Parish Council Minutes
PRESENT
Cllr Mrs Valerie McPherson BEM (Chairman)
Cllrs Ian Walker, Mrs Jane Rogers, Rolf van Apeldoorn, Graham Walters, Brian Richards and Sally Whitworth
Clerk Mrs Susanne Griffiths
Clerical Assistant Mrs Jayne Mylchreest
1/ APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None were received.
2/ MINUTES
The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 17th March 2015 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/ A REPORT FROM CLLR BENDYSHE-BROWN (BCC) ON MATTERS CONCERNING LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL
Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown sent his apologies.
5/ MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA
The trees from the Woodland Trust have been planted and are being watered by the scouts.
6/ FINANCE
Payments:
| Cheque | Payee / Description | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| s/o | Salaries, April salaries | £441.75 | £441.75 | |
| 189 | Grant – St Dunstans Church (Owlswick PCC) | £75.00 | £75.00 | |
| 190 | Grant – St Peters Church (Ilmer PCC) | £75.00 | £75.00 | |
| 191 | mh-p internet Ltd – Annual payment 2014/15 | £630.00 | £126.00 | £756.00 |
| 192 | BALC Subs 2015/16 | £189.48 | £189.48 | |
| 193 | Grant – Risborough Area Community Bus | £250.00 | £250.00 | |
| 194 | TBS Hygiene Ltd – Dog waste and litter bins, Dec/Jan/Feb | £257.40 | £51.48 | £308.88 |
| 195 | Grant – St Michaels Horsenden (Bledlow PCC) | £75.00 | £75.00 |
Receipts: nil.
Bank Balance £12,026.10 (allowing for the above cheques). The expenditure for April was examined by the Council. All present agreed that the necessary cheques be signed.
7/ CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Playing Field – there were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for March 2015. Cllr Ian Walker requested that the grass be cut shorter next time it is cut. Cllr Val McPherson voiced concerns that the marking out of the playing field by the sports club restricted the use of the playing field for the remaining residents and looked unsightly.
Children's play area – there were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for March 2015. The Clerk has been requested to obtain quotes for an age restriction sign to be mounted to prevent older children and adults using the equipment.
8/ ROADS, VERGES AND RIGHTS OF WAY
The Clerk is requested to contact the relevant authorities to action the following issues:
- A pothole on Owlswick Lane, 12 inches by 2 inches, close to the road junction. Reference Number 500643.
- Cllr Jane Rogers has reported a damaged drain cover opposite The Bungalow, Owlswick, caused by a vehicle, leaving a gap which could trap a child's foot. Reference Number 500783.
- The Mill Road name sign is missing, near the road junction. Reference Number 500784.
9/ CORRESPONDENCE
- Email request to install a bouncy castle on grass outside the Village Hall, 31st May 2015, 2pm-6pm. All present agreed subject to a risk assessment and a copy of the bouncy castle company's public liability being provided in advance.
- Email request to install a bouncy castle on grass outside the Village Hall, 27th August 2015. All present agreed, subject to the same conditions.
- Email request to meet re a planning matter. Cllr Val McPherson proposed to meet informally as a listening exercise only. Seconded by Cllr Brian Richards. A vote was taken with 5 votes in favour and 1 abstention; the motion was carried that Cllr Val McPherson and Cllr Brian Richards would agree a suitable time and date.
- Email from the L.O.G.S re their Litter Pick-up. Noted. The Clerk is requested to send a thank you letter on behalf of the Parish Council.
- Email from resident for a traffic calming slow 30 sign in Chestnut Way. Cllr B Bendyshe-Brown has agreed to investigate whether funding could be obtained from the Local Area Forum delegated budget.
10/ A REPORT FROM THE STEERING GROUP ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
Please see Appendix 1 for the notes of the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group meeting on the 9th April 2015.
