2010 - 2011

Hayfield Parish Council Council Meeting

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 2nd June 2010
at 7.15pm in the Village Hall, Hayfield

Present: Cllrs A Seipp (Chair), P Gee, J Harvey, E Hodgson, A Ramwell, K Waterhouse, and V Wieteska.
In attendance: Clerk M Crompton, Minutes Clerk K Chesworth.
Also present: Borough Cllr T Ashton, Borough Cllr M Gadd, Tony McKeown, 5 members of the public.
556. Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs S & J McCall who are on holiday.
557. Variations to the Order of Business
Item 10b was deferred to Part II.
558. Declarations of interest
Cllr Hodgson declared an interest in item 10b and will leave the room for this item.
559. Matters for Part II
As above.
560. Public speaking
- Member of the public: young people have been doing ground works on the BMX track on Valley Road recreation ground (his property abuts the area). They have damaged the river bank, are using spades etc unsupervised, and there may be an accident. They light fires and play loud music in the evenings. The Chair said these matters had been looked at and are due to be reported on later in the meeting. Noise issues are covered by the local Environmental Health department. [Note: Borough Cllr T Ashton and the Safer Neighbourhood Police Officer arrived at 7.15; Cllr Wieteska arrived at 7.20.]
- Safer Neighbourhood Police Officer: no major issues. An incident of criminal damage to a motor vehicle took place last week. Cllr Hodgson raised the issue of a coach unable to gain access to the village at the top of Church Street last week, due to parked cars blocking the route. It was noted by the policeman. Cllr Ramwell sent thanks for the policing of the May Queen.
Borough Cllr T Ashton: the last round of consultation for the LDF is being held. He urged the public to make their views known. The Clerk stated that there is a copy in the Council Office. The Parish Council’s views on the overlap of area with the Peak Park LDF and its contradictory plans were reiterated.
- MP Andrew Bingham supported to the May Queen. A matter was raised then deferred to Part 2: whether the precept increase from last year has been ring-fenced for Bank Vale Field.
- Member of the public: a certain amount of antisocial behaviour occurred during May Queen and was mainly caused by people coming up from New Mills on the Sett Valley Trail. Many went over her garden fence and through her garden to access the shortcut to the May Queen field.  No police were observed on the Sett Valley Trail or at the old station area that weekend.
561. To confirm the non-confidential minutes of the meeting held on 5th May 2010
The minutes were confirmed.
562. Planning Applications
a) Mr Hywel Thomas, 15 Glen Dene, Chapel Road Hayfield. Providing parking in place of existing garden with ramp access to house level. (HPK/210/0216). The Council noted that there is already a garage at the site and it would remove another car from the road. There is no visual intrusion and it was in keeping with the property. No objection.
b) Mr & Mrs Carl & Wendy Dean, 17 Kinder Road Hayfield. Listed building consent for reinstatement of ground floor window to original arrangement. (HPK/2010/0220). There was some discussion on the length of time this building had historically been a shop and the desirability of the window arrangement. It was proposed that further historical information be sought, but voted against 3 to 2. It was then proposed that the planning application be recommended for no objection and this was agreed.
b) Planning application decisions
NP/HPK/0110/0057: Mr James Houghton, 2 Lea Road Hayfield: two storey side extension. REFUSED. The decision was noted. The Clerk may look into the previous planning application for this property. ACTION: MC
c) Planning Enforcement
Notice of variation of listed building enforcement notice: Marl House Farm, Little Hayfield. Noted.
563. Chairman of Council's announcements
a) May Queen: a huge thank you was given to the organisers and to the outgoing committee. The Council will write a letter to the new committee offering its full support and thanks. ACTION: MC
b) Recognition of Council employee services: Helen has been training her replacement, Netty. It was agreed that the Council would make a £50 donation to the fund for a present thanking Helen for her excellent service to the Council. ACTION: MC
c) Arrangements for Art Exhibition, 19th June: The arrangements cannot be made without Cllrs S & J McCall, who return from holiday shortly. A meeting will be held on Monday morning at which the art exhibition and Memorial Square opening ceremony plans will be made. There will be liaison with the Civic Trust. ACTION: MC
d) Arrangements for Memorial Square Opening, 26th June: See item 563(c).
564. Report of the Parish Clerk
a) Actions taken: a report was presented.
b) Little Hayfield Advisory Committee (Cllrs A Seipp and V Wieteska): The committee are developing a list of items they wish to be tackled. It largely reflects the Council’s priorities/policies. The list includes: dog fouling; eyesores; Slack Lane bins; parking. They have asked about a common style of street furniture for the area. BEAC will look into this. ACTION: MC & JMC
