A meeting of Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council was held on Monday, 7th November 2016 at Biggin Village Hall.
Present: Mr D Prince, Mrs S McCurrach, Mrs J Coles, Mrs J Bonsall, Mrs J Griffiths, the clerk, Mrs S Hampson and 3 members of the public.
Part 1 non-confidential information
16.11.1 Apologies
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs J Brindley.
16.11.2 Declaration of personal/prejudicial interest of councillors
There was no need by any member present to complete an entry in the register.
16.11.3 Minutes of the previous ordinary meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting had been displayed on the noticeboard; on the parish council’s website and forwarded to members in advance of the meeting.
Resolved: to approve the minutes as a true record of proceedings (Prop JB Sec JG)
16.11.4 Matters arising from pre-meeting
Items covered by the agenda.
16.11.5 Public speaking procedures document
Members of the public in attendance declined to read the document as they were regular attenders and familiar with its content.
16.11.6 PCSO updates
PCSO contact details have been forwarded to cover Hartington. A police officer will cover the area of Hartington Nether Quarter. Increased patrols are taking place and advice has been given to the owners of quad bikes to keep them secure and locked away when not in use.
16.11.7 County Councillor and District Councillor
Apologies received in advance of the meeting from County Councillor S Spencer
16.11.8 Highway issues including Cardlemere Lane
The unsuitable for motor vehicles sign is now in place at the end of Cardlemere Lane adjoining the A515; however, members discussed the need for a sign at the other end of the lane near Pikehall.
Resolved: The clerk to contact Derbyshire County Council (DCC) regarding this.
The highway information sign has still not been reinstated near the Ivy House although a small sign may have been put in place on the other side.
Resolved: The clerk to contact DCC again regarding the absent sign to avoid rear end collisions with vehicles turning for Biggin.
16.11.9 Planning applications including planning sub-committee
A lengthy response had been received from the enforcement officer at Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) following his recent visit to High Peak Harriers on Main Street to review progress on works. An application for a lawful use/development certificate (LDC) for the southern-most building (building/unit currently being worked on) was refused in September 2015. The officer reported that it appears that the application was misguided in that it sought a certificate for a lawful residential use of land, which has been until recently, part of a larger building in a mixed use (pub/office). Unfortunately, unlike planning appeals there is no time limit to challenge a decision against a refusal to issue a LDC. The owner is seeking legal advice about the decision.
The officer advised that from looking at what exactly is in breach of planning control: the works to replace the roof, rebuild the gable and repair pointing and relocate the window etc. could reasonably be deemed to be repair, maintenance, alteration that is excluded from the definition of development for the purposes of the Planning Act. He thought there was sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the works currently taking place to the building in terms of the porch extension off the front are unauthorised and require planning permission, but this might well become Permitted Development if the appeal is upheld and the decision to refuse the LDC is overturned. Also works which only affect the interior of a building are also excluded from the definition of development. At the moment the building is being refurbished and it is obvious what the intention is (a dwelling), but until the building starts to resemble a dwelling – as in the normal things required for day-to-day living – PDNPA would be unable to successfully defend enforcement action on the basis that there has been a change of use.
PDNPA will contact the agent again asking for an update on any appeal. The site will continue to be monitored. The owner knows that any works carried out without planning permission is done so entirely at his own risk.
The officer welcomed any update from the Parish on any further developments at this site.
16.11.10 Heathcote Mere, seats, plinth
The clerk had contacted the ranger service regarding the possibility of placing an information plinth at the site. These are apparently referred to as interpretation panels and could cost between £2,000-£3,000. PDNPA have specialist interpreters and designers. The ponds officer has also been contacted regarding this but is presently on leave. Members thought this cost to be rather high. Parking on the grass has been reduced since the introduction of the advisory signs at Heathcote Mere. The flag remains missing from the seat and is thought to be in the mere. Mrs Coles’ husband will look for a replacement. A member of the public advised that teal ducks are now frequenting the mere which is very pleasant to see.
16.11.11 Items of account, salaries, HMRC
| Cq 927 | G Tilson | Salary | £96.63 |
| Cq 928 | S Hampson | November Internet Allowance | £10.00 |
| Cq 929 | S Hampson | November Premises Allowance | £18.00 |
| Cq 930 | S Hampson | November Clerk’s Salary | £177.51 |
| Cq 931 | S Hampson | Reimbursement of Expenses | £12.18 |
The clerk advised that she had completed Pension Regulator documentation online.
