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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC HALL, DRONFIELD

ON MONDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2002 AT 7.30 PM

 

 

Present

Councillors G Baxter : M Brader : D Cheetham : M Emmens : Mrs P A England : N R Foster : T Furniss (Town Mayor) : J Gilbert : F Higgins : Mrs K Marr : W I Pryce : Mrs C A Smith : Mrs M Taylor : Mrs W M Temple : J Williams : M R Wing.

 

  1. Apologies

    2. RESOLVED That apologies be received and noted from Councillor Mrs M C Foster (work commitment).

     

  2. Youth Matters

    3. None raised.

     

  3. Police Matters

    1. Members were advised that a meeting to consider unlawful drug substances had been convened by Unstone Parish Council on 21st February 2002 to which Members of this Council had been invited.

      2. RESOLVED That if any Member wished to attend to please notify the Town Clerk accordingly.

    2. The Mayor reported a series of vandalism acts at Coal Aston, and was informed that arrests had been made and further action would be taken.

PC Heather Brown then submitted the following statistical information concerning crime in Dronfield over the past month with comparative figures for last year.

 

2001

2002

Burglary non dwelling

9

11

Burglary dwelling

5

16

Theft of motor vehicle

3

5

Theft from motor vehicle

15

40

Assault

8

2

Damage

25

38

Other

19

16

Total

84

128

PC Brown reported on certain aspects of crime and said that one juvenile had been arrested twice in the past week and released on bail for motor vehicle crimes. Extra patrols were being used in Coal Aston to prevent anti-social behaviour. Burglaries of houses whereby car keys were stolen are becoming more common and a joint initiative with South Yorkshire Police culminated in one arrest for such a crime.

Members reported that incidences of youths throwing eggs at properties were becoming more prevalent, and that vandalism to fences and properties adjacent to the viaduct were also taking place.

PC Brown responded that PC Wilson would be informed of these events and action taken.

Inspector Jones had recently been appointed and would be pleased to attend a future meeting of the Council.

 

  1. Council Minutes

    2. Members considered the Minutes of Council held on 7th January 2002. (Pages 94 – 108).

    RESOLVED That with the amendment to page 99© that Councillor J Gilbert also declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item, that the Minutes be approved as a true and accurate record and that the Town Mayor be authorised to sign them as such.

     

  2. Matters Arising

    3. None raised.

     

  3. Planning Matters

    1. Planning Applications (Appendix 1)

Members considered a schedule of planning applications and made the following comments, concerns and resolutions.

01/01280/FL – Store at rear of 66 Hilltop Road

RESOLVED That North East Derbyshire be asked to present further details of what will be stored at these premises in the new store.

02/00016/TCN56 – Telecommunications determination for the erection of a 10m high street works column and two equipment cabinets at land adjacent to Hyde Park Inn, Gosforth Lane, Dronfield.

RESOLVED That Dronfield Town Council strongly object to this application because the site is

  1. in close proximity to the green belt and would cause visual intrusion and

  2. On a site with scenic value to the town.

  3. Close to children’s play amenities and these installations cause a perception by the public of health hazards from emissions and microwaves.

02/00049/FL Erection of boundary fence, earthworks and resurfacing works : 02/00050/FL Erection of covered timber framed canopies

02/00051/FL Relaxation of Condition 2 on Planning Permission NED/99/246/FL to increase range of goods and area in which they may be sold (amended scheme) at New Leaf Nursery, Dyche Lane, Coal Aston

Members considered these three applications and Members were informed that some of the work and changes of conditions had already happened. Members continued to express concern, and comments regarding what the planning authority considered to be a "nursery" and what was now apparently a "Garden Centre.

RESOLVED

  1. That a fax be sent to North East Derbyshire District Council outlining this Council’s concerns and reiterating its previous objections to the proposals.

  2. That North East Derbyshire District Council be requested to send the enforcement officer to inspect the completed works and variations to conditions.

 

01/00071/TCN56 – Telecommunications determination in respect of the erection of a 15m monopole with three dishes and three antennas and associated equipment cabinet and compound.

