Apologies Coun. Mrs. Dawson

Meeting with ADC development control scroll down
Coun. Reynalds welcomed Peter Biggars, development control ADC to discuss the forthcoming system of electronic receipt of planning applications. Peter distributed handouts covering the new system and explained ADC have been working on a process to improve the accessibility of ADC planning services, which originated from a government request to improve electronic access, and the new system will have significant benefits to ADC and users. Information is continually updated, with improved access to information, paper saving, and quicker for PC's to make comment with PC's to be using the system by Autumn, however with some Parishes not having the equipment, it is felt more helpful if the process is phased, and as a first step ADC are suggesting sending consultations electronically, and PC comments submitted electronically. Coun. Sandford asked if this was assuming all councilors had IT access, Peter confirmed this. ADC fully accept there will be some hugely complex plans that would be difficult to view on screen and paper copies will be required. Equipment is available to meet the requirements, eg Power Point projector through ADC's purchasing capabilities. Coun. Sandford asked what the cost would be, this would be £256 for the projector. Coun. Dawson asked if it would be possible to borrow a projector before purchasing one, this would be possible. Coun. Gilson asked if there was a projector that could be linked to a laptop it would be useful for other issues as well. Coun. Murray asked when accessing the ADC site you have to agree to terms and conditions before viewing the files, and when they are projected are they larger versions of the smaller picture, as at present the large Lion symbol is on the document and the writing extremely small. Peter replied there have been teething troubles, failures with links etc. but as time goes by the problems are being resolved. Coun. Murray thought members of the public will not have projectors to view plans, and is there software available in the system to enlarge? Peter said you can enlarge the writing on screen, however Coun. Murray said writing appeared blurred when doing this. Coun. Sandford interested to see there is access to other comments, but thought some of this information would be confidential, Peter replied nothing confidential would be scanned into the system, Coun. Edes asked if the system would be easier for ADC, Peter replied until more applicants start submitting applications electronically there would be a two type system, and the paper file system will be kept for approximately one year, but most applications up to 2005 have been scanned (10 years worth) onto the system. Coun. Edes referred to the road problems at Whitton View development and comments in the press of NCC reporting it was the worst application they had ever seen, even though they had passed the plan themselves. Coun. Bolam explained an NCC official now retired had approved the application, although it did not meet the satisfaction of his colleagues, and as a result of the approaches made to them they have carried out safety tests and are busy attempting a re-design, but it will require negotiating buying additional land. Coun. Murray asked who is having input into the changes, Coun. Bolam replied NCC highways design are looking at and coming up with proposals for the developer, and if it is a question of NCC highways meeting part of the cost it will go through the political procedure, Coun. Murray said surely it should have input from the village itself. Coun. Reynalds reported a senior highways officer wishing to meet the PC. Coun. Dawson assumed it would have to come back to ADC as a planning application, and would hope the developers hold a public meeting. Coun. Gilson does not think the developers can be blamed, as all plans were passed by the local highways authority, and it would appear historically there had been enough comments made by the PC alone, with no notice taken. Coun. Bolam said because highways opinion is superior, it has to be gone along with. Coun. Sandford said the matter was taken to the local MP and government of the North-East, and nothing could be done. Peter explained the alteration being considered, depending on its extent, would be run either as an amendment to the existing or as a new application if additional land is required. Coun. Murray asked if the police were involved in the positioning of the bus stop, Sergeant Danagher replied not to his knowledge. Coun. Murray thought the full safety aspects were not considered and the correct personnel not contacted. Coun. Sandford said the number of persons commenting on the bus stop location is overwhelming. District Coun. Bridgett said once NCC and the developers have decided on the way forward, he would like to see a public meeting. Coun. Murray and Sandford had attended a developers meeting regarding the re-surfacing works, who had been in touch with NCC to discuss the actual surface of the road, and in relation to the drain, the surface is supposed to be level, in some places there is a step, if cyclists hit the edge it could cause accidents, and Coun. Murray had spoken to Mr Dent NCC to check the site, and been informed the NCC engineers do have problems with the drains, that is why the works have not been completed. Coun. Edes thought the main road should be re-assessed, Coun. Sandford said all these comments were made initially. Coun. Murray reported NCC carrying out a survey which showed more vehicles entering the village from the Morpeth road. Coun. Sandford mentioned the Deuchet Court planning application, and had spoken to ADC today, and expressed the area was dangerous to the public, Coun. Sandford had looked himself at the site and there are huge lumps of brickwork which look highly dangerous. Coun. Sandford had asked ADC if somebody could urgently look at it, Peter asked for verification of the wall, Coun. Murray showed Peter pictures of the site - Peter to look at the area. Coun. Sandford proposed the matter be added to the next agenda.

