MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 18th APRIL 2007.

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

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14th MARCH 2007

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It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chubb and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Minutes, as amended, were a true and accurate record. Cllr Caunce abstained as he had not attended the meeting. The remainder of the Parish Councillors were all in favour. Cllr Stuart then signed the Minutes.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

Joe Lodge gave this report. He informed Parish Councillors that the group was attending instruction classes at CDC under the tutelage of Claire Dowan on how to be more effective as a Youth Parish Council, its organisation and roles. Discussions were also taking place on how the code should be updated and when finalised the YPC would seek a meeting with the Parish Council to explain the modifications. Due to organisational difficulties the cyclothon had been postponed. On alternate months either Thomas Nicholas or Joe Lodge would attend the Parish Council meeting to make a report. Joe Lodge agreed that the YPC would be represented at the Annual Parish Meeting on 16th May.

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Jay was disappointed that Cllr Parsons (GCC) had not responded to a question he raised on the entitlement for youth service provision for the children of South Cerney and will reiterate his query at the Annual Parish Meeting.

Cllr Stuart updated the meeting on the new bridge on the canal tow path over the river Churn informing it that ramps would be installed to allow access to cyclists, wheel chairs and perambulators.

Cllr Jay reported on a conversation he had with Dr P. Stephenson who knew of a firm which undertook traffic design briefs for villages. Cllr Jay asked the Parish Council to support the South Cerney Trust to make an application for S.106 contributions for such a traffic engineering scheme. It was hoped that with further support from the Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council the outcome would be successful. It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council supports the South Cerney Trust in its bid for this scheme. The Parish Council was all in favour.
The Parish Council agreed with Cllr Smith who suggested that applications for S.106 funding be discussed as an agenda item at next month’s meeting.

Cllr Harris reported that a resident, the 15th Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon, was concerned with the design of the traffic calming scheme entering Clarks Hay from Silver Street. It was pointed out to Cllr Harris that this was a notional plan and as stated in the Minutes page 2225 Mr Midgeley Gloucestershire Highways Area Program Manager would ask for an engineers’ report on a design for actuality of the Clarks Hay scheme.

Cllr Harris enquired if any further action had been forthcoming on the replacement of a tree to commemorate Jim Parker, a past Chairman of the Parish Council. The Clerk would write to Mr Paul de Jong, Environment Standards Manager to request that he expedite action to resolve the matter.

Cllr Harris enquired if any further action had been forthcoming on the alleged mis-use of a lodge on Lake 15 which was being used as a sales office by a local estate agent. Cllr Bennett (CDC) would investigate and report back to the Clerk.

Cllr Harris enquired if any further action had been forthcoming on adverts which had been appended to the chain link fence and others which were free standing at the junction of Station Road and B4696 Eastern Spine Road. Cllr Bennett (CDC) would investigate and report back to the Clerk.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 29th March I attended a lecture and workshop at Chedworth Village Hall explaining which programs were necessary to create a website. It was organised by GRCC and hosted by Melanie Tarrant ably assisted by Roger Taylor, Creative Director of Montpellier Creative Visual Communications of Cheltenham. Roger was attending as a member of ProFree which is an umbrella organisation for professionals who wish to freely contribute their expertise to help the community. The course lasted about two hours and was very informative but unless Raymond Fenton wishes to retire I would recommend that the Parish Council persists with his excellent management of the website.

I would like to remind Parish Councillors that there will not be any committee meetings next month (May) because of the forthcoming elections.

Since this is the last occasion that the current Parish Council will meet I would like to express my appreciation for the support and trust that you have given me over the past four years, during which time I have enjoyed working with all of you. I would like to congratulate all members for their dedication, commitment and success in the many projects undertaken.

During March, of the 22 available working days, I averaged 31/4 hours per day which was marginally less than my contract allowed.

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 16th April. Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris and Cllr Squire had attended the meeting.

