Present: D Currington, S Lovatt, W Andrews, M Heathcote, (part of the meeting), S Fletcher and the clerk, S Hampson.  There were two members of the public in attendance. 

Part 1 non-confidential information

25.7.1 Apologies and attendance register
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs J Coles.

25.7.3 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

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

25.7.4 Public Speaking Procedures Document
The document was available in the meeting and provided for the attention of the two members of the public in attendance.

25.7.5 Public speaking
One member attended to provide additional information regarding a planning application at his property which the parish council had previously objected to. In advance of the meeting, the planning officer concerned had already forwarded additional information to the clerk. Based on the clarification by the planning officer of some points, the members gave further consideration to the planning application. Also see agenda item 25.7.13

The other member of the public attended regarding a reference in previous minutes to a porch at his property, brought to the attention of the parish council by another resident. The clerk had made contact with the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) and a site visit had been made. The member of the public reported that the PDNPA are completely satisfied with the size of the porch and this is within ‘permitted development’.

25.7.6 District Councillor
The District Councillor was not in attendance.

25.7.7 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. Mrs Currington reported that there had been some attention given to the garden areas.

25.7.8 Heathcote Mere perimeter soil
Additional soil had not yet been put in place by Mr Fletcher by the time of the meeting as he had anticipated a call from the mowing contractor to assist. However, weather permitting, this will be achieved during the following week, with the assistance of Mr Heathcote. The boundary stones will be adjusted, ensuring these remain at a minimum of 450 mm from the highway.

25.7.9 Village tree surgery work
Tree surgery pruning work had been carried out to a lime tree on Drury Lane to enable the millennium cherry tree to thrive. The invoice for £200 had been received. (see 25.7.14). The contractor had forwarded an estimate, in the sum of £700, to carry out pruning work to a tree outside Stoneacre on Drury Lane. In view of this cost, a second quote had been sought from another local tree surgeon but the quote had not been received in time for the meeting.

Resolved: Mrs Lovatt to make contact with the second tree surgeon to chase matters.
Resolved: To proceed with the tree surgeon offering a lower quote, if work quoted for is sufficient.

25.7.10 War Memorial Registration
The formal assessment of the War Memorial is now underway by Historic England. Once complete, an assessment report will be forwarded which sets out the factual information on which their recommendations will be based. The parish council will then be invited to comment. The Secretary of State will receive their final decision.

25.7.11 The future of the church, Remembrance Day Service 9.11.25
The clerk had invited the District Councillor to attend the meeting held on 3rd June by representatives of the church but it was reported that he had not attended. Mrs Lovatt had attended the meeting and reported that the meeting had not provided any resolutions. It is hoped that in the absence of a Parochial Church Council (PCC), ‘Friends of Biggin Church’ could be formed. To be a member of the PCC would require each individual member to be baptised, confirmed and to also achieve a level 3 Safe Guarding qualification. The members representing the church at the meeting stated that the required church repairs will not take place, as there are insufficient monies to pay for them. Access to the parish council cemetery will remain vital. A further church meeting has been scheduled for 2nd September.

Members discussed arrangements for Remembrance Day.

Resolved: The clerk to contact the vicar to request a service in church at 2.30 pm to be followed by a short service at the War Memorial, at 3.00 pm, on Sunday, 9th November 2025.

25.7.12 Review of polices
These were reviewed and new review dates inserted.

25.7.13 Planning applications, planning sub-committee, appeals and enforcement
Also see public speaking. Members had previously objected to a proposal at Green Farm expressing concerns regarding potential commercial development here. The planning officer associated with the application had contacted the clerk regarding the objection, confirming that conditions being imposed would ensure the venture could not become commercial. A maximum of 6 horses would be part of an equine rehabilitation programme preventing a large-scale operation. There is only one means of access, preventing separation of the residential farm from the existing stables.

In view of the additional information provided to the parish council by the planning officer and the owner of Green Farm, members gave further consideration to their previous decision.

Resolved: to approve NP/DDD/0425/0417 and 0418 at Green Farm.