Minutes for Meeting on Weds 5th March 2008
March 20, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 5th MARCH 2008 AT 7.30 pm IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, STOCKTON ROAD, LONG ITCHINGTON
Present:
Cllrs:
David Cobley (Chairman)
Ian Briggs
Christopher Hancock
Don Loughman
Adrian McNally
Michael Pails
David Williams
District & County Cllr: Robert Stevens
Parish Clerk: Sue Jack
Members of the public: 5
1. Apologies accepted: none.
2. Questions from members of the public:
2.1 Road name signs: Mr. Duckett, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Settle were unhappy about the erection of new road name signs for Featherbed Lane, which had been installed by the District Council at the Parish Council’s request. They claimed the road was private, covered by CCTV cameras and the addition of name signs infringed their security. Mr. Morley was unhappy about the new sign for Pudding Bag Lane, which he claimed obscured visibility at the junction. The Chairman apologised that residents had not been consulted prior to the erection of the signs but they had been installed in good faith to preserve historic names in the parish and improve navigation for emergency services and the local Heartstart Group. The Council would discuss the matter further.
2.2 Bus shelter request: Mr. Collins had spoken to Mr. Burroughs of W.C.C. Transport Liaison, and he produced a petition, signed by bus users, asking for a shelter to be erected at Short Lane. He was told that the Council had already agreed to ask the District Council to install a shelter on this site.
3. Declaration of interests: none.
4. Minutes of the meeting held on 6th February 2008
Councillor McNally proposed that the minutes, having been circulated to all councillors prior to this meeting, were signed as a correct record. Councillor Williams seconded this proposal and it was agreed.
5. Police Report:
Katrina Taylor, Southam Police, reported that nuisance youths had been targeted recently and the previous night alcohol had been confiscated from a group at the playing field. Details had been obtained and letters sent to their homes. Enquiries were being made about the source of the alcohol. It was agreed to put an item in the Parish Diary stating that the Police would show “zero tolerance” of nuisance behaviour.
6. Vacancies on Parish Council:
Following the posting of statutory notices to the parish, interest had been expressed by Barbara Atkins, Mary Elkerton, Steve Beck and Chris Spencer. It was agreed to further advertise the two vacancies on the Council in the Parish Diary and ask for an expression of interest from any more interested applicants.
7 Reports from committees:
7.1 Planning
7.1.1 Monthly report: Councillor Hancock distributed the attached planning report and a schedule of current applications and recent decisions.
7.1.2 Cemex: Vehicle Routing Group meeting arranged for 11th March – Councillor Hancock to attend. Councillor Stevens reported that the Malpass Farm site in Rugby was being looked at as an alternative recycling location and it was possible that planning applications would be made for both sites.
7.1.3 Galanos site: the Clerk had e-mailed Redrow Homes about the footpath lights and the land to the south of footpath SM2.
7.1.4 Housing Needs: meeting to be arranged with Mr. Barlow, Rural Housing Enabler.
7.1.5 Enforcement matters: 1) The Buck and Bell – Mr. Jones had written to query the Council’s objection to the erection of brown signs. Criteria to be obtained from the County Council. 2) Marton Road Farm – letter from Mr. Beck expressing concern about noise nuisance from parties in the field.
7.1.6 East Area Planning Committee Meeting 18th March: no agenda available yet.
7.1.7 Planning Rota:
March 2008 – Councillors Loughman and Pails
April 2008 – Councillors Loughman and McNally
7.2 Street Lighting/Highways
7.2.1 Faulty Lights: none. It was agreed to check whether the SM2 lights are now satisfactory.
7.2.2 Highways Working Party items: see attached notes.
7.2.3 Land opposite Co-op: it was agreed to buy two large rocks at a cost of £175 each to protect the verge from Co-op delivery lorries and send the bill to the Co-op.
7.2.3 Historic road name signs: it was agreed to check the ownership of the roads with the County Council, possibly move them to highway verges and ask for “T” signs to be attached to the name signs. The names should not be lost for posterity and the signs would assist navigation. It was suggested that Cox’s Lane might also be signed.
7.3 Playing Fields/Open Spaces
7.3.1 LILAC Project: Councillor Williams had spoken to Mr. Lines who had estimated a cost of £800 to plough, cultivate and seed the new field. It was agreed to ask him to do the work.
