EASINGTON VILLAGE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 14TH APRIL 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillor E. Hopper (Chair) Councillors M. Bridges, M. Burn, A Huitson, J. Smith, T. Smith.
APOLOGIES: Councillor G Haddick.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillor M Routledge, PCSO R Adey.
1 POLICE MATTERS.
Police Report.
The Chair invited PCSO Adey to give the police report.. The last month had been relatively quiet, with a theft at Hawthorn Services, and four cases of criminal damage, the latter leading to 3 arrests. Air rifle incidents had been reported at Nursery Gardens and Hallfield Farm. Parking problems continued to give concern around the village. Members again raised concerns in relation to the school gate at Thorpe Road, as well as the building site at "Craigellachie".
The Chair then thanked PCSO Adey for the report, and invited her to remain in the meeting for the next item, which would be of interest to her.
2 YOUTH PROVISION.
Further to a previous decision when the council expressed a wish to attempt to do something about youth issues, Kevin Waller, Diocesan Youth Worker and Chris Milner, Youth Development Worker, Durham County Council were in attendance to address members and discuss the youth problem with them. The Chair explained that the council was concerned at a perceived lack of youth facilities, and the persistent problems of anti-social behaviour around the village, especially on Friday Evenings.
Kevin Waller commenced by explaining that his remit covered the United Benefice of St Marys Easington Village, Church of the Ascension, Easington Colliery and Holy Trinity, South Hetton. He was also involved in partnership working with Groundwork East Durham, Durham County Council, the Easington Colliery and Horden Pathfinder as well as other regeneration agencies. His work was 80% related to Easington Colliery. He was closely involved in engaging with young people on street corners, parks public houses and the Welfare Hall. He had established a "Wii" Church in an attempt to attract young people, and to try and engage young people to look at tolerance/intolerance with other groups. In particular, they were being encouraged to look at other faiths in our area, and a pilot scheme was being run involving Muslims. Any issues were identified together with Chris Milner. Various activities were taking place, with Badminton at St Mary's Hall, "Fitness for Life" sessions at "Healthworks", and pool which was sponsored by the Bishop of Durham. There had been some encouraging signs of the effects of these activities, such as higher self-esteem and healthier lifestyles.
Chris Milner then went on to describe how his team were working in the community at Horden and Easington Colliery. In addition, there was a youth worker based at the Community Science College in Easington Village. There was a proposal to create a youth room in the Welfare Hall. Regular meetings of youth workers took place. He stated that whilst many different youth activities were happening, there could be no guarantee that the problems of Friday nights would be resolved. Members expressed concern in relation to what they perceived to be under utilisation of the church hall, which they believed was constructed as a community facility. Chris Milner stated that whilst such a facility was available, young people did not necessarily want an organised youth facility. A member suggested that the hall was well used. However, other members felt that there was little evidence of advertising youth activities generally. Chris Milner went on to say that it was important to engage with young people informally through outreach workers in order to ascertain what they really needed. Attendance at the Fitness for Life activities had exceeded expectations, and parents were actively encouraged to attend management meetings.. Overall the alcohol problem was not confined to the youth age group. Members felt strongly that whilst youths frequenting the village on Friday evenings were not necessarily doing harm, there was a perception that they were, and that the numbers involved were intimidating to other residents. A message had to get across in an attempt to allay fears and for them to act in a more friendly way.
The two youth workers then undertook to take away the council's views and thoughts, and to bring back possible solutions and proposals.
The Chair then thanked the two youth workers for the information and help given, and looked forward to receiving a further report.
3. THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING - held on the 10th March 2008, a copy of which had been circulated to members, were confirmed.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
4. SEATON HOLME
(a) Roof and Parapet Repairs
The Clerk referred to the schedule of tenders previously circulated, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. The architect had examined the detail of the lowest tender and had concluded that it was correct and met the council's requirements, and would entail a contract period of 9 weeks. The Clerk went on to inform members that the tender price plus fees would wipe out the repairs fund, which to date had not been utilised. Members were of the view that it was essential that the work was done now, rather than in phases, which would be more expensive because of scaffolding costs. The financial situation would be tight but manageable, and there was still the "cushion" of the general fund balances.
RESOLVED that the tender of Wensley Roofing in the sum of £44874 be accepted and that a formal contract be entered into.
(b) Listed Building Application for Repair Work.
Further to the application for listed building consent, the planning authority had requested a Bat Survey Report. Three quotations had been sought, and as a matter of urgency, the Clerk had accepted a quotation from Dr V Howard in the sum of £300 for a risk assessment, and £350 for a full survey.
RESOLVED that the action of the Clerk be endorsed.
5. PLANNING MATTERS
AT THIS POINT COUNCILLOR M ROUTLEDGE, WHO WAS IN ATTENDANCE, DECLARED AN INTEREST IN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS BY VIRTUE OF HIS CHAIRMANSHIP IF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND LICENSING PANEL, AND LEFT THE MEETING.
