Minutes

Meeting 4 of 2010-11 NOT YET CONFIRMED

The Parish Council met on Monday 26th July 2010, at 9.00pm.

Present: Mr Ian Smith in the Chair, Mr Robert Cooksley, Ms Kate Smith, Mr Peter Goold and the Parish Clerk.

Mr Rick Smith drew to Councillor's attention the proposed changes to court services in north & west Yorkshire, which if approved, would mean the closure of Skipton court and the transfer of all services to Harrogate. The Clerk will write to the appropriate authority to lobby for the retention of the court at Skipton and to express concern at this reduction of services in rural areas.

4.1 Conflict of interest
There were no conflicts of interest.

4.2 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Ian Shaw

4.3 Minutes of Meeting 3 2010-11 (June 21st 2010)
The minutes of Meeting 3 2010-11 were presented and accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

4.4 Matters arising from the Minutes of Meeting 2 (for information only)
4.4.1 Graystonber Lane verge. North Yorkshire Highways have informed the Clerk that the placing of boulders along this section of verge is not acceptable and considered to be a hazard to passing vehicles. A possible solution would be the use of black and white verge marker posts, the same as those used further along the lane.
4.4.2 Market Cross road sign. Dave Clements, a blacksmith in Settle, has examined the road sign and will provide a quote for the restoration work.

4.5 Finance
4.5.1 The balance on the current account with HSBC at 30th June 2010 of £4290.18 was noted.
4.5.2 Payment for the hire of the hall for this meeting (£7.50) was approved.
4.5.3 Payment to Andrew Lodge of £20 for cleaning the bus shelter for 5 weeks was approved.
4.5.4 The balance on the Community Warden Fund at 30th June 2010 of 1024.90 was noted.
4.5.5 Payment to David Dewhirst, the Clerk, of £22.37 for expenses incurred in the 2009-10 financial year was approved.
4.5.6 Payment to Martin Holroyd, the community warden, of £308 for work carried out in the Parish in the period April to July 2010 was approved.

4.6 Planning
4.6.1 Planning application C/04/664, conversion of Tommy Bank Barn, Austwick, to a dwelling house. Councillors were opposed to the application as the barn is outside the housing development line and the position of the highway access was considered to be dangerous.
4.6.2 Planning application 04/2010/10786, new porch at Field House barn, Austwick. There were no objections to the application.
4.6.3 Planning application C/04/148F, erection of lean-to garage extension and relocation of existing underground lpg tanks at Pant Head House, Austwick. There were no objections to the application.
4.6.4 The application for a change of use at Cross Streets from a private house to a care home has been refused by Craven District Council due to concerns over the access to the A65 and the inadequacy of the supporting documents.

4.7 Yorkshire Dales Housing Development Plan
Following the public meeting attended by Peter Stockton, Strategic Planning Officer for the YDNPA, comments from residents and consideration by Austwick Parish Councillors, the Parish Council response to the YDNPA Draft Housing Development was presented to the meeting by the Clerk and received unanimous support. The document will be sent to the National Park Authority.

4.8 Correspondence
All recent correspondence will be sent out in the circulation folder.

4.9 Date & Time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council (Meeting 5 2010-11) will be held on Monday 6th September 2010, at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.37pm.

Meeting 3 of 2010-11

The Parish Council met on Monday 21st June 2010, at 8.00pm.
Present: Mr Ian Smith in the Chair, Mr Robert Cooksley, Mr Ian Shaw and the Parish Clerk.

3.1 Conflict of interest
There were no conflicts of interest.

3.2 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Kate Smith and Peter Goold.

3.3 Minutes of Meeting 2 2010-11 (May 17th 2010)
The minutes of Meeting 2 2010-11 were presented and accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

3.4 Matters arising from the Minutes of Meeting 2 (for information only)
3.4.1 Graystonber Lane verge. The Clerk informed the meeting that he and the Chairman had recently had a site meeting on Graystonber Lane with Steve Hastie of the YDNPA to see what could be done to prevent the verge being damaged by vehicles parking on it. It was agreed that boulders placed along the length of the verge, from Wood Lane to the open dyke opposite Suncroft would be the best option. Steve Hastie agreed to contact Lafarge and see if they would donate some suitable grit stone boulders for the scheme and the Clerk will contact North Yorkshire Highways to see if they have any objections and to enquire whether planning permission is required. Once the scheme has been approved the Clerk will liaise with David Jones, Project Manager at NYCC Highways who supervises the grass cutting contractors to ensure that the area is kept tidy by strimming because the boulders will prevent the use of a mower on the verge.
3.4.2 Craven District Council have now provided an additional bin for recycled paper in the old lay-by near Austwick Bridge.
3.4.3 The Parish Council are now registered under the Data Protection Act 2008.
3.4.4 Market Cross road sign. Examination of the old road sign has revealed that it is badly corroded on places and in need of repair and re-painting. The Clerk will contact Dave Clements, a blacksmith in Settle who has done work previously for the National Park on road signs and ask him to look at the sign and provide a quote for the work.

