MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.35 pm
wishing the Parish Councillors present a happy New Year, hoping that
discussions would be brief and asked them to give the various Committees
respect for their recommendations. APOLOGIES Cllr Caunce had apologised for his absence due to work commitments and Cllr Baines (CDC) had emailed his apology for his absence. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th DECEMBER 2004 Page 1912: Water Park Briefing Notes – fourth line delete “forth” insert: fourth Page 1913: Canal Footpath – first line: delete “Northmoorway” insert: Northmoor It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Pollard and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Stuart signed the Minutes. MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising which had not been dealt with at Committee stage. CLERK’S REPORT On Tuesday 4th January I attended a meeting of the Finance Committee to discuss the precept. During the month of December I averaged 3 hrs 6 minutes per available day which was 24 minutes per day less than my contracted hours. PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Committee which had met on Monday 10th January. Matters Arising Zebra Crossing/Traffic Speed The Clerk reported that he had again telephoned Mr Whittaker who stated that he would make a reply in due course. Interactive Speed Signs Cllr Squire had met with Ged Cassell (CDC) on 11th January. Initially three signs would be installed probably with an upper financial contribution limit of 40% from the Parish Council and the rest from a CDC grant. Cllr Squire accepted that it would not be possible to present an installation plan for grant aid until the next meeting on March 12th. The positioning of the signs would depend on a suitable electricity supply and agreement with GCC Highways. Outstanding Work at Robert Franklin Way Cllr Harris reported that none of the outstanding maintenance matters reported to the Cotswold Water Park Society had been resolved. Safety Surfaces Cllr Stuart had a meeting with Mr G. Taylor who gave quotations to replace the tiled safety surfaces at the three play areas. Cllr Stuart analysed the costs as follows: Remove Tiles Fenplay Soft Fall EPDM Wetpour Cerney Wick Swing £810 £2,135 £2,705 Climb £695 £1,985 £2,645 Robert Franklin Way Slide £945 £2,995 £3,615 Upper Up Junior Swing £375 £995 £1,195 Swing £395 £1,025 £1,295 Multiplay £1,235 £3,950 £4,725 £4,455 £13,085 £16,180 Slide/Ladder: £675 (only in conjunction with one or two items of safety surfaces) If the choice is for the Wetpour (maintenance free) and use of the services of Mr Taylor to remove existing tiles: £16,180 + £4,455 + £675 = £21,310 or: Work party (courtesy of Cerney Wick Committee, for example) removes tiles: £16,855 + hire of skip(s) @ £200 = £17,055 or: Use Fenplay Soft Fall @ £13,085 + £675 = £13,760 plus skip(s) @ £200 = £13,960 Ground Maintenance Schedule The following areas were added to the schedule: Kingfisher Place and the area opposite Londis; the bank of the Mill Stream between Riverway, along BSC4 to stile at west of Riverway; the Churchyard extended area including the entrance to the allotments. During the deliberations of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed with the recommendation of the Committee to extend the existing contract for a further two years subject to the appointed contractor’s continuing standard of performance. Annual Safety Inspections During the deliberations of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed with the recommendation of the Committee to appoint John Hicks to carry out the inspections as his quotation was the most competitive. Rubbish Bin in Clarks Hay The Clerk had contacted R. Sollis (CDC) to request that a bin be installed at the new seat in Clarks Hay. According to Mr Sollis there were no bins available or money in the budget to purchase any and he referred the Clerk to his suppliers although he did agree to install the bin and arrange for it to be emptied if the Parish Council made the purchase. During the deliberations of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed with the recommendation of the Committee to the purchase of a new bin. Refurbishment of the chain link fence at Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a potential contractor for this work and left the meeting. Three quotations had been received and during the deliberations of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed with the recommendation of the Committee to appoint J.T. Fencing to carry out the work as its quotation was the most competitive. Cllr Harris rejoined the meeting. Refurbishment of Upper Up car park As only one quotation had been received, the Committee proposed that Cllr Stuart liaise with a local contact to do the work and if that quotation was approximately 50% of the received quote, then permission should be given. During the deliberations of the Finance Committee the Parish Council agreed with the recommendation of the Committee Councillors’ Reports Cllr Harris