Latest Minutes subject to approval

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF GRINDON PARISH COUNCIL
IN GRINDON PARISH HALL
ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th, 2008, AT 7.30

1. PRESENT
Mr D Godfrey (Chair), Mr J Atkinson, Mr G Rees, Mr D Jones, Mr W Allison, Mr P Burke
In attendance: Mrs S Humble (Clerk), PC J Ollett, Mr M Berry (Environmental Health), Cllr J Gardner, Mr J Smilie and one elector

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None

3. POLICE AND COMMUNITY INTERESTS
3.1 PC Ollett reported that there had been 2 crimes recorded in the Parish since the last meeting. These related to a burglary at farm buildings and damage to lights on the toilet block at Wynyard Woodland Park.
3.2 PC Ollett also reported that a youth disorder fixed penalty ticket had been issued following an incident involving youths lighting fireworks on a road in Wynyard.
3.3 PC Ollett advised the PC that following the report of poachers in Thorpe Thewles by the PC last month he had now investigated the matter and reported that the farmer was not finding this a problem at the present time.

4. INTERESTS TO DECLARE
There were none.

5. MINUTES
Mr D Jones proposed and Mr W Allison seconded the adoption of the minutes of Oct 8th, 2008 as a correct record. All in favour. They were therefore signed by the Chair

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
6.1 Fence and hedge: Vane Arms car park, Thorpe Thewles: The Clerk confirmed that the work was completed during October by Punch Taverns. The Clerk was asked to pass on the thanks of the PC to Punch Taverns.

6.2 Removal of old plastic green barrels around Thorpe Thewles: Mr D Jones advised that he has been chasing this matter and that the 4 barrels have been promised this week. If they are not received Cllr Gardner asked Mr D Jones to let him know so he can officially log issue and Mr D Jones advised he may look at changing the provider if he is let down again.

6.3 SEIB grants: Mr D Jones advised the dog bin is now installed at Durham Road. The remaining bin is proving difficult to site and Mr D Jones is to speak with Mr G Studholme to investigate the possibility of putting it in a field which he owns (located behind the Church & North Close).

6.4 Dog Fouling: Mr M Berry from Environmental Health attended the meeting to provide feedback on the Enforcement Team patrol findings in Thorpe Thewles. Mr M Berry advised the patrol team work between the hours of 6.30am and 8.30pm and following the erection of temporary signs advising they were in the area they have carried out a number of patrols in the village as requested by the PC. The feedback he received was that the area was reasonably quiet and there was not much of a fouling issue in the area. The officers have spoken with a number of dog owners in the area and given out free dog bags and will schedule a revisit in the next two months. He again reiterated that they will act on specific complaints if people provide them with information. He also updated the PC on the current review underway at the minute in particular the possibility of “Dog Control Orders” being implemented in the future which the PC would be keen to take advantage of should this be passed. The PC thanked Mr M Berry for attending and his team for the work they have carried out in the area and he has agreed to keep the PC updated regarding the outcome of the current review. The PC agreed to keep this item on the agenda for future meetings with all in favour.

6.5 Speed Cameras in Thorpe Thewles: The Clerk reported she is still awaiting feedback from Mr S Lumb (Community Engineer). The Clerk advised Mr S Lumb is attending the Joint Parish Councils meeting on 18th November at Stillington Youth & Community Centre to discuss traffic issues in and around our villages. Mr G Rees confirmed he is to attend on behalf of the PC.

6.6 New Wynyard bench: The Clerk reported that she has managed to source a bench and has obtained a quote from the manufacturer. The PC are happy with the quotation but need a slight amendment to this in relation to the fitting mechanism. The Clerk to obtain a further quotation for the bench and obtain a quotation for the installation. These will be brought to the next PC meeting for consideration.

6.7 Momentum: Mr G Rees attended the Consultation meeting on 23rd October but advised he left early as he was frustrated with the way the meeting was conducted so he could not advise on the outcome of the meeting. Cllr Gardner advised the PC that the Wynyard One site had been selected and a planning application was now likely to be made.

