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Present: Councillors P Lilleker (Chairman), Mt T Stanway (Vice-Chairman), J Leaning, J Robinson, S Johnson, P Shackley and S Brooks (Parish Clerk). Apologies: Councillor K Evason. In attendance: PC Shaun Rhodes, James Hobson (Environment Agency) and Barry Green (Severn Trent), two representatives from Brookhouse.
92. Brookhouse Dyke Concerns
James Hobson of the Environment Agency and Barry Green from Severn Trent were in attendance to discuss the concerns regarding pollution in Brookhouse Dyke. Councillor A opened the discussion with a brief over-view of the problem which has been ongoing for 30 years. She explained that the pollution has been worsened since the CSO was installed on Steadfolds Lane in 2004. She suggested that it is either not working or is not being maintained adequately, and that the additional housing in Thurcroft has only added to the problem as all the extra sewage puts a greater strain on the CSO and the sewage pipe which runs through Brookhouse to the works at Slade Hooton. She also explained that the settling ponds on the land fill site at Thurcroft overflow during wet weather causing severe flooding in the village. Councillor A produced a number of photographs showing the June floods and the devastation caused to a Brookhouse resident’s home.
Barry explained that Severn Trent are not responsible for land drainage issues or the overflow ponds on the land fill site. James provided further background information on the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) which is an overflow structure which permits a discharge from the sewerage system into the brook during wet weather conditions. He explained that the Environment Agency (EA) provide consent for the discharges from the tip to the brook. He offered to pass the concerns regarding flooding to the appropriate department at the EA. He explained that the lagoons on the site are designed to stay full and gave an explanation as to how the silt is dredged from the lagoons after settling.
One of the residents from Brookhouse, asked why there is still a layer of silt on the bed of the brook. James suggested that the two recent blockages at the CSO have caused a greying effect on the bed of the brook but couldn't’t account for the layer of silt.
Councillor A asked why there is always a smell of sewage from the grates in the village. James replied that there have been issues of unsatisfactory discharge. The EA has insured that Ogden’s and BRG do take discharge samples and carry out work as necessary. He added that the EA continue to sample at all times which is carried out by a dedicated team of samplers. They also visit the tip to look at discharges to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. He suggested that residents need to report concerns to the EA; sampling results can be viewed by the public.
Councillor A expressed that she is concerned over the quantity of the discharge as well as the quality of the water which enters the brook from the site. She explained that since the land works on the tip, during heavy rain it is a matter of minutes before the water from the lagoons overflows straight down into the village and straight through The Lodge, causing devastation. The structure of the land surrounding Brookhouse has changed enormously since the tip and where there had previously been grassland where the water soaked away; there is now debris from the coal extraction and no means for the natural drainage of rain water.
James explained that he is unable to comment on the flood issue as his role concerns water quality. He added that the EA does designate Brookhouse as an area of flood concern.
Concern was also expressed over the drains through the village which she suggested were totally inadequate during heavy rainfall. She wrote to Severn Trent some years previously, asking for the sewer pipe to be upgraded. Councillor S explained that Severn Trent had carried out computer modeling to establish what course of action was to be taken. This process took over 5 years to complete; residents received correspondence, as did the Parish Council, that a new pipe was to be installed through the village; a start date and end date were given for the works; then the works were suddenly scrapped and the CSO was subsequently installed. No explanation was ever given as to why the upgrade works did not go ahead.
In response to the planned works Barry explained that he could not respond as he only took the post in spring 2007. He suggested that he will speak to the Engineering Department who are responsible for modeling work. His view is that the CSO does work satisfactorily and is adequately maintained. Their work is overseen by the EA. In August 2007 there were two blockages in the CSO; one caused by a large piece of wood, the other by a large bundle of rags. The blockage was cleared after being brought to their attention by Councillor A, the mess surrounding the inlet at Steadfolds Lane was also cleared up.
Councillor A asked why the rest of the debris in the village had to be cleared by local residents. A team arrived at her house from Severn Trent supposedly to clear the debris from the brook through the village, but they said it was too big a job and left without carrying out any clearing work at all.
Councillor S asked how a blockage can be detected. The parish council were under the impression that the CSO contained an alarm system which activated once a blockage was detected. Barry said that this was not the case. They only find out about blockages when it is inspected or when a member of the public complains.