Police Presence
Inspector Peart introduced herself as the new area Inspector, and thought it would be useful to speak to councilors on a one-to-one basis. Inspector Peart is very clear on the strategic views of the police force and does live in the village, and ultimately the officers are here to serve the community, but thought it would be useful to know what the issues within the community are. As the new Inspector she wished to stress the need to communicate with the PC, to make the quality of life much improved. Sergeant Danagher reported quarterly crime figures of 35, with a detection rate of 30%, unfortunately one beat has shown an increase in crime over the quarter, in assaults and public order offences, but is pleased to say crime figures are still very low in the area. However, one incident of extreme stupidity in an upper Coquet Valley public house has raised the figure for assault from 3 to 5, and the public order offences from nil to 2. The Police do need to remain vigilant and gain information from the public. As always, the big concern is speeding vehicles and parking. The next Police forum is to be held 4/09/07, 6pm Jubilee Hall. Coun. Sandford had attended an ADC meeting of the Alnwick area health committee, and been given a public notice referring to the ADC criminal & justice act 2001, concerning alcohol consumption in public places, which is to be applied to Alnwick & Amble - Sergeant Danagher replied at present Rothbury does not have problems to justify the byelaw. Coun. Dawson said there were specific reasons in Alnwick & Amble to bring the law in. Coun. Dawson pleased to hear there will be an excellent police service and working relationship with the PC. Coun. Murray thought signs stating how many persons caught speeding could be displayed, to inform the general public of figures. Coun. Murray brought up problems with contact when telephoning the police, recently he had been passed over 3 times before speaking to anybody, and was then told to report the incident to the local council as it was not going on at the time of the report. Inspector Peart replied as an organisation the police have noticed this is a major issue, and there is a new dedicated centre running with specially trained members of staff who have access to information and contact involved police officers on cases with updates.

Vacancy  scroll down
Three applications for co-option vacancy - Alan Fendley, Stuart Reeves & Cheryl Lickiss - Coun. Gilson did not understand the need for a secret ballot, and thought candidates should be spoken to before a decision made, Coun. Murray commented when local elections occur 4 yearly, when then is there candidates canvassing, and 'interviewing' them is opposite to the democratic process, and thought everybody in the parish had the opportunity to apply at the May election, and did not do so. Ballot cast - Alan Fendley elected

Fire Station Relocation
Coun. Gilson had spoken to David Gregory regarding the relocation of the fire station, and been told there were two definite problems in the old station, as it had to be brought up to the required standard to allow females to be members of the retained force, and double glazing had to be installed.

District Councilor Presence
Coun. Reynalds congratulated the newly elected District Councilors present, and Coun. Dawson on his Chairmanship duties.

Member of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present for part of the meeting.

Over the Bridges report
Coun. Morton to submit

Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendments

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee scroll down
Correspondence from NCC regarding the LTP 2008/09, with comments required by 3/08/07 for suggestions, and a list provided of the previous requests. Coun. Sandford said so many discussions had historically been carried out, and is not sure what the current position is. The West End request has not been included in the 2008/09 - clerk to ask NCC why this is. Coun. Murray brought up the issue of tabletops to slow traffic, which are built at junctions - it was agreed to request this be added to the LTP. Coun. Sandford said in Acklington and Broomhill they have gateways, where you have to slow to 15mph, Coun. Murray replied these are great for boy racers acting as if the are chicanes.

Play Areas
Coun. Murray reported a contractor inspecting the paly area tonight, the RoSPA annual inspection is carried out each June - Coun. Murray asked if anything is to be done about the old swing area at the riverside park, as there are holes which could be a danger, and the area should be taken up and re-grassed. Clerk to contact R. Thompson ADC.

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Nothing to report.

Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
Coun. Sandford did contact the organisation regarding the next meeting of the committee, but no date as yet arranged.

Police Station/Fire Station Relocation scroll down
Police station still under discussion. Correspondence received regarding the fire station, a comprehensive reply giving reasons for the relocation, and they are keen for a joint venture with Sure Start to develop a centre within the proposed new station. Copy letter enclosed of the move costing the authority nil, and stating running costs will be lower in the new station. Coun. Murray thought the cost will be neutral because the existing will be sold on to a developer, and thought if they are to have a centre the existing station has a separate room which can be utilised. Coun. Dawson said the detailed plans are with NCC, and when the existing station applied for a 4x4 vehicle, Coun. Dawson wrote to object, as at Amble an extension was built to store the vehicle, but the Rothbury station had originally been built with the intention it could be extended in future to store vehicles. Coun. Murray asked why an ambulance is allowed to be stored outside at the hospital. Coun. Sandford very confused with this discussion. Coun. Murray concerned about the sale of the existing station.

