Whorlton PC Minutes

Minutes of a Meeting of WhorltonParish Council held on Tuesday 11 th January 2011 at 7.30 p.m. in Swain by Village Hall.
Members present:
J.Cole (Chairman)
S.Dawson (Vice Chairman)
C.Johnson
G.Swainson
P. Wilson
C.B.Cook (Clerk)
District Cllr D. Hugill. I resident (Darren Goldburn of Black Horse)
W. Graham (Treasurer) was present from 9.15 pm.

Minutes of the December meeting
These had been circulated, agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising from the Minutes
Swainby Public Toilets
The meeting was suspended from 7.35 to 7.50 pm for free discussion.
Written confirmation had been received concerning the financial assistance offered should the Parish Council decide to take on the responsibility of owning and managing the public toilets.
HDC would make a one off down payment of 1.5 of the 20 I 0-11 running costs. This had been calculated as £9, 640 which would result in a payment of£14,460.
NYMNP would provide an annual contribution of half the annual total running costs up to a maximum of £2,500.
With a named unpaid volunteer, costs were estimated to be a maximum of £4,000 per year at present rates.
There could be some delay in HDC's decision on a closing date making a possible handover date nearer to October 201], which would reduce the cost to Swainby for the first year of responsibility.
Following the receipt of the more positive, updated financial assistance, counciUors would re-open the debate at the next meeting with greater confidence that the facility, which they would like to retain, could be kept open without having to raise the precept.
An offer of the use of toilets at The Black Horse was made as a fall back.
Playing Field update: Cllr Wilson reported on considerable progress with an increased enthusiasm amongst residents to become involved. A new maintenance committee was being formed and a questionnaire would be circulated to all houses to invite suggestions for new equipment and layout. The school had become involved to further promote interest in the project.
There was to be a Coffee Morning in the Village Hall on Saturday 5th February towards funding equipment.

Post Office opening times
Formal notification had been received that the Swainby Post Office would open on Thursdays at 1.15 pm and close at 4.15 pm. Tuesdays to stay with present timings.
A written complaint had been received from a resident that there had been a failure in the computer connection on Thursday 30th December and also a shortage of Christmas stamps before the holiday.
Cllr Johnson, who had previously run the full time Post Office from the Village Shop, replied that, in his experience, there had always been a problem on the first opening of the system following a holiday. He further suggested that the new Postmaster may have underestimated the number of Christmas stamps required and ordered by her, as 28,000 were sold in the Shop in 2007.

Date for Annual Parish Assembly
The 12th April was identified and agreed as a suitable date.
Councillors were asked to bring suggestions for speakers to the February meeting. Ideas put forward for consideration included work of volunteers in the NYMNP, Sustainability, and Bio-fuel.

Planning matters:
Enforcement: Unauthorised development at Lockerice Hole, Back Lane.
There had been no further information regarding this unauthorised dwelling. An additional small wooden hut had been set up beside the new access road.
Decision Notices: The removal of earth bank, installation of boundary fencing along access road and associated landscaping (part retrospective) at Cross Bank Riding Stables had been approved "In order that the injury to amenity of nearby residents is resolved in an acceptable time frame".
New applications: In principle there were no objections to the proposed formation of vehicular access and parking area together with creation of raised front boundary wan and installation of gates at Brook House, High Street. Provided this parking area was regularly used by the residents of Brook House, the proposal may help to alleviate the present parking problems on this very narrow part of the High Street. However, as no detailed plans had been enclosed showing the position of the access gate, further information was required.

Application for change of use of petrol filling station site to form 6 affordable houses together with alterations to existing garage workshop at Black Horse Lane.
There was an overall feeling of disappointment when plans were displayed in that the visual appeal of the proposed dwellings showed so little character and variance in style at this very prominent entry to the village and National Park.
From the comments made during the exhibition organised by the Enabler, and as included in the accompanying paperwork, councillors observed 'No red council bricks'. The brickwork, as depicted on the plans, showed just such a type. The Parish Council would request an opportunity of viewing samples of the proposed bricks before building work commenced.
Councillors were surprised to see that there was no accompanying Flood Risk Assessment considering that this is a confirmed area of risk, being the lowest point of the village. Similarly, no Contamination Assessment had been included, although contamination had previously been identified.
The proposed metal fencing on the front of the properties was considered by the Parish Council as quite unsuitable for the location and it was suggested that 'Birds Mouth' wooden fencing would be more in keeping and reflect the traditional appearance of other fencing in the village.
Councillors were pleased to note the increase in off road parking as Black Horse Lane carried much traffic including buses, agricultural machinery, horse boxes and large delivery vans. The inclusion of a pavement into the village was also welcomed.
There were no objections to the improvements proposed to the existing garage workshop building which was continue in its present activity.

