November 06

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: November 2006

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 14th November 2006 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:Councillor Rodda - Chair

Councillors T Bennett, R. Bowler, K. Bowman,

D. Bratt, C.P. Cooper, K. Dudhill, J Woodhead

In attendance:D Kee – Town Clerk

CHAD Reporter

2 Police Officers

Open Forum

The Chair explained that the Open Forum gave members of the public an opportunity to comment on items which are on the agenda or any other relevant item.

62.Apologies for absence

Councillor L. Anderson, J Dixon

63.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.

64.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2006 were presented as circulated.

Resolved(1)That the above minutes be accepted as a true record.

(2)Minutes Item 7 be referred into committee for further discussion associated with in Committee Agenda Item 2.

65.Matters Arising

Item 46(1)The situation in the Sandhills area has been also investigated via the CANN Rangers.

Item 46(2)It was confirmed that a purchase order had been placed for the Portland Crescent fence by Bolsover District Council

(4)The actions of the police in respect of found items have also been raised with the Police Consultative Group. It was confirmed that the group promised to ascertain an answer in respect of this matter.

66.Police Matters

Given the absence of police representation on a number of occasions.

ResolvedThe Clerk write to the Chief Constable to make aware of the Council's disquiet and the need for police attendance in future.

Two Police Officers attended the meeting late and with the permission of the Chair the meeting returned to the item agended.

(1)The police were asked about the widespread level of break-ins in the Bolsover area. The Constable advised that to his knowledge there had only been two break-ins and that no direct links between these incidents had been established. Further the Officers advised that the Chesterfield C.I.D. team were investigating all instances of break-ins therefore local knowledge was limited.

The Officer also advised that at present the 'new' computer system does not allow information for parish/town Councils to be collected and made available.

(2)The Officers were asked if the properties burgled were as a consequence of opportunist events and if any properties were alarmed.

The Constable advised that he was not in possession of these details.

(3)The Constables were advised that in the interest of good and best communication practice the Clerk required the details of the new arrangements given the departure of the Inspector and Beat Manager.

The Officer referred to persons being off sick and on restricted duties and the intention of the new Inspector, Wendy Smedley, to "re jig" things. The Constable advised that beats had still to be sorted out.

(4)The Officers were questioned about continuing incidents at Laburnum Close and Horsehead Lane.

The Constable confirmed that incidents were still being reported, with Civilian Officers attending, removing drinks from underage drinkers. Apart from this information the Officer advised he had only limited knowledge and was unaware of any incidents in the last couple of weeks.

(5)The Constables were asked about incidents occurring in the area of the new school playgrounds.

The Officers confirmed these were less than those previously referred to.

(6)The Officers provided details of 39 crimes recorded in October 2006. No knowledge of detection or the number of arrests made were known.

Further questions were asked regarding the number of assaults, given the figure of 17 incidents quoted.

The Constable advised that normally these were drink related but he was unable to be specific about this or underage drinking.

He promised to establish a clearer definition and to request the attendance of the Inspector at the next meeting.

Resolved(1)The Constables be thanked for the information provided.

(2)The Clerk write to Inspector Wendy Smedley welcoming her to the position and requesting answers to a number of questions including attendance and communication with the Council issues. Further that the proposed letter to the Chief Constable be held in abeyance until the information sought is received.

67. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)The Cenotaph and Market Place

The Clerk confirmed that a letter had now been sent to businesses and known users of the Cenotaph area and that a copy of the letter was in the Council's possession. The Clerk referred to the complications of police enforcement of parking issues given the latest statements received in respect of this subject.

Resolved

(1)The report be noted.

(2)The District Council's Leisure Services Officer be asked to comment on the contradiction between Derbyshire County Council's letter, use of the area for the Fireworks' Weekend and the impact on local businesses.

(3)Information be sought via the Police Consultative Committee representative regarding the number of parking tickets issued for the area.

(2)Police Matters

The Clerk referred to previous discussions under police matters and the need for clarity of information from the appointed inspector regarding future communications and liaison.

ResolvedConfirmed the local Station Inspector be written to detailing the Council's concerns. The Inspector be invited to attend the Town Hall and a future Council meeting.

(3)Assembly Hall

The Clerk confirmed the Trustees' satisfaction with the joint operating agreement and their consequential investment in a redecoration programme. The impact of the security and CCTV arrangements were also referred to.

A complaint received from a neighbouring property resulting in some remedial retaining wall works was outlined.

Resolved

(1)The joint operating agreement be reviewed again in January 2008.

(2)The favourable results from investment in CCTV and security arrangements be noted.

(3)The works to investigate the boundary wall and any possible affects on a neighbouring property be approved.

(4)Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk referred to the possible expansion of the Citizens' Advice Bureau into Room 5, based upon a financial contribution towards fire escape and security works.

The Clerk outlined the action taken to remove ex youth club equipment, held in storage since

May 05, to facilitate Cyber Café expansion, and the need for redecoration. In addition the Clerk referred to the Community Event to be held on Saturday 2nd December to which all members had been invited.

Resolved

(1)The possible expansion of the Citizens' Advise Bureau service to room 5 be noted.

