MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURDAY 12 JANUARY 2006

Present: Councillors A Chetcuti, B Fisher (Chair), U Cansfield, B Butler, T Martin
Apologies: Councillors E Bolton, M Mitton and PC Mark Ayre

Declarations of interest in items on the agenda
There were none

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 .12.05

Signed as a correct record. Proposed: T Martin. Seconded: A Chetcuti

1. Matters arising from the minutes

Highways – response received to matters raised as follows: Pavement at 16 Hillside and road at Crimple bridge – orders placed for repairs; pavement next to cricket field – scheme to repair approved for next financial year; area around bottom ‘bus stop – B Butler agreed to meet inspector to clarify location of damaged area.

Rural Safety Scheme – Clerk confirmed an application made as outlined and that a request to repair ‘rumble strips’ on Pannal Road also made. Closing date 31.12.05.

No progress to report on Haggs Road/Spofforth Road junction. Contact to be made with County Councillor with a view to a possible meeting.

1. Chairman’s communications

• ‘Pinderpound’ – Chairman attended planning committee to express the view of the Parish Council. The application was refused by one vote.
• Benches – it was noted that two new benches had been installed by Rudding Estate. Unfortunately an existing bench in a good state of repair had been mistakenly removed. This will be re instated in due course.
• ‘Summerfield’, Tofts Lane – a complaint from a resident concerning the size of the works has been referred to the planning enforcement officer who is conducting an investigation. The Parish Council will be informed of the outcome.
• Pollution of waterways – smell of kerosene detected on new permissive footpath and also sewage. This referred to the Environment Agency, testing and investigation carried out. Oil leak thought to come from a local residence where a new fuel tank recently installed, the effects of this pollution will take some time to dissipate. E.A. officers have found evidence of bacteria connected with the sewage leak. Both matters are held to be serious as they have an adverse effect on aquatic life in local streams and the River Crimple.

1. Matters Concerning Plompton

There were none to report.

1. Street Lighting, Main Street
   Contact with Lighting Engineer who has provided a map of supply cables. Advice is that a lantern attached to the ‘bus shelter would not offer a sufficient spread of light. Councillors considered a light positioned outside Manor Cottages to be an option worth pursuing. Clerk to contact owner of properties for their opinion on the proposal.

1. Kitty Corner nature boards
   Councillor T Martin explained that he had contacted three companies for quotations. These ranged from a professional approach similar to the village signboard to one that would more faithfully reflect the efforts of the schoolchildren. The previous nature board had lasted for more than ten years and it was hoped that future generations of pupils would also be able to make a similar contribution. The Parish Council resolved to accept the quotation from the Harrogate Sign and Display Company which included installation at £ 260 + VAT

T Martin was thanked for his work on this project

1. Finance
   a) Balance at the bank – a totalof £ 7713.27 in both accounts including interest of £ 41.35
   b) Request for authorisation of expenditure – CPRE subscription £ 26
   Proposed: U Cansfield Seconded: T Martin

• Budget 2006-2007 – The Parish Council resolved to approve the budget. The precept request would be held at £ 5000 as the current financial year.
• Reserves held by the Parish Council – this is held to mean surpluses carried over into future years that can be available for contingencies or donations as appropriate. Following discussion, the Parish Council resolved that it would be prudent to hold a minimum of £ 7000 in reserve. At this time a view on a maximum holding has not been decided.

8. Clerk’s report and correspondence
Letters from NYCC: re. community emergency plan for Follifoot and Plompton – decision to request a presentation from officers; review of contracted ‘bus services – decision to support continuation of Wednesday service to Knaresborough; Archaeology + Building Conservation service – clerk to complete service review questionnaire.

Harrogate Council – consultation meeting with Parish Councils – no items to put on agenda.
Reports and magazines received since last meeting were circulated.

9. Planning
Application 05/0671/FUL – Lodge House, Follifoot Hall for a two storey rear extension (revised scheme). The councillors resolved to object to the application on the grounds that the size of the extension is similar to that of the dwelling.

Appeals: land to north of Elm Gable – against refusal of certificate of lawfulness and enforcement notice – no further action as views already given to Planning Inspectorate. Follifoot Ridge Farm – against refusal for agricultural building – objections to plan to be sent to Planning Inspectorate.

Outcomes:- Approved – Rudding Park Golf Academy; tree felling at Lilac Cottage and ‘Alveston’, Main Street. Refused – erection of agricultural building at Plompton.

• Meetings in 2006

Dates approved
Date of next meeting: 9 February 2006