MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 8 MAY 2002

Prior to the start of the Parish Council meeting Rev J. Calvert accompanied by Mr T. Squire attended a meeting of Parish Councillors. Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner welcomed them and invited Rev Calvert to address the meeting. Rev Calvert outlined the implications and responsibilities of Parish Councils for graveyards and explained that lawfully the Parish Council is the Burial Authority although the Church at the moment deal with all matters regarding the use of the churchyard. In the past a joint committee was established comprising two members of the public, two members of the Parish Council and another resident. One Parish Councillor who had resigned from the Council had not been replaced and Rev Calvert would like to see the complement restored. Election to the Burial Authority was on the Parish Council agenda later in the evening. As the graveyard was nearing capacity a decision on whether to enlarge it or close it had been necessary. Against advice the Joint Committee agreed to enlarge and not to close the churchyard. A parcel of land owned by Lady Fanshawe adjoining the present graveyard had been successfully negotiated to enlarge the burial area but one of the conditions was that a stone wall should be extended to enclose it. A quotation for this wall which would be 74 metres long had been agreed and with legal fees would cost approximately £8,200. This sum would have to be raised from within the community. The Parish Council had previously voted to donate between £1,000 and £2,500 towards the cost of reconstruction. In reply to a question from Cllr Harris, Rev Calvert said that it was impossible to accurately assess how long this new area could cope with more people opting for cremation. Rev Calvert and Mr Squire left the meeting at 7.22pm.

Three members of the public were present.

The Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) and Cllr Parsons (GCC).

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr Mrs Gardiner offered to stand again. There were no other nominations for the post. Cllr Stuart proposed and Cllr Mrs Chubb seconded that the Parish Council reappoint Cllr Mrs Gardiner as Chairperson. The Parish Council was all in favour.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Cllr Stuart agreed to stand again as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominations for the post. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that Cllr Stuart be re-elected as Vice Chairman. The Parish Council was all in favour.

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES
Planning Committee
There were nominations from Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Dunn, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Pearse. Cllr Mrs Gardiner proposed and Cllr Harris seconded a motion that the Parish Council accept these nominations. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Finance Committee
Cllr King, Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Spriggs offered to serve on the Finance Committee. They were proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Stuart. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee
There were nominations from Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart. Cllr Mrs Gardiner proposed and Cllr Mrs Spriggs seconded a motion that the four nominees be re-elected. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Burial Authority
The Clerk was to ask G. Andrews, Rev J. Calvert and G. James to continue to be members of the Burial Authority. Cllr Dunn and Cllr Mrs Pearse offered to serve. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Harris that both Parish Councillors be elected to the Burial Authority. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Snow Warden
Cllr Harris offered to continue serving as Snow Warden. He was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr King. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Personnel Committee
There were nominations from Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Spriggs. Cllr Dunn proposed and Cllr Harris seconded a motion that the nominees be re-elected. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Village Hall Representative
Cllrs Mrs Spriggs had been elected as the Village Hall Representative at a recent Parish Council Meeting.


MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 APRIL 2002
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It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chubb and seconded by Cllr Gardiner that the Minutes as amended, were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour and the Minutes were signed by the Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner.


MATTERS ARISING

Shorncote Sewage Pumping Station Visit
The Clerk was asked to inform Ms L. Sale of Thames Water that Parish Councillors would be available to visit the pumping station at Shorncote on Tuesday 18 June at 6.30pm.

Web Site www.southcerney.org.uk
Cllr Nicholas reported that the site was now up and running and encouraged those at the meeting to use it, especially contribute to the discussion forum. He suggested that the Code of Conduct be made available and the Clerk would inform R. Fenton of a web link address which could be added to the site for this purpose. It was agreed that the web address be added to the Parish Council's letterhead.

Local Transport Needs
Cllr Stuart invited Mrs Smith, present as a member of the public, to join the sub-committee and she enthusiastically agreed. Cllr Mrs Spriggs was worried that the sub-committee would not have the support of future Parish Councils. Cllr Stuart explained that the policy of future Parish Councils could not be enforced but repeated his commitment that as long as he is a member of the Parish Council he will use his best endeavours to make sure that the sub-committee is supported. He envisaged that committee set up under the umbrella of the Vital Villages initiative would be an on-going group which would evolve as a focus group. Cllr Spriggs repeated that she was not happy with the situation as minuted and hoped that more attention would be paid to this new sub-committee's findings than was given to the Village Appraisal.

