MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 9th August 2006.

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

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th JULY 2006

Page 2133: Housing Needs Survey – 5th line replace “was” with “would”
Page 2136: COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS – 1st line replace “Stuart” with “Squire”

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Pollard and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Minutes were a true and accurate record. With the exception of Cllr Smith who was absent from the meeting the remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Cllr Nicholas, on behalf of the Youth Parish Council, explained that due to the holiday period there was not a representative available to attend the meeting. He had been asked to report that the YPC were continuing with its arrangements for the Sports Day due to be held in September. Parish Councillors were asked if any one was prepared to carry out a Health & Safety Risk Assessment of the Upper Up playing field in advance of the YPC Sports Day in September. The Clerk was asked to inform Claire Dowan (CDC) that there was no volunteer forthcoming.

CLERK’S REPORT

During July of the 11 available working days I averaged 4 hours 35 minutes per day which exceeds my contract by about an hour per day.

MATTERS ARISING

Trinity Trust
Cllr Stuart, Mrs A. Stuart and Cllr Jay as representatives of the Management Committee of South Cerney Village Hall would attend a meeting of the Trinity Trust in Cerney Wick to give them the benefit of their experience in relation to the creation of their project. Cllr Squire would also attend.

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 7th August.

MATTERS ARISING

Honey Combed Safety Surface
Cllr Harris reported that he had completed the reinstatement of the honey-combed safety surface.

Highway Matters
Rob Vale, Asset Manager at Gloucestershire Highways had written to update the Parish Council on the three outstanding issues. The pedestrian crossing has been through the initial design. Some initial consultation will be taken back to objecting residents to try and resolve their concerns. It is aimed to install the speed activated signs within the next two months depending on the cooperation of the supplier of the electrical connections. The alteration to the speed restrictions on the South Cerney to Preston Toll Bar road will be completed by the beginning of September.

Robert Franklin Way Slide
The Pay Back in the Community group is awaiting the provision of a skip. Cllr Harris volunteered to approach a suitable supplier.

 Tennis Club
Cllr Harris confirmed that the flagstones had been repaired and/or replaced where necessary.

Lady Fanshawe’s Hedge
Cllr Squire will liaise with Gillian Portlock (Gloucestershire Highways) on a plan to reduce the growth of the hedge in Bow Wow. It was agreed that a tactful approach was needed as Lady Fanshawe had experienced trespassers using her private facilities recently and further distress regarding her offending hedge should be minimal.

Huxley Court
Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the street sign “Huxley Court” was unreadable. The Clerk had reported its condition to R. Bull (CDC) who replied that he had made arrangements for its refurbishment.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick play area
Cllr Caunce reported the play area was in good order with the new picnic table, which had been purchased and installed by the South Cerney Trust, getting plenty of use.

Robert Franklin Way play area
The 360 degree swing was causing concern. Suspicious sounds were emanating from the base of the main beam when the equipment was used vigorously and Cllr Harris requested that other members of the Committee inspect the apparatus and make their own assessment. Cllr Harris reported that the tower slide was looking “tired”. The goal post area was wearing out in the middle. Tree branches are drooping down low over the bridlepath and will need attention soon.

Upper Up play area
Cllr Stuart reported that Adrian Gibbs had strimmed the mounds. Accompanied by Cllr Harris they had sprayed four tonnes of water on the trees at Jubilee Gardens and Upper Up. One oak, near Walnut Tree House, is looking very poorly. The rubber coating on the vertical rods of the cradle of the Junior Swing were perishing. The Clerk was asked to obtain estimates for their replacement.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Stuart reported on a discussion he had with Thames Water surveyors who were researching a suitable route for the replacement sewage pipe to Shorncote. He hoped that the preferred route would be along the southern perimeter of the playing fields cutting across to the Ashton Keynes to Cirencester road. If Thames Water is to use the playing fields it was agreed that the Parish Council consider the appointment of a Chartered Surveyor to maximise compensation and ensure that reinstatement of the area is carried out satisfactorily. Cllr Stuart had spoken with Chris Graham (Moore Allen & Innocent) who would be prepared to act on behalf of the Parish Council and other local land owners. Thames Water would be expected to pay all professional fees but this should be confirmed prior to any agreement to use Mr Graham. The Parish Council agreed.