7.3.2 Pond: it was agreed to organise a spring clean of the area around the pond on Saturday, 22nd March at 10 a.m. and to ask for volunteers in the Parish Diary.
7.3.3 Open Spaces Working Party items: see attached notes.
7.3.4 Graffiti: Councillor Pails agreed to supervise the painting of the Toilet Block at the playing field by the youths who had sprayed the graffiti.
7.3.5 Footpaths: next meeting to be held on 18th March at 7.30 p.m. at The Green Man.
7.4 Emergency Planning
7.4.1 River: Councillor Hancock reported that he and councillors Loughman and Williams had met Mr. Swain from the Environment Agency to discuss proposals to improve the flood defences in Church Road. It was agreed to proceed with the planning process to divert the river by a small amount southwards at the Bascote Road Bridge, and raise the banks, the work to be completed by 31st March 2009, hopefully. The point was made that the work should not be done at the expense of properties downstream at Stonebridge Lane, which had flooded in the past.
7.4.2 Drains: the drains at the corner of Church Road and Bascote Road had been blocked by a concrete plug, which the County Council had now dug out. During the work it had been revealed that Severn Trent had connected their pipe to the Redrow system meaning that the Redrow system would back up to flood Church Road if the river rose high enough to prevent the flap opening at the river. It would be necessary to put a pump at the flap or remove the existing outlet and put a new one in. The fact that the Redrow system was not “sealed” was in contravention of the planning approval and it was agreed to contact the District Council about this and to write to Redrow and Severn Trent also. Other drains in the village were also blocked and it was agreed to get a quote for the use of a camera for a day to investigate the causes.
7.5 Community Centre:
Councillor Hancock reported that:
1) there was a broken window catch in the ladies toilets and the emergency exit doorframe needed repair. The Clerk was to contact the County Council to determine responsibility for these repairs.
2) a grant of £4000 had been obtained from Awards For All to refurbish the kitchen, leaving £1000 to raise.
3) the next Management Committee meeting was on 31st March.
4) the Spring Show was on 5th April.
7.6 Finance
7.6.1 Monthly statement: see attached report. Councillor Hancock reported that VAT of approximately £1500 was still to be reclaimed and it was agreed that this amount could be spent on open spaces items.
7.6.2 Payments for approval: it was agreed to suspend the Council’s financial regulations to add the cheque paid to Mr. Mills, for the guests’ meals at the annual parish dinner, to the list for approval. Councillor Briggs proposed that the accounts were approved and Councillor Loughman seconded the proposal. All agreed.
8. Reports from meetings:
Southam Area WALC meeting – 20th February 7.30pm at Bishop Itchington’s Memorial Hall – the Chairman reported that the meeting had been very informative, particularly about the new refuse collection/recycling scheme which the District Council were to implement in August 2008.
9. Attendance at future meetings
9.1 WALC Annual Training Day – Saturday, 8th March – Clerk to attend
9.2 Southam Area WALC meeting, May 2008 at The Community Centre, Long Itchington
9.3 WALC Training Day, Grange Hall, Southam – “Making the most of your role as parish councillor”.
10. Correspondence in – for circulation:
10.1 Charity Commission News
10.2 Warwickshire Bio-diversity report
10.3 “Viewpoint” WCC magazine
10.4 “Outlook” CPRE magazine
10.5 Warwickshire View
10.6 Tree News subscription request – £6 p.a. – agreed.
11. Other Items
11.1 Parish Plan: the Chairman had produced a draft for comment and topics were shared out amongst councillors and the Clerk for expansion.
11.2 Quality Parish Status: the Chairman reported that following an interview attended by himself and the Clerk the previous day the Parish Council had been awarded Quality Parish Status subject to producing an Annual Report to the parish by June 2008. Guidelines for use of the Q.P. logo must be adhered to. Councillor Hancock congratulated the Chairman and Clerk for this achievement.
11.3 Website for Parish Council: the Clerk reported that Mr. Buchholz hoped to have the website online by the Annual Parish meeting on 26th April. It was agreed to ask him to attend the next Parish Council meeting to explain how the site will work.
11.4 St. Wulfstan Millennium: Flower Festival – a donation of £50 was agreed.
11.5 Annual Dinner 29th February: letters of thanks had been received from Mrs. Foster and Mr. Hammond. Clerk to write to Mr. Mills and thank him for a successful evening.
