Parish Council Meeting May 14th
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Minutes of the meeting of the Annual Meeting of Alston Moor Parish Council held on Monday, 14th May 2007 at 7.15pm in Alston Town Hall.
Present: Cllrs: A. Green, M. Bell, G. Carrick, T. Haldon, I. Johnson, T. Pennell, D. Phillips, A. Robertson, T. Thompson.
Apologies: Cllrs: B. Aves, G. Wright.
Absent: Cllr: V. Peart.
[edit] Election of Chairman & Vice-chairman
Resolved to appoint Cllr Green as chairman. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
Resolved to appoint Cllr Phillips as vice-chairman. Proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
[edit] Police Report
Apologies from the police.
[edit] County Councillor’s Report
Apologies from Cllr Henderson
[edit] District Councillor’s Report
Apologies from Cllr Turner.
[edit] Report by Deborah Turner from CCC on developing a One-Stop-Shop in Alston Town Hall for council services
The clerk reported that this agenda item had been cancelled at the request of Deborah Turner, who realised that she needed more time to put a report together. She would like to attend a future meeting.
[edit] Election of Committees
Rights of Way Committee – it was agreed to keep this committee going, as it would be useful should there be a need to discuss any ROW issue in depth. Cllrs Phillips, Green, Carrick, Haldon and Aves (subject to confirmation) agreed to stand. Agreed to co-opt a representative from ECCP and Pip Wilson, as a member of the horse riding community.
[edit] Election of Council Representatives
| Alston Moor Information Centre Management Board | Cllr Bell |
| Alston Moor Traffic Management Committee | Cllrs: Pennell, Phillips, Thompson & Wright |
| Eden Police Liaison Committee meetings | Cllrs: Green & Pennell |
| Tyne Willows Management Board | Cllrs: Carrick, Johnson, Pennell & Robertson |
| Alston Moor Sports & Youth Committee | agreed to defer to next meeting |
| Eden CALC Liaison Committee | Cllr Robertson |
| Friends of Alston Town Hall | Cllr Phillips |
[edit] Minutes
Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 2nd April 2007 be adopted as a correct record. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Bell. (nem con)
[edit] Matters Arising from the Minutes
[edit] 2a/MAY/07 Alston Library Opening Hours
Re: 2a/APR/07 A letter was received from Liz Bowe, Library Operations Manager, stating that to meet the budget shortfall this year a decision was made that they would cut opening hours by 10% across each library group. Libraries across the county are being used less and less on a Friday evening, so it was decided to stop opening late at all libraries on a Friday. The figures for library use on Friday evenings at Alston were ambiguous, and because of lone working there are concerns about Alston being the only library open at this time. Alston Moor Parish Council’s comments will be added to any others received on the new hours, and library use will be monitored. If the opening hours need looking at again, any changes will need to be made by the Local Committee, and a paper will need to be submitted to them.
It was observed that the Alston librarian regularly works alone, and it should not make much impact on her work if other libraries are closed.
The clerk reported that Sally Orrell from Neighbourhood Services suggested that the council ask for the library opening hours to be put on the next Neighbourhood Forum agenda, to be held on 13th June at Kirkoswald, with a request that it be referred to the Eden Local Committee.
Agreed that Cllr Haldon would attend the Neighbourhood Forum meeting to represent the council.
[edit] 2b/MAY/07 CALC Roadshow
Re: 2b/APR/07 It was agreed to ask for the Roadshow to be held on one of the following dates: 5th June, 11th June or 12th June, and to enquire if young people from SKS could take part.
[edit] 2c/MAY/07 TIC Review Meeting
Re: 2i/APR/07 Cllr Phillips had objected to the wording of minutes taken for the TIC Review meeting, and the clerk confirmed that EDC had agreed to amend them by taking out the comments he said he had not made.
[edit] 2d/MAY/07 Rural Excellence Programme – Strategic Housing
Re: 2dl/APR//07 The clerk reported that she had not heard back about a date for the meeting as yet, and would be contacting Steve Huddart’s secretary to find out what had happened.
[edit] 2e/MAY/07 Alston’s Recycling Centre
Re: 2e/APR/07 The clerk reported that the intent is to hold a meeting with officers and councillors from both the county and district councils to discuss what should be done about Alston’s recycling problem. She had decided to wait until after the elections before setting the meeting up.
[edit] 2f/MAY/07 Parish Tree Warden
Re: 2f/APR/07 The clerk reported that she spoke with Alizon Hall from Eden District Council to confirm interest in the scheme, which has not begun yet as the district council are still investigating its potential. A Garrigill resident is willing to get involved. .
