Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 16th September, 2015 at 7.00 p.m.

in Dinnington Memorial Institute

Present:
Cllr Raymond Thompson

Chairman

Cllr Mike Wood

Vice-Chairman

Cllr Alan Biggins

Cllr Audrey Dellow
Cllr Sylvia Hood
Cllr Tom Laidler
Cllr Steven Phelps
Cllr Joyce Porter
Cllr Brenda Scott
Cllr Gill Smith
In Attendance:
Mr Keith Murray-Hetherington

Parish Clerk

Mr Peter Jordan

Persimmon Homes North East (Group Planning Director)

Ms Nicola Reed

Persimmon Homes North East (Development Planner)

PC (509) Lee Parker

Northumbria Police

PC (2866) Dave Russell

Northumbria Police

One member of the public

Minute
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Agenda Item

WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES:

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Parish Council
(PC). Apologies for absence received from Cllr Anita Lower (Newcastle City
Council).
EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC:
RESOLVED to exclude the press and public from the meeting for
discussion of the following items in accordance with section 100A(4) of the
Local Government Act, 1972.
NEW PARISH CLERK:
A sub-committee had considered 17 applications for the post of Parish
Clerk and 6 interviews had been held on 7th September 2015. One
outstanding candidate had been offered the position, subject to approval by
the Parish Council. Cllr Wood gave a rsum of the candidate's experience
and skills - references have been received. He asked for Parish Council
approval for the use of the National Association of Local Council's (NALC's)
model contract rather than the letter used previously, any differences to be
resolved before the next meeting. On the motion of Cllr Wood, seconded
by Cllr Tom Laidler, it was RESOLVED: that Mr Keith Murray-Hetherington
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shall be appointed as Parish Clerk. Cllr J Porter proposed a vote of thanks

to Cllr Wood for all his work in filling the vacancy. The Chairman welcomed
Mr. Keith Murray-Hetherington as the new Parish Clerk. He thanked
Members for placing their confidence in him and looked forward to serving
the parish.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
There were no declarations of interest. Members were reminded to declare
interests at relevant items if necessary
PERSIMMON HOMES DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION:
Mr Peter Jordan, Group Planning Director gave a presentation on
Persimmons' proposals for land west of Dinnington, south of Front Street.
He hoped that constructive dialogue could be continued throughout the
preparation of a planning application to progress a sensitive, well-designed
development and package of significant benefit to the long-term
sustainability of the village. Public consultation exhibition will be held on
Friday, 25th September, 2015.
OPEN FORUM:
PC Lee Parker (Neighbourhood Beat Officer) and PC Dave Russell
(Neighbourhood Police Team) gave a report of crime incidents for the
previous months. 6 crimes of note in past two months. He confirmed that
there are no crime patterns or trends. Community Speed Watch initiative
has been in the village twice in last month. Most speeding offences occur
on Prestwick Road and will be monitored. PC 3044 Lee Maddison
(Community Beat Officer) will distribute letter to school for parents
regarding inconsiderate parking. He explained that Newcastle City Council
is responsible for enforcing non-endorsable parking offences such as
parking on yellow lines. He agreed that cyclists should ride in single file on
narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
MEMBERS ITEMS OF CONCERN:
Cllr B Scott: No. 9 Cochrane Terrace - Cllr Anita Lower had agreed to
forward to Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) information about untidy gardens,
but still unresolved.
Cllr Hood: Grass in gullies at Dinnington Road. Contact Cllr Anita Lower
(Highways Department).
Cllr Dellow: Grass on roadside at Horton Grange Road and Kingston Park
Road. Contact Cllr Anita Lower (Highways Department).
Cllr Porter: Relocation of 30mph road sign (Old Vicarage to village).
Contact Cllr Anita Lower (Highways Department).
Cllr Biggins: Developer has agreed to provide bus stop with shelter.
Concerned that Parish Council had not been informed about relocation of
bus stop at Main Road 60 metres north; this site is only 150.3m south of
the existing bus stop on Cochrane Terrace; and Donkey Field plans have
been changed. Cllr Biggins agreed to keep Members updated.
Cllr Biggins: Advised Members in pre-war homes to inspect wooden utility
(electricity) poles which may be insecure.
Cllr Phelps: Smell of gas at Horton Grange Road reported.
Cllr Laidler: Dog fouling - more notices required on lamp posts and dog
warden to check the area (The Green).
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 8th July, 2015 were
agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING:
Pine Flats - Cllr Anita Lower had stated she would report a gate hanging off
the wall (YHN), but still unresolved. Cllr Laidler agreed to investigate the
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issue.
Curb stones at Oak Avenue - Cllr Anita Lower had stated an officer had
been out to check if anything could be done to tidy up pavements in Ash,
Oak and Sycamore Avenues, but still unresolved.
Post Office - The Parish Clerk had received a telephone call from Post
Office HQ advising that Dinnington Post Office is privately owned and that
the Post Office would not share confidential commercial information with
the Parish Council.
Grass cutting - Cllr Wood explained that Mark Lamb (Newcastle City
Council's Horticultural Specialist) has promised price for two additional
grass cuts for whole village.
Notice Board - It was agreed to accept quote for 1,179.50 with
contribution towards the cost from Castle Ward Committee, and to proceed
with the erection of a new notice board at the same location. The Clerk will
contact Adam Taegar (Newcastle City Council's Communities Facilitator).
The board will state Dinnington Parish Notice Board.
Cllr Biggins asked for minutes to be typed up and circulated as quickly as
possible to provide a record of decisions that require action. The Clerk
agreed to circulate draft minutes to all parish councillors by e-mail within 10
working days after the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Promotion of Northumberland Wildlife Trust 'Our Wildlife' event.
Invitation to public consultation event - Bellway Homes, proposed
residential development on land to the north of Front Street, Dinnington on
Friday, 18th September, 2015 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm at Dinnington
Village Social Welfare Hall.
PLANNING:
Application currently under consideration. Ref: 20151219/01/DET.
Proposal: Erection of garden room to rear (retrospective). Location: The
White Swan, Prestwick Road, Dinnington. No comments.
Application currently under consideration. Ref: 2015/1294/01/DET.
Proposal: Raise height of existing detached garage by 1 metre by
increasing the height of the eaves. On the motion of Cllr Thompson,
seconded by Cllr Hood, RESOLVED: to raise objection on grounds that
applicant is believed to be running a taxi service business from residential
address (not for personal use).
The Chairman provided an update on the appeal decisions for Mill Hill
Farm (appeal dismissed) and no. 17 Bracken Close (appeal allowed). Nigel
Brown, Service Development Officer had offered to attend a meeting to
give an update on recent changes in legislation. It was agreed to advise
him that the Parish Council would like to accept his offer within the next
couple of months.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN:
Cllr Wood reported that a quote had been received for 4,750 to prepare
Neighbourhood Plan. The Government has appointed Locality to provide
support to communities. This independent national support programme
offers direct practical support and grants of up to 8,000 for neighbourhood
area. On the motion of Cllr Wood, seconded by Cllr Phelps, RESOLVED: to
apply for a grant.
UPDATES:
Donkey Field development - Cllr Wood reported that this matter is delayed
due to negotiations with Coal Authority regarding a restricted covenant.
Village Hall - Cllr Porter reported that asbestos survey had been
satisfactorily completed for the Memorial Institute. Village Hall Committee
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has agreed to obtain proper valuation of property. Detailed plans for

