MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 13 NOVEMBER, 2000, AT 7.30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL, AMPNEY CRUCIS.
Present: Councillors Peter Kelly, Gerald Gaden, Fran Huckle, David Vessey, Adrian Grazebrook, Sally Hebbs and John Dear.
Presiding: Councillor Peter Kelly
Clerk: Mrs H Tonks
The meeting commenced at 7.00pm. There were 4 members of the public present.
Apologies were received from District Councillor Evans.
Resolution 42/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 September, 2000 be signed and adopted.
3.1 Repairs to the Praying Cross
The Clerk reported that two quotes had been received for the repairs to the Praying Cross. It was agreed that an application be made to the Historic Buildings Fund operated by CDC. This grant requires that work starts on site within three months of the grant being offered. As Scheduled Monument Consent has not yet been applied for, and other sources of funding are being searched for, it was agreed that the Clerk applies for an extension, to allow a longer period than 3 months before work commences.
There was some discussion about the need for railings around the Cross to deter pedestrians from getting too close, and injuring themselves on the Cross, as the repairs would probably not make the Cross completely stable. The Clerk agreed to contact the Council’s Insurers to ask for their advice.
It was also agreed that the Clerk would contact English Heritage to ask for scheduled monument consent.
3.2 Repairs to the benches, and replanting at the War Memorial.
An invoice had been received by the Clerk for the repairs to the benches in the village, however, following an earlier inspection, it was reported that the repairs were incomplete. The Clerk will contact the contractors again.
The repairs to the other benches were satisfactory.
Replanting had started at the Memorial.
There were some concerns that the posts holding the chain fencing were unstable. However, it was agreed that they would be satisfactory for some years.
3.3 County Council matters.
The Clerk reported that a number of matters had been discussed with the County Council.
q The Village nameplate will be removed for repainting, if the Council agrees.
q The incorrect directional signing on the signpost at the top of Ridings Lane has been reported to the County Council.
q The tree outside the school cannot be replaced as it is within a ‘Visibility Splay’
q Dumped asphalt on BAC22 has been reported.
The Council agreed to the temporary removal of the nameplate, and heard that the asphalt had been partially moved by local residents. Councillor Vessey will monitor this situation.
3.4 Land at the edge of the Donkey Field.
The Clerk confirmed that GCC County Highway Records were unable to allow Mr Charlton to fence in the wedge of land to the north of his property. The Parish Council, and/or Mr Charlton, were entitled to apply to the County Council for the land to be stopped-up as highway.
Mr Charlton explained to the meeting that he had concerns about possible dangers to children playing at this area. It was agreed therefore that:
q The Clerk would contact GCC asking for documentary evidence that the tree was definitely the property of the Parish Council, despite the tree being planted on Highway land
q Councillor Huckle would contact the school to ask whether play equipment could be erected on a small site near the school, to encourage children to play away from the roadside.
q An article would be placed in the newsletter asking for volunteers to take the idea of a play area further.
The Clerk reported that District Councillor Evans had explained that the report for the Periodic Electoral Review had been sent to the Local Government Commission for their comments. It was recommended that the Ampney’s ward, (to be known as Ampney’s and Coln) would be a single member ward, although it will be larger than the present ward.
Mr Dunford explained that some replanting had been done at the Memorial site, and that further planting would take place in the next few weeks.
The Council wished to record their thanks to the Gardening Club who worked to have the War Memorial grounds looking well maintained for Remembrance Day.
6.1 Current financial position.
The internal auditor circulated a report to the Council explaining the processes followed in the internal audit.
Resolution 43/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the financial statements as prepared by the Responsible Financial Officer, and audited by the Council’s internal auditor, were an accurate reflection of the Council’s financial position as at 1 November, 2000
6.2 Agreement of payments
The following payments were authorised:
q Mr. Dunford (on behalf of the gardening club for replanting at the War Memorial) - £152.11
q Don Underwood (for expenses in clearing the Burial Ground, using chainsaw, tractor and trailer) - £25
Resolution 44/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the above amounts, totalling £177.11, be paid.
