Minutes 12th November 2019
WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2019
7.00 PM
TOWN HALL, WOLSINGHAM
Public Participation 7.00 pm – 7.15 pm
A period of 15 minutes for members of the public to raise questions/concerns
Members of the public are very welcome to remain after this period but cannot speak on any agenda item unless permitted by the chair.
PRESENT: Chair: D. Sugden, J. Norman, Mrs. Y. Bell, Mrs. A. Savory, R. George, D. Jones,
Mrs. A. Nelson, A. Vipond, , Mr. Ian Hirst, J. Wilson
PUBLIC: M/s J. Green, J. Wearmouth, D. Stephenson
ALLOTMENT WINNERS : Mr. J Wearmouth , Jenny Green trophies presented by the
Chairman D. Sugden, thanked them for their hard work and endeavours.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: None
- TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:None
- MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 8TH OCTOBER 2019 , agreed and signed as a true record.
- MATTERS ARISING: A) Wildflowers on Parish Council owned land, a draft report and plans had been prepared by D. Tomkins and presented to the council, areas highlighted were, recreation ground Demesne Mill, and grass verges at various entrance points in Wolsingham. Agreed in principle to support the initiative and would await costings and a forward management plan.
B) There was still an ongoing desire to have a hockey pitch in Wolsingham and more dialogue was awaited ,with interested parties.
C) Road Safety Mrs. Lennox, Rectory Lane to Angate Street. Cllr. Mrs. Savory had met on site with representatives from the Highways Dept. Durham C.C., they agreed it was difficult to increase visibility at the junction of Angate St. and Rectory Lane, a mirror opposite the lane could not be supported, for insurance reasons. Additional road markings would be an option and if residents feel that the speed limit is being broken then they should contact their local PACT meeting and raise the issue there.
D) A vacancy has arisen for a ward member for Thornley on the resignation of S. Palombella, DCC had been informed but as yet no reply had been forthcoming.
C) The Weardale Museum project at Ireshopeburn was still ongoing albeit the expected funding was not forthcoming and it would be a long term project and other issues regarding the highway had been highlighted. J. Norman to forward firm proposals for the next meeting, so that a considered decision could be taken on the venture.
- CORRESPONDENCE: A) Website Accessibility Regulations the current website had been looked at and it was felt the website was compliant , if photographs or videos are shown, then transcripts have to be present. Policy to be drawn up for Accessibility Regulations.
B) Richard Fletcher Walking Tour of Durham, 3D 360 images interactive pictures GPS This to be looked into further as the recent survey had shown 66 in favour of a town trail and 9 against.
A meeting to be arranged with Mr. Fletcher and costings ascertained.
C) V E Day 8-10th May 2020 75 years Nations Toast to The Heroes of WWII. This would be a nation wide ceremony and the sooner planning for the event took place the better, as road closures would be necessary, safety advisory group , paramedics etc.
- RECREATION GROUND:
A) Quotation Landscape Design Services not found to be necessary, not agreed to.
B) Quotation for circumference of skatepark to be finished to the lip of the bowl/surface of the skate park with win dust, a site meeting to be arranged with the contractor and a trial area, to see how effective and durable this would be.
C) Safety notices are in situ, but the flyers have not been produced, a banner has been offered giving safety instructions and advising the wearing of safety gear. Similar advice to be posted on Weardale Notice Board. Training/coaching on safety and use has also been offered.
- STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN Questionnaire Results , The results are now in.
A consultation day to be held in the Town Hall Saturday 18th January 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm for all to have an input on the future strategic development plans for Wolsingham.
- MEMBERS REQUESTS: 1) A meeting had taken place with the local Durham C.C. Mrs. A. Savory today with BXB who are proposing to develop the former steelworks site, they will be sending information to all residents and consulting with the Parish Council on the development of the site, and ultimately having a consultation event with the public on their plans. They have a website www:bxbwolsinghamsteelworks.com.
2) A question was raised regarding the prospects of the former Watson’s garage site development, this was ongoing and SPAR have applied for a premises licence to sell alcohol.
3) It was also reported that there is some movement on the development proposals for the former sawmills site, and the planners are urging the developers to speed up the operation.
4) A question was asked regarding the re-instatement of the boundary wall at Chapel Walls, this would be done when the development is completed.
- NEWSLETTER: The Remembrance Service had been very well attended , the PA system had worked well and the coffee/ tea at the Town Hall was really appreciated , well done to the scouts and British Legion , and it is hoped that this will continue to be a feature of this event in coming years.
11 . PLANNING: The following applications have been approved:
DM/19/02920/TCA Millstream Cottage, 9,, West End, fell 1 horse chestnut tree
DM/19/02518/FPA 2, West End, change of use from dental surgery (D1) to residential use(C3)
DM/19/02774/LB Harperley Hall, Fir Tree Increase door opening width
DM/19/03207/TCA Allotments The Causeway, Fell T1, Hawthorn Tree, and Fell T2 Ash Tree
DM/19/03196/TCA 12, Mill Race, Fell T1 Cupressus hedge
11.02 The following applications have been notified
DM/19/03205/FPA Site of former Low Harperley Farm, reinstatement following fire
DM/19/03206/LB Site of former Low Harperley Farm, reinstatement following fire
DM/19/01854/FPA Site of former Low Harperley Farm, conversion of existing barn to provide farm employees with rest room ,WC, drying area and stores.
DM/19/0.3207/TCA Allotments The Causeway, Fell T1, Hawthorn Tree, and Fell T2 Ash Tree
DM/19/03181/FPA 6 Silver Street, two storey rear extension
DM/19/02848/FPA Land to North East Of Holebeck House Farm, rationalisation of previous planning permissions to allow use of 54 no. touring caravan pitches and21 no. tent pitches all year round and associated landscaping.
DM/19/03276/VOC Land to South of 3 ,Orchard View, variation of condition 2 DM/1900411/FPA
11.03 The following application has been refused:
DM/19/02550/FPA Denecroft, 35, Uppertown, resubmission of planning application DM/18/02433/FPA for new vehicular access and two of road parking spaces
- Finance Reports End OCTOBER 2019, agreed and accepted.