MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 10th May 2006.

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

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr P. Jay praised the Chairman for his efforts during the past year. Cllr Jay then proposed and Cllr R. Webb seconded the 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 Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that Cllr Squire be reelected 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.

Burial Authority
Rev J. Calvert, G. Andrews and G. James had agreed to continue to be members of 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 Stuart and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the above representatives be elected to serve on their respective committees. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cutts Charity Representative
Cllr Jay explained that there were five members of the Committee which met twice a year for approximately 30 minutes each session. Due to the Dr Michael Bride’s recent death there was a vacancy to be filled. Cllr Squire agreed to stand. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that Cllr Squire be appointed to the Cutts Charity Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

APOLOGY

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th APRIL 2006

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

Cllr Nicholas declared a prejudicial interest as the Clerk was a client and left the room. The Clerk was also asked to leave as was the member of the Press who was present.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Following the annual review of the Clerk's salary on 10/4/06 the Personnel Committee recommends that the Clerk's salary should be in line with the incremental structure set out by the NALC and SLCC (revised December 2005); that is Scale LC2 Range(b) step 32 with effect from 1st April 2006.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council ratify the decision of the Personnel Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Nicholas, the Clerk and the member of the Press returned to the room.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Friday 28th April I accompanied Cllr Stuart to a session “Celebrating Youth Participation” at CDC, Trinity Road. Groups of youths representing local schools and our own Youth Parish Council were in attendance. Although the meeting was light hearted it had serious points to discuss. District Councillors who attended volunteered to a question and answer session with the youths. Cllr Stuart and myself were subjected to a dress attire make over and paraded ourselves to the enjoyment of the students.

During April of the 18 available working days I averaged 4 hours 30 minutes per day which exceeds my contract by 1 hour per day. The extra time was due to preparing the accounts for audit.

MATTERS ARISING

Grilles on the open ditch
Cllr Jay reported that both grilles had been cleared.

2nd Homes Council Tax Grant Application
Parish Councillors were in agreement with the disappointment expressed by Cllr Stuart and Cllr Squire over the recent rejection by CDC to allow a proposal by the Parish Council to go forward for a funding decision by GCC. Cllr Stuart reminded the District Councillors that this had been the second successive year that the Parish Council had missed out on funds notwithstanding that South Cerney had far more second homes within its boundaries than any other parish or town in the district. The application had conformed to the criteria published by the District Council which had then been ignored at the consideration stage. District Councillors Mrs Clark and C. Bennett were asked to convey the sentiments of the Parish Council to their colleagues on the District Council and lobby for fairer treatment in future.

Water Park Questions
A reply from Cllr Parsons (GCC), to questions composed by Cllr Webb on behalf of the Parish Council, was declared inadequate. Cllr Parsons (GCC) reported that the CWPJC did not think that there were any serious health and safety issues. However, as a safety check Cllr Parsons (GCC) volunteered the services of the county H&E officer and this is being taken up. Cllr Webb had asked: 1. How much of the £135,000 grant given to the Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd by the four local authorities came from the CDC and GCC? 2. If the CWP Partnership Grant Agreement is not sufficient to cover the increasing cost to manage the five free car parks (they require in excess of £400,000) will they carry out Health and Safety Risk Assessments and if necessary close them down? As Cllr Parsons (GCC) would not be attending the Annual Parish Meeting the Committee asked he be requested to give a written report in reply to the above questions and explain (a) who had benefited from the Second Home Council Taxes and how much discretion did GCC have in its distribution? (b) how is value for money defined by the Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd? and (c) what service agreement negotiations have taken place recently? Cllr Mrs Clark responded with caution as issues in progress might be compromised if too much information was divulged at this sensitive time. If and when these negotiations were resolved clarification may be forthcoming.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Squire reported on the discussions of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee which had met on 8th May.

PCSO
Cllr Stuart read a letter from Inspector S. Williams, Gloucestershire Constabulary, explaining the problems which had been resolved regarding the presence of PCSO Ian Yeomans in the parish. Inspector Williams would attend the Annual Parish Meeting and had asked that he be informed of questions in advance in order that he might research relevant replies. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Inspector is informed of the following matters: (a) a breakdown of the number and times of the visits to South Cerney and Cerney Wick by the PCSO during January and February 2006 as previously requested, (b) what action will be taken regarding the depositing of muck on the Spine Road and adjoining roads? and (c) to seek a guaranteed commitment to policing in the parish. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Highway Matters
Cllr Stuart and Cllr Squire met with Martyn Midgley, Area Programme Manager at 10.30am on Wednesday 10th May. Outstanding issues including the zebra crossing, interactive speed limits, signing of the reduced limits on Silver Street to Preston Toll Bar, moving the 30mph to its new agreed position and other problems were discussed. Mr Midgley will make a comprehensive report to the Parish Council before its next meeting when he has further assessed the situation.

