Parish Council Minutes
PRESENT: Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair), Cllrs Brian Richards (Vice), Rolf van Apeldoorn, Jane Rogers, Richard Myers, Alex Barter, Roger Wilkes, Tracey Martin (Clerk). Buckinghamshire Councillor: Cllr Alan Turner. Two representatives from Longwick C of E Combined School — Executive Headteacher and School Business Manager.
40. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting. There were no apologies.
41. MINUTES OF ANNUAL COUNCIL AND FULL COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 15th JUNE 2021: The minutes were approved by all Councillors.
42. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Rogers declared an interest in agenda item 8 — planning application 21/06871/CLE.
43. TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM LONGWICK SCHOOL ON POTENTIAL PROJECTS: Longwick School had previously circulated a paper on three projects: developing a school garden area with sensory garden and calm outdoor learning zone (£50,000); developing a forest school with permanent outdoor learning space (£35,000); and creating a meeting space for resilience and support to local families (£35,000). School representatives said the focus would be on outdoor play, and they had recently received a Tesco grant and developed the garden area. Cllr Rogers asked about ongoing maintenance; representatives said funds would be raised through the outdoor cabin being used for the afterschool club (rent charged) and forest school sessions for preschool children generating income. Cllr Richards asked how costings had been calculated; representatives responded that they were based on previous quotes received. Timescales were discussed, with the school hoping to carry out the works over the next academic year. Cllr Richards questioned whether the meeting space project should be funded through Education/Trust; the representative responded that the Trust has supported them with roof works and toilet repairs but funds are limited. Cllr McPherson thanked the School representatives, who then left the meeting.
44. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLORS: Cllr Turner reported: a link to a Parish map for the parish magazine had been provided, but the Clerk stated Councillors wanted more detail — Clerk to liaise with Cllr Turner (Action: Clerk/Cllr Turner); emergency requests and utilities companies have the right to proceed with road works without prior notification; Buckinghamshire Council has £4m available to clear drains and gullies, and Councillors were asked to send details of any they would like cleared (Action: All); the three Buckinghamshire Councillors have a meeting scheduled with the road technician, and asked Councillors to highlight any issues (Action: All); a meeting has been scheduled with Chiltern Railways to discuss the Risborough and Monks Risborough service, train times and parking costs; on the two caravan sites in Askett in breach of planning, the Enforcement Officer is working towards a final injunction to remove them; on the mobile home parked by the bridge further down in Askett, it has been reported to enforcement and is under investigation; the Risborough Community Bus service resumes on Monday 26th July; fly-tipping of asbestos in Owlswick Lane, reported via FixMyStreet but not collected, will be looked into by Cllr Turner (Action: Cllr Turner); a resident disposing of lawn trimmings into ditches will be looked into, with a possible letter to the resident (Action: Cllr Rogers/Cllr Turner); and on the Household Waste Recycling Centre, a decision is expected within 10 days, with Cllr Turner looking to push for the site to at least be used for green waste if the response is unfavourable.
45. TO RECEIVE MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA FOR INFORMATION ONLY: Cllr McPherson reported discussions with TfB regarding Bar Lane and alternatives to the VAS, which TfB had not favoured — suggestions included dragon's teeth with a yellow-backed 30mph sign, or coloured road surfacing (40 linear metres in red or 25 linear metres in yellow). TfB are still looking into alternatives; Cllr McPherson will circulate the suggestions. Action: Cllr McPherson
46. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON KISSING GATES: Cllr Richards reported that the Rights of Way officer is minded not to approve the request for two gates in Ilmer, due to reduced access for wheelchair users. The resident has asked Rights of Way to revisit the site.
47. PLANNING
New applications reviewed and discussed:
- 21/06697/REM: Land at Royston & Land at Home Farm, Thame Road, Longwick: No comments on the proposed plans, but wished to mention that no external street lighting is erected
- 21/06865/FUL: Elm Trees, Bar Lane, Owlswick: No objection
- 21/06966/AGD: North of Armour Barn, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle: Comment to be decided
- 21/07015/FUL: White Gables, Thame Road, Longwick: Cllr Barter to look at the application and report back. Action: Cllr Barter
- 21/06871/CLE: Owlswick Farm House, Owlswick: No objection
- 21/07172/PNP3Q: Barn, Longwick Mill, Lower Icknield Way: Cllr Barter to look at the application and report back. Action: Cllr Barter
Applications whose status changed:
- 21/06097/FUL: Lodore, Chestnut Way, Longwick: Application permitted
- 21/06644/PNP6A: North of Armour Barn, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle: Details required to be submitted
- 21/05568/FUL: Hill View, Longwick Road, Longwick: Application permitted
48. FINANCE
The following accounts for payment were reviewed and approved:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £503.03 | £503.03 | Salary | |
| Tracey Martin | £68.44 | £68.44 | Home allowance, mobile top-up, ink cartridge and laminating pouches | |
| Princes Risborough Town Council | £213.00 | £42.60 | £255.60 | Devolved services grass cutting, 26th May |
| Caloo Ltd | £672.00 | £134.40 | £806.40 | Concrete skate park repairs |
| TBS Hygiene | £160.00 | £32.00 | £192.00 | Bin emptying, May |
| Longwick PreSchool | £2,250.00 | £2,250.00 | Grant approved at June meeting | |
| HMRC | £24.80 | £24.80 | Tax | |
| K Dobson | £17.50 | £17.50 | Risk assessment, June | |
| DCK Accounting | £25.00 | £5.00 | £30.00 | June payroll processing |
| Bledlow cum Saunderton Parish Council | £83.00 | £83.00 | SLCC membership, 50% | |
| Oxford Oak | £120.00 | £120.00 | Remove tree in ditch and lift trees in playground for clearance underneath | |
| Rolf van Apeldoorn (J van Apeldoorn) | £82.95 | £82.95 | Village planters | |
| Princes Risborough Town Council | £298.20 | £59.64 | £357.84 | Devolved services grass cutting, 25th June |
| Camsec | £20.83 | £4.17 | £25.00 | SIM line rental for CCTV on playing field |
| Garden Affairs Landscapes | £1,465.30 | £293.06 | £1,758.36 | Fitting of benches & bins, relocating metal benches |
| Whiteleaf Printers | £80.00 | £80.00 | 780 A5 leaflets for walk-in consultation | |
| TBS Hygiene | £160.00 | £32.00 | £192.00 | Bin emptying, June |
| Definitive Developments | £1,300.00 | £1,300.00 | Garage fascia repairs | |
| James Gardner Landscapes | £300.00 | £300.00 | Flailing of the footpath at Meadle with Avant machine, 16/7/2021 | |
| Total | £7,844.05 | £602.87 | £6,846.92 |
Cllr van Apeldoorn noted the Village Planters payment should be recorded against J van Apeldoorn, not R van Apeldoorn. Discussion was had on invoice 0033 and why the Parish Council had paid for clearing a footpath that isn't devolved to it; it was agreed devolved footpaths would be discussed later in the meeting, but as the Parish Council had commissioned the work the invoice would be approved. All payments were approved by Councillors.
