Muker Parish Council now has its own web-page here.
Muker Parish Council meets every 6 to 8 weeks on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. The meetings are held in Muker Institute.
All residents of the parish are welcome to attend these meetings.
| Chairman |
Cllr Ernest Whitehead |
| Vice Chair & Treasurer |
Cllr Raymond Calvert |
| Councillor |
Cllr Trevor Reynoldson |
| Councillor |
Cllr Philip Metcalfe |
| Councillor |
Cllr Bryan Porter |
| Clerk |
Mrs Tania Sharp |
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The dates of past meetings are listed on the left and may also be downloaded as a pdf file.
The minutes of the most recent meeting are below, otherwise the minutes of the meetings are available in pdf format by clicking the appropriate links on the left.
These minutes will not be read, approved and signed as being correct until the next meeting. Any amendments will be noted in the next meeting's minutes.
Thanks to Muker Parish Council for permission to include the items on this page.
MUKER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 10TH JANUARY, 2011
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 10th January 2011. Councillors Calvert, Metcalfe, Reynoldson, Porter, RDC Councillor Gardner were present with Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Mrs T Sharp.
1. Apologies for absence: Apologies excepted from Cllr Porter and Blackie.
2. Welcomes: The Chair welcomed Mr Ian McPherson a Member of YDNPA invited to attend by the Council after correspondence from the Park Authority in August. Mr McPherson reported on recent activity and latest issues relating to Park business. The Park’s current main activities are affordable housing and the renewal of the 5 year Management Plan. The Authority seeks to work with Councils and Parish Councils to develop this new Management Plan. Mr McPherson reported that DEFRA were reviewing the governance of National Parks and that as a consequence a Member need not be a Parish Councillor only but could be any member of the Parish. The number of Members on a Park Authority would not be cut. Priority issues for the Park are:
1) Yorkshire Peat Partnership – restoration of peat bogs
2) Rights of Way
3) Farm Conservation / Agri-environment schemes
4) Biodiversity aims
5) Web based services
6) Volunteers and Sustainable Development Fund
Mr McPherson advised that funding was available under the Sustainable Development Fund and grants were also available for designated conservation areas, new woodlands and nature conservation work. Mr McPherson informed the Council that The Yorkshire Dales Housing Plan has been submitted to the Planning Office for review and a Public Hearing will take place on 17th & 18th January. Mr McPherson confirmed that repairs would be carried out on the flood damage at Rampsholme Bridge, Muker.
Councillors were invited to direct any questions to Mr McPherson. Councillor Metcalfe asked for an update on the situation with regard to the extension of the National Park boundary. Councillors noted Natural England’s willingness to continue with the scheme despite many Parish Council objections from within the Park and Cumbria. Mr McPherson advised that the next stage was that designation orders would be submitted to the Secretary of State in October 2012 but that due to the number of objections it was expected that there would have to be a Public Enquiry. The Council unanimously agreed that local views on this issue must be represented and listened to by the Authority and Natural England.
3. Declaration of Interest: None.
4. Minutes of Previous Meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 29th November, 2011 had been circulated and were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Councillor Calvert and seconded by Councillor Metcalfe. All were in favour.
5. Matters Arising:
a. Cllr Gardner reported that he had looked into the matter of planning permission at Blacksmiths Cottage, Thwaite and it did indeed need planning permission on the grounds that the construction ‘protrudes past the front of the building’.
b. The Chair reported that the Parish Council’s new webpage provided by the RDC was now live and could be used to upload Parish events and links to any relevant websites.
6. Finance:
There were no financial matters arising.
7. Highways:
a. The Clerk reported Highways were to review the drainage off the B6270 below Angram. Recent severe flooding had resulted in water gathering on the road and the drainage currently provided, fitted by Highways in Summer 2011, was unable to drain the water quick enough causing a substantial volume of water building up and stopping the passage of traffic.
b. The Chair read out a letter from Jacobs via Highways notifying the Council of repairs to Park Bridge, Stonesdale Lane, Keld. This would result in road closures and would commence in ‘the financial year 2012/13’ for an as yet unknown period. Councillor Gardner further reported that he had spoken to Jacobs to advise them that the closure of this road was unacceptable. Access for West Stonesdale to Upper Swaledale and through to Hawes was essential through lambing time and for emergency vehicles. Councillor Gardner and Jacobs agreed a series of short closures every 20 minutes to allow for passage of traffic.
