Haxey Parish Council - Minutes

Minutes from the extra meeting held on Tuesday 13th November 2007 in the Hood Room of the Haxey Memorial Hall.

Present: Cllrs. Allcock, Boor, Booth, Carlile, Cooke, Eckhardt, C. Lindley, W. Lindley, Maw, Moyle, Smedley and Whitehead.

Chairman: Cllr. Allcock presided.

334.To receive apologies for absence. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Foreman, Hailstone and Knowles.

335.To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 30th October 2007.The minutes had been circulated and were confirmed a correct record by Cllrs. Moyle and Booth.

336.To receive the decisions made by North Lincolnshire Council and to consider the following planning applications:

The following planning applications have been refused planning permission:
2007/1399 – Determination of the requirement for prior approval to erect a new hay and straw store at Marland House, Low Burnham.
2007/1490 – the change of use of agricultural land to domestic use to enable the construction of a tennis court with 3m high fencing at The Old Barn, Hall Farm, Owston Ferry Road, Low Burnham.
2007/1494 – to erect a detached dormer bungalow with detached domestic garage at rear of 34 Doncaster Road, Westwoodside.
2007/1666 – to erect a detached dwelling at land adjoining 34 Brethergate, Westwoodside.

The following planning application has been granted planning permission:
2007/1506 – to retain a garden wall at White House Farm, Upperthorpe Road, Westwoodside.

The following planning application was received from NLC and discussed by Haxey Parish Council:
2007/1794 – Mr. Lyndon Kilvington, Brynwood, 17 Akeferry Road, Westwoodside – permission to create a new access to residential property – Support Approval.

337. To receive Clerk’s Report – an update on decisions taken at previous meetings and to consider further action. An invitation has been received from the Haxey and Westwoodside Heritage Society to attend their Christmas Party which is to be held on Thursday 6th December at 7pm in Westwoodside Village Hall. The invitation is open to any Parish Councillor who would like to attend. Anyone who would like to go has been asked to notify the Clerk as soon as possible so that the Society are aware as to who is attending.

Margaret Burrup of Severn Trent has stated she is happy to attend the Parish Council meeting on 27th November to discuss concerns regarding the sewerage system in the Parish. It was resolved to contact Mrs. Burrup to confirm the invitation.

338. To discuss and submit comments to NLC regarding the North Lincolnshire Development Framework – Housing and Employment Land Allocations Development Plan Documents – Issues and Options consultation. A brief summary was given of the Open Parish Meeting which was held on Tuesday 6th November which allowed Parishioners the opportunity to express their views and state what they would like to see in terms of future Housing/Employment Development in Haxey Parish.

There were more than 200 people at the meeting and many Parishioners had questions for Mr. Iain Cunningham and Mr. Chris Barwell of NLC’s Spatial Planning Team who attended the meeting to provide further information. The areas of land which had been put forward were all speculative, but unfortunately NLC had failed to explain this clearly enough to the public.

It was stated by the NLC Representatives, on questioning, that not all the land put forward would be successful and there would be a further consultation in March 2008.

The general feeling of the meeting was that Haxey Parish should remain a Minimum Growth Settlement and many of the Parishioners were keen to collect forms to fill in with their comments to return to NLC on the proposed areas of land for Housing/Employment.

One major concern is that since the meeting further areas of land for proposed Housing/Employment Development have been submitted to NLC and the Parish Council will be writing to NLC to complain that this is not a full consultation process if these areas are not put forward for comment.

Turning to the consultation document before the Council, prior to commenting on each individual location, Cllr. Allcock advised the meeting that he had spoken with Mr. Mike Wood, a Solicitor of NLC and also ERNLLCA on what would constitute a Prejudicial Interest in terms of proposed development sites under consideration. Cllr. Allcock read out the advice in detail and asked that Councillors declare a Prejudicial Interest in terms of the Code of Conduct and leave the meeting where appropriate.

Cllr. W. Lindley stated that he had put forward a total of 7 areas of land within Haxey and Westwoodside and was not happy with what had been stated. He felt that the Parish Council only wanted limited development in Haxey Parish and felt that there should be far more development like that in Epworth and Belton. He stated that he would leave the meeting. Cllr. Booth stated that although 7 areas of land had been put forward by Cllr. W. Lindley, there were still 11 sites on which he would be able to comment. Cllr. Allcock agreed and added that the Parish Council were not opposed to some development taking place but that Haxey and Westwoodside should remain Minimum Growth Settlements.

Cllr. W. Lindley left the meeting at 7.25pm.

Cllr. Carlile felt the document should be looked at to see what will fit the criteria rather than looking at individual sites. He added that the Parish Council could either let people exceed the development limit or approach this as areas for infill rather than expanding into the countryside. There was a whole acreage of land that could be used for infill.

Cllr. Booth stated that each site had to be looked at and commented on individually and that one form had to be completed for each proposed site.

