MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm. Cllr Mrs Pollard had made an apology for her absence, Cllr Baines (CDC) had informed Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) that he would not be present and Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) had made an apology as he would be on holiday. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN Cllr P. Jay thanked the Chairman for his efforts during the past year. Cllr Jay then proposed and Cllr R. Webb seconded a proposal that Cllr Stuart remains as Chairman of the Parish Council. Cllr Stuart accepted. The Parish Council was all in favour. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN Cllr Squire agreed to stand again as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominations for the post. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Harris that Cllr Squire be re-elected as Vice Chairman. The Parish Council was all in favour. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, Planning Committee, Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee All Parish Councillors wished to continue to serve on the Committees to which they had been appointed during the previous year. Cllr Caunce asked to serve on the Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee. Burial Authority Rev J. Calvert and G. James had agreed to continue to be members of the Burial Authority. G. Andrews had informed the Chairman that he would also continue to serve. Cllr Squire was assured by Cllr Jay that as Vice Chairman he automatically sat on all Committees including the Burial Authority. Snow Warden Cllr Harris agreed to continue to serve as Snow Warden. Tree Wardens Cllr Harris and Cllr Webb agreed to continue serving as Tree Wardens. Village Hall Representative Cllr Webb agreed to continue as the Parish Council’s Village Hall representative. It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the above representatives be elected to serve on their respective committees. The Parish Council was all in favour. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th APRIL 2005 Page 1953: Meeting With Youth Services Representatives – Cllr Caunce requested that it be recorded in the Minutes that the Youth Services Representatives would present proposals in August or September on how the service could benefit the youth of South Cerney. The plan was to investigate current needs, by talking to the target audience along with Janet Lodge. The Youth Services has a number of defined processes and procedures for understanding local youth issues. Once this ‘needs analysis’ has been obtained they would return to the Parish Council in August or September to present the findings to allow it determine a course of action. Page 1955 Clerk’s Report – 4th paragraph 3rd line delete: “i.e. the 50 mph to 40 mph and the 40 mph to 30 mph” insert: i.e. the 60 mph to 50 mph and the 50 mph to 40 mph It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. Cllr Harris who did not attend the meeting and Cllr Caunce who had left the meeting early abstained from voting. The remainder of the Parish Council was in favour. MATTERS ARISING Cllr Jay was very critical of the reaction of the Youth Service representatives who had made a presentation on their activities to the Parish Council at last month’s meeting. He said that they had no concept of the requirements of the youth of the village. Cllr Harris said that Janet Lodge was much appreciated for her work and commitment although the facilities she had were poor. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Caunce that Mrs Lodge is invited to attend the Annual Parish Meeting and be presented with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her work with the youth of the community. The Parish Council was all in favour and the Chairman agreed to use his allowance to fund the purchase. Commenting on a remark by Sam Beard, Cllr Jay said that notice should be taken that not every member of the community had access to the internet and suggested that a link be provided, probably in the United Church building. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) said that a computer would be provided eventually and it was possible that access, by arrangement, could be given to the internet at a future date. Cllr Bennett (CDC) provided an information sheet which gave a short account of the responses from the Leader of CDC to questions on road sweeping. CDC accepted responsibility for sweeping all roads in the District other than those managed by the Highways Agency. Every town and village in the District is classified into three zones: Zone 1 is swept every day; Zone 2 is swept a minimum of one a month; Zone 3 is swept twice a year. Notably any other main road is swept as and when money permits, but if a complaint is received, the District Council will investigate it. Cllr Jay suggested that the Clerk prepare a standard letter of complaint which should be sent weekly when the Spine Road and its arteries were affected. It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Harris that such a letter be composed and sent to the CDC on a weekly basis. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk informed Parish Councillors that there had been no developments regarding the installation of the zebra crossing or the interactive speed limit signs. The Clerk was asked to inform Cllr Parsons (GCC) that enquiries would be made about progress at the Annual Parish Meeting. Cllr Bennett provided relevant information on the implications of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (Part 8) which will come into force on 1st June 2005. An example cited a formal complaint where there was concern about a neighbouring hedge. The Act will apply only where a complainant’s ‘reasonable enjoyment’ of their property can be demonstrated as being adversely affected by a neighbouring evergreen high hedge. A complaint can only be valid in those cases where all reasonable attempts at negotiation and mediation between parties have failed. Estimated cost projections indicate that a fee of £550 should cover investigating an individual complaint although a reduced fee of £100 should be charged to complainants who are on low incomes/benefits. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) had made arrangements for Cllr Nicholas to attend the next round of the Flood Forum. CLERK’S REPORT On Monday 18th April along with Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb I attended a seminar at Longford Village Hall just outside Gloucester. The speaker from NALC endeavoured to explain the basis of how NALC and the SLCC had jointly agreed the new terms and conditions for Parish and Town Clerks. It was followed by a workshop where the audience who had been divided into groups of five or six were asked to decide which category sample Clerks should be allocated. With this experience I met with Cllr Webb to discuss how the new terms and conditions might be applied. The Personnel Committee members have been circulated with the information and the Committee should make its recommendation to the Parish Council at its June meeting. On Tuesday 10th May I attended a meeting of the Village Plan sub committee where plans were made for the Open Day to be held on 23rd June. During the month I completed the annual Parish Council’s accounts and will deliver them to the Internal Auditor (Mrs J. Gardiner) in the near future. When Mrs Gardiner completes her audit I will present the completed accounts to the Parish Council. During April I averaged 4 hours 33 minutes each day over the 21 available working days which is nearly 1 hour per day in excess of my contract. The period was unusual insofar that I attended extra meetings and the final accounts had to be prepared. In response to a request from Cllr Jay members of the Personnel Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday 25th May at 7.30 pm at Rose Cottage. The Clerk will inform Cllr Mrs Pollard. PLANNING Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 9th May. Matters Arising Cllr Nicholas remarked that no application had been received for permission to build the roadway at the rear of Willow Grove. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) informed the meeting that the Enforcement Officer at CDC had stopped all work on the project. Cllr Bennett (CDC) left the meeting 8.40 pm. Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/4/G Applicants: Mr & Mrs Brown, 11 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney Erection of a single storey side extension at 11 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION CT.0006/4/F Applicant: Mr J. Storey, 18 The Limes, Station Road, South Cerney Erection of rear conservatory at 18 The Limes, Station Road, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION CT.0144/4/W Applicants: Mr & Mrs A. Hannam, 12 Lakeside, South Cerney Erection of a conservatory (revised scheme) at 12 Lakeside, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION CT.0144/4/Y Applicants: Mr & Mrs Homerston, 26 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney Erection of first floor extension above garage to provide fourth bedroom/ensuite at 26 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney NO OBJECTION CT.2443/P (dated 13th April 2005) Applicant: Bloor Homes Ltd, Tewkesbury Amended Plans – Construction of 23 dwellings and associated works on land at 63–80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney (R) The amended plans do not remove the reasons for the previous objections raised by the Parish Council, in particular that permission should be conditional upon clear evidence that the severe problems with flooding and drainage in this area have been identified and resolved. OBJECTION CT.2443/P (dated 10th May 2005) Applicant: Bloor Homes Ltd, Tewkesbury Amended Plans – Construction of 23 dwellings, surface water pumping station and associated works on land at 63–80 Berkeley Close, South Cerney The amended plans are as follows: 1. Amended design and reduced height of plots 10 and 11; 2. Enlargement of ground floor windows to two-light to plots 6–8, 20–21; 3. Horizontal glazing bars added throughout; 4. 1800mm close boarded boundary fence added The amended plans do not remove the reasons for the previous objections raised by the Parish Council, in particular that permission should be conditional upon clear evidence that the severe problems with flooding and drainage in this area have been identified and resolved. OBJECTION CT.3578/J Applicants: Mr & Mrs B. Geary, 3 Ladywood Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B74 2SN Provision of replacement double-glazed windows at Stones Farmhouse, Cerney Wick, Cirencester (R) NO OBJECTION CT.3887/3/E Applicant: James Poulton, 7 The Lennards, South Cerney Erection of a single storey side car-port at 7 The Lennards, South Cerney (R) The proposal is of a poor standard of design, and would detract from the nature of the current street scene, because of the flat roofed design in particular. OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris and Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest in the following application as the applicant was their personal friend and left the room. Cllr Mrs Chapman explained this application to the remaining Parish Councillors. CT.0144/4/X Applicant: J. Lewis Esq, 30 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney Single storey rear extension at 30 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney (R) NO OBJECTION It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the recommendation of the Planning Committee and not object. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris and Cllr Nicholas returned to the Committee Room. Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council CT.0006/4/B The provision of a service area with associated gardener’s shed and the retention of the existing access onto the Spine Road for the use of service lorries only at Lake 16, Spine Road, South Cerney CT.0006/4/D Additional pair of doors in place of window to north-east elevation at South Cerney Works, Ham Lane, South Cerney CT.3930/F Variation of Condition 14 of planning permission reference CT.3930/D and subsequently reference CT.3930/E relating to the occupancy restrictions of the Croft at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney Condition of note: 1. The accommodation shall only be used as holiday accommodation and the building shall not be occupied as permanent residential accommodation or as a primary place of residence nor shall the building be occupied from 6th January until 5th February inclusive in each year. Reason: The site is located in open countryside and permission is given only for holiday accommodation in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 8.1 and guidance in PPG21. CT.4208/M Replacement playgroup building (revised scheme) at land adjacent to Ann Edwards County Primary School, Berkeley Close, South Cerney CT.4454/J Erection of detached building to provide swimming pool, gym, games room and garage at Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney CT.7927/C Rebuild Cotswold stonewall to 2m at front boundary at Albertine, South Cerney Planning application withdrawn CT.0650/E Conversion of existing building to two (2) dwellings and erection of four (4) dwellings and car-ports at the Old Post Office, High Street, South Cerney Planning application refused CT.0649/2/L Erection of bungalow (to replace garage block) at Ponderosa, Upper Up, South Cerney Appeal decision on CT.8421/A: 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney The Inspector’s reasons for his Decision are: “1. No.3 is one of a pair of Victorian cottages built of Cotswold stone with stone tiled roofs. Although the appellant argues that they lack traditional Cotswold style, they appear to me to share the characteristics of many of the older buildings which I saw in South Cerney and the examples given in the Cotswold Design Code. They lie just to the north of a road junction, so that the southern flank and rear of the proposed extension would be open to public view. The buildings round about are for the most part more modern, the cottages lie outside the South Cerney Conservation Area, and the Council do not seek to argue that the setting of the Conservation Area is affected by the proposal. 2. The existing cottage is very small, simple, and traditionally proportioned. I see no objection in principle to modernising the cottage and providing more living space. No.2, the adjoining cottage to the north, although also quite small, has been sensitively extended and features a modest gable at the rear. Although the front elevation of No.3 would be unaffected by the proposed extension, the appearance of the side and rear of the property would in my opinion be dramatically altered. The present ‘catslide’ roof at the rear of the property would be replaced by an asymmetric pair of gables. I see no objection in principle to a twin-gable design, but in my opinion the gables proposed would be out of character, because of their bulk and proportions, not only with No.3, but with the more modest gable at the rear of No.2. The southern side elevation of No.3 would also be completely transformed by the mass and rearward extent of the new building. The bulk of the extension would in my view completely dominate the existing buildings, and would create a quite different character, at odds with the intentions of Policy 40 and the Cotswold Design Code. For this reason I conclude that the extension would be harmful to the character and appearance of the existing cottage, and to the street scene, and that accordingly the appeal should be dismissed.” FINANCE Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 9th May. Matters Arising Mr R. Hewer The Clerk reported that Mr Hewer apparently had to leave his accommodation and his present whereabouts were unknown. It was thought that he was living somewhere in South Cerney and the Clerk would make enquiries. Grass Cutting Grass cutting cuts for this current year and those of last year. Please note that the VAT element is inconsistent as some contractors are registered and others are not. April (2004) £1,527.55 plus £204.75 VAT (2005) £1,497.15 plus £241.50 VAT May £1,140.35 £145.25 VAT June £1,137.15 £137.38 VAT July £1,070.35 £147.00 VAT August £1,088.30 £155.75 VAT September £1,117.15 £147.00 VAT October £473.55 £69.12 VAT Total (net): £7,554.40 Outstanding South Cerney Cricket Club Water supply £4.93 R. Hewer Notice board repair £165.00 South Cerney Cricket Club Insurance renewal £282.43 £452.36 Payments In VAT Repayment Term 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 £4,800.89 Cotswold District Council 1st tranche of precept (75%) £45,971.00 £50,771.89 Payments Out Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (May) £40.00 Petty Cash Litter Picking (May) £100.00 Petty Cash Stamps £30.00 M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (April) £116.15 M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (April) £21.50 M. McKee BT Synergy 3505 Phone & Answering Machine £79.20 M. Thompson Upper Up car park refurbishment £500.00 Allianz Cornhill Insurance renewal premium £1,313.80 Adrian Gibbs Ground maintenance (April) £1,621.50 Busy Fingers Copying Photocopying £45.59 Rodney Gardiner Ground maintenance (March/April) Cerney Wick £117.15 £3,984.89 Michael Stuart Picture framing reimbursement £74.96 £4,059.85 All Hallows PCC Street Fair (S137 donation) £100.00 £4,159.85 Cllr Smith inspected the Invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for April. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Clerk was to ask the organisers of the Street Fair if they would consider lowering entry charges for local organisations next year. The Parish Council was all in favour. Correspondence Moore Stephens (Accountants): Time table for the promulgation of the Parish Council’s accounts. The Clerk would comply. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Chairman signs the document authorising the Internal Auditor to use the PAYE Online to accept and send information over the internet to the Inland Revenue. The Parish Council was all in favour. PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields & Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 9th May. Matters Arising Barrier on old railway track Cllr Harris reported that the barrier still had not been repaired. Recently a horse had been seen unattended on the disused railway line and could have been a danger to children in the play area. Cllr Stuart had a meeting planned with T. Pain (Cotswold Water Park Society) and would raise this matter. Rural Road Sweeping The Clerk referred the meeting to a reply received from Dr Amelia Mullins (CDC) who suggested that the Parish Council lobby our District Councillors for action and to try and persuade the pit operators to stop vehicles using their sites from bringing excess debris on to the highway. The Parish Council agreed to a Committee recommendation that the Coroner be asked if mud on the carriageway was a contributory factor in the recent fatal motorcycle accident on the Spine Road. The letter should be copied to CDC Councillors, Cllr Parsons (GCC), GCC Highways, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Ashton Keynes Parish Council. Reduction of Interactive Speed Signs Grant The Clerk reported that Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) had informed him that the grant funding from the Home Office was for a host of crime reduction initiatives. It was considered by those dispensing the grant that the Parish Council was fortunate to receive the £2,000 allocated. Ged Cassell had no authority to suggest that 50 per cent or even 100 per cent could be reasonably expected. Cllr Caunce had reminded the Committee that after full research the decision to install the interactive speed signs was the most cost effective proposal debated and not withstanding that the CDC had restricted its grant Gloucestershire Highways had verbally agreed to erect the signs for the donation agreed by the Parish Council. Pathway South Cerney/Siddington/Cirencester Cllr Stuart reported that he had attended the opening of the Gateway Bridge and met up with representatives of the Canal Trust and British Waterways who were very keen to complete paths and waterways in the Parish and adjoining settlements. A further meeting was planned for Thursday 12th May when along with Cllr Nicholas they would discuss with members of the Canal Trust how to progress the path from the Lock House to Siddington. Upper Up Humps Cllr Caunce and Cllr Harris will arrange for the mini digger which would be provided by Ermin Plant Hire to excavate the humps at Upper Up. Metal Storage Container Cllr Squire had liaised with Major Prior, Quartermaster at 29 Regt RLC and organised that the container, which weighed in excess of 5 tons, be moved. Cllr Squire thanked Cllr Harris for his assistance and the Chairman said that the Parish Council was most grateful to Cllr Squire for his endeavours not only in the moving of the container but more importantly supervising the scheme to rebuild the vandalised War Memorial which was now re-erected. War Memorial Cllr Squire informed the meeting that he hoped the Archdeacon of Cheltenham would preside at a service at midday on Sunday 12 June although the arrangement had yet to be confirmed. Residents would be encouraged to put flowers on the War Memorial prior to the commencement of the service. Donations for the repair had exceeded the required amount and approximately £1,500 would be added to the Parish Council’s Monument Fund. Steps from Bow Wow to old railway line Mr Mould had made repairs to the steps but suggested to the Parish Council that a complete refurbishment would eventually be necessary. Cllr Harris informed the Committee that the steps were only a ‘Permissive Route’ and those using it did so at their own risk. There was doubt as to who owned the steps and Cllr Stuart agreed to raise the matter with Mr Tim Pain of the Cotswold Water Park Society when he meets him on Thursday. INSPECTION REPORTS Cerney Wick play area Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order although seedlings were taking root in the gaps of the safety tiles some of which were wide enough to entrap an adult’s finger. Users of the play area were forcing an access through the rear hedge from Church Lane which should be blocked off in the interests of safety. Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Harris reported that all equipment was in working order. The Clerk was asked to inform the contractor that the grass within the fenced area had not been cut. Gravel had been spread in the gateway leading to Robert Franklin Way. Pyracantha stumps were starting to sprout and needed to be sprayed with a suitable spray treatment. The Clerk would contact licensed contractors to quote for the work which was in an area approximately 14 metres east from the Lakeside sign. Upper Up play area Cllr Stuart reported that the seats of the junior swings were deteriorating and would need to be replaced although this was not a priority. He congratulated James Harris for the tree planting and considered them a great improvement to the area. The Parish Council agreed to replace any tree which died of natural causes within the first year. The surface of the car park had been refurbished. Cllr Stuart reported that an excessive number of empty bottles and cans were being left at the southern end of the new pond each weekend and he suspected that youths were engaged in under-age drinking. The Clerk was asked to report this activity to the PCSO. SAFETY TILES Estimates for replacing the safety tiles at the three play areas had been discussed at the Parish Council meeting in January 2005. The Clerk was to contact previous customers from a list supplied, to ascertain if they were satisfied with the installation. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS |