MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.30 pm. Three residents from Berkeley Close were present. The Chairman allowed the assembled Councillors five minutes to read the Minutes of the Committee meetings held on Monday evening. The Minutes had been received by all with the even numbered pages missing. APOLOGIES Apologies for their absence had been received from Cllr Caunce, Cllr Harris, Cllr Jay and Cllr Parsons (GCC). MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 JULY 2004 Page 1859: Cerney Wick Village Hall Insurance – penultimate line: delete “it.” insert: the Village Hall. Page 1859: COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – 2nd Report 3rd line: delete “Election or national referendum” insert Elections or European Elections It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour. Chairman Cllr Stuart signed the Minutes. MATTERS ARISING Cllr Mrs Clark informed the members that enforcement action would be taken out against Westbury Homes at the end of the month. CLERK’S REPORT In July of the 22 available working days I averaged 3 hrs 12 mins per day. Today is the final day any resident may inspect the accounts. To date not one resident enforced his/her democratic right although the information is also published on the Parish Council’s web site. PLANNING As Berkeley Close residents were in attendance, specifically to take part in the debate about the proposed development in that part of the village, the Chairman promoted the Planning element of the agenda. Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 9 August and began with the application which was of interest to the assembled members of the public. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.2443/O Applicant: J. S. Bloor (Tewkesbury) Ltd, King John’s Galler, King John’s Island, Mythe Road, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 6ED Construction of 22 dwellings and associated works on land at 63-80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. OBJECTION (as below) CT.2443/P Applicant: J. S. Bloor (Tewkesbury) Ltd, King John’s Galler, King John’s Island, Mythe Road, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 6ED Construction of 24 dwellings and associated works on land at 63-80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. The Clerk had written to Cllr M. Baines (CDC), Cllr C. E. Bennett (CDC), Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC) expressing the concern of the Planning Committee. Mrs Doris Land presented a copy of a letter objecting to the development she had sent to Cotswold District Council. Cllr Nicholas congratulated Mrs Land on the precise composition of her letter to Marcus Kitchen. The Parish Council agreed with the Planning Committee which had been profoundly concerned that permission to build was being sought on this site. Thames Water plc, the Environment Agency, Cotswold District Council and Fosseway Housing should demonstrate that the original problems of sewerage and surface water disposal had been addressed. It was obvious from recent events in July and August this year that a problem still exists which originally caused the demolition of the flats. The public open space on the plan was not an effective replacement for the existing play area next to the scout hut. The Parish Council agreed to request a Condition, if permission was granted, that 40% of the dwellings should be allocated as affordable housing. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) reported that she had been in contact with CDC planners who will insist that the infrastructure will cope with the new development. Cllr Nicholas asked that the Clerk request a historic report from the four agencies involved of what did they decide was needed, what did they do, what remains to be done to remedy the problems and what additional infrastructure is needed to build the new development? The Clerk was asked to write to the Scout Association about any lease they might have agreed on the use of the land. He was also to enquire from Fosseway Housing Association and J.S. Bloor Ltd if they were aware of any such lease. OBJECTION CT.0776/R Cllr Stuart declared an interest as a close neighbour and left the debate. Applicant: Mr & Mrs L. Wheeler, 7 Bury Town Lane, Blunsdon, Wilts SNX6 7DQ Erection of a new dwelling on land adjacent to Walnut Tree Farmhouse, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Ginny Hemming CDC Forestry Officer should be alerted that the new position of the dwelling did not move close to the root system of the two mature sycamores. NO OBJECTION CT.8421/A Cllr Stuart declared an interest as a friend and left the debate. Applicant: Mr & Mrs Clark, 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. Two storey rear extension at 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. The roofing material does not match the existing or its neighbours. OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council accept the recommendations of the Planning Committee on the previous two applications. