Snape with Thorp Parish Council

Minutes of the AGM of the Snape with Torp Parish Council

held on Wednesday 23 April 2025 in the Schoolroom, Snape Methodist Church

Present: Councillors John Duck (Chair), Liz Watson, Colin Hodges, Richard Poole, Sara Pringle and David Scurrah (Clerk).

2 x Members of the public

1. Election of Chair – The Council unanimously elected Cllr John Duck to the position of Parish Council Chair
2. Apologies for absence – Cllr David Webster
3. Declarations of Interest – Cllr David Webster (verbal via Cllr Duck), Cllr Sarah Pringle and Cllr John Duck all declared an interest in any discussion relating to the proposed solar farm between Exelby and Bedale.
4. Minutes – Minutes of meetings held on 25 March and 23 April, 2025.
5. Matters Arising -

1. Phone box – Cllr Poole agreed to liaise with the Snape Men’s Shed group with regards to the restorative and modification works to the village phone box for use as community information resource.
2. Car parking - No further information.

6.    Financial Matters –

1. Annual internal audit report for 2024/25 was reviewed and noted.
2. Annual Governance & Accountability Return – All statements noted and agreed by the Council
3. The annual accounting statement for 2024/25 was approved by the Council
4. 1. Bank Reconciliation – noted and approved by the Council
   2. Explanation of variances – Noted and approved by the Council
5. The Publication of documents required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, the Local Audit (Smaller Authorities) Regulations 2015 and the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities – Approved by the Council
6. Year end (2024/25) and new year (2025/26) receipts and payments since the last meeting – Approved by the Council.
7. To note hours of work undertaken by the Clerk since the last meeting – Item carried over to the next meeting.
8. Financial allocations for 2025/26 as follows
   1. to the playing field - £150 - Approved by the Council
   2. for the avenue - £500 - Approved by the Council
   3. for defibrillator - £150 - Approved by the Council
9. Financial Regulations – annual decision making – Agreed by the Council
10. Insurance cover – The Council RESOLVED to enter into a further a three-year agreement with the current insurer.

7.         Playing Field – report by Cllr Hodges.

Goal posts now completed following efforts to be in receipt of all relevant parts. Thanks to Cllr Duck and Dick Donaldson for provisions of transport for waste.

New equipment has been installed and completed. Invoice for the works to be reviewed. A date for the opening ceremony is to be agreed.

 

8.         Asset register – Agreed by the Council

9.         Risk assessment – The risk assessment was reviewed and approved by the Council.

10.       Planning Matters

1. 1. Tree Preservation Order 25/00004/TPO2 No 4 – Beech Tree at The Beeches, Snape. The Council resolved that there were no objections.
   2. (Subject raised earlier in the meeting due to Members of the Public being present to introduce information relating to an upcoming planning proposal.)

Two members of the public, presented information and their view on a potential application for planning. A small proportion of the plan would potentially fall within the boundary of Snape with Thorp Parish.

North Yorkshire Council reference: ZB25/00872/SCR | Solar farm screening request | Land adjacent to Lords Lane, Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 2ET

11.       Appointment of Councillors to represent the PC at YLCA meetings – The Council RESOLVED to continue with the current approach of any Councillor from Snape with Thorp attending YLCA meetings be authorised to vote on behalf of the Council.

12.       Biodiversity – standing item – Cllr Pringle offered to provide the current biodiversity action plan. This is available at:           https://hidrive.ionos.com/lnk/XhlGO4lYw

13.       a)  Cllr Duck asked about the provision of white paint for the bridge railings. Cllr Poole to confirm.

b)  Cllr Watson reported that a resident had requested the PC advice on an acrid smelling smoke that appears to be happening on a regular basis. Having discussed the matter the Council suggest that the resident contact Environmental Health at NYC.

c)  Cllr Watson noted that the cost of sending out the Snape Newsletter has increased significantly (due largely to postal costs) and interested to know of alternative methods of sending or distributing the publication. The Council agreed to investigate the options and include a note to that effect in the next newsletter. Cllr Duck to speak to YLCA, in addition.

d)  Cllr Watson mentioned that the road surface on the edge of the road at the pinch point at Kings Kell, when travelling towards Bedale requires some reparation works. Clerk to report to NYC Highways.

14.       Items for Newsletter agreed by the Council for inclusion. Park date, e-newsletter, Sarah Lowe finishing, Solar farm, bonfires.

The meeting closed at 8:37

Date of next meeting to be advised.