MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 14th May 2008.

One member of the public was present.

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

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN, APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES AND CUTTS CHARITY TRUSTEE

Parish Councillors decided that they were willing to remain with their various committee appointments as minuted on pages 2247 and page 2248 of May 2007. Cllr Stuart stood unopposed as Chairman. Cllr Nicholas also stood unopposed as Vice Chairman. Both were re-elected.

Cllr Harris agreed to hold the post of Flood Warden and Revd David Bowers was invited to become a Trustee of the Cutts Charity and the Burial Authority.

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

Cllr Bennett (CDC) politely reminded the Parish Council that procedurally the Chairman should declare his acceptance of office and this Cllr Stuart duly proclaimed.

APOLOGIES

Cllr Mrs Land apologised for her absence as she was recovering from tests carried out at hospital. Cllr Parsons (GCC) apologised for his absence as he was attending other meetings in the county. Cllr Bennett (CDC) had made an apology on behalf of Cllr Messenger (CDC) for his absence.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th APRIL 2008

Page 2391 – MATTERS ARISING first paragraph third line insert after “new” Dog Control Page

2398 – COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS last line: delete Young Gloucestershire and insert: Gloucestershire Youth Service

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Walker 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 member of the YPC attended the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Stuart reported that Mike Barton (PROW) had relieved Phil Cluley (PROW) on his return after completing his footpath inspection throughout his section of the county.

Cllr Stuart reported that Amanda Keys (PROW) had emailed that the Modification Order relating to the path on Walnut Tree Farm had been remade and would be published on 22nd May. The objection period would run from 22nd May until 3rd July.

The Clerk was asked to report graffiti on the railway arches in Bow Wow to Mary Mychaleckyj from the Gloucestershire Youth Service.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 24th April I attended a meeting of the Chartered Parishes Group at Shire Hall, Gloucester. The main item on the agenda was the initiative to provide centres to promote the well being of children and families in the county. Phase 3 of the project is now being implemented. Centres are mostly provided in the larger urban areas due to the greater density of young families and relative deprivation experienced. In 2006 eight centres in areas of most disadvantage were opened. Phase 2 which concluded in March 2008 saw the opening of a further 23 centres. Nine more centres are planned in Phase 3 making a total of 40 county wide by March 2010. The centres provide outreach services to isolated families; advice and information about parenting; childcare and education services; support to child-minders; activities for children and their parents/carers such as stay and play or drop in sessions; links with Job Centre Plus; access to community health services including antenatal and child health promotion programmes. Phase 3 centres will provide improved access to services for families living in less disadvantaged and more affluent areas. It is recognised that even in more affluent areas there will be small pockets of children who may be at risk of social exclusion because of their isolation and these children and their families must be able to access the full range of services. Chris Rogan, Head of Gloucestershire Highways gave an update on the activities of the service including the progress of clearing and surveying gulleys in the county especially those in areas affected by the floods of July 2007 and January 2008.

During April of the 16 available working days I averaged 3 hours 55 minutes per day which is approximately 20 minutes more per day than my contract but acceptable.

REPORT OF THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th MAY

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Walker attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7.05pm.

Permissive Path from Station Road to Huxley Court
Cllr Stuart reported that he had left messages on Mr Westell’s (Aggregate Industries) answering machine and also his mobile but had not received any reply.

Upper Up Car Park Refurbishment
Cllr Caunce reported good progress in his negotiations with Spencer Coxon over the refurbishment of the car park. He is hopeful that Richard Maggs will confirm arrangements on his return from holiday.

Bore Hole Lease
The Clerk reported that he was still in negotiations with the Environment Agency regarding an increase of rent based on the conditions of the original lease.

Dog Bins
Cllr Caunce asked the Clerk to contact Mike Harris (CDC) to suggest that an adhesive label be affixed to dog bins informing users of telephone number (01285 623613) to contact if the bin was full.

