MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 11th January 2006.

 
The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm.

APOLOGIES

Parish Councillor Mrs Pollard had apologised for her absence due to a holiday commitment. Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC) had apologised for her absence. Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) had also made an apology

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14th DECEMBER 2005

Page 2048: Meeting with PCSO – Cllr Jay asked that the co-operation of the Parish Council in conjunction with the Village Hall Management Committee in supplying the PCSO with a lockable cupboard to store his equipment should be noted. The Parish Council was in agreement.

Page 2058: 4th paragraph, last line ... delete “was assured that the monitoring box would” insert “preferred that the monitoring box” Page 2058: 6th paragraph, 1st line ... delete “Downing,” insert “Dowan,”

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It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour.

MATTERS ARISING

Meeting with PCSO
Parish Councillors agreed with Cllr Webb who suggested that the Parish Council writes to the PCSOs superior and suggest that the officer might be encouraged to use public transport to and from South Cerney. The PCSO had mentioned that one of his difficulties in patrolling South Cerney was access to transport from Cirencester.

Village Plan
After consultation with Mel Tarrant (GRCC) who was very pleased with the plan and its content, Cllr Jay had produced a final draft. Minor revisions were agreed and Cllr Jay gave the assembled Parish Councillors 24 hours to notify any further alterations after which time production would begin.

Youth Parish Council
Cllr Stuart reported that the inaugural meeting had been rearranged for 25th January at 4pm in the Village Hall. He again asked Parish Councillors to forward him names of youngsters who might be willing to participate.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 5th January I attended a meeting of the Finance Committee at The Old Police House, to discuss budget proposals for the next financial year April 2006 to end of March 2007. In attendance were Cllr Jay, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Smith, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb. Cllr Squire had emailed an apology for his absence. Cllr Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, will brief the Parish Council later on the deliberations of the Committee.

A meeting was convened by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP in the Committee Room of the Village Hall on Friday 6th January 2006 at 2pm to discuss recent burst sewerage pipes and sewage odour in the village. Thames Water was represented by John Gilbert and Liz Sale, Cotswold District Ward Councillors C. Bennett and Mrs A. Clark, Cllr Mrs Sheila Jeffrey, a member of CDC cabinet, Rob Bull (CDC Engineer), Parish Councillors M. Stuart and R. Webb and about a dozen residents also attended. In all some 22 people were at the meeting. Invited by the MP, Chris Orphanides outlined the history of the problems experienced by residents over the years in the vicinity of Station Road, Kingfisher Place and Robert Franklin Way. Mr Orphanides concentrated on the offensive odour which pervaded the area and was noticeably emanating from household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. Mr Wrightson, a resident of Kingfisher Place vociferously concurred. Four bursts in the sewerage system were also noted. David Spencer complained that there was no joined up response to emergency problems with different agencies awaiting another’s response which resulted in delayed action. Mr Orphanides complained that there had been no apology from Thames Water for the sewage which had washed into residents gardens during the recent bursts. Mr Gilbert apologised on behalf of Thames Water for the inconvenience. Cllr Bennett complimented the quick reaction of the CDC emergency team which had provided sandbagging. Cllr Stuart suggested that if a new pump was required it needed to be sited away from any residential area and new pipes must be large enough to cope with further planned development.

Thames Water representative John Gilbert replied by explaining the operation of the sewerage network and possible causes of the odour. He was surprised by the emphasis placed on this problem which he referred to as “subjective”. He had come prepared to explain what Thames Water had planned for the future upgrading of the pipe work; nevertheless he would endeavour to explain what remedies had been implemented. There was no complete understanding of the cause of the malodorous stench. He explained that private drains entering the system might be responsible, maybe the drains connecting Kingfisher Place were not installed correctly and sewage was remaining in the system and not flushed away until heavy rains occurred. Odour suppression kit had been installed in the system and he was unaware that it was not proving satisfactory until now. When the cause is understood the problem will be addressed.