3.5 Finance
3.5.1 The balance on the current account with HSBC at 31st May 2010 of £3990.72 was noted.
3.5.2 Payment for the hire of the hall for this meeting (£7.50) was approved.
3.5.3 Payment to Andrew Lodge of £20 for cleaning the bus shelter for 5 weeks was approved.
3.5.4 The Clerk informed the meeting that the Austwick & Lawkland Community Warden bank account had now been closed and the balance remaining for each parish transferred into the relevant Parish Council account. This balance currently stands at £774.90 and it was noted that Austwick Community Warden finances will be included as an agenda item in future Parish Council meetings.
3.5.5 The Parish Council accounts for the 2009-10 financial year were formally approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.
3.5.6 The Annual Governance Statement included in the 2009-10 Annual Return was formally approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.

3.6 Planning
3.6.1 Minor amendment to Planning Permission C/04/148A, Pant Head Barn, Austwick. Councillors examined the plans for the proposed amendment to the original and had no objections. There were also no objections to a request from the developer of the site to reducing the public footpath outside the barn to 2 metres in width and landscaping the remaining area behind a low wall with shrubs, subject to receipt of a
letter of explanation with plans of the proposal and approval of the scheme by NYCC Highways.
3.6.2 Full planning permission for creation of access ramp at 3 Pant Lane, Austwick. Councillors examined the plans for this application and had no objections.
3.6.3 Full planning permission and listed building consent for erection of a lean to porch at Hollin Hill, Graystonber Lane, Austwick. Councillors examined the plans and elevations for this proposal and were of the opinion that it was ill conceived and inappropriate, with the proposed porch extension having a negative impact on the otherwise clear, distinctive elevation of the group of houses comprising Hollin Hill, Oxenber Cottage and the Weaving Shed. There were also concerns that the proposed extension impinged on to the front elevation of Oxenber Cottage and its relationship with the party wall between the two properties was not clear. It was also noted, according to the planning application form, that the applicant had not consulted with their neighbours about this proposal.
In view of the inappropriate extrusion of this porch on an otherwise uninterrupted elevation of 3 properties, Grade II Listed for group value, Councillors were unanimous in being unable to support the application.

3.7 Yorkshire Dales Draft Housing Development Plan
The consultation documents have now been released on the National Park web site and the public consultation period ends on Monday 2nd August 2010. Councillors have had the opportunity to examine the Housing Development Plan 2010-25, together with the Housing Allocation Site Assessment for the Pant Lane site and have submitted their initial observations to the Clerk. The Chairman proposed that a residents meeting be held on Monday 26th July 2010 at 7.00pm in the Parish Hall with Peter Stockton, Strategic Planning Officer for the YDNPA in attendance to explain the aims and objectives of the draft development plan and to take questions from the floor. This meeting will be followed immediately by Meeting 4 2010-11 of the Parish Council, when Councillors will have the opportunity to fully discuss the matter and formulate the Parish Council’s response to the inclusion of the Pant Lane site on the allocation list in time for the consultation period closing date on August 2nd 2010.
Austwick Councillors were keen to stress that the Parish Council should be allowed to contribute to the decision making process in this matter and that what was needed was a specific assessment of the need for affordable and local needs housing within the Parish of Austwick and not to build houses in the Parish for a need that existed elsewhere in the National Park. Given the number of planning applications pending for local occupancy housing, the overriding need was for truly affordable housing in the Parish. It was also felt that proposed changes in government policy in relation to housing and planning, in addition to new powers to stop ‘garden grabbing’ could have repercussions on future developments.

3.8 Correspondence
3.8.1 A letter has been received from Craven District Council asking for help in compiling the bi-annual rough sleeping and gypsy traveller count.
3.8.2 A ballot paper for the election of the Craven District Council Standards Committee Parish Member has been received.
3.8.3 A letter has been received from NYCC seeking the Parish Council’s views on the Way of the Roses Cycle Route.

