Present: J Coles, S Lovatt, S Fletcher, W Andrews, M Heathcote and the clerk, S Hampson. There were no members of the public in attendance.

Part 1 non-confidential information
25.4.1 Apologies and attendance register
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs D Currington and the District Councillor, Mr D Chapman.

25.4.2 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 Coles.

25.4.3 Matters arising and pre-meeting
Items were covered by the agenda.

25.4.4 Public Speaking Procedures Document
The document was available in the meeting.

25.4.5 Public speaking
There was one member of the public in attendance for part of the meeting. He wished to promote the village hall lottery and this is advertised on Biggin Community Face Book. He thought the new village planters will be very successful but on the other hand, reported that the millennium tree planted adjacent to the Pinfold is failing to thrive and suggested moving it to the other side of the noticeboard together with a new post for the plaque. He reported that the agenda had not been displayed on the website but the clerk confirmed it had been sent. He commented on the price of the new council’s laptop but had not appreciated that this included the cost of the lifetime software, antivirus software and VAT which will be reclaimed. The chair-person confirmed that the cost had been approved by the parish council in advance of purchase. He reported that the wooded benches may not require staining until autumn. He thought the restoration of the bench seats at Heathcote Mere was very well done.

He had contacted Peak District National Pak Authority (PDNPA) Enforcement Team regarding Sycamore House. He reported that the gates had been specifically mentioned and the doors, windows, roof had also been noted The parish council had previously reported issues to the Enforcement Team some time ago.

25.4.6 District Councillor
The District Councillor had forwarded apologies in advance of the meeting.

25.4.7 Update on affordable homes
There had been no further updates from an officer at Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) regarding the two affordable homes in Biggin. The clerk had brought a brochure with details related to four affordable available in Hartington. Qualifying residents from some neighbouring parishes can apply, including those from Hartington Nether Quarter. The affordable properties at Hartington are being marketed at 35% below the District Valuer’s valuations.

Resolved: The clerk to seek a further update from DDDC regarding the affordable homes in Biggin.

25.4.8 Heathcote Mere seats.
The mowing contractor had kindly collected and fixed new stone tops to the seats at Heathcote Mere, donating his time and some materials. The stone tops had been paid for by the parish council. The members of the parish council were very grateful for the restoration works and the benches now look attractive once more. The clerk had contacted a local builders’ merchants and obtained some costs for sockets and posts which could be placed around the perimeter to prevent parking and damage to the perimeter verge. The clerk had recently pointed out the ‘No parking’ signs to tourists who had disregarded the advisory signs. The use of stakes and boulders were discussed.

Resolved: Mr Fletcher to supply some hard core and soil and to meet with the mowing contractor to ‘make good’ the damaged area.
Resolved: Mr Fletcher and Mr Heathcote to supply some boulders and place around the perimeter of Heathcote Mere, after restoration works have taken place. This will prevent further parking damage.

25.4.9 Village tree surgery work
The appointed contractor had previously advised that work should commence in March but this had not taken place and the clerk had made further contact, in advance of the meeting, with the tree surgeon.

25.4.10 Defibrillators
The clerk had advised the enquirer from Pikehall that the telephone box does not actually lie within the boundary of Hartington Nether Quarter Parish (according to the boundary map) and that the parish council would, therefore, not be able to adopt the defibrillator. A response had not been received.

25.4.11 War Memorial Registration
Mrs Lovatt advised that she had accompanied the resident dealing with the War Memorial registration to the Archive Records office where some useful information had been found suggesting a date of origin between 1919-1921. References to the War Memorial had been located in historic parish council minutes but nothing in old church information. It is possible that original date and some information has been cemented over, during modifications to the War Memorial, over time. The application to register the War Memorial as a listed monument has now been submitted.

25.4.12 Planning applications, planning sub-committee, appeals and enforcement
There was one new planning application (NP/DDD/0325/0252) concerning the change from holiday let to residential dwelling of a garage conversion on Main Street, Biggin. Several enquiries had been submitted to the planning officer concerned, in advance of the meeting but whilst the officer concerned had responded, some answers had not been available in time for the meeting. The members further discussed the application but without the benefit of the missing information, could not reach a definitive decision.

Resolved: To advise that the parish council has a preference for residential dwellings compared to holiday lets; however, this application must have a 106 local occupancy agreement, in perpetuity, never to be lifted and to await confirmation of previously requested information.