Edwinstowe
Parish Council
Working to
make a difference
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held Tuesday 24th
June 2008 at 7.00 p/m/ in the Village Hall, Edwinstowe
Present : Cllrs Bird, Ward, Benson, Winn, Benham, M Pepper, J Pepper,
A Sansom and J Sansom
In Attendance: District Cllr Moore
Clerk: Alice Dunn
The Chair welcomed members of the Council and the Public to the meeting.
The Chair congratulated Cllr S Moore on her successful election.
08/035 DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS BY MEMBERS (AND EMPLOYEES) IN ITEMS
ON THE AGENDA
Cllr Ward disclosed an interest on a correspondence item concerning
the Edwinstowe Arts Heritage and Festival Organisation and also disclosed
interest on behalf of Cllr Milne.
Apologies for absence were received from: Cllr R Woodhead and Cllr
A Freeman
08/036 CHAIRPERSON’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Christmas lights switch on 2008
The Chair reported that plans for this year’s event were well
underway; the road closure had been applied for and the Lighting Licence
is in the process of being completed. This year’s festival will
be different to previous years.
2. Public and Members Question Time.
The Meeting agenda has been altered in accordance with the Parish Council
Toolkit 2006. These alterations should have been made previously. The
Chair read a statement to the meeting concerning the changes to the
Public and Members participation sections of meetings. Copy attached.
Cllr Milne entered the meeting and was welcomed by the Chair who also
congratulated her on her recent successful election.
08/037 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
HELD ON
20 MAY 2008
Cllr Ward raised that the Hammer & Wedge item that had been deferred
to this meeting had been omitted from the agenda. This was agreed to
be tabled at point 08/041 – Any business remaining from previous
meeting.
Cllr Ward also pointed out that it is a legal requirement when resolutions
are voted on that it states the number for/against or whether it was
a unanimous decision. All resolutions had been agreed ‘unanimously’
and this was added to the minutes and signed by the Chair.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Chair.
08/038 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Mansfield Road Car Park
The Chair wished to reinforce that the Parish Council do not receive
any revenue from charges made in the Mansfield Road car park. This is
an untrue statement that is being spread around the village. The car
park belongs to Newark and Sherwood District Council and the revenue
is collected for Notts County Council not the Parish Council.
08/023
Cllr Ward requested that the Parish Plan presentation date be deferred
until after the August recess. Agreed unanimously. Action – Agenda
item for September meeting.
08/026
Cllr Ward reported on the Newark & Sherwood District Group of the
CPRE meeting that he attended on 2nd June. This meeting had been called
due to the sudden death of the former Chairperson Valerie Gillespie.
Cllr Ward felt that the meeting lacked direction. A further meeting
is planned in the near future although no date has been set as yet.
Cllr Ward will keep the Parish Council informed of developments.
08/027
Cllr Ward reported that the local Standards Committee has already had
its first assessment just 12 days after inauguration.
The final Feasibility Study and Business Plan for the Sherwood Forest
Regional Park has been published. A copy is available in the Council
Chamber for public perusal.
08/039 RECEIVE PETITIONS
None
08/039 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/QUESTION TIME
i. Junction Henton/Rufford Road - Recent Accident
Due to the number of vehicles parking on Rufford Road causing an obstruction
a motorcyclist had been very seriously injured following a recent accident
at the junction. The resident requested that the matter be raised at
this meeting.
Cllr A Sansom stated that vehicles parking on Rufford Road near the
junction with Mill Lane also cause an obstruction and asked if the Clerk
would approach the police and highways department to ascertain what
could be done. Action – Clerk to contact the police and highways
about both concerns.
ii. Parking Time Limit on High Street
The current time limit for parking on the High Street has remained at
30 minutes for many years. Half an hour is not long enough for residents
to do their shopping. A shopkeeper recently approached the Chair and
asked that the Parish Council try to have the limit raised. The Chair
had contacted the Communities Department NCC to request that they review
the current arrangements and read the response. Copy attached.
Cllr J Sansom stated that recently a Traffic Warden patrolled the High
Street but only ticketed cars in the top bay. Cllr Benham stated that
there is a problem on the High Street as there are not enough restriction
notices on display to inform people of the limits. Action – Clerk
to contact Notts County Council to request more signs.