[edit] 2g/MAY/07 Alston Moor Business Association – Christmas Lights
Re: 4/APR/07 A letter of thanks for assistance with the Christmas lights was received from Mr Norman English, who has taken over as Alston Moor Business Association’s treasurer.
[edit] 2h/MAY/07 Cumbria Minerals & Waste Development Framework
Pre-submission Consultation
Re: 7/APR/07 A letter was received from Richard Evans, Principal Planning Officer from Cumbria County Council noting that the parish council want the Moredun
Garage site included for possible use as a Household Waste Recycling Centre. The County Council will now prepare a final draft version of the above document for submission to the Secretary of State, after which there will be a further round of consultation.
[edit] 2i/MAY/07 Garrigill Recreation Grounds Tree Planting
Re: MAY/07 An e-mail was received from Chris Jones, North Pennines AONB, with the suggestion that the council might like to consider creating a path through the spinney linked to a village trail, which could possibly be funded through the North Pennines AONB small grants scheme.
Cllr observed that the wooded area is hardly big enough for a trail, but improvements to the access routes onto the field are needed, as this would make a big difference for the organisers of events such as the Garrigill Fireshow. Agreed to discuss this with Chris Jones.
Cllr Carrick reported that the fencing contractor had been too busy to put the fence up yet, but that no sheep would be allowed on the field until it is in place.
[edit] 2j/MAY/07 North Pennines AONB – Annual Forum
Re: 6d/APR/07 Cllr Phillips reminded everyone that there is still time for nominations to be submitted to the North Pennines AONB Forum.
[edit] 2k/MAY/07 Nenthead Surgery
Re: 10a/APR/07 The Nenthead Ward Meeting would like a representative from Alston Medical Practice to attend the next meeting to discuss the changes to Nenthead Surgery opening hours.
[edit] Chairman’s Announcements
The balances as of 14th May 2007 were as follows:-
| Alston Moor Parish Council tr/ac | £28,961.62 |
| Alston Moor Parish Council bus/ac | £14,133.92 |
| Fairhill Estates Charity Trustees tr/ac | £6,993.75 |
| Alston Moor Poor tr/ac | £4,324.66 |
| Alston Moor Poor 30 Day hi/ac | £8,134.91 |
| Alston T. H. Revenue tr/ac | £13,095.69 |
| Alston T.H. Project tr/ac | £1,493.16 |
[edit] Changes to Bank Mandate
Resolved that Cllrs Green, Phillips, Johnson, Bell, Thompson and Robertson would be signatories for all accounts. Proposed by Cllr Johnson and seconded by Cllr Phillips. (nem con)
[edit] Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were for payment:-
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £14,593.39 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £21,084.77 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £15.99 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the clerk to be authorized to settle the accounts listed during the coming month (appendix I). Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £4,162.19 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £0.00 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £250.00 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the clerk to be authorised to settle the accounts listed during the coming month. (Fairhill Charity accounts are discussed in confidence at meetings of the trustees.) Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon.
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £3579.68 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £2,513.38 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £113.00 |
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £0.00 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £0.00 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £0.00 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the Town Hall bookkeeper to be authorised to settle the accounts listed in the Revenue account (appendix II). Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
[edit] Planning
5a/MAY/07 07/0212 Conservation Area. Gable end extension to provide additional bedrooms, enlarged dining facilities, new kitchen, new toilets, decking. Cumberland Hotel, Townfoot, Alston for Mr & Mrs G. Harmer.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Robertson. (nem con)
5b/MAY/07 07/0242 Full application. Conversion of existing cycle store to workshop with extension and erection of replacement cycle store to side elevation of main building. YHA Alston, The Firs for Mr P. Webster, Mr D. Lowson, Mrs V. Lowson.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Haldon and seconded by Cllr Johnson. (nem con)
5c/MAY/07 07/0248 Full application. Erection of single storey side extension for garage and additional living accommodation and conservatory to rear elevation. Timbers, Garrigill for Mr D. Hymers.
Cllrs Robertson & Johnson declared a professional interest.
Recommended that the council support the proposal for a conservatory to the rear elevation. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
Recommended that the council support the proposal for a garage on the condition that there is sufficient space to park one car between the road and the entrance to the garage. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (I abstention)
5d/MAY/07 07/0306 Full application. Proposed first floor extension over existing single storey extension. Garden House, Garrigill for Mr & Mrs G. Sparrow. Recommended that the proposed extension is out of character with other stone built properties in the area, and should be stone faced to improve its appearance. Proposed by Cllr Haldon and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (2 abstentions)
5e/MAY/07 07/0335 Full application. Construction of vehicular access to serve Bloomsberry and Hardback – approved for conversion to holiday lets re: 06/0041. Bloomsberry, High Dykes, Nenthead for Mr I. Pickering.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (nem con)
[edit] Decision notices
5i/MAY/07 06/0418 Full application. Conversion of disused chapel to residential use. St. Paul’s Chapel and Church Hall, Townhead, Alston for S. Hansel.
