MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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| The Vice Chairman Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.35pm. The Vice Chairman asked that the meeting observe a few moments silence to reflect on the tragedy which had occurred in the United States of America one year ago today. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from Cllr Dunn, Cllr Gardiner, Cllr Mrs Gardiner, Cllr Mrs Pearse and Cllr Mrs Spriggs. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 AUGUST 2002 Page 2 CT.2443/N: third and fourth lines sentence beginning ... Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) ... signs. move to under next heading CT.2648/2/Y before NO OBJECTION. Page 3 CT.5804/R and CT.5804/S are notification of intention statements and not planning permissions. Cllr Jones (CDC) pointed out that the Cotswold District Council does not have jurisdiction over planning matters on Crown property. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Minutes as amended, were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Nicholas who was not present at the meeting was all in favour and the Minutes were signed by the Vice Chairman Cllr Stuart. MATTERS ARISING It was agreed that any Matters Arising would be dealt with at the Committee report stages of this meeting. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 9 September. Matters Arising Cllr Nicholas reported that there was concern from neighbours that large trees had been removed from the gardens at Orchard House. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) stated that as far as she was aware the owner was not in breach of any regulation but that she would check with Mr G. Watson at CDC. Cllr Jones (CDC) said that any tree work in a Conservation Area must have permission. Cllr Nicholas queried whether the large decking area which stood approximately 2ft high, supported by concrete walls, required planning permission. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would check this out. The Clerk was asked to write to CDC Planning querying: 1. How much more of the fence is to be built? 2. How long is the "temporary" fence to be in place? 3. Did the removal of the trees, post the visit by Mr Grace, have permission? 4. Is planning permission required for the decking and associated wall on the north boundary? Hedge at Orchard House There had been no reply from Mr G.Watson regarding the composition of the replacement hedge at Orchard House. Parking on Public Open Space at the Limes Rosie Hammond had written to apologise for parking on the public open space in front of her house. Westbury Homes Section 106 Agreement for Phase I of the Limes Cllr Nicholas recommended that the Parish Council asks Miss V. Hancock of Davey Son & Jones' Solicitors to implement the transfer of land as detailed in the Section 106 Agreement and to enquire if she recalled what, if any, arrangements were made concerning payment of the Parish Council's legal fees for the transfer. Parish Council agreed. Watermark Advertisement The Parish Council asked the Clerk to contact Mr Grace, Enforcement Officer (South) to determine if an advertisement sign on the corner of the Watermark development at the junction of Station Road and the Spine Road was in accordance with planning regulations. Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.0776/M Erection of detached dwelling on land adjacent to Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney The proposed new vehicular entrance is too close to the bend in the road. It is suggested that any new dwelling on this site should be required to share use of the existing driveway immediately to the east. Also, it is suggested that a new pavement should be created along the southern side of the public highway, between the existing driveway and the Upper Up car park. OBJECTION (RATIFIED) CT.0807/U Alterations and extension to The Old Farm House, High Street, South Cerney NO OBJECTION (RATIFIED) CT.3887/2/V Erection of a conservatory at 58 The Lennards, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.4065/K Demolition of existing buildings and re-erection of new rare breed and farm information centre. Relocation of farm shop at Butts Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.4073/D Change of use to match existing fishing and specimen lakes together with erection of associated clubhouse at Lake 15, Spine Road, South Cerney (minor amendment) NO OBJECTION (RATIFIED) CT.4498/V Demolition of toilet block, erection of new buildings containing retail, office, cafe, exhibition and associated accommodation, car park and landscaping If permission is granted the Parish Council would like a tanalised finish to the cladding. NO 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 (minor amendment) NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee and to ratify its decisions. The Parish Council was all in favour. Planning Permission/Listed Building consent granted by Cotswold District Council CT.3929/P Loft conversion (installation of dormer windows into rear elevation of existing dwelling) at 1 Willow Grove, South Cerney, GL7 5UU CT.4086/C Retention of new external flue for boiler in roof at 5 Edwards College, South Cerney, GL7 5TR CT.4125/1/G The erection of a conservatory to the rear at 26 Beverstone Road, South Cerney, GL7 5XU Planning Permission/Listed Building