WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES FOR MEETING HELD

TUESDAY 14TH MARCH 2023

7.00 PM

TOWN HALL, WOLSINGHAM

                                                                                                                                              

                PRESENT: D.Sugden (Chair), A Savory, Y Bell, J Bell, D Jones, I Rodgers, O Gardner, P Dobson

    T Willis, A Bonar, Sarah-Ann Baxter(Clerk)

 

            MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: J. Green, S. Able                                                       

 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr A Vipond
2. TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
   1. Environment Agency Flood Wardens – due to the weather they have deferred their presentation, but will attend the next meeting to discuss a community flooding plan.
   2. Sue Able asked what the Parish Councils policy is on mowing verges as she wanted to highlight the national ‘No Mow May’ initiative to encourage biodiversity and wildlife. Cllr Savory explained that the highway verges were maintained by Durham County Council’s Clean & Green team, who she would liaise with regarding this matter. The Parish Council are supportive of this project and a discussion occurred highlighting areas are already set aside for wilding with the Parish Council maintained property.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Savory declared an interest in planning due to her duties on the DCC Planning Committee.
4. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD  14TH February 2023:
   1. ​Cllr J Bell indicated that several items required amending on the minutes of the last meeting and produced a printout of these amendments. Concerning the allotment wall, Cllr Sugden did not agree with some of the statements within the print out and several other Councillors agreed. A discussion occurred regarding how minutes should be taken, Cllr Willis pointed out that the Clerk does take notes throughout the meeting and the minutes are not from memory. Cllr Rodgers stated that minutes should be a summary of the discussion and that any decisions from Councillors would be recorded. Cllr Savory highlighted that if a Councillor wanted a specific point minuted then this should be stated to the Clerk. The Council agreed to keep the original minutes concerning the wall, against the wishes of Cllr J Bell. Cllr Dobson pointed out that she did not attend the last meeting, which had been recorded on the minutes.
   2. Clarification on Item 14 – Cllr J Bell regarding the proposed menu at the recreation ground catering unit. Cllr Y Bell regarding the crepe van in the marketplace.
   3. Cllr D Sugden stated that a number of policies on the Parish Council website were due for review and this was supported by Cllrs I Rodgers and J Bell. This will be addressed at a future meeting. Cllr Sugden, at this meeting, reiterated that all policies will need to be reviewed.
5. MATTERS ARISING:
   1. The Clerk read out the menu that had been provided by the vendor and confirmed that any changes to the menu had to be agreed with the Parish Council prior to being amended. Cllr J Bell queried whether hot dogs and waffles would not go against the planning permission granted for the kiosk, Cllr Rodgers indicated that as hot dogs and waffles do not require a fryer then they would most likely be allowed but this will be looked into. Cllr J Bell also requested that some form of licence/agreement would be needed and that it should include a provision for non-compliance, it was agreed that Cllr J Bell would draft a document and forward to the Clerk.
   2. Cllr Savory reported that the Clean & Green team are not responsible for the wheelchair walk and it was agreed that the Parish Council arrange some maintenance works to be carried out.
   3. Cllr Rodgers reported that the working group had had some useful discussions and that their preferred email would be to use .gov.uk rather than individuals own private emails addresses. Cllr Gardner explained that the Weardale Museum currently use Durham Web to host the website, provide emails etc for a monthly fee of £50, however the Parish Councils needs would be less than this amount. Cllr Gardner will explore details and come back with costs etc.
   4. Cllr Savory confirmed that a meeting was to be held on Friday between the Clerk & AAP team to complete the required AAP application for funding. Durham County Council would also need to load test the lamp columns before any motifs could be ordered to ensure safety.
   5. Cllr Jones had met with the Clerk of Lanchester Parish Council to gain information on the type of set-up for the lights on the Lanchester village green. The initial set up costs in 2014 had been around £20000, not all of the trees have lights and Durham County Council had completed the works. Cllr J Bell asked was there a similar number of trees to that at St. Annes car park, Cllr Jones confirmed Lanchester had lit 7 trees and thought there were 10 or 11 trees at St Anne, but would there be a need to light all of them? Cllr Savory indicated that AAP grant money could be applied for but this would mean that Durham County Council would need to be the contractor, Cllr Savory suggested the Clerk speak with the AAP at their meeting on Friday to get an indication of possible funding & timescales. Cllr Rodgers pointed out that the Parish Council had not budgeted for this size of project in the new years budget and Cllr Jones thought it more appropriate to aim for Christmas 2024, it was generally agreed that the aim for Christmas 2023 was the Market Place.
   6. Cllr Savory confirmed the working group for the Coronation celebrations had had two meetings so far and intended to meet on a weekly basis. The idea being brought forward was to arrange a family picnic on Sunday 7th May 12pm-4pm in the Recreation Ground. A small marquee would be needed for the PA system, The Friends of Weardale Hospital would serve tea/coffee & cakes from the St Annes Centre, the crepe van had already indicated an interest and the group were looking into other vendors. Cllr Willis and Cllr Y Bell confirmed that there would be several family activities on the day such as a dog show, fairground attractions like hook a duck, best crown competition etc but these would be firmed up nearer the time. The working group are looking for volunteers to help on the day and with litter picking after the event. Cllr Y Bell asked if there was any funding for this event, the Clerk confirmed £2000 had been allocated to the Coronation.
   7. Following on from the Coronation, Cllr Sugden pointed out that due to the number of bank holidays occurring in May would it be appropriate to either move or postpone that months meeting. Cllr Rodgers highlighted that due to the number of items to discuss at each meeting we could not afford to miss a meeting, therefore it was agreed that the May meeting be deferred by a week to the 16thMay.
   8. Cllr Savory has had discussions with Durham County Council concerning the Jack Walker concrete seat and the state of the footpath in this area. The Wolsingham Wayfarers would like to replace the seat as it is now in a very dilapidated state however there are ongoing issues with the landowner. Cllr Savory will ask Clean & Green if it is possible to remove the seat due to it now being a safety issue.
6. CORRESPSONDENCE:
   1. ​ i &ii) With regard to the complaint letters concerning Cllr Sugden & Cllr Gardner the complaint procedure is being followed and informal hearings have been arranged for Friday 17th and Monday 20th March.
   2. iii)   Mr Pybourne’s Wall; Cllr Sugden stated that as this matter has now progressed and may involve legal proceedings it will be discussed privately and confidentially at the end of the meeting.
7. Weardale Renewables – The Demesne Mill has been identified as a possible location for a hydro power facility, the brief details of which had been circulated to all Councillors. This would generate electricity which would be used to supply an electric charging point in the car park, lighting in the car park and reduce carbon emissions. Cllr Willis & Cllr Dobson highlighted the need to involve groups such as the fishing club and Environment Agency. Cllr J Bell pointed out that the examples shown were not local and could it be confirmed whether this company had actually installed any facilities so that their workmanship could be looked into. It was agreed that The Parish Council would pursue this proposal to obtain more information prior to any decisions being made.
8. Finance
   1. Payments for February – agreed
      1. Cllr Savory noted that the parking charge income was lower than last year and suggested that a reminder be placed in the town crier that parking charges do apply and that residents can obtain parking permits from the Clerk for a small charge of £2 to use the St Anne’s car park. Cllr J Bell highlighted that the signage could be upgraded and there was a discussion over previous attempts to obtain new signage. It was agreed that Cllr J Bell would discuss wording with the Clerk and a new sign obtained.
   2. Reports to end of February – agreed
9. Update on Maintenance Work – the following works have been completed:
   1. New kitchen taps & waste fitted at St Anne’s.
   2. Work had started on renewing the waste pipes in the gents toilets on Angate Street, however after investigation it was found that the urinals were corroded beyond repair. A price has been provided of £1550 to renew the urinal units, replace the waste pipes and includes work already carried out to make toilets safe and move stop tap to a more accessible location. Council agreed that the works must be carried out.
   3. There has once again been damage to the ladies toilets and will require another new seat to be fitted.
   4. Cllr Sugden suggested a site meeting at St Anne’s to go through requirements to upgrade the hall including decoration, use etc – it was agreed that a meeting take place on Friday 17th March at 11am.
10. Closed Church Yard; Councillors were asked to blind discuss the two tenders (A & B) that had been received for the Closed Churchyard maintenance. Cllr Sugden asked if the Council wanted to change the cutting dates to coincide with the ‘No Mow May’ initiative, both Cllr J Bell & Cllr Dobson agreed that not having a tidy churchyard may not be approved of by residents, Councillors decided to stay with the current tender which has cuts from April through to October. The majority voted to go with tender B and the applicants will be informed.