Planning Training Event: Cllr Cole and Mrs Cook would attend at the Old Vicarage on 27th January at 6.00 for 6.30pm.

Financial Matters
Current a/c £3,998.86p Reserve a/c £11.69p Total: £4,010.55p

Dates of next two meetings
TUESDA Y 8th February at 7.30 pm in Swainby Village Hall. Apologies Cllrs Wilson and Swainson)
Tuesday 8th March.
Annual Parish Assembly Tuesday I i h April (provisional)

Any other business
Western Area Parish Forum: The Chainnan, Cllr Johnson and Mrs Cook would attend the meeting in Helmsley on Wednesday 16th February at 7.00pm.

The meeting closed at 9.25 pm.

C.B.Cook, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Minutes of a Meeting of Whorlton Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th February 2011 at 7.30 p.m. in Swainby Village Hall.
Members present:
J.Cole (Chairman)
S.Dawson (Vice Chairman)
C.Johnson
P. Wilson
C.B.Cook (Clerk)
District CUr D. Hugill. 1 resident (Terry Andrews)
W. Graham (Treasurer) was present from 9.00 pm.
Apologies had been received from ClIr Swainson who was away on holiday and CCllr C.Seymour. The new meeting date had coincided with that of Stokesley Parish Council for which she was a representative. It was therefore decided that Whorlton PC would meet on the 3rd Tuesday in the month in future.

Minutes of the January meeting
These had been circulated, agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising from the Minutes
Swainby Public Toilets
The meeting was suspended from 7.40 to 8.00 pm to allow for free discussion.
Following the receipt of a quotation for insurance on £40K of £100 p.a. it was agreed that in principle the Parish Council would agree to a transfer of asset and accept responsibility for the maintenance thereafter. This decision was subject to certain conditions to be finalised after a full inspection during the week, after which the Clerk would write to confirm the Council's decision.
Annual Parish Assembly
The 19th April was agreed as the new date for the meeting.
Sustainability was the chosen subject and the Clerk would seek out a suitable guest speaker.
Undergrounding of electric cables
Following an enquiry by the Clerk to NYMNP (Caroline Skelly) concerning progress it was confirmed that the Church Lane project was going ahead having reached the design stage.

Community Access
NYMNP had been successful in a bid to receive funding for improving community access to 20 projects within the Park. Supporting interest had been expressed by the Swainby History Group during the initial bid. An offer had now been received inviting a share of the funds (£5K) to be spent on improving a route in the Parish to a standard over and above the
Statutory obligation of the NP, any remaining funds to go towards planned walks leaflets. Councillors supported the Group with their project.

Sheepwash/Cod Beck meeting Report
The Clerk had attended a meeting of the Hambleton Safety Partnership working towards improving this honey-pot area. A 'Rave Party' had been held on the night of 22nd February with an attendance of over 500 people. Police had been unable to disperse the large number of attendees. Rubbish had been removed by volunteers the following day.
Stepping stones would be placed in the Beck at the north end of the reservoir during
February to enable a circular route to be followed in safety.
Residents visiting the area were asked to be vigilant for any signs of poisoning and to be aware that Goshawks - a protected species - had been identified again this season.
Planning matters:
Enforcement: Unauthorised development at Lockerice Hole, Back Lane.
Councillors were asked to report at once any changes they may have noticed on the site.
Decision Notices: Approval had been given for:
 - installation of 16 solar panels at 9, High Street.
 - Replacement two storey extension to rear with internal alterations & replacement timber window and door to rear with erection of a garden shed at 118 High Street.
Amended application: Councillors supported the proposed formation of vehicular access and parking area together with replanted garden hedge and instalation of gates at Brook House, High Street. Provided this parking area was regularly used by the residents of Brook House, the proposal may help to alleviate the present parking problems on this very narrow part of the High Street.
There had been objection to pedestrian gates, but Councillors understood that the proposed gates to the front door would not now be installed.

NYMNP Planning Training Event:
CUr Cole, Cllr Johnson and Mrs Cook had attended. The Chairman reported on the effects of the Government Localism Bill with changes in Planning from Development Control to Development Management allowing for more local empowerment. Proposed Neighbourhood Plans for increased development, put to a referendum, could be carried forward if approved by 50% of the electorate who replied. Planning Officers were unclear at present how much effect this would have on Park Planning Policy.
There would be a tightening of rules and procedures in cases of deliberate concealment of unauthorised development with a raising of penalties for non-compliance.
NYMNP intention of communicating on-line to reduce administration costs (including all planning applications and correspondence) would require a Broadband connection in the Village HaIl for use at all Parish Council meetings. Cost of installation and maintenance would be investigated by the Clerk. (Meeting 23rd February at Stokesley re-viability of Fibre Optic reception in the area).

