MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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| One member of the public Susan Andrews and a press reporter from the Wilts & Glos
Standard were in attendance The Chairman Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.30 pm. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from Cllr Baines (CDC) and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC). A proposal from the Chairman Cllr Stuart that a letter from Ms S. Andrews be discussed was agreed by Parish Councillors. Ms Andrews had written to the Parish Council expressing her concern that the installation of the zebra crossing had been cancelled. Cllr Jay agreed that the Parish Council had objected to the scheme as precise plans had not been available but not to the principle of the crossing itself. Cllr Jay and Cllr Nicholas asked Cllr Parsons (GCC) if it was possible for the Parish Council to have more input on the consultation. Cllr Parsons (GCC) agreed to liaise with GCC Highways and arrange a meeting with Mr John Whittaker and Mr Martyn Summerell for the Parish Council to have a meaningful consultation although he emphasised that the Parish Council would not have a veto over whatever decision was reached. Cllr Bennett (CDC) queried the need for such a crossing as he could not recall the occurrence of a serious accident over the past 30 years. Ms Andrews left the meeting at 8pm. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2003 PAGE 1 Pedestrian Crossing delete last two lines: crossing ... Road. insert scheme. PAGE 4 CT.1454/3/Y Insert after: lake ... 7 PAGE 5 playing fields & village maintenance Change 11 August. to read ... 8 September. PAGE 10 COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS Fourth item change Cllr Mrs Chubb to read ... Cllr Mrs Chapman It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Minutes after alteration were a true and accurate record. Cllr Caunce abstained from voting as he was absent from the September meeting. The rest of the Parish Council was all in favour and the Minutes were signed by the Chairman Cllr Stuart. MATTERS ARISING Kingfisher Place Adoption Cllr Nicholas declared a professional interest. Residents of Kingfisher Place were experiencing difficulty in persuading the developer Redcliffe Homes, Gloucestershire County Council and Watermark in reaching agreement on the adoption of the road servicing the development. Cllr Parsons (GCC) volunteered to act as a facilitator between the parties although he could not advise that GCC take the risk of adopting the road when the legal right for drainage that is necessary for that road is not in place. The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting between Mr Tom O'Connor (Redcliffe Homes), Mr Ray Jenkins (Watermark), Mr Brian Corke (Kingfisher Place resident), Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Parsons (GCC) to discuss how the problem might be resolved. Dental Practice Cllr Squire reported that the Enforcement Officer had informed him he had instructed that the sign Dental Surgery be removed within 28 days. CLERK'S REPORT The Clerk informed the Parish Council that on Tuesday 16 September he had met with Cllr Squire and Mr S. King to design a tender document for the refurbishment of Robert Franklin Way play area. A draft was prepared and copies delivered on Thursday 18 September to Cllr Squire, Mr King and Cllr Mrs Chubb for their comments. Cllr Squire brought a revised tender which was sent out to 8 suppliers for quotation. On Tuesday 23 September D. Taylor GCC Highways visited me and passed on a request from a new CDC Cllr (for the Water Park) that the Parish Council prune the Lime trees in Silver Street. On Monday 29 September I had a meeting at Robert Franklin Way play area with a representative from Wicksteed to discuss the tender. In September I logged 90.5 hours which averaged 4 hours 5 minutes per available working day or 20.5 hours per week. Cllr Bennett left the meeting at 8.25pm. PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 6 October. Litter Picking Mr Curtis had agreed to the revised contract to litter pick for one hour Monday to Friday for £100 per month. The Committee agreed to the Clerk's suggestion that a short handled litterpicker be purchased for Mr Curtis. Grass Cutting The Committee was very pleased with the quality of the new grass cutting arrangement. Bow Wow The Clerk was asked to enquire from Rob Bull, CDC when the street sign could be expected. Grass Cut at Upper Up James Harris confirmed that the cut of the newly sown areas had been carried out as agreed with the Parish Council at Upper Up. Ladder Bars It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees to an increase of £65 on a previous estimate from James