Residents of Mansfield Road reported that people are using the lay-by
at the front of their properties to park when visiting the Church Rooms,
Garage, dropping their children off at the Nursery and generally to
avoid the parking restrictions in the Mansfield Road car park. This
means that they are not able to park their own vehicles in the lay-by.
The problem is further exacerbated by the resident of the bungalow that
has been built behind Mansfield Road who has claimed the land to the
rear as his own and does not now allow the Mansfield Road residents
to park their vehicles to the rear. Cllr Benson asked if the Clerk could
approach the Planning Dept to enquire whether the lay-by could be turned
into a ‘Residents Only’ parking area. Action – Clerk
to write to Planning Department and keep residents informed of progress
08/040 MEMBERS QUESTION TIME
Cllr Benson contacted NALC and N&SDC concerning the Parish Newsletter
and has been asked to make the Parish Council aware that it was a political
publication and should not have been sent out so close to the elections.
The Chair replied that she had also approached the aforementioned organisations
namely the Chief Executive but had been assured that there were no political
issues with the newsletter.
Cllr Benham stated that he has now been in office just over one year
and during that time has continually requested relevant easy to read
financial information from the previous Clerk but never received it.
Cllr Benham expressed his thanks to the new Clerk for providing this
information.
Cllr Ward notified that the speed indicator on Mansfield Road is not
working. Action – Clerk to inform Highways Department
08/041 ANY BUSINESS REMAINING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
i. Hammer & Wedge
The Chair has spoken to the Solicitor dealing with the Hammer &
Wedge Licensing appeal and it is being brought to the panel on Friday
27th June. No representative from Edwinstowe is allowed to sit on the
panel. The panel have received all the information and a decision will
be made on Friday afternoon.
ii. Condition of Cemetery Road
The road approaching the cemetery was put in 1986/87 and has never been
repaired. The road is well used by visitors to the cemetery and tourists
and is in a very poor condition. The Chair would like to approach Building
Better Communities for funding to improve the road and with the approval
of the Parish Council, will take this matter forward. Agreed unanimously
Cllr J Pepper requested that we also look at the footpaths in the cemetery.
iii. EMERGENCY ITEM – Village Hall Transfer (Chairman’s
Announcements 29th April 2008 refers)
A rumour is going round the village stating that if the Village Hall’s
ownership is transferred to the Parish Council, we will incur more costs
and will be giving up a valuable asset. This is not true. There will
be no extra costs to the Parish Council than are currently being incurred
and the village will have a valuable asset. Peter Sherlock of Newark
& Sherwood District Council has stressed that this is a 2-3 year
process and that the District Council will be supporting the Parish
Council through all stages.
Cllr Benham asked if any other villages had already gone through the
process so that we could approach them to find out their experiences.
The Chair replied that the four villages that currently did not own
their village halls were all going through the transfer process at the
same time.
08/042 ANY APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
At the Annual General Meeting two appointments to committees were reserved
for the successful candidate of the Parish Election. Cllr Milne is now
the Parish Council representative for the Village Hall Committee and
the Events Committee.
08/043 TO RECEIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM COMMITTEES
None
08/044 FINANCES
The Chair reminded all Parish Councillors that they all have access
to the financial information but any issues relating to staffing and
salaries must not be discussed in this section of the meeting but must
be included in the confidential part of the meeting.
The Chair also reported that due to legal reasons, highlighted to us
by an employment consultant, staff’s working hours have been reviewed.
One worker who has worked 7 days since he started has requested a day
off. His hours have not been reduced but have been re-jigged to allow
him a day off. There are rumours in the village that his hours have
been cut. This is not true. Cllr Benham asked if we knew where the rumours
were coming from as they are potentially slanderous and we need to make
sure it stops.
1. To review the statement of income and expenditure for the previous
month
2. Cllr Benham requested that the description on the bank reconciliation
be changed from ‘Sub-Total + Unpresented Cheques’ to Sub-Total
- Unpresented Cheques’ Action – Clerk to alter.
