Parish Council Minutes
1/ PRESENT
Cllr G Harper (Chairman)
Cllrs G O'Neill, G Walters, I Walker and Mrs J Rogers,
Mrs S Griffiths (Clerk)
1 member of the public
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Mrs. P Priestley and Mrs V McPherson.
2/ MINUTES
The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 14th December 2010, having been circulated were approved by the Meeting and signed by the Chairman.
3/ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were asked to declare any personal interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.
4/ MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA
The Clerk informed the members that WDC solicitor had produced a draft lease of the play area to the Longwick Pre-School which had been sent to the Pre-school for their consideration. The Pre-school have requested a reassurance that there is not going to be a sudden rent increase or the possibility that the lease will be terminated and that the preschool will be left without a garden area for the children. They have a committee meeting on the 20th January when the lease will be considered and hopefully approved. All present agreed that there is no intention to raise the rent or terminate the lease but the existing councillors could not give assurances on behalf of future councils. SG
5. FINANCE
A. Accounts for Payment
| Cheque | Item | Description | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 404 | Play Area | M Rixon - Dismantle and disposal of climbing frame | £70.00 | £70.00 | |
| 405 | Risk Assessment | K Dobson - Risk Assessment Duties - December 2010 | £14.10 | £14.10 | |
| 406 | Website | MH-P - Upload 2011 dates and accounts | £30.00 | £5.25 | £35.25 |
| 407 | Christmas tree | G Harper – Christmas Tree for the Village Hall | £20.00 | £20.00 |
B. Income received
None.
C/ Bank Balance £6,313.70 (allowing for the above cheques).
The income and expenditure for January was examined by the Council. All present agreed that the necessary cheques be signed.
6. CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
A. Playing Field
Cllr G Harper confirmed that were no issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for the playing field.
B. Children's Play Area
Cllr G Harper confirmed that were no issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for the play area. It was agreed by all present to consult the residents in the next newsletter as to the preferred piece of equipment or seat for replacing the climbing frame in the play area. Cllr G O'Neill agreed to write an article requesting the residents to contact the Parish Council with their ideas. GON
7. ROADS, VERGES AND RIGHTS OF WAY.
The Clerk is requested to raise the following concern with the relevant local authority:- SG
- Potholes in Owlswick Lane between B4009 and Bar Lane which are particularly dangerous
- The weight limit sign still has not been repaired (previously reported under ref no CRN: 300188)
- The drain cover is still missing in Owlswick coming from Bar Lane on the right hand side of the first bend and the warning sign placed there has been repeatedly hit by oncoming traffic
- The drains need to be cleared in Ilmer outside the church as there is significant flooding there
- In Green Lane (Ilmer end) the vegetation is overgrown and preventing access
8. CORRESPONDENCE.
Letter from the Longwick Sports Club. Further to the previous letter requesting additional cuts of the playing field to accommodate the fixture dates for the cricket and football teams, the Sports club have requested permission to liaise directly with Manor Estates. After a discussion it was agreed by all that the Parish Council was unable to agree to this request as the maintenance of the Playing Field was the Parish Council's responsibility. The Clerk was requested to advise the Sports Club that it would arrange an additional cut in September to suit their fixtures and the Parish Council would invoice them accordingly. The additional cut requested for April was declined as all present agreed that it would interfere with the planned fete. SG
Sex Establishment and Encounter Venues - Draft Policy. The draft policy is available for consideration on the Wycombe District Council's website at www.wycombe.gov.uk/haveyoursay. The deadline for comments is the 4th April 2011.
The Local Government Boundary Commission. A letter to advise the start of the first consultation stage on division patterns in the electoral review of Buckinghamshire County Council. The review will run until 3rd April 2011. Any representations should be made to the Commission addressed to the Review Officer (Buckinghamshire), Local Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London. EC1M5LG.
An invitation to a Planning Seminar on Compliance and Enforcement. Cllr J Rogers agreed to attend on behalf of the Parish Council. JR
A request for permission to have a bouncy castle and child roundabout on the playing field on 16th July for a wedding reception. All present agreed to give permission for this request. SG
A request for permission to have a marquee on the playing field on 28th August 2011 for a wedding reception. All present agreed to give permission for this request subject to the hiring of the village hall being agreed and the marquee not being used as a substitute to the village hall.
9. REPORTS
A. School Governors – Nothing to report.
B. NW Chilterns Local Area Forum – Nothing to report.
C. WDALC – A meeting was held in December where the Localism Bill published on 13 December 2010 was discussed. The Bill aims to shift power from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. A briefing and analysis will be issued in due course.
D. N.A.G – Nothing to report.
E. Newsletter – Nothing to report.
10. THE POLICY FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE.
All present agreed to defer this agenda item until Cllrs P Priestley and V McPherson were present.
11. PREPARING A COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PLAN.
Cllr G Walters is continuing to research what is required to prepare a community resilience plan and will report to the members at the next meeting his findings and recommendation. GW
12. TO REPLACE THE PARISH COUNCIL NOTICEBOARD IN 2011/2012
The Clerk presented brochures and quotations for a low maintenance noticeboard as requested. Cllr G Harper agreed to inspect the notice board with Kevin Moore to ascertain if it could be repaired rather than replaced. Cllr G Harper will report back to the members at the next meeting. GH
13. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A/ Progress on applications already considered:
- 10/07498/FUL — Decision: Application Permitted. Address: 16 Bell Crescent, Longwick. Proposal: Householder application for erection of single-storey side infill extension.
- 10/07759/AGI — Decision: Details Not Required to be Submitted. Address: Bumpers Farm, Ilmer Lane, Ilmer. Proposal: Erection of grain store.
- 10/07519/FUL — Decision: Application Permitted. Address: Old Orchard, Ilmer Lane, Ilmer. Proposal: Householder application for construction of single/two storey side & rear extensions, single storey front extension, alteration to roof to form 2 x dormer windows in rear elevation and erection of attached double garage, garden store and carport and swimming pool enclosure (alternative scheme to p/p 10/06541/FUL).
B/ New Applications to be considered:
- 10/07774/FUL: Hazeldene Lodge, Thame Road, Longwick. Proposed: Householder application for raising of roof, roof extensions and alterations to create additional first floor living space and associated external alterations. The Parish Council has the following concerns: the size and projection of the roof would constitute a visual intrusion into the open character of the area and would have an adverse impact on the street scene.
- 10/07792/FUL: Land Between Scalene and Harvest Barn, Thame Road, Longwick. Proposed: Erection of single storey 3 bed semi subterranean dwelling and new access. The Parish Council recommends this new application is refused on the grounds that it still contravenes Policy C10 of the Wycombe District Local Plan in that the proposed site lies outside the defined boundary of Longwick and the proposed development would be detrimental to the setting of the immediately adjacent listed buildings and as such, would have an adverse effect on the street scene and character of the area.
- 11/05022/FUL: Armour Farm Barn, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle. Proposed: Householder application for construction of first floor extension over existing garage and associated external and internal alterations. The Parish Council has no objections.
- 11/05044/FUL: Ivy Farm, Lower Icknield Way, Longwick. Proposed: Construction of detached barn to winter cattle and/or sheep. The Parish Council has no objections providing the use of the barn is restricted for agricultural purposes only.
14/ AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
To discuss and decide on the policy for the Parish Council website. To discuss and decide on preparing a Community Resilience Plan. To discuss and decide on whether to purchase a new Parish Council Noticeboard or repair the existing one. To discuss the impact on Parish Councils of the Localism Bill.
15/ NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 15th February 2011 in Longwick Village Hall at 7.30pm.
There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed at 9.25pm.
Chairman......................................... Date..................