MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 9th JANUARY 2008.

Prior to the Parish Council meeting the Chairman, Cllr Stuart warmly welcomed Dr Simon Pickering from the Water Park Society Ltd to a meeting with Parish Councillors. Cllr Stuart reminded Parish Councillors of the implications of the Biodiversity Act in how every deed sanctioned by the Parish Council must work in conjunction with its aims. Dr Pickering spoke of how the first biodiversity action plan had been launched in 1997 and now a new plan was to take over for the period 2007 until 2016. Notable successes of the old plan was the progress of water voles and otters in the area. The Act, he continued, made it a duty for Parish Councils to take account of biodiversity in every sphere of influence and operation to improve the environment of the Parish. Grants were available and there were numerous schemes locally being planned to access the remaining S.106 contribution from the 4 Pillars Hotel development. Cllr Stuart, Cllr Jay and Cllr Harris would meet with Dr Pickering on 15th January to discuss and inspect biodiversity opportunities which might be eligible for funding. Cllr Caunce suggested installing bird and bat boxes in a scheme which might include input from the youth of the parish to install and manage. Dr Pickering mentioned another available fund from the BBC Breathing Spaces which would grant sums of up to £5,000 but the deadline for applications was 18th January. He suggested other schemes the Parish Council might help with, for example the management of hedgerows and the encouragement of bats. All these ideas will be further discussed when the group meets on 15th January. In reply to a question from Cllr Harris, Dr Pickering confirmed that the Scott-Wilson report was moving forward and a public meeting was planned for 31st January to present the master plan to local parishes. Work had started on Lakeside car park and would continue. If the Parish Council wished to promote access from the bridlepath on Lake 16 to the car park it should form a group to lobby GCC Highways to support such a scheme. Dr Pickering would use his persuasive powers to assist. Cllr Stuart, on behalf of the assembled Parish Councillors, sincerely thanked Dr Pickering for his attendance. Dr Pickering then left the meeting.

The Chairman, Cllr Stuart opened the meeting at 7.45pm.

APOLOGIES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12th December 2007

Page 2337: MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14th NOVEMBER 2007 – 4th paragraph, 2nd line delete “they” insert: he

Page 2340: DOG BIN INSTALLATIONS – 2nd line delete “he favoured.” insert: would be more favourable in operation.

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce 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.

MATTERS ARISING

Missing VAS
The Clerk was asked to enquire from Gloucestershire Highways when the damaged VAS in Silver Street might be reinstalled. Cllr Harris reported that the VAS in Broadway Lane was now back in operation.

Clarks Hay Notice Board
Cllr Caunce reported that he had been informed by BETEC Joinery Ltd that work on the replacement notice board in Clarks Hay should not be expected before the end of February.

Permissive Path
Cllr Stuart reported that he had spoken with Mr Westell of Aggregate Industries on the problems of designing a suitable barrier to access the permissive path and discussions would continue. Cllr Stuart was confident that a successful outcome will be possible.

Bore Hole Lease
The initial agreement with the Environment Agency granted on 19th December 2002 for a term of 25 years at an initial rent of £100 provides for an upward review of the rent every 5 years. Cllr Nicholas kindly calculated the increase which should be demanded for the use of part of the Upper Up playing field as a site for an observation borehole based on the all items index figure of the index of retail prices as published by the Office for National Statistics as £117.68. The Parish Council agreed that the Clerk propose this figure to the Environment Agency.

CLERK’S REPORT

On the evening of 2nd January I attended a meeting of the Finance Committee held at Cllr Jay’s house to discuss the Precept demand. Cllr Mrs Land was unable to attend as she was recovering from illness. Cllr Caunce attended as Chairman of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee. The recommendations are an agenda item for debate later. On behalf of the members attending I would like to thank Cllr Jay for his generous hospitality.

During December of the 16 available working days I averaged 41/2 hours per day which is acceptably more than my contract allows for.

REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7:03pm.

Apology
Cllr Walker was absent due his continuing illness.

Matters Arising from previous Minutes

Station Road Ditch
The Clerk reported that no reply had been received from Gloucestershire Highways regarding the exposed pipes which transverse the ditch in front of culverts causing debris to collect and cause obstruction to the water flow although in fairness, due to the recent holiday festivities, the report had been made on Sunday 30th December.

