MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE 2003
.

Present Chairman Stuart
Vice Chairman Squire
Councillor Caunce
Mrs Chapman
Mrs Chubb
Harris
Jay
Nicholas
Mrs Pollard
Smith
Webb
Bennett (CDC)
Mrs Clark (CDC)
A considerable number of parents, with their children attended. In view of this, prior to the start of the meeting, Cllr Stuart requested authority from the Parish Council to offer both the adults and youngsters a 10 minute slot to state their reason for attending. This was agreed. Their nominated spokesman, Mr Danny Stewart, said a rumour was circulating the village that the introduction of jumps had been abandoned at the Upper Ups and Downs. Cllr Harris said there had been a slight change to the construction design which was, in fact , superior and more interesting to the original plan. Cllr Nicholas said because the area would not be supervised and was quite a distance from the nearest habitation it had been difficult to get insurance cover and the whole idea had nearly been abandoned. Mr Stewart said the youngsters were not happy with the mountain bike area as, to gain maximum use for all ages, they would like a series of jumps. One youngster added that if these jumps were not available he could envisage that the mountain bike area would not be used and the money spent would be wasted. Cllr Nicholas added that the Parish Council was totally on the side of the youngsters and it was imperative that the mountain bike site suited all ages. After some further discussion Cllr Nicholas suggested that a site meeting is held attended by the youngsters, Cllr Harris and as many members of the Parish Council as possible. Any changes to the site would, of course, be dependent on finance. It was agreed to meet at the site on Saturday 14 June 2003 at 2.00 pm. Cllr Harris asked the youngsters to wait a while before using the site to give the grass seed time to grow. He also stressed that on no account were the youngsters to create an area of jumps on a self help basis - they would not be covered by insurance and it would be the duty of the Parish Council to level any area that was not built to an agreed specification. On behalf of those who attended Mr Stewart thanked the Parish Council for their time.

The Parish Council meeting then commenced at 7.52 pm.

Apologies were received from Councillor Baines (CDC). Cllr Stuart reported that Mr McKee was doing well and hoped to be back in harness for the next meeting. In his absence Anne Stuart had agreed to step in and do the minutes and a small amount of correspondence. All Councillors wished Mr McKee well.

Cllr Stuart welcomed Cllr Julian Caunce to the Council.

Cllr Jay proposed Cllr Pollard join the Planning Committee, seconded Cllr Smith. Carried unanimously.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were taken as read and agreed.

MATTERS ARISING

Jubilee Gardens
Cllr Clark reported that Jephsons had apologised for the way the contractors had left the site. They will return the site to an acceptable level on Monday 16 June 2003.

Upper Up Ramp
Cllr Stuart reported that the barrier and concreting of the Upper Up ramp was now completed. Cllr Stuart said he had received a letter requesting that Highways be asked to place a drop curb on the corner immediately opposite the entrance to the playing field. He had spoken to Roger Summerell of the Highways Authority who said this was not acceptable. However it may be possible to place a drop curb further along the footpath where there was adequate visibility in both directions. It was agreed to write to Gloucestershire County Council to ask them to carry out a feasibility study and price for this work. In view of the work that needs to be carried out in the area of the car park to provide suitable access for disabled users arriving by car and on foot Cllr Stuart suggested we employ the services of a specialist architect. Cllr Jay said it was vital that before work is carried out on any project, be it for hundreds of pounds or 6.5p, a specialist in whatever field should always be consulted. After some discussion it was agreed that Cllr Stuart would contact Quattro Design and Roger Jarvis and request that their specialist architect survey the site and come back with their proposals. Cllr Stuart will also ask whoever is instructed to design the job to liaise with the Highways Authority.

Golf Balls
To date Mr Franklin has still not erected a warning notice on the stile from Webb's field to the canal.

Flower Tubs
Cllr Mrs Chapman has still not been able to make contact with Mr M Chamberlain. Cllr Harris agreed to speak with Mr Tim Bailey regarding the bridle path at the bottom of the old railway line at the end of Station road where top soil has recently been laid. Cllr Harris said the area would become extremely muddy after heavy rainfall and it was agreed the Parish Council would write to BT requesting that the bridle path be reinstated with a suitable surface.

Upper Up Park
Cllr Jay said it must be borne in mind that any additions to the mountain bike area may require planning permission. Cllr Bennett added that if major changes were made to the original planning consent this may cause a problem in the future if anything was to go wrong. Cllr Clark said provided the changes were minor she felt there would not be a problem with planning. Cllr Jay said whatever is agreed the safety of the youngsters using the area must be paramount. Cllr Stuart asked as many persons as possible to attend the meeting on Saturday.