Code of Conduct
The Clerk informed Parish Councillors that Mr Collis of Anchor, Station Road, South Cerney had inspected their register of interests on 26 April in the Village Hall. No further requests had been received to inspect the register.


PLANNING
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 7 May.

Matters Arising
Appeal by Westbury Homes
Cllr Nicholas had circulated the Proof of Evidence and submitted it to the Planning Appeal within the stipulated deadline. Cllr Mrs Spriggs pointed out that she had not received the draft as promised.

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.0006/3/J & CT.0006/3/K
Residential redevelopment of Camas site to provide 30 dwellings at Camas Building Materials Ltd, Station Road, South Cerney
The Committee had decided that the Parish Council should determine its recommendation at this meeting. Although the proposed development was outside the development boundary, Cllr Nicholas said that if the Parish Council was to object to the principle of residential development in Phase II that may be construed as being inconsistent bearing in mind previous decisions made by it. Vigorous debate followed with opinions divided on whether or not to object to the application. It was finally agreed to object to the application on the grounds that it was unacceptable that traffic flows exit the proposed development to Station Road. If permission was granted then the Parish Council agreed that the following conditions be imposed:
1.    In the area designated Public Open Space on the plan developers should fill in the water course
2.    Traffic calming be implemented at all 4 (four) gateways to the village.
(a) Silver Street (b) Station Road (c) Broadway Lane (d) Upper Up
3.    Affordable housing be increased from 10% to 20%
4.    Affordable housing be on a shared ownership basis
5.    A commuted sum (to be agreed) to equip proposed play area
6.    Wooded area be left as a nature reserve with limited public access and a commuted sum (to be agreed) given to the Parish Council to maintain it
7.    An assessment and upgrade if necessary of the sewerage system
8.    Access to the development should be to the south through Broadway Lane only
The Clerk was asked to enquire from the Planning Authority as to when the Section 106 Agreement of Phase I would be implemented. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Mrs Spriggs that the Parish Council objects to the application on the ground mentioned. The Parish Council was all in favour.
OBJECT

CT.2977/Q
Replacement dog kennels at The Fosse Dogotel & Cattery, Cricklade Road, South Cerney The Committee recommended that the kennels be painted in a discrete colour.
NO OBJECTION

CT.5485/H
Extension to outbuilding to allow use as garage for two cars. Change of access to property (present access is on a dangerous corner) at The Barn, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos.
NO OBJECTION

CT.7318/C
Minor amendment to the erection of single storey extension and two storey side extension to existing dwelling at Mill Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester
NO OBJECTION

CT.7552/A
Two storey extension forming lounge with bedroom and bathroom over; single storey extension to a kitchen and a conservatory at 28 Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Glos. The Committee had objected of the size of the porch but not to the overall plan.
NO OBJECTION

CT.8163/C
(a) Erection of a single two storey plus attic dwelling and alterations to entrance/fences on boundaries at land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney
(b) Amendment to erection of a single two storey plus attic dwelling and alterations to entrance/fences on boundaries at land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney It was agreed that the revised plans had taken into consideration previous objections but as there was no information on the number of trees which were to be felled the Parish Council was minded to object.
OBJECTION

CT.8163/D
Construction of new dry stone boundary wall 2m high to rear of house and widening of entrance at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney The Parish Council agreed that the proposed wall line would make crossing to and from the playing fields dangerous and would prefer it to be sited on the existing builders fence line.
OBJECTION