Permission granted with conditions.
5ii/MAY/07 07/0031 Full application. Erection of a two storey side extension and front porch. 6 Clitheroe, Alston for Mr S. Shepherd.
Permission granted with conditions.
5iii/MAY/07 07/0037 Full application. Proposed bungalow. Plot 4 Potters Loaning, Alston for Mrs J. Bell.
Permission granted with conditions.
5iv/MAY/07 07/0038 Full application. Change of use of disused toilet block to storage unit involving alterations to external elevations. Disused toilet block, Vicarage Lane, Alston for The Town Hall Trustees.
Permission granted with conditions.
5v/MAY/07 07/0087 Full application. Change of use from hostel, house and premises to single dwelling. High Loaning Head, Garrigill for A.L. Williams.
Permission granted with conditions.
[edit] Correspondence
[edit] 6a/MAY/07 Street Naming & Numbering – Development of Barns at Lovelady Shield
A letter was received from Eden District Council inviting the council to comment on the street and property names suggested by the developer at Lovelady Shield. Proposed property names: Sheiling, Clifton and Ridgeway. Proposed street name: Lovelady Lane.
Agreed that the proposed names were suitable for the development.
[edit] 6b/MAY/07 Post Office – Temporary Closure of Nenthead Branch
A letter was received from the Post Office expressing regret that the Nenthead Branch has closed due to the resignation of the sub–postmistress and offering assurance to customers that they intend to retain a branch in Nenthead.
[edit] 6c/MAY/07 Standards Board for England – New Code of Conduct
A letter was received from the Standards Board for England about the new Code of Conduct for members, which came into force from 3rd May 2007. Parish Councils have until 1st October to adopt the revised Code. Not all parts of the Model Code are relevant to parish councils, and the advice is that councils adopt the Code unamended with one exception. Paragraph 12(2) gives members with a prejudicial interest the same rights as members of the public to speak to a meeting on the issue and then leave before the main discussion and vote.
Resolved to adopt the Model Code of Conduct including paragraph 12(2). Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
[edit] 6d/MAY/07 Locking of Access Routes to the Nenthead Mine Sites
Letters were received from Paul Witheridge of Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit and Ged Feeney from the Mountain Rescue Association expressing concern, about locking the access gates to Nenthead Mines with welded security boxes that restrict vehicular access. The access at Priorsdale has also been narrowed down. Unless the rescue services are provided with keys this could obviously create problems, and the teams hope that the NPHT will clarify the situation.
Cllr Phillips reported that he had inspected the site, which retains pedestrian access, but at 4ft 4ins wide is less than the 5ft width the regulations stipulate.
Cllr Haldon reported that he understood that the NPHT have locked the access because of vandalism and thefts on site. He confirmed that he would pass on Cllr Phillips comments about the width to Nenthead Mines Management and would contact the rescue teams to arrange for them to be issued with keys.
[edit] 6e/MAY/07 Footpath Nos 302011 & 302031 Public Path Diversion Order 2003
Footpath Nos 302030 & 302142 Public Path Extinguishment Order 2003
Notification of a copy of the above Order for paths at Tynehead, Garrigill. Noted that this Order will result in an improvement to the rights of way network in this area.
[edit] 6f/MAY/07 Rural Wheels
A letter was received from Cumbria County Council about a new transport service, which will be available in the rural areas of Eden District from 23rd April. The County Council has received funding from Eden District Council and the Department of Transport to operate a demand responsive transport service for people in rural areas. Rural Wheels can link customers with the bus or train, or take them to their nearest town to attend appointments, access shops etc. The scheme uses smartcard technology. Leaflets will be distributed to all eligible households to explain the scheme, which will cost 30p per mile and is available Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm.
[edit] 6g/MAY/07 TRACX
A letter was received from the North Pennines AONB Partnership about the issue of vehicles using off-road routes in the countryside. There is a considerable amount of rumour and anecdotal evidence about the volume and type of mechanically propelled vehicles within the North Pennines AONB. Accurate recording helps provide a clearer picture, and allows those involved in managing and enforcing use to make more accurate assessments of action to be taken. TRACX has been operating for one year and a mechanism developed to feed information gathered through to the appropriate authorities. It is clear that recording is being made by a few dedicated individuals, with a strong interest in the issue, but it would be of great benefit if more people could record activity, building a clearer picture of use, including recreation and land management. Blank recording forms and supporting information were attached for information.
Cllr Phillips offered to take a form.