Aircraft Noise
Cllr Stuart reported that at the Annual Parish Meeting the Marquis had given a presentation on aircraft noise. The meeting had been attended by two representatives from 29 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps. It had proved to be a very useful meeting when a number of issues had been raised. The Silver Stars do adhere to the flying restrictions and flight patterns agreed, namely flying taking place between 1000-1900 hrs Monday to Saturday and 1000-1600 hrs on Sundays. Where possible, depending on the wind direction, care is taken not to fly over inhabited areas. However other users of the airfield do not have to follow these flight timings or flight patterns. The plane which raises the most complaints, the Sky Van, is used by the RAF and not the Silver Stars. A dialogue had been set up between the Marquis and the Army. Despite this, further complaints had been received regarding aircraft noise and at the Committee Meeting it was suggested that the Parish Council write to the Commanding Officer 29 Regiment RLC asking that a request is made through the chain of command to the other users of South Cerney airfield asking that they also comply with the flight restrictions accepted by the Silver Stars. Cllr Stuart read out the proposed letter. It was agreed that this is forwarded to the Commanding Officer as soon as possible. Cllr Webb concluded the discussion on aircraft noise by stating that very few people in the village find the aircraft noise a problem. The Parish Council was unanimous in stating their support for the Silver Stars. It was also felt that the Parish Council had done all they could with regard to aircraft noise and the matter would not be raised again at Council Meetings.

QUALITY COUNCIL

Cllr Jay and Cllr Pollard had attended a Training Meeting for new Parish Councillors when the subject of Quality Councils was discussed. The idea is to delegate more control to Parish Council and Cllr Jay informed the meeting that in Somerset some Quality Parish Councils have authority to make planning decisions. Cllr Stuart said he understands that unless the Parish Council obtains Control status it will not be as easy to obtain grants as it would if such qualification is obtained. Further discussion took place and Cllr Nicholas added a note of caution by stating that the Parish Council members would find it very difficult to take on yet more responsibilities which would seem inevitable if they obtained Quality status. Cllr Jay said if Regional Government moves away then it may be vital that Parish Councils have more authority. Cllr Stuart feels that Mr McKee had obtained all the necessary qualifications to enable us to apply for Quality status. Cllr Nicholas wished to register his profound reservations if the Parish Council obtained quality status. The discussion concluded by the Parish Council agreeing that Mr McKee applies for Quality status.

PLANNING

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

Committee Officers
The Committee agreed to elect Cllr Nicholas as Chairman and Cllr Mrs Chapman as Vice Chairman.

CT.0144/4/Q
Erection of side extension and front porch to existing dwelling at 7 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.0650/D
Conversion of building to 2 (two) dwellings; erection of further 4 (four) dwellings and carports at Old Post Office, High Street, South Cerney. Cllr Mrs Pollard declared an interest in this application.
OBJECTIONS ON POINTS OF DETAIL

CT.0776/P
Refurbishment and extension to Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney (R). Cllr Stuart declared an interested in this application.
NO OBJECTION

CT.0776/Q
Erection of detached dwelling on land adjacent to Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney (R). Cllr Stuart declared an interested in this application.
OBJECTION

CT.1454/3/W
Retrospective permission for a velux rooflight and 2 (two) shuttered windows in rear elevation (shutters to match external cladding) at 71 Isis Lakes, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester
OBJECTION

CT.1470/1/A
Leisure complex including gymnasium, swimming pool, restaurant, staff flat, kitchen at Watermark, South Cerney. These plans were studied in detail at the Parish Council meeting and comments made. A request will be submitted for more details regarding final height of building, materials used, etc. A vote was taken in regard to this application, proposed Cllr Jay, seconded Cllr Smith, carried. There were 10 against, 1 in favour.
OBJECTION IN PRINCIPLE

CT.1599/C
Erection of new dwelling at Morning Dew, Cerney Wick, Cirencester
NO OBJECTION

CT.2003/R
Erection of detached dwelling at land at School Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.3929/Q
First floor bedroom and bedroom en-suite extension above existing single storey extension at 15 Willow Grove, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4067/2/K
Single storey rear kitchen extension Oakway, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4233/H
South Cerney Football Club changing rooms and showers
NO OBJECTION

CT.5189/G
Caravan Site at South Cerney.
OBJECTION ­ Outside Local Plan and not a sustainable development