Although he accepted that there had been four bursts in the system pipe work within the last 18 months he decided to concentrate on the three most recent ones. Samples of pipe work proved that the pipes were 20–25 years old and therefore scheduled for replacement around 2008–2009 through on-going maintenance although it had now been decided to accelerate the programme. There was no connection between the first burst 18 months ago and the present outcrop. There was however a suspected connection between the most recent ones. After the first of the latest bursts, when the pumps had been turned off to implement the repair, the pumps were then restarted. A phenomenon known as “flexing” presumably occurred. This weakened the pipes further up the system which resulted in two separate bursts in Station Road outside Box Bush Farm. Studies were continuing in the South Cerney catchment area and it was hoped to have a solution in the ground by the end of summer 2007. In reply to a question from Cllr Webb, Mr Rob Bull CDC Engineer agreed with Mr Gilbert who stated that there was not a capacity problem in the South Cerney network. He explained that a 9-inch feeder pipe in the system was being serviced by a 12-inch rising main which was totally adequate. The long awaited camera study of the system which had been delayed because of insufficient rainfall would be completed in the spring of 2006 regardless. This would be followed by a design phase during the summer of 2006 and a design scheme for construction would be in place by the end of 2006. There would then be a 9-month delivery period. Mr Gilbert emphasised that funds were available to do the work in the current 5-year budget 2003–2008. A resident enquired how villagers might ensure that Thames Water prioritise the project to which Mr Gilbert replied that the best action was for residents to contact the customer help desk on a regular basis. Contact could be made through 0845 9200 800 or email customer.feedback@thameswater.co.uk. Mr Clifton-Brown MP requested that he be included in any email communication at cliftonbrowng@parliament.uk

A follow up meeting was arranged to take place in the South Cerney Village Hall at 2pm on Friday 29th September.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP closed the meeting at 3.45pm. During

December over the 20 available working days I averaged 3 hours 25 minutes per day which is par for my contract.

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 9th January.

Sewerage Problems
Parish Councillor Stuart, Parish Councillor Webb and the Clerk attended a meeting in the Village Hall on 6th January to discuss sewerage problems with Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Thames Water representatives, CDC Ward Councillors and residents. The Clerk read his report on the meeting.

Mud on the highways
Cllr Squire complained that vehicles using Shorncote quarry were still leaving debris on the highway. The Clerk had informed the Clerk to Somerford Parish Council.

Tarmac
A quote to resurface the car park at Upper Up with tarmac had been received from Mark Gibbs. The Committee considered that the cost, including flood prevention, made the project prohibitive.

360 deg Swing
Cllr Stuart had viewed vigorous use of the swing and had not noticed any excessive movement in the supports.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Stuart reported that Steve Hanson of the Community Pay Back group will carry out the work in January depending on circumstances. Cllr Harris and Cllr Caunce had volunteered previously to dispose of the frame.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported no problems with the equipment. A working party had been arranged to cut back the hedge on 14th January 2006.

Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris reported that the ‘No Dog’ signs had been installed. The safety surface under the senior swing and 360 deg swing is a cause for concern through soil working up through the honey combed gaps forming a hard crust in dry weather. The Clerk was asked to contact GPFA for advice.

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that the new safety surface was bedding in well.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Caunce reported that the surrounding wall at Manor Farm House, Cerney Wick had fallen into the carriageway and asked the Clerk to report it to GCC Highways. He also asked the Clerk to remind GCC Highways that no action had yet been taken to cut back the overgrowing leylandii.

Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to inform Cotswold Water Park that a handrail was missing on the wooden bridge on BSC22, Cerney Wick, where the path meets the canal towpath and needs to be replaced.

The Committee agreed to a proposal from Cllr Harris that a tree survey on Parish Council land in the village be updated. Cllr Harris will ask Cllr Webb to accompany him on the survey.

The Committee agreed that James Harris Contracting should replace the six vandalised trees, one diseased tree and plant two extra trees along the pathway at Upper Up play area one of which Cllr Harris reported had been allocated.

Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the Huxley Court sign was missing. Rob Bull at CDC informed the Clerk that it had been refurbished and replaced.

