Parish Council Minutes

The Parish Council of Belford

Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 17th September 2009 at 7.00pm, in Bell View Belford.

Present: Mrs. B Stanton, (Chairman), Parish Councillors J Barbour Mrs. B Jackson I Carruthers & G O’Connell, County Councillor Mrs. P Scott,

Clerk Mrs. I Hunter 2 Member of the Public Inspector Martin Bayliss Peter Rutherford Planning Department Northumberland County Council

Apologies: M Young, (Chairman) Parish Councillor C Rosby,

Declarations of Interest Parish Councillor G O’Connell declared a personal interest in Planning Application No 09/B/0347

Meeting suspended.

Inspector Martin Bayliss introduced himself, he is based in Berwick with responsibility for Wooler, Seahouses and Belford. He hoped to be able to attend some Parish Council meetings. At recent Police Community Forum the main areas of concern were 'boy racers' and under-age drinking. Thirteen crimes had been reported in Belford all low level such as green damage at golf club – instead of criminalizing youths, a community resolution had been reached – making good green and a letter of apology. 50% of crimes had been detected. There are only 3 police officers at Seahouses instead of 4 so they are aiming to recruit a new officer. Farmwatch had been extended to cover Seahouses and Wooler – gamekeepers to join in as there is an increase in poaching – poachers believed to be from Sunderland area. Pubwatch had been set up in Belford but no Shopwatch – only 1 shop! Councillors thanked him and he left the meeting.

Peter Rutherford Northumberland County Council Planning Department- Peter Rutherford distributed hard copies of a power point presentation about planning and explained the planning structure, where planning documents fitted into regional documents, how Parish Councils fitted into the consultation and explained what observations are relevant. He advised the meeting that there are 5 Planning Officers in Berwick and that he works 2 days a week in Berwick and the other 3 days a week in Alnwick. The Northern Area covers from Seaton Burn to the Scottish Border. The Planning Department is currently preparing new LDF Document which covers planning for the future, sustainable communities & a better quality of life for residents.

The LDF is a living document the 1st exercise is proofing the current Regional Spatial Strategy; the Northumberland Core Strategy sits immediately below the Regional Spatial Strategy. Parish Councils will have input into the Northumberland Core Strategy within the next year, the new LDF will be due for adoption by 2013. The team is also working on Market Town work which is covered in the Eastern Arc Area Action Plan for Berwick. On considering all new applications the starting point is the current policy and Parish Councils are more involved with the material considerations as the Parish Councils have the local knowledge that is fed into Northumberland County Council. Northumberland County Council has to look at matching the policy with each application. Developers have to provide traffic impact studies & travel plans with their applications. Peter Rutherford confirmed that the Parish Councils are the elected people for the rural areas He explained the planning process i.e. the application becomes live when it is registered, he has delegated powers in conjunction with Paul Gee & Peter Biggers & Senior Officers, if there are 5 written objections or one Parish Council objection the application has to go to Committee.

Parish Councillor G O’Connell raised concerns that Parish Councils do not received any feed back when they have objections, Peter Rutherford informed the meeting that Planners make professional opinions and not personal opinions. and explained the decision process. Peter Rutherford advised the meeting that the Government wanted the Parish Councils to be involved within the Planning process via Parish Plans & Village Design Statements, there is also a need to build confidence between Parish Councils & Northumberland County Council. Peter Rutherford advised the meeting that Northumberland County Council could give feed back on decisions, however at present there is not the capacity to do this work but it needs to be looked into. Parish Councillors stated that the Parish Council knows it’s village but sometimes there is no communication to the objections and the plans are just passed, there should be an acknowledgment and a response to the objections, as the applicant can appeal is the permission is not granted but Parish Councils have no right to appeal. Peter Rutherford said the new LDF will streamline decisions. Parish Councillor G O’Connell stated that cemeteries are not included within the LDF’s but they should be and also be part of the documents that feed into the LDF, Peter Rutherford agreed to look into this matter. The Chairman thanked Peter Rutherford for his attendance and explaining the current planning process.

