Minutes of Meeting, May 9th 2019

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

9 May 2019at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present: Chairman R. Wilson; Councillors J S Morton, R. J. Whiteley, P O’Brien,

 A. Battarbee, J.R. Mottershaw, R Tamlyn, J H Hart.  Clerk Sarah Battarbee.  Alan Jacques was in attendance to present the Audit.  

Apologies: E. Coe, Clr. Twigg, PC Boswell.

1.     County Councillors Report:there was none.

2.     District Councillors Report:there was none as the elections had only just taken place.  

3.     Police Report:there was none.  

4.     Minutesof the last council meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were Pro RW Sec JRM as being a true record approved and signed.

5.     Matters arising;two highways matters were discussed under agenda item 9.  

6.     Planning Applications:

NP/DDD/118/1087 Installation of an air source heat pump system Oaks Barn Hathersage Road. Approved without comment.  Pro RW Sec JRM.

NP/DDD/0419/0392 Proposed erection of 2 no. local need affordable dwellings Land adjacent to Main Road, Nether Padley.  The decision was made unanimously not to support this application.  The overall reason was that the arguments put forward that the development is needed for the care for an elderly relative were not sufficiently substantive.  

Specifically, there were concerns that the building design is intrusive on Bempton House behind the plot, leading to loss of light and privacy; that it is not in keeping with the surrounding houses; that the additional traffic generated would create potential for accidents at an already busy and difficult part of the main road, especially as the shared drive is also used by a care home; and finally that the application constitutes infill along the ribbon development.  There was particular concern that there would be precedent for further infill in the remaining spaces.  Pro AB  Sec  JRW.

Grindleford Council wished to make it clear than they were not opposed the idea of affordable housing in the village more generally.  

Decision notices:  NP/DDD/0219/0185. Extension of domestic curtilage into adjacent field & erection of detached garage & tractor store with home office above at Fold Cottage, Hathersage Road.  Granted subject to conditions.

7.     Accounts: thefollowing cheques were presented for signatures Pro AB Sec JRW that they be approved and paid. 

Cheq Date Payee Amount Details
935 9/5/19 University of Sheffield £287.50 Grindleford News
936 9/5/19 D J Turner £60.00 Internal Audit 

There was a discussion about spending on the Grindleford News. The clerk said that the cost depends on the number of pages, which is not limited.  The overspend on the News for 2018 was £22 which is within limits. 

8.     Audit: 2018/2019.  Annual audit of accounts was presented for approval.  The Internal Auditor found no matters to be raised. Alan Jacques, outgoing Clerk, gave a report.  It was Pro JRM Sec AB that the Chairman and Clerk sign off the returns to certify that they represented fairly the financial position of the Council and its income and expenditure for the year ending 31 March 2019.  Pro JRM Sec AB that the Accounting Statements for 2018/19 should be approved and signed. 

Alan Jacques will advertise the public right to inspect the accounts in accordance with regulations.  RW thanks Alan for all his work in completing the audit.  

9.     Highways:  parking at Longshaw.  Continuing concerns about safety issues have been reported to the Highways Hub. Further concerns about the monitoring of the speed limit signs coming into the village from the South have been similarly reported.  It was agreed that the Clerk would find someone to speak to about parking issues for the White Peak Trail.  

10.  Correspondence. P O’B had shown interest in being nominated for the role of Parish Member to the Peak Park Authority for this area.  Having subsequently been voted in as a District Councillor he can no longer do this.  No other Councillors registered an interest.  

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.37 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

Minutes of Meeting, April 11th 2019

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

11th April 2019at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present;Chairman R. Wilson; Councillors; J S Morton, V. Massey-Bloodworth, A. Battarbee, R. J. Whiteley, I. Howard, E. Coe, P O’Brien, J Mottershaw.  Clerk Sarah Battarbee.  A P Jacques, outgoing Clerk, also attended.  

Apologies;Clr. Twigg.

County Councillors Report:there was none.  Councillors are anyway in purdah prior to the local elections on 2 May.  

District Councillors Report:there was none, see above.   

Police Report:there was none. 

