MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2001

Prior to the start of the meeting Caroline Edwards from GRCC gave a presentation on the Vital Villages Programme. The Programme is divided into three distinct initiatives:
1. Parish Transport Grant;
2. Community Services Grant;
3. Parish Plan Grant.
Ms Edwards briefly outlined the objectives of each initiative and how the grants could be applied for. She concentrated on the Parish Plan grant scheme which allowed the Parish Council to take the lead. There was a grant of up to £5,000 available but proof of a local community need would be required. One Parish Council in Gloucestershire had made a successful application but many more were in various stages of applying. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Council that a Ward Grant could be available to set up a web site and Cllr Nicholas would contact Natasha McKenna for an application form. Ms Edwards left copies of her slide presentation for information. Parish Councillors decided to discuss the implications of the programme at their next meeting in December.

The Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner opened the meeting at 7.35pm.

APOLOGIES
There was an apology from Cllr Stuart.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Page 1 ­ Village Floods ­ 2nd paragraph 2nd sentence ­ change ... would ...
work

It was proposed by Cllr Dunn 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 Mrs Gardiner read a letter from Mrs Robinson querying the implications of the weir which had been erected near the bridge in Clarks Hay. The Clerk was asked to copy the letter to the Environment Agency and Mr Rob Bull, Flood Co-ordinator at CDC with a covering letter expressing the concerns of the Parish Council. Cllr Jones (CDC) informed the Parish Council that the sluice gate in School Lane was now completed and that Thames Water had checked out all the pumping stations. Thames Water had also installed 20 flow monitors, 18 in the Cirencester area and two in South Cerney. All the CCTV surveys had been completed and were now awaiting analysis.

Hunter Page Planning Meeting
A meeting attended by Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Stuart with Paul Fong and Guy Wakefield of HPP on 18 October discussed the possibilities of the provision of a new community centre and the implications of affordable housing on the development. Following that meeting Cllr Nicholas reported that Westbury Homes was in favour of appointing an independent consultant to act jointly for South Cerney Parish Council and themselves at no cost to the Parish Council. Cllr Mrs Spriggs queried the necessity of engaging professional advisors but Cllr Nicholas replied that this advice would enable the Parish Council to properly comment on any planning application especially regarding the issue of the affordable housing element. Cllr Mrs Spriggs was concerned and uneasy with becoming involved with Westbury Homes. Cllr Jones (CDC) said that the local planning authority would produce a formula to calculate the ratio of affordable housing for the rest of the development. After a vote the Parish Council agreed with 6 in favour and 3 abstentions to invite Westbury Homes to instruct such advisors. Cllr Nicholas reported that Mr Davison and Ms Hague developers for Hampshire County Council would be prepared to provide advice and strategy for a fee of £3,000 to £5,000 to protect the interests of the Parish Council in dealing with Westbury Homes over the provision of a new community centre. Cllr Nicholas explained that the fee quoted was to conclusion of business but if for any reason the scheme failed to mature then the fee would reflect this. It was agreed that until the plans were approved there would be no commitment on behalf of the Parish Council and any payment would be on a conditional fee arrangement. Before these consultants were engaged it would be necessary to ask Hampshire County Council for an accreditation. A further meeting with HPP had been arranged for 22 November to which CDC Ward Councillors Mrs Clark and Dr Jones had been invited. Cllr Jones (CDC) did not agree in principle of engaging with developers and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would seek legal advice on whether to attend. If and when an application was presented both councillors would consider attending a meeting then. The Clerk was asked to invite CDC planning officers to attend the meeting scheduled for 22 November with HPP.

Robert Franklin Way play area Sub-Committee
Cllr Nicholas would arrange a meeting of the action group to form a Sub-Committee.


PLANNING
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 5 November.

Matters Arising
Best Value Review
Blockley Parish Council had pointed out that under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Parish Councils could formally instruct CDC that they wished to become a consultee in the planning process. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council formally write to CDC to consult the Parish Council under the terms of the above quoted Act.