11.6 Annual Parish Meeting 26th April 2008: to be advertised in the Parish Diary and local organisations contacted. Mr. Weeks, Stratford District Council, to be asked to attend to explain the new refuse system.
11.7 Parish Diary items: LILAC, Parish Council vacancies, pond spring clean, police report – Clerk
Drains, precept – Councillor Hancock, Quality Parish Status and Annual Parish Meeting – Chairman.
A meeting was to be arranged with the editor to discuss the future of the Diary.
12. Items allowed at Chairman’s discretion (for information only)
12.1 Councillor Williams reported mains water leaks on Bascote Road were running into the river.
12.2 Councillor Pails asked for enquiries to be made to the District Council about goalposts for the playing field.
12.3 Councillor Stevens reported that Southam Library was to become a “one-stop shop” for the District and County Councils.
12.4 Councillor McNally reported that the derelict house on the green was being used as a tip. To be reported to Mr. Bunker, the owner.
12.5 A request for an up to date copy of the Electoral roll to be made to the District Council.
13. Date of meetings, all at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Stockton Road.
2nd April 2008 7th May 2008 4th June 2008
2nd July 2008 No meeting in August 3rd September 2008
1st October 2008 5th November 2008 3rd December 2008
The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.37 p.m.
Signed…………………………………………… Date………………………………………..
LIPC PLANNING REPORT for FEBRUARY 2008
Sub-Committee: Ian Briggs
Don Loughman
Mac McNally
Mick Pails
David Williams
07/035000/DEM The Duck on the Pond, The Green by 11/02/2008
Demolition of timber garage and external store
No representations or objections to make.
Agreed unanimously by the Parish Council 6th February 2008
07/03588/FUL Mr & Mrs Gilks, “Cosicot”, The Green by 06/02/2007
Convert store to bed/study and demolition of small outbuilding
No representations or objections to make.
Agreed unanimously by the Parish Council 6th February 2008
07/03526/FUL (& 07/03528/LBC) Mr S Holderness, “School House”, Church Road by 20/02/2008
Installation of gas, new access and other alterations
Extension of time agreed with Neil Hadley Associates Ltd to 20th February.
No representations or objections to make – e’d to Brendan at Neil Hadley 20/02/08
08/00114/TREE Dr & Mrs Aulakh, “Hawthorn Gardens”, Church Road by 14/02/2008
Removal of tree in rear garden, replace with a variety of sorbus
As far as the Council can determine, the rear garden of this property is outside the northern boundary of the conservation area based on the map provided by the District Council. On this basis, no planning consent is required. We made similar comments to another application from Dr & Mrs Aulakh (05/03495/TREE) in 2005.
No further representations or objections to make.
99/00292/FUL Mrs. Chater & Mr. Jones, “The Buck and Bell”, The Green
Amendments to above application – details of ventilation/extraction – condition 8, details of condenser and cloaking.
This retrospective application simply attempts to obtain approval for the alterations made to the original plans despite the objections of the Parish Council and neighbours since their installation. The extractor causes a smell nuisance to the adjoining neighbours in its’ present location and the condenser is noisy and unattractive in a conservation area and would be more appropriately sited at the rear of the property.
Agreed to object at Parish Council meeting 6th February
08/00121/FUL Mr. Hickinbotham, “Little Paddocks, Collingham Lane
Installation of 3kw windturbine approx. 9 metres in height
Notes: SDC Policy PR6 – Renewable Energy Policy – in principle SDC would encourage wind turbines but the decision depends on the proposed site. Laura, at Neil Hadley, will obtain a picture/details of a 3kw turbine – PC response can wait until more information is available.
Highways/Street lighting working party meeting 22nd February 2008
at 7.30 p.m. at The Harvesters – Notes (updated 26th February)
Present: Cllrs. Briggs, Loughman and McNally and the Clerk
1. Street lighting – ABB Ltd
Lanterns for PL6 Model Village and PL3 Beechcroft have been replaced.
PL4 Odingsell Drive – a new column has been installed
Footpath light on SM2 to be reported again
PL5 Leamington Road – reported
Reported to County Council –
The central light on the refuge – WCC to install a solar powered bollard as a trial in December
Light on the triangle at Southam Rd/Stockton Rd junction out – Clerk has reported
(New signs at Leather St damaged again – refuges at Marton Rd in disrepair – reported to Mr. Fennel)
2. Pond access – The dipping platform at the pond required an area of “grasscrete” by the bus stop. Put to WCC as a project. Clerk to find out when a decision will be made.
