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

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

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th September 2007

Page 2299: CLERK’S REPORT – 3rd paragraph, 7th line insert after: flooded ... allegedly

Page 2299: CLERK’S REPORT – 3rd paragraph: 7th & 8th line delete: Currently she is employing a surveyor ... insert: A surveyor is being employed Page

2301: Review of Recent Floods – 3rd line delete: stated ... insert: alleged

Page 2307: FLOOD PREVENTION – 5th line delete: drain or

Page 2307: FLOOD PREVETIO – 5th line delete: property ... insert: field beyond the old railway line

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

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

No representative from the Youth Parish Council attended the meeting.

PCSO MIKE OWEN INTRODUCTION

Cllr Stuart welcomed PCSO Mike Owen to the meeting who then introduced himself to the Parish Council as the latest recruit to patrol in South Cerney and Cerney Wick. It is his intention to be proactive within the community, explaining that PCSO coverage would be from 8am until 10pm daily. He replied affirmatively to a query from Cllr Harris on the availability of transport. Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting he had attended with the Clerk at CDC regarding the introduction of new traffic assistants who would take over the enforcement of parking in designated areas throughout the district from Monday 5th November. PCSO Owen then left the meeting to continue his patrol.

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Webb enquired why the Clerk had not written to GCC Highways about the state of Broadway Lane. The Clerk explained that two letters had been received from the authority explaining in detail the problems it was experiencing in the aftermath of the flood crisis earlier in the year and the reasons would only be reiterated if such a query was repeated. Nevertheless, it was agreed that the state of the carriageway should be highlighted and the authority asked to inform the Parish Council when it intended to carry out resurfacing.

Cllr Harris enquired from Cllr Mrs Aram (CDC) if she had anything further to report on the erection of holiday homes. The Clerk interrupted and informed Cllr Harris that Cllr Mrs Aram (CDC) had emailed a report of her findings which he had broadcast to all Parish Councillors on email. Cllr Harris explained that he had problems with his email service and was not aware of the information. Cllr Mrs Aram (CDC) continued, since then the Environment Agency had informed CDC that it had no objection to the development on Lake 17.

CLERK’S REPORT

On 18th September Jan Wildman delivered the speed gun and explained its operation and rules of use. I delivered the kit to Cllr Stuart and informed all those Councillors on email that he was asking for volunteers to use the gun. The equipment was recovered on Monday 1st October and returned to Mrs Wildman.

On Thursday 27th September I attended the AGM of the county branch of the SLCC in Wotton under Edge. Stephen Wright, now Chairman of the Gloucestershire Quality Parish Accreditation Panel was the main speaker. He argued the case for parish and town councils achieving “quality status” primarily because the political map was changing from three tier local government to two as evidenced by what has happened in Wiltshire. He was convinced that more services would be devolved to the parish and town councils when this change became effective. Of the 14 clerks who attended the meeting out of a total of 96 in the county only one was currently endeavouring to achieve quality status.

On Friday 28th September I accompanied Cllr Stuart to a meeting with Geoffrey Clifton- Brown MP, Cllr Shaun Parsons (GCC), Chris Franklin Area Stakeholder Manager, Andrew Parker-Mowbray Team Leader Accident Investigation & Prevention and Terry Gibson Development Control, all representing Gloucestershire Highways, Sean Hodgson and another from Waters Edge development, Mike Hindley and Ron Jefferies from Cerney Wick to discuss how to make using the junction of Cerney Wick Lane, Station Road and Spine Road less dangerous. The solution to lower the speed limit was favoured as traffic lights would not be installed prior to 2011 and a roundabout would be expensive although neither scheme was totally discounted. Chris Franklin will conduct a traffic survey and report back to the group sometime in early spring of 2008.

On Wednesday 3rd October I accompanied Cllr Stuart to a meeting at CDC, Trinity Road where the new enforcement of parking regulations throughout the district was explained. District Councils in conjunction with the County Council will manage the scheme instead of the Police. Revenue, beyond what was needed to recoup costs, would be ring-fenced for use in enhancing motorists’ facilities. It was not the intention to be overly aggressive in the implementation of the scheme and a six-month period was envisaged to let it bed down from its start date on November 5th. One of the presenters said that it was the ambition to issue “quality” tickets. Cllr Stuart asked if any of the income would be available for South Cerney but was dismayed to learn that only communities contributing would be eligible. I enquired if the scheme was to be incentive driven but was reassured that it would not.

On Thursday 4th October I attended the Lighting Forum in the Village Hall along with Cllr Stuart, Cllr Jay and Cllr Webb. Barry Greenaway GCC Street Lighting Manager and Lesley Smith from Street Lighting also attended. Overall 14 residents came to inspect and comment on the plan 5 of whom were against any reduction which represented 65 per cent in favour.

