MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 13th July 2005.

APOLOGIES
Cllr Nicholas had made an apology for his absence due to a business commitment. Cllr Smith had apologised for his absence due to personal reasons. Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) had also made an apology.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th JUNE 2005
Page 1977: Third paragraph – change Ms Jenny Silver, to read ... "Ms Jenni Silver,"
It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Minutes as altered were a true and accurate record. Besides Cllr Jay and Cllr Mrs Pollard who abstained as they had not attended the meeting, the Parish Council was all in favour.

MATTERS ARISING
Youth Service
Cllr Jay was critical of the replies that the Youth Service representative, Helen Briggs, had given him when he discussed the needs of South Cerney youth with her at the Village Plan open event. According to the Youth Services representative the inaction was due to lack of funds. Cllr Jay referred to a recent article in the Wilts & Glos Standard which reported that the youth in Fairford had been successful in attaining funding probably because they had a representative of the Youth Service closely involved with local organisations. He hoped that when the Youth Service came to present the results of their needs analysis to the Parish Council a member of the Youth Service would have specific responsibility for the youth of South Cerney. Helen Briggs, Youth Service supervisor at Cirencester will be unable to attend the August meeting as she will be involved with an international youth exchange but will come to the following meeting scheduled for 14th September.
Community Charge Grant
Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) refuted the allegation that she meant to infer that the Parish Council was negligent in not applying for a grant from the extra income generated through the reduction in discount from 50% to 10%. Cllr Webb asserted that this is what her statement had inferred. Both Councillors agreed to differ in their interpretation. Cllr Stuart asked that the three District Councillors present keep the Parish Council informed when the next round of applications to the fund becomes appropriate.
Ashton Keynes Parish Council Support
Ashton Keynes Parish Council had copied a letter they had sent to HM Coroner's Office in which it supported South Cerney Parish Council's concern of the accumulation of mud, dust and other debris on the Spine Road East (B4696).
Lakeside Car Park
The Clerk was asked to inform Cotswold Water Park Society that the pot holes on the surface of Lakeside Car Park, opposite Spring Lakes, urgently needed attention.
Vandalism at Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that at 8.30am this morning a memorial tree was uprooted and used to fuel a fire on the cricket outfield. Cllr Stuart informed the Police that there were four persons, acting suspiciously in the vicinity, who might have been responsible but the Police receptionist would not issue a crime number and up to now there had been no further contact with the Constabulary. Cllr Stuart recommended that the Clerk write to Chief Superintendent John Henry and remind him of his commitment made at the Annual Parish Meeting that his officers would respond and express the disappointment of the Parish Council that they did not in this instance. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Village Plan
Cllr Mrs Pollard reported that she had broad consent from members of the Village Plan sub committee to meet on 3rd August at 7pm. The Open Evening had attracted in excess of 80 residents and their comments now needed to be analysed.


CLERK'S REPORT
On Thursday 23rd June I attended a presentation which was made to a panel of two inspectors from the Village of the Year competition. Cllr Harris, Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Pollard, Cllr Squire and Cllr Stuart were also in attendance. Cllr Jay lead the presentation with a computer generated slide show which explained the aims and purposes of the people of South Cerney. In the evening I returned to take part in the Open Forum organised by the Village Plan Sub Committee. I will be on holiday from 18th to 29th July inclusive and I have made arrangements that Planning mail will be redirected to Cllr Nicholas during my absence. During May I averaged 2 hours 40 minutes per available working day. This is 50 minutes less per day than my contract allows.


MATTERS ARISING FROM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The Chairman agreed that this item be discussed at next month's meeting.


PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Cllr Squire reported on the deliberations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance
Committee which had met on 11th July.
Matters Arising
Highway Matters
The Clerk reported that John Whittaker (GCC Highways) had informed him that because of an objection by Cllr C. Bennett (CDC) regarding the change in the speed limits on the Preston Toll Bar to South Cerney road further consultation would be necessary. Cllr Bennett (CDC) explained that the Forward Planning section at CDC had asked him to comment on the implementation of the new speed limits. He was not in favour of multiple speed limits on this 'B' Class road primarily because of the difficulty in policing the limit. Further consultations would now be necessary before the limits could be considered for alteration and delay to the project was inevitable. Similarly, Mr Whittaker confirmed that consultations were on-going with regard to the siting of the pedestrian crossing. The interactive signs had not been installed because Mr Whittaker was unsure as to whether the Parish Council had been successful in its grant application. The Clerk explained that although the grant from CDC was 50% lower than applied for, the Parish Council had agreed to make good the shortfall to a maximum of £6,000. It had been understood from previous meetings with Mr Whittaker that GCC Highways would meet the rest of the costs from its budget.
Pathway South Cerney/Siddington/Cirencester
Cllr Stuart had received an email from Neville Holder of the Canal Trust informing him that Siddington Parish Council had given "guarded support" to the creation of a pathway and enquired whether there was sufficient demand for a cycle path. Cllr Stuart referred to the 1999 Village Appraisal which stated that 899 were in favour whilst 49 were against a pathway/cycleway between South Cerney, Cirencester and Deer Park school. This he argued showed that there was substantial support in South Cerney for such a scheme.
Churchyard Headstones
Cllr Squire pointed out that the ecclesiastical insurers would pay for the laying flat of any headstones which were considered dangerously misaligned and not the cost of realigning them.
Weed Clearance on Upper Up pathway
It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Harris that a verbal quote from Adrian Gibbs to spray the weeds for £50 be accepted. The Committee agreed.
360 degree swing at Robert Franklin Way play area
As no report was as yet forthcoming on the loose state of the 360 degree A-frame from Steve Griffiths of Macventure Play Company the Clerk was asked to make further enquiries.
Missing Spindle on apparatus at Robert Franklin Way play area
Ian Fairbrother had informed the Clerk that he would make the repair to the apparatus on Friday 15th July.

Village of the Year
Cllr Stuart informed the Committee that judging of the Calor Gas Village of the Year had taken place on 23rd June. The awards presentation for Gloucestershire was scheduled for 20th July. Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Pollard and Cllr Stuart agreed to attend.
Bledisloe Plate
Judging of entrants in the Bledisloe Plate competition will take place from 9th July to 24th July. Cllr Stuart prepared a list of village achievements over the past year which was forwarded to the judges.
Advertising Signs
Michael Grace (CDC Enforcement Officer) had informed the Clerk that through his intervention an application had been made for an advertising hoarding at the Spine Road, Station Road, Cerney Wick lane cross roads. It remains to be seen whether or not the application is successful.
Barrier on old railway track
Cllr Harris reported that the barrier had still not been erected. Cllr Stuart recommended that if the work had not been completed by the August Parish Council meeting then a reminder be sent to the Cotswold Water Park Society.
War Memorial & Preaching Cross
The Clerk reported that Allianz Comhill had quoted £86.52 inc tax to add the War Memorial and the Preaching Cross (ancient monument) to the insurance policy based on a rebuilding cost of £4,000 for each. This would provide cover against malicious damage, impact and public liability. Cllr Squire had been informed by English Heritage that the Parish Council owned the said cross. Cllr Squire would ask GCC Highways if it was prepared to make a donation towards its refurbishment as vehicles using the roads in the vicinity of the cross and recent work to widen the paved footpath had undoubtedly been partly responsible for its current condition. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the extra insurance at a cost of £86.52 be added to the schedule. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Jubilee Gardens
Allianz Cornhill informed the Clerk that the public space in Jubilee Gardens, along with its furniture, would automatically be included in the overall insurance schedule at no extra cost. The Parish Council would be responsible to make a weekly inspection of the furniture. Cllr Stuart reported that grass in the area had not yet been cut this season and it was all looking very untidy. In conversation with Alex Fraser, designer of the open space community art, he enquired if a commuted sum could be raised to help pay for future ground maintenance. Martin Hutchings (CDC) had told Mr Fraser that there was no commuted sum available. Cllr Stuart suggested that the Parish Council might be minded to purchase the public area for a nominal sum. Cllr C. Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC) will enquire who might be approached at Cotswold District Council to negotiate the purchase or transfer of the land.
Bow Wow street light
Barry Greenaway (GCC Lighting) informed Cllr Stuart that he now had the specification for the electricity company to erect a light near the bridge in Bow Wow and he was minded to do so before winter.
Bus Shelter
Cllr Stuart reported that the Community Services work party had painted the interior of the bus shelter.

