AMPNEY CRUCIS PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 12 JANUARY, 2004, IN THE VILLAGE HALL, AMPNEY CRUCIS.
Present: Councillors Gerald Gaden, Kim Hartshorne, David Vessey, Adrian Grazebrook, Sally Hebbs and John Dear.
District Councillor Edward Horsfall
County Councillor Raymond Theodoulou
Presiding: Councillor Adrian Grazebrook
Clerk: Mrs H Tonks
The meeting commenced at 7.15pm. There were 7 members of the public present.
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 10 November 2003
Resolution 01/04 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2003 be signed and adopted.
3. Reports from County/District Councillors
County Councillor Raymond Theodoulou gave the following report:
· The County Council’s proportion of the Council tax would increase by 6.8%. An additional £3.1million has been received from Government however, with a recommendation that it is used towards the reduction of Council Tax. County Councillors are discussing how this money should be used.
· CDC will collect 90% Council tax from 2nd homeowners in future. Although the majority of this money would normally go towards the County and Police there are plans that monies raised will be ring fenced and will go towards projects within the District.
· Thames Water is looking at ways of funding development in the region. It is anticipated that there will be price rises for Thames Water customers.
District Councillor Edward Horsfall gave the following report:
· CDC is hoping that Council Tax rises can be limited to 3.5% per year for the next 4 years.
· 40 jobs will be lost at CDC through natural wastage in the next few years.
· There are proposals that CDC will move to a cabinet system of decision making in May 2004. Public consultation will take place during January. It is thought that this system will give a greater sense of direction.
· The initial proposals to increase car-parking fees in the area have been rethought, following public concerns. There are still concerns that pensioners and those who have to use the car parks will be affected. However, CDC needs to raise income, and they believe it fair that drivers should contribute.
· The scheme for a cinema in the Corn Hall was dependent on Lottery funding. Funding has not materialised, therefore the District Council will start to think again about other possible schemes.
· There must be a concerted effort to improve recycling in the District. CDC will be fined if the level of recycling does not increase. (A target of 40% of all rubbish should be recycled)
· There is an opportunity for talks to be given to local community groups on climate change
· Local district Councillors are trying to have the A417 ‘de-trunked’. A petition is being organised.
· He has made a request for increased use of mobile speed cameras in the area.
4. Matters arising from the Parish Council meeting held on 10 November 2003
4.1 Junior Citizenship
The Clerk confirmed that Ampney Crucis Primary School sent pupils to Junior Citizenship last year and has been invited to send some this year. A cheque for £25.00 (resolution 41/03) has been sent.
4.2 Planning: 3805/PATS, Crucis Park Farm
The Clerk confirmed that following concerns from Councillors, she had checked with the County Council about their consultation procedure, and they explained that public consultation had still to be carried out at the time of the last meeting.
5. Questions from the Public
Derek Witchell and Adam Williams, directors of the company hoping to re-open the quarry, explained that they had carried out reports on possible noise and environmental impacts of the quarry and wished to allay fears that the quarry would be intrusive and undesirable. Mrs Jessica Schroeder, owner of the land on which the quarry is due to be opened explained that they wished the whole process to be totally transparent.
The Chairman explained that this item on the agenda is to allow members of the public to ask questions of the Council. At the last meeting, the Parish Council had objected to the scheme on grounds of policy and listened to views from local residents. The Council will not make any further representation unless requested by the County Council.
In answer to a question relating to paragraph 11 on the agenda, Mrs Schroeder explained that County Highways had approached her with a view to transferring maintenance of these parcels of land. Highways will still have rights on the land if needed. The Chairman explained that this matter would be discussed later in the meeting.
6. Financial matters
6.1 Current financial position
Councillors noted that the playground account has been set up, and payments have been made into the account from the playground committee.
Resolution 02/04 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the financial statements as provided by the Responsible Financial were an accurate reflection of the Council’s financial position on 15 December 2003
6.2 Agreement of payments
John Ducker had photocopied 200 more copies of the footpath map, at a cost of £18.80. The Council agreed to meet these costs. Mr Ducker will be advised that a new map is now available for the village, and this map could be used for future copies.
