MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL The meeting began at 7pm with Chairman Cllr Mrs J. Gardiner welcoming Mr John Whittaker GCC Road Traffic Manager and two members of the public. She went on to outline that the main concerns of the Parish Council were traffic speed through the village, the lack of a footpath in Silver Street near Berry Farm, the continuing presence of the bollards and the necessity for traffic calming devices at the four gateways to the village. PC 1208 McCorquodale arrived at 7.05pm replacing PC Richard Kent who was unable to attend through illness. Cllr Mrs Spriggs was in favour of a physical restriction to slow down traffic at entrances to the village. Cllr Nicholas said that it was difficult to slow down traffic at the start of the 30mph restriction. Mr Whittaker pointed out that he was not responsible for the bollards in Station Road and High Street near to the entrance of the Limes. He stated that he would contact Gary Handley GCC Road Safety Officer and ask him to provide the Parish Council with an information pack. He suggested that if a 40mph restriction was to precede the 30mph notice this could help to slow down traffic. PC McCorquodale agreed that it was easier to police a 30mph zone if such a buffer was in place. Cllr Mrs Spriggs proposed that if the 30mph limit on Cirencester Road was moved further out it would give drivers more opportunity to slow down rather than at present where sight of the restriction just after a bend gave little time for vehicles to comply. Cllr Nicholas commented that only one of the two crossing points for school children was patrolled by a lolly pop lady although the crossing in High Street was signed but unattended. Unfortunately the school had been unable to recruit another patrol person for High Street. PC McCorquodale stated that police action to control speeding drivers was intelligence led. Cllr Stuart suggested to the Constable that a patrol should be considered between 7.30am and 9am. Mr Whittaker stated that Road Safety has a radar gun which can be borrowed by communities to provide intelligence to the police for them to action. Cllr Mrs Gardiner read a written submission from Cllr Mrs Pearse in which she stated that she would like to see beige coloured tarmac on all four entrance roads with large speed limit signs painted on. She argued that this would give an illusion of narrowing the road as the sides are usually drawn in with white paint. It was Cllr Mrs Pearse's view that the type of calming introduced in Oaksey or Penhill was not suitable in a village environment and only increased driver aggravation which caused more speeding and not less. Cllr Nicholas pointed out that the Parish Council had budgeted £10,000 for traffic calming to which Mr Whittaker replied that GCC Highways would match any Parish contribution. In reply to a query on the possibility of installing traffic bumps he responded that these were difficult to install and of limited use as the maximum height of such bumps was only 65mm. Mr Whittaker confirmed that he would get a consultant to prepare a costed plan for improvements and present it to the Parish Council for its consideration. Cllr Harris asked if any action could be taken against motorists who parked opposite the disabled access at Langet entrance in Upper Up making it hazardous for wheeled chairs and prams to cross the road. PC McCorquodale agreed that this was a common problem and difficult to enforce apart from in an exceptional circumstance. Mr Whittaker suggested that an elongated H painted on the road might help deter motorists. Cllr Mrs Gardiner thanked both PC McCorquodale and Mr Whittaker for attending and they left the meeting at 7.37pm.
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| There were two members of the public present. The Chairman Cllr Mrs Gardiner opened the meeting at 7.40pm. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from Cllr Mrs Pearse and Cllr Jones (CDC). MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 DECEMBER 2002 It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Minutes were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour and the Minutes were signed by the Chairperson Cllr Mrs J. Gardiner.. CLERK'S REPORT Matters arising would be discussed when the Chairmen of the Committees made their reports. The Clerk then reported on his actions over the previous month. All payments to suppliers were dispatched and response forms faxed to CDC. On 12 December I attended a meeting of the Cirencester Partnership at Deer Park School with Cllr Nicholas. The group was given a lecture on how the Partnership had worked for other towns and then divided into four workshops to evaluate its priorities and how it could benefit. The group will meet again, probably in late January or February. On 13 December I attended a meeting of the Gloucestershire branch of the SLCC at Brickworth, near Cheltenham. In the evening I visited Mrs McKinnon at 52 The Lennards to show her a copy of planning application CT.8276 to which the Parish Council had objected. The application was for the erection of a house on land adjoining Dryft Cottage in Station Road which is directly behind her home. On 18 December I met with Cllr King and we prepared the basis for the Risk Assessment. On 23 December I ordered a new public seat from Glasdon's. Today I was informed by them that delivery could be expected in the coming week. As I will be unavailable to accept the seat I have arranged for it to be delivered to The Cottage, South Cerney. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 6 January. Matters Arising Local Plan The Clerk informed the Parish Council that the Local Plan was published today and final submissions on it should be made by 20 February 2003. As the Village Hall was unavailable for a public meeting he had arranged to hire the Wesley Rooms in the United Church Hall, Clarks Hay on Friday 7 February at 7.30pm for the open debate. A notice to this effect would be published in the Cerney News and posted on the noticeboards and other places throughout the village. The Clerk was asked to invite an officer from the Forward Planning team at CDC to attend the debate. Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.0108/1/Y Change of use from storage of commercial refuse bins to parking of coaches and erection of vehicle maintenance depot. Provided that a condition be imposed that vehicles should strictly have no access through the village except when servicing the local community. NO OBJECTION CT.4313/V & CT.4313/W Single storey rear extension at Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester NO OBJECTION CT.7318/D Additional/Amended Plans for two (2) car garage with roof workshop. Upper storey extension to provide an extended bedroom at Mill Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. Provided that a condition be imposed that the roof space above the garage only be used for storage and not as an office/playroom etc, to avoid undue disturbance to the neighbouring dwelling which immediately adjoins the garage. NO OBJECTION (RATIFIED) 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 its decision. The Parish Council was all in favour. Planning Applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0649/1/Z Minor amendment approval for erection of second floor extension at 13 Meadow way, South Cerney, Glos. GL7 6HY CT.2648/2/Y Change of use of existing jet ski showroom and workshop to restaurant used independently of jet ski facility at Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5TL Conditions of note were: There shall be no sale of hot food for consumption off the premises; No external lighting shall be installed within the site. CT.3930/D Application for full planning permission for the erection of a fisherman's holiday croft together with associated car parking for twelve (12) cars, highway and drainage infrastructure and landscaping at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Glos. The Clerk was to obtain details of the Section 106 agreement which applies to this permission. Other conditions to note were: The Fisherman's Croft shall only be used as short-stay holiday accommodation and such occupation shall not be for a period longer than 28 consecutive days nor shall any person occupying the building as short-stay accommodation return to it within 28 days of their departure nor will the building be occupied as permanent residential accommodation or as a principal place of residence; An annual audit of all persons occupying the Fisherman's Croft shall be carried out by the owner and supplied to the Local Planning Authority not later than March 31 each year. CT.4204/A Replacement of culvert with a navigable underbridge to include a pedestrian and cycle underpass at Thames & Severn Canal Crossing SU073 972, Western Spine Road 2086, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.8262 Demolition of bungalow and shed and the erection of three (3) detached cottages, garages to plots 2 and 3 and formation of vehicular access at Dunromin and the adjoining Coalyard, Silver Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Deborah Smith, CDC Planning Authority confirmed that the decision notice referred to the amended plans. The Clerk had determined the location of the suspect landfill site mentioned in the informative paragraph of the decision notice referred to. The suspect areas comprised the nearby railway embankment, the use of the coal yard and activities at the adjoining farm. Redirection of Planning Correspondence Cllr Nicholas agreed to accept redirected planning correspondence for the period 1023 January. FINANCE Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 6 January. Matters Arising Response from Audit Commission The Clerk reported that no reply had been received. Precept Cllr Mrs Gardiner on behalf of the Finance Committee presented its precept proposal to the Parish Council. The major change in this year's budget was the Village Hall Grant which the Committee proposed to increase to £12,110. Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Mrs Spriggs and Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest as members of the Village Hall Committee and took no part in this section the debate. If agreed this would mean that the precept would be £43,150 making a contribution of £32.91 per band 'D' household. This represented an annual decrease of £2.72 or 8.265% reduction. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner, seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council agrees to the budget. Eight Parish Councillors voted in favour and 3 abstained. The precept was therefore agreed. Payments Received Environment Agency Borehole rent £100.00 South Cerney Football Club Water services 16 September to 15 December £8.38 £108.38 Outstanding Accounts South Cerney Cricket Club Water services 16 September to 15 December £5.58 Payments Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (January) £40.00 M. McKee Clerk's Travel (December) £87.44 Thames Water Utilities Ltd Water services 16 September to 15 December £13.96 MacVenture Play Co Refurbishment of play tower & concrete base £779.03 Southern Electric Bus shelters South Cerney & Cerney Wick £10.79 MacVenture Play Co Removal of play equipment £1,092.75 Busy Fingers Photocopying £21.96 £2,045.93 Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for December. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Storage of Play Equipment MacVenture Play Co quoted £12 per week to store the play equipment removed from Le Spa from 1 February. The Parish Council was in agreement. Correspondence 10. Davey Son & Jones Completed lease for borehole site at Upper Up 14. Cutts Charity The Committee recommends that the Parish Council, as has become customary, decides to decline the donation offered through the Cutts Charity. 15. Cerney News advertising rates The Committee recommends that the grant to the Cerney News/Village Directory be increased to £100 with the intention to allow that publication to accommodate charitable village organisations which wish to advertise in the Cerney News. If the Editor deems that £100 is insufficient for this purpose she should inform the Parish Council. The Clerk was asked to thank the Editor for the invaluable service provided. PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 6 January. Matters Arising Bollards Cllr Stuart was concerned that no action had yet been taken to remove the bollards in High Street which were creating a traffic hazard. Street Lighting There had been no further contact with Barry Greenaway on this matter. Upper Up Tower Slide Cllr Stuart reported that alterations to the slide had been completed. Concrete Base for Bench at Limes The base for the new seat had been constructed and the seat ordered. Ramp at Upper Up The Clerk had contacted Brian Wheeler BLW Engineering to ask him to complete the painting on the alterations made to the ramp. Tree Survey Committee members agreed to make the survey on 12 January. Sub Station at Limes As no action had as yet been taken to secure the sub station at the Limes the Clerk was asked to contact Bell Contracting Ltd which was the contractor responsible. Upper Up Car Park Two quotes had now been received but one was still awaited. Mr Wrightson The Committee recommends that a item be placed in Cerney News thanking Mr Wrightson for the effort he makes in collecting rubbish in Station Road. INSPECTION REPORT Cllr Stuart reported on his inspections. At Upper Up the rubber seats on the junior swings were showing signs of cracking and will need careful watching. The seats on the senior swings must be renewed now. The new climbing wall had been fitted to the tower slide and is being well used despite the bad weather. The fence rail to left of entrance of the car park is broken and presents a dangerous hazard. Cllr Harris volunteered to collect and fit a replacement rail at cost. The Parish Council was all in favour. At Robert Franklin Way the bark will need topping up soon. The stile at the southern end of Robert Franklin way play area had been patched up. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Gardiner that James Harris Contracting redesign the stile to a lower level as a conventional two step stile for a maximum of £30. With the exception of Cllr Harris who declared an interest the Parish Council was all in favour. At Cerney Wick all four seats on the swings need replacing and surrounding area requires to be swept. The hand rail to the bridge over the culvert on the right of the entrance has been ripped out. Cllr Harris declared an interest when it was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Dunn that James Harris Contracting be allowed £50 to make the repair. With the exception of Cllr Harris who declared an interest the Parish Council was all in favour. RISK ASSESSMENT Cllr King explained the matrix and the methods of control for a scheme to assess risks