Consent refused by Cotswold District Council CT.0650/C Conversion to two dwellings plus the erection of four further dwellings at Old Post Office, High Street, South Cerney, GL7 5UG CDC gave the following reasons for its refusal: 1. The application site is prominent within South Cerney ConservationArea and affects the setting of Thrift Cottage, a Grade II listed building. The Local Planning Authority is required to have regard to the preservation or enhancement of the character or appearance of conservation areas and to preserve the historic setting of listed buildings. By virtue of its unsympathetic form, scale and layout, the proposal would be harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area and to the setting of the nearby listed building. Consequently, the proposal would fail to accord with the guidance provided within PPG1 and PPG15, Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review Policies S6 and NHE6 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1, 27, 29 and 40. 2. The application site is enclosed on three sides by existing residential development. By virtue of their close proximity to existing adjoining boundaries, the scale and pattern of fenestration of the new dwellings would create a material loss of privacy to private garden areas. Consequently, the proposal would fail to accord with the guidance provided by PPG1 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 44. 3. The proposed vehicular access to Plot D does not incorporate adequate turning facilities to enable vehicles to enter and leave the highway in forward gear with the result that vehicles would have to reverse to or from the Class 3 County highway, contrary to the interests of highway safety in accordance with PPG13 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 46. 4. The proposed vehicular accessing, parking and turning arrangements for Plots A, B, C, E and F are substandard in layout and do not comply with the minimum standards necessary to serve the proposed development with the result that vehicles would be likely to park along and reverse to and from the Class 3 County highway, contrary to the interests of highway safety in accordance with PPG13 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 46. CT.5684/H Listed building consent for additional advertisement at The Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay, South Cerney, GL7 5UA CT.5684/J Projecting sign to display an advertisement at The Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay, South Cerney, GL7 5UA Correspondence 2. DEFRA Planning role for Parish Councils will be retained 5. CT.4528/H Appeal dismissed. Cllr Nicholas declared a professional interest and read the reasons for the decision without comment. 6. CT.0006/3/L R. H. Wrightson Copy letter to CDC FINANCE Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 9 September. Matters Arising Response from Audit Commission The Clerk reported that no reply had been received. Fixed Asset Values Cllr Nicholas again argued that Upper Up and Robert Franklin Way playing fields should not be valued nominally at £1 in the Parish Council's accounts but that the Supporting Statement properly reported their true value. Payments Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (September) £40.00 GPFA Subscription £50.00 J. Parker Dutch Bulbs Co. Bulb purchase £111.57 The Consortium Village Award Prize (3 armchairs) £299.63 British Telecom Clerk's Telephone £67.98 M. McKee Clerk's Travel (August) £53.85 Wicksteed Leisure 6 Rubber Safety Seats £175.93 Busy Fingers Photocopying £27.85 Jeremy Simmons Ground Maintenance (August) £1,023.12 Rodney Gardiner Ground Maintenance Cerney Wick (August) £78.35 £1,928.28 Cllr Nicholas inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for August. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chubb and seconded by Cllr King that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Payments Received Environment Agency Return of abstraction fee £50.00 Westbury Homes Section 106 Agreement £13,000.00 £13,050.00 Westbury Homes S.106 Agreement payments re The Limes It was suggested by Cllr Nicholas that, although £8,000 of the funds received from Westbury Homes was paid as a commuted sum to defray future cost to the Parish Council of maintaining the public open spaces at The Limes, the Council could nevertheless decide to use those funds now for other pressing purposes e.g. for play equipment, and instead meet those maintenance costs from future revenue. It was agreed that this suggestion was worth considering. With regard to the £5,000 received from Westbury for "off-site play equipment" it was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr King that these funds be specifically earmarked for the Robert Franklin Way playground; the Parish Council was all in favour. Outstanding Account South Cerney Football Club Water services 4 March to 18 June £18.59 The Clerk informed the Committee that he had written again to Mrs V. Cole Football Club Treasurer but had no reply. He had left messages for Mrs K. Allen Football Club Secretary and Gordon Stratford to make contact all to no avail. Cllr Stuart remarked that Mr Stratford was currently on holiday but should return next week. Upper Up Park Cllr Nicholas suggested that Mr J. Harris be asked to consider tendering for the Upper Up Park project. Cllr Harris declared an interest and left the meeting. Cllr Nicholas was concerned that if Cllr Harris was to be implicated the Parish Council could be handing him a poisoned chalice. The Parish Council decided that it would not be advisable to involve Cllr Harris because of his prior close involvement with the scheme. Cllr Harris returned to the meeting and was informed of its decision. The Parish Council then discussed a reduced scheme which would implement planning permission. Cllr Harris stated that ways must be found to reduce costs, for example, by possibly postponing the gazebo feature. Correspondence 27. Arnold-Baker Local Council Administration 6th Edition. Offer Price £37.60 It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council authorises this purchase. The Parish Council was all in favour. 