Ilmer Past

Parish Council Minutes

PRESENT

Cllr (Chairman) Val McPherson BEM

Cllrs Ian Walker, Sally Whitworth, Jane Rogers, Rolf van Apeldoorn and Brian Richards

Clerk Susanne Griffiths

Deputy Clerk Jayne Mylchreest

1 member of the public

  1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Val McPherson BEM who expected to be late as delayed in traffic. Cllr Brian Richards chaired the meeting in her absence.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 21st February 2017 having been circulated were approved by the Meeting and signed by the Chairman.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were asked to declare any pecuniary or non-pecuniary declarations of 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 FROM LAST MEETING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA

The Clerk confirmed that three applications for the Councillor vacancy had been received. Cllr Jane Rogers agreed to book the Village Hall for the interviews on the 10th April from 7pm. JR/JM

5. A REPORT FROM CLLR BENDYSHE-BROWN (BCC) ON MATTERS CONCERNING LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr B Bendyshe-Brown reported on the following:-

6. FINANCE

A/The income for February and the expenditure for March was examined by the Council. All present agreed that the necessary cheques be signed.

The Clerk presented the accounts together with the bank statements and bank reconciliation for the members' consideration together with a copy of all standing orders and direct debits made from the Parish Council account. All present agreed that the accounts were being handled in a satisfactory manner and the monies were all accounted for.

Payee Gross Comment
March salaries 387.97
BCC Local Government pension scheme 101.60
K Dobson (Risk assessment) 15.50 February 2017
HMRC PAYE 168.00 Jan/Feb/Mch
Postage 20.35 Apr16–Mch17
Mileage 27.00 Apr16–Mch17

B/ Receipts NIL.

C/ Bank Balance £18,141.12 (allowing for the above cheques).

Cllr Val McPherson BEM joined the meeting at 7.50pm and took the chair.

7. CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

A. Playing Field

There were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for February. Cllr Sally Whitworth agreed to chase the contractor to cut the hedge. SW

The Clerk is requested to arrange to have the small tree that has fallen down that has been highlighted as a low risk on the risk assessment, removed. JM

B. Children's play area

There were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for February.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

An email has been received from the Parish Council's solicitor concerning the fees for transferring the assets from the Trustees of the Sports Club to the Parish Council. The solicitor had advised that the cost to draw up the agreement between the Trustees of the Sports Club and the Parish Council for the transfer of the assets for a nominal fee will not exceed £500.00 plus vat. Cllr Val McPherson proposed to approve these costs and instruct the solicitor to proceed with the agreement and any future costs are to be borne by the transferor for the future transfer of assets. Seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth. All present agreed.

Resolved: To approve these costs and instruct the solicitor to proceed with the agreement. SG

An email has been received from a resident regarding starting a Longwick Village Youth Club. The resident wishes to start a charitable business providing a Youth Club in the village and requests whether the Parish Council is the correct body to contact. All present agreed to reply that this is outside of the Parish Council remit and the advice is to contact the Scout Group leader and the Youth Services at Bucks County Council. JM

A Street Trading application has been received from Wycombe District Council. The application is to replace the existing consent holder at the Thame Road Lay-by, Thame Road, Longwick. Hot and cold food and refreshments will be provided on Monday to Friday 7.30am-2.00pm. Cllr Jane Rogers proposed to approve the application and request that the applicant be responsible for keeping the lay by litter free. Seconded by Cllr Val McPherson. A vote was taken with 5 votes for and 1 abstention therefore the motion was carried.

Resolved: To approve the application and request that the applicant be responsible for keeping the lay by litter free.

A draft version on a new Play Strategy for Wycombe District Council 2017-2022 has been received. The Parish Council is requested to review the strategy and provide comments or questions to W.D.C. on the form provided by Friday 21st April 2017. Noted.

A letter has been received regarding the use of the playing field for car parking. The Princes Risborough Music Society are holding their summer concerts and has requested the use of the playing field for car parking on the 29th, 30th June and 1st July 2017 from 6.00pm-10.30pm. Cllr Jane Rogers proposed to grant permission. Seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth. All present agreed. JM

An invitation to attend a planning training course has been received from Bucks & Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils. A course called Demystifying Planning has been scheduled for 22nd May 2017 and will be presented jointly by representatives from Wycombe and Aylesbury Vale District Planning Authorities and will take place at the Green Park Centre in Aston Clinton. Noted.

