Council meeting minutes: December 2007
Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council
Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday11th December 2007 at the Town Hall,
Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield
Present:
Coun. T. Bennett - Chair
Councillors L. Anderson, R.J. Bowler, M. Bowler, D. Bratt, C.P. Cooper,
R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead
In attendance:
D Kee – Town Clerk
PCSO Ben Parry
Derbyshire Times Reporter
6 Members of the Public
The Chair accepted items 1 (84) and 2 (85) before the Open Forum.
84.Apologies for absence
Councillor J Dixon.
85.Members’ Interests
Members were reminded by the Chair of the need to complete and keep up to date the Register in-keeping with the Town Clerk's letter and verbal instructions.
The Clerk provided an explanation of the need for Members to register interests related to the formal requirement of the Standards Board ‘Code of Conduct’ document.
Open Forum
Members of the Bolsover Allotment Association attended. The Acting Chair asked a series of questions regarding the Oxcroft Lane proposed sale site which were answered by the Town Clerk.
The Clerk was provided with a written list of questions which the Chair indicated would be answered before Christmas. The Clerk also advised that the Freedom of Information Act 2000 request received would, it was intended, be answered within the next few days. In addition the Clerk promised to send copies of the previous answers given, apparently not received by the Association Secretary!
The Chair formally thanked the Town Clerk for all of his efforts in respect of the Christmas Festival event which had taken place on Saturday 1st December 2007. Members gave a round of applause and the Town Clerk thanked the members for the appreciation shown.
86.Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 13th November 2007 be approved as a true record.
ResolvedThe minutes be accepted as a true record.
87.Matters Arising
Page 72, item 82.2 Minutes of the Bainbridge Hall Management Committee, item 2.
It was proposed that a letter of congratulations be sent to the Committee Treasurer in respect of the gaining of an Excellence in the Community Award.
ResolvedA letter of congratulations be sent reflecting the 30 year plus of service as a volunteer and organiser of community meetings, events and user groups.
88.Police Matters
The PCSO referred to two “crackdown days” conducted on the Castle Estate. The Officer advised that every house had been visited accompanied by a representative from Severn Trent Water and the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Both free intruder alert and smoke alarms were issued to residents and the whole scheme had been publicised by means of a press release. One outcome had been three arrests, two of which were drug related.
The Officer advised that reported crimes had increased to 73 which were associated with criminal damage reports, many associated with domestic disputes. Burglaries “non dwelling” had also increased and as a consequence the CANN Ranger Team were now active in looking at the need for shed and garage alarms. In addition, with a view to crime reduction, a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is being promoted. The Officer shared publicity leaflets with Members and the Council. It was planned to set up at least six new schemes with a view to making a positive impact on crime and the encouragement of “active” watch schemes.
Questions were asked about:
(1)The increase in domestic incident reports?
The Officer advised that regular offenders were involved associated with violent abuse.
(2)The involvement of Severn Trent Representatives?
The Officer commented that these efforts were associated with bringing residents’ attention to how distraction burglaries took place.
(3)Cold Calling?
The Officer advised that signs had not been distributed but were awaited.
(4)The extent of the Castle Estate exercise?
The Officer confirmed that over 600 houses had been visited but all concentrated on the Castle Estate.
Other locations would be visited in the future, using the Beat Team or Officers from the District Council.
The Officer commented that overall things appeared to be quieter, which seemed to be supported by no Town Council incident reports.
The Beat profile now concentrated on areas identified by the public and businesses, these included the Castle, Castle Estate and Sherwood Lodge grounds.
The Officer was wished a good Christmas and left the meeting.
89.Town Clerk’s Report
(1)Hornscroft Park Play Area
The Town Clerk advised that a further an official purchase Order had now been placed to refurbish the play area. The scheme was planned to start in January 2008, being funded by a combination of Meden Valley and Section 106 monies.
Councillors R Reed and J Woodhead declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedThe start date and funding regimes be noted and the work of the Friends Group acknowledged.