Harris for £110, to replace all the ladder rungs on the activity area, as an extra length of aluminium will have to be purchased to complete the work. The Parish Council was all in favour. War Memorial Cllr Harris, Cllr Squire and Cllr Stuart volunteered to tidy up the War Memorial surrounds in preparation for the annual Remembrance Day parade. They further agreed to carry out other necessary minor maintenance work throughout the village. Robert Franklin Way play area It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees to accept quotes from R. O. W. Berry to prune a pyracantha hedge to approximately 5 feet for £95 and to level and seed old goal area for £75. The Parish Council was all in favour. Trees in Silver Street D. Taylor GCC Highways informed the Clerk that one of the new Water Park District Councillors had reported that trees in Silver Street, owned by the Parish Council, were overgrowing the carriageway and needed to be pruned back. The Committee decided to postpone debate on this matter until its meeting in November. Upper Up Garages Cllr Stuart reported that rubbish was being dumped beyond the entrance to the garages at the end of River Way. The Clerk had informed CDC Environmental Health department. Signs at Spine Road/Station Road The Clerk was to enquire from both GCC Highways and CDC Enforcement Officer if any action was to be taken to remove the clutter of unauthorised signs which Parish Councillors agreed were dangerous at this junction. INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up Cllr Stuart reported on wet rot that had decayed the top rail of the Junior Swing which had to be removed in the interests of safety. The top rail of the Senior Swing is also showing signs of decay and should be replaced immediately. Cllr Squire informed the Parish Council that suppliers had been asked to quote for the repairs. The Slide which, due to its alteration is little used, was in good condition. The chains on the basketball equipment had been removed. The joints of the safety tiles needed to be sealed or pushed together. The Cycle Mounds had been well used over the summer period but there were too many big stones on flat surfaces which should be removed and placed under the hedge. The Clerk was to ask André Genillard if he and his friends would be willing to perform this task especially at the jumps and berms. Generally the litter problem was improving due to the work done by Mr Curtis. The recent rain had resulted in a better grass growth and the annual weeds had been cut. A small area between the cycle mound and the football pitch seemed to have been missed when grass seeding had been carried out. James Harris was asked to inspect. Each week the situation improves. Robert Franklin Way Cllr Harris reported that the new play bark under the swing had been installed. The old goal mouth needed to be reinstated but generally litter was no longer a problem. Cerney Wick Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that leaves need to be swept from the safety tiles. The fencing has not yet been repaired although it is believed that the job is in hand. FINANCE Cllr Jay reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 6 October. Invoices to be paid Alex Lawrie Factors Ground Maintenance South Cerney (July) £753.11 A demand threatening legal action within 7 days had been received unless a full settlement or reasons for withholding payment were made. The Clerk reminded Parish Councillors that on 28 July Cllr Stuart had complained to the ground maintenance foreman that the grass cutting was not up to standard. The foreman assured Cllr Stuart that the work would improve. The following day Cllr Stuart inspected the village again and was disappointed with several aspects of the contract. The foreman agreed to a telephoned invitation from the Clerk to attend the Village Maintenance and Playing Fields Committee meeting on 11 August. When he failed to appear the Clerk was informed on 12 August by recorded message that Jeremy Simmons Landscapes Ltd had ceased trading. The Clerk was instructed to request that Alex Lawrie demonstrate why the Parish Council should pay them rather than the appointed liquidator as Jeremy Simmons Landscapes Ltd was no longer in business. He was also to inform Alex Lawrie Factors that the Parish Council is minded to pay £500 on account. Outstanding South Cerney Cricket Club Share of water bill £9.22 Mr R. Hewer Noticeboard repair £385.00 £394.22 Notification had been received that an Attachment of Earnings Order had been made on Mr R. Hewer to be collected by the Centralised Attachment of Earnings Payment System (CAPS) at the rate of £40.00 per month. The Clerk was asked to seek clarification from CAPS as to when the Parish Council could expect its