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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL .
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Cllr Walker apologised for his absence due to family commitments. Cllr Bennett (CDC) apologised for his absence as he was otherwise engaged. Cllr Parsons (GCC) apologised for his absence as he was attending to personal affairs. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th FEBRUARY 2008 Page 2366 – Replace the item Correspondence with the information below. Correspondence Cllr Nicholas had declared a prejudicial interest as the appellant was his friend and left the room. 39. CT.1498/C: Invitation to respond to planning appeal of
proposed new dwelling at The Ridges, The Committee did not consider that it was necessary to make a written representation to the appeal in support of the Cotswold District Council. Cllr Nicholas returned to the room. Page 2373 – 5th paragraph, 2nd line delete “Forge” insert: “Farge” 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 Joe Lodge and Michael Brown attended on behalf of the YPC. Joe Lodge apologised for the absence of any representative at previous meetings. The YPC supports the application of a grant from the Land Fill fund. Dom Brown had stated that he wanted less involvement but would continue to participate in a lesser role. Alasdair Kennedy had joined the group recently. A new contact sheet was being prepared. The design of the MUGA was agreed as an oblong shape with a wall dividing the area on the longer side and a shelter approximately at the middle point. An AGM was being planned and if necessary an election. Joe Lodge positively welcomed a request from Cllr Mrs Land who had asked if it would be acceptable for her to recommend youths to join the YPC. The preferred age group should range from 11–18 year olds. Joe informed the meeting that it was possible to earn a partial GCSE qualification if 50 hours of proven involvement with the YPC could be confirmed. Cllr Stuart told Joe Lodge that the application for £5,000 from the Big Lottery fund had been successful and the money would subsidise the installation of a shelter alongside the MUGA. Cllr Stuart informed both YPC members that he, Cllr Caunce, the Clerk and our agent Stuart Milsom had met with representatives of Thames Water that morning and it was agreed that users of the cycle mounds would be consulted when the rebuilding of the mounds took place shortly after Easter. Thames Water will consider a suggestion that they dig out an area of MUGA size and use the turf to cover the path created by their equipment when crossing the playing field. If this was agreed it would be a step further in bringing the plan to fruition. At the end of the discussion the Chairman thanked both members of the YPC for their attendance although his offer to them that they could remain for the rest of the meeting was rejected. MATTERS ARISING Safer Community Conference Cllr Stuart thanked all those who had attended the Safer Community Conference on 28th February. There was a very good turn out from both the Parish Council and members of the community. He continued: “Ours was one of the first in the CDC area and everyone is still on a learning curve with a lot to come to terms with. A survey carried out by PCSO L. Pooley gave anti-social behaviour and speeding as the main concerns and these were echoed at the meeting. One major problem that was raised at the meeting was the anti-social behaviour situation in the Berkeley Close, Winchcombe Gardens and Evergreen Business Park areas. I had assured Clair Cunningham, a resident from Winchcombe Gardens, that the Parish Council takes her complaints very seriously. PCSO Pooley went on holiday immediately after the meeting and we cannot do much until she returns. However, that sort of situation is just what the SARA plan is intended to deal with and is very similar to the example case we worked on at the course we attended. I have discussed this with Les Haines and when Ms Pooley returns from holiday we will see what can be achieved. The problem will also be discussed at the Safer Cotswold Forum in early April.” Wildmoorway Lane Cllr Stuart wished to draw the attention of the Parish Council to an email from Mike Barton GCC PROW to Alisa Watson at the Environment Agency. “I hope this finds you well. I’m afraid I am writing in total frustration regarding the progress, or lack of it, regarding the clearance of Wildmoorway Lane. It is now 12 months since we met on site and you informed me that you couldn’t sanction me taking any action because we needed the approval of the Environment Agency who couldn’t authorise the path improvements because there had been no flood plan from Watermark. At the start of this financial year I applied for £3,000 of Aggregates Levy to put this path right. As nothing has happened I have now lost that money and I am extremely unlikely to get it back. Money is not easy to come by these days and I am not a happy man. As you know Wildmoorway Lane forms part of the Cotswold Water Park which is becoming an ever popular tourist attraction. By sorting the ditches and overhanging vegetation we can alleviate some of the water problems currently plaguing the site. This would open up the path for everyone and join up a great circular walk. What a superb bit of work that would be. My view is that this delay is wholly unacceptable. Perchance, Phil Cluley met with Peter Hempsted of the Environment