3.9 Date & Time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council (Meeting 4 2010-11) will be held on Monday 26th July 2010, immediately following the Residents Meeting on the Draft Housing Development Plan.

3.10 Any Other Business
3.10.1 There are 2 damaged stiles leading off Townhead Lane. The Clerk will report this to Steve Hastie.
3.10.2 An invitation has been received from the Clerk of Horton Parish Council for Austwick Councillors to attend a seminar on planning related matters on a date in August, yet to be arranged.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.52pm.

Meeting 2 of 2010-11

The Parish Council met on Monday 17th May 2010, at 8.00pm.
Present: Mr Ian Smith in the Chair, Mr Robert Cooksley, Ms Kate Smith, Mr Ian Shaw and the Parish Clerk.

2.1 Conflict of interest
There were no conflicts of interest.

2.2 Apologies for absence
There were no apologies for absence.

2.3 Election of Officers
2.3.1 Chairman Ian Smith
Proposed: Ian Shaw Seconded: Kate Smith
2.3.2 Vice-Chairman Ms Kate Smith
Proposed: Ian Smith
Seconded: Robert Cooksley
2.3.3 Newly elected Councillors signed, in the presence of the Clerk, their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
2.3.4 Parish Hall Representative Ian Shaw
2.3.5 Settle & District Aid in Sickness Fund Robert Cooksley
2.3.6 Hargreaves & Green Educational Trust Ms Kate Smith
2.3.7 It having been considered beneficial for an additional Parish Councillor to be co-opted to bring the number of counsellors up to the five maximum, the vacancy was duly advertised. Mr Peter Goold was the only applicant, so no election was required and it was unanimously agreed that Mr Goold be co-opted as a Parish Councillor for Austwick.

2.4 Standing Orders & Financial Regulations
Following the publication of revised Model Standing Orders for Local Councils, this Council has reviewed the Standing Orders adopted in 2007 and produced a revised document, which together with new Parish Council Financial Regulations, were formally adopted by Councillors on May 17th 2010.

2.5 Minutes of Meeting 1 2010-11 (April 19th 2010)
The minutes of Meeting 1 2010-11 were presented and accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

2.6 Matters arising from the Minutes of Meeting 1 (for information only)
2.6.1 Following a request to NYCC Highways for a hard standing surface on the verge of Graystonber Lane to accommodate vehicles using the Pennine Bridleway, correspondence has been received stating that no funds are available from the County to carry out the work. The Clerk has asked for an estimated cost for the works.
2.6.2 Craven District Council have agreed to provide an extra paper recycling bin at Austwick bridge, but have said that the bins at Orchard Leigh will be removed at the request of Craven Housing. The Clerk will ask what alternative arrangements will be put in place for the residents.

2.7 Matters arising from the Annual Parish Meeting requiring action.
2.7.1 Graystonber Lane verge – see above.
2.7.2 Recycling bins at Austwick Bridge – see above.
2.7.3 Pot holes on Parish roads. NYCC Highways have been approached about the appalling number of pot holes in the Parish yet again, but apart from repairs to some of the worst cases, have told the Clerk that: ‘Work will be carried out but we currently have our contractor inundated with similar works and I do not have the luxury of sufficient resources to allow the employment of additional gangs / contractors.’
2.7.4 Pant Head Barn. Concern had been expressed by residents at the length of time taken to complete the alterations to Pant Head Barn and indeed to the deteriorating state of the whole Pant Head site. The matter is now progressing (see Min.2.9.2).
2.7.5 Harden Bridge burger van. Following lengthy discussions about enforcement proceedings against the owner of the burger van, the Clerk will contact the National Park enforcement team to suggest that they inform English Heritage that a steel barrier has been erected on the bridge, which is a scheduled monument.

2.8 Finance
2.8.1 The balance on the current account with HSBC at 30th April 2010 of £3725.82 was noted.
2.8.2 Payment for the hire of the hall for this meeting (£10.00) was approved.
2.8.3 Payment to Andrew Lodge of £16 for cleaning the bus shelter for 4 weeks was approved.
2.8.4 Payment of £500 honorarium to the Clerk for the 2010-11 year was approved.
2.8.5 Following a discussion and subsequent agreement that the Parish Council register under the Data Protection Act, payment of £35 annual notification fee to the Information Commissioner was approved.
2.8.6 The Clerk brought Councillors up to date with the audit procedure for the 2009-10 accounts. Mr Michael Stephenson has agreed to act as internal auditor again and the accounts will need to be approved by Council at the meeting on June 21st 2010 prior to submission to Mazars.