Brook House Parking
Cllr Harris assured members of the Committee that he had witnessed the extent of the deeds to Brook House which included the parking area to the front. He had contacted Mr Pasco Genillard who explained that the deeds were now lodged elsewhere but he would endeavour to produce a copy.

Canal Sign
Parish Councillors had been unable to find the sign denoting the line of the disused canal which Cllr Messenger (CDC) had informed them had been positioned near Lock House on Cirencester Road.

MUGA Developments
Cllr Caunce reported on his negotiations with Tim Bryant who had successfully quoted for removing the turf, rolling and stacking it on pallets to be supplied by Murphy contractors. Cllr Caunce also reported that he had received email confirmation from Spencer Coxon that Murphy’s would purchase the material. The Committee was in full agreement. At the PC meeting Cllr Caunce confirmed that Mr Bryant would remove the turf on 5th June and he had arranged with Mr Coxon to supply the pallets. When Cllr Stuart and Cllr Harris came to mark out the area it was discovered there was an underground cable on part of the site which meant that the width of the area had to be reduced from 15 metres to 13 metres.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that replacement notices were needed. Brambles at the entrance to the play area were over growing and required attention. The Clerk will inform Mr Ian Fairbrother, Chairman of Cerney Wick Village Committee.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the ground maintenance contractors had damaged the safety surface in the vicinity of the Activity area which had been scalped by the mower when cutting the grass alongside. The damage is in the identical place to last year. The Clerk was asked to inform Glebe Contractors and ask them for their comments. Cllr Stuart reported that a concrete post supporting the chain link fence had been damaged. Two quotations for its repair had been received. Work was being carried out on the cycle mounds by Murphy contractors following negotiations with the users. The surface of the car park is deteriorating badly. Reinstatement of surfaces over the line of the new pipework is proceeding.

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Harris reported that the fan shaped top step of the Adventure Unit on the playing field needed to be replaced with 17mm-20mm phenolic ply. Four contractors would be asked to quote. Nettles in the area will need to be monitored and when necessary sprayed later in the season. Litter was not a problem.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Bank to the front of Century House, Silver Street
The Committee recommends that the quotation from Glebe Contractors is accepted.

Turf on MUGA Area
Tim Bryant had produced a quote to remove the turf, roll and place it on pallets for collection from the MUGA site. On behalf of the Parish Council, Cllr Caunce had negotiated an acceptable fee from Murphy contractors for the turf. The Committee recommends this deal in its entirety.

Chain Link Fence Post Repair
The Committee recommends that the quote from A&B Fencing to repair the concrete post and reattach the chain link fence be accepted.

Hartell Instructions
The Committee recommends that Hartell Contractors is given instructions to complete the ground work and tarmacadam the surface of the MUGA for their quoted price.

SEWERAGE PIPE REINSTATEMENT WORKS

Cllr Harris reported the poor state of the road reinstatement carried out by Murphy contractors in the vicinity of the pumping station in Robert Franklin Way. The Clerk was to ask Gillian Portlock to inspect and confirm if the work was satisfactory.

Cllr Caunce reported that work on the reinstatement of the Upper Up humps and bumps is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 28th May. He would inform the users of the need to attend a safety briefing at 9am on that day if they wished to access the site during the work.

TASK LIST

The Committee agreed to a suggestion from Cllr Caunce that a task list of outstanding items is introduced. This would comprise columns to (a) describe the task, (b) determine the action required and (c) responsibility. It would accompany the committee agenda each month.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Stuart reported an email he had received from Dr Phoebe Carter, Biodiversity Field Officer at the Cotswold Water Park Society regarding a survey of water voles and otters in the river Churn. She had enquired if the names and addresses of local landowners whose property bordered the river was available. Cllr Caunce stated that Gareth Harris who also worked for the CWP Society had that list. Cllr Stuart would pass this information to Dr Carter.

There being no further business Cllr Caunce closed the meeting at 8.30pm.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th MAY

Cllr Jay, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay had opened the meeting at 8.30pm.