Agency last week and actually took him to the site of the problem. Peter said that the path was not on a main water course and he could see absolutely no reason why we could not make any progress with our intentions. As a result of this once the birds have stopped nesting and in consultation with Simon Pickering and Gareth Harris, I intend to start looking at the vegetation situation. Once that is sorted I will then start to look at the drainage on the Spine Road side to alleviate the problems we are having. My apologies if this appears a little curt but my frustration and, I’m sure, that of many others is beginning to tell!” Loss of View from Millennium Seat, Bow Wow Cllr Harris asked Cllr Nicholas if any progress had been with his negotiations. Cllr Nicholas was confident that there would eventually be a favourable outcome. Cotswold Water Park Master Plan Consultation Cllr Stuart thanked Cllr Nicholas for the hospitality provided to all who had attended a meeting to formulate a response on behalf of the Parish Council to the consultation. Cllr Nicholas confirmed that he had completed the consultation via the web site. Resilience Grant The Clerk confirmed that the application for reimbursement of expenses in relieving the potential flood hazard in the Robert Franklin Way area had been submitted and would be determined by the CDC at the end of April. Cllr Jay who had recently inspected the finished scheme said it was a job well done. CLERK’S REPORT On Wednesday 27th February I met with Cllr Stuart and Cllr Caunce at Upper Up car park for a briefing by a salesman/surveyor from Grasscrete Ltd. He described the various surfaces available and what would be needed to accommodate heavier vehicles using the car park. For access to the recycling bins and for emergency vehicles to service the football pitch a more substantial load bearing surface would be necessary. If the covering was chosen the car park could be out of action for a period of 10 weeks. The Chairman of the Village Maintenance and Playing Field Committee Cllr Caunce and Cllr Stuart both agreed to a request from Gordon Stratford of the Football Club that the opening of the padlocked gate off the car park be reversed to ease the access of large vehicles. As the Football Club members agreed to carry out the labour the Parish Councillors would fund purchase the necessary hinges. Cllr Caunce inspected the worn hinges on the larger swings and determined that in the interests of safety two chain holders be replaced. On Thursday 28th February I attended a meeting of the Chartered Parishes group in The Members Room, Shire Hall, Gloucester. Delegates from 22 Parish Councils attended. Eddie Coventry, head of the Emergency Management Section explained how priorities were decided. He encouraged Parish Councils to prepare a plan on how to react to future emergencies, whatever they may be. Coordinating information from Neighbourhood Watches on potentially vulnerable residents and how to maintain contact with them. Chris Rogan, head of Gloucestershire Highways explained how his department was engaged in repairing the infrastructure damaged during the July floods and continuing its programme of clearing ditches to alleviate road flooding. There was difficulty in coordinating the activities of Gloucestershire Highways and the Road Agency which was responsible for the major through routes in the county. The third edition of the Gloucestershire Charter was being prepared and further efforts would be made to coerce those District Councils, including Cotswold to sign up to the charter. The meeting which started at 4.30pm closed at 6.45pm. On 29th February I removed the poster from the notice board in Clarks Hay which described the allowances Parish Councillors accepted for the year April 2007– March 2008. The information had been displayed originally on 14th February. On Monday 3rd March I attended a meeting of the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) play portfolio working group which discussed the role of the group, especially its monitoring and steering requirements. Rosemary Lynn (CDC) chaired the meeting with Claire Dowan in attendance. Two other councils, GCC Youth Service, Play Gloucestershire and GRCC were also represented. The next meetings were scheduled for Tuesday 24th June, 23rd September and 16th December at 2pm This morning, Wednesday 12th March, I attended a meeting with Cllr Stuart, Cllr Caunce, Stuart Milsom (MAI), and persons from Murphy contractors and its agent. I will now read a report from Stuart Milsom: Notes from a site meeting at South
Cerney Playing Fields
Meeting began at 9.00am
REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th MARCH Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge had attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7pm. Apology Matters Arising from previous Minutes Reflective Strips on Bollards View from Millennium Seat, Bow Wow CCTV Inspection Permissive Path Bore Hole Lease Links on Senior Swings Upper Up Car Park Refurbishment Dog Bins Flooding Photographs Four Pillars S.106 Grant Winchcombe Gardens Play Area INSPECTION REPORTS Upper Up Robert Franklin Way Cerney Wick TREE SURVEY/OWNERSHIP Cllr Nicholas had emailed the committee suggesting that as the Parish Council had assumed the role of maintaining grass areas it could be deemed responsible for the safety of trees thereon. He recommended that the ‘expert’ tree survey should include all trees owned by the Parish Council and also on trees that grow on land maintained by the Parish Council. The original quotation from Tree Maintenance was £290 for 40 trees and further additions pro rata. The estimate now would be for 60 trees which was a 50% increase to £435. The Clerk was asked to recommend this revised quotation to the Finance committee for its approval. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Acceptance of N.B. Hartell quote to refurbish Upper Up car
park. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Cllr Harris reported that a resident had taken it upon himself to remove ivy from trees along the old railway line. Unfortunately it was being left in situ and was impacting on the biodiversity of the area. The Clerk was asked to inform the Cotswold Water Park Society of the problem. Cllr Harris had discussions with Jim Sokol from the Environment Agency regarding his negotiations with Messrs Franklin regarding the digging of a new ditch which would relieve them from clearing an existing obstructed drainage ditch. Cllr Harris did not agree with this plan although he supported any measures which will help with improving the drainage. Cllr Mrs Tunbridge asked that a stile under the bridge at grid reference SO 0511 9773 on Berry Farm needed to be repaired. The Clerk would inform GCC PROW. Cllr Mrs Tunbridge reported that vandals had sprayed graffiti on shed walls. Cllr Caunce advised her to inform the police on 0845 090 1234. Cllr Mrs Chubb noted that some new signs erected at the junction of Station Road and B4696 had been positioned obstructing the sight lines of oncoming traffic. Cllr Caunce advised her to inform GCC Highways on 08000 514 514. Cllr Mrs Chubb confirmed that she had made the telephone call. CORRESPONDENCE
There being no further business Cllr Caunce closed the meeting at 8.25pm. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th MARCH Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay opened the meeting at 8.30pm. Spread sheet analysis Cllr Jay noted that the spread sheet was consistent with its monthly percentage check on Parish Council expenditure.. Recommendations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee The Committee agreed to the recommendation from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee that it spends £347.97 plus VAT on three dog bins. The Committee agreed to the recommendation from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee that it spends £435.00 plus VAT to carry out a professional tree survey. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. The committee was minded to accept the quote from N.B. Hartell but recommended that it produces references from satisfied customers and adjusts its payment terms to accommodate the timetable of the Parish Council before a contract for refurbishment of the car park is agreed. In the light of recent developments acceptance of this quotation should be delayed. It was feasible that Thames Water would refurbish the car park to comply with its responsibilities.
It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to make the above grant. The Parish Council was all in favour. The Clerk was to inform Ms Emily Whitehead from Young Gloucestershire that it was the intention of the Parish Council to meet with representatives of St. James’ Place to discuss their match funding commitment and also to see how both parties might benefit from the publicity of their involvement in this and other schemes both now and in the future. Parish Council Flood Resilience Grant application
Correspondence
There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9.10pm. REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th MARCH Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb had attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas had opened the meeting at 9.10pm. Matters Arising Cllr Nicholas was pleased with the response from Mike Napper Major Developments Officer at CDC to questions from the Parish Council regarding approved planning applications for Winchcombe Gardens, 22 Broadway Lane and the outstanding planning condition of the Four Pillars Hotel application relating to the cycle path. It was of significant interest that notes/memos are a matter of public record. Planning Applications Received 07/01257/FUL (electronic submission & hard copy)
Despite the amendments 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. 07/01921/FUL (electronic submission & hard copy)
OBJECTION 08/00311/FUL (electronic submission) 08/00315/FUL CT.5804/W (electronic submission) 08/00393/FUL (electronic submission) It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee of the foregoing applications. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next two applications as the applicant was a client and left the room. 08/00099/FUL CT.0006/4/W (hard copy duplicate for
previous electronic submission) 08/00099/FUL CT.0006/4/W (electronic submission)