6.3 Draft budget for 2001/02
The Clerk circulated a sheet showing the projected expenditure of the Parish Council for the next financial year. Some items, including regular expenditure items, had been increased by 3.5%.
The Clerk and Councillor Vessey explained that in an effort to keep costs of the audit down, it may be a good idea to draw heavily on the reserves in the next financial year, to keep budgeted income below £5000. If the Parish Council has three successive years of budgeted income over £5000, then the accounting systems will have to change and the audit costs will probably increase. The Clerk agreed to contact other Councils who operate in this bracket to ascertain how much the costs of the audit would rise if Ampney Crucis Parish Council were required to act as a medium sized council rather than a small council.
It was also agreed that the Clerk would seek support from CDC asking if the £5000 limit, set for the financial year 1996/97, could be index linked to 2000.
6.4 Increase in Burial fees
The Clerk circulated a sheet showing the burial fees, increased by approximately 10%. The fees charged by the Parish Council are relatively low in comparison with other burial authorities.
Resolution 45/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved, by a majority, that the list of Burial Ground fees attached to these minutes at page 301 be adopted from 1 January, 2001.
7 Burial Ground matters
7.1 Reservations in the Burial Ground
Notices have been displayed on the noticeboards in the village, asking for those with reservations in the Burial Ground to contact the Clerk. If the reservations are not confirmed, then the Parish Council will be able to use the spaces in the future.
It was hoped that notices would have been printed in the Standard, unfortunately, this has not yet happened. The Clerk agreed to contact the Editor, asking that local information be included in the paper.
7.2 Maintenance in the Burial Ground
Councillor Vessey reported that the volunteer clear up at the Burial ground was successful. A report in the Ampney Crucis Times will thank all those who took part. The Council also agreed to offer Don Underwood £25 to cover the costs of using his tractor and chainsaw. Following this volunteer help, it was suggested that the budgeted precept for 2001/02 be reduced to £100 from £200. It is anticipated that this will be reflected in the budget set in January 2001.
The Diocesan Office has replied to say that toppling gravestones can be laid flat over graves in the Burial Ground, to minimise the risk to the public. One stone has already fallen over. It was agreed that this matter would be discussed again in the drier months.
There has been some vandalism at the Lych Gate resulting in some of the leading and glass at the rear of the building being broken. This will be covered by the insurance, although there will be a £75 excess.
Resolution 46/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the window is repaired and £75 be allocated from the Burial Grounds Maintenance reserve to cover the Insurance excess.
An article will appear in the Ampney Crucis Times asking for those living near the Burial Ground to be vigilant and to report any cases of vandalism to the Council.
A reply had been received from SP Beard, explaining that the warped door of the Lych Gate would be repaired soon. The peeling black paint was applied according to the specification given by Christopher Bishop. SP Beard have contacted Mr. Bishop, asking for advice. The Council will wait for a reply.
7.3 Grass cutting contract
Invitations to tender for the grass cutting contract have been sent to interested parties. The tenders will be discussed at the meeting in January, 2001.
8 Planning matters
8.1 Decisions
102 CT 5581/C Cobbler Cottage Permit
152 CT 2241/D Ash House Permits
153 CT 0980/G Waterton Barn Cottage Consent
157 CT 3603/E Ampney Downs Farm Permits
158 CT 6523/B Sheephouse Barn Refuses
8.2 Outstanding applications
146 CT 3317/H Gillhayes No objection
155 CT4784/E Lost Elm No objection
156 CT 7739/D Ampney Field No objection
159 CT 7246/D Chantry No objection
160 CT 4710/C 1 The Lake No objection
8.3 Minor Amendments
151 CT 3317/H Gillhayes No objection
8.4 Tree works
157 Contr 702/3 8 Ampney Crucis No objection
161 Contr 304/1 Ampney field No objection
162 Contr 645/2 Woodside House No objection
163 Contr 356/3 Ampney House No objection
The Appeal for Sheephouse Barn (CT 6523/A) will be heard on 22 November, 2000. An informal hearing has also been set for the Builder’s Yard application at 10am on Tuesday 16 January, 2001, in Ampney Crucis Village Hall. The Clerk will contact the planning department to ask for further information.