Apology

Cllr Mrs Land had sent an apology for her absence as she was attending hospital.

Spread sheet analysis

Cllr Jay noted that the first spread sheet of the period gave a distorted picture although understandable, particularly regarding professional fees and the cost of employing the Clerk.

 Recommendations of the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee

The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee had recommended the following: that a quotation from Glebe Contractors for the maintenance of the bank to the front of Century House, Silver Street is accepted; that a quotation from Tim Bryant to remove turf, roll and place it on pallets for collection from the MUGA site; that a quotation from A&B Fencing to repair the concrete post and reattach the chain link fence be accepted. that Hartell Contractors is given instructions to complete the ground work and tarmacadam the surface of the MUGA for their quoted price. The Finance Committee had no objection to the above recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to accept the above recommendations. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Internal Audit report April 2007–March 2008

The Committee agreed with Cllr Jay to recommend that the Parish Council accepts the accounts for the year April 2007 to March 2008 as audited by Mrs J. A. Gardiner. Cllr Jay commended the Clerk on his excellent work in their preparation.

Annual return of the accounts for the period April 2007 to March 2008

It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Walker that the Parish Council accepts the recommendation of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was in full agreement. The Chairman Cllr Stuart and the Clerk then signed the documents which the Clerk will forward to the external auditors for their scrutiny.

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

REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 12th MAY

Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Jay, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas had opened the meeting at 9.05pm.

Apology
Cllr Mrs Land had sent an apology for her absence as she was attending hospital.

Planning Applications received by Cotswold District Council

Cllr Mrs Land had previously declared a prejudicial interest in the following application as she was a member of the Fisherman’s Rest.

08/00883/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicant: Mr Michael Cook, 12 The Hawthorns, Bussage, Stroud, Glos, GL6 8JU
Proposal: Proposed detached shelter ancillary to fishermen’s clubhouse at South Cerney Angling Club, The Fishermans Rest, Broadway Lane, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

08/01043/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicant: Mr Kelvin Bilsby, Horse and Groom, Cricklade Road, South Cerney
Proposal: Erection of a detached garage at the Horse & Groom, Cricklade Road, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Webb 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 Caunce declared a prejudicial interest in the following two applications as he was a friend of the applicants and left the room.

08/00974/LBC (electronic submission)
Applicant: Mr & Mrs I. McIntyre, Cerney Wick Farmhouse, The Street, Cerney Wick
Proposal: Extension and conversion to outbuilding to form holiday let/ancillary accommodation at Cerney Wick Farmhouse, The Street, Cerney Wick
NO OBJECTION

08/00975/FUL (electronic submission)
Applicant: Mr & Mrs I. McIntyre, Cerney Wick Farmhouse, The Street, Cerney Wick
Proposal: Extension and conversion to outbuilding to form holiday let/ancillary accommodation at Cerney Wick Farmhouse, The Street, Cerney Wick
Subject to the following condition being approved: Not withstanding Classes C2 and C3 of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or the equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument amending or replacing the 1987 Order or any other change of use permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) order 1995, the accommodation shall be used to provide holiday accommodation only, which shall not be occupied as permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence.
Reason: The site is not suitable for permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence because the site lies in an unsustainable location, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 19.
NO OBJECTION

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

Cllr Caunce returned to the room.

Planning Applications granted

07/01257/FUL CT.1454/4/4/N
Replacement of a temporary mobile home with a new building incorporating (a) a three (3) bedroom key worker with (b) office space for the fishery and fish farm at The Willows, Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney
Of particular note is Condition 14: The occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person solely or mainly working or last working in the locality in a fishery enterprise, or a widow or widower of such a person and to any resident dependants.
Reason: In accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 19 the site is not in an area intended for general development. In accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 29 permission is granted only because the dwelling is required to house a person employed in the fishery enterprise on the site.

