MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 8th March 2006.

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

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th FEBRUARY 2006

Page 2070: Litter at Old George – third line ... delete “her” insert “the” It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the Minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. The Parish Council was all in favour.

MATTERS ARISING

PCSO Transport
The Clerk was to ask Inspector Williams for a list of visits made to South Cerney in January and February by PCSO Yeomans and the expected number when transport is available.

Chestnut Tree, Clarks Hay
Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC) reported that Matt Reid (CDC, Tree Officer) along with Michael Grace (CDC Enforcement Planning Officer) had inspected the chestnut tree in Clarks Hay. Both were satisfied that the recent work carried out in its vicinity had not damaged the tree.

Sewage
Cllr Stuart summarised various items of correspondence regarding offensive odours and sewage problems in the village. Of particular note was the installation of new soft start pumps which would hopefully reduce the pressure on the rising main. Cllr Nicholas would represent the Parish Council at the next meeting of the Flood Forum scheduled for 17th March.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Friday 10th February Cllr Squire and I completed the grant application to the 2nd Homes Council Tax Fund.

On Tuesday 22nd February I attended a meeting in the Village Hall to discuss the formation of the Youth Council. Present were: Claire Dowan, Les Haines (both CDC), Cllr Webb, Rachael King, Sinead Peare, Dan Mills, Thomas Nicholas, Rebecca Lodge, Joe Lodge, Daniella Genillard, Seb Genillard and Sandy Stewart. Claire Dowan opened the meeting at 6.30pm outlining the plan and objective of forming a Youth Parish Council. On formation of a YPC, a grant of £400 would be available from the CDC. Cllr Webb was hopeful that the Parish Council might also make a contribution. Depending on the number of volunteers it might be possible to hold an election but this was not essential to the plan. It was envisaged that the numbers mirrored those of the present Parish Council with members dividing into a Committee structure although, once again, this was open to debate among members of the YPC. Les Haines explained his role as Community Support Officer at CDC and I give a short description of my duties as Clerk. Due to examination commitments neither Seb Genillard nor Sandy Stewart would be able to commit to being members of a Youth Parish Council. The group divided into two workshops to tease out how they thought the plan might progress. It was suggested that clearer and more visible advertisement of the scheme be made especially through the Cerney News. Maybe something could be broadcast on the Parish Council’s web site. There should be a period of preparation before formation. A Tuesday was the day preferred for meetings. Other groups in the village should be involved in fund raising. A request that the YPC should have its own film projector would be discussed after formation. It was agreed that members of the YPC would be drawn from the 11-18 age range. Joe Lodge consented to being the contact person for those wishing to participate. When asked why a YPC was a good idea the group responded that it will give them the chance to change the world around them. It will enable the youth to get their opinion heard and are obviously the best to ask what the youth really want. A final meeting to create a YPC was agreed for Tuesday 28th March at 6.30pm. The meeting closed at 8pm.

On Friday 24th February I attended a meeting in the Village Hall organised by Chris Orphanides to discuss the offensive sewage odour with Jenny Elliott and Peter Hankins both from Thames Water and Hilary Beach CDC Environmental Health Officer. Also in attendance were Cllr Squire and five other residents namely: Terry Brown, Peter Merson, David Spencer, Lesley McCabe and Rob Andrews. Thames Water representatives were left in no doubt that a problem did exist and it confirmed that odour monitors had been placed in the system. First results will be known in early April and more when the high occupancy of Watermark expires in late summer when comparisons can be made. Peter Hankins informed the meeting that as Watermark had increased its dosage of its system and no complaints were registered it was thought that the problem had been eliminated. The discussion lasted about 1 hour 45 minutes and then adjourned to inspect the system in the Kingfisher Place area. I have forwarded a more detailed account of the meeting composed by Chris Orphanides to all Parish Councillors.

On Thursday 2nd March I met with Cllr Nicholas and Sinead Barker from GRCC and discussed how the Parish Council might interact to the provision of affordable housing in the parish. Miss Barker would like to brief Parish Councillors on the scheme prior to their meeting in May.

Inspector Williams had informed me that due to the numerous invitations he had received on taking up his new post he was unable to meet with Parish Councillors until the Annual Parish meeting in May. I will formally invite him and the new Rural Beat Officer PC Palfrey to that meeting on 17th May.