There is less enthusiasm for radar gun speed monitoring as they worry about stopping a neighbour. DCC has asked for the owners of no.1 Glossop Rd to be contacted about a second interactive speed sign. A site visit to negotiate is scheduled for early June. Some young people asked about the play area. A site visit was held and the Council were happy with its condition. The young people have been written to accordingly.
c) Youth Advisory Committee (Cllr A Seipp): The young people are concerned about dog fouling. They have done some amazing things, such as putting together a well thought-out website which should go live in a few weeks. There have been some issues with unsupervised, unauthorised work they had undertaken on the BMX track. They were instructed to halt all building work and remove all recently added items e.g. underlay. A site visit was held by RLTC and a large number (approx. 40) of local adults and children turned up to show support for the bike track. Many letters of support were sent. The children are happy to accept they ride at their own risk and signs will be erected accordingly, along with letters sent home in school bags. ACTION: MC
d) Recreation, Leisure and Tourism Committee (Cllr P Gee): Copies of the minutes have yet to be circulated. Most items regarding the recreation ground were covered in item 564(c). An art exhibition of local artists to coincide with Pro Loco is being organised with Cllr S McCall. The same stands as last year will be used. The Village Hall will provide refreshments. Cllr Harvey is dealing with the Kinder Trespass project. Attempts to secure the purchase of Bank Vale Field are continuing. Cllr Ramwell added that the visit to the bike track was fascinating as it was such a large turn out in an age when apathy is often expected.
e) Kinder Trespass Heritage Project update (Cllr J Harvey): No steering group meeting has been held since the last Council meeting, but there is a meeting on 8th June. The team went to Nottingham on 27th May for detailed pre-application guidance. It was considered a good project and steered the Council in the direction of a smaller grant.  This gives the Council more incentive to look into joint funding from potential partner agencies. Clarification is required on what happens at the end of the 3 year funding period: it is expected that the project will run for 10 years.
565. Matters for decision
a) Annual Return Audit Commission: The audit was approved. The next audit will go in on time. The Clerk went through the accounting questions from the audit. All questions in the letter were replied ‘yes’. The relevant minutes need to be submitted. ACTION: MC
The last financial year will probably have a small overspend. The ringfenced amounts for the reserves and for Bank Vale Field purchase are included in the accounts. It was proposed that the Parish Council accepts the annual returns for the 2009-10 financial year. Agreed.
b) Parish Council vote for 1 member of HPBC Standards Committee: All 7 Councillors, bar Cllr Hogson who left the room due to a declaration of interest, voted in a secret ballot. The result was in favour of the Parish Council voting for Cllr Martin. Agreed.
c) Parish Council vote for 1 member of DALC Executive Committee: The ballot was conducted as above, and the result was in favour of the Parish Council voting for Cllr Martin. Agreed.
d) Proposed loan for purchase of Bank Vale Field: deferred to Part 2.
566. Letters received  (including emails)
The Clerk commented on the letters and will reply accordingly. Particular points:
Letters (a-h): 7 letters of support and 1 of complaint have been received for the BMX track.
Letter (i): Glossop Road near Hayfield will be closed on 19th July. Notices of this closure will be posted on all Parish Council noticeboards. ACTION: MC
Letter (k): the revision of HPBC’s business rates will affect the Parish Council.
Letter (l): it is the policy of the Parish Council not to give donations but to give advice on where grants can be applied from. The Clerk will reply accordingly. ACTION: MC
Letter (m): it was agreed to allow use of the Old School Field for fell race parking on 30 June. The letter of request will be replied to accordingly. ACTION: MC
Letter (n): Cllr Platt will be written to thanking her for her service to the Council and the Parish, following her formal letter of resignation as Parish Councillor. ACTION: MC
Letter (q): Following HPBC’s playground inspection for the Parish, a few remedial works are required. A cheque also needs to be sent. ACTION: MC
567. DALC circulars
The Clerk commented on the Circulars. They are available to view in the office. Particular note was made of the Derbyshire Constabulary Parish Councils’ evening on 12 October 2010.
568. Reports from representatives on outside bodies
a) Non-Ecclesiastical Charities: A meeting is to be arranged for early July in the Village Hall.
b) others: Notices have been put up by Hayfield Educational Charity inviting applications for grants of £50-2000 by 25 June. Applications should be sent to Hayfield Educational Charity, c/o Parish Council Office, etc. A meeting will be held on 31 July. [Borough Cllr T Ashton left at 8.10.]
c) In addition, the Clerk provided a list of meetings attended from January-March inclusive. It was brought up that there are overhanging branches on Swallow House Lane. DCC should be contacted to request removal. ACTION: MC
569. Items for information
All information on file in the Council office.
570. Finance Payments for approval at the Council Meeting on 2nd June 2010
a) Parish Council

