Minutes for Meeting on Weds 2nd April 2008
May 20, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL 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
Southam Police: P.C.S.O. Katrina Taylor
Parish Clerk: Sue Jack
Members of the public: 2
1. Apologies accepted: none.
2. Questions from members of the public:
2.1 Mr. McKenna asked if the Parish Council had any contingency plans to deal with travellers setting up sites on land in the parish. The Chairman replied that a site in another area had been in the news recently where the travellers had bought land and set up a site on it without planning permission. It was not possible to stop travellers setting up a site anywhere but if there were suspicions a “stop” notice could be obtained before anything happened. Katrina Taylor, P.C.S.O., confirmed that the police work with the County Council to get them moved on and keep an eye on their activities. Councillor Briggs pointed out that not all travellers were the same, some only stayed for a short time and then moved on again.
It was agreed to get advice from the District Council.
2.2 David Buchholz presented the Council with the website he had created, for which a vote of thanks was recorded, longitchingtonparishcouncil.org.uk. The Councillors were very impressed and pleased to hear that it should be online for the Annual Parish meeting on 26th April.
He also hoped to acquire the existing “Long Itchington” website so that it could be used as a link, possibly for the Parish Diary.
3. Declaration of interests: none.
4. Minutes of the meeting held on 5th March 2008
Councillor Williams proposed that the minutes, having been circulated to all councillors prior to this meeting, were signed as a correct record. Councillor Hancock seconded this proposal and it was agreed.
5. Police Report: Katrina Taylor reported that there had been further incidents of nuisance youths, who had been spoken to and warning letters sent to their parents. Councillor Pails said that the remains of a whole box of beer cans had been scattered around the playing field on Easter Tuesday.
Katrina said that if the police had suspicions that a retailer was selling alcohol to minors they would arrange a “test purchase” using an under-age youth.
Councillor Pails agreed to supervise the painting of the toilet block by the two youths who had sprayed graffiti.
6. Vacancies on Parish Council: five applicants had expressed an interest in being co-opted on to the Council to fill two vacancies. It was agreed to follow best practice guidance from the National Association of Local Councils and hold a secret ballot of councillors. The two applicants with an overall majority were Barbara Atkins and Christopher Spencer. It was agreed to write to the unsuccessful applicants thanking them for their interest.
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. The Clerk reported that Neil Hadley Associates had told her that they had put in a holding objection to the application for a wind turbine at Little Paddocks, Collingham Lane and it was agreed that the Council should do the same until more information was received. It was also agreed to chase up the retrospective application for The Buck and Bell.
7.1.2 Cemex: Vehicle Routing Group meeting 11th March – Councillor Hancock reported that it had been agreed by a majority of councils attending the meeting that all vehicles using the Southam Works site would be passing through Long Itchington in future, rather than half as at present.
7.1.3 Galanos site: the Clerk had e-mailed Redrow Homes about the land to the south of footpath SM2.
7.1.4 Housing Needs: a working party meeting was arranged for 14th April at 7.30 p.m. at The Green Man, with a meeting with Mr. Barlow, Rural Housing Enabler after the Annual Parish Meeting.
7.1.5 Enforcement matters: 1) Marton Road Farm – a letter from Mr. Beck expressing concern about parties in field had been passed to the District Council. 2) Little Paddocks, Collingham Lane, – enquiries to be made about the licence application to site 5 caravans on the premises.
7.1.6 East Area Planning Committee Meeting 15th April: no agenda available yet.
7.1.7 Planning Rota: Councillor Hancock said he would prepare a new rota.
7.2 Street Lighting/Highways
7.2.1 Faulty Lights: none.
7.2.2 Highways Working Party items: see attached notes.
7.2.3 Historic road name signs: Mr. Romano, County Council Surveyor, had confirmed that the sign for Pudding Bag Lane had been installed in a dangerous location and needed to be moved. The sign for Featherbed Lane was not dangerous but as the lane was private there was no requirement for a sign if the residents did not want it.
7.2.4 Bus Shelters: The Clerk was asked to check progress on the two applications.
7.2.5 Beechcroft Entrance: Councillor McNally reported on the bad condition of the road.
7.3 Playing Fields/Open Spaces
7.3.1 LILAC Project: it was agreed that the previous authorisation for expenditure up to £10,000 for this project be rescinded, with the money being set aside for applications in the future. It was agreed to inform the Chairman of the group, Mr. Green-Armytage, and ask for a report on the group’s intentions for the next year.
7.3.2 Open Spaces Working Party items: see attached notes. Councillor Pails said that at the end of the football season he needed to seed the goalmouth areas of the pitch and a goalpost for young people to play at would protect these areas from damage. The Clerk agreed to investigate the availability of equipment or grants from the District Council.