On Friday 5th October Cllr Webb and myself attended an early morning function at the Four Pillars Hotel which gave a report on the plan for the future of the Cotswold Water Park. Martin Orme, General Manager of the hotel promoted the facilities and function of the hotel, a director the Cooperative Society explained how it behaves as a major land owner within the area and a member of the consultants currently working on the plan gave an overall view of its objectives.

During September, of the 20 available working days, I averaged 3 hours 55 minutes per day which is about 10% more than my contract allows.

REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 8th OCTOBER

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Walker attended the meeting which Cllr Caunce opened at 7pm.

Matters Arising from previous Minutes

Replacement Curfew Restriction Sign
Cllr Harris reported that the replacement sign had been installed.

VAS Station Road
Cllr Caunce reported that the vehicle sign in Station Road was now operating correctly. In future if it was necessary to report the equipment as faulty the Clerk had been advised to telephone George Surman on 01452 583542 or email george.surman@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Clerk’s Report; Review of Recent Floods; Flood Prevention
Cllr Harris reported that he had seen a surveyor’s report on drainage in Bow Wow which ostensibly had no significant effect on the recent floods in that area.

Compensatory Wish List
The Clerk had contacted Stuart Milsom (Parish Council agent) who informed him that Thames Water was currently undertaking some research and costings and therefore he can’t do much more until it has formally responded. He has made it clear to Peter Mitchell agent representing Thames Water that we need to agree any works in kind as soon as possible, not least because much of the equipment required to undertake these works is already on site.

Station Road Ditch
The Clerk reported that no quotes had been received and advised that the Parish Council should consider requesting Gloucestershire Highways, who were ultimately responsible for its maintenance, of the problems encountered due to new legislation in securing a contractor to carry out the dredging work. The Committee was in favour and asked the Clerk to copy the correspondence to Cllr S. Parsons (GCC).

River Churn Bank Reinstatement
The Clerk was asked to enquire from Chris Franklin, Gloucestershire Highways if there were any developments to report on his meeting with the Environment Agency. Mr Franklin had informed the Clerk that a meeting had been arranged for 10th October but through illness of a member of the Environment Agency the meeting had to be postponed.

Upper Up Bike Ramps
Cllr Caunce had been in contact with Julie Tegg, Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association who will advise on further action at a later date.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that the 360 degree swing will remain out of action until the replacement base plate is delivered. The missing brackets reported in the previous month’s report had been replaced.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that with the exception of the Cycle Mounds all play equipment was serviceable. The Fenplay safety surfaces which were awaiting repair had been completed and the sand delivered to Rose Cottage. Cllr Stuart would ask Mr Curtis if he would help to spread it over the safety area. The Cycle Mounds are unusable due to civil engineering works. The recently installed seat on the mounds has been vandalised and needs to be repaired. It was decided to redesign the seat and create a bench instead. Cllr Harris reported that he had removed most of the back rest on the bench since the Monday evening meeting. Considerable rubbish is being left in the vicinity of the recycling bins and Cllr Stuart has requested CDC to arrange a regular cleaning exercise. It was agreed to recommend that the Finance Committee sanction an extra payment to Mr Curtis for his efforts in taking the fireman’s pole to and from the welder in Broadway Lane for repair.

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that two rails on the seat were broken and needed to be replaced. It was undecided whether or not to replace the seat with a new one. Cllr Caunce will inspect the base of the seat and report his findings to the Parish Council.

SPEED GUN REPORT
Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Nicholas checked traffic speeds on the evening of Friday 21st September. It was believed that due to their conspicuous florescent waistcoats vigilant motorists curtailed their speed through the surveillance area and the results were not representative of normal behaviour. On Saturday 29th September Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and PCSO Pooley carried out a further operation with similar results. Some motorists were guilty of abusing the limit and would be notified but not prosecuted. Overall Cllr Mrs Tunbridge said that it was a useful exercise.

FLOOD RECOVERY CORRESPONDENCE
In reply to a query from Mrs Claire Locke (Ride) CDC Emergency Planning, Licensing & Private Sector Housing Manager regarding flooding events in the Parish it was agreed to advise her that: i) sewage contaminated surface water in Clarks Hay; ii) river flooding affected No.1 School Lane and surface water flooded the cellar of Century House, Silver Street; iii) residential streets affected were Silver Street, Clarks Hay, School Lane and north end of Cerney Wick; iv) No community assets were affected.