Silt in Station Road Ditch
Cllr Harris reported that silt and gravel had been deposited in the ditch near to The Piece after the most recent burst sewerage main in December 2007. The Clerk was asked to inform Gloucestershire Highways of the need to dredge the ditch bed.

CCTV Survey
On 29th November 2007 the Clerk had written to Chris Franklin, Stakeholder Manager (South) at Gloucestershire Highways for an update on actions recommended by a cctv survey carried out in November 2001. A reply was awaited.

River Churn Bank Reinstatement
Chris Franklin, Gloucestershire Highways was still awaiting a consent license from the Environment Agency before work could proceed.

Bus Shelter Designs
The Committee Chairman, Cllr Caunce thanked Cllr Mrs Chubb for researching estimates of bus shelters prior to the precept meeting. A reply was awaited from Gloucestershire Highways to an enquiry where it would consider the most appropriate location for a bus shelter in the vicinity of the junction of The Lennards and Station Road.

VAS Reliability
The Clerk had ascertained that Gloucestershire Highways would be responsible for the maintenance of the signs when the guarantee period expired.

Permissive Path to rear of Kingfisher Place
Cllr Stuart will contact Mr Westell at Aggregate Industries to progress negotiations on various access proposals.

Dog Bin Installation Quote
R.O.W. Berry’s quote was discussed but after discussion it was unresolved as to which type of bin or the fixture thereof should be selected. It was agreed that firm proposals be discussed at the next Committee meeting in February. Road Markings outside Village Hall It had been ascertained from Gloucestershire Highways that the markings had been made after a request from a village resident.

Loss of View from Millennium Seat, Bow Wow
Cllr Nicholas determined that Mr Stansfield, owner of The Downings, has a registered ‘possessory’ title to the strip of river bank, opposite the Millennium Seat in Bow Wow, adjoining his property. Cllr Nicholas will liaise with Mr Coope, who is a neighbour of Mr Stansfield, to see if it is possible to persuade Mr Stansfield to agree to lower the height of the leylandii trees which curtail the view of the church from the public seat.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that all was in order at the Cerney Wick play area.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that all was in order at the Robert Franklin Way play area.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the play area was in good order. The Cycle Mounds had little use at this time of year. The drainage system was working well. The surface of the car park is much worse than last month probably due to the extra use by vehicles delivering cardboard and plastic bottles to the recycling bins.

LOCAL FLOOD PLAN

Cllr Harris reported that Mr Sokol from the Environment Agency had written to Mr Franklin at Worms Farm stating that clearance of ditches on his farm would alleviate a potential cause of flooding. Mr Sokol made it clear to Cllr Harris that he did not have any powers to insist that action be taken. Cllr Nicholas agreed to liaise with the Franklins regarding the state of their ditches. A CD report comprising some 148 pages on the summer flooding emergency was in circulation and the Committee agreed with Cllr Caunce who suggested that Councillors study this report which could then be discussed at the March Committee meeting. Cllr Nicholas had circulated an abridged version, some 14 pages, of the report highlighting relevant extracts applicable to the parish. Cllr Stuart thanked Cllr Nicholas for his efforts. Cllr Nicholas stated that it was unrealistic that the Parish Council should be considered as a first responder. A more practical solution would be for the contact details, of those in authority accountable in such emergencies, to be displayed on the notice board, published in the Cerney News and on the web site. The Clerk was asked to thank Rachel Topps (GCC) for arranging delivery of 50 the booklets for distribution. Cllr Stuart disagreed with the statement printed on the inside front cover of the “Flood Guide” that the publication had been sent to every resident in Gloucestershire. The Parish Council agreed with a suggestion from Cllr Stuart that the Clerk inform Ms Topps that South Cerney had not been included in the distribution and this needed to be rectified. The Cerney News maybe could provide a distribution service if contacted.

BOLLARDS AND LIGHTS IN BERKELEY CLOSE

The Clerk was to enlist the help of Cllr Parsons (GCC) in trying to resolve the problem of the non-operating street lights in the Winchcombe Gardens neighbourhood and also the dangerous stealth bollards in the highway.