3. Matters arising from the statement
The Chair thanked Cllr A Sansom for negotiating such an excellent price
for the new bowser and also thanked both Cllr A and Cllr J Sansom for
collecting it in their own time. Cllr A Sansom requested that the bowser
has Edwinstowe Parish Council painted on it and anti-theft measures
are investigated. Action – Clerk to pursue
The Chair reported that the current van is in very poor repair and
is costing the Parish Council more each year in repair bills. Gary Oliver
from Central Garage has agreed to support the Parish Council with service
and repair costs when they purchase a van as long as Central Garage
is painted on the side. This was welcomed by the Council.
4. Financial correspondence
Letter from Frank Duckmanton
Cllr Winn asked if the Pavillion Fields are open to the children of
Edwinstowe during daylight hours yet. The Chair referred to Cllr Benson
to respond. Cllr Benson stated that when we have a gate that will allow
pushchairs and wheelchairs through but not motorcycles the gates would
be open as with other areas around the village. If we unlock the gates
now we could be subject to more costs relating to damage caused to the
football fields from motorbikes. Action – Clerk to research possible
options for gates.
Cllr Winn asked if the pavillion was available for local residents
to use. Cllr Benson responded that you could book the pavillion through
the Parish Clerk. Cllr Winn stated that Robin Hood Colts were getting
the majority of the use of the grounds and pavillion but the other children
in the village were being excluded.
Cllr Winn also expressed his disgust at the comments in Frank Duckmantons
letter. The Chair stated that the Section 106 monies are now due. She
explained that for every house that is built Barratts have to pay approximately
£45. This is now a considerable amount of money and has been due
for some time. The Parish Council have sent two invoices and had two
meetings with representatives from Barratts and the District Council
but we have still not received the monies due. The Chair expressed thanks
to Cllr Benson who requested £6,000 from the Parish Council to
help towards the running costs or we would have been in real trouble
as Barratts have still not paid. Action – Clerk to send invoice
and if not paid send a red statement. The Chair stated that the Parish
Council own the building, Robin Hood Colts are acting on our behalf
and any money raised belongs to the Parish Council for the continued
upkeep of the grounds.
Cllr A Sansom agreed with Cllr Winn concerning the children of Edwinstowe
being allowed access to the fields however these comments are not meant
to be critical of Cllr Benson and all the hard work he has done over
the past few years. Cllr A Sansom felt quite strongly that we must get
more use out of these resources as a community.
Cllr Benham asked whether the pavillion could be advertised and marketed
better around the village and in the Acorn and stressed that we would
need to work with Robin Hood Colts. He also congratulated the hard work
that the Edwinstowe Development Partnership had done.
Letter from Sherwood Community Bus
It has been necessary to increase the rate per mile by 10p or a minimum
rate of £8.00.
5. Other financial matters
i. Moving grants to quarterly
Grant applications are currently agreed twice per year. The Chair would
like to move that grants are agreed quarterly. Agreed unanimously
Grant application letter received from King Edwin’s Primary School
requesting grant towards the school trip to Robin Hood’s Bay,
it was agreed at previous meeting when grant awarded to St Mary’s
School. Agreed unanimously. Action – Clerk to raise cheque for
£75.
Grant application received from Edwinstowe Arts Heritage and Festival
Organisation. Cllr L Ward and Cllr M Milne left the room as they had
declared an interest. The Chair stated that the organisation does a
great deal in the village and has done so since the organisation was
set up. It is proving very difficult to obtain funding and the organisation
could potentially fold. Cllr Benson suggested the organisation applied
for funding from Awards for All. Cllr A Sansom proposed the Parish Council
award £1,000. Cllr Benham seconded. One against. Action –
Clerk to raise cheque for £1,000. Cllr Ward and Cllr Milne returned
to the meeting.
ii EDP grant allocation
The Chair asked Neil Bettison, Community Development Worker for Notts
County Council to speak on the next item.
