A meeting of Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 13^h March 2019 at 7.30pm in the Bakehouse.

Present: D Annat,A Grindey, E Broomhead MBE, S Bruce, R Sherratt, R Craven, the clerk,

S Hampson and District Councillor D Chapman. There were no members of the public in attendance.

Part 1 Non-confidential information

19.3.1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

19.3.2 Declaration of personal interest of councillors

There was no need by any member present to complete an entry in the register.

19.3.3 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

19.3.4 Public speaking

There were no members of the public in attendance. Mrs Bruce raised the issue of dog fouling which is again a problem on the pavement from the telephone kiosk to the primary school. In addition, an unattended dog was seen on the school premises during the February half term holiday. This is totally unacceptable and unhealthy for the children. Two bags of dog waste have been left at the end of the pond. Some visitors have also been seen washing their dirty walking boots in the pond.

Resolved: To place an article in News and Views to appeal to dog owners not to allow their animals to foul the village pavements.

19.3.5 Update from District Councillor

The District Councillor reported that at present, the returning officer is ill. There is going to be a 2.45% council tax rise which will equate to approximately 10 p per week on a band D property. There will be a meeting regarding future waste collections but it is likely that a charge will be introduced for the green waste bin facility for households. This revenue will enable the other waste collections to remain on the same frequency. He also reported an initiative called ‘Miles without Stiles’ suitable for disabled people.  

19.3.6 Former cheese factory site

The barns presently being converted at this location showed no roof lights on the planning application; however, it was reported that over 20 roof lights have been placed in the roof space of these conversions. Work is proceeding slowly on the development. Potholes on Stonewell Lane have been mended.

Resolved: District Councillor Chapman will take the matter of the roof lights to the enforcement team at Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA). 

19.3.7 Neighbourhood plan

Substantial comments have been received from PDNPA regarding the submission. PDNPA require a deeper consultation with the land owners concerned and liaison with Land Registry regarding green spaces. The original conservation analysis and assessment has been obtained. Far more work has been involved in the production of the plan than anticipated, including the necessity now to produce a number of in-depth reports, by a small number of people. In view of the work load, it may now be necessary to utilise an external consultant. The parish council will need to consider funding consultancy costs. A further submission will take place once all of the required new information has been included. 

Resolved: Mr Annat to contact PDNPA to arrange a meeting to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan

19.3.8 The Stanner

The clerk had contacted PDNPA to instruct their team to proceed with the identified works but had received a response still requesting two other quotes in connection to a grant. PDNPA had provided contact details for two organisations to contact to obtain quotes based on the identified works.

Resolved: The clerk to contact the two organisations for quotes and to subsequently forward the details to PDNPA to enable matters to proceed.

The pond will require attention as a separate project.

19.3.9 Election

Members wishing to stand for the forthcoming term of office completed the necessary nomination forms for submission. 

19.3.10 Snow warden and grit bins

There had been no need for the snow warden to carry out any duties in the village since the last meeting.

Resolved: To continue to place this item on future agendas during the winter period.

19.3.11 War Memorial Tree

Resolved: To continue to monitor one of the trees at the War Memorial which has an unhealthy appearance but is not dead.

19.3.12 Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance, wheeled bin, tree

With thanks to Mr Annat and Mrs Broomhead MBE weeding in the Garden of Remembrance area of the cemetery had taken place and this had made a real improvement to the area. The clerk had received an enquiry from a family member of a former resident of the village seeking plots in the Garden of Remembrance area. The Derbyshire Dales District Council’s (DDDC) Tree officer had been contacted by the clerk regarding level of work involved with the identified tree in the burial ground and any potential grants.

Resolved: To commence using the new allocated area for Garden of Remembrance in an ordered fashion.

Resolved: The clerk to recontact the tree officer regarding the tree in the parish council cemetery to ascertain responsibility. The District Councillor to also make further enquiries.

19.3.13 Village seats

Subsequent to the February meeting, a letter had been sent to the family requesting the possibility of placing a memorial seat adjacent to the bus shelter. The letter had requested a site meeting with the family members. At the time of the meeting, the family had not contacted Mr Annat to arrange a site meeting. Members discussed future seats in the village to ensure uniformity and longevity is achieved. 

Resolved: Parish council members to meet after the elections to lay down a policy for the replacement of existing seats and to ensure future requests for memorial seating adhere to the parish council’s specifications. Object in the street licences will still be required in some locations.

