MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2001

Two members of the public were present.

The Chairman Cllr Mrs Gardiner opened the meeting at 7.30pm and called for a minute¹s silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in the USA on 11 September.

APOLOGIES
There was an apology from Cllr Jones (CDC).

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Cllr Bride had tendered his resignation by letter. Councillors spoke of their profound shock and would miss his help. Cllr Stuart suggested that he be asked to reconsider. Cllr Nicholas offered to Chair the Planning Committee if that would lessen his work burden. Cllr Spriggs said that Cllr Bride would have considered his decision long and hard. No extra pressure for him to return should be applied. The Parish Council should thank him for his valuable service to the Council and the community over the many years he had been a Parish Councillor. The Parish Council agreed.

In the absence of any other nominations, Cllr Stuart agreed to stand for the post of Vice Chairman. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council appoint Cllr Stuart as Vice Chairman. The Parish Council was in agreement.

The Clerk had informed the Cotswold District Council of a Casual Vacancy. Notices would be displayed publicising this Casual Vacancy.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Page 2 ­ CT.8163A ­ 2nd line insert after received ... from a neighbour ...
Page 9 ­ Councillors' Reports ­ delete 4th item re Cllr Stuart and insert ... Cllr Stuart reported that rubble and debris had been removed near to the lamp post no 4 in River Way.

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council agreed unanimously and the Minutes were signed by the Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner.

MATTERS ARISING
Village Floods
As Cllr Mrs Gardiner will be unable to attend the forthcoming meeting on 28 September with the agencies involved in monitoring the progress being made on flood control Cllr Harris volunteered to go in her place.

Mr & Mrs Chapman spoke of their concern with recent actions by Fosseway Housing Association in the Berkeley Close area. Cllr Stuart declared an interest and took no further part in the discussion. The Chapmans were suspicious that Fosseway was planning to develop an area of land to the south of Ann Edwards School but were unable to find out anything from Fosseway. It was agreed by the Parish Council that a letter be sent to Fosseway asking them what their strategy and/or intentions were for the field behind and south of Ann Edwards School between the Shire Ditch and Berkeley Close.

Disabled Access
An application for grant aid had been made by the Parish Council to Cotswold District Council. The application will be considered by Committee on 17 September and if agreed will be presented to a panel on 27 September for ratification.

Market Towns Initiative
Due to annual holiday commitments at CDC the Clerk had been unable to recruit a CDC representative but he would try to arrange for a representative to attend the October Parish Council meeting.

PLANNING
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 10 September.

Matters Arising
Best Value Review
Cllr Nicholas asked the Clerk to provide him with the relevant correspondence regarding the Best Value Review. Cllr Nicholas also highlighted contentious conclusions in the Review. In a poll carried out by MORI for the CDC it was found that those questioned in the survey were satisfied with the length of time taken to process planning applications. Of five outcomes to a Focus group questionnaire two were patently ignored. The responses from the Parish Councils had a universal theme. The majority of their comments were directed at a greater involvement by the parishes in the planning process which wanted more time to consider applications, more time to consider amendments and more opportunities to express their views at Site Inspection Briefings and committees. Cllr Nicholas asked that the time restrictions imposed by the Review be placed on the Planning Committee¹s agenda for October. CDC also commissioned MORI to survey 2000 residents in the District about a range of services including ³planning². The Review referred to three outcomes, one of which was ³. . . that people were (strongly supportive of the Council¹s commitment to offering pre-application advice) satisfied with the length of time it took to process the application². Cllr Mrs Clark informed that problems created by lack of staff in the Planning Office had now been addressed.

Committee Vacancy
The Parish Council agreed not to replace Cllr Bride on the Planning Committee.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/3/N
Porch extension to existing lodge at Lodge 62, Spring Lake 2011 (Lakes 4 & 5), Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2249/D
Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and erection of new house and garage at Fairholm, Silver Street, South Cerney Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart declared an interest and took no further part in the discussion. A letter objecting to the application had been received from Mr & Mrs P. Spriggs. The Committee agreed that the proposed application was out of keeping with adjoining properties. There would be a loss of amenity of light and the proposed dwelling would overlook neighbouring dwellings. The position of the proposed garage in front of the building line is inappropriate. It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council objects to this application. The Parish Council was in agreement.
OBJECTION

