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Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on

Monday 28 June 2010 from 7.30p.m. in Darley Memorial Hall

1006/1       Present:  Cllrs J Austin (Chairman), J Anderson, D Dickinson,  P Flynn,  D Hullah,   K Hardcastle,             G Middleton, Borough Cllr L Ellington, County Cllr J Fort (later)
Mrs S Welch (Clerk)

1006/2       Apologies: None

1006/3       Declarations of Interest:  None

1006/4       Public Statements      None    

1006/5       Minutes of Meeting held on 24 May 2010  were approved

It was reported that Cllr D Dickinson had accepted his nomination as Vice Chairman and therefore this position was confirmed.

1006/6       Clerk’s Report :  Updates on on-going matters had been circulated

1006/7       Highways

a.       Parking on Main Street around Nidd Lane and Stumps Lane

Report from Sgt Turner expected within 2 weeks. Council would then discuss whether to pursue any actions (including mini-roundabout)

b.       Other highway matters
It was reported that trees were overhanging the road at the bottom of Stumps Lane.

Clerk to write to resident requesting that trees be cut back

Road repair needed on Dairy Lane, near old dairy. Area covers complete width of road so cannot be avoided.                                                             Clerk to report to NYCC Highways

Cllr Fort reported that he was hoping to ensure that funding promised for the Menwith Hill Rd/ Stumps Lane crossroads was secure, but there were difficult decisions to be made at NYCC

1006/8       Footpaths    

a.       Footpath issues
The Clerk had met with the NYCC Ranger on site and reported as follows:

                                                   i.      Footpath around Silverdale Farm and Meadowbank Farm is passable. Ranger suggested that they would not object to a diversion if one was requested by the landowners.

                                                 ii.      Meeting with landowners of stile at bottom of Station Road resulted in a suggestion that the vertical paving slab be removed and a lamb gate be installed on the field side of the stile. This would protect stock whilst still retaining the dry stone wall and stile in keeping with the area.

Clerk to contact owner of field and report back to Ranger

                                                iii.       Nidd Lane bridleway access.

Clerk to discuss preferred option with landowner

1006/9       Village Maintenance

a.       General maintenance by the Parish Caretakers was continuing, and Heck Ghyll bridleway had been cleared of nettles.  Further work would be undertaken on footpaths, the verge up from the Wellington Inn and the garden by the playing fields pavilion.  They will also install the new seat once it has been delivered.

b.       Village verge cut had been ordered. It was agreed that Station Rd verges be added to the route.

Clerk to contact Hesselden’s to confirm

c.       It was reported that a stile or gate into the lower end of the children’s play area had been suggested by residents. Cllr Flynn agreed to raise this matter with the Playing Fields Association and report back to the Council if assistance was needed.

1006/10    Reports

a.       NYCC Harrogate Area Meeting 27 May  (P Flynn)

Cllr Flynn had been unable to attend

b.       Safer Neighbourhoods Group 3 June  (P Flynn)

Minutes had been circulated. Cllr Flynn commented on a good presentation from a local Trading Standards Officer and suggested this information be publicised. He also requested that parishioners be reminded that they are welcome to attend meetings of the group.

Cllr Flynn to send presentation to Clerk who will publicise aspects appropriately

c.       YLCA Branch Meeting  21 June  (J Anderson, D Hullah)

Cllr Anderson provided a written report. He reported that the Head Planning Officer of Harrogate Borough Council had attended, speaking about retrospective and amended planning permission. (Information into circulation papers). The YLCA branch has 500 members, representing 76% of all councils. Councillors are able to access the YLCA website (Clerk can provide ID and Password)

d.       Focus on Darley 3 June  ( G Middleton)

The meeting had largely been to arrange the Midsummer Magic event which was held on 19 June and was very successful.

e.       Darley Playing Fields Association AGM 14 June (P Flynn)

The Board of Trustees had now changed, following resignations of many people who had been involved for many years. Thanks were expressed to those people, and to the people who had now come forward to take on the responsibility. Only one trustee place remains to be filled.

Works are now being undertaken in various phases, using finance from commuted sums, own finance, insurance payout and grants.  The work already scheduled included installation of a new ceiling; refurbishments/improvements to the toilets and showers (with thanks to Cllr Fort for NYCC Area Grant funding) and purchase of new equipment for the children’s play area.  If funding can be obtained, it is also hoped that the pavilion can be made DDA compliant (Disability and Discrimination Act) and further equipment may be installed for adult fitness.

f.         Darley in Bloom  (S Welch)

Darley Open Gardens and Art Sale will take place on 11 July. It is hoped that all villagers will join in making Darley look good for the expected visitors.

g.       Funding Course re Parish Caretakers LEADER Scheme (S Welch)

The course had reinforced ideas regarding funding and furnished the Clerk with some suggestions which would be passed on to local groups.

h.       United Charities

Actions being taken to let the Thornthwaite land on a 2 year lease. AGM will be on 14/09/10

i.         NYCC Waste Policy meeting (Marston cum Grafton 26 June)

Clerk agreed to obtain information and circulate

1006/11    Finance

Annual Return 2009/10

a.       The report of the Internal Auditor was received. There were no matters highlighted for discussion/improvement and the Auditor complimented the Clerk on the clarity of the accounts.

b.       The statements of account and the Annual Return for 2009/10 were approved and the Council  agreed the responses to the statement of governance. The document was signed by the Chairman.

