MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2002

Four members of the public were present.

The Vice Chairman Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Dunn, Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Jones (CDC).

SOUTH CERNEY SAILING CLUB
Commodore Paul Talbot and Andrew Martin Membership Secretary of the South Cerney Sailing Club explained the plans the club had for their new clubhouse and facilities. Mr Martin informed the Parish Council that the club had negotiated a 99 year lease from Watermark who had been very helpful. The club had great hopes that a lottery grant would be awarded but was not taking it for granted. The outcome of the grant application was expected by the end of July. If the grant was not forthcoming a contingency plan for a smaller scheme would then be put into operation. He then showed Parish Councillors proposed plans which the club would be presenting to CDC for planning permission. Although currently there were 20 members from the South Cerney area out of more than 400 the club was actively encouraging more local members evidenced by an information stall at the recent Street Fair and a mail shot directed at local residents. The club would welcome the support of the Parish Council when other grants are applied for. Cllr Stuart said that the presentation was a valuable contribution which would help the Parish Council make a decision, when necessary, whether to support the club. Mr Talbot and Mr Martin left the meeting at 7.50pm.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8 MAY 2002
Page 3 ­ Local Transport Needs: 1st line ... invited Mrs Smith, ... change to read: invited Mr & Mrs Smith,

It was proposed by Cllr Harris 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 Vice Chairman Cllr Stuart.

MATTERS ARISING

Burial Authority
Cllr Nicholas stated that the Parish Council needed to know which statutory body was responsible for the graveyard. Cllr Dunn, who was elected to the Burial Authority at the last meeting, would be asked to inform the Parish Council at its meeting in July.

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

Matters Arising
Appeal by Westbury Homes
Cllr Nicholas who had attended the appeal hearing for four days reported that on balance it had been a worthwhile exercise. He summarised proceedings outlining opposing barristers opening statements. He then explained in detail Section 106 Agreements which would be binding on the developers if the appeal was successful. He encouraged Parish Councillors to attend the appeal on 14 June at 9am when barristers on behalf of CDC and Westbury Homes would make their concluding statements. Cllr Mrs Gardiner said that the Parish Council owed Cllr Nicholas a debt of gratitude for the time he spent both prior to and at the appeal on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Harris agreed that the Parish Council was indebted to Cllr Nicholas for the time and energy he had spent leading up to and at the appeal. Cllr Harris proposed and Cllr Stuart seconded a vote of thanks. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Mrs Spriggs personally thanked Cllr Nicholas for his fair rendition of the differing opinions of the Parish Council but criticised his abbreviated version of the minority Parish Council opinion and lack of consultation in its composition. Cllr Nicholas defended his actions and refuted the criticism explaining that only matters of material consideration were of importance in the statement. Cllr Mrs Spriggs further complained that Cllr Nicholas had not honoured, what she described as a gentlemen's agreement, to discuss the content of the minority opinion in the statement to the appeal. Cllr Nicholas said that this was an oversight but he considered that the wording fairly explained the differing opinions.

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.3115/E
Erection of a dwelling and garage at Plot 2, land off Meadow Way, South Cerney.
As CDC required that views on the application should be made by 30 May 2002 the Planning Committee decided to object and request that the Parish Council ratifies their decision.
The proposal represents very significant departures from the details of the plans that were approved at the appeal for this and adjoining sites. It includes first floor windows in the southern elevation which would intrude on the privacy of the cottages to the south. It changes it from a 3 bedroom to a 4 bedroom property, creating extra windows in the southern elevation. It also appears to move the house southward, resulting in an increase in the intrusion on privacy to the south. The plans submitted for and approved by the appeal were very careful to minimise overlooking the existing cottages to the south. This proposal fundamentally overturns that careful desirable intent. Mr Beard complained that procedural errors at CDC had meant that some amendments had been approved contrary to the objectives of the successful appeal which had been granted permission and that he had not been kept informed by the District Council. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would investigate the matter at the District Council.
Cllr Nicholas proposed and Cllr Gardiner seconded a proposal that the Parish Council ratify the decision the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.
OBJECT

CT.4086/B
Internal alterations to create new shower room at 6 Edwards College, South Cerney,
Cllr Nicholas declared a professional interest and took no further part in this determination.
NO OBJECTION

CT.7552/A
Two storey extension forming lounge with bedroom and bathroom over; single storey extension to kitchen and a conservatory at 28 Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester
NO OBJECTION

CT.8163/C
Amendment plan for 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 plus additional information.
NO OBJECTION

CT.5804/R
Provision of a rubb shelter/hangar at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney, Cirencester.
The Committee was concerned that the size and isolated position of the proposed structure would have a disturbing effect on the view from the Cirencester Road.
OBJECTION

With the exception of CT.3115/E which had already been determined, it was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Gardiner that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee on the other applications. The Parish Council was all in favour with Cllr Nicholas notifying his professional interest in application CT.4086/B.

