Meeting of the Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday, 3 April 2007 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present: Cllrs J C Birdsall (Chair), J A Barlow, Mrs J E Birdsall, Mrs G Hague, D W Kaye, R S Mottram, E I Shaw, T D Sigsworth, G Turner, A N Weatherby
590 Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
No interests were declared.
591 Suspension of Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order to allow members of the public to address the meeting.
592 Public Discussion Time
A member of the public raised the issue of Denby Delf. He indicated his opposition to the Garganey Trust taking responsibility for the area and his concern that in his view the council had devoted insufficient time to discussing the issue at its meeting in April. He requested a copy of the council’s publicity policy, but was told there was none; he further requested a copy of the council’s standing orders as well as copies of the council’s paperwork in relation to Denby Delf. He was advised, in line with the Council’s policy under the Freedom of Information Act to put this request in writing.
Another member of the public spoke against planning application No. 2007/60/90494/E3 outline application for 24 dwellings at the Piggeries, Strike Lane, Skelmanthorpe. He had written to the council outlining his objections. These concerned the fact that the land is provisional open land under the UDP, highways issues, in particular in relation to access, narrowness of Strike Lane, exacerbated by parking problems, and the dangerous junction of Strike Lane and Station Road. He was concerned that the traffic survey attached to the application appeared to be inaccurate in that it did not reflect traffic at peak times.
593 Return to Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.
594 Planning Application No. 2007/60/9049/E3
It was agreed that this item be moved up the agenda for discussion. The Clerk reported that Planning Application No. 2007/60/9049/E3 had been discussed at the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting on 27 March but in view of the size and the number of objections received from members of the public, it had been agreed to defer the item to the Full Council Meeting. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED that the Council recommend objection to Kirklees MC because the land is provisional open land under the UDP and any housing developments should according to Government and Local Authority policy be built on brownfield land and not on agricultural land. There were further concerns about highways issues, the width of Strike Lane and existing traffic problems at the junction of Strike Lane and Station Road.
595 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted from Cllrs Dr M Allen, R G Allen, Mrs. C Beal, Mrs S A Dellapuppa, R J Lockwood and C Watson. It was RESOLVED that the reasons for absence submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.
596 Minutes
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 March 2007 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
597 Exclusion of the Press and Public from the Meeting
It was agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the last agenda item No. 21.
598 School Transport
The Assistant Clerk reported that Denby First School and St Aidan’s School had each been awarded grants of £1000 by Kirklees MC to promote walking to school. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
599 Birdsedge Play Area
Further to Minute No. 511, the Clerk reported on correspondence from John Fletcher of Kirklees MC advising that the equipment for the Birdsedge play area had been delayed until mid-April and that the project earthworks were due to start the previous week. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
600 Bromley Farm Household Waste Recycling Centre
Further to Minute No. 519, the Clerk reported that she was still awaiting a reply from Kirklees MC. Cllr Turner expressed concerns about the amount of useable household furniture which is discarded in tips and landfill sites and suggested that Kirklees Council be asked to provide a covered area for unwanted furniture to be deposited to protect it from damage by the weather and encourage other members of the public to take it away. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to consider providing such a sheltered area at the recycling centre and it was FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to promote the re-use and recycling of unwanted furniture, a link to charitable organisations who distribute such items be put on the new website.
601 Street Lighting
Further to Minute No. 523, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Mark Meredith of Kirklees Council advising that due to increasing energy costs, local authorities generally are looking at ways of reducing the amount of energy expended in the provision of street lighting. Kirklees MC is currently undertaking a trial involving dimming technology which allows power to the lantern to be stepped down after a certain time (i.e. after 1am) when pedestrian and road usage is low. This allows savings from reduced energy costs while offering acceptable level of lighting for users. There are however, no plans to extend the scope of trial or consider switching off street lighting as a viable alternative to increasing energy costs. Such a decision would need major policy change. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
602 Shelley Woodhouse Lane
Further to Minute No. 527, the Clerk reported that the problem relating to the road surface of Shelley Woodhouse Lane was being investigated. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
603 Adoption of Low Fold, Cumberworth
Further to Minute No. 528, the Clerk reported that she had been advised by Kirklees MC that the Council had a relatively small highways budget of £100,000 used to improve but not adopt unadopted roads. The budget was sufficient to improve 2 or 3 streets a year. For a road to be adopted the residents need to work together to promote a scheme. They can propose a design, talk to highways and arrive at a scheme that can be implemented and adopted. The residents would have to meet the full cost of the process including construction. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to confirm how the money is allocated and how streets are chosen and prioritised.