STATION ROAD BUS SHELTER PROPOSAL
The Committee was of the opinion that there was a requirement to install a bus shelter on the north side of Station Road in the vicinity of South Cerney House and the entrance to the Lennards to provide a facility for bus passengers from nearby dwellings. Cllr Mrs Chubb volunteered to enquire from GCC on available grants and designs of bus shelters. If a plan could be formatted the scheme might be considered for finance from next year’s budget.Cllr Mrs Chubb had been told by GCC that there was no money available as it had been used for flood relief but to apply in the next financial year. Cllr Jay asked that residents in the vicinity of the proposed shelter should be consulted about the installation before a final decision is made to go ahead.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Harris queried if the small wooden bridge construction crossing the stream which in turn flows under the large brick bridge carrying the road going from Bow Wow to Sisters Farm is to be repaired. Cllr Stuart replied that in the past Mike Mould from Lower Mill had maintained it but recently the Parish Council had asked GCC PROW to accept that it owns the land and to take on responsibility for all future repairs.

Cllr Harris had contacted Jim Sokol from the Environment Agency about the unkempt state of the small stream which flowed through Franklin’s field between the old railway line and Crane Farm in Bow Wow. Mr Sokol could not force action on the owner but would advise him of the potential hazard.

Cllr Harris reported that Mr Fisher had asked to be reimbursed as the oak tree planted on his behalf at Upper Up had failed. Cllr Harris considered that the tree was stressed and Cllr Stuart agreed that it was not dead but should show recovery in its next year of growth. Cllr Harris will inform Mr Fisher.

Cllr Nicholas referred the Committee to his report on the Flood Forum which he had emailed to Parish Councillors.

Cllr Nicholas had attended a workshop on the Master Plan Process for the Cotswold Water Park on 26th September at the Gateway Centre. He considered it would an advantage if a dialogue could be established with Scott Wilson in order to involve the Parish Council in the future plans of the Cotswold Water Park. It would also be useful to liaise with Somerford Keynes who had similar concerns.

Cllr Stuart reminded Parish Councillors to prepare any bids they might have for the precept budget meeting which will convene in January 2008.

There being no further business Cllr Caunce had closed the meeting at 8:35pm.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 8th OCTOBER

Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay opened the meeting at 8:35pm.

Apologies
Cllr Stuart had sent his apology for absence as he was otherwise engaged.

Matters Arising
The Clerk replied in the negative to a query from Cllr Jay if Bloor Homes had been in contact since the last meeting. There had been no reply from Mr Franklin regarding a request for a quote to dredge the open ditch in Station Road. Mary Mychaleckyj, GCC Youth Worker had been in contact although there was no finance element in her communication.

Cllr Jay had inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for September

The Committee recommended that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE

 There being no further business Cllr Jay closed the meeting at 8:56pm.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 8th OCTOBER

At the full Council Meeting, Cllr Webb gave the report as Cllr Nicholas had sent his apology for absence.

Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas had opened the meeting at 9:00pm.

Apology
Cllr Stuart had sent his apology for absence as he was otherwise engaged.

Matters Arising
The Clerk was to inform Dr A. Pellegram (CDC) that a response was awaited to the issues raised at a recent meeting with Parish Councillors and to inform her how useful they found the discussions.

Planning Applications Received by Cotswold District Council

CT.1454/4/N Applicant: Ms Alison Russell, The Willows, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney
Replacement of a temporary mobile home with a new building incorporating (a) a three bedroom keyworker with (b) office space for the fishery and fish farm at The Willows, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney
A new dwelling in this isolated location is unacceptable and would have a detrimental impact on the environment. The nature of the design is patently not for a “key worker”. There is no genuine need for a dwelling on the site. It would be very undesirable to have an individual primary residential dwelling on this or other lakes in the Water Park. Whilst undoubtedly a high quality contemporary design, it would be very conspicuous in this rural location.
OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council accepts the deliberation of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the following three applications as the applicant was a client and left the room.

CT.0006/4/Q Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Alterations to lodge design for plot 46 including provision of a boathouse at Lake 16, Cotswold Water Park, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
It would compromise the uniformity of the design of the development. As with the other such second home developments, a clear pattern of design is vital to the character and overall appearance.
OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/Y Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodges for Plots 23-30 only at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/3/Z Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodges for Plots 18-22 and 32 at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

Planning Application Refused by Cotswold District Council

CT.1498/C
Proposed new dwelling at The Ridges, Station Road, South Cerney
Conditions of note: 1. The proposal would result in development which would be out of scale and character with the adjoining dwelling, on a severely restricted plot, and would adversely affect the residential amenities of existing and future occupants. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies 18(c) and 46 of the Cotswold District Local Plan and national guidance in PPS1. 2. The proposed development does not incorporate sufficient vehicle parking and turning facilities for the proposed development or the new dwelling to enable a vehicle to enter and leave the site in forward gear at all times with the result that vehicles would be likely to reverse to or from the county highway, contrary to the interests of highway safety.

