2Dales.org.uk Swaledale & Arkengarthdale

Previous meeting minutes are in the archive in pdf format Minutes for Meetings on March 18 th & February 6 th below: Minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting held on Thursday July 23 rd 2020 at Gunnerside Village Hall The Melbecks Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday July 23 rd 2020 at Gunnerside Village Hall. Present were Councillors Silver, McCartney, Crapper and Lewis with Cllr R. Alderson presiding. County Councillor Yvonne Peacock was also present. The Clerk was Miss N. Adams. 1. Apologies for absence No apologies were received, all were present. 2. Declaration of Interests Cllr Crapper declared an interest in item 13(d), Planning application: Kings Head, Gunnerside. 3. Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6 th February 2020 The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6 th February 2020 were agreed to be a correct record, and these were signed by the Chair. 4. There were no matters arising. 5. Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 18 th March 2020 The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 18 th March 2020 were agreed to be a correct record, and these were signed by the Chair. 6. There were no matters arising. 7. Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 14 th May 2020 The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 14 th May 2020 were agreed to be a correct record, and these were signed by the Chair. 8. There were no matters arising. 9. Finance a) Financial statement 2019-20 The financial statement 2019-20 was approved unanimously and signed by the chair. b) Annual Audit (i) Certificate of exemption. The certificate of exemption was approved unanimously by councillors. (ii) Annual governance statement The annual governance statement was agreed unanimously by councillors. (iii) Accounting statement The accounting statement was agreed unanimously by councillors. c) Financial Risk Assessment The financial risk assessment was approved unanimously. 10. Highways a) The clerk advised that Highways have added the drain at Peat Gate and the trees to be trimmed back to their programme of works, however this has not yet taken place and the clerk was asked to contact Highways again. b) The clerk was asked to report that vegetation on the verges of the B6270 from Robin Gate, Low Row towards Low Whita has become overgrown and this is affecting visibility. When vehicles pass, cars have to pull in to the side of the road which is causing damage to vehicles. Cllr Peacock offered to assist with this and will help if possible. c) The clerk was asked to report potholes at Brocca Bank, on the road to Blades, Low Row. Cllr Peacock will contact Highways in relation to this issue. d) It was noted that the patching and re-surfacing has taken place with work on the road outside Low Row Institute and in Gunnerside on the road to Modesty. A councillor questioned how decisions are made as to which roads take priority for re- surfacing as they felt that there are other roads which are more in need of work. Cllr Peacock advised that inspections of road are made by Highways and it was noted that there are different funds available for different categories of roads. There are also issues around how roads have been categorized historically. It was suggested that it would be beneficial if Parish Councils could be consulted prior to work taking place. Cllr Peacock will look into this issue on behalf of the council. 7. Richmondshire District Council No items. 8. North Yorkshire County Council The Parish Council was notified that a re-organisation of councils in North Yorkshire is planned to potentially create a unitary authority for the whole of the county later this year. The District Councils have employed a consultant to put forward proposals looking at the possible creation of two unitary authorities of approximately 400,000 residents. This is due to be submitted by September 2020. 9. YDNPA a) National Park Management Plan: County Cllr Peacock advised that one of the targets of the NPMP is the provision of new housing to meet local need, however this is once more below target and it was noted that this target has never been reached. It was noted at the recent YDNPA AGM that delivering the Management Plan will be the main priority and Cllr Peacock advised that she intends to take this forward and keep on top of the housing issue. b). Planning application: 1, Lilac Cottages, Feetham, householder planning permission for erection of two storey side extension to west and single storey extension to rear, and excavation of part of garden to form level patio: Approved conditionally. Councillors commented that the approval of this conversion from a two to three bedroom holiday property does not appear to match the priorities of the NPMP, to meet local need. c) Planning application: EE   Ltd   Consultation   -   Proposed   Base Station   Site   Upgrade,   Land   at   Stone   Barn,   Roof   Farm,   Gunnerside, Richmond,    North    Yorkshire,    DL11    6JG,    councillors    made    no comments   or   objections.   Cllr   Peacock   advised   that   Swaledale is part of a North Yorkshire County Council 4G pilot scheme which will involve looking at the areas where there is no coverage. It is expected that Parish Councils will be involved at some point going forward. d) Planning application: Kings Head, Gunnerside- to be discussed at the end of the meeting. 