Planning Applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.0144/4/L
The erection of a pitched roof single storey extension and alterations to the existing bungalow at Hailwood, Station Road, South Cerney, Cirencester,
Glos. GL7 5UB

CT.2977/Q
Replacement dog kennels at The Fosse Dogotel & Cattery, Cricklade Road, South Cerney Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QB

CT.3115/D
Re-position garage of Plot 1 approved under CT.3115/B at land rear of 3 Meadow Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

CT.4067/2/H
Erection of a two storey side extension at 1 Oak Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, GL7 5XX

CT.4313/S
Listed building consent granted for conversion of redundant barn to ancillary accommodation at Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH

CT.4313/T
Planning permission granted for conversion of redundant barn to ancillary accommodation at Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH

CT.5322/N
Replacement of timber bungalow with masonry bungalow at Rosemary, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH

CT.6216/C
Installation of hydrological monitoring equipment, housed in a prefabricated fibreglass kiosk at The Crown Inn, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH

CT.6271/B
Erection of house and garage at Plot 3 land rear of 3 Meadow Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos.

CT.7318/C
Erection of single storey extension and two storey side extension to existing dwelling at Mill Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QJ Minor Amendment Approval: Replacement of proposed rooflight with dormer window upon north east elevation. Introduction of dormer window into roof to south west elevation


Correspondence
Draft Section 106 Agreement for CAMAS site application (subject to appeal) Cllr Nicholas had earlier made a report to the Parish Council CDC ­ Section 106 Agreement for Phase 1 of CAMAS site (commuted sum) M. A. Kitchen (CDC) did not believe that there is a Section 106 which required a commuted sum to the Parish Council. The Clerk reported that he had informed Mr Kitchen that a Section 106 had been agreed and signed by the Parish Council and his reply was awaited. October and November 2000 Minutes refer.
Objection to CT.0006/3/J
Jean Hoare had written to object to the application. The Parish Council had previously objected to this application.


FINANCE
Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 10 June.

Matters Arising
Response from Audit Commission
The Clerk reported that no reply had been received. Zurich Insurance
The Clerk reported that a Summary of Cover and a Proposal Form had been received from Zurich Insurance. After returning the completed Proposal Form to the insurance company they informed him that due to an overload of business it would not be possible to process the proposal for the coming year but would contact the Parish Council prior to next year's insurance renewal.

Payments
Raymond Fenton    Web Site fee    £515.00
Whitton Associates    Upper Up Park design and specification     £2,300.40
BT Telecom    Clerk's Phone    £69.77
Cornhill Insurance    Renewal premium (inc Sports Pavilion £157.50) £871.87
Environment Agency    Application for discharge of water at Upper Up £50.00
Petty Cash    Bus Shelter Cleansing (June)    £40.00
M. McKee    Clerk's Travel (May)    £79.54
Busy Fingers    Photocopying    £27.14
Jeremy Simmons     Ground Maintenance (May)     £1,023.12
Rodney Gardiner    Ground Maintenance Cerney Wick (May)        £108.90 £5,085.74
Cllr Mrs Gardiner had inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for May at the Committee meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr King that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Receipts
Cricket Club    Water services at Upper Up Playing Fields     £3.59

Web Site Grant
The Clerk reported that he had applied to the CDC for the grant of £500 awarded to set up the web site. Cllr Mrs Gardiner had suggested at the Committee meeting that a letter of thanks be sent to Raymond Fenton for his efforts and the Parish Council agreed.

Sports Pavilion Insurance
There was £157.50 additional premium to insure the Sports Pavilion. The Clerk was to request payment under the terms of the lease from the Cricket Club and to ask that they confirm in writing the sum assured of £50,000 is adequate.

