March 08 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: March 2008

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 11th March 2008 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. T Rodda – Vice Chair

Councillors L. Anderson, R.J. Bowler, M. Bowler, D. Bratt, C.P. Cooper,

J.E. Dixon, R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

PCSO – B. Perry

Derbyshire Times Reporter

CHAD Reporter

7 Members of the Public

Open Forum

A series of questions were asked by members of the Bolsover Allotment Association concerning the proposed sale of surplus allotment land. Answers to the various questions asked were provided by the Town Clerk.

In addition the Vice-Chair agreed to provide, via the Association Secretary, a copy of the newly formed Allotment Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Information was also provided in respect of the Committee’s proposed programme of allotment site visits etc.

106.Apologies for absence

Councillor T. Bennett

107.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, verbal instructions and the need for Members to register interests related to the formal requirement of the Standards Board ‘Code of Conduct’ document.

Members made a formal declaration of interest in respect of the items agended.

108.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2008 be approved as a true record.

ResolvedThe minutes were approved as a true record.

109.Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

110.Police Matters

Members asked a series of questions as follows, the first matter was also a matter of concern to a member of the public who was in attendance.

(1)Parking on pavement and verges, allegedly by District Council vehicles. A further question regarding the need for the police to contact the Council with regard to the parking situation.

The PCSO present promised to check on the situation and the liaison with the District Council to date.

(2)Progress made in respect of the petition and letter received from local residents expressing concerns regarding the Back Hills.

The Officer advised that the Police were struggling to cope with issues at this location especially near Surprise View and also at Hornscroft Park. The Officer further advised that the areas were to be targeted given that between 30 to 50 persons were contributing to the situations arising.

A further question was asked in respect of Police Officers’ direct liaison with the petitioners. The PCSO advised that P.C. Graham, Community Officer, had made contact but previously only four incidents had been reported. The Officer had confirmed that the police were to give priority to the matter.

In addition the issue and use of residents’ diary sheets was queried. The PCSO commented that he was unaware if recording sheets had been issued.

The Officer added that the age range of the persons involved was 12 to 20 years and that no suppliers of alcohol had been established.

(3)Parking – New Street and Hill Top Road

The Officer again promised that the situation would be looked at. It was observed, that vehicles were causing wheel chair users problems, obstructing bus stops and parking too close to junctions. On occasions it was thought likely that “blue light” vehicles may not be able to easily pass.

The Officer provided detailed crime statistics, advising that January crimes had decreased on the previous month, to 69. February saw a further decrease to 54; the month saw no crimes in the hate category.

The Officer commented on the registering of key individual people who could register on a “KINGS NETWORK”. Such individuals could then broadcast to a wide network of other persons. Registration forms were issued to all members of the Council.

It was considered that the system was useful and that people would be interested in registering. It was also observed that overall the Beat Team Strategy seemed to be ‘doing its job’, coupled with an assurance that ASBO’s were being dealt with in a proactive manner.

Finally the Officer commented that the use of the KINGS LIST would favour priorities based on the needs of the community who could further influence priority changes.

ResolvedThe Town Clerk register on behalf of the Council.

111.Town Clerk’s Report (February 2008)

1.Henton Memorial Hall

1.1Playing Field

The Clerk provided an update on the land collapse and the Coal Authorities acceptance of the situation.

ResolvedThe report be received.

1.2Community Survey by CVP

No discussion – see March Agenda.

2.Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk referred to the possible development of the facilities in partnership with Acres Incorporated.

Resolved The Clerk work in partnership with Acres Incorporated to enhance I.T. and other training opportunities.

3.Hornscroft Park

No discussion – see March Agenda.

4.Play Area Capital Refurbishment – Consultation Model

The Clerk outlined a model for engaging with Bolsover Schools in conjunction with Friends of Bolsover Parks and SMP, the Council’s playground partner.

ResolvedThe Model be adopted and developed as appropriate.

5.Christmas Festival

The Clerk provided an update of the various Festival Committee’s progress actions, including involvement of the Tourism Students based at Chesterfield College.