DOG CONTROL ORDERS

The Committee considered that the CDC survey had been emailed without adequate explanation. Parish Councillors recognised that dog fouling is a problem and the Committee was proactive in increasing the number of dog bins in the Parish. It was questioned as to how the proposed regulations might be enforced. The Committee was happy to respond but would like clarification of the detail, background and context of the new regulations. The general answer to all the survey’s questions was “possibly”. The Clerk was asked to invite Kate Bishop to a meeting with Parish Councillors to explain the implications.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Harris reported that encapsulated A4 instruction sheets relating to an Army training exercise on 12th December were still in situ at various locations throughout the village. The Clerk was asked to request the Adjutant to arrange for their removal. Cllr Harris reported that large pipes buried vertically in the ground in the vicinity of Lake 16 and Kingfisher Place had been left, in his opinion, with inadequate protection. Prior to the Parish Council meeting Cllr Stuart had ascertained that the work was not yet completed.

Cllr Harris asked that fly tipping in the vicinity of Andy’s Lake, off Wildmoorway Lane, be reported to Roger Sollis at CDC.

Cllr Stuart reported that a biodiversity meeting at the Cotswold Water Park Society on 18th December had been rearranged for 15th January.

There being no further business Cllr Caunce closed the meeting at 8:25pm.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY

Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay opened the meeting at 8:30pm.

Matters Arising
The Clerk reported that he had met with Chris Graham, MAI who had advised on the most prudent and cost effective way in which to recover outstanding fees from Thames Water.

Spread sheet analysis
Cllr Jay was satisfied with the current financial position as stated in the spread sheet. He reiterated that it was a valuable tool enabling a close control of Parish Council expenditure. It also highlighted instances of underspend which had been addressed at the Precept meeting.

Precept
The Finance Committee ably assisted by Cllr Caunce had met on 2nd January to discuss the Precept demand for the next financial year. Cllr Jay explained briefly the basis of the demand and with the support of the Committee commended its recommendations to the Parish Council. Cllr Jay noted that in comparison with Northleach which had a band ‘D’ of £100 to achieve a precept of £80,000, a band ‘D’ property in South Cerney would attract a contribution of £46 for a precept of £65,000. Overall a band ‘D’ property now would contribute £1.81 less than the previous year. Cllr Jay perceptively added that the budget was like a tardis with more on the inside than might be assumed from its content. It was proposed to accept the deliberations of the enhanced Finance Committees’ budget recommendations by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb. The Parish Council agreed unanimously. Cllr Stuart wished to thank Cllr Jay on behalf of those attending the budget meeting for his generous hospitality. Calor Gas Prize Fund Cllr Nicholas stated that he had identified a suitably meritorious scheme to which award this fund. If the Parish Council agreed the money would be well utilised in funding the services of the youth workers in the parish especially if the offer was match funded. Preferably advantage should be taken in this financial year. He asked for Parish Council support that the fund be specifically earmarked for this cause. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council is minded to accept this plan for the Calor Gas fund. The Parish Council was all in favour and the Clerk was asked to write to the youth workers to inform them of the Parish Council’s decision.

Cllr Jay had inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for December. The Finance Committee recommended that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments.

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

CORRESPONDENCE

There was doubt about the implications of the wording of the Condition applied to the planning permission CT.2443/P by CDC. It was unclear if there was a requirement to provide play equipment for the public open space. Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb would together compose a letter asking for clarification from CDC.

The Finance Committee had recommended that the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee accepted the quotation from John Hicks to carry out the annual safety checks on play equipment. The Parish Council agreed.

There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9:00pm.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 7th JANUARY

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

Planning Applications Received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the following two applications as the applicant was a business colleague. Cllr Harris left the room.

CT.0006/4/V
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Construction of two (2) storage buildings each containing seven (7) lock-up cupboards at Lake 16, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

CT.2648/4/A & Further Amendments: (1) Lodge Type C (2) Contextual lakeside extension
Applicant: Watermark Ltd, Isis Lakes, The Spine Road, South Cerney
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodges, Plots 16-24 only at Lake 11, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney
The Planning Committee recommends that the Parish Council objects to this application because, although this application is stated only to relate to plots 16-24, the ‘overall layout’ drawing no 7714/201 shows a new vehicular entrance on to Cerney Wick Lane. The proposed re-positioning of plots 16-24 will inevitably result in the development spreading right round to the southern edge of Lake 11, with lodges positioned in the southern corner. That could add support to an application for a new entrance on to Cerney Wick Lane. Further, this application introduces a new entrance with gate house and barriers on to Cerney Wick Lane which could be the main entrance to the lodges. This will increase the traffic problems at the junction of Cerney Wick Lane, Spine Road (B4696) and Station Road. There will, as a matter of course, be more traffic accessing the Spine Road from the leisure complex through that junction.
OBJECTION
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Land and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chapman that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Harris returned to the room.

