Minutes
Ordinary
10th November 2020
EPC/MINUTES/10/11/2020
12
Present: Cllr M Shaftesley (Chair), Cllr A Vicars, Cllr I Kirby, Cllr L Hunt, Cllr C Carlin and Cllr R Brown
3 x member of public
61/20 Apologies, Borough Cllr G McGrath
62/20 Co-option of Councillor: It was proposed by Cllr Shaftesley and Seconded by Cllr Kirby and RESOLVED that Ms C Carlin be co-opted on as a member of the council. Cllr Carlin was welcomed to the meeting.
63/20 Exclusion of Press and Public
Agenda item 12.8 Clerk’s Appraisal and salary review would require members of the public to leave the meeting.
64/20 Declarations of Interest
Agenda item 10.1 Planning application no 7/2020/4077 Cllr Shaftesley (Chair) stated that due to local gossip, although he had no direct link to the planning application he sought councillors’ views on him chairing this particular item. A vote was taken and all councillors voted not for the chair to stand down for this item. Cllr Shaftesley agreed to continue to chair the item but would abstain from making any comments or vote on the motion.
65/20 To Approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2020
The minutes of the meeting held on 13th October 2020 were approved and will be signed by the Chair at the next appropriate meeting. Proposed by Cllr Hunt and Seconded by Cllr Kirby
66/20 Police Liaison Report
These had been previously circulated by the Clerk. It was noted that there was nothing relating to Eskdale in the report.
67/20.1 Telephone Box, Hard Knott
Cllr Shaftesley reported that the ownership of the telephone box had now been established. Cllr Vicars reported that it was in a poor state of repair and would not be suitable for the installation of a defibrillator. Cllr Shaftesley to speak with owners re the condition of the box.
Councillors were asked to identify other alternative locations for a defib.
A member of the public expressed concerns regarding the proposed planning development on land adjoining Fairfield. He asked that his concerns be considered and included within the Parish Council’s submission to the planning authority. Concerns expressed included his property being overlooked, legal liabilities re trees on his land, access rights to his property and the close proximity to the United Utilities plant.
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Another member of the public expressed their concerns regarding the proposed planning development also. Concerns expressed included re quality of plans submitted, access roads and access to existing properties, increased traffic flow on roads, density of the development, number of bedrooms open to interpretation, re-routing of a public right of way and close proximity to the United Utilities plant.
The Chair thanked the members of public for their input and reminded them that this was their only opportunity to speak within the meeting.
68/20 County Councillor and Borough Councillor Reports
None submitted
69/20.1 To examine applications for development and submit observations to the Planning Authority
7/2020/4081 Fairfield, Eskdale
Non-material amendment to planning permission 7/2019/4105 (Construction of garage on side of existing dwelling incorporating workshop and lobby access to dwelling) to use a grey coloured standing seam metal roof system instead of slate on the roof of the garage
For notification only
This application has since been refused by LDNP
7/2020/4079 Eskdale Mill, Boot,
Replacement of four fixed light windows with bottom hung inward opening hopper windows. Reinstatement of gutter and rainwater pipe to north elevation of stable/hayloft, as evidenced by the existing gutter hanger.
The council resolved to support this application.
7/2020/4077 Fairfield, Eskdale
Outline planning application for 3No 1 bedroom dwellings or bungalows
The Council resolved NOT to support this application and has submitted their reasons to the planning authority
69/20.2 To ratify the observations submitted by the Clerk under devolved powers since last meeting.
None
69/20.3 To note the decisions of the statutory planning authority with regards to recent applications:
7/2020/4061 Fisherground Campsite, Eskdale
Proposed siting of 3 touring caravans for use as warden accommodation
Approved with Conditions
7/2020/4070 1 Rigg Cottages, Eskdale
Change of use of small agricultural paddock into domestic use and erection of detached garage
Refused
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The Chair proposed that Agenda item 12.1 Giggle Alley be brought forward and discussed before financial records. This was agreed
The meeting was joined by Olly Fielden and Max McLaughlan from Forestry England, who gave an update on the plans for Giggle Alley.
Mr McLaughlan reported that details for accessing the woodland was being worked on and tree felling/extraction was expected to commence March/April 2021. When questioned he confirmed that the best time would be January/February but this would have the greatest impact on the ground if there had been a wet winter.
Mr Fielden reported that a Facebook page “Forestry England Giggle Alley” had been set up to aid communication with the community and updates would be posted on there as could any concerns raised by the community. They were also investigating undertaking a letter drop to residents, recognizing that not all residents will use Facebook. Mr Fielden was asked if a link to their site could be placed on the Eskdale Valley Facebook page and he stated he would investigate this.
Mr McLaughlan reiterated that all information would be shared with the Parish Council prior to making it public.
It was raised that cycle ramps had been removed from Giggle Alley. Mr McLaughlan stated that unauthorised structures had been dismantled and removed by the recreation team. Mr Fielden and McLaughlan agreed to attend the next meeting on 10 January 2021 to give a further update.
The Chair thanked them for attending and the information provided.
Mr Fielden and Mr McLaughlan then left the meeting.
71/20.1 To approve the following payments:
None
71/20.2 To note the receipt of payments
None
71/20.3 To receive and note the bank reconciliation statements dated 30 September 2020
This had been checked and verified by Cllr Kirby
71/20.4 To consider the Budget Comparison Report as at 31 October 2020 and determine action need to address deviations from the budget.
None required
71/20.5 To approve the budget for the financial year 2021/22
A draft budget had been previously circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. It was agreed to amend the budget for courses and increase to £200. The expected expenditure for financial year 2021/22 would be £6819.17
Proposed by Cllr Hunt, Seconded by Cllr Vicars
71/20.6 To approve the Annual precept for the financial year 2021/22
It was noted that the Auditors report had stated that the Council’s reserves were too low at £2780. It was resolved to increase the precept for the next financial year to £8000, an increase of £500 (6.6%) on the previous year’s precept. This would allow the reserves to be increased gradually.
Proposed by Cllr Brown, Seconded by Cllr Hunt
72/20.1 Giggle Alley
See 70/20 above
72/20.2 Emergency Plan
This was progressing. Cllr Shaftesley to lead. Cllr Kirby agreed to be the second emergency contact.
72/20.3 Councillor vacancies
Cllr Brown reported that he had been approached by 3 people who were interested in being co-opted onto the council. It was suggested they express their interest via email to the Clerk.
Cllr Shaftesley reported that there are currently 2 vacancies.
72/20.4 Website
The Clerk reported that the new compliant website was currently under construction.
72/20.5 Traffic Speed Restrictions
Cllr Kirby expressed concerns regarding speeding through the village. There was a lack of signage, it was noted that surrounding villages had a speed limit of 20mph. The Clerk to contact Cumbria Highways and request speed monitoring.
72/20.6 Eskdale Open
The councillors were asked to consider projects that would benefit the community that these funds could be spent on. To report back at the next meeting.
72/20.7 LDNP Local Plan consultation
It was agreed that no comments were required.
72/20.8 Clerk’s review and appraisal
An appraisal of the Clerk had been undertaken and an increase in salary approved commencing 1 January 2021. It was noted that the Clerk was still being identified as an Interim Clerk and it was agreed that this would be a permanent post.
73/20 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies
None
To discuss any correspondence received for open discussion:
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The next full meeting of the Parish Council to be held on 12 January 2021 commencing at 7.30pm.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 21.28
Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Tuesday, 10 November 2026