2017/201847

Gaddesby Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meetingheld at Ashby and Barsby Parish Hall

on Monday,13th November2017, commencing at 6.45 pm.

Councillors Present

Mrs Jenny Hurst –Vice-Chair Mr Howard Bakewell

Mr John Simon MrGary Fox

Mrs Trudy Toon – Clerk to the Council

BoroughCouncillor Mrs Janet Simpson

Gaddesby Parishioners: Mrs Elizabeth Grigalis, Mr Andrew Geeson and Mr David Wyrko.

______

Action

Apologies –Apologies were received fromCouncillorsMrs Pat Walton (Chair), Mr Gordon Bigamand County Councillor Mr J T Orson.

Parishioner/Public Time

Borough Councillor Simpson informed Councillors that the Melton Local Plan was progressing and that an update should be available at the next working group meeting. Borough Councillor Simpson advised that all the Melton Local Plan information could be viewed on the Melton Borough Council website.

Gaddesby parishioners, Mrs Elizabeth Grigalis, Mr Andrew Geeson and Mr David Wyrko attended the meeting to express their concerns to Councillors regarding the planning application submitted by Mr and Mrs Jinks for a proposed two storey dwelling (with ground floor being subterranean) at land adjacent to The Hall, Main Street, Gaddesby.

Parishioners commented that, in their opinion, the condition of the drive would not be adequate to accommodate further motor vehicles and that, although additional passing places had been formed, the main run of the drive remained the same. In addition, the drivewas particularly dark, due to the lack of lighting. In total the number of properties currently serviced by the drive was four, the recently approved dwelling would make five and if this application were to be approved that would mean that six properties had use of the drive.

Parishioners advised that the yew hedge had been cut back and that the vision splay had been increased, although it was felt that this did not increase the visibility sufficiently in order to exit the drive safely.

Parishioners, were of the opinion, that the proposed dwelling could be too close to St.Luke’s Church and that the screening would only partially conceal the property.

It was felt that the sun would reflect on the south facing window and that the glare would be seen through the screening, which would subsequently impact the Church building.

Mrs Grigalis bought to the attention of Councillors that Coles Nurseries began cutting their hedges as early as August and had trimmed them back by a significant amount. Also, that they may be using an excessive quantity of weed killer on the plants. Mrs Grigalis asked if this matter could be addressed by GPC? Councillors suggested that Mrs Grigalis writes directly to the Managing Director at Coles Nurseries to highlight her concerns.

2017/201848

Clerk
Clerk

Minutes – Minutes of the previous meeting no’s 2017/2018 41-46, having been circulated, were taken as read, approved and signed.

Matters Arising

  1. ‘Dragons Teeth’ Road Markings, Gaddesby – An email had been received from Ms Shonagh Merrigan, Technician, Traffic and Signals at LCC, to advise that LCC would be willing to paint ‘dragons teeth’ road markings onto the highway at the Ashby Road, Rearsby Lane and Rotherby Lane entrances into the village. Following the circulation of the email to Councillors, all Councillors were in agreement that the markings should be provisionally marked on the highway. The Clerk confirmed this with Ms Merrigan and the ‘dragons teeth’ had been provisionally marked out. However, Councillors were of the opinion that the ‘dragons teeth’ road markings could be more beneficial along Pasture Lane and not necessarily along Rotherby Lane. The Clerk was asked to email Ms Merrigan to ask if it would be possible to have some additional markings on Pasture Lane.
  1. Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS): Gaddesby – Councillor Simon reported thathe had met with an officer from LCC regarding the possible provision of vehicle activated signs(VAS) at Rearsby Lane and Park Hill, Gaddesby; written confirmation had yet to be received. Councillor Simon advised that as electricity would not be readily available along Rearsby Lane, the VAS at this location would have to be solar powered. Councillor Simon went on to report that the LCC officer suggested that luminous backing boards on the 30 mph speed signs may be effective, when used in conjunction with the ‘dragons teeth’. The boards would have to be installed by LCC and an approximate cost for these would be £1,500.00. Councillor Simon advised that he had received an indicative quotation for the VAS, with the mains electricity one being £2,500.00, with the solar powered VAS more expensive. Councillors were in agreement that the VAS and the luminous backing board options were expensive and that the speeding situation should be monitored once the ‘dragons teeth’ road markings had been permanently painted onto the highway. Borough Councillor Simpson advised Councillors that section 106 grant funding/agreements should be considered at the initial planning stage, ie, when outline planning is in the early submission stage.
  1. Crime Updates – The October beat report/crime update had been received from PC1002 Jon Barlow.
  1. Weakened Carriageway from Barsby crossroads to South Croxton crossroads –Nothing to report.
  1. Melton Local Plan –See parishioner/public time.
  1. Gaddesby War Memorial – The Clerk reported that Mr Russell of K.Russell Memorials Limited had thoroughly cleaned and repainted the white lettering on the Gaddesby War Memorial. Councillors were pleased with the good work carried out by Mr Russell; the Clerk would thank Mr Russell on behalf of GPC.