Minutesof the last council meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  Pro JSM Sec JM as being a true record approved and signed.

Matters arising;there were none.

Planning Applications: NP/DDD/0319/0296 Lawful Development Certificate 1 Main Road Existing Extension to Dwelling.  The application was noted.  

NP/DDD/0419/0323.  Proposed extension to dwelling and replacement windows, Lane End Cottage, Main Road, Grindleford.   Grindleford Parish Council recommends approval, noting that the materials to be used for the side wall of the development were not listed and should be in keeping with the rest of the building.  

Accounts.  Payments: it was agreed thatthe following cheques be signed at the meeting.   Pro EC Sec JM that they be approved. 

Cheq  Date Payee Amount Details
932 11/4/19 P W Colledge £28 Bus shelter clean
933 11/4/19 DALC  £250.37 Subs
934 11/4/19 Peak Park Parishes’ Forum £12 Subs

Audit:  it was agreed that Alan Jacques would complete the audit for the accounts, as he was clerk for the period covered.  The completion of the Certifcate of Exemption was agreed, Pro PO’B Sec VMB.  The Annual Governance Statement was also agreed, Pro EC Sec JSM.  Minute page number 528.

Highways Matters:  there were none.  Two agenda items for the next meeting were proposed i) contacting the Council again about parking at Longshaw and ii) speaking to the organisers about the White Peak Trail event held recently.

Elections:  because there were sufficient seats for all nominations received there is no need for Grindleford Council to hold formal elections.  Councillors after 2 May will be:

Andrew Battarbee, Elizabeth Coe, Hilary Hart, Peter O’Brien, John Mottershaw, Rob Tamlyn, John Morton, Ray Whiteley, Robert Wilson.  

Councillors sincerely thanked Irene Howard and Vicky Massey-Bloodworth, who are standing down, for their contribution to the work of the Council. 

Correspondence. Parish Member appointments to the Peak District National Park Authority.  Nomination forms are due to arrive on 22 April and will be circulated by the Clerk. The closing date for completed nomination forms in 28 May.  

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.20 pm.

Minutes of Meeting, March 14th 2019

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

14th March 2019 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present; Chairman R. Wilson; Councillors; J S Morton, V. Massey-Bloodworth,

 A. Battarbee, J.R. Mottershaw, I. Howard, Clerk A.P. Jacques & Sarah Battarbee new Clerk.

Apologies; E. Coe, R. J. Whiteley, P O’Brien, Clr J Monks & Clr. Twigg.

County Councillors Report; there was none.

District Councillors Report; VMB reported on the Waste Contract renewal, Councillor’s local projects fund & Council Tax increase of 4.5%.

Police Report; PCSO Boswell sent  a report stating that there had been no crime reported in the village over the previous 30days & that he hoped the parking problems at Mt Pleasant had been resolved satisfactorily after his visit.

Minutes of the last council meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  With the addition of a small omission of an attendee, they were Pro VMB Sec JRM as being a true record approved and signed.

Matters arising; there were none.

Planning Applications; NP/DDD/0219/0185. Extension of domestic curtilage into adjacent field & erection of detached garage & tractor store with home office above at Fold Cottage, Hathersage Road. Recommend approval, no objections.

NP/DDD/1118/1052. Section 106 undertaking. Continued importation of blockstone for processing at Stoke Hall Quarry. This application has now been withdrawn.

Decision notices. There were none.

Accounts; following cheque was presented for signatures Pro JSM Sec IH that it be approved & paid; 

Cheq  Date Payee Amount Details
931 14/03/19 A P Jacques £50.98 Clerks expenses

Clerk reported that there should be a small underspend of expenditure at the year end.

Highways; the Clerk had reported a faulty street light on Main Road to DCC.

Reports of flooding from a gully drain adjacent to Lane Ends Cottage are to be passed to DCC Highways.

Appointment of new Clerk. The Interview Panel had appointed Sarah Battarbee with effect from 1stApril 2019, which had been accepted by the applicant. It was Pro JSM Sec JRM that the decision be fully endorsed & this was unanimously agreed by members.