     ** DALC subscription: cheque 102357 cancelled (mislaid in DALC office)
b) Orchard Project payments

(*total cheque payable: £370.74)

c) Corrections to Minutes 2009-2010: bank reconciliation
May 2009          Minute 371: bank interest £1.99 to be added.
August 2009          Minute 420: bank interest £2.06 to be added.
November 2009   Minute 453: bank interest £2.06 to be added.
December 2009   Minute 469: bank interest £2.00 to be added.
January 2010      Minute 485: bank interest £1.62 to be added
February 2010    Minute 500: Allotment rents £404.00 change to £204.00
February 2010    Minute 500: bank interest £1.22 to be added
d) receipts
Alliance & Leicester: Interest 31 May 2010:     £1.29

PART I of the meeting closed at 8.20pm.

PART II of the meeting began at 8.30pm.
571.  Resolution to discuss the purchase of land
The matter was discussed extensively and in depth, with all agreeing on the desirability of the purchase being achieved.  It was agreed that in the matter of the proposed purchase of land, the Council could seek up to £30k from the Treasury Loan Board, payable over a period of 20 years.
Agreed unanimously.
The meeting closed at 9.10pm.      

Draft Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 5th May 2010
at 7.15pm in the St John’s Church Hall

Present: Cllrs Mrs S McCall (Chair), P Gee, J Harvey, Mrs E Hodgson, J McCall, A Ramwell, Mrs A Seipp, Mrs K Waterhouse.
In attendance: Clerk M Crompton, Minutes Clerk K Chesworth.
Also present: 2 members of the public.
532. Chairman’s report
Cllr McCall reported that 2009-2010 had been a very busy year.  The Memorial Square had been completed with the Lottery Grant obtained, and completion now required only the installation of street lighting, to be installed on 13th-14th May.  The delay has not been with the County Councl but United Utilities, to find a date to cut off the electricity supply.  The Orchard Project was now up and running with 250 trees planted, a weather station and 4 new areas of land acquired with a cultivation licence.  A Youth Council has been set up and working well, with lots of ideas coming forward.  The Heritage Project has started with an enthusiastic steering group, and a lot of support promised.  One of the most difficult tasks this year with the severe weather has been keeping the grit bins filled.  It is hoped the new arrangement with the Central Parishes will ease the situation. Tanks to the National Trust, the tree felling has taken place on the allotments.  Cllr McCall finally thanked all the Parish Councillors for their tremendous input during her term of office.  They really had given 110%.
533. Election of chairman and acceptance of office
Cllr Seipp was elected Chair of the Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr J McCall, seconded by Cllr Gee. Cllr Seipp accepted the office.
534. Apologies for absence
Apologies were given by Cllr Wieteska who was at another engagement and by Cllr Platt who is resigning due to work commitments.
535. Variations to the Order of Business
None.
536. Declarations of interest
Cllr Hodgson declared a personal and prejudicial interest on agenda item 17(a).
537. Matters for Part II
The Council will discuss recruitment matters.
538. Public speaking
- Member of the public: spoke re. Fishers Bridge. He asked that the pavements and road are swept, that the weeds are removed, and that parking and traffic in general at the junction with Church St is remedied. llr J McCall responded, saying the worries are shared, the County Council has not acted on the traffic/parking issues, and BEAC will consider the issues at their next meeting (11th May, 7.30pm, Village Hall). ACTION: MC & JMcC
DCC advertised double-yellow lines for the area but never acted since the advertisement was removed for amendments. This is urgent. DCC also have not responded on the Church St plans submitted by the Parish Council. ACTION: MC
Need to get date of next street cleaning from HPBC to notify Fishers Bridge residents to remove vehicles to allow access. ACTION: MC
- Member of the public: impressed at the speed of DCC’s kerb reinstatement where the boulder fell, but this and the dropped kerbs further along New Mills Rd have been left incomplete. The problem of car parking at the cemetery should be on BEAC agenda. ACTION: MC & JMcC
- Cllr Hodgson: large numbers of notices/advertisements are put on the pavements in the village, on the barriers at the entrance to the village and in the centre of the bypass. Clarification is needed on signs. ACTION: MC
539. To confirm the non-confidential minutes of the meeting held on 7th April 2010
The minutes were approved.