The Committee agreed with Cllr Harris who suggested that Andrew Timbrell (A. P. Transport) be asked to provide a quotation to dredge the ditch in Station Road. It was agreed that Mr Timbrell be asked to remove the deposited soil from the ditch on the southern boundary of Upper Up at right angles to the cricket pavilion. The Clerk had found a letter from Gloucestershire County Highways dated October 2001 which confirmed its willingness to contribute £300 towards the cost of drain clearing. The Clerk was to remind Gloucestershire Highways of this fact and ask them if they would be prepared to repeat it.

Cllr Mrs Chubb informed the Committee that her husband had cut back their hedge along the footpath from Station Road to Bow Wow. However, she complained about the amount of weed growth that needed to be cleared. The Clerk had requested Adrian Gibbs to strim the path.

Cllr Stuart reported that the overgrowth on the public footpath from Church Lane to the Downings had been removed.

Cllr Stuart reported that the public seat opposite Londis in Broadway Lane had been vandalised. R.O.W. Berry had quoted £95 to replace the four one inch oak slats. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Smith that the Parish Council accepts the verbal quote from Mr Berry. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Squire informed the Committee that he had taken on responsibility to provide an environmental plan for the church within the community in conjunction with the Parish Council and CDC. One scheme to be developed was the provision of a new tank to collect water from the church roof which would allow the metered supply at the church entrance to be disconnected.

Cllr Squire reported that over 100 children had attended the CDC organised sports day at Upper Up play area. The Clerk was asked to write to Scott Berry CDC Youth Sport Development officer to congratulate his team on its efforts.

Cllr Stuart reported on yet another sewerage leak at Robert Franklin Way. Although the repair had been made very quickly the clean up of the resultant discharge in Kingfisher Place was uncoordinated. With the help of Cllr Bennett (CDC) those responsible had been coerced to clear up the resultant pollution. He reminded the Committee that the meeting with Thames Water to discuss its progress with the refurbishment plan which originally had been planned for the Friday 29 September had been postponed and would now take place on Friday 6 October at 2pm in the Village Hall. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP would chair the meeting and all Parish Councillors were encouraged to attend.

Flow Meter in School Lane
The Committee was opposed to an application to install a flow meter between Cordal Lodge and Andrews in School Lane because the position suggested would not monitor all of the river at that point as the Mill Stream used part of the flow. The Committee suggested that the meter is set between Draycott, School Lane and Fanshawe weir where a more accurate flow of all the river could be achieved. Cllr Jay objected to this suggestion and after some discussion it was agreed that the Clerk write to the Environment Agency to ask why the meter is needed and to suggest that the installation is sited in a more unobtrusive location. He was also asked to invite a representative of the Environment Agency to attend a discussion with Parish Councillors to decide where it could be best installed.

Reinstatement of river bank in Bow Wow
Martyn Summerell, Area Highways Manager East had replied negatively to a request from the Parish Council that Gloucestershire Highways consider making a payment to James Harris for the work schedule he produced for the reinstatement of the river bank. Mr Summerell suggested that should the Parish Council wish to take the project forward he would make a financial contribution to the works. The Clerk was asked to emphasise that this was deflecting his responsibility for the maintenance of the bank. As the Parish Council was concerned about the way in which the work would be carried out, it would be prepared to make a contribution towards the cost of design and supervision to achieve an aesthetically acceptable outcome. Cllr Jay was sympathetic to a suggestion that the Parish Council invite the South Cerney Trust to make a contribution towards the cost of the work. The Parish Council was mindful that the matter should be resolved in the near term.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 7th August.

Annual Accounts
The Clerk informed the Committee that the Auditor’s queries had been satisfactorily answered.

Youth Parish Council
Cllr Stuart reported that Youth Parish Councillors Thomas Nicholas and Joe Lodge had accompanied their senior colleagues Parish Councillors Nicholas, Stuart and Squire to the Calor Gas Village of the Year awards. T. Nicholas and J. Lodge collected the £500 first prize for the Youth People category. South Cerney also won first prize of £500 for the IT category and was runner up in the Building Community Life category.

