Prior to the Parish Council meeting Parish Councillors had a meeting with Kate Darch GRCC Village Agent Project Manager and Sue Black a Village Agent serving nearby communities. Kate showed a 12 minute long DVD which explained the purpose and work of a Village Agent. The primary purpose of the scheme was to help elderly residents to connect with the various services available to them and provide the back up to allow them to live with as much independence as possible in their own homes. The service was funded by the County Council and the Primary Care Trust and was secure for the foreseeable future. Village Agents it was emphasised were autonomous. Sue Black is employed for 20 hours a week serving two village clusters although generally most Village Agents did half that amount. Sue was setting up meetings with Joan Townsend, Reta-May Matthews and the COSY Club to promote her message in South Cerney. Sue will distribute flyers in the community promoting the meeting which she hoped would take place in October. Cllr Stuart stated that the Parish Council works well with GRCC and would support the concept. He thanked both ladies for their presentation.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SOUTH CERNEY
ON WEDNESDAY 12th August 2009.
 

There was one member of the public in attendance.

The Chairman of the meeting, Cllr Stuart opened proceedings at 7.35pm.

Cllr Stuart informed the meeting that Cllr Peter Clarke (CDC) had resigned due to ill health. Parish Councillors agreed with Cllr Stuart who wished Cllr Clarke well and hoped that he would recover from his illness. An election had been requested and if contested, the poll will take place on Thursday, 17th September 2009.

APOLOGIES

Cllr Jay and Cllr Harris apologised for their absence as they were on vacation. Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Messenger (CDC) had apologised for their absence as they were escorting Mr David Neudegg, Chief Executive Officer at Cotswold District Council on a series of meetings with representatives of Parish Councils. Cllr Parsons (GCC) apologised for his absence.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8th JULY 2009

Page 2570: Payments Out – delete £7,960.08 in the total payments out column. Insert in its place: £5,960.08

Page 2574: COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – 5th paragraph – delete Cotswold and insert: Joint Committee of the

It was proposed by Cllr Kimberley and seconded by Cllr Webb that the minutes as amended were a true and accurate record. Members of the Parish Council were all in favour.

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

There was no member of the Youth Parish Council present.

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising which had not been dealt with through the Committee meetings on Monday evening.

CLERK’S REPORT

On Thursday 9th July I attended a meeting of the SLCC at Cirencester Town Council’s office.

During July of the 17 available working days I averaged 3 hours 12 minutes per day which is two hours less a week than the time allowed in my contract.

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th AUGUST 2009

Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Kimberley, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge attended the meeting.

Cllr Caunce opened the meeting at 7pm.

Apologies

Cllr Harris had sent an apology for his absence.

Matters Arising from previous Minutes

Crime Prevention.
Cllr Caunce thanked Cllr Stuart for all his work in liaising with the police and dealing with Thames Water issues.

Cllr Stuart reported on the Police Neighbourhood Panel meeting which was held on 6th August in the Village Hall. It was well attended by people from both South Cerney and Siddington. These meetings are held every three months with the objective of Police and Communities working together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. At the previous meeting it was asked that attempts were made to reduce the problems with motorists parking on pavements and on drop kerbs, especially near the Post office and by Londis. Since then some six warning notices have been served on offending motorists and none of these have been seen to have re-offended. Over the next period the objective is to deal with the problem with a group of anti-social young people who are creating excessive noise late at night in the play area at Robert Franklin Way. Cllr Stuart would like to encourage anyone living in that area to call the police whenever there is such an incident.

Youth Shelter at Upper Up. Cllr Stuart reported that there had been no further contact with the contractor. He recommended that the outstanding payment should continue to be withheld. The Parish Council was in full agreement.

Aggregate Industries Contact. Cllr Stuart reported difficulty in making contact with the surveyor from Aggregate Industries.

Bus Shelter in Station Road. Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that one of the opaque panels had been disfigured with graffiti. Cllr Caunce had contacted Paul Swift at Gloucestershire Highways and reminded him of his commitment to construct a pathway from the shelter to the highway. Mr Swift confirmed his awareness.

