Sunningwell Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SUNNINGWELL PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON WEDNESDAY, 21^ST SEPTEMBER 2005 AT SUNNINGWELL VILLAGE HALL

Present: Cllrs. R. Nichol (in the chair), G. Birch, R. Macdonald and H. Lynam-Smith

In Attendance: County Cllr. R. Johnston. District Cllrs. T. Ward & C. Wise, Mr. R.Warne (SPADE &VHMC), Pat Romans (Clerk) and three members of the public

1. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS

Cllr. Nichol opened the meeting by welcoming everyone back after the August break.

He pointed out that since the last meeting significant changes had taken place at the

Village Hall with the new doors and windows adding to the improvements already

achieved by the residents working group. It was agreed that a letter of thanks should

be sent to the Management Committee acknowledging the time and effort that

has been put into improving this key facility for residents. Mr. R. Warne (VHMC

Chairman) said that a full electrical inspection is due to be carried out in October

which will identify the work that has to be done to meet the statutory regulations.

Action : Clerk to write letter of thanks to VHMC

2. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

(i) Concern was expressed that the footpath sign indicating the path from the Stumps

to the Cricket Ground had been removed and has been lying on the ground for some

considerable time now. It was thought that the sign may have been taken out by the

developer of the land adjacent to the Stumps and he had failed to replace it.

Action: Clerk to write to OCC Footpaths Officer requesting that this sign be reinstated

(ii) The Chairman invited Mr. J. Harris, who has applied to build an extension at No.

31, Sunningwell, to comment on his plans for the property. Mr. Harris reminded

members of the Council that the house in question had been in his family for the past

100 years and he is keen to restore the building to its original state. He said that the

property and the village has great meaning for him and he intends to live there with

his family. He has kept in mind his neighbours’ interests and the nearest house –

No. 33 – is set back a few metres from his own property so that a tree already planted

there would obscure his proposed new extension. He does not intend to make any

changes to the boundary wall and will ensure that suitable/sympathetic materials are

used throughout.

3. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllrs. M. Woodward, D. Belcher and S. Payne.

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4. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL & PREJUDICIAL

INTERESTS

No declarations were made.

5. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 20^th JULY 2005

It was proposed by Cllr. Birch and seconded by Cllr. Macdonald that the Minutes

be accepted as a true record of the meeting and the Chairman signed accordingly.

6. UPDATE ON ACTION POINTS/ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

Page 129 A letter of congratulations had been sent to the Sunningwell Festival

Committee.

Page 129 Highway Repairs – the Clerk reported that a work order has been placed

by OCC Engineers for the potholes as previously indicated to be repaired. It is not

known when this work will be carried out.

Page 130 Fencing & Gates at Bellapais Manor – a response from Mr. Martin

Deans, Vale D.C. Planning Department, was felt not to be very helpful. Members

continue to have concerns about the increasing tendency to erect high gates and

fences at properties in the Parish which impede the openness of the Green Belt.

Cllr. Nichol read a letter received earlier from Mr. Mike Gilbert, Vale D.C., out-

lining the regulations on height allowances for boundary fences and it was agreed

that reference should be made to this issue when responding to future planning

applications. Cllr. Ward agreed to investigate the situation at Bellapais Manor in

more detail.

Action: Clerk to circulate copies of Mike Gilbert’s guidance on height regulations and to include the issue as an agenda item for the next meeting.

Page 130 Overgrown Hedges – the vegetation obstructing the pavements at Fox

Hill has already been cleared.

Page 134 Watercress in Stream – the mention of removing watercress from the

stream on Church land in the Flooding Report tabled at the last meeting was felt not

to be a good idea. It has probably been there for hundreds of years and is now not as

common as it might be. Cllr. Lynam-Smith agreed and pointed out that a lot of rubbish

is lying in the stream which needs to be cleared out.

Page 135 Disturbance from Fireworks – an apology has been received and

circulated.

Page 135 Burning of Garden Waste – Cllr. Ward reminded members that brown

wheelie bins are now available to rent from the Vale D.C. Residents pay a rental of

£29 a year for a bin which is emptied fortnightly. The garden waste and cardboard is

taken for composting and then used on local fields as a soil supplement rather than

being dumped in landfill sites.

7. PLANNING

a) SPADE Update

Mr. Bob Warne reported that although publically the past few weeks have been

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rather quiet, a lot of activity has taken place behind the scenes. He summarized

this as follows –

(i) Vale Local Plan – SPADE has succeeded in their efforts to have paragraphs

inserted in the final wording relating to future possible Park & Ride provision. The Plan now states that all other options need to be considered before any use of Green Belt land is discussed. This gives the added protection SPADE was looking for.

(ii) OCC Structure Plan – this has been before the OCC Cabinet and was adopted without any changes. It establishes that there is no case for releasing Green Belt land prior to 2016.