Mr Bettison reported that it had been agreed by the Edwinstowe Development
Partnership (EDP) that any money that remained after the new pavillion
had been completed would be offered to local groups and organisations
to apply for grants. At a meeting of the EDP on 22nd May 2008, these
grants applications were discussed some were successful and others were
not. Mr Bettison gave a list of the grants that the EDP discussed to
the Parish Council stating that not all the remaining monies were being
issued at this time. He stated that he advised the EDP meeting that
it would be prudent to wait until the summer period has passed and then
invite further applications from local groups and organisations. Mr
Bettison gave the Clerk some blank application forms to be kept in the
Council Chamber. Cllr Benson declared an interest and left the meeting.
A discussion took place concerning the various grant applications,
the decisions were as follows: -
Group Amount Requested Decision
1st Edwinstowe Scout Group £1,171 Unanimous
After School Club £1,189 Unanimous
Edwinstowe Pre Play Group £5,000 Unanimous
Edwinstowe Young People’s Action Group £3,000 Deferred*
King Edwin Foundation Unit £2,500 Unanimous
Edwinstowe Village Hall £637 Unanimous
Robin Hood Colts £6,000 1 opposed**
King Edwin Primary School £2,500 Unanimous***
Edwinstowe Parish Council £5,000 Unanimous****
*This grant was deferred as members of the Parish Council felt they
required more information for what the grant was for and the Parish
Council representative for EYPAG, Cllr J Sansom, stated that the last
meeting had been approximately a year ago. Action – Neil Bettison
to request more information from the group.
**A discussion took place concerning the equipment that Robin Hood
Colts wished to purchase with the £6,000. Mr Bettison read a list
including various items of industrial kitchen equipment, tables and
chairs for the function room and goal posts and training equipment.
This equipment currently being used was either old or had been donated.
Cllr A Sansom disputed the amount of the equipment on the list and stated
it could be resourced at a far cheaper price. The Clerk stated through
the Chair that perhaps two quotes could be obtained. Mr Bettison replied
that the list had been inspected by officers from both Newark &
Sherwood District Council and Notts County Council and they had approved
the list. Cllr D Benham proposed that the Parish Council accept the
amount of the grant, the Chair seconded the proposal.
***The Chair felt that if King Edwins Primary School was being awarded
£2,500 St Mary’s School should also receive a grant. Action
– Clerk to send application form to school for second round of
awards in October.
****This grant has been awarded for ‘environmental improvements’
around the village. Neil Bettison said that originally it was to replace
the banners on the High Street.
Action – Clerk to raise cheques to ensure groups receive them
by end July 2008.
Cllr Benson returned to the meeting
iii Alternative supplier for workwear
The Chair requested approval for a new local and cheaper supplier to
be used for purchasing workwear. Agreed unanimously.
iv The Chair stated that the Clerk had been looking at buying bunting
and flags for the High Street this year and asked the Parish Council
if we could release some of this year’s summer festival budget
for that purpose. Cllr Benson stated that the £5,000 awarded to
the Parish Council could be used for replacement banners. Cllr J Pepper
stated that the summer festival budget this year was £6,875. The
Chair proposed that up to £875 would be used for the purpose of
buying flags and bunting this year. Agreed unanimously. Action –
Clerk to resource bunting and flags for the High Street.
08/045 TO RECEIVE REPORTS CONCERNING THE PARISH FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT
COUNCILLORS
The County Councillor was not present but had given his apologies.
District Cllr Moore reported that since being elected she had received
a deal of mail and was currently working her way through it all. She
had received the Newark & Sherwood Development Framework which stated
that Edwinstowe would benefit from having a Village Plan and there were
grants available to help with the process. Cllr Moore to pass details
to the Clerk
Cllr J Pepper and D Benham had attended a planning meeting where the
importance of a village plan was also stressed.
08/046 CORRESPONDENCE
1. A letter was received from a local resident, Mrs Hemstock concerning
the previous meeting and the notification of meeting dates and times.
The Chair had already responded to the letter.
2. Details of the dates of future meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood
Groups and Sherwood Local Action Group which Cllr Benson chairs. The
Chair agrees that as the meeting is held every two months, the Administrator
would type the minutes twice per year. Action – Clerk to contact
Clipstone & Bilsthorpe Parish Councils to inform.