It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge that the Parish Council accepts the deliberations of the Planning Committee of the two preceeding applications. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris returned to the room. Cllr Mrs Chapman declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant is a friend and left the room. 08/00340/FUL (electronic submission) It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council accepts the deliberation of the Planning Committee of the above application. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Mrs Chapman had declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant is a neighbour and remained outside the room. Cllr Caunce left the room to join Cllr Mrs Chapman after he declared a prejudicial interest as he was the applicant of this next application. 08/00504/FUL (electronic submission) It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Nicholas that the Parish Council accepts the deliberation of the Planning Committee of the above application. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Mrs Chapman and Cllr Caunce returned to the room. Planning Applications Granted by CDC CT.0532/V CT.0649/3/A CT.2592/B CT.3592/G CT.4067/2/X CT.4498/1/C CT.8622/A CT.5804/X CT.8681 CT.145/4/S There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.33pm. BIG LOTTERY FUND AGREEMENT Cllr Nicholas had scrutinised the agreement which laid out the conditions that would have to be complied with if the £5,000 grant was to be released. His only concern was that there was no target date stipulated but if the Parish Council was content, he would check this out. On this condition it was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Chairman, Cllr Stuart signs the document on behalf of the Parish Council. The Parish Council was all in favour. LAKE 6 (FOUR PILLARS HOTEL) S.106 BIODIVERSITY FUND Cotswold District Council had produced an agreement laying out the conditions which must be observed if the Parish Council was to accept the £500 grant from the fund. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Chairman, Cllr Stuart signs the document on behalf of the Parish Council. The Parish Council was all in favour. MODIFICATION ORDER 2002 Amanda Keys had requested a volunteer to attend a preliminary meeting to discuss who would be willing to give evidence to the Public Inquiry (if held) and to inform that person about the current Inquiry rules which changed substantially in October 2007. It will also be helpful to discuss a suitable venue. Cllr Nicholas volunteered and Mrs Rachael Dunn had accepted a role as a resident to attend. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS' REPORTS Cllr Nicholas had hosted a meeting of Parish Councillors at his home to decide on a response to the Water Park consultation. Cllr Nicholas reported that he had attended the SARA meeting in the Village Hall on 28th February. Cllr Messenger (CDC) reminded members of the Parish Council of the forthcoming Ward election and mentioned the Tory candidate by name but was disinclined to repeat the other candidate’s particulars. Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to write to Mrs Pumfleet at South Cerney Riding Stables in Cerney Wick to remove obstructions from the ditch in the vicinity of Eden House. Cllr Webb requested that Gloucestershire Highways erect signs at both entrances of Berkeley Close to signify that the street was now a cul-de-sac. Cllr Webb reported that a recent meeting of the Village Hall Committee the renewal of the thatched roof was discussed with regard to its refurbishment albeit with provisos. Cllr Jay was critical of a recent notice announcing road shows on the new waste collection arrangements which Mike Harris (CDC) had organised throughout the District. South Cerney was noticeable by its absence. The Clerk had enquired as to its exclusion and was informed that a road show might be possible if a suitable site could be found. Mr Harris had stated that a recent show in South Cerney had been rather disappointed in the attendance. Nevertheless he would enquire if the area outside the Londis or opposite could be used. Cllr Harris reported a dead tree in the hedge to the west of the cricket pitch on the line of the new planned planting. He quoted £120 to remove it but Cllr Nicholas volunteered to have it cut down if he could recover the fire wood. The Parish Council had no objection. Cllr Mrs Tunbridge had reported the graffiti incident to the Gloucestershire Police and had received an incident number. Cllr Mrs Chapman noted that deposits from lorry wheels exiting Lake 10 on Cerney Wick Lane was compacting. The drains were becoming clogged as a result. Cllr Caunce, Chairman of the Village Maintenance and Playing Fields Committee recommended that Cllr Mrs Chapman inform Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 of the problem. The Clerk announced the the new vicar Revd. David Bowers would be introduced by Mr Tony Squire, to members of the Parish Council prior to its meeting in June. Cllr Stuart reported that he had accepted an invitation from Hoburne to represent the Parish Council at a dinner dance. Cllr Jay had attended as a representative of South Cerney Trust and Cllr Walker represented the Royal British Legion. Cllr Stuart stated that the hospitality provided was well under the £25 limit. Cllr Stuart informed the meeting that the new main sewerage pipe to Shorncote was now in operation. Cllr Stuart called for a show of hands from those who had contacted the police on 0845 090 1234 and if they were content with the time taken the operator to respond. Six hands were raised and all were satisfied that the service reacted quickly. CERNEY NEWS Dog mess throughout the village; new mobile library arrangements; vote against renewal of ice cream vendors’ licences; positive response with time taken to answer the police number 0845 090 1234. There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.54pm. |
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