CT.3115/B
Minor amendment re erection of three detached houses and garages and formation of vehicular access on land to the rear of 3 Meadow Way, South Cerney Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Gardiner declared an interest and took no further part in the discussion. The original application was the subject of an appeal which was allowed. The Committee agreed that the proposed amendment would incur a loss of privacy to neighbouring properties to the south. The Parish Council objected to application CT.6271/A for an adjoining site which had subsequently been withdrawn. It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council do not object to this application. The Parish Council was in agreement.
NO OBJECTION

CT.3239
Erection of a new garage at Orchard House, Cerney Wick, Cirencester The proposed application could not be considered as just a garage as it is for a 2 storey building. The building is inappropriate as it is too close to existing boundary.
OBJECTION

CT.4125/1/F
Erection of single storey extension to existing dwelling at 10 Beverstone Close, South Cerney. Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Gardiner declared an interest and took no further part in the discussion. It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council do not object to this application. The Parish Council was in agreement.
NO OBJECTION

CT.4233/F
Excavation to form pools; resulting spoil to form mounding and open-sided gazebo The Parish Council declared an interest as applicant. Cllr Harris informed the Parish Council that Martin Portus would apply for a deferment because of Environment Agency objections.
NO OBJECTION

CT.8163/A
Installation of dormer windows at the Old Stable Block, Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney, Glos. The Parish Council disagreed with the applicant¹s assertion that the alterations would not require a change of use permission.
OBJECTION

CT.8173
Erection of a 10 metre mobile Otelegraph¹ telecommunication column supporting an omni antenna and an equipment cabin positioned adjacent not exceeding 2.5 cubic metres at junction of Station Road/east Spine Road South Cerney The Committee had agreed not to object to this application. Due to the time restraint applied by Cotswold District Council in making a response it was not possible to involve the Parish Council in this decision. Cllr Harris informed the Parish Council that the structure would occupy the middle of the planned cycle path on the Spine Road. The Committee were unaware of this when it took its decision and Cllr Dunn commented that because of the time restrictions imposed this vital information was unavailable.
NO OBJECTION

On the applications not already voted on Cllr Mrs Gardiner proposed and Cllr Stuart seconded that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning permission granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/3/H
Relocation of 48 units on previously approved development of 87 holiday lodges at Lake 7, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Conditions to note: 2. The development shall not start before details of on-site and off-site foul and surface water drainage arrangements have been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 10. The wording of this Condition is incorrect, uncertain and ambiguous and the Clerk was asked to point this out to the Planning Authority. 11. The holiday units shall not be occupied from the 6th day of January until the 5th day of February inclusive each year. 12. The Covenants referred to as Conditions 12 and 13 above are incorrect. It should read Conditions 10 and 11. The Clerk was asked to inform the Planning Authority.

ct.2319/c
Erection of a hardwood conservatory in rear of property at 2 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney, Glos.

CT.2533/J
Alterations and extensions to dwelling at 1 Huxley Court, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5XF

Planning applications refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.2003/M
Removal of condition 21 as of planning reference CT.2003/J at The Old School, School Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5TZ

CT.2003/N
Unit 2 ­ Velux window in front elevation at The Old School, School Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5TZ

CT.3917/N
Cladding of west elevation with feathered edge tanilised timber boards at Upper Mill House, School Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5TZ

Planning application withdrawn

CT.8163
Erection of two detached dwellings and associated works at land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney

Appeal

CT.8058/A
The appeal made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal of the CDC to grant an application for full planning permission for erection of two storey extension at 2 The Leaze, South Cerney was dismissed.

Tree Preservation Order

TPO313/1
Consent granted to raise the crowns of nine lime trees at former CAMAS site, Station Road, South Cerney

Conservation Area

CT.CONTR.1131
Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Rotary House, The Langet, South Cerney. Reduce overall dimensions of Green Maple and Copper Maple by 25 percent.
NO OBJECTION

Correspondence

FINANCE
Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 10 September.

Addition to Finance Committee
Cllr Mrs Pearse agreed to stand for the vacancy created on the Committee by Cllr Bride¹s resignation. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Mrs Spriggs that the Parish Council appoint Cllr Mrs Pearse to the Committee. The Parish Council was in agreement.