Shorncote Link Cllr Stuart reported that the work to shore up the entry to Upper Up playing fields from the Cirencester to Ashton Keynes road had been completed. Other work on the Upper Up playing field path was awaited. Despite previous meetings at which agreement had been reached with Thames Water and its agent Bruton Knowles on action to complete their commitment Richard Maggs (Thames Water) had suggested yet another meeting. There was every possibility that Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP would also attend if such a meeting was agreed.

The Clerk was instructed to inform Thames Water that despite its assurances of action within 14 days from its letter of 9th July, none had been forthcoming. The Clerk was to express the disappointment and frustration of the Parish Council and state that action would now be taken at the next level.

Overgrowing hedge in Bow Wow. Although Cllr Harris had requested that the Clerk write again to Lady Fanshawe after this meeting in August to remind her that the evergreen hedge and other branches on the north side of Bow Wow, between Lower Mill and the bridge over the river Churn, needed to be cut back as it was overgrowing the carriageway Cllr Stuart had spoken with Lady Fanshawe regarding other matters and in the circumstances it was agreed not to write to her again in the near future.

Drop Kerbs. Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting Cllr Mrs Land had with Paul Swift (Gloucestershire Highways) on the installation of drop kerbs at points in the village. Three sites had been identified and work would start on one in Clarks Hay shortly. The other two would, when finance permitted, be installed.

Recycling Bins at Upper Up. Cllr Stuart was very impressed with the outcome of the meeting he had with Roger Sollis (CDC) regarding the collection of material left inconsiderately in the vicinity of the recycling bins. To date, he reported, the contractor had performed extremely well in keeping the site tidy.

Dog Fouling at Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that he had found no evidence of dog fouling on the play area.

INSPECTION REPORTS

Robert Franklin Way
Cllr Mrs Chubb and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge had carried out the inspections. Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that a small piece of wood had been scored out of the base of the second carriage. There was some litter, mostly empty cigarette packets and cigarette butts. The willow tree still needs attention.

Cerney Wick
Cllr Caunce reported that the play equipment was all in order. There was a tree in the hedge on the right as you enter the play area which needed its crown raising to give better visibility.

Upper Up
Cllr Stuart reported that the play equipment was in good order. The Fenplay safety surface needed the special sand to be reapplied before the end of the summer period. The basketball post had been removed. The base of the youth shelter continued to show signs of cracking at the joints of the redundant holes. There was some slight graffiti on the shelter. Thames Water have still to finish the path and drainage work. Moles in the area are an increasing problem although a trap had been obtained and John Hunt is hopeful of success in catching the rodents.

WHEELED ACCESS FROM THE CAR PARK AND THE ENTRANCE BY THE LANGET TO THE PLAY EQUIPMENT

Cllr Stuart had been in contact with Netlon a company that supplied a product called Turfguard which he considered a suitable material to construct a pathway across the grassed areas to the play equipment. Adrian Gibbs the ground maintenance contractor suggested that the path be laid after the end of the cutting season. Cllr Stuart will liaise with Cllr Kimberley on a plan to use members of the Princes Trust to help lay the path. Cllr Stuart reported that after discussions with Adrian Gibbs it was possible that an extra grass cut would be necessary before the season ended due to the very wet and muggy weather conditions this year which encouraged vigorous growth of the grass.

UPPER UP CAR PARK REFURBISHMENT

Cllr Stuart had spoken to Simon Clark of his suggestion on the laying of a new surface on the car park. Mr Clark was currently very busy and unable to commit at this time. Cllr Caunce posed the question: what is the negative effect of doing nothing to the car park? Cllr Caunce suggested that a cheaper option might well suffice and savings could be used for some other scheme like the provision of accommodation for youngsters to have as a place to congregate. Cllr Nicholas stated that careful thought should be applied as the cost of the project would be quite large. It was best to investigate a cost effective solution with the next step being to meet with Simon Clark. The project was not pressingly urgent.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Committee recommends that the Finance Committee agrees to contract James Harris Contracting for the tree work at Upper Up and Cerney Wick play areas at a cost of £115 plus VAT. From four contractors contacted only one had replied.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Cllr Kimberley reported that he had met with PCSO Mike Owen and his new associate. The alleged disturbances at Robert Franklin Way play area had been discussed.

