FELTON PARISH COUNCIL

FELTON PARISH COUNCIL At the Meeting of the Parish Council at Felton Village Hall on Tuesday 3 April 2018. Present: Cllrs M Clark, B Dickson, B Forster, T Hood, L Sowter, J Stewart, F Thornton and S Walton. 162. Apologies for Absence Cllr E Blagburn 163. Declarations of interest in items on the Agenda None 164. The Minutes of meeting held on Monday 5 March 2018 were agreed as a true record subject to the following amendments: Minute 153 The quotes sought are also for the repair of the fence. Minutes amended accordingly. 165. Public Questions a. Mr Evans asked the Parish Council how many of the residences with vehicular access to Recreation Lane, from either the front or rear of their property, pay a contribution towards maintenance of the lane. Cllr Walton confirmed that only one property (26 Main Street) pays a maintenance contribution. Cllr Walton noted that the Recreation Field was transferred to the Parish Council in the 1970s, and Recreation Lane was transferred to the Parish Council at a later date. The small parcel of land comprising car parking space beside the entrance to Recreation Field was transferred to the Parish Council in 2008. Mr Evans asked what the justification is for only requiring one property to pay a maintenance contribution and whether the Parish Council considered this to be fair. Cllr Walton stated that a previous owner of the property had specifically requested access via the lane and had agreed to pay a maintenance charge for this. Subsequent owners were also granted personal access on the same terms. Access along Recreation Lane is currently under review by the Parish Council. b. Mr Krzyzosiak stated that, for the last two months, the Clerk had failed to affix the agenda and draft minutes to the Parish Council noticeboard. This had been brought to the attention of Cllrs Sowter and Walton by Mr Krzyzosiak. Cllr Walton noted Mr Krzyzosiak s comments. c. Mr Krzyzosiak stated that the financial year had now ended and asked whether the Parish Council had appointed an internal auditor. The Clerk responded that she has spoken informally to the proposed auditor, who has agreed to accept the position in principle, and she is in the process of writing a formal letter of appointment. d. Mr Mrs Krzyzosiak stated that a number of the Bellway houses are now completed and asked who is responsible for operating the sump pond emergency bypass penstock overflow valve in an emergency. Cllrs Hood and Walton understand that the operation of the sump suds pond is automatic, with a manual override. Mr and Mrs Krzyzosiak dispute this. The Parish Council are meeting with Bellway in the next few weeks and will seek to clarify the position. 166. Matters Arising from the Minutes of meeting held on Monday 5 March 2018: a. Pathway to Riverside (repairs) This matter has not yet been progressed. Cllr Sowter wishes it to be recorded that the ramp is now dangerous. The Environmental Committee will have a site meeting on Thursday 5 April to evaluate the ramp and the required repairs. Cllr Walton will stand in for Cllr Blagburn. ACTION: Environmental Committee (Cllrs Hood and Sowter), Cllr Walton b. Signage at Swarland The sign has been repaired. c. Road repairs at the top end of Felton, at site of bus fire The Clerk is still awaiting a date for the site meeting and a response to the query regarding insurance monies. The Clerk will continue to chase this. ACTION: Clerk 61

d. Blockage of drains/gullies on Main Street and Riverside The blocked gullies on Main Street are still unresolved. The Clerk will continue to chase for these to be cleared. Any other blocked drains or gullies can be reported via the NCC website or to the Clerk. ACTION: Clerk e. Drain repairs on road leading north out of Felton (C111) NCC is repairing all issues with drainage on land under its control, including those found under the carriageway. There may also be an issue under adjacent land and the team will be liaising with the owner as required. The mud at the entrance to the Bellway development, which is blocking the drains and gullies between that entrance and the lane to South Acton Farm, is seemingly caused by delivery wagons tracking mud off the development site onto the highway. The road sweeper clears the road in the evening, during which process the sweeper s brushes push mud towards the kerb line resulting in mud slit filling the silt traps within the storm drainage system and the mud. If this is the case, Bellway will be responsible for the cost of clearing the gullies. The Clerk will report the matter to planning enforcement. ACTION: Clerk f. Japanese Knotweed No progress to report, as awaiting treatment by NCC in spring. g. Children