During February over the 20 available working days I averaged 3 hours 15 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 6th March.

PCSO Transport
Cllr Caunce reported out of interest that in the course of business a Wiltshire PCSO had informed him that officers in that constabulary were encouraged to use public transport whilst carrying out their duties.

Cerney Wick Lane
Cllr Caunce and Cllr Mrs Chapman both complained about the dirty state of Cerney Wick Lane. Since the last meeting Lake 10 has been closed.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Stuart was still endeavouring to make arrangements with Steve Hanson of the Community Pay Back group. Cllr Stuart explained that currently Mr Hanson is on holiday.

The Piece & Village Hall Deeds
Cllr Mrs Chubb could find no record in her files on the transfer of the Piece to the Parish Council but was willing, if needed, to confirm that fact in writing. The Clerk thanked Cllr Mrs Chubb for her efforts. Ms V. Hancock, Davey Franklin Jones (Solicitors), is to be informed of Cllr Stuart’s recollection that, a few years ago, her firm was in possession of the deeds to the village hall.

Litter at Old George
The Clerk was asked to remind the occupiers of the Old George that litter was still being thrown over the wall on to the river bank.

Honey Combed Safety Surface
The Committee agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Squire that the Clerk write directly to the suppliers of the safety surface, Technix Rubber Ltd, explain the problem being experienced and ask if there was a remedy.

2nd Homes Grant Application
Cllr Squire confirmed that an application had been made to the fund.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that due to the very cold weather the cycle mounds had hardly been used. The Community Pay Back team had almost completed its work on the hedge between the lake and the cricket field. The rest of the play equipment was in good order.

Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris reported that the equipment at Robert Franklin Way was in good working order.

Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported that the equipment at Cerney Wick was in good working order although the sand on the new safety surface was still in evidence.

TREE MAINTENANCE QUOTATIONS

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in this item and left the room, as he had quoted for the work involved.

Three quotations had been received and the Clerk was asked to relate the prices quoted but not to make reference at this time as to who had made the quotation. As James Harris Contracting was the most competitive received it was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Squire that the Committee recommends to the Finance Committee the contract be awarded to James Harris Contracting. The Committee was all in favour.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Squire gave a report on a meeting with representatives from Thames Water, CDC and residents who had met on Tuesday 22nd February in the Village Hall to discuss offensive sewage odours in the village. Thames Water had installed monitoring devices in the system the results of which would be given to members of the public in April. It was planned to leave the devices in situ and compare the data again in late summer thereby giving a better picture of how the system performs during periods of light and heavy use. The group then visited Kingfisher Place, Station Road and Robert Franklin Way to inspect the drains. No immediate problems were encountered but it was agreed that if and when the odour is noticed a Thames Water engineer from Cricklade would be summoned.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Clerk was asked to inform Roger Sollis that the dog bin at the end of Bow Wow needed to be emptied. Another bin in Bow Wow near Clarks Hay had rusted through and needed to be replaced. There was a requirement for a new dog bin on the bridlepath opposite the access to Lake 16.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report that the street bollard in the centre of the carriageway near the Piece on Station Road had been damaged and needed to be replaced.

FINANCE
As Cllr Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee had been delayed, Cllr Jay reported on the deliberations of the committee which had met on 6th March.

MATTERS ARISING

2nd Homes Grant Application
Cllr Jay thanked Cllr Squire and the Clerk for making the application to the fund. Cllr Squire requested that all queries regarding the application be referred to him for comment.

Cllr Smith 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 makes the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

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

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a potential contractor in the next item and left the room.