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Stuart rejoined the meeting. CT.1756/E Cllr Mrs Chapman declared an interest as a relative of the applicant and left the debate. Applicant: Bryan Chapman, Deerhurst, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH Additional/Amended plans for the erection of a single storey outbuilding at Deerhurst, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5QH NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council accept the recommendations of the Planning Committee on the previous application. The Parish Council was all in favour. CT.4031/H Applicant: Mr & Mrs K. Isles, Atkyns Lodge, Atkyns Manor, Silver Street, South Cerney, Glos. Replace existing flat roof on ancillary outbuilding with a pitched roof covered in reconstructed stone tiles/slates at Atkyns Lodge, Silver Street, South Cerney, Glos. The Parish Council agreed that a Condition of any permission should be that the specification of the reconstructed/reconstituted stone tiles be of a suitably high quality, similar to those used on Bridge House, and as sympathetic as possible to the surrounding buildings. NO OBJECTION CT.4067/2/Q Applicant: Mr A. R. Taylor, 23 Oak Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5XX Garage extension to form utility with first floor bedroom and ensuite extension at 23 Oak Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5XX (R) Provided that there is a Condition that the new windows be timber, to match the existing ones, rather than uPVC to match the conservatory. NO OBJECTION CT.5450/A Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Stedman, West Down Cottage, Cirencester Road, South Cerney, GL7 6HH Ground and first floor extensions at West Down Cottage, Cirencester Road, South Cerney, GL7 6HH NO OBJECTION 04/02007/NEI White Friars Sailing Club, Ashton Keynes, Wilts. New flag officers hut by North Wiltshire District Council NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Pollard and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council agrees with the recommendations of the Planning Committee regarding the remaining applications. The Parish Council was all in favour. Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/3/V Minor Alteration: Re-orientation of lodges 1-26 by 15 degrees each at Lake 16, Broadway Lane, South Cerney CT.2648/3/C Directional sign (Sign 2) at Watermark, Spine Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.3704/J Retention of conservatory at Rose Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.4067/2/P Garden shed at 17 Oak Way, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.4312/B Installation of a window and roof lights to the existing outhouse and the erection of a new single garage building at The Maltings, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.4608/M Listed Building Consent: Extension and alterations to link the existing outbuilding to the main dwelling at Cerney Wick Farmhouse, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. CT.4608/N Planning Permission: Extension and alterations to link the existing outbuilding to the main dwelling at Cerney Wick Farmhouse, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. CT.7847/B Two-storey extension to improve kitchen and bedroom and provide cloakroom and shower room at Corner Stone Cottage, School Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos. CT.8163/K Detached double garage on land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney, Cirencester Condition of note: 2. Before any site preparation work or development starts each tree to be retained or that is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, shall be securely fenced to protect the area within the crown spread of a radius equal to half of the height of the tree, whichever is the greater to accord with BSI 58371991, Trees in Relation to Construction. Within the area or areas fenced off no fires shall be lit and the existing ground level shall remain the same and no building materials, temporary buildings or surplus soil shall be placed, tipped or stored on it. If any trenches for services are required in the fenced off area, they shall be excavated and back-filled by hand and any tree roots encountered which have a diameter of 2cms or more, shall not be severed. Reason: To ensure that the trees are protected during construction work, in accordance with Cotswold District Council Local Plan Policy 25. Planning application refused by Cotswold District Council CT.3724/C Outline erection of single dwelling with vehicle access at Good Intent, Cerney Wick, Cirencester, Glos. VILLAGE MAINTENANCE AND PLAYING FIELDS Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Village Maintenance and Playing Fields Committee. Ham Lane/Sudeley Drive Ramp GCC Highways had written to inform the Parish Council that the grass verge in Sudeley Drive which borders with Ham Lane is public highway to the hedge line. Before proceeding to install a ramp the Parish Council should seek legal advice and if positive GCC Highways would carry out a search with the utility companies to identify the location of their underground apparatus. The Parish Council asked the Clerk to enquire from its insurers if it would be covered for public liability or if the policy could be extended if it went ahead and installed a ramp. Footpath Work at Church Lane/Bow Wow Cllr Squire confirmed that the ‘as dug’ gravel and edging boards had been supplied within the agreed budget and work on the footpath was proceeding slowly. Village Plan Cllr Stuart is still working on the plan and will call a meeting of the