19.3.14 Village trail

DALC had advised the clerk that it was not possible for the parish council to reclaim the VAT element of the printing costs associated with the reprinting of the village trail leaflets. However, subsequent to the last meeting Mrs Broomhead MBE had been advised that the publications would not attract VAT. Amendments have been made since the last print and the cost of this has been met by PDNPA. The trails leaflets are very popular and used by many age groups; they bring an income to the community group. The total cost for 5000 leaflets which will last approximately 5 years will be £729. District Councillor Chapman pledged £300 towards the printing costs.

Resolved: The parish council to donate the balance of the printing costs of £429 to enable Hartington Community Group to pay the total cost of the invoice. This resolution followed a vote which was unanimous.

19.3.15 Village street lights

Mrs Broomhead MBE had taken on the task of recording the street light numbers for those on the Dale; all of the identified lights were in working order.

Resolved: The last remaining lighting numbers to be recorded will be forwarded to the clerk prior to the next meeting.

19.3.16 Items of account, salaries, HMRC, general administration, contractor, Section 137, village trails publication

Cq 1351          Shelter Maintenance Ltd        Bus shelter cleaning                £10.50            VAT £1.75

Cq 1352          Hartington Village Hall          Meeting hire                            £27.50

Cq 1353          S Hampson                              March internet provision         £10.00

Cq 1354          S Hampson                              March clerk’s salary                £239.56

Cq 1355          HMRC                                                Quarter 4 income tax              £179.60

Cq 1356          S Hampson                              Reimb. of expenses                 £7.22

Cq 1357          Hartington Community Group Part payment of village trails £429.00         Section 137

19.3.17 Planning applications, planning sub-committee and appeals

A planning application had been received for the Devonshire Arms for new signs and lighting.

Resolved: To support the above application as the proposals are in keeping with the listed building.

Decision notices had been received for the Devonshire Arms granting internal refurbishments and changes to the beer garden, plus listed building consent

19.3.18 Highway issues and yellow lines

A large pot hole on Stonewell Lane had been reported by the clerk and Derbyshire County Council (DCC) had subsequently issued a repair number. Work on yellow lines has not yet started due to the level of work involved and lack of staff. The clerk had written for a further update in time for the meeting and a plan had been forwarded.

Less than 12 months since the road surface on Hall Bank received attention, pot holes have returned and the road surface is in an appalling state. Local people avoid this area and use alternative roads. It is also a bus route.

Resolved: The clerk to contact the Cabinet member for Highways to advise him of the above and to request immediate attention to this area.

Neighbourhood Watch is to start again in the area.

19.3.19 Correspondence and communication

Included: Achieving more for your community, DDDC Spring Clean, Cadet sponsorship, PC liaison meeting, DDDC Area Forums and DALC circulars. The village hall will be having an open day on

5^th May to explain recent achievements. The clerk had prepared the dates of forthcoming meetings which will be publicised. These dates may become subject to change.

19.3.20 Items for the next agenda

Village seats, cemetery wheeled bin and tree, the stanner, village trails, former cheese factory site, neighbourhood plan, village street lights, elections, War Memorial tree, neighbourhood watch, village hall, new mowing contract.

19.3.21 Date of next meeting

3^rd April 2019 

Mr Annat gave apologies in advance of this meeting and Mr Grindey will act as Chairman on this occasion.

Part 2 Confidential information

19.3.22 Tenders for mowing contract

The clerk had sought tenders from three individuals for the forthcoming two year mowing contract in the village. One contractor did not have the facilities to get ride of grass clippings; one had decided not to submit a tender and the final was from the contractor who had previously had the contract. He had increased his cost for 2019 by 10% from the previous contract and would require a further 5% increase for 2020. His work during the previous two years was taken into consideration.

Resolved: To offer the contract for one year only at the tender price provided for the first year by the previous contractor.

The meeting was declared closed at 9.05 pm

©Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council minutes remain draft until approved by the parish council at the next meeting

HARTINGTON TOWN QUARTER PARISH COUNCIL

18.11.1 Apologies/Councillors’ attendance register

Apologies had been received in advance from Mr A Grindey. The members of the parish council in attendance completed the attendance register. 

18.11.2 Declaration of personal/prejudicial interest of councils

There was no need by any member present to complete an entry in the register.

18.11.3 Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting, published on the noticeboard and the parish council’s website. 

Resolved: To accept the minutes as a true record of proceedings and these were duly signed by the Chairman, Mr Annat.

18.11.4 Public speaking

The member of the public was aware of proposals for additional yellow lines in the village, particularly those on Hall Bank. Mr Annat informed the member of the public of those on the crest of Hall Bank in the vicinity of the Youth Hostel. The member of the public also raised the issue of the hazards experienced on Reynard’s Lane during the winter and the grit bin at the bottom of the lane being insufficient to prevent accidents occurring here. Mrs Bruce also advised of similar issues on Bankside. (See agenda item 20).

