Minutes of the Meeting of the Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday, 4th July, 2006 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe

 

Members Present:

Clr. J.C. Birdsall – Chair

Clrs. Mrs. C. Beal, Mrs. J.E. Birdsall, Mrs. M. Clarke, Mrs. G. Hague, R.S. Mottram, R. McSkimming,  E.I. Shaw, T.D. Sigsworth, G. Turner, C. Watson, A.N. Weatherby

 

The Chair in his opening statement reminded Councillors of the Code of Conduct and procedures to be followed when addressing members of the public.

 

118.    Declaration of Councillors’ Interests

 

No declarations were made.

 

119.    Suspension of Standing Orders

 

It was proposed by Clr. Mottram, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order that Kirklees Officers could address the meeting.

 

120     Road Safety Issues - Skelmanthorpe

 

Chris Platts, Highway Safety Manager, and Liz Twitchett, Group Engineer, addressed the meeting and referred to the site visit held in the vicinity with members of the Parish Council.  There is no cut and dried answer to the problems in the area, particularly as there have been only 6 accidents involving personal injury in the last five years.  Statistics show that the introduction of traffic signals and mini roundabouts can cause more accidents than they save.  Assessment points for this locality show the area as being of low priority, but the officers accepted that there were road safety problems present.  A low key solution would be the best way forward with the removal of two spaces in the parking bay at the junction of Station Road, the introduction of one way traffic in Radcliffe Street and Elm Street, removal or relocation of the bus shelter on Huddersfield Road and double yellow lines on the Huddersfield Road side of the Triangle.

Mr. Platts and Ms. Twitchett were thanked for their attendance and advice on this matter.

 

121.    Return to Standing Orders

 

It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.

 

122     Change of Agenda Item

 

It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that agenda item 6(2) be brought forward for discussion.

 

123.    Road Safety – Station Road junction, Skelmanthorpe

 

Further to Min. No. 58 and 120, it was proposed by Clr. Weatherby, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the Parish Council would support a low key solution to the problem with the kerbing out of two spaces in the parking bay, the removal or relocation of the bus stop and shelter on Huddersfield Road, introduction of double yellow lines on the Huddersfield Road side of the Triangle and the possible introduction of one way traffic in part of Radcliffe Street and Elm Street.

(Clr. Watson wished his vote to be recorded against this motion)

 

124     Suspension of Standing Orders

 

It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order that members of the public could address the meeting.

 

125     Public Discussion Time

 

Members of the public raised items concerning the Local Development Framework.

 

126     Return to Standing Orders

 

It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.

 

127.    Change of Agenda Item

 

It was proposed by Clr. J.C. Birdsall, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED that agenda item 9 be brought forward for discussion.

 

128     Plans Scrutiny Committee Meeting.

 

It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Plans Scrutiny Committee held on 27th June, 2006 be signed by the Chair of the Committee as a correct record.

 

129.    Local Development Framework

 

Further to Min. No. 106, it was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that Option A be considered as being the most suitable option for this area and also fits the sustainability study carried out by Kirklees M.C.   It was considered that option E would ruin the character of the area of South Kirklees and take away village identities and was also contrary to the sustainability study.  The Council agreed that brownfield land should be used for development in the first instance and that no green belt land should be developed. 

The Clerk reported that the public meeting, facilitated by the Parish Council, has been confirmed as being held on Thursday, 13th July, 2006 at 7.00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, Scissett.  It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED that the L.D.F. questionnaire be completed by the Clerk and the Chair after the public meeting.

 

130     Apologies for Absence

 

Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted on behalf of Clrs. J.A. Barlow, J.D. Carr, Dr. M. Allen, R.G. Allen, D.W. Kaye, Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa and Mrs. V. Woodhead. It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Watson and RESOLVED that the reasons for absence submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.

 

131.   Minutes

 

It was proposed by Clr. Mottram, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6th June, 2006 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

 

 

132.    Allotment Site – Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe.

 

Further to Min. No. 52, the Clerk reported that promising negotiations are taking place with the Developer in regard to the provision of sheds and greenhouses, but that further clarification and confirmation is awaited.

