GREAT OUSEBURN PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 16th January 2008 at 7.30 p.m.
in the Village Hall, Great Ouseburn.

 

Present:                       Mr K Scott (Chairman), Mrs J Burton, Mr L Paterson, Mr M Rampling,
Mr B Robinson and Mr R White.

In Attendance:              Mrs Z Hopps.

Also present was one member of the public.

 

2008.1.   Apologies for absence   None received.

2008.2.   Declarations of Interest.

2008.2.1.         All Parish Councillors, as Trustees of the Village Hall, declared a personal interest in the Village Hall.

2008.3.   Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 19th December 2007 having been previously circulated were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

2008.4.   Progress Reports.

2008.4.1.         Village Design Statement (minute 2007.184.1 refers).  Cllr Paterson confirmed that the questionnaires had now been distributed and returns were starting to come in.

2008.4.2.         Lyndlea, Branton Lane (minute 2007.184.3 refers).  The Clerk informed members that Harrogate Borough Council was expecting to see a revised planning application within the next few days.

2008.4.3.         BBC Breathing Places Grant (minute 2007.189 refers).  The Chairman informed members that he had met with Ruth Cantrell from BTCV, who had provided estimates for the work involved in improving the area of land next to Aldwark Bridge with planting schemes and an improved parking area.  These estimates were discussed and agreed, and the application form was approved.  It is hoped that a small grant might also be available from Yore Vision.

2008.5.   Planning decisions notified by Harrogate Borough Council.  It was noted that no decisions had been received this month.

2008.6.   Planning applications.

2008.6.1.         Wingate Cottage, Main Street, Great Ouseburn.  Erection of single storey rear extension and 1.8m high boundary wall and gate (revised scheme) (listed and standard applications).  There were no objections.

2008.6.2.         Mole Cottage, Carrside Road, Great Ouseburn.  Erection of single storey side and front extension, rear conservatory, side canopy and alterations to roof to form additional living accommodation (revised scheme).  Members agreed that the Parish Council  objected to this application on the planning grounds set out below:

6.2.1. Firstly, all references on the plans to 'existing' appeared to reference the approved plans as per planning application references 6.80.71.C.FUL and 6.80.71.D.FUL , not to the building in its present form.

6.2.2. The proposal is for an increase in height of 2.35m.  This will actually make this property appear much higher than surrounding properties, because other properties are set down on sloping land, whereas this property is level with the road.  This is the first property visible on entry to Great Ouseburn down Carrside Road, and as such it has an importance in terms of its visual impact.  The Parish Council considered that the proposed increased height and general size of the property will make it out of proportion with surrounding properties, and would have a detrimental effect on the view down Carrside Road.  It will have an overbearing impact on surrounding properties.  This effect will be increased by the rendered external finish that is proposed.

6.2.3. The proposed plans convert this property into a 7-bedroom, 4-bathroom property.  Members had concerns about the effect that such a large property will have on the drainage system on Carrside Road, which is already overstretched and prone to flooding.

2008.7.   Questions from Councillors.  The Clerk was asked to highlight the problem of dog fouling again in the next edition of the Newsletter – particularly down Church Field Lane.

2008.8.   Great Ouseburn School.  It was noted that concerns have been raised in the village regarding falls in pupil numbers at the school, and there were worries about future staffing levels.  After some discussion it was agreed that these concerns should be raised with the governors at the school – the Clerk to contact both the governors and the Education Authority.

2008.9.            Ousegill Beck.  The present overgrown and clogged condition of the Beck was noted.  Cllr White informed members that he had met with officers from Yorkshire Water on site, and had been given some help in assessing the problem.  The Beck is becoming blocked by vegetation which needs spraying off and clearing.  The storm overflows are blocked up at the moment and water backs up.  The site is of environmental interest in the Harrogate Area Plan, and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact Marston Moor Drainage Board to press them to take remedial action.

2008.10.        Road Conditions.  The present condition of roads in the parish was noted, particularly the Burnbeck corner where resurfacing has recently taken place.  The drain now appears to be above the level of the road, and some damage has been done to the banking on the corner by heavy goods vehicles.  There are some bad potholes in Carrside and also on the Dunsforth road The Clerk to contact the Highways Authority to advise them of all these issues.

2008.11.        Condition of Lime Trees on Branton Lane.  The Clerk advised members of the contents of a report from NYCC regarding the condition of two hollow trees on Branton Lane, in which they confirm that the trees are unsafe and will unfortunately have to be removed.  It was agreed that the Parish Council should liaise with NYCC regarding replacements.

2008.12.        Damage to Noticeboard.  Water damage has recently to the noticeboard opposite the Post Office, due to a blocked gutter above.  The Clerk advised that the gutter had been mended, and it was agreed that the noticeboard should receive a coat of preservative.

2008.13.        Standing Orders.  It was agreed to amend the Parish Council’s Standing Orders adopted in April 2005 to reflect a formal public participation session and adoption of paragraph 12(2) of the revised Model Code of Conduct.  Standing Order 30 (b) to read as follows:

2008.13.1.      At all meetings of the council a public session will be held at a time agreed by the council which will allow any members of the public to address the meeting.  The session will be governed by rules set by the parish/town council.  Such sessions form part of the formal council meeting in law and shall be duly minuted.  The new code of conduct which was adopted by the council on 16th May 2007 shall apply to members of the council in respect of the entire meeting.  Where however, members of the council exercise their rights under Paragraph 12(2) of the council’s code of conduct, members of the public shall also be allowed to make representations, answer questions or give evidence at the meeting in relation to the business to be transacted.

2008.13.2.      At all meetings of the council, the chairman may permit members of the council who have a prejudicial interest in relation to any item of business to be transacted at that meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence relating to the business to be transacted.  Such representations, questions or evidence form part of the council meeting in law and shall be duly minuted.  The code of conduct which was adopted by the council on 16th May 2007 shall apply to members of the council in respect of the entire meeting.

 

2008.14.        Statement of accounts for the period 1st April 2007 – 15th January 2008.  The statement of accounts for the current year and the following payment was approved (copy appended to the minutes).
P40/07        Harland – service gangmower                £ 488.60
The quote from Harrogate Borough Council for grass cutting works 2008 was approved.

2008.15.        Correspondence received.  Various circulars from Ripon Area CVS, North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board and the Transport Forum were received – to be circulated.

2008.16.        Reports from representatives.

2008.16.1.      Village Hall Committee.  A Race Night will be held on 15th March – the committee is seeking suggestions for future events.  Quotes are being obtained for work on the staircase.

2008.16.2.      Youth Forum.  The Youth Forum reopened on 8th January, and members continue to enjoy using the Hall to meet their friends and use the facilities.  Members have been asked for their ideas for improvements, and have suggested that the fencing could be increased to allow them to play basketball/tennis during cricket matches, and the idea of a skate park has also been put forward.

2008.16.3.      Police Liaison Group.    No meeting.

2008.16.4.      Yore Vision.  There is a meeting in Boroughbridge in the Coronation Hall on 12th February to discuss the Preferred Options plans.

2008.17.        Matters for inclusion on the next Agenda.  Discussion of possible installation of wind turbines on land between Moor Lane and Boroughbridge.

2008.18.        Date and Time of next meeting.  It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Council would be held on Wednesday 20th February 2008 at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall, Great Ouseburn.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.