Reinstatement of river Churn bank in Bow Wow
The Committee agreed that the response from Gloucestershire Highways was confused, as it was its responsibility to ensure that the reinstatement was satisfactorily carried out. Notwithstanding, it was in the interests of the Parish Council that the work is carried out sympathetically, bearing in mind that the area was considered a very attractive part of the village. The Committee was minded to make a contribution to Gloucestershire Highways in order that it might complete the reinstatement of the river bank in one tranche. If the Parish Council agreed the Clerk was to ask South Cerney Trust if it would make a contribution to the restoration. The Parish Council was in favour of the above recommendations.

PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Nicholas reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 7th August.

Planning applications received by Cotswold District Council

06/0069/CWREG3/CAPS
Applicant: GCC Corporate Property Services, Shire Hall, Gloucester GL1 2TG
Provision of two (2) 2.1 metre diameter wind turbines to changing block at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre, Lake 12, Spine Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

06/01674/NEI
Applicant: Mr P. Cripps, Compton Bassett House, Compton Bassett, Wiltshire
Boat house with ancillary accommodation (domestic use only) by North Wiltshire District Council
Through an administration error by the CDC, this application had been sent to the wrong address. Nevertheless the Committee instructed the Clerk to make the following response, and to point out to the Planning Officer the reason for the delay. The site is not suitable for permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence because of its open countryside location. The dwelling to be erected as part of the development should not be occupied from the 6th January until the 5th February (inclusive) in each year, to control the occupancy in an area where unrestricted residential accommodation would not normally be permitted.
OBJECTION

CT.0006/4/L
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Construction of a tennis pavilion for use in connection with existing holiday lodge development at Lake 16 (The Landings), Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.0006/4/M
Applicants: Mr & Mrs M. Church, 1 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney
Installation of solar panel onto rear roof of property at 1 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.3115/H
Applicant: Owner, 3 The Secret Garden, South Cerney
Conservatory at 3 The Secret Garden, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.3704/L
Applicant: Mr G. R. & Mrs S. A. Hodgson, Fox Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney
Erection of replacement two (2) storey side and single storey rear extensions at Fox Cottage, Station Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4498/Z
Applicant: Cotswold Four Pillars Hotel, Olney House, Ducklington Road, Witney
Amendment to conference facilities area at Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.5684 (06/01548/ADV)
Applicant: Eldridge Pope & Co Ltd, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1QT
Display of non illuminated wall mounted sign, fence mounted sign and fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging wall mounted sign and hanging pub sign at The Eliot Arms Inn, Clarks Hay, South Cerney
The Committee was minded not to object, provided that the sign on the gable end of the east facing side of the single storey building is removed and the two sandwich board advertising signs are also removed.
NO OBJECTION

CT.8579
Applicant: Environment Agency, Thames Region, Swift House, Firmley Business Park, Firmley, Surrey
Installation of flood warning kiosk on bank of river Churn to record river levels and provide flood warnings at Cordal Lodge, School Lane, South Cerney
The proposed kiosk will be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area in this particularly picturesque spot. It would be ineffective to place it here as it could only monitor part of the river flow as the river divides upstream.
OBJECTION

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

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next item as the applicant was one of his clients and left the room.

CT.3424/H
Applicant: Mark Greenberg, 32 Rosehill Road, London SW15 2NX
Provision of shallow pond for conservation and habitat enhancement at Lower Churn, Bow Wow, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

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

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Cllr Stuart declared a prejudicial interest in the next item as the applicant was a neighbour and left the room.

CT.8163/L
Applicant: Mrs. C. Lloyd, The Limes, Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney
Amendment to permission CT.8163/K for the use of traditional render in lieu of natural stone on land at Orchard House, Upper Up, South Cerney
The design proposed in the amendment is fundamentally different from the vernacular style, and materially affects the character of the building, which will detract from the appearance of this part of the Conservation Area of the village. Furthermore, as this work has already started, it is expressly in breach of Condition 4 of CT.8163/K.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council accepts the recommendation of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Stuart returned to the room.