An invitation has been received from the Campaign to Protect Rural England to attend a planning roadshow on Saturday 6th May 2017, 11.00am–2.00pm. On Saturday 6th May 2017, the Campaign to Protect Rural England in Buckinghamshire will be holding its inaugural planning roadshow for Parish and Town Councils. C.P.R.E. will be talking about how local people can best influence planning matters in Buckinghamshire. This is a free event open to parish and town council representatives at Bledlow Village Hall, Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Bucks, HP27. Cllr Jane Rogers agreed to attend. JR

An invitation has been received regarding the Centenary of the First World War in Buckinghamshire. The Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust, The Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies and the Buckinghamshire Lieutenancy has organised a 9th meeting on Saturday 25th March 2017 at Viney House, Aylesbury, HP19 8RN, to update attendees on the activities already being planned to commemorate the centenary of the Great War in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes between 2014 and 2019, to ensure co-ordination, to share ideas and to avoid duplication of effort. Noted.

An email has been received from Wycombe District Council regarding the Information Centre merging with the Bucks County Council Library Service. From 1st April 2017 W.D.C.'s Information Centres in High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough will merge with the B.C.C. Library service. Following the successful move of the information centres into their respective town libraries over recent years B.C.C. will now be working in partnership with W.D.C. to deliver Library, council and tourism services. All present agreed to include on the website newsfeed. JM

An email has been received from the Chilterns Conservation Board regarding their 'Beacons of the Past' project. The Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) 'Beacons of the Past' project is a four-year programme of research, education and conservation activities on hillforts and prehistoric heritage across the Chilterns. The project will include an extensive community engagement programme, resources for schools and volunteering opportunities for local people. The Parish Council is requested to help support in two ways: 1) the opportunity to discuss how the C.C.B. might work together with the Parish Council to engage the community, and 2) a financial contribution to the match-funding element of the project. All present agreed to support the project by including an article in the parish newsletter but the Parish Council is unable to make a financial contribution. VM

An invitation has been received to attend a Diversification in the Agricultural Industry event. The event will take place on Thursday the 23rd March 2017 at 7.30am-9.30am at Green Dragon Eco Farm, Claydon Road, Hogshaw MK18 3LA. Noted.

An email has been received from a resident regarding the council tax for 2017/2018. The resident has asked for an explanation as to why the precept for the Parish has increased by approximately 20%. All present agreed to reply that the increase equates to an increase of 12½ pence per week for a Band D property and it is due to the cost of the Neighbourhood Plan. Also to invite the resident to the Annual Parish Meeting on the 18th April 2017 to discuss the matter further with the Councillors. JM

An email has been received to request the use of the playing field for a bouncy castle. Permission is requested to place a bouncy castle on the playing field on the 15th April 2017. All present agreed to grant permission subject to the Parish Council receiving a copy of the Risk Assessment, Public Liability Insurance and the playing field regulations policy signed. JM

A letter has been received from EON regarding the electricity supply at the playing field. EON has been advised by the Trustees of the Longwick Sports Club that the electricity supply has been transferred to the Parish Council. The Clerk is requested to contact the Trustees and EON to obtain the annual running costs. JM

Risborough Rangers Junior Football Club has requested access to the playing field. The football club would like access to the playing field to enable the marking out of the football pitch. Cllr Val McPherson agreed to liaise with the football club to arrange access. VM

A letter has been received from Croudace Homes regarding the outline planning permission granted under Ref. No. 15/08455/OUT. Croudace Homes are preparing their proposals before submitting a Reserved Matters application which will finalise the details of the 43 dwellings and would welcome the Parish Council's thoughts. All present agreed for the Clerk to arrange an informal meeting to discuss the proposals. JM

9. REPORT ON THE RESIDENTS FUNDRAISING FOR PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR THE CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA

Cllr Sally Whitworth reported that the residents held a bingo evening and have raised a further £239.60 and they are investigating ideas for suitable equipment.