Cllr. Cooke was concerned that there had not been sufficient consideration regarding the improvement of the infrastructure for the Parish and asked what would come first, building work or the infrastructure and if there was an increase in building without improving the infrastructure problems would become worse.

Cllr. Moyle said this would need to be included at the start and that a builder could not be asked at a later stage for the system to be improved.

Cllr. Allcock stated that NLC had included the infrastructure in the document.

Cllr. Carlile felt that the infrastructure was a major problem and that if any form of major development was to take place, such as new housing estates, Section 36 (Planning Gain) must be included and that money is taken from the developer for the infrastructure.

Cllr. Allcock stated that he had attended a Drainage Board meeting at which Cllr. Liz Redfern was in attendance and it was stated that from now on, NLC are to make sure that this is adhered too. He also added that this was written into NLC’s Core Strategy. The infrastructure for Haxey Parish was highlighted all the way through this document. Turning to the consultation document, the Rural Hamlets were looked at first. Comments were only required on the proposed development limits.

Low Burnham – No proposed development sites have been submitted and a proposed development limit has been put forward. It was felt that this was adequate. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Support the development limit, seconded by Cllr. Moyle. All were in favour.

East Lound – No proposed development sites have been submitted and a proposed development limit has been put forward. This is a Protected Hamlet but it was felt that the proposed limit was fine. A proposal was made by Cllr. Moyle to Support this which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. All were in favour.

Haxey Carrs – No proposed development sites or development limits have been put forward. It was felt this was adequate and a proposal was made by Cllr. Maw to Support this. Cllr. Boor seconded the proposal. All were in favour.

Graizelound, site 75-1 – Cllr. Maw declared a Prejudicial Interest and left the room. It was felt this was a suitable area and was only infill. It was felt that comments should be made stating that there is a known flooding problem but understand the drainage is being improved. A proposal was made by Cllr. Moyle to Support this which was seconded by Cllr. Carlile. All were in favour. Cllr. Maw re-entered the room.

Graizelound – It was felt the proposed development limit for the area was adequate. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Support this and this was seconded by Cllr Moyle. All were in favour.

Haxey, site 23-1 – The proposed site has been refused planning permission previously. There are concerns with regard to additional traffic entering onto The Nooking as the parking on this road is horrendous because of the school and it was felt this site was not suitable. It would set a precedent if there was any backland development on this site. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. C. Lindley. A vote was taken and 9 were in favour of the proposal and 1 against.

Haxey, site 23-2 – It was felt that any development on this site would increase the traffic problems which already exist as vehicles would have to enter and leave the site from The Nooking and the site would be a problem because of the proximity to Haxey Primary School. It was felt this area has the potential to be developed as an extension to the school in the future. A proposal was made by Cllr. Smedley to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Booth. A vote was taken and 9 were in favour of the proposal with 1 against.

Haxey, site23-3 – The proposed development site includes 2 properties within the area which have not been put forward by the property owners. Access to this site can only be gained by a narrow entrance off of the busy A161 Low Street and that there would be a safety issue when entering onto the highway because of the two bad bends on this road. There are also surface water drainage problems for the site. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. A vote was taken and 9 were in favour with 1 against.

Haxey, site 23-4 – Cllr. Maw declared a Prejudicial Interest and left the room. This land is and would be outside the Development limit and part of the land has been contaminated by chemicals. There are surface water drainage problems due to a blocked drain at Graizelound Fields Road. However, it was felt that this was a lot better site than most of those that had been put forward and that it would be a natural extension of the existing housing development. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Moyle. All were in favour. Cllr. Maw re-entered the room.

Haxey, site 23-5 – The frontage is already developed and any housing would constitute backland and tandem development. It is and would be outside the development boundary. There are drains on 3 sides and the area is known to have a flood problem. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Moyle. All were in favour.

Cllr. Whitehead joined the meeting.

Haxey – It was felt the proposed development limit for Haxey was adequate with the exception of the proposed area where Northside (Track) meets Crosshill. If this was to go forward, it would allow development within the cartilage of existing properties and also leaves the possibility for encroachment onto Northside which is an Ancient Lane. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to take this part out of the development limit which was seconded by Cllr. C. Lindley. A vote was taken and 9 were in favour of the proposal with 2 against. A proposal was made by Cllr. Moyle to Support the remainder of the proposed development limit which was seconded by Cllr. Carlile. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-1 – It was felt that this site encroached too much onto Greenfield land. Cove Road is not of a standard width to have kerbing laid and white lines put down and the road would not cope with the additional traffic. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Carlile. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-2,3 and 4 – All of these proposed sites have been designated as village amenity areas. There would be an access problem and the roads would not be able to cope with the additional traffic. The contour of the land is high at one end and low at the other. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support all of the 3 sites which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-5 – It was felt this proposed site was an ideal area for infill. The drainage in the area was thought to be good and there is good access to the site from Brethergate. A proposal was made by Cllr. Maw to Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-6 – This site has been refused planning previously and the access would be from the top end of Brethergate near to the bad bend which would cause traffic problems. A proposal was made by Cllr. Smedley to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-7 – There is a possibility that 135 houses could be built on this land. The infrastructure would not be able to cope with the additional buildings and there would be access problems because of the condition of the highway and the contour of the land. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-8 – This site has been refused planning permission previously. The ‘Ropewalk’ runs along the western side of the proposed area. 3 gardens have been included in the proposed area which have not been put forward by the property owners. The site is in-accessible from Nethergate except by the drive of the existing frontage property. There are also drainage problems. A proposal was made by Cllr. Moyle to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr Boor. All were in favour.