(2)Bainbridge Hall
The Town Clerk drew attention to the success of the Management Committee in securing funding for items of kitchen equipment. It was hoped that all new items would be in use by the end of March 2008. In addition the Committee had also placed an advert in the Homing In Newsletter published by the District Council titled “Come on Down”. It was hoped that this would increase the number of community bookings.
ResolvedThe Management Committee’s efforts be acknowledged.
(3)Action Plan for the Community Empowerment: Building on Success
The Town Clerk referred to the document titled “An Action Plan for Community Empowerment: Building on Success”. Attention was drawn to the plan’s reference to good practice and a move towards a ‘vibrant citizens’ democracy’ as well as the allocation of £35 million over three years to fund the plan’s delivery.
Resolved(1)The report be noted.
(2)No formal comments be provided at this stage, detailed observations be made once the impact of the financial allocation and network of empowerment champions was clarified.
(4)Sustainable Communities Act 2007
The Town Clerk referred to the provisions of the Act given the thrust towards the transfer of functions and resources.
ResolvedThe Council await the Secretary of State’s further advices which are promised before the
28th October 2008.
(5)Market Place Development
The Town Clerk referred to the anticipated March 2008 start date, the provision of detailed steel work construction drawings and the planning notes affecting the adjoining property.
ResolvedThe likely development start date and associated aspects be noted.
(6)Town Hall – Electrical Services
The Town Clerk referred to the discussion to carry out the necessary electrical repair works on an urgent basis.
Resolved(1)The decision of the Chair to instruct the Council’s normal electrical contractor to carry out the necessary works be supported and Financial Regulations suspended.
(2)The cost of the works be met from reserves.
(3)The Electrical Contractors advices regarding the Health and Safety considerations be accepted, allowing these works to be carried out in January 2008.
(7)“Councillor Call for Action”
The Town Clerk referred to the LGiU report which was designed to help “frontline” councillors raise matters on the authority’s agenda on behalf of their constituents.
ResolvedThe Council look to adopt model schemes of good practice as these were developed, subject to more detailed analysis.
(8)Incidents
The Clerk outlined the incidents reported during November
ResolvedThe information be noted.
90.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership
The Council’s representatives provided feedback in respect of the meeting held on 6th December, as well as a letter received from the Community Safety Partnership (via District Councillor Murray-Carr) inviting comments on a report titled “Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Meeting 6th December.
The Council’s representative(s) view was of a more positive approach than appeared to have been apparent in the past.
A talk had been given by the Senior Environmental Health Officer on the subject of dog fouling, its cost and the expense to the District Council of managing the waste. This presentation flagged up a possible future funding question linked to a Town Council contribution?
A joint talk by Tina Glover (Junction Arts) and Steve Singleton (Head of Leisure, District Council) which focused on a district wide survey of local events, heritage, clubs and the like, linked to a March 2008 leisure and cultural event.
Richard Basset (Information Officer – Bolsover District Council) spoke about the Local Development Framework, making reference to the 8000 replies received which had been posted on the District Council’s web site. In addition a leaflet had been produced of the menu route which needed to be followed. It was observed that this required some navigation but the site was worth a visit. However a 100 page report was in the process of being prepared on the subject of housing and the green infrastructure.
In addition debate had centred on Community Safety linked to third tier authority responsibilities leading to more authority involvement and greater leadership in the community. This is turn was linked to the letter received from Councillor Murray-Carr which asked for responses by the 18th December.
Resolved(1)The Council provide a response to Councillor Murray-Carr’s letter by the date requested.
(2)The Council identify 6 priority topics, as follows, for attention:
(2.1)Vandalism.
(2.2)ASBO’s
(2.3)Violence and Assaults.
(2.4)Substance Abuse.
(2.5)Domestic and Non Domestic Burglary.
(2.6)The Fear of Crime related to the perceptions of the elderly and vulnerable.
(3) The Council’s representatives meet with the Town Clerk to discuss required developments with a view to inviting Councillor Murray-Carr to the February 2008 Council meeting.
In addition reference was made to a sum of £200,000 being made available, in March 2008, which could provide income to:-
(1)Educate Councillors to the role of the LSP.
(2)Improve internal and external Council Communications.