asked that a street light be installed in the vicinity of the new footbridge in Bow Wow to illuminate the disabled access there. The Clerk informed him that a request for such a light was made in October. Cllr Stuart volunteered to ring Mr Greenaway to expedite the request. Cllr Harris informed the Committee of a proposal to change the name of the Cotswold Water Park which had existed for more than 30 years. Various suggestions were being touted but Cllr Harris was not impressed. The Committee was unanimous in its agreement and recommended that the Parish Council rejects any plan to change the name of the water park. Cllr Smith remarked that without knowing what new name was proposed it was impossible to make a decision. If and when a name change was proposed further discussion could take place. Cllr Harris asked that cycleway signs on the south side of Station Road be installed to inform cyclists of the available route which would allow them to avoid using the carriageway. Cllr Harris asked about the bridge survey. The Clerk referred him to recent correspondence which informed the Parish Council that an inspection was due in the week beginning 13th December and a report would follow. Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the water hydrant sign (H) and safety valve in the ditch opposite Oakbeams in Station Road were now visible and should be reinstated. Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the road sign (Station Road) at the junction of the Spine Road (B4696) and Station Road was missing and should be replaced. Cllr Stuart reported that the street sign opposite the Royal Oak signing Jubilee Gardens was missing and should be replaced. Cllr Stuart reported that debris from an accident opposite Well Cottage and between Orchard House in Upper Up was littering the road verge and asked that it be collected. Compacted leaves which had been swept off the footpath on to the carriageway had blown back and needed to be cleared away. Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb would attend a meeting of local bodies at the Millennium Centre, Keynes Park at 10am on 25th January to discuss alternative PROWs in the vicinity of the Cotswold Community when that area will be gravelled. Cllr Webb reported an accumulation of fallen leaves and other detritus on the pathway connecting Sudeley Drive and Oak Way which should be cleared. Cllr Squire informed the Committee that the stone from the War Memorial which had been damaged by vandals had been removed. The Memorial can be repaired and an estimate for the work is awaited. Promises of donations towards a reward for the apprehension of those responsible had been received but Cllr Jay warned that any reward offered could be counter productive. In response to a query on the web site the Clerk had ascertained that the Heritage Service (CDC) was responsible for the maintenance of the cycle track on the Spine Road. Malcolm Watt, Head of Heritage informed the Clerk that plans were in hand to commute a sum to the Cotswold Water Park for future upkeep. Cllr Nicholas suggested that there was an abundance of public seating in the vicinity of the Old Cross and that the double seat at the Old Cross might be sited elsewhere. Cllr Jay pointed out that the seat had been a gift from CAMAS to the Parish to commemorate the Millennium and should not be moved without its consent. INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up play area Cllr Stuart reported that all equipment was in working order. The new drain pipe recently installed was performing well and the cycle mounds were still being used. The third soccer pitch has been mown and the second pitch marked out and in use. The Football Club has requested that a dog mess bin be placed in the car park. Overall there was very little litter in evidence. Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Harris reported that all equipment was in working order. The lamination of one panel on the adventure unit in the toddlers’ play area was peeling and should be either removed or turned over. The entrance at Robert Franklin Way was becoming muddy and needed some gravel. Cllr Squire suggested that over matter from the path to Bow Wow via the Church could be used. Cerney Wick play area Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order. FINANCE Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of this Committee which had met on Monday 10th January. MATTERS ARISING Water Park Fund Malcolm Watt, Head of Heritage (CDC) confirmed that there was £56,189.17 in the Cotswold Water Park fund although the majority of it was already allocated. Verbally, Mr Watt informed the clerk that further large deposits from S.106 agreements were expected although none of this future income was as yet allocated. One suggestion for use of the fund which would benefit the Cotswold Water Park and South Cerney was to create a path from the end of Upper Up playing field to Keynes Park. The Parish Council had already created a path from its car park to near its western boundary but further work