Minutes 12 May 2025 – Poppleton Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE POPPLETON CENTRE, MAIN STREET, UPPER POPPLETON AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 12 MAY 2025
PRESENT:
Councillor David Johnson (Chairman)
Councillor Alan Catterick
Councillor Ian Clark
Councillor Bill Hall
Councillor Anne Hook
Councillor Sheri Scruton
Councillor Sue Tomlinson
One member of the public
Mr James Mackman (Clerk)

In Chairman Neil Lawrence’s absence, the Vice-Chairman, David Johnson, chaired the meeting from the beginning.

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
25.087 – TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN FOR THE YEAR
The Councillor agreed to re-appoint Councillor Lawrence as Chairman.

25.088 – TO RECEIVE THE CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION OF OFFICE
It was agreed that Councillor Lawrence sign his Declaration of Office at a later date.

25.089 – TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE GIVEN IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING
Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Lawrence and Robson.

25.090 – TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF REASONS GIVEN FOR ABSENCE
Councillors Lawrence and Robson’s reasons for absence were approved.

25.091 – ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS
Vice-Chairman – Johnson
Biodiversity Working Group – Hall, Lawrence, Tomlinson
Listed Buildings Working Group – Scruton
Neighbourhood Planning Group – Hook, Tomlinson
One Parish Council for Poppleton Working Party – Johnson, Lawrence
Poppleton Children’s Sports Day – Robson
Poppleton Community Trust Observer – Hall
Poppleton Moat Fields Management Group – Catterick
Poppleton Youth Action Group Representative – Clark
Village Show Working Group – Johnson
Yorkshire Local Councils Associations Representatives – Catterick, Scruton

MEETING AGENDA
25.092 – TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST (NOT PREVIOUSLY DECLARED) ON ANY MATTERS OF BUSINESS
None.

25.093 – TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 APRIL 2025
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 April, having been circulated and read, were accepted and signed.

25.094 – TO RECEIVE THE CITY OF YORK COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
City Councillor Hook reported that residents and businesses in the City centre are not happy with the steep increase in parking charges especially in Micklegate and Bishopthorpe Road.

25.095 – TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON PROGRESS ON THE FOLLOWING:
(a) Fallen tree on Chantry Green (Min. 25.075aii)
It was noted that the tree has been removed

(b) The hedge at the Lord Collingwood car park (Min. 25.075div)
It was noted that the hedge has been planted and is being watered.

(c) A boundary fence for Blairgowrie (Min. 25.075dvi)
The Clerk reported having received no reply from the Blairgowrie agent to his request for a fence and is to pursue the subject. (Action Clerk)

(d) Moving the “Edna Brown” seat closer to the footpath in Chantry Green (Min. 25.075dvii)
The Clerk reported that he could find no contact details for the seat donor. It was agreed that the seat should remain in its current position.

25.096 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.

25.097 – PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) The Councillors considered the planning applications received since the April Parish Council meeting as listed below: –
Details of Planning Application – Comments
Ref: 25/00798/FUL – Two-storey side and rear extension, and single-storey front and rear extensions and external alterations at Ranworth, Westfield Lane, YO26 6EB.
No objections

Ref: 25/00842/TCNOT – Notification under section 5 of The Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 for the equipment; 1no. 9m pole opposite Westholme, Hodgson Lane.
No objections

Ref: 25/00880/TPO – Fell 1no. Rowan tree protected by Tree Preservation Order no. 2/1991 at Scagglethorpe House, Westfield Lane, YO26 6EB.
No objections but request that the tree is replaced with a similar British-sourced native tree.
Notice to excavate near the base of a pole on an already existing duct O/S Sycamore Cottage, The Green, Upper Poppleton, York, YO26 6DF in the Grass Verge
No objections

(b) To note Local Authority Planning Decisions
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had approved the following applications: –

• Ref: 25/00154/TCA – Crown reduce 4 no. Willow and Maple trees by 50%; Crown reduce 1no. Maple tree by 50%; Crown reduce 1no. Beech tree by 50% – tree works in a Conservation Area at Bloomsbury House, Main Street, YO26 6EL.