(2)The Management Committee's efforts to resolve youth club equipment storage be supported and the room be redecorated at an estimated cost of £800.

(3)The date and time of the Community Event Day be noted.

(5)LSP Officer Sub Group

The Clerk referred to a paper circulated by DALC from the Chief Executive, Bolsover District Council outlining a suggested way forward within the specific development proposals.

ResolvedThe Clerk attend the initial officer meeting planned to take place at Tibshelf Village Hall on 23rd November 2006 at 6pm and update the Council in respect of the proposals made.

(6)Winter Festival

The Clerk referred to the range of activities and events planned for the day. In addition an indication received from English Heritage that the free admission day usually offered in conjunction with the event would not be made available on a corresponding week-end in 2007, because of a nationwide Christmas Event programme.

Also the Clerk referred to an indication from English Heritage that they may wish to hire Dykes Field for a large event in May 2007.

Resolved

(1)The activities planned for the Winter Festival Celebrations Day, Saturday 25th November be noted.

(2)The withdrawal of a free day to coincide with the normal winter festival date be made known to the Winter Festival Committee.

(3)The hire of Dykes Field for large event parking by English Heritage be offered on terms in-keeping with the Food and Drink Fair.

(7)District Council - Business Community

The Clerk referred to an approach received from the District Council's Head of Regeneration regarding the possible use of the Assembly Hall, Bainbridge Hall or the Town Hall in the event of any disruptive incident at Sherwood Lodge.

ResolvedUse of the Council's Hall facilities be supported subject to the acknowledgement and approval of the Assembly Hall Trustees and Bainbridge Hall Management Committee.

(8)Safety Inspection - Street Furniture

The Clerk outlined the measures taken to secure a three way agreement to inspect overhead street furniture.

Councillor Woodhead Declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

Resolved

The Clerk attend any meeting arrangements with a view to securing a tripartite agreement of inspections. Such an agreement to be in-keeping with the existing cost structure.

(9)Cundy Road Development

The Clerk outlined the progress made to date, the possible land ownership complications and the likely timescale for a planning application.

Resolved

The report be noted and any associated land ownership issues pursued as appropriate in conjunction with the Council's Solicitor.

(10) Hornscroft "Beacon" Park Development

The Clerk detailed the efforts of the partnership group, the funding secured, consultants' practical development meetings planned and the withdrawal of the church authorities from direct partnership involvement.

The Clerk also referred to the popularity of the Friends' Group and visit planned to Matlock and Chesterfield Parks on the 23rd November 2006.

Resolved

(1)The funding position and the arrangements for consultation meetings be noted.

(2)The Clerk and Chair meet with Church Authority Representatives to establish their position and the best way forward.

(3)The activities of the Friends' Group be supported.

(11) Playground Partnership

The Clerk confirmed the progress made in taking up membership of a three year partnership and the appointment of SMP as preferred supplier, subject to references.

Resolved

(1)The Council take up all benefits offered by the formal partnership agreement arrangements to be operated in conjunction with Bolsover District Council.

(2)SMP be invited to look at various Council play sites as and when appropriate to gain maximum benefit based upon funding availability.

(12) Bolsover District's Local Development Framework Core Strategy Planning Document Preferred Option Parish Council Meetings

The Clerk referred to the District Council's development of a core strategy planning document and a series of public meetings. The Clerk confirmed the Assembly Hall meeting date 15th November and the overall consultation period.

ResolvedA Special Meeting be arranged to explore the various options and accordingly advise the District Council of the outcomes and opinions reached.

(13) Market Place Development

The Clerk referred to an initial meeting planned with the developers and their solicitors on Friday 17th November. The Clerk indicated the likely timescale of the development.

Resolved

(1)The Clerk establish the developers' thinking in relationship to any possible lease arrangements.

(2)The Clerk liaise with the District Council to establish their preferred way forward in respect of a joint lease.

(3)The Council be updated accordingly in respect of all suggested arrangements.

(14)Registration of Council Land

The Clerk outlined the discussions held with the Council's Solicitor and the need to establish Council holding land values.

Resolved

(1)The Clerk negotiate further with the Council's Solicitor suitable registration arrangements based upon a revised, reduced quotation.

(2)The Council discuss further the necessary budgetary provisions for 2007/2008 financial year

(15) Castle Fields

The Clerk referred to concerns expressed by Bolsover Conservation Area Partnership in respect of self set trees obscuring views of the Castle.

ResolvedThe Clerk liaise with the District Council's nominated officer to establish a programme of tree works based upon the securing of appropriate funds. Such funds be used to undertake a programme of specialist tree works.

(16) Incidents

The Clerk referred to the record of incidents for the period 1st October to 31st October 2006.

ResolvedThe report be noted.

68.Town Centre Management Group

The Clerk referred to an approach from the District Council to use the Management Group as a forum for receiving a 50% capital funding contribution.

The Clerk also advised on the establishment of a Market Town Development Officer post, via the Market Town Alliance Programme. In addition the availability of £30,000 for brighter businesses.