The Chairman welcomed the new Clerk. The current Clerk stated that induction training had begun & he also recommended that Sarah should attend the Clerks Essential training at DALC. This was agreed as was payment of the course fees.

Nominations for Elections on 2ndMay. The Clerk updated information & gave advice on the completion & delivery of forms.

Correspondence. Notice was received from PDNPA of the appointment of Parish Members to the Authority. Nomination papers will be issued on 22ndApril & the closing date for completed forms is 28thMay.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.05pm.

Minutes of Meeting, February 14th 2019

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

14th February 2019at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present; Chairman R. Wilson; Councillors; J S Morton, V. Massey-Bloodworth, A. Battarbee, R. J. Whiteley & I. Howard, Clr J Monks, Clerk A.P. Jacques & one member of the public (p.t.)

Apologies; E. Coe, P O’Brien, & Clr. Twigg.

Prior to opening the meeting, Mrs Hart, resident of Stoke, was invited to speak regarding the planning application at Stoke Hall Quarry for continued importation of stone, outlining the points made by residents of Stoke in objection & concern. After a full & frank discussion, the Chair agreed that the members would discuss the application again later in the meeting & thanked Mrs Hart for her interest |& attendance.

County Councillors Report; there was none.

District Councillors Report; Clr Monks reported on Local Elections in May, councillor’s local projects fund, Area Forums, Waste Contract renewal, Hope Valley Parishes Group & Local Enterprise Project.

Police Report; there was none. 

Minutes of the last council meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  Pro JSM Sec VMB as being a true record approved and signed.

Matters arising; there were none.

Planning Applications; NP/DDD/1218/1203 Erection of 4 advertising signs at Longshaw Estate for the National Trust. Recommend approval. No objections

NP/DDD/0119/0065 Two-storey side, single rear extensions & front porch at Derwent Close.

VMB declared a non-pecuniary interest & did not take part in agreeing a decision. Recommend refusal for the following reasons; the two-storey side extension is too large & would have an adverse effect on the adjoining dwellings.

NPDDD/1118/1052 Continued importation of blockstone for processing at Stoke Hall Quarry.Following representations made by & discussions with residents of Stoke, it was agreed to discuss this application again & the following was agreed;

Grindleford Parish Council recommends refusal for the following reasons;

There is currently an Enforcement Order in force on the site which we understand is not being complied with, in view of this, no further planning applications should be granted for development until it is carried out.

Despite the applicants assertions that there will be “no material highway capacity or road safety risks associated with the scheme” local observations on a daily basis give rise to serious concerns regarding the increased traffic movements by HGV’s, the impact of which adversely affects the safety of the junction of the B6001 Main Road & B56521 Eyam New Road.

Large HGV’s carrying stone to the site approaching from the south on the B6001 have to swing out onto the oncoming side of the carriageway on a dangerous blind summit to negotiate the tight turn into the narrow New Road. There have also been incidents of damage to street furniture & roadside verges.

HGV’s turning out of the junction onto the B6001 towards the south also creates the same dangers & difficulties.

The Council also notes the concerns expressed by local residents of Stoke, which we trust the Authority will take into account in determining the application.

We would only support this application if strict conditions were imposed & implemented to restrict low numbers of vehicle movements in & out of the site. Also, a condition should be that vehicles must only approach & exit the site to/from the south, i.e. the Calver direction on the B6001 & not enter Grindleford village.

A further condition should be that a local employment agreement should be made with the applicants to ensure that a percentage of the workforce employed at the site was from within the Peak District National Park.

Decision notices; Reorganisation of buildings & new build café extensions at Longshaw Estate. Granted subject to conditions.

An Appeal Decision note was received from the Planning Inspectorate allowing permission for alterations & additions to Badgers Wood, Upper Padley.

PDNPA are consulting with Parishes regarding planning applications being sent out by email. It was greed that this would not be practicable for this Council & that paper copies should be continued to be sent.

Accounts; following cheques had been signed on 22ndJanuary as payment was due before the month end. Pro JSM Sec VMB that it be approved. 

Cheq  Date Payee Amount Details
930 22/01/19 University of Sheffield £166.50 Grindleford News

Appointment of Internal Auditor for 2019. It was Pro RW Sec JSM that David Turner be appointed & this was agreed unanimously.

