MEETING OF HATFIELD TOWN COUNCIL 8 FEBRUARY 2010
held at the Council Offices, Cuckoo Lane, Hatfield
Members present:
Mrs P Panks (Town Mayor)
J Hart / B JacksonK Knight / J Bloor
E Durdy / D Fiennes-Gregory
Mrs R Chafen / J Brown
Mrs I Harrison / Mrs R Sheppard
D Wright, Town Clerk
B Spencer, Deputy Town Clerk
PRESENTATION BY RICHARD BUDGE
Further to Minute No 68d, Richard Budge attended the meeting and made reference to the proposed Power Station and Link Road. Mr Budge confirmed that the Power Station now has full planning permission and that work was to commence between now and July 2010. He reiterated that he would not be able to run the power station without the construction of the link road and that if the DEW project does not go ahead, Mr Budge will have to find alternative funding for the link road. A number of jobs would be created in connection with the power station and Mr Budge is currently in contact with local recruitment agencies. Reference was also made to the proposed carbon capture pipeline, and as a result of the Energy Bill this would have to be a “cluster” development, thereby linking the power station with others in the area and 85m tonnes of CO2 would be captured in the Humber Estuary.
Mr Budge was thanked for his presentation.
109ACCEPTANCE OF APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillors M Glynn, Mrs J Credland and T Gibbs.
110DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Mrs I Harrison declared a personal interest in Minute No. 15, being a permanent member of Doncaster MBC’s Planning Committee.
111MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
One member of the public attended the meeting and reported that dog fouling was prevalent on many of the streets in Hatfield. The Clerk also reported that a similar complaint had been made by email from another local resident. It was suggested that reference is made to this in the next edition of the Hatfield Herald.
112POLICE/PCSO REPORT
No representative of South Yorkshire Police or the PCSOs attended the meeting and no crime statistics had been received, therefore, no items were discussed. Councillor Knight stated that he would raise the issue at the next PACT meeting.
113MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 11 JANUARY 2010
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Town Council held on Monday 11 January 2010 were approved as a true record and signed by the Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs P Panks.
114MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
aCouncillors’ Surgery
Further to Minute No 104b, two members of the public had attended the surgery and they had been advised to ring Doncaster MBC and the Clerk is to provide contact details.
Resolved: that the next Councillors’ Surgery will be held on 6 March 2010 with Councillors J Bloor and D Fiennes-Gregory in attendance.
bRequest for Pelican Crossing
Further to Minute No 104c, the Clerk had received a reply from Doncaster MBC regarding the request for a pelican crossing on Ash Hill. The letter indicated that although traffic surveys had been carried out in the area, there was no evidence to suggest that this area was a “hot spot” for accidents, therefore, no further action was to be taken at the present time.
cPurchase of Additional Computer
Further to Minute No 105, (Minute No. 3 Policy & Resources Committee 4 January 2010) the Clerk reported that a quotation from Doncaster MBC for the supply of an additional computer with link facilities had been received and he was awaiting a further quotation from a local company. The budget provision for this item also included a workstation and the Clerk now feels that on health and safety grounds, it is necessary to purchase one.
Resolved: that a workstation is purchased and that the Clerk makes enquiries about the possibility of purchasing a refurbished/second-hand workstation.
dPlanning Training
Further to Minute No 107b, the Clerk had received a reply from Richard Purcell, Head of Development Management, Doncaster MBC, stating that he would be happy to attend the meeting on 15 March 2010.
114
eLindholme Hall – Buddhist Charity
Further to Minute No 107d, the Clerk had received a reply from the Buddhist Charity stating that they are available to attend the Town Council meeting on 8 March 2010. They had requested the Town Council to supply them with items for discussion. The following suggestions were made:- What plans have you got for development? How do you intend to integrate with the local community? Can Town Councillors visit your establishment?
fHatfield Water Park – Focus Group
Further to Minute No 107e, Councillor Bloor reported on his attendance at the meeting on 26 January 2010. In his opinion, the Manager was making very positive steps to increase the profile of the water park.
Resolved: that a representative of Hatfield Water Park is invited to attend a meeting of the Town Council to give a presentation.
115TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACTS
aPlanning Applications – Received (no observations)
Resolved: that the Town Council has no observations in respect of the following planning applications:
09/3137/REMM
Details of layout, appearance, scale and access for erection of two storey office (being matters reserved in outline previously granted permission under ref 04/4512/P on 19.1.09), Hatfield Power Park, Waggons Way, Stainforth
10/0023/FUL
Erection of agricultural barn (18.0m x 12.0m), land on the west side of Moor Lane, Thorne
10/0087/FUL
Erection of new barn and erection of lean-to extension to existing barn, Elder Glen farm, Crow Tree Bank, Thorne
10/0136/WCC
Erection of residential development comprising 43 houses and 7 apartments on approx 1.2 hectares of land (being variation of condition 8 on application ref 06/2870/FULM – Amended Plans), Carr Garage Site, Old Thorne Road, Hatfield
10/0143/FUL
Erection of detached house and garage (being substitution of house type of previous application 07/0362/REM granted on 3.4.2007), 59 High Street, Hatfield
115
b10/0146/TPO
Consent to fell seven Sycamore trees and one Horse Chestnut tree and to reduce one Beech tree to standing carcase through removal of its remaining crown (all being subject to W1 of Doncaster Borough Council Tree Preservation Order No. 19 Wyndthorpe Hall, Dunsville 1984), Wyndthorpe Hall, High Street, Dunsville
Although the above has a planning reference number, no formal planning application is required because of the fact that it is regarded as exempt work due to the foreseeable implications for safety of road users.
Resolved: that Doncaster MBC is requested to ensure that the trees are replaced.
116FINANCIAL REPORT
The Clerk reported that he had not yet reflected the virements agreed at the January Policy & Resources Committee, therefore, the budget variances were similar to those previously reported. A report had been produced but not circulated to Members.
117CORRESPONDENCE/REPORTS
aMrs B Rodwell
The Clerk reported that Mrs Rodwell, the council office’s cleaner for many years, who had recently retired, has passed away. The Clerk is to send a letter of condolence to her nearest relative.
bEast Doncaster Development Trust
The Clerk had received an email from East Doncaster Development Trust with a request for two members of the trust to attend a Town Council meeting to give a brief overview of services that the trust currently has on offer. A further letter had been received, updating the Town Council on the activities provided and requesting Members’ views.
Resolved: that two representatives of the East Doncaster Development Trust are invited to attend a meeting of the Town Council. Further resolved: that a copy of the “activities” letter is circulated to all Members for comment.
cSouth Yorkshire Police – Advertising
The Clerk had received an email from the Confidence & Marketing Officer, Safer Doncaster Partnership Confidence Team indicating that they would wish to advertise the Safer Neighbourhood Team and PACT meetings in the Hatfield Herald. She also asked if articles about their role could be included and what would be the cost.
Resolved: that the team is allowed to include articles in the Hatfield Herald and that a figure of £50 per half page, per edition is suggested.
117
cHatfield Town Cricket Club – Cutting of Outfield
The Clerk had received a request from Hatfield Town Cricket Club to cut the outfield during the coming season.
Resolved: that the Town Council continues to include the cutting of the outfield in the grass cutting programme for 2010 at no cost to the cricket club.
dStainforth Police Station – Opening Hours
The Clerk had received a letter from a local resident complaining that the Stainforth Police Station closed at 11 p.m. each night. Reference was also made to the fact that other stations including Armthorpe and Thorne were fully manned over twenty-four hours.
Resolved: that the letter is forwarded to South Yorkshire Police with a request that they reply directly to the Town Council.
eScottish Power – Proposed Gas Field
Further to Minute No 82b, the Clerk had been advised that the above planning application was to be discussed by Doncaster MBC’s Planning Committee on 2 February 2010. Representatives of Lindholme Village Action Group had suggested that the Town Council is represented at the committee and Councillor J Bloor agreed to attend. The outcome was that the planning application was approved by a narrow majority and Councillor Bloor was thanked for his efforts.
fSnow Clearing – Insurance Position
The Clerk had received an email from Zurich Insurance, via LCAS, purportedly giving advice regarding the gritting and clearing of footpaths etc following a snow fall. The advice was confusing in that if a council clears the snow, it could be seen as accepting responsibility for the snow, therefore, would be liable if an accident occurred as a result of slipping on snow/ice that was not cleared properly. Alternatively, if the decision is not to grit, the council should have a policy explaining that decision and communicating this to interested parties.
Resolved: that the matter is referred to a future meeting of the Health & Safety Committee.
gLeadership Academies 2010
The Clerk had received details of the NALC Leadership Academy Programme for 2010. All were to be held at Warwick University and the cost is £799.50 plus VAT.
Resolved: that the details are noted.