Quotations
Two quotations had been received for painting play equipment at Cerney Wick. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council accepts the lower quote of £225 from R. O. W. Berry. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Jubilee Celebration Donation
PCC had requested that the Parish Council consider making a donation to help with the cost of providing the recent festivities held in the village over the recent Bank Holiday weekend. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pearse that the Parish Council agrees to make a donation of £100 to the PCC. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Commemoration Mugs
Cllr Mrs Gardiner had previously reminded the Committee meeting that historically mementos had been presented to the pupils at Ann Edwards School to commemorate important events and suggested that a decorated mug or such-like object should be given to each pupil as a souvenir of the occasion. The Clerk informed the Parish Council that Argyle China had supplied a good quality china beaker to Fairford Town Council with decoration depicting the town's coat of arms and a picture of Her Majesty the Queen at a cost of £2.45 per item. After a discussion the Parish Council was not convinced that such a gift be presented.

Parish Council Accounts
Cllr Mrs Gardiner confirmed to the Committee that the Parish Council's accounts were now ready for audit.

Correspondence
Cricket Club ­ Sports Pavilion
M. A. James, Secretary, South Cerney Cricket Club expected to start using the Sports Pavilion with effect from 13 May. The Clerk confirmed that insurance cover had been arranged from 13 May 2002 to 31 May 2003.
Iain A. Selkirk ­ Independent Internal Auditor
Mr Selkirk had agreed to act as an independent internal auditor for the Parish Council
Jubilee Festival of Flowers
The Jubilee Festival of Flowers Committee thanked the Parish Council for its generous donation of £50
Phoenix ­ Spoil at Upper Up car park
The Committee recommend that the Parish Council accept the quote of £120 to remove the spoil from the car park
South Cerney Village Hall ­ Annual Accounts
Peter Jay, Hon Treasurer South Cerney Village Hall Management Committee provided the Village Hall annual accounts. He requested that the Parish Council consider to increase the yearly donation of £2,000 towards running costs as this amount had remained at that level for some considerable time. The Clerk was to ask Mr Jay to suggest how much of a donation he would invite.
South Cerney Pre-School Playgroup
The group requests that the Parish Council considers making a donation to help replace its current premises which have come to the end of its useful life. Cllr Nicholas reported that there was no obligation to make a statutory contribution. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council agrees to make a donation of £600 to the playgroup. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Audit Commission
The Audit Commission confirmed the appointment of Moore Stephens as external auditor to South Cerney Parish Council


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

Matters Arising
CCTV Survey
James Thomas, Assistant Environmental Drainage Engineer wrote stating the he intended to commence work on site within 12 weeks from 10 May depending on the speed of responses from Utility Companies and the availability of funding. He added that currently he was in the process of receiving tenders to have four of the services removed and to have a badly damaged 10m section of the watercourse replaced.
Village of the Year Prizes
Cllr Stuart reported that the Village Hall Committee was in the process of purchasing the armed chairs. Mr P. Jay was dealing with the matter but further progress had been delayed due to holidays and Jubilee celebrations.

Street Lighting
GCC Street Lighting had informed the Clerk that all work had now been carried out. Cllr Stuart disagreed and would contact the department personally.

Stile on BSC17
If no action has been notified before the end of June the Clerk is to ask Mr Cluely for a progress report.

Golden Jubilee
Cllr Stuart reported that the Street Fair Committee which included Cllr Dunn, Cllr Stuart, Mrs Stuart, Rowena Merson, Ian Kennedy and Capt Ian Cheeseman considered the Jubilee Celebrations a success with at least 550 attending the party held during the evening at Atkyns Manor. Cllr Stuart thanked all concerned.

Upper Up Tower Slide
The Clerk had met with Tracey Gibson from Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association (GPFA) to determine how to solve the finger entrapment and access problems on the tower slide. Mrs Gibson suggested that the platform be boarded over and a scramble type net at an angle to the frame be installed for access. She also recommended that a bar be set one third of the way down in the frame at the mouth of the slide to help children launch themselves on the shute. The Clerk was asked to enquire from Wicksteed Leisure what a net would cost and any recommendations they might have to provide a safer access to the platform.

