Present: D Currington, S Lovatt, W Andrews, S Fletcher, and the clerk, S Hampson.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

Part 1 non-confidential information

26.2.1 Apologies and attendance register
Apologies had been received from Mr Heathcote.

The parish council members and the clerk were deeply saddened by the death of their colleague, Mrs J Coles.

26.2.2 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

26.2.3 Matters arising and pre-meeting
The clerk had been approached regarding permission to display toad migration signs and for volunteer patrols to attend Heathcote mere in an attempt to reduce the numbers of amphibious deaths from the mere during the migration season.  Volunteers for this process would be much appreciated.  Also see item 26.2.8

The ‘no fly tipping’ sign has been removed from Heathcote placed in the area just above the former Hartshead Quarry.  It has been noted that people with cars are now going into this area to ‘tip’.

Resolved:  Mr Fletcher to view and investigate the area again.

Concerns had been received, in advance of this meeting, regarding tree surgery work at Yew Tree Cottage, as it was perceived that a tree preservation order (TPO) was in existence.  The clerk had contacted Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) regarding this.  PDNPA has subsequently confirmed that there are no TPOs in place in Biggin.  Members of the public and the parish council remain concerned about the protection of the yew tree at this property.

Resolved:  the clerk to contact PDNPA to enquire about the process to achieve a TPO on this tree.

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

26.2.5 Public speaking
There were no members of the public in attendance.

26.2.6 District Councillor
The District Councillor was not in attendance.

26.2.7 Update on affordable homes
Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) has continued to follow up the registration of the affordable homes for council tax but it is now in excess of a month since the date, provided by DDDC, when it was anticipated that significant progress to completion would have been reached.  The council tax department cannot apply for the registration of these properties until they are complete and signed off by building control.  There is a question over a completion notice being served.  DDDC personnel will continue to liaise with the owner of the properties to bring these properties to a conclusion as soon as possible.  Members of the parish council remain disappointed with the progress, as 2 families are potentially being denied the opportunity to live in the village and participate in other aspects such as supporting the primary school.  It is possible that a grant received for renewable source heating was received approximately 10 years ago and may possibly be ongoing.  The Section 106 agreement should remain in perpetuity.

Resolved:  to invite the owner of the properties to the next parish council meeting to enable him to provide information and an update on his plans for these properties.

26.2.8 Heathcote Mere and other works, toad migration
Mr Heathcote was not in attendance and there was no further information regarding the grant scheme related to the mere referred to in previous minutes.  A request had been received from the neighbouring parish regarding toad migration from Heathcote Mere which has previously resulted in a number of toad deaths on the road.  A number of volunteers undertake a patrol at Hartington Pond and would like to volunteer at Heathcote mere too.  Volunteers from Hartington will provide assistance at Heathcote Mere.  An article will feature in News and Views.

Resolved:  to approve the display of toad migration signs at Heathcote Mere and to permit volunteers to undertake a ‘toad patrol’ during the migration season.

26.2.9 Bank signatories and mandate
Three signatories have now completed the required process by the parish council’s bank are now authorised.  These are Mrs Currington, Mrs Lovatt and Mrs Hampson.

26.2.10 Possible relocation of Greenhead Crescent grit bin
An article had been placed in News and Views advising that if the grit bin sited at Greenhead Crescent continues to be used as a litter bin, rather than its intended purpose, it will be relocated in the vicinity of the village hall.  Immediately prior to the February parish council meeting, a member of the parish council checked the grit bin and there was further litter and cigarette ends inside the bin which is most unsatisfactory.

Resolved:  to place a further article in News and Views to hopefully prevent this anti-social practice otherwise, the bin will be relocated.

26.2.11 Assertion 10, email address, .gov.uk. .org.uk
As part of the new external audit system, parish councils should work towards the achievement of a .gov.uk or .org email address.  The clerk had been liaising with the parish council’s internal auditor.  If this is not achieved, an advisory will be given to allow more time to get this in place for the following audit year.  Advice is being sought through the parish council’s website provider.

Resolved:  to defer this at this present time and work towards it over time.

26.2.12 Planning applications, planning sub-committee, appeals and enforcement
NP/DDD/1225/1259, Newhaven Caravan Park,

Proposed siting of 35 static holiday caravans in lieu of 60 touring caravan pitches.

Resolved:  members discussed this proposal and consider that, from a highway perspective, the siting of static caravans would be an improvement.