Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council
A meeting of Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 2nd September 2020 at 7.30pm in Hartington Village Hall follow social distancing guidelines in view of the Coronavirus pandemic in Britain.
On arrival to the meeting, Mrs Broomhead MBE advised that the village hall will now be implementing new safety measures to include the wearing of safety masks in the village hall, unless refreshments are involved.
Present: D Annat, E Broomhead MBE, R Sherratt, Mr A Grindey, Mrs S Bruce, Mr S Wager and the clerk,
S Hampson. There were two members of the public in attendance from Hartington Primary School, accompanied by their parents.
Part 1 Non-confidential information
20.9.1 Apologies
There were no apologies
20.9.2 Declaration of personal interest of councillors
There was no need, by any member present, to complete an entry in the register.
20.9.3 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting and posted on the parish council’s website and noticeboard.
Resolved: to accept the minutes as a true record of proceedings. The minutes were signed by Mr D Annat.
20.9.4 Public speaking
Two pupils from Hartington Primary School attended the public speaking section only after forwarding a letter from the pupils seeking an opinion on the erection of a natural wooden wind break around a circular seat which has been placed at the school. The area provides an important space for privacy and reflection which would benefit from a windbreak to shield the young pupils from some of the elements.
The members were very impressed by the communication from the pupils requesting support from the parish council to erect the wind break.
Resolved: Members considered the erection of a natural wind break to be a marvellous idea and doubted it would need official planning permission; however, Mr Annat agreed to contact Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to confirm this opinion and to reiterate the parish council’s support of the school’s proposal.
20.9.5 PCSO updates
The clerk had contacted the new PCSO for any relevant police updates; however, he had responded to inform the clerk that unfortunately, he was on rest days until two days after the meeting.
20.9.6 Update from District Councillor
The district councillor was not in attendance due to a commitment at Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC).
20.9.7 Former cheese factory site and new planning proposal
Members debated the latest and rather disturbing information, received about the Section 73 Application by Amos Hartington Limited, to vary the conditions of the Planning Application granted by the Government Inspector at the 2016 Informal Hearing.
As members were aware, the parish council had submitted 3 full responses against the wholesale changes proposed to the original plans. Councillors had been very concerned about the Applicant’s e-mail response on July 27, to the parish council’s latest submission, that the parish council should; however, be aware that planning permission NP/DDD/0418/0303 does not contain any legal obligation on Amos Group to deliver any affordable housing. This application provides an opportunity to remedy this situation, and therefore this application should be welcomed for this reason alone.
Clearly affordable housing, alongside landscape enhancement, was the only enablement justifying the whole development and was covered by a Universal Undertaking by the Applicant in the 2016 Public Hearing.
Having requested a copy of the Officer’s Recommendation to Committee, Councillors learned that not only were the amendments being supported, subject to a number of conditions, but that whilst granting some minor amendments to the scheme in 2018, the Peak Park Authority had omitted to include an updated Universal Undertaking and therefore, the Applicant, as they stated, was no longer under an obligation to provide any Affordable Homes. This was clearly a huge shock to the Parish Council.
In summary, the developer being aware the obligation to provide affordable homes has disappeared, has continued to build in contravention of the agreed plans and have now submitted a further raft of changes under the latest application.
In effect the PDNPA would have to accept many of these changes if they are to persuade the developer to sign a new agreement to provide the affordable homes. The parish council, meanwhile has been responding to all the innumerable changes unaware that the developer had such a powerful negotiating position.
The planners assure us they will obtain a new Section 6 legal agreement to provide the 4 affordable homes and the Planning Committee has subsequently agreed the application, subject to a number of conditions including the signing of the of the Section 6 agreement. This, however, had still to be completed.
Councillors were very unhappy with the situation and could not understand how the PDNPA’s legal team could have missed the inclusion of the Universal Undertaking in the 2018 Application. They felt they had wasted large amounts of time scrutinising and responding to all the subsequent schemes in ignorance that the applicant had a powerful bargaining position to help them obtain the changes they wanted.
Resolved: Mr Chapman, as Vice Chairman of PDNPA, to be contacted to take the above matter forward.