Planning applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.2475/1/W
Revised scheme for new light industrial unit, parking, turning and drainage at Plot G, Evergreen Industrial Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
Condition of note: 6. The level of noise emitted from the site shall not exceed 45 dB LAeq (1 hour) between 07:00 and 19:00 hours Monday to Friday and 07:00 and 12:00 hours Saturday; and 35 dB LAeq (1 hour) at any other time, as measured on the boundary of the site. Reason: To protect the amenity of the locality, especially for people living and/or working nearby, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan 2001-2011 Policy 5 and PPG24.

CT.2648/3/J
Construction of fifty (50) holiday lodges (amended scheme to previously approved
CT.2648/2/Z) at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
Conditions of note: 6. The existing Spine Road vehicular access to the site shall be stopped up, its use permanently abandoned and the verge/footway crossing reinstated in accordance with details, which shall be approved in writing the Local Planning Authority. Such works shall be completed within 3 months of the new vehicular access from the Spine Road hereby authorised being first brought into use. Reason: In the interests of highway safety in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan 2001-2011 Policy 38 and PPG13.  8. No siteworks shall commence until such time as a temporary car parking area and wheel washing facilities for site operatives and construction traffic has been laid out and constructed within the site in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and that area shall be retained available and utilised for that purpose for the duration of the building operations. Reason: To ensure that the access roads in the vicinity of the site are kept free from construction traffic in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Local Plan 2001-2011 Policy 38 and PPG13. 9. Notwithstanding the submitted details, pedestrian/cycle access shall be permanently provided to Cerney Wick Lane at the eastern boundary of the application site in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: In the interests of highway safety in accordance with Local Plan 2001-2011 Policy 38 and PPG13. 15. No floodlighting or external lighting of any kind shall be installed at the site unless details have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to their installation. 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 2001-2011 Policies 5, 19 and UT.1, PPS1 and PPS7. 22. Notwithstanding Classes C2 and C3 of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, the accommodation shall be used to provide holiday accommodation only, which will not be occupied as permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence. Reason: The site is not suitable for permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence because of its open countryside location. This condition is imposed in the light of PPS1, PPS7 and PPG21 and Policies 19, 26 and UT.1 of the Cotswold District Local Plan 2001-2011. 23. The holiday units to be erected as part of the development will not be occupied from the 6th January until the 5th February inclusive in each year. Reason: To control the occupancy of the holiday units in an area where unrestricted residential accommodation would not normally be permitted. This condition is imposed in the light of PPS1, PPS7 and PPG21 and Policies 19, 26 and UT.1 of the Cotswold District Local Plan 2001-2011. The Clerk was to write to Dr Andrea Pellegram, CDC Head of Development Services to request a copy of the written approval referred to in Condition 8.

CT.8421/B
Revision in position of extension away from northern boundary at 3 Broadway Cottages, Broadway Lane, South Cerney

CT.8441/E
Internal alterations to approved breakfast room at Brook Cottage, Silver Street, South Cerney

 Planning applications withdrawn

CT.1158/C
Two storey extension to south east elevation at 2 Churnside Cottages, Cerney Wick, Cirencester

 CT.2475/1/Z Change of use from Class B1: Business to personal training studio at Unit C7 Lakeside Business Park, Broadway Lane, South Cerney

COUNCILLORS REPORTS

CT.2443/P
Cllr Webb reported on correspondence he was having with Michael Grace (CDC Planning Enforcement Officer) regarding alleged breaches of planning conditions imposed on Bloor Homes developers of Winchcombe Gardens in Berkeley Close. It was determined that Mr Grace was aware of one breach concerning the blocking off of the carriageway and asked which other conditions were being ignored. Cllr Webb stated that in his opinion the following conditions were also being breached: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 24. Furthermore no planning permission had been granted for the five additional plots Nos 24 to 28. Mr Grace intimated that no further action would be taken regarding the violations. The Committee recommends that the Clerk write to Mr Grace and ask him to explain CDC policy on its failure to enforce the conditions asking Mr Grace for a fully reasoned response before the next Parish Council meeting on 13 September. If agreed, the Clerk should copy the letter to Cllr Baines (CDC) Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC). The Parish Council was in agreement and accepts the recommendation of the Planning Committee.