2.9 Planning
2.9.1 Tommy Bank Barn. Mr Peter Taylor attended the meeting to appraise Councillors of his proposals for the development of Tommy Bank Barn. Mr Taylor said that it was now proposed to convert the barn into a dwelling house for occupation by himself and family members on the basis that they met local need criteria and not a bunk barn as originally intended because National Park planners would not allow any warden accommodation or the construction on site of loose boxes for horses and/or cycles. He was also of the opinion that the National Park Authority would refuse permission to develop the site because it was outside the housing development boundary and asked for support for his proposals from the Parish Council. The Chairman pointed out that a recent application to develop Sanderson’s barn in Wharfe had been turned down twice by the National Park Authority even though the Parish Council had given it their full support. Mr Taylor provided Councillors with plans and elevations of the renovated barn, together with details of the access on to the highway. The Chairman thanked Mr Taylor for attending and stated that the Parish Council would consider the matter in detail when a formal planning application was submitted.
2.9.2 Pant Head House & Barn. The Chairman told Councillors that both he and the Clerk had recently met with the new owner and developer of the Pant Head House site, Mr Richard Coathup of Maximus Developments. Mr Coathup has purchased Pamt Head House and grounds, the adjoining barn and the fields bordering Pant Lane down as far as Austwick Beck. He proposes to convert the main house into a 5 bedroom family home, to develop the barn, with some minor alterations, as per the original planning approval and to construct the recently approved 5 local occupancy houses in the grounds of Pant Head House, again with some minor amendments to car parking and landscaping. He is aware of the inclusion of the paddock in the recent National Park call for affordable/local occupancy housing. Mr Coathup is currently in discussion with planning officers with regard to some amendments to the approved plans and will keep the Parish Council informed of developments.
2.9.3 Cross Leigh. An application has been received to replace an extant planning permission in order to extend the time for implementation of application C/04/140B, for the erection of two 3 bedroom houses in the grounds of Cross Leigh, Austwick. Councillors were concerned that as there had been several approvals for local occupancy housing in Austwick in recent years (Pant Head House, Townhead garage) and that a site off Pant Lane was also being considered as part of the National Park call for housing sites, it was questionable whether there was a need for even more local occupancy housing in the village. Also, comment had been made on the original application with regard to the site exit. This is a very busy junction next door to the village shop & Post Office and it was difficult to see how the recommended visibility splays could be constructed without completely altering the site frontage. As no mitigating reason has been given by the applicants for the failure to commence building works within the 3 year approval period, Councillors felt unable to provide further support for the application.

2.10 Parish Hall Charges
Mr Ian Shaw, as Parish Hall representative, told Councillors that the Parish Hall Council had recently discussed the introduction of a new tariff to allow community groups to book both rooms in the Parish Hall simultaneously, for less money than it would cost to book both individually, to overcome the difficulty sometimes encountered with noise levels when different groups book rooms at the same time.
On some occasions such circumstances may apply to the Parish Council. The Parish Hall Council will only offer this facility as an alternative and the proposed tariff will not be compulsory. In the case of a clash of dates, the booking clerk will offer the first group or society to make a booking the option of both rooms at the reduced rate. Councillors had no objections to the proposal.

2.11 Dog Bags
Mr Ian Shaw asked whether it would be a good idea to advertise the availability of free dog waste bags from Crossleigh Stores in Hotels, Bed & Breakfast establishments and holiday homes in the village? Councillors were in full agreement and Mr Shaw will produce a notice to distribute to local accommodation providers.

2.12 Correspondence
2.12.1 A letter has been received from Settle Area Swimming Pool thanking the Parish Council for their £30 donation to funds.
2.12.2 A copy of a letter sent by John Dyson, Treasurer of Austwick Parish Hall Council, to Craven District Council regarding the Austwick public convenience, was read to Councillors.
2.12.3 A temporary road closure order for Austwick Street Market has been received.

2.13 Date & Time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council (Meeting 3 2010-11) will be held on Monday 21st June 2010 at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall.