Playing signage for Recreation Lane NCC Sign Shop had not received the Clerk s email. This should now be resolved and the Clerk will telephone to check if she does not receive a response. h. Bark for the Recreation Field The delivery of the bark will be postponed due to the field being waterlogged. It was agreed to try and arrange delivery for 21 April. ACTION: Clerk i. Northern A1 junction and approach to Felton No further update received. j. Bench at Windy Gap The Village Fair Committee have selected a suitable bench and wish to make a donation towards the purchase. Cllr Clark will forward details to the Clerk. Peter Brown will be asked to set the bench, which will require a suitable base to be laid. ACTION: Clerk k. Street Lighting Project Cllrs Hood and Stewart noted that some new poles have been installed.. l. Screening/painting of new containers on Recreation Field The Environmental Committee will make a site visit to assess the situation on Thursday. Cllr Walton will stand in for Cllr Blagburn. ACTION: Environmental Committee (Cllrs Hood and Sowter), Cllr Walton m. Transfer of land and planning permission for new surgery The surgery is still awaiting a decision by the Care Commission on the finance application which is expected in the next two to three weeks. The Parish Council will then seek to arrange a meeting with the surgery to get a full update. The Clerk has offered the assistance of the Parish Council in submitting a planning application in due course. n. Welcome Booklet Cllr Walton and the Clerk are reviewing this. o. Car parking issues on grass at South View and the Oval The Clerk is meeting the Homes for Northumberland Housing Officer (Simon Crossthwaite) responsible for Felton next week, to discuss the issue and whether hard standing for car parking could be put in place. Cllr Thornton will also attend the meeting. Cllr Dickson noted that there is also an issue with cars parking on the grass below West View. ACTION: Clerk and Cllr Thornton p. Verge at Riverside A member of NCC Highways has attended Riverside to look at the damage. The damage would need to be repaired by a different team, but his assessment was that unless the car parking issue is resolved, any repairs to the grass surface would be futile, as the erosion will continue. He offered two suggested solutions: restricting car parking along Riverside; or placing a strip of concrete behind the kerb on which cars could part-park. The Clerk will seek a meeting with the relevant team to discuss these and any other possible solutions. ACTION: Clerk q. Banners on the Bridge Permission has been given to St Michaels and All Angels to display a banner for their forthcoming event. Gallery 45 has removed their banner. 62

r. Emptying and refilling of grit bins NCC has filled the grit bins since the last meeting. s. Parking on Barnes Road The Clerk has reported the matter to the school, which will remind parents to park considerately. The Clerk has also reported the matter to PC Bruce, who will monitor parking when he is in the locality. The Parish Council also discussed parking issues on the Bridge. In particular, there is an issue with cars parked along the internal kerb, which severely restricts sight lines for traffic using the Bridge. It is believed that some cars parked in the area may belong to residents of neighbouring parishes who park their cars before catching the X15 Arriva bus service to Newcastle. The Clerk will raise the issue with County Councillor Glen Sanderson. The Clerk will also ask the Parish Clerk for Newton on the Moor and Swarland whether a notice could be placed in their village newsletter, requesting that bus users park at the layby beside north of the cemetery. The Clerk will also contact PC Bruce to ask whether any official action can be taken against cars parked on the internal kerb. The Clerk will seek a meeting with Thirston Parish Council to discuss a joint parking strategy for the Bridge. ACTION: Clerk t. Glass recycling area (north of village) The Clerk has reported the poor condition of the area to NCC. u. New gateway and hard surface path to community allotment The Clerk is awaiting details of the proposed works. 167. Report by County Councillor County Cllr Thorne has not provided a report. 