Receipts
South Cerney Village Hall    Donation    £2,475.00
Football Club    Additional Water Charge    £12.69
Cricket Club    Upper Up playing field water (amended £3.62)           £3.62   £2,491.31
Payments
E. Curtis    Bus Shelter Cleansing (August)    £40.00
Cotswold Water Park    Work at Robert Franklin Way play area (as quote) £193.88
BT    Clerk¹s Telephone Account    £65.89    (Total bill £115.38 ­ Clerk¹s contribution £49.49 inc VAT)
GEMS    Repair and maintenance of Seats    £355.00
Busy Fingers    Photocopying    £25.05
M. McKee    Clerk¹s Travel (August)    £83.90
David Chubb    Ground maintenance (2 cuts in August)     £240.00
Rodney Gardiner    Ground maintenance (August)    £105.15
Jeremy Simmons Ltd    Ground maintenance (August)     £710.57
GAPTC    PC Next Meeting Posters    £4.50
All Hallows Church    Hire of Wesley Rooms (Westbury presentation)     £8.00
Lloyds/TSB    Bank Charges 10 July 2001­9 August 2001         £7.10     £1,128.47
Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk¹s travel expenses for August.
It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

District Audit
The District Auditor commented that the Balance Sheet should be signed by both the Chairperson and Clerk. A list of asset values was required. He requested that copies be forwarded to him. He suggested that in future the donation made to the British Legion be made from the Chairperson¹s allowance and not under Section 137. It was necessary that the Fidelity Guarantee be recorded in the Minutes. Cllr Nicholas asked that the District Auditor explain in writing why he advised that under Asset Values the Village Hall and the Upper Up playing field be valued at £1 and why they were not included in the Balance Sheet.

Budget Analysis
Professional fees had exceeded budget through the inclusion of the RoSPA inspection fee. It was agreed not to include this fee in the Playing Fields Maintenance as it would now be budgeted as a professional fee in future. Village Hall Running Costs exceeded budget but was offset by a donation of £2475 from the Village Hall funds. Ear-marked reserves should be added as per budget. The words OReserve Fund¹ should be added to the Village Hall Roof and Road Safety Improvements titles.

Quotes
Cllr Harris declared an interest and took no further part in the discussion. Three quotations had been received to raise the crowns of the lime trees in Silver Street. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council accept the quote for £65 which was made by Cotswold Water Park Society. The Parish Council was in favour.


PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE
Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 10 September.

Matters Arising
Cornhill Insurance
The Clerk had written to the Lewis and Mathieson families from Robert Franklin Way regarding the implications of the Parish Council¹s insurance policy. The families had asked permission from the Parish Council to form a working party.

GCC Highways
1. The public footpath between High Street and Meadow Way had been resurfaced.
2. Permission had been given to Glos County Highways to proceed with a CCTV survey of the culvert in High Street
3. The overgrowing hedge at Orchard House in Upper Up has been cut back.
4. Two way springs had been added to the gate at the end of the bridge in Bow Wow near Upper Mill but needed some adjustment.
5. The Clerk had reminded Mr Taylor of Glos County Highways that the piping of the drain between Oklahoma and the Long House in Cerney Wick was still outstanding.
6. The low willow branch opposite the footbridge in the Bow Wow had been removed.
Cllr Harris thanked Cllr Stuart for liaising with Mr Taylor.

Lighting
The Clerk had informed Barry Greenaway, Road Lighting Manager, on the decision taken in August by the Parish Council regarding the upgrade to the lights in South Cerney. Cllr Stuart reported that tree growth around the street light outside Pontings opposite the entrance to the Langet requires cutting back by the owners. Tree growth around the lamp positioned towards Upper Up playing field needed cutting back. Mr Taylor was aware.

Lines on Basketball area at Upper Up
Cllr Harris awaited confirmation from Ermin Toolhire on the supply of suitable equipment to paint the lines.

Steps on disused railway line
Cllr Harris reported that Mr Mould had carried out repairs to the steps. Further improvements await grant aid. Cllr Mrs Spriggs said that as this was only a permissive pathway the Parish Council should consider applying for it to be added to the definitive map. The Parish Council agreed and the Clerk was asked to obtain the relevant application forms from Amanda Keys at GCC.