Highways; the Clerk reported that DCC were not prepared to erect warning signs about deer on the approach roads to the village as there had been no reports of accidents over the last 3 years.

A resident had reported problems caused by vehicles parking on the pavement opposite Mt Pleasant Garage blocking access, in particular to disabled buggies. It was agreed to refer this to the Police.

Search for a Clerk. One application for the post had been received. It was agreed to try to arrange an interview before the need of the month, the interview panel are to agree the format of this. JRM, VMB & JSM offered to be on the interview panel if any of the other members were unavailable. It was also agreed that the interview panel be given authority to appoint the new Clerk in order that they could be in post from 1stApril. 

Correspondence. The Clerk will circulate details of the Parish election to all members.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.40pm.

Minutes of Meeting, January 10th 2019

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

10th January 2019 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present; Chairman R. Wilson; Councillors; E. Coe, J S Morton, V. Massey-Bloodworth, A. Battarbee, P O’Brien, Clr. Twigg (p.t.) & Clerk A.P. Jacques.

Apologies; R. J. Whiteley & I. Howard.

County Councillors Report; Clr Twigg reported on street light & hedging on Bridge Lane; parking issues & Eyam New Road closure.

District Councillors Report; VMB reported on community awards, councillors grant scheme & market proposals.

Police Report; there was none. 

Minutes of the last council meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  Pro VMB Sec POB as being a true record approved and signed.

Matters arising; there were none.

Planning Applications; there were none.

Decision notices; Replace existing shed with new, install perimeter fence with new at Longshaw Estate. Granted subject to conditions.

Listed Building Consent to convert & reconfigure internal rooms & refurbishment of windows at Hazelford Hall. Granted subject to conditions.

Accounts; there were none. 

DDDC requested estimates for the 2019/20 Precept. It was Pro RW Sec JSM that the sum agreed in the budget of £6,630.00 be submitted. Agreed unanimously.

Highways; the Clerk reported that overgrown hedging on Bridge Lane had been cut back.

A discussion was held regarding deer incursions on the roads approaching the village which had increased recently, greatly raising the potential for serious road traffic accidents. It was agreed to request DCC to erect warning signs on the Hathersage, Calver & Fox House Roads.

Search for a Clerk. Adverts had been placed in a DALC circular, in the Peak Advertiser & on the notice board.  All Parishes in Derbyshire Dales have also been notified & a notice has been placed in the Grindleford News due out at the weekend. To date the Clerk had received 4 enquiries, but as yet no applications.

AB agreed to act as an additional member of the interview panel as & when required.

Correspondence. DDDC requested advice as to whether a Parish election was likely this year. It was generally felt that this was unlikely.

A letter from a resident of Upper Padley regarding the deer incursions was received, noted & replied to.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm.

Minutes of Meeting, January 9th 2020

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

9 January 2020 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

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

Apologies:  John Mottershaw, Cllr Twigg and PC Boswell.      

County Councillor’s report.  There was none.  

District Councillor’s report.  Cllr O’Brien reported that a decision had been taken to charge an annual fee of £50 for green bin collection.  

Police report.  There was none.  

Minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were Pro RW sec EC as being a true record approved and signed.  

Matters arising   Motorbike racing at Stoke Barn.  Cllr Hilary Hart had been approached about motorbikes using the main road as a racetrack at Stoke Barn.  There were a number of issues.  A petition with 44 signatures had been received.  The Clerk was asked to draft a letter to the Police Commissioner and the County Council pro HH sec RT.  

Planning matters.

NP/DDD/1219/1274 Padley Manor Farm.  Listed Building consent – Replacement of existing boiler with new boiler and a new flue system and associated works.  This has now had been granted with conditions.  

NP/DDD/0719/0720 Lynchets Adlington Lane.  Extensions and alterations.  Decision still pending.  