Resolution 03/04 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the above amount, totalling £18.80, be paid.
6.3 Budget and Precept request for 2004/05
The following budget was agreed:
Staff costs: salary £2832 increase of 3%
expenses £ 120 increase of £20
Grass cutting: £ 950 no change
Burial Ground maintenance £ 250 no change
Advertising £ 75 no change
Admin: GAPTC £ 90 increase of 5%
Village Hall Hire £ 80 no change
Insurance £ 680 increase of 10% on the amount paid in 2003/04
Misc. and postage £ 173 increase of £23
Playground: £ 0 any costs to be met from reserves
Other: Donations/grants £ 100 no change
Resolution 04/04 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the above budget be adopted, and that a precept request of £5500 is sent to Cotswold District Council
7. Planning matters
7.1 Decisions
272 CT 4942/P Dudley farm Cottages, 48 AC Permits
274 CT 7739/H Ampneyfields Grants consent
276 CT 8357 Dudley Farm House Consent
278 CT 6340/D Land at School Lane Approved
279 Contr 1560 The Old School House No objection
280 Contr 1566 Quarry House No objection
283 CT 0793/G 2 Donkey Field Permits
284 Contr 1575 2 Lake Cottages No objection
7.2 Outstanding applications
264 CT 3914/B Ampneyfield Farm No objections
275 3805/PATS Crucis Park Farm Objection
281 CT 2163/Q Fitzhamon House No objection
285 CT 2130/D Stonelea Objection
286 CT 0592/E Cumberland Cottage No objection
287 CT 5121/E 17 Park Corner No objection
There was no objection to the extension proposed in CT 2163/Q, however it was stressed in the Council’s response that the Council would expect that the requirements of the Cotswold Design Code would be fully taken into account, with particular respect to the proposed use of Velux windows and the inclusion of an upper balcony.
There were no objections to CT5121/E, as the proposal was for a smaller property than had been earlier been proposed, to which the Council had no objections.
7.3 Amendments
273 CT 3914/B Ampneyfield Farm Objection
282 CT 3914/B Ampneyfield Farm Objection
7.4 Tree works
None
7.5 Procedure for dealing with planning applications
Councillors discussed a memo written by Councillor Vessey, in which it explained that in 1992, it was resolved (16/92) to ‘create an office’ whereby the Chairman or Clerk could make decisions on behalf of the Parish Council in relation to planning applications after consulting with other Councillors. This is a device under S101 of the Local Government Act 1972, which enables Parish Councils to make decisions outside a legally convened meeting of the Parish Council where such a meeting would be impracticable.
In an ideal world, planning applications would be circulated as follows:
· The Clerk receives the applications and sends them to the Chairman or Councillor Vessey
· They review and start circulation, with a note about how it relates to the Local Plan
· The application circulates around all Councillors, and is returned to the Chairman with their views.
· If there are no objections, CDC is notified.
· However if the majority of Councillors object to the proposal, then a letter is drafted which is then circulated to all Councillors again. When all responses are available, the Clerk will write to CDC with the decision.
However, as this is impossible within the three week time scale, a new scheme, to which all Councillors agree, is required.
After some discussion, the following process was agreed:
· The Clerk receives the applications and sends them to the Chairman or Councillor Vessey
· They review and start circulation, with a note about how it relates to the Local Plan
· Councillors will read the attached note, and then add any subjective comments they may wish.
· When a majority view has been received, the application is returned to the Chairman or Councillor Vessey.
· If the application is contentious or there is a split decision, then all Councillors will be involved
· If the application is objected to, the Chairman or Councillor Vessey will draft a letter, and circulate it by email or letter, for comments.
· All Councillors will be notified of the decision, even if they have not seen the application.
· If a Councillor is unavailable, the application will not be held for their comments.
It was agreed that an article be placed in the newsletter, explaining how the Council reaches decisions on planning issues, advising local residents to contact their Councillor if they have a query.