Peter Rutherford left the meeting.

Minutes: Then the Minutes were signed as a true record of the Meeting held on 23rd July 2009 by the Chairman

Matters Arising:

Min 457 (Min 447)- Churchyard- The Clerk distributed copies of the letter which had been received from Northumberland County Council, the meeting agreed that the Clerk invite terry Garnick to attend the next Parish Council meeting.

Min 458.Accounts:

•Barclays Premium A/c£ 576.14

•Barclays Community A/c£ 3496.33 Includes VAT Refund £640.18

Min 459- Accounts for Payment:

•Mrs. E I Hunter £ 300.00Clerk’s Salary

•Bell View£ 20.00Hire of Room (June)

•Bell View£ 20.00Hire of Room (July)

•Churchyard Grant£ 700.00Grass Cutting

• Clock Grant £ 100.00Grant

•BDO Stoy Hayward£ 155.25Audit Fees

Min 460- Conclusion of the Annual Audit- The Clerk informed the meeting that the External Auditors had completed the Annual Audit for year ending March 2009 and had raised one issue about the Parish Council rewarding staff & Ex- Councillors for their long service.

Min 461-- Planning Applications- No Observations

09/B/0347- Listed Building Consent- To repair the south facing gable wall by taking down the stone & replacing with inner leaf block wall, wide insulated cavity and random rubble masonry outer. Provide lateral restraint straps to internal structure. Take down and replace rear chimney stack – 5 Nursery Lane Belford NE70 7NW

Min 462- Planning Applications- Observations

09/B/0387- Full Planning Application- Detached Garage- White Cottage Belford NE70 7HW. The meeting agreed the garage was a substantial building and has potential to be turned into a residential property in the future.

Min 463- Planning Approvals-

09/B/0248- Full Planning Application- Proposed workshop & equine building- Mill Cottage Easington Belford NE70 7EJ

09/B/0269- Full Planning Application- Proposed extension to side of existing gable & erection of roof canopy to front- Tree Locate Belford Industrial Estate Station Road Belford Northumberland NE70 7DT

09/B/0308- Full Planning Application- Proposed alterations & conversion of existing redundant sawmill buildings to form 4 no residential live/work units- Change of use of existing estate office to 1 no flatted dwelling The Estate Yard Middleton Belford Northumberland NE70 7LE

Min 464- Correspondence:

•Bell View- June Invoice £20.00 ( Paid)

•H M Revenue & Customs- Remittance Advice £640.10

•H M Revenue & Customs- VAT Reclaim Form

•Allan Beith- Reply to Letter Re Cemetery

•Bell View- July Invoice £20.00

•NCC- Letter RE The Big Tidy Up

•NCC¬- Leaflets Re Recycling

•NCC- Reply Re Cemetery

•NERO- Letter Re Advisory Service- Membership £273 + VAT per annum

•NHS- Putting People First Today Newsletter

•The Boundary Committee- Letter Re Electoral Review of Northumberland Draft Recommendations County Councillor Mrs. P Scott informed the meeting that the recommendation at present means she will lose Beadnell from her ward.

•Clerks & Councils Direct- Newsletter

•Timberline- Catalogue

•NALC- Local Councils Review

•NCC- Letter Re Traffic Calming on West Street

•NCC- Remittance Advice £3000 Precept

•BDO Stoy Hayward- Conclusion of Annual Audit

•BDO Stoy Hayward- Invoice £155.25

•Alan Beith- Letter Re Cemetery

Any Other Business

Min 465- Plans- The Clerk informed the meeting that in future the Parish Council will not get plans via hard copy and that Parish Councillors will have to go to Northumberland County Council’s website to view the applications, the meeting agreed that this was not acceptable and that the Clerk write to both the Leader & Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council asking for Parish Councils receipt of hard copy plans for consultation to be re instated..