8. Richmondshire District Council:
- The Council noted various leaflets sent to it on volunteering and community projects throughout the District.
- The Council noted the publication of the Revised Register of Electors now available.
9. North Yorkshire C.C.
No items were received.
10. Yorkshire Dales National Park:
a. The Council considered a map submitted by the Swaledale & Arkengarthdale Area Ranger for landownership of various fields west and east of Gunnerside. The map details areas of flood damage to be repaired by the Park Authority.
e. The Council considered Planning Application: Dunny Hill, Nr Ivelet for moorland access track – the Council had no objections.
11. YLCA:
a. The Council noted the White Rose update.
b. The Council noted the correspondence relating to Diamond Jubilee Beacons.
12. Other Correspondence/A.O.B.:
a. The Council noted the Yorkshire Dales LEADER programme update 2008-2013.
b. The Council noted the Clerks & Councils Direct publication.
c. The Council noted correspondence from the Upper Dales Health Watch advising Andrew Landsley’s visit to the Central Dales GP Practice on 23rd February 2012. No Muker Parish Councillors are to attend.
d. The Chair brought to the Council’s attention correspondence from County Councillor John Blackie regarding the proposed closure of maternity and paediatrics services at Northallerton Friarage Hospital and proposed closures or winter closures of various public conveniences throughout the Dales. Councillor Blackie advised that Muker public conveniences would be kept open and Keld public conveniences would be closed between November and end March. Councillor Blackie noted the Councils previous advice on this subject. The Council directed the Clerk to write a letter strongly objecting to the closures at The Friarage citing this to be a continuation of services in the Dales being eroded.
e. Councillor Reynoldson advised that the noticeboard at Thwaite had been severely damaged in the recent high winds and was no longer useable. The Clerk was instructed to obtain a number of quotes locally for the construction of a wooden noticeboard replacement.
f. Councillor Reynoldson reported that the drains all the way up the road to the Buttertubs are blocked with grit and need cleaning out. The Clerk was instructed to write to Highways.
g. Councillor Gardner reported on the following:
- Councillor Gardner contacted NYCC to report that the light shield had not been fitted to the public lighting in Keld yet. Delay had been caused by manpower issues and Councillor Gardner insisted on fitting of the shield within the week.
- At the request of a parishioner Councillor Gardner had obtained agreement from Highways for the compulsory gritting of the road from Gunnerside to Ivelet under category 3. Additionally Councillor Gardner had obtained the compulsory gritting of the road at Stonesdale under category 2.
- Councillor Gardner had attended a Strategy Board Meeting at which the closure of the public conveniences was discussed. Councillor Gardner reported putting forward the proposal of a 20p entry charge for the public conveniences to fund their continued use. Councillor Gardner also proposed reducing cleaning hours on the public conveniences to cut costs to allow them to stay open.
- Councillor Gardner reported that the planning application for Park House campsite had gone to Committee on the grounds that they have requested an increase in the number of tents and motor homes allowed on the site. Planning therefore requires an impact assessment.
- Councillor Gardner had raised concerns on the planning application for Dunny Hill that the use of limestone aggregate might constitute a visual scar on the landscape.
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place on the 14th February 2012 and 20th March 2012 at Muker Institute at 7.30 p.m.
MUKER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 29TH NOVEMBER, 2011
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 29th November 2011. Councillors Calvert, Metcalfe,
Reynoldson, Porter, RDC Councillor Gardner were present with Councillor Whitehead presiding.
The Clerk was Mrs T Sharp.
1. Apologies for absence: No apologies received.
2. Declaration of Interest: Cllr Metcalfe declared an interest at Item 9h.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 11th
October, 2011 had been circulated and were approved as a correct record on the proposal of
Councillor Calvert and seconded by Councillor Metcalfe. All were in favour.