James gave an account of his visit to Brookhouse on the day of the severe flood in June 2007 when the village was un-passable. He explained that there is a growing trend towards more flash floods which ultimately ends with sanitary ware in the brook as it is not possible to screen every part of the system. He provided information on the process the EA uses when Severn Trent are in breach of the regulation governing acceptable levels of discharges into the brook. Following the pollution in August 2007, the EA issued Severn Trent with a warning letter; following which Severn Trent have instigated monthly inspections. No further action has been taken by the EA on this occasion. Barry added that Severn Trent are looking at installing automatic monitoring systems nationally, but it is restricted by funding limitations.
Councillor A asked James if he felt that it was acceptable for there to be sewage in the brook. James replied that Severn Trent have a consent to discharge from the CSO and that there are many of these systems throughout the country. In order to push for a change to the current system there needs to be hard evidence. The CSO should operate when the level of the water course is at an acceptable level so as not to cause problems down stream.
Councillor S added that within months of the CSO being installed there were overflows of raw sewage into the brook. The Parish Council reluctantly accepted the scheme which was imposed upon us. Residents in Brookhouse are not fully aware of how the CSO operates and may not know what an ‘acceptable level of sewage’ in the brook looks like. Barry offered to speak to Gary Jackson at Severn Trent to find out why the scheme for the new pipe was dropped.
Councillor K asked Barry what it would take for Severn Trent to make the decision to upgrade the sewer pipe. Barry replied that he was uncertain of the drivers for the original scheme. If the problem was sewage pollution then the CSO would be the solution. If the problem was flooding then the solution may have been to upsize the sewer or to install the storage tanks. He added that the EA are reluctant to put new overflows in but Severn Trent can’t stop people from connecting to the sewer; OFWAT make the decisions.
James suggested that the Parish Council speaks to Bronwen Peace, RMBC Planning department, to discuss the concerns regarding the tip and the profile of the land surrounding it. Councillor S suggested that a way forward would be for all parties to collect the necessary information, arrange a time to sit down and discuss all the concerns with all the information at hand, then try to come up with a solution which is acceptable to all parties.
Barry provided a telephone number for residents to contact if they have concerns over debris in the brook (0800 7834444). Concerns to the EA should be made either on the internet or on 0800 807060.
In conclusion, the following action points were resolved:
1. Barry investigates the reasons behind the decision to install the CSO.
2. The EA will continue to carry out random sampling; James will provide Councillor A with data regarding the lagoons ion the tip and the quality of the brook water.
3. The Parish Council will contact RMBC Planning for information on the tip and surrounding land.
4. James will speak to the relevant parties at the EA regarding flowing issues in Brookhouse.
5. The Parish Council will arrange a suitable date for a meeting of all the relevant parties– after the New Year.
6. Barry will arrange for the existing pipe in Brookhouse to be checked.
93. Open Forum for Parishioners in Attendance
The parishioners in attendance were involved in the discussion regarding Brookhouse Dyke.
94. Minutes of the meeting held on 10th October 2007
Resolved: That the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.
95. Declaration of Prejudicial & Pecuniary Interests
Councillor S declared a payment of £20 which he received after attending a meeting run by Sue Shelley of the Community Team.
96. Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.
97. Parishioner’s Written Requests
a. Concern over new bus route (June meeting)
The Clerk received a letter from SYPTE in response to the concern raised over the 23 bus:
“As you are aware this service is operated on a commercial basis i.e. without funding from the Transport Executive. I have been advised by First to inform you the change to the route of Service 23 from St John’s Rd on to School Rd occurred in January 2007. The purpose of the change was to better serve all the new developments (industrial, commercial and residential) at Laughton Common and around the Old Dinnington Colliery site. We felt that Breck Lane and St John’s Rd was adequately served by other operators, in particular Stagecoach with service 19. By using School Road we are still serving the heart of Laughton village and currently we have no plans to make further changes.
No detailed statistical information relating to the two roads is available, but passenger numbers of the whole service 23 are currently about 2.5% better than last year. We attribute some of this to the route change.”