Cllr Graham Walters informed the members that he has requested quotations for a consultant to provide: attendance at four evening meetings with Steering Group/Parish Council; preparation of a Consultation Draft Neighbourhood Plan; facilitating and organising Consultation events (exhibition panels, leaflet and flyer); analysis of feedback on the Draft Plan and preparation of a Consultation Statement; a submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan including Proposals Map; and reasonable expenses (mileage and incidental printing). The cost for this work will be paid from the grant application.
One quotation has been received and the Clerk is requested to include the appointment of the consultant for the Neighbourhood Plan on the next agenda. All present agreed to accept the quote from Mike Henson to arrange a new webpage for the Neighbourhood Plan at a cost of £125.00 to be paid from the Grant application. All present agreed to purchase a Longwick-cum-Ilmer banner for £30.00+VAT to be displayed at the Village Fete on May 2nd.
A resident has requested to join the Steering Group and that his land is included in the Draft Plan. Cllr Graham Walters proposed that the request be declined. Seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth. All present agreed to continue with the existing proposal.
11/ ADVERTISING VIA POSTERS IN THE PARISH
All present agreed that the Parish Council would support a school initiative to put up posters regarding speeding in the village. The Clerk is requested to reply to the Police Officer who is working with the school.
12/ AN UPDATE ON DEVOLVED SERVICES FROM B.C.C. ON THE REVISED AGREEMENT WITH B.C.C.
The Clerk gave a report on the work carried out under Devolved Services in the Parish to date. B.C.C. has issued a revised agreement after taking into account amendments suggested by the Parishes. All present agreed that Cllr Val McPherson is to sign the amended contract.
13/ REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL REGULATIONS FOLLOWING THE REPEAL OF s150(5) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972
The Clerk explained that this section concerned the necessity of having 2 signatories to cheques, Standing Orders and Direct Debits. A revised version of the Regulations had been circulated to the members encompassing these changes. Cllr Val McPherson proposed adopting the revised Financial Regulations. Cllr Brian Richards seconded the motion. A show of hands was taken and all present agreed.
14/ THE VILLAGE FETE PREPARATIONS
Cllrs Graham Walters, Rolf Van Apeldoorn and Ian Walker agreed to make the arrangements for the stall and the car parking. Cllr Rolf van Apeldoorn agreed to provide tables and chairs.
15/ PLANNING APPLICATIONS
New Planning Applications:
- 15/05964/AGI: Ray Farm, Thame Road, Longwick. Agricultural notification for erection of a general purpose agricultural building for storage of machinery and straw. Cllr Sally Whitworth proposed that the Parish Council had no comments to make. Seconded by Cllr Val McPherson. All present agreed.
- 15/05872/FUL: Risborough Re-upholstery, Walkers Yard, Thame Road, Longwick. Change of use & alterations to Unit D from 1 B1 (Light Industrial) unit to create 2 x B1 (Light Industrial) units & construction of new porch canopy to front elevation. Cllr Jane Rogers proposed no objections. Seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth. All present agreed.
- 15/05969/FUL: The Flint House, Owlswick. Householder application for construction of part two storey, part single storey extension to south elevation with extension to terrace and steps. All present agreed to consider this application at the next meeting when the councillors have been able to make a site visit.
Notice of Planning Applications Approved:
- 15/05358/FUL: St Michaels, Stockwell Lane, Meadle. Erection of replacement 4 bed dwelling with detached garage/woodstore. Application Permitted.
- 15/05578/VCDN: Twin Oaks Park, Lower Icknield Way, Longwick. Variation of Condition 04 (User Restriction) of pp 09/05170/FUL to allow the use of the stables by persons other than Mr & Mrs Skeet. Application Permitted.
- 15/05499/CTR: Dove Cottage, Meadle Village Road, Meadle. Reduce canopy by up to 1.5 metres to Walnut Tree ref no. 62; thin and reduce canopy of Flowering Cherry 80 by 2 metres; reduce height of Yews 82 and 85 by 30% and shape; reduce height of Holly 83 by 20% and shape; reduce Leylandii 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 by 50%. Decision: Not to make a Tree Preservation Order.
