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
26.3.1 Apologies and attendance register
Mr M Heathcote was not in attendance.

26.3.2 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

26.3.3 Matters arising and pre-meeting
As referred to in the previous minutes, Mrs Lovatt had purchased some no smoking signs to be placed in the bus shelters.

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

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

26.3.6 District Councillor
The District Councillor was not in attendance.

26.3.7 Casual vacancy
A casual vacancy notice had been prepared by the clerk and this had been placed on the website and the noticeboard.

26.3.8 Update on affordable homes
The owner of the affordable homes has confirmed that he has at least identified a new contractor for the replacement heat pumps required at the properties. He has accepted that he neds to install new pumps in order to get the MSC certification and then Building Control to sign off. He is chasing the contractor to get a date for this to happen. Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) has requested to be updated with the progress in getting the heat pumps installed and also to ensure that he’s got confirmation from the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) that both of the people he has set up to move into the properties meet the eligibility criteria in terms of the 10 year residency, affordability, housing need and so on – and pointed out that this may take some time to confirm with the PDNPA. Regarding Council Tax banding, it is understood that an application to band the properties with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) was made in December, but there are some significant delays with this process at the moment and it could take as long as July before the banding is confirmed.

DDDC confirmed that not having the Council Tax band confirmed will not delay occupation of the properties and that the council can take payments in advance of the banding being confirmed. So, if the owner delivers his promise to get the heat pumps replaced and certified, followed by Building Control sign off and PDNPA confirmation that the occupants meet the residency criteria then DDDC could, with only realistic optimism, still be looking at getting the properties occupied in Spring 26.

The clerk had invited the owner to attend the March meeting but this was not convenient for him.

Resolved: the clerk to offer the owner of the affordable houses, two alternative dates and await confirmation of attendance.

26.2.9 Heathcote Mere and other works, toad migration
Toad migration patrol signs had been erected near Heathcote Mere, subsequent to the February meeting. The clerk had requested an update on works at the Mere. Pygmy weed had been attended to in November. Other works are being considered by PDNPA.

26.3.10 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.

26.3.11 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. However; the bin had been checked again in advance of the March meeting and it was reported that on this occasion, the bin was free from litter which was pleasing to the members.

Resolved: to place a further article in News and Views to advise that the grit bin will remain on Greenhead Crescent subject to it remaining litter free during each of the future regular monitoring sessions.

26.3.12 Assertion 10, email address, .gov.uk. .org.uk
From the February meeting, it was agreed to defer this at this present time and work towards it over time. Some further information had been sent to members but no further action taken.

26.3.13 Planning applications, planning sub-committee, appeals and enforcement
An appeal, with Start Date: 12/02/2026 had been received as follows:
Proposal: Proposed storage shed at Homestead Barn, Main Street, Biggin, Buxton.
Application Number: NP/DDD/0825/0813 Planning Inspectorate reference: 6004686

The clerk had contacted Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) with a request for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to be considered on the historic yew tree at Yew Tree Cottage.