Laughton-En-Le-Morthen.co.uk - Minutes

Present: Councillors P Lilleker (Chairman), T Stanway (Vice-Chairman), K Evason, J Leaning, H Muller and S Brooks (Parish Clerk). Apologies: Councillors J Robinson, D Bagshaw. In attendance: PC Shaun Rhodes, Andrea Mason (Community Planning Officer), Elaine Alliott (Consultant for Rotherham Local Compact Mini guide), one parishioner in attendance.

151. Open Forum for Parishioners in Attendance
There were no parishioners in attendance.

152. Presentation by Andrea Mason, Community Planning Officer
Councillors received information regarding the work involved in producing a parish plan. Several suggestions were made as to how the research could be carried out, including the use of a fun day to attract local people to the village hall where they can become involved in the consultation. Resolved: The matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

153. Minutes of the meeting held on 14th February 2007.
Resolved: That the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.

154. Declaration of Prejudicial & Pecuniary Interests
None

155. Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.

156. Parishioner’s Written Requests
a. Animal sanctuary drainage concern (feedback from February meeting)
The clerk reported the drainage concern to Streetpride who offered to monitor the situation.

b. Well on Firbeck Lane (feedback from February meeting)
PC Shaun Rhodes reported the matter to the Dangerous Structures Department at RMBC. The well has been located and temporarily covered until a permanent cover has been acquired. Councillor L asked the Clerk to report the derelict buildings at Scammings Farm to Dangerous Structures for immediate attention. Resolved: The Clerk contacts Dangerous Structures regarding Scammings Farm.

157. Items under Review
a) Use of Recreation Ground
(1) LRGDC
Councillor B received a reply from the Big Lottery regarding the second pre-application which was passed in March. Councillor B and the clerk will now complete the full application. LRGDC next meet on Wednesday 21st March.

(2) CCTV System
The CCTV system has been installed as per the quotation with the exception of the new cameras and tower which will cover the new playground area. This will be installed at a later date once funding has been secured by LRGDC. Councillors B and L had a meeting with the installer to check the new equipment. Councillor L suggested that the old equipment is sold and the video tapes are wiped before being disposed of. Resolved: (1) Councillor B advertises the equipment on eBay; (2) Councillor B wipes the old video tapes and disposes of them; (3) The Clerk issues a cheque to pay the invoice.

b) Laughton Planting Scheme
(1) Planters at top of Brookhouse Lane and outside Pear Tree Farm
The clerk reported that all the planters and signs have received permission from RMBC and planning permission can now be sought. Resolved: The clerk completes the planning application forms for the signs and planters.

(2) Planter at St John’s Road entrance (near church)
The clearance work has been completed as per the quote. PG Building suggested that the earth could be retained by installing kerb stones along the outer edge. Councillor D suggested that a dwarf wall would be more effective and in-keeping, and that the planter should be a rockery rather than being filled with shrubs. Elaine offered to provide Laughton stone from her garden free of charge for use by the Parish Council. Resolved: (1) The clerk issues a cheque for the clearance work as per the quote; (2) The clerk arranges for PG Building to examine the stone and provide a quote for the works.

c) Anti-social behaviour throughout Laughton
Nothing to report.

d) Drainage problem on Rotherham Lane
The clerk spoke to Andy Roddis regarding the concern and was informed that the matter continues to be monitored. Andy is moving from Rother Valley South, but his successor will continue to monitor the problem. Resolved: The clerk continues to report the matter to Streetpride.

e) Traffic concerns on Slade Hooton Hill
The clerk reported the overgrown hedging and trees to Streetpride via the RMBC website. Resolved: The clerk continues to pursue the matter with Streetpride.

f) Streetpride
The Clerk completed the forms as requested and a decision is due in early June.

g) Provision of Community Garden/Burial Area
(1) Footpath Extension
No further progress.

h) St John’s Road Allotments
(1) Collection of rents for 2007/08
The clerk has arranged to collect rents on site on Saturday 28th April and Saturday 5th May. Letters will be sent to all tenants before the end of April and notices will be posted at the site. Resolved: The clerk issues rent letters to all tenants.

