Monthly Meeting (Jan 2016)

1. To receive apologies for absence

2. To receive any declarations of interest under the Parish Council's Code of Conduct

3. To confirm the minutes of the November monthly Parish Council meeting held on 25th November 2015, the Budget meeting held on 16th December 2015 and the extra ordinary planning meeting held on 5th January 2016 as a true and correct record

4. Public Time. Members of the public must register to speak at meetings prior to the meeting and will be limited to 3 minutes each

5. Consider / review the following Planning Applications:

5.1 Land at Grid Reference 469030 444830 Church Lane, Wheldrake (15/02885/FUL)

• Erection of four seasonal tents utilising existing access, the creation and maintaining of a  footpath link, and the incorporation of a habitat enhancement plan
• Dated by CYC 6 January 2016
• Comments by 27 January 2016

6. Review the following planning decisions:

6.1 12 Innisfree Glade, Church Lane, Wheldrake (15/02253/FUL)

• Conservatory to rear
• Dated by CYC 2 October 2015
• Approved by CYC 27 November 2015

6.2 The Pars, North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02704/TCA)

• Notification to crown lift and reduce 1no. Cherry in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015

6.3 The Orchard, North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02705/TCA)

• Notification to reduce 1no. Birch in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015

6.4 Village Hall, Broad Highway, Wheldrake (15/02812/FUL)

• Single storey extensions to front and side and replacement roof to existing building
• Dated by CYC 22 December 2015
• Plans approved by WPC at Budget meeting held on 14 December 2015.

6.5 8 North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02680/TCA)

• Notification to remove 1no. Birch in a Conservation area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015

6.6 Felsted 34 Main Street, Wheldrake (15/02445/FUL)

• Single storey rear extension and dormer windows to rear
• Dated by CYC 6 November 2015
• Approved 31 December 2015

6.7 Thorne Engineers Ltd, Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake (15/02093/FUL)

• Erection of a single storey building to be used for storage
• Dated by CYC 6 November 2015
• Approved 31 December 2015

6.8 Willow Cottage, 9B Main Street, Wheldrake (15/02681/TCA)

• Notification to remove 1no.Willow in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Refused 5 January 2016

6.9 42 Courtneys, Wheldrake (15/02502/FUL)

• Single side extension
• Dated by CYC 16 November 2015
• Approved 11 January 2016

7. Consider and review any Planning Enforcement Issues

7.1 Buffer store outside storage Ref:15/00093/UNTIDY and Ref: 15/00404/UNTIDY

8. Consider National or Local Planning Policy

8.1 York Local Plan

8.2 Application: Designation of a Neighbourhood Plan Area, Heslington

9. Consider and Review Village and Parish Projects:

9.1 Friends of Wheldrake Park Project

9.2 Parish Council website update

9.3 Community Emergency Plan

9.4 Wheldrake Village Hall

9.5 Tree planting                                               

10. Consider and Review reports and general matters:

10.1 Police Report

10.2 Play Area; Inspection and repairs

10.3 Sandholes Wood update

10.4 Repairs and Maintenance;

10.4.1 Ponding of water at Greengales Court. Reported to Cllr Barton 10.02.14

10.4.2 Ditch clearance on Back Lane South

10.4.3 Tree work on green area outside 8 Broad Highway

10.5 Dog fouling / bin relocation on Back Lane South

10.6 Grass verge damage

11. Village Maintenance Contract tender     

12. Financial Matters:

12.1 To approve the following accounts for payment;

Remittance advice received for the ward grant for the Christmas Tree and lights of £562 

13. Correspondence

13.1 New Onshore Oil and Gas exploration license. Letter from Cuadrilla Resources

13.2 Speed Management Programme

13.3 Queens 90th birthday beacons / celebrations

13.4 YLCA subscription update

14. Items for inclusion in the next monthly meeting

15. To confirm that the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council is to be held on Wednesday 24th February 2015 at 7pm in Church Cottage

In attendance:

Cllrs: D. Randon (Chair), R. Jordan, R. Arnold, J. Tetzner, A. Harker, P. Hodgson, N. Cox and C. Barber

S. Look (Clerk)

Ward Cllr S. Mercer

Member of the public with an interest in item 5.1 on the agenda

1. Apologies

No apologies received this month.

2. Declarations

Declarations of interest under the Parish Council's Code of Conduct:

• Cllrs Randon, Harker, Arnold and Jordan declared an interest in the WRA
• Cllrs Harker, Tetzner and Arnold declared an interest in Friends of Wheldrake Park
• Cllr Hodgson declared an interest in the Local Plan.

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the November monthly Parish Council held on 25 November 2015 were read, proposed and seconded as a true and correct record.

The minutes of the 2016/17 Budget meeting held on 14 December 2015 were read, proposed and seconded as a true and correct record with one abstention.