Village Greens
Coun. Dawson had met with the solicitor who is to proceed with the land registry discussions. Reply received regarding lease for the Haugh Land - N/Estates are suggesting a combined lease with the haugh land and other areas of land currently leased by the PC. Coun. Sandford commented at present the other parts of land are leased fairly cheaply, and if all pieces are amalgamated, any future increases could rise steeply overall. Coun. Dawson thought this should be discussed at the actual terms of lease. Maps had been enclosed with the haugh area and current rented pieces marke. Coun. Sandford thought the fenceline will need clarified regarding the land the Golf Club lease.

Bridge Closure
Coun. Sandford had been asked by a local resident if a pontoon bridge was to be installed at the stepping stones - no truth in this. Inspection findings had not yet been received from NCC. Coun. Dawson said results are being looked at, and once a decision is reached NCC will definately contact the PC.

Christmas Lights Committee
Meeting to be held next week.

Standards Board Code of Conduct
PC's are being advised to adopt this, and the bulk of the regulations will be imposed by 1/10/07, Coun. Reynalds proposed the code be adopted for members, including the part allowing interested parties to be able to speak on topics, this agreed.

Ten Year Plan scroll down
Haugh Land: Discussed earlier.
Hospital:   Coun. Sandford reported the path and light works nearly complete - some parts of the path not absolutely finished, but 90% there. Coun. Sandford had attended the Alnwick Area Forum meeting - rumours were rife Alnwick Hillcrest maternity unit was closing, however the trust representative reported no truth in the rumours. The person in charge of physiotherapy services for Northumberland had figures covering October to May for non urgent referrals, stating the highest waiting time being 5 weeks, Coun. Sandford said it was his feeling in the old hospital there were 2 part-time persons employed, but in the new hospital there is a state of the art facility which always seemed closed, and is to check figures given with the GP's surgery. Coun. Morton said the centre is open every Wednesday afternoon. Coun. Sandford reported a gentleman had been present at the meeting - Director of Public Health for the NHS care trust - in possession of a document going up to 2020 about objectives for health problems in Northumberland, and had given a slide lecture, Coun. Sandford had asked for copies of this report. Coun. Murray said the concrete posts and chains on the footpath to the hospital have been re-instated, although the lamps do not have bulbs. Coun. Edes had been asked if the posts were really necessary, as aperson had thought they spoil the look, Coun. Sandford thought the look of the riverbank was what spoiled the area. It was agreed to contact R. Thompson ADC about the maintenance promised historically.
Youth Project:  AGM to be held next week, Coun. Sandford reported 7/8 applications in for funding. The stall at the street fair had raised £150. Coun. Sandford reported the yougsters had cleaned the red phone box, it was agreed to send a thank you to the Youth Project. BT have stated the path at the phone box is not their responsibility, as an unmade footpath has been created with persons walking across the grass, Coun. Dawson said this is not the point, the immediate area requires a dropped kerb and the surface made good - it should be fit for use. stall at the street fair is to be manned by youngsters, with one adult supervisor.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking:  Nothing to report
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:  E-mail received regarding Jacobs ladder, agreeing the steps require a complete overhaul, and NCC to bid for funding for repairs. Coun. Bridgett had contacted ADC about nettles in the area, which were cut away but the debris left on Jacobs ladder, and a person had subsequently slipped and incurred bruising - Coun. Bridgett had e-mailed pictures to ADC of this. Trees were also overgrown and impairing street lighting, which Coun. Bridgett had also brought to the attention of ADC. Coun. Dawson had contacted ADC about the grass cutting at Jacobs ladder - it is supposed to be cut twice yearly, and had pointed out how tiresome it is writing on a yearly basis requesting maintenance be carried out, ADC are to look into the matter. Coun. Murray asked if Tony Derbyshire NCC covered the stepping stones area, this was confirmed, Coun. Murray reported the bushes leading down to the stones are overgrown. There are also problems with overgrown shrubbery at the white seat at the end of the bridge. NCC Highways to be contacted. Coun. Murray referred to the correspondence received regarding the Garliegh Road footpath, and thought it needed noting how bad the paths on the left hand side are, old tar has disintegrated. Footpath No.13 at Wellstrand is being made up to Bridleway status.
Street Lighting: Coun. Murray had contacted the NCC about the Station Road lampposts, and been informed they were not NCC responsibility but NEDL, who have since inspected them and say they are sound, but will be re-painting them.
Signage: Sign at end of road bridge - Coun. Murray reported the finger on the sign is not pointing in the correct direction, and turns very freely, there is little clearance if pointing across the path, for tall persons to negotiate, clerk to contact R. Thompson ADC
Recycling:- Nothing to report.

