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MINUTES OF MEETING 18 MAY 2023

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 18 MAY 2023 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

Present:  Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, Peter O’Brien, Dave Kirkup, Alex Erskine.  Sarah Battarbee Clerk

APOLOGIES Ray Whiteley, Elizabeth Coe, Cllr Sutton, PC Boswell

1.   COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – there was none as the date was a week later than usual and Cllr Sutton was attending to post election duties.

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2.   DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – PO’B reported that the majority party in the District Council was now a progressive alliance of Lib Dems, Labour and Green, with the leader being Lib Dem and the deputy leader Labour.  The Chair is Andrew Smedland.  Cllr O’Brien had reported the tree stump which presents a hazard on the Hathersage Road, as yet no action.  Network Rail meeting with DDDC and Network Rail (P’OB has subsequently circulated a note).  There are other possible locations for the depot but they have their own difficulties, in particular distance from the works which limits how much can be done at a time.  There will be a detailed meeting with residents and also future meetings, and a community meeting later in May. Cllr O’Brien had written to Severn Trent asking for £20K compensation

3.   POLICE REPORT – there was none.

4.   MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.  These were agreed as a true record, Pro HH sec AB.

5.   CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLORS.  The Chair outlined the process.  There were only seven nominees for Council elections and the Council is obliged to make every effort to make up the full complement of nine.  After the election for a period of 35 days these vacancies are not seen as casual and Councils are permitted to coopt Councillors without advertisement or poll.  After that time there must be an advertisement and anyone within a three mile radius of the village boundary can apply.  If there are more applications than vacancies then there must be an formal election which must be paid for by the Parish Council.  Esther Stewart and Simon Hutchinson had both kindly agreed to join the Council and were duly co-opted pro HH sec DK all in favour.

6.   INDUCTION AND TRAINING

It was agreed that in view of the number of new Councillors, all-Councillor training would be helpful as soon as possible.  Clerk reported that DALC would be happy to run a course at the Pavilion.  Clerk to action.

7.   MATTERS ARISING:

SWT.  PO’B has written to Severn Trent asking for compensation.

Coronation funding.  Clerk had agreed with the former chair to spend the £100 funding finally received on wildflowers in the Jubilee Gardens

Padley Hill turning – Chair to write

8.   FLOODING – STANDING ITEM

DK have a presentation on the current flood proposal.  There was discussion about postponing it as so few Councillors were present, but Clerk asked for it go to ahead as some small funding with regard to ownership of the bank was required.  HH said that the presentation must be given again next meeting so that all Councillors could see it.  AE helpfully pointed out the possible need for planning permissions.

It was agreed that the flood group could spend up to £300 on land registry and probate check costs.  Pro HH sec AE.

Cllrs were clear that while the parish council is keen to support this work, any question of liability must be formally and absolutely covered, for example if the works cause houses further down the river to flood which do not currently do so.  Cllrs who were also flood group members agreed that this had to be the case, and were meeting representatives from DWT the following day to better understand the process across all the elements of the project, in particular permits from the EA.  They would report back to the next meeting.

AB said that depending on the outcome of that, the £2000 earmarked funding was not necessarily a ceiling and that the possibility of ‘loans’ from the Council in order to meet the project deadline might be possible if grants could be identified to repay them and it was a matter of timing.  DK said that the flood group acknowledged the ambition of the Nov 23 deadline but it was important to get on with the project as quickly as possible so as to be ready for winter floods and to have some progress to report to residents.

