MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2007.

 One member of the press was present

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th DECEMBER 2006

Page 2193 – 1st item Correspondence: delete last sentence and replace it with: The motion had been carried at the Monday evening meeting.
It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Minutes, as amended, were a true and accurate record. Cllr Jay abstained from voting as he was not present at the meeting. The remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

In view of the absence of any member of the Youth Parish Council, Cllr Nicholas gave a report on its behalf. Thomas Nicholas had composed a letter to Sport Relief 2006 to accompany the £54 donation raised through the Fun Run event. Members of the YPC were keen to partake in training events in March which were being organised by Claire Dowan (CDC). The Parish Council agreed that travel expenses could be claimed by those taking part on production of a valid bus ticket. Cllr Jay informed the meeting that he had supplied the YPC with a further ream of paper.

MATTERS ARISING

Speed Limit Signs
Cllr Nicholas repeated his observation that the speed limit signs leaving Trenchard Gardens to the main carriageway, South Cerney to Preston Toll Bar had still not been updated. The Clerk confirmed that he had informed Gloucestershire Highways by email. Cllr Squire would remind Gillian Portlock, Area Highway Representative at a planned meeting on Monday 15th January.

Overgrowing Hedge in Bow Wow
Cllr Harris informed the meeting that the overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow had been cut back, although further work was needed.

Liberal Democrat Leaflet
Cllr Mrs A. Clark (CDC), a member of the Liberal Democrat party, admitted that there was a slight mistake in the wording and although personally she did not compose the article she did take full responsibility for it. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) made an unreserved apology for the misleading information published. There was genuine confusion with the applications CT.2648/3/R & CT.2648/3/S which had only recently been resubmitted after the inclusion of an environmental statement. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would re-check with the Planning Department at CDC and notify the Clerk with her observations.

Footpath Bridge
Cllr Stuart reminded the Parish Council that Mike Barton PROW officer had sent a detailed quotation for the erection of a replacement bridge on the footpath between the Lock House on Cirencester Road and the Greyhound public house in Siddington. Mr Barton intimated that any financial contribution from the Parish Council would be much appreciated. Cllr Stuart explained that as the footpath was part of a village plan project, consideration should be given to the request. The Parish Council agreed that a donation should be considered and asked the Clerk to put the item on the Finance agenda for next month.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Friday 15th December I accompanied Cllr Webb to a Neighbourhood Policing Consultation meeting at Police Headquarters at Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley. Statistical maps based on multiple regression formats graded INAs in Gloucestershire according to the necessity of police resources and their predictive demand. South Cerney was graded as a 3, 1 being high, 12 low, on current resources but predicted to drop to 5. The proposal being considered was that South Cerney would join the neighbourhood of Cirencester based on statistical evidence. The object of the consultation was to gauge the impact of the new grouping from those residing in the area and to specify local situations which might not necessarily come to light from statistics. Our comments highlighted the population fluctuation in the area during weekends and holiday periods especially in the summer months because of the high proportion of second homes; the confusion created through the proximity of Wiltshire, for example the Spine Road which traverses the Gloucestershire/ Wiltshire border and the differing priorities of the separate police forces in enforcing the speed limit thereon; the impact of the travellers’ site in a neighbouring parish on local facilities in South Cerney for example school attendance, pubs and shops; the large industrial site in South Cerney and its influence on traffic issues by transient users. If changes were to be considered we concluded that Cirencester including Siddington should remain an urban centre and South Cerney should be grouped with other rural satellite communities within the current police INA.

After the meeting I asked Inspector Williams if the Gloucestershire Constabulary had a view on BetterDrivingPlease.com. He had no idea what I was talking about so I explained briefly what the purpose of the web site was for. He replied that if a complaint about a driver’s road behaviour was reported he would write to inform that driver such a report had been received, and from whom, and if there was any comment that driver wished to make. In most cases that would be an end to the matter. He did not elaborate about what action would be taken if the argument escalated. He would not act independently against alleged deeds broadcast on the web.

