Councillors G Baxter : M Brader : M Emmens : N R Foster : T Furniss : C A Gill : F Higgins : D Hill : E N Hodd : Mrs K Marr : W I Pryce : Mrs C A Smith : J Sorrill : J M Stocks : S Temple : Mrs W Temple : J Williams (Town Mayor) : M Wing.

Prior to the meeting, the sad news of the death of The Duke of Devonshire was announced to the Council. It was resolved that a letter of condolence from Dronfield Town Council be sent to the Duchess of Devonshire on her sad loss.

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have been firm supporters of initiatives within the town and have been generous contributors to the Mayor’s Appeals over the years.

No items were raised by members of the public.

180. RESOLVED

That apologies be received and accepted from the following Members for the reasons stated.

Councillor D Cheetham (Other business)

Councillor F Higgins (Other business)

 

YOUTH MATTERS

No items raised.

 

POLICE MATTERS

PC Dave Andrews attended and presented the crime statistics for the month of April 2004 compared to April 2003. Major improvements in the number of crimes was noted, but it was explained that motor vehicle crime was a "hit and miss" affair brought about by the police catching offenders – then the crimes reduce – when they are released, figures go up again.

In answer to questions, PC Andrews explained that the number of assaults (5) included domestic violence, and were not always related to street crime.

Incidents of young drivers using Birches Lane and adjacent car parks at Coal Aston were brought to PC Andrews attention, who said the situation is monitored and the area would continue to be watched closely. Complaints about cars parked on pavements and verges along Ullswater Drive were mentioned and PC Andrews replied that if the cars were obstructing pedestrian movements on the pavements then action would be taken.

PC Andrews agreed to investigate whether the crime statistics could be presented on an area wide basis with comparative crime numbers for each ward in North East Derbyshire, and then an annual summary could be produced showing trends over the year.

181. RESOLVED

That this report be received and noted.

 

COUNCIL MINUTES

Members considered the Minutes of the Meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on Monday, 5^th April 2004 (Pages 124 – 134).

182. RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the Meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on Monday, 5^th April 2004 be received and accepted as a true record of events, and that the Mayor be duly authorised to sign them as such.

PLANNING (Appendix 1)

1. Members considered schedules of planning applications submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for this Council’s comments and views.

Application 04/00405/FL by Mr & Mrs Woods of 115 Green Lane, Dronfield for alterations and extensions to dwelling comprising raising of roof height to provide second floor accommodation, first floor extensions above existing garages, triple garage with living accommodation above and sun lounge to rear.

Members considered that this application constituted over-development and that the existing property would be almost doubled in side.

180. RESOLVED

That North East Derbyshire District Council Planning Committee convenes a site visit before any decision on this application is reached.

Application 04/00410/FL by Shaw Developments at 23 Longacre Road for the erection of a detached bungalow and two detached double garages on land to the rear.

181. RESOLVED

That North East Derbyshire District Council Planning Committee be requested to convene a site visit to this development prior to any decision being reached.

 

Application 04/00426/FL by Dominos Pizza Group of 11 High Street, Dronfield for the erection of a building for use as a hot food takeaway and associated parking (Conservation Area).

182. RESOLVED

That this application be strenuously objected to on the following grounds.

1. Parking manoeuvres to the site would compromise Road safety on the narrow highway.
2. Over-commercialisation of fast food outlets in the conservation area.
3. The creation of litter pollution caused by potential customers in the conservation area.

Application 04/00510/OL by Mr Elsdon at Gomersal Farm, Gomersal Lane, Dronfield for residential development (Outline Application) access from Netherdene Road (Major Development) on land at Gomersal Farm.

180. RESOLVED

That this application be objected to on the following grounds.

1. This is a large-scale development and is not in keeping with North East Derbyshire District Council’s Local Plan.
2. Over-development of what is currently a green open space within the urban surrounding area.

Application 04/00488/CM by Derbyshire County Council at Dronfield School, Gosforth Site, Stubley Lane, Dronfield for the enclosure of existing premises with Bekaert Securifor 3D fencing 2.4m high.

180. RESOLVED

That no objections be raised to the proposal but that access to the Youth Centre be maintained at all relevant times, and that Derbyshire County Council investigates the viability of employing security guards whilst the development takes place.

2. PLANNING DECISIONS

Members considered a schedule of planning decisions supplied by North East Derbyshire District Council.

181. RESOLVED

That this report be received, noted and accepted.

 

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

Members were reminded that any changes to their declarable interests should be made and passed to the Town Clerk.

182. RESOLVED

That the information be received and noted.

Members considered a report of the Town Clerk and reached the following resolutions.

1. Outside Services

Members considered progress with the work and projects being undertaken by outside services staff

180. RESOLVED

That the information be received and noted.

1. Skateboard Facilities

Members were informed that these facilities formed a major part of the EMDA bid and were given a brief appraisal of what the likely cost would be. Discussion then raised the following points.

1. Young people were travelling to Sheffield to participate in skateboarding.
2. Any proposed skateboard site would need to be centrally located in Dronfield.
3. Proposals for facilities at Holmesfield and Jordanthorpe are being progressed.
4. Investigate the feasibility of providing smaller, local facilities in more than one area of the town.

191. RESOLVED

• That this report be received and noted.

• That the Properties Working Group considers this matter at its next meeting with a view to drawing up suggested sites and plans in order for the project to go ahead speedily if external funding bids are successful.

3. TOWN TWINNING ACTIVITIES

Members were informed that the Dronfield Players would be going to Sindelfingen to present a play in the Theatrekeller and were asking for financial assistance.

192. RESOLVED

That under S.145 of the Local Government Act 1972, Dronfield Players be awarded a grant of £250 to assist in their travel arrangements to Sindelfingen.

3. CHURCH CLOCK

Members were informed that for several years the winding of the Church Clock had been carried out by a volunteer of St John the Baptist, but unfortunately this was no longer the case. However, another member of the Church had agreed to carry out the winding but had asked if an honorarium would be paid. Whilst the previous volunteer had received no payment, an honorarium had been paid in past years, and when the Town Council staff carried out this function an honorarium had also been paid.

192. RESOLVED

That the volunteer member of St John the Baptist Church be awarded an honorarium of £100 each year for winding the Church Clock.

3. Changes to the Law on preventing Illegal Working

Members were informed of correspondence from the Home Office advising of changes to parts of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.

192. RESOLVED

That the correspondence be received and noted.

3. WIDENING OF THE M1 – JUNCTION 21 – 30

192. RESOLVED

That the correspondence be received and noted.

3. COAL ASTON BOWLING CLUB

Members were informed that Coal Aston Bowling Club had submitted its timetable of fixtures for the forthcoming season and requested exclusive use at those times as set out below.

Monday 2.00 – 5.00 pm

Tuesday 2.00 – 5.00 pm 5.30 – 9.00 pm

Wednesday 2.00 – 5.00 pm 5.30 – 9.00 pm

Thursday 5.30 – 9.00 pm

Friday 2.00 – 5.00 pm 5.30 – 9.00 pm

Saturday 2.00 – 5.00 pm

192. RESOLVED

That the information be received and noted and that Coal Aston Bowling Club be granted exclusive use at those times.

 

8. CHART COMMUNITY STRATEGY REVIEW

Members were informed that CHART is to hold two workshops to discuss Community Strategy and had invited this Council to send representatives.

193. RESOLVED

That Councillor Mrs C A Smith be delegated to represent this Council at the workshop to be held at Eckington on 13^th May 2004.

9. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

Members considered a schedule of publications received and which were available at the Council Offices for inspection.

192. RESOLVED

That the report be received and noted.

 

 

 

REPORTS FROM DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

None received.

STANDING ORDERS

Members considered an amended book of Standing Orders, Guidance Notes for Chairpersons, Financial Regulations and the Model Code of Conduct for Members.

This amended booklet was produced following a Council Resolution to set up a Working Group to ensure that Dronfield Town Council’s Standing Orders were in line with the NALC Model Code.

193. RESOLVED

That the May 2004 booklet containing –

1. Guidance Notes for Chairpersons.
2. Standing Orders of the Council.
3. Financial Regulations of the Council.
4. Ethical Code of Conduct for Members

be received, noted and accepted.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS (Appendix 2)

Members considered a schedule of payments drawn on the Council’s No 1 current account in the sum of £147,142.61 for the month of March 2004.

192. RESOLVED

That the payments in the amount of £147,142.61 for the month of March 2004 be received, approved and noted.

 

SCHEDULE OF RECEIPTS (Appendix 3)

Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of March 2004 paid into the Council’s No 2 deposit account in the amount of £20,401.73.

193. RESOLVED

That the schedule of receipts in the amount of £20,401.73 for the month of March 2004 be received, approved and noted.

No items raised.