Minutes of a Meeting held on Thursday 15th March 2007 in Newbiggin-on-Lune Public Hall at 7.30 pm
Present
Councillor John Bull (Chairman)
Councillors Caroline Morris, Ernest Leach, Paul Capstick and Fanny Jackson.
Clerk, Chris Elphick.
2 members of the public.
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Janet Brownrigg, Hilary Mirrey and District Councillor Michael Metcalfe-Gibson.
Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of personal or prejudicial interest in any item on the agenda.
Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 8th February 2007 had been circulated and were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Children’s Playgrounds
It was reported that the fencing of the Newbiggin-on-Lune site would take place as soon as the weather permits. The Awards for All grant application has not yet been determined.
News has just been received that Friends of the Lake District have awarded a grant of £10,000 towards the cost of renewing the beckside wall at the Scandal Beck site. A response from “Breathing Places” is expected in May.
In recognition of the award from FoLD it was resolved that the Parish Council should support the work of that organisation by becoming an Affiliated Society at an annual subscription of £25.00.
Finance
Accounts for payment
C J Elphick (Admin Expenses to 31/03/07) £133.78
C J Elphick (SLCC Subs – 50%) £42.50
Dalton & Hague (N-o-L Playground Legal Costs) £498.37
Newbiggin-on-Lune Public Hall (Rent) £69.00
Friends of the Lake District Membership £25.00
Ravenstonedale High Chapel
Negotiations with the North-West Synod of the United Reformed Church have resulted in a provisional offer of a twentyfive year lease at a notional rent of £2,000 per annum with the first two years at one peppercorn. Thereafter the cost benefit of maintenance and improvements would be allowable against the rent.
The council is still investigating the probable running costs including rates, insurance and heat and light. Sources of funding and income generation towards the costs are also being considered.
A decision on the practicability of acquiring the building will be made when a business plan has been created.
Upper Eden Community Plan
Cllr Bull, Mirrey and the Clerk had attended a meeting on 22nd March. Speakers were Roger Hopcroft, EDC Planning Dept., Keith Masser, Area Highways Engineer, Judith Quigley, Eden Local Strategic Partnership and Peter Clarke, Cumbria Primary Care Trust. Each speaker outlined the work of his or her department and the ways in which they were working with UECP. A stimulating question and answer session ensued. A fuller report is appended to these minutes.
Planning Applications
No. 06/0947 PROPOSED EXTENSION INTO ROOF-SPACE
Type Full Application
Location Westgarth, Ravenstonedale
Applicant Mr & Mrs C Wrigley
Parish Council No objections GRANTED
No. 07/0030 PROPOSED ALTERATIONS & EXTENSION
Type Full Application
Location The Chantry, Ravenstonedale
Applicant Mr & Mrs Houston
Parish Council No objections GRANTED
No. 07/0113 ERECTION OF A BIRD HIDE OVERLOOKING NATURE RESERVE
Type Full Application
Location The Fat Lamb, Crossbank, Ravenstonedale
Applicant East Cumbria Countryside Project
Parish Council No objections
A685 Highway Safety
It was reported that Keith Masser, the new Area Engineer for Cumbria Highways has agreed that a full safety review of the A685 from Ravenstonedale to Tebay has been programmed for 2007-2008.
Eden LSP Community Strategies Action Plan
A consultation document had been received on the following topics:
1. Improving activities for young people
2. Ensuring equitable access to services
3. Enabling people to care for their environment
It was considered that the Upper Eden Community Plan had already covered these areas and no response was required.
Public Participation
Mr Richard Hunter raised the problem of flooding in Newbiggin in the Penny End area.
Cllr Jackson and the Clerk had already inspected the area and reported the problem to Highways. Clerk to reiterate the problem and request a site meeting. Mr Hunter volunteered to meet and explain the problem using his local knowledge.
Correspondence received
CALC – County Circular March 2007
Cumbria in Bloom Entry forms
Clerks & Councils Direct
Local Council Review
Cumbria Minerals & Waste Development Framework – Consultation
EDC Parish Tree Warden Scheme – Volunteers invited
The foregoing items were noted or circulated as appropriate.
Date of next meeting (and Annual Parish Meeting): Thursday 12th April 2007
Signed Chairman Date 12th April 2007