MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2001

Three members of the public were present.

APOLOGIES
There was an apology from Cllr Mrs Chapman and Cllr Stuart.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Page 3 ­ CT.3115/B ­ 3rd paragraph 2nd sentence ­ delete ... "The Committee agreed that the proposed amendment would incur a loss of privacy to neighbouring properties to the south."
Page 5 ­ CT.2003/M ­ delete ... as
Page 8 ­ Change ... Berry Farm Crossroads ... Crossroads Farm
Page 8 ­ INSPECTION REPORT ­ 2nd paragraph ­ change ... board ... pole
Page 11 ­ 5th paragraph 2nd line ­ change ... Cllr Stuart ... Cllr Mrs Pearse

It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Nicholas 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
Cllr Harris reported on a meeting he had attended at Abberley House, Cirencester on 28 September to discuss flood preventative measures. Representatives of the concerned agencies present included Charles Davis (Thames Water), Chris Blackler (Environment Agency), Martyn Summerell (GCC Highways), Steve Cook (Fosseway Housing Association), Cllr L. Jones (CDC) and CDC officers. The meeting was chaired by Andrew Grant Director of Community Services at CDC. Chris Blackler made the confident prediction that flooding will not happen again. A new sluice system at the end of School Lane would move more water to the Mill Stream. A feasibility study was in progress and would was expected to begin 2004­5. Cleveland lakes were to be lowered soon. Charles Davis reported that two flow monitors and two anti flooding sewer valves were to be installed in South Cerney. He suggested that the floods were due to overland flows and that £250,000 had been earmarked for improvement work, including CCTV surveys, in the Cirencester, Siddington and South Cerney areas. The hydraulic modelling would be done again. Steve Cook reported that a survey had shown some cracks and one collapse in the system. Jetting out the system and remedial work was underway. A newsletter, coordinated by CDC, would be published with contributions from the agencies and distributed to all residents. Cllr Jones (CDC) added that the action taken and planned is a significant step in the right direction. The next meeting is scheduled for 18 January 2002.

Residents Association Meeting
Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart had attended a meeting on 27 September of the Residents Association. Cllr Harris reported that it was a good natured meeting under the circumstances. Nick Brown Fosseway Housing Association property maintenance representative described the sewerage/drainage system in better condition than at first thought. A CCTV survey had detected that there were some cracks and one collapse but work was underway to repair the damage. More worrying was a survey of the flats which found that the external walls have no foundations. Measures to control sewerage discharge included the temporary installation of two anti flooding sewer valves which will shut automatically when flooding occurs sending an alarm signal. This will isolate the Berkeley Close system and the pipe work will then act as a septic tank which will be pumped out when necessary. Flood water will be prevented from entering the system by sealing man holes and other lifting holes. Cllr Mrs Gardiner read a Fosseway's reply to the Parish Council's query regarding their intentions for land at the rear of Berkeley Close. Fosseway confirmed that they had no current plans for development of land outside of their land ownership.

Casual Vacancy
Notices had been placed informing electors that there was a vacancy on the Parish Council. The closing date for electors to request an election was 23 October.

Personnel Committee
In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Nicholas agreed to stand for the vacancy on the Personnel Committee. This was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Dunn. The Parish Council was all in favour.


PLANNING
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 8 October.

Election of Chairman & Vice Chairman
Cllr Nicholas was proposed for Chairman by Cllr Dunn, seconded by Cllr Mrs Pearse and approved unanimously by the Committee. Cllr Dunn was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Nicholas for Vice Chairman and approved unanimously by the Committee.

Matters Arising
Best Value Review
Cllr Nicholas had drafted a letter to Kim Cooper at CDC outlining objections to the Best Value Review. A copy would be sent to all Parish and Town Councils who had responded to the Parish Council's original communication on the matter.

Responding to Applications
Cllr Nicholas proposed that the Planning Committee meet two weeks after Parish Council meetings to determine those applications which required a response before the Parish Council could discuss them. He asked that the Parish Council empower the Planning Committee to comment or object on those applications which would be out of time before the Parish Council met. If an application was considered contentious then a deferment would be requested from CDC and the Clerk would notify Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC). It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Gardiner that the Parish Council accept these new arrangements. The Parish Council agreed to this but to review the situation after a trial period of three months. Meetings would be held on a Wednesday at 7pm at a venue to be decided. The Clerk would provide Cllr Nicholas with the relevant applications on the Tuesday prior to the meeting.