Traffic Bollards
A reply had been received from I. Coggon, Principal Area Manager, Development Co-ordination at GCC Highways requesting that the Parish Council supports the siting of the bollards for road safety reasons and to continue to monitor the situation after the proposed white lining had been laid. He reminded the Parish Council that the developer's scheme for works on the public highway had been fully discussed prior to implementation and had received the support of the Parish Council. Minutes from April 2000 confirmed that the Parish Council was in favour of traffic calming measures but that the proposed traffic islands in Station Road and High Street were not suitable. The Clerk was asked to reply to Mr Coggon accordingly.


INSPECTION REPORT
Cllr Mrs Chubb had carried out the inspections over the previous five week period. She reported an accumulation of litter at Upper Up and Robert Franklin Way which had been exacerbated by recent grass cutting. The litter bins alongside the fence at Upper Up and near to the entrance at Robert Franklin Way needed to be emptied. The safety tiles at Upper Up and Cerney Wick were once again showing signs of lifting but as yet were not a hazard. Cllr Mrs Chubb considered that the safety tiles at Cerney Wick were too slippery and needed to be cleaned off. One rail on the fence had been dislodged and redundant posts which had nails protruding had been left near to the gate. Cllr Mrs Chapman would inform Mr I. Fairbrother of Chairman of Cerney Wick Village Hall Committee. However, the play area at Cerney Wick was very tidy and there was no sign of any litter. Cllr Harris will carry out the inspections in the coming period.

Litter picker
The Parish Council agreed in principle to employ a litter picker on a part time basis to cope with the permanent problem of litter at the play areas and throughout the village. Cllr Stuart and Cllr Harris will contact Mr E. Curtis to determine whether he would be willing to do the job.

Rubbish in Gypsy Lane
The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Chris Wheeler of the Cotswold Water Park Ranger Service to see if he would arrange to clear away rubbish which was accumulating in Gypsy Lane.


UPPER UP PARK REPORT
Cllr Harris had met with Martin Portus, Peter Smith and Karen Birt from Creoda to reassure the preferred tenderers on the terms of the contract. Cllr Harris would call a meeting of the sub-committee to discuss fund raising and how to finance the project. In reply to a question from Cllr Stuart, Cllr Harris expected CDC to approve the planning application in due course.

Correspondence
H. J. Mould C.Eng ­ Fanshawe Weir
The Parish Council supports the concerns of Mr Mould. Cllr Harris said thateven wearing chest waders he couldn't find the bottom of the hole. He added that the plinth on which the sluice is constructed is severely undercut. The Clerk was asked to write to the Environment Agency accordingly
Mrs B. Caplin ­ Trees/hedging on "The Piece"
Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform Mrs Caplin that it was not the intention of the Parish Council to clear the hedge but to prune and pollard it in the autumn. The work had been postponed due to the impending nesting season. Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to add the item to the agenda for next month's meeting
Bledisloe Plate
Judging Bledisloe Plate 13­28 July
A. J. Farmer, Englefield, Station Road ­ Complaint about the state of the frontage of Limes development
The Clerk reported that the state of the adjoining wall to Mr Farmer's property had been reported to the developers but a reminder would be sent to the Site Manager.


COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the hole outside Oakbeams in Station Road had reappeared and asked the Clerk to report the incident to D. Taylor at GCC Highways.
Cllr Stuart enquired if there was any outcome to the footpath between the Upper Up and the Barracks. The Clerk will ask Amanda Keys at GCC Public Rights of Way for an update.
Cllr Stuart reported that the street sign for River Way at its junction with Meadow Way was missing and the supporting posts had also been vandalised. The Clerk to report the incident to Mr Bull at CDC.
Cllr Harris remarked that weeds at the War Memorial and the Preaching Cross needed attention and the Clerk was asked to inform the ground maintenance team from Jeremy Simmons Landscapes Ltd.
Cllr Harris had been informed by Mrs Hockey, Warden at the Sheltered Housing in Box Bush that cyclists were using the footpath joining Box Bush and Bow Wow.
Cllr Harris reported that the litter bin at the entrance to Bow Wow had been fire damaged and asked the Clerk to inform Mike Weir at CDC.
Cllr Harris reported that the manhole cover opposite St. Andresberg in Robert Franklin Way was rusting through and asked the Clerk to inform D. Taylor at GCC Highways.


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

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.30pm