was needed to be carried out to extend the path to cross over the shire brook and the narrow spit of land to the Ashton Keynes/Cirencester road to connect with the existing footpath BSN9 to Keynes Park. In conjunction with this scheme the Parish Council would like a grant to plant further trees and shrubs in the wetland area at the western end of Upper Up playing field. The Clerk was asked to make this subject an agenda item for discussion at the February meeting. Receipts R. O. W. Berry Donation £350.00 South Cerney Cricket Club Water supply to Upper Up playing field £5.36 South Cerney Football Club Water supply to Upper Up playing field £8.04 £363.40 Outstanding R. Hewer Notice board repair £165.00 Payments Out Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (January) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (January) £100.00 M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (December) £70.20 M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (December) £23.00 Thames Water Water supply to Upper Up playing field £13.40 Southern Electric Unmetered electricity supply to bus shelters £10.94 SLCC Annual Subscription 2005 £91.00 Busy Fingers Copying Photocopying £45.97 Maelor Trafflex Ltd Supply 90 litre green rubbish bin £142.76 £537.27 Cllr Smith has previously inspected and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for December. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Quotations The Finance Committee accepted the deliberations of the Village Maintenance Committee on the following quotations: 1. John Hicks (Safety Inspections); 2. Rubbish Bin (Clarks Hay); 3. J. T. Fencing (Robert Franklin Way chain link fence); 4. Refurbishment of Upper Up car park (Cllr Stuart to negotiate as agreed). It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees to the recommendations of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Precept Meeting The Committee had met on Tuesday 4th January 2005 at the Old Police House and recommended the Parish Council to precept £61,295. This sum represented a monthly increase on band ‘D’ properties of 62p on the previous year. It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees with the recommendation of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Clerk’s New Contract, Terms and Conditions Cllr Jay had read the proposals and concluded that there would not be a great difference between the current agreement and the new terms which would be implemented from 1st April 2005. The Clerk had asked SLCC how much the proposed evaluation service would cost but the society had not yet decided, although a decision was imminent. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on Monday 10th January. Matters Arising Wheel Washing A. R. Jones (CDC) wrote to explain that there was no specific reason for the omission of a wheel washing condition which was not a deliberate act. Determination of Application (CT.4498/W Four Pillars Hotel) A. R. Jones (CDC) explained that the Planning Committee was mindful of the concerns expressed by the Parish Council. The principle of a development of this character and scale had already been established and the design approach followed was felt to be appropriate to its waterside location. Great care will be taken with the final choice of building materials – it is not normally the case that such final choices are made at this stage. Lighting Control Policy A. R. Jones (CDC) explained that there was no lighting control policy as such, though Policy 18 of the current Local Plan, in the section on Pollution, states that “Permission will not be given for developments ... that are likely to cause ... unacceptable light levels and spillage”. When applications are being considered which have the potential to cause light pollution problems, we impose a condition that effectively removes any ‘permitted development’ rights to install external lighting, thereby requiring an application to be submitted. Jubilee Gardens Public Art Rachael Stanway emailed that the Glos Environmental Trust Company had granted £8,573 to add to the existing budget for Jubilee Gardens. CT.2443/P (Berkeley Close) Cllr Webb had concerns that permission for this development would be granted despite the assurances given by A. R. Jones (CDC) to Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP, and the report to the CDC from Thames Water and Halcrow. Outline planning permission had already been granted and it was reserved matters which were being determined. Cllr Bennett (CDC) informed the Parish Council that the application had been deferred that morning. It was agreed that residents should be informed through the Cerney News of a proposal to put in place a Prevention of Driving Order as part of the planning permission for new houses along Berkeley Court. The proposal seeks to prohibit vehicles driving the full length of the Close, as it is thought that there is good access from other roads within the village. Cllr Nicholas produced a copy of a S.106 agreement originated in a neighbouring District Council which innovatively provided a payment per bedroom per property and suggested to Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) that a similar scheme might be adopted by the Cotswold District Council. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) noted that whereas the CDC demanded a 30% provision of affordable housing the neighbouring district council required only 25%. Cllr Nicholas was interested in some sort of compensation for the loss of the playground and the Parish Council agreed that the Clerk should ask Mr A. R. Jones CDC Head of Planning for an amount to be considered when the Planning (Regulatory) Committee next met to determine the deferred application. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council Cllr Smith declared a prejudicial interest as a neighbour and left the debate. CT.0006/4/C Applicants: Mr & Mrs Goble, 3 The Limes, Station Road, South Cerney Garden room extension and loft conversion to form bedroom and study at 3 The Limes, South Cerney (R) The ground floor extension is of a design that is not in keeping with vernacular style, and the new front windows will disrupt the cohesive design and style of this prominent and carefully co-ordinated development. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was in favour. OBJECTION Cllr Smith rejoined the debate. CT.0006/4/D Applicants: Aggregate Industries UK Ltd, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leics Erection of single storey office at South Cerney Works, Broadway Lane, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.2648/3/D Applicants: The Watermark Club, Isis Lake, South Cerney, GL7 5TL Portrait sign in ‘V’ formation at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney There are too many signs in this vicinity which is distracting for traffic approaching this busy and dangerous junction. OBJECTION CT.5189/J Applicants: D. Varey, J. Buckley, L. Loveridge and A.Varey c/o Agent: R. Stainer, 65 Hawthorn Grove, Combe Down, Bath BA2 5QF Variation of condition 2 of permission CT.5189/G to increase pitch numbers from 17 to 21 at Four Acres, South Road, Shorncote, Cirencester, Glos. (R) NO OBJECTION CT.5788/X Applicants: South Cerney Tandoori, 7 The Laurels, Clarks Hay, South Cerney Provision of external kitchen extraction ductwork at South Cerney Tandoori, 7 The Laurels, Clarks Hay, South Cerney The proposed chimney would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the conservation area. OBJECTION CT.5790/N Applicants: Mr & Mrs D. P. McIntosh Erection of a single storey timber framed glazed conservatory at 2 Hambledon Close, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION CT.5946/H Applicants: Mr & Mrs D. MacDonald, Tobermory, Cerney Wick GL7 5QJ Erection of single storey extension to provide garage and playroom/store at Tobermory, Cerney Wick (R) NO OBJECTION Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest as a friend and left the debate. CT.8421/B Applicants: Mr & Mrs Clark, 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney GL7 5UH Two storey rear extension and single storey lean-to at 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Pollard and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council does not object to this application. The Parish Council was in favour. NO OBJECTION Cllr Stuart rejoined the debate. With the exception of CT.0006/4/C and CT.8421/B which had already been voted on it was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Squire that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/4/A Revised lodge type for Plot 14 at Lake 16, Spine Road, South Cerney CT.0223/A Alterations to vehicular access serving Drenewyd and The Old House at Drenewyd, High Street, South Cerney Conditions to note: 4. The development shall not be brought into use until the vehicle parking and manoeuvring facilities for Drenewyd have been completed in all respects in accordance with the approved details and they shall be similarly maintained thereafter for that purpose. Reason: In the interests of highway safety, and in order to ensure that the development complies with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 47. 5. The existing vehicular access to the site shall be stopped up, its use permanently abandoned and the verge/footway crossing reinstated in accordance with details which shall be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such works shall be completed within one month of the new vehicular access hereby authorised being first brought into use. Reason: In the interests of highway safety in accordance with Cotswold District Council Local Plan Policy 46 and PPG13. 