6.8 Meeting Hall for Wynyard Village: The Clerk is still awaiting a response from Wynyard Estate Services. The PC requested a further letter is sent to WES reminding them of their original vision for Wynyard as outlined by Sir John Hall, which included a meeting place for residents/groups.

6.9 Village Green – Richard Lindley Groundworks: Mr Allison gave an update on the work carried out following discussion with Mr Lindley and confirmed that the work had been completed satisfactorily and he had, as requested by PC last month, given the Clerk permission to release payment.

6.10 The Wynd, Wynyard: The Clerk advised she is awaiting feedback from SBC re. school run parking in Wynyard.

6.11 Thorpe Thewles Village Green: Mr G Rees advised he did meet with Mr Mindam from SBC. He reported that there are no funds available until April but Mr Mindam has agreed to do a drawing of the Village Green with an indication of what could be done. Upon receipt of the drawing he will bring this to the PC meeting for their perusal.

6.13 Wynyard Hall: The Clerk reported WES planning application went to the Planning Committee on 15th October and was subsequently passed by SBC during October.

6.14 NEDL Damage to trees on Village Green – The Clerk advised she has now spoken with Mr Patchett from Bethells, the contractor used to cut the trees on the Village Green. She reported that Mr Patchett had advised the trees had to be cut back by an arbitrary distance of 2.5 m & 1.5m respectively. He also confirmed that the Council’s tree surveyor had granted permission for this work to go ahead. Mr Patchett was willing to meet with a representative of the PC if necessary to discuss the matter further and the PC have requested the Clerk set up a meeting with Mr Patchett, SBC tree surveyor and a member of the PC, with a view to gaining agreement that further work must now be carried out to the trees in question to improve the aesthetics of the trees.

6.15 The Stables Car Park – The Clerk advised she has received a response from WES in which they state that this area is privately owned and it does not fall under their jurisdiction. Both SBC and Punch Taverns have also denied responsibility for this area. Cllr Gardner has advised he will take a look at the area in question this weekend and will let the Clerk have comments as he is under the impression the area is WES’s responsibility. The Clerk has also requested Punch Taverns recheck with their legal team that the pavement and car park area is not their responsibility and is awaiting their response.

7. PLANNING
7.1 Planning decisions:
The following decisions were noted:

7.1.1 08/2793/SEC 21 Wynyard Road, Wolviston - To fell 1No. Sycamore tree in front garden – TPO Required - Sec 211
7.1.2 08/2654/FPD 15 Tempest Court, Wynyard - Single storey extension to family room - Approved with Conditions
7.1.3 08/2681/FPD 45 The Granary, Wynyard - Installation of 2 no velux roof windows to front - Approved with Conditions
7.1.4 08/2676/FPD 2 Davison Close, Wynyard - Single storey rear kitchen / dining room extension - Approved with Conditions
7.1.5 08/2596/FUL 12 Tempest Court, Wynyard - Conservatory to the rear - Approved with Conditions
7.1.6 08/2263/COU Wynyard Hall, The Avenue, Wynyard - Change of use to a hotel with associated restaurant and continuation of existing approved use for banqueting and events - Approved with Conditions
7.1.7 08/0956/OUT Land At Kennel Hill Plantation, Wellington Drive, Wynyard - Outline application for erection of 1 no. detached dwelling – Application refused
7.1.8 08/3248/FUL Rose Cottage, The Wynd, Wynyard - Proposed extension not in SBC area – File Closed
7.1.9 08/3027/SOR Land at Green Farm, Wynyard - Scoping opinion request for proposed North Teesside Hospital – Application Withdrawn
7.1.10 08/2769/LBC Land to The South of Wellington Drive, Adjacent to The Kennels, Wynyard - Listed Building consent for realignment of access road and installation of entrance gates to Wynyard Hall - Application Withdrawn
7.1.11 08/2583/FUL Land to The South of Wellington Drive, Adjacent to The Kennels, Wynyard - Realignment of access road and installation of entrance gates to Wynyard Hall - Application Withdrawn
7.1.12 08/3278/LBC Green Farm, 0 Durham Road, Wolviston - Conversion of existing barn to residential dwelling. Conversion of existing garage to form part of new dwelling Erection of new dwelling - File Closed
7.1.13 08/3277/FUL Green Farm, 0 Durham Road, Wolviston - Conversion of existing barn to residential dwelling. Conversion of existing garage to form part of new dwelling Erection of new dwelling – File Closed
7.1.14 08/3276/FUL 1 Butterwick Grove, Wynyard - Demolish existing Conservatory erect new two storey extension across rear of property to form enlarged Living Accommodation/ new Bedroom – File Closed
7.1.15 08/2508/FUL 16 The Plantations, Wynyard - First floor extension above double garage, two and single storey extension to link existing house and garage. Conversion of existing double garage into habitable room – Approved with conditions
7.1.16 08/2480/LBC Wynyard Hall, The Avenue, Wynyard - Listed Building consent for internal alterations to change the use to a hotel with associated restaurant and continuation of existing approved use for banqueting events –Approved with conditions
7.1.17 07/2433/COU Land Opposite Bank Terrace, Thorpe Thewles - Change of use of land from public open space/football pitch to play park – Application withdrawn
7.1.18 08/2521/FUL Wynyard Park, Wynyard - Erection of 4 no. storey hotel and 2 no. storey pub/restaurant –Application withdrawn