Litter at Old George
Cllr Stuart reported that Eddie Curtis had removed litter from the river bank close to the Old George.

Honey Combed Safety Surface
As no reply had yet been received from Technix Rubber Ltd Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to provide their contact details and he would communicate with them.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
Cllr Stuart apologised for the lack of action regarding the removal of the slide.

Cricket Club Pavilion
A reply from the Cricket Club explaining why no decoration had been carried out to the exterior of the pavilion was received unsympathetically by the Committee. The Clerk was asked to inform the club that the Parish Council, as holder of the titular rights, expected them to keep the pavilion in a tenantable condition and urged them to refurbish the outside promptly.

Lime Trees in Silver Street
Cllr Harris reported that the Lime trees in Silver Street had been pruned.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that he helped Cllr Harris collect the pile of debris mentioned in last month’s inspection report and Cllr Harris had taken it to a landfill site. Users of the mounds had removed more sizeable stones from that area. Otherwise the play area was in good order.

Robert Franklin Way play area
Cllr Harris reported the area was in good order.

Cerney Wick play area
After a request by Cllr Caunce at the Committee meeting the Clerk had supplied new signs to replace those on site which had become weathered.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as contractor and left the room.

Cllr Harris had informed the Committee that the Hornbeam trees in Silver Street were dead and needed to be removed. The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees with its decision to pay James Harris Contracting £40 to remove the dead trees. It was proposed by Cllr Squire and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agrees to pay James Harris £40 for the work. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Cllr Harris asked that Mr P De Jong, Environment Manager, National Grid, National Grid House, Warwick Technology Park, Warwick CV34 6DA Telephone: (0845) 6056677 be asked to reply to a letter sent in February requesting that errant sub-contractors of their company be requested to make good the damage caused to Jim Parker’s tree. Cllr Squire volunteered to contact the National Grid.

Cllr Harris asked that the Cotswold Water Park Society be reminded of two previous requests to inscribe a message on the bridleway barrier of the old railway line at Robert Franklin Way play area. Cllr Harris insisted that it was a serious safety issue and must be resolved. The Clerk was asked to copy the letter to Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC).

Cllr Harris requested approval to attend a training course on tree warden duties on 24th June in Gloucester. The Committee was all in favour. The Parish Council concurred.

Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Jay complained about the quality of the grass cutting along the open ditch and verges in Station Road and requested that the ground maintenance contractor be informed that the work was not up standard. Cllr Stuart volunteered to speak to Mr Gibbs.

Cllr Squire asked the Clerk to apply to Jane Evans (Secretary), Gloucestershire Trust Company, Phoenix House, Stoke Road, Elmstone Hardwicke, Cheltenham, Glos. GL51 9SW for a grant application form.

FINANCE

Due to the absence of Cllr Smith, Cllr Jay reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 8th May.

MATTERS ARISING

Youth Parish Council Bank Account
The Clerk had obtained the relevant forms from the bank for the opening of a subsidiary account for the use of the Youth Parish Council. Councillors, with the exception of Cllr Smith, had signed.

Accounts
The Clerk reported that he had forwarded the accounts to Mrs Gardiner for her audit and comments prior to their despatch to Moore Stephens for final inspection and agreement.

Local Council Administration Charles Arnold-Baker 7th Edition The Committee recommends that the Parish Council agrees to purchase the latest edition of Arnold-Baker at the discounted rate of £48 plus postage and packing. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to purchase the 7th Edition of Local Council Administration. The Parish Council was all in favour.

PLANNING

Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on Monday 8th May.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the first four items, as the applicant was a client and left the room.

CT.0006/4/K
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Re-plan on plots 43–49 of previously approved development of holiday lodges with amended designs
NO OBJECTION

CT.1454/4/J
Applicant: R Mackenzie Hill, Watermark, Isis Lake, South Cerney
Display of single non-illuminated hoarding sign
The proposal involves the display of yet another advertisement board in an open countryside location. The proliferation of advertisements is detrimental to the visual amenities of the locality, and consent would set an undesirable precedent. (The proposal is contrary to Policy 31 of the Cotswold District Local Plan, Policy 48 of the Cotswold District Revised Deposit and Government guidance contained in PPG19 {Outdoor Advertisement Control} and the provisions of the Town and Country Planning {Control of Advertisements} Regulations 1992.)
OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/R
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Construction of an office building for the use of Watermark in association with their surrounding leisure facilities (resubmission) at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/S
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Cable tow waterski course with clubhouse/restaurant/swimming pool/shops/health club (re-submission) at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
This application had arrived on the day of the meeting and due to its attached traffic assessment it was decided that the planning committee should make its response after further deliberations although the Parish Council was generally minded to object.
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee on the preceding applications. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

CT.0649/2/P
Applicants: Mrs & Mrs Gardiner, 26 Meadow Way, South Cerney
Conservatory to rear elevation at 26 Meadow Way, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.5115/B Additional/Amended Plans
Erection of conservatory and porch attached to existing garage at Talland House, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.8556
Applicants: CWS Ltd & Cotswold Aggregates Ltd
As a neighbouring authority consultee Wiltshire County Council has asked for comments on: Mineral extraction, infilling with imported inert material to restore the area to agriculture at Area 6 & 1 (part only) north of Latton, Wiltshire
The Committee was encouraged by the proposal to return the land to agricultural use after extraction is completed.
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee on the preceding applications. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Mrs Pollard declared a prejudicial interest as a friend of the applicant at the Committee stage when a response to this next application was determined.