Councillor Bakewell
Councillor Bakewell

2017/201849

Matters Arising cont.

  1. Neighbourhood Development Plan – The Clerk advised Councillors that a letter had been received from Mr James Beverley at MBC to confirm that the application submitted by GPC for the parish of Gaddesby to be designated as a neighbourhood area, for the purpose of preparing the Gaddesby Neighbourhood Development Plan, is now complete. Councillor Simon reported that a quotation had been received from an alternative Neighbourhood Development Plan consultant and that one further quotation would be obtained. Once the quotations had been received a meeting would be arranged for all parishioners who expressed an interest in becoming involved in the development of a plan. Councillor Simon added that changes had been made to the grant funding available to Neighbourhood Development groups, which made it importantthat an application should be made as soon as possible.
  1. Worn Road Marking ‘SLOW’, Barsby –Councillors noted that the temporary ‘SLOW’ sign remained in place, as the white highway marking had yet to be repainted.
  1. RoSPA Play Area Safety Inspection : Gaddesby Children’s Play Area –

Warning Signs for the MUGA : The Clerk advised that the two ‘No Playing or Climbing on Fence’ signs had been attached to the MUGA frame.

Moss on the MUGA surface : Councillor Bakewell reported that he had obtained quotations from two companies with a view to treating the moss on the surface of the MUGA. These companies being: HC Courts and Charles Lawrence (tennis courts) and that he would be meeting with a representative from Countrywide Grounds Maintenance Limited on Monday, 27th November, with a view to obtaining a further quotation.

It had been suggested that if the MUGA surface was swept on a regular basis this may prevent the excessive build-up of the moss and that perhaps Mr Pick, the maintenance contractor for GPC may be willing to carry out this task. Councillor Bakewell agreed to ask Mr Pick. All Councillors were in agreement that Mr Pick should receive additional funds for this extra maintenance. This would be discussed once Councillor Bakewell had spoken with Mr Pick.

Climbing Plant in Neighbours Garden : Councillor Bakewell had yet to ask the

parishioners to either trim the climber, which is growing in their garden, back or

to encourage it to grow along their trellis.

  1. Parish Council Liaison Meeting : Monday, 16th October 2017 –Councillor Bakewell reported that he attended the Parish Council Liaison Meeting on Monday, 16th October 2017 on behalf of GPC. Councillor Bakewell commented that only three Parish Councils were represented at the meeting. The minutes of the meeting had been received from MBC and were circulated to all Councillors. Councillor Bakewell advised that the main agenda item discussed was Planning Law Update – presentation by Mr Jim Worley, Head of Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services at MBC.

Councillor Bakewell reported that items of Any Other Business raised included:

  • Melton Mowbray Distributor Road Flyer – Mr Worley advised that LCC were running the consultation and that only those households within a particular envelope and meterage of the proposed route had received individual flyers. Also road shows had taken place in the villages for those who would be affected within a certain distance of the proposed route.

Councillor Simon

2017/2018 50

Matters Arising cont.

10. Parish Council Liaison Meeting : Monday, 16th October 2017 cont. –

  • Parish Councils sharing of experience and information – It was suggested that a portal for Parish Councils would be beneficial, so that Parish Councils would be able to share with other Parish Councils information and experiences, eg, how to deal with moss on the childrens play area. MBC agreed to look into this.
  • Delegation or sharing of services to Parish Councils by LCC – It had previously been suggested that Parish Councils take on more responsibilities from LCC in order to help them with their budget savings, ie: grass/verge cutting. It was suggested that LCC should perhaps engage more actively with Parish Councils to highlight the services which they currently supply and the services which they would encourage Parish Councils to take on. MBC would compose a letter to LCC.
  • Enforcement Issues – does MBC have any power with enforcement matters?
  • Transfer of responsibility of land to Parish Councils from Churches.
  1. Footway From The Lodge, Ashby Folville to Barsby – Nothing to report.
  1. Gaddesby Lane, Barsby – Nothing to report.
  1. Street Cleaning, Barsby – Councillor Hurst was pleased to report that the roads and lanes within Barsby village had been swept.
  1. Field near to Randals Close/Barsby Village, Gaddesby Lane, Barsby, (grid reference SK697115) – Nothing to report.
  1. Oakbrook Farm, Ashby Road, Gaddesby, LE7 4WF –In response to the letter sent to MBC in relation to Oakbrook Farm, Ashby Road, Gaddesby, Planning Officer, Mr Glen Baker-Adams visited the site on Monday, 9th October 2017. Mr Baker-Adams reported that he does not feel that a material change of use has occurred on the site at the present time. However, if the circumstances change or if the sale of farm produce increases then he would be happy to look further into the matter again. Lights had been seen in the barn at night. Councillors were of the opinion that someone may be living on the site, but following the site visit by Mr Baker-Adams resolved to monitor the site.
  1. Society/Association Memberships –Councillor Simon advised Councillors that he had yet to look at which societies or associations would be available to GPC in order to keep up-to-date with the various changes and rules and regulations, etc.
  1. W.I Commemorative Bench, Main Street, Gaddesby – The Clerk reported that an email had been received from parishioners Julie Hayton and Scott Machin, of 24 Main Street, Gaddesby, the property opposite the grass area where the bench is to be sited. The email stated that the parishioners had not been informed of the intention to install a new W.I commemorative bench at the site and that they had concerns that if someone was sitting on the bench they would directly face their property and could see into their lounge. Following the receipt of the email, the Clerk forwarded it to Mrs Tucker of the Gaddesby W.I.

