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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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Cllr Webb had sent an apology for his absence as he was
unwell. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7th JANUARY 2009 It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Chapman and seconded by Cllr Harris that the minutes were a true and accurate record. Cllr Caunce and Cllr Kimberley both abstained as neither had been present at the meeting. The remainder of the Parish Council was all in favour and Cllr Stuart signed the minutes. YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Jasmin Tresadern attended the meeting on behalf of the Youth Parish Council. Sinead Peare and Joe Lodge were busy studying for their ‘A’ level examinations. It was suggested to Jasmin that she encourages Charlotte Tickle to be come more involved with the group. The Clerk informed her that the Silver Stars had agreed to make a display jump to the Upper Up playing fields to open the new facilities. The parachute team would perform either on the 18th or 19th April. The precise date and time will be notified later. Cllr Caunce enquired if the YPC would like to have lines painted on the basketball side of the MUGA now that the hoop had been positioned on the other side of the wall. Cllr Harris asked if the YPC had decided on what they would like done with the old basketball area. Jasmin expressed an interest in the tree competition sponsored by CDC. The Clerk will forward her the details. MATTERS ARISING Cllr Harris will enquire from Ian Kennedy if there has been any progress with his endeavours to liaise with his superiors in the Scout movement regarding the future of the Scout Hut in Berkeley Close. Cllr Jay reported that the drain grille in the open ditch in Station Road had eventually been cleared by Gloucestershire Highways and in his estimation, just in time. Cllr Nicholas reported that Amanda Keys from GCC PROW informed him that a Public Enquiry to determine the application of the pathway known as the Barracks path would be held in the Village Hall on the 16th and 17th July. CLERK’S REPORT On Thursday 29th January I attended a meeting in the Village Hall to discuss draft proposals from the Parish Council to the Local Development Framework (LDF) Settlement Strategy for South Cerney and Cerney Wick. Cllr Nicholas chaired the meeting. Also present were Cllr Harris, Cllr Jay, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge. Cllr Mrs Land had sent an apology for her absence as she had been unwell. The meeting started at 7.30pm. Cllr Nicholas had prepared a document outlining issues which had been identified in the parish and the group proceeded to discuss and analyse how best to promote or downgrade their relevance. There was a consensus that small infill development was preferable to large developments. Green lungs should be preserved if at all possible to create the feeling of spaciousness which was a feature of the present village. If possible, car parking was a priority but creating space for such a scheme would be difficult. Cycle routes along the canal and/or the disused railway line should be an objective. The Conservation Area throughout the village should be preserved and if possible parts of it even upgraded especially in the environs of the river Churn, Silver Street and Clarks Hay areas. The removal of overhead cabling and retention of the open ditch in Station Road were added to the wish list. A centre capable of providing facilities for the village youth should also be considered a priority. Cerney Wick should be left as it is as the infrastructure and access were not capable of supporting further development. Access to the Water Park for residents and visitors alike should be improved. Further increases in the number of second homes should be resisted. Overall the parish could be divided into four separate regions: 1. the village proper; 2. Cerney Wick; 3. holiday homes; 4. the army camp. Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.40pm. While delivering correspondence this afternoon I spoke with Cllr Webb who told me that his treatment was progressing and there were positive signs to report. Parish Councillors wanted it to be known that they all wished him well and a quick recovery. During January of the 21 available working days I averaged 3 hours 42 minutes per day which is par for my contract. Cllr Stuart, on behalf of the Parish Council, thanked Cllr Nicholas for his work to date on the compilation of the response to the LDF project. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Tunbridge that the Parish Council was content to allow Cllr Nicholas to complete the return to the CDC on its behalf. The Parish Council was all in favour. REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2009 Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Kimberley, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7.05pm. Acknowledgement Selection of Committee Member Matters Arising from previous Minutes Certification of MUGA. £2,000 had been withheld from Park Leisure’s account until the remedial work had been completed. Current weather conditions prevented any action. Park Leisure was not conducive to painting lines on the basketball side of the dividing wall. When the job had been completed satisfactorily the remaining payment would be made and the Completion Certificate presented to Rosemary Lynn (CDC) for accreditation by the BLF (Big Lottery Fund). Page 2501 – Bus Shelter at the Lennards. Two quotations had now been received although other builders may be interested if an architect’s design was available. The original specification, decided by the Committee, had requested builders to supply a design and build quotation. Cllr Mrs Chubb had enquired from Garrick Outdoor, the preferred bespoke supplier, the dimensions of the concrete base needed to erect a 3-bay shelter. In response to an enquiry from Cllr Kimberley, Cllr Mrs Chubb informed him that a replacement glass panel would cost approximately £95.00 although there will be a mileage charge to add for its installation. Garrick Outdoor had recommended that the shelter be erected in the first place and then the concrete base installed thereafter. Further discussion ensued on the merits or otherwise of providing an architect’s design to encourage further quotations. Cllr Stuart drew the discussion to a close by asking for a show of hands from assembled councillors as to who was in favour of a brick shelter or a prefabricated one. Seven were in favour of a prefabricated shelter and one preferred a stone structure. Cllr Harris abstained. It was therefore agreed that the Parish Council favoured a prefabricated shelter. The Clerk was instructed to ask for quotations for a concrete base 2.5m x 1.7m. Cllr Stuart thanked Cllr Mrs Chubb for all her efforts with this project. Page 2501 – “Shorncote Link”. Cllr Stuart had a further meeting with Mike Barton and Ms Sarah MacDonald (PROW officer GCC) to discuss the diversion of the footpath on Mrs Ruth Berry’s land alongside the hedge adjacent to the football pitches. No problems, except cost, were perceived with this plan or to adopting the Parish Council’s permissive path as a PROW. Costs could be ameliorated if other schemes in the area could be “piggy-backed”. Cllr Stuart had contacted Stuart Milsom (MAI) and asked him to have Thames Water agents Bruton Knowles confirm that the path will be made good. Ali Swainston (Cotswold Water Park) and his team had started work on the Somerford Keynes end of the path. Cllr Stuart reported that Steve Hanson from the Payback in the Community team was back in circulation. His work schedule included the refurbishment of the steps down from Bow Wow to the old railway line. Gloucestershire County Council PROW contractors would be starting work on the ditches and drainage of Wildmoorway Lane which will take several seasons to complete. Eventually a triangular path would be created and the missing link provided from Lakeside car park to link up with the disused railway line and bridle path to the outskirts of the village, hopefully with the cooperation of Gloucestershire Highways. It was planned to make the pathway user friendly for all types of perambulators and wheelchairs. INSPECTION REPORTS Cerney Wick Robert Franklin Way Upper Up GROUND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS The Clerk reported that one of the selected contractors had declined interest in the work. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Jay that Adrian Gibbs be appointed as ground maintenance contractor for the next two years. The Parish Council was all in favour. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE As remedial work remains uncompleted the Parish Council should continue to withhold the final tranche owed to Park Leisure Ltd. Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next
two items as a potential contractor and had left the committee room. The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to appointing John Hicks as the safety inspector of the play areas and associated equipment in the parish. The Committee asked the Clerk to inform the Finance Committee that it had agreed to replace two memorial trees which had been damaged on the Upper Up playing field. PREPARATIONS FOR GRAND OPENING OF FACILITIES ON UPPER UP PLAYING FIELDS The Clerk reported that he had arranged with the Silver Stars to make a display parachute jump on to the Upper Up playing fields. The secretary would confirm at a later date either Saturday 18th or Sunday 19th April. Cllr Caunce, Cllr Kimberley, Cllr Mrs Land and Cllr Stuart volunteered to serve on a sub committee to plan the arrangements. Cllr Bennett (CDC) volunteered as requested to join the team. A timetable of events and an invitation list of contributors would need to be drawn up. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Cllr Mrs Chubb on behalf of the Brownies requested permission to plant about 30 trees on the Upper Up play area. The Committee had no objection. Cllr Mrs Chubb accepted a generous offer from Cllr Harris of a further pack of trees he would like to donate. Cllr Stuart also offered a selection of trees to the scheme. Cllr Harris and Cllr Kimberley will inspect the play area and make a recommendation as to where would be the most suitable location for the planting. Cllr Harris proposed that the YPC should be asked if it would like lines painted on the basketball side of the dividing wall on the MUGA area. Cllr Harris invited Cllr Mrs Chubb to manage the competition from The Cotswold Tree Warden Group which intends to create a record of noteworthy trees and tree projects in Cotswold District. It is aimed to do this through an inter-parish competition, which is hoped every parish will enter. The large number of classes means that no parish is disadvantaged. It is planned to publish a map showing all parishes which participate (and any that don’t!). If photos are good enough and funding available, the Tree Warden group should like to produce a more permanent record of the Cotswold tree scape for the general public. Entries will be co-ordinated by your Tree Warden or another person with an interest in trees appointed by the Parish Council. Cllr Harris enquired when the Traffic Committee would meet again. He was concerned that nothing seemed to be happening since it was last discussed. Cllr Nicholas informed him that Cllr Mrs Tunbridge, Cllr Stuart and himself plus other members of the community were part of the Committee. The Clerk was asked to coordinate a convenient time for a meeting with the various members. The Clerk reported that one of the sliding locking devices on the enclosed panel of the notice board in Clarks Hay had been broken. It was agreed that he should ask R.O.B. Berry to inspect to see if it could be repaired. TASK LIST The Clerk was asked to make a further enquiry from the lighting department at GCC if low level lighting could be installed in the area of the wooden bridge in Bow Wow. CORRESPONDENCE A letter from Mr P. Genillard regarding fallen tree débris from Poplars in Bow Wow was discussed. It was agreed that the Clerk reply stating that the Parish Council was saddened that both the Gloucestershire Highways and the Environment Agency were disinclined to take responsibility for the unstable trees. It may be possible that the Payback in the Community team might provide the labour to remove the tops of the trees which had fallen into his garden . The Parish Council will provide an introduction if Mr Genillard so wishes. Cllr Nicholas has submitted a search to the Land Registry in an effort to determine ownership of the land. Cllr Nicholas stated that the Parish Council would be unable to set a precedent by taking on responsibility for the trees. Cllr Parsons (GCC) will contact Gloucestershire Highways regarding the safety of the remaining trees. The Clerk was also asked to write to Lady Fanshawe to enquire the sections of the river Churn to which she claimed the riparian rights. There being no further business Cllr Caunce closed the meeting at 8.44pm. REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2009 Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land and Cllr Nicholas attended the meeting. Cllr Jay opened the meeting at 8.45pm. Apology Spreadsheet Analysis Recommendations for acceptance from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee As remedial work remains uncompleted the Parish Council should continue to withhold the final tranche owed to Park Leisure Ltd. Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interest in the next two items and left the room. After analysing quotations for the maintenance work on Robert Franklin Way the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee recommended that the Finance agrees to the lowest quote which had been given by R.O.B. Berry. At the Parish Council meeting it was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Jay that R.O.B. Berry should be contracted to do the above work. The Parish Council was all in favour. At the time of the meeting two quotations for the hedging work at Upper Up had been received and Cllr Nicholas’ advice was to wait until the Parish Council met on Wednesday to make a decision had been agreed. A further quotation had been received since the meeting on Monday but all exceeded that of James Harris Contracting. It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that James Harris Contracting should be given the contract to reduce the hedging at Upper Up playing in accordance with the specifications supplied. Cllr Harris returned to the room. The Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to appointing John Hicks as the safety inspector of the play areas and associated equipment in the parish. The Committee asked the Clerk to inform the Finance Committee that it had agreed to replace two memorial trees which had been damaged on the Upper Up playing field. The Finance Committee was in agreement with all the recommendations.