117
hIn-House Pest Control
Further to Minute No 4 (iii) (Policy & Resources Committee 4 January 2010), the Clerk reported that Anthony Briggs had now successfully completed the “Safe Use of Aluminium Phosphide” course and was therefore able to use the chemicals required to treat moles. Enquiries were being made as to the cost of the applicator and the actual chemicals required.
Resolved: that the question of the safe storage of the chemical is referred to a future meeting of the Health & Safety Committee.
iDoncaster Rural Transport Forum
The Deputy Clerk gave feedback on her attendance at the above meeting held on Wednesday 20 January 2010. Reference was made to the new door-to-door service provided by Community Transport from various areas to the nearest supermarket. Information leaflets are available at the Town Council Offices.
Resolved: that reference is made to this service in the next edition of the Hatfield Herald.
jAspiration Doncaster – Training Bursaries
The Clerk had received details of a bursary available to individuals relating to training and employment. This is to be funded by Working Neighbourhoods Fund and Councillor Bloor also referred to projects for the employment of up to ten people, which would be funded by the above and the development of the allotments at Abbey Playing Field, play equipment on Station Road Recreation Ground and improvement to the Cyclo Cross facility at Jubilee Park had been mentioned as potential projects.
kPublic Footpath No. 36 - Hatfield
The Clerk had received a notification from Doncaster MBC regarding the temporary restriction of foot passengers on public footpath No. 36 which extends from Gatewood Lane for 200m to Hale Hill Lane, to ensure the safety of the public and workforce whilst dangerous excavation works are carried out. The restriction commenced on 5 February 2010 and will be in force for a period of 6 months.
lSustainable Communities Act
The Clerk reminded Members that some time ago Doncaster MBC had made various submissions to the Local Government Association, where possible changes in legislation would result in an improvement to local services. Of the five suggested, four had been short-listed, although the submission by Town and Parish Councils, relating to their representation on planning committees, had been rejected.
mPCJCC – 19 January 2010
Councillor Durdy reported on his recent attendance at the above meeting. The two main items were a presentation by Mayor Peter Davies and a discussion regarding Section 106 agreements. Mayor Davies indicated that he is a strong supporter of parish and town councils and offered to attend a Town Council meeting, if required.
117
nLindholme Village Action Group
The Clerk had received two letters from the Secretary of LVAG, one informing Members of the dates of their committee meetings to which it is invited. The second relates to their wish to fund a second stone village sign, where they requested information on how to contact Doncaster MBC on this matter. The Clerk is to send a suitable reply.
118ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Resolved: that the following accounts be approved and passed for payment:
Cheque No.
5262 / Arco Ltd – vacuum cleaner, Council Offices/black bags / 165.885263 / Travis Perkins – consumable materials / 573.49
5264 / Calor Gas Ltd – Gas for cemetery heaters / 53.98
5265 / SLCC Enterprises Ltd – Practitioner’s Conference – delegate fee / 229.12
5266 / Parkes Bros Ltd – repairs to Sports Pavilion / 594.55
5267 / British Gas Business – supply, Council Offices / 800.48
5268 / Handyman – consumable materials / 95.47
5269 / Yorkshire Water – supply, Council Offices / 221.27
5270 / Yorkshire Windows & Conservatories Trade Ltd – conservatory, Cemetery House / 2650.00
5271 / YPO – consumable materials / 11.99
5272 / M G Plumbing & Gas Services – replacement of radiator valve, Council Offices / 129.25
5273 / Staples – stationery / 214.60
5274 / Brier Hills Recycling Ltd – Tipping Charges / 58.76
5275 / D Wright – salary – February 2010 / 1277.68
5276 / B I Spencer – salary, February 2010 / 796.56
5277 / S Williamson –
Salary – February 2010 1157.56
less rental for Cemetery House (86.66) / 1070.90
5278 / S Briggs – Salary, February 2010 / 1073.07
5279 / A Briggs – Salary, February 2010 / 1083.41
5280 / K Lee – office cleaning, February 2010 / 40.28
5281 / Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, February 2010 / 1836.37
5282 / SYPA – Pension contributions, February 2010 / 1356.59
5283 / NPower – supply, Council Offices / 235.80
5284 / Askham Bryan College – staff training / 50.00
Dir Deb / Barriecars – fuel, January 2010 / 98.62
Dir Deb / YHCC Telecom – mobile phone charges / 8.51
Total / 14726.63
Signed ...... (Town Mayor)
Date: 8 March 2010
1