[edit] 6h/MAY/07 Notification of Meetings/Events
| North Pennines AONB Partnership – Northern Rocks – the North Pennines Festival of Geology and Landscape 19 May | 3rd June 2007 |
| Workshop for green space managers | July 3rd Lazonby |
| Eden LSP – Equitable Access to Services Group | June 7th at Penrith |
[edit] 6i/MAY/07 Information & Literature Received
- CALC circular – April 2007, May 2007
- Cumbria Funding Links – info on Funding Fairs
- Cumbria Rural Housing Trust Update – April 2007
- CCC – Info on Accessibility Plans
- COIF – Annual Report & Accounts – Dec 2006
- Local Council Review – May 2007
- Cumbria Community Foundation – Spring Newsletter 2007
- The Water Vole newsletter – Spring 2007
- Cumbria Highways newsletter – Spring 2007
- Cumbria Playing Fields Association – Annual Report 2005/06
- AM Traffic Management Group – minutes of meeting 6/9/06
- TIC Review Minutes – 5th March & 16 April 2007
- Vitalise breaks for disabled people - fundraising appeal
[edit] Co-option of 2 Alston Councillors & 1 Nenthead Councillor
Resolved to co-opt Thérèse Lewis to the Nenthead Ward.
Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (nem con)
Three people have expressed interest in the Alston vacancies, and it was suggested that the councillors they had spoken to invite them to the next meeting.
[edit] Approval of 2006/2007 end of year accounts and Internal Auditor’s report
A report (circulated earlier) was received from Paul Parkin, the Internal Auditor, stating that the council’s accounts and records were well kept. Next year he would like to see more detail of the discussion on the Risk Assessment meeting, on how the council assessed any significant risks to achieving its objectives and how the council reviewed the adequacy of arrangements to manage these. Noted.
Members worked through the list of questions for the audit report. No issues were identified.
Resolved to approve the end of year accounts for 2006/2007. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
[edit] Questions to Roger Hopcraft re: Local Development Plan
The meeting would be an opportunity to discuss what provision has been made in the plan for smaller communities.
[edit] Consultation on Unitary Cumbria proposal
It was observed that the county and district councils have published widely different views and proposals and Individual members are deeply dissatisfied that the government has instigated a further review of the system of local government demanding change, when the population requested no change at the last review.
Resolved that Cllr Phillips would draft a response on behalf of the council.
[edit] Matter’s Arising form Annual Parish Meeting
Grisedale Croft – Cllr Green reported that the local papers had reported that there is to be a review of homes for the elderly looking at facilities in need of upgrading. For example all rooms will be required to be en-suite, which raises concerns for Grisedale Croft as it does not currently meet these requirements.
It was observed that the League of Friends are committed to support a full medical service on Alston Moor including the hospital, ambulance service and facilities for the elderly.
Agreed to ask for clarification on plans for homes for the elderly.
[edit] Date for July meeting
It was agreed to leave the date of the July meeting at 2nd July, noting that the agenda and minutes would be sent out early due to annual leave.
[edit] Reports from Committees & Council Representatives
[edit] 13a/MAY/07 Development Control Event
Cllr Robertson reported that he had attended an EDC Development Control Event, which discussed planning procedures. The papers were passed to the clerk to photocopy for distribution to members. He added that the Local Plan is due for revision in June, and that the District Council are keen to seek the views of parish councils. Examples for discussion might be the balance affordable housing, or holiday lets within the community.
[edit] 13b/MAY/07 TIC Review Meeting
Cllr Phillips reported that he had attended this meeting on 10th April. Eden District Council is cutting the finance to all TIC’s across the district, but there was no discussion about Alston TIC. He was not able to attend the meeting at Kirkby Stephen, but had asked that no decision on Alston be made unless a representative is able to attend.
[edit] 13c/MAY/07 Traffic Management Meeting
Cllr Phillips reported that he attended this meeting, which had discussed the programme of works scheduled for the current year.
[edit] 13d/MAY/07 Alston Town Hall
Cllr Robertson reminded everyone that the old gents toilet still needs a decision made about its future use. To discuss at the next Town Hall meeting.
[edit] 13e/MAY/07 Tyne Willows Sports & Youth Committee Meeting
Cllr Carrick reported that he attended this meeting, which was called because the pavilion is running short of money. Enough people were present for a new committee to be formed, and to make a start on planning fundraising initiatives.
[edit] Items for information/next month’s agenda/urgent business
[edit] 14a/MAY/07 Church Road Turning Circle
Agenda item for next month’s meeting.
[edit] Ratification of revision to clerk’s contract of employment
The clerk reported that this required more time to look at than she had available this month, so would bring it to a future meeting.
The meeting closed at 9.20 pm Minutes of the meeting of the Annual Meeting of Alston Moor Parish Council held on Monday, 14th May 2007 at 7.15pm in Alston Town Hall.
