MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DRONFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

HELD AT GOSFORTH LODGE, CLIFFE PARK, DRONFIELD

ON MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2008

Present

Councillors: F Higgins: Mrs W Temple: D Oxspring: A Memmott: G Gregory:

J McGrory: Mrs B Skelton: Mrs C Smith: P H Blackburn: G Baxter: M Wing:

R Bull: J M Stocks: D K Gage: M Emmens: S Temple: J Sorrill

Public Forum on Planning Matters Only

Mr Shaun Bynes, Mr Andy Watts, David and Vanessa Kavanagh and Mr Knox all spoke and asked members to object to planning application 07/015533/FL by Mr Inman for development at 30 Northern Common.

They raised questions about the inconsistency in the latest application concerning surface water, they questioned the number of plots being reduced from 4 to 2 but the remaining two are located in exactly the same space as in the original application when there were four houses proposed. The height of the properties, it is alleged, would be up to 4 metres higher than existing properties. It was considered that damage to the boundary wall and trees would take place during development. The trees are 10-16 metres high and will have substantial root networks that will be damaged during construction. It was considered that mature trees are difficult to replace. All the residents’ state that there is evidence of bats roosting and nesting in the trees and that there is also evidence of other protected creatures being on the proposed site. It was also alleged that the road access could lead to additional road safety matters.

Members thanked the residents for their views, which would be considered later in the agenda planning matters.

Public Forum on General Matters

Mr Clive Gill stated that he had a brief look at the agenda and still wished to object to the public forum being moved to the start of the proceedings. He also wished to congratulate the Town Clerk on the excellent reports from the District Auditor on the statement of accounts and the Best Value audit.

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 interest.

136/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Apologies

137/07-08 RESOLVED

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

Councillor I Pryce (Other Business)

Councillor Mrs K Marr (Other Business)

Youth Matters

Some discussion ensued about the benefits that could be achieved if a youth council was initiated. It would encourage the young people of the town to learn about debate and democracy as well as letting them be part of the decision making process. It was envisaged that if a youth council was to be formed, it should consist of a wide range of local youngsters from all age groups and backgrounds.

138/07-08 RESOLVED

That a Youth Council Working Group comprising one member from each party be formed to investigate this matter and report back to Council in the near future.

Police Matters

Inspector Mark Fitzpatrick was in attendance and was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Town Mayor.

He started his verbal report by highlighting the statistics in two parts.

(a) Anti-social issues. (b) Crime.

During November and December 2007, the anti-social problems in Dronfield were significantly lower than in neighbouring area of Eckington and Killamarsh. Of the 115 incidents in Dronfield, only 13 were alcohol related.

Regarding police response and intervention, Inspector Fitzpatrick reported that the police were very pro-active in areas that required a police presence.

Statistically, Dronfield is a very safe town in which to work and live.

Crime statistics show that for the divisional area 58 crimes per 1000 population were recorded, whilst Dronfield only had 28 crimes per 1000.

He quoted that burglaries in Dronfield were down by 43% (20 less crimes) and that thefts from motor vehicles was up by just one case.

The detection for violent crimes in Dronfield is the highest in the division.

In answering members’ questions, Inspector Fitzpatrick reported that patrol frequencies and resources utilised were based on where crime actually happens and he was of the opinion that he has sufficient resources deployed in Dronfield in detecting and preventing crime.

He had been made aware of alleged speeding in Eckington Road and would refer it again to the safety camera partnerships for investigation.

He informed members that the local police station was staffed from 9.00am – 5.00pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Council Minutes

Members considered the minutes of the meeting of Dronfield Town Council held on 3 December 2007 (pages 74 - 84).

139/07-08 RESOLVED

That with an amendment to the wording to resolution 127/07-08 following “level of contribution” “and that this matter be referred to the Properties Working Group for investigation prior to being reported back to full council” that their minutes were received, accepted and approved as a true record of events and that the Town Mayor be duly authorised to sign them as such.

Planning Matters

Applications

Members considered a schedule of planning applications submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for comment and discussion.

140/07-08 RESOLVED

That application 07/01498/FL by William Lees Ltd for the construction of a new

foundry (major development) be welcomed and supported because of the additional

employment opportunities that may be created in the town.

That application 07/01069/FL by Wellington House Estates for demolition and major

development at Standard Tool, Mickley Lane be once again objected to on the

following grounds.

(a) The development is within or adjacent to the very narrow green belt which should be preserved from over development.

(b) Such development could constitute a major road hazard on the narrow road, which runs adjacent to the development.

That application 07/01533/FL by Mr D Inman for the proposed development at 30

Northern Common be strenuously objected to on the following grounds.

(a) The density of the proposed development.

(b) Loss of amenity for adjacent properties.

(d) Road safety concerns of access and egress from the proposed development site.

(e) Concern regarding ground levels both on site and to adjacent properties.

(f) That protected creatures maybe located at this site and no survey had been submitted to state otherwise.

(g) That there is evidence of bats (a protected species) are nesting and roosting in the adjacent mature trees.

That application 07/00273/AD for the retention of an illuminated projection sign at 9

High Street be objected to on the following grounds.

(a) That permission should have been sought prior to installation.

(b) That illuminated signs are incongruous in the conservation area.

Planning Decisions

Members considered a schedule of planning decisions submitted by North East Derbyshire District Council for information only.

141/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

Town Clerk’s Report

(a) Outside Services

Members were appraised of on going duties and tasks being carried out by staff.

142/07-08 RESOLVED

(1) That this report be received and noted.

(2) That the review and inspection of bus shelters be carried out in September or October of each year before the start of inclement weather.

(b) Annual Audit Letter

Members considered the annual audit letter, which had been received from the

District Audit Service following the audit of the Statement of Financial Affairs for the

year ending 31^st March 2007.

