October 16th, 2002

The meeting was opened at 7:30, with Cllr. Cox in the chair. Apologies were received from Cllrs. Askew, Fawcett and DDDC Cllr. Mrs. Crowther; all other councillors were present.

The minutes of the last monthly meeting were approved, with no matters arising.

There were six new planning applications to consider, starting with the (recurring) Iona, on Longreave Lane. The Chairman closed the meeting to allow a representative of the Longreave Lane residents - who had attended the PPPB Planning Committee meeting considering the matter - to update the councillors with the latest from the PPPB. The meeting had considered three issues: a/ design and siting: the building does not comply with the planning guidelines on several counts, it is not in character with the adjacent properties in regard of orientation and roofing, b/ size: the building is far too big for the plot, it does not conform to the previously approved plans, being significantly bigger, c/ stonework: the quality is poor, and not in character with the surrounding properties. The PPPB voted unanimously to put a ‘stop’ on the project, but this had not yet been realised ‘on the ground’ as various legalities had to be gone through. The meeting was then reopened to consider the revised planning application for Iona, which if approved would endorse the building in its current state, that is, with all the issues mentioned above becoming the status quo. Cllr. Mrs. Gregory felt that the planning application should not be considered by the Council because they had now heard of the PPPB’s opinion and that the building would stopped anyway. However the Chairman pointed out that the Council had to consider the plan, as a response had to be sent within two weeks and that the PPPB would at some point require the PC’s opinion on the revised (IE bigger) plans. After short deliberation, the Council resolved to refuse the application on the grounds that it was too big for the plot and not in character.

The second planning application was almost as contentious, an extension to the fluorspar and limestone extraction on Longstone Edge. Related to this Cllr. Finney reported that there had been clouds of dust raised during the recent dry spell. He felt that the workings were not being monitored, and it was the PPPB’s responsibility to do this. It was also noted that no one actually knew the operating restrictions placed on the workings, if any, so it was resolved to write to the PPPB and ask for a copy of these so that the PC would be aware of what the operators should be doing or not doing. There was a brief discussion about the actual application, but it was felt that no decision could be taken without councillors reading the document, which was about an inch thick. Thus, the only resolution was to do this and hold a separate meeting, on 23rd October, to discuss just this issue.

The remaining four applications: for a garage at Castcliffe Barn, Wardlow; an extension at Church Lane Farm; a cattle building near Wardlow and conversion of a barn to living accommodation at Home Farm were approved with little discussion. Two planning approvals were noted, an extension for 6, The Meadows and a cattle building at Church Lane Farm.

Under finance, the balances were noted as Ł1,000 in the current and Ł6,122.39 in the deposit account. Five payments were approved, totalling Ł3,960.84, the largest being Ł2065 for work on the new green, but this would only be paid subject to agreement with the original job specifications, which Cllr. Bowering would check.

Discussion then moved on to setting the precept (the amount the Parish Council asks DDDC to collect for them via the Council Tax) for 2003/4. This remained substantially unchanged from last year apart from: insurance up Ł250, maintenance (mowing and such like) costs up Ł200, Ł400 added to cover the increased cost of the new climbing frame, a donation to the Under 5s cut, and no requirement for any funds for the West Green. This resulted in a precept slightly down on last year, but this may have to include the cost of resurfacing the tennis court, and so the final decision was postponed until next month, when the cost of resurfacing would be known.

Landscaping/Allotments: The West Green was now complete apart from the shrubs, benches and bin. A site meeting with a representative of the PDNPA has taken place on 15th October, to further discuss the planting plans. Due to the lack of any agreement, the PC had previously agreed to go along with whatever the expert advised. At the site meeting, he advised 50-75 shrubs and a tree. However, the dispute about the amount of planting then took off again; this has variously been reported ranging from 25 to 132 shrubs. Cllr. Mrs. Gregory queried why there was such a wide range, all recommendations by the PDNPA. Cllr. Bowering replied that this was because the variety and size of the shrubs had to be taken into account - the larger the shrub, the lesser number would be required. There was much discussion about whether to accept the recommendations from the PDNPA, and what size or type of shrubs would be planted, but it was eventually resolved to accept the number 50-75 and, as the shrubs would probably be purchased from Derwent Treescapes, to see what number and type they recommended.

The Peak Park Ranger Service had replied that they may be able to help with the cutting back of the bushes in Feemouth Yard, but did not yet know when. They would be in touch to confirm a date. A letter from someone living in Manchester, who intended to buy a house in Longstone, requested an allotment plot. Although there is a vacant plot, it was decided to refuse the application, but tell the applicant that when they do move to Longstone, they would be welcome to reapply.

Maintenance: The new ‘no dogs’ signs for the recreation ground have now been erected. Damage to the walls along the footpath side of the recreation ground has not yet been repaired, but a contractor has been asked to do it. The query to the supplier about the increase cost of the new climbing frame has resulted in a 10% cut in the price, but it is still up on the original quote. Agreement has been received from the Kim Bramley Fund that they will fund half of the cost. The site meeting at the tennis court as a result of a request for repairs from the Tennis Club concluded that resurfacing is required. This could be quite expensive, and so may have to wait until funds are available. However, three quotes have been sought, and the matter will be reviewed next meeting when the quotes have been received. Cllr. Cox noted there are two blocked drains on Church Lane, resulting in water going all the way down onto Main Street during heavy rain. The matter will be reported to DCC. On the subject of parking and speeding on Main Street, PC Lowe was unable to attend this meeting so the discussion was postponed again until next meeting. Nothing had been heard back from the relevant authorities about the pavement on Main Street or the footpath behind Harrow House.

Nor has anything been heard back from the PPPB about Glebe Court, although Cllr. Casey said he had by chance met someone who worked at the PPPB and they had promised to send the Parish Council copies of the original agreement governing tenancy.

The planned meeting to discus the Freedom of Information Act had not taken place, but the Clerk said he had read the document and believed that it would be sufficient to adopt the basic recommendations therein. This was agreed. [Incidentally, the Parish Council’s accounts and records for the past year are available for viewing in the next month. See the notice board in front of the school for details]

Cllr. Casey reported that the white lines under the railway bridge are obliterated, and this may have been a contributory factor in a recent accident. This would be reported to DCC.

Cllr. Askew had asked that the issue of speeding on Longreave Lane be discussed. The councillors didn’t dispute that it was happening, but felt there was nothing they could do about it. It was believed that any application for a 30mph limit would be refused, as there are houses only on one side of the road.

There have been 20 items of correspondence received; only a couple were considered individually. The results of the Derbyshire Village of The Year competition had been received; this year Longstone made the second round, but then faired poorly because during second round judging there was a lot of litter around the play area on the recreation ground. The Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme will run this year as usual.

The next meeting is on 20th November, at 7:30.

Chris Raynor