(a) Planning Applications Received
Members considered the schedule of applications previously circulated, along with an application (EV249), for the erection of 3 dwellings at Rosemary Lane, between Richmond House and No 1 North Terrace. The Clerk explained, by the use of plans and other documentation, the site layout and design of the dwellings. Members were of the view that the development would contribute little to the conservation area through its modern appearance using timber cladding and aluminium features, and could not be seen as preserving or enhancing the character of the conservation area. The window styles, devoid of vertical bars were at odds with adjacent properties. Members expressed concerns that the front dwelling could restrict access in an emergency situation through limited headroom, and that there were privacy issues in relation to the balconies on the duplex and coach house dwellings, along with question marks against separation distances. In relation to car parking, members were concerned that there were only four parking spaces for three dwellings with 9 bedrooms in total. On-street parking was already limited because North Terrace had no rear access, the vehicles parking on Rosemary Lane would obscure the visibility to the west when leaving the development site, and there would be problems for vehicles entering the site from the west. Members considered that more vehicles would now park on Rosemary Lane from the development site. There was also a view that the front building would appear to dominate and would spoil the appearance of Rosemary Lane, as it would crowd what was currently a pleasant break in Rosemary Lane.
RESOLVED that the council make no objection to application EV248 for a front extension at 21 Craig Terrace, and that objection be made to application EV249 along the lines now stated.
(b) Previous Planning Applications Received- (Planning Approvals/Refusals)
Members considered the schedule previously circulated, along with the
approval for Moor House Farm, Durham Road.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
(c) The Spinney.
The Clerk reported that there was nothing to report, except to say that the independent review would be published shortly.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
AT THIS POINT, COUNCILLOR M ROUTLEDGE REJOINED THE MEETING.
6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
(a) Presentation at Shotton Hall.
Councillor T Smith, who had attended the above along with the Clerk, reported that his attendance had been worthwhile, but it was essential that the Paris Council became involved at the earliest opportunity. The Clerk stated that Parish and Town Councils would not be involved until the end of the year.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
(b) New Unitary Council Election 1st May 2008.
Members considered the information previously circulated.
RESOLVED that the information be received and noted.
7 DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAPITAL PROGRAMME.
Members considered the document previously circulated.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
8 DISTRICT OF EASINGTON.
(a) Report of Parish and Town Council's Remuneration Panel.
Members considered the report previously circulated, and were of the view that it would be inappropriate for the council to adopt the payment of the Parish Basic Allowance, and would be an unnecessary cost to bear for council taxpayers.
RESOLVED that the council do not pay Parish Basic Allowance.
(b) Procedure for Local Determination of Allegations against Councillors.
Members considered the guidance previously circulated, which set out the procedures for the local consideration of complaints concerning councillors, including those who are members of Parish Councils.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
(c) Standards Board Newsletter.
Members considered the contents of the newsletter previously circulated.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
9. CEMETERY/GROUNDS MATTERS
(a) Report of Cemetery Superintendent
Members considered the report of the Cemetery Superintendent previously circulated.
RESOLVED that the report be approved.
(b) Developers' Section 106 Contributions.
The Clerk informed members that he awaited the District Council's agreement to how the Parish Council intended to spend the developers' contributions. As soon as this was received a final schedule of requirements would be drawn up and tenders invited.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
10. FINANCE MATTERS
(a) Finance Report: Payments/Income.
Members considered the report now circulated, (a copy of which is attached to these minutes), for information and approval. The Clerk reported that Councillor Haddick had carried out the usual internal audit checks, and issued the usual certificate.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted, and that the cheques for payment be approved and signed.
(b) Applications for Financial Assistance under S137.
(i) Letters of Thanks.
The Clerk reported receipt of letters of thanks from Crimestoppers NE, and Easington Community Science College Eco Group for donations of £10 and £50 respectively. Further to the decision of the last meeting, the BSES group at the school had taken up the offer of free use of the Function Room for a Coffee Morning on Thursday 17th April between 10am and 12 noon.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
(ii) Durham Miners Heritage Group.
Members considered the request previously circulated, requesting assistance towards running costs.
RESOLVED that a donation of £10 be made.
(iii) Womens Royal Voluntary Service.
Members considered the letter previously circulated requesting financial assistance towards running costs.
RESOLVED that a donation of £10 be made.
(iv) Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Members considered the letter previously circulated, requesting financial assistance towards running costs.
RESOLVED that a donation of£10 be made.
(v) British Red Cross North East and Cumbria
Members considered the letter previously circulated, requesting financial assistance towards running costs.
RESOLVED that a donation of £10 be made.
11 PERSONNEL ADVISORY SERVICE: DISTRICT OF EASINGTON.
The Clerk advised that the above arrangement was due for renewal and recommended that this be done at a cost of £410 per annum, although it was not yet clear what would happen after local government reorganisation.
RESOLVED that the arrangement be taken up again this year.
12 CONFERENCE ON ALCOHOL AND OFFENDING - GLEBE CENTRE.
Councillor T Smith gave members a report on his attendance at the above event, which he had found very worthwhile.
RESOLVED that the information given be received and noted.
13. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON COMMITTEES
There were no reports.