Cllr Jay reported that soil at the base of the Horse Chestnut at Chestnut Mews, opposite the entrance to Meadow Way, which had a Tree Preservation Order attached, had been removed. The Clerk had reported the incident to Matthew Reid at CDC.

The Clerk reported that he will meet with Land Registry personnel on Tuesday 31st January at 11am in the Village Hall.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT

The Clerk was asked to leave the room as the Parish Council discussed the deliberations of the Personnel Committee which had met prior to the Parish Council. On the Clerk’s return Cllr Jay, Chairman of the Personnel Committee reported: “The Parish Council’s Personnel Committee is much appreciative of the work carried out by the Clerk. After much consideration, in particular of financial implications, it is recommended that the Parish Council does not pursue entry into the GCC pension scheme on behalf of the Clerk. The Personnel Committee further recommends that the Parish Council adheres to the agreed policy of carrying out an annual review of the Clerk’s salary with a view to an incremental increase.

It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the above recommendations. The Parish Council was all in favour.

The Clerk gratefully accepted the decision and thanked the Parish Council for its generosity and also for its support of his activities.

FINANCE
Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 9th January.

MATTERS ARISING

Upper Up Car Park
The Finance Committee agreed to reject the verbal quote of £25,000 plus VAT to resurface Upper Up car park with tarmac as an uneconomical project at this time.

Cllr Smith inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for December.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council makes the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Precept Meeting
The Committee had met on Thursday 5th January 2006 at the Old Police House and recommended the Parish Council to precept £57,000. This sum represented an annual decrease on band ‘D’ properties of £3.75. It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees with the recommendation of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CDC 2nd Homes Council Tax
Cllr Stuart brought to the attention of the meeting the contents of a briefing sheet which gave an insight into funds of approximately £220,000 available from 2nd homes council tax income. Application forms would be available in mid January and the deadline for submitted bids was mid February. Successful bids would be forwarded by CDC on 16 March to GCC for approval decision on 6 April. Successful bidders would be informed by end of April. A further £80,000 will be allocated to the Local Strategic Partnership which will commission projects through its two sub groups, the Crime and Disorder Reduction partnership and the Health and Well Being partnership.

PLANNING

Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 9th January.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant was a client of his and left the room.

 CT.1454/4/E
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5TL
Erection of Fishermen’s Lodge and Clubhouse, alterations to approved scheme under ref. CT.1454/3/J (Revised design) at Horseshoe Lake, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/J
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Additional/Amended Plans for construction of 50 holiday lodges. Amended scheme to previously approved CT.2648/2/Z on Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (R) Notwithstanding the proposed omission of the vehicular access to Cerney Wick Lane, the Parish Council still objects for the following reasons: The bund on the south eastern side of the site should not be removed. It provides a sound barrier to residents of Cerney Wick from traffic noise on the B4696 (Spine Road). No more development should be permitted to connect to the main Thames Water sewerage system until the defects revealed by the recent failures of the rising main in Station Road have been identified and rectified. The junction of the Spine Road, Cerney Wick Lane and Station Road should be fundamentally redesigned, with a roundabout or traffic lights, to take account of the inevitable traffic increase in this area. It needs to be improved and upgraded in the interests of safety. The Parish Council is concerned that it has been given no indication of the appearance or colours of the materials for the external walls and roof tiles to be used in this development.
OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/K
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5TL
Construction of a temporary Sales Office for Lake 11 development at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

CT.1599/E
Applicants: Mr & Mrs J. Smith, c/o Goldings, High Gables, Daglingworth, GL7 7AE
Additional/Amended Plans for erection of a two-storey side and rear extension at Morning Dew, Cerney Wick, Cirencester NO OBJECTION

CT.2475/1/Y
Applicant: Glen Brooks, G.B. Cooker Spares, Braydon Lane, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6HQ
Additional/Amended Plans for erection of industrial units for B1/B2 and B8 use on land at Broadway Lane, South Cerney
If permission is granted the Committee recommends that it would like Conditions imposed to reduce light pollution and restricted hours of operation due to proximity of the residential area.
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Smith 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.0006/4/J
Erection of a garden room at 24 The Limes, South Cerney