With the exception of CT.0006/3/J & K which had already been determined, it was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Gardiner that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee on the rest of the applications. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning permission/listed building consent granted 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) at Lake 16, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Conditions of note imposed included:
 2.    Notwithstanding Classes C2 and C3 of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, the accommodation shall be used to provide holiday accommodation only, which shall not be occupied as permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence.
 7.    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 and the development shall not be brought into use or occupied until the approved arrangements have been provided. The scheme shall include details of any system proposed for surface water drainage into the lake.
 9.    With the exception of work on the new access, development shall not commence until the existing access onto the Spine Road, B4696 has been stopped up and its use permanently abandoned, with the possible exception of use in the case of an emergency, in a manner to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
11.    The lodges and clubhouses hereby approved shall not be brought into use until the following have been provided in accordance with the approved details of this permission:
   (a)    The bridleway extension to connect the site with the existing Station Road footway in the village of South Cerney
   (b)    The pedestrian links onto the bridleway from the development site and the existing Watermark site adjacent to Lake 14/15   Such links shall be kept open thereafter for users of the two sites.
15.    No motorised craft other than emergency or maintenance craft, or craft ancillary to the activities of the sailing club, shall be used on the lake. There shall be no racing or testing of motorised craft or the use of jet-ski craft.
19.    The holiday units shall not be occupied from the 6th day of January until the 5th day of February inclusive each year.
21.    (a)    undertake an annual audit of all its lessees by the thirteenth day of November in every year to ascertain that the units are being occupied for holiday purposes and not as principal places of residence
25.    No external lighting shall be installed on the site without the prior written permission of the Local Planning Authority.

CT.2781/N
Conversion of two ground floor shops and two first floor flats into three dwellings at the Village Stores, Clarks Hay, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

CT.3377/E
Listed building consent for alterations and extension at The Cottage, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UG

CT.3377/F
Planning permission for alterations and extension at The Cottage, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UG

Planning permission refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.3377/G
Reconstruction of the chapel to form a dwelling at the Brethren Chapel, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

Correspondence

A letter of objection had been received from Mr Beard regarding application CT.3115/E. It would be appended to the file when received from CDC. Mr Beard objected to the realignment of a proposed dwelling and on evidence he produced the Parish Council agreed to object to this amendment. The Clerk was asked to inform Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) of this decision and ask CDC Planning Officer Mr M. Napper to forward the application for consideration.


FINANCE
Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 7 May.

Matters Arising
Response from Audit Commission
The Clerk reported that no reply had been received.

Outstanding Accounts
Cricket Club    Water services at Upper Up Playing Fields     £3.59 The Clerk had reminded the Cricket Club of the outstanding account

Payments
Petty Cash    Bus Shelter Cleansing (May)    £40.00
D. Hester    Supply & deliver gravel to ditch in Station Road     £30.00
Viking Direct    Stationery supplies    £121.86
GAPTC    Annual subscription    £488.03
Cotswold Water Park    Water vole survey    £58.75
M. McKee    Clerk's Travel (April)    £73.16
R. W. Gardiner    Ground maintenance Cerney Wick (April)     £63.60
Jeremy Simmons Ltd    Ground maintenance (April)    £888.00
Busy Fingers    Photocopying         £45.90  £1,809.30
Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for April. 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.

Cornhill Insurance    Liability renewal    £714.37 The Clerk was to ask Zurich Insurance for a comparative quote to renew the Parish Council's insurance.

Receipts
Football Club    Water services at Upper Up Playing Fields     £18.31
Precept    1st Instalment    £34,500.00
VAT Rebate    VAT repayment    £2,029.19
Environment Agency    Bore hole at Upper Up         £300.00   £36,847.50
Credit Note Received
Wicksteed Leisure    Safety tile repairs    £279.65

Correspondence
On the recommendation of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed to
appoint Iain Selkirk as "internal auditor" for a year.
The Clerk was to ask the Parish Council's insurers for a quotation to extend the policy to include the rebuilding costs and public liability for the new pavilion at Upper Up. On receipt the Clerk would inform Mr M. A. James who should make arrangements to reimburse the Parish Council under the terms of the lease.
The PCC South Cerney Flower Group had requested a donation towards a Festival of Flowers with Royal Memorabilia to be held during the June Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Parish Council approves a donation of £50 to the PCC South Cerney Flower Fund. The Parish Council was all in favour.


PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE
Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 7 May.

Matters Arising
CCTV Survey
The Clerk had contacted Mr Mooney at GCC but he was unavailable due to a site meeting. His secretary would ask him to telephone the Clerk.

Village of the Year Prizes
Cllr Stuart reported that the Village Hall Committee were in the process of purchasing the armed chairs. Mr P. Jay was dealing with the matter.

Street Lighting
If no action has been notified before 22 May the Clerk is to ask Mr Greenaway for a progress report. Cllr Stuart pointed out that Mr Greenaway proposed to install an extended arm on the existing post at Bridge House in Silver Street and not to erect a new post.