9.   CLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY DECLARATION – STANDING ITEM

Clerk has been busy.  She attended the Carbon Literacy Trust training paid for by the Parish Council and will soon give a presentation on the learning points.  She found out it very interesting and informative if a bit depressing in parts.  The training requires two pledges, one as an individual working with a group and one as a group exercise.  Clerk will provide details on these at the next meeting.  Clerk has also joined the steering group of a place-based initiative to provide resources and a sharing platform for parish councils wanting to develop a climate action plan.  It seems we are quite well advanced with ours and are doing things right, if by chance.  The idea is to build or borrow a website which hosts useful up to date information, including on funding, for councils and community groups to use or share with residents.  It is aimed at parish and town councils because there is a gap in the market at that level.  Clerk is on a group ‘guidance content’ with a clerk from Gamlingay in Cambs, a software developer and climate action volunteer also from Cambridge, and Ric Casale from Carbon Copy, which is a publishing platform for parish council action plan case studies.  Other groups are finance, website building, and communications.  The initiative is under the umbrella of NALC (National Association of Local Councils) and SLCC (Society of Local Council Clerks).  Meanwhile clerk has updated our own action plan and made a list of the information we needed when we were starting out, and where we now have that information, where we got it from.  More updates as things progress.  It’s very exciting to be working at a national level.

10.                    HIGHWAY MATTERS

Froggatt Road closure.  The poor service from Severn Trent was discussed again.  There had been reports from residents that no work is going on at the site and yet the deadline ahs been extended.  PO’B had written to STW asking for compensation.

Padley Hill turning.  Clerk had written to DCC and received another disappointing response.  It was agreed that the Chair should write, and Clerk will circulate that letter.

Main Road through Stoke – uneven carriageway.  HH reported that the uneven road surface past the houses at Stoke was now so bad that furniture was shaking as the big lorries pass by.  This has been made worse by the Froggatt diversion.

Village Gates.  Steve Medhi, resident, has provided a design for village gates pro bono.   The design will come to the next meeting.

Potholes.  There had been no reports from residents about potholes so Cllr Sutton’s kind offer to come and look at them was not taken up.  AE helpfully offered to send a link where potholes can be reported.  Once reported they are the Council’s liability.

11.                    PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/0523/0496 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ 15 Eyam Woodlands. Erection of a single garage and store.  In support.

12.                    PLANNING DECISIONS

    NP/DDD/0722/0877 S.73 application for the variation of condition 4 on NP/DDD/0618/0555 Longshaw Estate.  Granted

13.                    ACCOUNTS

            It was pro HH sec APB that these accounts be paid.

14.                    CORRESPONDENCE:

Consultation from DCC on the siting of EV charging points.  Council asked Clerk to fill this in on their behalf.

Network Rail meeting.  See District Cllr’s report above.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 8 June 2023

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.41 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

Minutes of meeting March 9th 2023

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16 MARCH 2023 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION, POSTPONED FROM 9 MARCH DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; John Morton (who had to leave at 8 pm to attend GPFA), Hilary Hart, Andrew Battarbee, Ray Whiteley, Rob Tamlyn.  Sarah Battarbee Clerk

APOLOGIES Elizabeth Coe, Peter O’Brien, Cllr Sutton, PC Anthony Boswell.

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – none, Cllr Sutton was unable to attend due to the changed date.

2. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – * a 2.94% rise in Council Tax (major savings to be achieved next and subsequent years)
   * the meeting with Network Rail, on the possible relocation of the engineering facility at the station, was postponed (by NR) – to be urgently rearranged
   * I have given you details of the new Community Resilience Fund. Could be more ambitious than just ‘gates’?
   * a review of the use and benefits of the Residents Parking Permit is underway (PC to express a view?). I think there should be some sort of equivalent to encourage bus use – tho not both to the same family
   * card payments at DDDC car parks are to be phased out, in favour of PaybyPhone. Some concern that this may disadvantage people, especially older,  who do not have or use mobile phones. PC views?
   * the Council Leader resigned (from the Tory Party and the Council) last week, in the light of revelations regarding ‘promises’ made to a leading tourist attraction in respect of sites for traveller families

3. POLICE REPORT – PC Boswell provided links to report bad parking these being;

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.  These were agreed as a true record, Pro RT sec JM.

5. MATTERS ARISING:

Puddle outside the Old Post Office – Clerk sent a letter to DCC on behalf of the Chair.  JM reported that DCC came to look at the drain repair job.

New Editors for the Grindleford News – it was agreed that the News should go online and the editor should be advertised as a paid post for £1000 a year, to be invoiced to Council.  Clerk to advertise on this basis.