168. Parish Representation at Meetings Recreation Field Committee (15 March 2018) Cllrs Clark, Forster and Thornton The Clerk and Cllr Clark attended a funding fair on behalf of the Recreation Field Committee, with regard to available funding for a facilities building on the Recreation Field. The event was very informative and useful. The main point to note was that funders are looking for grant applications to demonstrate the end benefit to the user, and to then explain how this will be provided i.e, increased use and enjoyment of the Recreation Field, achieved by the erection of a suitable facilities building. The Recreation Field Committee are arranging to speak directly with user groups to identify current and proposed use of the Field. The Clerk has contacted a blacksmith regarding equipment repairs. Bark delivery will be rearranged to give the Field time to dry out after the recent inclement weather. The Chair of the Recreation Field Committee has resigned. The Committee will appoint a chair for the purposes of its April meeting and will elect a chair in May. 169. Services a. Update from PC Bruce The Clerk has not received an update this month on any reported crimes. The Clerk will invite PC Bruce to attend the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk b. The Village Spring Clean held on 24 March was well attended, with 25 volunteers from the village meeting to pick litter. The same litter hotspots were noted. The Clerk will place a notice in the next edition of the Bridge, thanking volunteers for their time and effort. ACTION: Clerk c. Litter bins It was noted that some of the litter bins are overflowing between collections. The Clerk will ask NCC how frequently and when the bins are emptied. ACTION: Clerk d. Road Markings It was noted that some of the road marking in the village are becoming faint, for example at the road traffic calming measure at the north end of the village. The Clerk will ask NCC when these are scheduled to be repainted. ACTION: Clerk 63

170. Planning Planning decisions: 17/03816/FUL Land South of Fence Wood, Felton Fence New 4 Bed Dwelling and extension of existing private track, turning area and parking PERMISSION GRANTED 17/04638/FUL Rear of 26 Main Street, Felton - Construction of a new single storey low energy passivhaus including parking forecourt, separate home office pavilion and storage shed PERMISSION GRANTED 17/04077/LBC Felton New Bridge Listed building consent for the removal, refurbishment and reinstatement of the parapets PERMISSION REFUSED. The Clerk has been informed by County Cllr Glen Sanderson that Historic England have requested bat surveys before any work is undertaken. The surveys can only be conducted from May onwards. The application will be resubmitted in due course. Planning applications pending: 17/04565/FUL Acton Caravan Site, Felton Proposed camping pods, tree house, and touring van bases along with amenities and services awaiting decision. 18/00380/FUL 65 Main Street, Felton Loft conversion; provision of 3 No. rooflights to front elevation; provision of 2 No. rooflights to rear elevation awaiting decision 18/00748/FUL Hillrise Supply Store, 21 Main Street, Felton Proposed full shutters across front windows and front door in circulation 18/00992/FUL Oak Ridge House, 14 Main Street, Felton Removal of conservatory, construction of entrance porch and rear flat roof extension with roof terrace and balustrading, re-clad front elevation with pitch faced stone. 18/00876/MAST Proposed Arqiva smart metering 1 no. 0.8m OMNI at 11.15m, 1 no. GPS antenna at 10.3m, 1 no. 3G OMNI antenna at 9.6m mounted on proposed street works pole and equipment enclosure and pillar mounted on concrete plinth CONSULTATION PAPERS NOT RECEIVED. The Clerk has contact NCC Planning to request these urgently. The Clerk will ask for the consultation period to be extended. Other planning matters: Review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way (received after publication of Agenda) The Clerk will liaise with Cllr Thornton to assess what information and response is required. ACTION: Clerk and Cllr Thornton The Lodge no update received. The Clerk will seek an update from NCC Planning Enforcement and County Cllr Trevor Thorne. 171. Bellway Development a. A meeting has been provisionally arranged for 10:00am on Friday 20 April. ACTION: Clerk b. The Clerk has reported the mud in the gullies at the entrance of the site see Minute 166e above. 172. Environment a. Sewage outfall in Coquet Vale Cllr Hood reported that the probe fitted on the road has been damaged by traffic. This is being replaced and a protective metal cover fitted. b. Property Terrier and Risk Assessment The risk assessment needs to be carried out. ACTION: Cllrs Hood and Walton c. Condition of Properties: The ramp at Riverside see Minute 166a above. The bus shelter at West View The contractor is sending through a quote for repair work. The bus shelter will need a new roof. The bus shelter at Acton The contractor is sending through a quote for repair work. The repairs required are not as extensive as to the shelter at West View. The retaining wall between the road and the river at Riverside is in bad condition. The Clerk will contact NCC Highways to request a meeting. ACTION: Clerk 64

