MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL The meeting began at 7pm when Vice Chairman, Cllr T. Squire welcomed Police Sergeant Steve Templeton to the meeting. Sgt Templeton had prepared a table of crime figures for South Cerney which compared those in period April–November 2003 with a similar period in 2004. Overall detection performance had fallen by 2% but interestingly there were no robberies reported in either period. In reply to a question from Cllr Jay who asked who was mostly responsible for crime in the area he said that in his opinion 18–24 year olds made up the majority of those apprehended at Stroud police station. He confirmed that Police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) had on occasions diverted through South Cerney on their way to and from Fairford/Cirencester. Police had attended incidences in the area of the telephone kiosk in High Street after complaints from nearby residents. Cllr Jay complained about the length of time it had taken to remove an abandoned car in Clarks Hay. The Sergeant explained that action could be taken only if the vehicle was not taxed and no contact with the registered keeper possible. In all cases the best way to contact Cirencester Police Station was to ring 0845 090 1234 and ask the operator for Cirencester. Cllr Squire said that during the summer youngsters were misbehaving on the Upper Up playing fields and recently unauthorised fires had been started. Cllr Nicholas said that broken glass was a continual problem. Sgt Templeton said that if such incidences, especially the starting of fires, were reported then Police would certainly react. He would pass on Parish Councillors concerns’ to PCSO Clive Wilks and PCSO Ron Smith and ask them to patrol the area. Cllr Squire complained about vehicles which were parked on kerbs, especially outside the Londis in Broadway Lane. The Sergeant explained that unless these vehicles were reported as causing an obstruction no action would be taken unless a passing patrol noticed. Sgt Templeton agreed with Cllr Nicholas who complained that there was a lack of communication and liaison between GCC County Highways and the Police. The Clerk remarked that County Highways were reluctant to consider altering the speed limits on Cirencester Road/Preston Toll Bar because the police would not enforce the limit. Sgt Templeton advised Parish Councillors to contact Sgt Chris Rawlings who specialised in traffic related problems at Cirencester. Cllr Harris asked the Police to use its influence to persuade hauliers to wash the wheels of their vehicles if necessary before accessing local carriageways and depositing mud and soil thereon. Cllr Squire thanked Sgt Templeton for attending the meeting and the Sergeant left at 7.30pm.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
One member of the public was in attendance. The Vice Chairman, Cllr Squire opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.30 pm. APOLOGIES Cllr Stuart had apologised for his absence due to a family engagement. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10th NOVEMBER 2004 Page 1902: Tree Planting Scheme – last line delete “services” insert: species Page 1903: Royal British Legion – first line: insert after “his”: Chairman’s It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Squire and Cllr Webb abstained. Vice Chairman Cllr Squire signed the Minutes. MATTERS ARISING Council Tax Cllr Baines (CDC) explained that second homes in the area had no effect on the precept. The extra income produced through the reduction in discount from 50% to 10% would be for the benefit of the District Council, County Council and the Police. Wheel Washing Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) had ascertained that no Condition to enforce wheel washing had been included in the granted permission for the activities on Lake 11. Nevertheless, there was a wheel wash being used on the site, the specification of which would be in excess of any Condition which might have been imposed. Vehicles using the site had two exit options one of which did not wash wheels and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would pursue a means of having the wheels of all vehicles washed before leaving the site by whichever exit. The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Harris that the Clerk write to the Police and County Highways pointing out the hazardous conditions being created by these vehicle movements and copy the letter to Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) and Tim Pain, Chief Executive Officer at the Cotswold Water Park Society. Flooding Report Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) noted that Thames Water plc were particularly active in the village monitoring the condition of the sewerage system. There would be more to report in January after the next Flood Forum had met. At its meeting the Village Maintenance and Playing Field Committee recommended that the Flooding Report should be an agenda item in January. The Parish Council agreed. CLERK’S REPORT On Saturday 13th November I attended the official opening of the refurbishment of Robert Franklin Way play area. Although bitterly cold about 75 others were also there. Cllr Mrs Shirley Alexander (CDC) Chairman of the Grants Committee and Cllr Mrs Anne Clark (CDC) cut the tapes and declared the playing field open. The Chairman Cllr Michael Stuart presented both ladies with a bouquet of flowers. On Tuesday 16th I met up with Cllr Stuart, Cllr Jay and Melanie Tarrant (GRCC) at the Village Hall to discuss the plans for the next stage of the Village Plan. The ideas collected were categorised and Cllr Stuart would ask Cllr Mrs Pollard if she would prepare the information for