MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

HELD AT GOSFORTH LODGE, CLIFFE PARK, DRONFIELD

ON MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER AT 7.30 pm

Present

Councillors: W I Pryce (Town Mayor): F Higgins: Simon Temple : Mrs W Temple: D Oxspring: A Memmott : G Gregory: J Sorrill: Mrs B Skelton: Mrs C Smith : P H Blackburn : J D McGrory: G Baxter: Mrs K Marr : M Emmens: M Wing : R Bull

Public Forum on Planning Matters

(a) Daniel Simons of Northern Common spoke concerning a planning application (07/00316/FL) for the construction of dwellings at 30mNorthern Common. He stated that the development was close to the conservation area and that the planning authority had a duty to ensure that all views were taken into consideration and asked for a common sense approach to be taken.

He complained that protected trees were at risk and that deadlines had not been met by the developers.

Both he and Mr Andrew Watts stated that the proposals were over development of the area and would lead to serious road traffic hazards for residents and visitors with poor sight lines.

There have been three alterations to the original application and the developer seems to have ignored all reasonable requests. It was stated that such development could have an impact on the boundary wall and the mature tress could suffer root structure damage. It was also considered by residents that an ecological survey be demanded as it is possible that bats are roosting or nesting in the affected trees.

(b) Mr Daniel Machine of Eckington Road spoke about application 07/00843/LDC

Certificate of proposed lawful use of development relating to a 12.5m high replica telegraph pole at Ferndale Road/Eckington Road on the grass verge.

This planning application had been previously been refused by North East Derbyshire District Council but residents thought that the company were trying to circumvent planning legislation by applying for this certificate of proposed lawful use.

Residents were informed that this land was in the ownership of Derbyshire County Council and that the two local County Councillors would be investigating the matter.

This type of application, if granted, would have serious implications for all areas of the country. Residents were thanked for their comments, which would be taken into account later in the meeting.

Members Code of Conduct

Members were reminded that any changes to their Declarations of Interest should be stated now and that if any conflicting items on the agenda affected them, they should now declare their particular interests.

52/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Apologies

53/07-08 RESOLVED

That apologies be received and noted and accepted from the following members, for the reasons stated in brackets.

Councillor J Stocks	Other Business
Councillor D Gage	Illness

Youth Matters

Following a question, the Town Clerk gave a brief update on progress at the BMX track. He stated that the JCB would be on site within the next week and that a steel container for the storage of equipment had been acquired and would be sited within the next week.

54/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Police Matters

Members considered a report produced by the Police Service entitled “Have Your Say” which was a consultation document on how residents perceive the police and crime in general.

The Dronfield input to the survey was however limited due to the location and the serious inclement weather when the consultation exercise took place, only 174 respondents from Dronfield were included in the report.

Many of the statistics were concerned with people’s perceptions about police matters and crime but in general were satisfied.

One of the outcomes of the study was that residents would like to see more police on the streets and that they should be more visible at certain times of the day and night.

55/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Police Statistics

PC Murfin produced crime statistics for the months of July and August (appended), which showed a large reduction in thefts from motor vehicles due to a joint initiative with South Yorkshire Police.

PC Murfin was asked if the police had the capacity to produce comparative figures on a per capita basis with other areas of Derbyshire. PC Murfin did not think the present computer system could produce such information as a matter of course.

Members raised the following points for investigation and future response.

· Horses and riders using pavements and grass verges. What is the law?

· Waiting restrictions on Chesterfield Road

· Unruly behaviour at 4am on Hallowes Lane

PC Murfin stated that these would be entered on to the diary log for investigation.

Minutes of 2^nd July 2007

Members considered the minutes of the meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 2^nd July 2007 in Gosforth Lodge.

56/07-08 RESOLVED

(a) That with two minor typographical errors being corrected on page 26, the minutes of the meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 2^nd July 2007 be approved and accepted as a true record of events and that the Town Mayor be duly authorised to sign them as such.

Matters arising from the Minutes

After consideration of Minute 43/07-08 it was further

57/07-08 RESOLVED

That Messors Fattorini be requested to take off the lozenges of the first 10 Mayors of Dronfield Town Council (1974 – 1983) and to add lozenges for the past six Mayors of the Town. The 10 plaques removed to be placed on the Council crest.

Planning Matters

(a) Applications

Members considered a schedule of planning applications submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for comments as part of the consultation process prior to any discussion, it was explained to residents that any member or North East Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee who were members of this council, would not speak or vote upon any resolution considered.

The Town Mayor declared a prejudicial interest in one item under consideration and stated he would withdraw from the meeting when it was discussed.

