MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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| There were three members of the public present. The Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner
opened the meeting at 7.35 pm and welcomed the assembled Councillors to the final meeting
of this term. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from Cllr Stuart and Cllr Jones (CDC). MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 MARCH 2003 Cllr Nicholas requested that the following text be added to the item on Golf Balls on page 1 after the sentence ending ... second tee. "Mr Franklin said that players on the first two holes will be directed not to tee off when they can see footpath users who were in a position putting them at risk to a mis-hit shot." It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr Mrs Spriggs 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 Gardiner. CLERK'S REPORT Planning response forms were faxed to CDC Planning and applications filed. All payments to suppliers were dispatched. All tenderers for ground maintenance contracts were informed whether or not successful. Copies of letters written were passed to the Chairperson Cllr Mrs J. Gardiner for her information. I purchased green slime removal solution for £4.99 from petty cash and passed it to Cllr Gardiner for application on the safety tiles. I met with D. Taylor and discussed the possibility of constructing a footpath on the western side of Upper Up between the ramp and the car park. He dismissed the idea as any footpath there would have to be over the culvert. I contacted Mr Timbrell and asked him to quote at a per metre price for rail fencing on Upper Up car park. I spoke twice with Melanie Cox, Assistant Countryside Agency Officer regarding the application for part funding of the play equipment. Item 23 of the correspondence refers and I passed a copy of this to Cllr King for action. I have tried to contact PC Gwillym for proof of evidence regarding the damage to the noticeboard but Police Reception at Cirencester due to the increase in activity at RAF Fairford has not been able to help at the moment. I spoke with Gary Handley at GCC Highways who agreed to supply, on loan, a speed detection radar. Later I spoke with Alf Reynolds also from GCC Highways who has added South Cerney to his list of Parish Councils awaiting a loan. He expected to supply the equipment and uniforms with the next four weeks and I would ask Parish Councillors to volunteer to operate the equipment and record the results. I have had a reply from Deborah Smith CDC Planning Officer on the Conditions which apply to the planning permission granted to the Cheltenham Housing Association in Mill Close and Box Bush. There were no conditions attached to the houses but permission should be sought if the outside of the flats was to be materially changed. Over the course of the period I have tried on several occasions to contact Cornhill Insurance to provide a quote for safety inspections without success. Of the services contacted eg RoSPA, National Playing Fields Association, Macventure Play Co and Wicksteed, Wicksteed would be the cheapest. Since composing this report Cornhill Insurance and the National Playing Fields have given quotes. (See Safety Inspections report.) Literature received from RoSPA states that it is a legal requirement to have the play areas assessed for suitability of use by disabled people by 1 January 2004. RoSPA has developed an assessment system which meets the requirements of the Act and can undertake a formal assessment of the sites as required by the Act at the same time as completing the safety inspection for an additional fee of £33.50 (plus VAT). As agreed I kept a record of time spent on Parish Council duties in March. Of the 21 working days in March I logged 78 hours which I averages 3.71 hours per day. Over the period this represents 15 hours extra to my contract or approximately 3.5 hours per week. There is no doubt that since I became Clerk 5 years ago the work load has steadily increased and I ask that the Parish Council considers increasing my contracted time from 15 hours to 18.5 hours per week. I would like to take this opportunity, to thank you especially Madam Chairman, and all other members of this Parish Council, for the support and trust you have given me during the term of this Council. Thank you. CLERK'S ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AND SALARY AWARD Cllr Mrs Gardiner reported that the Parish Council had agreed to the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to promote the Clerk to Scale 20 from Scale 19 effective from 1 April 2002. Scale 21 is the highest promotion that can be obtained based on a population of 5,000 and under. The Clerk's new pay rise based on the recommendation of NALC is effective from 1 April 2003. The Clerk's request that the Parish Council considers increasing his contracted hours from 15 to 18.5 hours per week was adjourned to the first meeting of the new Parish Council in May. Cllr Nicholas asked the Clerk to continue to record his time spent on Parish Council duties. MATTERS ARISING Golf Balls Cllr Mrs Spriggs reported that she had visited the Golf Course and was impressed with the new safety arrangements. She suggested that Mr Franklin be asked to erect one further sign on the stile from Webb's field to the Canal and a letter be sent to Mr Franklin expressing the Parish Council's appreciation of his co-operation in the matter. the Parish Council was in agreement. Grant Application for Play Equipment Cllr King reported that plans were in hand to conform with the criteria suggested by the Countryside Agency for a successful grant application. He was preparing a petition for villagers to show that better facilities were needed on the Robert Franklin Way playing field and drafting a case to prove that as the youth of the village comprised one-third of the population of 3,200 the existence two playing fields was essential. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 7 April. Matters Arising CT.8163/D The Clerk had ascertained from Mr M. Grace (Enforcement Officer) that he had written to Ms Lloyd on the 4 April giving her 14 days notice to abide with the conditions of the planning permission for the wall at Orchard House. Replacement Windows in Boxbush Road & Mill Close The Clerk was asked to obtain the conditions associated with the granted planning permission for the houses, bungalows and the flat in Boxbush Road and Mill Close from Deborah Smith, Planning Officer at CDC. Mineral Extraction Conditions on CAMAS site The Clerk reported that he had written to both CDC and GCC planning authorities and sent them copies of each other's correspondence. Ms Lucy Binnie GCC had requested a map of the area concerned and it had been provided. CDC had acknowledged the correspondence. Planning Applications Received by Cotswold District Council CT.1599/B Erection of one (1) dwelling at Morning Dew, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. Careful consideration is required to ensure the safest visibility for vehicles entering and leaving the site. Also the adjoining owner has expressed concerns about avoiding any new septic tank being too close. NO OBJECTION (RATIFIED) CT.1854/A Erection of detached garage at Hailwood, Station Road, South Cerney The proposed building would be in front of the perceived building line and too close to the carriageway. OBJECTION CT.2380/2/V Change of use of OE' field from touring caravans to static holiday caravans at Caravan Park, Broadway Lane, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.4017/A Replacement timber hut with stonework building at gauging station at Mill House, Cerney Wick, Cirencester NO OBJECTION CT.4233/G New changing room facility at Playing Fields, Upper Up, South Cerney The positioning of the structure will clash significantly with the Upper Up park development. Concern was expressed with the materials to be used in construction. For example the decra profiled tile sheets and the render of the walls with sandstone and red brick. The Parish Council was happy with the principle of a new changing room facility. OBJECTION CT.8302 Two storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear at 8 Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council agrees to accept the deliberations of the Planning Committee and to ratify its decision on CT.1599/B. The Parish Council was all in favour. CDC Ref: 0300865NEI North Wilts DC Ref: 03/00782/COU Use of Lake 62 Cotswold Water Park for personal watercraft members club and activity centre by North Wilts District Council The Parish Council agreed that the activities planned would be extremely noisy and intrusive. Activities on Lake 62 will influence residents of South Cerney greatly because of its position and the prevailing wind. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Dunn to object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour. OBJECTION Planning Applications Granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0144/4/P Erection of a single storey side extension at 4 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UD CT.2475/1/L Development of allocated employment site for B1, B2 and B8 employment use at land at Evergreen Industrial Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.4498/V Demolition of toilet block, erection of new buildings containing retail, office, cafe, exhibition and associated accommodation, car park and landscaping at Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire Conditions of note: 2. The unit of retail accommodation shall be used solely for the sale of non-food items and goods related to outdoor leisure and not for any other retail purpose including another use in Class A1 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or the equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument amending or replacing the 1987 Order or any change of use permitted by the Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. Reason: It is essential that the Local Planning Authority retains control over the use of the premises because of its open countryside location within the Cotswold Water Park. Another planning application will be necessary if it is proposed to change the use of the premises to any other than that specified in this condition. This condition is appropriate in the light of advice within PPG1 and Circular 11/95. 