A letter had been received from a resident regarding street lighting and overnight parking of camper vans (see correspondence and communication).

18.11.5 Update from District Councillor

The District Councillor was not in attendance.

18.11.6 Former cheese factory site 

An appeal notice decision had been received regarding the former Dove Dairy site. At the public enquiry, the house at plot 1 was refused alteration; however, for none of the reasons opposed by the parish council. Members discussed the drainage at the site related to ‘condition 26’ which states no development shall commence prior to approval by the authority. A new application for the swale appears a bit more robust. It has been reported that the developers have carried out some digging of footings and foundations which have subsequently been covered over. The clerk pointed out that building control should be involved for the digging of such footings/foundations.

Resolved: To contact the planning officer at Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to request an update on progress in relation to condition 26 being waivered; the latest position at the site; the Environment Agency’s response to the channel; the footings and foundations and involvement with building control.

18.11.7 Neighbourhood Plan

The clerk had sent letters to identified landowners publicising details of the neighbourhood plan which is available in the stores, Post Office and on two village websites. An advertisement has been placed in the Peak Advertiser and all statutory bodies have been contacted. To date, only two positive responses have been received from statutory bodies, two online responses and one at the Post Office. The closing date for receipt of responses is 3^rd December 2018.

18.11 8 Remembrance Day, Poppies and War Memorial Posts

The clerk had forwarded details of a local radio presenter who had requested a name for an interview regarding the cascade of poppies made by the community. A name had been suggested to the presenter. Radio Derby will also publicise the poppy display and the involvement of the primary school children. Members of the parish council expressed their thanks to all those involved in creating the wonderful display. A piper will attend at 6 am on Remembrance Sunday and portable lighting will be put in place for this.

The mowing contractor had visited the War Memorial and had conducted a tidy up and attended to the trees. One of the trees is unfortunately dying. Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC) had spent a brief period of time cleaning the War Memorial stone but this had not been terribly successful. Members of the parish council had subsequently spent further time cleaning algae from the stone and lettering and this has made a significant improvement to the stone which is in fact, marble. Mr Grindey had contacted a local joiner to confirm he could proceed in making new posts and these had been made promptly. Members were very pleased with the new posts.

Resolved: to assess the War Memorial tree in Spring 2019.

18.11.9 Mill Lane Bridge

The History Group will produce a booklet on the bridge. Research suggests the bridge was in existence in 1700s. The owner of the Mill House has advised that a similar date stone showing 1818 also exists facing her property. She further advised that the local authority also check the safety of the bridge approximately every 2 years. The bridge is listed. Consideration could be given to an information plaque on the foot path.

Resolved: To place the item on the next agenda

18.11.10 The Stanner.

The clerk had written to Derbyshire County Council (DCC) to report unsafe slabs/kerbs around the perimeter. DCC had responded on the day of the meeting to advise that there is an issue surrounding the responsibility for this area requiring further investigation.

Resolved:  The clerk to approach PDNPA to ascertain if the authority can assist with this hazard.

18.11.11 Defibrillator Battery

The clerk had obtained a quote for a replacement battery from the company who had been used by the British Heart Foundation to supply the defibrillator. In view of the emergency in replacing the battery, the clerk had completed an order form and set up an account with the provider but the battery had not been received by the time of the meeting.

Resolved: The clerk to chase the order

18.11.12 Christmas Tree Event

Members discussed the sources of a potential Christmas tree. 

Resolved: to place the item on the next agenda.

Resolved: to donate the £30 to Hartington Community Group to assist with this event.

It was reported that the PTA will no longer be hosting a market on the village greens. The bygone steam engines will be in place at the event and the risk assessment previously used will be updated by Mrs Broomhead MBE and forwarded to the clerk.

18.11.13 Bulb planting

Mr Annat advised that bulbs had been involved with the planting of Spring bulbs on the grass island a few days prior to the meeting. Members expressed thanks to Ashbourne Rotary Club for the generous donation of 5000 bulbs. The reason behind the planting was to commemorate the end of polio in Britain.

18.11.14 Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance

It had been necessary to cut back shrubbery to enable a grave to be dug. This had been done by the mowing contractor. Weed killing is still to take place. An application for a sandstone memorial was considered and approved.

18.11.15 News and Views Printing

The editions can no longer be printed at the Youth Hostel. Mrs Broomhead MBE advised members of the costs involved to produce this valuable communication tool for three parishes of £1,260 per year. Sponsorship and advertising meet approximately 50% of these costs. No financial contribution has every been requested from Hartington Nether Quarter or Middle Quarter Parish Councils. No contribution has every been made from the churches of the three parishes towards News and Views although it contains church news.