7.3.3 Land opposite the Co-op: it was agreed to write and ask when the proposed improvements to the car park and access were planned for and to send a copy of the letter, confirming the Council’s agreement to the changes, to the County Council.
7.3.4 Footpaths: replacement fingerposts had been requested from the County Council and a PP3 grant would be available this year to pay for footpath improvements and repairs. A letter was to be sent to the owners of Snowford Barn Farm with suggestions for improving footpath signage.
7.4 Emergency Planning
The Environment Agency had written to confirm that any improvements to the river flood defences would not be at the expense of properties downstream and a computer model of the effects of the scheme was being created. The Clerk had written to Severn Trent Water about the problem with the connection of the Galanos system into the Church Road system but had not received a response so far.
7.5 Community Centre:
The Spring Show was on 5th April. Setting up would be between 3.30pm- 6.30pm Friday and clearing up between 3.30-4pm on Saturday.
An electrical spur was required as part of the kitchen refurbishment.
7.6 Finance
7.6.1 Monthly statement: see attached report for the final position to the end of March 2008.
7.6.2 Payments for approval: Councillor Briggs proposed that the accounts were approved and Councillor McNally seconded the proposal. All agreed.
7.6.3 Internal Audit: to be arranged for May. Mr. Crump to be asked for advice about revaluing the Council’s fixed assets
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 Southam Area WALC meeting, 28thMay 2008 at The Community Centre, Long Itchington
9.2 WALC Training Day Saturday 10th May, Grange Hall, Southam – “Making the most of your role as parish councillor”. New councillors to be invited to attend.
9.3 PACT meeting 16th April at Southam College – Councillor Loughman to attend.
10. Correspondence In:
10.1 Town & Parish Standard
10.2 BTCV information letter
10.3 Warks. Best Kept Village Competition
10.4 Quality Parish Status information – WALC
10.5 Age Concern Handyperson Service
10.6 Fieldwork – CPRE Magazine
10.7 WCC Stratford Area Committee – agenda & minutes
11. Other Items
11.1 Parish Plan: the Chairman asked all councillors to provide any text in time for the Annual Parish Meeting.
11.2 Website for Parish Council: Mr. Buchholz and the Clerk were to meet Mr. Haville about the transfer of the longitchington.org.uk website.
11.3 Annual Parish Meeting 26th April 2008: Mr. Weeks, Stratford District Council, had agreed to attend to explain the new refuse system. Village organisations had been invited to attend and it was agreed to put up posters at the Spring Show to remind residents of the date.
11.4 Beer Festival 2nd – 4th May: it was agreed to allow a banner to be attached to the pond railings for a week before the festival commences.
12. Items allowed at Chairman’s discretion (for information only)
12.1 Councillor Williams reported water leaks on Bascote Road were running into the river.
12.2 Swans for pond: it was agreed to contact the District Council for advice about obtaining rescued swans.
13. Date of meetings, all at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre, Stockton Road.
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 10.25 p.m.
Signed…………………………………………… Date………………………………………..
9 LIPC PLANNING REPORT for MARCH 2008
Sub-Committee: Chris Hancock
David Williams
08/00121/FUL Mr. Hickinbotham, “Little Paddocks”, Collingham Lane By 21/02/2008
Installation of 3kw windturbine approx. 9 metres in height
The Council is still waiting for a picture and more details of a 3kw turbine. Laura, at Neil Hadley, will obtain.
08/00359/FUL Mr & Mrs E Dubois, “Brightmere”, Southam Road by 21/03/2008
Major extensions to ground and 1st floor
The Council is very unhappy with the size and scale of this application. What is currently a small 2 bedroom bungalow adjacent to two similar properties will not only stick out like a sore thumb but remove yet another small property from the village housing stock which would otherwise be suitable for a first-time buyer or a retirement home for an older family wishing to downsize. Unfortunately the Council can think of no valid planning grounds on which to make an objection and therefore reluctantly approves the application.
No further representations or objections to make.
Agreed unanimously by the Planning Sub-Committee 23/03/2008
08/00537/TPO Mrs M Lovett, 33 Galanos by 01/04/2007
Maintenance work to 2 TPO’d trees
The work requested seems reasonable and providing the SonA Tree Officer is satisfied that it is needed and that the work is carried out sympathetically and not overdone, the Council has no objection to this application.
No further representations or objections to make.
Agreed unanimously by the Planning Sub-Committee 23/03/2008
08/00554/TREE Mr C Purser, “Peartree Cottage”, The Green by 01/04/2008
Miscellaneous tree maintenance work within the conservation area
The work requested seems reasonable and providing the SonA Tree Officer is satisfied that it is needed and that the work is carried out sympathetically and not overdone, the Council has no objection to this application.
No further representations or objections to make.
Agreed unanimously by the Planning Sub-Committee 23/03/2008
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 up.
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.