Parish Council Meeting 17th January, 2001

The meeting was opened at 7:30pm by Cllr. Hirst; there were no apologies received, the previous minutes were accepted, with no matters arising.

The new Community Policeman, Jim Potter, introduced himself to the Council and outlined his role and duties.

Matters relating to the planning application for Glebe Mines to work Longstone Edge were discussed. Mr Barton reported on behalf of SLEG, who held a public meeting recently, at Calver. The independent mining engineer the PC had asked to review the planning application had reported back. His opinion was that commercially the scheme was viable, and purely from a mining perspective, he would have recommended a similar scheme. The Council still awaits his written report, but so far his one observation is that many of the tonnages are specified vaguely, or as minimums, thus giving the company plenty of leeway to expand the operation, should they wish to. The Council heard a report that current operations (which are nothing to do with the planning application, and work under different permissions) appear to be using a slurry to backfill. These operations are resulting in much spillage. The Council expressed concern over whether is was advisable, or even safe, to backfill purely with a slurry. The planning application specifies a mixture of tailings (which may be slurry) and solid limestone should be used for backfilling, thus giving a more stable fill. The Council resolved to make a site visit in the next couple of weeks, to view both current operations and the sites covered by the planning applications. DDDC Cllr. Mrs. Crowther was of the opinion that the application would not be considered by the PPPB until March or April. Mr Barton asked the Council to bear in mind that even though outwardly the new Glebe scheme sounded destructive, it may well be the best of the options available for the sites.

A planning application had been received for Longstone Vicarage, and this was approved. PPPB approvals were noted for Ash House (where the work is already underway) and Wayside on Mires Lane.

Finance: The current account has Ł1000, the deposit account Ł359. Several minor payments were approved, but some may be held pending the receipt of the VAT refund.

Regarding the old sewage works, there has not yet been any response from the environmental health officer to the Council’s letter asking for asking for clarification of the type of pollution, any actions recommended and a monitoring plan for the summer months.

Quotes for the work required on the allotment land have still not been received from all the contractors invited to tender, but they are expected in the next month.

It was noted that the Derbyshire Rural Community Council Annual Review features Longstone on the front cover, in its role of ‘best village’.

Under maintenance, the issue of the tender for the grass cutting on the recreation ground was discussed. It was resolved to increase the edge strimming to three cuts per year and to ask for grass cuttings to be picked up around the play area. The tender will be issued shortly. The state of the path near Bell’s Stile was raised, and it was resolved to ask Tom Cox to scrape up the leaves, mud and pine needles.

Last month the recycling trailer turned up on schedule!

The issue of the old cross in the churchyard has been raised with the DDDC, who are of the opinion that it is the PCC’s responsibility. It now seems everyone feels it is the PCC’s responsibility, so Cllr. Hirst will raise the issue at the next meeting. The PC may contribute some funds towards the restoration.

Correspondence: A letter has been received asking for permission to run over the recreation ground with a tractor and trailer in order to remove a hedge. This was approved. Letters of thanks have been received from the recipients of the Council’s charity donations. Several circulars have been received.

Finally, the Chairman announced the resignation of the Clerk to the Council, Mr. Paul Dalton. Cllr. Hirst thanked Mr. Dalton for his excellent work over the past years and described his leaving as a “great loss” to the Council. Mr. Dalton will continue in post until the end of the financial year, giving the council time to find a replacement.

The next meeting is on 21st February , at 7:30 in the Village Hall. All members of the public are welcome to attend.