ResolvedThe report be received.

6.Back Hills

No discussion – see March Agenda.

7.Dog Fouling – Request for Funding

The Clerk referred to a letter received from the District Council’s Environmental Health Department in respect of a possible £100 contribution to purchase scoop bags for free community issue.

ResolvedThe District Council be advised that no financial contribution is possible and a detailed analysis be provided of the Council’s concerns and contributions to addressing the problem.

8.Planning Consultations

The Clerk referred to the proposed service changes.

ResolvedThe Changes and future use of the internet be noted.

9.Incidents

No discussion – see March Agenda.

Town Clerk’s Report – March 2008

1.Market Square Development

The Town Clerk advised that the developer had indicated a late March start date.

However, it would appear that a meeting with the adjoining building owner had been scheduled to take place to address his outstanding concerns, including an alleged “right to light”.

ResolvedThe situation be noted.

2.Hornscroft Play Area Refurbishment Scheme

The Town Clerk advised that the new play area was now complete apart from snagging works. It was proposed that a formal opening ceremony be held in the early part of April.

The Clerk also commented on the use of the area by teenage alcohol drinkers, despite the park’s alcohol control zone status. In addition that the Manager of the Parish Rooms had expressed the Church’s related concerns.

The Clerk referred to damage to the hedge and the Parish Rooms' boundary fence, which had in turn received some emergency repair attention from the Church Authority.

Councillor M. Bowler and R. Reed declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved(1)In consultation with the Friends of Bolsover Parks, a formal opening ceremony be held in early April

(2)The proposed action of the Police to control the drinking situation be monitored and the Police be involved further, based on how matters developed.

(3)The Council install a further gate linking the grounds of the Parish Rooms, in-keeping with the Church Authorities’ request.

(4)The Council be advised further on any fencing concerns.

3.Orchard View, Carr Vale Land Sale

The Town Clerk advised that the original purchaser had now withdrawn from the sale; however, the Council’s Land Agent had subsequently found a new developer who had promised to submit a planning application by the 19th March 2008.

ResolvedThe change of developer and their intended application date be noted.

4.Henton Memorial Hall

The town Clerk referred to a recent community survey and the possibility of investigating grant funding to improve the building’s roof, walls and insulation.

Resolved(1)A Management Committee meeting be arranged to discuss the outcome of the survey and future Hall possibilities.

(2)C.V.P. continue to be involved in both funding and community developments.

5.Back Hills Rights of Way Concerns

The Town Clerk provided an update on the County Council’s intention to address some of the residents’ concerns, promising that a metal Kissingate would be installed in the new financial year.

ResolvedThe County Council promised action be noted.

6.Bentinck Play Area

The Town Clerk advised that orders had now been placed to install three picnic tables and that the Council’s Playground Partners had been asked to advise what additional equipment could be provided in consultation with members of the community.

ResolvedThe expenditure of the £5,000 provided by UK Coal, in-keeping with the community’s views be noted. The new equipment be installed in-keeping with the Council’s future play area equipment investment intentions.

7.Cemetery

The Town Clerk advised that it was now appropriate to consider the cemetery’s future paths and roadways’ needs.

Resolved(1)That each existing and new grave section be served by a linking path(s), in strict compliance with the requirements of the D.D. Act 2001.

(2)Only one central roadway be constructed, linked to the existing roundabout with one turning head sited at the extent of the southern boundary of the cemetery site.

(3)Suitable budgetary provision be made to achieve the proposed infrastructure layout over the coming year.

8.Reintroduction of Scouting to Bolsover

The Town Clerk referred to an approach received from the Group Leader of the proposed Bolsover Scout Group.

Resolved(1)The Town Clerk provide all possible publicity help for the proposed Group.

(2)The Clerk meet with the Group leader as appropriate.

(3)The Clerk ensure that all appropriate procedural assurances are in place with regard to the use of Council premises.

9.Private Access Road to the Council’s Depot, Off Hill Top

The Town Clerk referred to an email received from Marstons Pub Company in respect of the poor condition of the private access road which serves the Public House, the Depot and Sherwood Lodge Grounds.

Resolved(1)The Clerk write to the Bolsover District Council informing them that the Council considers them to be responsible for any necessary repairs.

(2)The Clerk advise Marstons Pub Company accordingly.

10.Incidents

The Clerk referred to the incidents report for the month of February.

ResolvedThe report be received.

112.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

The Council’s representative advised that there was no outcomes from the February meeting.

ResolvedThe situation be noted.

113.Town Centre Management Group

No further meetings have been held.

114.Correspondence Received

The Clerk referred to items of correspondence received and drew attention to both the February and March correspondence received.

February 2008

3.Letter and literature received from the Audit Commission in respect of charges and ‘additional testing’.

ResolvedThe details be noted.

9.Letter and information received from Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre regarding a Section 137 application.

ResolvedThe applicant be advised that a Section 137 donation would not be granted.

11.Letter and literature received from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre.

Resolved(1)A Section 137 donation of £100 be made.

(2)The organisation be offered free use of Room 2, Bainbridge Hall.

March 2008

1.Letter from the British Wrestling Association regarding the use of Bainbridge Hall and the Club’s achievements.

ResolvedThe letter be noted.

3.Letter and detailed constitution arrangements received from DALC.

ResolvedThe constitution and representation provisions be noted.

4.Letter from Bolsover District Council referring to the withdrawal of hard copy agenda and minutes.

ResolvedThe District Council use of the internet be noted.

9.Letter from Bolsover District Council referring to the next meeting of the Local Forum.

ResolvedThe 23rd April, 6.30pm meeting date be noted.

10.C.V.P. Compact Development Group Agenda to be held on 13th March desirest of having “more Parish Council’s on board”.

ResolvedThe date be noted.

Additional

The Clerk circulated the additional correspondence and drew attention to:-

15.An undated letter sent to the Leader of Bolsover District Council by the Headteacher of the school drawing attention to a number of issues.

ResolvedThe Clerk liaise with the Headteacher and provide any appropriate assistance possible to address the issues raised at no financial cost to the Council.

115.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.

The February planning applications were not discussed.

March 2008

1.08/00036/FULErection of dwelling with dormer windows to the rear and roof lights to front to serve first floor on Land to the Rear of 205 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by S. Topple

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council.

2.08/00059/FULErection of 1 pair, two storey semi detached dwellings with single detached garages plus additional parking provision of 2 spaces for No 80 all with vehicular access from Bathurst Road on Land Adjacent to 80 Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale by Mrs Trantham

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council.

3.08/00069/RETRORetention of wall to front of 75B Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale

by Mr Daniel McAlister

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council.

4.08/00101/FULChange of use from post office to living accommodation, alteration to windows and re-siting of door by Mr and Mrs Gooding

ResolvedNo objections.

Additional Planning Applications

5.08/00124/SCOPEScoping report for industrial and warehouse development on Land formally known as Coalite on North and South side of Buttermilk Lane, Bolsover by Michael Sparks Associates

Councillor J Dixon declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedThe matter be noted and left to the District Council.

6.08/00130/FULConversion and extension of barn to form three storey dwelling (third floor in roof space) at Nunnery Farm, Chesterfield Road, Shuttlewood

by Philip Deakin.

ResolvedNo objections

7.08/00134/FULReplacement of outbuilding with utility room at School House, Whaley Road, Whaley by Kevin Clarke & Joan Dixon

Councillor R. Bowler and J Woodhead declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

Councillor J. Dixon declared a Level 2 interest in this matter.

ResolvedThe Council make no comment.

8.08/00137/LBCSingle storey extension to side of St Mary’s House, Castle Street, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Bradley

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council.

116.Allotment Committee

The Council were advised that an initial meeting had taken place and that an allotment site visit plan had been decided.

117.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting

No minutes had been received by the Council.