UPPER POPPLETON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE POPPLETON CENTRE, MAIN STREET, UPPER POPPLETON AT 7.00 PM ON MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2023
PRESENT:
Councillor Neil Lawrence (Chairman)
Councillor Alan Catterick
Councillor Ian Clark
Councillor Bill Hall
Councillor Anne Hook
Councillor Richard Robson
Councillor Sue Tomlinson.
Mr James Mackman (Clerk)
23.141 – TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST (NOT PREVIOUSLY DECLARED) ON ANY MATTERS OF BUSINESS
None.
23.142 – TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE GIVEN IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING
Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors David Johnson and Sheri Scruton.
23.143- TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF REASONS GIVEN FOR ABSENCE
Councillors Johnson and Scruton’s reasons for absence was approved.
23.144 – TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 JULY 2023
The minutes of the meeting held on 1 0 July, having been circulated and read, were accepted and signed.
23.145 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
23.146 – TO RECEIVE THE CITY OF YORK COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
City Councillor Anne Hook reported that: –
Reductions to the speed limit to 40mph on the A59 to beyond the Red Lion, and Hodgson Lane and Black Dike Lane from the A59 to the 30mph limit have been approved at the last decision meeting of the Executive for Economy, Place and Transport.
Yellow lines on Ebor Way near the junction of Millfield Lane (NP)/entrance to Brackenhills (UP) will now go to consultation and the zigzags in front of the school are going to become compulsory instead of advisory.
The request for a reduction to the speed limit on Northfield Lane has been refused, so press articles are being written. I have been investigating improving the signage to prevent vehicles overshooting Northminster Business Park. The sign cannot be seen until just 30 from the entrance, so given stopping speeds, it is little wonder that vehicles often overshoot, putting walkers and cyclists in danger by day and waking nearby residents by night. Apparently there used to be larger signs, paid for by Northminster and installed by CYC, but then CYC removed them. Northminster were not happy about this either.
Generally, you will have heard press reports about a predicted overspend of millions which has resulted in cuts to some important items of expenditure. There is always a significant predicted overspend at this time of year but it always seems to right itself – e.g. delays in recruitment, not having resources to carry out forecast spend. We therefore believe the cuts are premature and harmful and are fighting them.
23.147 – PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) The Councillors considered the only planning application received since the July Parish Council meeting as listed below: –
Details of Planning Application –
Comments
Ref: 23/01267/FULM – Extension to Pavers facility to provide office space with associated car parking and landscaping (resubmission) at Pavers Ltd, Catherine House, Northminster Business Park, Harwood Road.
No objections but we do not believe that the Northfield Lane junction with the A59 has the capacity to cope with the projected increase in vehicles, particularly at peak times.
Ref: 23/01391/FUL – Single-storey side and rear extension following demolition of garage at 14 Brackenhills, YO26 6DH.
No objections but we are of the opinion that the reduction in parking spaces may cause parking obstruction on the road.
Ref: 23/01457/TPO – Fell 1 no. dying Sycamore (Tree x) and carry out 25% crown reduction to T2 Sycamore (as per annotated photograph submitted with application) at Dene Holm, The Green, YO26 6DP.
No objections but we would like the City Council’s arboriculturalist to have a look at the trees before a decision is made.
Ref: 23/01479/FUL – Erection of detached tennis clubhouse, 2no. padel courts with associated lighting and 2no. pétanque rinks with associated parking and access, and siting of 1no. storage container unit at Poppleton Community Centre, Main Street, YO26 6JT.
No objections but we would like the following planning items to be considered.
1. The provision of a fence to separate the court from the path used by the school children.
2. The lighting to be turned off at 10.30pm.
3. Play on the padel court to stop at 9.00pm.
(b) To note Local Authority Planning Decisions
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had approved the following applications: –
• Ref: 22/02605/FUL – Change of use of 3no. existing agricultural buildings to use classes B2, B8 and E(g) to include lighting, amendments to external materials and fenestration and additional hard standing to create new service yards, parking and access. Extension of Cropton Road to provide access to development from Northminster Business Park at land and buildings lying to the North West Of Moor Lane and forming part of Oakwood Farm, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton.
• Ref: 23/00537/ABC3 – Change of use of agricultural building to 1no. dwellinghouse under Class Q Part 3 Schedule 2 of Article 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 at Agricultural Building east of Mullingar Farm and north of Low Moor Lane, Hessay.
• Ref: 23/00754/FUL – Removal of 2no. chimney stacks, porch to side elevation comprising new entrance door, 1no. roof light to existing ground floor projection, replacement windows, and alterations to driveway material at 2 Station Road, YO26 6PY.
• Ref: 23/00941/FUL – Two-storey side and single-storey side and rear extension and detached outbuildings to side and rear at 12 Willow Croft, YO26 6EF.