Planning Permission Granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.0649/2/B
Demolition and replacement of kitchen extension at 55 Meadow Way, South Cerney

CT.0649/2/C
Rear extension to existing garage at 22 Meadow Way, South Cerney

CT.0649/2/D
Erection of rear conservatory at 35 Meadow Way, South Cerney

CT.2249/F
Erection of one dwelling and garage ­ revision to previously approved scheme
CT.2249/E at Fairholm, Silver Street, South Cerney

CT.4204/B
Replacement of culvert with a navigable underbridge to include a pedestrian and cycle underpass ­ revised details at Thames & Severn Canal Crossing SU073 972, Western Spine Road 2086, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

Minor Amendment to Planning Approval

CT.0006/3/L
(1) Amendment to location of club house further towards the eastern boundary; (2) Amendment to location of storage compound; and (3) Landscaping revision.

Planning Permission Refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/3/V
Temporary agricultural dwelling at Rainbow Lakes Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney.

Jet Ski Lake
Cllr Clark agreed to forward up to date information with regard to the proposed Jet Ski Lake at Ashton Keynes.

Agreement to planning decisions proposed Cllr Caunce, seconded Cllr Harris.
Agreed.

FINANCE

Cllr Jay gave details of the Planning Committee report.

Committee Officers
The Committee agreed to elect Cllr Jay as Chairman and Cllr Smith as Vice Chairman.

Outstanding Debt
Cllr Jay reported that the Clerk has begun the action in the Small Claims Court for the Outstanding Debt (Notice Board Repair).

New bank signing signatories have been activated.

Payments
Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (April) £40.00
M McKee Clerk's Travel (May) £42.23
M McKee Chairman's Allowance (Flowers and Card) £29.99
Busy Fingers Photocopying £24.43
BT plc Clerk's Telephone £99.19
CPRE Membership Renewal £25.00
Raymond Fenton Internet Web £360.00
MacVenture Play Co Storage of Le Spa play equipment (April and May) £126.90
R W Gardiner Ground Maintenance Cerney Wick (May) £70.35
D Chubb Ground Maintenance South Cerney (May) £345.00
Alex Lawrie Factors Ground Maintenance South Cerney (May) £753.11
Whitton Associates Re-tendering Charges Upper Up £1,920.53
Village Hall Part payment of Village Hall grant £2,757.63
James Harris Contracting Interim payment (Upper Up) £13,371.90 £19,966.26

Cllr Harris was then asked to leave the room. A request had been made from James Harris Contracting that an interim payment of £13,371.90 be made for work carried out at Upper Up Playing Field. Cllr Jay had spoken to Whitton Associates who confirmed that this was standard procedure. The motion was proposed by Cllr Nicholas, seconded by Cllr Stuart. Agreed.

In the light of the unexpected wet conditions experienced by the contractor, and with professional advice, it was recommended that the full amount allowed for as contingencies in the tender should be made available to the contractor, James Harris Contracting, for work carried out at Upper Up Playing field. The motion was proposed by Cllr Smith, Seconded by Cllr Caunce. Agreed. Cllr Jay added that an invoice would need to be raised prior to payment.

Cllr Jay asked that Mr McKee forwards him a copy of the full state of the Parish Council finances to enable the Finance Committee to comment on the quotation of approximately £8,000 for wall work for the extended churchyard.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE

Committee Officers
The Committee agreed to elect Cllr Squire as Chairman and Cllr Stuart as Vice Chairman.

Upper Up Access Ramp
Cllr Squires reported that a site meeting had been held to look at the ramp access to Upper Up Playing field. As reported above, follow up action is taking place.

Cllr Harris confirmed that the tree in the river Churn has been removed.

Cycle Racks
Cllr Squires will arrange a meeting to decide on the position of cycle racks and paint spray the areas agreed.

Ground Maintenance
Cllr Squires expressed his concern at the standard of work carried out by the Ground Maintenance Contractors. He has been in touch with them and they are returning on Tuesday 17 June 2003 to complete the work. The Committee will draw up an updated specification to ensure all the areas in the village which come under the auspices of the Parish Council are maintained.

Jubilee Gardens
Cllr Clark confirmed that Jephsons have instructed their contractor to attend the site at Jubilee Gardens and make good the grassed area. She is also in the process of setting up a meeting between Jephsons and all other interested parties. Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Stuart strongly condemned the appaling way the CDC has treated the residents of Jubilee Gardens and asked
Cllr Clark to pass on their views, supported by the Parish Council, in the strongest possible manner.