4. Matters Arising:
a. Cllr Gardner reported that the RDC came out to survey the light on the public
conveniences in Keld regarding a parishioners complaint of light pollution into their
property. The RDC confirmed it is their light and they have instructed their contractors
to attach a shield to this light.
5. Finance:
a. The Council proposed a Parish precept in the sum of £1,500.00 for the year 2012/13,
Cllr Metcalfe proposed the resolution, Cllr Reynoldson seconded the resolution. The
resolution was carried unanimously by the Council.
6. Highways:
a. The Chair read out an update from Highways on various requests made by the Council
for works to be carried out. Highways confirmed the issues will be attended to.
b. Cllr Metcalfe reported various potholes in Muker needed repair in particular on
Vicarage Lane. The Clerk was instructed to write to Highways.
c. Cllr Porter reported the gutters on Crow Trees Hill are blocked and need cleaning out.
The Clerk was instructed to write to Highways.
7. Richmondshire District Council:
a. The Chair reported the Clerk had attended free training provided by the RDC regarding
a free webpage being provided by them for all their Parish and Town Councils. This
website is now available for Council use on web address www.parishconnect.co.uk.
The Council agreed the Clerk to proceed with the use of this facility. Minutes and
Council details will be uploaded onto this site.
b. The Council noted the Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership update that speed
enforcement would continue in the areas of Langthwaite, Reeth and Low Row.
c. The Council considered the RDC’s proposals to close the public convenience in Keld
over winter. The Council voted against such closure and suggested reduced summer
cleaning hours and further reduced winter cleaning hours to achieve savings.
8. North Yorkshire C.C.
No items were received.
9. Yorkshire Dales National Park:
a. The Council noted Planning Permission at Rampsholme Farm, Muker had been granted.
b. The Council noted Planning Permission at Brookside, Muker had been granted.
c. The Council noted Planning Permission at Stoneleigh, Muker had been granted.
d. The Council noted Planning Application at Birkdale Common, Upper Swaledale had
been granted.
e. The Council considered Planning Permission: Park House Campsite, Keld – the Council
fully supports this plan and has no objections.
f. The Council considered Planning Application at Blacksmith’s Cottage, Thwaite and had
no comments or objections. Cllr Gardner queried whether this application should in fact
be allowed under permissive development and should not therefore incur a planning fee.
Cllr Gardner is to investigate.
g. Yorkshire Dales Access Forum requested any members to be put forward from Muker
PCC. No candidate was offered.
h. The Chair read out the update on the Housing Development Plan from the YDNPA.
The Council noted the contents.
10. YLCA:
a. The Council noted the YLCA’s notification of fee increases.
b. The Council noted the update on the Localism Bill from the YCLA.
11. Other Correspondence/A.O.B.:
a. The Council received a request from Reeth Parish Council to amalgamate orders for
Jubilee commemorative mug purchases for distribution to Parish children under the age
of 16. Muker PCC decided not to order any mugs.
b. The Council noted the Clerks & Councils Direct publication.
c. The Council noted Rural Action Yorkshire’s ‘Country Air’ publication.
d. The Council noted correspondence from Richmond Eco Group and decided not to
procure free trees for a planting scheme.
e. The Council noted correspondence from Cumbria County Council advising on
consultation regarding the Mineral and Waste Development Framework.
f. The Council noted correspondence from Upper Dales Watch enclosing the Patients
Charter.
g. The Council noted correspondence from Upper Dales Watch enclosing the Minutes of
their last meeting.
h. The Council noted correspondence from Upper Dales Watch advising on the Joint
Strategic Needs Assessment.
i. The Council noted correspondence from Austwick PCC expressing their concern at
wording in the YDNPA Housing Development Plan. The Council felt matters relating
to new houses being available on the open market would be dealt with appropriately by
Planning. The Clerk was instructed to reply accordingly.
j. The Council decided not to donate to South Cleveland Heart Fund.
k. The Council noted the Yorkshire Dales LEADER programme newsletter.
l. The Council considered correspondence from Natural England regarding the Dales
Landscape Designation Project advising this would go ahead to the next stage.
m. The Council decided not to donate to the North Country Theatre.
n. The Council noted advice on the TV digital switchover.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place on the 10th January 2012, 14th February
2012 and 20th March 2012 at Muker Institute at 7.30 p.m
MUKER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 11TH OCTOBER, 2011
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 10th August 2011. Councillors Calvert, Metcalfe, Reynoldson, Porter, RDC Councillor Gardner were present with Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Mrs T Sharp.