3. Any use of the building for mail order purposes shall be strictly ancillary to the main use of the premises for on-site retail purposes to visiting members of the public. Reason: As no 2. The Clerk had obtained the Section 106 agreement associated with the permission CT.7457/C Listed Building Consent Demolition of existing dry stone wall and rebuild to existing height at South Cerney Farmhouse, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UG CT.7853/A Erection of a pre-fabricated/block garage (retrospective) at 4 The Leaze, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UL CT.0006/3/J CAMAS APPEAL Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Spriggs attended the informal appeal inquiry held on 8 April to decide on whether Westbury Homes (Holding) Ltd be granted permission to build 30 houses on the CAMAS site. Cllr Nicholas reported on proceedings of which the main argument from CDC was that if permission was granted then a precedent would be set in terms of the current Local Plan. Paul Fong argued on behalf of Westbury Homes (Holding) Ltd that 30 houses was on a much smaller scale than the previous application. GCC Highways made no comment on traffic flows. No reference was made to the wooded area. The inquiry revealed that Westbury Homes (Holding) Ltd was in breach of a planning condition of Phase 1 when they erected a wooden fence to divide the site instead of a stone wall although no action was envisaged before the outcome of the inquiry which should be within 4 to 6 weeks. Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner thanked Cllr Nicholas for his report and Cllr Mrs Spriggs for their attendance at the inquiry. CORRESPONDENCE 5. CDC Renewal Street Trading Consent FINANCE Cllr Mrs Gardiner Chairman of the Finance Committee reported on the deliberations of the Committee which had met on 7 April. Matters Arising Grants Co-ordinator The Clerk was asked to remind Ms Philippa Crosland-Taylor that her written proposal for consideration as the Grants Co-ordinator was awaited with interest. Outstanding Receipts Mr R. Hewer Noticeboard repair £295.00 South Cerney Cricket Club Proportional water charge £6.92 £301.92 Receipts South Cerney Football Club Proportional water charge £10.37 Payments Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (April) £40.00 Petty Cash Green Slime Remover £4.99 M. McKee Clerk's Travel (March) £88.92 Milton Computers Norton Utilities & Anti Virus programs £103.00 Thames Water Upper Up Playing Fields supply 16-12-02 to 12-03-03 £17.29 Southern Electric Bus Shelters at South Cerney & Cerney Wick £10.88 Busy Fingers Photocopying £34.05 Macventure Play Co Equipment storage, Cerney Wick seats, Bench £240.87 R.O.W. Berry Noticeboard Repair £295.00 James Harris Contracting Tree work as quoted for £155.00 GAPTC Annual membership renewal £505.16 Village Hall Village Hall Running Costs Subsidy £2,500.00 CPRE Bledisloe Cup application £5.00 A P Transport Car park repairs at Upper Up £1,386.50 £5,386.66 Cllr Mrs Gardiner inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for March. It was proposed by Cllr Dunn and seconded by Cllr King that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Noticeboard Repair The Clerk had written to Mr R. Hewer on 28 March 2003 requesting that he reimburse South Cerney Parish Council £295.00 for the repair of the noticeboard. The Parish Council agreed that if payment was not forthcoming by the 28 April then legal action be threatened. Audit Commission A reminder for payment of its outstanding account had been received from the Audit Commission. The Clerk had responded requesting an answer to his letter of 18 February 2002. The Parish Council agreed that the demand be returned with a copy of the original letter asking the Audit Commission not to pursue payment until it gives a substantive reply. Internal Auditor Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Gardiner declared a prejudicial interest and left the debate. Two offers for the appointment of the Internal Auditor had been received. The quotation from Mrs Gardiner was not only less than the other but included the provision of the calculation of wages, NIC and tax for the Clerk's employment. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Mrs Spriggs that the Parish Council agrees to accept the quotation from Mrs Gardiner. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Gardiner rejoined the meeting. 2002-2003 Budget The Committee considered that as the Parish Council expenditure in the year 2002-2003 was only 2% over budget it proved its forecast had been very accurate for the period. CORRESPONDENCE 1. James Harris Contracting Tree Report quotations (March meeting) 11. Davey Son & Jones Acknowledgement receipt 13. Cotswold Victim Support Acknowledgement receipt of donation (e-mail) 14. Citizens Advice Bureau Acknowledgement receipt of donation 15. Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association Acknowledgement receipt of donation 16. Audit Commission Payment reminder 20. Macmillan Cancer Relief Acknowledgement receipt of donation 40. GAPTC Invitation to renew membership 43. Mrs J. Gardiner Internal Audit and Wages Preparation quotation 44. I. Selkirk Appointment of Internal Auditor reminder 47. Peter Jay, Hon Treasurer, South Cerney Village Hall subsidy request PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE Cllr Harris reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 9 April. Matters Arising Upper Up Ramp The Clerk reported that he had discussed with D. Taylor (GCC Highways) the provision of a footpath on the western side of Upper Up between the ramp and the car park. Mr Taylor rejected this idea as there was a culvert there. Cllr King asked the Clerk to find out exactly where the culvert was in relation