Accounts. The following cheque were presented, pro HH sec EC that they should be paid:  

Cheque Date Payee Amount Details
952 9/1/20 DALC £50 Clerk essential training course 
953 9/1/20 Andrew Hilton £100 Litter picking equipment 

1.    CORRESPONDENCE:   

Flood Action Group and the Environment Agency.  There had been a request from the flood action group to consider lowering the ground levels in the Jubilee Garden to act as a drain for flood waters coming across from the playing fields.  RW suggested getting an Environment Agency flood adviser to visit.  Subsequently, the flood action group have been in correspondence about a joint discussion with the EA at their next meeting.  

Phone box– an electrician has been to assess the phone box and the likely cost of the upgrade to the electrics which is required by BT if we wish to continue to light it.  BT will pay for the electricity supply but the Council will have to pay for the upgrade. The Chair has agreed that we should go ahead with the work and the contract has been signed and returned.  

The new fence for the Jubilee Gardenshas been put on hold until the EA have been for a site visit.  

Pond.  There has been considerable discussion of the possibility of a Wildscapes CIC pond in various locations in the village.  The tree planting initiative is taking this forward, with sensitivity for the need for more trees alongside the preservation of existing habitats.  

Grit bins.  The Clerk had checked some of the bins which were mostly full, but hadn’t been able to locate them all.  Cllr Whiteley kindly undertook to do a full check.  

There being no further business the chair closed the meeting at 8.30 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday  13 January 2020

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

Minutes of Meeting, February 13th 2020

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13 February 2020 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

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

Apologies:  Elizabeth Coe, John Morton, PC Boswell.      

County Councillor’s report.  Cllr Twigg spoke about what other parishes had done re electric car recharging points. Cllr Wilson said that the matter had been widely discussed but no sites had been identified that could be used in Grindleford.  The Clerk asked for Cllr Twigg’s support in getting a dangerous tree on the Main Road removed, and also to have repairs done on the pavement by the War Memorial which has been damaged by rain.  Cllr Hart asked whether Derbyshire CC were involved in the verges wildflower scheme. The Clerk agreed to write to enquire further.  

District Councillor’s report.  Cllr O’Brien reported that it had been agreed that Council Tax should rise by 2.39%.  Abney Road has been opened to pedestrians and horses.  

Police report.  There was none.  

Minutesof the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were pro  RW sec HH as being a true record approved and signed.  

Matters arising         Motorbike racing at Stoke Barn.  The clerk had received a response from the Police Commissioner.  There is an opportunity to borrow the necessary kit to do community speed checks. The clerk has written to PC Boswell asking for more details.  

Derbyshire Alert.  The Clerk has signed up as requested.  

Phone box.  It was agreed that another village defibrillator in the phone box wouldn’t be appropriate but there was discussion about looking to provide a second one on an outside wall of the Pavilion.  The Clerk was asked to write to the Playing Fields Committee (and has done so).   Insurance for the phone box still needed to confirmed.  

 

Planning matters.   There were none.  

Accounts. The following cheques were presented, pro HH sec RT that they should be paid:  

Cheque  Date  Payee Amount  Details 
594 13/2//20 DALC £60 Climate change training course x 2
595 13/2/20 Grindleford Litter Pick AH £248.70 New equipment 
596 13/2/20 Sheffield Uni £239.50 Grindleford News

1.    Correspondence:   

Flooding.  Three new flood wardens have been identified, John Baily, Robert Wilson and Mike Willis.   They have been invited to attend the next flood group meeting with the Environment Agency.  Replacement of the fencing at the Jubilee Gardens was discussed and the Clerk undertook to find out what the legal position is.  

VE Day.   Grindleford Singers had enquired whether there would be any events to mark VE Day. It was agreed that no special arrangements would be made by the Parish Council.    

Parking.  It was agreed that while residents’ parking was desirable there was no possible place to put a carpark.  The issues of pulling out of Derwent Close onto the main road were discussed and it was agreed that a mirror on the lamppost opposite would not go amiss.  

Precept.  This was agreed by Council pro JM sec RT.  It was noted that our precept is low for our population compared to others.  

There being no further business the chair closed the meeting at 8.32 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday  12 March 2020

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

Minutes of Meeting, March 12th 2020

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 MARCH 2020 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Hilary Hart, John Morton, John Mottershaw, Rob Tamlyn,.  Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.  