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/3/M
Minor amendment to formation of bathroom off bedroom 2 at Crane Farm, South Cerney, Cirencester. Minor amendment relates to the installation of a three-light first floor window, in place of the previously approved two-light window in the east elevation
NO OBJECTION

CT.1454/3/Q
Removal of the existing conservatory and provision of new, together with formation of two small new windows, one on landing and the other to the master bedroom at Crane Farm, South Cerney, Cirencester 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.
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/2/X
Amendment to application for full planning permission for the erection of 40 semi-detached holiday lodges, extension and refurbishment of the clubhouse, fishing and continued leisure and fishing use of the lake, landscaping, provision of car parking, construction of new access at Lake 10, Cotswold Water Park, Cerney Wick Lane, South Cerney, Glos. The consensus of the Village Appraisal is that "enough is enough". The proposed amended new entrance is still dangerous. A clear enforceable occupancy restriction should be imposed, for example a uniform closed period during the "off season". The proposed construction hours should be reduced to starting at 8am and finishing no later than 6pm Monday to Friday. The application is incompatible with the principles of Zone B criteria. If permission granted Conditions thereof should include:
?    a contribution to the proposed cycle track/footpath along adjacent Spine Road;
?    new access from site to disused railway line;
?    upgrade existing bridleway on disused railway line from Lake 75 to South Cerney to provide a sustainable means of transport e.g. cycle track and/or footpath.
OBJECTION

CT.2781/N
Conversion of 2 (two) ground floor shops and 2 (two) first floor flats into 3 (three) dwellings at The Village Stores, Clarks Hay, South Cerney Parish Council agreed that if permission was granted then a Condition be imposed that parking is provided for all vehicles associated with the dwelling.
NO OBJECTION

CT.4073/D
Change of use to match fishing and specimen lakes together with erection of associated clubhouse at Lake 15, Spine Road, South Cerney The Parish Council does not object to the change of use. The Parish Council objects to the erection of a two (2) storey clubhouse in such a prominent position and question the need for residential use. The Parish Council also objects to the siting of caravans as they would have a detrimental effect on the visual impact within the area.
OBJECT

CT.6074/P
Two storey extension to the existing dwelling at Riverside Cottage, School Lane, South Cerney 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.
NO OBJECTION

CT.6074/Q
Two storey extension to the existing dwelling at Riverside Cottage, School Lane, South Cerney (listed building/conservation area consent)
NO OBJECTION

CT.8163/B
Amendment to application for 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

It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee and to ratify the decisions taken on applications CT.1454/3/Q and CT.6074/P. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/3/N
Porch extension to existing lodge at 61 Isis Lakes, Spine Road, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

CT.4125/1/F
Erection of single storey extension to existing dwelling at 10 Beverstone Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5XU

CT.4067/2/G
Erection of conservatory/sun room to side of existing dwelling at 27 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5XN

CT.6894/C
Proposed alterations to existing cottage at 3 Barracks Cottages, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UR

CT.8163/A
Installation of dormer windows at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UR Of particular note were: Condition 2 which stated that the site shall only be occupied for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the dwelling currently known as Orchard House; Condition 6 notwithstanding the submitted plans, the new dormer window of the north elevation shall be fitted using obscured glazing and shall be permanently fitted with obscured glazing and shall be maintained as such thereafter.

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%.
No objection by CDC

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 by CDC

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

CT.CONTR 1139
Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Stable Cottage, Upper Up, South Cerney. Various works as per notification.
No objection by CDC

CT.CONTR1160
Application to undertake tree work at Rowan House, The Langet, South Cerney. Various works as per notification.
NO OBJECTION

Tree Work in Conservation Area
The Committee recommends that discussion on the notification of tree work in the Conservation Area be transferred to the Village Maintenance and Playing Fields Committee for its deliberation. Cllr Harris agreed and the Parish Council would amend its procedure on a temporary basis until the next Parish Council elections.

Correspondence
A reply had been received from Mr C. J. Vickery Forward Planning Manager at CDC on the impact of the Local Plan Review on development in South Cerney. Of particular interest was his assertion that the CAMAS site is considered an area of mineral extraction where provision has been made for restoration through a planning condition. The Clerk was to request a copy of the relevant application.

A419/A417 Route Management Strategy
Cllr Parsons (GCC) referred to a pamphlet and questionnaire outlining the strategy on this trunk route through Gloucestershire. He was disappointed that no mention had been made of the "missing link" at Nettleton Bottom. A public exhibition had been arranged locally at Kingshill School, Cirencester for 10 November.


FINANCE
Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 5 November.

