Index of Minutes

Parish Council Minutes


EVERTON PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of a meeting of the Council held in the 
Village Hall on Monday 3rd October, 2005

Present:- Councillor J. Dunn, Chairman. Councillors Bacon, Bardsley, Jefferies, Maclagan and Woods


05/06/149 APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors de Bel (private business commitment), Marsh (holiday) and District Councillor Martin

05/06/150 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jefferies declared a personal interest at agenda item 12 (Northern Area Committee Reports), being a member of the Northern Area Committee.

Councillors Bardsley and Jefferies each declared a personal interest at agenda item 13 (North East Bassetlaw Forum Reports), being members of the North East Bassetlaw Forum.

Councillor Bardsley also declared a personal interest at agenda item 16 (Highway Matters – Church Lane, Everton), being a friend of Mrs. Bailey, of Whaley Barn, Church Lane.

05/06/151 MINUTES OF THE LAST ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

The Minutes of the last ordinary meeting of the Council, held on 5th September, 2005, were approved as a correct record, subject to a spelling correction at Minute No. 05/06/132 (CPRE Best Kept Village Competition).

05/06/152 MATTERS ARISING

(a) The Clerk referred to Minute No. 05/06/129(c), and reported that Bassetlaw District Council had written saying the street naming and numbering issue at Gainsborough Road (old) was still under investigation. 


(b) The Clerk referred to Minute No. 05/06/133(d), and informed Members that the VAT training course at Ranby had been very useful. He had thanked Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils for arranging the course.

05/06/153 PUBLIC DISCUSSION

(a) A resident commented that the interactive signs to be installed on the A631 would not be fully effective if they were to be located inside the 30mph zone. It was explained, however, that Nottinghamshire County Council had advised that the locations chosen were non-negotiable because of legal and practical reasons. Any delay caused in trying to persuade the County Council to change its mind would have put the whole project in jeopardy because of the funding situation. 

(b) Several residents were present to discuss planning application 19/05/26 – Hutchison 3G (UK) Ltd. - proposed telecommunications tower. They were given the application to peruse. Later in the meeting public discussion recommenced and the residents expressed their views, which would be considered for inclusion in the Parish Council's observations to Bassetlaw District Council. Their concerns were mainly about the unknown health implications of telecommunications masts and the fact that the mast in question was to be located very close to a popular right of way. During the discussion reference was also made to a similar application by Hutchison 3G (UK) Ltd. for a 20m mast at Beckingham, that was being strongly opposed by the Parish Council, County/District Councillor Bullivant and residents. 

05/06/154 ACCOUNTS

Resolved: That the October Accounts be approved for payment.

05/06/155 BANK RECONCILIATION

Members received the bank reconciliation statement to 31st August, 2005.

05/06/156 BUDGET MONITORING

The Clerk submitted the September budget monitoring statement, which showed an estimated year-end balance of £4,194.


05/06/157 RISK REVIEW AND ASSET INSPECTION

There were no matters to report, although the Clerk referred to a recent fatal accident at nearby Woodsetts where a boy fell from a horse chestnut tree, impaling himself on railings owned by Woodsetts Parish Council.

05/06/158 MEMBERS’ SURGERIES

Councillor Maclagan, together with P.c. Gregson, held a surgery on 17th September, 2005. No members of the public attended.

05/06/159 PARISH PLAN

Councillor Bardsley reported that he had established that a very good offer of youth football coaching by a local resident had not been taken up by the local football club as it did not have a youth team. However the Metcalfe Recreation Committee and Primary School were to discuss the offer. 

05/06/160 NORTH EAST BASSETLAW FORUM

Councillors Bardsley and Jefferies submitted a brief report on the meeting of the Forum held on 27th September, 2005. The report referred to the following:

· A presentation by Mr. C. Telford, of Bassetlaw Planning Department, on the Local Development Framework.

· Presentations by Ms. C. Turner, of Nottinghamshire RCC, and Mr. R. Burnham, of Acis Group Ltd., on affordable housing.

· A discussion about the recent Transport Needs Assessment, which required further work.

· A discussion on aircraft noise.

Acis Group Ltd., a housing association based in Gainsborough, was interested in locating suitable sites for affordable housing. With this in mind, Members discussed the affordable housing aspirations expressed in the Parish Plan.

Resolved: That the Clerk make an enquiry to the Forum secretariat about the possibility of funding being provided for a housing needs survey in Everton. 


05/06/161 NALC NORTHERN AREA COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th September, 2005 were submitted. 