Apologies:  Peter O’Brien, Andrew Battarbee, Ray Whiteley, PC Boswell.     

County Councillor’s report.  Cllr Twigg agreed to chase up the repair work to the path beside the War Memorial. (This has subsequently been done).  

District Councillor’s report.  There was none.  

Police report.  There was none.  

Minutesof the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were pro  JRM sec JSM as being a true record approved and signed.  

Matters arising         Motorbike racing at Stoke Barn.  PC Boswell had been in touch with the Clerk.  CREST will be providing speeding monitors in the 50 mph zone, which will record speeds 24 hours a day and require no manpower.  The results will be assessed.  Within the 30 mph, PC Boswell will, when possible, provide training for residents to do speed checks and advise on the right locations to stand.  Ideally two groups of three volunteers need to be found.  This is all now on hold until further notice.  

Phone box.  The phone has now been removed and in due course the electrical work can be done. 

Climate change course.  The Chair and clerk had attended a climate change course at the start of March run by the Centre for Sustainable Energy.  Several topics were reported:  greening verges; why DCC is not declaring a climate emergency; village green energy projects; and a Derbyshire-wide council climate change group, representing Councils across the county.  It was agreed that the clerk would put together an action plan for how Grindleford Parish Council could respond to climate change with a view to declaring a Climate Emergency.  (The clerk has unilaterally decided to leave further discussion of this until we can meet face to face).

Defibrillator.  We have permission from the Playing Fields Association to investigate putting a second defib on the Pavilion wall somewhere.  Funding is the next step.  Again, this has been put on hold for now. 

Jubilee Gardens.  JSM gave the background to the Gardens being common land.  Clerk to investigate the liability the Parish Council have for its upkeep.  Changing levels to use it as a drain for flood water may have to be approved by the Secretary of State. 

Green Lanes.  The Turnbulls had taken a step back from making Leam Lane a green lane after discussion about  having to link it to other green lanes.  They may return to it in the future. 

Station extension update.  Should have been completed by the end of March.  The work has generally passed by without incident and residents have been satisfied with the level of customer service provided by Buckingham Group.  

Planning matters.   There were none.  

Accounts. The following cheques were presented, pro JRM sec EC that they should be paid:  

Cheque  Date  Payee Amount  Details 
Cheque  Date  Payee Amount  Details 
597 12/3//20 John Wood  £79.20 Grit and sandbags 
598 12/3//20 Sarah Battarbee £9.79 Cartridges
599 12/3/20 Potting Shed Ladies  £80 Jubilee Gardens maintenance
600 12/3/20 DALC £257.88 Annual subscription

1.    Correspondence:   it was agreed that the Council would support Calver’s bid to have traffic slights installed at the river bridge, where the parapet was constantly being damaged by big lorries negotiating the bend.  

There being no further business the chair closed the meeting at 8.40 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday  9 April 2020

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

Minutes of Meeting, April 9th 2020

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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9 April 2020 at 7.30pm IN THE BISHOP PAVILION.

This meeting was the first to be held remotely as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.  At 8 pm Cllrs broke to go outside their doors and clap for the NHS.  

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

Apologies:  John Morton, Ray Whiteley.   

1.     County Councillor’s report. There was none.   

2.     District Councillor’s report.  Cllr Peter O’Brien reported on some details re bin collection, and on financial assistance for local businesses.  Food boxes were not yet available for vulnerable residents. Cllr O’Brien also spoke about a DDDC fund which he has available, up to £900. He is asking via WhatsApp, the village enewsletter and Facebook for bids, aimed particularly at younger residents, to support projects during the virus outbreak.  He is envisaging several small grants to individual families and ad-hoc groups.  Projects with an element of educational support, including After School Club, would be eligible.  

He is trusting that the Parish Council would be able to match fund grants where appropriate.  

3.     Police report.  There was none.  

4.     Minutesof the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were pro EC sec JM as being a true record approved and signed.  

5.     Matters arising:

            Bin collections.  After some difficulties, thesehad in the main started to return to normal but still with some local issues.  Green bins will not be collected until further notice and the clerk is checking the parish email for any alerts.  