Councillors discussed the reply and asked the clerk to speak to a parishioner about his suggestion for an alternative route which would encompass Laughton Common and St John’s Road. Resolved: The clerk sends a copy of the letter to the parishioner and discusses his suggestion before sending a letter to SYPTE.
98. Items under Review
a) Use of Recreation Ground
(1) LRGDC
Councillor K explained that the decision on the WREN application is due on 18th December 2007. An application has been put into Awards for All to cover the new CCTV column which is to be sited on the recreation ground to cover the new playground. A revised quote from Kompan has not yet been received.
(2) CCTV System
Councillors discussed the Code of Practice document which Councillor K had constructed; Councillors voted all in favour of adopting the Code of Practice. Resolved: Councillor K will print off a new copy for Councillors.
b) Laughton Planting Scheme
(1) Planters at top of Brookhouse Lane and outside Pear Tree Farm
The planning application has been granted conditionally with the following condition imposed:
01 (PC97) The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site plan and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans.
Resolved: (1) The Clerk asks PG Building for a revised quote for the planter outside Pear Tree Farm. (2) The clerk arranges for the Bell Ringers to carry out the works to the planter on Rotherham Lane.
(2) Planter at St John’s Road entrance (near church)
Councillor H arranged for a quote from Abifields which came in at £1200 + VAT. Councillors discussed the estimate and decided to concentrate funding on the other two planters which have received planning permission.
c) Anti-social behaviour throughout Laughton
Councillor B raised concern over the recent spell of fireworks.
d) Drainage problem on Rotherham Lane
Nothing to report.
e) Traffic concerns on Slade Hooton Hill
No further progress.
f) Streetpride
Councillor S raised concern over the entrance to Lomas’ Farm and the poor state of the footpath. Resolved: The clerk reports the matter to Streetpride.
g) Provision of Community Garden/Burial Area
(1) Footpath Extension
The lighting column has not yet been lit.
h) St John’s Road Allotments
The clerk explained that a letter of concern has been received from RMBC following a number of complaints over fires on the allotments. The Clerk added that a number of notices have been placed around the site to remind tenants of their responsibilities in relation to local residents. Councillor S asked the clerk to include a further notice in the rent letters which will be sent to tenants in March.
i) RVSA
Councillor S has circulated minutes from the Coordinators’s meeting and the recent Assembly meeting.
j) Japanese knotweed on recreation ground
Councillor K has spoken to Andrew who has offered to spray the knotweed and the weeds in the car park twice a year, free of charge.
k) Land Registry – Deeds for recreation ground and village hall
The clerk met with Mike Walker today to walk round the recreation ground in preparation for the document being completed. The finished statutory declarations should be completed by the December meeting.
l) Laughton-en-le-Morthen Spending Plan
The planning application has been granted conditionally with the following condition imposed:
01 (PC97) The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site plan and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans.
The clerk has not yet received an updated version of the drawing. Resolved: The clerk pursues the quote and drawings.
m) Parish Plans
Councillor S reported that Andrea Mason from RVSA is currently carrying out work on 50 Parish plans within the Rotherham area. She will make contact with the Parish Council once further information has been received.
n) Date for Rotherham Local Compact Training
Councillor K has arranged an evening appointment with Elaine Alliott to receive the necessary training.
99. Police in the Community
a) Crime figures
Crime figures were supplied by PC Shaun Rhodes covering the period 11th October to 14th November 2007, as follows:
Newhall – No recorded crimes
Brookhouse – No recorded crimes
Slade Hooton – 1 recorded crime – Harassment on Hooton Lane on 21/10/07.
Carr – 1 recorded crime – possessing a bladed article in a public place on 6/11/07.
Laughton en le Morthen – 9 recorded offences.
Other matters:
A resident of Laughton has been successfully prosecuted for fly tipping/dumping rubbish on council land to the rear of Kingswood Avenue, Laughton.
All Saints’ primary school is constantly being monitored with regards to parking, particularly at the end of the school day. Within the last month, 4 fixed penalty tickets have been issued for offences of unnecessary obstruction and a number of drivers have been given verbal warnings/advice.
