GENERAL MEETING - Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 20 October 2015 from 6.30pm
Present: W Bates, J Blackburn, R Cowen, S Featherstone, K Griffiths, G Kitson, D Paget, C Parker, S Raine, M Stone, S Walworth In attendance: Cllr M Plews
1.Apologies: M Bell, J Blakey, K Haigh, B Little, Ridley, F Salisbury, T Slater, M Syer, M Williams
2. Declarations of interest: Declarations of interests would be made as required throughout this agenda.
3 Security (i) Police: There was no report for this month.
3(ii) PACT meeting 2015: 28 October at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre.
3(iii) Neighbourhood Wardens: Contact the wardens is 03000 261000 and report environment offences online to DCC or to your local councillor Jan Blakey 03000 268685.
4. Minutes: General Meeting 15 Sep: The minutes were approved as a true record and agreed by members.
Matters arising Item 4 Bowling green: Mr Nigel Douthwaite agreed to leave the beech hedge adjacent to Beaumont Close as a screen for residents and to remove the other 3 sides to open up the site and prevent further gatherings of youths. It was agreed to leave the two trees to the north, and to leave a small selection of shrubs on the SE corner, adjacent to the walk through garden - dependent on their condition. The green will be levelled, paths removed and land seeded to provide an open area of land for public use. Janet
Traveller access: Anti-caravan gates will be installed at the main entrance. The local councillors have offered to fund this, and Belinda Snow, Enforcement Manager, will make the necessary arrangements. The upper bar can be removed using a key, in order to allow site access for high vehicles where necessary.
5. Finances: The big changes since last month are income from the Park Hill Residents Association of £6,483.98 and expenditure of £2,400 (effectively from that money, although that was not restricted) for legal advice concerning the Park Hill “village extension” planning permission.
Application for fees: Richard has made an application for costs to Hallam Land and Durham County Council.
The Community Centre has invoiced for the cancellation of meeting rooms.
Fun Day Meeting: There is a net balance of £93.19 to carry forward to next year’s Fun Day.
Raffle prize: D Paget won the prize, kindly donated by B Bates. Next month M Bell is to donate a prize. Mal
Quiz: For the Partnership’s income, please take part in ‘Numbers’ at £1; closing date 14 November 2015.
6. Item for Any Other Business: (i) Park bungalow (ii) X12 bus service (iii) Devolution
7. Current Masterplan: 7A. Regeneration Fund: Re planters: Andrew Blanckley, Highways, sent the following: “DCC has the power, under section 142 of the Highways Act 1980, to licence planting in the highway. However this section does not include the use of planters such as the ones you wish to use. Also the Highways Act 1980 dictates that planting cannot be within 15ft of the centre line of the carriageway, which would place your planters in the middle of the footpath. The placement of planters would also introduce an issue in regards to public liability, should an accident occur that involves the planters. As such the Council would not support the proposal you have put forward for the positioning of planters between the current bollards.”
At this meeting it was agreed to ask Mr Blanckley (i) which planters would be suitable and (ii) putting the suggestion of railings to support baskets of flowers placed between chosen bollards. Janet
7B Reports:
7B(i) Planning: County Durham Plan: The Council’s application for legal challenge has been conceded by the Secretary of State and the Court has now quashed the Inspector’s Interim Report. As a result, a refreshed Plan is being prepared for New Year 2016. Richard
The Neighbourhood Plan is progressing. While there is a legal requirement for it to conform to the Durham Plan, it is possible for a Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted before the final version of the Durham Plan is.. The next meeting is Wednesday 21 October at 6pm.
DCC is consulting about permitted rights for student accommodation in the city which could move the student issue to the outskirts of Durham and the villages.
Agreed that the Bowburn/Parkhill area should be in the council’s plans to licence Houses of Multiple Occupation, HMOs. Richard
Cllr Plews gave the view that if planning permission is refused for bespoke student accommodation then the problem would move out of the city area.
A member noted that in her experience Bowburn’s student population were quiet and well-mannered.
Parkhill planning application: There is no update on the legal advice from Trinity Chambers.