 Signatures for cheque signing.  The clerk agreed to explore with the bank what the options were for paying bills by BACCs when there was a three signature requirement.   

Zoom subscription.  This is costing about £15 a month and can be cancelled at any time. It could be made available for other Councillors to use if they were happy to use the clerk’s log in and settings. 

Outgoing editor of the News.  It was agreed to send a letter of thanks to Tim Shephard.  

Contingency planning.  It was agreed that Cllr Tamlyn would be the second vice chair for the duration of the outbreak of the virus and Alan Jacques would be asked if he would stand in as clerk if necessary.  

                                    (all other matters arising are on hold)

6.     Highway matters:     

The damage to the footpath by the war memorial has been partly repaired but there is still more work to do.  Clerk to return to this issue when lockdown is over. 

7.    Planning matters.   

Sheriff Wood, Leam Lane; temporary hard surfacing to permit some tree felling.  A holding reply re enforcement has been received and is attached. 

Cheque  Date  Payee Amount  Details 
962 9/4/20 Sarah Battarbee £750 wages
963 9/4/20 Potting Shed Ladies  £80 Jubilee Gardens maintenance (March)
964 9/4/20 Sarah Battarbee £116 Support network mobile phones 

Parish Council website.  There had been an offer from a former resident of Grindleford to set up a website for the Parish Council.  The Clerk had had similar discussions with the Church, with a view to having three websites linked to the main village website for the three ‘arms’ of the village – shop church and Council.  A generous offer was made by JM to explore the possibility of creating a pro bono website using his existing business contacts.  Cllrs expressed their thanks for this.  There was some discussion about what might go on the website; it was agreed to start with basic Council business such as minutes and agendas. There was also discussion about getting photos of Cllrs, with perhaps 50 word thumbnails including the street/s they represent.  The website could be advertised in a number of ways including the next Grindleford News, and Cllrs agreed to look at what other villages are doing.  

There being no further business the chair closed the meeting at 8.45 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday 14 May 2020 by Zoom. 

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

Holding reply re Sheriff Wood 

—— Forwarded Message ——

From: “Olle Rosie” <rosie.olle@peakdistrict.gov.uk>

To: “‘peterjane@btinternet.com'” <peterjane@btinternet.com>

Sent: 08/04/2020 17:12:41

Subject: ENF 20/0039 Cleared area in Sherriff Wood, Leam, Grindleford

Hi Peter

I hope you are keeping well in these unusual times.

I have been investigating your enforcement enquiry about a cleared area in Sheriff Wood, Leam, near Grindleford. I did manage to go and see it, on one of my last site visits before the lockdown, and I am attaching the photographs that I took when I was out there.  

I understand that the land is part of the Leam Estate and I should therefore be writing to the owner, but I  understand from the locals that there was some work due to be undertaken in connection with woodland management, and that therefore the hardstanding that has been created may only be a temporary arrangement in connection with the work.

I am carrying on with my investigations and will try and get it sorted out, although we are all limited as to what we can do in the lockdown, but I can at least start the ball rolling!

Regards

Rosie

Rosie Olle

Monitoring and Enforcement Officer

Development Management

Tel: 01629 816215

Minutes of Meeting, May 14th 2020

/in /by

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD REMOTELY BY ZOOM ON 14  MAY 2020 at 7.30pm

At 8 pm Cllrs broke to go outside their doors and clap for the NHS.  

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

Apologies:  PC Boswell.      

County Councillor’s report.   The Darley Dale recycling centre was due to reopen on Monday 18 May.  No vans or trailers would be allowed and users would have to take their own rubbish up to the bins.  EC asked about the collection of white goods.  PO’B asked Cllr Twigg to look into rubbish collection at the school.  

District Councillor’s report.  Staff at DDDC were working hard on providing financial support to businesses which was taking up most of their time.  Bins at Padley had not been emptied for some weeks.  Green bins were due to be collected again from 1 June.  Car park charges would be reinstated from 16 May. 

Police report.  PC Boswell reported that there had been no crimes during this period.    

Minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  There was one amendment.  John Mottershaw had agreed to stand as second vice chair not Rob Tamlyn.  Otherwise they were pro EC sec JSM as being a true record approved and subsequently signed.  

Matters arising          Signatures for cheque signing.  The clerk had received some information about on-line banking from NatWest but it would require a visit in person to the bank.  Meanwhile a protocol for cheque signing had been established. 

Letter to Tim Shephard – sent 

                                    Parish Council website.  It had been agreed to link the website to the existing Grindleford one.   There were issues with the Grindleford site to do with security.  Matt Heason was looking into it. There had also been discussion about putting an archive of photographs on the Grindleford website.  PO’B asked that the existing Parish Council page be updated to include the names of Cllrs and ensure access to all relevant pages.  It was suggested that the Grindleford flag design should be used as the Parish Council logo.  

Repairs at the War Memorial.  It was agreed to leave this until a later date.  

Upkeep of Jubilee Gardens.  RT agreed to ask the Conservation Volunteers if they could reinstate the fence and also look into repairing the broken paving.  Council to bear the cost of materials. 

Planning matters.     There were none.  

Highway matters.      RB reported that the traffic light sequencing at Calver was due to be changed to give priority to the Baslow-Tideswell road sometime before March 2021.  This was allegedly in response to accidents at the crossing although these seemed mostly to be cars running into the back of each other.  It would increase waiting times for cars coming from Grindleford and would also add to pollution from exhausts.  HH commented that it would push traffic through Froggatt and Calver. There was agreement that a roundabout at that junction would be preferable.  

There was discussion about the state of the walls on the road towards Longshaw.  The wall on the left hand side is thought to belong to the NT, on the right hand side possibly to Longshaw.  Clerk to confirm.  

HH presented a report on an accident caused by a falling tree at the bottom of New Road, to be passed on to the police.  Action to fell other dangerous trees has been arranged to be carried out by John Dudgeon.  

Accounts. The following cheque was presented, pro EC sec HH that it should be paid:  

Cheque Date Payee Amount Details
965 14/5/20 P Colledge  £30 Bus shelter cleaning 

The annual precept has been awarded in full.  

Summary of requests on spending for early consideration by Cllrs.  Clerk put forward a summary of potential funding requests for Cllrs to consider and reflect upon before the main discussion once the audit is complete, so that all possibilities could be considered in the round.  It was agreed to bring it back to the next meeting with clearer explanatory notes and more supporting information.  

Audit:  The auditors Littlejohns had written to all parish and town councils advising on changes to the audit procedure.  These were circulated separately.  In essence, an extension until 31 July was granted to complete the audit.  There would be no 5% enhanced audit for Parish Councils.  Accounts did not have to be published for 10 days in the Council noticeboard until the end of September.  

Parish Council meetings.  Due a change in the relevant regulations, there was no requirement for Parish Councils to hold an annual meeting until the following year, although they could do so remotely if they wished or at any time once restrictions were lifted. Existing appointments would continue until the next annual meeting.  It was not possible for parish councils to hold a parish meeting.  

The Council agreed not to hold an annual meeting in 2020 and to defer until next year.  All in favour. 

The Council put forward a motion that the following changes be made to the Standing orders in order to reflect this and to allow remote meetings:

1.     As per Standing Order 26a and the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020, propose the following changes to Standing Orders until May 2021 or such time as the government revises or revokes the legislation: 

2.     3i .. A person shall notify the meeting when requesting to speak by means of ….. (eg electronically raising a hand).

3.     3s …Voting on a question will be (eg by a show of hands electronically OR eg by each councillor giving their vote verbally, one at a time) ……

4.     If the Annual meeting of the council is not going to be held:

5.     5b,c and e to be suspended

6.     17e Change the date from 30 June to 31st August.

The motion was passed.  All in favour. 

Correspondence:  plans to set up a village speed check had been deferred but the police had written to report that they had set up a speed check on the Calver road on Saturday 2 May. They had not caught anyone speeding. Sheila Pigott had reported speeding through the lower part of the village but during the week, possibly drivers commuting to work.  This was noted for future action. 

There being no further business the chair closed the meeting at 8.50 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday 11 June 2020

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council