Waste Disposal Consultation
Cllr Webb argued that the Parish Council should make reasoned objections where appropriate to proposals in a consultation document currently on circulation. The document from Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council suggests that suitable recycling sites should be considered on the western side of Wiltshire adjacent to South Cerney when gravel extraction there is exhausted. He enquired what, if any, response had been made to previous proposals. The Clerk could not recall any such response being made. The Parish Council supported the opinion of Cllr Webb who volunteered to make a suitable response and would liaise with the Clerk.

Traffic issues on Spine Road
The Parish Council was in agreement with Cllr Nicholas who said that with the proliferation of permitted planning development, traffic using the Spine Road, especially in the vicinity of the crossroads at Station Road and Cerney Wick lane was becoming increasingly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road. Activities on Lake 11 were attracting spectators in motor cars which were parking in the carriageway or slowing down to get a view inconveniencing and frustrating other road users. He had personally experienced how difficult it was to safely cross over the road and asked that local agencies including Police, CDC and Gloucestershire Highways be made aware of the developing problem.

VILLAGE PLAN

Cllr Mrs Pollard had emailed a revised version of the Village Plan to all concerned and requested all Parish Councillors involved to let her know what progress had been made on the list of its objectives on or before the 4th September in order that she could present an up to date version of the plan to the next Parish Council meeting.

RESURFACING OF A417/A419

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that this Parish Council supports Latton Parish Council in its criticism of the Highways Agency and its decision to renege on an earlier commitment to resurface the concrete sections of the A417/A419. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was asked to inform Cllr Caunce, Highways representative and Latton Parish Council.

DATES OF PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IN APRIL 2007

As the Committee meetings on 9th April 2007 would be scheduled for Easter Monday it was proposed by Cllr Mrs Pollard and seconded by Cllr Jay that the dates of the Committee meetings and the Parish Council meeting are put forward by one day respectively. To avoid any confusion the Committees would now meet on Tuesday 10th April and the Parish Council on Thursday 12th April. The Parish Council was all in favour.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE HIGHWAYS PARTNERSHIP: QUESTIONNAIRE

The Parish Council discussed answering the questionnaire which had been originated by Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat Group Leader GCC. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Smith that it was too early to make a considered response since the new partnership had only been established for 4 months and one week. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was asked to point out to Mr Hilton that this Parish Council does not wish to get involved with scoring party political points for any such group.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Mrs Pollard suggested that priority of the traffic flow through the junction at Clarks Hay/Station Road and High Street be altered. After a debate the lack of consensus reflected differences in theoretical positions. The Parish Council did agree to refer the question for determination to the sub committee of the Village Plan dealing with highway matters.

Cllr Webb reported that the sign for Gypsy Lane, off Broadway Lane, was missing. The Clerk was asked to inform Cotswold Water Park.

Cllr Jay complained that the proprietors of the Old George public house were using the public footpath between the bridge at Bow Wow and the Chapel to display its sandwich advertising board. He had personally removed it several times but it had been replaced. The Clerk was asked to write to the proprietors of the Old George to request that they refrain from the practice.

Cllr Mrs Chapman asked the Clerk to write to the Sailing Club and Mrs Young in Cerney Wick and request that they cut back the overgrowing hedge which adjoins Cerney Wick Lane.

Cllr Nicholas complained about the state of the road surface especially through the bends in Silver Street and also Broadway Lane. The Clerk was asked to inform Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Stuart reported on a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership meeting he had attended on Thursday 10th July. The group comprises Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire Police Authority, Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Vale Primary Care Trust. Many other nonstatutory partners now work with the core group to help reduce crime and the fear of crime including representatives from market towns and larger parishes, Victim Support, Registered Social Landlords, Neighbourhood Watch Associates and other specialised services are commissioned to deal with issues such as drug abuse, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and data collection. The group meets every 6 weeks to share problems, decide on actions and local initiatives to reduce crime and the fear of crime in local communities. The next meeting was scheduled for 5th September.

At the meeting Cllr Stuart met with Sgt Gordon Pearce, among others, who represented the Safer Communities Team and catalogued a series of incidents which had taken place recently in South Cerney. Cllr Stuart is hopeful that a swifter response from the Gloucestershire Constabulary to reported vandalism will now occur. Cllr Stuart again complained that residents were not reporting incidents and because of this South Cerney was not considered a hot spot by the authorities which, in his opinion, was swiftly becoming one.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.10pm.