RESOLVED That Dronfield Town Council strongly objects to the proposal on the following grounds.

  1. Perception by the general public of a danger to health from such installations.

  2. That the applicant has not proven that discussions with other operators concerning mast sharing has taken place.

  3. The proposal would cause visual intrusion to residents.

  4. This company had previously stated it would not need additional masts and facilities in the town.

 

    1. Schedule of Consents and Refusals

      2. RESOLVED That the schedule of consents and refusals be received and noted.

       

    2. Consultation by BT Cellnet

Members considered a consultation letter from an agent of BT Cellnet concerning a proposed planning application for a mast at Coal Aston.

RESOLVED

  1. That the agent be informed that this Council had previously objected to a mast at this site and that North East Derbyshire District Council had refusal consent.

  2. That should a further application be submitted, this Council will discuss and comment after seeing all the details in the proposal.

 

  1. Town Clerk’s Progress Report

Members considered a report by the Town Clerk on the progress of projects in the town.

    1. Civic Hall

      2. RESOLVED That the report be received and noted.

    2. Outside Services

      3. RESOLVED That the report be received and noted, and that the workforce be congratulated on the work done in demolishing the old Band Hut.

    3. Rotary Round Dronfield Walk

      4. Members were informed that the Rotary Round Dronfield Walk wished for their "walk" to be included on the large roadside town walks map. It was reported that this could cost some £2,000 - £3,000 for the large maps to be amended, reprinted and fixed to the existing sign holders.

      RESOLVED That the Town Clerk liaises with the Rotary Round Dronfield Walk Committee and that they be advised to apply for funding to other sources. Dronfield Town Council agreed in principle for their walk maps to be amended subject to funding from outside sources.

    4. Wreakes Lane

      5. RESOLVED That the report on Wreakes Lane be received and noted.

    5. EMDA Bids

Members considered a report detailing the four successful bids for funding from EMDA for four projects.

    • Library Gardens Improvements costing £51,702 of which 90% has been requested from EMDA.

    • CCTV improvements at a cost of £122,597 of which EMDA will fund 80% of the cost.

    • Internet Café in Gosforth Lodge at a total cost of £19,950, 90% of which has been requested from EMDA.

    • Cinema provision in Civic Hall at a cost of £10,640 of which 90% has been requested from EMDA.

RESOLVED

  1. That if the grants from EMDA for these four projects are forthcoming then the Council’s contribution will be met from the contingency funding.

  2. That the Town Clerk be complimented on his hard work in gathering quotations and details for the schemes in a very limited timescales.

 

  1. Reports from Dronfield Town Council Representatives and other information

    2. None.

     

  2. Courses and Conferences

    3. Members considered a report detailing courses and conferences.

    RESOLVED That the report be received and noted.

     

  3. Working Groups of the Town Council

Members considered the notes of the Properties Working Group held on 11th January 2002.

RESOLVED

  1. That Dronfield Woodhouse Bowling Club be thanked for their hard work and contribution in kind for the completion of the new bowling pavilion.

  2. That it be recorded that this is another example of Community Partnerships between organisations and the Council being used to gain benefit for the whole community.

 

  1. Representatives on Outside Bodies

Members considered correspondence from DALC, the Counties of England Advisory Committee and Gorseybrigg Primary School.

RESOLVED

  1. That the report be received and noted.

  2. That Councillor Terry Furniss be this Council’s representative to sit on the committee of the Derbyshire Victoria History of the Counties of England Advisory Committee for the Derbyshire area.

  3. That Councillor John Gilbert is the Town Council’s representative to sit on the temporary Governing Body of the New Gorseybrigg Primary School.

 

  1. Golden Jubilee Celebrations

    2. Members considered correspondence from North East Derbyshire, which advised the Council that a sum of £5,9000 has been allocated to assist parish councils with regard to pump priming funds. They further advised that funds may be available from ‘Awards For All’ under the National Lottery scheme, up to a maximum of £5,000 per organisation

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

     

  2. Derbyshire Environmental Trust and the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme

    3. Members were advised that the Trust is an independent environmental body seeking grants from landfill operators to help finance environmental projects.

