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Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 2nd April 2007
Present: Councillors Sayce, Barwick-Bell, Chainey, John Davison,
Drew, Hedley, Porter, Wade, Mrs M Williams, Clerk
Also present: District Councillor
Dale, County Councillor Ray Thompson, Mr P Barrass
Apologies: Councillors, Melna Martin, Ian Hall, Tracy Warhurst-Walker,
District Councillor Mike Collins
06/102 Declarations of Interest – None
06/103 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 5th March 2007 were agreed, as a true record.
06/104 Matters Arising –
Hexham Hospital – it was noted that when the new part of the Hospital was
finished the hospital will have cost £6.2 million pfi which will be paid
back over 20 years. Mrs Drew said that as a member of “Patients Voice” she
had visited the Hospital and of the 20 patients interviewed, none had made negative
comments. Of these 20 some had had their operations and treatment in other hospitals
and been sent back to Hexham for further treatment. It was acknowledged that
some patients and their families do complain about having to travel great distances
to North Tyneside or Wansbeck.
It was noted that patients can elect to have their surgery
in Hexham and suggested that Hexham might become the “private” wing
of the Trust. The same consultants cover all the hospitals within the Trust.
It was noted that patients and their families are unwilling to complain about
their treatment. It was felt that the Trust should publicise the fact that there
are funds which enable patients and their families get to the other Hospitals
within the Trust.
It was noted that Hexham can no longer offer a full
A&E service and can
only treat minor injuries. It was suggested that the road signs need to be changed
and it was asked if the Ambulance Service was aware of this.
Mining Strategy – it was noted that all the areas
under discussion are covered by a preservation order until 2008. It was suggested
that the County might receive applications towards the end of 2007 but that no
activity was expected until 2008.
SICA – Councillor Thompson advised that he had
been able to give grant aid towards their vehicular access project.
06/105 Public Participation
Councillor Davison had been asked why there was not a skate park in Stocksfield,
and it was explained that no acceptable site for such a facility had been identified
in the parish. It was alleged that children going to the facility in Hexham are
being bullied. Mrs Dale hinted that it a possible site had been identified in
a neighbouring parish.
06/106 Correspondence
Community Action Northumberland – it was agreed to take no action on the
Village of the Year project.
Northumberland County Council – Proposed Diversion
of FP13 - Councillor Chainey advised that this proposed diversion regularised
the map and what is on the ground. It was agreed to support the proposal.
All other correspondence had been listed on the agenda and
was noted.
County Councillor Thompson left the meeting at this point.
06/98 Finance
The accounts for March had been circulated and were accepted.
The Preliminary Income/Expenditure Report to year end had been circulated
and was accepted.
The Expenditure on the Handyman Contract had been circulated and was accepted.
06/99 Brief Reports from Advisory Groups and Council Representatives
a) Play Facilities Group
The Play Facilities Group Report was tabled at the meeting.
Kate’s Plain – It was agreed that the Handyman
be asked to look at the fence where it adjoins the Brumwell Court fence to see
if this corner could be tidied up.
Branch End Play Area – the comments in the Report
were noted. It was reported that Phase II of Branch End Play Area Regeneration
would receive an additional grant from Tynedale.
Broomley Play Area - A letter had been received from Tynedale confirming that
the play facility included in the plans for the development at Broomley would
be for public use and that the Parish Council would not be held responsible for
the up-keep, maintenance and refurbishment of the facility.
One condition of granting the planning application (2006 0895) states
“A Section 106 Agreement was also drawn up as part of the previous planning
application, for a requirements of £7,298 to be paid toward off-site sports
facilities within the area of the Parish of Broomley & Stocksfield. This
agreement is to be amended so it now refers to this application. The proposal
therefore accords with meet the requirements of Policies LR11 and LR 15 of the
Tynedale Local Plan.”
and it was agreed to ask Tynedale for clarification in principle as to how
Section 106 funds are notified to the parishes and granted to them.
b) Sports Facilities Group
The Report of the Sports Facilities Group was tabled and noted. It was reported
that discussions are on-going with the Rugby Club with regard to the level of
rent to be paid for use of the rugby pitches.
c) Communication
NE43 News and the Annual Parish Report are available for delivery.
