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Parish Council Minutes June 2005

Home > Parish Council > Minutes > June 2005

The Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council took place in the Village Hall on Wednesday 8th June 2005 commencing at 7.30 pm.

The Chairman, Cllr K Bryan presided; present were Cllrs. M Day, S Gibbons, C Hill, Mrs M Metcalfe, Mrs J Nudds, C Sleigh and M Williams with G Russell in attendance. Also present for part of the meeting was Stephanie Forman. The Chairman welcomed Cllr Stuart Gibbons to his first meting since being co-opted to the Council. Cllr Gibbons signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was witnessed by the Clerk.

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from County Cllr John Howell and District Cllr John Cotton.

2 Declarations of Interest:

None

3. Minutes of the Meeting of 11^th May

The Minutes of this meeting were approved and signed as a true record.

4 Matters Arising from the Minutes

i. By-pass junction; the Parish Council discussed an idea for improving safety at this junction, which had been suggested by the County engineer, and was not wholly convinced that it would work. One or two wondered whether anything needs to be done at all. It would be very helpful if the County has any records of past accidents at this junction - not just the numbers but also some explanation of what caused each one to take place.

Another group thought the safest thing would be to ban all right turns from the by-pass into Henley Road. making drivers who wished to follow that route go down to the Shillingford roundabout and return.

ii. Trafalgar weekend; the Clerk reported that the bell ringers are to mark the event with a special peal and there will be a commemorative service in the Abbey. There have been two volunteers for committee so far and it was suggested that Don McGregor be approached. The School has been invited to assist the Northmoor Trust, which is leading the Oxfordshire part of the Trafalgar Woods project.

iii. War Memorial; It was agreed that the Parish Council would accept full responsibility for funding this project, for which the quote is £860 plus VAT. Third party contributions will, of course, be most welcome. Cleaning and painting of the chains around the memorial is included in the quote. It was suggested that the posts supporting the chains should also be refurbished.

iv. Mike Smith Memorial Seat; the catalogue from Orchard Street Furniture of Crowmarsh Gifford will be circulated together with that of Grundons, who supplied the seat commemorating Richard Muspratt.

5 District Councillor's Report

Through the Clerk, Cllr Cotton had sent a message saying that he nothing to report.

6 County Councillor's Report

Cllr Howell had submitted a written report:

He asked that the Council respond to the consultation document on the proposed modifications to the Oxfordshire Structure Plan by stating its agreement with the two principal changes for this area: the removal of SBWB as a specified area for gravel extraction and of the land south of Grenoble Road for green belt house building.

Cllr Howell said that in due course he would advise the Council how to respond to the consultation about the Minerals & Wastes Local Development Framework (M&WLDF. The deadline is not until July.

He confirmed that he had completed the forms about the Local Transport and Bus Plan on the Council’s behalf as requested. The essential points related to recognition that the motor car is the principal means of transport in the county. There will be a further opportunity for consultation about the proposed declassifying of the Chislehampton-Clifton Hampden back route

Cllr Howell thanked the Council for sending an e-mail about possible bus route changes. At the Transport Implementation Committee the decision was deferred over a proposal to make the X39 a premium bus route at the expenses of local services such as the 105/6. The issue of ensuring a local service in Dorchester and Berinsfield can be pursued. There is a possibility of making the X39 a premium route, which would eventually increase its frequency to 4 an hour and would improve the bus stops along the route, including on the by-pass. If the villages like Dorchester are not disadvantaged as a result of this, it would be a good outcome.

There are numerous problems with the Berinsfield-Culham cycleway and the County Council is in discussion with the contractors. Councillors commented that they were against the extension of the 30 mph speed limit all the way to Culham.

Cllr Howell reported that the County Council officer responsible for highways input to SODC planning applications is Stuart McDougall. When future applications in the village come up he should be contacted with comments and concerns to avoid the situation that was encountered over Hallidays.

He is hoping that the District and Parish Councils, together with the County, will be able to proceed with the Bridge End improvements around the car park and is still pursuing the county highways engineer who is responsible for roads maintenance.

7 Correspondence and Other Business

i). Sports Club Pavilion & Playground;

The Clerk reported that Total Pest Control had now dealt with a wasp nest in the play are that had been reported on the previous day. It was agreed that the Council should go ahead with the mole control contract which would cost £600 per year. The Clerk will contact Peter Willis of Advanced Pest Control who may be able to help deal with the rabbit problems.

It was agreed that new playground safety bark should be ordered and the existing bark turned over and moved to the perimeter of the danger area.

