PRESTON-UNDER-SCAR PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held via Zoom on 9 December 2020
Present: Cllr Brooks (Chairman), Councillors Amsden, Cormack, Fletcher, Knights
Clerk: Linda Stevens
- Apologies for absence: None
- Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings held on 15 July and 4 November
2020
Resolved:
That the minutes of the Parish Council Meetings held on 15 July and 4
November 2020 be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
- To declare Councillors’ interests in items on the agenda: None
- Action taken since the last meeting
The Council noted the following action taken since the last meeting:
Clerk’s Salary – the Council had paid the Clerk’s salary for hours worked and expenses for July, August and September in accordance with the Clerk’s contract.
ZOOM – Over the past few months the Council had followed the advice of NALC/YLCA and not held any face to face meetings. However, as the current COVID situation may not improve for some time, Councillors had decided to hold virtual meetings using Zoom software. As the Council did not hold a credit or debit card, it had been agreed that the Zoom account (£14.35 per month) would be opened by a Councillor, charged to the Councillor’s credit card, and the Councillor would submit periodic expense claims. Village groups had been advised of the Zoom account and invited to make use of it although there had not, to date, been any take up of the facility.
Grass Cutting:The council had continued to pay for grass cutting in the cemetery and the village in accordance with the agreement with DCN Fencing and Landscaping Contractor. There had been positive feedback from residents that the village was looking tidy and the standard of grass cutting was good, although the cost was over budget.
Page 1 of 5
Website: The annual fee for hosting the Council’s website had been paid to Town and Parish Council websites.
- Finance and Banking
Balances:
Councillors noted that the Opening Balances as at 1 December 2020 were as follows:
Current Account: £9,730.33
Savings Account: £2,270.92
Payments:
Resolved:
To make the following payments by BACS:
Payee Item Amount
J Long Clerk Oct/Nov (part) 25.25hrs
J Long Phone/Internet Oct/Nov (part) £14.33
Second Quarter Financial Review
The Second Quarter Financial Review had been circulated for Councillors’ consideration.
It was noted that the budgets for grass cutting in both the village and the cemetery were significantly overspent but that no further payments were due to the contractor. Apart from this, expenditure was largely in line with the budget.
Resolved:
To approve the Second Quarter Financial Review, as circulated.
- Budget and Precept for the financial year 2021/22
Councillors were invited to consider the Parish Council’s draft budget for 2021/22 and the proposed precept.
Page 2 of 5
It was noted that:
- provision had been made for two additional grass cuts, in addition to the number of cuts in 2020.
- the proposed purchase of a new flagpole and a new cemetery seat had been deferred from the current financial year to 2021/22.
- A new battery may be required for the village defibrillator during the next financial year the cost of which was estimated to be in the region of £300-£350.This could be met existing monies.
Resolved:
- That, subject to the inclusion of provision for a replacement defibrillator battery, the draft Parish Council budget for 2021/22 be approved.
- That the Clerk be authorised to apply on the Parish Council’s behalf to Richmondshire District Council for a precept of £3,806 for 2021/22.
- Village Maintenance
Flagpole – consideration of this item was deferred to the Parish Council’s meeting in April 2022
Benches
Progress with inspection/repair of the benches at the West End of the village
and The Stanney – this was currently in hand and the Chairman would liaise
Roger Howis in due course.
Condition of Cemetery Bench – it was noted that this now had no back but that
there was no risk of injury to anyone who sat on it.
Noticeboard – it was noted that access to the noticeboard was currently difficult,
possibly due to swelling. Andrew Fletcher would be asked to inspect and advise
the Chairman on remedial action required.
Drainage on Moor Road
Councillor Knights referred to the ongoing issue of the volume of water emanating from the Quarry after heavy rain and the potential for further flooding.
Resolved:
That the Clerk circulate the notes of the previous meeting held with the
Page 3 of 5
Highways Department to Councillors and, following further consultation with Councillors the matter will be raised with the Department again, copying County Councillor Sedgwick into the correspondence.
- Cemetery
The Council considered Councillor Fletcher’s report, submitted following her recent inspection of the Cemetery, from which there were no issues arising.
Resolved:
To thank Councillor Fletcher for her report, which was noted
- Planning
New Applications
20/0078/FULL & 20/00782/LBC – Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the demolition of existing lean-to garage and construction of lean-to porch at 2 Preston Mill, Wensley Station, Preston-Under-Scar, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4AG
Richmondshire District Council had been advised that the Parish Council had no objections to these applications
Upcoming Applications – None notified
Update on Previous Applications
20/00258/FULL – Full Planning Permission for Change of Use from Ancillary Accommodation to Hawthorn Cottage to Independent Dwelling with Extension at Croft Edge, Preston-Under-Scar, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4AQ – awaiting decision
20/00715/FULL – Full Planning Permission for single storey extension to the North and French Doors to the South at Penhill View, Preston-Under-Scar, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4PQ – planning permission granted subject to Conditions
- Date of and agenda for the next meeting
Councillors supported the need to schedule a meeting of the Parish Council during February 2021, noting that there was a need to recommence their normal practice of reviewing the Council’s governance and policy documents.
Page 4 of 5