INSPECTION REPORTS
Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that the fireman's pole attachment on the Activity Area had snapped off and needed to be welded back. Cllr Stuart volunteered to contact the metal working company in Broadway Lane who might be able to make a suitable repair. The Clerk had been in contact with A. Gibbs who quoted £130 plus VAT to strim the herbage on Upper Up cycle mounds.
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to pay £130 plus VAT to A. Gibbs to do the said strimming. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Two oaks appear dead and a third is only just breaking bud. Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest as a member of the Bowls Club in the next item when he suggested that the Committee agree to a donation to the Bowls Club for the use of their watering pump.
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to
make a donation of £25 to the Bowls Club. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris noted that the recently sprayed pyracantha was resprouting and asked the Clerk to report the fact to the contractors Tree Maintenance Ltd. The Clerk had contacted the contractors who would re-spray the pyracantha today. On the Toddler Swing one seat was bent out of shape. The spindle on the Tower Slide Unit was still missing. The bridge parapets had been repaired.
Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order.

SAFETY TILES
George Taylor had written to confirm that his previous quotations would be 5% higher if the Parish Council agrees to go ahead. If the Parish Council instructs work to begin at its next meeting then Mr Taylor envisages commencement in early September. Cllr Stuart would liaise with the Community Service who agreed, as a general principle, to lift the tiles. Cllr Squire had contacted the Environment Agency which informed him that the tiles could be treated as non-hazardous waste and dumped on any land fill site. Cllr Squire would liaise with Hills to accept their disposal.

BUS SHELTER
Cllr Squire will work with Cllr Mrs Chubb to locate a source of possible funding for a bus
shelter and if feasible the scheme could be included in next year's budget.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mrs Gardner of Station Road had written to complain about the weeds growing in the Station Road ditch. Cllr Mrs Chubb maintained that there were rats in the ditch. Cllr Harris argued that the herbage provided an excellent habitat for wildlife which should be left as in other seasons and strimmed in late autumn. Cllr Squire agreed with Cllr Mrs Chubb that it was very untidy. Cllr Harris informed Cllr Mrs Chubb that under Health and Safety rules it was no longer acceptable that strimmers be used on sloping banks. The strimming apparatus is now on a harness around the operator's waist which did not permit the strimmer's use outside of a horizontal plane. The Committee agreed to a recommendation from Cllr Stuart that signs be placed on the village notice boards explaining the reason for the herbage growth in the ditch and an article which Cllr Harris volunteered to compose submitted to the Cerney News. Cllr Mrs Chubb was also concerned that the ditch bank was showing signs of erosion in the vicinity of a recently moved telegraph pole. Cllr Harris would investigate. The Committee agreed to include the cost of de-silting the ditch in next year's budget proposals.
It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the growth in the ditch is cut as per schedule in late autumn. Eight Parish Councillors were in favour and one against.
The motion was therefore carried.

COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Caunce requested that the Clerk write to Mr Tim Pain to express his appreciation for the prompt attention provided by Ali Swainston to damage inflicted to his property by the Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd when strimming the public right of way to the rear of his house in Cerney Wick while carrying out work requested by the Parish Council.
Cllr Harris noted that the bridle path to the rear of Lakeside and the path from Station Road to the Spine Road needed to be cleared of overgrowth. The Clerk would inform Cotswold Water Park Society.
Cllr Harris recommended that the trees in Clarks Hay are watered and the dead ones removed. Cllr Squire will investigate.
Cllr Mrs Pollard proposed and Cllr Caunce seconded a motion that the tree scheme is repeated next year and the dead trees replaced at the expense of the Parish Council. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that her husband had cleared the pathway from Station Road to Bow Wow but there was an overgrowing rose tree along the path. The Clerk requested that Cllr Mrs Chubb inform him of the address to which the tree belongs.
Cllr Jay reported that weed in the river Churn through Bow Wow was preventing rubbish being taken down stream. The Clerk would inform the Environment Agency.


FINANCE
Cllr Jay reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 11th July.
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.

Outstanding
R. Hewer Notice board repair £120.00
South Cerney Cricket Club Water supply £8.56
£128.56
Payments In
South Cerney Cricket Club Water supply £12.83
War Memorial Fund Transfer to PC account (6th July 2005) £4,707.10
£4,719.93
The net cost of repairing the War Memorial was £3,577. The balance of donations £1,130 has been allocated to the Heritage Building & Monument Fund. The Chairman congratulated Cllr Squire on his efforts in managing this fund and the rest of the Parish Council applauded.