FLOODING – STANDING ITEM

The flood group hope to bring a proposal to the May meeting as Council is now in purdah.  Discussion delayed until then.

6. CLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY DECLARATION – STANDING ITEM
7. HH attended the 20s Plenty meeting. DCC score at level 1(low) across the range of categories local leadership/basic plans, delivery record, self assessment.

8. HIGHWAY MATTERS

Speedwatch signs are being trialled.  RWh is looking after their acquisition.    PO’B is meeting Severn Trent.

9. PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/0223/0111 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Cabrachan, Sir William Hill Road,

Grindleford. Change of use of agricultural land to residential and creation of parking area

with extended driveway.  In support.

NP/GDO/0922/1163 Telecoms GPDO – Proposed upgrade to the existing replica

telegraph pole, junction of The Lane and Station Road, Hathersage.

Appeal Reference: APP/M9496/W/ 22/3311307.

Appeal Start Date: 17 February 2023.  Noted.

NP/DDD/0223/0186 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Grindleford Model Laundry Co

Limited, The Old Boiler House , Main Road, Grindleford. Erection of a bat loft and

domestic store.  In support.

NP/DDD/0223/0189 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Grindleford Model Laundry Co

Limited, The Old Boiler Room, Main Road, Grindleford. Conversion and partial

demolition of an existing former Boiler House to a decommissioned Laundry (formerly

Grindleford Model Laundry) and redevelopment of the site to create a high quality

live/work unit with associated courtyard landscaping.  In support.

NP/DDD/1222/1610 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Single storey rear extension

accompanying a two storey side extension Padley Gate, Main Road, Nether Padley,

Grindleford. Please note that the above planning application is now considered to have been withdrawn.  Noted.

• PLANNING DECISIONS:

Appeal Ref: APP/M9496/W/22/3299856 River View, Tedgness Road, Nether Padley, Grindleford S32 2HX  The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a failure to give notice within the prescribed period of a decision on an application for planning permission.  The appeal is made by Blenheim Architects against Peak District National Park Authority.  The application Ref NP/DDD/0921/1014, is dated 16 September 2021. Appeal refused.

• ACCOUNTS

It was pro HH sec APB that these accounts be paid.

12. CORRESPONDENCE:

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 9 February 2023

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 7.50 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10 NOVEMBER 2022 at 7 pm at the Pavilion.

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Peter O’Brien, John Morton, Rob Tamlyn, Hilary Hart, Andrew Battarbee.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.

APOLOGIES  Cllr Sutton, Ray Whiteley, John Mottershaw, PC Boswell .

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton was unwell but emailed to report that he had funding for warm rooms.

2. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr O’Brien also reported funding for projects, up to £10,000.  There was to be an open meeting of the District Council on 16 November.  Cllr O’Brien was thanked for providing empty sandbags as requested.

3. POLICE REPORT – PC Bowell could not attend, there had been no crimes reported in our area.

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.  These were agreed as a true record pro RT sec EC.

5. MATTERS ARISING:

6. Tree funding.  It was agreed to discuss this again at the next meeting as the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust may be able to provide some equipment and training.  RW expressed a strong view that there should be no funding for the wetland area at the bottom of the playing fields.  In the event this had been self-funding.  It was agreed not to take Frank Galbraith’s small Christmas trees for Jubilee Gardens because of all the issues, (they have now found a home at the shop).

Jubilee Gardens. There had been a misunderstanding about extra cuts in the autumn, Clerk had put together a schedule for next year to formalise the timetable which was agreed.  Mark Bristow continued to be extremely good value for money.

Noise reduction camera.  EC had sent round the information.  There was acceptance that it was now too late to get on the pilot and in any event Grindleford is too small.

Remembrance Sunday. Ray had got this in hand.  Clerk had ordered the wreaths.  PO’B to lay the Parish Council wreath.

7. FLOODING – STANDING ITEM

The project was in limbo as it had not been possible to conduct the Lidar survey.  Clerk had spoken to group members about next steps.  Some funding had been set aside in the half year budget for any works.  RT pointed out that when the survey was done, EA consulted re certification and a plan agreed, any work done by volunteers could be the responsibility of the parish council, especially in such dangerous conditions as the riverbank, so caution should be exercised.

8. CLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY DECLARATION – STANDING ITEM

Climate Emergency Action Plan event.  Clerk was given a free rein to organise this within funding limits of £100 plus equivalent Pavilion room hire.  The date was agreed for 8 December with the December parish council meeting moving to 15^th.  PO’B suggested inviting Joanna Hill, the Climate Officer at DDDC.

EV charging points – there was further discussion about the philosophy, practicality and funding of EVCPs in Grindleford.  Future national funding would not be at parish council level although ORCs on-road parking funding was available.

8. HIGHWAY MATTERS

Severn Trent’s efforts to signpost the Froggatt Road A625 closure had been less than successful.  Several emails had been exchanged and at least we now have a contact Timothy.Ip@severntrent.co.uk.  Officers at DCC had been very helpful and done their utmost to liaise with Severn Trent and to redirect especially heavy traffic away from Grindleford.  The clerk had asked residents to report lorries going through, with an email address, so that she could contact them and ask them to take the formal diversion.

HH spoke about the option to have speed control gates at Stoke.  PO’B suggested making a substantial bid to the community initiative for say £10k.  The community funding initiative had also been mentioned with regard to flood defence works.  PO’B to ask Cllr Sutton for advice about multiple bids.

9. PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/1022/1265 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk.  Borgen, Adlington Lane, Grindleford.  Proposed ancillary outbuilding.  Materials proposed are not in keeping with surrounding building otherwise no objections.

NP/DDD/1022/1340 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Longshaw Lodge, Unnamed Track from, Froggatt Edge to, District Boundary, Longshaw.  Installation of a stormwater drain to prevent localised flooding and potholing. Resurfacing of the area of hardstanding used for residential private parking.  In support.

10. PLANNING DECISIONS:

NP/DDD/0822/1106  Proposed creation of a bay window/screen door to rear of existing kitchen.  Hog Hall, Leadmill, Hathersage.  Granted.

11. ACCOUNTS

It was pro EC sec JM that these accounts be paid.

12. CORRESPONDENCE:

Half year budget.  The half year budget proposed by clerk was agreed all in favour.

Proposals to fund a sack barrow for the foodbank was agreed.  The purchase of a heat leak detector, property of the parish council but for village use were agreed; Sarah Cook has volunteered to run a loan system through the shop.  It was agreed to fund flood training for John Baily, flood warden, and waders for both flood wardens, clerk to action.  Funding for pavilion hire to keep the Ukraine English group going was agreed until the end of the FY when it would be reconsidered.

Precept.  There was discussion about how much this should be raised for the next FY, bearing in mind the economic situation but also the need to fund initiatives in the village.  Clerk to draw up a table of priorities for funding next year, against the amount of precept to demonstrate what the different levels of increase would mean to the council’s capacity to provide funding.

John Mottershaw Cllr Mottershaw has tendered his resignation from the Council after many years of service.  Cllrs wished it to be minuted that his efforts had been hugely appreciated over the years and that he would be greatly missed.

Website article.  Ray Whiteley.  Approved and enjoyed.

Station to station footpath Sheffield to Manchester.  No objections.  Cllrs thought this was a good idea.

Warm Spaces at St Helens.  Noted that the church were considering this.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 15 December 2022  (note revised date).

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.55 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11 August at 7 pm at the Pavilion.

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Hilary Hart, Peter O’Brien, John Morton, Ray Whiteley, Rob Tamlyn, AP Battarbee.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.

APOLOGIES  John Mottershaw, Cllr Sutton, PC Boswell.

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – there was none.

2. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – there had been discussion about prosperity funding allocated to DDDC to replace European money. Funding for between £4K and £12K can be accessed through District Cllrs.  After a presentation by local residents and Cllrs O’Brien and Tamlyn, objecting to disturbance by Network Rail, there is to be a meeting to discuss what steps can be taken.  Cllrs thanked Cllr O’Brien. Cllr Tamlyn and residents.

3. POLICE REPORT – there was none.

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING  These were agreed as a true record pro PO’B and RT.

