CHEDWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 21st SEPTEMBER 2009

 

PRESENT:  Mrs S Moore (Chairman) Mr A Bell, Mr D Broad, Mr P Sibbald,

Mr T Watt and Mrs E Broad (Clerk).

 

APOLOGIES;  Mr P Cundick and Mr A Miles.

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES;  The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 17th August 2009 were agreed and signed as a true record.

 

VISIT BY ALEX GILMER FROM THE NATIONAL TRUST PRESENTING THE NEW PLANS FOR CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA:  The Chairman welcomed Alex Gilmer, Building Surveyor with the National Trust, who came to present the new plans for Chedworth Roman Villa.  It was agreed to open the meeting and Ms Gilmer presented the plans to Councillors and members of the public present.  When Council reconvened the Chairman thanked Ms Gilmer for attending.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

 

Footpaths:- The Chairman welcomed our new County Councillor Fiona McKenzie and also Cotswold Voluntary Parish Warden for Chedworth Philip Coates.  It was agreed to open the meeting to allow Ms McKenzie to explain the situation with the unacceptably high number of unresolved Definitive Map Modification Orders at Gloucestershire County Council and to explain how she had tried to help resolve the situation.  Mr Coates explained his remit as a Voluntary Parish Warden and pledged to identify any tasks within the Parish which might be tackled by a Wardens' Working Party.  When Council reconvened the Chairman thanked Ms McKenzie and Mr Coates and asked Mr Coates to keep the Parish Council informed.

 

Grass Verge, Hedge and Tree Cutting:  Nothing further.

 

Playing Field:  Following the last meeting Rissington Arrows FC had requested use of the field for six matches up to Christmas while their own pitch is out of use.  The Clerk had previously consulted Councillors by email and the use was agreed but the rental charge was to be decided at this meeting.  After some discussion and in view of the fact that they had provided their own nets and had to do their own marking out it was proposed from the Chair and seconded by Mr Broad to charge the series rate of £10.00 per match, agreed.   Northleach FC had used the field at short notice on 5th September for the usual fee of £15.00 and may wish to use the pitch again later in the season.  It was agreed to assess at the time if this can be accommodated.  Mr Bell reported that the only feedback he had received from his stand at the Chedworth Show was that new nets were needed for the goal posts.  Mr Watt agreed to make enquiries regarding the cost and any grant aid that may be available ready

 

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

 

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 21st SEPTEMBER 2009 – Page 2.

 

for the Precept in January.  The Chairman noted that almost all of the Chedworth Show exhibits had been sited on the Playing Field this year when previously it had only been used for the Tug-of-War and suggested that in future the hire charge for the field should reflect the amount of wear and tear incurred.  A more detailed explanation of exactly what the field was to be used for by hirers would also ensure that the grass cutting programme could be adjusted accordingly.  Mr Broad reported that there was a licensing issue with the Pimms Tent on the Playing Field this year when the licence obtained was for the Village Hall car park.  It was agreed to be more vigilant next year.  A quote of £290.00 + VAT was received from Philip Dickenson for the replacement of the gate and post at the far end of the Playing Field.  It was agreed to bring this back next month and Mr Bell agreed to obtain another quote.  Mr Sibbald agreed to independently assess the condition of the post.

 

The Chairman brought forward the following item on the agenda as Ms McKenzie indicated she wished to leave soon.

 

Traffic in Village and Road Matters:  Details had been received from GCC Highways regarding the Proposed “Gateways” on Fields Road.  The proposals were

studied and after some discussion it was agreed to reply accepting the proposals and  asking that the Chedworth sign to be relocated near the Hemplands bend should not compromise visibility for vehicles turning out from the Farm Shop delivery entrance.  The School Travel Plan was also discussed.  The stated intention was for regular review of the Plan and it was agreed to write to the school asking if a review and an assessment of the success in achieving the targets and objectives laid out in it were in hand.