Present: Cllrs: A. Green, M. Bell, G. Carrick, T. Haldon, I. Johnson, T. Pennell, D. Phillips, A. Robertson, T. Thompson.
Apologies: Cllrs: B. Aves, G. Wright.
Absent: Cllr: V. Peart.
[edit] Election of Chairman & Vice-chairman
Resolved to appoint Cllr Green as chairman. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
Resolved to appoint Cllr Phillips as vice-chairman. Proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
[edit] Police Report
Apologies from the police.
[edit] County Councillor’s Report
Apologies from Cllr Henderson
[edit] District Councillor’s Report
Apologies from Cllr Turner.
[edit] Report by Deborah Turner from CCC on developing a One-Stop-Shop in Alston Town Hall for council services
The clerk reported that this agenda item had been cancelled at the request of Deborah Turner, who realised that she needed more time to put a report together. She would like to attend a future meeting.
[edit] Election of Committees
Rights of Way Committee – it was agreed to keep this committee going, as it would be useful should there be a need to discuss any ROW issue in depth. Cllrs Phillips, Green, Carrick, Haldon and Aves (subject to confirmation) agreed to stand. Agreed to co-opt a representative from ECCP and Pip Wilson, as a member of the horse riding community.
[edit] Election of Council Representatives
| Alston Moor Information Centre Management Board | Cllr Bell |
| Alston Moor Traffic Management Committee | Cllrs: Pennell, Phillips, Thompson & Wright |
| Eden Police Liaison Committee meetings | Cllrs: Green & Pennell |
| Tyne Willows Management Board | Cllrs: Carrick, Johnson, Pennell & Robertson |
| Alston Moor Sports & Youth Committee | agreed to defer to next meeting |
| Eden CALC Liaison Committee | Cllr Robertson |
| Friends of Alston Town Hall | Cllr Phillips |
[edit] Minutes
Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 2nd April 2007 be adopted as a correct record. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Bell. (nem con)
[edit] Matters Arising from the Minutes
[edit] 2a/MAY/07 Alston Library Opening Hours
Re: 2a/APR/07 A letter was received from Liz Bowe, Library Operations Manager, stating that to meet the budget shortfall this year a decision was made that they would cut opening hours by 10% across each library group. Libraries across the county are being used less and less on a Friday evening, so it was decided to stop opening late at all libraries on a Friday. The figures for library use on Friday evenings at Alston were ambiguous, and because of lone working there are concerns about Alston being the only library open at this time. Alston Moor Parish Council’s comments will be added to any others received on the new hours, and library use will be monitored. If the opening hours need looking at again, any changes will need to be made by the Local Committee, and a paper will need to be submitted to them.
It was observed that the Alston librarian regularly works alone, and it should not make much impact on her work if other libraries are closed.
The clerk reported that Sally Orrell from Neighbourhood Services suggested that the council ask for the library opening hours to be put on the next Neighbourhood Forum agenda, to be held on 13th June at Kirkoswald, with a request that it be referred to the Eden Local Committee.
Agreed that Cllr Haldon would attend the Neighbourhood Forum meeting to represent the council.
[edit] 2b/MAY/07 CALC Roadshow
Re: 2b/APR/07 It was agreed to ask for the Roadshow to be held on one of the following dates: 5th June, 11th June or 12th June, and to enquire if young people from SKS could take part.
[edit] 2c/MAY/07 TIC Review Meeting
Re: 2i/APR/07 Cllr Phillips had objected to the wording of minutes taken for the TIC Review meeting, and the clerk confirmed that EDC had agreed to amend them by taking out the comments he said he had not made.
[edit] 2d/MAY/07 Rural Excellence Programme – Strategic Housing
Re: 2dl/APR//07 The clerk reported that she had not heard back about a date for the meeting as yet, and would be contacting Steve Huddart’s secretary to find out what had happened.
[edit] 2e/MAY/07 Alston’s Recycling Centre
Re: 2e/APR/07 The clerk reported that the intent is to hold a meeting with officers and councillors from both the county and district councils to discuss what should be done about Alston’s recycling problem. She had decided to wait until after the elections before setting the meeting up.
[edit] 2f/MAY/07 Parish Tree Warden
Re: 2f/APR/07 The clerk reported that she spoke with Alizon Hall from Eden District Council to confirm interest in the scheme, which has not begun yet as the district council are still investigating its potential. A Garrigill resident is willing to get involved. .
[edit] 2g/MAY/07 Alston Moor Business Association – Christmas Lights
Re: 4/APR/07 A letter of thanks for assistance with the Christmas lights was received from Mr Norman English, who has taken over as Alston Moor Business Association’s treasurer.