CT.4067/2/W
Retrospective application for installation of one master air conditioning unit in lieu of three (3) individual units at 7 Sudeley Drive, South Cerney

CT.4125/1/L
Single storey rear extension for disabled person at 3 Beverstone Close, South Cerney

CT.4498/W
Hotel with leisure club, conference facilities, waterside bar, staff accommodation and apartments at Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
Conditions of note: 9. No floodlighting or external lighting of any kind shall be installed at the site without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority.
Reason: To safeguard the appearance of the area and/or the amenities of neighbouring dwellings. This condition is imposed because of Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 18, Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policy 5 and PPS1.
10. The development shall not start until samples of the proposed walling and roofing materials have been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and only the approved materials shall be used.
Reason: To ensure that, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 2, 40 and Water Park Policies 8.1, Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policies 19, 42 and UT.1, Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review Policy NHE8, PPS1 and PPS7, the development will be constructed of materials of a type, colour, texture and quality that will be appropriate to the site and its surroundings.
17. The development shall not be occupied or brought into use until drainage works have been permanently carried out in accordance with details first approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Reason: To prevent the risk of pollution, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 23 and Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policy 6.
24. The development hereby approved shall not be brought into use or occupied until the cycleway along the Spine Road frontage has been permanently constructed in accordance with construction details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development.
Reason: To ensure an acceptable form of development in the interests of sustainability, in accordance with guidance within PPS1, PPS7 and PPG13, Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review Policy T1, Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 8.1, and Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policies 38 and UT.1.
29. The lake shall be used solely for purposes which promote the nature conservation interest of the site. No activity shall take place on the lake or its margins without the prior written permission of the Local Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure that adequate provision is made for nature conservation in accordance with PPS1, PPS7 and PPS9, Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review Policies NHE2 and NHE8, Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 2 and 22, and Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policies 9, 19 and UT.1.
34. Prior to the commencement of any site construction works vehicle wheel cleaning facilities shall be provided on site in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority, and thereafter be maintained and strictly utilised for vehicles leaving the site for the duration of the siteworks.
Reason: To ensure that mud and earth deposits are not brought onto the public highway in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 46 and Cotswold District Local Plan Revised Deposit Policy 38.

Planning Application Withdrawn

CT.7719/C
Renewal of planning permission CT.7719/B for residential development and construction of vehicular and pedestrian access at Box Bush Farm, Station Road, South Cerney

Additional Information Only
CT.5189/J
Variation of condition 2 of permission CT.5189/G to increase pitch numbers from 17 up to 21 and retention of ancillary outbuildings at Four Acres, South Road, Shorncote, Cirencester, Glos.

 Correspondence

 9. Government Office for the South West – Confirmation of an Order and Plan for Stopping up of highway at Berkeley Close, South Cerney

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Smith reported that a wall in excess of 1 metre in height has been constructed outside Chestnut Mews, Clarks Hay. The Clerk was asked to inform the CDC Enforcement Officer and ask him to investigate.

Cllr Webb complained about recent resurfacing work carried out on Northmoorway Lane. Cllr Bennett (CDC) was also concerned and stated that Cllr Parsons (GCC) would be raising the matter with Martyn Summerell GCC Highways.

Cllr Bennett (CDC) reported on behalf of Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) that tax income from 2nd homes be distributed throughout the District in accordance with the law of the land.

Cllr Jay informed the Parish Council that Cllr Stuart would be joining him and 16 others in a trip to Kosgoda, Sri Lanka next month. He asked the Clerk to prepare a certificate in a frame of ‘Fraternal Greetings’ from the Parish of South Cerney with Cerney Wick which would be presented to the people of Kosgoda.

Cllr Nicholas asked the Clerk to make the deeds of the Village Hall available for the meeting on 31 January with the Land Registry.

There being no further business the Chairman, Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.15pm.