Financial Matters
Current alc £3,998.86p Reserve alc £11.69p Total: £4,010.55p
The quote from Brian Noble to supply and fix 8 posts and 10 rails for Beckside fencing with galvanised straps had been submitted at an estimated cost of £648 + VAT. The Clerk was to check the quote against that of the Highways contractor and agree with the lower bidder to complete the work.
The Treasurer urged the Council to complete transactions before the end of the Financial Year.

Dates of next two meetings
TUESDAY 15th March at 7.30 pm in Swainby Village Hall.
Annual Parish Assembly Tuesday] 9th April

Any other business
Stokesley Area Forum: next meeting on Monday 21 March at 7.00pm in the Town Hall.
HDC Appointment of PC Representative: Edward Dennison was their preferred choice.

The meeting closed at 9.20 pm. CB.Cook, Clerk to the Parish Council.

Minutes of a Meeting of Whorlton Parish Council held on Tuesday 15th March 2011 at 7.00 p.m. in Swainby Village Hall.
Members present:
J.Cole (Chairman)
S.Dawson (Vice Chairman)
C. Johnson
P. Wilson
C.B.Cook (Clerk)
Apologies had been received from Cllr Swainson who was working away & D.Cllr Hugi1l.

Before the meeting commenced the Clerk gave members application forms for Parish Council to be returned to her by the end of March, or directly to Stonecross by 4th April. Mrs Cook had attended an obligatory Training Session for Clerks at Stonecross the previous week. Notices of Election for May 5th had been displayed on the village notice boards.

Minutes of the February meeting
These had been circulated, agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising from the Minutes
Swainby Public Toilets
The Clerk had received documents from Richard Swinbank, HDC's Legal Assistant, that same morning. Mrs Cook would identify a suitable solicitor to read through the papers before any agreement was signed.
The Chairman and Clerk had met with HDC officers to discuss details of transfer. They had also inspected the toilets to identify any remedial work which they considered necessary before responsibility for upkeep was handed over. A meeting is to be arranged with an officer to discuss the following points: to steam-clean the gents, to repair broken floor tiles in the ladies, to check the state of roof tiles, piping, woodwork and paintwork both inside and out.
Annual Parish Assembly
The 19th April was agreed as the new date for the meeting.
Rosie Hughes from 'Sustainable Communities' had agreed to be Guest Speaker.
Community Access
Four members of the Swainby History Group had met with Martyn Williams, NYMNP lead officer for the project. He had submitted costings for all the footpath work which had been identified on a previous site visit. There remained sufficient grant funding from the £5K for printed leaflets giving the route and brief historic description. Further work had progressed the scheme with proposed wording and design. Another meeting would take place the following week to fine tune the detail.

NYNet Meeting
The Chairman reported on a well supported meeting attended by herself and the Clerk in Stokesley. Progress towards a speedier Broadband connection for the area had been well received. Over 50 signatures expressing interest in the scheme had been obtained from the village and submitted in order to advance the proposed work. Simon Gibbon had agreed to become coordinator for Swainby and would keep the Parish Council informed of progress. Costs to those who wished to be connected would be between £12.95 and £20 per month depending on the speed required.

Siting of a Memorial Bench at Heathwaite
A request from Sarah Pilling, NYCC Customer Care Officer, regarding the suitability of placing a memorial bench at the southern end of the cottages at Heathwaite had been received. The plan as shown indicated a position which presently provided space for three visiting cars to park at the crossing of the road by the Cleveland Way. It was agreed that to move the proposed site two yards nearer to the cottage boundary wall would be more suitable and safer for future users of the seat.

Planning matters:
Approval had been given for the erection of six affordable homes for rent and also alterations to Swainby Garage premises.
An application for the erection of a car port and replacement painted timber door at 106 High Street. Councillors considered the proposed car port, with the roofing material, to be inappropriate to the High Street in this very visible position. There were no objections to the change of front door design.

Financial Matters
Current alc £3,998.86p Reserve alc £11.69p Total: £4,010.55p
Approval was made for payment of £125.87 for Clerk's expenses.

Dates of next two meetings
Annual Parish Assembly Tuesday 19th April in Swainby Village Hall 7.00 for 7.30 pm
Annual Meeting of the Council Tuesday 17th May

Any other business
The Clerk was asked to write to NYC Highways expressing the Parish Council's concern at the delay in repairing Piper Gill Road following the land slip. This was causing residents of properties at Harfa Bank and Harfa House considerable inconvenience in access by persons, and both delivery and service vehicles.

The meeting closed at 7.35 pm.

C.B. Cook, Clerk to the Parish Council.