Prior to the meeting Cllr C. Bennett (CDC) introduced two newly elected District Councillors for the Water Park Ward. They were Cllr Mrs J. Aram (CDC) from Somerford Keynes and Cllr P. Messenger (CDC) from Siddington. He promised that either one or two District Councillors would attend the monthly meetings in future. The District Councillors then left the meeting for other business.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 9th MAY 2007.

The Parish Clerk, Maurice McKee opened the meeting at 7.32pm.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18th APRIL 2007

Page 2246: 3rd paragraph delete: Mrs Chapman … insert: Caunce

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Minutes, as amended, were a true and accurate record. Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Walker abstained as they were not present. The remainder of the Parish Councillors were all in favour and Cllr Stuart signed the Minutes.

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Jay once again reported that the bus stop sign outside “Content” in Station Road had not been repaired. The Clerk will liaise with Cllr Bennett (CDC) and report to Gloucestershire Highways that the incident had not yet been dealt with.

Cllr Jay agreed with Cllr Mrs Chubb who stated that the open ditch in Station Road had not been cleaned. The Clerk reported that an email received on the 8th May from Keren James, Customer Relations at Thames Water had stated that the work had been completed by 5th May. As it was now the 9th the Clerk would inform Ms James of the situation. Cllr Jay informed the meeting that a dishwasher which had been dumped in the ditch had been removed by Mr David Chubb.

Cllr Harris again enquired if any reply had been received regarding compensation for damage caused to Jim Parker’s tree. The Clerk responded negatively but would look into the matter.

Cllr Harris stated that the reply from the Enforcement Officer (CDC) was incorrect in stating that the lodge on Lake 15 was only used on a temporary basis as a sales office. It is open for far longer and Mr Grace should be directed to check the advertisements relating in the local press. He stated that the original planning permission curtailed the use of the lodges for hire only.

Cllr Harris was disappointed that no action had been taken by the Enforcement Officer (CDC) over the display of advertisements on the chain link fence at the junction of the B4696 (Spine Road), Cerney Wick Lane and Station Road. The Parish Council had been objecting for years and nothing ever seems to happen. The Clerk will inform Mr Grace about his concerns on both these matters.

The Parish Council had no objection to the public seat which had been removed from Robert Franklin Way play area being installed on the horse shoe shaped hill on the Upper Up playing field.
Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest as a potential contractor and left the room.
It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that James Harris Contracting installs the seat for £60 on the recommended site at Upper Up. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Cllr Harris returned to the room.

The Clerk reported that the signs had been ordered for the Robert Franklin Way play area. Cllr Stuart proposed that Upper Up play area could also benefit but Cllr Jay and Cllr Caunce objected and it was agreed that the Parish Council would wait for the police statement on the recently witnessed vandalism. Cllr Jay extracted figures from a MAIDeN statistical report which purported that there were 199 youths aged between 10-14 and 235 15-19 year olds. Of these only a very small group were misbehaving and it was unfair on the majority to restrict their use of the play area. Cllr Stuart stated that the PCSO would make more regular patrols of the area and suggested that the YPC should be involved in the search for a solution to the problem.

The Clerk was to ask Gillian Portlock, Gloucestershire Highways to recover the broken “Kept Left” bollard which is stored at the rear of the Village Hall. The Clerk was to remind her that the protruding stumps of Lady Fanshawe's hedge in Bow Wow restricting the access thereof, the manhole covers outside "Content" in Station Road and "Londis" shop in Broadway Lane all needed attention.

Laura Mills who has taken over from Sinead Barker at GRCC requested permission to forward the agreed draft, including the personal details collected, of the Housing Needs Survey, to the Cotswold District Council. Cllr Nicholas was concerned that that would be in breach of the anonymity clause agreed to before the survey was carried out. Cllr Nicholas would liaise with Ms Mills and report back to the Parish Council.

CLERK’S REPORT

I would like to welcome new members and established members of the Parish Council to this, the first meeting of this four year session.

After exhaustive enquiries I was able to determine that only a few houses in Beverstone Road were managed by a housing association. It is probable that most of the properties are either owner occupied or out on rent through private landlords. Responsibility for the upkeep of the hedge is therefore impossible to identify.

On the 27th April I delivered the Parish Council’s accounts to Mrs J. Gardiner who will conduct an internal audit prior to sending them to Moore Stephens Accountants in Bath for audit. I collected the completed audited accounts on Tuesday 8th May and will circulate them to the Chairman, Vice Chairman and a member of the Finance Committee for their information.

Keen observers of our web site will notice that minutes of meetings are published after they are approved which usually means a delay of at least four weeks from the date of the meeting until publication. A recent article stated that minutes can be published sooner if it is made clear that they are unapproved. Would the Parish Council agree to this change of procedure in order to positively interact with the community? The Parish Council was in agreement for a trial period.