Matters Arising
On page 2226 the Committee agreed that the following outstanding matters had been dealt with: Speed Limit Signs and the Blocked Grille on Station Road. Cllr Squire had reminded Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Area Highway Representative that action was required on the overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow, Advertising ‘A’ Boards on the Spine Road, the manhole cover in Station Road, the damaged bus stop sign, the resurfacing of Ham Lane and the hoardings on the south side of the cross roads at Station Road, Cerney Wick Lane and the Spine Road.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce had reported that there was no issue to report at the play area.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris also reported that there was nothing of note to report at the play area.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart who was not at the meeting on Monday then made his report. He had noted that the basketball net stand upright had been slightly bent but was still usable. The cycle mounds were in order and in regular use. Vandals had broken off one tree and used it as fuel for a bonfire. Cllr Harris would remove the remaining stump. Bottles were littering the area by the lake. One rail of the fence surrounding the car park had been knocked out and needed to be reinstated. Cllr Stuart had informed Mr R. Sollis (CDC) that fly tipping of bricks, rubble and two exhaust pipes had occurred by the plastic recycling bin. The Cricket Club pavilion had been further vandalised. More windows had been smashed and new chips in the rendered walls were in evidence. Cllr Bennett (CDC) would inform Les Haines (CDC). The graffiti had not been painted over.

PUBLIC SEAT AT ROBERT FRANKLIN WAY PLAY AREA
Cllr Harris reported that several residents in the vicinity of the play area had complained that the seat at the western entrance encouraged gatherings of youths who, at times, became raucous and boisterously disorderly. Cllr Harris purported that the seat, as sited, was surplus to requirements and should be moved to a site to be decided. It had been proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council considers relocating the seat to the Upper Up playing field.

The Committee was all in favour.

At the Parish Council it was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Webb to abide by the proposal of the Committee to relocate the seat. The Parish Council was all in favour.

RESTRICTING THE USE OF ROBERT FRANKLIN WAY PLAY AREA
Due to behavioural problems late at night at Robert Franklin Way play area Cllr Harris had suggested that use of the area should be restricted. To enforce this policy he asked that consideration is given to a sign being erected which stated: “PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PLAY AREA AFTER 10pm. BY ORDER OF THE PARISH COUNCIL”. It was proposed by Cllr Harris and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council considers erecting two signs at the entrances to the play area from Robert Franklin Way and Lakeside respectively. The Committee was all in favour.

At the Parish Council it was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris to abide by the proposal of the Committee to erect the signs. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE
 

Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Harris had asked the Clerk to request the Housing Association responsible for the hedge between Beverstone Road and Gypsy Lane has it layed to obviate the collection of litter in its vicinity.

Cllr Harris reported that a “Keep Left” bollard had been left outside of Grey Stones in Station Road. Cllr Caunce had recovered the bollard and left it alongside the rear entrance to the Village Hall.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to request Glebe Contractors to spray the base of the trees at Upper Up and ignore the bulbs planted at certain trees.

Cllr Harris noted that the Pay Back in the Community team had not yet reinstated the old sites of two fires which were inconveniencing the contractors mowing the area. Cllr Stuart would speak to Steve Hanson, Pay Back in the Community team’s supervisor.

Cllr Harris noted that the polystyrene sheets had not yet been removed from the river Churn in the vicinity of the concrete bridge leading to Churn Pool. After an inspection the Clerk concurred and agreed to inform the Environment Agency.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform Glebe Contractors that ground maintenance at Robert Franklin Way and the War Memorial had been missed.

Cllr Mrs Chubb noted that Thames Water had not dredged the open ditch in Station Road and asked the Clerk to enquire when they intended to start work. Elizabeth Sale, Local & Regional Government Liaison for Thames Water Utilities had replied that the message had been passed on to Jenny Elliott and she would await her comments and advice.

Cllr Squire complained that some youths were using the street in parts of the village to play football. Such action should be discouraged.

