submitted.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20071190 Conversion to form accommodation **Blackburn Farm withdrawn
20071381 Amendments to door & window to rear and construction of detached garage The Haining granted.
20071342 Detached granny annex at Pinetops * granted
*Letter dated 12/2/08 from Planning Department invited Cllrs to DCC held at 6 p.m. on 20/2/08 circulated by e-mail. No one able to attend.
12. Parish Grass Cutting (4d 11/2/08) & re-look at Millennium Feature landscaping (see 5b, page 351, 8/10/07 minutes)
Amended copy agreed and attached as appendix 5/100308.
A tender notice to be placed on Parish Notice Board and a copy of the Work Schedule to be sent to Hollybush Nursery. Note the Councillors omitted to re-look at Millennium Feature landscaping therefore to be deferred onto April agenda.
13. Commemoration Hall Management Meeting 28/2/08 report by Cllr A S Robson.
Much of the meeting was discussing the kitchen refurbishment which is expected to cost in the region of £13,000. Recent fund raising of the Murder Mystery evening raised £900. There is a Hog Roast event planned for later in the year and Sponsor a Screw @ £1 each has been launched.
14. Parish Council Insurance Quote (see 6d 11/2/08)
a) 6b 11/2/08 Comparison of present Insurance Policy v Game & Company circulating not brought to meeting.
15. Government Office for the North East – North East Regional Spatial Strategy Further Proposed Changes - Councillor CA Brooks to report (6c 11/2/08)
(See minutes 11/6/07 6d, page 322 Councillor Brooks to read and report. Minutes 9/7/07 agenda item 13, page 332, Councillor Brooks reported 111 changes. It was felt no action need to be taken)
Second consultation deadline is 5 p.m. on 2nd April 2008. Report attached as appendix 6/100308.
16. Annual Highways Report – agree areas.
Cllr M Palmer agreed to take over JK Robson’s area. Cllr Hancock and Pat are happy to change should Cllr S. Davison prefer to cover one of these areas to the area last covered by T Henderson. Clerk to e-mail Cllr Davison and ask which he prefers. It was agreed that highways be asked to report back on the 2008 document indicated what action they intended to take.
17. Annual Risk Assessment
Slight amendments were made to the draft. Freedom of Information Act was questioned the Councilors asked when public access to filed records had last been requested. Clerk replied that Slaley School Secretary had contacted her last week (Thursday March 6th) asking for copies of minutes relating to a Travel Plan. Through the existence of a copy PC letter to NCC dated October 2006 a paper audit trail was established through letters, Action Plan update of January 2007 and several months of Parish Council minutes. Appendix 2/120207 finally recorded a meeting to discuss speeding problems with Alan Bawn Team Manager, NCC Traffic Safety. The Chair of Governors was at the meeting and she spoke about the School Travel Plan. The appendix was copied and delivered to the school FOC. This was done during the afternoon sleep of a grandchild. Had the records been stored other than at the Clerk’s home then an evening visit to the documents would have been required. From memory the last time the Clerk’s home was used by a member of the public checking information in the minutes was pre Slaley Web Site in 2004. Amended ARA attached as appendix 7/100308
18. Annual Asset & Investment Register
Agreed a 5% increase. Attached as appendix 8/100308.
19. A.O.B.
a) PC Iain Robertson, contacted the Clerk and asked if he could attend the March PC meeting and introduce himself. ((Item brought forward and reported at 2i above).
b) Courant report that Hexham bus station will be moved to Loosing Hill car park with the loss of 75 of the existing 125 parking bays. Wentworth has already lost 126 bays to the new Swimming Pool and plans to pedestrianised the Market Place will loose another 15 bays. Another factor is the major roads to cross: main north south from mart/ railway station/ Tesco/ Waitrose. Also the main road into town from the east is to cross or from the soon to be opened Marks and Spencer. Elderly and Disabled Slaley people travelling by bus into Hexham will be dropped off at a considerable distance from the town. One of the Slaley Parish Councillors is registered disabled and she regularly uses the bus, arriving at the present bus station she is able to cross into Robbs at the traffic lights where there are seats should she need them. Seats are available on Fore Street and the Market Place allowing her to enjoy Hexham with plenty of places to rest before the return journey. A Loosing Hill bus station will be impossible for our Parish Councillor unless the proposal is for all coaches from outside the town to make it to a central bus stop and return to the proposed Loosing Hill site. Obviously busses leaving the town would also need to return to this central bus stop to collect their elderly or disabled passengers. The Councillors wished to report their several concerns on the proposal.
c) Jim Galley of Meadowcroft, Slaley Village has mobility problems and uses an electric wheelchair or a mobility buggy neither of which can climb the west curb outside the vehicle entrance into Slaley First School. We have been told that he has reported this to NCC but no action has been taken. Clerk to write to NCC.
d) A concerned resident at Springhouse has provided the Council with copies of proposed illuminated signs for Springhouse Country Park, Luxury Lodge & Caravan Holiday Homes for Sale. It was felt that this was probably a goodwill gesture to local residents before an official planning application was lodged. A document indicating that screening the site from a 1992 planning application did not take place was also presented. The Councillors agreed that no action was needed until a formal planning application is received.
20. BOATs update.
a) Byway 44 Update – PC still waiting for two replies confirming that they wished NCC to try for extinguishment through the Magistrates Court.
The meeting closed at 10.40 p.m.