Correspondence

i].     PC Post Box - anonymous - graffiti - Coun. Dawson said the PC would not tolerate anonymous correspondence, therefore the content is irrelevant..
ii].    E-mail:- T. Derbyshire NCC - Jacobs Ladder - discussed earlier
iii].   NCC - proposed speed limit Whitton Bank - fully agreed with, to write to NCC supporting them.
iv].    ADC - appointments to office - for information.
v].      NCC - wildlife and countryside act 1981 - for information.
vi].     Golf Club - official opening - Coun. Reynalds & Sandford to attend, Coun. Sandford said the access is still under discussion, the entrance has been tarmac'd, however N/Estates have said it was not part of the agreed planning application, Coun. Dawson replied this was incorrect and it had been agreed.
vii].    Government office for the North-East - North-East Regional Spatial Strategy - discussed earlier.
viii].   Northumberland Estates - Willow tree - tree to be actioned asap.
ix].     Fire Service - Station re-location - discussed earlier.
x].       Alnwick Community Development Trust - French Market, Alnwick - for information.
xi].      ADC - Housing forum - 27/06/07
xii].     ADC - Whitton View Development - tree - if damage has occurred the developers to be contacted. Coun. Murray reported there is still nothing permanent to protect the tree and the roots are visible.
xiii].    NCC - LTP 2008/09 - discussed earlier.
xiv].    Citizens Advice Bureau - AGM notice 16/07/07 - for information.
xv].     NCC - junction - representative willing to meet with PC to discuss the area, it was suggested 6pm next Thursday for a site meeting. Coun. Reynalds to organise.

Planning
Addycombe Development: Discussed Earlier
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.

Planning Applications received for the following:
          A/2007/0279: Co-op - illuminated signs - supported - Coun. Murray reported the co-op have purchased Spar, and thought the staff have been offered employment at the co-op, but what will happen to the Spar? Coun. Sandford thought a commercial decision. Coun. Dawson said the PC can only discuss items on the agenda, and this should be placed on the next agenda.
          07/00078/TPO: Antons Dell - fell Lawson Cypress - supported
          A/2007/0294: Mr B. Morgan, Hillside - porch extension, Greenriggs - supported
          A/2007/0298: Mr & Mrs B. Robison, Cobblestones - prune trees, 3 knocklaw park - supported
          A/2007/0318: Mr & Mrs Swailes, Cranston Cottage - conservatory - supported
          A/2007/0288: Mr V. Thompson - 5 no dwellings, land at Blaeberry Hill - Coun. Sandford said outline planning for 8 houses had been historically reduced to 6, however these additional properties will now make 8 in total. Coun. Murray had made deliveries to this area previously and been told the facilities would not be able to cope with any additional housing.

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          A/2007/0167: Lisa McGeary, Matlock - extension, 8 wagtail roadCoquet Leisure LLP - Caravan Site
          A/2007/0205: Mr B Robson, 3 Woodlands - garage extension
          A/2007/0209: Mrs L. Ainsley, Knocklaw - tree limb removal
          07/0007/TPO: - fell spruce tree
          A/2007/0263: All Saints Church - remove Ash tree

Notice of Refusal of Planning Permission:
          A/2007/0218: Northumberland Estates - land at Addycombe - alteration/re-instatement

Any Other Business scroll down
i].     Coun. Murray requested Spar shop be added to the next Agenda.
ii].    Coun. Murray requested picnic area Beggar Rigg be added to the next Agenda.
iii].   Coun. Murray reported a stop-cock outside the cemetery has a defective cover which could cause an accident - item to be placed on next ageda
iv].   Coun. Murray said riverside shrubbery is well overgrown - ADC spend a lot of manpower looking after areas in Alnwick, yet Rothbury does not get its fair share.

Village Greens 
Discussed earlier

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 8th July 2007

The meeting finished at 10 pm.
Claire Miller Clerk