3. The draft lease has been received between Robin Hood Colts and the
Parish Council. This needs looking at and agreeing before the new season
starts. Cllr Benham requested an extraordinary meeting the Chair requested
the lease be kept in abeyance. Action – Clerk to approach Solicitors
for advice on lease.
4. The lens publication reference free advertising for local events.
Agreed unanimously to advertise the Christmas Lights Event asap.
5. Nottinghamshire Highways Partnership Annual Plan – copy in
Council Chamber for information.
6. Letter from local resident, Miss Ryan complaining of lack of facilities
for younger children in the village now that the Fourth Avenue play
area has been renovated. Action – Clerk to send reply
7. Newark & Sherwood District Council Framework document –
copy in Council Chamber for information.
8. Letter from Edwinstowe Angels thanking parish Council for grant.
9. Partnerships with Parish Councils Questionnaire for completion. Action
– Chair, Clerk, Cllr J Pepper and Cllr Ward to complete. Date
to be arranged asap.
10. Letter from PC Appleby concerning youths drinking in the churchyard
and whether we can set up a bye-law. Cllr Benham thought the Parish
Council had already agreed an Order concerning drinking in public places.
The Chair confirmed that this had been agreed with Paul Inman of Newark
& Sherwood District Council but needs to be pursue. Action –
Clerk to contact Paul Inman. Cllr Benson stated that a bye-law was needed
for the churchyard.
11. Email from Sandy Lane resident concerning motor vehicles using the
lane despite traffic calming measures in place. Action – Clerk
to contact Highways Dept
08/047 REPORTS
None
08/048 TO NOTE MINUTES OF COMMITTEES
None
08/049 RESOLUTIONS
None
08/050 PLANNING MATTERS
A. DECISIONS
1. Application No.: 07/01713/FUL
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Henshaw
Proposal: To build dormer bungalow
Site Address: 20 Rufford Road
Decision: APPROVED FULL PLANNING
2. Application No.: 07/01659/ADV
Applicant: Jane Armstrong
Proposal: Display of freestanding advertisement
Site Address: South Forest Farm
Decision: REFUSED ADVERTISMENT CONSENT
3. Application No.: 08/00247/FUL
Applicant: Mr P Rossington
Proposal: Attached garage, two storey extension, conservatory to rear
Site Address: 35 Boy Lane
Decision: APPROVED FULL PLANNING
4. Application No.: 08/00584/FUL
Applicant: Mr J Tryner
Proposal: Retain existing conservatory to rear
Site Address: 37 Brocklehurst Drive
Decision: REFUSED FULL PLANNING
5. Application No.: 08/00528/FUL
Applicant: Mr B Wingate
Proposal: Erection of rear single storey extension
Site Address: 79 Henton Road
Decision: REFUSE FULL PLANNING
6. Application No.: 08/00622/FUL
Applicant: Mr J Green
Proposal: Erection of rear single storey extension to replace existing
conservatory
Site Address: 59 Sixth Avenue
Decision: REFUSE FULL PLANNING
7. Application No.: 08/00452/FUL
Applicant: Mr W Smith
Proposal: Erection of pitched roof over two storey flat roof extension
Site Address: 87 Mansfield Road
Decision: APPROVE FULL PLANNING
B. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1. Application No: 08/00724/FUL
Applicant: Mr R Simpson
Proposal: Two storey side extension
(alterations to original plans)
Site Address: 40 Mansfield Road
DECISION: APPROVE FULL PLANNING
2. Application No: 08/00808/FUL
Applicant: Mr S Lamb
Proposal: Change of use and replacing front window & doorway
Site Address: 12 High Street
DECISION: APPROVE FULL PLANNING
C OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – Section 174 Appeal
Notification of appeal against enforcement notice
Application No: APP/B3030/C/08/2074715
Appellant: Mr S Bailey
Alleged Breach: Without planning permission the change of use from agricultural
building to a use as an industrial unilt
Site Address: Kingstand Farm, Mansfield Road
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – Tree Preservation Order N
90
Proposal: Tree work – Remedial pruning of 1 Horse Chestnut Tree
Site Address: Bridge House 61 High Street
08/051 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 15th July 2008
Meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.
In view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted,
it is advisable, in the public interest, that the public and press be
temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.