604 Street Naming
a) Development off Commercial Road, Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council advising that it was proposed that the street be named Paddock Close. In discussion it was pointed out that there is any number of fields within the district used for grazing animals, but the history of this particular field is much more distinctive and this should be commemorated by being reflected in the street name. It was RESOLVED that the Council be ask to reconsider the proposed name and opt instead for Singfield View.
b) Development off Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council advising that a number of names had been submitted and inviting the Parish Council to indicate its preferred option. It was RESOLVED that the preferred option was Gully Flats, the name by which the land is already known, with Weavers’ Fold as a second choice.
c) Development off Adj 375 Wakefield Road, Denby Dale
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council requesting suggestions for this development. She also submitted correspondence from Steven George a resident of the road concerned proposing the name be Norman Croft, the name by which the road has been known for more than 90 years. It was RESOLVED that Norman Croft be the preferred name.
605 Parking on Pavement Junction Huddersfield Road/Station Road, Skelmanthorpe
Cllr Mrs Birdsall raised the issue of vehicles parking on the pavement at the junction of Huddersfield Road/Station Road, in Skelmanthorpe. She indicated that the Parish Council had been advised that something would be placed on the extended pavement at some stage in the future to prevent vehicles parking. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees Council be asked to place either a bollard or a flower tower on the pavement to prevent vehicles from parking.
606 Parish Councillor Training and Development
The Clerk drew the Council’s attention to the fact that following the local elections, there were likely to be a number of new members of the Parish Council. There is currently a range of training available and the YLCA is prepared to offer joint training for parish and town councils in the Kirklees area. It was RESOLVED that all new and continuing councillors be encouraged where possible, to take advantage of all training opportunities which may be made available in the coming years.
607 Sewerage and Surface Water Problems Wood Street and Station Road, Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk reported on correspondence received from a local resident concerning sewerage and surface water problems near her home in Skelmanthorpe. Cllr Birdsall indicated that he had dealt with the problem in the past and it was RESOLVED that he pursue the issue.
608 Fortnightly Waste Collections
Cllr Turner raised concerns about the proposed reduction of household waste collections by Kirklees Council from weekly to fortnightly. He was concerned that this might give rise to an increase in the rat population and an increase in fly tipping. He moved that the Parish Council resolve that the black bin collection be maintained on a weekly basis and that the green bins be emptied fortnightly. The motion was seconded by Cllr Kaye. In discussion, members pointed out that there was a need to encourage householders to reduce the amount of household waste and increase the amount of waste which is recycled and composted. Following a show of hands the motion was defeated and it was RESOLVED that no further action be taken.
609 Active Road Signs
Cllr Turner provided information about active road signs which have been trialled successfully by Barnsley MDC in Darton. They cut down on speeding traffic by flashing the speed at which an approaching car is being driven. If the car is travelling within the limit, the speed is flashed up in green, but if the speed is over the limit, the speed is displayed in red. At an estimated cost of around £3000 per sign, this system is considered to be a most cost effective means of controlling speeding. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked whether it was considering introducing this system and if so, could consideration be given to installing them in the parish.
610 Penistone Line Partnership AGM
The Clerk submitted the agenda for the AGM of the Penistone Line Partnership to be held on 18 April at 7.30pm at St John’s community Centre, Penistone. Cllr Shaw indicated that he might be able to attend. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
611 Plans Scrutiny Committee
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2007 be signed by the Vice Chair, Cllr Sigsworth as a correct record.
612 Finance and General Purposes Committee
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 March 2007 be signed by the Chair, Cllr Turner as a correct record. Questions were raised by members about the proposed website and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk circulate examples of websites already developed by the company. Members discussed the decision to fund the Community Responder Scheme and it was RESOLVED that a press release be issued giving details of the Parish Council’s grant.
613 Grant Application from Parkgate Trust for Skelmanthorpe Community Centre and Sports Field Project
The Clerk reported that an application from the Parkgate Trust for £8,500 towards a feasibility study in connection with the development of the Skelmanthorpe Community Centre and Sports Field Project had been discussed at the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting on 20 March and it had been agreed to seek further information from the applicant and defer the matter to the full parish council meeting. The detailed paperwork was summarised by Cllr Turner. A number of questions were raised and following lengthy discussion, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk seek legal advice from the Yorkshire Local Councils Association about the application and the right of the Parish Council to give or lend money for the purposes outlined. It was FURTHER RESOLVED that a Special Council Meeting be held from 7pm to 7.30m on 24 April immediately before the Plans Scrutiny Committee Meeting to discuss the Parkgate Trust application in the light of the advice received from the YLCA.