(2) New tenant concern
The clerk received information from the Thurcroft allotments on Steadfolds Lane, regarding a tenant who has recently taken on a plot on St John’s Road allotments. The concern has been discussed with the Inspection Committee who have suggested that the Council allow the tenant to remain on the site. All Councillors were in full agreement that the tenant should be allowed to remain on the plot which will be inspected in line with the allotment rules.

i) RVSA
Councillor L attended the March meeting and provided feedback on the work of the co-ordinating group. Councillor L and the clerk attended the 11 parishes meeting at Woodsetts and provided feedback on the discussions which took place. Minutes of both meetings are included in the consultation documents.

j) Japanese knotweed on recreation ground
Nothing to report.

k) Land Registry – Deeds for recreation ground and village hall
The Clerk obtained a verbal quote from Mike Walker at Wilford Smiths Solicitors to carry out the works for a price of around £200. Councillor B proposed that the quote is accepted; Councillors voted all in favour. Resolved: The clerk arranges for the work to be carried out.
l) Laughton-en-le-Morthen Spending Plan
No further decision can be made until full planning permission has been received.

m) Slade Hooton Spending Plan 2006/07
Councillor J provided the clerk with drawings of the map case and position so that planning permission can be obtained. Resolved: The clerk includes the map case in the planning application for the parish signs and planters.

n) Brookhouse Spending Plan 2006/07
The clerk put forward a request from Brookhouse Village Association to re-fill 24 hanging baskets as part of the remaining funds from the 2006/07 budget. The total price of the planting will be £224 including VAT, received from Hobson’s Nurseries at Swallownest. Councillors voted in favour of the request. The invoice is due to be paid in June 2007.

o) Carr Spending Plan 2006/07
The clerk put forward a request from Carr Village Hall Association to have the exterior woodwork and railings re-painted at a cost of £450 including labour and materials. Councillors voted in favour of the request which will be funded as part of the remaining 2006/07 budget.

p) Risk Assessment Revision
The clerk circulated a copy of the current risk assessment which was completed in November 2005 and is now due for revision. Councillors agreed that the electrical wiring and CCTV system need to be included, along with a column which allows for inspections to be signed off. Resolved: The clerk amends the risk assessment and circulates a revised copy to Councillors.

158. Police in the Community
a) Crime figures
Crime figures were supplied by PC Shaun Rhodes covering the period 14th February to 14th March 2007, as follows:
Newhall, Brookhouse, Slade Hooton, Carr – No recorded crimes
Laughton En Le Morthen – 5 recorded offences: 1 theft; 1 theft of motor vehicle; 1 offence of exposure; 1 offence of section 47 assault; 1 offence under section 47 Public Order Act.

159. Village Hall Issues
a) Electrical wiring
Councillor B proposed accepting the quote, with the Parish Council paying for the works. Councillor L seconded the proposal and Councillors voted all in favour. Resolved: Councillor B arranges for the inspection to be carried out.

160. Environmental Issues
a) Brookhouse Dyke
The clerk contacted Bill Greenwood at Environment Agency regarding the concern and received the following reply:
The improvements that were made to the storm sewage overflow in 2003 should have significantly reduced the amount of sewage debris getting into the brook. The screen that was fitted should prevent debris escaping in the average size storm event. They are designed to be effective in storm events up to a 1 in 5 year return period. It is impossible to screen debris from storms of all sizes, because the screens would simply be blinded by excess debris and the sewage would back-up and possibly flood houses. So there is no way that we can guarantee the brook will always be free of debris. What we do try to do is to keep out as much debris as we can. It is difficult to tell from what you have said whether the overflow screens were operating properly or not. It depends on whether the rainfall event that caused the debris to escape was bigger than a 1 in 5 year event.

If you can say that the debris appeared in the brook around a certain date I can check rainfall records for that period and see what the size of storm events was. If you are not sure about the timing, then there isn’t a lot I can do at this stage. If there is any evidence that the storm overflow screens are not working as they were designed to do we will investigate further.