Cllr Kimberley was concerned with the barbed wire which had been added to the kissing gate at the end of Huxley Court. Cllr Stuart informed him that as the gate and pathway were permissive the land owner was within his rights.

Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the eastern side of BSC13 needed to be cleared of overgrowing weeds. The Clerk will inform Mike Barton of GCC PROW.

Cllr Stuart reported that the refurbishment of the steps at Bow Wow had been completed.

Cllr Mrs Tunbridge reported that an overgrowing Lime tree outside Castle Gate in Silver Street causing inconvenience to the owners. The Clerk will inform Gloucestershire Highways.

Cllr Mrs Land was concerned with parking arrangements in the cul-de-sacs in Berkeley Close. Cllr Stuart suggested that she contact Les Haines (CDC) for advice. Cllr Webb produced a plan of the layout of the development scheme including road works which clearly stated that the area in the cul-de-sac was definitely included as a turning area. The Clerk was to inform Gloucestershire Highways and request it to make it evident on the carriageway.

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

The Chairman agreed with a request from Cllr Caunce that it might now be appropriate to give a report on the informal meeting held with Mr Neudegg Chief Executive Officer at Cotswold District Council before this Parish Council.

Cllr Stuart informed the meeting that Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Chubb, the Clerk, Cllr Bennett (CDC) and Cllr Messenger (CDC) also attended. Mr Neudegg differed with Clive Bennett's assessment that a response by the Parish Council is given the same weight as any other member of the community. It was a pity at the time he said that, Clive was at the bar! Planning issues and Watermark dominated the discussion. Mr Neudegg outlined his plan to amalgamate the planning department under one umbrella and not as it currently operates within the Heritage section at CDC. Planning, conservation, building regs, enforcement would now come under a supremo and have closer coordination within the system. Cooperation and not confrontation was his objective. Checking on the occupancy of second homes continues within the constraints of a person’s right to privacy was an on-going commitment. He would like to promote overall savings on expenditure within the system when they had been achieved rather than the plan. Generally the Parish Council works well with the officers at CDC and both of our elected District Councillors regularly attend our meetings and quickly action instances of concern we raise from time to time. The Clerk encouraged Mr Neudegg to consider joining the Gloucestershire Charter grouping. Numerous town and parish councils had joined with Gloucestershire County Council but only one District Council was involved. Further details could be found on GCC web site.

REPORT ON THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th AUGUST 2009

Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Webb opened the meeting at 8.30pm.

Apologies
Cllr Jay had sent an apology for his absence.

Spread Sheet Analysis

Cllr Webb noted that the expenditure detailed on the spread sheet for period 4 was in order.

Recommendations for acceptance from the Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee
The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to contract James Harris Contracting for the tree work at Robert Franklin Way and Cerney Wick play areas. The Finance Committee had not objected to the recommendation. At the Parish Council meeting it was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the contract is awarded to James Harris Contracting. The Parish Council agreed unanimously.

It was proposed by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Committee recommends the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. The Committee agreed.

Cllr Webb inspected the invoices and the Clerk’s travel expenses for July.

At the Parish Council meeting it was proposed by Cllr Mrs Land and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the Parish Council agrees to the above payments. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Ground Maintenance Contract
Cllr Stuart reported that after discussions with Adrian Gibbs it was possible that an extra grass cut would be necessary before the season ended due to the very wet and muggy weather conditions this year which encouraged vigorous growth of the grass.

There being no further business Cllr Webb had closed the meeting at 8.50pm.

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 10th AUGUST 2009

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

Pavement frontage to Old Post Office, High Street (CT.1239 and CT.1241)

Cllr Nicholas reported that negotiations with Gloucestershire Highways and the developer were proceeding on the redesign of the entrance and pavement area. A satisfactory outcome was expected.

06/00525/FUL CT.2648/3/P Planning Conditions for Waters Edge, Lake 10

It was noted that Conditions 14, 15, 16 and 17 of this application had not been actioned.