5. MATTERS ARISING:

EC said she would distribute 20’s Plenty signs at the Horticultural Show via the raffle stand.

Local Plan.  Circulated to Cllrs on 3 June, PO’B will collate comments.

Fire on Whin Hill.  RW will write to Andrew McCloy at PDNPA in reply to AM’s reply.

Defibrillator.  There is no further news about its whereabouts.  Agreed that P’OB would kindly contribute £100 and PC and the GPFA would split the rest.    All in favour.

6. FLOODING – STANDING ITEM

The flood action plan was reviewed.  Cllrs were allocated to each thread of the plan as follows, as primary liaison points on the Council.  The action plan has been circulated to the new flood group who are setting up their first meeting.

Clerk to send a photo of the debris under the pipe to our contact at EA.

7. CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY EMERGENCY DECLARATION – STANDING ITEM

Review of Action Plan – the action plan was reviewed.  Actions are in the main being pursued by local groups.  As with flooding, Cllrs were allocated to each thread of the plan as follows, as primary liaison points on the Council.

8. HIGHWAY MATTERS

Speed signs and cones.  Clerk submitted a summary paper of possibilities and previous  discussions.  PO’B said he would pursue getting some cones for the junction with Cllr Sutton.  It was agreed to ask James Adams, our contact at DCC on traffic issues, to meet separately with Cllrs to talk about what might be possible in terms of speeding signage.  This would include village ‘gates’ like the ones at Hope, coming in from Calver.  Clerk to contact.

The closure of the bridge at Froggatt for repairs was noted.  Clerk to chase DCC about repairs to Grindleford Bridge.

Parking at Longshaw has again started to be a problem.  Clerk to email PC Boswell about renewing police checks.  52 cars were counted recently.

9. PLANNING MATTERS

There were none

10. PLANNING DECISIONS:

NP/DDD/0422/0505.  Grindleford Model Laundry, the Old Boiler House, Main Road,     Grindleford.  Conversion and partial demolition of an existing Boiler House to a decommissioned Laundry and redevelopment of the site to create a high quality dwelling house with associated courtyard landscaping.  Refused on a number of grounds.

1. ACCOUNTS

It was Pro JSM Sec RWh that these accounts be paid.

12. CORRESPONDENCE:

Jubilee Gardens – there is funding for one more mow this year.  Mark Bristow had done some       planting and repaired the flags.

HH’s excellent article on recycling was approved for inclusions on the website.  Injurious weeds – there has been some contact between Natural England and the farmer, with some limited action, although the problem is far from solved.  A further update to follow as the year progresses.    EV charging points – Council agreed that if a workable case can be made which meets its approval, it would be prepared to consider giving Clerk permission to apply for the 60% grant available to Parish Councils to cover installation costs.  It was noted that the EV charging points would not be Council property or responsibility and no Council funding would be involved.  The decision went to vote and was carried 6 – 2 with JSM and RWh voting against.

Litterpick.  There were only half a dozen or so replies to the call to join a WhatsApp group to replace the current group, the organiser of which is stepping back.

Parking by the church.   EC provided a photograph of parking on the pavement which would prevent wheelchairs and prams from getting through.  Clerk has written to the shop manager asking him to raise it with the shop and church.

New playground.  Clerk reported that there had been interest from other Councils.

Parishes Day 1 October.  Cllr Battarbee may be able to attend.  Clerk will attend.

Clerk vacancies in Derbyshire.  For future reference Clerk pointed out to Council that there are currently a large number of vacancies being advertised, and broadly speaking Grindleford is paying about half what other similar Councils are offering.  This is not a current issue but will need considering when the incumbent moves on.  One point to note is that Grindleford Council does not have responsibility for either the burial ground or the playground which most other Councils do.

Grindleford News editors.  The current editors are retiring after the January 2023 edition so new editors need to be found.

September meeting.  Clerk asked all Councillors to note that the next meeting is on 1 September not 8 September, as advertised in the list of meeting dates at the start of the year.

John Morton to write the next website article.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 1 September 2022.

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.45 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council