49. QUARTER 1 ACCOUNTS: The Clerk had previously circulated Quarter 1 accounts for review; Councillors approved them. The Clerk reported that Cllr Myers had reviewed the accounts and all was in order.
50. TO APPROVE QUOTE FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: The quote for a new piece of playground equipment had been circulated prior to the meeting, subject to a site visit on 2nd August; Councillors approved the quote of £4855 plus VAT. Any further costings will be discussed and approved by email, as there is no Parish Council meeting in August. Cllr Barter reported she still hadn't received confirmation that the residents'/parents' group were happy with the equipment chosen and whether they would contribute fund-raised monies; Cllr Barter to follow up. Action: Cllr Barter. All Councillors agreed to proceed with the purchase and installation of the play tractor regardless of any contribution.
51. TO CONSIDER WHO WILL CARRY OUT RISK ASSESSMENTS OF PARISH COUNCIL ASSETS: Cllr McPherson stated that, on insurer advice, whoever carries out the risk assessment does not need to be trained, as equipment is also checked annually by a RoSPA-trained inspector; Cllr van Apeldoorn and Cllr Wilkes agreed to volunteer for 6–8 months and will report back to Council. It was agreed that assets outside the parish, including benches and the war memorial, would be inspected every six months.
52. DEVOLVED SERVICES: Discussions were had, as Councillors were unclear on the Parish Council's responsibilities under devolved services and on who is responsible for overgrown footpaths/hedges that are not devolved. Clerk to put together information and circulate. Action: Clerk
53. PARISH BOOKLET/UPDATED MAP: Cllr Rogers had previously circulated a list of items needing updating. Street map still to be obtained. Action: Clerk. Cllr Rogers suggested producing a simplified version without adverts, rather than a booklet; all Councillors agreed. Cllr Rogers and Cllr Barter agreed to take on the project. Action: Cllr Rogers/Cllr Barter
54. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST TO INSTALL A DEFIBRILLATOR IN ILMER: The Clerk had received a request from a resident to install a defibrillator in Ilmer. Possible locations were discussed; it was agreed the Clerk would arrange a meeting with the Area Public Access Defibrillator Coordinator to discuss locations and report back. Action: Clerk
55. TO APPROVE UPDATED CCTV PRIVACY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Cllr McPherson asked Councillors whether they approved the addition of Cllr Wilkes to the policy; all Councillors agreed and approved the addition.
56. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT: Cllr McPherson reported that, due to rising Covid cases, Transport Initiatives had decided not to send representatives for the face-to-face consultation on 23rd July, but Cllr McPherson and Cllr Richards decided the consultation would still go ahead, with Transport Initiatives sending information panels; a QR code and hard copies of the questionnaire would both be available, along with hand sanitiser, masks, signage and one-way entry and exit. Arrangements for Councillor volunteers were discussed. Cllr McPherson hoped Transport Initiatives would present to Councillors in August, with project completion expected 1st September 2021.
57. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND/OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL: A resident had requested that grass clippings be collected at both the playing fields and Chestnut Way; it was agreed this would not be cost-effective, and Cllr Turner confirmed cuttings are not collected in Risborough either — Clerk to respond accordingly. Action: Clerk. On anti-social behaviour and noise from the MUGA, Councillors felt the Parish Council had done everything in its power; the Clerk had arranged for a contractor to check the MUGA to minimise unnecessary vibrations, and will respond to the resident. Action: Clerk. The Community Speedwatch Group asked if the Parish Council would purchase a speed gun at a cost of £202.24; it was agreed to purchase and donate it to the group, who will be asked to present progress to the Council in six months. Action: Clerk
58. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL: Cllr McPherson reported attending the WDALC meeting in June, where the Community Board Co-ordinators and their Manager were present; discussions covered WDALC potentially having a website, and a presentation was given on climate change.
59. TO CONSIDER AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Devolved Services. Councillors to contact the Clerk with any further items.
60. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 21st September 2021.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40pm.