Cllr Day reported on the evening course run by Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association. He had returned with a folder full of useful information. OPFA had stressed the importance of frequent and regular inspections of the play area, using a check list and log book, and the fact that such inspections have taken place, together with a note of what has been found, must be recorded in the Council’s minutes.

The Council noted that a down pipe on the Pavilion wall needs attention. The Clerk will ask BCB to attend.

ii). Footpaths;

The senior County footpaths officer has visited the path at Overy and across the Mill and will be following up earlier attempts to persuade the landowner to take action. He had been most unhappy about the shoulder high fence which had been nailed to the stile and the quantity of stinging nettles etc along the very narrow pathway.

It had been agreed that the Parish Council would take action concerning the nettles and also the overgrown section of the path linking Martins Lane with Drayton Road.

Cllr Hill said that the amount of fly tipping at the Drayton Road end of the path was unacceptable and wondered if the District Council would considered installing one of its covert surveillance cameras to try and catch the culprits. The Clerk will enquire.

iii). Cemetery;

It was agreed that councillors would review the regulations regarding memorials, and the care of graves generally. The Clerk will circulate the document.

Although rabbits and, possibly, muntjac deer are damaging floral tributes the Council did not wish to encourage the use of artificial flowers. Cllr Mrs Nudds said that asters, lupins, poppies, alium and cat mint are all species which rabbits tend to leave alone.

The Clerk has written to SODC Planning concerning the Council’s plans for the old buildings. In the meantime it was pointed out that the gate fastenings need repair.

iv). Parish Plan

Cllr Williams said that six out of the thirty-six young residents had attended a special meeting at the Village Hall and discussed their ideas for future activities. Also involved in the meeting were several adults including Anton Nath from ORCC. Consultation with the young residents in a vital component in completing the Parish Plan exercise to the satisfaction of ORCC. The idea of a ‘Youth Parish Council’ had been supported and would be developed. It was hoped to arrange some special youth activities/outings during the summer and the idea of a youth club would be discussed at another meeting in 2/3 weeks.

Cllr Mrs Metcalfe reported on further progress with the tourism project in conjunction with DEFRA’s ‘Hidden Britain’ team. She had received some feedback from councillors about designs of information boards and suggestions that there should be better signing of the Village School, the Cemetery and the Catholic Church. Some questionnaires had already been completed by visitors and these are to be analysed. The tourism content of the Parish website is to be further developed.

v).Other letters to Chairman and Clerk

a. The Lord Lieutenant has sent an invitation for the Parish to be represented at Christ Church for the World War II 60^th anniversary service on 9^th July. It was agreed to ask Don McGregor if he would like to go, the Chairman being already involved at the Dorchester Village Fete on the same day.

b. The Council noted the District Council’s new ‘ecosack’ recycling project which is intended to increase the amount of garden waste sent for composting rather than landfill. It will start on 4^th July and Sue Graney will be asked to stock the new type of bags.

c. A copy of the application for a change of licencee at The George was noted.

8. Planning

a) Applications:

P05/W0541/LB Molly Mops, Samian Way

Removal of internal partition wall

The Planning sub-committee had no strong views and the Council agreed.

P05/W0503 9 Oxford Road, Demolition of existing garage and conservatory and erection of two storey side extension and detached double garage. New vehicular access. (As amended by agents letter and plan)

The Planning sub-committee had no strong views and the Council agreed.

P05/W0572/LB 11 Rotten Row

Erection of single storey rear extension and replacement of roof lights with dormer windows

The Council agreed that it had no strong views.

PO4/W1172 Hallidays Antiques and Workshop - amendment

Deals with minor amendments required by Sally Stradling from SODC Conservation and Design to ensure that the character and appearance of the listed building are preserved.

The Council had no observations to make on the amended details.

PO5/W0624/T Orchid Lakes, Abingdon Road

16.7m high telecoms tower, 3 antennae, radio equipment housing and development ancillary thereto

This application is similar to PO4/W1265/T with the location of the tower moved a few yards to the east. The Council is aware of several objections from neighbours and it was agreed to recommend that this application should be rejected. There were particular concerns about the height and the ‘green belt’ location of the proposed tower. Cllr Cotton is to be informed of the Council’s strong objections.

b). Report on planning decisions, amendments etc

PO5/W0503 9 Oxford Road; Demolition of garage and replacement with two story extension; an amendment has been received for information only

PO5/W0327 5 Tenpenny; erection of replacement porch, single story rear and side extension conservatory and loft conversion etc.