3. Buck and Bell/Village Hall car park – Mr. Evans, WCC, had confirmed that signs had been ordered.
Mr. Romano had agreed to look at improvements to Green End entrance. Mr. Brown had written suggesting a “safe route” to the playing field for children. Clerk had e’d
Mr. Romano to remind him.
4. Land opposite the Co-op – Clerk had written to Mr. Morris, Co-op, stating that the Council would not agree to the use of its land to assist lorries delivering to the Co-op and a new scheme was required. Clerk had written again about the state of the area around the Co-op. Clerk had spoken to Mr. Bridges who agreed to get Mr. Morris to reply. Mrs. Fincham removed the posts by the Church and the verge has been damaged again. Clerk to write again.
5. Highways projects – the following items had been put forward to WCC
(Mr. Samwell) in a bid for allocation of funds:
1) SM2/allotments/Leamington Road spur
2) Dropped kerb/grasscrete by dipping platform
3) Leigh Crescent lay-by to improve parking
Clerk to find out when a decision will be made.
6. Speed Limit Review – response made – requested 40mph past Model Village – raise prospect of extra HGV’s from Cemex plans.
7. Highways Repairs outstanding:
1. Jetting – work due to start on 3rd March to blocked/damaged drains in Church Road. (Gulley in front of “Greystones”, Leamington Road was dry and full of rubbish, also the gulley in front of 12 Stonebridge Lane, lay-by, Southam Road (in dip before Two Boats) and gulleys at c/o Bascote Rd/Church Rd and in front of Leicester Row).
2. Footpath north of Two Boats, Southam Road – damage near streetlight, possibly caused by tree roots. Reported. Still not repaired. Reported again.
3. Drain cover on A423 Marton Rd sunk/rattling –reported.
4. Bascote name sign was bent(Southam side) –reported.
5. Leigh Crescent to Sitwell Avenue – pavement cracking up – reported.
6. Manhole cover between Green End/Leamington Road was sinking – report again.
7. Pavement outside 50 Model Village –tree roots have made the pavement uneven causing a resident to fall. Mr. Romano to request road and footpath resurfacing.
8. Thorn Way – pavement edge broken up – Mr. Romano had inspected.
9. Triangle at Stockton Road junction – broken kerb reported again.
10. Beechcroft – widen path to improve safety? Clerk to contact Highways again.
11. Southam Rd – path leading to Model Village very uneven –lady has fallen – reported.
12. Stonebridge Lane – loose gravel smashed a windscreen – quiet lane status?
13. Flectra sign, Leather Street – damage reported to Mr. Romano.
14. Sign, Southam Road – knocked over by a car
8. Gas Governor, Model Village – barrier removed. Speed limit needed reducing – to be reviewed by the County Council. Wall was probably County Council responsibility. Mr. Romano to look into it. Clerk to chase.
9. A423 dusty gulleys – Cemex to Grasmere – Cemex should sweep. Clerk had e-mailed Mr. Lithgo. Mr. Hancock reported that a jetting team was due next week.
10. Galanos – the grass verge in front of the two houses flooded because of the change in the footpath level. Clerk had contacted Redrow but the County Council had inspected the scheme and found no problems. Steve Garry, WCC, to inspect again and inform Parish Council of outcome. Clerk to chase up.
11. Name signs – needed for The Green, Church Road, Pudding Bag Lane, Bascote, Featherbed Lane, Bascote Heath and Nightingale Lane (near Grasmere). Signs were installed Monday, 18th February but complaints have been received from Mr. Morley, Bascote Lodge Farm, and Mr. Settle, Featherbed Lane – don’t want signs.
12. Annual Parish meeting – concerns of residents were speeding and safety, particularly on the Leamington and Stockton Roads. A response had been received from the County Council re policy developments once trials were completed in 6 villages. A speed limit review is to be carried out.
It was agreed to write a letter to the School asking parents to drive more slowly – done.
13. Village Speed Reduction Scheme – chase up any recent speed checks.
14. Green, Church Road – edge rutted by lorries – Mrs. Fincham had repaired it but it had been damaged again.
15. 40mph sign on bend by lay-by near Brickyard Cottages, Marton Rd is missing.