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

     

  3. Grounds Maintenance Contributions

    4. Correspondence had been received from North East Derbyshire District Council advising that the Town Council’s contribution for Grounds Maintenance during 2002/2003 would be £50,474 which equated to an increase of just less than 3.75%.

    RESOLVED That the information be received and noted.

  4. Visit by Stadtkappelle

Members considered correspondence from the Dronfield Town Twinning Federation advising the Council that the Stadtkapelle would visit Dronfield during May 2002.

RESOLVED

  1. That the report be received and noted.

  2. That Dronfield Town Council gives a small informal buffet and that the Mayor be invited to welcome the German visitors.

 

  1. Coal Aston Bowling Club

    2. Members considered correspondence from the Coal Aston Bowling Club, which sought the Council’s approval for the sole use of the Bowling Green on eight sessions per week as, listed below.

    Monday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

    Tuesday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm 5.30 pm – 9.00 pm

    Wednesday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm 5.30 pm – 9.00 pm

    Friday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm 5.30 pm – 9.00 pm

    Saturday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

    RESOLVED That the correspondence be received and noted and that Coal Aston Bowling Club be informed that the programme of games as stated has Dronfield Town Council’s consent for the use of the Bowling Green.

     

  2. Economic Development Unit Newsletter

    3. Members consider the above newsletter.

    RESOLVED That the newsletter be received and noted.

     

  3. Pensions Campaign Update

Members considered the correspondence relating to the Pensions Campaign by the Coalfield Communities.

RESOLVED

  1. That the information be received and noted.

  2. That a letter of support for the Pensions Campaign by Coalfield Communities be sent to HM Department of Trade and Industry and the local MP< Mr Harry Barnes.

  1. Flood Storage Reservoir, Dronfield

Members considered correspondence from North East Derbyshire District Council stating that the recently constructed flood storage reservoir at Dronfield would be named the "Jack Goodhand Flood Storage Reservoir" in memory of Councillor Goodhand as he had been a Yorkshire Flood Defence Committee member.

RESOLVED

  1. That the information be received and noted.

  2. That Dronfield Town Council is pleased to support the Environmental Agency’s decision to name the Flood Storage Reservoir after councillor Jack Goodhand who was instrumental in achieving this benefit for the town and records his contribution to the life of the town.

 

  1. Schedule of Payments (Appendix 2)

    2. Members considered schedules of payments in the sum of £21,500.75 (bought ledger) and £61,347.80 (cash book) paid during January/February 2002.

    RESOLVED That the schedules of payments in the sum of £21,500.75 and £61,347.80 be approved and noted.

     

  2. Schedule of Receipts (Appendix 3)

    3. Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of December 2001.

    RESOLVED That the schedule of receipts for the month of December 2001 in the sum of £13,153.41 be noted.

     

  3. Public Forum

Mr Robert Hardcastle reported upon the ongoing problems at Half Acre Lane with the current development to stables at adjacent land. He stated the lane was covered in slurry caused by the builder’s vehicles. He alleged that the development had started prior to planning consent and further stated that a dumper truck was being used to carry in hardcore, which was being spilt over the pathway. Indiscriminate parking was taking place on the football pitch and large stones had been dumped into the River Drone.

Members responded that most of the allegations were planning matters and that North East Derbyshire District Council’s Enforcement Officer had been made aware of the problems. The environmental Agency should take action concerning the dumping of large stones in the River Drone and that the lane is a designated public footpath. Members asked that all these agencies be notified of this ongoing problem.

Mr Deakin (NED Tenants Association) wished to commend the Town Council on its success in persuading Derbyshire County Council to install the traffic lights at Stubley Hollow, but questioned when improvements could be made to Green Lane/Callywhite Lane junction. He was informed that this Council’s Road Safety Working Group had highlighted this junction as its first priority for a much needed safety solution.

Mr Deakin reported that pigeons were causing a nuisance on Hartington Road and could the North East Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental Officer investigate this matter.

Mr Des Dunkley thanked the Council for its agreement to help his organisation to put to Round Dronfield Walk onto the Council maps subject to external funds being granted.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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