payment. Payments Received Cotswold District Council Precept: Final Instalment £10,785.00 South Cerney Football Club Share of water bill £13.83 £10,798.83 Payments Out Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (October) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (part September & October) £160.00 Petty Cash Postage £30.00 Moore Stephens Audit of Parish Council Annual Return £411.25 R. O. W. Berry Bus Shelter & War Memorial repairs £167.50 R. O. W. Berry Play bark at Robert Franklin Way play area £145.00 Thames Water Utilities Ltd Upper Up play area (13 June to 14 September) £23.05 M. McKee Clerk's Travel (September) £61.38 Southern Electric Power to Bus Shelters (27 June to 23 September) £10.74 R. W. Gardiner Ground Maintenance Cerney Wick (September) £63.60 Busy Fingers Photocopying £43.83 David Chubb Ground Maintenance Play areas (September) £135.00 Lee Ponting South Cerney Ground Maintenance (inc strimming) £745.00 £2,036.35 Cllr Jay inspected and agreed the Clerk's travel expenses for September. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Ms Pollard that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Squire declared a prejudicial interest when the Parish Council agreed to make payments totalling £8,410 to the Parochial Church Council on production of substantive invoices incurred in the erection of the graveyard wall extension. The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Nicholas that copy receipts of the invoices covered by the grant be passed to the Clerk for the record. Maintenance Quotations Ladder Bars The Committee agreed to a recommendation from the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee that it consents to an increase of £65 on a estimate from James Harris Contracting to replace all the ladder rungs on the activity area. The revised quote of £175 was accepted. Robert Franklin Way play area The Committee agreed to a recommendation from the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee that it consents to quotes from R. O. W. Berry to prune a pyracantha hedge to approximately 5 feet for £95 and to level and seed old goal area for £75. VILLAGE PLAN Cllr Jay reported on a meeting organised by GRCC he had attended with Cllr Stuart at CDC which encouraged Parish Councils to prepare a Parish Plan to help determine budget decisions. The Committee agreed to recommend that the Parish Council has an agenda item for its November meeting to design a Parish Plan to create the basis for next year's budget. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 6 October. Matters Arising CT.2648/1/Z Residence at Lake 10, Cerney Wick Lane Mr C. Davis (Enforcement Officer) had informed the Clerk that a reply stating that the lodge was occupied to provide security for the building, lake and land after two lorry loads of rubbish had been fly tipped on the property. The Parish Council agreed to the recommendation of the Committee instructing the Clerk to inform the Enforcement Officer that there is no justification in breaching the planning condition on occupancy to improve security and to further enquire when the temporary occupancy will cease. CT.7318/D Mill Cottage, Cerney Wick The Clerk was asked to write to Mr C. Davis (Enforcement Officer) regarding the outcome of his inspection. CT.8163/D The Clerk was asked to enquire from Mr C. Davis if retrospective planning applications had been received to retain the wall and the gate at their present respective heights at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5UT Pete's Catering, Wick Water Lane The Clerk was asked to write to Mr C. Davis (Enforcement Officer) regarding the outcome of his inspection. CT.0006/2/X Limes Development, CAMAS Site The Clerk was to ask CDC Planning to enforce Condition 20 of the granted permission which states that the southern boundary shall have a natural stone wall, permanently installed prior to any house at the site being occupied or brought into use. The details of such a wall shall be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority before work commences. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/3/P Erection of three (3) galvanised steel clad garages and 1.8m high mesh fencing at Lake 16, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. It was agreed that the proposed development would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area and the poor standard of design objectionable in this very visible setting. OBJECTION CT.0006/3/Q Construction of fifty (50) holiday lodges with access road and car parking (revised scheme) at Lake 16, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. The lodges, especially those on plots 1 to 11, on the peninsula would be unnecessarily conspicuous and dominate the view from the south eastern edge of the village. OBJECTION CT.0649/2/E Erection of single storey kitchen extension and cloakroom at 45 Meadow Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 6HY Cllr Jay and Cllr Nicholas declared an interest as they knew the applicant.It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Jay and Cllr Nicholas who abstained, was all in favour. NO OBJECTION CT.0807/V Erection of rear conservatory at Mayfield, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Cllr Mrs Pollard declared a prejudicial interest as a close neighbour and took no part in the discussion. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Mrs Pollard who abstained, was all in favour. NO OBJECTION CT.2475/1/P Discharge of condition 4 of planning permission CT.2475/1/L relating to landscaping of the site at land at Evergreen Industrial Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester The Committee agreed that CT.2475/1/L Condition 4 was eminently appropriate as the site was adjacent to a densely populated area of the village. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. OBJECTION CT.2648/2/Z Additional/amended plans for 50 holiday lodges, cable tow water ski course with clubhouse, boating lake and boathouse, restaurant and shop with office over at Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council ratify the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Caunce who abstained, was all in favour. MAINTAIN OBJECTION CT.3424/D Retrospective application for extension to east elevation at Lower Churn, Bow Wow, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Cllr Jay declared an interest as a close friend of the applicant. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Squire that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Jay who abstained, was all in favour. NO OBJECTION CT.4065/K Minor amendment to glazing to front elevation, alterations to the doors and the installation of goosewing grey roof sheeting at Butts Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees with the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. NO OBJECTION CT.7913/A Extension to existing churchyard and erection of drystone wall surround at All Hallows Church, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. The Parish Council declared an interest and no proposal was made. CT.8163/F Erection of dwelling and garage (Revised Scheme) on land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Cllr Stuart declared an interest as a close neighbour. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council agrees to the decision of the Committee. The Parish Council, with the exception of Cllr Stuart who abstained, was all in favour. OBJECTION Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0776/N Listed Building Consent for refurbishment and extension at Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Conditions of interest include: 2. The external walls of the proposed extension shall be built of natural Cotswold rubble walling stone. 3. The roof of the proposed extension shall be covered with natural Cotswold stone slates. CT.0776/P Refurbishment and extension at Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.0807/U Repositioning of previously approved rooflight and the insertion of an additional rooflight on the front elevation at the Old Farm House, High Street, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.2380/2/W Change of use of E-field from touring caravans to static holiday caravans at Cotswold Hoborne, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Glos. Conditions of interest include: 4. Notwithstanding Classes C2 and C3 of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, the static caravan plots hereby permitted shall be used to provide holiday accommodation only, which shall not be occupied as permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence. 5. The caravans shall not be occupied between 1st November in any one year and the 28th February in the succeeding year. CT.3930/D Part infill of existing balcony to form larger lounge area to existing fisherman's croft at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney CT.8113/A Erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling at Tiburnia, Church Lane, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. Planning application refused by Cotswold District Council CT.4511/F Erection of new dwelling and associated works at Tien House, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QJ REVISED DEPOSIT LOCAL PLAN 2001-2011 The Parish Council agreed with the Committee which had voiced its disappointment that no notice had been taken by CDC of the previous objections by the Parish Council. The Parish Council could only comment on amendments which included some vacuous reference to the canal. AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER No 4 As the Parish Council meeting in April 2004 is scheduled for Wednesday 14 normal Committee meetings would therefore take place on Easter Monday which falls on 12 April. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to amend the dates for the meetings in April 2004 only so that Committee meetings take place on 5 April and the Parish Council meeting on the 7 April. The Parish Council was all in favour. RoSPA INSPECTION Cllr Squire was not impressed with the detail provided in the safety inspection report by RoSPA. To comply with the Disability Discrimination Act it would be necessary to construct a minimum of two disabled parking bays at Upper Up car park. The Clerk was asked to contact GPFA for professional guidance. In the light of an inspection at Upper Up, concern was expressed that the inspection was of a non-dismantling nature whereby it was not possible to check for internal corrosion/rot without dismantling the equipment. Nevertheless on 13 September 2003 Cllr Stuart had visually detected that the cross over pole on the Junior Swing which supported the cradle swing seats was in a very dangerous, rotting and unsafe condition and produced photographs of its state. The RoSPA inspection carried out on 3 July 2003 made no mention of this potential problem. The Clerk was asked to inform RoSPA of the concern and to enquire why the inspector did not find the problem. BLEDISLOE CUP REPORT On a scale represented by A as outstanding to F well below standard the team which inspected South Cerney awarded the village mostly a C grade with a few B and some D marks. Generally the inspectors did not feel that a special effort had been made and interviews conducted reflected some disinterest and lack of knowledge of the competition. The Parish Council agreed with a suggestion from Cllr Stuart that South Cerney enters the Daily Telegraph and Calor Gas competition for Village of the Year Award. He emphasised that this competition would generate more collaboration between village residents than the Bledisloe Cup which he regarded as a competition for tidy villages and did not involve group participation. COUNCILLOR'S REPORTS Cllr Squire reported instances of dogs fouling the footpath from Upper Mill to Meadow Way. He further complained about the débris outside the shops in the area opposite the Post Office. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr John Jameson owner of the properties and ask him if wooden fencing could be erected to screen the dust bins from public view. Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to enquire from the County Archivist if it was possible to determine the ownership of the cut-through between Sudeley Drive and Ham Lane as it would be a benefit if steps and/or a ramp could be installed for easier access. Cllr Caunce reported that residents of Cerney Wick had an informative meeting in their village hall with Marcus Kitchen Planning Officer at CDC. The village committee had written to the Environment Agency expressing its concern about potential flooding. It had also written to GCC Highways with its unease about highway access and traffic speed by vehicles using the village roads. He asked the Clerk to include an item on Community Involvement in next month's agenda. Cllr Jay had accompanied Cllr Stuart to a meeting organised by GRCC at CDC Council Chamber where many items including village plans were discussed and asked the Clerk to include this on next month's agenda. He also asked the Clerk to report the obscured lights in Bow Wow to Mr B. Greenaway, Road Lighting Manager at GCC. Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report that a manhole cover in the grass verge was proud at end of Station Road adjacent to Kingfisher Place. Cllr Harris and Cllr Squire would organise a search for subterranean services where the bike racks are to be situated. Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that she had attended a meeting of Cerney Wick residents and Marcus Kitchen CDC Planning Officer. CORRESPONDENCE 1. CPRE Bledisloe Cup report 2. Davey Son & Jones Copy of Land Registry title to the land at Robert Franklin Way and filed plan 3. Clerks & Councils Direct September 2003 Issue 29 (on circulation) 4. Audited Annual Return 5. Swindon County Court Attachment of Earnings application 6. Cotswold & Vale NHS Annual Report & Summary Accounts Apr 2002Mar 2003 (on circulation) 7. CDC CT.2648/2/Z Invitation to attend a Planning Committee meeting on 24 September (e-mailed to members of Planning Committee) 8. GPFA Renewal of membership acknowledgement 9. Davey Son & Jones Instructions reminder 10. Swindon County Court Attachment of Earnings payment system order (e-mailed to members of Finance