Min 466- Belford Village Website- The Chairman informed the meeting that Steve Newman had been in contact with her asking if the Parish Council would manage their web page, the meeting agreed that at present the parish Council will send Agendas & Minutes to Steve Newman to be logged onto the web page. The Chairman also stated that Val Glass had made contact asking how she could contact the Parish Councillors, the meeting agreed that the Clerk would supply her e-mail address to Steve Newman and this would be the contact e-mail for the Parish Council and the Clerk would forward any e-mails received to the Parish Councillors.

Min 467- Town Twinning – The Chairman advised the meeting that the twin town would like to come to England but would like to know if there is any European funding available. The meeting agreed that the Chairman should e-mail them back asking for more information Re exchange and explain how they can link to the web page and obtain information about Belford.

Min 468- Public Toilets- The Chairman advised the meeting that the toilets had been steam cleaned and that County Councillor Mrs. P Scott had informed the Chairman that there was a person willing to clean the toilets on an interim measure, however to date that person has not contacted the Parish Council, the meeting agreed that County Councillor Mrs. P Scott would follow this matter up. The toilets are currently opened and closed daily by the Northumberland County Council Officer. Sarah Risborough had contacted the Chairman with a wish to decorate the toilets, the Parish Council agreed to consider this matter.

Min 469- Traffic Calming- The meeting considered the proposed traffic calming plans for West Street near the Belford 1st School and the meeting agreed to accept these plans but they would prefer the humps which extend the full width of the road as this would elevate the water problem in this area at the same time

Min 470- Highways- The meeting congratulated Northumberland County Council’s Highways Department for the way they are now carrying out their road maintenance.

Min 471- Information Exchange.

Chairman Mrs. B Stanton- Informed the meeting that parents would like Park Benches at the park near the Golf Club, the meeting agreed to pay for 2 benches and ask Parish Councillor C Rosby to organize this on his return from leave.

Parish Councillor G O’Connell- The large waste bin with the Berwick Borough emblem has disappeared from the Windy Gyle area, the meeting agreed that the Clerk contact Northumberland County Council and ask them to replace it.

Parish Councillor J Barbour- Suggested that a dog bin was required on the footpath near the drive way to West Hall Belford, the Clerk agreed to get a cost as the Parish Council maybe charged for the emptying of the bin at a weekly rate.,

Date of Next Meeting – 22nd October 2009 in Bell View.

Meeting closed 9.10 p.m

The Parish Council of Belford

Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 22nd October 2009 at 7.00pm, in Bell View Belford.

Present: M Young, (Chairman) Mrs. B Stanton, (Vice-Chairman), Parish Councillors J BarbourMrs. B Jackson I Carruthers C Rosby, & G O’Connell, Clerk Mrs. I Hunter 3 Member of the Public Terry Garnick Northumberland County Council

Apologies: County Councillor Mrs. P Scott,

Declarations of Interest Parish Councillor Mrs. B Jackson declared a personal & prejudicial interest in Planning Application No 09/B/0434

Minutes: Then the Minutes were signed as a true record of the Meeting held on 17th September 2009 by the Chairman

Matters Arising:

Min 472- Parish Councillors- The meeting confirmed that Parish Councillor K Carr had left the local area and it was agreed that the Clerk seek advice as to what the Parish Council’s position is as to whether she remains on the Parish Council or if they advertise the vacancy.

Min 473 (Min 457) - Churchyard- The Chairman welcomed Terry Garnick Northumberland County Council to the meeting. Terry Garnick addressed the meeting stating first of all that when a cemetery becomes full and closes the PCC may approach the Parish Council to take over the responsibility as they will be the Local Authority under Law 215 of the Local Government Act and explained that at that point the Parish Council will be responsible for the Maintaince of the closed cemetery & the Public Liability Insurance.