8.5 Discussion with the Head of Planning
The Chairman had met with Tony Jones, Head of Planning at CDC. The Chairman expressed the concerns of the Council regarding the policy issues involved and that the necessary procedures called for by CDC themselves had not been carried out in respect of 8 Ampney Crucis. Mr Jones explained that in respect of the site location drawing showing the proposed extension which had not been provided, the planning officers had not request further information as they knew the site well enough to brief District Councillors at the planning committee. Mr Jones also advised that in CDC’s opinion the reduced scope of the proposed extension was acceptable with in the policy guidelines.
The Chairman also asked whether the time limit for the consideration of minor amendments could be extended. It would appear that CDC has no statutory requirement to circulate amendments but does so to keep local Councils fully in the picture and 10 days should suffice. Equally there is no clear policy as to what constitutes an amendment.
The Chairman also showed a letter from the proposed developers of the Builder’s Yard that had been sent to local residents who had objected to the plans. (Minutes, page 292.) Mr Jones placed a copy of the letter on file, and suggested that when the appeal is heard, objectors could write directly to the inspector, confirming their objections, and sending copies of the letter they had received.
8.6 Ownership of land in the village
As part of its follow-up to the planning application for Builder's Yard, the Council had researched the ownership of the adjoining land. There was still some uncertainty regarding the ownership of the old Back Lane, which gives access to the land.
9 Village Update
9.1 Village Shop
The Council agreed that without an attached Post Office, which had been effectively ruled out, it was considered that a shop was unlikely to be commercially viable in the village. However, the need for a focal point in the village was discussed and it was agreed that an article would be placed in the ACT asking for those interested in pursuing this, to contact a member of the Council. One possible suggestion could be greater use of the village hall with e.g. the sale of Sunday newspapers
9.2 Village Appraisal Review
A report, prepared by Councillor Vessey, had been circulated between Councillors. The following points were raised:
q More action is probably required on roads and road safety
q Literature for volunteers interested in a playground will be available from the Clerk.
q Councillor Hebbs will act as coordinator for a social committee.
It was suggested that a Village Design Statement specifically relating to planning in the village be formed. Councillors Kelly and Vessey will contact the Parish Council in Down Ampney to look at their Statement.
9.3 Setts on Church Lane
A quote is not yet available for this job. The Clerk will contact GCC and Ringway again.
The PCC have been asked for £250 towards the invoice for the repairs to the Church Path. It is proposed that any unspent money from the £250 allocated from the Parish Council budget to the Church Path repairs will be allocated to the project to put setts on Church Lane, which will benefit the village as a whole.
9.4 Drainage ditch between the school and the Burial Ground.
The Clerk explained that this work would be carried out in one of the school holidays.
9.5 Ampney Crucis Times.
A review of the ACT will take place in the next issue, and a third editor will be required to ease the burden of producing the newsletter.
9.6 Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
The middle section of the village still does not have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Councillor Vessey will approach possible coordinators.
10 Footpath matters
One path in the village will need marking out, but it was agreed to wait until the ground is drier before contacting the landowner.
11 Correspondence Received
11.1 Citizens Advice Bureau, WRVS, Cotswold Counselling Service.
These organisations had written to ask whether contributions could be made to their running costs. It was agreed that no action is taken at this stage, but the issue of grants and donations be raised at the January meeting, when a policy would be formed for future applications for donations.
11.2 Gloucestershire Constabulary: request for funding towards a speed gun for the area.
The Council agreed not to make a donation.
11.3 GCC Options for running the County Council.
This report will be circulated.
12 Matters outstanding
A photograph had appeared in the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard of a War Memorial, which featured names familiar to Ampney Crucis. The Chairman agreed that if the War Memorial belonged to the Village, he would contact the Editor and inform him of the repairs and replanting completed recently.
13 Date, time and place of next meeting
Monday 8 January, 2001, 7.00pm in the Village Hall.
Helen Tonks
20 November, 2000