THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY 2011
694. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
695. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
696. POLICE MATTERS
697. PLANNING MATTERS
698. CORRESPONDENCE
699. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
700. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
701. CLERK’S REPORT
702. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
703. FINANCIAL MATTERS
704. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- D Kelly, & L Grigg
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J France, M Nicholls & N Kell
694. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor A Jackson.
695. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved, subject to it being noted that it was the Resident’s Association that had been granted the award.
696. POLICE MATTERS
The Police gave an update on the incidents reported to the since the last meeting. It was reported that the speedwatch scheme was to be employed in the village and it was requested that the road next to Premier Court be patrolled. Details were given on problems with anti social behavior and absentee landlords. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
697. PLANNING MATTERS
(i) New Foodstore, Sedgefield
The Clerk reported preview sessions were to be held to give details of the proposals for a new foodstore in Sedgefield. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(ii) Land at Wingate Grange Farm, Temporary Meteorological Mast for Infinis
It was reported that the Clerk and the Chairman had met with representatives of Infinis and their PR company on their proposals for 5 masts, 115m in height. A public exhibition was to be held in the Community Centre on 17th August 2011 at 3.30 – 7.00pm. It was anticipated that a planning application would be submitted towards the close of the year.
RESOLVED that Infinis be asked to comment on if these masts were to save energy, would these savings or benefits come back to residents in the village.
(iii) Construction of Barn, Manage, & chalet for worker’s residential accommodation, Land at Salters Lane for Mr Ayre- permission had been granted.
(iv) Waycott, Top Shop
It was reported that Mr Atwal had pulled out shrubbery and erected a fence around the site. It was reported that the Clerk had asked Mr Atwal to get in touch with the Parish Council about these works in relation to ownership and access rights. RESOLVED that Members be kept advised with this site.
(v) Land East of Rivendell
It was requested that planning applications be considered carefully to ensure the greenbelt around the village was not eroded. RESOLVED that this be carefully monitored.
(iv) Appeals by Mr J Smith, Site at Land to the rear of the Top Shop, Wingate Road, Trimdon Station
It was reported that the Planning Inspector had dismissed this appeal. The overall balance reported the development would generate additional traffic movements at a junction which is markedly inadequate with regard to visibility to the right and the configuration of the access track as it approaches Wingate Road. In that context the Inspector gave substantial weight to the harm to highway safety. The appeals did not succeed, and it was recommended the enforcement notice should be corrected, varied and upheld; with the notice being varied to 12 months with a further month for removal of the hardcore, removal of mounding, laying of top soil and spreading of grass seed.
It was reported that Councillor Hovvels had taken on the responsibility for the portfolio that included travellers. County Councillor Nicholls had been speaking to an advisor at Durham County Council and would keep the Parish Council advised on these matters. It was stressed that the installation of the height restrictive barrier still needed full and thorough consideration.
RESOLVED the Clerk contact the Planning Department to request that they make sure that the Notice is altered as detailed in the Planning Inspector’s report and compliance with the Notice as soon as possible. FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish Council await further developments with the enforcement action prior to any further contact being made with the appellants.
698. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
699. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(i) Traffic problems on the Boundary Road
RESOLVED that this matter be passed on to the Police for action.
(ii) Bowling Green
It was reported the green was in a poor condition and appeared that it had not had any treatments on it. RESOLVED this be reported to the current contractor for attention.
(iii) Planning Consultation Papers
The Local Member reported he had attended a meeting at the former District of Easington Offices and it appeared like the Parish Council did not exist. He had asked what plans there were in the county Plan for deprived villages and it appeared with cut backs, very little. He felt villages were being re-classified to former “category D” and smaller villages were being forgotten and he was extremely concerned about this. RESOLVED that progress be monitored.
(iv) Proposed play area Wood/May Crescent
It was reported that contact had been made with Home Housing and progress was awaited from their Estates Section. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(v) Chairman’s Report
The Chairman gave his report which included the following items – Chapel site; former Matt Watchman site; thanks to Greenlane Nurseries for the plants in the village; the recreation area needed weeds and nettles dealing with; car park at the memorial garden to be started shortly; site meetings to be held with P Dinsley and agree works for weed killing; recreation area bad drainage and the Chairman was to investigate this further. RESOLVED that these items be attended to by the Clerk.
(vi) County Councillor’s report
A progress report was given on various works; the speed sign; footpath works next to Cinnamon Drive; the Boundary Commission review which was a delicate situation that could have resulted in 7 parish councils with 3 different MPs; St Aidans Crescent and Citizens’s Advice Bureau/Welfare Rights he was working with them to avoid duplication. RESOLVED the information given be noted and the progress report be accepted.
700. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
Proposed Play Area & Current Toddlers Play Area
Progress was noted and it was asked that extra grounds maintenance be given to the recreation area. RECOMMENDED that the information given be noted.
701. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member under the following headings:-
Cemetery
SLCC Membership
RESOLVED that the Clerk’s membership be renewed for 2011/12.
Maintenance of Playground & Equipment
Valuation of the Allotment/Garage
RESOLVED this work be carried out at the cost indicated.
VAT Claim
Collection of Trade Waste
RESOLVED this contract be renewed with Durham County Council for the cemetery at a cost of £170.00.
Infinis Wind Farm Proposal – Site at Wingate Grange Farm
Durham County Council, Partnerships & Community Engagement
The Local Councils Support Officer, Vicky Prendergast, had attended a pre meeting with the Chairman and Clerk to chat informally about the role of their parish council and how the Parish Council viewed their relationship with the County Council. The main points stressed at the meeting was the frustration the Parish Council feels about being “missed off the map”. RESOLVED the information given be noted and contact be maintained with Mrs Prendergast.
Grounds Maintenance
Prices had been obtained for the spraying of areas, which was given to the meeting. RESOLVED that the Chairman and Councillor France hold a site meeting with the contractor and arrange for works to be carried out.
Boundary Review
It was reported that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England had advised that they could not alter parish boundaries as a result of this review. The County Council could carry out a community governance review of the parish boundaries once a review of the electoral division boundaries had finished. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
Roundabout Wheatley Hill
It was reported that Wheatley Hill Parish Council supported the suggestion that an approach be made to DCC about Greenlane Nurseries being given permission to plant up this roundabout. RESOLVED that Durham County Council be contacted on this proposal.
702. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED THE COMMITTEE PASSED THE FORMAL RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS & PUBLIC FROM THE MEETING, PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSIONS TO MEETINGS) ACT 1961 AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION), ACT 1985.
703. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £4,992.30 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliation – June 2011
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation for the month of June 2011, be accepted.
704. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED a recess period be agreed and the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 14th September 2011. FURTHER RESOLVED should there be any urgent items that needed to be discussed in this time a special meeting be arranged if necessary.
–