Wentworth
Partnership Meeting
Held at Fitzwilliam
(Wentworth) Estates, Estate Office at
In attendance:
N Chaplin (NC) Chair – The
D Hunton (DH) Chair – The Wentworth
Parish Council
A Barber-Lomax
(ABL) Agent – Fitzwilliam
(Wentworth) Estates & Meeting Chair
L Stevenson (LS) Wentworth
Parish Council / Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates
J Ratcliff (JR) Wentworth
North Area Assembly Support Officer
K Brisland (KB) RMBC
2010
Apologies:
Frank Hodgkiss Councillor
1. Minutes of the Meeting held
Approved subject to noting that M Jackson (5a Street
Lighting), is in fact R
2. Matters Arising
PC Tony Paling is
identified as the current Policeman responsible for Wentworth Parish and works
with Inspector Tattershall at Wath.
3. Social
and Welfare
a.
Village Fun Day
NC reported that
the annual fun day is not going to take place during the current year, although
a sports day may take place. Disappointment
was voiced and comparison made with the successful Harley Gala, a fund raising
event. NC highlighted the problem as a
lack of volunteers.
All agreed that
the village should have an annual fête of some
sort. Historically, a specific
organising committee existed which subsequently became part of the Community
Association. Ways to enlist more support
were discussed and JR commented that a budget exists for community planning
events which could be used to help fund a fête day.
All those present
expressed support for any initiative to re-engage villagers interest in
organising or being involved with any future event. LS and DH were both members of the former
organising committee and would be willing to lend their advice. DH pointed out that he hoped a new Vicar for
Wentworth would help to pull things together and LS indicated that a regular
date each year would help focus minds.
b.
Ice-Cream Van
Mr Birkby’s ice-cream van has been parking at the park entrance for a period of perhaps 15 years. At the present time, the Estate’s proposals for amending the layout of the park entrance indicate that he will lose this pitch. Dawn Ransford, a Rotherham MBC warden, has highlighted peoples concern and a petition is being gathered together in support of the van’s continued existence. It was noted that ice-cream is currently sold in the Garden Centre as well as the village shop. ABL pointed out that attempts had been made to find an alternative pitch, but nothing suitable could be found. Both DH & LS highlighted the danger of the current position next to a busy road and it was felt that, on health and safety grounds alone, the current pitch is unsuitable.
c.
Interregnum
ABL highlighted the fact that, following Richard Impey’s recent retirement, the Parish is currently without a Vicar, although ably managed by the PCC and Church wardens. A meeting has been held between the PCC, the Archdeacon and Patron of the Church with a view to finding a replacement Vicar. Thankfully, the Bishop has agreed that it should continue to be a full-time post, despite the relatively small size of the Parish.
4. Governance
a.
RMBC Visit
ABL highlighted a
proposed visit by Lee Adams, Assistance Chief Executive, and Colin Bulger, Head
of Policy & Partnership, of Rotherham MBC on the 26th July and
invited those present to raise any issues that they would like to see addressed
during the planned introduction to the Estates and the village. Matters highlighted included street lighting
and village signage.
b.
Appointment of New Community Planning Officer
JR highlighted
the recent appointment of Michael Hill as Community Planning Officer replacing
Robert Fellows. DH drew attention to the
fact that the Parish seems to derive little community development funding from
the Borough and has seen funding for such things as sporting activities
reduce. JR pointed out that the
Community Planning Officer can, through development of the Parish or Community
Plan, secure some financial benefit for the Parish and it was agreed that representatives
of the Community Association and Parish Council should meet Michael Hill to
consider this further.
c.
Village Design Guide
ABL reported that
the Estate is currently preparing a Village Design Statement which will
describe the distinctive characteristics of village property and set out
guidance for the design of future development such as extensions as well as
addressing the approach and materials used for the maintenance of
buildings. A final draft of the
statement will be shared with the Parish Council before conclusion.
5.
Built Environment
a.
Street Lighting
ABL reported that
the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust had provided a positive indication so
far as financial support was concerned for replacement of existing village
street lighting with traditional alternatives.
RMBC have pledged money via the Pathfinder initiative and the Parish
Council have also set money aside.
Discussions continue with RMBC’s Streetpride Services and their recent
suggestion that traditional lamps might be fitted to existing poles was not
well received, as it would leave the village with a wide variety of different
posts and might be a false economy.
b.
Village Signage
The matter of
village street signage will be addressed with Streetpride at the same time as
street lighting and the Estate is currently in the process of replacing some
commercial signage within the village with less obtrusive alternatives.
c.
Cricket Club – Machinery Shed
Following a
theft, Wentworth Cricket Club have indicated a wish to replace the concrete
panel shed behind the pavillion with a more secure alternative, possibly
consisting of a lorry container clad with timber. DH indicated the Parish Council’s support for
the removal of the existing structure with a better alternative in the current
location. ABL pointed out that the
Amenity Trustees would wish to consider the nature of any alternative.
d.
ABL reported that
a draft design had been considered for new gate pillars and that the scheme
proposals would hopefully be concluded soon.
Applications will then be made for planning, listed building,
conservation area and highways consent.
e.
West Hall Fold – Car Park
ABL reported that listed building consent has now been obtained for the proposed provision of additional car parking at West Hall Fold and that works are due to begin in approximately 4 weeks time.
f.
ABL reported that a planning
application will shortly to be submitted to provide additional car parking
facilities to the rear of no’s
g.
The Kennels Stack Yard Field – Building Removal
ABL highlighted the Estate’s proposal to dismantle two general purpose buildings situated in front of a stone dovecote range opposite the principal park entrance to enable proper repair and protection of the traditional buildings.
h.
Private Graveyard
ABL reported that the Estate has
obtained the approval of
6.
Any other Other Business
a.
Friars Cottages – Garages
DH Mentioned that
some of the garages are becoming rather tired and unsightly. ABL agreed to look into this and consider if
the matter needed addressing with the various garage owners.
b.
Drainage – Memorial T Junction
DH pointed out
that he thought there was a problem with highway drainage between the Memorial
Cross and
c.
NC highlighted
the overbearing nature of the trees lining
7. Date of Next Meeting