Sunningwell Parish Council
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SUNNINGWELL PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 28th MARCH 2007 AT BAYWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH HALL
Present: Cllrs. R. Nichol
(in the chair), R.Macdonald, M. Woodward, H. Lynam-Smith,
D. Belcher, E. Bennett & D. Graham
In Attendance: District Cllr. C. Wise (part), Mr. Iain Corbyn and Pat Romans (Clerk)
1. CHAIR’S COMMENTS
Cllr. Nichol opened the meeting and said that it was very pleasing to
meet in the newly refurbished Bayworth Chapel Hall He
felt that the Chapel Committee should be congratulated on their achievements –
a sentiment echoed by other members of the Council – and asked the Clerk to
write a letter thanking them for their hospitality on this occasion.
2. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE
PUBLIC
There
were no issues raised at this point in the meeting.
3.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies
were received from District Cllr. T. Ward.
4.
DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL & PREJUDICIAL
INTERESTS
No
declarations were made.
5.
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 21st FEBRUARY 2007
It was proposed by Cllr.
Lynam-Smith and seconded by Cllr.
Graham that the
Minutes should be accepted as a correct record of the meeting. This was agreed
unanimously and the Chairman signed accordingly.
6.
UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS/ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING
Page 236 Registration of Cricket Club
Cllr. Lynam-Smith summarized the background to this issue and
reminded members that if this land is registered in the Parish Council’s name,
the Council would become responsible for its upkeep. She envisaged that an
arrangement similar to that with the Village Hall Management Committee would be
created whereby the Cricket Club Committee continue to
manage the day to day affairs and maintain the Ground. The plus side would be
that this land would be secured for future generations. Cllr.
Nichol referred
242
to the
letter received from Janet McNamara, solicitor, in which she advised that the
Parish Council could not simply submit an application to register the land
because the Council have not maintained it. Negotiations would therefore have
to be restarted with the Church Commissioners. He asked members to give careful
consideration to the points for and against this proposal and a decision should
be reached at the next meeting when it will appear as an agenda item.
Page 236 Provision of Bungalows at Bayworth
Cllr.
Nichol read the response received from Vale DC which advises that a survey to
identify need would be a necessary first step in what is clearly a very formalized process. Members were aware that there are a
range of views held by residents regarding the desirability of providing social
housing in the Parish and were therefore glad that a survey will be used to
establish the actual level of interest. They are also mindful of the fact that
even if social housing was built on the garages site, there would be no
guarantee that they would eventually be let Bayworth residents, Cllr. Nichol said that
as a first step he will have informal discussions with Katie Barrett, Vale DC
Section Head, Planning Policy and Anna Kennedy, ORCC Rural Housing Enabler.
Action: Cllr. Nichol to report back on his enquiries at the next
Parish Council meeting in April.
Page 236 Village Hall/Pond Surrounds
Cllr.
Nichol has not been able to make contact with David Hodson,
solicitor, on the progress, if any, on this issue. Cllr.
Lynam-Smith felt that in view of the length of time
this work is taking, Mr. Hodson should be given an
ultimatum that a completion must be reached by the end of April.
Action: Cllr. Nichol to report back to the next Parish Council
meeting in April.
Page 236 Ivy/Trees – Sunningwell & Bayworth
The
Chairman invited Mr. Iain Corbyn to give members the
benefit of his professional advice on this issue. Mr. Corbyn
said that it is not possible to generalize about trees and ivy – although ivy
usually appears on trees that are already in trouble – and each tree needs
looking at on its own merits. He informed members that the Hedgerow Group had
been formed just over a year ago and have surveyed 40 hedgerows so far. It is
already obvious that many are in a very bad state and some are almost
disappearing. This is a crucial issue because much wildlife is totally centred and dependent on hedgerows for their habitat. The
aim of the group therefore is to encourage appropriate hedge and tree planting
at various sites in the Parish. Whilst the data gathering and analysis is a
relatively straightforward procedure, the actual work to remedy what in places
is a dire situation, is much more difficult. Farmers have to be approached for
access to their land, trees have to be purchased and labour
has to be available. Mr. Corbyn said that it would
help considerably if the group’s work had the backing of the Parish Council and
if grant
243
aid was
forthcoming to help purchase trees and equipment. He knows that there are a
number of sites needing attention and that this work will have to be undertaken
over a considerable period of time. He suggested that the Cricket Field and The
Glebe would be useful sites to begin the restorative process.