20.9.8 Pump stones and War Memorial area including trees and Remembrance Day
The clerk had recontacted a contractor who had unsuccessfully submitted a tender to carry out the required works on the pump stones and the War Memorial. This contractor had declined, quite strongly, to carry out the work after not being awarded the work initially. The awarded contractor had been recontacted but had not responded. Members discussed and suggested other local suitably qualified contractors to undertake the necessary work.
Resolved: Mrs Bruce to contact a local walling contractor about the pump stones and War Memorial flags. These maintenance issues can be considered as two separate contracts.
The clerk had included the Remembrance Day service to discussed the possible need of road closures to facilitate a service at the memorial adhering to social distancing.
Resolved: the clerk to request a road closure between 10.45 and 11.15 am on the Dale Road, to facilitate the Remembrance Day Service and aid greater social distancing.
The clerk had also asked a tree surgeon to view the War Memorial trees. He had reported that there are two dying trees which would benefit from being removed to enable the others to have a better chance of thriving. However, the number of trees present is historically significant representing the number of men from Hartington who had fallen in the two world wars. The clerk had requested a quote to remove the dead trees replace with two like trees but the quote had not been received in time for the meeting.
Resolved: the clerk to chase the tree surgery quote.
A discussion also took place surrounding the Wells’ dressings at the War Memorial and the pump. This included who are the organisers and the appropriateness of holding a blessing. All other wells’ dressings in the local area have been cancelled.
Resolved: Mr Annat to contact the church warden to suggest the cancellation of the blessing in view of present government guidelines of public gatherings.
20.9.9 The stanner and duck pond, including fish
Mrs Bruce had contacted a fisheries worker regarding the optimum way to safely remove the fish from the pond advising the person to contact the chairman but further contact had not taken place. Mr Wager advised that he was aware of another contact. Mr Sherratt advised that areas of land in Hartington are still rather damp concerning the removal and disposal of the silt from the pond.
The clerk had approached Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council members regarding the possibility of depositing the fish from the pond into Heathcote Mere. Some members of Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council had expressed some concerns about visitations by the heron but it was reported that this also occurs in Hartington.
Resolved: Mr Annat to make contact again with the gentleman approached by Mrs Bruce in regard to moving the fish.
Resolved: The clerk to contact PDNPA’s ponds’ officer to clarify the appropriate window to move the fish without compromising any protected Great Crested Newts which may be present in the pond.
20.9.10 Cemetery and village maintenance
Income received by the parish council from the parish council cemetery can be inconsistent, however, it could be used to contribute towards the cost of a contractor to undertake maintenance in the cemetery, in addition to the cost of mowing in the cemetery. The present contractor has been approached but would not be interested, at this time, in undertaking the additional maintenance such as the Garden of Remembrance area. Other areas within the parish/village also require additional periodic maintenance and weeding, including the Stanner, pond, War Memorial. The clerk suggested that tasks undertaken by a lengths man could be considered with a view to tenders being considered for a prepared contract.
Resolved: Mr Annat and Mrs Broomhead MBE to view and compile lengths man specification tasks to discuss at future meetings, to enable a tender to be considered.
Resolved: Mr Grindey to attend to some of the weed killing requirements at the War Memorial before Remembrance Day.
The clerk had reported some quite large tree branches which had fallen and obstructed the access to the parish council cemetery and the church path. Mr Grindey had kindly moved these with assistance from Mr Wager.
20.9.11 Neighbourhood Plan
Mr Annat advised that he had spent further time on the Neighbourhood Plan. Maps and a template for surveys have been received. Further circulation to the committee will take place shortly. Consultation with land owners will take place. A former parish councillor has offered to assist. Everything is now in place to move the matter forward.
Resolved: Mr Annat to forward a link to the plan to members.
20.9.13 Items of account, salaries, HMRC, general administration, section 137, village planters
Cq 1461 D Wood 2 mowing cuts in July £440.00
Cq 1462 S Hampson September clerk’s salary £239.36
Cq 1463 S Hampson September internet provision £10.00
Cq 1464 S Hampson Reimbursement of expenses £12.71
Cq 1465 HMRC Quarter two income tax £179.60
Cq 1466 Hartington Village Hall Hire £27.50
Cq 1467 D Wood 2 mowing cuts in August £440.00
The NALC pay awards for 2019 and 2020 had been received and forwarded to members in advance of the meeting.
Resolved: Members unanimously agreed to award the clerk the above pay awards and to back date the 2019 award to 1 April 2019 and the 2020 award to 1 April 2020.
20.9.13 Planning applications, planning sub-committee and appeals
The recent application at the cheese shop has been withdrawn. The music and alcohol licence at the Farm Shop has been granted. Members discussed revised plans at Newhaven Lodge Farm. It was agreed that the application was very similar to the previously approved plans with some additional aspects.
Resolved: to support the application at Newhaven Lodge Farm.
20.9.14 Highway issues, signs, pot holes, street lighting, maintenance
Based on government advice, authorities (including PDNPA Enforcement Officers) had lent support to the placement of the pizza hut in front of the Devonshire Arms to serve outdoor food. Members reported that this had food outlet had not been open at all in part due to issues serving food under the bedroom windows of public house.
It was reported that volunteers had carried out litter picking subsequent to the last meeting and had undertaken a fantastic job; however, people/tourists continue to ‘dump’ litter adjacent to litter bins when they are full which can lead to it being strewn across the greens etc. Mrs Bruce reported that she now pays for an additional waste collection and generally speaking, tourists who frequent her shop are returning their waste to her waste bins.
20.9.15 Correspondence and communication
Correspondence details had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting with many items being covered by the agenda.
A message had been received by the clerk from a lady in nearby village who wished to place notices in the noticeboard to promote her dog business.
Resolved: to advise the lady to approach the local shop(s) as the noticeboards are parish business/information.
20.9.16 Items for the next agenda
Cemetery/Garden of Remembrance and village maintenance, former cheese factory site, neighbourhood plan, village pump stone steps and War Memorial pointing, The Stanner and duck pond. Additional items to be compiled by the clerk.
20.9.16 Date of next meeting
7th October 2020. (This meeting will be subject to guidelines in place in October)
Part 2 Confidential information
There were no confidential items to discuss
The meeting was declared closed at 9.00 pm
Mrs S Hampson
Clerk
Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council
4th September 2020
©Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council minutes remain draft until approved by the parish council at the next meeting
Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council
A meeting of Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 15th July 2020 at 7.30pm in Hartington Village Hall follow social distancing guidelines in view of the Coronavirus pandemic in Britain.
Present: D Annat, E Broomhead MBE, R Sherratt, Mr A Grindey, Mrs S Bruce and, the clerk,
S Hampson. There was one member of the public in attendance until the end of the public speaking session.
Part 1 Non-confidential information
20.7.1 Apologies
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mr S Wager.
20.7.2 Declaration of personal interest of councillors
There was no need, by any member present, to complete an entry in the register.
20.7.3 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting and posted on the parish council’s website and noticeboard. There was a delay between meetings due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic which had swept through the country since March 2020.
Resolved: to accept the minutes as a true record of proceedings. The minutes were signed by Mr D Annat.
20.7.4 Public speaking
There was one member of the public in attendance who remained until the end of this section. He raised a number of issues.
Inconsiderate tourist parking around the duck pond and on Mill Lane. The gentleman was advised that Derbyshire County Council (DCC) is going through the lengthy legal and publication process of putting in place some additional yellow lines in the village. Additional yellow lines will also be included in the Neighbourhood Plan. Members of the parish council sympathised with the member of the public’s opinions regarding the traffic issues. (Also see agenda item 20.7.15 Highway Issues)
On the subject of litter, the chairman advised that Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) will not provide additional litter bins or amendments to the day of the waste collection service and would not be able to provide a key to the litter bins.
The members shared his concerns about the arrival of a pizza ‘hut’ which has recently been located outside the Devonshire Arms. Prior to the meeting, the District Councillor had been contacted and in turn, Peak District National Park Authority’s (PDNPA’s) Senior Planner. DDDC seemed to be of the opinion that it had been placed on land belonging to the Devonshire Arms; this is not the case. It is located on an extension of the highway. Concerns were expressed regarding the potential opening without a licence and also concerns from the other local businesses. It was reported that a licence has been applied for. Hartington is subject to a Consent Street Licence which may have a bearing on any decision.