If there is a chance to take the case forward Richard has looked into the possibility of Crowdfunding which is the practice of funding a project by raising money from a large number of people. Richard
Integra61: Nathaniel Lichfield is to submit a planning application in November. Richard
Keepmoat Community Engagement: Sarah Booth, Community Engagement and Investment Manager at Keepmoat, would like to explore ways in which she can encourage links with Keepmoat within the local community and explore the possibility of working in partnership to deliver a variety of engagement and investment projects. Members put forward ideas to Sarah via email but to date she has not replied. Janet
Janet Maitland hairdressers: No objections, but a member thought that there could be a problem with parking.
7B(ii) Highways/Environment: Next meeting is Monday 17 November at 6pm in Bowburn Community Centre.
Railings on Tail-Upon-End Lane: Paul Anderson, DCC has taken over the railings project on the C12a to Bowburn Hall. Decisions need to be made about how much and where fencing is required, plus the height of the birdsmouth fencing - double height as in the metal railings or single as in front of Henry Avenue at the junction of Bowburn Hall drive. Paul has arranged a site meeting for 29 October. Janet, Mike, Richard
Railings on MW approach: (Bowburn Exit to A1–150m, Coxhoe Exit to A1 South–75m, A1 North to A688–75m at a total cost of £27,972.00 ex VAT). Keep under review. Janet
Footpath from Horton Crescent to McCormick Place – proposed closure: A site meeting is to be arranged with Cllr Blakey and Owen Shaw to decide on the possible closure of this footpath. Cllr Blakey, Janet
MW roundabout markings to Coxhoe: Awaiting a response re the Coxhoe road markings Janet
Bowburn Industrial Road:
At the Fire Training Station an underground tank could impede construction of the Industrial Highway. Richard
Schools 20mph limit: No date has been set for the Infant School to have a 20mph speed limit as in other areas of the county. Cllr Blakey, Janet
Noted that general parking around the school has increased – refer to the PACT meeting on 28 Oct. All
Road surfaces: Pot Holes: Report pot holes and failed street lights using the column number to DCC. All
Arriva bus service: Agreed to contact Arriva and DCC concerning the change of the bus service X12 between Bowburn and Durham. It was suggested that the Mary Terrace bus stop could be taken off timetable and exchanged for the Cape Site being more suitable for older people going to hospital in that area. Janet
(Arriva website: X12 stops at Blannagan’s PH, Cooperage, Hare & Greyhound, Mary Terr, Shincliffe Stn, Houghall; university students are allowed free travel on the 56/57/57A during the day from Mon to Fri)
7Biii Parkhill: Park Hill Residents' Association has been dissolved and all liabilities of the Group have been satisfied. It was the wish of PHRA to transfer its remaining assets (which is a sum of £6483.98) to the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership to be used for the interests of the residents of Bowburn and Park Hill.
Sandra Featherstone was thanked on behalf of the Parkhill Residents’ Association for the transfer of funds to the Partnership. She said that there was no longer a Parkhill Residents’ Association but she was not sure of the function of Parkhill Neighbours. Sandra
7Biv Community Centre:
The Fun Day was a great success; The Monday lunch club continues to be popular; suggestion slips will be given out to diners; the centre has a full licence for the bar; 28 December ‘Beauty and the Beast’ pantomime at £1 per ticket for all comers; New Years’ Eve Family Celebration £10 adults, £2 children.
7Bv Youth Club: No update this month.
7Bvi Coal column: Awaiting planning permission for the houses and offices on the Esh site before an application will be considered for the coal column. Janet
7Bvii General housing: None
7Bviii Education: None
8. Correspondence: Email communications were sent out as appropriate.
Coxhoe Active Life Centre: Half term activities. For ages 4-11 26-30 October 10am-3pm every day only £15 per day - advanced booking required 3771789. Monday Games/movie; Tuesday Ping Pong, Sports/Games
Wednesday Arts/Crafts/The Menace obstacle course; Thursday Football Camp; Friday Halloween fancy dress party/disco/workshop; Halloween disco 3-4pm only £1
Durham Coast & Lowlands LEADER: The new Durham Coast & Lowlands LEADER will soon be launched and recruitment is currently underway for new Local Area Group (LAG) Executive Board members. The LAG's main aim is to allocate grant funding to local businesses and organisations which will help business to grow, create jobs and enhance the rural economy through the following themes: Farming, micro business, rural tourism, culture and heritage and rural services. If you have or know of any individuals who have knowledge or experience in these fields, their application would be welcomed: contact Sarah Marshall Coordinator; Telephone 03000 266894; Email sarah.marshall@durham.gov.uk
Please note application forms needs to be completed and returned no later than Friday the 30th October 2015.
