Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council
held on Monday 2 October 2023
at Stocksfield Community Centre
Present: Mr J Harrison (Chair), Mr T Hills, Mr M Parker, Mrs A Dale, Professor P Vickers
Ms L Guthrie (Clerk to the Council)
Apologies: Miss A Brooks, Mrs K Pollock, Mr C Liddle
Also present: Mr K Graham (initially as a resident)
Mr Harrison opened the meeting at 7.05 pm and welcomed those present to the meeting.
23/10/144 Apologies for absence
It was AGREED to authorise the absences of Miss Brooks, Mrs Pollock and Mr Liddle.
23/10/145 Declarations of Interest
None.
23/10/146 Public Participation
The Chair noted that Mr Kevin Graham was attending and welcomed him to the meeting.
Parking at Stocksfield Train Station
Mr Parker stated that residents had seen some signs re: parking at the train station. Members noted that the signs have been up for some years.
It was resolved (proposed Mrs Dale, seconded Mr Parker) under the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 to exclude the press and members of the public for the next agenda item, namely the part of the co-option process involving review of the application made by the applicant.
23/10/147 Co-option of Mr K Graham
After discussion, it was AGREED unanimously to co-opt Mr Graham to the Council and to permit Mr Graham to complete and deliver a declaration of acceptance of office before the date of the next meeting of the Council. Mr Graham then returned to the meeting and the Chair confirmed his co-option and welcomed him as a member of the Parish Council. Mr Graham took his seat as a councillor.
Action: Clerk and Mr Graham discharged
23/10/148 County Councillor update
Mrs Dale had provided a written update which had been previously circulated to members. This included updates on works traffic lights on the A695, Fix My Street, maintenance works to Right of Way 23 and bins not being emptied by the County Council. There were no questions and members noted the report.
23/10/149 Minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2023
Mr Vickers noted that Mr Hills had requested that each members’ vote be recorded, the Clerk agreed to amend this. It was AGREED (proposed Mr Hills, seconded Mr Parker) that the previously circulated minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2023 was a true and accurate record. Action: Clerk discharged
23/10/150 Matters Arising
a) SCATA Proposal for a collaborative energy and climate change survey
Representatives of SCATA joined the meeting and gave a presentation on SCATA’s proposal then left the meeting. Members AGREED (proposed Mr Hills, seconded Mrs Dale) to confirm a willingness to continue discussions with SCATA without commitment to any expenditure at this early stage. Action: Clerk
b) Remembrance Service
The Chair provided an update which the members noted.
c) Football pitch tree root removal
The Clerk provided an update which members received. It was agreed that the matter would be considered further at the November meeting once the Clerk has obtained further information.
Action: Clerk
23/10/151 Finance
a) Approval of September 2023 payments
It was AGREED (proposed Professor Vickers, seconded Mr Graham) to approve the payments for September 2023 as detailed in the previously circulated schedule and the summary of receipts and payments for the months was noted.
b) Budget 2023/24
Members received the previously circulated Budget Report from the Clerk.
23/10/152 Planning Advisory Group
Members noted the planning report and noted use of delegated authority as outlined below:
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Agenda Item 9 New application(s) for note/endorsement/decision: |
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Reference/ Address
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Description | Parish Council recommendation – (see Planning Report for details if applicable) |
NCC Decision/Date Copies of the Planning Decisions can be found on NCC website |
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23/02815/FUL 20 Hall Farm Close |
Ground and first floor extension and new summerhouse in existing rear garden. |
No comment Note use of delegated powers
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23/03331/FUL Brentcroft 42 Apperley Road |
Proposed single storey rear extension |
No comment Note use of delegated powers
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Existing planning applications (for information only) |
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Reference/ Address
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Description | Parish Council recommendation – (see Planning Report for details if applicable) |
NCC Decision/Date Copies of the Planning Decisions can be found on NCC website |
| Pending or recently decided application(s) for information: | |||
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23/03111/VARYCO 1 The Oaks, Main Road |
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) to amend the proposed layout of and removal of condition 4 (trees) following revocation of TPO pursuant to planning approval 20/03977/FUL |
No comment Note use of delegated powers
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23/02924/FUL The Ridings Broomley
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Proposal to erect a greenhouse on the west facing gable end on top of a dwarf stone wall |
No comment Note use of delegated powers
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23/026/23 FUL Fairfield, 38 Apperley Road |
Conservatory to rear elevation |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
Granted 22 September 2023 |
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23/02173/FUL 33 Baliol Road |
Proposed rear extension, roof alterations, front porch, drive alterations |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
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23/02339/FUL 15 Birches Nook Road |
Proposal for a two storey rear and first floor extension above existing kitchen/utility offshoot. |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
Granted 1 September 2023 |
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23/01717/FUL Land at Whittonstall, Consett |
Construction and operation of a renewable energy scheme comprising ground mounted photovoltaics with associated battery storage and associated infrastructure. | Objection made 21 July 2023 | |
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23/02150/FUL Pedlars Down, 26 Meadowfield Road |
Single storey rear extension to replace old conservatory and changing the arrangement of existing dormer roof. |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
Granted 26 September 2023 |
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17/01494/FUL and 17/01495/LBC South Cottage, Broomley |
Retrospective application for refurbishment of the west outhouse, external and internal works and amendment of glazed link corridor (together with listed building consent) |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
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20/03997/FUL Broomley House Main Road |
Construction of detached dwelling and garage, retaining wall to southern boundary, new boundary treatments and associated works and landscaping (retrospective) | Objection. See Parish Council minute 21/9/116(a) | |
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23/000986/FUL Land to NE of Merryshields Farm |
Conversion and redevelopment of redundant farm buildings to create one dwelling |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
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23/01670/FUL The Whinns, 3 Apperley Road |
Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with a 2-storey 5 bedroom home with associated landscaping and infrastructure. |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
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| PRE APP | |||
23/10/153 Parish Council Representatives
Professor Vickers and Mrs Dale had attended the MOD Army Engagement Event in Hexham on 14 September 2023 and provided an update to members.
The Chair and Mr Parker had met with members of Shotley Low Quarter Parish Council to discuss Highfield Energy Park proposals and provided an update to members. A further meeting will be held on 24 October 2023.
23/10/154 Groundsman Contract Renewal 2024/27
Members AGREED to approve the amended specification (proposed Prof Vickers, seconded Mr Hills) and to approve the proposed tender process (proposed Mr Hills, seconded Prof Vickers). Action: Clerk
23/10/155 Stocksfield Football Club FA Pitch maintenance grant
Members received the report of the Clerk and it was agreed that the matter would be considered further at the November meeting once the Clerk has obtained further information on the level of funding available and the possibility of match funding. Action: Clerk
23/10/156 NE43 News: future deliveries
Members AGREED (proposed Mrs Dale, seconded Mr Parker) to continue with Accent Distribution for the delivery of the December issue of NE43 News, with future deliveries to be discussed in 2024. Action: Clerk bring forward
23/10/157 Conclusion of external audit 2022/23
Members received the report of the external auditor and AGREED (proposed Mr Hills, seconded Prof Vickers) to take no further action and to fix the period for display of the statutory notice at two weeks. Action: Clerk
23/10/158 Play Areas advisory group
After general discussion, it was agreed that this item would be considered further at the November meeting and Mrs Dale will prepare a draft Terms of Reference for the proposed group. Action: Mrs Dale
23/10/159 Any other business
None.
23/10/160 Date of next meeting
Monday 6 November 2023
The Chair thanked members for attending and closed the meeting at 9.16 pm.