Should the Council require Councillor Horsfall to give an opinion to the District Council, he must be informed.
7.6 Planning pre-inquiry Meeting
Councillor Vessey attended this meeting, which discussed the inquiry that will be held into the latest local plan. 2000 objections were received to the plan, and the inquiry is expected to last four months.
7.7 Correspondence relating to CDC approved application CT 5306/C Waterton Farm.
Mr Gegg of Waterton Farm Bungalow had sent the Clerk some details of violation of conditions attached to CT 5306/C. The Council regretted that there was no action they could take, and that any action should be left with the enforcement officers of CDC. Councillor Horsfall agreed to look into the matter.
8. Burial Ground matters
8.1 Removal of spoil from the burial ground
The Clerk recently met with the gravedigger at the Burial Ground, Andy Slade. Mr Slade suggested that two trees could be removed, the raised area of land at the end of the burial ground could be smoothed out and then seeded. He suggests keeping the height of the ground as it will provide double depth grave graves (of which there are few left). He also suggests only clearing one half of the ground – from the Donkey Filed to the W I tree, leaving the tree in situ. This would release 23 spaces. He suggests that the work would cost £400.
There was some discussion about available grave spaces in the Burial Ground. The Clerk explained that there were approximately 20 spaces left. However, few of these were double depth, and many of them were in tight spots, or near trees.
The Council agreed that a meeting would be set up in the Burial Ground with Mr Slade and Councillors Vessey and Gaden to discuss the project.
8.2 Grass cutting contract
Resolution 05/04 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the grass cutting contract for 1 April 2004 – 31 March 2005 is awarded to Cottage Garden Services, subject to proof of public liability insurance.
8.3 Gates to the Burial Ground.
Roland Hunt had repaired these in the past, however he commented that they could not be repaired any more. At present the gates are in good working condition, however, the Council should remain aware that they would require replacing in the future.
Mr Hunt was thanked for his work.
9. Village Update
9.1 Noticeboard
A meeting has yet to be arranged to discuss the requirements for the notice board.
9.2 Double white lines
The painting of the new white lines on the A417 has now begun.
9.3 Drainage on Riding Lane
New drainage has now been installed in the Lane, leading water to the ditches at the side of the road. This has been successful, however, further work is required on jetting and mapping of the drains from the top of Riding Lane to the Church.
9.4 Parish Partnerships
The Parish Council have a gang available for two to three days in Spring 2004 and again in the autumn. Any work suggested by the Council must be highway related and within the publicly maintained highway in the parish. It was recommended that the ditches on Riding Lane should be dug out and cleared in the Spring. The Clerk will notify the County Council.
10. Playground in the village
The Clerk and Councillor Vessey had a meeting with the school, police and playground committee before Christmas. There had been concerns that the play areas would have to be split between either side of the field. However there was some compromise and it was agreed by all present that new plans would be drawn up by the playground committee for both play areas at the top of the field.
11. Proposed stopping up of all Public Highways Rights over 4 areas of land at Crucis Park Farm, Ampney Crucis.
12. Broadband
13. Correspondence received
13.2 Straight point UK Ltd Push tester
The Council was informed that a push tester is available to test the stability of memorials in the burial ground. The Council felt however that Dyke and Son should be employed to test whether the stones are stable. The Clerk will find out costs before the next meeting.
13.3 Rural Transport Fora
The meeting on 4 February has been cancelled.
13.4 CDC Guidance for Town and Parish Councillors
This will be circulated with the minutes.
13.5 Gloucestershire Playing Fields association – Community Play and Sport Conference.
Councillor Hartshorne expressed some interest.
13.6 GCC Highway Maintenance Regional Parish meeting – 25 February, 2004, Westwood Centre, Northleach.
Noted.
13.7 GAPTC vacancies on Committee
Noted.
14. Matters outstanding
None
15. Date, time and place of next meeting.
Monday 8 March, 2004, 7.15pm, in the Village Hall.
Meeting closed at 9.45pm.