ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Minutes
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership – Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 19 May 2015. From 6.00pm to 6.20pm
Present: M Bell, J Blackburn, R Cowen, J Geyer, K Griffiths, G Kitson, B Little, D Paget, F Salisbury, S Raine, M Ridley, M Syer, S Walworth
1.Apologies: W Bates, J Blakey, Cllr M Plews, M Williams. In attendance: None
2. Minutes of last Annual General Meeting 21 May 2013:
Once the trustee’s name of Gillian Kitson was corrected to Gloria Kitson the minutes were proposed by M Bell and seconded by D Paget and approved unanimously by the members present.
3. Chair’s Annual Report from April 2014 to March 2015:
The chair welcomed everyone to the 11th Annual General Meeting of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
During 2014/15 further projects were considered for the remaining Bowburn Improvement Fund (Regeneration Pot).
To date these projects have been completed:
Stage lights and a stair lift to the stage the Community Centre.
£3600 remains safeguarded for play equipment at Parkhill.
Further bollards were installed in Durham Road, which was in our Masterplan
Remaining funds are allocated to environment projects and any increase in costs.
Partnership funds were used to repair our three noticeboards.
Discussions continue with the Esh Group and the artist Colin Rose to create a percent for Art in the form of a ‘coal column’ at the northern entrance to the village
The Partnership continues to hold funds for The Fun Day; Bowburn Opencast Action Group, the Bowls Group, and the remaining monies for the Bowburn Improvement Fund, which is overseen by Durham County Council.
We have supported:
A weekly Credit Union Bank in the Community Centre with volunteers from the Partnership
Comments were made on the following:
An appeal to an independent planning inspector to oppose housing on the ‘Daisy Field’ which may affect future proposals for a Primary School. The appeal was dismissed but the site received planning permission following a further, amended application that took account of the Inspector’s comments (but still did not take into account our concerns regarding the school).
Representations were made concerning Bowburn at the Examination in Public for the County Durham Plan. In particular comments were made about the school, the future of Durham Green, the proposed rail freight terminal at Tursdale and the Leamside Line and the number of houses proposed for Bowburn
A re-designed cycle lane into Durham City at Mountjoy.
Support for retail and offices at the Cooperage public house but an objection to the new façade which was not in keeping with the Conservation area.
To accept the Heath Close application but commented on the parking problems on Crowtrees Lane; access problems; increase in school numbers.
To oppose the Parkhill outline planning application for 190 houses in line with the Parish Council’s comments. The applicants (Hallam) have appealed against the decision of the Council to refuse this application and the Partnership is to become a Rule 6 Party able to give evidence and cross examine Hallam Land.
To support Parkhill Residents in their comments on Wylam Terrace for 12 bungalows.
To support a planning application for the extension of the offices at the Esh site and the erection of 63 houses on the old Cape Site, but commented that the loss of an industrial site did not to set a precedent, and that there should be a contribution to education.
The Partnership is grateful for the support from:
>Our locally elected County Councillors who regularly attend Partnership meetings
>Members who are represented on the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, the Parish Council and Neighbourhood Plan, and Quarry Liaison Committee as well as our local interest groups.
>The advice and support from Julie Anson, Gillian Parvin and the County Council
>PC Cockburn.
>Reports are received every month from each of these groups which keep the Partnership up to date on important issues in our area. The Partnership then circulates the information to the area of benefit.
The chair thanked the Trustees who have conscientiously attended meetings throughout the year.
In the future the Partnership will continue to support local groups and liaise with statutory bodies to put forward issues that concern the village of Bowburn and the area of benefit.
4(i). Statement of Financial Affairs:
The treasurer presented a report on the 2014-15 accounts, which members agreed to approve subject to scrutiny by the independent examiner, Donna Paget treasurer of Bowburn Community Centre.
4(ii) Independent examiner for 2016:
It was agreed to appoint Donna Paget as the independent examiner for 2016.
5. Election of Officers: The election of the following officials was agreed by the members:
Chair: Richard Cowen Vice Chair: Jan Blakey
Secretary: Janet Blackburn Treasurer: Mike Syer
6. Election of Trustees: The following members were elected as trustees:
William Bates, Malcolm Bell, Gloria Kitson, Sylvia Raine, Martin Ridley
7. Close of AGM:
The chair closed the AGM and thanked members for attending and looked forward to seeing them at future meetings.