Application 07/00316/FL by Mr D Inman of 30 Northern Common for the construction of 3 dwellings (3 x two storey with rooms in the roof space) adjacent to the conservation area (Amended Plans).

It was resolved:

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

· Over development of the site leading to unacceptable density of housing.

· Loss of amenity to neighbouring properties.

· Serious concerns regarding protected trees on boundary, which are currently over 5 metres in height.

· Road Safety concerns regarding access, egress and sight lines.

· Concerns about the ground levels of the site.

· Concerns regarding the two proposed houses at the bottom of the site bordering Longcroft Avenue, these two houses will be more than 4 metres higher than adjacent existing properties and would be detrimental to the current street scene.

· North East Derbyshire District Council should insist upon an ecological survey due to the possibility of bats nesting or roosting in the affected trees.

· That North East Derbyshire District Council be requested to conduct a site visit prior to any decisions being taken.

Application 07/00843/LDC by Hutchinson 3G (UK) Ltd for a certificate of proposed lawful use of development relating to a 12.5m replica telegraph pole at Ferndale Road/Eckington Road, Coal Aston.

58/07-08 RESOLVED

That Dronfield Town Council strenuously object to this application due to the proposed location being totally inappropriate for such development.

That Derbyshire County Council be prevailed upon to object to this development upon land in that authority’s ownership.

That both Derbyshire Association Local Councils and National Association Local Councils be notified of this ploy seeing to undermine the legitimate planning process, which could have serious implications for all areas of the country.

Application 07/00931/FL by Mr A Bayliss for the construction of 2 x 2 storey 5 bed roomed detached houses (affecting setting of a listed building).

59/07-08 RESOLVED

· That North East Derbyshire District Council be requested to convene a site visit to this location prior to any decisions being reached.

· That the local development plan states that the setting of a listed building should only be granted it “preserves or enhances” the site. Members believe that this proposal does neither.

· That North East Derbyshire District Council be requested to explain if the internal parts of the grade 2 building are listed, as there is evidence that internal works are being carried out.

Application 07/00971/FL by the Gosforth Playing Fields Association for the construction of a new sports club and car park plus the provision of a floodlit artificial turf pitch with alterations to levels over part of the site (Major development) at Gosforth Playing Fields.

Prior to any discussion, the Town Mayor declared a prejudicial interest in this matter and withdrew from the room so did not therefore take part in any resolution or decision of this Council.

Councillor Mrs Wendy Temple (The Deputy Town Mayor) assumed the chair.

60/07-08 RESOLVED

That as this development could have a major impact on the whole surrounding area, the North East Derbyshire District Council be requested to convene a site visit prior to any decisions being reached.

The Town Mayor resumed the chair.

Members were appraised of two planning appeals, the details of which are at the Council’s offices for member’s information.

61/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Planning Decisions

Members considered a schedule of planning decisions supplied by North East Derbyshire District Council for member’s information.

62/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Town Clerks Report

Members considered a report from the Town Clerk concerning progress on several invitations in the town.

Outside Services

63/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Dronfield North Primary Schools – Re-organisation

Members considered a consultation document supplied by the Education Authority seeking this Councils views on several options under consideration.

64/07-08 RESOLVED

(a) That Dronfield Town Council support Option (vi) of the paper which is “to replace all four existing schools with a new two-form entry (420 place) primary school plus nursery provision at the Gladys Buxton Site”.

(b) That Dronfield Town Council welcome the plans proposals to ensure that all green playing areas/fields at each site will be retained.

(a) That Derbyshire County Council be requested to investigate handling over the playing fields at Stonelow Junior School to the Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School which is short of such facilities since the closure of the Gosforth Site.

(b) That the nursery provision currently enjoyed be maintained or preferably enhanced in the proposals.

Sindelfingen Park Improvements

Members were informed of an North East Derbyshire District Council initiative of bidding for a substantial grant from the Big Lottery for play area provision following a detailed consultation and survey of the whole district.

Sindelfingen Park had been identified as a location where major improvements were required due to the density of population.

56/07-08 RESOLVED

(a) That Dronfield Town Council make a contribution £30.000 as matched funding to North East Derbyshire District Council in order for them to prove community support and involvement in the scheme

(b) That this part matched funding of £30,000 be utilised in addition to the Section 106 grant of £28,800 being received from the developer at Gosforth School site.

North East Derbyshire District Council issue of mutual interests.

North East Derbyshire District Council has convened a meeting which all parish and

town councils have been invited to discuss matters of mutual interest.