14. Prior to the commencement of development, visibility splays of 4.5m x 120m due northeast and 4.5m x 45m due south west of the proposed vehicular access shall be cleared of all obstructions to visibility of a height greater than 600mm and shall be maintained as such thereafter. Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

15. No building work shall commence on the lodges hereby approved until a passing bay has been constructed on Cerney Wick Lane, in accordance with full design and construction details, which shall have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority beforehand. The passing bay shall then be kept clear of all obstruction thereafter. Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

16. No part of the proposed development shall be brought into beneficial use until the pedestrian/cycle link to the Spine Road cycle path has been permanently constructed in accordance with the submitted details. Reason: To ensure the provision of safe cycle/ pedestrian links to the existing water park cycle routes.

17. No part of the proposed development shall be brought into beneficial use until the public footpath through the site has been upgraded to a standard suitable for wheelchair use in accordance with details, which shall have been submitted for approval by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To provide and enhance facilities in the Water Park for disabled people.

The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Neudegg, Chief Executive Officer at CDC pointing out the necessity that these Conditions are implemented.

CT.4498/W Four Pillars Hotel Conditions

The Clerk reported that no further communication had been received to his enquiries. The Clerk will contact Martyn Summerell Gloucestershire Highways for a progress report. In light of the meeting with Mr Neudegg the Clerk was asked to inform him and Cllr Parsons (GCC) of the lack of action and how their help would be appreciated in solving this problem.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL

09/00243/FUL
Applicant: Mr M. Hancock, Lacroft, School Lane, South Cerney GL7 5TZ
Proposal: Erection of replacement dwelling at Lacroft, School Lane, South Cerney GL7 5TZ (R)
NO OBJECTION

09/02138/FUL
Applicant: The Secretary of State for Defence, Room 25, K Block, Fox Hill, Bath BA1 5AB
Proposal: Erection of two storey side extensions and front porches at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Trenchard Gardens, South Cerney GL7 6JA
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council ratifies the decision on 09/00243/FUL and agrees to the recommendation on 09/02138/FUL not to object. The Parish Council was all in agreement.

Cllr Nicholas had declared a prejudicial interest in this next application as he was a friend of the applicant and did not vote on the application. He left the room and did not vote on the proposal to ratify.

09/01849/FUL
Applicant: Mr B. Clifford, c/o agent Abberley Design Ltd, 4 Silver Street, Cirencester
Proposal: Erection of two storey side and rear extensions at The Ridges, Station Road, South Cerney GL7 5UB (R)
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Kimberley that the Parish Council agrees to the ratification decision taken by the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Nicholas returned to the room.

Cllr Stuart had declared a prejudicial interest in this next application as he was a friend of the architect and did not vote on the application. He left the room and did not vote on the proposal to ratify.

09/01874/FUL
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Harry Robinson, Heritage, High Street, South Cerney GL7 5UG
Proposal: Erection of two storey rear extension to form ancillary accommodation at Heritage, High Street, South Cerney GL7 5UG (R)
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Mrs Land that the Parish Council agrees to the ratification decision taken by the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour.

Cllr Stuart returned to the room.

PLANNING APPLICATION RECEIVED BY GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

09/0039/CWMAJM
Applicant: Hills Quarry Products Ltd, Land and Mineral Management Ltd of Suite 1, Security House, 82c Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YD
Proposal: Temporary use of land for conveyor link between extraction area and plant site on land to the north of Oak Tree Fields, South Cerney
NO OBJECTION

It was proposed by Cllr Nicholas and seconded by Cllr Stuart that the Parish Council accepts the recommendation of the Planning Committee not to object. The Parish Council was all in favour.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL

09/01069/FUL CT.1470/1/F
Erection of three holiday lodges (revised scheme) at Spring Lakes, Station Road, South Cerney

09/01498/FUL CT.7927/D
Increase in size of existing front porch at Albertine, Upper Up, South Cerney

09/01849/FUL CT.1498/E
Erection of two storey side and rear extensions, cladding of building in render and erection of garage at The Ridges, Station Road, South Cerney

09/01856/COMPLY
Erection of dwelling at 22 Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester GL7 5UH

09/01874/FUL CT.0024/C
Erection of two storey rear extension to form ancillary accommodation at Heritage, High Street, South Cerney

09/02118/CPO CT.2648/4/G Temporary use of land for conveyor link between extraction area and plant site at land to the north of Oak Tree Fields, South Cerney