for the Parish Council. Under each section, space had been left for Parish Councillors to add any further risks they may deem applicable. The form would be debated in more detail at next month's Parish Council meeting. GROUND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS The Parish Council agrees to the minor alterations to the specification. The Clerk was asked to obtain quotes for the work from Jeremy Simmons Ltd, Cotswold Estate Services, R. Gardiner, R. O. W. Berry and D. Chubb. NOTICEBOARD Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the noticeboard opposite the Post Office in Clarks Hay had been vandalised. Mrs S. Kingsbury had reported the incident to the police and was willing to act as a witness if the police decided to prosecute the perpetrators. PC93 Gwillym is the investigating officer. The Clerk had ascertained that the Parish Council was not insured against the damage. The Clerk was asked to obtain quotes for its repair from Mr Hungerford, R. O. W. Berry and A & B Fencing. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Copy letter from Ms Cooksley to Mr Clifton-Brown MP on airfield activity 2. GAPTC Recent Legislation; Update for Member Councils December 2002 (on circulation) 3. GRCC Rural Regeneration Christmas edition 2003 (on circulation) 4. GCC Issue One of ³inGloucestershire² (on circulation) 5. CPRE TCG Newsletter Issue 25 December 2002 (on circulation) 6. CDC Apology for significant delay in publishing the First Deposit of the Local Plan 7. CDC Notes on Highways meetings held 3 September in Moreton in Marsh and 26 September in Cirencester 8. Whitton Associates Copy letter appointing Upper Up contractor 9. GCC Glos Structure Plan 3rd Alteration 10. Davey Son & Jones Completed lease for borehole site at Upper Up 11. Vision 21 Newsletter of Vision 21 in Gloucestershire (on circulation) 12. GCC Highways Notification of road closure in Cerney Wick (Cllr Mrs Chapman) 13. Cheryl Svensson Copy letter to Chairman Village Hall Committee 14. Peter Jay Cutts Charity 15. Mrs Squire Cerney News 16. South Cerney Village Hall Copy letter to Alison Brown CDC Licensing Dept 17. CDC Agenda for Standards Committee meeting on 14 January 2003 18. Local Council Review January 2003 (on circulation) 19. Dr R. J. Dolton Traffic speed on Cirencester Road; Footpath extension 20. S. Cooksley Airfield activities 21. Clerks & Councils Direct January 2003 (on circulation) 22. CDC South Cerney Conservation Area Statement December 2002 (on circulation) 23. CDC Cotswold District Local Plan Review 20012011 First Deposit (on circulation) COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Council that from February a concession will be granted to members of the public to speak at CDC Planning meetings for three minutes on applications which may be of concern to them. Cllr Gardiner had been asked by Mr Chris Francis of 37 Boxbush Road if the Parish Council had any objection to him laying tarmac, at his expense, to the start of the public right of way which exits the car park at the end of Boxbush Road. Mr Francis had contacted Phil Cluely GCC PROW officer and Derek Taylor GCC Highways both of whom had no objections. The Parish Council had no objections. Cllr Harris queried if the Clerk had consulted with the UK BMX Society on the construction of the mound. The Clerk replied that he was reluctant to be involved in accepting instructions of a design nature and recommended that Whitton Associates would be more suited for this task. Cllr Nicholas asked the Clerk to liaise with Whitton Associates. Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to enquire from James Thomas, Assistant Environmental Drainage Engineer if all necessary repairs had been carried out to the inspection covers and reopening others that had been covered over. Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to enquire from Mr Grace, if the new wall at Orchard House had exceeded its permitted height. The Parish Council agreed that Cllr King should respond on its behalf to a consultation on the Glos Rural Strategy. The intention is to categorise priority for action into three sections: Immediate where action can start quickly, may be of short duration and may be necessary as preparation for longer term action; Medium Term where action will take longer to get started and can deliver defined benefits to the economy over a limited period, probably no more than 2-3 years; Longer Term where action will take longer to set up, probably involving different partners and various funding streams but leading to a significant impact on the rural economy of Gloucestershire. Cllr Harris had been contacted by Mr Pollard regarding excessive noise from jet skis using Lake 11 on the weekend of 29 December. Further jet ski races were advertised to take place on 26 January and another in March and the Clerk was asked to report this nuisance to Mr Grace, CDC Enforcement Officer. There being no further business Cllr Mrs Gardiner closed the meeting at 9.32pm. |