CHEDWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 20th JUNE 2011

 

PRESENT:  Mr P Sibbald (Chairman) Mr A Bell, Mr G Brister, Mr D Broad,

Mr J King, Mr T Watt and Mrs E Broad (Clerk).

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES;  The Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on the 16th May 2011 were agreed and signed as a true record.  It was agreed to record in these minutes to amend the wording on the notice displayed on the boards stating that no political material was to be displayed.  Mr Bell undertook to do this.

 

CO-OPTION OF ONE COUNCILLOR TO FILL THE VACANCY:  Ms Lindy Gallagher had emailed indicating her willingness to be considered for co-option she was also present at the meeting.  As there were no other candidates, it was proposed from the Chair and seconded by Mr Brister that Ms Gallagher should be co-opted to fill the vacancy, agreed unanimously.  Ms Gallagher signed the Declaration of Office Book and Code of Conduct sheet and took her seat on the Council.

 

Visit by PC Hazel Watkins and PCSO Andrea Shutt:  The Chairman welcomed the ladies and invited them to explain their role, which they did.  Councillors questioned them about various things including the recent speed checks on Fields Road and the communication from Rendcomb regarding the provision of a lease car, for their use, financed by the parishes.  The ladies explained about there recent surgery at the Farm Shop and the next Community meeting on 12th July.  Ms Watkins and Ms Shutt said that all reported crimes would be followed up. The Chairman thanked them for attending and they left the meeting.

 

Presentation of the Laburnum Cottage Revised Planning Application:  The applicant had requested to show the Parish Council the new plans for Laburnum Cottage which had only just been submitted to CDC and had not yet been circulated  for comments.  The Chairman invited Mr Hinds to show the plans. which he did.  Mr Hinds also explained the need for the new plans as because of the position of the stream they had found they were unable to build what was originally proposed.  The Chairman thanked Mr Hinds and he left the meeting.

 

TAKING STOCK OF CHEDWORTH PARISH COUNCIL:  The Chairman explained ideas submitted to the agenda which were discussed at length.  Discussion ensued on how the Parish Council was perceived and how it could be changed for the better.  The setting of a four year plan was discussed and it was agreed to bring ideas to the next meeting.   It was also agreed to encourage parishioners to bring their plans to present at a meeting.  Communication was then discussed and it was agreed that Mr King would look into the possibility of using other organisations email lists to communicate with parishioners via email.  The website was discussed as it was suggested it was not to particularly user friendly, the Chairman agreed to look at other companies offering specialist Parish Council website design.  It was agreed that only items that had something  happening or a decision needed were to

 

Chairman.....................................

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 20th JUNE 2011 – Page 2.

 

be included on the agenda.  It was also agreed to implement a cut off  date on the

Wednesday before the meeting for agenda items.  The possibility of having individual Councillors responsible for certain things such as looking at planning applications was discussed although the Clerk had made Councillors aware that it was not legal for the Council to delegate decisions to individual Councillors.  Reviewing the Standing Orders to include the possibility of limiting the time of meetings, re-styling the Parish Council by changing the name to Community Council and reviewing the budget were also suggested for further discussion next month.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

 

Footpaths:  a) KCH 58 Fields Road to Fossecross:  The Clerk had contacted Mr Finch by email and he was going to clear the path.  An email had been received from Mr Aveline raising several matters which had been received too late to be included on the agenda for this meeting and would be included next month.  One matter was the footpath below the Parsonage House which now had a padlocked gate.  It was established that the gate in question was not on the definitive line of the path although Mr Broad stated he was aware it had been used for many years.  Mr Bell stated that wire had been cut in this area to allow access for dogs.  The Chairman agreed to speak to the landowner about the padlocked gate.  Mr Bell spoke of the problems with damage to gates and fences caused on footpaths and asked for Councils agreement to include an item in the Hill an Valley reminding people of their responsibilities.  It was agreed this should be included under the name of the Parish Council.  A reply had been received from GCC PROW stating that the Modification Order for The Hills Farm Track was moving up the list but would still be some time yet.