Based upon approaches made to the Chief Executive, Bolsover District Council, the Clerk confirmed that the group would be supported by the attendance of an Officer from the District Council.

Resolved

(1)The use of the group to receive funding monies, under the control of the District Council be approved.

(2)The Clerk be supported in forming a working relationship and possible funding advice service with the Market Town Development Officer.

(3)The availability of brighter business funding be noted.

(4)The attendance of a District Council Officer at future meetings be noted.

69.Correspondence Received

The Clerk referred to the items of correspondence and drew attention to:-

1.DALC Circular 39/2006 and Appendix III.

ResolvedThe Council respond positively to the proposals and suggestions contained in the White Paper.

2.Refusal of Planning Permission.

The Clerk advised the Council's objections were confirmed in the District Council's refusal notice(s).

ResolvedThe position be noted.

3.Letter from Countryside alliance regarding the closure of rural Post Offices.

ResolvedA letter be sent to the Member of Parliament responsible for Post Office functions in opposition to any further closures.

4.Additional Items of Correspondence

4.1Letter from the Local Martial Arts Wond Tong Soo Do Association requesting a donation towards the cost of safety mats.

ResolvedA letter be sent explaining why a donation would not be made.

4.2Email from Councillor J Dixon - Derbyshire County Council regarding LEA School Governor vacancies.

ResolvedMembers contact the School Governors Office, County Hall to register their availability as appropriate.

Other Additional Items - not referred to:

5.Chesterfield Law Centre Annual Report

6.Derbyshire Constabulary Final Merger Consultation Report.

70.Planning

Councillor T Rodda, Chair, advised that as a member of the Planning Committee, Bolsover District Council, he intended not to comment on any planning applications.

1.06/00616/FULErection of single storey extension to rear, formation of dormer to rear and bow windows to front of 33 Chesterfield Road, Shuttlewood by G A Roe and R J Finch

ResolvedNo objections

2.06/00663/FULSingle storey extension to front of Friendly Family Surgery, Welbeck Road, Bolsover by Dr M Strelley

ResolvedNo objections

3.06/00669/OUTErection of single storey dwelling with detached garage with access from Nursery Drive Garden land to the rear of Hacienda, Station Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Stothard

Councillor Bennett Declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

ResolvedNo objections subject to satisfactory access being established.

4.06/00680/RETROTo erect a conservatory to the rear of 52 Bainbridge Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs D A Fullylove

Councillor Bowman Declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

ResolvedNo objections

5.06/00686/FULTwo storey extension to rear and creation of vehicular access to front of 6 Portland Avenue, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Lucas

ResolvedNo objections

6.06/00690/FULErection of 2 three storey (second storey in roof space) dwellings and garages at 181 Hill Top, Bolsover by T S B Development Bolsover Ltd

Councillor Bennett Declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

ResolvedThe Council object on the grounds of the proposed design impact on the environment and look of the area being out of keeping with adjoining properties.

7.06/00698/FULChange of use to bridal shop and installation of new shop front at 9 Station Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Pearson

ResolvedNo objections

8.06/00706/FULSingle Storey extension to rear and two storey extension to side (second storey in roof) at 88 Moor Lane, Bolsover by Mr David Rooke

ResolvedNo objections

9.06/00708/FULSingle storey extension to rear of 17 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Hawkins

Councillor Bennett Declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

ResolvedNo objections

10.06/00709/NCOErection for a temporary period of 1 year of a concrete batching plant (06/01221/TP) at Coalite Smokeless Fuels, Buttermilk Lane, Duckmanton by Tarmac Ltd

ResolvedThe Council object on the following grounds:

(1)The proposed plant will further contaminate and prejudice use and clear up of the site for an extended period.

(2)The proposed plant does not provide satisfactory safeguards in respect of spillage, incident or other event.

(3)The proposed plant does not provide a satisfactory safeguarding of the nearby river and other natural watercourse.

(4)The access routes will be damaged by the use of heavy, continuous vehicular traffic.

(5)The proposed plant will create dust and general contamination, the application demonstrates no proposal to satisfactorily contain such nuisance or hazards.

11.06/00710/FULErection of a garage to rear (off Bathurst Road) 46 Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale by Ms K Ramsdale

ResolvedNo objections.

12.06/00717/FULTwo storey extension to side and detached garage to rear of 2 Conduit Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Short

ResolvedNo objections.

13.06/00719/TPOCrown reduction by 30% of tree at 44 Portland Avenue, Bolsover by M A Weaver and J M Ebbage

ResolvedThe Council object on the following grounds:

(1)The TPO works are not property defined in-keeping with the requirements of the act and

(2)That no specialist advice is evidenced in the application.

14.CD5/1006/114Proposed external lighting scheme consisting of 18 No. lighting columns, Bolsover C E Junior School, Horsehead Lane, Bolsover for Derbyshire County Council

ResolvedNo objections.

With the permission of the Chair one additional application was discussed.

15.06/00726/FULResurface existing drive, lay filter drain to water course and mark out car parking bays including two disabled bays. N.E.D.H.A, the Old Vicarage, High Street, Bolsover by D.M. Health Trust.

ResolvedNo objections.

CHAIR