100. Village Hall Issues
a) Football Clubs
Councillor V circulated a draft of the agreement and asked Councillors to pass on any comments/suggestions.
b. Concern over damp under windows in hall
Councillor V explained that all the windows had been checked by his surveyor who said that there was no obvious concern. He suggested that it may be the pointing which needs to be re-done. Councillor A suggested that it may be wise to re-do the silicone to see if it helps. Resolved: Councillor V will arrange for all the windows to be touched up with silicone.
c. Parking Order for village hall car park
The clerk has not yet received a reply regarding the draft of the Parking Order. Resolved: The clerk will chase up the matter.
101. Environmental Issues
a) Brookhouse Dyke
Covered in minute number 92.
b) Thurcroft Landfill
The next meeting will be taking place on 21st November 2007.
102. Finance Report
Debtor Description Amount (£)
Alliance & Leicester Interest on savings October 195.32
a) Resolved: That the following invoices be authorised for payment:
Creditor Description Amount (£)
Clerk Salary 235.38*
RMBC Rates for village hall 98.00 DD
Clerk Salary back payment 55.84**
Information Commissioner Data Protection Register 35.00 DD
Renewal
Yorkshire Water sewage charges v. hall 45.57
2nd installment
Royal British Legion wreath for Remembrance Sunday 20.00
(Paid to Councillor A)
Transfer from savings to current account 500.00
To cover outgoings
RMBC Parish Council Elections May 07 286.68
Administration charge
c) Clerk salary increase 2007/2008
*Clerk salary increase 2007/2008 – to be back-dated to July 2007
** SCP 19 = £8.916 per hour x 24 hrs + 10% (allotments) = 235.38
4 months back payment (235.38-221.42 = 13.96) x 4 months = £55.84
103. Planning Applications
a. RB2007/1694 Conversion of bungalow to dormer bungalow including increase in roof height, dormer windows to front and rear and attached garage at side and rear at Lingdale, Main Street, Brookhouse – Granted conditionally
1. The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans.
2. The materials used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing building.
b. RB2007/1906 Formation of menage at Fair View, Hooton Lane, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.
c. RB2007/2045 Six week’s notice of intent to fell/prune various trees within Laughton Conservation Area at 2 Church Corner, Laughton
The clerk was unable to access the file online before the meeting and asked Councillors to check the application in a few days’ time, and report any concerns to the Clerk.
d. RB2007/0877 Display of various signs at sites at Brookhouse and Laughton for Laughton Parish Council – Granted conditionally
The planning application has been granted conditionally with the following condition imposed:
01 (PC97) The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site plan and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans.
e. RB2007/0876 Extension to planters and erection of map case at various sites at Laughton, Slade Hooton and Laughton for Laughton Parish Council – Granted conditionally
The planning application has been granted conditionally with the following condition imposed:
01 (PC97) The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site plan and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans.
104. Consultation Documents
a. RMBC Standard’s Committee minutes October 2007
b. RMBC Joint Working Charter document
c. Rotherham Local Development Framework Core Strategy Preferred Options – Feedback of Consultation
d. Groundwork Dearne Valley Annual Review 2006/2007
e. Local Council Review November 2007
f. YLCA – Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill – Appointed Parish Councillors
g. Information Commissioner’s Office – Data Protection Act – interactive training DVD
h. RMBC – Muse newsletter winter 2007.
105. Correspondence
a. Rotherham Community Transport Ltd – fliers for Door 2 Door service
Resolved: The clerk places the leaflet on display in the village hall.
b. Bluebell Wood – Charity box and Christmas Card & request for a donation
Resolved The clerk passed the items onto Councillor B.
c. RMBC Graffiti “Wipe Out”
Resolved: The clerk requests a sample.
d. YLCA – ballot to select a representative to the Rotherham MBC sustainable communities’ scrutiny panel
Resolved: There were no nominations.
e. SYPTE Bus service changes October 2007
Resolved: The notice has been put up on the notice board at church
f. SYPTE National Concession Scheme
Resolved: Councillors noted the information.
106. Any Other Business
Councillor S raised the issue of rats on the allotments which he suggested is caused by tenants leaving food at the site.
107. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Resolved: That the Ordinary Meeting will take place on Wednesday 12th December, 2007 commencing at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, Firbeck Avenue, Laughton.
The meeting closed at 9.58 pm
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