The audit letter comprised three recommendations, which would be addressed during

the current year.

143/07-08 RESOLVED

(1) That the Annual Audit letter be received noted and accepted.

(2) That the Town Clerk be congratulated in preparing the accounts in a timely and professional manner.

(3) That the statutory notice informing residents of the annual audit report be prepared and published.

(c) Auditors Report – Best Value Plan

Members were informed that the statutory audit of the Councils Best Value Plan

2007/2008 had now been audited by the District Audit Service in line with the 1999

legislation.

The auditor did not identify any matters, which needed reporting to this Council and

made no recommendations on the procedures or production of the plan.

144/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

(d) Re-cycling Facilities in Dronfield

Members considered a wide range of initiatives currently offered in the town for

recycling purposes.

They agreed that this topic was top of many agendas and whilst realising that re-

cycling is predominantly a district and county council function, it may be

appropriate for the town council to have a greater input into the scope and location

of local amenities.

It was reported that North East Derbyshire District Council do not have any difficulty

with plastic recycling and that the emptying and servicing of bulk bins is stipulated by

North East Derbyshire District Council as part of the contract with operators.

Members agreed that there are important ecology issues and would wish to play a part

in optimising recycling opportunities within Dronfield in a community partnership

initiative with North East Derbyshire District Council.

145/07-08 RESOLVED

That a Recycling Working Group, comprising one member from each party, be

formed to investigate the recycling opportunities and report back to a future meeting

of the Council.

(e) CCTV Facilities in Dronfield

Members were apprised of all the CCTV Schemes currently in operation within

Dronfield (namely)

Town Centre Schemes (North East Derbyshire District Council)

Callywhite Lane and Cliffe Park (Dronfield Town Council)

Coal Aston Village Hall (Dronfield Town Council/Coal Aston Village Hall)

Members were also informed about the recording and monitoring facility at each

location.

146/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

(f) North East Derbyshire District Council Grounds Maintenance

Members were informed of progress on this topic and that joint meetings of the Properties and Budget Working Groups had been convened to consider all the implications and prepare more detailed reports for consideration by the full council at its next meeting in February.

147/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted.

(g) Publications Received

Members considered a schedule of publications and newsletters, which had been

received and are available for information the Town Council offices.

148/07-08 RESOLVED That this report be received and noted

Reports from Dronfield Town Council Representatives and other Information

Councillor Baxter reported that he would reluctantly have to withdraw his

representation on the Fairtrade Working Group due to time constraints. He stated

that whilst he was fully supportive of the aims of the Working Group, he was unable

to attend meetings due to work commitments elsewhere.

149/07-08 RESOLVED

That Councillor Baxter be thanked for his input into this important initiative.

Dronfield Woodhouse Sports & Social Club

Councillor Sorrill reported that the community bonfire initiated and managed by the

Dronfield Woodhouse Sports & Social Club had been an overwhelming success in

November and sought the Council’s agreement in providing Dronfield Woodhouse

Sports & Social Club the sole user agreement to hold the annual bonfire at Dronfield

Woodhouse Recreation Ground.

150/07-08 RESOLVED

That Dronfield Woodhouse Sports & Social Club be requested to write to the Town

Clerk in order for the Properties Working Group to consider such a request.

Budget Estimates & Precept 2008/2009

Members considered a comprehensive report showing actual expenditure for

2007/2008 against budgetary forecasts.

The current year’s precept of £695,250 will result in a forecast increase in balances of

£43,164.

Next year’s budget forecast figures included a reduction in income of £30,000 due to

no central government grant for the preparation of a Best Value Performance Plan

as this Council will no longer be required to prepare a Best Value Performance Plan

due to change in legislation. Additional expenditure of £30,000 has been included to

cover the increased charges for grounds maintenance costs levied by North East

Derbyshire District Council and a provision of 5% increase in staffing costs has been

included, due to changes in the local Authority Pension Scheme.

151/07-08 RESOLVED

1. That although the increase in cost of services of £51,450 and a reduction in income of £20,125 together with a proposed increase of £20,133 on the capital programme, would result in a precept requirement of £786,958; it must be remembered that last year the Council budgeted for an increase in balances of £43,164 which is not required for the forthcoming year as the balances will be higher than those recommended by the District Audit Service.

2. That a neutral standstill precept of £747,000 be levied which is the amount required to fund the Council’s revenue and capital programme for the civic year 2008/2009.

3. That it be noted that this level of precept will result in a 7.43% increase due entirely to the increase in North East Derbyshire District Council Grounds maintenance costs and the loss of Central Government’s Best Value Grant.

4. That North East Derbyshire District Council be informed that this Council’s precept requirement for the financial year of 2008/2009 is £747,000.

Community Partnerships

Members considered correspondence from the lead officer of North East Derbyshire

District Council and the Community Partnership Guidelines submitted by North East

Derbyshire District Council for consideration.

It was reported that this Council had agreed in principle to participate in the

Community Partnership initiative but had expressed some reservations about

proposals for the election of the chairperson for the Dronfield Partnership.

152/07-08 RESOLVED

That this matter be deferred until the next meeting of Council in order for further

discussions and clarification of the guidelines is considered by the Community

Partnership Steering Group of this Council.

Schedule of Payments

Members considered a schedule of payments for the month of November 2007 in the amount of £95,929.85 drawn on the Council’s No 1 account.

153/07-08 RESOLVED

That the schedule of payments for the month of November 2007 in the amount of £95,929.85 be received accepted and approved.

Schedule of Receipts

Members considered a schedule of receipts for November 2007 in the amount of £56,086.04 paid into the Council’s No 2 Account.

154/07-08 RESOLVED

That the schedule of receipts for November 2007 in the amount of £56,086.04 be received accepted and approved.