 

133.    Rail and Bus Connections

 

Further to Min. No. 63, the Clerk reported that the Yorkshire & Humber Assembly had agreed to contact Metro with regard to the integration of services at Denby Dale Station and that Metro had asked whether onward travel was required for Sheffield or Huddersfield.  It was proposed by Clr. Shaw, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Metro be informed that connections in both directions would be desirable.

 

134.    Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe

 

Further to Min. No. 66, the Clerk reported that the roads have been inspected by Kirklees M.C. and 27 potholes have been scheduled for repair.  The resurfacing programme is over three years and will be programmed with dates when the final budget releases are confirmed.  It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Shaw and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked when and where potholes have been filled in Cumberworth Road.

 

135.    Casual Vacancy – Clayton West Ward

 

Further to Min. No. 54, the Clerk reported that the necessary procedures had been put in place in regard to the advertising of the above vacancy.

 

136.    Playground Facilities at Lower Cumberworth

 

It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked when the renovation of the playground is likely to take place.

 

137     Denby Dale Countryside Project

 

Clr. Turner and Clr. Weatherby, as steering group representatives reported that the project was looking to develop projects in three areas:  delivering youth based schemes in the smaller settlements; creation of woodlands; publication of an archaeological / historical trail.  Feasibility studies were in the process of being carried out.

Councillors were also informed that Mr. Stanley Sheead has issued an invitation to all Councillors to accompany him on an historical walk around Skelmanthorpe at some point in September.

 

138.    Neighbourhood Policing

 

It was proposed by Clr. J.C. Birdsall, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED that the police be asked for an assurance that the commitment regarding the presence of neighbourhood policing is still being maintained in this area.

 

139.    Provision of pavement – Warburton/Upper Lane, Emley

 

It was proposed by Clr. Shaw, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Beal and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked to consider the installation of a short stretch of pavement on the eastern side of Warburton at its junction with Upper Lane in Emley.

 

 

140     Hepworth Site Visit

 

The Clerk reported that the Hepworth Site visit would take place on Monday, 4th September, 2006 at 6.30 p.m. at the Bromley Site entrance on Barnsley Road.  Clrs. Birdsall, Mottram and Sigsworth indicated that they would be present at the site visit   -  all Councillors are welcome to attend.

 

141     Finance and General Purposes Committee

 

It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

 

142.    Annual Newsletter

 

Further to Min. No. 91, the Annual Newsletter was submitted for comments and observations.  It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the newsletter be sent to the printers with the inclusion of the prize wordsearch and distributed via the Weekly News where possible.

 

143.    Annual Return

 

It was proposed by Clr. Weatherby, seconded by Clr. Mrs. J.E. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the Statement of Assurance be completed and that the Chair of Council and the Clerk be authorised to sign the appropriate sections of the Annual Return for submission to the External Auditor.

 

144.    Parish Plan

 

It was reported that the questionnaires had been distributed throughout the parish and would be collected for collation on the 20th / 21st July, 2006.

 

145.    Quality Status

 

Clr. Birdsall reported that after discussions with Kirklees, it had been agreed that any individual charter be considered when the new Council comes into being in 2007 and when consideration is given to the devolution of powers.

 

146     Denby Dale Area Committee

 

It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that Clrs. Mrs. J.E. Birdsall and C. Watson be appointed to serve on the Area Committee.

 

147     Standards Committee

 

Clr. Weatherby reported that the next meeting of the Standards Board Committee would be held on Thursday, 13th July, 2006.

 

148     Yorkshire Local Councils’ Association

 

It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Mottram and RESOLVED that Clrs. J.C. and J.E. Birdsall be authorised to attend the Y.L.C.A. conference in September.  Clr. Mrs. Clarke submitted the report of the last South Pennine Branch meeting.

 

 

149     Orders for Payment

 

It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that orders for payment totalling £30,305.47, on schedule no. 441, be authorised.

 

150.    Date of Next Meeting

 

The next Full Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 5th September, 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

Environment Trust:   Tuesday, 11th July, 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Plans Scrutiny Committee:  Tuesday, 1st August, 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Road Safety Committee:  Thursday, 3rd August, 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Plans Scrutiny Committee:  Tuesday, 29th August, 2006 at 7.30 p.m

 

                                                                                                            CHAIR