10. REPORT ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Cllr Val McPherson updated the members that the Neighbourhood Plan could not progress until advice had been received from Wycombe District Council following the publication of the Government White Paper on housing and how it affects the Local Plan and the draft Neighbourhood Plan.

11. REVIEW OF THE PARISH COUNCIL INSURANCE POLICY AND APPROVAL OF ANY AMENDMENTS

Cllr Jane Rogers proposed to accept the renewal quote but to increase the insurance cover by £4000 to cover the garage to be transferred from the Trustees of the Longwick Sports Club. Seconded by Cllr Sally Whitworth. All present agreed.

Resolved: To increase the insurance cover by £4000 to cover the garage to be transferred from the Trustees of the Longwick Sports Club.

12. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

A/To consider New Planning Applications

16/08471/FUL Address: Owlswick Barn Owlswick Buckinghamshire HP27 9RH Proposal: Demolition of existing lean-to, concrete frame barn and store and conversion of remaining dutch barn to 4 bed dwellinghouse with associated boundary wall, gate and landscaping

The Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council objects to this application. The proposed dwelling, by virtue of its design, appearance, scale and proportion, does not reflect the local rural context, the character and appearance of the surrounding area. As such the conversion does not achieve a high standard of design and is detrimental to the character and appearance of the surrounding rural area.

17/05474/FUL Address: The Old Stable Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD Proposal: Erection of a stable building and tack room (retrospective)

The applicants were fully aware of the need to apply for planning permission, within this conservation area, for a stable block and ménage (granted under reference number 15/05921/FUL June 2015) which makes it all the more inexplicable that planning permission has not been sought for further development. Following complaints from a number of residents, it now transpires that the public footpath sign at the entrance to the shared drive has disappeared, a gate leading into the footpath 21c is chained and padlocked shut and electric fencing crosses the footpath within the applicant's grounds. This combination of factors leads the Parish Council to recommend most strongly that the application be declined, at least until these matters are resolved. This disregard of planning matters and deliberate breach of footpath access persuades the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council to object most strongly to this application.

17/05621/FUL Address: Meadle Cottage Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD Proposal: Householder application for creation of new driveway crossing and closing off of existing driveway

The Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council has no objections.

17/05621/LBC Address: Meadle Cottage Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD Proposal: Householder application for creation of new driveway crossing and closing off of existing driveway

The Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council has no objections.

B/ Notice of Planning Applications Approved

17/05023/FUL Decision: Application Permitted Address: Lyndale Stockwell Lane Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD Proposal: Householder application for construction of side extension to roof, insertion of 3 x front dormer windows & 1 x rear dormer in connection with additional roofspace. Construction of single storey rear extension & creation of roof terrace over existing flat roofed rear element, removal of existing link between main building and garage to side & erection of front porch- alternative scheme to PP/15/07444/FUL

16/08189/FUL Decision: Application Permitted Address: The Old Vicarage Ilmer Lane Ilmer Buckinghamshire HP27 9RA Proposal: Householder application for construction for single storey rear extension, part single/part two storey front porch extension, single storey front porch extension to new kitchen and fenestration alterations

16/08424/FUL Decision: Application Permitted Address: Folly Cottage Ilmer Lane Ilmer Buckinghamshire HP27 9QZ Proposal: Householder application for construction of single storey rear extensions and new front and rear porches (alternative scheme to pp 16/06994/FUL)

16/08289/FUL Decision: Application Permitted Address: 40 Bell Crescent Longwick Buckinghamshire HP27 9SE Proposal: Householder application for construction of single storey front extension

C/ To receive Notice of Applications Refused

None.

Applications Withdrawn

16/07958/FUL Address: Land Adjoining, Saddleback Barn, Chadwell Hill Farm, Lower Icknield Way, Longwick, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9RL Proposal: Erection of single storey round chapel

13. 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 FUTURE WEBSITE PROVISION

Cllr Val McPherson proposed 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 future website provision. A vote was taken and all present agreed.

14. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING.

To discuss and decide on the preferred candidate to fill the vacancy for a councillor by co-option

To review the Financial regulations

15. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 18th April 2017 in Longwick Village Hall at 8.00pm, and this will be preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00pm. There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed at 9.10pm.

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