CT.0333/R
Applicant: Tanya Cochrane, Ivy Barn House, Cerney Wick
Refurbishment and alterations to detached barn at Ivy Barn House, Cerney Wick
If the following proposed Condition is accepted the Parish Council has no objection to the application. The barn must be ancillary to the main dwelling and not occupied as a separate dwelling.
OBJECTION

CT.0333/S (Listed Building Consent)
Applicant: Tanya Cochrane, Ivy Barn House, Cerney Wick
Refurbishment and alterations to detached barn at Ivy Barn House, Cerney Wick
NO OBJECTION

CT.1939/K
Applicant: David Coope, Glebe Cottage, Church Lane, South Cerney
Listed Building Consent for replacement of three (3) front first floor windows
NO OBJECTION

CT.6495/B (Listed Building Consent)
Applicants: Mr & Mrs G. Mullin, The Manor House, Church Lane, South Cerney
Conversion of garage to form playroom with new window and external doors at The Manor House, Church Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

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

Cllr Mrs Chapman declared a prejudicial interest in the next application as she is a neighbour of the applicant. Cllr Caunce declared a prejudicial as applicant. Both Parish Councillors left the room.

CT.7835/B
Applicant: J. Caunce, The Long House, Cerney Wick
Replacement of existing outbuilding to form lettable two bedroom holiday cottage at The Long House, Cerney Wick (R)
The Committee did not object to the design of this new dwelling but proposes that a condition be imposed regarding the nature of the occupation because of the proximity to the main dwelling and the single access. Perhaps it should be restricted as an annex, ancillary to the main dwelling or restricted to holiday accommodation only.
OBJECTION

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

Cllr Caunce and Cllr Mrs Chapman returned to the room.

Planning Applications Granted

CT.2090/W (Listed Building Consent)
External and internal alterations and refurbishment at Old George Inn, Bridge Road, South Cerney.
The Clerk was asked to point out to CDC Planners that there was no such address in South Cerney as Bridge Road.

CT.2533/L
Erection of single storey extension to kitchen at 1 Huxley Court, South Cerney

Planning Application Refused

CT.0479/H
Outline planning application to erect a dwelling at Briar Patch, Church Lane, Cerney Wick

CORRESPONDENCE

CT.2443/P Winchcombe Gardens
There was doubt about the implications of the wording of the Condition applied to the planning permission CT.2443/P by CDC. It was unclear if there was a requirement to provide play equipment for the public open space. The Committee stated that it was not up to CDC to recommend that the Parish Council accepts the offer from Bloor Homes. Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb would together compose a letter asking for clarification from CDC.

CT.4498/W Four Pillars Hotel
The Clerk was to copy the text of paragraph (b) to Gloucestershire Highways and Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) requesting that it provides the required clarification on issues raised in the Road Safety Audit as soon as possible to the CDC in order that the provision of a cycle path can be resolved.

CT.8622
Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb would to enquire if the email outlining the request from the case officer for delegated authority was a matter of public record.

Correspondence Item No 18
An addendum to a letter from Cllr John Birch (CDC) explaining FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) stated in a reply to: Are funds available to help with the purchase of new equipment? Answer: The District Council is not in a position to provide funds to assist with the purchase of new equipment. We will offer interest free loans to assist with the purchase of new equipment, if required. The Clerk was to enquire into the conditions of such a loan and also if the CDC might recommend a suitable projector or if a discount might be arranged by it for a bulk purchase of such equipment.

Councillors’ Reports

The Clerk was asked to inform the Enforcement Officer (CDC) that there are two Caribbean type structures outside the Old George public house in Clarks Hay, South Cerney. The Parish Council believes that this is in breach of Listed Building regulations as they are within the curtilage of the public house which is a listed building.

Cllr Mrs Doris Land complained that no provision was made for disabled users of the new toilets (i.e. no level access) when recent renovations were carried out at the Old George public house. This she states is a breach in the compliance of the Disability Discrimination Act. She was also concerned that there is no Access Officer appointed at CDC which she also says is in breach of the Act. The Clerk will inform the Enforcement Officer at CDC.