sub committee when ready. Basketball Apparatus, Upper Up Vandals had broken the basketball apparatus at Upper Up on 12 July and R.O.W. Berry was ordered to make the equipment safe. The Committee recommend that the Finance Committee approve his quote to remove, repair and replace the basketball post for £145 and further, to renew the back board on the basketball post for £65. The culprits had been caught and promised Cllr Stuart that they would pay for the damage. Unfortunately no payment had yet been received. WPC Nicky Nolan informed Cllr Stuart that she would be contacting the individuals responsible. Upper Up Tower Slide Cllr Stuart reported that Julie Tegg (GPFA) informed him that as the inspector’s report had categorised the climbing entrance to the slide as ‘low risk’ the disabling board which had been attached had been unnecessary and could be removed. Cllr Squire and Cllr Stuart volunteered to remove the board. On inspection it was discovered that the climbing rungs had been removed when the climbing board had been added. The Clerk was to ask Macventure Play Co to quote to reinstall the rungs and what discount might be given for the board. Cycle Mounds Four quotations to cut and strim the weeds and herbage on the cycle mounds had been received. The Finance Committee had agreed to the recommendation of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee that the lowest quote of £100 received from Adrian Gibbs be accepted. Blocked Drains in Broadway Lane The Clerk was asked to request GCC Highways to send a team to clear the gutters in Broadway Lane. Police Invitation The Parish Council agreed with the Committee that a senior Police representative be invited to attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss policing in the village. Invitation to Tim Pain, Chief Executive, Cotswold Water Park The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting with Tim Pain, who had recently been appointed Chief Executive at the Cotswold Water Park. INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up play area Cllr Stuart reported that there was a continuing problem with the safety tiles although the situation was no worse than previous. Various items which included a motorbike, barbecue, a traffic cone and four plastic garden chairs had been removed from the lake. The new goal posts had been installed although arrangements were in hand to move them to a less contentious part of the play area. Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Mrs Chubb gave the report on behalf of Cllr Harris who was on holiday. Cllr Mrs Chubb noted that the seat by the picnic table had been chipped on the right hand side and the fourth spar of the high fence on the Lakeside boundary was broken. All the equipment was now serviceable. Cllr Squire reported that A&B Fencing had advised that the two-way opening gate which had been ordered could be a danger to young users. The Committee agreed that a gate which opened outwards only would suffice. Cllr Squire agreed to inform A&B Fencing. The Committee had recommended and the Finance Committee approved the final payment of £1,000 to Macventure Play Co. Cllr Stuart asked the Clerk to prepare a notice for all play areas which informed users who to contact in case of accident and/or emergency and where the nearest public telephone was situated. Cerney Wick play area In her report Cllr Mrs Chapman said that she had been assured by the Village Chairman that when everyone was back from holiday a working party will be assembled to replace the wire fence. Besides the paint flaking on the swing and the bin needing to be emptied the rest of the play area was all in order. Aircraft Noise The Committee approved a letter Cllr Stuart composed in response to item 44 in correspondence. Mole Nuisance at Upper Up Cricket Pitch The Clerk was asked to check with Valerie Hancock (Davey Franklin Jones, Solicitors) on the conditions of the licence/lease granted to the Cricket Club to determine who is responsible for removing the pests. John Hunt, a member of the Cricket Club, had informed Cllr Stuart that an expert would advise the club on how to proceed with the pest problem. Temporary Structure on Upper Up playing field South Cerney Cricket Club had asked permission from the Parish Council to site a temporary structure for storage on the Upper Up playing field. The Parish Council had no objections although it asked the Clerk to inform the Cricket Club should ascertain from CDC if planning permission was necessary. Circular Bridleway at Lake 16 The Clerk was to enquire from Malcolm Watt at CDC if there was evidence to support the creation of a bridle path on the north bank of Lake 16 to complete the 8 mile circular bridle path of the Cotswold Water Park. Overhanging Trees In response to a complaint of overhanging trees from Mrs S. Davis, Cllr Squire has determined that they are the property of the Parish Council planted in 1977 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Blocked GuttersCT.4031/H Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to inform GCC Highways that the gutters in Broadway Lane needed to be cleaned out. Correspondence 8. CDC – CT.CONTR 1686: Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Ammonites, Silver Street, South Cerney. Deferment agreed with A. Jones (CDC) The Committee