Balderton Parish Council
Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting held
in the Council Hall on Wednesday May 10th 2006 at 7.00pm
PRESENT Councillors White (Chairman), Allsopp, Miss Atkinson, Colman, Fletcher,
Hind, Mrs Newstead, Scott and Sheppard with Deputy Head Groundsman Mr Brown, six
members of the public and the Clerk.
APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Gibson, Jarvis, Mortimore, Mrs Scott and Miss
Watson, and County Councillor Walker.
1280 Declarations of Interest
Cllr Ms Atkinson made a declaration of personal interest to minute reference
1282 – planning application for The Hollies, Barnby Lane.
The meeting was closed to take public comments. One parishioner asked the
Council to make a revised request to the County Council for traffic calming
measures along Hawton Lane. The Chairman explained that the issue of speed
calming measures is still under discussion and will be raised again with County
Councillor Walker. The same parishioner suggested that a works study
professional be employed to review precise staff requirements at the playing
field and new hall. The Chairman thanked him for his comment and assured him
that issue of staffing levels and requirements would be fully considered by
members after consultation with existing staff.
One parishioner asked why the Council wants to retain the Acacia Road access and
why is there a middle gate to the playing field? The Chairman explained that the
access is for the public to use and the Council’s right of way over the land has
been established for many years.
One member of the Balderton Cricket Club asked if the Council would make a
formal request to the police for extra presence at the field in the evenings and
at weekends – large groups of young people are hanging around the area, drinking
alcohol heavily and are intimidating other users. The Chairman reassured those
present that members were very concerned about behavioural problems on the
field, that numerous telephone reports have been made to the police in the past
few weeks and a letter would be sent to the Newark Inspector highlighting the
problem, asking for their help.
One parishioner spoke in favour of opening the middle gate to the playing field.
This item was scheduled for discussion later on the agenda.
Two members of the public reported on an autocross club they have set up near
the showground in Winthorpe for young people. The club aims to involve young
people and their families providing a more structured use of free time. The club
is run with strict rules and regulations. The club is open to Balderton
residents. The Chairman thanked them for their information and asked that they
leave contact details with the Clerk.
The meeting re-opened at approximately 7.30pm.
1281 Clerk/Chairman’s Update
A printed update of ongoing matters was circulated and noted. The update is
published with the minutes. No issues were discussed from the update.
1282 Planning Applications:
The following applications were considered and approved subject to the following
comments:
0581 Change of use to school with accommodation The Hollies, Barnby Lane
0638 Proposed development of 2 houses and garages 50 Bullpit Road
0668 Pitched roof over garage and alterations to kitchen 123b Main Street
1283 Planning Decisions:
The following applications have received conditional approval and were noted:
0326 Demolish existing pavilion, erect new facilities Balderton Playing Field
0373 Erect extension 64 Warwick Road
0424 Replacement conservatory 5 Russell Avenue
0447 Conservatory 20 Church Lane
0448 Conservatory 3 Wesley Close
1284 Middle Gate to Playing Field
Discussion took place regarding re-opening the middle gate to the playing field
which has been closed for six months. Members considered on balance that the
gate should be opened and closed at staff arrival and departure times. The
situation will be monitored.
1285 New Hall and Car Park
The Chairman advised that planning permission has now been granted and that the
old building has been demolished. Consideration was given to providing an
overspill car park in front of the children’s play area accessed by the main
field gates. This area would provide parking for approximately 25 vehicles.
Members agreed that extra car parking spaces are required. Discussion took place
upon possible damage to cars from cricket balls, but the Cricket Club may have
liability insurance to cover this risk and a Council disclaimer notice could be
installed at the car park. A barrier would be required to prevent further
encroachment onto the Field. Lengthy discussion took place on surfacing options
but a permanent hard surface limestone finish was considered preferable. Costs
for purchasing and installing the stone surface will be obtained and the project
will be referred to the F&GP committee for financial approval.
1286 Lakeside Disabled Access/Fencing Open Lakeside Areas
The Clerk advised that a site meeting had taken place with the complainant, Cllr
Newstead and Council personnel to discuss the whole issue of accessibility
around the Lake. RADAR locks can be installed on gates at a relatively low cost
of £14.50. Keys to these locks are readily available to wheelchair users. If the
open areas on the site are fenced then some barriers can be removed. An estimate
has been obtained for fencing the two open areas of Lakeside at Catkin Way and
Rowan Way at a cost of approximately £1500 plus VAT. It was considered that the
fencing style would be sympathetic and in keeping with the area, will provide a
viable solution for wheelchair access and prevent unwanted vehicular access.
It was, AGREED that the area be fenced and suitable gates installed. Quotations for the work will be obtained.
1287 Shower Facilities
The Cricket Club had requested that the Council consider providing shower
facilities during
building work on the new hall. Use of the Grove Leisure Centre showers had been
secured
at a favourable rate to the Council but the Cricket Club representative
considered that
members would still prefer facilities on site. A small unit could be installed
at the side of
the cricket club pavilion – there is insufficient space on the Council car park
Enquiries will
be made regarding a portable shower block and the Club undertook to carry out
its own
installation, plumbing and water supply arrangements.
Cllr Ms Atkinson left the meeting at approximately 8.00pm.
1288 Information/Correspondence
The following items of information/correspondence have been received and were
noted:
a) A concern had been raised that the boundary hedge has been removed at the
Lowfield Lane land which was sold to the local Primary Care Trust for a health
centre. The developers have removed the hedge but arrangements could be made to
install a new one once work has commenced. Members considered on balance to wait
until after the permanent boundary fence has been installed to review the
situation.
b) An invitation from the District Council to participate in a ‘Rough Sleepers
Count’ on May 18th 2006.
c) A request from the groundstaff for a small fridge for their use during
building work at the field which can then be used in the new staffroom to the
new hall. Members gave approval to this.
d) Notice that the owners of ‘Sunnyside’ Barnby Road have lodged an appeal
against the enforcement notice issued by the District Council for operating
without planning permission.
e) A letter regarding the state of the grassed verge outside the property on the
corner of Spring Lane and Main Street, reporting that vehicles park there
causing damage. It is understood that the land in question along with other land
on Spring Lane which is subject to unauthorised entrances to properties and
parked cars is owned by the County Council. County Councillor Walker will be
asked to take the matter up with the authority.
f) A copy of the District Council’s draft ‘Green Spaces Strategy’ for
consultation.
1289 Future agenda Items
Cllr Allsopp reported that the ice cream van is again parking outside John Hunt
School
causing a dangerous obstruction. The matter will be reported to the police.
The meeting closed at approximately 8.20pm