There being no further business Cllr Squire had closed the meeting at 8:24pm.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Cllr Smith reported on the deliberations of the Finance Committee which had met on 16th April. Cllr Jay, Cllr Smith, Cllr Squire and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting which Cllr Smith had opened at 8:30pm.

Apology
Cllr Nicholas had sent his apology for absence as he would be on holiday.

Matters Arising
Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to report that the new light at the junction of Oak Way was not working and another post at the junction of the Langet and Upper Up which had no light.

Graveyard Vandalism
It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council considers granting £500 from the Heritage Building and Monument Fund, for the repair of vandalised grave stones. The Committee was all in favour.

The Parish Council concurred. It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council agrees to grant £500 to All Hallows Church for the repair of the vandalised grave stones. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Correspondence

Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Jay noted that the footpath alongside the playing field at Upper Up, to which the Parish Council had contributed financially, was breaking up due to weeds growing through the tarmacadam. Cllr Squire volunteered to check the surface and report back at the Parish Council meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Squire informed the Parish Council that he had reported the fault to Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Area Highway Representative.

There being no further business Cllr Smith had closed the meeting at 8:55pm.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Cllr Webb reported on the deliberations of the Planning Committee which had met on 16th April. Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Pollard and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Webb had opened the meeting at 9:00pm.

Apology
Cllr Nicholas had sent his apology for absence as he would be on holiday.

SOUTH CERNEY HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY DRAFT REPORT
It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Pollard that the draft report of the Housing Needs Survey be accepted by the Parish Council. The Committee was all in favour.

The Parish Council concurred. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Squire that the alterations to the draft report on the survey by Cllr Nicholas be accepted. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications Received by Cotswold District Council

CT.0006/4/P
Alteration to internal access road at Lake 16, Station Road, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION

CT.2188/G
Applicants: Mr & Mrs J. Cole, 56 Ashcroft Road, Cirencester GL7 1QX
Erection of single storey rear extension at Vezelay, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2380/3/A
Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, Spine Road, South Cerney
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodge development. Plots 5-17 only on Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

Cllr Jay and Cllr Squire declared an interest in the next item as the applicant was a friend.

CT.3887/3/K
Applicant: Mr D. Page, 2 The Lennards, South Cerney
Erection of rear conservatory, front porch and extension to existing front dormer at 2 The Lennards, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

Cllr Stuart declared an interest in this item as the applicant was a friend.
CT.5102/E
Applicant: Revd D. Payne, Langet End, Upper Up, South Cerney
Conversion and extension of existing garage to form a dwelling and erection of garage to serve Langet End at Langet End, Upper Up, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.8622 Amended plans for erection of dwelling at 22 Broadway Lane, South Cerney
If permission allowed, the building would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, incongruous, and disruptive to the rhythm of the street scene.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council accepts the decisions on the above applications made by the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications granted

CT.0006/4/R
Single storey rear extension at 14 Kingfisher Place, South Cerney

CT.0650/G
Demolition of existing outbuildings to rear and lean-to building. Conversion of existing buildings (The Old Post Office) into two (2) cottages and erection of four (4) dwellings at The Old Post Office, High Street, South Cerney
Conditions of note: 3. Before the occupation of the development or the vehicular access being brought into use, the access facilities necessary to serve the site shall be laid out and constructed in accordance with the submitted details with any gates hung so as to open inward and the area within 1m of the carriageway edge surfaced in bituminous macadam or other approved material and thereafter be similarly maintained. Reason: To ensure a satisfactory means of access is provided and maintained in the interests of highway safety and in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 38 and PPG13. 4. The development shall not be occupied or brought into use until the vehicle parking and manoeuvring facilities have been completed in all respects in accordance with the approved details and they shall be similarly maintained thereafter for that purpose. Reason: In the interests of highway safety, and in order to ensure that the development complies with Cotswold District Local Plan Policies 38 and 39. 5. Before the access or development is brought into use a surface catch drain shall be provided across the driveway 1m back from the carriageway edge with provision made for appropriate on-site surface water soakaway facilities and shall be similarly maintained thereafter. Reason: To ensure that surface water does not discharge onto the highway, in the interests of highway safety and in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 38 and PPG13. 24. Notwithstanding the submitted drawings, the permanent boundary treatment along the western boundary referred to in Condition 23 shall be a 1.8 metre high natural drystone wall to replace the western wall of the demolished garage building and a 1.8 metre high close-boarded fence between the latter wall and the dwelling shown as Cottage 1 in the Proposed Block Plan drawing (537/06/11D), unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To preserve the residential amenity of the occupants of the neighbouring dwelling, in accordance with the guidance within PPS1 and Cotswold District Local Policy 5.