PLANNING APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

08/02833/FUL (Retrospective)
The siting of two mobile homes for use as seasonal equestrian workers’ accommodation (retrospective) at Old Talland House, Cirencester Road, South Cerney GL7 6HU

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

PROPOSAL TO SUPPORT SOMERFORD KEYNES AND ASHTON KEYNES PARISH COUNCILS PLANS TO INCORPORATE PERMISSIVE PATHS IN AND AROUND THE COTSWOLD COUNTRY PARK ON TO THE PROWS OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE DEFINITIVE MAPS

Cllr Stuart had proposed that the Parish Council works with Somerford Keynes and Ashton Keynes Parish Councils to have the footpaths associated with Cotswold Country Park (also previously known as Keynes Country Park) added to the Definitive Maps of both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and to consider sharing all pre-assessed costs of such a course of action. Cllr Caunce seconded this motion for discussion.

Cllr Stuart reported on a meeting he had with the other parish councils involved on 20th July where Roger Sleeman had been appointed Chairman of the group. The next meeting had been set for 17th August and Cllr Stuart encouraged all Parish Councillors to attend to show their support. Cllr Nicholas stated that he agreed in principle with the proposal although reserved on the sharing of costs as there had been none in the recent example of the application for the inclusion of the Barracks footpath in South Cerney. After a vote the Parish Council was unanimous in its agreement to support the proposal. The Clerk was asked to inform Mrs Muriel Watkins, Clerk to Somerford Keynes Parish Council and to thank that Parish Council for taking the lead in this project.

TO ENQUIRE FROM GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF COUNCIL TAX COLLECTED FROM HOLIDAY HOMES IN SOUTH CERNEY AND CERNEY WICK PARISH COUNCIL AREA

Cllr Webb requested that the Parish Council agrees to enquire from GCC on the distribution of Council Tax collected from holiday homes in the Parish. The Clerk was asked to include Mr Neudegg, Chief Executive Officer at Cotswold District Council and Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) as recipients. Members of the Parish Council did not object.

CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Mrs Tunbridge confirmed that the six wheels on the train unit at Robert Franklin Way play area had been removed.

Cllr Caunce reported the concern of some of the residents of Cerney Wick on the licensing application applied for by the Crown public house in the village.

Cllr Webb asked the Clerk to inform Fosseway Living that the rose bush at 30 Broadway Lane which was overgrowing the footpath causing inconvenience to the public users should be removed at root level.

Cllr Kimberley reported that a stone crushing machine operated by Keyway in Broadway Lane is causing excessive noise, especially at weekends. The Clerk was asked to inform Mr R. Brassington at CDC.

Cllr Mrs Chubb reported that the water hydrant sign opposite No7 Station Road had been thrown into the open ditch. The Clerk was asked to inform Thames Water.

Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that she had attended the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Play Group.

Parish Councillors complained again about the proliferation of signs at Lake 11 including those advertising the Fishing Club, WM Ski, Bike Hire, Cotswold Country Park. At Windrush Lake on the Spine Road there was another large sign advertising Cotswold Country Park. The Clerk was asked to inform Yvonne Poole, Enforcement Officer at CDC.

Cllr Mrs Land reported that she had attended a meeting of the Local Development Forum (LDF) to discuss the importance of the future development of Cotswold District through the Economic Focus Group. Cllr Mrs Land was particularly sceptical about some of the topics discussed and did not comprehend the relevance of many.

Cllr Stuart reported that he expected work on the refurbishment of the flat roof of the Village Hall to start in about one month’s time. On July 16/17th he had attended the Public Inquiry into the Barracks footpath. On 30th July he had attended the police meeting in the Village Hall. The Clerk was asked to contact Kim Bedford Chief Executive Officer of GAPTC to arrange for her to come, when available, to South Cerney to provide a training evening for Parish Councillors.

CERNEY NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS

Ask residents who have access to the internet to join in the Forum discussion on the Parish Council web site regarding the operation of the newly titled Cotswold Country Park.

Invite all residents to report any act of vandalism to the Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234

Report on the meeting with Mr Neudegg, Chief Executive Officer at CDC.

Inform elderly residents of the availability of the free installation of smoke alarms in their homes by the Gloucestershire Fire Brigade.

Inform elderly residents of the service provided by the Village Agent, Sue Black.

There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.25pm.