These matters will include:

· Neighbourhood Partnership

· Clean Neighbourhood and Environmental Act

· Grounds Maintenance Arrangements

· Children’s Play Area Strategy (Big Lottery Fund Bid).

57/07-08 RESOLVED

That Councillors I Pryce and S Temple represent this Council at the meeting in Saltergate on 19^th September 2007.

Derbyshire Association Local Councils

Members considered the notes and agenda for the AGM of the association to be held on Saturday 15^th September 2007 at County Hall Matlock.

58/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Publications Received

Members considered a schedule of publication received which are at the Council offices for member’s perusal.

59/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Town Council Representatives on Outside Bodies

No reports received.

Annual Governance Report of the Audit Commission

Members considered a report of the Audit Commission following independent external audit of the Councils affairs.

60/07-08 RESOLVED

(1) That the report be received and noted.

(2) That the report be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

(3) That the management representation letter be approved and noted and that the Town Clerk and Town Mayor are duly authorised to sign it.

Notes of Working Groups of Dronfield Town Council

Members considered the notes of the Properties Working Group held on 26^th July

2007 and welcomed the progress on the Waterways Project, BMX Track and

proposals for Hilltop Recreation Ground.

61/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Members considered the notes of the Town Twinning Working Group’s meetings of 4^th July 2007 and 15^th August 2007 detailing arrangements for the forthcoming citizens and civic party visits by our twin town of Sindelfingen.

62/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Members considered the notes of the Properties Working Group of 6^th August 2007 in which details and proposals were considered following the group’s site visits to Hilltop Recreation Ground and the BMX Track site.

63/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Schedule of Payments

Members considered a schedule of payments for the month of June 2007 in the amount of £171,703.06 and for £69,530.40 for the month of July 2007.

64/07-08 RESOLVED

That the schedule of payments for the month of June 2007 in the amount of £171,703.06 drawn on the Council’s No 1 account be received accepted and approved.

That the schedule of payments in the amount of £69,530.40 for the month of July 2007 and drawn on the Council’s No 1 account be received, noted and approved.

Schedule of Receipts

Members considered a schedule of receipts for the month of June 2007 in the amount of £9,808.82 and £48,524.37 for the month of July 2007.

65/07-08 RESOLVED

That the schedule of receipts for the month of June 2007 in the amount of £9,808.82 be paid into the Council’s No 2 account be received, accepted and approved.

That the schedule of receipts for the month of July 2007 in the amount of £48,524.37 be paid into the Council’s No 2 account be received, accepted and approved.

Public Forum

Mrs Smith raised her concerns about maintenance work in Dronfield Cemetery and complained that plantings had been covered or taken out when the workmen were doing necessary works. She was seeking an apology and permission to re-plant her husband’s grave.

It was explained to Mrs Smith that this Council did not make policy decisions for the cemetery and that her comments would be more appropriate if made to the Joint Burial Committee at its next meeting on 4^th October 2007.

Exclusion of Public and Press

66/07-08 RESOLVED

That the public and press be now excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1976 (as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2004).

Staffing Matters

The Town Mayor gave a brief verbal update on matters concerning disciplinary procedures against a member of the Town Councils Staff.

Quotations for the Internal Decoration of the Civic Hall and Town Council Offices

Members considered a report of the Town Clerk, which set out an analysis of three quotations received for the agreed specification for internal decoration of the Civic Hall and Town Council Offices.

Three quotations from NRC Services Ltd, EH Middleton & Son and John Phillip, Gazzard Ltd were received and analysed for best value for money.

67/07-08 RESOLVED

(1) That NRC Services Ltd be awarded a contract in the amount of £7,476 plus VAT to carry out the agreed specified works detailed below.

Civic Hall

Dressing Rooms and Toilets

Dressing Rooms Corridor

Scene Bay – Floor, walls and ceiling

Stage - Floor, walls and ceiling

Main Hall – Walls and woodwork

Main Hall – Foyer and Lobby – Walls and woodwork

Main Hall – Shaun Hadley Room – Walls and woodwork

Main Hall – Kitchen – Walls and woodwork

Upstairs Offices

Lobby – Foyer and stair walls and woodwork

Reception Room – Walls and woodwork gloss

Communication Room - Walls and woodwork gloss

Town Clerk’s office - Walls and woodwork gloss

Small Meeting Room - Walls and woodwork gloss

Staff Kitchen - Walls and woodwork gloss

Staff Toilets – Walls, woodwork gloss and pipes

(2) That the agreed Working Group of Councillors Mrs C Smith, Mrs K Marr and Mrs W Temple be convened to select a colour scheme for the main hall and adjoining rooms downstairs.