05/06/162 QUALITY COUNCILS

The Clerk reported that the Autumn newsletter was being printed.

05/06/163 PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP

(a) Councillors Bardsley and Maclagan referred to Minute No. 05/06/107(a) of July, 2005, and reported that Footpath 1 had not been strimmed and that the nettle problem was very bad.

Resolved: That the Clerk firstly contact Mr. R. Troop about this outstanding work, and secondly make arrangements for North Notts. Landscapes Ltd. to spray the path next Spring.

(b) Letter was submitted from Nottinghamshire County Council about its Ploughing and Cropping Campaign which aimed to ensure that all cross-field and field-edge rights of way were open and available during the cropping cycle. P3 wardens and volunteers were requested to assist in surveying paths in October, 2005. 

The Chairman agreed to contact the County Council to discuss how assistance might be given.

(c) Letter was submitted from Nottinghamshire County Council, inviting the Parish Council to be represented at a Rights of Way Conference, to be held at Boughton Pumping Station on 25th November, 2005.

Resolved: That the Chairman be authorised to attend.

05/06/164 HIGHWAY MATTERS

(a) Councillor Jefferies referred to parking problems on High Street and Windy Ridge. The Clerk reported that the High Street problem had been referred to Nottinghamshire County Council as a bid under the Building Better Communities Scheme. As regards Windy Ridge, the matter would need to be discussed further.

(b) Correspondence was submitted from several parties, including Nottinghamshire County Council, relating to a gate at Church Lane. Members were also furnished with confidential correspondence on the same subject. 

Resolved: That the relevant parties be informed that the matter concerned was outside the jurisdiction of the Parish Council.

05/06/165 CASUAL VACANCY

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/108 of September, 2005, the Clerk reported that Notice of Casual Vacancy had been published on 15th September, 2005.

Resolved: That, subject to no request for a bye-election being made, the Clerk publish an item in HEDS Together, inviting expressions of interest in serving as a co-opted member. 

05/06/166 TUNNELTECH NORTH

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/128 of September, 2005, Councillor Bardsley submitted a draft response to Defra.

Resolved: That the draft response be approved, and Councillor Bardsley be thanked for his assistance.

05/06/167 BASSETLAW DISTRICT LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Letter was submitted from Bassetlaw District Council, offering a presentation to the Parish Council on the new system and a discussion on the Core Strategy.

Resolved: That the invitation be accepted.

05/06/168 BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN BASSETLAW 

Letter was submitted from Ms. Sandra Withington, newly appointed Development and Marketing Officer at Bassetlaw District Council. Her primary role would be to focus on marketing and promotional activity to attract new businesses and investment into the district, particularly in relation to opportunities from the opening of Robin Hood Airport. 

05/06/169 ENDING OF WORLD WAR II - CIVIC COMMEMORATION 

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/130 of September, 2005, the Chairman reported on the arrangements, which were now complete. The service had been publicised in HEDS Together.

05/06/170 MOTORCYCLES IN HARWELL WOODS

Letter was submitted from Mr. John Mann, MP, offering a meeting regarding the above.

Members agreed to defer consideration pending an update from Councillor Marsh. 

05/06/171 CPRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/132 of September, 2005, Councillor Maclagan reported that the Chairman of the Metcalfe Charitable Trust had invited the Groundsman, Mr. Paul Wilson, to receive the Certificate of Merit in respect of the Metcalfe Recreation Ground. 

05/06/172 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL 

Letter was submitted from the above, inviting the Parish Council to be represented at its Annual General Meeting to be held at Calverton on 17th October, 2005.

Resolved: That Councillor Jefferies be authorised to attend.

05/06/173 THE FUTURE OF BCVS

Consideration was given to a letter from BCVS, explaining that a range of options was being considered by Nottinghamshire County Council as part of the National Change-Up programme looking at the effectiveness of Voluntary Sector organisations such as CVSs and Volunteer Bureaus, etc. There was a real concern that this could lead to consolidation, with discrete organisations such as BCVS losing their identity.

Resolved: That a letter of support be sent to BCVS, stressing the vital role played by BCVS in the voluntary and parish council sectors in Bassetlaw, and in particular the wide range of affordable training courses and ICT advice and support locally available.

05/06/174 INSURANCE FOR VOLUNTEERS, ETC.

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/136 of September, 2005, a letter was submitted from Allianz Cornhill Commercial, confirming that volunteers bringing their own tools and materials (other than power tools) would be covered if such tools and materials were inspected by the Parish Council.