Cllr.
Graham agreed to seek the views of the Cricket Club members and Cllr. Nichol said he will have an informal discussion with
Rev. McKellen about the Glebe. Cllr. Belcher
wondered how successful such an initiative is likely to be in view of the fact
that for the most part it is farmers who are being asked to do something about
their hedges. Mr. Corbyn said that a Government
Stewardship Scheme has been implemented to help with this very problem but the
co-operation of farmers remains a key issue in the extent of the improvements
that can be achieved.
Cllr. Lynam-Smith said that she would welcome Mr. Corbyn’s advice on just how far the verges could be cleared
whilst at the same time avoiding action which would unduly disturb natural
habitats. Cllr. Graham said that a number of Bayworth residents have already offered their labour to clear the verges but recognized that this should
be undertaken only after taking expert advice. He personally hoped that a
comprehensive strategy could be devised whereby the work is undertaken over
perhaps a 5-6 year period rather than the piecemeal clearance by OCC Highways
which appears to be what happens now.
Members
agreed that they would like to support the Hedgerow Group Project as much as
they can.
Action: (i) Cllr. Nichol to raise the level of interest in the project
via his next letter in the Sunningwell Scene
(ii) Mr. Corbyn
to submit an application for financial help from Parish Council funds (iii)
The Cricket Field to be selected as the first site for possible
replanting.
The
Chairman thanked Mr. Corbyn for his attendance at the
meeting and for the advice he had been able to offer members.
Page 236 Fly Tipping – Surveillance Equipment
A response
from the Vale DC Environmental Protection Officer was read. The cost of
surveillance equipment and the difficulties in finding suitably hidden sites
means that the cameras currently available are used only where major problems
of fly tipping have been identified. Whilst Sunningwell would not qualify at
present, the problem of dumped tyres is not being
discounted and the Vale DC Officers feel that there may be links with the fact
that Whitecross Metals will not accept the tyres of vehicles which are taken there for scrap.
Investigations are currently ongoing into this particular issue.
244
Action: Clerk
to write to Mr. S. Williams, Whitecross Metals,
requesting that he contact the Chairman to discuss the situation.
Page 238 Building Work at 57, Sunningwell
A request
for close monitoring of this development had been submitted to the Vale DC and
an acknowledgement received. Cllr. Nichol had been
informed by Mr. R. Warne, VHMC, that work is due to
commence there shortly and his Committee is concerned that the developers
strictly adhere to the conditions set when permission was granted.
Page 239 Proposed Reservoir – Stage 2
Consultations
A
response had been submitted by the Parish Council and this had been
acknowledged.
7.
POINTS RAISED BY VISITING CLLR.
(i) Cllr. Wise said that he will do what he can to help solve
the problem of fly tipping which is badly affecting this and other surrounding
Parishes
(ii) He wanted to draw members’ attention to the
fact that OCC have been awarded the status of ‘an excellent authority’ and the
ongoing promise to lessen the increase in Council Tax annually remains a core
aim of the Council.
(iii) He reminded members that his particular
interests are in the areas of Highways and Social Needs and he would like to
receive any relevant feedback from Parish Cllrs. on
these issues. He offered to forward updates on outstanding highway repairs to
the appropriate OCC Officers and similarly, footpaths that require attention
might be handled in the same way.
8.