So to conclude, a certain amount of debris in the brook has to be accepted but if it gets too much, in amount and frequency, we will investigate and see if there is anything wrong with the screening that was put in. If an investigation indicated that the screens weren’t working as they were designed to we could enforce improvements.

Resolved: The water quality continues to be monitored.

b) Thurcroft Landfill
Nothing further to report.

161. Finance Report
Debtor Description Amount (£)
Alliance & Leicester Interest on savings February 155.23

a) Resolved: That the following invoices be authorised for payment:
Creditor Description Amount (£)
Clerk Salary 221.42
Veolia (Onyx) Bin emptying village hall February 26.54 DD
Riber Surveillance 25% deposit for CCTV upgrade 2489.24 PD
Transfer From savings to current 2500.00 PD
(to cover Riber cheque)
PG Building Clearance of planter St John’s Rd 180.00
Yorkshire Water St John’s Rd allotments 4th quarter 57.70
Yorkshire Water Sewerage charges v.hall 44.38
Zurich Insurance Insurance Policy 07/08 915.77
LCR Subscription Renewal 13.50
Clerk Telephone charges 34.50
Riber Surveillance CCTV upgrade 7761.46
75% remaining
Transfer From savings to current 9000.00

162. Planning Applications
a. RB2006/2065 Erection of a detached dwelling house, a pair of semi-detached dwelling houses and associated garages at land adjacent to Scammings Farm, Firbeck Lane, Laughton
The application was withdrawn on 7th February 2007.

b. RB2007/0214 Conservatory to rear at 36 School Road, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.

c. RB2007/0205 Extension to existing stables at Fair View, Hooton Lane, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.

d. RB2007/0275 Formation of Ménage at land to rear of 1 Newhall Cottages, Newhall, Carr for K Roddis
The clerk will circulate the plans once they have been received.

e. RB2007/0384
Erection of detached double garage (amended siting to previously approved under RB2005/0491). Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.

163. Consultation Documents
Resolved: That the following consultation documents be circulated to members for consideration:
a. Standards Board for England – Town and Parish Standard 09
b. Local Council review March 2007
c. RMBC All Parish Liaison Meeting January 2007
d. Rotherham Community Transport Ltd – services on offer
e. SRRTG minutes January 2007
f. Robin Hood Airport – airspace change proposal
g. CPRE Countryside Voice spring 2007
h. RMBC Borough Standard’s Committee minutes February 2007
i. RMBC Rotherham Play Strategy 2007-2012
j. CPRE Fieldwork Magazine March 2007

164. Correspondence
a. CPRE – Mottram Tintwistle bypass through Longdendale
Resolved: The Clerk completes the postcard and letter as part of the campaign.
b. Calor Village of the Year competition 2007
Resolved: The clerk files the letter.
c. Rotherham Holiday Aid – request for a donation
Councillor D proposed giving a donation of £50; Councillor J seconded the proposal; Councillors voted all in favour. Resolved: The clerk issues a cheque for £50.
d. RMBC Playing pitches survey
Resolved: The clerk completes the survey and returns it to RMBC.

165. Any Other Business
a. Boundary Commission consultation
Councillor D suggested that the Parish Council reviews the existing parish boundaries when the Boundary Commission conducts its’ review which is due soon. She suggested that it would make sense to include the two properties in Brookhouse which are currently outside Laughton’s parish boundary.

b. Concern over dwindling numbers of bats in Laughton
Councillor C raised a concern over the falling number of bats present in Laughton village, much of it due to the increase in the conversion of derelict barns. Councillor L suggested that the clerk checks with RMBC planning regarding the installation of bat boxes which was part of the development of Rectory Farm. Resolved: The clerk contacts Planning regarding the bat boxes.

166. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Resolved: That the next meeting will take place on Wednesday 18th April, 2007 commencing at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, Firbeck Avenue, Laughton.
The meeting closed at 10.15 pm