Minutes of the Meeting of Leven Parish Council held on Tuesday 7th November 2023 Held at 7.15pm – Leven Primary School
Present: Cllr S. Mathison (chair), Cllr. L. Burrows (vice chair), Cllr. C. Ablett, Cllr. C. Farley, Cllr. A. Fearnall, Cllr. F Hood, Cllr. G. Jones, Cllr. J. Richardson
In attendance: Ann Woodward (interim clerk), Linzi Corrigan (KCOM), Mike Greslow (JPM), Mrs D. Robins (Parish Vacancy applicant)
No members of the public were present
23-24/102 Apologies: Councillor R. Jennings
23-24/103 Declaration of interest both pecuniary and non-pecuniary None
23-24/104 Presentation by Linzi Corrigan (KCOM) – full fibre rollout
Ms Corrigan introduced herself as the community engagement manager for KCom. She explained that full fibre has now been fully installed in Leven and 1000 residents have been serviced. Cllr Ablett asked if all known disabled residents had been contacted regarding the roll out as he was aware of those who had not been informed. Ms Corrigan agreed to go back and check. She confirmed that other providers have been told they can use their network ducting but have chosen not to do so.
12-24/105 Presentation by Mike Greslow (JPM) – PearTree Hill Solar Farm
Mr Greslow explained that JPM have been developing solar projects for over 12 years. The East Riding is well suited due to its local climate conditions. Suitable locations have been explored in the area to link to Creyke Beck Substation. Site selection was considered using key parameters including, brownfield land, topography/field patterns proximity to environmentally protected areas, settlements, agricultural land classification, accessibility for construction/maintenance. The scale of the proposal means decisions on the development will be at governmental level not taken locally. The vision is to not only provide 320MW powering the equivalent of 136,000 homes displacing 11,200,000 tonnes of CO2 but to prioritise the retention and enhancement of natural habitats and species through habitat creation. Consultation ended on 6th November, but comments are still being accepted online via info@peartreehillsolar.co.uk. JPM are setting up a Community Benefits Fund to support local causes and initiatives for local Parish Councils. The final proposal with be submitted to the Government in Autumn 2024 with a view to the development generating power by 2028. 130 local people have attended public sessions and 55 feedback forms have been submitted. Cllr. Jones asked about the level of traffic that will be generated during construction on local roads. Mr Greslow confirmed movement will be on A-roads wherever possible and they are working with ERYC Highways on this matter. JPM have meetings planned with the Environment Agency re impact on local wetlands. JPM will need most of the sites proposed to go ahead. There will also be a policy of using local labour and suppliers in the construction phase whenever possible.
23-24/106 To receive the Ward Councillor’s report – verbal
Cllr. Smith sent his apologies but fed back to the clerk issues and views related to the JPM consultation and proposed meetings regarding the Leven to Beverley cycle path.
23-24/107 Co-option of a new councillor
Mrs Robins was welcomed to the meeting. She outlined her desire to play an active role in the local community and was particularly interested in support young people in the parish. Cllr Ablett proposed, and Cllr Farley seconded a decision to co-opt Mrs Robins, a vote was taken, and co-option was supported unanimously. Mrs Robins was duly welcomed to the Parish Council and will be formally co-opted before the next meeting and was invited to stay for the rest of the meeting to observe.
23-24/108 To approve and sign minutes of the last meeting
Approval proposed by Cllr. Ablett and seconded by Cllr. Hood and unanimously agreed.
23-24/109 Matters arising not on the agenda
Cllr. Richardson reported she had consulted residents at the top on Linley Close regarding the placement of a bench requested by a local resident. There was a mixed response so the site opposite the post box, agreed in the previous meeting, will be referred to ERYC Highways for consultation and the resident requesting permission will be notified.
Cllr Richardson reported that after research it appears that to noticeboard at the library does not belong to the Parish Council. The noticeboard on Barleygate is also not the Parish Councils’ and Cllr. Richardson agreed to contact the owners.
23-24/110 To receive feedback from the chair of the Finance Committee Cllr. Burrows The Finance Committee had met at 7pm and recommended to the Parish Council:
Banking – transferring the Parish Council bank account to the Unity Trust Bank and setting up new mandates for authorisation to include the Chair, the Chair of the Finance Committee, Cllr. Farley and the clerk.
Proposed by Cllr. Ablett and seconded by Cllr. Jones and agreed unanimously.
Scribe lite accounting software – to purchase the software to manage the Parish Councils accounting and auditing requirements.
Proposed by Cllr. Ablett and seconded by Cll.r Fearnall and agreed unanimously.
The Finance Committee also discussed the current budget monitoring report, reconciliation and amendments to the asset register. An initial discussion was undertaken on the precept in advance of the Precept setting scheduled for the next Parish Council meeting.
23-24/111 To receive and note the clerk’s update
The clerk reported that the new laptop was now in use, all files transferred, and the virus software installed. The clerk was exploring how to safely dispose of the old machine and remove from the asset register. The clerk expressed thanks to GetExtra and the former clerk in sorting issues out.