INSPECTION REPORT

Cllr Stuart said a change has been made in the way the village playing fields are inspected. Cllr Stuart will inspect the Upper Up playing fields, Cllr Harris will inspect the Robert Franklin Way playing field and Cllr Chapman will inspect the Cerney Wick playing field, all on a weekly basis.

Cllr Stuart said two supporting struts had been kicked out on the tower slide platform. He had carried out the necessary repairs.

Cllr Squires agreed to look at the possibility of Sita emptying the bin at Cerney Wick playing field. Cllr Harris agreed to mend the rail.

Cllr Harris said two signs are missing, namely the Bow Wow sign and Sudeley Drive sign.
Council will inform Derek Taylor of GCC Highways.

CORRESPONDENCE

Cllr Stuart said it is hoped in the near future to forward copies of all correspondence by e-mail to all Parish Councillors prior to the meeting.

Correspondence received up to and including Monday 9 June 2003
1. DEFRA ­ Essential Guidance for town and Parish Councillors
2. Glos Constabulary ­ Newsletter April 2003 (on circulation)
3. Central Cotswold Young Peoples Project ­ Parish and Town Council Consultation Day ­ 11 Jun 2003
4. Alex Lawrie Factors ­ Payment methods
5. South Cerney Village Hall Receipts and Payments 02-03
6. The 15th Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon ­ aircraft noise
7. The Planning Inspectorate ­ CT.0006/3/J Residential development of Camus site to provide 30 dwellings : appeal dismissed
8. CDC ­ Register of Members' Interests form sent to Cllr Mrs Pollard
9. The Good Councillor's Guide (on circulation to all Parish Councillors)
10. WRVS ­ Donation acknowledgement
11. 21 Today ­ The Newsletter of Vision 21 in Gloucestershire (on circulation)
12. GAPTC (Glos Association of Parish and Town Councils) ­ Update for member councils: Summer 2003 (on circulation)
13. GAPTC ­ Training (e-mailed to all Parish Councillors)
14. NALC (National Association of Local Councils) ­ Invitation and booking form to attend NALC Conference ­ 2-5 October 2003 at Cardiff City Hall (RSVP by 21 August)
15. GAPTC ­ Call for Resolutions for AGM to be held on 18 October (e-mailed to all Parish Councillors)
16. CPR ­ Annual Report 2002-03 Gloucestershire Branch; AGM Agenda: Invitation to attend AGC at Stowell Park, Northleach on Friday 27 June
17. Whitton Associated ­ Re-tendering and supervision of Upper Up contract
18. Lee Clark Design Services ­ Proposed new changing facility for South Cerney Football Club at Upper Up
19. Marie Curie Cancer Care ­ Acknowledgement of donation
20. CPRE ­ Acknowledgement of application to enter Bledisloe Cup competition; posters to noticeboards
21. Davey Son & Jones ­ Legal Update May 2003-06-12
22. The Ridgeway National Trail ­ Thames Path Cycling Policy Review
23. Environment Agency ­ Fallen tree in river Churn
24. Michael Ingram ­ Aircraft noise
25. CPRE ­ TCG Newsletter April 2003 (on circulation)
26. Cotswold Canals Trust ­ TROW Magazine Summer 2003 (on circulation)
27. GCC ­ Extension of Shorncote Quarry to extract sand and gravel from land at Dryleaze Farm and restoration to agricultural use, lakes and rural amenity
28. CDC ­ Vacancy on the Parish Council Standards Committee

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Caunce said he had received a number of complaints following last Sunday's Jet Ski competition in respect of the noise of the loudspeakers, motorcyclists recklessly riding up and down the lane, without helmets, and parking along the lane in no parking zones. The Clerk will write to NitroJet UK outlining the concerns of the Parish Council.

Cllr Chapman reported that the footpath in Cerney Wick, south of the Long House, needs clearing. The Clerk will write to A Swainston of Keynes Country Park regarding this.

Cllr Pollard had received a request for speed bumps to be installed on the road leading down Berkeley Close towards the school. The Clerk agreed to write to the Highways Authority regarding this, at the same time enquiring what progress had been made with regard to traffic calming in South Cerney.

Cllr Jay reported that Halcro had been marking damaged areas in Station road early in the week. Cllr Chubb said she had been informed that re-surfacing Station Road would not take place until October 2003.

There being no further business Chairman Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.10 pm.