Payments Out
Petty Cash Bus Shelter Cleansing (July) £40.00
Petty Cash Litter Picking (July) £100.00
M. McKee BT Telephone and Internet access (June) £20.00
M. McKee Clerk’s Travel (June) £58.50
Honeysuckle Catering War Memorial (refreshments) Section 137) £170.00
Thames Water Utilities Ltd Water services 11 March to 12 June 2005 £21.39
GRCC Membership Renewal £25.00
Cotswold Canals Trust Membership Renewal £10.00
Tree Maintenance Ltd Pyracantha stump at Robert Franklin Way £129.55
Southern Electric Bus shelters power supply £12.65
Busy Fingers Copying Photocopying £38.41
Adrian Gibbs Ground maintenance (June) £1,398.25
Rodney Gardiner Ground maintenance (June) Cerney Wick £70.35
£2,094.10
Cllr Jay inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for June.
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 all in favour.


PLANNING
Cllr Webb reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on llth July.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Caunce declared a prejudicial interest as a friend and neighbour of the applicants of the first two applications and left the room.
CT.0333/N
Applicants: Mr & Mrs Bamford, Four Seasons, Cerney Wick, Cirencester
Renewal of planning permission CT.0333/M for the erection of a two storey rear extension, single storey garage extension and loft conversion.
NO OBJECTION

CT.4313/1/D & CT.4313/1/E
Planning and Listed Building applications
Applicant: Mrs T. Mussell, Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester
Garden room at Ivy Cottage, Cerney Wick, Cirencester
The design is not sympathetic to the adjacent listed buildings.
OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Cllr Caunce rejoined the meeting.

CT.0006/4/H
Applicants: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Erection of four (4) covered boat and cycle parks at Lake 16, Station Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.0649/2/M
Applicant: Ms Harman, 6 Riverway, South Cerney GL7 6HZ
Conservatory at 6 Riverway, South Cerney GL7 6HZ
NO OBJECTION

CT.1470/1/C
Applicant: Rupert Mackenzie-Hill, Watermark, Isis Lake, South Cerney GL7 5TL
Non-illuminated free-standing advertising board at Spring Lake Brasserie, South Cerney The junction is an accident black spot where a fatal accident occurred recently. The advertisements are a distraction to drivers. If permission is granted then the Parish Council suggests that all other advertisement signs be removed.
OBJECTION

CT.4086/D & Amended Plans
Applicants: Mr & Mrs L. Kirkland, 5 Edwards College, Silver Street, South Cerney
Provision of two (2) replacement roof lights to kitchen at 5 Edwards College, Silver Street, South Cerney GL7 5TR (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.4125/1/K
Applicants: Mr & Mrs Willard, 21 Beverstone Road, South Cerney GL7 5XU
Single storey rear extension at 21 Beverstone Road, South Cerney GL7 5XU
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Stuart 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.0144/4/W
Erection of conservatory at 12 Lakeside, South Cerney

CT.0144/4/X
Single storey rear extension and conversion of integral garage into a habitable room at 30 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney

CT.0144/4/Y
Erection of first floor extension above garage to provide fourth bedroom/ensuite at 26 Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney CT.4067/2/T Minor Amendment: Enlargement of rear window to form french windows at 16 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney

Planning applications refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.2475/1/X
Erection of thirty seven (37) industrial units of various sizes, associated parking and car park at rear (reserved matters for application CT.2475/1/L) on land at Evergreen Industrial Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
Reason: The application site forms part of an industrial development and is located within the Cotswold Water Park at the edge of the settlement of South Cerney, and is bordered by a Public Right of Way along its northern boundary. Due to their siting, massing, scale and design, the proposed buildings would be highly intrusive and harmful from public viewpoints to the character and appearance of the application site and of its wider village- edge setting, and would fail to preserve or enhance the locality. Consequently, the proposals would fail to accord with government guidance within PPS1, PPG4 and PPS7, Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review Policies S4, S6, S7 and E2, and Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 1, 32, 40 and Water Park Policy 8.1.
Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to enquire from the Planning Department at CDC where exactly were the public viewpoints referred to in the refusal notice.

