Balderton Parish Council
Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting held
in the Balderton Village Centre Council Hall on Wednesday March 28th 2007 at
7.00pm
PRESENT Councillors White (Chairman), Sheppard (Vice Chairman), Colman, Gibson,
Hind, Mrs Jarvis, Mortimore and Mrs Newstead with Cllr Mrs Walker, County
Councillor Walker, the Deputy Head Groundsman Mr Brown, a representative of the
local press, five parishioners and the Clerk.
APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Allsopp, Ms Atkinson, Mrs Brooks, Mrs Scott,
Scott and Miss Watson.
1362 Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were made.
1363 Dog Orders
The meeting was closed to take public comments regarding objections to a
proposal to introduce an order for dogs to be kept on leads when on the playing
field.
Those present felt that a dog lead order would discriminate against responsible dog owners. Several letters of objection have been received though many were incorrect in stating that dogs were being completely banned on the field.
This issue had been discussed many years before when a compromise had been reached, allowing dogs to run around the perimeter of the field avoiding the sports pitches. The District Council Dog Warden would like to attend a meeting to discuss the associated issues – he had hoped to attend this meeting but other commitments prevented this.
It was considered preferential to defer any
decision until the Dog Warden has attended a meeting.
1364 Clerk/Chairman’s Update
A printed update of ongoing matters was circulated and noted. The update is
published with the minutes. The following issues were discussed from the update:
1. Re Minute 1356 Balderton Village Centre Consideration was given to the
purchase of a covering to protect the non slip surface from cricket boot spikes
during the summer season. A recommended carpet covering can be purchased at
approximately £10 per metre which can be rolled up and stored at the end of the
season. It is estimated that the maximum cost would be £500.
It was, RECOMMENDED that the floor covering be
purchased. County Councillor Walker invited the Clerk to write to him for
financial assistance towards this expenditure.
Discussion also took place regarding the preferred option to try and protect the
front glass doors and windows during cricket matches. A canopy could be
installed to the front of the building which would also provide some shade for
spectators – the cost of this could be considerable. A cheaper option is to
install a net on aluminium poles in front of the windows – this option has been
recommended by a manufacturer who supplies Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. A price
has been requested.
It was, RECOMMENDED that the netting option be
implemented. The option to install a canopy can be considered in the future when
funds allow.
2. Re Minute 1360f A1 Carriageway Members challenged the Highways Agency’s reply
stating that the area does not meet necessary criteria for a sound proof fence
to be installed
adjacent to the Main Street property adversely affected by the removal of trees
during recent carriageway repairs.
A letter seeking their results and proof of noise
levels will be requested. County Councillor Walker undertook to ask the County’s
noise department to carry out readings and tests.
1365 Planning Applications
The following applications were considered and approved subject to any comments
detailed below:
0271 Two storey extension, loft conversion 88 Hawton Lane
0274 Community Centre Rubys Avenue, Fernwood
0310 Two storey side extension 7 Alder Close
0313 Single storey rear extension 54 Manners Road
0320 Conservatory Balderfield Farm, Claypole Lane
0334 Conservatory 30 Christopher Crescent
The parishioners were thanked for their attendance and they left the meeting at
approximately 7.30pm.
1366 Planning Decisions
The following applications have received conditional approval and were noted:
0118 Pitched roof and re-build kitchen 1 Marlowe Drive
0181 Extensions 35 Browning Road
0182 Kitchen extension, bedroom over garage 17 Catkin Way
0189 Extension and new roof 57 Macaulay Drive
0232 Porch extension 5 Kingsway
1367 Playing Field Access
Consideration was given to accessibility for wheelchair users to get to the
shady areas of the trees during warm weather. Mr Brown advised that the field
has a relatively good surface for wheelchair access unless it has been
excessively wet weather.
1368 St. Giles Church
Consideration was given to an estimate provided by the PCC for repairs to a wall
within the churchyard which has been vandalised. The anticipated cost is
approximately £ 325, dependent upon no further damage being sustained in the
meantime. Approval was given to this expenditure and the work should be carried
out as soon possible.
1369 Cemetery Extension
It was noted that the architect has been asked to look into the proposed
Cemetery extension. This project was deferred pending completion of the boundary
site to the new health centre on Lowfield Lane. The architect has inspected the
site and written to the County Council to
ascertain if egress from the site could be made over the edge of a public
footpath which joins Mount Road. Members reviewed the sketch plan proposal and
considered that a site meeting would be useful once a reply has been obtained
from the County Council.
1370 Litter and Refuse – Code of Conduct
Consideration was given to a District Council strategy to keep all public land
clear from litter and refuse, inviting parish councils to undertake to manage
and maintain parish council owned land to the same standard as set by their Code
of Practice.
This Council’s standards meet, if not exceed the
stated Code. It was considered useful to invite the District Council officer
responsible to a meeting to discuss all implications before any decision is
taken.
Cllr Fletcher joined the meeting at approximately 8.00pm.
1371 Bowls County Match
Consideration was given to a request from the Bowls Club to determine the cost
of hiring the small hall during a County match on Friday August 31st 2007 from
12.30pm to 6.00pm.
Members considered that the normal hire rates should apply.
1372 Public Footpaths Survey
Members were informed that this year’s annual public footpaths survey has been
carried out by the parish Fooptaths Officer, Mr Rix. It was noted that Mr Rix
has now resigned from his post after many years of service. Members agreed that
a letter be sent to Mr Rix thanking him for his hard work and commitment to the
position and support shown over the years. His replacement will be considered at
the Council’s Annual General Meeting in May.
1373 Information/Correspondence
The following items of information/correspondence have been received and were
noted:
a) Notice from the County Rights of Way Department that the claim for a footpath
between Glebe Park and Barnby Crossing will not be proceeded with.
b) Two letters from residents whose properties back onto the playing field. One
claims that mole damage to their garden is from moles on the field – Mr Brown
advised that mole treatment is necessary on certain areas of the field at
present. Comparable prices will be obtained and the work undertaken. The second
letter claims that the Council’s hedge is causing damage to a fence. Mr Brown
has inspected the site and advised that he does not believe the hedge is the
Council’s property. The Clerk will ask the solicitor to check the deeds for
clarification.
c) An invitation to Age Concern Newark & Sherwood’s AGM on April 16th 2007 at
William Ghent House. Cllr Fletcher undertook to attend.
d) A request for ‘No Vehicular Access’ signs for the grassed/paves area between
Hillary Way and Gaitskell Way. This will be referred to the District Council.
e) Notice that the County Council has included the Barnby in the Willows route
from the A17 for consideration for a vehicular weight restriction.
f) Notice that a request has been made for the removal of a gate into the
Cemetery from the new health centre boundary fence. The contractor included this
gate on instruction from the PCT and landowner Liftco, but the gate was included
without the Council’s permission and fears have been expressed that it
compromises both the security of the Cemetery and the health centre site. Liftco
has replied that the gate will be permanently locked closed, but members
considered that this is not sufficient and a further request will be made to
remove the gate entirely. The sturdiness of the perimeter fence has also been
questioned – Liftco has replied that the situation will be monitored, but
considers that the on site CCTV should be a good deterrent against any damage.
g) Two letters from John Hunt Junior School about the damage sustained to the
children’s play area with suggested solutions. Replies will be drafted.
1374 Future agenda Items
No items were put forward.
The meeting closed at approximately 8.20pm