FINANCE
a)
Finance Sub-Committee Meeting
The
Chairman reported that having looked at the financial details of the Bayworth Church Hall renovation project submitted by Cllr. Woodward, it was felt that a grant of £1,000 should
be given from Parish Council reserves. This was agreed by all members. It was
also agreed that Sunningwell Luncheon Club receive a donation of £150 and the
same amount be pledged towards the costs of installing a new central heating
system at the Sunningwell School of Art. A grant of £60 was agreed to help the
work of the Citizens Advice Bureau – this to be paid at the start of the new
financial year.
Cllr.
Nichol reported that the Sub-Committee had carried out a Risk Assessment Review
on the assets held by the Parish Council.
He
outlined the purpose of ‘Planning Gain’ for the benefit of new members to the
Council and said that a list of requirements needed to be submitted to the Vale
DC for consideration should the application by Richmond Homes to develop the Warnborough Site prove to be successful. A list of ideas
which would bring advantages in many forms to the whole community was agreed by
members – who nevertheless remain opposed to the application as it stands.
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b)
Accounts for Payment
It was
unanimously agreed to accept the following accounts for payment –
Cheque
No.
|
Payee
|
Purpose
|
Amount
|
VAT
|
080
|
Mr. B. Cross
|
Litter Warden’s Duties
|
£102.78p
|
|
081
|
Bayworth Baptist Chapel
|
Hire of Hall
|
£15.00p
|
|
082
|
Pat Romans
|
Clerk’s salary/expenses
|
£1272.47p
|
|
083
|
St. Helen Without PC
|
Photocopying
|
£8.25p
|
|
084
|
Bayworth Baptist Chapel
|
Grant
|
£1000.00p
|
|
085
|
Sunningwell Luncheon Club
|
Donation
|
£150.00p
|
|
9.
PLANNING
a)
Decision Notices
Permission
granted for the following –
SUN/19941 11, Brumcombe Lane, Bayworth
Erection
of a single storey front extension
SUN/19938 13, Brumcombe Lane, Bayworth
Proposed
extension and alterations
SUN/9849/1 24, Sunningwell
Erection
of a single storey extension and dormer window
b)
Applications dealt with between meetings
SUN/9849/1 24, Sunningwell
As
above No objections
SUN/19936 71, Sunningwell
Demolition of existing workshop building. Erection of a dwelling.
The
Parish Council strongly objects to the new dwelling being sited forward of the
current building and would prefer the dwelling to occupy the footprint of the
existing workshop. This would also ensure that the neighbouring
garden at Orchard Cottage would not lose light or privacy.
The
Parish Council is very concerned that any new building should have permitted
development rights withdrawn, if constructed, and that care is taken to make
the slab height similar to the existing workshop.
10.
CORRESPONDENCE
The
following correspondence has been received since the last meeting
10.1 OCC
Minerals & Waste Site Proposals – consultation – Sunningwell not
listed
10.2 Vale DC Working for children & young
people in the Vale (Cllr. Graham)
10.3 Visitor Guide 2007
10.4 New Smoking Rules (Cllr. Lynam-Smith)
10.5 District & Parish
Elections – 3rd May 2007
10.6 Vale Views delivery (Clerk)
246
10.7 SEERA
Partial Review of SE Plan – land won aggregates (Cllr.
Nichol)
10.8 Regional Housing Strategy
Review 2007 (to
SPADE)
10.9 Planning Aid – information leaflet (Cllr. Graham)
10.10
Open Space – magazine (to Iain Corbyn)
10.11
DCA - Memorial Safety (Rev. McKellen)
10.12
Oxford Inspires – magazine (Cllr. Woodward)
10.13
OCC Newsletter – February
2007
10.14
Vale DC
Meetings of Councils & Committees
10.15
Vacancies on Standard Committee & Remuneration Panel
10.16
ORCC Best Kept Village
Competition
10.17
Thames Water – acknowledgement of Stage 2 consultation submission
10.18
Thames Valley Police – Community Policing
Awards 2007
10.19
Co-operative Futures – advertising
10.20
SLCC - vacancies on training team
10.21
Sutcliffe Play – advertising
10.22
Clerks & Councils Direct magazine
10.23
OCC Newsletter – March 2007
+ posters (to be circulated)
10.24
Vale DC
Financial details update (Clerk)
10.25
OALC Training Days (Clerk
to book places on all courses)
10.26
Audit Commission – appointment of external auditor
10.27
Postwatch – closure of post offices (Clerk)
11.