Stile on BSC17
Mr Phil Cluely had contacted Cllr Stuart from the site and suggested that a "kissing gate" be installed on the canal side of the footpath but he would liaise with Mr Richard Woodley.

Golden Jubilee
Cllr Stuart informed the Committee that a meeting was arranged to include Ian Kennedy and the Street Fair Committee for Monday 13 May.

Cycle Racks
Cllr Harris had nothing further to report.

INSPECTION REPORT
Cllr Stuart had carried out the inspections. He reported an accumulation of litter at Upper Up which had been exacerbated by recent grass cutting. Ground maintenance at Upper Up was very unsatisfactory and the contractor informed. Due to the lateness of the first cut further cropping had now compacted and the resulting hay should be removed. The cracks in the swing seats at Cerney Wick and Upper Up were showing signs of deterioration and the Clerk was asked to contact Wicksteed Leisure to quote for their repair. Cllr Stuart reported that weed growth was becoming a problem and Cllr Gardiner volunteered to spray it. The white lines on the basketball court would be attended to by Cllr Harris. The spoil from recent building work on the car park should be removed and the Clerk was to obtain quotations from A. C. Nurden Ltd, F. Timbrell, G. Woodhouse and Phoenix for the work. At Cerney Wick Cllr Mrs Chapman volunteered to sweep up light debris in the area by the play equipment. Cllr Mrs Chubb would carry out the inspections in the coming period.

WICKSTEED SAFETY REPORT
As the entrapment points on the tower slide at Upper Up were considered a hazard the Clerk was to ask Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association (GPFA) for advice on how to modify access to the platform. Cllr Gardiner suggested that a ladder be attached to the side of the apparatus as an alternative means of entry. The slide at Cerney Wick which had failed the step riser test had been considered as low risk by the inspectors and no further action was warranted at this time. The paint work on the slide needed attention and the Clerk was asked to obtain quotations from R.O.W. Berry and Ian Budgen to treat the corrosion and repaint them in a similar colour.

UPPER UP PARK REPORT
Cllr Harris had met with Martin Portus on numerous occasions since the last Parish Council to discuss the progress or lack of it. The contractor who had submitted the lowest tender was showing signs of not being willing to accept the contract. Cllr Harris and Martin Portus will meet the contractor to discuss the situation on 13 May. Plans, including the water vole survey, had been submitted to the CDC for approval.

TRAFFIC BOLLARDS
Mr & Mrs Smith from the Old Police Station in Station Road had written to complain about the new traffic bollards which had been erected outside their property in Station Road and also a copy letter to and a reply from GCC Highways. They urged the Parish Council to object to the bollards which they had been informed were temporary and on trial but making access to their property difficult and dangerous. A further letter from A. J. Farmer of Englefield, Station Road was received complaining about the siting of the bollards. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council ask GCC Highways to remove the bollards. The Parish Council was all in favour.

WALL AT ENGLEFIELD/LIMES
The Clerk was to enquire from Westbury Homes what the intentions were for the eastern end of the original boundary wall fronting the development on Station Road.

CT.CONTR1240
Notification of intention to undertake the felling of two cypress at Orchard House, South Cerney.
The Committee objected to the felling of trees in the Conservation Area. As the trees were on a boundary it considered they provided privacy and screening for neighbouring properties. It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Parish Council objects to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.
OBJECT

ABANDONED VEHICLE
Cllr Dunn asked the Clerk to report an abandoned vehicle in River Way in the vicinity of the garages and fire hydrant point.

HOLE IN CARRIAGEWAY
The Clerk was asked to report to GCC Highways that a huge hole had appeared in the carriage outside the Londis in Broadway Lane near its junction with Berkeley Close.

CORRESPONDENCE
Code letters given to items of correspondence refer to the Committee which
they apply. For example: PC=Parish Council; VM=Playing Fields and Village
Maintenance; P=Planning and F=Finance

COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS
Cllr Mrs Chapman asked the Clerk to contact Watermark and ask them to cut the hedges back on the jet ski lake fronting Cerney Wick Lane.
Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the rubbish bin opposite the Crown Inn in Cerney Wick was full and needed to be emptied.
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the ground maintenance team had not strimmed the ditch in Station Road.

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