to the ramp, especially if the landing area of the ramp near the carriageway had to be lengthened. The Clerk was asked to contact the DDA office for names of architects/designers who would be capable of preparing plans for the alteration of the ramp. Wildmoorway Lane On behalf of Cllr Harris the Clerk had learned from D. Taylor (GCC Highways)that most of Wildmoorway Lane was a bridleway and not eligible for speed limits. Cllr Mrs Gardiner remarked that as the beginning of the lane to just beyond the bridge was the responsibility of GCC Highways speed restriction signs there would deter traffic from speeding on that part of the lane. Children at Play signs Cllr Harris requested that the Clerk enquire if was possible to erect Children at Play signs at the entrance to Jubilee Gardens. It was becoming increasingly dangerous for children at play through the accumulation of parked vehicles in the vicinity of the entrance to Jubilee Gardens and the nearby public house. Stile at Wildmoorway Lane/Wildmoorway Meadows Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform Cotswold Water Park that the stile at the far end of Wildmoorway Lane leading to Wildmoorway Meadows was in a dangerous state and in need of replacement. River Churn downstream of the Spine Road bridge Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform the Environment Agency that a large amount of logs and débris had accumulated in the river Churn downstream of the Spine Road bridge. Flower Tubs Cllr Stuart emailed a request that the Parish Council considers providing flower tubs for the four village gateways which volunteers would plant and service. The Clerk had ascertained from D. Taylor (GCC Highways) that if the tubs were placed between the posts supporting the village signs there would be no objection to this scheme. Cllr Mrs Chapman volunteered to contact Mike Chamberlain to see if his company would provide concrete tubs to hold the plants. The Parish Council was all in favour of the idea. Radar Speed Gun The Clerk reported that Alf Reynolds (GCC Highways) would provide a radar speed gun on loan to the Parish Council on Thursday 10 April. Four pairs of Councillors volunteered to operate the gun and record its findings which would then be analysed by GCC Highways: Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Spriggs; Cllr King and Cllr Dunn; Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Harris; Cllr Mrs Gardiner and Cllr Mrs Pearse. INSPECTION REPORT Cllr Gardiner carried out the safety inspections for the period. Cllr Gardiner reported that ongoing problems still existed. He had sprayed the safety surfaces on the playing fields with a slime remover. Cllr Stuart will carry out the next round of inspections. CYCLE RACKS Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to contact Ms Teresa Alexander for an update on their provision. In a letter dated 18 February 2002 the Clerk had written to Dr S. Pickering confirming that the Parish Council agreed that the racks could be located at each of the three play areas (Upper Up, Robert Franklin Way and Cerney Wick), outside the Village Hall by the staddle stones, at the end of Church Lane near the gate to the allotments, at the bus shelter and the Laurels. Cllr Mrs Pearse had confirmed that the Vicar would not object to a cycle rack to be placed inside the churchyard. Dr S. Pickering had emailed the Clerk to confirm that the racks would be installed shortly. SAFETY INSPECTIONS The Clerk reported that he had contacted various organisations to quote for the safety inspection of play areas. Results to date were: Cornhill Insurance £600; National Playing Fields Association £480; RoSPA £59 per site up to 5 items of play equipment plus £2.50 for each additional item; Macventure Play Co. £299; Wicksteed Leisure £30 per site unaccompanied or £50 per site accompanied. Literature received from RoSPA stated that it is a legal requirement to have the play areas assessed for suitability of use by disabled people by 1 January 2004. RoSPA has developed an assessment system which meets the requirements of the Act and can undertake a formal assessment of the sites as required by the Act at the same time as completing the safety inspection for an additional fee of £33.50 (plus VAT). It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Gardiner and seconded by Cllr Harris to appoint RoSPA to carry out the annual safety inspection of play equipment and the DDA assessment. The Parish Council was all in favour. CORRESPONDENCE 1. James Harris Contracting Tree Report quotations (March meeting) 2. A.G. Mallard Illegal parking on grass verges (2) 3. AGM Village Hall Management Committee 7.30pm Tuesday 13 May; Appointment of representative by Parish Council The Parish Council agreed to defer the nomination of a representative until its next meeting in May 4. Copy letter from Mr Mould to GCC Highways re the Old Railway Bridge in Bow Wow (SU055975) 5. CDC Renewal Street Trading Consent 6. Bledisloe Cup Competition entry form 7. 