10. AOB/other correspondence a) Councillors unanimously agreed to join Yorkshire Local Councils Association at a cost of £129 for the rest of the financial year. The clerk will arrange this. b) Dog fouling in Low Row. Councillors noted that there has been an issue of dog fouling in Low Row. Once it has been confirmed who is responsible for this, Richmondshire District Council should be contacted in writing, who will then send a letter to the person responsible. 11.Dates of meetings for the following year The following dates for meetings were agreed: · October 1st 2020 · December 3rd 2020 · February 4th 2021 · March 25th 2021 · May 13th 2021 · July 22nd 2021 Cllr Crapper left the meeting. 9 d) Planning application: Kings Head, Gunnerside. - listed building consent for replacement of 6 windows, to the rear and side elevations of the property, the council raised no objections or comments. The meeting closed at 8.40pm Minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting held on Thursday May 14 th 2020 by email Melbecks Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday May 14 th 2020 by email, as councillors are unable to meet physically due to the current Covid-19 situation. Councillors Silver, Crapper, Lewis, McCartney and Alderson were in attendance and the Clerk was Miss N. Adams. The following were agreed by email: 1. It was agreed to postpone the election of officers until the Parish Council meets again physically. 2. Finance – orders to pay. Payments to Low Row Institute (£30) and Gunnerside Village Hall (£40) for meeting hire were agreed unanimously. 3. Highways. The clerk was asked to report the following: • Drain/Gutter at Peat Gate has not been cleaned out and as a consequence all water comes down the road and affects the properties at the bottom of the hill. • The trees at the bottom of the gutter need to be cut right back so the drain at the bottom of the gutter can be accessed, assessed, cleaned out properly and any other works required so as to prevent further flooding issues to properties below.  • There are some large potholes a third of the way up Brocca bank that need urgent attention. 4. YDNPA Planning application, Lilac Cottages, Low Row. Councillors unanimously agreed to submit an objection to this planning application based on the following issues: • Flooding issues. In recent years flood waters coming down the hill have already impacted on Lilac cottages and have also followed on to affect the properties at Nick Jones (Barn) and the adjacent property. The lowering of the ground to facilitate a level patio means that surface water running down the hill will soon overcome the patio area, and possibly any sewage treatment package in the vicinity.  This may cause the aforementioned affected properties being deluged not only with flood water but raw sewage. • Sewerage. The septic tank arrangement is insufficient for the upgrade of the property as outlined in the plans.  If it turns out the current septic tank is insufficient for the envisaged works then a water treatment plant will be required, and where the proposed site for that would be is hard to imagine. • Parking. There are doubts as to whether there any rights to use the stinted common for parking, therefore there is no specific parking allocation, and there are already parking issues in the village now. • Turning two-bedroom houses into three-beds. If all the 2- bedroom houses are turned into 3- beds, what chance have local young people of getting on the housing ladder and staying in the dale. Councillors feel that the policy of granting permission such as this needs to be re- considered, especially when it is likely that the property will become a second home or holiday let.  5. YDNPA Trees in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Conservation area. • To reduce of a group of willow in Feetham Woods to harvest as living willow stakes. • To crown reduce one eucalyptus tree at Strands Holme, Gunnerside Councillors raised no objections or comments in regard to either application.  6. It was suggested joining the Yorkshire Local Councils Association at the start of the financial year with a cost of £127 per year. The clerk to confirm exact part-year cost for the next meeting. Date and time of next meeting The next meeting will be on Thursday July 23 rd 2020 by email/virtual meeting, format to be confirmed. Minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting held on March 18 th 2020 by email Melbecks Parish Council meeting was held on Wednesday March 18 th 2020 by email, as councillors are unable to meet physically due to the current Covid-19 situation. Councillors Silver, Crapper, Lewis, McCartney and Alderson were in attendance and the Clerk was Miss N. Adams. The following were agreed by email: 1. Payment of the Insurance to Zurich Municipal at a cost this year of £167.44 2. Payment of Clerk’s salary and expenses of £1130.50 3. Richmondshire District Council consulted previously about Part- Night lighting, which would mean they would turn off the lights on the map attached from midnight to 5am, but they don't seem to have a record of the response from Melbecks PC. At the time the council agreed that it was ok to go ahead with this, however RDC need confirmation that this is still the case. It was unanimously agreed to be in favour of this, and the clerk will contact RDC to advise. Date and time of next meeting The next meeting will be on Thursday May 14th by email/virtual meeting, format to be confirmed. Minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting held on Thursday February 6 th 2020 at Low Row Institute Melbecks Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday February 6 th 2020 at Low Row Institute. Present were Councillors Silver, Crapper and Lewis with Cllr R. Alderson presiding. Also present was County Councillor Yvonne Peacock and RDC District Councillor Jill McMullon. The Clerk was Miss N. Adams. 