16.11.12 Village pavements
There had been no further response from DCC in time for the meeting and Mrs Griffiths had not heard anything either.
Resolved: The clerk to contact DCC yet again regarding the condition of the village pavements.
16.11.13 Cemetery
An application had been received for a slate memorial in the cemetery.
Resolved: The memorial was approved.
Mr Prince reported that grass clippings had been left again in the cemetery; however, Mrs McCurrach reported that the cemetery appeared in an excellent state when she visited but there was some deeper grass near the entrance. Consideration was given to the fact that the grounds person may not be collecting the clippings on the same day as the cemetery grass is cut.
Resolved: Mr Prince to contact the clerk if the situation regarding grass clippings persists.
Resolved: Members to carry out a review next Spring.
16.11.14 Remembrance Day and road closure
An official road closure has been put in place and posters produced however, a resident has erected information signs which do not correspond in time to the posters. Members were uncertain as to the person responsible for producing the signs but it is not a member of the parish council and consultation should have taken place.
Resolved: To reimburse Mrs Griffiths for refreshment costs for the Remembrance Day commemoration.
16.11.15 Street lighting
Mrs Griffiths reported that the street light obscured by vegetation remains in the same state and Western Power has not yet cut back the tree concerned. She further advised that DCC will not carry out the removal of the vegetation. She also advised members, on behalf of a resident, of a street lamp that is not working and has been flashing for 5 weeks.
Resolved: the clerk to contact DCC to report the faulty street lighting column 46471 opposite the school and to request that DCC contact Western Power again regarding the clearance of vegetation from around the lamp on Main Street.
16.11.16 Hearing loop
Following a meeting attended by Mrs Bonsall and Mrs Griffiths with members of the village hall, information has been received from the company concerned regarding the cost to install a hearing loop in the village hall. The cost will be £485. The members reported that the village hall committee are in agreement with the installation. The clerk asked about the facility in the meeting room for parish council meetings and it was reported that the size of the room may cause an echo. Members discussed the parish council meeting the installation costs and the village hall becoming responsible for its use and maintenance thereafter.
Resolved: The clerk to contact the company to advise that the parish council will meet the installation costs and to enquire about future maintenance costs. The clerk to clarify issues with the meeting room and to contact the village hall committee regarding their ongoing responsibilities.
Resolved: The clerk to find out about the associated training and the number of people involved.
Resolved: The clerk advised that hirers of the village hall must be made aware of the correct use of the hearing loop for health and safety reasons.
Resolved: To place the item on the next agenda.
16.11.17 Budget items for 2017-18 (initial discussion)
The clerk asked members to give consideration of items to be form part of next year’s precept such as the information plinth at Heathcote Mere, defibrillator consumables.
Resolved: The clerk to produce up to date accounts for members for the next meeting to enable the precept to be set.
16.11.18 Defibrillator
Members discussed the need to replace both the adult and paediatric paddles for the defibrillator,
Resolved: Mrs Griffiths to advise the clerk of the model numbers to enable the clerk to order replacements.
Members also discussed the possibility of acquiring a second defibrillator for the parish; however, it was acknowledged that the parish is spread over a number of areas all requiring access to a defibrillator. The clerk also advised that British Heart Foundation no longer provides the 50:50 cost option. The necessary electrical supply remains the biggest hurdle to overcome and a discussion around the possible use of the bus shelter, pump station or telephone box took place.
Resolved: To place the item on the next agenda.
16.11.19 Correspondence
Included: DCC Modern Slavery, NHS North Derbyshire annual report, new chief officer at DALC, Derbyshire Open Arts 2017, open spaces survey, better care homes survey, PDNPA award for accessibility.
16.11.21 Items for next agenda
Precept 2017, Heathcote Mere, Defibrillator, Cemetery, Hearing Loop, Street Lighting, Pavements. Additional items to be compiled by the clerk.
16.11.22 Date of next meeting
5th December 2016
The meeting was declared closed at: 8.40 pm
Mrs S Hampson
Clerk
8th November 2016
©Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council minutes remain draft until approved by the parish council at the next meeting