2.14 Any Other Business
2.14.1 Market Cross road sign. The road sign on the small green is in need of re-painting. The Clerk will discuss the matter with Steve Fawcett.
2.14.2 The Clerk has received a request for the Pinfold to be used as a seating and refreshment area on Street Market day. There were no objections.
2.14.3 The Clerk reminded Councillors of the need to consider a Community Resilience Scheme and to appoint a co-ordinator. The matter will be included in the agenda for Meeting 3.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.25pm.

Meeting 1 of 2010-11

The Parish Council met on Monday 19th April 2010, at 7.00pm.

Present: Mr Ian Smith in the Chair, Mr Robert Cooksley, Ms Kate Smith, Mr Ian Shaw and the Parish Clerk.

The Chairman informed the meeting that a reasonable period of time would be allowed before the main proceedings to allow registered electors the opportunity to ask questions and/or make statements that relate to the work of the Council.

1.1 Conflict of interest
There were no conflicts of interest.

1.2 Apologies for absence
There were no apologies for absence.

1.3 Minutes of Meeting 9 2009-10 (March 8th 2010)
The minutes of Meeting 9 2009-10 were presented and accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

1.4 Matters arising from the minutes
The Clerk gave a brief summary, for information only, of progress with various issues arising from Meeting 9 2009-10.
1.4.1 At the request of the Clerk, the National Park Planning Department have confirmed that the relevant plans and elevations to accompany the planning approval for 5 local occupancy houses in the grounds of Pant Head House are C/04/148/E.
1.4.2 Concerning the possible withdrawal of £70k of funding from NYCC for the proposed bridleway link between Austwick & Clapham, a letter of support has been received from Councillor David Ireton.
1.4.3 The Clerk has written once again to Dave Wilson, area supervisor for North Yorkshire Highways, to complain about the number of pot holes, some large enough to cause serious damage to vehicles, which litter the Parish roads. In an effort to reinforce the point, photographs will be taken of the worst examples and will be sent to Mr Wilson in an effort to get the problem sorted.

1.5 Finance
1.5.1   The balance on the current account with HSBC at 31st March 2010 of £2125.69 was noted.
1.5.2   Payment for the hire of the hall for this meeting (£7.50) was approved.
1.5.3   Payment to Andrew Lodge of £24 for cleaning the bus shelter for 6 weeks was approved.
1.5.4   Payment of £75.37 to Howsons Ltd for a replacement infra-red bulb and fuse for the cctv camera at Crossleigh Stores was approved.
1.5.5 Payment of £30 to Craven District Council for 1 box of dog waste bags was approved.

1.6 Planning Matters
1.6.1   An application has been received regarding the diversion of footpath No. 05.2/38 between Middle Birks and Low Birks, Austwick. Councillors examined the plans provided and had no objections to the proposal.

1.7 Local Election and Co-opting of Councillors
The Clerk informed the meeting that the forthcoming local election of Austwick Parish Councillors would be uncontested because only 4 nomination papers had been received for the 5 vacancies. The Councillors in question are Ian Smith, Robert Cooksley, Ian Shaw and Kate Smith, who now stand validly nominated.
The Clerk will contact Craven District Council to clarify the procedure regarding the co-option of an additional Councillor.

1.8 Date & Time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council (Meeting 2 2010-11) will be held on Monday 17th May 2010 at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall and will be the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

1.9 Any other business
1.9.1 The matter of the newly reseeded section of verge on Graystonber Lane was raised. The area has now been cordoned off to prevent vehicles from parking on it, but the point was made that what was needed was a durable surface that vehicles could park on without tearing up the surface. The Clerk will approach North Yorkshire Highways again and ask for a site meeting to discuss the matter further.
1.9.2 The recent changes in domestic refuse collection have led to an increase in the amount of paper being deposited in the recycling bin near Austwick Bridge, which is now permanently full or overflowing. The Clerk has contacted Jon Sutcliffe at CDC and asked for a second bin to be provided to alleviate the problem.
1.9.3 The Clerk will contact Julie Holmes at CDC to ensure that the relevant forms for newly elected Councillors will be received in time for the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on May 17th 2010.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 7.20pm

Meeting 9 of 2009-10

The Parish Council met on Monday 8th March 2010, at 8.00pm.
Present: Mr Ian Smith in the Chair, Mr Robert Cooksley, Ms Kate Smith, Mr Ian Shaw, Mr Andrew Lewis and the Parish Clerk.