• Ref: 23/01132/FUL – Two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions following demolition of rear projection at 3 Nether Way, YO26 6JQ
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had refused the following applications –
• Ref: 22/02484/FUL – Erection of wall with iron railings, pillars and gate to frontage at Nos. 93 and 95 Station Road, YO26 6PZ.
• Ref: 23/01169/TPO – 30-35% crown reduction, crown thin and removal of deadwood to 1 No. Beech protected by TPO 2/1991 at 1 Willow Croft, YO26 6EF.
23.148 – FINANCE
(a) To receive a financial statement
The Clerk had emailed Councillors a detailed report showing the actual income and expenditure for the year for the period to 11 September 2023. The report reflected the receipts and payments below.
The bank balances on 11 September were: –
Current Account £100.00
Business Money Manager Account £42,400.36
(b) To note accounts for payment (net of VAT);
44 BP Poppleton Community Trust Grant – 50% £2,500.00
45 BP Upper with Nether PCC Grass cutting per contract £1,500.00
46 DD EDF Energy Guild hut electricity – May/June £9.03
47 BP Poppleton Community Trust Grant – 50% balance £2,500.00
48 BP Millie Wright Charity Grant £976.66
49 BP Helping Hand 2 litter pickers £34.98
50 BP Poppleton Community Trust Room hire 10 July £28.00
51 CHG HSBC Bank charges – June/July £8.00
52 BP Brian Nott Collingwood car park work £80.25
53 BP Sleightholm Landscapes Grass cutting per contract £855.00
54 BP Various Padlock & keys for Guild hut gate £26.52
55 DD EDF Energy Guild hut electricity – June/July £9.03
56 BP Ken Falkingham Guild hut gate post repair £50.00
57 BP James Mackman Salary – August £587.14
58 BP HMRC Income Tax – August £146.80
59 CHG HSBC Bank charges – July/August £8.00
60 DD Scottish Water Allotments water £4.96
61 BP YLCA Councillor training webinar £25.00
62 BP James Mackman Salary – September £587.14
63 BP HMRC Income Tax – September £146.80
64 BP James Mackman Expenses £22.00
65 BP Ken Falkingham Gate post & Elmer seat repairs £65.00
(c) To receive a report on income received
HMRC VAT refund £457.97
HMRC Income tax refund £136.39
(d) To consider the internal auditor’s report
Prior to the meeting the Clerk had emailed the internal auditor’s report to the Councillors. The contents of the report were noted.
(e) To agree to release the £2,000 provided in the 2023-24 budget for the Poppleton Youth Club
This was agreed.
23.149 – TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO THE VILLAGE GREENS, ALLOTMENTS AND GUILD HUT
(a) Trees including considering quotations for the five-year tree survey
It was reported that one quotation had been received, a second was due and that the City Council had been asked to give a third quotation. It was agreed to defer discussion until the October meeting when it is hoped that there will be three quotations to consider.
(b) Events
None.
(c) Maintenance including
i. Considering the quotation for repainting the maypole
The company quoting for the repainting of the maypole has given two options of paint to be used. The cost is the same for both options. It was agreed that the company be asked which would be the better option. (Action Clerk)
ii. Confirming the repairs to the “Elmer” seat
The Clerk reported that three of the laths on the back of the “Elmer” seat on the Green had been damaged and that, in consultation with the Chairman, he had authorised the repair to the seat. The Councillors confirmed their agreement of this action.
(d) Allotments including: –
i. Confirming the repairs to the allotment gate posts
The Clerk reported that the gateposts on two of the allotment gates had failed and that, in consultation with the Chairman, he had arranged to have the posts replaced. The Councillors confirmed their agreement of these actions.
ii. The lowering of the boundary hedges
It was noted that, in accordance with the terms of the three-year grass and hedge cutting contract the Main Street allotments hedges had been reduced to 1.5 metres.
(e) Guild Hut
It was noted that the padlock on the Guild hut gate had been changed and that keys had been cut for the keyholders.
23.150 – TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO HIGHWAYS, FOOTPATHS, LAMPPOSTS & SIGNS
(a) To consider reports on vandalism
None.
(b) To receive other reports
i. It was noted that a drainage ditch in Westfield Lane has been filled in.
ii. It was noted that some garden hedges in Long Ridge Lane are growing over the footpath making it difficult for wheelchair users to use the pavement.
iii. It was noted that the hedge between Station Road and D Tail is overgrowing the footpath.
The Clerk is to report the last two items to the City Council. (Action Clerk)
23.151 – TO CONSIDER COUNCILLOR AND CLERK TRAINING
Details of YLCA courses are circulated to Councillors on a regular basis. It was agreed that none of the forthcoming courses were required.