On Thursday 4th January I attended a meeting of the Finance Committee at The Old Police House, to discuss budget proposals for the next financial year April 2007 to end of March 2008. Thank you Cllr Smith for the welcome and hospitality provided. In attendance were Cllr Jay, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Smith, Cllr Squire, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb. The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Cllr Smith will brief the Parish Council later on the deliberations of the Committee.

During December of the 19 available working days I averaged 3 hours 45 minutes per day which was slightly more than my contract allowed.

PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

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

Matters Arising

The Clerk would continue his practice of informing interested Parish Councillors of action taken in reporting matters to various agencies. Parish Councillors concerned would liaise with the Clerk on follow-up action, if an agency’s reaction was considered inadequate.

Fallen Willow Tree
Cllr Stuart had reported that the Payback in the Community team cut up the branches of the fallen willow tree. Cllr Harris stated that he would supply suitable netting and staples to encapsulate the logs to form an eco-pile.

Station Road Ditch
Cllr Stuart reported that there was an accumulation of debris in the Station Road ditch at the grille on the eastern end near to the Piece and needs to be cleared to prevent flooding. The Clerk had informed Gillian Portlock at Gloucestershire Highways.

Surface Water Overflow Pipe
Cllr Harris had reported that a blue pipe installed to take surface water off the highway, near to Kingfisher Place into Lake 16 was not working. It had been installed to supplement another pipe nearby which was hardly coping with the current heavy discharges. The following afternoon when Cllr Squire inspected the area he found the blue pipe to be functioning properly and informed Cllr Harris of his observations.

Advertising “A” Boards
Cllr Caunce reported that advertising “A” boards are still being displayed at the Cerney Wick/Station Road/Eastern Spine Road (B4696) junction. More “A” advertising boards have been seen at the next junction Broadway Lane/B4696 and it was considered that if action is not taken to remove them, this behaviour will increase. The Clerk had informed Gillian Portlock at Gloucestershire Highways and the Enforcement Officer at CDC who would investigate.

Breach of Planning Conditions
Cllr Squire reported that he noted a coach-load of day-trippers making use of canteen facilities at the fisherman’s café near to the junction of the Spine Road and Broadway Lane in clear breach of planning conditions which stated that the facility should only be used by those partaking in fishing activities. The Enforcement Officer at CDC informed the Clerk that he would investigate.

Overgrowing Hedge in Bow Wow
The Village Maintenance Committee asked the Clerk to enquire from Gloucestershire Highways what progress, if any, had been made in determining ownership of the overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow or what steps taken to reduce it. Cllr Harris reported that the hedge had been cut back but further work was needed.

40mph Speed Limit Sign
Cllr Squire reported that the 40mph speed limit sign on the road from Preston Toll Bar to South Cerney had been knocked over and was lying in the hedge. The Clerk had asked Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) to inform Siddington Parish Council.

Estate Agents’ Signs
Cllr Caunce reported that estate agents signs had been erected on public land and asked the Clerk to report the instances to Gloucestershire Highways. Cain & Fuller and Perry Bishop had erected signs at the junction of the East Spine Road (B4696), Cerney Wick Lane and Station Road and also on the roundabout near to the “on” access of the A419 dual carriageway and Cirencester Road. The Clerk had reported the incidents to the Gloucestershire Highways help line.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce had reported that everything on the playing field was in order.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that it was currently too wet to fill the hole left when the tower slide unit had been removed. More top soil would be needed in the goal post area when conditions allowed. Trees growing out from the Robert Franklin Way side needed to be back.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the play equipment was in good order although generally the area was very wet.

PRECEPT CONSIDERATIONS

The Committee agreed with Cllr Caunce who proposed that the deliberations of the Finance Committee at a recent precept meeting on village maintenance contracts be accepted.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Caunce reported that the post and rail fence at the entrance to the bridleway, opposite Bridge car park was in need of repair. The fence was there to hinder bolting horses from accessing the B4696 and restrict unauthorised persons using the bridleway. The Clerk had informed Mike Barton PROW who replied that he would check it over on his next visit.