CT.3578/J
Provision of replacement windows (double glazed) at Stones Farmhouse, Cerney Wick

Correspondence
CDC - CT.6460/G: Appeal upheld regarding land to the rear of 17-22 The Leaze, South Cerney
Reasons to note: 11. The Inspector acknowledged the strong pattern of frontage development formed by the dwellings in both The Leaze and Broadway Lane, but felt that the presence of the rear development in Beverstone Road/Close and Oak Way is sufficiently prominent in the local street scene to give a varied feel to the character of the area, with which the proposal would blend well. He accepted that these existing rear developments are of a different scale and pattern from the proposal, but considered that these differences would not be readily apparent when seen from Broadway Lane and The Leaze. Whilst the flats at 17-22 The Leaze are visually similar to houses in the area, the layout, with an access leading to a rear parking courtyard, is dissimilar to the housing layout elsewhere, and this also adds to the diversity of character in the area. He considered that the proposal would not emulate the existing form of development in the area, but would be in sympathy with it, and thus would comply with Policy 1 of the Local Plan.
21. The Inspector was told by residents of concerns about flood risk and sewerage, but noted that there are no objections from statutory consultees. In his opinion, non-specific anecdotal evidence gives insufficient reason to dismiss the appeal on these grounds. The need to keep the access clear might restrict parking in the courtyard, but in his view there is sufficient parking space in the existing garages and in front of them to serve the likely needs of the existing occupiers of the flats.

FLOOD FORUM REPORT
The Chairman agreed to a request from Cllr Nicholas, who could not attend this Parish Council meeting, that this item is held over until next month's meeting.

COUNCILLORS' PORTFOLIO REPORTS
Cllr Squire was investigating a scheme to relieve congestion at Londis and would report to the Parish Council his progress at a later date.
The Parish Council agreed with a suggestion from Cllr Jay that the first aid training provided by St John Ambulance Brigade be published in the Cerney News.

CORRESPONDENCE

Item No 4
The Chairman, Cllr Stuart read the correspondence which dealt with allegations by the 15th Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon made to the Standards Board for England that he believed his democratic rights had been eroded and that Cllr Stuart had discriminated against him.
The Standards Board rejected the complainant's allegations and (even if they were found to have occurred) would not have involved any failure to comply with the authority's Code of Conduct and should not be investigated. Earlier today, Cllr Stuart had contacted the Standards Board which informed him that the Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon had appealed against the decision but this had also been rejected. Cllr Jay said the behaviour of Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon was contemptible and this Parish Council supports its Chairman, Cllr Stuart. Cllr Caunce proposed and Cllr Mrs Chapman seconded a motion that this Parish Council totally supports the actions of the Chairman, Cllr Stuart. The Parish Council agreed unanimously.
Item No 9
This item concerned the impact of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 on the Parish Council. This Act especially relates to the newly granted right of Parish Councils to appoint Parish Wardens to police the community. The Parish Council decided to refer this subject to the Village Plan sub committee and suggested that it be included in the draft Village Plan.
Item No 17
This correspondence was a copy of a letter from Mr R. Brassington, Principal Environmental
Health Officer CDC to HQ Land Command (Army) registering complaints from "local residents and a Parish Council" regarding aircraft activity associated with parachute jumping at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) had directly criticised Mr Brassington for writing the letter and objected to its content. She had insisted that it was the MoD which will decide any outcome. Cllr Jay said, that as the Duke of Gloucester Barracks was part of this Parish, this Parish Council was most closely related to its activities. The Parish Council had discussed aircraft activity and parachute jumping on numerous occasions. The authorities at the Barracks kept residents informed of forthcoming flying activities and were most accommodating. It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Clerk writes to HQ Land Command in support of the activities at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks and copy the letter to Mr Brassington. The Parish Council was all in favour.

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
Cllr Jay reported that the Millennium seat in Bow Wow had been damaged and the Clerk was to ask Andy Beard to repair it.
Cllr Jay reported on a Licence Seminar he and Cllr Stuart had attended at CDC. The new rules, he said, were quite complicated and tricky to understand. He endeavoured to explain the implications these rules would have on future events, which involved the provision of alcohol, at the Village Hall.
Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to notify Ian Kennedy if he would cut back the brambles outside the Scout Hut in Berkeley Close.
Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the signpost warning motorists, outside Oklahoma, Cerney Wick had been knocked over and should be re-erected. She also asked that the Clerk inform GCC Highways that hedges on the south side of the bridge over the old railway line in Cerney Wick were over grown and should be cut back.

There being no further business, Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.50pm.