The minutes of the extra ordinary planning meeting held on 5 January 2016 were read, proposed, seconded and accepted by the planning committee as a true record.

4. Public Time

Nobody has registered to speak this month.

5. Planning Applications

5.1 Land at Grid reference 469030 444830 Church lane, Wheldrake (15/02885/FUL)

• Erection of four seasonal tents utilising existing access, the creation and maintaining of a footpath link, and the incorporation of a habitat enhancement plan
• Dated by CYC 6 January 2016
• Comments by 27 January 2016
• It was proposed, seconded and agreed that Councillors 'D' object to the application on planning grounds
• Councillors raised concerns about the lack of information on the application about drainage and uncertainty if the tents would be left up all year round. The site is within the greenbelt and Councillors would like clarification from CYC on the impact this may have.

6. Planning Decisions

6.1 12 Innisfree Glade, Church Lane, Wheldrake (15/02253/FUL)

• Conservatory to rear
• Dated by CYC 2 October 2015
• Approved by CYC 27 November 2015
• Noted

6.2 The Pars, North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02704/TCA)

• Notification to crown lift and reduce 1no. Cherry in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015
• Noted

6.3 The Orchard, North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02705/TCA)

• Notification to reduce 1no. Birch in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015
• Noted

6.4 Village Hall, Broad Highway, Wheldrake (15/02812/FUL)

• Single storey extensions to front and side and replacement roof to existing building
• Dated by CYC 22 December 2015
• Plans approved by WPC at Budget meeting held on 14 December 2015
• Noted

6.5 8 North Lane, Wheldrake (15/02680/TCA)

• Notification to remove 1no. Birch in a Conservation area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Approved by CYC 22 December 2015
• Noted

6.6 Felsted 34 Main Street, Wheldrake (15/02445/FUL)

• Single storey rear extension and dormer windows to rear
• Dated by CYC 6 November 2016
• Approved 31 December 2015
• Noted

6.7 Thorne Engineers Ltd, Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake (15/02093/FUL)

• Erection of a single storey building to be used for storage
• Dated by CYC 6 November 2015
• Approved 31 December 2016
• Noted

6.8 Willow Cottage, 9B Main Street, Wheldrake (15/02681/TCA)

• Notification to remove 1no.Willow in a Conservation Area
• Dated by CYC 13 November 2015
• Refused 5 January 2016
• Noted

6.9 42 Courtneys, Wheldrake (15/02502/FUL)

• Single side extension
• Dated by CYC 16 November 2015
• Approved 11 January 2016
• Noted

7. Consider and review any Planning Enforcement Issues

7.1 Buffer Store Outside Storage (15/00093/UNTIDY) and (15/00404/UNTIDY)

The Parish Council has previously raised concerns with the CYC planning enforcement team regarding the shipping containers and pallets being stored at the buffer store depot. The depot has now been tided up but the pallets remain. 

8. National and Local Planning Policy

8.1. York Local Plan

Cllr Mercer reported that there has not been any progress to report.

8.2 Application: Designation of a Neighbourhood Plan Area, Heslington

As a neighbouring parish to the proposed boundary, Wheldrake have been contacted with this notification. No objections or comments to be submitted.

9. Village and Parish Projects

9.1 Friends of Wheldrake Park Project

A final plan from Playscheme for phase two was presented to the Councillors. This will include expansion and development of the toddler area and two new pieces of equipment in the junior area. It was agreed that a pathway from the entrance would be a good idea and Clerk is obtaining further quotes for this. There will be a 6-8 week lead time from receipt of the agreement. Clerk to process.  It was reported that Friends of Wheldrake Park as a committee will close upon completion of phase two. Councillors thanked FOWP for their contribution and hard work. 

9.2 Parish Council Website Update

Clerk and Cllr Barber have been investigating updating the website to comply with the transparency code. Resolved to update Councillors with quotes and proposals at the next meeting.   

9.3 Community Emergency Plan

Cllr Mercer has forwarded a copy of the Elvington Community Emergency Plan to Cllr Tetzner as an example. Will approach residents to request volunteers soon. Ongoing.

9.4 Wheldrake Village Hall

Work has now started on the new roof of the village hall. The basic structure is now on. £65,000 raised to date. £28,000 spent to date. Applied for a Yorventure grant of £50,000 for phase two.  Awaiting response to see if successful. The Parish Council have notified CYC of a substantial increase in the precept for Wheldrake in order to assist in the rebuilding and upgrading of the village hall. Wheldrake Junior Football Club has requested financial assistance to cover half of the costs of hiring a portable toilet for the playing field for use during the rest of the season.  It would be £24 per week with £25 delivery. Unfortunately as the money was not budgeted for the Parish Council cannot not help financially. It was also thought that other clubs and organisations effected by the hall closure have not been given financial assistance so it would be unfair.

10. Reports and General Matters

10.1 Police Report

Civil Dispute

Twice during period police have been called to different addresses in relation to civil disputes, no action required.