[edit] 2h/MAY/07 Cumbria Minerals & Waste Development Framework
Pre-submission Consultation
Re: 7/APR/07 A letter was received from Richard Evans, Principal Planning Officer from Cumbria County Council noting that the parish council want the Moredun
Garage site included for possible use as a Household Waste Recycling Centre. The County Council will now prepare a final draft version of the above document for submission to the Secretary of State, after which there will be a further round of consultation.
[edit] 2i/MAY/07 Garrigill Recreation Grounds Tree Planting
Re: MAY/07 An e-mail was received from Chris Jones, North Pennines AONB, with the suggestion that the council might like to consider creating a path through the spinney linked to a village trail, which could possibly be funded through the North Pennines AONB small grants scheme.
Cllr observed that the wooded area is hardly big enough for a trail, but improvements to the access routes onto the field are needed, as this would make a big difference for the organisers of events such as the Garrigill Fireshow. Agreed to discuss this with Chris Jones.
Cllr Carrick reported that the fencing contractor had been too busy to put the fence up yet, but that no sheep would be allowed on the field until it is in place.
[edit] 2j/MAY/07 North Pennines AONB – Annual Forum
Re: 6d/APR/07 Cllr Phillips reminded everyone that there is still time for nominations to be submitted to the North Pennines AONB Forum.
[edit] 2k/MAY/07 Nenthead Surgery
Re: 10a/APR/07 The Nenthead Ward Meeting would like a representative from Alston Medical Practice to attend the next meeting to discuss the changes to Nenthead Surgery opening hours.
[edit] Chairman’s Announcements
The balances as of 14th May 2007 were as follows:-
| Alston Moor Parish Council tr/ac | £28,961.62 |
| Alston Moor Parish Council bus/ac | £14,133.92 |
| Fairhill Estates Charity Trustees tr/ac | £6,993.75 |
| Alston Moor Poor tr/ac | £4,324.66 |
| Alston Moor Poor 30 Day hi/ac | £8,134.91 |
| Alston T. H. Revenue tr/ac | £13,095.69 |
| Alston T.H. Project tr/ac | £1,493.16 |
[edit] Changes to Bank Mandate
Resolved that Cllrs Green, Phillips, Johnson, Bell, Thompson and Robertson would be signatories for all accounts. Proposed by Cllr Johnson and seconded by Cllr Phillips. (nem con)
[edit] Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were for payment:-
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £14,593.39 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £21,084.77 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £15.99 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the clerk to be authorized to settle the accounts listed during the coming month (appendix I). Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £4,162.19 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £0.00 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £250.00 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the clerk to be authorised to settle the accounts listed during the coming month. (Fairhill Charity accounts are discussed in confidence at meetings of the trustees.) Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon.
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £3579.68 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £2,513.38 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £113.00 |
| Summary of accounts for payment: | £0.00 |
| Summary of income received since last meeting: | £0.00 |
| Summary of accounts paid since last meeting: | £0.00 |
Resolved that sufficient funds are held in balances for the Town Hall bookkeeper to be authorised to settle the accounts listed in the Revenue account (appendix II). Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
[edit] Planning
5a/MAY/07 07/0212 Conservation Area. Gable end extension to provide additional bedrooms, enlarged dining facilities, new kitchen, new toilets, decking. Cumberland Hotel, Townfoot, Alston for Mr & Mrs G. Harmer.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Robertson. (nem con)
5b/MAY/07 07/0242 Full application. Conversion of existing cycle store to workshop with extension and erection of replacement cycle store to side elevation of main building. YHA Alston, The Firs for Mr P. Webster, Mr D. Lowson, Mrs V. Lowson.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Haldon and seconded by Cllr Johnson. (nem con)
5c/MAY/07 07/0248 Full application. Erection of single storey side extension for garage and additional living accommodation and conservatory to rear elevation. Timbers, Garrigill for Mr D. Hymers.
Cllrs Robertson & Johnson declared a professional interest.
Recommended that the council support the proposal for a conservatory to the rear elevation. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
Recommended that the council support the proposal for a garage on the condition that there is sufficient space to park one car between the road and the entrance to the garage. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (I abstention)
5d/MAY/07 07/0306 Full application. Proposed first floor extension over existing single storey extension. Garden House, Garrigill for Mr & Mrs G. Sparrow. Recommended that the proposed extension is out of character with other stone built properties in the area, and should be stone faced to improve its appearance. Proposed by Cllr Haldon and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (2 abstentions)
5e/MAY/07 07/0335 Full application. Construction of vehicular access to serve Bloomsberry and Hardback – approved for conversion to holiday lets re: 06/0041. Bloomsberry, High Dykes, Nenthead for Mr I. Pickering.