2017/2018 51

Matters Arising cont.

17. W.I Commemorative Bench, Main Street, Gaddesby cont. - Mrs Tucker

subsequently visited Scott and Julie, who agreed for the installation of the bench

to proceed – albeit with some reservations. Mrs Tucker apologised for missing

them in their consultation process. However, Scott and Julie asked that the

situation be monitored for privacy reasons.

Copies of the emails and visit had been forwarded to GPC for future reference.

Correspondence

Correspondence was either emailed or made available to Councillors as necessary.

Planning Matters

‘For Information Only’

a. Harewell House Farm, 1 Highfield End, Ashby Folville – Applications submitted by the Smith Carington Settlement 1988, for listed building consent and full planning consent, for the proposal to demolish an agricultural brick barn which is situated within the curtilage of a listed building. Notification had been received from MBC that both applications had been withdrawn.

‘For Information Only’

b. St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Ashby Folville – Application submitted by Mr David Patton, on behalf of St. Mary’s Church, for the proposal to install three LED floodlights in the churchyard to light up the north face of the church for a few hours each evening.

‘For Information Only’

c. ‘Firs Farm’, 13 Chapel Lane, Gaddesby – Application submitted by Mr Jason King, for a non-material amendment, for the proposal to change the roof design/shape, to remove the gable from the north elevation and to change three windows on the north elevation.

‘For Information Only’

d. Old Oak Cottage, 22 Baggrave End, Barsby – Application submitted by Mr Roberts, for consent to work on trees, for the proposal to fell one Conifer tree.

‘For Information Only’

e. Christmas Cottage, 14 Main Street, Barsby – Application submitted by Mr Dennis Hurst, for consent to work on trees, for the proposal to lift the crown and prune the lower branches of one Cedrus Deodara and for the removal of one Plum tree.

‘For Information Only’

f. ‘Kentucky’, 10 Park Hill, Gaddesby – Application submitted by Mr Charles Parker, for consent to work on trees, for the proposal to fell six Aspen trees.

Clerk
Clerk

2017/2018 52

Planning Matters cont.

g. Land adjacent to The Hall, Main Street, Gaddesby – Application submitted by Mr and Mrs Jinks for a proposed two storey dwelling (with ground floor being subterranean). Following careful consideration of the plan received, Councillors agreed to make the following comments to MBC:

  • The plan gives the impression that the entire lower floor will be subterranean. From the western elevation it will be seen as a modern two storey dwelling.
  • When the sun reflects on the south facing window, the glare/reflection will be seen through the screening and will impact St. Lukes Church.
  • The dwelling is adjacent to important Grade I and Grade II listed buildings – within the Conservation Area. The dwelling will be visible from St. Lukes Church.
  • The dwelling is not ‘in keeping’ with the surrounding buildings and the area.
  • The current single lane drive is unsuitable for the current usage, so would be even more unsuitable for an increase in motor vehicles. If this application were to be approved, the drive would service a total of six properties.
  • The yew hedge has been cut back – not re-aligned by an insignificant amount. It will grow back quite quickly. Although the vision splay has been increased, this would not satisfactorily address the visibility for access onto Main Street.

h. ‘Castledene’, 27 Park Hill, Gaddesby – Application submitted by Mr and Mrs Rogers for a proposed two storey rear extension and single storey side extension. Following consideration of the plans received, Councillors believed that the extension is too large and over bearing for the size of the plot and could intrude on the privacy of the neighbouring property; the Clerk would write to MBC with this comment.

Planning Decisions

None.

Representative Reports

1. Ashby and Barsby Parish Hall – In the absence of Councillor Walton, Councillor Hurst reported that all the October events held in the Hall were well attended and that the Social/Coffee morning held on Thursday, 9th November had again proved to be very popular with parishioners.

2. Barsby Village Hall Green – Councillor Hurst reported that due to the lack of interest, the skittles evening planned for Saturday 18th November 2017, had changed venues and would now be held at the Carington Arms Public House.

3. Gaddesby Village Hall –Councillor Bakewell reported that the Hall bookings were good and that the Gaddesby Gallop would be using the Hall for registration purposes on Saturday, 23rd December 2017. Councillor Bakewell informed Councillors that a new cooker and microwave had been purchased and that the committee were looking at purchasing new blinds.

2017/2018 53

Clerk

Finance

Accounts paid since the last meeting:

E.ON UK Plc – Street light energy, ¼ ending 30.09.2017 £408.28 plus 5% VAT £20.41, total £428.69.