presentation. I have invited Dr Stephenson and Mr Steven Walker to join the sub committee. Dr Stephenson has replied positively and I will contact him in due course. On 3rd December I attended a meeting of the SLCC at Minchinhampton Golf Club. There I made contact with Ms Hester Oxford who is an Area Partnership Officer at GCC. One of her current tasks is to produce a Parish Charter to define roles, responsibilities and decision making between Parish, District and County Councils. I found the lecture informative and invited Ms Oxford to make a presentation to Parish Councillors in March by which time she will have concluded meetings with District and County Councillors. Phil Cluely GCC PROW had told me today that notices informing the public that the bridge would be closed on Friday 10th December. Work would start on Monday 13th December. During the month of November I averaged 3 hrs 20 mins per available working day which is within the terms of my contract. PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Squire delegated this section to Cllr Harris who agreed to report on the deliberations of the committee which had met on Monday 6th December. Matters Arising Zebra Crossing/Traffic Speed The Clerk reported that Mr Whittaker had informed him by telephone that the letters had been received and he would make a reply in due course. Flooding Report The Committee agreed with Cllr Harris who suggested that this item be put on the main agenda in January. Engineers had been seen inspecting manhole covers throughout the village in the previous weeks. Upper Up Play Area Cllr Harris was adamant that he had produced research on the safety surface recommended by George Taylor from The Play Service although neither Cllr Stuart nor the Clerk could remember having sight of it. Nevertheless Cllr Harris would ask Mr Taylor for a copy of the email and if any past customers were prepared to give a testimonial on the use of the safety surface. The Clerk would ask Mr Taylor to quote to replace the safety surfaces at all three play areas. Cllr Stuart volunteered to liaise with Mr Taylor if requested. Tree Planting Scheme Cllr Harris reported that he had received some 14 enquiries about the scheme from residents. He had recorded each requirement on file until actual costs can be ascertained. Gordon Stratford will inform Cllr Stuart on plaques and engraving costs. Public Seat R.O.W. Berry had requested that the siting of the seat which had been agreed in Clarks Hay be moved to High Street to the left of the telephone box when viewed from the carriageway. The Committee was not in favour as the area in the vicinity of the telephone box was a rallying point for some youths who had caused distress to residents in that area. It was felt that if a seat was to be positioned there, it might well encourage more of this behaviour. Further, the area was very well provided for with public seats at the War Memorial, the Cross, the Limes, Station Road bus stop and the main bus stop. The Committee recommended that the Parish Council agreed to the original position where there is a need for such a seat opposite the Fish & Chip shop at the entrance to the Laurels. The Parish Council agreed and added that provision for a litter bin is made when the base was being laid. The Clerk was to ask CDC if a bin could be installed. Interactive Speed Signs The Clerk had been reliably informed that Ged Cassell (CDC) had access to grant funding for the installation of interactive speed signs. Cllr Squire had volunteered to enquire on the criteria necessary to achieve such funding. INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up play area Cllr Stuart reported that all equipment was in working order. The Clerk was asked to obtain quotations to scrape and fill in the holes in the car park. A resident had informed Cllr Stuart that unauthorised fires were being lit near to the tennis and cricket pavilions and asked that the Police be informed at the meeting on Wednesday. Cllr Stuart made his apology for not being able to attend on Wednesday because of a pre-arranged family matter. He explained that there were broken pallets partly hidden under the conifer hedge which should be moved but they were too large for Mr Curtis to handle. Cllr Stuart had moved this material. Cllr Stuart reported on a visit he had made to the Upper Up playing field on a Saturday morning at the request of Gordon Stratford from South Cerney Football Club. In excess of 40 children and youths, of both sexes, in the age range from 8 to 14 were using the facilities and it was evident that there was an urgent need for another small soccer pitch. Cllr Stuart recommended that the Parish Council gives immediate approval to the Football Club to enlarge their field to accommodate the growing numbers using the playing field. The Committee was in agreement. Cllr Jay said that the Parish Council should encourage youth by every means and proposed that the Football Club be permitted to use further areas, as agreed. Cllr Caunce seconded the motion and the Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk would inform Mr Stratford. Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Harris reported that all equipment was in working order. Grass between the goal posts was beginning to wear out. Over growing shrubs on Ash Moon boundary had still not been cut back and the barrier was not yet repaired. The Committee agreed that a letter be sent to Tim Pain, Chief Executive Officer at the Cotswold Water Park informing him of the outstanding work and a copy sent to Malcolm Watt (CDC) on the Water Park Joint Committee. The Clerk was asked to check the date of the GCC Bridge Survey and the results thereof. The Clerk was asked to report a motorbike which had been dumped in the bushes at the northern entrance to Robert Franklin Way playing field. Cllr Harris had produced a specification for the repair of the chain link fence at Robert Franklin Way playing field. Cerney Wick play area Cllr Caunce reported that there were no problems at the playing field in Cerney Wick and would fax the report to the Clerk in due course. Tree Survey Cllr Harris and Cllr Webb agreed to carry out a tree survey in the New Year during January. Water Park Briefing Notes Tim Pain had forwarded briefing notes about sensitive issues in the Water Park which could be used to answer questions put to Parish Councillors by the general public, the press or other local councillors. The Clerk had emailed a copy to all Parish Councillors. Cllr Jay did not approve of the wording of the fourth item where Mr Pain had alleged that pensioners were responsible for the industrial-scale bird feeding at Lakeside. He suggested that Parish Councillors describe these people as those of an indeterminate age. Sheep Worrying Cllr Mrs Chubb declared an interest as owner of the sheep and left the room. It had been reported that dogs were worrying sheep in the field between the back of the Old George public house and Box Bush and also in the paddock at the rear of Huxley Court. Three sheep had been lost in the last six weeks one of which was a large Cotswold ram. Cllr Mrs Chubb had asked that dog owners be made aware through the Cerney News. The Committee was in full agreement. Cllr Mrs Chubb rejoined the debate. Canal Footpath Cllr Stuart reported that the refurbishment of the footpath from Northmoor Lane to Bow Wow is currently being costed and the specification finalised although approval from the land owner will be necessary before the project can start. Flooding of footpath under bridge at Spine Road Cllr Stuart reported to the GCC PROW that the footpath under the bridge at the Spine Road was flooded. PROW would inspect the problem. General Cllr Stuart brought the following on-going unresolved items to the attention of Mr Barton. 1. The cycle path on the old railway line to Siddington/Cirencester, 2. The footpath from Upper Up to Keynes Park, 3. Wildmoorway Lane BSC20. FINANCE Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of this committee which had met on Monday 6th December. Matters Arising Cutts Charity Cllr Jay declared a prejudicial interest as Clerk to the Cutts Charity and after explaining how the Cutts Charity Fund was allocated, left the room. Cllr Jay had previously informed the Committee that income from the Cutts Charity which would total £260 approximately is divided equally between the Church, Parish Council and the poor. If the Parish Council refused to accept its portion then the amount given to the poor could be doubled. The Committee recommends that the Parish Council decides to decline the donation offered through the Cutts Charity. It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council declines the donation from Cutts Charity. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Jay rejoined the meeting. Outstanding R. Hewer Notice board repair £165.00 Receipts R. Hewer Part payment for notice board repair £40.00 Payments Out Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a payee and left the room. Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (December) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (December) £100.00 M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (November) £58.08 M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (November) £45.99 M. McKee Panda Internet Security (anti virus) £65.99 Tim Stephens Extended Churchyard ground maintenance (October) £40.00 Moore Stephens Annual Audit account for year ended 31.3.04 £411.25 Michael Stuart Flowers for RFW Opening £14.98 James Harris Refreshments for RFW Opening £27.43 Glasdon UK Ltd Phoenix Seat with ground fixings £417.64 Adrian Gibbs South Cerney ground maintenance (November) £464.12 Busy Fingers Photocopying £28.86 Rodney Gardiner Ground maintenance at Cerney Wick (November) £38.55 £1,752.89 Cllr Smith had previously inspected and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for November. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Harris rejoined the meeting. Precept Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 4th January 2005 at the Old Police House at 7.30pm to finalise its budget proposals. It is essential that CDC is notified of the required precept for the year commencing 1st April 2005 not later than 28th January 2005. The local tax base for 2005 is 1334.3 compared to 2004 at 1326.3, 2003 at 1311.1, 2002 at 1290.9 and 2001 at 1277.6 Play Group Grant Cllr Mrs Chapman declared a prejudicial interest as a Trustee of the Play Group and left the meeting. Cllr Nicholas also declared a prejudicial interest as he was acting on behalf of the Trustees of the Play Group on its lease and left the room. It was agreed that there should be a consensus within the Council as to how much of a grant should be recommended. A debate ensued and Cllr Smith proposed that the full entitlement available under Section 137 should be precepted for all charitable purposes. As explained in last month’s Minutes this would amount to approximately £12,500 based on 2,454 electors at £5.15 per elector. The Committee had agreed to this proposal and recommended that the Parish Council did likewise. Cllr Jay suggested that a substantial donation of £5,000 might be considered. Cllr Webb was concerned that if the donation was made it might create a precedent. Cllr Smith argued that every subsequent case would be treated on its merits in the same way as the request from the Play Group was being discussed. Cllr Caunce proposed and Cllr Harris seconded a motion that the Parish Council was minded to make a donation of £5,000 to the Play Group. Cllr Mrs Chapman and Cllr Nicholas rejoined the debate. The Parish Council was aware that potentially £12,500 was available under Section 137 for projects which would benefit the community. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on Monday 6th December. Matters Arising Wheel Washing The Clerk was asked to inform A. R. Jones (CDC) how dismayed the Parish Council was that no Condition enforcing wheel washing was issued when permission was granted for the operation currently being undertaken at Lake 11, Jet Ski lake on Cerney Wick Lane. Letter to A. R. Jones (CDC) No reply had been received to the letter querying how the Parish Council could determine applications when decisions on nature, texture and colour of materials to be used is unknown. Jubilee Gardens Public Art Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Council that under a Section 106 Agreement £11,600 had been set aside for public art and a grant of £8,573 from the Gloucestershire Environment Trust had been approved verbally making just over £20,000 in total. Work on the project was programmed for early next Spring, probably in March or April. Ground maintenance of the area could be carried out by CDC on a monthly basis or the Parish Council might add it to its grass cutting schedule but there would be no cash incentive available from Fosseway or CDC for this purpose as no profit had been made on the sale of the land which had been used for the provision of social housing. The Chairman brought the debate to an end stating that the maintenance negotiations could take place at a later date. Aggregate Industries The Clerk reported that he had asked Michael Grace (CDC Enforcement Officer) for clarification of the planning conditions imposed regarding work starting times and his reply was awaited. Cllr Squire was in close contact with Mr Brassington (CDC Environment) on this issue. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.1865/H Applicants: Mr & Mrs Mullock, 4 The Paddock, South Cerney Minor amendment to conservatory design at 4 The Paddock, High Street, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.2380/2/Y Cllr Harris declared an interest as a personal friend of the applicant and left the room. Applicant: c/o Mr S. Cole, Cotswold Angling, Wyevale Garden Centre, Hyde Road, Kingsdown, Swindon SN2 7SE Erection of single Class A1 unit, with parking, delivery access and landscape works at Lake 19, Broadway Lane, South Cerney The Committee decided that as this site was not in an existing industrial zone the development would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area. A debate ensued culminating in a proposal from Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council has no objection to the development. The motion was carried on a majority vote. One member of the Parish Council voted to object. NO OBJECTION CT.2443/P Amended Plans – Construction of 24 dwellings and associated works at land at 63–80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney Cllr Harris agreed with Cllr Nicholas who noted that only 23 dwellings were on the plan. Cllr Nicholas argued that as the plan proposed to build on a play area, technically it was a change of use from play area to residential development and as no replacement play area was noted it was a valid reason for objecting. The Parish Council was prepared to accept the decision of the Housing Strategy at CDC that four of the 24 dwellings are affordable housing and not the 40% originally suggested by the Parish Council. The Parish Council agreed with the content of a letter from A. R. Jones (CDC Head of Planning) to Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP that permission should not be granted until the factors that led to the flooding problems a few years ago be shown to have been fully examined and resolved. Indeed, it is to be hoped that the re-development itself will be the catalyst to ensure that these issues are permanently resolved. Cllr Harris noted that there was no fence to the south side of the development on the plan which he considered was necessary to protect the play area at the side of the adjacent Scout Hut. Concern was expressed with the traffic management arrangement in Berkeley Close. Further, more ground water will be forced into the sewerage system through water running off the parking lots. Disappointment was expressed that there was no mention of the type of materials to be used. OBJECTION CT.4073/H Applicant: Ridgway Fisheries, Unit 10, Westmead Industrial Estate, Wroughton SN4 7YT Replacement of approved 15 touring caravan pitches with 15 log cabins, associated parking and installation of sewerage treatment facility at Lake 15, Spine Road, South Cerney As the Committee could not agree on a recommendation it was proposed not to object by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard. The motion was carried by 5 to 1 with Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Squire abstaining. NO OBJECTION CT.4498/W Applicants: Four Pillars Hotel Additional/Amended Plans for hotel, leisure club, restaurant and staff accommodation at Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Cirencester The Committee recommended that the previous objections are repeated and to include that it is of the opinion that the cycle store is inadequate. Before any final decision can be taken by the Parish Council answers to the following questions are requested: 1. What is the type and source of the natural stone to be used? 2. What is the type and colour of the reconstituted or natural roof tiles? 