Recommended for approval. Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (nem con)
[edit] Decision notices
5i/MAY/07 06/0418 Full application. Conversion of disused chapel to residential use. St. Paul’s Chapel and Church Hall, Townhead, Alston for S. Hansel.
Permission granted with conditions.
5ii/MAY/07 07/0031 Full application. Erection of a two storey side extension and front porch. 6 Clitheroe, Alston for Mr S. Shepherd.
Permission granted with conditions.
5iii/MAY/07 07/0037 Full application. Proposed bungalow. Plot 4 Potters Loaning, Alston for Mrs J. Bell.
Permission granted with conditions.
5iv/MAY/07 07/0038 Full application. Change of use of disused toilet block to storage unit involving alterations to external elevations. Disused toilet block, Vicarage Lane, Alston for The Town Hall Trustees.
Permission granted with conditions.
5v/MAY/07 07/0087 Full application. Change of use from hostel, house and premises to single dwelling. High Loaning Head, Garrigill for A.L. Williams.
Permission granted with conditions.
[edit] Correspondence
[edit] 6a/MAY/07 Street Naming & Numbering – Development of Barns at Lovelady Shield
A letter was received from Eden District Council inviting the council to comment on the street and property names suggested by the developer at Lovelady Shield. Proposed property names: Sheiling, Clifton and Ridgeway. Proposed street name: Lovelady Lane.
Agreed that the proposed names were suitable for the development.
[edit] 6b/MAY/07 Post Office – Temporary Closure of Nenthead Branch
A letter was received from the Post Office expressing regret that the Nenthead Branch has closed due to the resignation of the sub–postmistress and offering assurance to customers that they intend to retain a branch in Nenthead.
[edit] 6c/MAY/07 Standards Board for England – New Code of Conduct
A letter was received from the Standards Board for England about the new Code of Conduct for members, which came into force from 3rd May 2007. Parish Councils have until 1st October to adopt the revised Code. Not all parts of the Model Code are relevant to parish councils, and the advice is that councils adopt the Code unamended with one exception. Paragraph 12(2) gives members with a prejudicial interest the same rights as members of the public to speak to a meeting on the issue and then leave before the main discussion and vote.
Resolved to adopt the Model Code of Conduct including paragraph 12(2). Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Carrick. (nem con)
[edit] 6d/MAY/07 Locking of Access Routes to the Nenthead Mine Sites
Letters were received from Paul Witheridge of Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit and Ged Feeney from the Mountain Rescue Association expressing concern, about locking the access gates to Nenthead Mines with welded security boxes that restrict vehicular access. The access at Priorsdale has also been narrowed down. Unless the rescue services are provided with keys this could obviously create problems, and the teams hope that the NPHT will clarify the situation.
Cllr Phillips reported that he had inspected the site, which retains pedestrian access, but at 4ft 4ins wide is less than the 5ft width the regulations stipulate.
Cllr Haldon reported that he understood that the NPHT have locked the access because of vandalism and thefts on site. He confirmed that he would pass on Cllr Phillips comments about the width to Nenthead Mines Management and would contact the rescue teams to arrange for them to be issued with keys.
[edit] 6e/MAY/07 Footpath Nos 302011 & 302031 Public Path Diversion Order 2003
Footpath Nos 302030 & 302142 Public Path Extinguishment Order 2003
Notification of a copy of the above Order for paths at Tynehead, Garrigill. Noted that this Order will result in an improvement to the rights of way network in this area.
[edit] 6f/MAY/07 Rural Wheels
A letter was received from Cumbria County Council about a new transport service, which will be available in the rural areas of Eden District from 23rd April. The County Council has received funding from Eden District Council and the Department of Transport to operate a demand responsive transport service for people in rural areas. Rural Wheels can link customers with the bus or train, or take them to their nearest town to attend appointments, access shops etc. The scheme uses smartcard technology. Leaflets will be distributed to all eligible households to explain the scheme, which will cost 30p per mile and is available Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm.
[edit] 6g/MAY/07 TRACX
A letter was received from the North Pennines AONB Partnership about the issue of vehicles using off-road routes in the countryside. There is a considerable amount of rumour and anecdotal evidence about the volume and type of mechanically propelled vehicles within the North Pennines AONB. Accurate recording helps provide a clearer picture, and allows those involved in managing and enforcing use to make more accurate assessments of action to be taken. TRACX has been operating for one year and a mechanism developed to feed information gathered through to the appropriate authorities. It is clear that recording is being made by a few dedicated individuals, with a strong interest in the issue, but it would be of great benefit if more people could record activity, building a clearer picture of use, including recreation and land management. Blank recording forms and supporting information were attached for information.
Cllr Phillips offered to take a form.