 

Grass Verge, Hedge and Tree Cutting:  Nothing further.

 

Playing Field:  Mr Broad had found a further set of old nets in a cupboard at the Village Hall which had been fitted to the posts by Mr Watt.  A brand new set had been received with the new goal posts.  Mr Broad asked if the really old nets stored in the shed could be given to Withington Parish Council for their goal posts.  This was agreed.

 

Grass Keep Field: a)  The new Fence and Dog Latch on Footpath:  A quote of £70.00 to provide a dog latch on the stile by the raod had been received from Mr Dickenson.  Mrs Susie Moore had emailed to say the Wardens were prepared to erect a dog latch on this stile from left over materials.  It was agreed to ask Mrs Moore to request that the Wardens to go ahead with this. a) Water Supply to Diggers Plot:  A request had been received from Joanne Leigh asking for permission to erect a water supply from the trough.  It was agreed that there was no objection

to the provision of a water supply, provided that Mr Baker agrees, also that the pipe is above ground and of a temporary nature.  Payment for the water will have to be agreed with the grass keep tenant and The Diggers will be responsible for paying for any water leakage from the new pipe and fittings.

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Provision of New Tennis Courts:  It was agreed to close the meeting to allow Mr Duggleby to present the plans on behalf of HVLTC. Mr Duggleby explained the plans and asked for the agreement of the Parish Council to apply for planning permission.  When Council reconvened it was noted that the footpath was still not shown on the correct line on the plans.  Mr Bell was concerned about information he had researched that it was not legal for a Parish Council to enter into a lease for more than seven years.  After some discussion it was proposed by Ms Gallagher and seconded by Mr Watt to agree to allow the HVLTC to seek planning permission on the Grass Keep Field as shown in the plans, this was agreed with one abstention by Mr Bell on the legal issue of the lease.  It was agreed that the lease and rent would be sorted out at a later date.  Mr Duggleby, on behalf of the HVLTC, was happy to proceed with seeking planning permission despite concerns about the ability of the Parish Council to actually grant the required lease.

 

Intermediate Housing:  The Chairman invited Mr Robson to update the Council.  Mr Robson spoke about the current situation with the securing of the proposed land and updated the Council on the new membership of the CLT Board.

 

Communication between Parish Council and the Public:  a) Roadside Maps:  The perspex had been ordered by Mr Watt but a problem had arisen with the delivery and the goods had been returned to the firm who wanted an extra £5.50 for redelivery.  Mr Watt would sort this out.  It was also reported that the Chedworth Society had decided not to proceed with their Parish Information Point idea at the moment.

 

            Tuns Hill Waterfall, Flooding and Drainage:  Nothing further.

 

Traffic in Village and Road Matters:  a) Fields Road – Email from PC Jupp:  PC

Jupp reported that no significant speeding had been recorded and he would pass the information gained to the new Beat Officer now looking after us.  b) Notices Posted During Elections – A reply had been received from Mrs Watkins GCC Highways stating that a tolerant approach was taken to notices displayed during election periods.  This was noted.  c) Winter Maintenance & Grit Provision - Emails had been received from GCC Highways.  One was asking for confirmation of the Snow Plough Operators and Snow Wardens also the amount of grit required for storage.

It was agreed to ask Mrs Clarke if she is willing to carry on as Snow Warden and provide the plough operator and also enquire how much salt she can stockpile and where it will be located.  It was further agreed to enquire from GCC Highways how many square metres a 25kg bag will cover to estimate the size of the stockpile required.  A map had been received from GCC Highways showing a map of our grit bins and grit piles  It was agreed to enquire as to the purpose of sending the grit map as very few of the piles are shown on it.  Mr Bell reported that the Grit Spreader he had in mind would cost £1237.00 + VAT and had a waiting list for delivery.  Concern was expressed about the insurance aspect and it was agreed to check out our public liability insurance cover.  The Chairman undertook to bring along to the next meeting a sample of the green plastic bin for salt.

 

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Youth Matters:  Nothing further.