Migration to the new website by GetExtra would commence on 16th November and old files will be added as links as agreed at the last meeting.
There had been issues with 2 cheques being returned due to inaccurate signatures (when compared to the mandate). The chair had authorised subsequently these payments with the bank to resolve the issue.
There are several outstanding requests logged with ERYC including removal of vegetation, litter bin replacement and potholes.
Clerk vacancy – to date 8 applications have been received
The emergency plan has not been updated since 2020 and in view of the recent weather issues the clerk will start to update this
The school has notified the clerk that from 1st January 2024 the Parish Council will be charged for room hire £10 per session.
23-24/112 Action Tracker update
Progress against actions agreed at the last meeting was discussed and the tracker updated. 23-24/113 To note ERYC Planning Applications
The Parish Council considered the planning application submitted by Leven and Beeford Medical Practice (23/02669/PLB} for the erection of a single-story extension with roof lights and timber cladding to the rear and partial removal of the existing boundary wall at side.
It was noted that whilst the extension would impact on available parking at the location the proposed structure is attractive and the resulting extension of services at the surgery welcome. It was noted that this extension would effectively ‘cement’ these services to this location.
Cllr. Richardson proposed, and Cll.r Ablett seconded that the Parish Council support the application. The Council voted unanimously to support the development.
23-24/114 To note the following ERYC planning decisions
22/03671/STVAR – applicant Dacre Lakeside Park variation of number of caravans and location of pitches– granted subject to conditions .
23/01043/STVAR – applicant Heron Lakes variation change of use of land for additional holiday accommodation, erection of a reception block and play area and landscaping – granted subject to conditions.
23-24/115 To note Correspondence East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- Anti-Social Behaviour report for Beverley Rural Ward – Noted
- SLA street lighting costs – Noted
- Notice of alterations to electoral roll- Noted Leven Primary School
Room hire policy change – Noted
NALC Pay agreement – referred to personnel committee for recommendations
Burstalls Solicitor’s re Leven Youth Club
It was agreed the clerk would liaise with Cllr. Jones to draft a response regarding this matter.
23-24/116 Financial Matters and governance – review and approve Budget Monitoring Report Sept/Oct – noted and approved
To receive details of Oct 23 payments:
- Phils Gardening Services – £90
- Autela Payroll Services – £54.58
- Salary Handyman – £375.07
- Salary Clerk -£604.37
- Currys Business (laptop) £550.05
- Poppy Wreath £28.99
- Stamps and Sundries 29.48 To approve Nov 2023 payments:
- ERNLLCA whole council training £160
- GetExtra Annual Hosting –website/Email Office Apps £660
- Salary – Handyman – £242.87
- Salary – Clerk – £455.29
- Phils Gardening services – £45 Additional councillor training
None identified
Feedback on councillor training – 30th October 2023
Councillors agreed that the training event had been very good but a little long.
The clerk will write to the clerk at Tickton Parish Council to thank them for hosting the event and their hospitality
22-23/117 Councillor representatives reports – verbal
Cllr. Jones updated councillors on issues related to Anti-Social Behaviour being observed at the sports hall. Criminal damage by young people (primary age) has been captured on CCTV as has evidence of drug misuse by older young people. Drug misuse waste has also been found at the site. Cllr. Jones has contacted the local PCSO but has had no response to date. The clerk will contact the ERYC.
Cllr Mathison – reported there had been a local shed break in.
23-24/118 General Purpose Matters
Christmas Celebrations – Cllr. Mathison outlined a suggestion for a seasonal competition which was discussed and agreed unanimously. This would be a competition for the best decorated house in Leven during the Christmas period. A poster will be produced with support from Cllr. Hood and placed on Facebook, the Parish Website and posted in local shops and public houses who agree to advertise it. Participants will be invited to register with the clerk and a map/route drawn up. Details on voting will follow. The prize will be a family Hamper to the value of £50 and donations will be requested.
Cllr Mathison asked for support from councillors to set up the Christmas lights prior to the switch on event on the 3rd of December. It was agreed that Cllrs. Hood, Ablett and Farley will help.
Informal Communications/ WhatsApp – Cllr. Richardson outlined a proposal for an informal WhatsApp group for Parish Council members so issues not requiring a decision can be informally discussed. It was unanimously agreed.
Cllr. Richardson also proposed that lanyards for Parish Councillors be obtained so when they are working in the community councillors can be identified. It was agreed unanimously that these would be obtained by the clerk.
Complaints re recent tarmac laying – Cllr. Richardson had received several complaints from residents regarding a lack of communications by ERYC to residents impacted by the above works and in some areas poor quality work and clearing up. The clerk will pass this on to ERYC.
23-24/119 Date of the next meeting Tuesday 5th December 2023 at 7.15pm at Leven School. The meeting closed at 9.30pm
Ann Woodward
Interim Clerk Leven Parish Council
Signed by the Chair —————————————————————————
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