Clerk to forward completed Annual Return to external auditor by 30 June

Other Finance

c.       The monthly budget for May 2010 had been circulated. The Clerk was congratulated on the clarity of the document.                 

d.       Receipts and Payments were approved as follows:

Income                    £1500.00           Darley in Bloom  (part of contribution to kerbing work)

Expenditure             £    21.57          Todds   (Maintenance Materials)

                              £    16.00          NiddPrint  (Useful phone numbers sheet)

                              £    13.98          S Welch  (large boxes for disaster equipment)

                              £   423.00          Walled Garden Scheme (3 days in May)

                              £    62.60          Staples (Consumables re internal audit)

                              £   575.40          Weltech Solutions (Clerk Salary)

                              £   106.20          S Welch (Admin expenses and travel)

                              £     35.00         Information Commissioner (Data Prot Act Reg)

e.       Commuted Sums Update.  Playing Fields Association using money for pavilion work and new equipment.  Verges money that is time limited to be spent against seating. (Clerk has advised Harrogate Borough Council Officer re order)

f.         There were no other urgent financial matters

Statutory Matters

g.       Risk Assessment Strategy regarding website was reviewed, and the Council resolved as follows:

Council will purchase the domain name darleyparishcouncil.org (or similar). This will now point to the Darley Village website, but could be used to move the parish council site to another host if required in the future.  Parish Council information will be downloaded to the Clerk every 3 months so that information is secure.                       Clerk to expedite this with Cllr Middleton

The Council thanked Cllr Middleton for his continuing work with the village site and for his donation in paying the hosting charges. It was noted that if the situation changed, a sum for hosting the site would need to be included within the budget.

It was agreed that no changes should be made to the remainder of the Risk Assessment Strategy.

h.       Standing Orders and Financial Regulations were reviewed. It was agreed that no changes be made.

1006/12    Planning

a.      Planning Decisions           

10/01630/FUL  Erection of single storey rear extension and replacement detached garage.

                                    Skaifes Orchard                                                                         GRANTED

10/01585/FUL    Erection of extensions and alterations to roof    Wayside Cottage               GRANTED

b.      Planning Applications

10/02312/FUL    Erection of two storey and single storey extensions and conversion of garage to form additional living accommodation                                     Heck Ghyll Farm

                         The Council objected on the grounds of overdevelopment of the site.

                         There was confusion over whether the site now had 1 or 2 dwellings.

10/02031/FUL    Erection of balconies, installation of roof light, formation of hardstanding, access ramp, widening of vehicular entrance with gates                  Barnbeth, Hookstone Garth

                         The Council supported this application

10/02550/REP    Erection of garden room and single storey extension

                         Replacement for expired permission (4/07/2005)                           Low Lane Farm

                         The Council supported this application as it had previously been permitted.

1006/13    Correspondence received by the Clerk

a.      Harrogate Borough Council

Consultations on Licensing Policy, Street Markets and Licensing of Sexual Entertainment Venues were noted.  Responses due by 30 September 2010

b.      Leeds City Region

Update Paper. This was placed in the circulation papers

c.       Walled Garden Scheme

An invitation had been received to an Open Day on 16 July 2010. It was agreed that the Clerk, Mrs Barker and Cllr Austin would attend.                                                 Clerk to respond

d.      Nidderdale Strategic Partnership

The above organisation wished to increase representation on Executive Committee to cover other Parish Councils, and nominations were invited. As Menwith with Darley is the largest parish council outside Pateley Bridge, it was agreed that a nomination should be put forward. Cllr Jo Austin was nominated.                                            Clerk to submit nomination

e.      Nidderdale Parish Clerks

The Clerk reported that it had been suggested that the parish Clerks in the area should meet to discuss local issues and pool ideas.  Funding may be available. It was agreed this was a good idea, and may be able to be facilitated by the Nidderdale Strategic Partnership.

Clerk to pursue

Other correspondence put into Circulation Papers

1006/14    Community Resilience Scheme

Cllr Anderson confirmed that work was on-going.  Mr W Houseman had offered support and use of appropriate equipment. Cllr Hardcastle had agreed that Darley Memorial Hall could be used as the main Assessment Centre. Other local people with equipment/facilities will be contacted.

Clerk and Cllr Anderson to keep the Council updated as the Scheme progresses

1006/15    Youth Provision in Darley

Cllr Flynn reported on a meeting with interested parties. A report had been circulated and posted on the web-site. He will make efforts to secure the services of the Battle Bus in the village for a 6 week slot. This may engender interest in something more permanent, though it is unlikely that a regular weekly youth club can be provided, without the help of local volunteers.

It was suggested that secure cycle storage racks may be available from Harrogate Borough Council at no cost.                                                                                            Clerk to investigate

1006/16    Minor Matters & Items for the Next Agenda     None

1006/17    Circulation Papers
were passed to Cllr Austin for circulation.  To be returned to Clerk by 18 July

1006/18    Date of Next Meeting

Date of next meeting 26 July in Darley Memorial Hall from 7.30p.m.

Then meetings on 27 September, 25 October

These Minutes are published subject to their approval by the next meeting of the Council.