had no objections subject to the approval of Ginny Hemming CDC Forestry Officer 15. CDC – CT.CONTR 1692 Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Ivy Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney The Committee had no objections subject to the approval of Ginny Hemming CDC Forestry Officer FINANCE COMMITTEE Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee. Matters Arising Outstanding Mr R. Hewer Noticeboard repair £265.00 The Parish Council discussed in private what the next course of action should take. Receipt South Cerney Cricket Club Water services £12.62 Payments Out Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (August) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (August) £100.00 GCC National Probation Service (footpath material) £7.19 M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (July) £54.73 M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (July) £45.99 Adrian Gibbs South Cerney ground maintenance (July) £987.00 Macventure Play Outstanding payment (RFW) £1,000.00 Macventure Play Maintenance to play equipment (RFW) £61.51 Busy Fingers Photocopying £36.25 James Harris Contracting Collection and purchase of materials for RFW £97.52 R. Gardiner Cerney Wick ground maintenance (July) £70.35 G.L.C. & R. Williams Goal posts (Upper Up) & Path boards £325.02 Cllr T. Squire Reimbursement for gravel purchase £155.72 £2,981.28 Cllr Smith inspected and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for July. It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Basketball Apparatus, Upper Up It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council accepts the quote from R. O. W. Berry to remove, repair and replace the basketball post for £145 and further, to renew the back board on the basketball post for £65. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cycle Mounds It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council accepts the verbal quote from Adrian Gibbs to cut and strim the weeds and herbage on the cycle mounds for £100. Chairman’s Telephone Expenses Cllr Stuart asked if a claim for telephone charges should be treated as an allowance or expense. The Committee agreed Cllr Smith who said that as the amount would be variable it should be classed as an expense and claimed on submission of a detailed bill. Correspondence 13. Mrs J. Gardiner – Internal Audit and Wages preparation quotation The Clerk was to seek further quotations and determine if tax was to be deducted from Councillors’ allowances (if claimed) RISK ASSESSMENT The Parish Council agreed with Cllr Nicholas who had suggested that further risks which should be included were Clerk’s Serious Illness, the storage of the electronic back up information and the Chairman’s Illness. Cllr Stuart asked if GRCC might be persuaded to create a ‘locum’ post for absent Clerks. The Clerk had fire proof storage for electronic back-up. There would be a risk to the continuity of Parish Council business if the Chairman was taken ill although the risk could be assessed as C2 with the Vice Chairman to take over if such an incident occurred. Vandalism on the playing fields could be assessed as category C1. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The Personnel Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 17 August at Cllr Stuart’s home to discuss the Clerk’s annual assessment and the national wage award. ZEBRA CROSSING A letter and petition in favour of a zebra crossing had been received from Mrs J. Roberts. Her letter described the outcome of a meeting she had organised with Parish Councillors Mrs Pollard, Squires and Stuart, District Councillor Mrs Clark, PC R. Wyatt and eight other residents on the siting of a zebra crossing. The Parish Council debated the necessity of a crossing but as this was not an agenda item the Clerk advised that no decisions could be taken. It was agreed that the Clerk include the zebra crossing as an item on next month’s agenda. CORRESPONDENCE 1. South Cerney Playgroup – Progress update of new build project (emailed to Parish Councillors) 2. South Cerney Playgroup – Copy of grant application for new build project (emailed to Parish Councillors) 3. Local Council Review – July 2004 (on circulation) 4. CDC Best Value Performance Plan 2004-2005 (on circulation) 5. GRCC – Rural Regeneration July 2004 (on circulation) 6. Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee – Guidance on hydrological best practice for minerals development in the Cotswold Water Park: Draft for Consultation (on circulation) 7. Macmillan Cancer Relief News – Summer 2004 (on circulation) 8. CDC – CT.CONTR 1686: Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Ammonites, Silver Street, South Cerney. Deferment agreed with A. Jones (CDC) 9. Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon – Re alleged letter from Cllr Parsons (GCC) (acknowledged); copy letter to Cllr Parsons re alleged letter – The Chairman, Cllr Stuart reported that Mrs J. Roberts Joint Chairman of CROWS had informed him verbally that she wished to disassociate herself with the letter written to Cllr Parsons. 