173. Review of traffic and access on Recreation Lane A solicitor has been instructed to review the current position. Cllrs Hood and Walton will supply ID documents to satisfy the solicitor s regulatory requirements. ACTION: Cllrs Hood and Walton 174. Upkeep of boundary hedges and fences on Recreation Field The Clerk is still awaiting quotes and will chase these, including for the area behind the all-weather court. The scrub at the far boundary of the Recreation Field (as entering the gates) and around the far right hand corner is encroaching on the field. The Clerk will ask to include this work in the quotes. ACTION: Clerk 175. Review of Allotment Tenancy Agreement The Clerk is to progress this. ACTION: Clerk 176. Approval of new Felton Cemetery Joint Committee Terms of Reference The Clerk explained that the new terms of reference will replace the missing existing terms. The new terms have been drawn up by the Chairs and Clerks of the Parish Councils of Felton, Thirston, and Newton on the Moor and Swarland. Each parish council will review the terms and once agreement is reached, the terms can be adopted by each of the three parish councils. The Clerk will confirm whether Newton on the Moor electors are currently included in the numbers. The Clerk will also circulate an explanation regarding the accounting arrangements for property jointly owned by the parish councils and used in the cemetery. ACTION: Clerk 177. Correspondence: The Clerk reviewed the correspondence received as per the appendix to the Agenda: a. Agenda Appendix Emails (b) Regarding Felton Cemetery Joint Committee Clerk to circulate. ACTION: Clerk b. Agenda Appendix Emails (c) Regarding Parish Councillor Vacancy The Clerk is awaiting a response. c. Agenda Appendix Events NALC Training Events The Clerk will book to attend two training events. 178. Finance a. The Clerk has received the insurance renewal papers. These will be reviewed following the completion of the risk assessment. b. Financial Summary (after taking into account payments and receipts as below): Business Account: 3,341.95 Instant Access Deposit Account: 26,851.38 Fixed Term Deposit Account: 20,000.00 c. Payments since the last Meeting Payee Head of Expenditure Cost VAT Payment No Northumberland and Newcastle Subscriptions 25.00 IB155 Society P Brown Salary 63.00 IB157 Ashes ( 33.00) Signs at War Memorial ( 30.00) Cemetery Graves War Memorial ICO Registration Fee Admin 35.00 IB163 P Brown Expenses 14.00 IB164 Materials ( 14.00) War Memorial P Brown Salary Davisons Obelisk ( 320.00) Davisons Obelisk 320.00 IB165 65

Payments for approval Payee Head of Expenditure Cost VAT Payment No C Lewis Salary (subject to PAYE unconfirmed) Fees Parish Council ( 501.63) Working from Home ( 19.21) Clerk s Fees Clerk s Expenses 520.84 IB166 d. Receipts Income Amount Thirston Parish Council 1,294.02 Insurance Contribution ( 166.96) Recreation Field ( 563.21) Play Area ( 563.85) Interest 1.03 e. Income to Financial Year End The following receipts were received after the date of the financial summary and are not included therein, but were received before the financial year end and will be reported in the accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2018: Income Amount Allotments 10.00 Fees (Cemetery) 1,290.00 VAT Refund 833.95 f. External Audit Arrangements The Clerk has received the external audit instructions from PKF Littlejohn. These seem very comprehensive and helpful. g. Purchase of new printer The printer used by the Parish Council for bulk printing and by the Bridge newsletter will soon need to be replaced. Cllr Walton has obtained quotes from two companies for the purchase of a new printer. It is more cost effective to purchase a printer than to lease it. The old printer would be removed by the supplier. The Bridge have indicated that they would be prepared to make a donation towards the cost of the new printer and to meet the ongoing running costs. The Parish Council agreed to the expenditure in principle, subject to the following action. The Clerk will check the financial regulations as to the number of quotes required for a purchase at this level of expenditure. Cllr Walton will forward the quotes obtained to date to the Clerk for circulation and approval at the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk 179. Urgent Items None Chairman closed the meeting at 8:50m. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 May 2018 following the conclusion of the Annual Parish Meeting, or at 7.30pm (whichever is the later) in the Coquet Room, Felton Village Hall. 66