36. SLCC A Clerk's home study course and quick reference guide £130 It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr King that the Parish Council authorises this purchase. 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 9 September. Matters Arising Street Lighting The Clerk had nothing further to report. Upper Up Tower Slide Three companies had been contacted regarding the refurbishment of the Tower Slide but all declined. Their unanimous advice was to contact the original suppliers. Cllr Harris had measured the dimensions (2m x 1m) for a scramble net frame which could be attached to the slide to make access easier. He recommended that a quotation be obtained for the frame from En Tout Cas. Cllr King recommended that when the modification was complete the Parish Council commissions a safety report. Ramp at Upper Up Damage estimated by the builder of £500 had been caused by a vehicle to the partly constructed wall of the ramp. The Clerk reported that he had contacted Cornhill Insurance to ascertain if the damage was covered. Cornhill Insurance advised that as the construction was not a specified item the company was not liable. However, it also advised that when completed the ramp should be added to the Schedule as a special item for insurance purposes. Cllr Harris noted that the visibility from the ramp to the carriageway was obstructed by the retaining wall and as it was now necessary to rebuild the wall it provided an opportunity to change its design. Cllr Gardiner had informed the Clerk that he had negotiated with TD Construction to slope the top of the supporting wall when it is rebuilt. Willow Trees Cllr Harris is continuing to liaise with Virginia McClure on what work is required and she will contact the landowner Mr R. Webb. Cllr King brought to the attention of the Parish Council a tree incident in a South West Parish where that Council had been held responsible for an accident. He proposed that an inventory be made of all trees which were the responsibility of the Parish Council. Cllr Stuart and Cllr Harris agree to carry out this task and report their findings to the next Parish Council meeting in October. Hedge at Upper Up James Harris Contracting has trimmed the hedge at Upper Up for the sum of £20. Maintenance of Public Open Space at Limes The Parish Council agreed that Jeremy Simmons Landscapes Ltd be asked to include grass cutting to the front of the Limes for the remainder of the season. Trees on The Piece Cllr Harris declared an interest. Two quotes had been received for a reduced tree surgery project. The Parish Council was concerned that the earlier decision on a larger scheme had not been adhered to. The Clerk was asked to contact the previous tenderers and ask them for new quotations. Street Signs Mrs Roberts had telephoned the Clerk to complain that there were no street signs for Cirencester Road. The Parish Council asked that Mr R. Bull (CDC) be informed. Upper Up Camping Cllr Harris was called out by Mrs Berry of Crossroads Farm as youths were camping on the playing fields and creating a nuisance there. He gave them permission to stay that night but no longer. Ham Lane Tree Clearance Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to thank D. Taylor (Gloucestershire Highways) for his prompt action in clearing the dead trees bordering Ham Lane and Sudeley Drive. Bledisloe Cup Cllr Stuart informed the Parish Council that the Bledisloe Cup had been returned. Correspondence 8. Removal of branch obstruction on public footpath 13. Parking on public open space at the Limes A letter from Rosie Hammond apologised for her unlawful car parking outside her home although she did complain about the use of the unfinished sub station by youths and others. Cllr Harris recommended that the electricity board be asked for a completion date for the structure. Parish Council agreed. 