CT.1799/F
Applicant: Mr G. Harris, Box Cottage, High Street, South Cerney
Retention of wooden fence (photograph attached) at Box Cottage, High Street, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the recommendation of the Planning Committee. With the exception of Cllr Mrs Pollard who abstained the Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.2648/3/N
Construction of a temporary sales office at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney Condition to note: 2. By 12th April 2009, the permitted buildings shall be removed and the site must be reinstated to its former condition. Reason: Permanent development of this type might cause a nuisance or would detract from the amenity of the area and permission is given only to meet the special, temporary needs of the applicant or to enable the Local Planning Authority to give further consideration to the use after the temporary period has expired. This condition is attached in the light of Circular 11/95.

CT.3887/3/F
Erection of single storey side extension to provide garage at Rivercroft, Robert Franklin Way, South Cerney

CT.4073/J
Erection of clubhouse (revised scheme for amended external materials) at Lake 15, Spine Road, South Cerney

CT.5946/K
Erection of single storey pitched roof side extension and rear conservatory (revised scheme) at Tobermory, Cerney Wick

Planning applications refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.5684/L Listed Building Consent Application
Retrospective display of two (2) non-illuminated fascia signs and three (3) non-illuminated wall mounted signs at The Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
The building is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest and the Local Planning Authority is statutorily required to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest it possesses. The proposal involves the retention of plastic signage which by virtue of its alien materials, colour scheme, illumination, number and disposition harm the mellow character of the listed building. The proposal is therefore contrary to guidance in PPG15 and the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990.

CT.5684/M Advertisement Display Application
Retrospective display of two (2) externally illuminated hanging pub signs at The Eliot Arms, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
The site lies within the South Cerney Conservation Area, wherein the Local Planning Authority is statutorily obliged to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the locality. The proposal involves the retention of plastic signage, which by virtue of its alien materials, colour scheme, illumination, number and disposition harms the mellow character of the listed building and the wider conservation area. The proposal is therefore contrary of the listed building and the wider conservation area. The proposal is therefore contrary to Government guidance set out in PPG15 and PPG19, Policies 27, 29, 31 and 40 of the Cotswold District Local Plan, Policies 13, 15, 42 and 49 of the emerging Local Plan and Policy NHE16 of the Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review.

Cllr Jay requested the Clerk to make a note in his diary that the deadline for removal of the signs was at the beginning of August.

Mail arrangements to cover Clerk’s absence
Cllr Nicholas agreed to accept Planning correspondence during the Clerk’s forthcoming holiday.

Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Mrs Chapman asked that the Enforcement Officer be informed that she suspects a building in the course of erection to the rear of Croft House, Cerney Wick is contravening planning regulations. Cllr Mrs Chapman alleges that a stable is being erected on a concrete base.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS REPORTS

Cllr Jay was concerned that groups using the village hall could apply for a liquor licence to the local authority without informing its management. Cllr Bennett (CDC) advised him to contact Denise Williams at CDC for clarification.

Cllr Jay enquired about the collection of recyclable material in the village which he thought inadequate. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) explained that besides the facility on the Upper Up playing fields further collection points were available at Cotswold Hoburn. Cllr Bennett (CDC) suggested that he contact Roger Sollis at CDC and make his concerns known to him.

Cllr Mrs Pollard had residents complain to her about the lack of dog dirt bins on the path from Huxley Court to Kingfisher Place.

The Clerk will contact R. Sollis at CDC and request that a bin is placed in the vicinity of Kingfisher Place. Cllr Nicholas agreed with Cllr Mrs Pollard who complained about the pot holes in the carriageway of Silver Street and also along Cirencester Road. The Clerk will report their concerns to Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Caunce suggested that the YPC might be encouraged to promote leisure activities. Cllr Nicholas would inform his son, Thomas, who is a member of the YPC.

Cllr Stuart reminded the meeting that the Annual Parish Meeting would take place on 17th May and encouraged all to attend.

CERNEY NEWS

The Clerk was instructed to mention the meeting with Martyn Midgley, Gloucestershire Highways and the hoped for outcome of the discussions.

Cllr Harris and Cllr Caunce requested that the ‘youth bus’ and its programme be publicised.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.25pm.