16. Height restriction signs needed for bridge at Snowford Hill near pond and weight limit on river bridge, Leamington Road and at the Fosse end of the road. Clerk to contact WCC
17. Railings by School – have been replaced.
18. Bus shelters – 1) request for Southam Road – Mr. Ford had provided a list of supporters. He suggested moving the stop to outside Colecrafts – this is a slip road rather than a lay-by. Clerk to liaise with WCC re site. Stagecoach have inspected site and confirmed OK.
2) Short Lane – Clerk to enquire if a shelter was available.
19. Joint purchasing of services with other parishes – Councillor Briggs
suggested a group of parish councils could employ a contractor to jet their drains. Clerk to contact WALC to ascertain level of interest?
20. Road signs to be cleaned – Bascote, Collingham Lane – when? Clerk to ask.
23. Orchard Way – from SM2 to Church Rd – path in poor condition – report to SWHA
Open Spaces working party meeting 22/02/08 – 8.00p.m. at The Harvesters – Notes
Present: Cllrs. Williams, Briggs, McNally and the Clerk
Priority/action
1. Marton Road
Clear/replace mesh fence to playing fields Mac has started work but it is too wet at present
2. The Pond & The Green
Safety rail at side entrance to Beechcroft SJ to discuss with WCC again
Noggin planting put to APM
Measure for anti-slip tape DC
3. Footpaths
SM2 spur to Leamington Road – roots breaking up surface Project bid to WCC – chase up
SM2 rear of Galanos Redrow asked for plans – chase up
Tudor House/Model Village pavements damaged by roots Reported to WCC
4. Leigh Crescent
Garages – ivy and overhanging trees SWHA – SJ to meet
Mole problem at play area/new contract Quote of £60 – MP to inspect
Fence between play area and stream SDC to be asked to replace
Play area See Annual Inspection Report
5. Short Lane Play area
Improvements to area – play equipment needs repair See Annual Inspection Report
Replacement of “springers”?
6. Model Village
Rugby Cement land to be cleared SJ to chase up
7. Green End
Skateboard ramp Repaired – board in sides/weld wire mesh – Mac to get quote
Swing barriers Material? Check with inspectors Disability Discrimination Act –play areas audit SJ
Sign needs cleaning – algae Mrs. Fincham has been asked
Play area See Annual Inspection Report
8. Bins
Dog bins x1 for canal Brit. Waterways have agreed.
Dog bin for Model Village SJ had contacted Cemex re ownership of land/paying for bin – agreed
Extra bin near Co-op Co-op had` agreed to provide one
9. Outer parish areas
Cllr. Briggs suggested looking at outer areas to make sure they were not being overlooked e.g. Bascote and Shakers Lane.
10. Trees
a) on A423 – Model Village to Grasmere – the County Council were to be asked to contribute to cost of removing dead elms etc. Mac quoted £300. Clerk to provide WCC with a plan.
b) Plum tree in Sitwell Ave – path is slippy and wasps are attracted to fruit. DC has asked SJ to request SWHA to cut it down. IB to have a look. SJ to meet SWHA.
c) 21 Stockton Road – pine tree overhangs pavement and obscures street light. SJ to write.
d) Adjoining 1 Southam Road – to be reported again.
e) Mr. Insall – two branches overhanging A423
f) I Leather Street – trees need cutting back – will PC pay? No, but Mac will speak to owners.
11. New field – south and west boundaries have been flailed. Ploughing – estimate of approximately £800 from Mr. Lines agreed.
12. Toilet block – roof leaking (gents) and ceiling above showers in pavilion needs repair – Mr. Fincham has been repairing it. Paint inside if necessary.
13. Fence adjoining Toilet Block is being bent down in several places by youths climbing over it. Mrs. Brown thinks an entrance is required – even parents are climbing over it with their children
14. Goal post for playing field – SDC had some spare but they were affected by floods and are awaiting a visit from the loss adjusters. (Stuart – Sports Dev Team 01789 260115)
15. Graffiti – various locations around the village – police have caught culprits. Clerk has written to arrange painting. It was agreed to wait until March when the weather/walls should be drier.
16. Sign for pond gate – put up.
17. Parking at The Square/exit to Church Rd – Mr. Glare’s letter. Request WCC to reinstate hatching at junction.
18. LILAC – meeting to be arranged.