APPOINTMENT OF CLERK
Cllr.
Nichol informed members that an application has been submitted by Mr. Mike Rothery, the current Clerk of Stadhampton
Parish Council. It was agreed that the supplied referee be contacted and an
interview arranged. Cllrs. Lynam-Smith,
Graham and Bennett said they would join Cllr. Nichol
to interview the applicant.
12.
SUB-COMMITTEES/GROUPS
Flooding – Cllr. Lynam-Smith said that her postponed meeting with Mr. Peter Dela, Vale DC Engineer, and Mrs Bowditch’s agent has now been arranged for the 17th
April. She hoped that other members of the Council would be able to join her.
13.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) The likely position of the Parish Council
following the forthcoming Local Elections on 3rd May was considered
by members. Currently it would appear that only 3 members of the current
Council are seeking re-election and therefore an urgent need exists for a
further 4 people to put their name forward. It was agreed that a personal
approach to certain residents asking them to consider the role of Parish Councillor might be helpful at this stage.
Action: Cllr. Nichol to write a letter which Cllr.
Lynam-Smith will hand deliver in view of the limited
time available for submission of applications.
247
b) Cllr. Bennett said
that Boars Hill residents are keen to have the Parish Council’s support in
achieving a reduction in the speed limit from 40 to 30mph over the hill. This
was agreed.
Action: Clerk
to write to OCC supporting this initiative.
c) Cllr. Bennett
reported that the overgrown hedge at Yatsden House, Foxcombe Road is blocking the footpath and
forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.
Action: Clerk
to write to the owner of Yatsden House requesting
that the hedge is cut back.
d) Cllr. Graham
reported back on the literature he had read on the proposal for 3 Unitary
Authorities in Oxfordshire. This proposal has
subsequently been rejected by the Government.
e) He had received enquiries from a resident who
had heard that there had been a proposal to build on the fields opposite Bayworth Chapel. It was agreed that no such plans exist to Councillors’ knowledge.
f) Cllr. Graham said
that he would appreciate the opportunity to accompany members of the Planning Sub-Committee
when they next receive an application requiring a response from the Parish
Council. It was agreed that this would be useful for Cllrs.
Graham and Bennett and that the necessary arrangements would be made.
g) Cllr. Graham
reported that the state of the ground around the garages in Bayworth
is currently very neglected and requires clearing and
grassing if possible.
Action: Clerk
to write to the Vale Housing Association requesting that this work is carried
out.
h) Cllr. Macdonald
reminded members that no action has been taken by Vale DC about the unauthorized activities
that are taking place at Foxcombe Hill Farm, Lincombe Lane. A certain amount of farming
would appear to be taking place there and a number of mobile homes on the site
look as though they are occupied. The site is a very visible eyesore and seems
to be growing despite the fact that concerns have been raised with Vale DC
Enforcement Officers via Cllr. Tessa Ward. Cllr. Macdonald
fears that unless firm action is taken soon the site – with the passing of time
– could become permanent by default.
Cllr.
Wise said that he and Cllr. Ward are very concerned
about the legal capabilities of the Vale DC at the present time and he hoped
this particular example will be raised with the Chief Executive of the Council.
248
Action: Clerk
to draft a letter to Mr. Terry Stock, Chief Executive Vale DC, setting out the Parish
Council’s concerns – to be checked by Cllr. Nichol
before posting.
i) Cllr. Wise reminded
members that Cllr. Ward will be standing down at the
Local Elections and shortly afterwards will be returning to New Zealand. It was agreed that her departure
should be noted in some appropriate way and Cllrs. Lynam-Smith and Macdonald agreed to organize this.
There
being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.15pm.
Signed……………………………………….Date…………………………………
Chairman
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