Westwoodside, site 42-9 – Access can be gained from Newbigg to this site which is adjacent to Westwoodside Primary School field, but this may require improvement to the width. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support this site which was seconded by Cllr. Boor. A vote was taken and with 5 in favour of the proposal and 6 against, it was resolved to Support this site as an appropriate area to build.

Westwoodside, site 42-10, 11 and 12 – Cllrs. Cooke and Maw declared a prejudicial interest and left the room. Westwoodside, site 42-10 – This site is within the Flood Risk Area and there is a lack of adequate sewerage facilities to serve the site.

Westwoodside, site 42-11 – This site is within the Flood Risk Area and there have been problems with the sewerage system. A site of this size would overwhelm the infrastructure and the road would have difficulty in coping with additional traffic from a development on this scale.

Westwoodside, site 42-12 – This site is within the Flood Risk Area and the sewerage system may be inadequate. These 3 proposed sites are all in the Flood Risk Area and all have other problems. A proposal was made by Cllr. Booth to Not Support these 3 proposed sites which was seconded by Cllr. Moyle. All were in favour. Cllrs. Cooke and Maw re-entered the room.

Westwoodside – It was felt the proposed development limit for Westwoodside was adequate, but there should be no further development in any Flood Risk Area. A proposal was made by Cllr. Boor to Support this which was seconded by Cllr. Carlile. All were in favour.

339. To receive an update on the Parish Council’s Website and Newsletter.

Cllr. Allcock stated that since the Open Meeting which was held on Tuesday 6th November, 39 people had visited the Council’s website and there had been a total of 50 visits.

Additional items are to be added. These include the map showing the footpaths in the Parish and also a Questions and Answers blog which will be related to the Housing and Employment Land Allocations Document.

Cllrs. Booth and Maw have delivered more newsletter to properties in Eastlound and on Blackmoor Road and Hallcroft Road. Cllr. Booth stated they still needed to deliver to some houses on Blackmoor Road and to the flats on Hallcroft Close but they had run out of newsletters. Cllr. Smedley said that he would be happy to do these areas and would be supplied with more newsletters.

Cllr. Allcock added that he had also started writing pieces for the next newsletter which is to be sent out before the end of the year.

340. To receive an update on the Parish Directory and to obtain quotes for the cost of production.

Copies of the Directory had been printed off and were handed out to each Councillor. It was requested that Councillors take a copy to look at and to notify the Clerk of any corrections/additions that need to be made before Friday 23rd November so that these can be done before the meeting at the end of the month and new copies printed. Cllr. Moyle added that it was hoped the footpath map could be added to the Directory but it was felt that this should be put in as a separate publication as it would increase the cost for the printing of the Directory.

It was resolved that quotes would be obtained from 3 printing companies before the meeting at the end of November.

341. To receive a report from the recent Isle of Axholme Physically Handicapped Society Meeting.

It was resolved to defer this item to the agenda for the meeting at the end of November.

342. To receive an update on the Affordable Housing Development.

No reply has been received from SYHA following the letter that has been sent by the Clerk.

Cllr. Cooke stated that he believed any additional works that needed to be carried out to the properties had now been done and that people were able to move into the properties within the next few weeks.

A further letter is to be sent to SYHA asking for a reply to the Parish Council’s letter.

Further enquiries are to be made about the state of Thinholme Lane.

343. To notify the Clerk of items to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

Items already added to the agenda for the meeting at the end of November include:
To receive a report from the recent Isle of Axholme Physically Handicapped Society Meeting – Deferred Item, To discuss the refurbishment of the Butter Cross on Haxey Lane – Deferred Item, To receive an update regarding the Affordable Housing Development, To receive an update on the Parish Council’s Website/Newsletter.

Additional items include:
To receive information from Mrs. Margaret Burrup of Severn Trent regarding the sewer system in Haxey Parish, To discuss the contents of the Parish Directory and to determine who, from the quotes received, will publish the booklet.

To consider forming a Working Party for Parish Plan and Village of the Year.

To determine the date for the December meeting.

To determine the date for the extra meeting in January 2008.

To determine what items are to be added to the agenda for the 2008/09 Precept.

344. To consider the following accounts and any received after the agenda has been sent out and before the next meeting:
The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal - £90.00p - 101328
Aquila Business Products Ltd - £58.07p - 101329
Cottage Gardens - £228.00p - 101330
ERNLLCA - £20.00p - 101331