GENERAL MEETING - Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 19 June 2018 from 6.00pm
Present: M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, R Cowen, J Geyer, M McKeon, G Parker, S Raine, J Richardson, M Ridley, M Syer
In attendance: Cllr Dunn, James Taylor (Lichfields)
1.Apologies: M Ridley, F Salisbury
2. Declarations of interest: Declarations of interests would be made as required throughout this agenda.
3. Integra 61 Update:
James Taylor gave an explanation of the three separate applications that require approval: 1) A new roundabout on the A688 (with access to and from this occupier for HGV’s) – this application has already been submitted; 2) A reserved matters application for the proposed building itself; 3) A S73 application to vary some aspects of the outline consent – including the size of the building.
The new roundabout is waiting for approval on 6 July and is restricted to heavy goods vehicles related to the site, and there is to be a meeting with Highways England.
The design of the shed has evolved specific to the operator’s needs. It will be 25.5m high which includes air handling units on the roof of the building. An Above Ordinance Survey Datum (AOD) tool has been used which puts the height of the building in context with the surrounding countryside. The land is 83.5 m above sea level and the AOD of the building will be 105m above sea level; the application is for an AOD of 110m (the last application was for an AOD of 106m).
There will be a workforce of approximately 2000 people depending on seasonal work.
A question and answer session followed.
A member suggested that colouring the building with horizontal stripes in grey would be very effective; a building in the Sunderland area has such a camouflage. James said that it was possible that they expect the operator to take the colouring on board.
A councillor expected that there would be some financial benefit for Bowburn, but James explained that the site was taken on at a considerable risk and the development will not make an exceptional profit as markets have not increased greatly.
Member asked why the plans had cut down on the link road which will result in a grid lock in both directions, increased pollution and make it difficult to cross both the A688 and A177. However, James assured him that there will still be an access on site, and it’s quite possible that the shift changes will be outside peak hours.
A councillor urged that support was needed to make the Arriva bus services 56 and 57 reliable. And a member suggested that services busses could be encouraged to travel along the A688.
It was hoped that the roof would not cause glare and that there would be a solar farm on the roof. James informed that in the landscape addendum there are various viewpoints of the shed and the operator may reserve the right to place PV’s on the roof. The member asked if the view from Thinford will block the escarpment and said that there were views from the quarry road but not from Old Quarrington where people live. James said that Lichfields did not have control over the views it was a DCC officer.
It was noted that cycle ways were not integrated into the site, and it was asked if birds would be attracted to the shed. James thought that the site may not be favourable to wildlife but safe lighting will be placed to face the building with a fence at the back of the site which should reduce the light and be less intrusive to the bats.
It was asked if the operator has shown an interest in traffic turning left from the services, and James said that the operator was sensitive to this. The meeting was told that the bus terminal was for works busses only.
A member asked if there was a tenant for the pub and hotel, and James answered that the original tenant was taking things slowly.
A member asked if Integra 61 Practice Ltd is the same company as Citrus, and James said that it was an arm of Citrus so that they were not putting all their eggs into one basket as they are dealing with a difficult operator.
A member asked if it this was a difficult company, what sort of an employer would they be.
A councillor asked if the rail link had been considered for the site, but James gave a detailed explanation as to why a rail link for this location is not viable.
James was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting at 7.00pm.
4. Security: (i) Police update 11/05/2018 – 6/06/2018:
The new PCSO is Shaun Banks; he sent the following report:
Burglary - 3 incidents, 2 on Runcie Road and 1 Wylam Street; Theft - 6 incidents, 4 of these are from the Coop, 1 from Durham Services and 1 from Mattewson; 2 Criminal Damage – 1 in Beaumont Close and 1 in Grange Park; 1 report of Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) on Durham Road
At this meeting the chair reported that there were 4 break-ins at Old Quarrington, but nothing was stolen.
Use your postcode to get access to local news and events from your Neighbourhood Policing Team, at https://www.durham.police.uk
Walkabout: Friday 6 July at 10.00am Bell Avenue; meet at the entrance to the estate.
5. Minutes: Minutes of the General Meeting 15 May 2018: The minutes were approved and agreed.
6. Finances: i) Treasurer’s report: Expenditure since the last meeting was £42 for room hire. £10 has been collected in Tea and Raffle monies.