The Chairman informed the meeting that a reasonable period of time would be allowed before the main proceedings to allow registered electors the opportunity to ask questions and/or make statements that relate to the work of the Council.
Mrs Sally Edwards raised a question concerning Condition 3 on Planning Application C/04/148E, 5 Local Occupancy houses at Pant Head House, Pant Lane, which states that ‘ the grass verges shall be reinstated as shown on the approved plans’. Confirmation was sought by Mrs Edwards as to exactly which were the approved plans. The Clerk will contact the National Park and obtain a copy of the plans in question.
Mr Rick Smith enquired as to when the repairs to Austwick bridge would be completed. The Clerk will deal with this matter in Matters Arising.

9.1 Conflict of interest
There were no conflicts of interest.

9.2 Apologies for absence
There were no apologies for absence.

9.3 Minutes of Meeting 8 2009-10 (January 15th 2010)
The minutes of Meeting 8 2009-10 were presented and accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

9.4 Matters arising from the minutes
The Clerk gave a brief summary, for information only, of progress with various issues arising from Meeting 8 2009-10.
9.4.1 The Yorkshire Dales Development Framework list of preferred sites for local occupancy and affordable housing has been produced and will be considered by the National Park Authority on March 30th 2010.
9.4.2 The Clerk has written to Dave Wilson, Area Supervisor for NYCC Highways, regarding the poor state of roads in the Parish following the severe winter weather. The letter details areas with severe potholes and carriageway damage and extends an offer to take Mr Wilson around the Parish and point out the problem areas. The matter of repairs to Austwick bridge was also raised asking for an indication of when the works would be completed.
9.4.3 Information has been received from Rupert Douglas, SUSTRANS coordinator for the proposed Way of the Roses cycle route, indicating that NYCC are considering withdrawing £70k worth of funding towards the bridleway link between Austwick and Clapham, which could form part of the route. The Clerk has written to Cllr. David Ireton asking for his support to secure the funding.

9.5 Finance
9.5.1 The balance on the current account with HSBC at 28th February 2010 of £2451.44 was noted.
9.5.2 Payment for the hire of the hall for this meeting (£7.50) and £5 annual rental for the Parish notice board was approved.
9.5.3 Payment to Andrew Lodge of £32 for cleaning the bus shelter for 8 weeks was approved.
9.5.4 Payment of £70 to Crossleigh Stores for cctv electricity (half year) was approved.
9.5.5 Payment of £27 to the Yorkshire Local Councils Association for the purchase of ‘Standing Orders for Local Councils’ was approved.
9.5.6 Payment of £170 annual subscription to the Yorkshire Local Councils Association was approved.
9.5.7 The authorisation of payment out of meeting of £58.75 in respect of hosting of the Parish Council website for one year, and to authorise reimbursement of this sum to Mr I.F. Smith who effected the transaction by credit card was approved.

9.6 Community Emergency Scheme
The meeting was joined by Ian Speirs, Emergency Planning Officer for North Yorkshire County Council.
Mr Speirs explained that NYCC currently provides emergency planning for Craven District and the Civil Contingencies Act states that risks must be assessed and criteria met for the main risks to the County. Local Authorities are now trying to encourage Parish Councils to consider a community emergency or resilience plan which is not meant to replace the emergency services, but it has been found that in areas where robust civil defence plans are in place communities are better equipped to deal with and recover quicker after major incidents. Plans should be structured to meet the needs of the community and have an agreed point of contact for the emergency services.
Problems such as severe flooding, foot and mouth disease or any other risk to the community can activate a planned response in advance of the arrival of the emergency services. In formulating a plan it is important to think of issues such as vulnerable people, equipment that could be used in an initial response, say from farmers or local contractors and the contact details for First Responders. Also consider useful collection points, such as Parish Halls and local pubs.
In answer to the question of how this scheme fits in with the NYCC emergency plan, Mr Speirs explained that in the event of a county-wide emergency, a small community like Austwick was unlikely to be a high priority. However, an emergency or resilience plan for the Parish would help to deal with the situation in its early stages and would help the emergency services in sending out advanced warnings.
Some concern was expressed by Councillors about the publication of names of vulnerable residents, but only information that is currently in the public domain would be used. Any residents highlighted for particular consideration would be dealt with by the agreed local contact. It was also pointed out that any equipment used would be on a purely voluntary basis and that no liability would be incurred by the Parish Council.
In closing, Mr Speirs gave out information on compiling a Community Plan which will be considered by Councillors and the matter addressed at a future meeting.

