SANDHOE PARISH COUNCIL

The minutes of the Council Meeting held on Thursday 28^th September 2006 at 7.30 pm in Beaufront County First School, Sandhoe.

Present

Councillor R Macfarlane (Chairman of the Council in the chair) Councillors M Baxter, H Learman, A Winstanley

Also Present

Councillor N Fearon (District Councillor Dilston & Sandhoe/Tynedale)

Bill Grigg - Clerk to the Council

One Resident of the Parish

Apologies

Councillor J Pennie, Councillor Mrs J B Fearon (County Councillor NCC)

Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

1. The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 12th July 2006

The minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 12th July 2006 were signed as a correct record.

2. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 12th July 2006

(a) Ref 2a Highways Matters

This Council is still not satisfied with the standard of repairs to the whole of the Beaufront Road from the Bridge End to Corbridge. Photographs taken are to be forwarded to NCC with a further request that more resources are put into bringing the Beaufront Road up to a higher standard.

(b) Mirror - St Camilus Bank

NCC will not give any advice on sites or costings as they do not deal with mirrors of this type and are not recommended by Central Government. It was agreed the Landowner/resident would be asked if they would allow a mirror to be erected in their grounds. If this is agreed the Council would purchase and erect a mirror.

This is still a problem; a lot of clearing up has been done but more is being thrown from cars. A further letter is to be sent to Roadlink (A69) Ltd on this matter.

(d) Planning Matters - Hexham Community Partnership's Recent Application re. Signage

Concerns were expressed by HCP involvement in placing signs within the Parish of Sandhoe. District Councillor N Fearon reported that he had been contacted by several of the businesses on this issue of signage in this area. Hopefully the recent application on behalf of the businesses will clarify the matter.

(e) Northumberland Minerals & Waste Development Framework

The Council were delighted Anick Grange Haugh has been withdrawn from the proposals.

(f) Beaufront and Anick W.I. Seat

Following concerns at Fairfield Crescent when the W.I. were giving this site their seat and the problems it was causing, it was decided to site the seat on Anick Green.

(g) Cutting Back Bridleways/Verges in the Parish

NCC contractors did carry out the work shortly after the previous meeting. This matter is to be monitored carefully and if the work is not being carried out we will consider a partnership with NCC using our own appointed contractor.

(h) Safety Measures A69 Roundabout - Hexham

Roadlink (A69) Ltd have held discussions with the Highways Agency and the Highways Agency have asked Roadlink (A69) Ltd to produce a safety scheme on the A69 roundabout at Hexham for them to investigate and cost. They will come back to the Council in due course when they have held further discussions with the Highways Agency.

3. Planning Matters

(i) Applications

Councillor J Pennie was not able to attend this meeting but he is still busy preparing his responses to this application and the Clerk will circulate to all Councillors Councillor J Pennie's notes for comments once they have been prepared for submission.

Concerns were expressed at the removal of the dry stone walling around the factory and the Council was to request that this wall is reinstated.

(ii) Decisions

a) Ref. 20060910

Amendment to planning permission 20040931.

Demolition of existing extension, construction of side rear extension together with first floor balcony and pitched roof over existing flat roof at Clinton, 9 Fairfield Crescent, Oakwood, Hexham.

Granted permission under delegated powers 01/09/06.

b) Ref. 20060861

Advertisement consent - Installation of information board, Bridge End Industrial Estate, Hexham.

Granted permission by Development Control Committee dated 18/08/06.

c) Ref. 20060867

Advert consent to display no illuminated fascia sign Unit 1, Bridge End Industrial Estate, Hexham.

This application has been withdrawn.

d) Ref. 20060770

Egger UK Ltd

Variation of condition 17 - change hours of construction for audible activities.

Granted permission 31/07/06.

(iii) Other Planning Matters

a) Junction of Anick Grange Road and Rotary Way (Ferry Road), Hexham

The Council Chairman had written to the Senior Planning Officer re. junction of Anick Grange Road and Rotary Way (Ferry Road), Hexham in regards the concerns expressed in regards to the safety issues as the traffic increases with the extension to Egger (UK) Ltd. The reply states the Highway Authority clearly did not consider that a mini roundabout at this junction was required in order to accommodate the proposed development.

The Chairman's letter has been forwarded to NCC (Development Control Highways) for a response.

When the Chairman receives a reply he will forward the reply to the Clerk who will write to NCC on behalf of the Council re-confirming this Council's and residents' concerns.

4. Financial Matters

Payments

11/08/06 R Macfarlane (website) £35.18

11/08/06 R Macfarlane (website) £17.24

01/08/06 W C Grigg (fee) £165.00

01/09/06 W C Grigg (fee) £165.00

28/09/06 NCC (rent of room) £15.00

28/09/06 W C Grigg (administration) £30.00

28/09/06 Tynedale Council (installation of W.I. seat) £79.90

5. Correspondence

(a) The Council received and noted the preferred options re. Northumberland Minerals and Waste Development Framework. The Council were delighted that NCC had taken the Council's comments into account in regards to Anick Grange Haugh which is one of the rejected options.

(b) The Council noted the Northumberland Local Transport Plan Five Year Delivery Report 2001 - 2006.

(d) Letter from Tynedale Council re. Tynedale Local Development Framework Site Allocation Development Plan document. The Council decided to support a DIY store or similar on the Fewster's site rather than a Hotel, as proposed in the present Local Plan (Tynedale).

(e) Notice from Tynedale Council re. Kerbside Twin Bin Recycling Scheme in the rural areas. The Council noted the contents of the letter.

(f) Notice from the Northumberland Strategic Partnership re. The Boundaries of Belonging Communities Consultation. The Council briefly discussed local partnership and if there are any benefits to local Parish Councils as Sandhoe Parish Council. The Council decided to await further information following consultations taking place at the present time.

6. Urgent Matters Allowed by the Chairman

a) David Dodd Memorial Seat

Councillor M Baxter reported this seat was in need of attention. Councillor A Winstanley agreed to investigate and hopefully deal with any faults.

b) Egger (UK) Ltd

Councillor M Baxter reported that it was rumoured that a drinks license had been granted by Tynedale Council Licensing Department to the workmen or their supervisor on site for the sale of drink on site. The Clerk agreed to check this with Tynedale Council.

(Please note: Tynedale Council have informed the Clerk no such license has been applied for or granted by the Council.)

c) Play Provision within the Parish

Tynedale Council are to be asked if they could identify any land that may be suitable for play provision within the Parish and if so the Council could apply to Tynedale Council for financial assistance to carry out a feasibility study.

d) Mobile Speed Signs

NCC are to be asked for costs of purchasing mobile speed signs and also if they have any mobile signs they could place in the Parish.

7. District Councillor's Report

Councillor N Fearon

Councillor N Fearon reported on the two excellent presentations given to the Economy O/S Committee meeting on 27th September 2006, especially the one in regards to the 2012 Olympics. Otherwise matters were very quiet at Tynedale Council at the present time.

8. Date of Next Meeting

It was agreed the date of the next meeting would be Thursday 18th January 2007 at 7.30 pm.