05/06/175 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST

Letter was submitted from the above, inviting the Parish Council to register an interest in becoming a member when it became an NHS Foundation Trust.

Resolved: That the Parish Council register an interest.

05/06/176 CONCLUSIVE MAP OF REGISTERED COMMON LAND AND OPEN COUNTRY FOR ENGLAND AND WALES

Letter was submitted from The Countryside Agency, enclosing a copy of the relevant section of the above map, which showed no registered common land or open country in the Parish.

05/06/177 CRIME STATISTICS

The crime statistics for September were noted.

05/06/178 THE BASSETLAW PLANNING PROCESS

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/142(i) of September, 2005, the Clerk informed Members that he had received a response to his letter to the Chief Executive of Bassetlaw District Council, indicating that the letter was being treated as a formal complaint. A letter had since been received from the Head of Planning Services, referring to the formal complaint, and indicating that he had nothing further to add to previous correspondence.

Resolved: That the Clerk write to the Chief Executive, pointing out that the negative response by the Head of Planning Service to the Parish Council's complaint was indicative of the problem. 

05/06/179 PLANNING APPLICATION 19/04/42
ERECT REPLACEMENT PIGEONCOTE TO CREATE A GARAGE AND ANCILLARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION, ALTER EXISTING ACCESS AT MANOR FARM, SLUICE LANE, HARWELL 

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/146 of September, 2005, the Clerk reported that the reason for Bassetlaw District Council’s delay in determining the above application was that English Heritage was insisting that a retrospective planning application be first submitted in respect of the demolition of the pigeoncote. The matter was with the applicant’s agent.

Members noted with satisfaction the stance of English Heritage on this matter. 



05/06/180 PLANNING APPLICATION 19/05/22R
RETAIN ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS TO DWELLING AND REGRADING OF GARDEN AREA AT BARROW CRAGG, NUTCROFT WAY, HARWELL (RESUBMISSION OF 19/04/30)

Members were informed that the Planning Committee had determined the above application on 28th September, 2005 when, contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning Services to approve, planning permission was refused by 14 votes to 2. Councillor Bardsley had represented the Parish Council and Mr. Alan Berry had represented the objectors from Harwell.

Members expressed satisfaction at the outcome, and thanked Councillor Bardsley for representing the Parish Council on this occasion.

The current situation was, therefore, that the appeal against refusal of planning permission at 19/04/30 remained extant, as did an appeal against the enforcement notice, details of which were given. 

05/06/181 NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS

19/05/19 – Amended Application
Mrs. Jackie Evans
Erect 2 No. buildings for proposed kennels/cattery at Woodland View, Bawtry Road, Everton

Resolved: That no adverse comment be made.

19/05/26
Hutchison 3G (UK) Ltd.
Erect 15m high telecommunications tower, three antennas, two 300mm diameter dish antenna, radio equipment housing and ancillary development on land at Everton Nurseries, Gainsborough Road, Everton

Resolved: 

1. That an objection be lodged on the following grounds:

(a) The site was within 150m of three dwellings, one of which was shown as a garage on the plans, but which was now a dwelling.

(b) The site was situated within a public place – Everton Nurseries.

(c) The site was very close to a byway, which was a very well used right of way through the woods to Mattersey.

(d) The tower would be seen from much of Everton, in particular Mattersey Road, and would be aesthetically damaging.

(e) There was concern amongst parishioners about the possible health implications of the development, and, with that in mind, the Planning Department was asked whether it could produce any independent research which might reassure residents.

2. That Bassetlaw District Council be informed that Members noted the fact that the development, whilst being commercial, would bring no benefits in the form of new jobs.

3. It be requested that the application be determined by the Planning Committee. 

19/05/27 & 19/05/28L
Mr. & Mrs. Sleight
Demolish existing garage and erect new garage, erect single storey extension to dwelling and construct new low level perimeter wall with Yorkshire flagstones at Wisteria Cottage, Old Post Office Street, Everton

Resolved: That no adverse comment be made.

19/05/29
Mr. & Mrs. M. Torr
Erect detached house and garage on land to the south east of Pear Tree Farm, Gainsborough Road, Everton

Resolved: That, in view of the desirability of a site visit, the Clerk be authorised to produce the Parish Council's response, in consultation with Members, following a site meeting to be held on 9th October, 2005. 