Members asked the question about the condition of the headstones, tombs etc & Terry Garnick replied that it is up to the organisation that are responsible for the cemetery to carryout regular inspections. The Vice-Chairman asked about the cutting of the grass and Terry Garnick replied that at the minute Northumberland County Council are cutting some closed cemeteries but not all of them due to the different polices that were in operation before Local Government Reorganisation, however Northumberland County Council are working on a new policy which will make everybody equal. At this point Parish Councillor G O’Connell stated that there was a possibility that the precept would need to rise by 50% to cover the maintaince costs to the closed cemetery. Terry Garnick suggested that a meeting could be organised with interested parties, which should included both the PCC and the Parish Council to discuss the situation and he would be willing to attend that meeting. Terry Garnick also advised the meeting that in the 1977 Cemeteries Order it was permitted that kerbs, dangerous headstones and brambles etc could be removed from cemeteries.

The meeting agreed at this point that Belford with Middleton Parish Council would like to be included within any future meetings that Northumberland County Council were having to discuss the future provision of cemeteries. Parish Councillor G O’Connell informed the meeting that if the Parish Council were to provide a new cemetery in the area they would need about 3 acres of land and the Parish Council will have to provide street lighting, toilets & road infrastructure within the cemetery. Terry Garnick informed the meeting that cemeteries do not have to be located within the local community and in the future there could be private owned cemeteries.

The meeting felt that a 30 mile round trip to Tweedmouth Cemetery with the limited bus service Belford residents have access to is not suitable. The meeting asked if the congregation could ask the PCC to supply additional space, Terry Garnick was unable to answer this question as be stated he was not an expert on this matter. The Chairman suggested that this is up to the Parish Council to go back to the PCC. Terry Garnick confirmed that the biggest issue on the documents about closed cemeteries will be what the responsibilities are and who is responsible. The Chairman thanked Terry Garnick for the information and advice he had given the Parish Council and asked him to keep the Parish Council up to date.

Terry Garnick left the meeting at this point.

Min 474.Accounts:

•Barclays Premium A/c£ 576.21 Includes 0,07P Interest

•Barclays Community A/c£ 5221.08 ½ Yr Precept £3000.00

Min 475- Accounts for Payment:

•Mrs. E I Hunter £ 150.00Clerk’s Salary

•Bell View£ 20.00Hire of Room (September)

•C Rosby£ 41.96Planting

•Xmas Lights£ 500.00Donation

Min 476-- Planning Applications- No Observations

09/B/0346- Full Planning Application- Change of use from amenity land to camping & touring caravan site- South Meadows South Road Belford Northumberland NE70 7DP

09/B/0365- Full Planning Application- Conversion of garden out house into residential dwelling- The Summer House Middleton Hall Belford Northumberland NE707LF

09/B/0395- Full Planning Application- Erection of single storey timber stable block Warenton Farm Belford NE70 7HW

09/B/0415- Full Planning Application Installation of dormer window to rear 51 West Street Belford NE70 7QD

09/B/0362- Listed Building Consent Application- Replacement of windows on side of property- Well House 35 High Street Belford Northumberland NE70 7NG

Min 477- Planning Applications- Observations

09/B/0369- Full Planning Application- Change of use and associated building works to allow use of redundant traditional buildings as bed and breakfast accommodation- Elwick Farm Belford Northumberland NE70 7EL. Members confirmed that this application is not within the Parish

09/B/0434- Full Planning Application- Proposed farm shop & related works South Meadow Farm South Road Belford NE70 7DP. The meeting agreed to support this application as it would bring employment and give local residents alternative shops i.e. butcher.

Min 478- Planning Approvals-

Min 479- Correspondence:

•NCC- Remittance Advice £3000 Precept

•CPRE- Newsletter

•Northumberland Wildlife Trust- Request for a donation

•NHS- Choose Well Campaign

•CAN- Meet the funders notice

•NHS- Notices Flu

•NHS- Booklet Re how to complain

•NCC- Reply to Traffic Calming comments

•CAN- People & Places Newsletter

•NCC- People & Places Newsletter

•CAN- Newsletter, Annual Report & Invite to AGM 4/11

•CAB- Notice Re when Appointments are available

Any Other Business

Min 480- Belford Village Website- The Vie-Chairman informed the meeting that the Parish Council Minutes were appearing on the website in yellow lettering on a black background which was not easy reading. The meeting agreed that she should contact Steve Newman and ask for the colouring to be changed.

