E A S T G A R T O N P A R I S H C O U N C I L
The Parish Council comprises of the Holderness villages of Fitling, Garton and Grimston.
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
TUESDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2024
PRESENT: Cllrs S Mattinson - Chair, A Crawforth, D Dee, J Harvey, H Teasdale and Ward Cllr J Holtby.
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs F Brown and V Clappison.
The Clerk reported that he had been advised by Cllr Brown that she was considering resigning as her other commitments clashed with the dates of Council meetings.
Consideration of Councillor’s declaration of interests
There were no changes declared by members to the register of interests.
Public session
A member of the public reported that a number of potholes in Fitling required filling and he was advised to forward images to the Clerk for onward transmission to ERYC for its attention.
Two members of the public once again raised their concerns with regard to the two recent planning applications submitted to ERYC for proposed developments at the Gas Caverns site which would affect the wellbeing of local residents and questioned what the community benefit might entail coupled with highway safety concerns. They also sought the Council's support in objecting to both applications on the agenda.
Minutes of the meeting held on the 6th November 2024
These were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.
Matters arising from the minutes
Highway matters - Cllr Teasdale reported that the passing place on Fitling Lane had still not been cleared of overgrown vegetation and the Clerk advised that the Area Engineer had informed him that the area would be attended to before Christmas.
Proposed future First Aid course - The Clerk confirmed that the SSE Thermal Community Fund had just opened for for the second round of applications and that he would be submitting an application for both alternatives based on the quotes obtained by Cllr Crawforth.
Planning
1. Construction and installation of infrastructure for the production, storage and retrieval of electrolytic hydrogen for the generation of electricity using an Open Cycle Gas Turbine and reinstatement of an existing brine discharge pipe and other supporting infrastructure at Gas Storage Facility Garton Road Aldbrough - 24/02391/STPLFE.
It was agreed to strongly object to the application as it is located in open countryside with the proposed infrastructure towering over the existing site and the development would have a significant cumulative effect on the area and should be located in an industrial setting such as Salt End. HGV traffic would be considerable during construction with the local road network not suitable for such movements with noise nuisance, air and light pollution also of major concern. The well-being of local residents would be severely compromised should the application be approved.
2. Hazardous substances consent for the production, storage and use of hydrogen (5460 tonnes) in addition to the permitted storage of natural gas (755000 tonnes) and methanol (950 tonnes) at Gas Storage facility Garton Road Aldbrough - 24/02593/PHAZ.
It was agreed that a holding objection be submitted on the application as the Health and Safety Executive had confirmed to ERYC that its specialist Major Accident Risk Assessment Unit could possibly take up to 26 weeks to comment as complex, detailed and technical work was required with the assessment subject to technical peer review to ensure robust advice.
3. Change of use of existing outbuilding to holiday accommodation with associated works at Springfield Westfield Lane Fitling - 24/02890/PLF.
It was agreed that no objections be made to the application.
4. Erection of two storey extension to side at Springfield Westfield Lane Fitling - 24/02891/PLF.
It was agreed that no objections be made to the application.
5. Construction of a hardstanding path and drainage ditches in connection with existing equestrian use at Millview Stables Aldbrough Road Garton.
It was reported that ERYC had approved the above application.
SSE Community Liaison Group
A report of the proceedings of the 14th November meeting was given at which SSE provided an update on screening relevant to the Pathfinder project where it was reported that the remainder of the original creening plans would take place in December with the additional screening requests currently under review.
Regarding the Hydrogen Storage project SSE reported that seismic surveys would take place after harvest next year with new licences being issued to landowners before Christmas.
It was confirmed that the next meeting would be held in Garton on the 12th December.
Correspondence
The Clerk reported that he had previously circulated the latest Police newsletter and notification was received from ERYC of one amendment, two additions and one deletion to the register of electors.
Neighbourhood Watch/Farmwatch
Cllr Teasdale reported that there had been a recent incident of possible poaching in a field at the rear of her property which had been reported to the Police.
Appointment of new representative to sit on the Tedder Hill Wind Farm Fund Panel
Following the resignation of Cllr Crawforth, it was agreed that Cllr Teasdale be appointed as the Council's representative to sit on the Panel.
Financial matters - including determination of precept for 2025/26
It was reported that the bank balance was currently £6839.61.
The Clerk gave an overview of the current financial position with an estimated year-end balance and likely requirements for the coming financial year and it was agreed that the precept requirement be £5,000.00.
Any other business
Agendas/Minutes - Comment was made that these had not been posted to the WhatsApp group of late. As the Council assumed that Cllr Brown would possibly be resigning in the near future Cllr Teasdale commented that another member would be required to take over this Social Media role and Cllr Dee offered to undertake the position.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be held at Aldbrough Village Hall on the B1242 on Tuesday 4th February 2025 at 7.30pm unless otherwise advised.