Planning Permission granted 18th May

PO5/W0381 Gable House, 83 Abingdon Road; replace existing flat roofs with pitched roofs to form additional first floor accommodation

Planning Permission granted 11th May

9. Finance

a). Bank balances

Natwest current a/c at 27th May £7,502.50

Natwest reserve a/c at 27th April £42,004.56

The Council’s receipts in June included £450 from the ‘Midsommer Murders’ production company and £230 for advance purchase of burial plots by the Kestners.

b). The following accounts were approved for payment:

Allianz Cornhill – annual insurance premium £1,589.22

Scion Estates – grass cutting to date £1,276.01

ORCC (annual subscription) £20.00

GGD Russell - salary £320.25

GGD Russell - admin expenses (Apr/May) £122.30

Geoff Willis Handyman - 4weeks - £198.91

Berinsfield Community Business Cemetery hedges/trees etc £492.32

Berinsfield Community Business grass cutting to date £185.06

Berinsfield Community Business visibility waistcoats £19.39

M Williams ( expenses for youth meeting) £20.83

10 Allocation of Member’s responsibilities

The following allocation was agreed

School Governor: Jenny Nudds

Sports Club: Stuart Gibbons & Chris Hill

Footpaths: Margot Metcalfe

PCC: Mark Williams

Cemetery: Ken Bryan and Maurice Day

Village Maintenance (trees, hedges, drainage & ditches):Maurice Day & Chris Sleigh

Parish Plan: Margot Metcalfe & Mark Williams

Allotments: Chris Sleigh

Playground: Stuart Gibbons

Thirteen Parishes: Mark Williams

Village website: Margot Metcalfe & Mark Williams

Car Parking: Ken Bryan, Chris Hill, Jenny Nudds and Chris Sleigh

Village Hall: Ken Bryan

Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer: Geoff Russell

Planning ‘sub-committee’ Maurice Day, Chris Hill, Margot Metcalfe & Jenny Nudds,

It was agreed that on matters of public transport the Council would consult with Dr Katherine Clarke of 16 Malthouse Lane

11 Consultation on Code of Conduct

The draft response of the Chairman was agreed and will be submitted to the Standards Board with a copy to Marie Ainsworth, the Monitoring Officer

12 Proposal from Co-Op’s architects re parking etc.

The Parish Council had recommended refusal of PO4/W0699 believing that the scheme would bring additional car parking pressure in an area of the village where the demand is already high.

Following several discussions with Nick Charlton of McLennan Architects and, taking other development options into account, the Council now agrees that the proposal does not represent an unreasonable addition to the demand for car parking. Furthermore the applicant has confirmed its willingness to assist with measures which will help to control where parking takes place. Specifically it has agreed to finance the installation of extra traffic bollards to prevent parking on the York stone.

In view of these arrangements the Council agreed to withdraw its previous objections.

13 Allotments/Rotten Row Cycle Barrier

The Clerk has been informed by the County Council that it has received several complaints from people who have hurt themselves when negotiating the cycle barriers between Rotten Row and the Allotments. Although some of these people have declined to leave their contact details, the County Council is sufficiently concerned about this matter to request that the barriers be removed.

The Parish Council agreed that it would comply with the County’s wish and the barriers will be removed by Scion Estates, the contractor which installed them, at a cost estimated to be less than £100.

No such complaints have been received about the barriers between Samian Way and the Allotments and these will remain, their purpose being to force cyclists to travel slowly along this narrow, curving path so that the risk of accidents with those on foot is reduced.

14 Dorchester Festival

Stephanie Forman said that neither lighting or the park ‘n ride service is required for any of the events and so marshalling and the placing of signs etc are the only expenses. It was agreed that the cost of this is insignificant and certainly much less than the Council had been expecting to be asked to contribute.

The Orchestra of St John will be paying for some extra signs from the AA, which will be applicable to all the Festival events. The Council asked if all Festival performers could be encouraged to travel by coach. For small numbers it might be possible to make arrangements which did not use up parking spaces in the main public areas.

Details of where to park should be sent to ticket holders in advance. These would include details of when the parking area on the Recreation Ground would be closed, because it was agreed that to leave the gate open all night would be a security risk.

15 Any Other Business

a. It was agreed that a new sign at the play area should give details of the nearest telephone, hospital casualty service, and how to complain.

b. A register of landowners both in the Parish and on its borders will be prepared. Cllr Williams has ordered a map from the District Council which will form the record.

c. The Council needs to take professional advice regarding the ditch which commences in Drayton Road next to 92 High Street. It is blocked in many places.

d There is no objection to SODC using the Recreation Ground for junior cricket coaching from 30^th August to 2^nd September inclusive.

The meeting closed at 9.59 pm. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 13^th July.

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