Planning Applications Withdrawn

CT.5102/E
Conversion and extension of existing garage to form a dwelling. Erection of garage to serve Langet End, Upper Up, South Cerney

There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9:27pm.

SEVERN & THAMES CANAL

The Parish Council agreed to a suggestion from the Chairman that this item be carried over to next month’s agenda as Cllr Messenger (CDC) who had requested the debate had given his apology for absence due to a car accident. Cllr Bennett (CDC) said in order to avoid confusion this scheme was a “pet project” of Cllr Messenger’s and not necessarily CDC policy. Cllr Caunce stated in his opinion there was nothing further to discuss and the matter should be brought to a close. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council agreed to postpone the debate and that the item is formed as a resolution on the agenda for November. Eight Parish Councillors were in favour and 1 against. The motion was therefore carried.

LIGHTING PLAN FOR SOUTH CERNEY

The target set by GCC was to reduce CO2 emisisons by 10% by 2012 and street lighting presently accounts for 8,800 tonnes which costs £1.8m. Part night lighting will reduce operating hours and annual costs by approx 40% per annum for each converted street light. Throughout the county 161 town and parish councils have been invited to particpate in the project. The plan displayed is a coarse proposal as the team had to deal with almost 70 applications from local councils in the past few weeks and it was not possible to carry out site surveys. Parish Councillors are invited to change the coarse proposals using their knowledge of local situations and needs. The police will be invited to comment on the final draft proposal. The plan in South Cerney is to convert 80 lights to part night operation which is 32%, giving a reduction in CO2 emisisons of 3.94 tonnes and £763 per year. The work will take no more than 3 days and a small yellow marker will be banded onto the support column or post to denote a part night street light. The sensor/timing device will need about 3 nights to “acclimatise” to the time of year. Accuracy is within 15 minutes and the device adjusts for the changeover from GMT to BST. Once operational, if the Parish Council wishes to alter the plan, GCC will give this urgent attention. Arrangements are in hand to monitor the monthly before and after road traffic accidents and crime figures for each local council participating in the project.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Webb was concerned with the potential delay to the sewerage works if the scheme was to be stymied by the refusal of a land owner to agree a value with Thames Water thereby forcing a compulsory purchase order which could take years before fruition. The Parish Council agreed that Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP should be made aware of the situtation to see if he could expedite a resolution.

Cllr Jay reported that the South Cerney Trust had taken out membership of the Open Spaces Society so that it can call on its expertise when required. In the same way the Trust has been a member of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for years it had joined forces with the Open Spaces Society.

Cllr Mrs Tunbridge reported that Lady Fanshawe was concerned with the security of her swimming pool. Cllr Stuart informed her that the police were monitoring the situation.

Cllr Mrs Chapman asked the Clerk to inform the owners of the field opposite the home of Mrs D. Rimes in Cerney Wick to cut back their hedge as it was inconveniencing road users.

Cllr Mrs Chapman asked the Clerk to enquire from Roger Sollis about the cost of installing a dog bin and where it might be sourced. The Parish Council agreed that it is treated as an agenda item at next month’s meeting.

Cllr Mrs Chubb complained that persons were removing stones from the wall in Station Road. Cllr Stuart advised her to report the incident to the police.

Cllr Mrs Land reported that residents of the flats in Berkeley Close complained that those living in Winchcombe Gardens were using their parking spaces. Cllr Stuart suggested that she contact Fosseway Housing regarding car parking on its land and PCSO Lesley Pooley or PCSO Mike Owen on illegal parking in the Keep Clear space.

Cllr Caunce will liaise with Cllr Harris and Cllr Webb to complete the agreed seat survey. The Clerk had provided a copy of the street lighting plan to help them with their audit.

Cllr Stuart informed the Parish Council that Mel Tarrant (GRCC) was leaving that organisation to take up a post with Shelter in London. Mel, he continued, had provided excellent help to the Parish, especially in the construction of its local plan. The Parish Council agreed that a letter of appreciation should be sent to her.

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS

An item to explain the removal of the damaged concrete seat at the junction of the Lennards and Station Road due to safety concerns and the possibility of replacing it with a bus shelter. Instructions to those using the recycling containers on the Upper Up car park not to leave uncyclable material in the vicinity of the bins. The cardboard collection scheme was proving a big success and arrangements had been made for the skip to be emptied once a week. Drivers who had been caught exceeding the speed limit by the recent exercise would be notified of their misconduct by the police but not prosecuted.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9:03pm.