Snape with Thorp Parish Council

Minutes of the Snape with Torp Parish Council Meeting

held on Wednesday 19th August, 2025 in the Snape Institute

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

Approx 40 Members of the public

1.         Non-attendance of Councillors

Apologies from Cllr Webster (County)

2.         Declarations of Interest

                        Cllr Duck declared an interest in planning matter ref minute 5.1

3.         Minutes

                        The Council RESOLVED to approve the meeting minutes of the AGM of the 27th May, 2025

4.         Financial Matters

4.1  The Council considered the financial statements as presented and RESOLVED to approve them.

4.2  Cllr Hodges requested that future reports show a year to date against plan. The Clerk confirmed he was working on that.

4.3 The Council RESOLVED to reimburse the Clerk for the printer purchased by him, for the Council

5.         Planning

5.1 The Council discussed and considered the application ref ZB25/01246/FUL and resolved to respond by opposing the application on the following grounds:

1. Concern about the detrimental effect the application would have on the wildlife habitat in and around the surrounding greenbelt area.
2. The residents of the property at the centre of the proposed plan (Lord's Moor Farm), who have lived there for nearly 30 years, will suffer from huge detrimental change to their surroundings. The proposed development in this area would completely destroy their quality of life. Planning authorities in other areas have generally chosen to impose a minimum distance between solar installations and occupied properties of 1.2 miles (2km). In this instance there is very little distance between the house and the solar farm.
3. The Parish Council consider the use of arable agricultural land for this development to be inappropriate; food security is becoming ever more important and this land should not be lost from crop production.
4. This area is well used by local people for exercise, walking, dog walking, etc and for access to and from local villages. This is currently a very pleasurable experience which will be completely ruined by its conversion into a fenced, enclosed corridor.
5. The Parish Council feels other places are more suited to the placement of solar panels whether it be individual houses, offices or warehouses where it wouldn't have as big an impact on the surrounding area.

                        Cllr Duck abstained from the discussion and vote.

6.         Consideration of the Precept

6.1  Councillor Duck highlighted the need to start considering the precept requirement for the financial year 2025/26. The financial position of the PC to be circulated by the Clerk prior to the next meeting. Action: Clerk and all Snape with Thorp Parish Councillors.

7.         Beck Weed

• • 7.1  Having strimmed the beck weed, the maintenance contractor has suggested that the weed be sprayed. Discussion was undertaken and the Council RESOLVED to repeat the strimming of the back at least once again this season and to trial several strimming’s next season rather than spraying.

7.2  Cllr Duck noted that properties by which the stream flows, are responsible for clearance of weed in the stream. A note is to be distributed to the affected properties. Action: Cllr Duck

8.         Epicormic Growth

                        8.1  The Council resolved to undertake the removal of the epicormic growth again this year.

9.         Maintenance Tender

9.1  Cllr Duck requested that all Councillors consider who might be invited to tender for the outdoor maintenance contracts for the year 2025/26, in preparation for the next meeting.

9.2  Cllr Poole noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of dock leaves on the Avenue, between the Avenue trees. The Council RESOLVED to factor into the budget, a potentially increased number of cuts, following the dieback of the daffodils and bluebells and in response to the variation in conditions in the growing season.

10.       Thank you letters

10.1  The Council agreed to send out a number of letters of appreciation for various individuals and groups who have supported projects around the village.

11.       Highways Matters

                        11.1  Cllr Duck suggested that the two drains need jetting in the area near the Marina bridge.

11.2  Cllr Duck also asked that NYC Highways department are requested to grit the road in winter, at least as far as the school, being mindful of the increase in the number of pupils now attending this site of the Snape with Thornton Watlass Federation. Action Clerk, Cllr Duck

11.3  Cllr Duck also highlighted that the sign on Salmon Lane corner does not direct what might be accessed by continuing down the village (ie Bedale, Well etc). Approach to be made to NYC Highways. Action: Clerk

11.4  Cllr Pringle enquired if there had been a response from NYC in regard to the uneven footpaths at the west end of the village. Cllr Duck and the Clerk were not aware of any response and will re-enquire. Action: Clerk, Cllr Duck

12.       Reflective bollards

12.1  Cllr Duck detailed that the were reflective bollards were on Marina Bridge and most are now missing. The Council RESOLVED to purchase new ones to replace them. Action: Cllr Duck

13.       Clerk’s Report

13.1  David Scurrah highlighted the need to have a more direct method of communication to use when information and questions are more time critical, particularly. The Council agreed to set up a WhatsApp group to make communication easier, whilst still relying on email for official communications that could require an audit trail.

13.2  A discussion was undertaken about communication to Parish residents. It was agreed that the next newsletter from the Parish Council would contain information about how it is planned to distribute the newsletter in future as the cost to deliver to outlying properties in the parish has become significant.

13.3  David Scurrah floated the idea of regular meetings in the future, in order to help with planning. Councillors agreed that it was possible and advisable to have planned meetings going forward on a bi-monthly basis. Dates to be agreed.

13.4  Banking - David Scurrah confirmed that he is now has access to the bank accounts. A letter must be drafted to move the registered address for the bank account and additionally remove the previous Clerk (Sarah) from the accounts. Action: Clerk

13.5  Salary -  David Scurrah asked if it was a requirement to keep a log of the work and time undertaken. The Council felt that they would prefer that but were happy to trail it for 6 months on the basis of a 2.5 hour per week set time and noting any extra hours.

13.6 Website – Confirmed that the quote from WJPS had been agreed (in a previous meeting) and the Parish Council will move to the “.gov.uk” domain in the near future.

13.7 Dog waste bins – David Scurrah noted that he had been made aware of the waste bins in the village not having been emptied. He had reported it on the website and agreed to make a further approach to NYC, to ensure they were emptied as soon as possible.

14.       Play Park – report by Cllr Hodges.

14.1  All weekly Health & Safety check are up to date.

14.2  he annual RoSPA inspection of the play area has been confirmed to take place in September.

14.3  Cllr Hodges was of the opinion that the park is being well used and was aware that a couple of parties (including the Snape Primary School “Picnic in the Park”) had been successfully held.

14.4  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.

14.5  Cllr Hodges reported that on several occasions, he had seen dogs and vehicles in the  play park area. He requested the Council purchase signs to clarify the prohibition of dogs and motor vehicles beyond the entry gate.  Action: Cllr Hodges to requisition appropriate signs.

The meeting closed at 8:37

Date of next meeting to be advised.