CT.2475/2/B
Change of use of land with installation of replacement sewage pumping station at land adjacent Sewage Pumping Station, The Leaze, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/R
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
Conditions of note: 3. No siteworks shall commence until such a time as a temporary car parking area for site operatives and construction traffic has been laid out in accordance with details to be submitted to and agreed in writing the Local Planning Authority and that area shall be retained available for that purpose for the duration of building operations. Reason: To ensure that access roads in the vicinity of the site are kept free from construction traffic in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 38. 7. Any trees or plants shown on the approved landscaping scheme to be planted or retained which die, are removed, are damaged or become diseased, or grassed areas which become eroded or damaged, within 5 years of the completion of the approved landscaping scheme, shall be replaced by the end of the next planting season. Replacement trees and plants shall be of the same size and species as those lost, unless the Local Planning Authority approves alternatives in writing. Reason: To ensure that the planting becomes established and thereby achieves the objective of Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 45. 20. 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 policies 5, 19 and UT1, PPS1 and PPS7. 23. Prior to the commencement of development wheel wash facilities shall be provided on site in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The facilities shall then be installed and maintained for the duration of the development in accordance with the approved details. All vehicles shall use the facilities prior to their exit from the site: 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 38.

CT.4072/F
Approval of all reserved matters in relation to proposed dwelling within garden at Hampton Villa, Cerney Wick

CT.4290/A
Replacement rear extension two storey and single storey at South Leigh, Station Road, South Cerney

Planning applications withdrawn

CT.3930/G
Erection of detached garage, workshop and equipment/maintenance store at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

CT.3930/H
Erection of two storey side extension to existing dwelling at Lake 75, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney

There being no further business Cllr Webb had closed the meeting at 9:40pm.

LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Cllr Stuart and Cllr Jay remarked that quite a lot of the questions in the 16 page document had been answered in previous returns and wondered why the repetition was necessary. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that Cllr Jay, who volunteered to make a response on behalf of the Parish Council, should do so. The Parish Council was in full agreement.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Congratulations, thanks and good wishes were exchanged among those members present at the final meeting of this Parish Council.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that large stones had been laid to the edge of the entrance to Lake 75 and the huge metal gates erected there prevented bird monitoring which was a condition of the granted application. The Clerk will inform the Enforcement Officer.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that holes in the area of tarmac around bus shelter and telephone kiosk near the entrance to the Crown Inn, Cerney Wick needed to be filled in. The Clerk will inform Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to report a fly tipping incident to the Latton Parish Clerk. The incident had occurred on the eastern side of the carriageway on the bridge over the A419 dual carriageway.

Cllr Jay noted that the bus stop sign near Grouse House, Station Road had not yet been repaired. The Clerk will make another effort to see if one of the agencies can be persuaded to re-erect the sign.

Cllr Webb reported that there would be a meeting of the Cotswold Water Park Liaison group on 13th June. Cllr Squire, a retiring member, volunteered to attend on behalf of the Parish Council as the meeting would coincide with a Parish Council meeting.

Cllr Stuart thanked all members for their efforts over the past four years and wished the three retiring Parish Councillors his best wishes. He also thanked the Clerk, Maurice McKee.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9:07pm.