6ii) Raffle: J Richardson won the prize kindly donated by J Blackburn. R Cowen will donate a prize in July.
6iii) Quiz: The new quiz ‘On the Move’ is on sale at £1 with a closing date of 18 August 2018.
7. Item for Any Other Business: Barn at Old Quarrington.
8. LOCAL REPORTS:
8i)Planning issues:
County Durham Plan: Councillors have approved the Preferred Options of the plan which is now out for a six-week consultation at the end of the month.
Hill Top View: Highways England (HE) has reservations to link Hilltop View to a path on a motorway access.
HE is to be contacted to let them know where the path is located in relation to the MW. CLLR McKEON
Parkhill development: At a meeting on site, the site manager described a possible Nature Trail around the site. Richard and Mike’s names were put forward as the local experts on this subject. There is a sum of £50,000 for public art which could enhance the Nature Trail, but the Bowburn Interchange will be used to consult on the scheme.
At this meeting there was discussion about the management of the site, and a hope that the planning enforcement officer will ensure that all conditions are observed.
Bowburn Hall: A retrospective planning application has been submitted for the biomass boiler, and planners are to meet with residents who are affected.
If the residents do not object to the boiler, the Partnership will make no comments on the issue.
Former Coop area: It appears that the site is progressing.
Barn at Old Quarrington: A container has been placed near a barn between Old Quarrington and Parkhill; there is concern about a possible barn conversion to a house without planning permission.
8ii) Community Centre: The next meeting is 24 July.
8iii) Youth Club (Contact 0778827732): Playscheme: The same partners (Youth Centre, Partnership and Community Centre) are organising a summer holiday scheme over four weeks. The Partnership has agreed to act as banker and the funding from the AAP, if successful, will be managed by the Partnership. Funding from County Durham Community Foundation will be managed by Bowburn Community Association.
8iv) Primary school:
CISWO has not replied to their objection to the parking spaces on the entrance road. They were told that an application needs to be made as soon as possible.
9. CORRESPONDENCE: NHS North Durham CCG: Our neighbours at Sunderland CCG have launched a consultation looking at making urgent care services work better for patients in and around Sunderland. Some patients from our area sometimes access services in Sunderland so there’s an opportunity for you to have your say at a public consultation session on Monday 2 July 5 – 7PM – The Glebe Centre, Murton, SR7 9BX.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Applications to be made by 14 September.
Fire Training Service Saturday 30 June: The charity event offering driving lessons to Under 17’s is fully booked
10. REPORTS IN THE WIDER AREA:
10i)AAP: Awaiting confirmation of funding for the summer holiday club.
Next meeting 3 July in Trimdon Community College starting at 5.00pm
10ii) County Councillor roundup:
Cllr Blakey The ceramic planters are being replaced at Parkhill; the ongoing fault of water seepage is being investigated; as are the cut-ins on the damp grass; Prince Charles Avenue has been tidied up.
Cllr McKeon Shrubbery has been cleared near the park; rubbish in a yard and garden at Parkhill has been cleared; discussions are taking place to tidy up Romaine Square and Tweddle Terrace.
Cllr Dunn Road chippings are to be laid behind the bungalows at Parkhill leading to Dixon’s farm.
10iii) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council Meeting 18 April 2018:
Next meeting 20 June at Bowburn
Litter pick: Saturday 7 July – meet at 9.30am in the car park of the Community Centre
Coal Column: The funding is available.
10iv) Quarry Liaison: A substantial fence has been erected across the disputed path.
11. Group Noticeboard:
(i)Banner: There is a free concert on Friday 13 July, Eve of Gala. The Centenary banner is back from Norfolk and will be unveiled at the Eve of Gala concert.
(ii) BVC Interchange: The next issue of Bowburn Interchange will be delivered this week.
The next Quiz Night will be held on Friday 20 July in Crowtrees Club at 7.30pm.
(iii) History: The Resources Room is open every Wednesday 1pm till 3pm.
12. AOB: Barn – See Item 8i
13. NEXT MEETINGS: General Meeting 17 July at 6.00pm in the Community Centre.