In addition to the member of the public, members of the parish council had also become aware of an application for an off licence and music licence at the Farm Shop on Mill Lane. The parish council will not be officially consulted regarding the off licence and music licence; however, the parish council can respond to public nuisance should it occur. Members thought that there could be grounds to challenge this licence on the grounds of preventing crime, nuisance, protecting children from harm etc as it may be much easier, if the licence was granted, to obtain alcohol and potentially abuse it. The village has experienced alcohol related damage in the past. Depending on the number of opening days and hours, this proposal will be competition for other businesses but the parish council appreciated diversification in the current climate. Hartington Community Group may be a vehicle to enable other public groups to also have an opinion on this.
Resolved: Mr Annat to draft a letter to forward to the clerk for submission to the licensing authority.
Members thanked the resident for raising all the above issues and the hard work involved in preservation of some of the village seats and shared his thanks to the local shops and businesses during the Covid 19 pandemic.
20.7.5 Update from District Councillor
The district councillor was not in attendance; however, he had forwarded information regarding the licensing authority in relation to the Pizza ‘hut’ outside the Devonshire Arms and the consent street licence in the village referred to above.
20.7.6 Former cheese factory site and new planning proposal
The chairman had forwarded lots of information regarding the site in advance of the meeting. Members discussed yet further planning variations. PDNPA will almost certainly accept, in August, the third variation which includes an unadopted roadway through the middle of the development. There will be no entry from Bridge End Farm side. Other amendments include: relocating a garage and changes to the four affordable rental properties, both their footprint and design (an affordable housing provider is not in place). A barn and the largest garage on the development appear on green field; a reduction in the number of rooflights must be enforced. An elevated storage area and large drains have been put in. Despite variation after variation, the parish council does want to see the development completed but no houses should be occupied until the swale has been completed. Mrs Bruce reported that she had been led to believe that one of the properties has already been sold, with occupation rumoured to take place within a month.
Resolved: Mr Annat to make the final submission to PDNPA which will include the parish council’s dislike of the amendments to the affordable properties and the constructions on the green field.
On a separate note at the site, members reported an extremely loud reversing beeper which is audible almost all over the village. Members are fully appreciative of health and safety requirements; however, other plant vehicles do not seem to create such noise pollution. Another of the Amos four trak vehicles regularly travels at excessive speed when accessing and leaving the site.
Resolved: The clerk to report concerns to the developer regarding the noise and speed of construction vehicles involved with the site.
20.7.7 Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2020, internal and external audit, internet accessibility statement
Members congratulated the clerk/responsible finance officer for the preparation and accurate production of the accounts and successful internal audit of these. The clerk had also prepared an accessibility statement in relation to the parish council’s website.
The preparation of the accessibility statement for the parish council website prompted a discussion about the possibility of using a website provider to manage a suitable website. Mr Annat presently spends valuable time managing the present site.
Resolved: To accept the accounts and the accessibility statement.
Resolved: The clerk to make enquiries to a website provider
20.7.8 New Garden of Remembrance, cemetery area shrubbery and maintenance
The first Garden of Remembrance area has been manually cleared of weeds and subsequently sprayed with thanks to Mr and Mrs Annat. The shrubbery impacting on the use of two burial spaces was discussed. This shrubbery also provides privacy to the Old Vicarage. Following the discussion, members considered that removing the shrubbery would still not allow easy access to two burial spaces. This will; however, have the potential of a loss of burial and memorial income from these two spaces.
Resolved: not to attempt to use burial spaces for conventional burials adjacent to the shrubbery and to continue burials from space 125 towards the large tree at the entrance.
Resolved: to consider using the spaces between grave space 125 towards the shrubbery as Garden of Remembrance spaces in the future.
Resolved: Mr Annat to write to the owner of the Old Vicarage regarding the shrubbery.