Tree Maintenance Quotations
It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Webb that James Harris Contracting be awarded the tree maintenance contract. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

PLANNING

Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 6th March.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

CT.2648/3/N
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Construction of a temporary sales office for the Lake 11 development at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4073/J
Applicant: Ridgway Fisheries, c/o RPS, Fairwater House, 1 High Street, Wroughton, Swindon Erection of clubhouse (revised scheme) for amended external materials at Lake 15, Spine Road, South Cerney
As the plans submitted were black and white line drawings with a verbal description of the colours, the Committee was unable to satisfactorily determine a response other than to object. It was agreed that with today’s technology it should be possible to supply colour drawings for consideration.
OBJECTION

CT.5684/L Listed Building Consent & CT.5684/M Advertisement Application
Applicant: Eldrige Pope & Co Ltd, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1QT
Display of two non-illuminated fascia signs and three non-illuminated wall mounted signs at the Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
The Parish Council objects to the above application because it considers that if permission is granted then there will be too many advertisement signs on and in the vicinity of the building. It will be very detrimental to the visual amenity of this picturesque focal point of the village. All signage in this Conservation Area of the village must be strictly controlled especially that which is faux-traditional and garish. Other signs, not included in this application, are already in place and either must be applied for or removed. These include the banner advertisement, the “Room at the Inn” sign and other lighting. It is recommended that the Enforcement Officer acquaints himself with the brightness of the illumination before a decision is taken on whether this is acceptable.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. With the exception of Cllr Smith, who abstained as he was absent from most of the discussions, the remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.1599/E
Erection of a two-storey side and rear extension at Morning Dew, Cerney Wick, Cirencester

Planning applications withdrawn

CT.2648/3/F
Erection of 40 (forty) semi-detached holiday lodges, use of land for fishing and continuation of existing leisure uses; together with associated car parking, highway and drainage infrastructure; location for replacement clubhouse; part infilling of lake; landscaping and open space; closure of existing access and construction of new access (Revised Scheme) at Lake 10, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/K
Construction of a temporary Sales Office for Lake 11 development at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

Planning appeal

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
Appeal Dismissed

COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Nicholas reported on a meeting he attended with Sinead Barker (GRCC) in which she outlined her task to facilitate the provision of affordable housing. Her first objective would be to determine need in the community and would welcome the support of the Parish Council to make such an assessment. Cllr Nicholas considered that the Parish Council would gain valuable insight into the level of need for such housing provision in the parish and therefore be better informed to comment on this subject in relation to residential planning applications. Ms Barker would welcome an opportunity to meet with Parish Councillors to discuss her plans in more depth. The assembled Parish Councillors agreed that Ms Barker is invited to make a presentation to them prior to the May meeting.

VILLAGE PLAN

Cllr Stuart began the discussion on how to make progress with the village plan. Partnership with local groups would be encouraged and Parish Councillors volunteered to support the 14 point action plan. Cllr Mrs Pollard would produce bulletin boards to track progress and these will be displayed in the Committee Room.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Jay was concerned with the erosion being caused to both sides of Bow Wow lane. Spring bulbs on the northern side of the lane were noticeably closer to the water course than in the past. On the Mill Race side larger vehicles had widened the carriageway by gouging out the bank.

Cllr Jay enquired from Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) how bus passes would operate in the District in the light of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent pronouncement that they would only be valid in the Districts which issued them.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that the carriageway at the Barn/Manor Farm House corner in Cerney Wick flooded during periods of heavy rain. The Clerk was asked to inform the Clerk at Latton about the accumulation of rubbish on the lane joining the old A419 and Cerney Wick.

Cllr Nicholas asked if there was any objection to show TV pictures of the forthcoming World Cup football competition in the Village Hall for the benefit of residents. Cllr Nicholas could arrange for the necessary equipment. Chairman of the Village Hall Committee Cllr Stuart positively welcomed the initiative.

Cllr Stuart repeated his opinion that it was a criminal offence for road users to leave dirt deposits on the carriageways and reiterated that Gloucestershire Constabulary should enforce the law. The Clerk was asked to inform Inspector Williams of the local abuse.

Cllr Squire reported that he had a meeting arranged with Gillian Portlock GCC Highways to discuss outstanding local highway matters. Among items to be raised would be the condition of Northmoor Lane, Broadway Lane, Bow Wow Lane, Sudeley Drive manhole cover, flooding at the Barn/Manor Farm House corner in Cerney Wick and the state of the hedge at Manor Farm House.

Cllr Stuart and Cllr Jay had represented South Cerney Parish Council, at their own expense, at meetings with local dignitaries on a recent visit to Sri Lanka. The appreciation of the recipients there of the charitable donations from residents of South Cerney was a memorable experience.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.35pm.