614 Annual Report of the Council 2006-2007
The Clerk submitted the 2006-2007 Annual Report of the Council. It was RESOLVED that the report be approved.
615 Annual Accounts of the Council 2006-2007
The Clerk submitted the 2006-20007 Annual Accounts of the Council. It was RESOLVED that the accounts be approved.
616 Joint Meeting of Parish Councils and Kirklees MC
The Clerk submitted the notes of the joint meeting of the parish councils and Kirklees MC held on 22 March 2007. Cllr Weatherby who had chaired the meeting highlighted a number of discussion items:
a) Revised model code of conduct for councillors: Training will be offered by Kirklees MC to Parish and Town Councillors probably during mid-summer and Denby Dale Parish Council will be required to appoint a new representative for two years to the Standards Committee. It was RESOLVED that this item be placed on the agenda of the Annual Council Meeting in May.
b) Parish Review: The timing of the review is now dependent on the implementation of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill which will mean that Kirklees MC will no longer need to make recommendations to the government but will have the right to implement decisions direct. It is anticipated that the Bill will achieve Royal Assent by September. Any changes resulting from a review will not come into effect until the next Parish elections in 2011. The results of the review could include boundary changes and the creation of new parish councils where there are currently none established. The review will also include a review of the Area Committees. Parish and town council representatives requested the right to representation on the body which conducts the review. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
c) Travel Plans: All schools are to be given a bursary when they complete their travel plans; there was therefore a need for them to be coordinated. It was RESOLVED that the Council write to all heads of schools in the half pyramid with a view setting up a meeting to discuss the issue of travel plans further.
d) Communication problems: The issue of poor communication, highlighted by the council at its meeting in January (Minutes 425, 427 and 429 refer) were discussed and it was proposed by Kirklees MC that any examples of poor communication be reported to Carl Whistlecraft as they arise. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
e) Devolution to Parishes: Town and parish clerks to arrange a meeting of officers to discuss devolution of services during the next period and pursue at an appropriate time after the elections. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
f). Parish Councillor Development: It was reported that the YCLA is to provide training for new councillors in late summer. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council take advantage of the training offered in connection with Minute No. 606 above.
617 Parish Plan
The Clerk submitted the final draft of the Parish Plan and it was RESOLVED a) that the draft plan be approved for printing, b) that a vote of thanks be recorded to Cllr Allen for his hard work in preparing the plan and c) that a copy of the plan be sent to the Planning Department of Kirklees MC together with the letter objecting to the planning application at The Piggeries, Strike Lane, Skelmanthorpe.
618 Communities and Local Government Control of Illegal Advertisements
The Clerk submitted a news release from the Department of Communities and Local Government concerning a crackdown on illegal outdoor advertisements. It was RESOLVED that the document be noted.
619 Area Committee
Cllr Mrs Birdsall submitted her apologies that she had been unable to attend the Area Committee Planning meeting the previous week because she had not received adequate notification of the meeting; she had received a phone call that morning and had been told that the written notification had been sent mistakenly to the wrong people. It was RESOLVED that a letter expressing the council’s concern be sent to Kirklees MC.
620 Yorkshire Local Councils Association
a) Lyons Enquiry: The Clerk submitted a report from NALC on its response to the final report of the Lyons Enquiry. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
b) South Pennine Branch: Cllr Shaw reported on the recent meeting of the South Pennine Branch of the YLCA and highlighted the discussion which had taken place at the meeting on school transport and the suggestion that any complaints be submitted to Metro in Leeds for the attention of Mike Power, the Commercial Director. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
621 Orders for Payment
It was RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule No. 451 totalling £33,318.60 be authorised.
622 Date of Next Meetings
Special Council Meeting at 7pm on 24 April 2007
Plans Scrutiny at 7.30pm on 24 April 2007
Annual Parish Meeting at 7pm on 25 April 2007
Annual Council Meeting at 7pm on 15 May 2007
623 Confirmation of Clerk’s Appointment
Following the successful completion of her probationary period, it was RESOLVED that Hazel Chowcat’s appointment as Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer be confirmed.
Signed……………………………………..
CHAIR