16. CT.CONTR 1259 No objection 22. CT.CONTR 1265 No objection INSPECTION REPORT Cllr Harris read Cllr Stuart's inspection report. At Upper Up playing field he had noted that the safety tiles were lifting and could become a trip hazard. Seats on the senior swing were badly split and must be renewed as soon as possible. The replacement seats had been delivered and would be fitted as soon as practicable. On the Activity Area the pole is loose and the securing top nuts needed to be tightened. Cllr Harris stated that it was designed to be so and was not a danger. On the Basketball Frame new chains are required to form a basket and the lines have almost disappeared. In the corner of the car park there is a pile of gravel and debris. To secure entry from the car park to the rest of the playing field the catch on the field gate needs to be adjusted. Cllr Harris volunteered to inspect the lock and report to the next Parish Council meeting. Generally it will be necessary to remove heavy litter. Cllr Stuart reported that the new ramp access had been damaged. The car park at Upper Up had been enlarged and was much better. The Football Club have commented very favourably. At the western end of the playing field children had constructed a BMX type ramp which was approved by Parish Councillors who had seen it. The Clerk was asked to inform Cornhill Insurance of this new asset and arrange suitable cover. The facility will be added to the weekly inspection schedule. At Robert Franklin Way playing field poles at the corner of the swing were rotted through but advised that no action was required yet. Tiles at the Slide were lifting and could cause a trip hazard. Children he met on his inspection asked if it was possible to install a skateboard area. At Cerney Wick play area surfaces with tiles needed to be swept and the tiles were lifting in places. The fence and hedge were much improved but two rails on right against pony paddock needed to be repaired. Cllr Mrs Chubb will carry out the inspections for the coming period. UPPER UP PARK Cllr Harris reported that further contractors are still being sought to tender for the work. NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK ROUTE 45 Discussion on this item was postponed until next month's meeting. CORRESPONDENCE 1. GCC Environment Inspectorıs report into the Revised Deposit Draft Glos Waste Local Plan. It may be viewed on www.gloscc.gov.uk 2. DEFRA Planning role for Parish Councils 3. Glos Rural Housing Association Invite to attend AGM on 4 September 4. CDC Highways and Road Safety in the Cotswolds (Dr Stephenson) 5. CDC CT4528/H Appeal regarding Wildmoor Lock Cottage, Spine Road, South Cerney dismissed 6. R. H. Wrightson CT.0006/3/L Copy of letter to CDC 7. Cirencester Town Council Market Towns Healthcheck A proposed market towns partnership for Cirencester. Parish Council interested subject to further information 8. Cotswold Water Park Society quotation to remove branch obstruction on footpath 9. Davey Son & Jones Legal Update August 2002 10. PCC Funding arrangements for extension to All Hallows Churchyard 11. CDC M. Grace in reply to Conservation Area comment 12. TROW magazine Autumn 2002 (on circulation) 13. Rosie Hammond Parking on public open space at Limes 14. Cirencester College Networking for the Cotswolds 15. CHYP AGM invitation 21 November; Newsletter August 2002 (on circulation) 16. CDC CT.CONTR 1259 No objection 17. Electoral Commission Periodic electoral review of GCC (to noticeboard) 18. Bledisloe Plate Winner 2002 Longborough; Report (to noticeboard) 19. GCC Annual Progress Report to the Glos Local Transport Plan 2001/20022005/2006 (report and survey at www.gloscc.gov.uk/ltp/) 20. CDC Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy 20022005 (on circulation) 21. Glos Chief Constable's Annual Report and Glos Police Authority Annual Report 20012002 (on circulation) 22. CDC CT.CONTR 1265 No objection 23. CDC Monthly update to Electoral Roll (to noticeboard) 24. Local Council Review September 2002 (on circulation) 25. CPRE Rural Matters August 2002 (on circulation) 26. GAPTC Invitation to attend the 65th GAPTC Annual General Meeting on Saturday 19 October at 2.30pm in The Community Hall, Bishops Cleeve (emailed to Councillors) 27. Arnold-Baker Local Council Administration 6th Edition. Offer price £37.60 28. Commission for Racial Equality Ethnic Monitoring: A guide for public authorities (on circulation) 29. Clerks & Councils Direct September 2002 Issue 23 (on circulation) 30. DEFRA Rural Services Standard 2002 (www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ruralwp/index.htm; Rural Services Standard First Progress report 2001/2002 (www.countryside.gov.uk) 31. GCC Invitation to attend a Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management Seminar on Monday 28 October 2002 starting at 6pm at the Lecture Theatre of British Energy Offices, Barnwood 32. GCC Proposals invited for Civic Trust Awards 2003 33. Cotswold Water Park Invitation to attend a conference, hosted by Professor David Bellamy OBE, on Friday 11 October 2002 at Keynes Country Parks Cllr Harris volunteered to attend the Conference 34. GCC Member briefing bulletin on Highway Maintenance Significant events in Cotswold Division 35. Thames Tree Services Quotation for tree work on The Piece 36. SLCC A Clerk's home study course and quick reference guide £130 37. Amended Notice of Licence Application for Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney 38. CDC Invitation to attend a meeting of Development Control and Conservation and Design Focus groups. RSVP by 16 October Cllr Nicholas volunteered to attend the Focus Group meeting 39. Cotswold Water Park Visitor Centre at Lake 6 COUNCILLORS' REPORTS Cllr Harris noted that in the north west corner of Robert Franklin Way playing field a protective fence was required on the southern river bank. Cllr Mrs Chubb had complaints about the growth of weeds in the ditch in Station Road. Cllr Harris advised and Cllr King agreed that attention to the perceived problem would have to wait until the growth had died back to prevent the resulting debris from blocking the ditch. There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.20pm. |