1. Apologies for absence: Cllr Blackie.
2. Declaration of Interest: None.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting: the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 16th August, 2011 had been circulated and were approved as a correct record on the motion of Councillor Calvert and seconded by Councillor Metcalfe. All were in favour.
4. Matters Arising:
a. Cllr Calvert reported the completion of the road surfacing on the B6270 near Hoggarths Farm. Whilst it was felt the road surfacing was an excellent job, Cllr Calvert raised concerns about the soil left on the roadside by the contractors which has been washed by rain over the surface of the road making it unsafe. Cllr Calvert also raised concerns that the drain ditch by the roadside had not been dug out along the entirety of the new road surfacing. This resulted in the rain running straight back over the road again making the road surface less safe to drive on. Concerns were also raised that in colder winter temperatures this rain could freeze onto the road causing a considerable road hazard and if thick enough severely damaging the snow plough as has happened in the past. Cllr Calvert felt that to avoid any significant road hazards the drainage channels along the roadside needed opening up from Firs to High Hill. Cllr Gardner suggested the Councillors request the Clerk write to Mr Woodford at Highways raising these concerns and requesting action. The Clerk was duly instructed.
5. Finance:
a. The Council were notified of the receipt of the Parish precept in the sum of £601.35 with the insurance already deducted.
b. An invoice from Mazars Accountants for an external audit fee in the sum of £84.00 was considered by the Council. Cllr Metcalfe proposed the payment of the same and Cllr Porter seconded the proposal.
6. Highways:
a. The Clerk updated the Council with recent communication difficulties with Highways having been resolved and notification therefore received that the cleaning out of cattle grids is ongoing.
b. The Chair read out a copy of an e-mail from a Parishioner sent to Highways complaining about the poor and inaccurate temporary road signage erected whilst roadworks are undertaken. Road signage at Satron had sent drivers to a dead end. A reply is awaited from Highways.
c. Cllr Porter reported that the road tarmac was giving way above a culvert on the Satron to Askrigg road. The Clerk was instructed to write to Highways.
7. Richmondshire District Council:
- The Council noted the Boundary Review update.
- The Clerk is to attend a website & portal training event held by the RDC.
8. North Yorkshire C.C.
a. The Council noted that NYCC newsletters would now be on-line for the public to view.
9. Yorkshire Dales National Park:
a. Notification was received of a prospective scheme for the undergrounding of overhead electricity wires in Keld, currently at assessment stage. The Council had no comments or objections at this stage.
b. Planning Permission R/06/227: Notification was received that planning permission had been granted for Lane Farm, Muker.
c. Planning Permission R/06/182B: Rampsholme Farm, Muker for change of use of land and erection of ground floor extension to existing dwellinghouse. The Council raised no comments or objections.
c. Cllr Gardner reported from the Planning Committee:
- Rampsholme, Muker decision was ongoing
- Brookside, Muker was approved
- Stoneleigh, Muker was approved
10. YLCA:
a. The White Rose Update September edition was noted by the Council.
11. Other Correspondence/A.O.B.:
a. Correspondence was received from the Environment Agency Flood Risk Management Department requesting feedback on if and how Councils want flood management maintenance to be communicated to them. The Council had no comments.
b. The Council noted the September edition of Clerks & Councils Direct.
c. The Chair read out the invitation from Reeth Parish Council to the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Sunday 13th November 2011.
d. Correspondence from The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons Pageantmaster regarding ‘The Guide to Taking Part’ was passed to the Chair of the Muker Jubilee Celebrations Committee.
e. The Chair read correspondence he received on 10th October from a Keld parishioner about the street light outside the public toilets in Keld causing light pollution into their residence. This correspondence was passed onto Cllr Gardner for RDC to act. Cllr Gardner felt that it was possible to attach a light shield to this street light.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place on the 29th November 2011 and 10th January 2012 at Muker Institute at 7.30 p.m.
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