The agreed response following the site meeting was as follows:

That the Parish Council objects strongly to this application on the following grounds:

1. Neither the materials nor the construction details were detailed on the plans.

2. The east elevation on the plans failed to show the slope of the land, and, therefore, the blank wall facing the property to the east did not show true the height (higher than on the plans)

3. The development would have an adverse effect on Haven Cottage to the east, as it was very dominant and would tower over a very narrow gap between the house and outbuildings and the eastern wall of the development, which was two-storey for a large part of the distance.

4. There were a number of inconsistencies between the plans and the architect’s letter, which, having reference numbers thereon, appeared be part of the submission. At one point the letter stated: “ ...we enclose a drawing at a scale of 1:500 which has been agreed with Mr G Chambers of Notts County Council Highways Department”. This drawing showed the two existing buildings adjoining the road as being truncated with the notation: “Building and boundary wall on roadside of Pear Tree Farm to be lowered to 900mm above carriageway”. But the letter from the architect stated: “The two existing buildings adjoining the road to the west of the site will have their roof and gables retained and will simply be opened up to allow vehicles to pass under. There will, therefore, be minimal impact on the existing buildings on site”! This seemed highly unlikely as both buildings were old and in fragile condition, also allowing only cars to pass under - not vans or delivery vehicles.

5. There was no mention or drawing of the existing access (which was considered too dangerous for a previous planning application) to be stopped up/sealed off. There was a possibility of the circuitous route on the plan being ignored after a short time and access/egress made through the existing gate.

6. Planned access to the site was on a dangerous section of the A631 and the likelihood was that there would be more than one vehicle using this property (see 4 garage spaces). Together with the planned development of the other barns, this would create a large traffic use through an inadequate entry point.

7. The plans showed two master bedrooms, one on the ground floor and one on first floor, and three other bedrooms, but only one bathroom. None of the bedrooms were shown en-suite. Were the plans inadequate or incomplete?

8. Members understood that the outbuildings were used by bats, and, therefore, requested a visit by a local bat group.

9. The Nottinghamshire Structure Plan Review included policy 3/17, which stated that the architectural character of the county would be protected. The proposed development would not protect and maintain the listed buildings involved and, as such, the proposal would be contrary to this policy of the development plan and would conflict with its objectives. Similar advice was contained in policy 6/10 of the Bassetlaw Local Plan and Planning Policy Guidance Note 15.

10. Pear Tree Farm and its associated farm buildings formed an important and prominent group of listed buildings located on a major road. The necessary demolition work would not maintain the existing special character of these buildings and would subsequently detract from the listed buildings and their settings. Such demolition would be contrary to the policies of the development plan and the Local Plan.

11. The Bassetlaw Local Plan contained policy 5/3 which stated that planning permission would be granted for residential development in settlement envelopes provided that it was in character with the area, provided adequate residential amenity and did not create traffic problems. The development, if permitted, would be contrary to this policy and would conflict with the objectives of the plan.

12. The form and detailing of the proposed dwelling paid little regard to the character and appearance of the traditional buildings in the immediate area and the adjacent listed buildings. As such, the proposed dwelling would be out of character with the area and detract from the setting of the listed buildings. 

13. In conclusion, the Parish Council was strongly opposed to this application for the reasons stated above. In particular it wished to stress the adverse impact on the amenity of the adjacent property and the alteration of existing old buildings. Although the applicant stated that the development eliminated a dangerous access, this access in practice had very rarely been used, and the main access, which was almost as bad, would have to carry additional traffic. The access had already changed from serving one house to potentially two, and the proposed development would add a third. 

14. A site visit by the Planning Committee was emphatically requested, to enable its Members to get a true idea of the extent of this proposal and the adverse effect on the neighbouring property. Anyone standing on the pavement of the A631, as Members of the Parish Council did at a site meeting, would appreciate the problems with the access and the large traffic flow.

05/06/182 PLANNING DETERMINATIONS

19/05/15
Mr. A. Chapman
Change of use of grassland for the siting of a touring caravan for storage, security and occasional use on land at Mattersey Road, Mattersey

Permission Granted

19/05/16
Mr. & Mrs. Hufton
Erect conservatory at Harland House, Church Lane, Everton

Permission Granted

19/05/20
Mr. J. & Mrs. S. Redfern
Erect two-storey extension, carry out internal alterations and erect single storey garage extension at Trafern House, Roe Lane, Everton

Permission Granted

19/05/21
Mr. & Mrs. A. Gittins
Retain summerhouse at Glebe Farm House, Church Street, Everton

Permission Granted

For Parish Plan Update - August 2005 click here