9. Reports and matters arising:
9a) EDRC AAP Board Meeting: 7 October at Bowburn Community Centre:
Councillor Peter Brookes (Chair); Ron Hogg, Police & Crime Commissioner held a drop in session.
Derek Robson, Durham County Council gave a verbal update on restorative justice, which enables victims to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the real impact of the crime.
Chris Affleck from Investing in Children updated on the work of the AAP Youth Forum.
Roger Goodes, Head of Policy and Communications delivered a presentation on DCCs Medium Term Financial Planning Update and Durham Ask. The Council continue to face severe financial challenges and are consulting with the community on how to make further budget reductions. The Council will agree its budget and savings plans on 24 February 2016. The Durham Ask, launched during 2014, transfers facilities and services to local control so that they are retained if the Council is unable to do so. The Council wish to hear from interested communities/local organisations and ask them to put in an Expression of Interest.
Jonathan Smith, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, delivered a presentation on the new training centre which opened in April 2015.
Bev Curry, Regeneration and Economic Development gave a verbal update on the Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme which the AAP funded in 2013/14.
Board members had received a report on the latest quarterly project progress.
Date and time of next BOARD meeting – Wednesday 27 January from 5.00pm at Kelloe Primary School
Fundraising event and networking to be held in St Albans Church Hall, Trimdon Grange, 24 October from 9:30 to 13:30. Various funders, local councillors, and representatives from the AAP’s will be there.
9(ii) a) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council:
Next meet 21 October followed by 18 November in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00pm
Report of Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council Meeting, 16 September 2015.
There was discussion of the Hallam Land application and the legalities of the planning decision at Parkhill, followed by an agreement to take the Neighbourhood Plan to completion. The strimming of the footpaths has been very successful and the Walking Group were thanked for their reports.
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee: 6pm on 21 October 2015 an hour before the Parish Council.
If interested in joining the group you are invited to join the meeting when draft policies will be discussed.
9(iii) Quarry Liaison: The ‘top path’ is officially closed. A number of newts have been transferred from the ‘newts’ buckets’ to a safe area. The company is now owned by an Irish owner.
The Walking Group had met a conservationist who suggested that many more newts had been transferred and the team will be checking the buckets until they are free of newts for 5 consecutive days.
10. Group Noticeboard:
(i)Banner/History: The event to commemorate the life of Nurse Edith Cavell with exhibitions and a presentation and brass band in the evening was a very moving occasion and members at this meeting who had been there were very appreciative of the occasion.
The Centenary Banner was at the Fun Day and a ceremony to commemorate the fallen from Clarence Street with ‘poppy tributes’.
The Resources Room is open every Wednesday from 1pm until 4pm.
(ii) BVC Interchange: The September Interchange was well received with something for everyone. Articles are requested for the December issue. The next Quiz Night is 13 November in Crowtrees Club at 7.30pm.
(iii) Credit Union Bank: The bank is open on Fridays from 11 am to 12 noon in the Community Centre.
(v) Facebook/Twitter/Durham Times: Gary will update news in the future.
(vi) Bowburn FC: No news this month.
11. AOB:
(i) A member asked if the bungalow in the park could have some attention or be demolished.
(ii) X12 bus service – see item 7B(ii) Arriva bus service.
(iii) Cllr Plews recommended that members completed the Evening Chronicle survey on North East Devolution and was very concerned about the current proposals for a mayor for the whole of the North East which could be detrimental to rural areas such as County Durham.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
General Meeting 17 November 2015 at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre