The Annual meeting of Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council 
was held on Monday, 6th March 2023 at 7.30pm
in Biggin Village Hall.

Present: P Tapping, S Griffiths, D Currington, J Coles, S McCurrach and the clerk, S Hampson.  There was one member of the public in attendance for part of the meeting.

Part 1 non-confidential information

23.3.1 Apologies
There were no apologies but Mr Heathcote was not in attendance.

23.3.2 Minutes of the previous ordinary meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting had been displayed on the noticeboard and 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. Mr Tapping duly signed the minutes as a true copy of proceedings.

23.3.3 Matters arising and pre-meeting
From the previous minutes, the clerk had contacted DALC regarding the possibility of the parish council sponsoring a church pew. Their response had confirmed the clerk’s suggestion that the parish council is not permitted to do this as it would be classed as maintenance and improvement.

Mr Griffiths had kindly checked the defibrillator and pads and reported that both the set stored with the defibrillator and the spare set have expiry dates in August and November 2023 respectively. He also advised that the battery was dated 2018/19. Members believed this to be the installation date but this means it has been in place 5 years. It is functioning and there is no warning indicator light displayed. Members discussed the future checking of the defibrillator as Mr Griffiths had previously declared that he will not stand again as a parish councillor. He advised that he would continue checking the machine for a period of time until hopefully, an alternative person can be found to take on this responsibility. The clerk advised that First Responders will check defibrillators in the area but it is usual to provide an annual donation for this service.

Resolved: Mrs McCurrach to bring the defibrillator to the training event to be checked initially by the training provider.
Resolved: the clerk to make enquiries about a new defibrillator battery.

23.3.4 Public Speaking Procedures Document
The document was available in the meeting and the person in attendance was familiar with the document.

23.3.5 Public speaking
There was one member of the public in attendance. She reported the appalling state of the footpath between Newhaven and Cardlemere Lane. She advised that this is overgrown, full of litter and the surface has potholes. The footpath is hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. Mr Tapping advised that it is mown once a year but this is insufficient.

Resolved: the clerk to report this matter to request attention as soon as possible.

23.3.6 Elections
The clerk readvised members that they must be responsible for completing and submitting their own candidate forms for the forthcoming elections. She informed the members that ‘in person’ voters must now show a form of photographic identification or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This year is also the year for Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) parish member elections.

23.3.7 Planning applications, planning sub-committee and appeals
A pre-application communication had been received for a telecommunications tower. The proposed tower will be approximately 30 metres in height with ancillary buildings. Members appreciated that the height may well be necessary for maximum coverage for 3, Telefonica and Vodaphone networks. Members also considered whether or not Biggin would have improved mobile coverage or whether it may be subject to an umbrella effect directly underneath the mast. Members voted on whether to support this pre-application or not.

Of the 5 members present, 4 voted in favour and one objected to the proposal; however, the members require clarification that for the positive votes to be valid, proof of improved mobile coverage would be required. Members would like to know if there is an alternative to the listed tower height.

Resolved: the clerk to forward the above information to the company and to PDNPA in advance of any formal application.

The parish council had previously supported an application for the Old Chapel in Heathcote but the planning officer concerned had contacted the clerk to ask if the parish council wished to provide any further comments regarding the decision to support the proposal.

Resolved: The members upheld their decision to support this application; a small building for a dwelling; plans are in-keeping including the windows; neighbours have not objected. The clerk to submit these comments.

23.3.8 Phone box
The Perspex required for the phone box is now in Biggin, ready to be cut to size by Mr Tapping. A resident will kindly paint the telephone box crowns gold and Mr Tapping will repaint the roof.

Resolved: Mrs Coles to place the order for the 4 new ‘Parish History’ signs for the telephone box.
Resolved: To collect information and pictures to be inserted into the telephone box prior to the coronation.

23.3.9 Parish Council bank account
Resolved: Mrs Coles to revisit putting additional signatories onto the bank’s system.

23.3.10 Covid Memorial Plaque
The plaque had been delivered to Mrs Currington. Members were very pleased with the plaque.

Resolved: Mr Tapping to fix the plaque to the memorial wall in the cemetery at the opposite end to the existing plaque on the wall.

23.3.11 CPR Training
12 names had been received to complete the training event at 9 am on 11th March. Mrs McCurrach will bring the village defibrillator to the event.

Resolved: The clerk to contact 2 candidates to confirm their full names and contact numbers and to advise Mrs Coles accordingly.

23.3.12 Coronation
It was reported that teas will be served in the village hall for a short period of time on Sunday.
Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) will not provide any grants towards the coronation.

Resolved: the parish council to pay for the village hall hire costs.

23.3.13 Grit boxes and snow warden
Grit levels are fine at the moment. The parish does not have a snow warden at present.

Resolved: to place an article in News and Views seeking a new snow warden.