20.7.9 Pump stones and War Memorial Area
The clerk and Mr Grindey have liaised with the contractor appointed to attend to the pump stones and the War Memorial area, as the work has not yet commenced. The contractor has been busy and has now been in hospital. The quote from this contractor was considerably cheaper than previously considered quotes but the parish council is mindful that the work needs to be undertaken.
Resolved: In view of the delay, contact should be made with the second choice of contractor to see if he could undertake the work at the higher prices. If this is possible, the appointed contractor to be advised that in view of the delay, the work has had to be offered to another contractor.
20.7.10 The Stanner and Duck Pond
The parish council has previously discussed measures to improve the village pond and the past use of barley straw had been partially successful. During the lockdown recess, communication had been received from a resident regarding the duck pond. Someone in the past has introduced fish to the pond; however, several members of the parish council believe that fish should not be in the pond at all. In the resident’s opinion, the pond is a in a poor state and the fish were distressed in the low level of water. Mr Wager had kindly attended to one portion of the pond in need of remedial work and the pond has improved with rainfall although the high level of silt still needs clearing. The clerk suggested that she could approach the neighbouring parish council to enquire about the possibility of depositing the fish into Heathcote Mere. Methods of removing the fish were discussed, including a fisheries worker stunning them.
Resolved: Mrs Bruce to contact a fisheries worker regarding the optimum way to safely remove the fish from the pond.
Resolved: The clerk to approach Hartington Nether Quarter Parish Council regarding Heathcote Mere for the fish.
Mr Grindey suggested that consideration could be given to obtaining professional input for the duck pond although acknowledged this could be costly but this could be precepted for. Members believe the pond to be clay lined and this should not become damaged during any procedure to remove the silt. Therefore, the use of local contractors who know the pond and are in possession of the correct equipment and have the ability to dispose of the silt appropriately will be very important. Replenishing the water stock will also have to be considered in the short term.
Resolved: to appoint Mr Sherratt, as a paid contractor, to remove the silt and dispose of it in safe way in view of achieving the best possible outcome, in a reasonable time frame.
The tarmac around the Stanner is in need of attention by DCC, Highways Department. Members thanked Mr and Mrs Annat and Mrs Broomhead MBE for their hard work in weeding the overgrown perimeter areas of the Stanner. It was thought that a digger may be required to attend the base prior to the winter months.
20.7.11 Brief update on Hartington Village Hall and memorial plaques
Mrs Broomhead MBE had kindly provided an update on works at the village hall in advance of the meeting; however, subsequent to receipt of this, an immense and shocking discovery had been made regarding the roof timbers. Approximately 50% of these could be rotten requiring replacement. The valley to the extension is a disaster. This discovery will have a catastrophic impact on expenditure. The estimated costs for the roof and timber repairs will now rise from approximately £28,000 to £42,000. £10,000 of irrecoverable VAT will also be involved.
Mrs Broomhead MBE had approached members in advance of the meeting to give consideration to the parish council funding the cost of a memorial plaque for a former village hall secretary who had recently passed away. This lady had provided outstanding service to the village hall. The clerk had urged caution regarding funding plaques for individuals in case of public perception on the funding and omitting people from the past and that the outside of the hall may not be the most suitable place for this. Other members agreed with this point of view.
Resolved: in principle, the parish council should not fund memorial plaques for individuals from other organisations and suggested that the village hall committee give consideration to commemorate this individual in some way.
20.7.12 Amendments to the mowing contract
During the lockdown period, it had become apparent that it was necessary to incorporate some additional areas into the mowing contract. The chairman had liaised with the contractor and approved these areas. The contractor now incorporates additional areas on Hall Bank, Dig Street and The Dale. All members and the clerk are extremely happy with the standard of mowing in the cemetery and in the village.
Resolved: to continue to pay the additional sum to cover the additional mowing areas and to amend the contract accordingly.