Website – Dave Porter advised that the website
is being continually updated and urged members to let him have items for publishing
on it.
d) Council Representatives
Nothing to report
e) General Purposes
The General Purposes Group had not met.
Local Elections May 2007 – Councillors were unaware
of any candidates having put their names forward other than those previously
suggested. It was recognised that, order to bring the full complement of parish
councillors up to 12, it would probably be necessary to co-opt new members.
It was stressed that the advisory groups would have
to do some of the “heavy
lifting” for councillors. Councillors would also need to prioritise work
and projects. It was felt that some of the current projects should be completed
sooner rather than later thus reducing some of the current workload
Annual Parish Meeting – councillors were urged
to attend this meeting and to think of questions to put to the panel on the provision
of facilities for young people.
Land Registry - The notes on the meeting with representatives
of the Land Registry held in February had been circulated together with proposals
for the way forward.
Mrs Barwick-Bell reminded members that she lives in Branch End Terrace.
15 Branch End Terrace – Malcolm Chainey proposed,
Jodie Barwick-Bell seconded and it was agreed that a caution should be registered
on 15 Branch End Terrace.
Cricket Field - Malcolm Chainey proposed and Lorraine Wade seconded and it
was agreed that ownership of the Cricket Field be registered.
Former Rifle Club at Guessburn – the Parish Council
has been concerned about this site for several years and attempts to identify
the trustees have been unsuccessful. It is believed that this site is ear-marked
as a recreational site. The 8 councillors present agreed that steps should be
taken by the Parish Council to register a caution on this site. It was recognised
that this should be done with great sensitivity and that those with known interest
in the site should be kept informed at all times.
Funding requests
Tynedale Sports Council – a letter requesting grant aid had been received
and it was agreed to grant £50.
Stocksfield Golf Club – John Davison declared an interest. A letter
requesting grant aid had been received and it was agreed to grant £100.
Local Government Review – it was reported that
the Government I is? to consult further regarding the possibility of introducing
Unitary government Northumberland. It was agreed that the new Parish Council
should debate this in May or June.
f) Planning & Highways
The Planning & Highways Report had been circulated. It was noted in particular
that an objection had been made to
Application no. 2007 0172
5 Apperley Road
Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new dwelling
Objection
Owing to the substantial size of this development we feel that the proposed plan
would not be in keeping with the surrounding area. The extensive size of this
build would detract from the existing properties.
and this was confirmed
g) Parish Plan
A meeting had been held with a representative of Community Action Northumberland
to discuss ways of taking this project forward. It was stressed that there needs
to be a “steering committee”, and some form of questionnaire in order
to gauge the opinions of residents. It was agreed that the new Parish Council
should look again at this project with a view to restarting the process and that
the views of residents should be sought, particularly in relation to the “Local
Development Framework”
h) Footpaths & Environment Group
The next meeting of the Footpaths Group will be held on 16th April. Among the
topics to be considered are:
One remaining action from 1817 Inclosure Award (BOAT)
Mr Dryden’s concerns re Apperley Track
Way Marking
Forest Stewardship Application
Joint Local Access Forum – Parish Pride -
With regard to the Apperley Track problem, it was agreed
to write to the Trail Riders’ Association and the 4wd Association and point
out that this route is not a public right of way. It was also noted that the
County will, in due course, be making an order for this route to be a restricted
by-way
Spring Clean Event 21st April – Councillors were
urged to support this event.
Hall Farm Close – It was agreed that the fence
at Hall Farm Close be replaced.
i) Sensory Garden
Nothing to report
06/107 Other business - None
Mr Davison requested that the subject of traffic on New Ridley Road be placed
on the next agenda.
06/108 Date of Next Meeting
Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council – 14th
May
Parish Council 4th June
Mrs Sayce closed the meeting and wished those present a very Happy Easter.
The meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.
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