refurbishment work (toilets and central heating) estimated at 22k +VAT.
Application being made to Banks Mining for funding contribution.
Adopt a Planter - It was reported that Dinnington received Northumbria in
Bloom Bronze Award in Large Village category. The White Swan received
Northumbria in Bloom special award for outstanding efforts of the owner. It
was agreed to write to the local businesses (White Swan; Dixons/The Last
Days of the Raj) and Dinnington First School to thank them for responding
exceptionally well and joining in the competition to showcase the village.
Newsletter - It was agreed to discuss with the Clerk arrangements for next
edition of newsletter (Christmas edition in early-Dec).
Library - Cllr Scott will provide update on meeting to be held on 21st
September 2015.
Allotments - Cllr Porter had nothing to report on the allotments.
Website - Cllr Laidler agreed to update website with information provided
by the Clerk.
FINANCIAL MATTERS:
Members approved and authorised the signing of cheques in payment:
100913 - 120.00 - BDO LLP (external audit)
100914 - 76.00 - HMRC
100915 - 304.00 - B. Joyce
100917 - 50.00 - R. Thompson (ILSH Media Ltd - job advert)
100918 - 178.80 - R. Thompson (Trinity Mirror Ltd - job advert)
REPORTS:
Castle Ward Committee meeting 10th September 2015. Cllr Scott gave a
comprehensive report which included the following items of local concern:
Crime and Community Safety: PC Lee Parker attended and gave a report
of crime incidents.
Environment: No tree pruning to be carried out in Newcastle unless
deemed dangerous or diseased.
Traffic and Parking: Zone parking (trial) in Kingston Park might be
introduced in other areas, e.g. restricted parking near schools for permit
holders only.
Castle Ward Committee Financial Statement: 28k in budget.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, 21st October 2015 at 7.00 p.m.
CONCLUSION OF MEETING:
The meeting closed at 9.27 p.m.

Clerk

MW
BS
TL