20.7.13 Items of account, salaries, HMRC, general administration, section 137, village planters
Cq 1433 Central Design Ceramics Ltd VE Day mugs £220.80 (VAT £36.80)
Cq 1434 S Hampson Annual premises allowance £216.00
Cq 1435 S Hampson April clerk’s salary £ 239.36
Cq 1436 S Hampson April internet provision £10.00
Cq 1437 D Wood New Garden of Remembrance £960.00
Cq 1438 D Wood Mowing contract cut 1 £360.00
Cq 1439 DALC Annual subscription £104.40
Cq 1440 Zurich Municipal Insurance premium £358.11
Cq 1441 Hartington Community Group News & Views £150.00
Cq 1442 S Hampson May internet provision £10.00
Cq 1443 S Hampson May clerk’s salary £239.76
Cq 1444 S Hampson Reimb. of expenses £8.82
Cq 1445 D Wood Mowing contract 2 cuts £440.00
Cq 1446 HMRC Quarter 1 income tax £179.60
Cq 1447 S Hampson June internet provision £10.00
Cq 1448 S Hampson June clerk’s salary £239.36
Cq 1449 S Hampson Reimb. of expenses £8.65
Cq 1450 D Wood Mowing contract 3 £440.00
Cq 1451 B Wood Internal audit fee £25.00
Cq 1452 Shelter Maintenance Ltd (Prepared, invoice not received)
Cq 1453 Lester Lowe Ltd Gravel cemetery £216.00 (VAT £36.00)
Cq 1454 S Hampson July internet provision £10.00
Cq 1455 S Hampson August internet provision £10.00
Cq 1456 S Hampson July clerk’s salary £239.56
Cq 1457 S Hampson August clerk’s salary £239.56
Cq 1458 S Hampson Reimb. of expenses £11.98
Cq 1459 Hartington Village Hall Meeting hire £27.50
Cq 1460 Hartington Community Group Village planters £300.00
Income had been received for a recent burial in the cemetery.
20.7.14 Planning applications, planning sub-committee and appeals
Previous planning proposals at Holmlea had been granted. Three new planning applications had been received - the former Dairy Crest site (see agenda 20.7.6), The Cheese Shop and New Vincent Farm. The PDNPA planning site had changed since the last parish council meeting and had created some difficulties in opening some planning applications on line for some members.
The Cheese Shop – Members considered that the extension dwarfs the original cheese shop building. There is no need for or merit in having another new build holiday cottage which would add no character to the existing building. There is ample storage already in existence for the shop. Pre-planning advice had not been sought for this proposal.
Resolved: To oppose this application for the above reasons.
New Vincent House Farm – this proposal concerned the conversion of an old barn to holiday accommodation. Some members thought that this barn may have previously been lived in. This conversion would not be seen and be very discreet.
Resolved: to support this application but state that it is hoped that the planning authority would ensure that the conversion is carried out to a high standard respecting the nature of this building.
20.7.15 Highway issues, signs, pot holes, street lighting, maintenance
It was reported that the street light near Springfield House is permanently on. The clerk had been contacted regarding the street light fixed to the wall near the British Legion. This had become unsafe and Derbyshire County Council (DCC) had made an urgent visit to make it safe. The clerk had been advised by a member of the public that the lamp will be replaced by one on a post in the near future.
Resolved: the clerk to report the faulty street light near Springfield House and to request an update on the new lamp post near the British Legion.
Other highway issues had been reported during the public speaking section. During the lockdown period, the number of holiday cottages in the village had become quite apparent. There were no parking issues at this time. As the village emerges from lockdown, the number of visitors to the village has increased dramatically and fragrant flouting of the yellow lines around the village has become serious. Some motorists/motorcyclists have parked 2 or 3 deep around the pond, into the carriageway.
Resolved: to contact the PCSO attached to the village
20.7.16 Correspondence and communication
Correspondence details had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting with many items being covered by the agenda.
20.7.17 Items for the next agenda
Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance maintenance, former cheese factory site, neighbourhood plan, village pump stone steps and War Memorial pointing, The Stanner and duck pond. Additional items to be compiled by the clerk.
20.3.17 Date of next meeting
2nd September 2020. (This meeting will be subject to government guidelines in place in September)
Part 2 Confidential information
There were no confidential items to discuss
The meeting was declared closed at 9.30 pm
Mrs S Hampson
Clerk
Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council
23rd July 2020
©Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council minutes remain draft until approved by the parish council at the next meeting
Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council