Draft Minutes
Ordinary
14th July 2026

Eskdale Parish Council

Minutes

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 14 JULY 2026 AT St BEGA’S VILLAGE HALL, ESKDALE GREEN COMMENCING AT 7.30PM

Present: Cllr R Brown(Chair), Cllr L Hunt, Cllr J Harrington, Cllr A Rutherford, Cllr M Shaftesley, Cllr I Kirby
Mrs L Cooper – Clerk

20/26 APOLOGIES

None received.

21/26 Exclusion of Press and Public

None

22/26 Declarations of Interest

There were no Declarations of Interest

23/26 To Approve the Minutes of the meetings held on 12 May 2026.

The following amendment (Proposed by Cllr Rutherford, seconded by Cllr Hunt) was made to the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2026.

Addition to Minute no 14/26.2 APP/Q9495/C/26/3378033 Eskdale Vicarage, Boot
The Council supported the LDNP decision to deny retrospective planning for the property to be used as a holiday let. The community consider there are sufficient holiday lets within the parish and request that the current housing stock be retained as homes.

The amendment was approved, the minutes changed and signed by the Chair.

24/26 Police Liaison Report

A report had been previously circulated by the Clerk. No issues.

25/26 Progress Reports

25/26.1 Clerks Report

The Clerk reported that the External Auditors had acknowledged receipt of the AGAR and were satisfied. A thank you had been received from Ravenglass Railway for the donation of the Defibrillator. An enquiry to Forestry England re wood scavenging had been made, but they no longer issue scavenging licences for their sites.

26/26 Public Participation

None

27/26 Cumberland Councillor’s Report

none

28/26 Applications for Development

28/26.1 To examine applications for development and submit observations to the Planning Authority

7/2026/4039 8 Gatesyde Place, Eskdale Green
Single Storey extension to rear.
Supported

RC/2026/0036 Dalegarth Campsite, Boot
Temporary recreational campsite
Not supported, support decision of refusal by LDNP as area prone to flooding

28/26.2 To ratify the observations submitted by the Clerk under devolved powers since last meeting.

7/2026/4027 Low Birker Farm, Boot
Extension and alterations to farmhouse
Supported

28/26.3 To note the decisions of the statutory planning authority with regards to recent applications

7/2026/4012 St. Bega’s C Of E Primary School, Eskdale,
The proposed works are to replace the existing oil tank and install air source heat pump, as part of a new renewable heating system.
Approved

Landpod Low Birker Farm, Boot
Approved

29/26 FINANCIAL RECORDS

29/26.1 To approve the following payments:

L Cooper Clerks Salary & Expenses £328.00
HMRC PAYE £ 65.40
Information Commissioner Data Protection fee £ 52.00

29/26.2 To note the receipt of payments:

Precept £9500

29/26.3 To receive and note the bank reconciliation statements dated 30 June2026.

Checked by Cllr Kirby

29/26.4 To consider the Budget Comparison Report as at 30 June 2026 and determine action need to address deviations from the budget.

None required. C/Act £12714.11, D/act £6590.44

29/26.5 For information: A VAT return has been submitted for £423.69.

30/26 Parish Matters

30/26.1 Hard Knott Telephone Box

No issues.

30/26.2 Community Plan

Resolved to place article in Parish Magazine and Facebook re progress on Community Plan

30/26.3 Environment

Clerk to circulate different types of planters and costings to councillors for a decision in September. Lengthsman has agreed to maintain them.

30/26.4 Japanese Garden

Some bridges have been removed for repair.

30/26.5 Village Hall

Cllrs Hunt & Rutherford attended a Village Hall meeting. VH requesting letter of support for funding applications. Resolved that one would be sent as each application submitted. Cllr Shaftesley to inform VH committee.

30/26.6 Fred Whitton defibrillators – supplies

Resolved to provide grants on application from sites to pay for replacement pads and batteries.

31/26 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies.

None

32/26 Correspondence

To discuss any correspondence received for open discussion.

Cumbria Bus Reform – to lodge an expression of interest – Cllr Kirby to lead.
Notification of Eskdale Fell Relay on 18 July 2026
Correspondence from resident wishing council to support appeal against planning refusal. Council discussed and maintained current position of supporting communities need for housing and fewer holiday lets.
Notification that Ravenglass Railway are celebrating 150 years on 22 August 2026 and holding a Victorian Day

33/26 Councillor Matters

None

34/26 The next meeting of the Parish Council 8 September 2026 at St Bega’s Village Hall, Eskdale Green commencing at 7.30pm

There being no other business the meeting closed at 2053 hours.