540. Election of Vice Chairman and acceptance of Office
Cllr Harvey was elected Vice-Chairman. Proposed by Cllr Ramwell, seconded by Cllr S McCall.
541. Election of 4 Members to Finance Committee, 1 to be chair.
It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members and chair. Cllr Gee proposed that all sub-committees retain their committee members as this is the last year for the Parish Council’s term in office. Agreed.
542. Election of 4 Members to Recreation and Leisure Committee, 1 to be chair.
It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members and chair.
543. Election of 2 Members to Little Hayfield Advisory Committee
It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members.
544. Election of 4 members to Hayfield Built Environment Advisory Committee.
It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members and chair.
545. Election of 2 members to Hayfield Youth Advisory Committee
It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members.
546. Election to outside bodies
a) Village Hall Committee: Cllr Waterhouse resigned from the committee. It was agreed her replacement would be Cllr S McCall. Proposed by Cllr J McCall, seconded by Cllr Gee.
b) Hayfield Community Sports Club: 2 members: It was agreed to retain the previous year’s committee members.
c) Allotments Liaison Committee: 2 members: This committee will be reinstated. Cllr Ramwell and Cllr Wieteska were elected.
d) Orchard Project: lead member: Cllr S McCall was elected lead member.
e) Kinder Trespass Heritage Project: lead member: Cllr Harvey was elected lead member.
547. Appointment of Wright Turner Party Organiser
Cllr Wieteska resigned from this post. Cllr Hodgson was elected as her replacement.
548. Planning Applications
a) Ms J Potts, Farlands Lodge, Kinder Road Hayfield: modifications to the external appearance of extensions. (NP/HPK0310/0194). Cllr Hodgson left the meeting for this item. The applicants wanted 16 fairly major changes to the approved drawings. The Parish Council takes the view that the planning authority should take a firm line on changes to approved drawings and therefore it should be objected to. All agreed.
b) HPBC. Mr A Sidebotham, land adjacent to 68 New Mills Road, Hayfield.  Withdrawal of appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. The Parish Council would like HPBC to clarify the current position in less technical language and to try and consider Parish Council members when they correspond with us. Still firmly hold the view that the planning authority should take a firm line with changes made not in accordance with approved drawings, and thus strongly object to the application.
c) PDNPA. Mr P Brennand, Marl House Farm, Little Hayfield. Listed building/conservation area enforcement notice appeal. No comments required.
549. Chairman of Council's announcements
a) Thanks to outgoing chairman: Cllr Seipp thanked Cllr S McCall for all her achievements and holding efficient meetings, and hoped the council could keep up the good work.
b) Cllr Seipp also announced the resignation of Cllr Platt due to work pressures. The Council wishes her well and is sad to see her go; she was a valued member. An official letter is due to be sent by Cllr Platt. Then the Clerk will contact HPBC to arrange an election.
550. Report of the Parish Clerk
            a) Actions taken: The Clerk has planned the meetings for next year (list circulated). There are over double the number of meetings as last year, as the new Little Hayfield and Youth Committees are meeting monthly. The Community Sports Club, Orchard Project and Heritage Project are not included on the list as they are not formal committees. It was agreed to move the RLTC meetings to Tuesday’s. Cllr Gee & the Clerk will rearrange.            ACTION: PG & MC
            b) Revised Standing Orders: The Clerk will revise as per NALC recommendations and circulate the changes for comment.            ACTION: MC
            c) Insurance review: The Clerk will investigate a new company.             ACTION: MC
            d) Little Hayfield Advisory Committee: the new interactive speed sign has an agreed location.
            e) Hayfield Youth Council (Cllr A Seipp): the committee are putting their efforts into securing funding. Cllrs noted the young people have been digging on the BMX track without permission. It needs to be stopped while a proper plan is being devised.            ACTION: AS
            Cllr Hodgson said children are skateboarding down Kinder Road. This needs to be stopped. The Youth Advisory Committee will be informed.            ACTION: AS