[edit] 6h/MAY/07 Notification of Meetings/Events
| North Pennines AONB Partnership – Northern Rocks – the North Pennines Festival of Geology and Landscape 19 May | 3rd June 2007 |
| Workshop for green space managers | July 3rd Lazonby |
| Eden LSP – Equitable Access to Services Group | June 7th at Penrith |
[edit] 6i/MAY/07 Information & Literature Received
- CALC circular – April 2007, May 2007
- Cumbria Funding Links – info on Funding Fairs
- Cumbria Rural Housing Trust Update – April 2007
- CCC – Info on Accessibility Plans
- COIF – Annual Report & Accounts – Dec 2006
- Local Council Review – May 2007
- Cumbria Community Foundation – Spring Newsletter 2007
- The Water Vole newsletter – Spring 2007
- Cumbria Highways newsletter – Spring 2007
- Cumbria Playing Fields Association – Annual Report 2005/06
- AM Traffic Management Group – minutes of meeting 6/9/06
- TIC Review Minutes – 5th March & 16 April 2007
- Vitalise breaks for disabled people - fundraising appeal
[edit] Co-option of 2 Alston Councillors & 1 Nenthead Councillor
Resolved to co-opt Thérèse Lewis to the Nenthead Ward.
Proposed by Cllr Phillips and seconded by Cllr Pennell. (nem con)
Three people have expressed interest in the Alston vacancies, and it was suggested that the councillors they had spoken to invite them to the next meeting.
[edit] Approval of 2006/2007 end of year accounts and Internal Auditor’s report
A report (circulated earlier) was received from Paul Parkin, the Internal Auditor, stating that the council’s accounts and records were well kept. Next year he would like to see more detail of the discussion on the Risk Assessment meeting, on how the council assessed any significant risks to achieving its objectives and how the council reviewed the adequacy of arrangements to manage these. Noted.
Members worked through the list of questions for the audit report. No issues were identified.
Resolved to approve the end of year accounts for 2006/2007. Proposed by Cllr Carrick and seconded by Cllr Haldon. (nem con)
[edit] Questions to Roger Hopcraft re: Local Development Plan
The meeting would be an opportunity to discuss what provision has been made in the plan for smaller communities.
[edit] Consultation on Unitary Cumbria proposal
It was observed that the county and district councils have published widely different views and proposals and Individual members are deeply dissatisfied that the government has instigated a further review of the system of local government demanding change, when the population requested no change at the last review.
Resolved that Cllr Phillips would draft a response on behalf of the council.
[edit] Matter’s Arising form Annual Parish Meeting
Grisedale Croft – Cllr Green reported that the local papers had reported that there is to be a review of homes for the elderly looking at facilities in need of upgrading. For example all rooms will be required to be en-suite, which raises concerns for Grisedale Croft as it does not currently meet these requirements.
It was observed that the League of Friends are committed to support a full medical service on Alston Moor including the hospital, ambulance service and facilities for the elderly.
Agreed to ask for clarification on plans for homes for the elderly.
[edit] Date for July meeting
It was agreed to leave the date of the July meeting at 2nd July, noting that the agenda and minutes would be sent out early due to annual leave.
[edit] Reports from Committees & Council Representatives
[edit] 13a/MAY/07 Development Control Event
Cllr Robertson reported that he had attended an EDC Development Control Event, which discussed planning procedures. The papers were passed to the clerk to photocopy for distribution to members. He added that the Local Plan is due for revision in June, and that the District Council are keen to seek the views of parish councils. Examples for discussion might be the balance affordable housing, or holiday lets within the community.
[edit] 13b/MAY/07 TIC Review Meeting
Cllr Phillips reported that he had attended this meeting on 10th April. Eden District Council is cutting the finance to all TIC’s across the district, but there was no discussion about Alston TIC. He was not able to attend the meeting at Kirkby Stephen, but had asked that no decision on Alston be made unless a representative is able to attend.
[edit] 13c/MAY/07 Traffic Management Meeting
Cllr Phillips reported that he attended this meeting, which had discussed the programme of works scheduled for the current year.
[edit] 13d/MAY/07 Alston Town Hall
Cllr Robertson reminded everyone that the old gents toilet still needs a decision made about its future use. To discuss at the next Town Hall meeting.
[edit] 13e/MAY/07 Tyne Willows Sports & Youth Committee Meeting
Cllr Carrick reported that he attended this meeting, which was called because the pavilion is running short of money. Enough people were present for a new committee to be formed, and to make a start on planning fundraising initiatives.
[edit] Items for information/next month’s agenda/urgent business
[edit] 14a/MAY/07 Church Road Turning Circle
Agenda item for next month’s meeting.
[edit] Ratification of revision to clerk’s contract of employment
The clerk reported that this required more time to look at than she had available this month, so would bring it to a future meeting.
The meeting closed at 9.20 pm