Cllr Jay had inspected the invoices and agreed the Clerk’s travel expenses for January. The Committee recommends that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council agrees to make the payments recommended by the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9pm REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2009 Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land and Cllr Nicholas attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas opened the meeting at 9pm. Apology LDF (Local Development Framework) Notification of Applications PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL Cllr Caunce declared a prejudicial interest in the following two applications as he was a friend of the applicants. He further declared a prejudicial interest as a business associate in two following and left the room. 08/00974/LBC 08/00975/FUL It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Harris declared a prejudicial interests in the next two applications as the applicant was a business associate and left the room to join Cllr Caunce. 08/03548/FUL 08/03674/FUL It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Caunce and Cllr Harris both returned to the room. Cllr Jay and Cllr Kimberley declared a prejudicial interest as friends of the applicant. Cllr Nicholas had declared a prejudicial interest during the electronic voting also as he was a friend of both the applicant and the architect. All three councillors left the room. Cllr Stuart took over the report in the absence of Cllr Nicholas. 08/03700/FUL It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Jay, Cllr Kimberley and Cllr Nicholas returned to the room. Cllr Nicholas resumed his report. 08/02833/FUL It was proposed by Cllr Kimberley and seconded by Cllr Caunce that the Parish Council ratifies the decision of Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. 09/00064/FUL 09/00127/FUL APPLICATION WITHDRAWN 08/03075/FUL COUNCILLORS’ REPORT Cllr Mrs Land complained about the difficulty in contacting an Access Officer at CDC. There was no continuity of personnel which frustrated her attempts to have access for disabled people enforced in some local businesses. Cllr Bennett (CDC) informed Cllr Mrs Land that he would be looking into this problem. Cllr Harris had reported at a previous meeting that a business was operating a waste transfer station on the Evergreen Industrial estate in Broadway Lane. Cllr Parsons (GCC) had progressed this complaint and reported that the Gloucestershire County Council Enforcement Officer had visited the site and insisted that a planning application for permission to operate is made. There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.35pm. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS' REPORTS Cllr Jay and Cllr Stuart had attended a seminar hosted by the Canals Trust at the Gateway Centre. Of primary interest was the possibility of the restoration of paths and cycle routes along the canal. The next meeting was scheduled for June. Cllr Jay proudly pronounced that he had taken part in the Zero Waste Week and achieved a total of 114 grams. The savings in waste was more than compensated by the increase in expense of providing goods from specialists. Cllr Caunce was concerned with the reduction of the waste collection service due to the weather conditions. He asked Cllr Bennett (CDC) for an assurance that the contractors would accept ‘top hatting’ when the collections returned to normal. Cllr Bennett (CDC) was unable to comply with that request as SITA were, as he put it, “a law unto themselves”. Cllr Caunce remarked that the salt piles had not been replenished. Cllr Parsons (GCC) informed the meeting that the government had requisitioned the county’s supplies. Cllr Caunce reported that yet another vehicle accident had taken place at the junction of Cerney Wick Lane and the Spine Road and why could something not be done to improve the safety at the junction. Cllr Parsons (GCC) stated that all junctions in Gloucestershire were objectively prioritised and all schemes must await promotion. Cllr Caunce noted that there were lights showing in a property on Waters Edge which he presumed meant that the property was occupied in a supposedly closed season. Cllr Bennett (CDC) stated that some owners had challenged the ruling of occupancy in the courts but the CDC had won its case. There was one officer on full time duty checking that the conditions were being obeyed. Cllr Kimberley complained that the bollards on the Spine Road at the Wickwater Lane/Spine Road/Broadway Lane and Station Road/Cerney Wick Lane/Spine Road were obscured with mud from passing vehicles and were now unreadable. The Clerk will report his observations to Gloucestershire Highways. Cllr Harris reported that GCC had contacted him as Snow Warden for the parish. Cllr Harris reported on the Police Consultative Meeting he had attended in the Village Hall. He stated that due to the nature of the assembly the meeting was not constructive. Cllr Stuart complained to that PCSO Dan Sinclair and PCSO Michael Owen had not co-ordinated the meetings satisfactorily. Cllr Stuart remarked that Sgt McIntyre who is in charge of PCSOs at Cirencester spends too much of his time as Custody Sergeant at Stroud Police Station. Consequently there is a lack of direction of the PCSOs based in Cirencester. Cllr Parsons (GCC) will raise these concerns with the Chairman of the Police Authority when he next meets with him. Cllr Mrs Land wished to know when the next meeting of the Traffic Committee was due to be held. The Clerk will organise a meeting at a mutually convenient time for most of the Committee members. Cllr Stuart suggested that the most appropriate time would be around 6pm. Cllr Parsons (GCC) reported that the back filling earth works on Lake 16 had ceased and the plan was to plant trees there. Restoration is the responsibility of CDC. Cllr Parsons (GCC) reported that he GCC Enforcement
Officer had visited the waste transfer operation in Broadway Lane and insisted
that an application for the operation was made. The temporary period of 28 days
had expired and from the volume of material on the site it was obvious that the
business was of a permanent nature. Cllr Harris asked that the hours of
operation are controlled to take account of the possible disturbance to nearby
residents. Cllr Parsons asked the Clerk to note that the contact email for the
Enforcement Officer was Cllr Parsons was pleased to report that the new method of road repairs with hot tar was more satisfactory than in the past. Cllr Parsons will speak with Chris Franklin, Gloucestershire Highways to see if something can be arranged to solve the dilemma of the Poplar trees in Bow Wow. There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.55pm. |
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