Sunningwell Parish Council
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SUNNINGWELL PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON WEDNESDAY, 18TH JANUARY 2006 AT THE VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllrs. R. Nichol (in the chair), R. Macdonald, H. Lynam-Smith, M. Woodward and S. Payne
In Attendance: Pat Romans (Clerk)
1. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS
The meeting opened with a few moments silence in memory of Cllr. Gina Birch after the Chairman voiced the deep regret of all members at Gina’s passing. Cllr. Nichol said how much members had appreciated her work and her personal qualities and her remarkable fortitude in continuing her parochial duties almost to the end of her life. Cllr. Nichol said that he was thankful for having been given the opportunity of working with her.
2. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no members of the public present at the meeting.
3. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllr. Belcher, County Cllr. R. Johnston and District Cllrs. Ward and Wise.
4. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL & PREJUDICIAL
INTERESTS
No declarations were made.
5. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16th NOVEMBER 2005
One alteration was made to the Minutes at 11.3 – 21 years being changed to 25 years. It
was proposed by Cllr. Payne and seconded by Cllr. Lynam-Smith that with this amendment the Minutes be accepted as a correct record of the meeting and the Chairman signed accordingly.
6. UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS/ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING
Page 152 Parish Boundary Review – an acknowledgement of the Council’s submission had been received from the Vale D.C..
Page 157 Security Lights at property adj. to The Stumps
Cllr. Macdonald will investigate whether the light is still a problem and will report back if necessary.
Cllr. Woodward reported that the Footpath Sign removed from this site by the developer has still not been reinstated.
159
Action: Clerk to report this again to the OCC Footpaths Officer.
7. PLANNING
a) Applications dealt with between meetings
SUN/16879/1 Beech Cottage, Lincombe Lane, Boars Hill
Demolition of existing cottage. Erection of replacement cottage
Parish Council response: Do not object but request that every effort be made to preserve the trees and shrubbery that surrounds the property and screens it from neighbours – particularly between Beech Cottage and the Grey House.
SUN/7557/5 Charlottes, Sunningwell
Demolition of existing dwelling. Erection of a replacement dwelling.
Parish Council response: Strongly object – full report on file
Cllr. Macdonald said that it is not yet known whether this application will be discussed at the Vale Development & Control Committee when a representative from the Council could speak about the objections already raised. She has been contacted by the applicant regarding the Parish Council’s submission. The Chairman advised that this type of debate would be better referred to a full meeting of the Council whenever possible. In cases of extreme difficulty complainants might be referred to the Chair if required.. He thanked Cllr. Macdonald for her work on this application.
SUN/19375 2, Bullsmead, Sunningwell
Proposed extension to garage and loft conversion to include new roof
Parish Council response: Do not object but neighbours have drawn our attention to the ‘velux’ windows to be set into the roof of this development. It was suggested that they would not be in keeping with the dormer style of window which is predominant for houses in Bullsmead. Could this suggestion for an improvement in the design form part of the conditions if permission is granted?
SUN/19079/2 33 Long Furlong Road, Sunningwell
Proposed dormer window to side elevation (amendment to SUN/19079/1
Parish Council response: Do not object but neighbours at Nos. 35 & 37, Long Furlong Road are concerned that the dormer window in the main first floor bathroom will overlook their properties. In the amended plans this window is further to the back of the property and therefore overlooks the rear gardens at Nos. 35 & 37. It was felt that a velux window would be more appropriate and would afford more privacy – similar to the other side of No. 33 which overlooks No. 31.
b) Decision Notices Received
SUN/2165/2 Overdale Lodge, Lincombe Lane, Boars Hill
Renewal of application SUN/2165/1 for the erection of a two storey extension and four bay garage. (Part demolition of house and demolition of existing garage).
Permission granted
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SUN 16879/1 Beech Cottage, Lincombe Lane, Boars Hill
Demolition of existing cottage. Erection of a replacement cottage. Permission granted
SUN/7291/4 Lincombe Lodge, Fox Lane, Boars Hill
Demolition of existing building and erection of replacement building containing 8 flats.
Permission refused
c) Other Planning Matters
2, Yatscombe – a report had recently been received from Cllr. Ward on the findings of the Vale D.C. Planning Officers’ investigation into the retrospective planning application on this property. It was noted that the findings had for the most part upheld the comments submitted by the Parish Council.
Height of Wall at the property built adjacent to The Stumps – no further information has been forthcoming from Vale D.C. on this issue.