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council
CT.0006/3/E
Construction of 58 holiday lodges and car park, replacement of sailing club house and boat-house (revised scheme) The Committee had agreed to object to this application as the new club house, boat park, car park and some of the lodges would be visible from the edge of the village and proposed bridle path. Cllr Nicholas asked that this decision be ratified as the Committee did not have the benefit of the Parish Council's input due to the time restraint imposed. The Parish Council agreed.
OBJECT

CT.1454/3/P
The construction of a children's tree play house at Horseshoe Lake, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney No objection provided that a condition be set that the proposed development would not be used for sleeping accommodation.
NO OBJECTION

CT.2003/P
The raising of the boundary wall and installation of clear glazing into east elevation first floor window at land at School Lane, South Cerney Windows of the dwelling would be an intrusion to the privacy of those occupying Vine Cottage not withstanding the erection of the proposed wall.
OBJECTION

CT.4067/2
Erection of conservatory/sun room to side of dwelling at 27 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney, Cirencester. The Committee had agreed not to object to this application. Cllr Nicholas asked that this decision be ratified as the Committee did not have the benefit of the Parish Council¹s input due to the time restraint imposed. The Parish Council agreed.
NO OBJECTION

CT.4233/E
Minor amendment to proposed Cricket Pavilion, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4454/G
The erection of a side extension at Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION subject to Parish Council approval

CT.4919/C
Alteration and extension to dwelling at Clover Cottage, School Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.8163/B
Erection of 2 (two) detached two storey dwellings at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney The size of the development would be alien to the area. Two very large houses in such close proximity to other adjoining dwellings would be detrimental to the overall visual amenity of the Conservation Area. Houses of this size would probably have several vehicles associated with each of them potentially causing high vehicle movement. Far too many mature trees would have to be destroyed.
OBJECTION

CT.8173
Erection of a 10 metre mobile ³telegraph² telecommunications column supporting an omni antenna and an equipment cabin positioned adjacent not exceeding 2.5 cubic metres at the junction of Station Road/Spine Road, East Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. The Parish Council decided not to object to this application provided that it does not interfere with the proposed Spine Road cycle path.
NO OBJECTION

CT.8184
Two storey extension at 17 Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester The property is set in a row of similar, modest semi-detached houses on one side of the road and the proposed development would be inappropriate at this location. The design, and in particular the size of the proposed development in relation to the size of the whole site, would have a detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the existing dwelling and on the surrounding area. The front elevation of the proposed extension would destroy the rhythm of a row of regular semi-detached properties, and set an undesirable precedent. A letter had been received from a resident objecting to the proposed development.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Gardiner that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee and to ratify the decisions taken on applications CT.0006/3/E and CT.4067/2. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications 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. (revised)

CT.1454/3/M
Formation of bathroom off bedroom 2 at Crane Farm, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

Conservation Area
CT.CONTR 1133
Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Tanners, High Street, South Cerney. Reduce Ash by one third and shape. Thin and raise lower branches of Horse Chestnut.
NO OBJECTION

CT.CONTR 1138
Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Avery Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney Various works as per notification
NO OBJECTION

CT.CONTR 1139
Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Stable Cottage, Upper Up, South Cerney Various works as per notification ­ Alder at gate: trim lower branches; Pine: trim sides, reduce top; Alder opposite Hillview House: fell and replace with more suitable tree; Ash trees: trim overhanging branches
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Spriggs and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.


FINANCE
Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 8 October.

Matters Arising
District Audit
No reply had been received from the District Auditor to a letter from the Parish Council enquiring why it was advised that under Asset Values the Village Hall and the Upper Up playing field be valued at £1 and why these items were not to be included in the Balance Sheet.

Disabled Access
An application for grant aid made by the Parish Council to Cotswold District Council for the erection of the disabled access at Upper Playing fields had been successful. The panel awarded a grant of £4,507.50 which was 50% of the total quoted. Cllr Mrs Gardiner signed the letter to accept the grant conditions which the Clerk would return to CDC. Cllr Mrs Gardiner, in reply to a query from Cllr Nicholas, stated that the Parish Council would fund the other half from the general reserve. The Clerk was asked to add this item to next month's agenda. The Parish Council expressed its thanks to the Clerk for his efforts in managing the application.