7. Notwithstanding the approved plans the proposed vehicular access shall not be brought into use until the existing frontage boundaries either side of the vehicular access have been removed to provide visibility splays extending from a point 2.0 metres back from the carriageway edge along the access centre line to a point on the nearside carriageway edge 55 metres to the nearside (east) and 10 metres to the carriageway edge to the offside (west). Any new boundary, fence or other enclosure shall be erected on or behind the splay lines so defined, with the area in advance maintained permanently clear of obstructions to visibility at a height not exceeding 0.9 metres above the adjacent carriageway level. Reason: To ensure that adequate visibility is provided and maintained in the highway safety, and in accordance with PPG13 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 46. CT.0649/2/K Retention of rear garage extension (at revised height) at 22 Meadow Way, South Cerney CT.1865/H Minor amendment approval for amended conservatory design at 4 The Paddock, High Street, South Cerney CT.3115/G Retention of three (3) velux rooflights to bathrooms and landing at 3 The Secret Garden, Meadow Way, South Cerney Planning applications refused by Cotswold District Council CT.3704/K Construction of first floor extension above sun room and adjacent ground floor and first floor extension, to provide two (2) bedrooms, and ground floor study or wc at Rose Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney Reason: The application site comprises a detached period cottage which exhibits the scale, form, and proportions of traditional vernacular architecture. The proposal, by virtue of its scale, form, design and massing, would excessively dominate and be incongruous to this simple, traditionally proportioned cottage, thereby being harmful to its intrinsic character. The proposal is therefore contrary to guidance contained within PPG1 and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1 and 40. CT.6460/G Outline application for the erection of two (2) dwellings and vehicular access on land to the rear of 17-22 The Leaze, South Cerney Reasons: 1. Residential development on any part of the application site would occupy a backland position behind the existing street frontage. As such the provision of two dwellings on this site would be out of keeping with the settlement pattern and would result in an incongruous development, unsympathetic with the form and character of the settlement and the surroundings of the site. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies 1 and 40 of the adopted Cotswold District Local Plan and Government guidance contained in PPG1 (General Policy and Principles) and PPG3 (Housing). 2. Insufficient information has been submitted to satisfactorily determine the highway safety implications concerning the development. As such the proposal is contrary to Policies 1 and 46 of the adopted Cotswold District Local Plan, the Gloucestershire County Transport Plan and Government Guidance contained in PPG1 (General Policy and Principles) and PPG13 (Transport). Planning application withdrawn CT.2443/O Construction of 22 dwellings and associated works on land at 63-80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney FLOOD REPORT Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Mrs Chapman and Cllr Caunce were waiting to view the video which was in circulation. Cllr Nicholas commented that once the video had been viewed it encouraged one to become involved in preparing for a future incident. Cllr Stuart queried what plans our District Council and County Council had for a repeat incident. Cllr Parsons (GCC) said that the County Council was working with the Environment Agency and emergency services. He would ask the Emergency Planning Officer to contact the Clerk who would arrange for him to give a presentation to the Parish Council. Cllr Bennett (CDC) said that the District Council had an emergency plan but did not elaborate. He encouraged the Parish Council to form an Emergency Sub Committee to help deal with any future incident. Cllr Stuart suggested that a Parish Neighbour Scheme be implemented. It was decided to await the outcome of a presentation by the County Council Emergency Planning Officer before any plans were made for action. COUNCILLORS’ PORTFOLIOS At a conference attended by the Clerk it had been suggested that members of a Council could become more involved with Council business if they were involved with specific portfolios. Parish Councillors agreed that Committee Chairmen would be responsible for correspondence relating to their Committees. The following portfolios were agreed to by Parish Councillors: Cllr Mrs Chubb – Aged; Cllr Squire – Aged and Transport; Cllr Mrs Pollard – Village Plan; Cllr Jay – Youth, Education and Health; Cllr Mrs Chapman – Cerney Wick matters; Cllr Harris – Flood, Tree Warden, Snow Warden and Environmental Matters; Cllr Webb – Village Hall representative and Tree Warden; Cllr Stuart – Water Park representative; Cllr Nicholas – Thames Water and Sewerage. VILLAGE PLAN Cllr Stuart was in regular contact with Mel Tarrant (GRCC). Cllr Mrs Pollard was analysing the wall sheets for further action. Three residents had shown an interest in joining sub committees and the Clerk would inform them that the plan was progressing and a sub committee would be formed within six weeks time. CORRESPONDENCE
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