3. What is the type, colour and finish of the cladding material to be used? If permission is granted the Parish Council recommends that all power lines will be underground. Further, any external lights should be of a design to achieve optimal reduction of light pollution; all signage to be kept to a minimum and subject to separate detailed planning approval; Section 106 contributions to include an all weather enclosed play area in South Cerney, a substantial contribution to play areas in both Cerney Wick and South Cerney, a contribution to upgrade the SUSTRANS Route 45 and a contribution to the Building and Monument Fund of the Parish Council. Although the Parish Council has objected to the development until further details are provided it has no objection in principle to this design of development. The Clerk was to enquire from Mr Malcolm Watt at CDC how much capital was in the S.106 Water Park fund. OBJECTION CT.4762/E Applicant: Mrs M. Cleverly, Lane End, Latton Close, Station Road, South Cerney Erection of single storey side extension to provide study at Lane End, Latton Close, Station Road, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.5790/M Applicants: Mr & Mrs McIntosh, 2 Hambledon Close, South Cerney Proposed dormer extension at 2 Hambledon Close, South Cerney The second storey flat roof dormer extension design is significantly out of keeping with neighbouring properties. OBJECTION 04/03041/NEI Applicant: Aggregate Industries Ltd, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leics LE67 1TL Importation, storage and processing of inert wastes to produce recycled aggregates by Wiltshire County Council at North End Works, Ashton Keynes, Swindon, Wilts SN6 3QK The Committee is concerned that noise levels are not thought to be an issue as stated in paragraph A2.23 (i) and (ii) especially as the prevailing wind is towards South Cerney. Anticipated increased traffic movements will seriously add to road deterioration in the area. OBJECTION With the exception of CT.2380/2/Y and CT4073/H which had previously been determined it was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.2475/1/V Erection of buildings to provide on Site A - Industrial and Business Units (Use Class B1), and on Site C - Industrial, Business and Warehouse Units (Use Classes B1 and B8) at Land at Evergreen Industrial Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney Conditions of note are: 5. No floodlighting or external lighting of any kind shall be installed at the site without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To safeguard the appearance of the area and/or the amenities of neighbouring dwellings. This condition is imposed because of Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 18 and PPG1. 8. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, the operational floor area of any individual units falling within Use Class B8 (Storage & Distribution) shall be limited to a maximum size of 300 sq metres. Reason: To protect the residential amenity of those people living nearby, in accordance with the guidance within PPG1 and PPG24, and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 18. 9. Notwithstanding the submitted drawings, the development hereby approved shall not be occupied or brought into use until acoustic fencing has been permanently erected to the northern boundary of the site in accordance with details, including materials and finish, submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To protect the residential amenity of those people living nearby, in accordance with the guidance within PPG1 and PPG24, and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 18. CT.4608/M & CT.4608/N Minor Amendments to Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission granted to re-locate double doors within the rear elevation of the store building at Cerney Wick Farmhouse, Cerney Wick Correspondence 33. CT.4498/W – Invitation to attend Planning Committee on 15th December at Trinity Road, regarding the Four Pillars Hotel application Cllr Squire would probably attend CT.0843/L Titcombe Garage The Clerk was to enquire from CDC Planning what progress had been made in determining the outcome of CT.0843/L application by K C Cars, Titcombe Garage, Clarks Hay for a change of use of the garage forecourt. This application was considered by the Parish Council at its meeting in September 2004. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the Parish Council that a report was awaited from the Conservation Officer. Lighting Control Policy The Clerk was to enquire from CDC Planning what its current policy was regarding lighting control as this was a major issue for the Parish Council as decisions were taken at officer level. PARISH COUNCILLORS PORTFOLIOS At the SLCC Annual Conference a suggestion that Parish Councillors might be responsible for various portfolios was thought to be a way in which to involve Parish Councillors more closely with their Parish Council. At its meeting in November Parish Councillors were minded that this idea might be worthwhile. Consequently members of the Parish Council discussed what those portfolios might be. The Chairmen of the three committees would continue to be responsible for all matters concerning each of their committees and matters concerning trees would be the responsibility of the tree wardens. Other portfolios suggested were Water Park, Village Plan, liaising with neighbouring parishes including those in Wiltshire, school governor, public transport and roads, flood and snow, village hall, aged and youth. The Clerk was asked to put this item on the agenda for January for further discussion. VILLAGE PLAN Cllr Stuart had informed the Clerk that further progress would be planned for in January. CORRESPONDENCE
|