7.2 Planning Applications
7.2.1 08/3027/SOR Land at Green Farm, Wynyard – Scoping opinion request for proposed North Teesside Hospital – Clerk reported to the PC that this application has now been withdrawn
7.2.2 08/3109/FPD 7 Davison Close, Wynyard – Conservatory to the rear – No Comment
7.2.3 08/3144/AAC Proposed North Teesside Hospital Site A, Wynyard – Scoping opinion consultation for proposed hospital – Cllr Gardner provided the PC with an update in relation to this matter – No Further Comment
7.2.4 08/3191/FUL 2 Foresters Close, Wynyard – Conversion of ground floor family room, into triple garage with first floor extension above to provide family room and single storey garden room to the side/rear – No Comment
7.2.5 08/3239/REV 1 Butterwick Grove, Wynyard - Revised application for two storey extension to rear (demolition of existing conservatory) – No Comment
7.2.6 08/3251/APC Express By Holiday Inn, Wynyard Park Inn, Wolviston Services - Information to discharge condition no. 5 relating to foul and surface water drainage with reference to planning application 06/1724/FUL – No Comment
7.2.7 08/3195/FUL School House, 20 The Green, Wolviston - Single Storey extension to side/rear (demolition of existing garage) – No Comment
7.2.8 08/3281/FUL 35 Wellington Drive, Wynyard - Erection of two storey Granny flat to the side of existing dwelling – No Comment
7.2.9 08/3314/X Plot 1 And 2 At Rear, The Grove, Coal Lane - Application to fell 1 No. Ash tree (T1) and 3 No. Poplars (T2, T3 and T4) - The Clerk was asked by the PC to object to the application on the grounds that leaving the trees would preserve the look of the area.





8. HIGHWAYS
8.1 Golden Gates Access – The Clerk confirmed that she had raised the issue of access through the Golden Gates with SBC and they confirmed this is a private road and members of the public cannot access this road.

9. ACCOUNTS
9.1 GRINDON PARISH COUNCIL BUDGET 2008-9

INCOME RECEIVED TO DATE NOTES
PRECEPT 6700.00 6700.00
VAT REPAYMENT 136.00 121.52
INTEREST 50.00
WAYLEAVE 4.60
EARMARKED RESERVE FROM 2007-8 1650.00 Wynyard Dog bins & bench

TOTAL 8540.60 6821.52

EXPENDITURE SPENT TO DATE
PARISH APPEARANCE 4330.00 NIL
Comprising
£780.00 St James’s, Grindon churchyard grass-cutting 799.23
£500.00 Work to trees on Thorpe Village Green
£1000.00 Repairs to chains on Thorpe Village Green 600.00
£500.00 Thorpe Village tidy-up 500.00
£750.00 Dog bins for Wynyard
£900.00 New bench for Wynyard
LEGAL FEES 1350.00 708.90
AUDIT FEE 65.00 141.00
DONATIONS 300.00 275.00
STATIONERY 25.00 NIL
INSURANCE 400.00 NIL
GRINDON PARISH HALL MEETING HIRE 230.00 230.00
CLERK’S SALARY AND EXPENSES 1442.00 947.26
CONTINGENCY 500.00 NIL
TOTAL £8642.00 £4201.39
BALANCES AS AT 31.10.2008
Current a/c £875.52
Reserve a/c £9485.76