Fidelity Guarantee
On advice from the District Auditor the Committee recommends that the Parish Council renew the Fidelity Guarantee which is part of the insurance. The sum insured in the policy for the indemnity limit was £70,000. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council agree to renew the Fidelity Guarantee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Receipts
Cotswold District Council    Balance of Precept     £7,885.00
Bledisloe Cup    Winner¹s Prize    £100.00
Football Club    Upper Up playing field water    £14.06
Cricket Club    Upper Up playing field water           £3.63   £8,002.69
Payments
Thames Water    Upper Up playing fields (6 June­5 September 2001)     £17.69
E. Curtis    Bus Shelter Cleansing (September)    £40.00
M. McKee    Clerk¹s Travel (September)    £34.37
Southern Electric    Bus Shelter electricity supply     £10.74
Davey Son & Jones    Lease Costs    £496.25
Busy Fingers    Photocopying    £31.80
David Chubb    Ground maintenance (3 cuts in September)     £360.00
Cllr Stuart    Bledisloe Cup stationery expenses    £10.48
Jeremy Simmons Ltd    Ground maintenance (September)     £710.57
Rodney Gardiner    Ground maintenance (September)    £31.80
Cllr Harris    Round Pole for Robert Franklin Way play area     £7.93
Lloyds/TSB    Bank Charges 10 August 2001­9 September 2001           £7.07      £1,758.70
Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk¹s travel expenses for September.
It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Gardiner that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE
Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 8 October.

Matters Arising
CCTV Survey
Three Counties Drainage Services would carry out a CCTV survey of the culvert in High Street but needed to liaise with Derek Taylor of Glos County Highways before work could commence. David Green from the CCTV company had agreed to a reduced rate of £400 to make the survey which had previously been agreed by the Parish Council.

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

Litter
It was not known whether or not Cllr Stuart had contacted Mr E. Curtis to enquire as to his willingness to pick up rubbish at both playing fields and generally throughout the village.

Drain Cleaning
A verbal quote for £700 plus VAT had been received to dig out the open drain in Station Road from Mr F. Timbrell. The Committee was all in favour and recommended that the Parish Council agrees. The Clerk was asked to obtain a written quote and add it to the agenda of the next Finance Committee meeting in November. Cllr Harris had met with Martyn Summerell Assistant Divisional Surveyor at GCC Highways who had suggested that part funding may be available from GCC Highways for the drain clearance. The Clerk was asked to apply to the Highways for a grant to help with the cost of the project.

Mole Clearance
Able Pest Control Services had given a verbal quote of £150­£170 to remove the moles currently infesting parts of the playing field at Upper Up. As the moles were on land used by the public it would not be possible to use poison to remove them. Traps would have to be laid which could not be guaranteed to totally remove the vermin. It was proposed by Cllr Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to spend up to £170 in trying to clear the moles. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Hedge at Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Nicholas declared an interest and took no part in the discussion. Mr Taffinder had replied to the Parish Council objecting to the pyracantha hedge being cut down to ground level. He had no objection to the hedge being cut back to give access to repair the fence. Ian Fairbrother, Chairman of the Cerney Wick Village Committee, had verbally agreed with Cllr Mrs Chapman to arrange for the repair of the fence when the hedge is cut back. Cllr Harris volunteered to contact Mr Taffinder to arrange for the pruning of the hedge.

Inspection Report
Cllr Mrs Chubb carried out the playground inspections. At Upper Up rubbish bins needed to be emptied. Pot holes were getting larger on the car park. At Robert Franklin Way play area the play bark required replenishment. Cllr Gardiner would arrange collection of new supply of play bark. Cllr Harris had replaced the round pole which was part of the play bark enclosure. At Cerney Wick play area autumnal leaves were collecting on the safety surfaces. The litter bins needed to be emptied. Cllr Stuart would be responsible for carrying out the inspections for the coming month.


MILLENNIUM PARK
Due to an objection from the Environment Agency it had been necessary to withdraw the planning application. Cllr Harris reported on a meeting held on 18 September with Paul Bergin from the Environmental Agency and Martin Portus to discuss the Environmental Agency¹s objections to the proposed building of the Millennium Park on the flood plain. At the meeting Cllr Harris and Mr Portus had been able to persuade Mr Bergin to withdraw his objection by convincing him that the plan would not create a problem. Children had suggested that a half pipe for skateboarding be added to the plan and this addition was currently being costed.


UPPER UP CAR PARK EXTENSION
Cllr Harris explained the proposed new layout of the car park at the entrance to the Upper Up playing field. He estimated that the parking area could be increased to 100 square metres to accommodate approximately 50 cars. The project would be included in the Millennium Park plan. It had been previously ascertained from CDC that planning permission was not required for the alteration to the car park. Cllr Mrs Gardiner suggested spending the Bledisloe Cup prize money on bulbs, plants or trees in the pentagonal shaped area to the left of the car park entrance.

Westbury Homes
On 14 September Cllr Harris spoke to Mr Bacchus, Site Manager at the Limes, regarding the state of the verges in the vicinity of the development. Mr Bacchus apologised for their state and agreed to make good the untidy verges.