1. Apologies for absence Apologies were received from Cllr McCartney. 2. Declaration of Interests None declared 3. Minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting held on 5 th December 2019 The minutes of the Melbecks Parish Council meeting, held on 5 th December 2019 were agreed to be a correct record, and these were signed by the Chair. 4. Matters Arising a) Highways meeting. Cllr Alderson has met with Steve Barker, NYCC Highways Officer, to look at the highway issues at Peat Gate drain and the cattle grid. Councillors were advised that a jetter is due to come to Surrender Bridge to clear the drain, and the drain would be dug out from the top of Peat Gate. Cllr Peacock with chase these issues with Highways and also advise that the trees in Peat Gate will need to be trimmed back. b) Planning application – Hazel Brow. It was noted that this planning application is going to the YDNPA Planning committee on Tuesday February 11 th with the recommendation for this to be refused due to Highways concerns. c) Two Ridings Community Foundation. A grant was received from Two Ridings Community Foundation for £1000 to cover the cost of work that has been carried out to repair flood damage in Low Row. A cheque for £1000 was signed to Jack Alderson to cover the cost of the work which was completed late last year. DA to arrange for the Order to pay to be completed. 5. Finance It was noted that £224 has been reclaimed for a VAT refund for two notice boards and dog waste bin purchased. 6. Highways a) Highways reply All issues raised at the last meeting were discussed with Steve Barker from Highways, and in addition, the drain at Trough House will also be looked at. Cllr Peacock to chase up highways issues. b) Lights at Gunnerside The council noted that these were both reported to RDC and the light at the village hall (number 1) was waiting for a bracket to be fitted, and once this was done the light will be repaired. It is expected for this to take place in next couple of weeks. Light number 9 was repaired before Christmas however it was reported that this now not working again, and RDC have been notified again. c)Grass cutting NYCC Highways have advised that no funding is available for grass cutting of verges, as villages are classes as ‘rural’ and do not qualify for the same funding as ‘urban’ areas which can receive a certain amount per metre for this work. 7. Richmondshire District Council a) Tour de Yorkshire funding is available for Parish Councils to support events around the Tour de Yorkshire on Friday May 1 st . It was decided not to apply for this funding. 8. NYCC NYCC are completing a review of all laybys in Richmondshire during the summer and a list will be sent to Cllr Peacock. It was advised that all roads in North Yorkshire are being tested for levels of coal dust with a boring machine at some point. 9. YDNPA a) Yorkshire Dales management plan The council noted receipt of the YDNPA management plan. b) Local Plan. The council noted receipt of the YDNPA local plan. c) Parish Forum d) Trees in Gunnerside Conservation area: Strands Farm, Gunnerside. The council was notified that YDNPA has received a notification to fell one silver birch, one elder, one sycamore, and to crown reduce one field maple (by up to 1.5m) located at Strands Farm, Gunnerside. e) Planning application: Hazel Brow Farm Visitor Centre, Low Row. It was noted that this planning application will be considered by the Planning Committee on Tuesday 11 th February 2020. f) National Park Parish Forum meeting It was noted that the next National Park Parish Forum meeting will be on Wednesday 20 th May 2020 from 7-9pm at Fremington Village Hall. 10. AOB/other correspondence a) Great North Air Ambulance. A thank you letter for the £50 donation was received and noted by the council. b) Yorkshire Air Ambulance. A thank you letter for the £50 donation was received and noted by the council. c) Citizens Advice Bureau. A thank you letter for the £50 donation was received and noted by the council. d) Emergency Plan – update Cllr Lewis has met with Helen White, emergency response planning at Richmondshire District Council. RDC would like to register the Gunnerside Village Hall and Low Row Institute on their own emergency plan. Permission has been received from both Gunnerside Village Hall and Low Row Institute to be included in the Melbecks Emergency Plan. In the event of an incident RDC will activate the plan and contact the key holders to arrange for the emergency shelters to be opened up and heated etc. RDC and the emergency services will provide bedding and food. A leaflet drop to all residents will be completed to give basic information of what to do and what will happen in the event of an incident. An advert in the Reeth Gazette asked for sandbag locations in the area, however it has since been advised that in the event of an incident sandbags can be collected from the nearest sandbag depot and Helen White is finding out this information and she will let the council know. Cllr Crapper will supply Cllr Lewis with some telephone numbers of key holders for Gunnerside Village Hall. Although the emergency services and team will attend the rest centres, it was also recommended that councillors attend if possible, with tabards to identify. Cllr will look into these and circulate a draft leaflet for councilors to agree. Thanks to Cllr Lewis for his work on this. 11. Date and time of next meeting The next meeting will be at Gunnerside Village Hall on Wednesday March 18 th 2020 at 7.30pm. As there was no other business, the meeting closed at 8.20pm.