Notice of Planning Applications Refused: none.
Notice of Applications Withdrawn:
- 15/05612/FUL: Malberet, Bar Lane, Owlswick. Householder application for construction of single storey side and rear extensions.
Notice of Appeals in Progress:
- 14/06582/FUL: Land North Of Bumpers Farm, Ilmer Lane, Ilmer. Construction of a ground mounted solar farm including supporting infrastructure comprising 14 x inverter enclosures, Distributor Network Operator (DNO) cabin, security fencing and CCTV system, underground cabling, landscaping and associated works to include creation of access tracks. Cllr G Walters proposed the following response, seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth, all present agreed: the Parish Council recognises the need for sustainable energy, however on balance objects to this proposal on the grounds that the land does not meet the government's preferred criteria for this type of development, since preferred locations for solar farms are brownfield sites and building roofs, and the Parish Council is not convinced that brownfield sites do not exist within a reasonable distance of the application site. The Parish Council also noted the government's recent decision to withdraw the subsidy scheme for solar farms, quoting the Environment Secretary's press release of 19 October on ensuring agricultural land is dedicated to growing crops and food rather than being blighted by solar farms, and respectfully urged the Committee to refuse the application.
16/ AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Election of Chairman. Declaration of Acceptance of Office to be signed by the Chairman. Election of Vice Chairman. To receive a report from the Steering Group for the Neighbourhood Plan and decide on any actions to be taken. To discuss and decide on filling the vacancy for a Councillor by co-option. To receive the Internal Auditors report for the year 2014/2015. To approve the accounts for the year 2014/2015 and the Annual Governance Statement of the Annual Audit Return. To pass a resolution to exclude the public and press in accordance with Section (12) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 to decide on the appointment of the consultant for the Neighbourhood Plan.
17/ NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and will take place on Tuesday 19th May 2015 in Longwick Village Hall at 7.45pm. There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed at 9.45pm.
Appendix 1
NOTES OF THE LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP MEETING
9th April 2015, Longwick. Steering Group: Cllr Val McPherson, Cllr Sally Whitworth, Cllr Brian Richards, Janet Marsh, Graham Bucknell and Tony Bravery. Also attending: Rosie Brake (WDC), Louise Thomas (TDRC) and Cllr Graham Walters (Liaison Officer).
1. Review of Action – questionnaire for hamlets finalised and circulated. Recommendations were made to Parish Council on Sites and Site Criteria, and a dedicated page on the website; these were agreed by the Parish Council. A News Update was included in the Parish Newsletter, and a similar article was included in the Bucks Free Press.
2. Engagement with Key Stakeholders – only a few meetings with interested parties outstanding; the Steering Group aims to complete this engagement by Friday 17th April.
3. Engagement with Hamlets – returns from the hamlets had been received, with the exception of Horsenden, where there are only a few properties within the Parish. GB to summarise comments received from both stakeholders and hamlets (one page table for each).
4. Vision and Objectives – Steering Group agreed for RB and LT to refine the Draft Visions and Objectives, to fit in with WDC planning policy, with other opportunities for review as the Draft Plan is written.
5. Application for Grant-Aid – this had been drafted and would be completed as soon as possible. Addendum: the application was submitted online on Monday 13th April; recommendations to be made to Parish Council to accept the quotations received, at its meeting of 21st April.
6. Next Steps – responses to SEA/SA Scoping Reports proceeding, RB to complete work on this. GW to prepare News Update 2 for the Annual Parish Meeting on 21st April, the Fete on 2nd May, and circulation to the email Consult Group. Providing the Parish Council agreed the recommendations above, and the Application for Grant-Aid was successful, LT would provide expert professional support for the Neighbourhood Plan, draft a skeleton of a Draft Plan and circulate by email in readiness for the next meeting of the Steering Group; RB would request electronic copies of the Capacity Study documents. Parish Council to arrange and share attendance at the stall at the Fete on 2nd May.
7. Date of Next Meeting – Wednesday 29th April, Longwick.