 

10 a) PLANNING:  DECIDED

DM/22/03487/FPA    Leazes Farm, Leazes Lane, Wolsingham – Conversion of existing barn to form

dwelling including extension and part re building, laboratory/office/workshop

building in connection with existing farm and integrated tack room, stables for

personal use and domestic garage (resub of DM/22/01771/FPA) – Approved

DM/22/02974/FPA    Horseshoe Cottage, 52 West End, Wolsingham – Replacement windows and front

door – Approved

DM/22/02704/FPA    3 Market Place, Wolsingham – Replacement shopfront (retrospective) – Approved

 

 

b) PLANNING : NOTIFIED;

DM/23/00496/TCA    Wolsingham School, The Grammar School Building, West End, Wolsingham. Remove

major deadwood. Remove hazard beam limb T503 Scots Pine, Fell T511 Ash and fell

T520 Crack Willow. – No Objection

DM/23/00424/FPA    High Jofless Cottage, Wolsingham, DL13 3LY. Replacement roof to house and garage,

replacement windows and doors including new window to rear, remove render,

conversion of garage to habitable room, replacement septic tank with packed

treatment plant and installation of ground mounted solar panels. – No Objection

DM/23/00281/FPA    18 The Crofts, Wolsingham. Two storey side extension and single extension to rear. – No Objection

DM/22/00380/FPA    Former Windy Nook Picnic Area, Wolsingham. Erection of 1no retail unit. – Cllr Savory, as a County Councillor, will be supporting this application as the company serves people in Weardale and will be providing employment. Councillors agreed to support the application and a comment will be provided to the planning officer.

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL MEETING

CONCERNING LEGAL LETTER RECEIVED AND DRAFT RESPONSE