 

Grass Keep Field:  It was noted the tenancy expires on 31st October and it was agreed to consider again next month.

 

Community Garden:  Nothing further and it was agreed to remove from the agenda at present.

 

Provision of Additional Tennis Courts:  It was agreed to remove this from the agenda at present.

 

Affordable Housing:  The Chairman had brought the wrong letter to the meeting and agreed to circulate the latest update from Mr Robson.  No reply has yet been received from the Village Trust.

 

Communication between Parish Council and the Public:   Mr Bell and Mr Sibbald had a copy of the original Roadside map at the meeting and updated the Council on how they were going to enhance it.  CHOC had emailed the Chairman and suggested paying for the maps directly.  Mr Bell reported that his quote was exclusive of VAT, which the Parish Council could reclaim, so it was agreed to reply to CHOC offering to hold the money pending the invoices.  It was reported that the

 

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

 

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 21st SEPTEMBER 2009 – Page 3.

 

draft minutes and agenda had not been posted on the website due to Mr Priest being away.  This had been the second month running the draft minutes had not been posted. The Chairman agreed to email Mr Priest suggesting that alternative arrangements could be considered to cover Mr Priest's holidays.  The Chairman raised the problem of the notice boards being congested particularly with commercial notices and official Parish Council notices being covered.  It was agreed to place an item in the Hill and Valley reminding people of the rules regarding the notice boards.

 

Parish Plan:  Mr Broad enquired about emails he had been copied in to from CDC regarding a Village Design Statement which had come from an enquiry from Mr Musgrave on behalf of the Chedworth Society.  It was agreed to open the meeting to allow Mr Musgrave to explain, which he did.  When Council reconvened, the Chairman asked Mr Musgrave to keep the Parish Council posted with any developments.

 

Tuns Hill Waterfall, Flooding and Drainage:  Mr Sibbald reported that he had removed a quantity of Tufa from the overflow pipe.  The Chairman thanked Mr Sibbald and it was agreed to ask GCC Highways to jet clean the drain before winter.  Gloucestershire Highways will share with the Parish Council the results of the Consultants' survey of the drainage system above Box Tree Cottage when it is received.  A reply had been received from GCC Highways regarding the flooding on the Airfield.  They remain convinced that the drain is adequate but ask people to phone in to report any flooding.  It was agreed to include the telephone number in the Hill and Valley urging people to telephone to report any flooding in future.

           

Youth Matters:  Mr Watt reported that he had spoken with Mr Bearcroft who was keen on the idea of forming a Youth Group and plans were already in hand.  The Chairman drew Council's attention to a copy of the Hill and Valley in which there was a notice promoting “The Fabulous Chedworth Youth Group” run by Katie Essex which the Parish Council knew nothing about.  Mr Broad reported that he had tried to contact Ms Essex without any luck.  The Chairman agreed to see if she could make contact to find out some details.

 

Freedom of Information Act – Parish Council's Publication Scheme:  Mr Cundick had put forward some ideas based on the suggested scheme.  As it was felt this did not quite meet our requirements, the Chairman and Clerk would amend the scheme and submit to the next meeting for approval.

 

Underground Electric Cables:  Agreed to remove from the agenda.

 

Document Display:  Mr Broad had received an email reply from Rosanne Dickenson at the Farm Shop which he had yet to follow up.

 

Review of Standing Orders:  The amendments were agreed and the Chairman would now sign them.  They would also be displayed on the Parish Council website.

 

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

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Works to Play Area at the Village Hall:  Works were now in hand and Mr Watt reported that the opening ceremony would be held on Saturday 17th October at 2pm. 

 

PLANNING;

 

CD Contr.  The Rookery – Tree Works – Objection.  An email had been received from Mr Reid at CDC asking for the Parish Council's agreement not to serve a TPO but for CDC to work with the owner to achieve a continuation of tree cover.  It was agreed to reply that the Parish Council is happy to accept the recommendation and hopes that replanting can be achieved.