Matters Arising
District Audit
Iain Selkirk District Auditor informed the Parish Council that the Village Hall and Upper Up playing fields were community assets which cannot be sold by the Parish Council. Consequently a nominal value of £1 should be put on them but they should still be disclosed as Parish Council assets. An audited report of the accounts had been returned identifying issues arising from the audit. The auditor was pleased to report that the records had been well maintained during the year. One or two minor amendments were requested to the supporting statement to the accounts which had now been satisfactorily completed. Other matters of a minor nature were also discussed with the Clerk.

Disabled Access
It was proposed by Cllr Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Dunn that the Parish Council approves that work commences on the construction of the disabled access. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was asked to notify T. Sibbick.

Ditch Clearance in Station Road
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Spriggs and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council approves the quote from Mr Timbrell for £700 to dig out the ditch in Station Road. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was asked to notify Mr Timbrell. The grant from GCC Highways of £300 towards the cost was most welcome.

Weeping Willow in Meadow Way
Cllr Harris declared an interest and withdrew from the discussion. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council approves the quote from Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd for £160 to cut back the weeping willow in Meadow Way. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Receipts
Lloyds/TSB    Current account interest    £0.02

Payments
E. Curtis    Bus Shelter Cleansing (October)    £40.00
Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd    Tree pruning in Silver Street     £76.38
M. McKee    Clerk¹s Travel (October)    £62.85
M. McKee    Mail re-direction    £6.30
Able Pest Control    Mole Control (as quote)    £160.00
David Chubb    Ground maintenance (2 cuts in October)     £240.00
Busy Fingers    Photocopying    £26.01
Jeremy Simmons Ltd    Ground maintenance (October)     £710.04
Rodney Gardiner    Ground maintenance (October)          £70.35       £1,391.93
Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk¹s travel expenses for October. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Remembrance Day
Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner agreed to use the remaining £50 of her Chairperson¹s Allowance as a donation to the Royal British Legion.


PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE
Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 5 November.

Matters Arising
Disabled Access at Upper Up
The Committee recommended that the Parish Council agrees to instruct T. Sibbick to proceed with the contract to erect the disabled access at Upper Up.

CCTV Survey
David Green of Three Counties Drainage Services informed the Clerk that he would carry out a CCTV survey of the culvert in High Street in the coming week. Derek Taylor of GCC Highways was awaiting his call to open the relevant manholes for access.

Lines on Basketball area at Upper Up
Cllr Harris reported that Ermin Toolhire was now able to supply the equipment needed to paint the lines on the basketball area and that he would organise the work.

Litter
Mr E. Curtis who had been approached by Cllr Stuart was in agreement to pick up litter within the village. The Committee recommended that the Parish Council offered him £5 for one hour per week. Cllr Mrs Pearse said that there were numerous residents who carried out this task voluntarily and queried the necessity of paying someone. Cllr Harris replied that litter was a continuing nuisance on the playing fields. After some discussion the Parish Council decided not to pursue paying anyone for litter collection.

Drain Cleaning
A written quote for £700 plus VAT had now been received from Mr Timbrell to dig out the open drain in Station Road. The Committee was all in favour and recommended that the Parish Council agrees. GCC Highways which had offered a donation of £300 towards the cost was most welcome.

Mole Clearance
Able Pest Control Services had completed the mole clearance of the playing field at Upper Up.

Bus Shelter Repair
Cllr Gardiner would remind Mr Clive Symcox that work on the repairs he had quoted for had not yet been carried out.

Ditch in Station Road
The Clerk was to ask Jeremy Simmons Landscapes Ltd to strim the ditch when they next carried out grass maintenance in the village, preferably prior to it being dug out.

Hedge at Cerney Wick play area
Mr Taffinder had agreed for the Parish Council to arrange the cutting back of the pyracantha hedge at Cerney Wick playing field and for the rails of the fence to be positioned on the playground side. The Clerk was to contact Ian Fairbrother, Chairman of the Cerney Wick Village Committee to enquire if he requires that the hedge be cut back further before he undertakes the fence repair. Cllr Harris would contact Mr Fairbrother to arrange the repair.