f) Kinder Trespass Heritage Project update (Cllr J Harvey): 3 steering group meetings have been held. An ‘expression of interest’ form has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund. It allows a development worker to be allocated in order to get detailed guidance. The steering group will go to their offices in Nottingham in late May to meet. Many positive replies and letters of support have been received, from National Trust, New Mills Heritage Centre & School, HPBC, Peoples' Museum in Manchester, Peak Park, etc. An offer has been received from Prof. N Kirk (steering group member) to personally supervise a research assistant to collect material from museums and local people, and this assistant could be from the Future Jobs Fund scheme. Another meeting will be held in early June.
551. Matters for decision: None.
552. Letters received  (including emails)
The Clerk commented on the letters and will reply accordingly. Particular points:
Letter (b): the shares are worth just under £200. No further action.
Letter (c): there has been a mix up on the unmetered supply. There may be a lower bill next year.
Letter (d): the Clerk will register Council property with the Land Registry.                        ACTION: MC           
Letters (f & g): Highgate Road and Station Road will close for any 5 days in the period from 31 May to 24 September, to allow for resurfacing. A member of the public said the electricity board were due to close Highgate Road for works in June. The Clerk will write to DCC to ensure both sets of works are coordinated.                                                                                    ACTION: MC
Letter (h): The volunteer will be offered work on the Orchard Project.                        ACTION: MC
Letter (i): The Clerk will write to PDNPA, to say the monitoring visit should happen after the 21 May Orchard Project meeting, at which it will be discussed.                                    ACTION: MC
There was some discussion on the mowing contract. It may be possible to include Bank Vale Field and/or the school grounds at a future date.                                                            ACTION: MC
553. DALC circulars
The Clerk commented on the Circulars. They are available to view in the office.
554. Reports from representatives on outside bodies
a) Non-Ecclesiastical Charities: A report was given at the Parish Meeting on 30th April.
b) others: the Educational Charity is meeting next week. Once Cllr Platt has sent a formal letter of resignation, she will need to be replaced on this committee. It was agreed that Cllr S McCall should replace Cllr Platt.
555. Items for information
All information on file in the Council office. The Clerk handed out various leaflets. The Clerk will present a report on meetings attended at the June Council meeting.                        ACTION: MC
It was noted that when the library is closed for refurbishment the mobile library may not be visiting either. The Clerk should query this as they are not mutually exclusive.                        ACTION: MC
The Clerk also noted that the allotment trees have been felled by the National Trust and there has been a Japanese knotweed outbreak in the village. Villagers should be vigilant as it is a reportable weed. It is an offence to spread it (but not to grow it). The Clerk will put a picture of the knotweed on the noticeboard to assist villagers in identifying it.                                    ACTION: MC
556. Finance Payments for approval at the Council Meeting on 5th May:

b) Orchard Project: payments and receipts

            PAYMENTS

c) Payments received.

19th April 2010: High Peak Borough Council:            Precept plus Grant:                        £39,146.00
20th April 2010: United Utilities: wayleave payment                                                       £48.39
23rd April 2010: High Peak Borough Council: Cenotaph grant                                         £225.00
30th April 2010: Alliance & Leicester: interest                                                                     £1.25
4th May 2010: Allotment rental                                                                                           £12.00
           

PART I of the meeting closed at 8.20pm.

PART II of the meeting MINUTES. Began at 8.20pm.
                       
Results of the employee interviews, 4th May 2010: 34 enquiries were received by the deadline and 8 after. 19 applications were received by the deadline. 6 were shortlisted and interviews have been held. It was agreed to go with the recommendation of the selection committee.

Thanks were given to Cllr S McCall, for being an outstanding chair.

The meeting concluded at 8.25pm.