Present: D Currington, S Lovatt, S Fletcher, M Heathcote and the clerk, S Hampson. For part of the meeting, there was one member of the public in attendance.

Part 1 non-confidential information
25.12.1 Apologies and attendance register
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs J Coles and Mrs W Andrews.

25.12.2 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous ordinary meeting had been displayed on the noticeboard, forwarded to the members and the parish council’s website, in advance of the meeting.

Resolved: To accept the minutes as a true record of proceedings. These were duly signed by Mrs Currington

25.12.3 Matters arising and pre-meeting
The large green wheeled bin, paid for by the parish council, for use in the cemetery/church yard has gone missing. The clerk has reported this to the Waste Management Services and the Accounts department at Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC). DDDC will deliver a new bin and the parish council will not be charged for the period since bringing the matter to the attention of DDDC and receipt of the replacement bin.

25.12.4 Public Speaking Procedures Document
The document was available in the meeting for the public in attendance.

25.12.5 Public speaking
The member of the public had been in contact with an enforcement officer at Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) with regard to aspects of unauthorised developments at Sycamore House. The officer reported that action is not proposed to take place with regard to windows and doors; however, action is proposed against the tall gate posts and the incorporation of agricultural land into domestic use. The member of the public advised that further gravestones in the old churchyard were laid flat on the day of the meeting.

25.12.6 District Councillor
The District Councillor was not in attendance.

25.11.7 Update on affordable homes
The clerk had requested the most up to date situation with the affordable homes in time for the meeting. The property owner had advised DDDC of proposed future occupiers. The officer at DDDC required updates on any works being undertaken. The deadline for completion of works is 19th December. The garden area appears much improved and the drive has been tarmaced.

Resolved: the clerk to continue to liaise with DDDC.
Resolved: the clerk to request confirmation of compliance the Section 106 agreement regarding occupancy

25.12.8 Heathcote Mere and other works
Mr Heathcote had no further information regarding the grant scheme referred to in previous minutes.

25.12.9 Village tree surgery work
The clerk had instructed the contractor to proceed with the quote for £450 and also requested a quote for additional tree surgery work on Main Street. The clerk had not heard anything further about an estimate for Main Street works.

Resolved: the clerk to seek additional quotes from other tree surgeons and to chase the other contractor.

25.12.10 Budget and precept 2026-2027
The clerk and responsible finance officer had prepared an estimated year end forecast of the accounts to 31st March 2026 and a budget for 2026-27. Members discussed financial requirements for the following year considering an increase to the precept from the previous financial year, due to increases in services, essential requirements and maintenance. Income from the parish council cemetery had been low during the present financial year to date. It remains unpredictable and could be zero during 2026-27.

Resolved: to increase the precept by £2,000 to £13,000 with a submission of £500 by way of reimbursable expenditure to offset mowing costs in the parish council cemetery.

25.12.11 Two-year mowing contract
The clerk had submitted details of the previous mowing contract for members to consider any revisions to the contract prior to seeking tenders for 2026 and 2027. Members have been extremely satisfied with the mowing contractor used for some years but a tender process is required. Members discussed contractors to contact to submit tenders.

Resolved: to keep the mowing requirements the same; to contact suitably qualified contractors and to appoint a mowing contractor for a 2 year mowing contract at the February meeting.

25.12.12 Planning applications, planning sub-committee, appeals and enforcement
There were no new planning applications to consider.

25.12.13 Bank signatories and mandate
Mrs Currington had further liaised with the parish council’s bank. Mrs Currington and Mrs Lovatt have been confirmed as authorised signatories. Additional signatories will be added.