MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL The meeting began at 7pm when Chairman, Cllr M. Stuart welcomed Hester Oxford, Gloucestershire County Council Area Partnership Officer. Hester gave a brief description of her role in revising a charter or memo of understanding between local authorities which had been in existence since 1995. It was hoped that the charter might take the form of a tripartite agreement between Gloucestershire County Council, District Councils, and Town and Parish Councils. She then invited Parish Councillors for their ideas of what they would like to see in any such charter. Cllr Jay asked that replies or even acknowledgements to letters to the main authorities be made within 5 days. Cllr Stuart would like to see the Planning Authority at the District Council pay more attention to recommendations of the Parish Planning Committee. There was a general consensus that the Parish Council be consulted before action was taken especially by those responsible for street lighting, highway matters and public footpaths. When contact was made with such officers a good working relationship was usually developed and this was to be encouraged. Ms Oxford explained that progress would be slow on developing the charter because of the number of consultations involved but she would keep the Parish Council informed. The Chairman thanked her for attending and the regular meeting of the Parish Council followed Ms Oxford’s departure.
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The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm. Three members of the public were present. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th FEBRUARY 2005 Page 1933: Speed Limits on Cirencester Road – First line change “consider to the” to read: consider the Page 1936: 2nd paragraph 2nd line – delete “let” insert: left Page 1942: Delete 2nd paragraph and replace it with: Cllr Jay congratulated Chairman Cllr M. Stuart on his auctioneering skills at a fund raising event on behalf of the Tsunami Boat Appeal. The total amount now raised is in excess of £14,000. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Nicholas abstained as he did not attend the meeting. Cllr Stuart signed the Minutes. MATTERS ARISING Sudeley Drive Cllr Squire reported that he, Cllr Harris and Cllr Webb had visited the site near 35 Sudeley Drive and agreed that Mrs Newing had cause for concern about activities behind the Thames Water pumping station. The Clerk was asked to inform PCSO Yeoman and request that he liaises with Cllr Squire and Mrs Newing. Area south of Meadow Way near South Cerney Farmhouse Cllr Harris explained to Cllr Jay that the area had been included in the specification as an item for tender. Thrift Cottage Mr McEwen had objected to the tone and content of a letter the Clerk had written regarding the parking of his visitors’ vehicles on public open space outside his property. Cllr Nicholas advised that the language used should be less contentious in future. Post Office Collection The Clerk was asked to write to Nigel Keates, Assistant Duty Office Manager at Cirencester Post Office to request that the collection and delivery vans desist from parking on the grass verge when servicing the mail box at the Lennards/Station Road point. CLERK’S REPORT On Wednesday 16 February I attended a meeting with Cllr Stuart, Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Webb and Mel Tarrant of the GRCC to discuss how the analysis of the information on the Village Plan that Cllr Mrs Pollard had collated might be used. Good progress was made and a further meeting took place on Monday 28 February to continue the discussion. At this meeting the original group was augmented by Dr Peter Stephenson, Patrick Mills and Steven Walker and the discussion on the draft plan continued. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 24 March. It is to be hoped that a progress report will be presented to a full meeting of the Parish Council at its next meeting in April. On Tuesday 22 February I joined Cllr Jay at a roadshow on the Code of Conduct in the Council Chambers. Generally I consider that the Parish Council is adhering to the Code, although in some instances it does err on the side of caution when interests are declared. For example, a Councillor can speak and vote if a personal interest is declared but not if that interest is prejudicial, in which case s/he must leave the room. James Ellis, Head of Legal Services at CDC will be leaving his position at the end of March to be replaced by Bhavna Patel. During February I averaged 4 hours 5 minutes each day over the 20 available working days which is some 13.5% in excess of my contract. ZEBRA CROSSING Chairman Cllr Stuart promoted an item in correspondence from Mr S. Beard who was invited to state his concerns on the siting of the crossing. Mr Beard said that flashing lights will be a nuisance to him if the crossing is put outside his property. He further stated that since 1963 there had only been one fatality and one frightened boy. If the crossing was for the benefit of school children then the proportion of time when the crossing would be of use would be minimal. Cllr Stuart informed Mr Beard that the Parish Council had taken a democratic decision had voted in favour of the crossing and the debate had been well publicised in the Minutes and the Cerney News. He suggested that Mr Beard addressed his concerns directly to Mr Whittaker at GCC Highways. Development off Meadow Way Chairman Cllr Stuart promoted this agenda item as a deputation from the development was present. Representatives from the development spoke on behalf of the residents that, as the development was known as The Secret Garden on legal documents, it should be formally adopted. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Smith that the name The Secret Garden be recommended to CDC as the preferred choice of the Parish Council. The Parish Council was all in favour. PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Committee which had met on Monday 7th March. MATTERS ARISING Highway Matters: Interactive Speed Signs Cllr Squire informed the Committee that he had applied for a grant of £6,000 from the CDC to defray the cost of providing the signs. Footpath Widening Cllr Stuart confirmed that the width of the footpath on the east side of Silver Street in the vicinity of Berry’s Farm had been widened. Refurbishment of Upper Up car park One verbal quote for £500 had been received from Mr M. Thompson to break up surface of the car park with a digger bucket, scrape level and compact. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that if Mr Thompson agreed in writing to the specification then the Parish Council should accept his quotation. The Parish Council was all in favour. INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up play area Cllr Stuart reported that excepting ongoing deterioration of the rubber coating on the swing seats and vandalism to the basketball net, all the other equipment was satisfactory. He suggested that the basketball net should be removed. The plastic recycling skip is now installed on the car park. The growth on the gravelled path across the area needs spraying. Regular visits by the PCSO after dark has reduced noise and misbehaviour. 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. Cllr Harris agreed to remove the damaged panel. The ring part of the latch on the gate to the Toddlers Play Area was missing but works satisfactorily. Cllr Mrs Chubb volunteered to carry out the inspections in Cllr Harris’ absence. Cerney Wick play area Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order. QUOTATIONS Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a competing contractor and left the room. The Finance Committee had agreed with the recommendations of the Playing Field and Village Maintenance Committee that the following quotations, being the lowest submitted, are accepted. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the following quotations: (a) Lee Ponting – Quotation for Tree planting in Clarks Hay as per specification – £454.00 (no VAT); (b) James Harris Contracting – Quotation for work on trees, hedges and shrubs as per specification – £375 (ex VAT); (c) Tree Maintenance Ltd – Quotation for shrub cover clearance at Robert Franklin Way playing field as per specification – £126.00 (ex VAT). The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris rejoined the meeting COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS The Clerk was asked to write to Tim Pain, Chief Executive of the Water Park Society to encourage him to work with the Parish Council to lobby those responsible to clean up the cycleway and footpath on the Spine Road and reinstate the verges. Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to write to the occupants of 1 Sudeley Drive requesting that they cut back their hedge which was overgrowing the pavement. Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report that tree roots were growing through the path from Bow Wow to Box Bush beyond the new bridge. The Clerk will contact GCC Highways. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Jay who had deputised for Cllr Smith at the Committee meeting reported on the deliberations of this Committee which had met on Monday 7th March. MATTERS ARISING Mr R. Hewer The Clerk reported that no reply had been received from Mr Hewer. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that further action be taken. The Parish Council was all in favour. Receipts Residents Memorial trees payments £1,870.00 Outstanding R. Hewer Notice board repair £165.00 Payments Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (March) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (March) £100.00 M. McKee Clerk’s office allowance £250.00 M. McKee Clerk’s travel (February) £64.14 M. McKee BT telephone and internet access (February) £21.50 South Cerney United Church Chapel Upstairs Room £6.00 Busy Fingers Copying Photocopying £38.74 Atlantis Supplies Ltd Epson compatible black cartridges (6) £27.00 £547.38 Cllr Jay had inspected the Invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for February. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Jay and Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest as members of the Village Hall Committee in this next payment and left the room. Village Hall Capital Grant – table & chairs £217.26 Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest as Chairman in this payment and Cllr Jay declared a personal interest as a friend of Cllr Stuart and both remained outside. Michael Stuart Chairman’s telephone allowance £25.00 It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council agrees to make the above two payments. The remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Stuart and Cllr Jay rejoined the meeting. Donations The Finance Committee recommended that the following donations are made: Cirencester Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) £350.00 Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) £350.00 South Cerney United Church £250.00 Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association (GPFA) £100.00 Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) £100.00 Marie Curie Nursing Service in Gloucestershire £50.00 Macmillan Nurses in Gloucestershire £50.00 Cobalt Unit Cheltenham £50.00 £1,300.00 It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council makes the above donations. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Squire informed the Parish Council that he had applied for a grant of £6,000 from the CDC to defray the cost of providing the interactive speed warning signs. Cllr Squire also informed the meeting that he had given the go ahead for the refurbishment of the War Memorial. Cllr Jay had accompanied him when they had visited the contractors’ premises at Miserden. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee that had met on 7th March. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Mrs Pollard both declared a personal interest as friends of close neighbours. Neither considered the interest as prejudicial. CT.0649/2/L Applicants: Mr & Mrs P. Savoury, Mayfair, The Langet, Upper Up, South Cerney GL7 5US Erection of bungalow (to replace garage block) at Ponderosa, Upper Up, South Cerney NO OBJECTION Cllr Stuart declared a personal interest as a close neighbour of the applicants. CT.0776/V Applicants: Mr & Mrs Slater, Walnut Farm, Upper Up, South Cerney Refurbishments and extensions to Walnut Tree Farm, Upper Up, South Cerney, GL7 5US (R) NO OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. Cllr Stuart declared a personal interest as a close neighbour of the applicants. CT.0776/W Applicants: Mr & Mrs Slater, Walnut Farm, Upper Up, South Cerney Listed Building Consent – Refurbishments and extensions to Walnut Tree Farm, Upper Up, South Cerney, GL7 5US NO OBJECTION CT.2648/3/D Applicants: The Watermark Club, Isis Lake, South Cerney, GL7 5TL Additional/Amended Plans: 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.2781/P Applicant: Mr M. Thompson, The New House, Clarks Hay, South Cerney Alterations to fenestration (amendments to previously approved scheme reference CN.2781/N) at The New House, Clarks Hay, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. The Clerk was asked to inform CDC Planning Office that this development was signposted Chestnut Mews. CT.3887/3/D Applicant: Mrs D. F. Lloyd, 19 Field Close, South Cerney Additional/Amended Plans: Two storey side extension to provide lounge with two bedrooms over at 19 Field Close, South Cerney The extension would still dominate the gardens of adjoining properties and adversely affect their privacy. It was also likely to cause damage to the roots of the adjoining hedge. OBJECTION CT.4067/2/T Applicant: Mrs A. Holgate, 16 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney Single storey extension to rear, replace flat roof with pitched incorporating rooflights at 16 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. CT.4454/J Applicant: Mr E. Adams, Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney Erection of detached building to provide swimming pool, gym, games room and garage at Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. CT.5322/Q Applicants: Rebecca Jamieson, Rosemary, Cerney Wick, Glos. GL7 5QH Refurbishment and alterations to form larger conservatory at rear, including associated works at Rosemary, Cerney Wick, Glos. GL7 5QH NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest in the next two applications as the applicants of CT.4067/2/S were clients of his firm and left the room. Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Mrs Pollard and Cllr Stuart all declared a personal interest as clients of Elsey & Elsey but did not consider it prejudicial and remained in the room. Cllr Squire had previously declared a personal interest the next application in a written submission to CDC Planning office. CT.4067/2/S Applicants: Elsey & Elsey, Dental Clinic, 7 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney Change of Use – A1 to D1 Hairdressing to Dental Practice, provision of disabled access, shop front, blocking up door, three air conditioning units and emergency generator at 7 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney GL7 5XN (R) It is not permitted under regulations to change from A1 Class to a D1 Class. This is a residential area and with the increase in surgeries from two (2) to three (3) vehicular traffic is bound to increase which will have an adverse effect on the properties in the area. OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant was a personal client of his and remained outside. CT.5483/C Ms D. Urwin, The Plough Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney First floor extension to rear at The Plough Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION. Parish Council ratification sought. It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council ratify the decisions taken by the Planning Committee on the above two applications. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Nicholas rejoined the meeting. Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/4/D Erection of single storey office at South Cerney Works, Ham Lane, South Cerney CT.0006/4/E Erection of rear conservatory at 11 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney CT.2380/2/X Change of Use from A1 (retail) to use of building as an Auctioneers and Valuers (sui generis use) with associated storage at former Cotswold Outdoor Ltd, Broadway Lane, South Cerney CT.5946/H Erection of single storey extension to provide garage and playroom/store at Tobermory, Cerney Wick CT.8421/B Two storey rear extension and single storey lean-to at 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney Planning applications refused by Cotswold District Council CT.5788/X Provision of external kitchen extraction ductwork at South Cerney Tandoori, 7 The Laurels, Clarks Hay, South Cerney Reason 1 is of particular interest. The property lies within the South Cerney Conservation Area, wherein the Local Planning Authority must pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the locality. The proposed extraction flue by virtue of its industrial design, size, scale, positioning and use of modern construction materials would be harmful and would fail to either preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area. As such the proposal is contrary to Policies 1, 29 and 40 of the Cotswold District Local Plan, Policy NHE6 of the Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review and Government guidance contained in PPS1 (Delivering Sustainable Development) and PPG15 (Planning and the Historic Environment). CONDITION OF SPINE ROAD Vigorous debate ensued on the continuing muddy state of the B4696 Spine Road. Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Parsons (GCC) had differing opinions as to who was responsible for which aspect of cleaning the road. There is confusion whether mud should be classed as litter and which authority is responsible for its removal. The situation is further complicated as parts of the road run across county boundaries. Cllr Parsons (GCC) will try to get one person to act as a supremo to oversee the cleaning but this will take time and delicate negotiation. In the meantime the Clerk was asked to write to Mrs Girling (Leader of CDC) and the Health and Safety Executive in an effort to determine who is responsible and point out that the situation will be the cause of a serious accident if action is not taken. VILLAGE PLAN Cllr Mrs Pollard agreed with the Clerk’s assessment regarding the progress of the plan. A further meeting is planned for Thursday 24th March. CORRESPONDENCE
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