Action: Cllr. Macdonald will ascertain the current position and report back.
Cllr. Nichol said that the Fire Hydrant at this site has still not been replaced and he will continue to liaise with the Fire Service about it.
d) SPADE
No recent report received.
e) New Planning Application
SUN/1247/1 16, Long Furlong Road, Sunningwell
Proposed conservatory.
It was agreed to refer this application to the Planning Sub-Committee so that a site visit can be carried out prior to a response being sent to Vale D.C.
8. FLOODING MAPS
Item deferred to next meeting to enable Cllr. Belcher to report to the Council.
9. ADDITIONAL BURIAL SPACE
The difficulties that arise over the limited space left in the Church graveyard were acknowledged – not the least of these being the Parochial Church Council not being able to expand the existing space into The Glebe now that it is registered as a Village Green and the fact that the Parish Council has no suitable land of its own that it could consider donating to the Church. Because of the complexity of the issue it was decided to defer discussion until the next meeting to enable members to consider the information available.
161
Action: Cllr. Nichol to précis the available information and circulate to members before the next meeting.
10. FINANCE
a) Precept 2006-2007
Members considered the Precept calculations submitted by the Finance Sub-Committee and decided that in order to keep a rise in the Precept below 3%, an additional amount should be taken from Reserves to cover the Budget passed at the last meeting.
It was proposed by Cllr. Lynam-Smith and seconded by Cllr. Woodward that a Precept of £14,639 be set for 2006-2007 and this was agreed unanimously.(full details on file).
b) Payment of Accounts
The following accounts had been paid between meetings
Cheque |
Payee |
Purpose |
Amount |
VAT |
016 |
Sunningwell Scene |
Printing of Questionnaire |
£46.91p |
|
017 |
Cancer Bacup |
Donation |
£50.00p |
|
It was agreed unanimously that the following accounts be accepted for payment
Cheque |
Payee |
Purpose |
Amount |
VAT |
018 |
Pat Romans |
Clerk’s Salary/Expenses |
£1205.48p |
|
019 |
St. Helen Without P.C. |
Photocopying |
£17.22p |
|
020 |
VHMC |
Hire of Hall |
£25.20p |
|
021 |
Mr. R. Wiggins |
Pond Surrounds |
£77.50p |
|
022 |
W. & D.S. Youth Club |
Donation |
£100.00p |
|
11. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ARRANGEMENTS
Cllr. Nichol reminded members that at the last meeting it had been decided to hold Council meetings on a Thursday in future but it had subsequently become obvious that this was not a convenient evening for at least 2 members. The availability of the Village Hall restricts choice and it was eventually decided to keep to Wednesday evenings but in order to better accommodate the visiting Councillors, to hold meetings on the final Wednesday of each month.
Meetings of the Parish Council during 2006 will therefore be held on-
22nd February 31st May Annual General Meeting
29th March 28th June - meeting at Bayworth Chapel
26th April 26th July
10th May Annual Parish Meeting 27th September
162
25th October
29th November
Action: Clerk to make necessary bookings and circulate information.
12. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
It was agreed that appropriate steps should be taken to fill the current vacancy on the Parish Council. It was also agreed to postpone the election of a Deputy Chair until the AGM to be held in May.
Action: Clerk to advertise the vacancy and inform the Vale D.C. Returning Officer.
13. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence has been received since the last meeting
13.1 OCC Review of Subsidised Bus Services - response sent
13.2 Proposed Village Gateways – ongoing work to be monitored
13.3 Fares & Ticketing Strategy Consultation –initiative supported
13.4 Information Strategy Consultation
13.5 Mobile Library Service – Clerk to write supporting service
13.6 Newsletters – December & January
13.7 AbITS newsletter – ongoing work in Abingdon noted
13.8 Vale DC Sunningwell Village Flood Prevention Scheme – Clerk to forward
requested information
13.9 Parish Precept 2006-2007
13.10 Consultation on Draft Statement of Community Involvement + Ref.No
13.11 Meetings of Councils & Committees
13.12 Parish Review - Council’s recommendation not included
13.13 Thames Water – proposed reservoir SW of Abingdon – Clerk to
Register Council’s interest
13.14 OALC County Circular + papers – Cllr. Nichol
13.15 ORCC Newsletter – December 2005
13.16 Vale Housing Ass. – Flood Prevention ,Quarry Road – Cllr. Lynam-Smith
13.17 Hodsons The Village Hall & Access to No. 57 - work almost completed
13.18 Primary Care Trust - Stake Holder Forum 2nd Feb. Cllr. Macdonald to attend
13.19 Health Scrutiny Committee- newsletter – November 2005
13.20 Oxford City Primary Care Trust - agenda & minutes
13.21 SE & SW Oxon Primary Care Trust – agenda & minutes
13.22 Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service – consultation
13.23 Consumer Direct- advice & information service
13.24 Thames Valley Police – posters & calendar
13.25 - handling of emergency calls – details circulated
13.26 White Horse Harriers Athletics Club – Half Marathon – 2nd April 2006
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13.27 High Sheriff of Oxfordshire – Ashmolean Museum – Private Viewing
13.28 Woodcote Parish Council – OCC Youth Service Budget – supporting letter sent
13.29 Citizens Advice Bureau – Annual Report+grant request – Finance Sub-Cttee
13.30 Abingdon & District Association – Antiques Valuation Event 13th January
13.31 SPISE – Newsletter – Winter 2005 – Cllr. Nichol
13.32 Office of DPM – Standards of Conduct in English Local Government
13.33 Inspires – Newsletter – Winter 2005/06
13.34 Clerks & Councils Direct – magazine
13.35 Wicksteed – advertising – Cllr. Belcher
13.36 OCC Guide to Road Safety
13.37 Agreement relating to the removal of unauthorized signs on highway –
Clerk to return agreement & withdraw request
13.38 Vale D.C. Parish Council Cleansing Grants
13.39 Consultation on Draft Statement of Community Involvement – Ref.No
13.40 Standards Board Training DVD
13.41 Monitoring Officer & Solicitor – resignation
13.42 Standards Committee – Minutes & Agenda
13.43 OPFA The Playing Field – newsletter – Winter 2005/06 - Cllr. Belcher
13.44 Westmill Windfarm Co-operative – advertising
13.45 RJS (IA) Ltd. Internal Audit Fees – small increase noted
14. SUB-COMMITTEES/GROUPS
a) Flooding
Cllr. Lynam-Smith said that she has now gathered a lot of useful information which she will set out in a report for circulation to residents via the Sunningwell Scene and which she will copy to Cllrs.
b) Pond
Cllr. Woodward reported that the build up of silt at the Pond has become a big problem and needs to be resolved. It has been difficult to get firms to consider the work of removing and disposing of the waste but 2 quotations have been submitted – the most reasonable being £1,000+VAT. Cllr. Woodward said that the Sunningwell Festival Committee could be approached for £250 from funds if the Parish Council would also agree to contribute. At the end of this financial year it is expected that £350 will remain from the money donated by the former Pond Committee and it was agreed unanimously that the shortfall of £400 should be paid by the Parish Council on condition £250 is found
by the Sunningwell Festival Committee.
Cllrs. Lynam-Smith and Macdonald expressed concern about the detrimental effect on wildlife and vegetation that such an operation will inflict and wondered if further advice should be taken before the go ahead is given. Cllr. Woodward agreed that some environmental damage would be inevitable but it is essential that something is done about the problem and the work will be supervised by at least one member of the Pond Committee.
164
c) Children’s Play Area
The Clerk reported that the RoSPA annual inspection due in July needs to be arranged now and it was agreed that the request should be submitted.
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr. Lynam-Smith said that a number of dangerous pot holes have developed at various points among the lane from Bayworth to Sunningwell and need urgent repair.
Action: Cllr. Lynam-Smith to supply Clerk with a site map to be forwarded with a work request to OCC Highways
Cllr. Payne reported that she had recently taken part in a meeting organized by the Vale D.C. where Focus Groups looked at various issues and what might be ways to resolve problems. She felt that this was a clear attempt by the District Council to listen to residents’ wishes although she was very dubious about how far those attending represented all elements of the population.
Cllr. Woodward said that he had heard somewhat vague reports that Bayworth residents had been excluded from the Brown Wheelie Bin Scheme for garden waste recently initiated by Vale D.C.
Action: Clerk to clarify situation with Vale D.C. Waste Management Team
Cllr. Payne said that a lot of fly tipping had occurred recently in Green Lane, along the lane from Bayworth to Sunningwell and also along the old A34 towards Sunningwell.
Action: Clerk to report this to the relevant officer at the Vale D.C.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.05pm
Signed…………………………………….Date……………………………….
Chairman
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