Inspection Report
Cllr Stuart carried out the playground inspections. Cllr Harris gave his report. Smashed glass had been found on the basketball court at Upper Up playing fields and the Clerk was asked to inform the police. Cllr Gardiner would be responsible for carrying out the inspections for the coming month

MILLENNIUM PARK
Cllr Harris reported that Martin Portus was awaiting a response from Mr Bergin of the Environment Agency regarding objections to the proposed building of the Millennium Park on the flood plain. Plans for a skate boarding scheme have had to be withdrawn because the area of concrete needed was too large to accommodate in the plan.

Westbury Homes
Cllr Harris requested that Mr Bachus, Site Manager at the Limes, be asked what the intentions were for the eastern end of the original boundary wall fronting the development on Station Road. If it was determined that it was part of the developers responsibility it should be left in a more tidy condition. A manhole cover had worked loose opposite the entrance to Westbury Homes and the Clerk was asked to inform GCC Highways.

Bledisloe Cup
Cllr Stuart informed the Clerk that he had received two invitations to the award presentations for the Village of the Year competition to be held in London on 5 December. Cllr Stuart volunteered to attend the presentation and suggested that the Parish Council considers asking either Peter Jay or Raymond Fenton to attend as they had both put in a tremendous amount of effort in preparing for the presentation which had been held in the Village Hall on 25 October. After a short debate it was agreed that Cllr Harris would accompany Cllr Stuart to the presentation. Cllr Mrs Gardiner on behalf of the Parish Council thanked Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart for making their presentations to the panel. Cllr Nicholas proposed and Cllr Dunn seconded this and the Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Mrs Gardiner proposed and Cllr Gardiner seconded that the Parish Council agrees to pay for their travel and expenses for attending the presentation. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Golden Jubilee
Cllr Harris reported that Capt Ian Cheeseman, Welfare Officer at 29 Rgt The Royal Logistic Corps had made enquiries to join with the village in celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee. He had proposed to erect a beacon on the airfield and hold a village picnic there. This would be discussed at next month's meeting.

2 Willow Grove
A resident had reported to Cllr Mrs Chubb that the leylandii hedge outside 2 Willow Grove was obstructing the sight line for vehicles joining Station Road. The Clerk was asked to write to the occupier to cut back the offending hedge.

War Memorial
Cllr Gardiner had tidied up the War Memorial in preparation for the Remembrance Sunday parade on 11 November.

Lime Tree in Silver Street
Cllr Gardiner received a request from Mr D. Walters, a resident living opposite the entrance to Berry Farm in Silver Street, that the lime tree outside his property be cut back as it was reducing light to his home. Cllr Gardiner would contact Mr Walters to ascertain whether he was prepared to fund the pruning work.

Scrap Engine in Silver Street
The Clerk was asked to arrange for the removal of a discarded car engine which had been dumped on the verge in Silver Street.

Overgrowing Hedge in Bow Wow
Lord Fanshawe had agreed to trim back overhanging hedges in Bow Wow and apologised for any inconvenience caused to the public.


CO-OPTION OF NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR

The Parish Council agreed that Cllr Mrs Gardiner contact Mr or Mrs Chapman of Berkeley Close to see if either of them were prepared to become a Parish Councillor.


BLEDISLOE PRIZE

The Parish Council agreed to present the Gardening Club with the £100 received for winning the Bledisloe Cup and ask that bulbs be planted between the lime trees in Silver Street.


PARISH COUNCIL WEB SITE

Cllr Nicholas had contacted Mr Raymond Fenton who agreed to erect the web site for £90 less than the quote from Commatic Ltd. Cllr Nicholas would apply to the Ward Fund for a grant to build the web site.


VILLAGE NATURE RESERVES

Dr Simon Pickering from the Cotswold Water Park Society had written to describe four various contacts who might provide grants for village nature reserves. The Clerk was asked to invite Dr Pickering to give a talk to the Parish Council prior to its next meeting in December.


CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS

Cllr Jones (CDC) reminded the Parish Council that the forthcoming Area Liaison Panel meeting would be held at 7.30pm on the 20 November at Poole Keynes Village Hall. On 11 November Cllr Harris and Cllr Nicholas attended a playgroup seminar in Northleach organised by CDC. On 18 November Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Stuart attended a meeting with Hunter Page Planning in the Village Hall On 25 November Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart attended the presentation to the Village of the Year inspection panel in the Village Hall.

There being no further business Cllr Mrs Gardiner closed the meeting at 10.40pm.