Tree Planting
On 22 September Cllr Harris met with Sue Clark of the Gardening Club to discuss the positioning of two trees the Club wished to plant along the verge in High Street. Mrs Clark would check with GCC Highways on the site's suitability. Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Mrs Pearse, Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart agreed to the location.

Youth Action Day
The Youth Action Day organised by Bernie Cox, Cotswolds Area Team Leader for the Gloucestershire Youth & Community Service for Sunday 30 September was a non-event with not one child from the village in attendance. The Parish Council was disappointed with the response and the Clerk was to ask Mr Cox for an explanation as to why this situation had occurred.

Bledisloe Cup
Cllr Harris showed the cup and two framed certificates which had been presented to the village. Mr & Mrs Kingsbury were willing to display the cup in the Post Office. The Parish Council thanked Cllr Gardiner and Cllr Stuart for the erection of the plaque at the Old Cross. Cllr Harris confirmed that the Bledisloe Cup organisers were responsible for its insurance. Cllr Stuart was also thanked for organising the document outlining activities and achievements in the village which would form the basis of the presentation in the next round of the Village of the Year competition. Allocation of the £100 prize money would be decided at the next Parish Council meeting in November.

Weeping Willow in Meadow Way
Cllr Harris had removed excess growth from the tree but more pruning of the lower branches was necessary. CWP Countryside Services, Mark Cox and one other should be asked to quote for this work.

Robert Franklin Way play area Sub-Committee
Cllr Nicholas had no response from residents to join the play area sub-committee. Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Harris and Cllr Nicholas volunteered to form the committee and the Parish Council was all in favour.

South Cerney Parish Council Web Site
Cllr Nicholas argued that a web site would be pro-active means to swiftly disseminate Parish Council information. It would increase community involvement. It was an untapped media which could involve a significant number of local residents who had access to the web. He had obtained a quotation from Commatic Ltd to provide, service and manage a web site on behalf of the Parish Council. Set up costs would be in the region of £500 with approximately £200 per annum for servicing, licencing and tuition. It was agreed that Raymond Fenton be approached for a comparative quote. The Clerk was asked to add this item to next month's Parish Council agenda.

Alteration to Bus Service timetable
A petition with 40 names had been received protesting to the change in the timing of the 51 bus service by Stagecoach. Users of the service had not been informed in advance of the alteration and the Clerk was asked to complain about the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Community Hall
Cllr Nicholas suggested that the Parish Council should seek professional help in negotiating with Westbury Homes regarding the provision of the new Community Hall. Cllr Nicholas asked that the Parish Council agree to his offer to approach a consultant, on an informal basis, for advice. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Mrs Spriggs suggested that local advice should be sought from Parish Councils who had similar experiences. Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Nicholas and the Clerk would attend a meeting with Hunter Page Planning to discuss costings of the new Community Hall on 18 October.


CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) reported that a Ward Project grant of £600 had been awarded for the provision of a disabled ramp at the village hall. Cllr Jones (CDC) reported that a review of the Local Plan for the next 10 year period was in progress. 850 new residential units were planned across the District of which 50% would be in and around the Cirencester/Siddington area but not including South Cerney. This would leave approximately 400 planned units for the rest of the District. The Clerk was asked to enquire from Tony Jones Head of Planning at CDC and Chris Vickery Forward Planning (CDC) how this would impact on the Westbury Homes site at the old CAMAS yard in South Cerney. Cllr Gardiner had collected the Bledisloe Cup sign and erected it with Cllr Stuart. Cllr Gardiner and Cllr Harris had measured the car park at Upper Up playing fields on 9 October. On 22 September Cllr Nicholas had attended the presentation of the Bledisloe up with Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Mrs Pearse, Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart. On 27 September Cllr Dunn, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas and the Clerk took part in the village quiz at the Royal Oak. On 14 September Cllr Harris met with Mr Bacchus, Site Manager at the Limes to discuss the state of the verges outside the development. On 22 September Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Mrs Pearse, Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart met with Mrs S. Clark of the Gardening Club to discuss the positioning of two trees the club wished to plant in High Street. Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart attended a meeting of the Residents Association on 28 September. On 28 September Cllr Harris attended a meeting on flood prevention at Abberley Hall in Cirencester. On Sunday 30 September he visited the Youth Action Day in the village hall. On 3 October Cllr Harris made preliminary measurements of the car park at Upper Up.

November Parish Council meetings
The Clerk reminded Parish Councillors that the dates of next month Committee meetings would be 5 November and the Parish Council would meet on 7 November.

Re-direction of Parish Council Mail
Due to the Clerk¹s absence Cllr Mrs Pearse volunteered to accept and record re-directed mail for the Parish Council during the period 10­30 November.

There being no further business Cllr Mrs Gardiner closed the meeting at 10.15pm.