Balderton Parish Council
Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting held
in the Council Hall on Wednesday March 29th 2006 at 6.30 pm
PRESENT Councillors White (Chairman), Jarvis (Vice Chairman), Allsopp, Colman,
Mortimore, Mrs Newstead, Sheppard and Miss Watson with a representative of the
local press, seven members of the public and the Clerk.
APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Ms Atkinson, Fletcher, Gibson, Hind, Mrs
Scott & Scott, County Councillor Walker and Head Groundsman Mr Stevens.
1270 Declarations of Interest
No declarations were made.
The meeting was closed to take public comments.
Current Pavilion user groups had been invited to the meeting to view plans for
the new playing field and discuss interim accommodation arrangements. All those
attending were very pleased with the proposed building and accepted that a
degree of disruption is necessary during the construction period. The option of
providing temporary showers on site was discussed though members considered that
adequate space is an issue, and the units would only provide a limited number of
less powerful electrical showers. Storage areas are required by the regular
football teams and by the Newark Photographic Society – it is anticipated that
these can be accommodated in the roof space. The users were thanked for their
attendance and they left the meeting.
Two parishioners asked for support relating to a tree preservation order on
their land at 50 Bullpit Road which is complicating a planning application. They
were thanked for their information and attendance and advised that the matter
was scheduled for discussion on the meeting agenda. The meeting re-opened.
1271 50 Bullpit Road
Members gave consideration to a request made that the Council support the
removal of a
black pine tree which is subject to a tree preservation order on land at 50
Bullpit Road. The
owners have a planning application pending on the site for two dwellings which
would necessitate the removal of the tree. The District Council Planning
Department suggested that the applicants consult with the Parish Council for
their opinion regarding the tree. The committee considered on balance that
support should be given to removing the tree, but in order to view the site and
fully assess the situation it was,
AGREED that the matter be given further consideration by Planning
Committee members and approval was given that their
recommendation be made to the District Council. A site
meeting was arranged with the owners for Monday April 3rd at 10am.
The parishioners thanked the Committee and left the meeting at approximately
7.15pm.
1272 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.
1273 New Hall
The Chairman advised that W.R.E.N. have awarded a grant of £33,000 towards the
project and that planning permission for the amended plans is awaited and a
decision expected within a couple of weeks. Efforts are still being made for
fund raising from local businesses. The option of selling or leasing the Council
Hall should be seriously considered – a recent valuation has been given of
£95-100,000. An office for Council administration staff has been included in the
revised plans for the new hall and Council meetings could take place there. The
District Valuation Office will be asked to value the property. Cllr Mortimore
raised the issue of security at the Playing Field during the building work and
asked the Council to consider the issue of the site being without staff during
evenings and weekends.
1274 Lakeside Disabled Access
The Clerk advised that full access must be allowed for all motorised and manual
wheelchair users. Examples of different gate and barrier options available were
circulated and considered. One option is “motorcycle inhibitor barriers” which
are non mechanical, allow all sizes of chair yet prevent motorcycles etc. The
barriers cost £199 each.
It was, AGREED that subject to the Chairman and
Clerk being assured that the barriers
will be suitable, “motorcycle inhibitor barriers” be purchased and installed.
1275 Lakeside Fencing
Initial consideration was given to fencing off the existing open areas of
Lakeside which are
accessible by vehicles. It was considered that the fencing style would be
sympathetic and in keeping with the area. The areas will be measured, estimate
prices obtained and the matter given further consideration.
1276 Quarterly Bonus
Approval was given to the groundstaff’s quarterly bonus payment.
1277 Dog Waste Bin
Consideration was given to a request for dog waste bins on the footpath between
Main Street and Spring Lane. Though sympathetic to the request members
considered that as there is adequate provision in that area from the dog waste
bin located opposite Spring Lane on Main Street.
1278 Information/Correspondence
The following items of information/correspondence have been received and were
noted:
a) A suggestion from the local R.S.P.C.A. inspector for a sign on the Lakeside
disabled park area at Orchid Close advising that there is no access beyond the
barrier. Young people are climbing over the railings and getting onto the bank
and then using stones to throw at the birds. He has moved young people on from
the site on several occasions.
b) Notice that the level crossing on Barnby Road will be closed overnight on
Saturday/Sunday April 1st/2nd for essential maintenance work..
c) Notice that a planning application to continue use of B8 storage at Sunnyside
on Barnby Road has been withdrawn, and notice that the District Council have
raised no objections to the Lawful Development Certificate application for a
scrap yard at Hollowdyke Lane.
d) Following a request made by a resident that the opening times at the playing
field be more specific, attempts have been made to decide monthly times for
closure. This is proving problematic and the matter was discussed further.
Members considered the old practice of ringing a bell five minutes before the
attendant closes the gates at dusk could be re-introduced. This could eradicate
the need for a fixed closing time and the notices would be amended to notify the
public of the bell system.
e) Notice that Mr Rix, Parish Footpaths Officer has undertaken to complete the
full survey of public footpaths in Balderton as part of the County Council P3
agreement.
f) Copies of recent photographs of the Lake taken by a resident.
1279 Future agenda Items
No items were put forward.
The meeting closed at approximately 8.30pm