10. GCAB – Glos County Association for the Blind (poster to noticeboard) 11. GCC PROW – Network Maps showing Public Rights of Way 12. Cotswold Water Park – Adventure Zone advertising (posters to noticeboard) 13. Mrs J. Gardiner – Internal Audit and Wages preparation quotation 14. GCC Public Rights of Way – Acknowledgement of receipt of letter re Church Lane/Bow Wow footpath 15. CDC – CT.CONTR 1692 Notification of intention to undertake tree work at Ivy Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney 16. CDC – TPO 381 (Lake 6, South Cerney) 17. Environment & Development in Gloucestershire – The Edge Issue 41 (on circulation) 18. Prime – Car park and forecourt maintenance (on circulation to Committee only) 19. MacVenture Play Co – Maintenance carried out at Robert Franklin Way play area 20. CDC – Refuse collection arrangements August Bank Holiday (to noticeboards) 21. Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon – Copy correspondence regarding Tin Bridge planting scheme to Cllr Parsons and Adam Gamble Maintenance Support at GCC 22. 21 Today Issue 32 July 2004 (on circulation) 23. Victim Support – Request for a donation (to list) 24. South Cerney Cricket Club – Mole nuisance on Upper Up play area (acknowledged) 25. South Cerney Cricket Club – Permission for a temporary structure on Upper Up play area (acknowledged) 26. Aggregate Industries – Lake 16: circular bridleway 27. Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee – Memorandum of Understanding (on circulation) 28. NALC/SLCC – 2004/5 & 2005/6 Clerk’s salary award 29. CPRE – Bledisloe Cup: Final round assessment 9-15 August (poster to noticeboard) 30. GCC – Copy letter to Mrs Roberts: Crossing, South Cerney 31. South Cerney Village Hall – Receipts and Payments (emailed to Parish Councillors) 32. Glos Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee questionnaire on transport to NHS Services 33. Mrs Sylvia Davis – Overhanging trees near 1 Broadway Court, Broadway Lane, South Cerney 34. GCC Highways – Clearance of blocked drains in Broadway Lane 35. GCC Highways – Sudeley Drive/Ham Lane 36. R. O. W. Berry – Quotes for work at Upper Up 37. NALC – Media Update (emailed to Parish Councillors) 38. Lee Ponting – Quote for strimming work at Upper Up 39. Mrs J. Roberts – Zebra Crossing meeting (emailed to Parish Councillors) 40. Gloucestershire Chest Fund – Appeal for donation (to list) 41. GAPTC July/August Newsletter 2004 (on circulation) 42. CDC – Tree Wardens, Parish Councils and Tree Legislation (emailed to Parish Councillors) 43. Cllr Parsons (GCC) – Copy letter to Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon re Tin Bridge planting exercise 44. Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon – Aircraft Noise; copy letter to Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP 45. CDC – Notice posting re CT.3724/C: Good Intent, Cerney Wick 46. GPFA (Julie Tegg) – Tower slide access at Upper Up 47. Gardenia – Quote for strimming work at Upper Up 48. Doris Land – Copy letter to CDC objecting to CT.2443/O and CT.2443/P 49. Mrs J. Roberts, Cirencester & South Cotswolds Access Group – Observations of a meeting held on 10 August to discuss a premium site for the zebra crossing; Petition in support of zebra crossing scheme COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS Cllr Squire reported that all the manhole covers in Kingfisher Place had been blown off and now needed to be resealed. There was another in Sudeley Drive but he was not sure which utility it belonged to and he would inform the Clerk. Cllr Webb suggested that the provision of an interactive speed notice should be attained. Cllr Squire had taken delivery of such a unit that afternoon. He would be siting it in the village and asked for volunteers to supervise its operation. Cllr Mrs Pollard asked that damage to the carriageway in the vicinity of Sunset Cottage in Station Road be reported to GCC Highways. Cllr Mrs Chubb complained at the height and amount of weeds in the ditch in Station Road. Cllr Stuart assured her that they would be strimmed later in the year. Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the traffic cones which notified a collapsed ditch at the side of the road through Cerney Wick kept falling into the hole. Cllr Smith reported on a meeting of the Cotswold Water Park Joint Liaison Committee he had attended on the 22 July. Overall he found it very interesting and informed the Parish Council that the Water Park was set to double in size over the next five years. A 100 yard mock up of how the canal will look after its restoration was on demonstration. In reply to a question about the Water Park’s relationship with local commercial organisations Tony Pain the new Chief Executive replied that it was very good with the exception of Water Mark. Cllr Nicholas complained that temporary signs to direct traffic to local events were being left on show long after the event had finished and asked that organisers be requested to take them down sooner when the exhibition was over. Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting organised as a Comprehensive Performance Assessment he had attended at CDC on 16 July. It was a disappointing turn out with only 14 out of the 115 parishes in the CDC area being represented. A full report was awaited but damming views on the Planning Department were put forward and the ruling junta was criticised for increasing the car parking charges and killing democracy in the local area. There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.15pm. |