(3)Produce a local newsletter.
(4)Improve the leadership role of Councillors in the Community.
ResolvedCouncillors M. Reed and P. Cooper meet with the Executive Chair of the LSP to determine how funding could be applied for and the Town Clerk advised accordingly.
91.Town Centre Management Group
The Town Clerk confirmed the date and time of the next meeting, 22nd January 2008 at 6pm at the Town Hall, advising that minutes and agenda papers would be circulated in the near future.
Resolved
92.Correspondence Received
The Clerk referred to the items of correspondence and drew attention to:-
2.Letter from the Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum.
ResolvedThe Town Clerk write outlining the Council’s present Rights of Way working arrangements and local scheme inviting the Secretary to comment further on proposals for partnership working.
4.Letter from the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre requesting a Section 137 donation.
ResolvedThe Town Clerk write to the Centre’s Secretary to establish the number of children and families from the parish who benefited in 2007.
5.Letter, poster and leaflets from the Derbyshire County NHS Primary Care Trust regarding a Living with Teenagers eight week course with comprehensive parent/guardian financial attendance support to be run at Bainbridge Hall.
ResolvedThe course content and financial help be noted.
With the permission of the Chair the Town Clerk referred to the following additional items:
11.Letter and survey from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
ResolvedThe Town Clerk complete and return the survey.
12.Letter from the Secretary of State, Government Officer East Midlands referring to the Council’s request to sell allotment land at Oxcroft Lane.
Councillor T Rodda declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedThe eight week timescale be noted.
93.Planning
Councillor T Rodda, Vice-Chair, advised that as a member of the Planning Committee, Bolsover District Council, he intended not to comment on any planning applications.
1.07/00596/OUTAdditional information and/or revised plans Erection of ancillary dwelling to main residence comprising of detached bungalow at 101 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Ogden
Councillor T Bennett declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedThe Council’s previous resolution be confirmed.
2.07/00662/07/08Erection of 23 two storey dwellings (including demolition of 3 dwellings) Land including and to the rear of 88 to 92 Moor Land, Bolsover by Wellbro’ Developments Ltd
ResolvedThe Council object on the grounds of a developed estate type site creating highway access and egress concerns.
3.07/00663/07/08Re-roof 4 flats 109 Hill Top, Bolsover by Cordery Estates
ResolvedNo objections.
4.07/00665/07/08Pruning works to lime trees footpath adjacent to No 3 Hides Green, Bolsover by Bolsover District Council
Councillor R Fulleylove declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedNo objections.
5.07/00689/07/0825% Crown Reduction to a Cherry Tree at 30 Hides Green, Bolsover by Paul Lakin
ResolvedNo objections.
6.07/00695/07/08Removal of two Horse Chestnuts and the repollarding of two sycamores at Oxcroft House, Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover by P Lakin
ResolvedNo objections.
Additional Planning Applications
7.07/00624/FULErection of garage to side of 154 Chesterfield Road, Shuttlewood, Chesterfield by Ian Hurst
ResolvedNo objections.
8.07/00706/OUTMAJResidential development for 40 flats in three 5 storey blocks (two storey when viewed from Hilltop) with vehicular access from Cundy Road on land at junction of Cundy Road and Hilltop, Cundy Road, Bolsover by Hazelmere Homes (Midlands) Ltd
Councillors L Anderson, T Bennett, R Bowler, M Bowler, C.P. Cooper, R Fulleylove R Reed & M Reed declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council.
Councillor J Woodhead registered an objection to the proposed flats development and declared a Level 1 interest in this matter
9.07/00738/TCONTo remove sycamore tree, at Bolsover District Council, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover by Bolsover District Council
Councillor R Bowler declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.
ResolvedNo objections.
10.07/00740/TPOPruning of sycamore tree at 21 Cavendish Road, Bolsover by S Mosley
ResolvedNo objections.
94.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting
No minutes had been received by the Council.
94.2Minutes of Bainbridge Hall Management Committee
No minutes had been received by the Council.
94.3Henton Memorial Hall
No minutes had been received by the Council.
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