9.2 Mr D Jones proposed and Mr G Rees seconded the payment of The Clerk’s monthly salary for November of £120.00. All in favour.
9.3 Payment of Village Hall Meeting Room hire for current financial year: Mr J Atkinson proposed and Mr D Jones seconded payment of the invoice from the Parish Hall Committee in the sum of £230.00. All in favour.
9.4 Payment of Thorpe Caretaker Invoice: Following discussion by the PC following Mr J Smilie’s invoice for £500 it was agreed that as per the original arrangement agreed in April 08 a payment of £400.00 would be made to Mr J Smilie and a payment of £100 to Mr R Caygell for work in Thorpe Village. Mr D Jones proposed and Mr W Allison seconded. All in favour.
9.5 Payment of churchyard grass cutting account: Mr J Atkinson proposed and Mr P Burke seconded payment of the invoice from Garden Shape for grass cutting in St James’ churchyard in the sum of £88.80. All in favour.
9.6 Payment of legal fees in relation to land dispute: Mr P Burke proposed and Mr W Allison seconded the payment of the invoice from Mincoff Jacksons in relation to professional fees incurred in the sum of £708.90. All in favour.
9.7 Bank Transfer: Mr P Burke proposed and Mr J Atkinson seconded the transfer of £1500.00 from the reserve to current account. All in favour.

10. PARISH ISSUES
10.1 Play Park – Mr D Jones advised he has a meeting scheduled on Monday 17th November with SBC to agree the final layout of equipment.
10.2 Parish Noticeboard in Wynyard – The Chair gave the PC an update as to the accident which occurred in October resulting in a resident driving his car through the Wynyard noticeboard. The Clerk advised she now has to submit a claim to the driver’s Insurance Company for a replacement noticeboard and removal/erection costs. The Clerk advised she has obtained a quote for a replacement board and Mr W Allison has agreed to approach tradesman who erected the original noticeboard for a quotation for the removal of the broken posts and erection of the new noticeboard. Upon receipt, the Clerk has agreed to submit both quotations to the Insurance Company.
10.3 Skip in Thorpe Village – Mr D Jones asked the PC when would be the best time for a skip to be put in the village. It was agreed Mr D Jones would give the go ahead for January 09.

11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.1 Wicksteed Playscapes – Information regarding their Playground Inspection and Maintenance Services was received.
11.2 Ward Hadaway Solicitors – A copy of the response to Wynyard resident’s letter regarding proposed hospital plans was received.
11.3 Stockton Borough Council - Standards Committee Agenda for meeting on 23rd October was received.
11.4 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust – Copy of response to Wynyard residents regarding their petition was received.
11.5 Stockton Borough Council – Community Protection Update including ASB and crime statistics by ward for September was received and details taken by Mr D Godfrey for consideration.
11.6 Stockton Borough Council - Parish Council Liaison Forum – Notice of Meeting on 15th December 2008 was received and taken by Mr G Rees on behalf of the PC who is attending the meeting.
11.7 Stockton Borough Council – Invitation to Care For Your Area Awards 2008 on 5th December was received and taken by Mr G Rees who is to attend on behalf of the PC.
11.8 The Billingham Partnership – Agenda Papers for meeting on 3rd November were received.
11.9 Communities and Local Government – Communities in Control: Real people, real power: Codes of conduct for local authority members and employees – A consultation was received.
11.10 Stockton Borough Council – Core Strategy Development Plan Document, Local Development Framework was received.
11.11 Stockton Borough Council – Letter and questionnaire relating to the ATS steering group strategy was received and taken by Mr G Rees for completion on behalf of the PC.
11.12 Tees Valley Rural Community Council – Notification of short course “Writing successful funding applications” in November was received.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 at 7.30pm