During April, of the 15 available working days, I averaged 3 hours 50 minutes per day which is about 20 minutes a day more than my contract allows.

PLAY AREAS INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that the site was all in order.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that the phenolic ply steps on the adventure unit were starting to rot and would require monitoring. On the gates two ring latches needed to be replaced and a hinge needed attention. There was evidence that an attempt had been made to light a fire on the safety matting. The ground where the tower slide had been needed about 3 tonnes of top soil and seeding. Cllr Stuart will liaise with the Pay Back in Community group and inform Cllr Harris when they will be available. Cllr Harris will then arrange the delivery of the top soil. The seat has now been removed. The area in the vicinity of the goal posts needed a half tonne of top soil to fill in the holes and then seeded. The grass in the toddlers play area had not been cut during the last visit by the contractors.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the green play surface around the activity area had been cut but it was impossible to ascertain whether it had been done with the grass mower or by a knife. There was no sign of the missing piece and other areas are showing signs of tampering. It was agreed to get the supplier’s agent to look at the problem and quote for work. Work had commenced on the sewerage pipe line across the field. The fencing had been erected neatly. The top soil had been removed and some of it was being stored on the top of the cycle mounds. Cllr Stuart helped Cllr Harris to water the trees with the Bowls Club’s pump. The grass cutting looks very good and the weeds were sprayed a few days ago. The safety surface of the large activity area needed to be topped up with sand. The large green collection bins had been defaced with graffiti although the culprits had signed their work which made detection rather easy. The police have been informed.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

PLANNING

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge declared a prejudicial interest as relatives of the applicant and left the room.
CT.1350/F & CT.1350/G
Applicants: Mr & Mrs C. Jeffrey, 42 Bowling Green Lane, Cirencester
Conversion of traditional barns to form a dwelling and home office, demolition of barn at Berry Farm Barn, Silver Street, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council does not object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge returned to the room.

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next two items as the applicant was a client and left the room.
CT.1470/1/D
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, Spine Road, South Cerney
Erection of 4 (four) holiday lodges at Lake 14, Spring Lake, Station Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Walker and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council does not object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CT.2648/3/P
Amendment to siting of Units 9, 10, 11 and 12, and extensions to decks at Units 9 and 10 at Lake 10, Spine Road, South Cerney (R)
NO OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of the Planning Committee not to object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris had previously declared that the applicant was a friend and remained outside the room where he was joined by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge who declared that the applicant was also a friend.
CT.4086/H
Applicant: Mr A. Brassington, 7 Edwards College, South Cerney
Erection of detached stone store to the rear at 7 Edwards College, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council does not object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.
Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Jay, Cllr Stuart joined Cllr Mrs Tunbridge outside the room as the applicants were a friend.
CT.4630/S
Applicants: Mr & Mrs D. Poulton, Millside, School Lane, South Cerney
Single storey link between house and existing garage and erection of new garage at Millside, School Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council does not object to this application. The Parish Council was all in favour.
All Parish Councillors declaring interests returned to the room.

CT.3887/3/P
Applicants: Mr & Mrs R. Jehu, 61 Boxbush Road, South Cerney
Erection of two storey side extension at 61 Boxbush Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.4454/K
Applicant: Mr E. Adams, Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney
Conversion of pig pens to form 8 (eight) holiday accommodation units and associated parking and access works at Quarry Farm, Cricklade Road, South Cerney
The standard of design of this development is dire, inappropriate and unsustainable for this location.
OBJECTION

CT.8622
Applicant: Samuel Roze Ltd, Summerfield, Church Road, Biddestone, Chippenham, Wilts
Amended plans to increase width of dwelling. Amended front fenestration.
Erection of dwelling at 22 Broadway Lane, South Cerney
The Parish Council agreed to maintain its objection because if permission is allowed the building would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, incongruous and disruptive to the rhythm of the street scene.
OBJECTION

CT.8631
Applicant: Mr D. Miles (Owner)
Erection of replacement agricultural building at Westdown Farm Buildings, Cirencester Road, South Cerney
The visual impact would be significantly different from the original. The building is not considered genuine in an agricultural context.
OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council agrees to the decisions taken on the previous four applications. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Planning Applications granted by Cotswold District Council

CT.0006/4/P
Minor amendment approval to alteration of internal access road at Lake 16, Station Road, South Cerney