Committee) 11. Vision 21 Newsletter Issue 28 Sept/Oct 2003 (on circulation) 12. CDC Local Plan 20012011 Revised Deposit (on circulation to Planning Committee) 13. Glos Constabulary Police Newsletter (July/August) (on circulation) 14. Davey Son & Jones Confirmation that Land Certificate will be retained in the strongroom 15. GAPTC Invitation to attend AGM on Saturday18 October; Vacancies on County Committee 16. GCC Grass Roots: PROW & Conservation Magazine Summer/Autumn 2003 (on circulation) 17. CDC Invitation to attend a Development Control/Conservation and Design Focus Group meeting on Monday 17 November at CDC, Trinity Road 18. Glos Hospitals NHS Trusts Consultation on forming a NHS Foundation Trust (on circulation) 19. Webmaster Query PC website advertising policy Parish Council was in agreement that the web site did not carry any advertisements. 20. GCC Public Rights of Way: BSC1 21. CDC Lake 10, South Cerney 22. GCC 30 mph speed limit, Broadway Lane 23. R. O. W. Berry Quotations for ground maintenance at Robert Franklin Way play area 24. Susan Andrews Road safety in South Cerney 25. South Cerney Playgroup Acknowledgement of use of PC in planning application 26. Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee Agenda for meeting to be held in the Millennium Centre, Keynes Country Park on Monday 6 October at 2pm (emailed to Parish Councillors, copy to Cllr Squire) 27. Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee Guidance on hydrological best practice for minerals development in the Cotswold Water Park: Draft for Consultation (on circulation) 28. GAPTC Invitation to attend 66th AGM on Saturday 18 October at the Westwoods Centre, Northleach; Agenda; Minutes of 65th AGM; Propositions Update; Annual Report & Financial Statements 29. CDC Notification to of intention to undertake tree work at Providence Cottage, Upper Up 30. CDC Works at Orchard House, South Cerney 31. GCC Gloucestershire Minerals Local Plan 19972006: contributors acknowledged 32. Melrose Associates Licence transfer 33. Alex Lawrie Factors Outstanding account 34. GPFA Invitation to attend 41st AGM on Tuesday 21 October at 3.30pm at Tewkesbury Town Hall; Agenda; Minutes 40th AGM 35. GCC Highways Footpath at Langet: plan and costing 36. GCC Kingfisher Place adoption 37. CDC Rearranged date for Cotswold Rural Access Conference 10 December 2003 at the Westwoods Centre, Northleach at two sessions 4pm and 6.30pm 38. The 15th Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon Aircraft Noise at South Cerney 39. The Cotswold Lion Autumn/Winter 2003 (on circulation) 40. SLCC Invitation to attend regional one day conference on Quality Councils on Monday 15 December 2003 at Glos County Cricket Club, County Ground, Bristol. Delegate fee: £25 plus £20 for additional members Cllr Smith and the Clerk volunteered to attend the meeting. 41. The Boundary Committee for England Alternative proposal for Cheltenham 42. GAPTC Invitation to attend training seminar ³Assessing Planning Applications² on 24 October at British Energy, Barnwood, Gloucester. Delegate fee £60 43. GAPTC Update for member councils: September 2003 44. Ann Edwards School Zebra crossing support 45. Cerney Wick Village Committee Copy letter to Ian Tiller, Environment Agency: Flooding and traffic noise 46. Cerney Wick Village Committee Copy letter to T. Randles GCC Highways: Development of Lake 11 concern Cllr Stuart declared an interest in the next item and left the meeting at 10.20pm. Cllr Squire took over as Chairman and the meeting continued. 47. Susan Cooksley Aircraft Noise at South Cerney Ms Cooksley had posed a series of questions of a personal nature in her letter to the Chairman. Cllr Nicholas gave an interpretation of how the Parish Council's Model Code of Conduct affected the issue as follows: ? The Parish Council is subject to the Parish Councils' (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2001 ? A member of the Council must not conduct himself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his office or the Council into disrepute [paragraph 4 of the Order]. ? A member must, if he becomes aware of any conduct by another member which he reasonably believes involves a failure to comply with the Code of Conduct, make a written allegation to that effect to the Standards Board for England as soon as it is practical for him to do so [paragraph 6]. ? A member must regard himself as having a personal interest in any matter if a decision upon it might reasonably be regarded as affecting, to a greater extent than other inhabitants of the Parish, the well-being or financial position of himself, a relative or a friend or any employment carried on by such persons [paragraph 7(1) (a)]. ? A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest [paragraph 8]. ? A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgement of the public interest [paragraph 9(1)]. ? A member with a prejudicial interest in any matter must withdraw from the room unless he has obtained a dispensation from the Standards Committee of the authority, and he must not seek improperly to influence a decision about that matter. With regard to the question of aircraft noise from South Cerney Airfield and the interests of Cllr Stuart, my own interpretation of the Code of Conduct leads me to believe as follows:- 1. I have always been aware that Cllr Stuart's wife is employed as a secretary at the army camp, but I am not aware of precisely who she works for there. 