Cllr Caunce also reported that the public footpath signpost at the edge of Churn Pool in Cerney Wick Lane is lying in the ditch and should be repaired. The Clerk had informed Mike Barton PROW.

Cllr Harris reported that the footpath sign near the gravel car park before Ann Edwards school needed to be repaired. The Clerk had emailed Dave Flagg, Signs & Lines Technician Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Squire reported that one of the chain supports at the War Memorial had been dislodged. The Clerk had requested R.O.W. Berry to make the necessary repairs.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Jay agreed to a request from Cllr Smith to make the report as he had not attended the Committee meeting.

Precept Considerations

The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Jay that discussion on the precept should take place at the end of the meeting when a proposal would be made to exclude members of the public.

Cutts Charity

Cllr Jay and Cllr Squire declared a prejudicial interest in the next item and left the room. Cllr Smith took over and chaired the remainder of the meeting.

At the Committee meeting on Monday evening prior to the councillors leaving the room Cllr Jay had informed the Committee that income from the Cutts Charity, which this year totalled £300, would be divided equally between the Church, Parish Council and the poor. The charity has been able to subsidise four children at Ann Edwards School on their annual residential trip to the Forest of Dean. If the Parish Council refused to accept its portion then the amount given to the poor could be doubled.

It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council refuses to accept its portion of the charity income. The remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Jay and Cllr Squire rejoined the meeting.

PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT

Cllr Nicholas reported on the discussions of the Planning Committee which had met on 8th January.

Matters Arising

Parking Notices outside Bridge House
Mr Genillard, Bridge House, Silver Street had informed the Parish Council that he would be taking advice on how to proceed.

Planning Applications Resubmitted
The following two applications had previously been suspended awaiting environmental statements. There was no need to re-submit previous comments as these will be taken into account when the applications are determined.

CT.2648/3/R
Construction of an office building for the use of Watermark in association with their surrounding leisure facilities (resubmission)

CT.2648/3/S
Cable tow waterski course with clubhouse/restaurant/swimming pool/shops/health club (resubmission)

Planning Applications Granted

CT.0006/4/P
Replant of plots 42–47 of previously approved development of holiday lodges with amended designs at Lake 16, Station Road, South Cerney
Conditions to note: 2. 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 shall 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 it is situated outside of an established settlement wherein development is strictly controlled. This condition is imposed in the light of PPS7, PPG21 and Policies 19 and 26 of the Cotswold District Local Plan. 11. The holiday units shall not be occupied from the 6th day of January until the 5th day of February inclusive each year. Reason: This is development which is only permitted at this location because it provides holiday accommodation. This needs to be carefully controlled. This condition is imposed in the light of advice in PPG21. 13. From the date any holiday unit is first occupied the developer will at all times hereafter: (a) Undertake an annual audit of all its lessees by the thirteenth day of November in every year to ascertain that the units are being occupied for holiday purposes and not a principal place of residence; or (b) Remedy the situation in the event that there are any detected breaches of the occupancy restrictions; and (c) Report all breaches immediately to the District Council. Reason: This is development which is only permitted at this location because it provides holiday accommodation. This needs to be carefully controlled. This condition is imposed in the light of advice in PPG21. 17. No external lighting shall be installed on the site without the prior written permission of the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To control the impact of the lighting upon this rural area and to safeguard the nature conservation interests of the site. This condition is imposed in light of Policy 9 of the Cotswold District Local Plan. 22. No development shall take place until a full Tree Protection Strategy has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Protection Strategy (to be prepared by a suitably qualified arboriculturalist and in accordance with BS5837:2005) shall include where appropriate: (1) Arboricultural Implications Assessment; (2) Arboricultural Method Assessment; (3) Tree Protection Plan: and (4) A timetable of arboricultural site inspections (to be carried out by a suitably qualified arboriculturalist and all findings reported in writing to the LPA).

CT.0649/2/V
Erection of first floor extension over existing rear single storey flat roofed addition to provide additional bedroom with en-suite at 15 Meadow Way, South Cerney

CT.0649/2/W
 Erection of single storey extensions to front and to rear at 18 Meadow Way, South Cerney

CT.2150/F
Extension to Shorncote Quarry to extract sand and gravel from land at Dryleaze Farm and restore to agricultural use, lake and rural amenity at Dryleaze Farm, South Cerney

CT.2360/J
Erection of detached garage (revised scheme) at Wight Way, Silver Street, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/V
Erection of advertisement hoardings on either side of proposed vehicular entrance to proposed holiday lodge development at Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney Concern was expressed that no notice had been taken of the objection raised by the Parish Council. Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would investigate and report her findings to the Clerk. The Clerk was asked to put this application on next month’s Planning Committee’s agenda.

CT.3865/E
Erection of replacement conservatory at Churn Cottage, School Lane, South Cerney

CT.3887/3/G
Erection of a single storey side and rear extension at 18 Field Close, South Cerney

CT.3887/3/H
Erection of a single storey lean-to front extension at 41 Boxbush Road, South Cerney

Planning Applications Withdrawn

CT.7528/B
Erection of dwelling with new vehicular access on land adjoining Ham Cottage, Ham Lane, South Cerney

Planning Application Disposed Of

CT.1369/D
Disposal of application: polytunnels and reinstatement of nursery at Fosse Nurseries, Cricklade Road, South Cerney

MANAGEMENT OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

As some contributors at last year’s annual parish meeting had taken an inordinate time to give their presentations, it was agreed that in future a time limit be imposed. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that presentation of reports should be restricted to five minutes followed by a question and answer session of no more than 10 minutes. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS REPORTS

Cllr Squire had observed a session in the Methodist Chapel which was teaching elderly residents how to protect themselves in the event of a fall and he was minded that as coordinator of elderly activities in the Village Plan that this would be a worthwhile project to subsidise. The Clerk was asked to include the proposal in next month’s Finance agenda.

Cllr Mrs Clark (CDC) would make enquiries at CDC and Gloucestershire Highways to discover who was responsible for the issuing of sand bags and inform the Clerk accordingly.

Cllr Jay complained about the state of the surface of Bow Wow after the recent heavy rain. After consulting with Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways, Cllr Squire informed him that he was expecting the clean up to take place this week.

Cllr Webb was concerned that the resurfacing of Broadway Lane might be delayed now that the sewerage work had been postponed. Cllr Squire informed him that the holes in the carriageway will be filled in the near future. He had also informed Gillian Portlock that the refurbishment of the footpath should be a priority.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that after recent resurfacing of the lane leading up from the Crown public house to the old A419 the carriageway was now higher than the public house car park and this causes it to flood in periods of heavy rainfall. The Clerk was asked to report the problem to Gloucestershire Highways.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart on behalf of the Parish Council thanked Cllr Squire for his efforts in persuading the lighting department of the County Council to install the new street lights in Broadway Lane.

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS
It was agreed that further encouragement should be given to residents to put their names forward as candidates in the forthcoming Parish Council elections.

Cllr Harris asked that more publicity be given to the tree planting scheme at Upper Up.

Residents should be informed about the unfortunate delay to the sewerage scheme.

BUDGET PROPOSALS

Due to the sensitive nature of the financial information to be discussed it was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Smith then thoroughly explained the elements of the budget proposals to the Parish Council. If the precept proposal was accepted it would represent an annual increase of £6.07 per band “D” household which approximated to 50p extra per month per house. Finally Cllr Smith proposed, seconded by Cllr Webb that the precept be increased to £66,750. The Parish Council was in full agreement.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.30pm.