Resolved: Mrs Broomhead MBE to submit a request to the above two parish councils for a financial contribution towards the production of forthcoming News and Views.

18.11.16 Village Seats and Maintenance

A new bracket is required on one of the village seats. Members discussed the possibility of sponsorship for the future upkeep of village seats.

Resolved: The clerk to ask the mowing contractor to carry out essential maintenance repairs to the seat in question. Next Spring the seats will become an agenda item to consider possible sponsorship.

18.11.17 Items of accounts, salaries HMRC, general administration, contractor, Section 137, budget

Cq 1328          S Hampson                              November internet provision                 £10.00

Cq 1329          S Hampson                              Reimbursement of expenses                  £9.28

Cq 1330          S Hampson                              November clerk’s salary                         £239.56

Cq 1331          Hartington Village Hall          Hire                                                        £27.50

Cq 1332          R P Lownds                            Mowing and tree surgery                       £375.00

Cq 1333          ZOLL Medical UK Ltd          Defibrillator battery        £108.13 (VAT £18.02)

Cq 1334          J Hicks                                    War memorial posts                               £360.00

Cq 1335          Hartington Community Group Section 137 donation Xmas tree event £30.00

The Section 137 multiplier for this year is £7.86 per elector. DALC had also forwarded a policy to the clerk which could be adapted for consideration for future use when considering donations. Mr Annat had modified this slightly for suitability for the parish council and this was considered by the other members present.

Resolved: to accept the policy to enable the parish council to provide some funds for minority village groups; each to be judged on their own merits. A budget for this policy to be included in forthcoming precept calculations.

18.11.18 Planning applications, planning sub-committee and appeals

Two applications had been received; one for a livestock building at Leanlow and the other for Grove Cottage, Hartington. These were considered by members.

Resolved: to approve the removal or variation of conditions at Grove Cottage.

Members spent some time considering the application for an additional livestock building at Leanlow due to its visual and start impact on the landscape and the view from the A515. Members did not believe this application to be the best solution as the building is not in line with previously constructed buildings. Very little was offered in terms of landscaping from this application and previous landscaping conditions do not appear to have happened or are so small, their impact has not yet been seen.

Resolved: Not to support the application for an additional livestock building at Leanlow and to request a further opinion on this from PDNPA.

Resolved: the clerk to also request information from PDNPA regarding future proposals by Punch Taverns for the Devonshire Arms Public House as the members have been approached by some members of the parish about this.

Mr Annat also advised that the application for a smart mast in the village has been withdrawn. The garage door at Harbour Head must remain as a traditional door. Proposals for 1 Hall Bank have been approved.

18.11.19 Highway Issues and Yellow Lines

Derbyshire County Council (DCC) had acknowledge the hazardous pothole near Hill Crest, Hall Bank; however, Mrs Broomhead MBE advised that the pot hole had not been repaired. No response had been received regarding the amendment to yellow lines in the village.

A letter had been received from the owner of a property in the vicinity of the bus shelter expressing concerns about the speed of vehicles which pass in front of the property after turning from Mill Lane. The lady requested a number of remedies including no entry signs on this stretch. This area has previously been discussed exhaustively and DCC is not receptive to any changes here. Members are grateful to DCC for the flashing sign put in place in the village to reduce speed, especially for the benefit of the primary school.

18.11.20 Snow Warden and Grit Bins

18.11.21 Correspondence and Communication

Details had been forwarded to members in advance of the meeting and other than those items covered by the agenda included: 2019 election costs, Section 137 details, Village Hall conference course, defibrillator battery details. The clerk had also been approached by DCC regarding an initiative to banish cold for some residents in the parish for example those with no central heating boiler, only a coal fire, electric storage heaters affecting those with physical or mental health issues. This scheme is means tested. 

Resolved: the clerk to request an amendment in the wording to cover both Hartington Town and Nether Quarter parishes and a reduction in the size of the poster to enable it to be placed in the forthcoming News and Views.

18.10.18 Items for the next agenda

Neighbourhood plan, cemetery and garden of remembrance, yellow lines, Christmas tree event, budget, the Stanner, Mill Lane bridge date stone, defibrillator battery, News and Views, grit bins and snow warden, banish the cold scheme. Additional items to be compiled by the clerk.

18.10.19 Date of the next meeting

5^th December 2018

The meeting was declared closed at 9.15 pm.

10^th November 2018

©Hartington Town Quarter Parish Council minutes remain draft until approved by the parish council at the next meeting