2. It is my understanding that all the other Parish Councillors are similarly aware of that fact, and Cllr Stuart has always been perfectly open and honest about it in all discussions about aircraft noise. 3. The definition of a personal interest refers to any matter that affects the individual concerned to a greater extent than any other inhabitants of the area I do not believe that the question of aircraft noise actually affects Mrs Stuart to any greater extent than anyone else in the village, but since Mrs Stuart also works at the camp, I err on the side of caution on this question, and I am assuming that there is a personal interest here under the Code. 4. I do not know whether paragraph 8 of the Code requires that such a personal interest be expressly minuted, but it is my belief that Cllr Stuart has effectively disclosed his particular personal interest to the Council, and therefore I do not believe that there has been a breach of the Code in this regard. Nevertheless, I think it would be prudent to minute every such disclosure of a personal interest in the future. 5. I believe the question of current levels of aircraft noise, arose because the Parish Council had been asked to submit representations in order to reflect the views of village residents. I am mindful of the fact that the Parish Council actually has no direct influence regarding the nature or extent of aircraft activity, and that the question at issue here is merely the nature of any representations submitted by the Council. 6. Ever since the aircraft noise question arose, I have been mindful of whether Cllr Stuart's personal interest might amount to a prejudicial interest. I believe that, whilst obviously expressing his own personal views on the matter, Cllr Stuart has chaired the debates which I have attended in an even-handed manner, and that the letter that he drafted [which was sent to Major Jones on 12th July 2003] is very fair and reasonable. Indeed, the letter is a clear demonstration that Cllr Stuart's personal interest should not reasonably be regarded as so significant as to prejudice his judgement of the public interest. 7. Whilst I personally do object somewhat to the current aircraft noise, I believe that both the said letter, and Cllr Stuart's chairmanship of the discussions, accurately reflects the more general opinion of village residents, namely that they broadly accept the current level of aircraft activity, having regard to the history of the airfield and the quasi military nature of the Silver Stars Parachute Team. 8. I am fully mindful of the fact that, as a member of the Parish Council, the Code of Conduct requires me to make a written allegation to the Standards Board if I become aware of any conduct by another member which I reasonably believe involves a failure to comply with the Code. Having carefully considered the matter in the manner detailed above, I personally do not believe that Cllr Stuart has breached the Code. Nevertheless, every other member of the Council must obviously consider the question, and should satisfy themselves on this, and every single other issue that the Parish Council chooses to address. Finally, I believe that not only should the Parish Council continue to satisfy itself that the Code of Conduct is adhered to at all times, but we should always be clearly seen to do so. For that reason, I think it important that we continue to publish full minutes of our meetings on the Parish Council website, and that we also publish any letters that we write in response to such public debates in the future. Cllr Caunce proposed and Cllr Jay seconded a motion that the Parish Council stands in full agreement with the analysis given by Cllr Nicholas. The Parish Council was unanimously in favour of the motion. The Parish Council then agreed that there was nothing new to discuss regarding aircraft noise and all Parish Councillors personally thanked Cllr Nicholas for his contribution. The Clerk was asked to forward a copy of the above assessment to Ms Cooksley. There being no further business Cllr Squire closed the meeting at 10.45pm. |