Suspicious Circumstances

4 reports during the period, nothing of note has come to police attention

Roads

2 reports involving 'damage only' traffic incidents

10.2 Play Area

Inspection and repairs. Muddy conditions but no damage reported 

10.3 Sandholes Wood Update

Cllr Hodgson will continue to manage the woods this month

10.4 Repairs and Maintenance

10.4.1 Ponding of Water at Greengales Court

Cllr Mercer reported no immediate progress expected

10.4.2 Pothole on Footpath from Main Street to St Helens Rise

Ref:102962461. Complete

10.4.3 Ditch clearance on Back Lane South

CYC have agreed to clear the Brambles but they are not responsible for the ditch. Parish Council to inspect condition of the ditch when the brambles have been cut back. The hedge near the bench has now been reduced by the farmer.

10.4.4 Tree Work on Green Area Outside 8 Broad Highway

Councillors agreed that the Village Maintenance Contractor can do this outside his normal contract at a cost of £50.

10.5 Dog Fouling / Bin Relocation on Back Lane South

Complaints have been received from residents regarding the increasing amount of dog mess on the village pavements. It was resolved that action needs to be taken. Clerk to contact CYC to arrange for surveillance and put a note in the Parish News.

Cllr Mercer has made arrangements to get the spare bin on Back Lane South relocated to the entrance of the Thorganby footpath where there used to be a dog bin.

10.6 Grass Verge Damage

Damage to the verge on Church Lane opposite the entrance of Mount Pleasant Farm. The land owner has been contacted as it is believed to have been caused by tractors with trailers turning out of the farm track. The land owner has agreed to carry out remedial works when to conditions improve.  Resolved to ask CYC for guidelines on verge damage. The problem is also increasing on Broad Highway.

11. Village Maintenance Contract

The current maintenance contract expires end of March 2017. Resolved to advertise the tender in August 2016. Contract to be renewed to include gritting and cap hours in summer /autumn season. Resolved to investigate planting a Christmas tree on land near the school.

12. Financial Matters

12.1 To approve the following accounts for payment:

RESOLVED that the listed expenditure was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed. 

12.2 Remittance

Remittance advice received for the ward grant for the Christmas tree and lights of £562.

13. Correspondence

13.1 New Onshore Oil and Gas Exploration License

Letter from Cuadrilla Resources. A representative from Cuadrilla would like to attend a PC meeting to present to Councillors. Resolved to hold a joint meeting with the CPRE and Parish Councillors that is not part of the monthly meeting. Councillor Randon to set a date.

13.2 Speed Management Programme

CYC have consulted the Parish Council and residents from neighbouring properties on the following proposals.

Church Lane, Wheldrake - Gateway Signing Improvements

This section of the route through the village is straight and when no parked cars are present to act as informal traffic calming, some drivers may exceed the 30mph speed limit. To attempt to address this it is proposed to extend the edge of carriageway markings into the village as far as Hall Close, this will visually narrow the carriageway encouraging lower speeds. The tired looking village entry gateway signs will also be replaced and will include the village name and a road safety message.

Main Street - Road Narrowing and gateway signing improvements

CYC are proposing building out the southern verge to narrow the approach into the village. Relocation of the gateway feature to bring it in line with the existing brick built planter.

Replacement speed limit signing including the village name and road safety message.

Lining in the area will also be refreshed, but the centre line from the gateway into the village will be left to wear off.

Cllr Randon responded to the consultation with comments regarding problems with drainage on the Main Street entrance which needs to be addressed when resurfacing takes place. Concerns were also raised regarding extending the side lines because it may result in an increase in vehicles being parked partially on the grass verges/paths – a practice which the Parish Council is keen to discourage to prevent verge damage. In addition there has been an increasing problem of large vehicles, especially wide wheel base tractors eroding the edges of the verge or running along the kerb tops when passing other large vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. It is likely that the proposed driver perceived narrowing would also increase this problem. At the time of the last major resurfacing Cllr Randon suggested consideration of a south side build out opposite to the junction of Derwent Park with a corresponding modification to the road markings and signage at the junction to maintain the carriageway width. This would require more work and cost than paint but may give a better overall outcome than what is presently proposed.

13.3 Queens 90th Birthday Beacons / Celebrations

Beacons will be lit in Parishes throughout the country on 21st April 2016. National commemorations will centre around her official birthday in June. The Parish Council will not be organising any local celebrations / commemorations but other groups in the village may do.  

13.4 YLCA Subscription Update

Wheldrake Parish Council currently pays an annual fee of £502. The 4.9% increase will result in a fee of £526 for year 2016/2017 which is an increase of £24 for the year. 

14. Next Meeting and AOB

• Review village maintenance contract
• To confirm that the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council is to be held on Wednesday 24th February 2016 at 7pm