Ilmer Past

Parish Council Minutes

The meeting was preceded with a presentation from WDC officer Mr David Dewar on the Delivery and Site Allocations document (DSA). Cllr Harper thanked Mr Dewar for giving the presentation and all agreed.

1/ PRESENT

Cllr G Harper (Chairman)

Cllrs G Walters, Mrs J Rogers, I Walker, G O'Neill and Mrs V McPherson

Mr D Dewar, Planning Officer, Wycombe District Council

Mrs C Page (Acting Clerk)

Members of the public

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received.

2/ MINUTES

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 16th August 2011, 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. None were declared.

4/ MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA

Diverting Footpaths 3 and 4. Cllr G Walters informed the members that B.C.C. has advised the costs for such diversions would be £1,175 for legal costs, and then the costs of two newspaper adverts which can exceed £2,000 depending on the size of the advert and the newspapers used. There would also be any additional costs required to bring the routes up to standard on the ground, i.e. any structures.

New Map Board. Cllr Walters hopes to present the revised version of the new map at the next meeting.

5. FINANCE

A/ Accounts for Payment:

Cheque Description Net VAT Total
443 MH-P - Updating Accounts page £15.00 £3.00 £18.00
444 HMRC - Tax payments July-Sept £256.00 £256.00
445 K Dobson - Risk Inspection June 2011 £14.60 £14.60
446 Manor Estates - Grass cutting Aug 2011 £358.32 £71.66 £429.98
S/O S Griffiths - Sept Salary £341.27 £341.27

B/ Income received: Bank interest £0.55.

C/ Bank Balance £5,048.68 (allowing for the above cheques).

The income for August and expenditure for September was examined by the Council. All present agreed that the necessary cheques be signed.

6. CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

A. Playing Field. Cllr Harper has fitted 2 new bulbs to the car park lights, to replace blown bulbs. He also reported that someone has planted a new oak tree to replace the dead one by the brook. The silver birches appear to be dying or dead; Cllr Rogers pointed out that a drought exists and they may just need water. Cllr Harper and Cllr Walker agreed to look at these and also at removing the guards from other trees. Cllr Harper reported mowing now going ahead as scheduled. Cllr Walker mentioned graffiti on the garage and suggested that the Sports Club could paint it over.

B. Children's Play Area. With regard to the Health and Safety report, Mr Rixon will carry out remedial work in the next 2 weeks to the standard required.

7. ROADS, VERGES AND RIGHTS OF WAY.

The Clerk is requested to raise the following concerns with the relevant local authority: with the Rights of Way Officer about the electric wire/fence which has been erected on footpath 3, as this is acting as a deterrent to dogs. Cllr Walters reported that the 30mph sign is now working, but the 40/50mph sign by the garage still has not been replaced.

8. CORRESPONDENCE.

Notification of the permanent stopping-up of the footpaths on railway crossings at Church Path and Mount Way, Princes Risborough. Cllr Rogers objected strongly to this, pointing out that no alternative has been offered. These are paths well used for recreation and stopping up these sections would prevent them being circular routes. Cllr Walters recommended that the Parish Council object, even if permission is granted on the Park Mill development, on the grounds of the loss to the recreational value of the paths network and the link to the Phoenix Trail. All agreed, with the exception of Cllr O'Neill.

Public byway 1, parish of Longwick-cum-Ilmer. Cllr O'Neill reported that Bucks County Council intend to repair the access ramp to the Phoenix Trail. All pleased that this is being done.

Letter from resident requesting permission to use fireworks for a birthday party at the Village Hall. All present agreed that as the party is on 5th November, provided the resident has their own insurance in place and does not let off fireworks on or near the cricket square, permission should be given.

9. REPORTS

A. School Governors – Cllr O'Neill will speak to the new teacher of Class 6 about their involvement with the Armistice Day service. Cllr Rogers will speak to Mr Balsone about getting a wreath. Cllr Harper and Cllr McPherson have arranged the Christmas Carol Service on 13th December 2011. Cllr Walker queried if the school could remove a large dead elder tree which is overhanging the footpath; Cllr O'Neill said he will speak to the Head about this.

B. NW Chilterns Local Area Forum – Nothing to report.

C. WDALC – Nothing to report.

D. N.A.G – Cllr McPherson reported that a 15 year old youth had been caught burgling houses in Bledlow and that police have been checking speeds on the Aylesbury Road. Members of N.A.G would like Parish Councils to take the initiative in a road safety campaign involving local schools, maybe a competition to design 'Slow Down' posters. The next N.A.G meeting is in January 2012.

E. Newsletter – Cllr McPherson asked the Parish Council if she should include a notice from Crimestoppers entitled 'Living Without Fear'. It was pointed out that it is policy not to include in the Newsletter items originating from outside the Parish. Cllr Rogers suggested putting the notice on the Parish Council noticeboard and in the shop instead. All agreed.

10. RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON A DOCUMENT CALLED THE DELIVERY & SITE ALLOCATIONS DOCUMENT

This document was the subject of the presentation by Mr David Dewar. There is little relating specifically to Longwick except 3 green spaces named: the Recreation Ground, land next to the Red Lion, and the Green at Ilmer. The Parish Council are to check the wording and exact location of these; green spaces will continue to be protected. Wycombe District Council would welcome the Parish Council's comments on plans relating to Princes Risborough. Cllr Walters suggested approval for proposals concerning land fronting New Road, Princes Risborough, as the aim is to increase the attractiveness of the area. Cllr O'Neill expressed a concern, shared by all present, that the present protection for the countryside would be weakened under the new legislation. Mr Dewar assured the meeting that WDC will have local plans in place to give this protection, and that Parish Councils can build in safeguards when drawing up their Neighbourhood Plans.

11. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

A/ New Applications to be considered:

B Progress on applications already considered:

12/ AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING.

13/ NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 18th October 2011 in Longwick Village Hall at 8.00pm.

Cllr O'Neill extended his apologies as he will not be able to attend this meeting.

There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed.

Chairman......................................... Date..................