9.7 Austwick Parish Hall windows
The meeting was joined by Mr John Dyson, Hon. Treasurer for Austwick Parish Hall Council, who gave details of the current programme of renovation that is in place for the Parish Hall, including the kitchen, floors, roof , general decorating and making sure that the structure is sound. However, the windows at the back of the hall are in a poor state of repair and in need of replacement at a total cost of between £3k -£4k.
It is hoped that part of the cost will come from Craven District Council’s ‘Community Grants Programme 2010’, which recommends that applicants for funding obtain a letter of support and possibly some financial assistance from the Parish Council. It was agreed that the Clerk will write a letter of support for the proposals and the Parish Council will contribute £100 towards the cost of the replacement windows.

9.8 Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project
Information has been received regarding the current Natural England consultation looking at proposed extensions to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks. The document pack will be sent out to Councillors in the next circulation folder. A letter has also been received from David Butterworth, Chief Executive of the YDNPA, outlining the National Park’s response to the proposals, which was read out by the Chairman and is summarised below:
Over the past 3 years Natural England have been assessing 5 areas for possible inclusion in either the Lakes or Dales National Parks. They have now concluded their work and are undertaking a consultation on their findings which can be seen in full at www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk
While the proposals have received widespread support from the public attending meetings on the matter, local authorities affected by the proposals are opposing the boundary changes. This mirrors the responses received during the creation of the South Downs National Park, when local councils generally opposed the plan despite 80% support from the public.
The National Park Authority discussed the boundary changes in January and 19 out of 21 members were in support of the proposals. The prime reason for the support was because the areas being considered for inclusion in the National Park are some of the most wonderful landscapes in the whole of Great Britain. They are truly stunning and offer fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation (Mr Butterworth’s emphasis).
National Park Authority members did, however, raise two caveats. These were:
1. An increase in resources proportional to the increase in area, population and administrative complexity.
2. The membership of the Authority being increased in order both to adequately reflect the political representation of the areas designated and to maintain the current level of representation within the existing National Park area.
The first caveat should be dealt with fairly easily in the sense that a funding formula is in place which measures factors such as population, area, amount of footpath etc.
The second issue could be more problematic because the Authority is adamant that the size of the National Park (680 sq. miles) and the fact that it is also the Planning Authority means that the size of the board should be increased accordingly.
The issue of the name of the National Park has also been raised at consultation events in Cumbria.
Currently 11% of the Park is in Cumbria. If the Natural England proposals are approved this will increase to 27%, with 1% in Lancashire and the remaining 72% in Yorkshire. The consultation is about whether the areas in question should be included in the Lakes or Dales National Parks, not about the name of either.
There has always been a difference between the ‘Yorkshire Dales’ (which will always be the Yorkshire Dales) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Some dales are not in the National Park (Nidderdale)and some are in the National Park but not in Yorkshire (Dentdale).
The main issue is: do the areas being considered have sufficient natural beauty and other sufficient opportunities for open air recreation?. The view of the National Park Authority is a resounding yes.
(Mr Butterworth’s emphasis).

9.9 Austwick & Lawkland Community Warden Scheme
The Clerk, who is also the Austwick coordinator for the Community Warden scheme, explained to Councillors that the Treasurer, David Harrop, had now moved away from the area and proposed a change in the future financial management of the scheme. It was proposed that the individual Parish balances remaining in the Community Warden Scheme bank account with Natwest be transferred in to the respective Parish bank accounts and that the scheme account be closed. The monies remaining for each Parish would from that time be managed as part of each Parish’s accounts, with the present signatories and financial controls applying. Community Warden Scheme money would only be used for that purpose and the coordinator will keep a separate record of income and expenditure for the scheme. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, who initiated the scheme, have been consulted on the matter and the Clerk is awaiting a response.
The proposal was supported by Councillors on the condition that the YDMT were satisfied with the new arrangement.

9.10 Date & Time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council (Meeting 1 2010-11) will be held on Monday 19th April 2010 at 7.00pm in the Parish Hall and will be followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 8.00pm.

9.11 Any other business
9.11.1 Kate Smith thanked the community warden for cutting down and clearing the saplings at the side of the road between Wharfe and Helwith Bridge. The Clerk will pass on the comments to Martin Holroyd.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.57pm

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