07/03377/FUL CT.2648/A
Amendment to previously approved scheme of holiday lodges, Plots 16-24 only

08/00504/FUL CT.7835/C
Conversion of existing outbuilding to form holiday let (resubmission) at The Long House, Cerney Wick
Of particular note is Condition 2: Not withstanding Classes C2 and C3 of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or the equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument amending or replacing the 1987 Order or any other change of use permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) order 1995, the accommodation shall be used to provide holiday accommodation only, which shall not be occupied as permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence. Reason: The site is not suitable for permanent, unrestricted accommodation or as a primary place of residence because the site lies in an unsustainable location, in accordance with Cotswold District Local Plan Policy 19.

08/00592/FUL CT.3887/3/M
Two storey extension to side/rear at 38 Boxbush Road, South Cerney

There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.30pm.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Nicholas would like to start a dialogue with Ann Edwards School in how to promote a scheme to encourage safer routes to school. Cllr Walker will keep Cllr Nicholas informed. The Village Plan highlighted strategies such as item 3 to Promote healthier routes to school and item 6 to improve road safety in the villages and monitor the condition of the roads and pavements which would encompass the proposals. The Clerk was asked to include this as an agenda item for the June meeting.

Cllr Webb was concerned at the manner in which a local estate agent was advertising the sale of lodges on Lake 15 which should only be sold to fishermen engaged in that sport. Parish Councillors agreed that it would be difficult to police individuals’ activities as to whether or not they complied with the planning conditions. Cllr Stuart stated that it was a case of ‘caveat emptor’ or let the buyer beware.

Cllr Jay would like SITA to clear all litter bins prior to the Street Fair on Monday 26th May and also on the following day to help deal with the consequent surfeit of litter which is expected. The Clerk will inform Mike Harris (CDC) of this request.

Cllr Bennett (CDC) informed the Parish Council that the recent introduction of new waste and recycling collections were in his words “going brilliantly” where the project had been rolled out.

Cllr Bennett (CDC) stated that he had arranged for the footpath alongside the garage in Clarks Hay to be inspected by Gloucestershire PROW officers. Once it was decided where the footpath was to be, he predicted that the garage manager would paint the delineation to denote its existence.

Cllr Bennett (CDC) informed the Parish Council that PCSO Lesley Pooley had been moved to Lechlade and PCSO Michael Owen had replaced her. Cllr Stuart was disturbed that no discussion had taken place with the police prior to this decision and he would raise the matter at the next Parish Neighbourhood meeting scheduled for the 16th April.

Cllr Mrs Chapman asked that the flooding which regularly happened outside the property known as the Barn in Cerney Wick be investigated. She suspected that the drain was blocked and needed to be cleared.

Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to report to Gillian Portlock at Gloucestershire Highways that the weeds at the crossroads near Crossroads Farm, beyond Upper Up needed to be strimmed back as they were probably the cause of an accident which had occurred there recently. He was also concerned about some orange netting which was obscuring the sight lines at the next junction although this was in the neighbouring parish of Somerford Keynes.

Cllr Stuart added that GRCC had enquired how the Parish Council was progressing with the implementation of its Village Plan. Cllr Webb and Cllr Stuart would attend a meeting on Tuesday 20th May at the behest of GRCC to encourage other villages to create plans of their own.

Cllr Stuart reported that he had attended a Village Forum meeting organised by Marilyn Cox (GRCC) on 22nd April at Yanworth. On 27th April he had represented the Parish Council at the induction of the new vicar Revd David Bowers at All Hallows parish church. Katherine Isles and Mandy Fry had asked that various groups throughout the village support the production of a village calendar for 2009. Cllr Stuart suggested that members of the Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee could pose for photographs outside the Village Hall. Agreement by Parish Councillors to this was not universal as some thought it pretentious although the concept of a calendar was supported. Cllr Stuart will relay the acquiescence of Parish Councillors to the ladies.

As there was no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.05pm.