Berry Farm Crossroads
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that overgrowth at the crossroads was restricting the view towards Ashton Keynes and also at the junction of Broadway Lane and the Spine Road.


INSPECTION REPORT

Cllr Harris had carried out the inspections for the previous month. At Upper Up play area there was an accumulation of rubbish although the bins were not too full. A broken section of the play bark surround at Robert Franklin Way play area needed replacement. The play bark needed replenishment. At Cerney Wick hawthorn hedge trimmings had been left to blow off the hedge top. The Clerk was asked to write to Helen Dorling, South Cerney Riding School in Cerney Wick with a copy to Simon Taffinder, owner of the field, to cut back the hedge to ground level and clear away the cuttings in order that the fence can be repaired. Cllr Mrs Chubb will carry out the inspections in the coming month.

Cllr Gardiner volunteered to get the play bark. Cllr Harris would pick up a replacement board for the play bark surround on his next visit to a sawmill.

Cllr Stuart will contact Mr E. Curtis to see if he was willing to pick up rubbish at both playing fields and generally throughout the village.

The Clerk was asked to inform Jeremy Simmons Landscapes when he carries out his last cut to only strim the sides of the ditch in Station Road as plans were in hand to dig out the ditch. Mr Timbrell had been asked to quote to dig out the ditch.

Cllr Gardiner reported that moles were becoming a problem on the Upper Up playing fields. It was recommended that the Clerk contact Able Pest Control Services and ask them to quote for their removal.

Cllr Nicholas had met with Brian Leeke from Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association who was particularly concerned with the arrangement of the wooden frame around the rubber mats at the swings on Robert Franklin Way play area which he considered dangerous. His report contained some useful tips in dealing with suppliers, grant agencies, useful contact names, telephone numbers and other advice. Cllr Harris proposed that a Sub Committee be formed to progress the re-equipping of the playing field. Cllr Nicholas said that this Sub Committee should include local residents. It was agreed to try and attract interested parties through the Cerney News and Cllr Nicholas offered that his telephone number could be used as Parish Council contact.

MILLENNIUM PARK
Cllr Harris summarised the objections raised by the Environment Agency: to development within 6 metres of a river bank ­ this could be easily overcome; to the siting of the spoil heap on the flood plain created by digging out the pond ­ this was more difficult as alternative sites would be a compromise and possibly impracticable. It was frustrating news and a deferment of the application would be asked for. Martin Portus will liaise with the Environment Agency to try and assuage their objections. A site meeting will be arranged with the Environment Agency, Martin Portus and Cllr Harris.

BLEDISLOE CUP
South Cerney has been named winners of the Bledisloe Cup for the Best Kept Village in Gloucestershire, Large Village category. Cllr Gardiner will collect the sign from Lower Slaughter on Saturday 15 September and after some discussion the Parish Council agreed to site it at the junction of Station Road, High Street and Clarks Hay near to the 2-sided seat. Cllr Stuart will attend the presentation which will take place at 2pm on Saturday 22 September. As winners, South Cerney have been invited to enter a competition for Village of the Year. Cllr Stuart said that we owe it to the community to enter especially as South Cerney had such up-to-date IT facilities. He would liaise with the organiser Graham Stockham in preparing the entry.

CAR PARK AT UPPER UP
Cllr Stuart suggested that the enlargement of the car park at Upper Up playing fields be considered. He asked that the Car Park enlargement be added to next month¹s agenda. The Clerk was to ascertain from Mike Napper if planning permission would be required.

CRICKET CLUB LICENCE
It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Licence now be signed by Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Vice Chairman Cllr Stuart. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLOR¹S REPORTS
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) reported that recycling bins are now available for public use at Cotswold Hoburne for the collection of paper, bottles and cans.
On 21 August Cllr Mrs Spriggs attended a meeting of the Village Hall Committee.
On 28 August Cllr Nicholas meet with Brian Leeke of Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association at Robert Franklin Way playing field.
On 3 September Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Spriggs attended a meeting of the Personnel Committee.
On 5 September Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart attended a meeting with Westbury Homes.

There being no further business Cllr Mrs Gardiner closed the meeting at 10.25pm.