Cllr Caunce suspects that the building on Lake 75 is in breach of the occupancy conditions as laid down by CDC. The Clerk will inform the Enforcement Officer at CDC.

There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had the meeting at 9:42pm.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Webb complained about the distribution of Council Tax collected from holiday homes. Cllr Messenger (CDC) explained to him that the CDC collected the tax on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council which then returned an amount for local distribution. This year GCC informed the CDC that this arrangement had been cancelled. CDC retorted as this was the case it refused to make the collection. GCC countered that the CDC would have to contribute to the new recycling centre in its district which was forecast to cost something in the region of £90 million. CDC agreed to make the collection.

Cllr Webb requested the Clerk to ask for a copy of the log of cleaning on the Spine Road. The Clerk will contact Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Messenger (CDC) awaited permission on behalf of the Canal Trust for the erection of double sided signs indicating the line of the Severn & Thames canal. Cllr Jay informed him that the South Cerney Trust would discuss the proposal at its meeting next week.

Cllr Harris and Cllr Webb agreed to carry out their annual survey of trees which were the responsibility of the Parish Council.

Cllr Jay was scathing in his comments describing the rejection by CDC of a £5,000 bid from South Cerney Trust which had been rejected as it did not satisfy the narrow criteria set by the funding organisation. The fund concerned was now asking for further bids of £500 to use up the remaining amount.

Cllr Jay queried the motivation of the CDC recycling scheme? He complained that the operation was suspended over the Christmas and New Year period which was the busiest time of the year.

Cllr Mrs Chapman complained about the condition of Cerney Wick Lane through the use of lorries moving earth to and from Lake 10. The Clerk was asked to write to Sean Hodgson at Lake 10.

Cllr Mrs Chapman complained that a leylandii hedge on Station Road was obscuring the sight line for vehicles exiting Willow Grove. The Clerk will inform Gloucestershire Highways

Cllr Stuart made the following report on the progress of the SARA scheme:

“Since last month’s meeting we have made further steps re the SARA scheme. Following the full day’s training at Glos Constabulary HQ, attended by Ian Kennedy, Charles Kingsbury and myself, we requested a further discussion on how to apply the scheme to this village/ parish. On Monday 7th Jan, Ian and I met PCSO Lesley Pooley and our suggestion is to set up an event to promote the reduction of crime in South Cerney Parish. As there are already seven Neighbourhood Watch schemes running in the parish we feel that the participants in those schemes should form the nucleus of the new system. A get together in the Village Hall with those people, as many Parish Councillors as possible plus some other ‘like minded’ people will be arranged with hopefully Les Haines the Crime Reduction Officer of CDC taking the chair. After that initial meeting we should hopefully be able to set up a group to carry the scheme forward thus getting many more people involved in reducing crime and the fear of crime in our community.

Why this is required is set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Section 17. From the date that Act became law, the responsibility for crime reduction and prevention ceased to be solely that of the Police Forces. The Act stated that all local councils now have a legal requirement to work in conjunction with every other appropriate agency and authority to reduce crime and the causes of crime. We also have an obligation under the Act to record how we as a council, do in fact consider those requirements in ALL our decisions! I quote “Without prejudice to any other obligations imposed on it, it shall be the duty of each authority to which this section applies to exercise its various functions with due regard to the likely effect of the exercise of those functions on, and the need to do all that it reasonably can to prevent, crime and disorder in its area”. How we do that is anyone’s guess and this scheme will probably die in the same way that the “Designing Out Crime” initiative died some seven years ago. However in the mean time we should be seen to be doing our bit as there is a lot to be gained by involving the community in reducing crime.

Incidentally, the Act also states that “Town and Parish Councils will be key partners. By definition they are very close to the communities they serve and have a very good understanding of the range of issues of concern to local people. They may be able to provide a valuable local dimension when it comes to taking the community’s view on crime and disorder problems of the area implementing the subsequent strategy.”

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS

Reason for the delay in the impact scheme to resurface Broadway Lane and Silver Street and the intermediate remedial action proposed.

The outcome of the precept demand which will result in a reduction in tax based on band ‘D’ properties of £1.81.

Inform residents of the Memorial Tree scheme at Upper Up.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.20pm.