 

Approval:

 

CD 4029/M Salters Barn – Extensions – No objection.

CD 9103/E The Orchard – Field Shelter – No objection.

 

Other Planning Matters:  An email had been received from Mr Potter regarding an unpleasant smell that had been lingering in the village during the last week.  It was agreed to include on the next agenda.  The Clerk also asked for comments via email regarding the planning application recently received for the retention of a fence at Raybrook Cottage, Fossebridge.  The Chairman declared a personal interest in the application and declined to make comment.

 

Matters Under Enforcement:  Nothing further.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL:

 

Biodiversity:  The Chairman had this in hand.

 

FINANCE:

 

1.   Clerks Quarterly Salary £499.00, prop. S Moore, sec. T Watt.

2.   Clerks Quarterly Mileage £9.65, prop. S Moore, sec. T Watt.

3.   Bibury (Playing Field Cutting August 09) £82.80, prop. D Broad, sec. T Watt.

4.   Moore Stephens (Audit) £57.50, prop. S Moore, sec. A Bell.

5.   Council in receipt of £2.97 Water reimbursement from HVLTC.

6.   Council in receipt of £8.90 Water reimbursement from Mr Baker.

7.   Council in receipt of £15.00 Playing Field Rental from Horticultural Society.

8.   Council in receipt of £15.00 Playing Field Rental from Northleach FC.

9.   2008/09 Annual Audit – Completed and no points were raised to bring to

      Council's attention.  The notice advising the end of the Audit has been displayed

      for the statutory 14 days.  It was noted that we had managed to get a cheaper

      audit this year.  The Chairman thanked the Clerk for her excellent work  as

      Responsible Financial Officer.

 

 

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

 

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 21st SEPTEMBER 2009 – Page 5.

 

The Following Donations were agreed:-

 

1.  PCC, Cutting of Churchyard and Hill and Valley News £215.00, prop. D Broad,

     sec. T Watt.

2.  Cirencester Citizens Advice Bureau £100.00, prop. A Bell, sec. P Sibbald.

 

CORRESPONDENCE;

 

BT Telephone Box Letter:  A letter had been received from BT offering our two telephone boxes, which had been rendered uneconomic to retain in the mobile telecommunications era, for adoption by the Parish Council for £1.00 each.  After some discussion it was agreed to view the relevant website and discuss again next month.

 

Cotswold Conservation Board Annual Review 2008/09:  Noted.

 

CDC Standards Board Meeting Agenda:  Noted.

 

Clerks and Councils Direct Magazine:  Noted.

 

GRCC AGM – Churchdown, Gloucester, 1st October 2009:  It was agreed to send apologies.

 

Gloucestershire Police Authority's and Gloucestershire Constabulary's Annual Reports 2008/09:  It was agreed to pass this to Mrs Aylen as one of our Neighbourhood Watch representatives.

 

The Cotswold Lion:  Noted.

 

OTHER BUSINESS;

 

Items Arising from E-mails:  An email had been received from Mr and Mrs Brister regarding the July minutes.  As this had been received too late for inclusion on the agenda it was agreed to include on the October agenda.  It was agreed to email to inform Mr and Mrs Brister.

 

Items for Hill and Valley:  Several items were identified.

 

2010 Proposed Meeting Dates:  The suggested dates were approved and it was agreed to submit these to the Village Hall Booking Secretary.

 

Mr Bell suggested that the Parish Council might usefully have a role liaising between Fireworks event organisers and owners of livestock in the area.  He suggested that both parties could be asked through the medium of the Hill and Valley News to contact the Parish Council with information.  Mr Bell also asked if Chinese Lanterns could be included on the next agenda.

 

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

MINUTES – PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 21st SEPTEMBER 2009 – Page 6.

 

The meeting concluded at 10.15 pm.

 

NEXT MEETING:   Monday 19th October 2009 at 7.30 pm.

 

 

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

 

Date.....................................................