15th Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon Upper Up access; Wesley Room access 8. GCC Highways Proposed extension to 30mph speed limit on Broadway Lane The Parish Council agreed to the proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit to the Evergreen Industrial Park on Broadway Lane and the removal of the existing 30mph speed limit and gateway feature. However, after some discussion, the Parish Council agreed that it did not want to have a physical gateway feature but rather a visual version. It suggested that the gateway be moved some short distance south away from in front of residential properties. Moreover, it would also like a radar operated mobile speed limit sign at the nearer gateway to the village which could be transferred on a rotation basis to the other three village entrances. 9. CPRE TCG Newsletter February 2003 (on circulation) 10. CPRE Membership Renewal The Parish Council referred this item to its next meeting 11. Davey Son & Jones Acknowledgement receipt 12. Watermark Management Ltd Debris on land off Wildmoorway Lane 13. Cotswold Victim Support Acknowledgement receipt of donation (e-mail) 14. Citizens Advice Bureau Acknowledgement receipt of donation 15. Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association Acknowledgement receipt of donation 16. Audit Commission Payment reminder 17. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Acknowledgement of response to Soundings Exercise 18. Alan Tresadern Upper Up ramp Cllr Mrs Pearse asked the Clerk to acknowledge Mr Tresadern's letter 19. Environment Agency Damage to sluice gate on river Churn 20. Macmillan Cancer Relief Acknowledgement receipt of donation 21. GRCC Gloucestershire Village of the Year 2003 competition The Parish Council referred this item to its next meeting 22. GRCC South West Forum Newsletter (March) (on circulation) 23. Countryside Agency Funding Criteria for play equipment 24. GCC Highways Maintenance Newsletter (on circulation) 25. Invitation to Central Cotswolds Young Peoples' Project Consultation Wednesday 11 June 9.15am-3pm Northleach Westwood Centre; Young Peoples' Project (on circulation) 26. Vision 21 Pre-Conference Special (invitation emailed to Parish Councillors); Poster to noticeboard; The Edge Issue 38 Spring 2003 (on circulation) 27. CDC CT.CONTR 1391 28. GCC Distribution of the Glos Community Toolkit (to noticeboard) 29. DEFRA "Quality" Town and Parish Council Initiative 30. DEFRA Addendum to the consultation document on the Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board Establishment Order 31. GCC Glos Minerals Local Plan 19972006 32. CDC Codes of Conduct, Undertaking and Registration of Interests 33. Website Rubbish skip appeal (2) Cllr Dunn said that a skip wouldn't work as it would be open to abuse 34. CDC Town & Parish Newsletter March 2003; Cotswold Lion Issue 8 Spring/Summer 2003 (on circulation) 35. CDC Cotswold Water Park Posters for Guided Walks, The Adventure Zone and The Great Lakes Open Day (to noticeboard) 36. Lee Clarke Design Services Proposed planning application on Upper Up playing fields 37. CDC Statement of Persons Nominated for Parish Council election (to noticeboard) 38. Winged Fellowship Trust Donation appeal (to list) 39. GAPTC Update for Member Councils Spring 2003 (circulated to all Councillors) 40. GAPTC Invitation to renew membership 41. DEFRA An overview of the Quality Parish Council Scheme (circulated to all Councillors) The Parish Council referred this item to its next meeting 42. Paul Johnson (Naunton, Glos) Summer Fete proposal Forwarded to Mrs Merson 43. Mrs J. Gardiner Internal Audit and Wages Preparation quotation 44. I. Selkirk Appointment of Internal Auditor reminder 45. Dr M. L. Black MD Verge parking 46. Husson Public Spaces newsletter (on circulation to Village Maintenance Committee) 47. Peter Jay, Hon Treasurer, South Cerney Village Hall subsidy request 48. Mike Stuart Village maintenance project 49. GRCC Invitation to Chairman to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the GRCC on Sunday 4 May at 3pm in Gloucester Cathedral. RSVP by 18 April 50. Glos Constabulary Police Newsletter March 2003 (on circulation) 51. Business Link Poster to noticeboard 52. CDC Special Meeting of the Standards Committee 9.30am 16 April Committee Room, Trinity Road, Cirencester 53. CDC Local Plan representation précis 54. Ms Cooksley Aircraft noise The reply to all questions was No with the exception of question 5. which was Yes. The reply to question 4. was qualified by Cllr Nicholas noting that he did not think it was an issue. 55. CDC Parish Council election result; procedure for co-option of new councillors To be included in next month's agenda COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS Cllr Harris complained that the alterations to the Children's Slide at Upper Up excluded younger children from using it. Cllr Nicholas said that the slide had been redesigned purposely for this reason as in a previous annual safety inspection report it had been reported as dangerous. Nevertheless Cllr Harris asked that the Clerk enquire from Macventure Play for an estimate to supplement the hand grips with larger ones which would make the equipment more accessible to younger children. Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to write to Mr Francis to complete the tarmac project, to the start of the public right of way which exits the car park at the end of Boxbush Road. Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner thanked members of the Parish Council and Ward Councillors for their support during her period as Chairperson. Parish Councillors unanimously returned the compliment for her contribution as Chairperson during her term of office. There being no further business Chairperson Cllr Mrs Gardiner closed the meeting at 10pm. |