CT.2648/3/S
Cable tow water-ski course with club house/restaurants/swimming pool/shops/health club (re-submission) at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
Conditions of note: 2. Notwithstanding the submitted details, the shop units and office accommodation hereby permitted shall not be used other than for purposes ancillary to the nearby holiday lodge developments. Reason: Uses other than ancillary to the principal development hereby approved would require further consideration with regard to highway and sustainability issues. 6. 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. 22. There shall be no outdoor public address system within the application site other than for emergency use. Reason: To protect the amenity of the locality, especially for people living and/or working nearby, in accordance with Cotswold District Council Plan Policies 5, 19 and Water Park Policy UT.1 and PPG24. 24. Notwithstanding the submitted drawings, the bund along the eastern edge of the site shall be permanently maintained. Reason: To protect the amenity of the locality, especially for people living and/or working nearby, in accordance with Cotswold District Council Plan Policies 5, 19 and Water Park Policy UT.1 and PPG24. 26. The level of noise emitted from the site shall not exceed 60dB LAeq (1 hour) between 08:00 and 20:00 hours, and 45dB 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 Council Plan Policies 5, 19 and Water Park Policy UT.1 and PPG24. 28. Before the development commences a scheme shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the local planning authority which specifies the provisions to be made for the level of illumination of the site and the control of light pollution. The scheme should be implemented and maintained in accordance with the approved details unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. Reason: To prevent light pollution in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 5.

TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING FROM LAKE 6 (FOUR PILLARS HOTEL) S.106 CONTRIBUTION FUND

As part of the planning permission for the erection of a hotel at Lake 6, South Cerney in the Cotswold Water Park a section 106 legal agreement was signed by Cotswold District Council and Cotswold Four Pillars Ltd, the hotel developers. Under this legal agreement Cotswold Four Pillars are contributing £100,000 to conserving and enhancing the wildlife and landscape of the Water Park. Cotswold District Council is administering the way in which the £100,000 is to be spent. The deadline for application for funds is 26th June 2007.

Cllr Mrs Land suggested that an application be made to create pathways on roadways from the village to developments on the Spine Road. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Jay on behalf of South Cerney Trust with the support of the Parish Council will apply to the fund for a grant to create traffic calming schemes in the village. Cllr Harris and Cllr Stuart will liaise with Dr Simon Pickering from the Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd and Mike Barton of GCC Public Rights of Way respectively on a scheme to create a pathway from Upper Up to Keynes Park.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Jay reported that Murphy Contractors had positioned its diversion signs on public footpaths thereby inconveniencing users. The Clerk will inform Stuart Millsom at Moore Allen & Innocent.

Cllr Jay enquired when the graffiti would be removed from the bus shelter outside the Limes.
Cllr Stuart replied that he was awaiting developments from the Pay Back in the Community team.

Cllr Caunce reported stopping outside Morning Dew, Cerney Wick to take down the details of the builder and architect, on his way to this meeting and meet with James Smith who enquired about his actions. The outcome of their discussions was Mr Smith’s commitment to ensure that the builders reinstate the verges. He would like to thank Mr Smith for his support. The Clerk will write to Mr Smith.

Cllr Caunce requested that the Parish Council considers installing a basketball net on the Cerney Wick play area. Cllr Stuart replied that when the MUGA is installed at Upper Up the basketball apparatus there could possibly be moved to Cerney Wick. The Parish Council did not object.

Cllr Webb asked that the Clerk requests Mr Squire to raise the question of the state of the car park opposite Spring Lake in Station Road when he attends the meeting of the Cotswold Water Park Society Ltd at Keynes Park on behalf of the Parish Council.

Cllr Webb stated that a doggy bin was required at the corner of Gypsy Lane and Broadway Lane. The Clerk will inform CDC.

Cllr Harris also requested that a doggy bin be installed near the bridge in Clarks Hay and the dog fouling signs on Bow Wow replaced. The Clerk will inform CDC.

Cllr Harris reported that the bus stop sign on the Spine Road near the access to Lake 12 needed to be re-erected. The Clerk will inform GCC Highways.

Cllr Harris reported that the footpath sign for BSC11 was propped up in the car park at Ann Edwards School and needed to be re-erected. The Clerk will inform Mike Barton, GCC Public Rights of Way.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report to Mike Barton that the river bank on the south east corner of the Four Pillars Hotel development, BSC21, was eroding and in need of attention. Willows in the same area need to be pollared.

Cllr Mrs Land enquired about the access at the end of Ham Lane to the Fishermen’s Rest pit and was informed that an application was in progress to create a public right of way.

Cllr Mrs Land enquired about the responsibility for the open space in Winchcombe Gardens. The Clerk would endeavour to let Cllr Mrs Land have sight of the email negotiations between the developers and the Parish Council. The Clerk was asked to make the application and its conditions an agenda item for the Planning Committee’s meeting next month.

Cllr Stuart asked for volunteers to promote an application for the village to compete in this year’s Calor Gas Village of the Year competition. As he had been actively involved for the past three years it was time that other Parish Councillors took the lead. There were no volunteers.

CERNEY WICK NEWS

The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Jay that the results of the recent election be published in the Cerney News. The names should be listed alphabetically and not by the number of votes achieved.

Residents were to be reminded that the deadline for making an application to the Four Pillars Hotel S.106 Contribution Fund was the 27th June.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 10.42pm.