• Ref: 25/00212/FUL – Erection of a greenhouse to side elevation at Barns Cottage, Black Dykes Lane, YO26 6PT.

• Ref: 25/00340/TCA – Pollard 1no. Holly and 1no. Hawthorn to approximately 2 metres; Crown reduce 1no. Copper Beech by 15-20%, crown thin by 10%, and crown lift to 5m; Crown reduce by 10% and Crown thin by 20%.1no. Crimson King Maple – tree works as a Conservation Area at Barns Cottage, Black Dykes Lane, YO26 6PT.
• Ref: 25/00387/TCA – Fell 1no. Pine tree in a Conservation Area at 50 Long Ridge Lane, YO26 6HA.

• Ref: 25/00421/FUL – Single-storey rear extension and changes to fenestration to side elevation at Sycamore Lodge, Westview Close, YO26 6BE.

• Ref: 25/00507/FUL – Single storey rear extension and reconstruction of existing garage and carport at 33 Station Road, YO26 6PX.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had refused the following applications: –

• Ref: 24/00804/FUL – Erection of 1no. detached dwelling to side at 13 Bankside Close, YO26 6LH.

• Ref: 24/01648/FUL – Single and two storey extension after removal of outbuildings at RCCG Hope Centre, Redemption House, Northfield Lane.

25.098 – 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 12 May 2025.
The bank balances on 12 May were: –
Current Account £100.00
Business Money Manager Account £69,490.01

(b) To note accounts for payment (net of VAT);
5 BP YLCA Annual subscription £663.00
6 DD EDF Guild hut electricity – March £9.03
7 BP Vibrant Transformation Seat repairs and bollard restored £618.57

8 BP YLCA Councillor Catterick course £10.00
9 BP Poppleton Community Trust Room hire 14 April £28.00
10 BP Sleightholm Landscapes Grass cutting per contract £765.00
11 BP Information Commissioner Annual charge £47.00
12 CHG HSBC Bank charges – Mar/Apr £10.00
13 BP DD Home Services Collingwood car park hedge £112.00
14 BP Bob Wood (Solopress) Song sheets £80.56
15 BP James Mackman Salary – May £653.21
16 BP HMRC Income tax & Employers NI – May £223.11
17 BP James Mackman Expenses £6.00

(c) To receive a report on income received
HMRC VAT refund £125.56
City of York Council First half-year’s precept £23,000.00
Allotment tenants Allotment rents £33.59

(d) To review the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations
It was agreed to defer the review for the time being.

(e) To agree the Annual Governance Statement on the Annual Return
The Councillors, having previously been given a copy of the Annual Governance Statement of the Annual Return, agreed that all the questions could be answered with a “yes”. The Chairman and Clerk signed the form.

(f) To agree the Statement of Accounts on the Annual Return
Prior to the meeting the Clerk had given all Councillors a copy of the Annual Return and the paperwork supporting the entries. The Councillors agreed to accept the Annual Return and the Chairman and the Clerk signed the form.

(g) To agree to release the £750.00 provided in the 2025-26 budget for the Millennium Green Trust
This was agreed

(h) To agree to release the £6,000.00 provided in the 2025-26 budget for the Poppleton Community Trust
This was agreed

(i) To renew the Parish Council’s insurance with Zurich (year three of a three-year deal)
This was agreed. (Action Clerk)

25.099 – TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO THE VILLAGE GREENS, ALLOTMENTS AND GUILD HUT
(a) Trees: –
i. The amended tree policy
The Councillors accepted the updated tree policy.

ii. Replacement of trees in Blairgowrie
No further news on this subject.

(b) Biodiversity
No report.

(d) Maintenance including: –
i. Replacing the pump at the corner of Lime Garth
The Clerk reported that the York Civic Trust had written to say that on this occasion it would not be making a grant. It was agreed that the contractors for the concrete base and the replacement pump be asked to carry out the work. (Action Clerk)

ii. Resurfacing the Lord Collingwood car park
The Clerk reported that two quotations for the work had now been received. It was agreed that a third quotation be sought. (Action Clerk)

iii. The mole problem on Chantry Green
Councillor Clark reported that the scouts are going to put some coffee grounds in the ground on 21st and 22nd May in an endeavour to deter the moles.