Min 481- Town Twinning – The Vice-Chairman advised the meeting that she had contacted the twin town and said Belford was interested in an exchange visit but that there was no funding available.

Min 482- Public Toilets- This item was deferred to the November meeting..

Min 483 (Min 469) - Traffic Calming- The Chairman read the reply which had been received from Northumberland County Council stating that speed tables were not suitable for this area, Parish Councillor G O’Connell informed the meeting that speed tables are used in Newcastle & Rochdale therefore there is no reason why they cannot be used in Belford as this would help alleviate the flooding in this area. It was agreed that the Clerk write again to Northumberland County Council asking for speed tables in this area.

Min 484- Information Exchange.

Parish Councillor C Rosby- Raised concerns that people with pushchairs are unable to use the new bus shelter on the High Street because of the seat inside the bus shelter. Parish Councillor G O’Connell thanked Northumberland County Council for providing all the new bus shelters within the Parish

Parish Councillor J Barbour- Raised concerns about the level of dog fouling that is currently happening within Belford village. The meeting agreed to have a dog bin sited at the West Hall near the Club. Vice- Chairman - Informed the meeting that as Secretary of the PPG she has replied to the concerns that have been raised by the BMA that the NHS may be privatised and she promised to circulate the link so members could make comments on this issue. She asked the meeting if the fence outside the club had been repaired, the meeting confirmed that the fence had been repaired. She also advised the meeting that she had been asked about the role of the Clerk as a resident asked if it was just for work at the meeting, the meeting agreed that the Clerk carries out work between meetings. Parish Councillor G O’Connell- Asked about the large waste bin with the Berwick Borough emblem has disappeared from the Windy Gyle area, the Clerk confirmed the bin would be replaced when new stock arrived, he also informed the meeting that a bin was required to replace the bin outside Smith’s the Newsagent on the High Street. He also suggested that the Parish Council should hold a short meeting in advance of the NHS road shows which are planned Re the new hospital for Berwick.Parish Councillor Mrs. B Jackson Stated that a market cross have been found but it was not the initial cross. Parish Councillor G O’Connell informed the meeting that he had grant funding to replace the cross, but he is currently in talks with the Conservation Officer at Northumberland County Council on this matter. Chairman- The Chairman asked for a volunteer Parish Councillor to lay the wreath on Remembrance Sunday, the meeting agreed that the Vice-Chairman should lay the wreath is she is in attendance and that Parish Councillor should be on standby. Date of Next Meeting – 19th November 2009 in Bell View. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLICThe Parish Council is invited to consider passing the following resolution:(a)That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the Agenda as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act, and (b)That the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure for the following reasons:-Paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12AInformation relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information).The public interest in seeking this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure because of the need to protect the interests of third parties.Min 485- Belford Development Trust- Parish Councillor I Carruthers reported back from the latest Development Trust meeting. The Parish Council agreed to support Parish Councillor I Carruthers to continue as their representative on Belford Development Trust and asked the Clerk to write to the Development requesting an up to date financial position for the Trust.Min 486 - Christmas Lights- A Parish Councillor informed the meeting that a resident had requested that the Parish Council pay for the relocation of the electric junction box which is used for the Christmas lights, as the resident was on the understanding that this had been agreed by the Parish Council in the past. The meeting considered this and the Clerk confirmed that there was no minute recorded stating that the Parish Council would cover the cost of the relocation of the electric supply. There was similarly no record of when it had been sited in its present position and how this had been arranged. The meeting agreed to write to the resident informing them of the outcome. Meeting closed 9.00 p.mParish Councillor J Barbour submitted apologies for November meeting .