23.152 – TO DISCUSS THE NEXT STEPS IN CREATING ONE PARISH COUNCIL FOR POPPLETON INCLUDING APPROVING THE COST OF A ONE-PAGE ARTICLE IN THE DECEMBER CENTREPIECE MAGAZINE
Councillor Lawrence gave an update on the discussions with Nether Poppleton Parish Councillors. It was agreed to purchase one page in the December issue of Centrepiece so that full details of the proposed grouping of the two parish councils could be given. (Action Clerk)
23.153 – TO DISCUSS D-DAY CELEBRATIONS JUNE 2024
A working group consisting of Councillors Robson, Clark, Hook and Lawrence was appointed to arrange an event on the Green to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.
23.154 – TO RECEIVE COMMITTEES’ REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS
(a) Listed Buildings Working Group
No report.
(b) Poppleton Community Trust
Councillor Hall reported on the Executive Committee meeting held on 4 September when there was a report on recent vandalism within the Centre and on the football field. There was also discussion on the plans for the Centre’s enlargement.
(c) Village Show
No further news to report.
(d) YLCA York Branch
No news to report.
(e) Youth Club
Councillor Hook reported that the Youth Club has appointed a secretary.
(f) Any other meeting
None.
23.155– TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON VILLAGE POLICING
Prior to the meeting the Clerk had given each Councillor a schedule of incidents in Upper Poppleton reported to the police in July and August 2023. The schedule was noted.
23.156 – TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON PROGRESS ON THE FOLLOWING:
(a) Repairs to the railings opposite the tennis courts in Main Street (Min. 23.135a)
It was noted that the City Council had replaced all the railings opposite the tennis courts.
(b) Drawing up of a tree policy for the Greens (Min. 23.135c)
No news on this subject.
(c) The easement for vehicular access to Lyndhurst, Hodgson Lane (Min. 23.135d)
The Clerk reported that the owner of Lyndhurst had given him the name of his solicitor and that he had passed the information to the Parish Council’s solicitor.
(d) The possibility of converting the old coal yard at the station into a car park (Min. 23.135e)
Councillor Lawrence reported that he had written to Julian Sturdy MP on this subject but had not yet had a reply.
(e) The installation of CCTV to cover the Maypole Green (Min. 23.127aii)
It was noted that the CCTV had been installed on the Methodist Chapel.
(f) The replacement for Millie Wright’s tree (Min. 23.127c)
It was noted that the replacement tree had been planted.
23.157 – TO NOTE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
23.157.1 – It was noted that the correspondence received since the July meeting, as listed below, had already been circulated to the Councillors.
(a) CYC – A1237 carriageway maintenance
(b) CYC – Allerton Drive closure dates
(c)CYC – Blue badge holders city centre access consultation
(d)CYC – Digital Digest (Newsletter) – Summer 2023
(e)Dales to Vale Rivers Network – Questionnaire
(f)Fuse Energy – Renewable energy
(g)Open Spaces Society – August 2023 ezine
(h)Open Spaces Society – July 2023 ezine
(i)Poppleton Community Trust – Thanks for the grant
(j)YLCA – Annual Review 2022-23
(k)YLCA – D Day 80, 6 June 2024 guide
(l)YLCA – Law & Governance Bulletin – August 2023
(m)YLCA – NALC Chief Executive’s Bulletins
(n)YLCA – White Rose Bulletin and Training Bulletins
23.157.2 – The Clerk referred to the following items of correspondence received since the July Parish Council meeting
(a) A resident querying the early timing of the cutting of the allotment hedge
(b) An email from the police saying that there will be no police support on the Green for the Remembrance Sunday service
(c) Harvey Lowson – CYC-Tree survey query
(d) Helping Hands Home Care – A request to put advert on the website. The Clerk had advised that we don’t have adverts on the website
23.158 – TO NOTE FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
Date of Meeting
Meeting
Venue/ Time
Councillors Attending
26 Sep Poppleton Youth Club AGM Methodist Church hall/ 8.00pm All
12 Oct YLCA York Branch Acaster Malbis village hall/ 7.00pm Catterick, Tomlinson
23.159 – TO CONSIDER MINOR MATTERS
The Dikelands Lane notice board had been removed to enable the creation of the driveway to the house being built on the corner. It was agreed that the notice board should be relocated several metres towards Main Street. (Action Clerk)
23.160 – TO CONSIDER NEW ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
Raising resident awareness of hedges overgrowing pavements and cars parked on footpaths.
23.161 – TO AGREE THE DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting be held on Monday 9th October 2023.
There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.29pm.
CHAIRMAN …………………………….. DATE……………………….…
James Mackman, Clerk 39 Calder Avenue, Nether Poppleton, York, YO26 6RG
Tel: 01904 399277 – email: upperpoppletonclerk@poppleton-pc.org.uk
The Parish Council’s website can be found at https://poppleton-pc.org.uk/