(e) Allotments
No news on this subject.

(f) Guild Hut
No news on this subject

25.100 – TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO TRAFFIC, HIGHWAYS, FOOTPATHS, LAMPPOSTS & SIGNS
(a) Reports on vandalism
None.

(b) Traffic issues in Upper Poppleton
It was noted that the petition on social media is still attracting signatures.

(c) To receive other reports
It was reported that one end of the trunk of the tree that fell over by the tennis courts is obstructing the pavement by the entrance to the Community Centre. The City Council is to be asked to remove the tree trunk. (Action Clerk)

25.101 – 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.

25.102 TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS IN CREATING ONE PARISH COUNCIL FOR POPPLETON
Councillor Lawrence had sent a note to say that he was still awaiting a proper response to his mail to the City Council on 4th April.
It was agreed that the Clerk write to Ian Floyd, the City Council’s Chief Operating Officer, to ask that the City Council reply to Councillor Lawrence’s email. (Action Clerk)

25.103 – TO CONSIDER RESPONDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL’S CLEAN AIR ACT SMOKE CONTROL AREA CONSULTATION
It was agreed that the City Council be advised that the Parish Council considers the imposition of a smoke-controlled area is unnecessary with the village being in a rural environment. (Action Clerk)

25.104 – TO RECEIVE COMMITTEES’ REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS
(a) Biodiversity Working Group
Councillor Tomlinson reported that a working party is going to pick Himalayan Balsam on the riverbank in Nether Poppleton to encourage the growth of the tansy plants.

(b) Listed Buildings Working Group
No report.

(d) Poppleton Community Trust
No report.

(e) VE-Day Celebrations – 8th May 2025
It was reported that there had been a good turnout for the event and positive feedback had been received. Councillors Clark and Robson were thanked for their input into organising the event.

(f) Village Show
Councillor Johnson reported that 90 potato tubers had been given out.

(g) Village Traffic Working Group
No report.

(h) YLCA York Branch
No report.

(i) Youth Club
Councillor Hook reported that the committee is to meet on 27 May.

(j) Any other meeting
None.

25.105 – TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON VILLAGE POLICING
Prior to the meeting the Clerk had forwarded the incidents reported to the police for April. The report was noted.

25.106 – TO NOTE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
25.106.1 – It was noted that the correspondence received since the April meeting, as listed below, had already been circulated to the Councillors.
(a) CYC – Smoke Control Area Consultation
(b) Howard Groundworks & Construction – Collingwood car park estimate
(c) Open Spaces Society eZine – April 2025
(d) Resident – Email about a skate park in the football field
(e) YLCA – Note of York Branch AGM 5 June

(f) YLCA – White Rose Weekly Bulletins

25.106.2 – The Clerk referred to the following items of correspondence received since the April Parish Council meeting
(a) M Group – Posts installation query
(b) Resident – Hodgson Lane pole replacement
(c) Resident – Need to water new Collingwood whips
(d) The Pensions Regulator – Re-enrolment duties tool

25.107 – TO NOTE FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
Date of Meeting – Meeting – Venue/ Time – Councillors Attending
15 May Poppleton Community Trust Executive Poppleton Centre/ 7.00pm Hall
27 May Poppleton Youth Action Group 15 Bankside Close/ 8.00pm Clark, Hook
5 Jun YLCA York Branch Dunnington Reading Rooms/ 7.00pm Catterick
12 Jun Biodiversity Group TBA/ 7.00pm Tomlinson, Hall, Johnson, Scruton

25.108 – TO CONSIDER MINOR MATTERS
None.

25.109 – TO CONSIDER NEW ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
(a)The Parish Council’s response to unauthorised changes in the Conservation Area.
(b) A request for a skateboard park on the Community Centre playing field

25.110 – TO AGREE THE DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting be held at 7.00pm on Monday 9th June 2025.

There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.58pm.

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/