Council Meeting – 18 March 2025

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 18th March 2025, 730pm at East Keswick Village

Hall

Present: Cllrs Batty (Chair), Waterfield (Vice-Chair), Bailey, Groves, Edwards (arrived 815pm)
Clerk: Cruse
Residents Forum: One member of the public.

1. Public Forum
   Resident reported issues with notices being stuck on parked cars on Laurel Close.
   RESOLVED that the Council would issue a note on parking in the village due to this and other resident
   issues received in writing (see 7.1).
2. Apologies
   Received from Cllr Ballmann.
   RESOLVED to approve reasons for absence.
3. Declarations of Interest
   None.
4. Minutes
   RESOLVED to approve minutes of the meeting held on 18th February 2025.
5. Clerk Report
   5.1 Neighbourhood Plan
   Documents received, Cllrs to review and discuss at next Parish Council Meeting.
   RESOLVED that Clerk would discuss next steps with Leeds City Council (LCC).
   5.2 Sports Association
   It was noted that John Eaton had resigned as a trustee.
   RESOLVED that Cllr Waterfield would seek initial legal advice on trusteeship.
   5.3 Parish Council Standing Orders
   Model Standing Orders and Policy documentation has been received from Yorkshire Local Council
   Association.
   RESOLVED that Clerk continue working on policy adoption documents.
   5.4 Pavement Creep
   Awaiting a response from the Highways department, due by end of March.
   5.5 Stile wear on footpath behind the Grove
   Awaiting updates from LCC.
   5.6 Village Litter Pick
   Revised dates for the event were discussed based on availability of equipment.
   RESOLVED that litter pick would take place on the weekend of 26th-27th April and Clerk would arrange
   equipment collection.
   5.7 Councillor Vacancy
   Councillor Harrison’s resignation was acknowledged and next steps discussed.
   RESOLVED that the Clerk would inform Leeds City Council and issue a Notice of Casual Vacancy.
6. Planning Applications
   6.1 For Consideration
   25/01269/FU 2a Allerton Drive
   Demolition of single story garage & front/side/rear element, erection of two storey side extension with
   single storey front/rear element.
   RESOLVED that there was no objection
   6.2 Decisions made by LCC
   25/01442/TR Orchard House, Main Street No Objection
   25/01438/TR East Ings, Whitegate No Objection
   24/07406/FU 14 Allerton Drive Approved
7. Matters Requested by Councillors
   *Cllr Edwards arrived
   7.1 Parking
   Cllr Batty updated on issues raised by residents of road access for bin lorries, and pavement access for
   pedestrians, blocked by parked cars.
   RESOLVED that the Council would draft and issue a notice on parking in the village.
   7.2 Duke of Wellington
   Cllr Batty advised that local MP Alec Shelbrooke & Cllr Stephenson had been informed in person of
   Stonegate’s decision to sell the Duke of Wellington and requested a position from the council with regards to
   Asset of Community Value status. It was requested that the councils’ decision remained confidential given
   commercial sensitivities.
   Council discussed the matter.
   RESOLVED that Cllr Batty would inform MP Shelbrooke & Cllr Stephenson of Council’s position.
   7.3 Rumoured Scarcroft Landfill Site
   Cllr Batty advised that he had spoken to counterparts in Scarcroft and been assured that the rumours were
   untrue and this was not happening.
   7.4 Playground Inspection
   Cllr Waterfield advised that the annual inspection was due.
   RESOLVED that Cllr Waterfield and Clerk would conduct a preliminary site visit and then organise the official
   inspection.
   7.5 Communications Policy
   Councillors discussed the draft document, a further clause on going paperless where possible to be added.
   RESOLVED that Clerk would amend document and share for review / approval.
8. Financial Matters
   8.1 Bank Account Balances
   Community Account £2,262.20
   Sports Association Account £2,283.55
   Savings Account £28,224.80
   8.2 Accounts for Payment
   The list of payments from 15th February 2025 to 14th March 2025 were presented.
   RESOLVED to approve the list of payments.
   8.3 External Accountant Appointment
   Cllr Batty advised on local candidate.
   Clerk has taken a free trial subscription with XERO accounting software and will take up an introductory
   offer with them in April.
   RESOLVED that Cllrs Batty & Waterfield would discuss the position with the candidate.
   RESOLVED that Clerk would take up subscription with XERO.
9. Matters for Inclusion
   None.
10. Next Meeting
    RESOLVED that the next ordinary meeting would be Tuesday 15th April 2025 at 7.30pm.
    RESOLVED that the village assembly would take place on Tuesday 13th May at 7.30pm after ordinary
    Parish Council meeting at 6.30pm.
    The meeting closed at 910pm.
    These minutes were recorded and prepared by O Cruse, Clerk.