 

The eXbox: a) The Defibrillators – Money towards the third defibrillator had been promised by The Conservatives but had not yet been received.  The Chairman would contact Mrs Thacker regarding this.

 

The Recycling Banks at the Village Hall:  CDC had been in touch to request we contact them when the trees had been cut back.  Mr Broad had this in hand.

 

Bus Service:  Nothing further.

 

Cotswolds Conservation Board – Notice of Vacancy - Appointment of

Replacement Parish Member:  It was proposed by Mr King and seconded by Mr Watt to nominate Mr Adrian Bell, agreed.

 

PLANNING:

 

11/02315/TCONR High Gables – Tree Works.

CD 7532/A Wookeys Tump – Extension and Alterations.

CD 7532/B Wookeys Tump – Demolition of Existing Extension, Garage & Store.

Mr Broad declared an interest on these two applications so he could speak on them at CDC if required and left the meeting.  No objection was raised to either application  Mr Broad rejoined the meeting.

 

Approval:

 

11/02314/DDD Doveswell – Tree Works under DDD Legislation – No consultation.

11/02315/TCONR High Gables – Tree Works.

CD 4128/Q Rowan House – Extension.

CD 5875/J West Meadow Cottage – Extension.

CD 4029/N Salters Barn – Amendment to Permission Previously Granted.

CD 6345/J Apperley – Alterations.

CD 0283/D Woodlands Farm – Agricultural Dwelling.

 

There were no other planning matters.

 

There were no matters under enforcement.

 

FINANCE:

 

1.   Clerks Quarterly Salary (inc. pay increase included in Precept) £534.50,

      prop. A Bell, sec. P Sibbald.

2.   Clerks Quarterly Mileage (inc. Extra Audit Mileage) £26.62, prop. T Watt,

      sec. A Bell.

3.   Bibury (Playing Field Cutting May) £177.60, prop. T Watt, sec. A Bell.

4.   Viking (Printer Ink, Copier Paper) £51.25, prop. A Bell sec. L Gallagher.

 

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MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 20th JUNE 2011 – Page 5.

 

5.   Iain Selkirk (Internal Audit) £90.00, prop. L Gallagher, sec. A Bell.

6.   Council in receipt of £11.45 Grass Keep Water Reimbursement from Mr Baker.

7.   2010/11 Annual Audit – The Clerk reported that the Internal Audit had been

      undertaken and the only matter to be brought to the Council's attention was

      the need for more analysis to be shown, otherwise there were no issues with the

      accounts.  The accounts were now with the External Auditor.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Appointment of a Trustee to the Chedworth Allotment Charity following the

Resignation of Mr Peter Juggins:  Mr Maurice Wilkins had agreed to

replace Mr Juggins on the charity.  It was agreed to write and thank Mr Juggins

for his many years service.

 

Election of one Representative to the Chedworth Village Hall Management

Committee for one year:  Ms Lindy Gallagher was proposed by Mr Broad and

seconded by Mr Watt, agreed.

 

The Wall at the Lower End Chapel:  A tree was bringing the wall adjacent to the War Memorial down.  It was agreed to seek quotes to rebuild the wall from Mr Andy Chapple and Mr Roland Lewis.

 

Circulation Route for Correspondence:  It was agreed to look at this for the next meeting.

 

Items Arising from Email:  a) Parish Plan Status Update & Cotswold Funding

Newsletter– Emails from GRCC:  Ms Gallagher agreed to speak to GRCC to update the Parish Plan as requested.  b) GCC Electoral Review Recommendations:

Noted.

 

Items for the Hill and Valley:  Several items were identified for the Chairman to include also biographies of the new Councillors.  The Clerk reported that Mr Priest had asked for the submission to be copied to him so it could be included on the website.

 

Mr King thanked Mr Broad for attending the GRCC Vibrant Village of the Year Judges Visit recently at short notice.  Mr King also reported that Mr Musgrave was to undertake the update of the property grid references.

 

The meeting concluded at 10.20 pm.

 

NEXT MEETING:  Parish Council Meeting - Monday 18h July 2011 at 7.30 pm.

 

 

Chairman............................................

 

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