There was acknowledgement at this point that dissent within the OCC by a group of

9 Labour members plus a member of the Green Party who want the ‘Grenoble Road

option’ included in the Plan, has meant that the Cabinet will need to meet again.

OCC are holding briefing meetings on their recently produced consultation document

and SPADE representatives hope to attend one of these. Mr. Warne reminded those

present of the importance of the adoption of the Structure Plan because the Wilcox

housing development proposals are still very much in evidence.

(ii) SEERA – SPADE were very disappointed by the comments of SEERA staff

following the publication of the ‘Your Shout’ consultation results. The consultation process itself was faulty and there is little doubt in SPADE members’ minds that people generally want development to take place around existing urban areas and minimum use made of Green Belt land.

Cllr. Ward said that the Vale D.C. has now been directed by the Government to work on the Local Development Framework document which is to operate from 2008, thus overlapping with the adopted Local Plan.

The Chairman said that it had long been anticipated that these various ‘initiatives’ would end up bumping together and thus causing a lot of confusion in people’s minds. He emphasized the importance of the vigilance shown by SPADE members and urged everybody to monitor developments very carefully.

Cllr. Johnston pointed out that with the Vale Local Plan having been adopted this may mean that Sunningwell is in less danger from developers than other villages in Cherwell D.C. for example where the Local Plan has collapsed.

Action: Clerk to write to SPADE expressing the Parish Council’s continuing gratitude for the work they are doing on behalf of Sunningwell residents.

b) Applications dealt with between meetings

The usual enquiries were undertaken by the Planning Sub-Committee and a

‘no objection’ response was submitted in relation to the following applications –

(i) SUN/19241 3, Beaulieu Court, Sunningwell

Erection of a rear conservatory

(ii) SUN/19149/1 29, Brumcombe Lane, Bayworth

Proposed extension and alterations

(iii) SUN/19222 10, Bayworth Park, Bayworth

Erection of a conservatory

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c) New applications

SUN/19257 31, Sunningwell

Proposed two storey side extension

Cllr. Macdonald reported that the members of the Planning Sub-Committee had looked at the site and spoken to all the relevant neighbours who have no objections to this application. The only comment had come from the owner of No. 33 Sunningwell who had queried whether the proposed extension would spoil the building line. However no formal objection has been lodged as far as is known. It was confirmed that the proposed extension would keep within the regulations determining the overall size of the property and that vehicular access was included in the plans. Cllr. Birch proposed that ‘no objections’ should be raised against this application and this was agreed unanimously.

SUN/7291/4 Lincombe Lodge, Fox Lane, Boars Hill

Demolition of existing building and erection of replacement building containing 8 flats.

As members had not had an opportunity to look at this substantial application before this meeting and a number of issues need to be carefully considered, the Chairman delegated the task of investigating and responding to this application to the Planning Sub-Committee.

Action: Clerk to forward the Parish Council’s response to the Vale D.C. within the allocated time period.

d) Decision Notices

Notice of permission has been received for the following applications –

SUN/19149/1 29, Brumcombe Lane Bayworth

Proposed extension and alterations

SUN/19093 The Clearing, Foxcombe Road, Boars Hill

Proposed single storey extension & loft conversion with new entrance hall & staircase and alterations

SUN/19079/1 33, Long Furlong Road, Sunningwell

Proposed rear extension & new roof construction to accommodate 3 bedrooms and bathroom

SUN/17133/1 Dairy Cottage, 3, Church Farm, Sunningwell

Proposed rear extension, new porch & internal alterations

SUN/19222 10, Bayworth Park, Bayworth

Erection of a conservatory

Permission had been refused on –

SUN/6545/16/17 52, Sunningwell Village

Part conversion and part re-building of derelict outbuilding to provide stores for the use of flats.

It was noted that some building work is ongoing on this property and Cllr. Ward agreed to speak with the Vale D.C. Enforcement Officer about this.

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e) Other Planning Issues

(i) 57, Sunningwell – the Clerk reported that Mr. David Hodson, solicitor, is arranging a site visit with the current owner of the property and the purchaser/developer to discuss the issue of access. In the meantime the Land Registry is currently dealing with the matter of registering the land. Mr. Hodson will be sending a full report to the Council in due course.

(ii) Erection of wall at property on land adjacent to The Stumps – a number of concerned comments had been received by members regarding the height of the wall erected in front of this property. It is adjacent to the highway and the safety of road users and pedestrians could be at risk. Cllr. Ward said that she had spoken to the Vale D.C. Enforcement Officer about this today and he will undertake investigations. The Chairman said that in all probability this construction does not conform to the height guidelines received from the Vale D.C. (agenda item 6).

(iii) Appletree House, Boars Hill – Cllr. Ward reminded members of previous findings regarding the ‘Summer House’ at this property which as a separate dwelling required planning permission. This was never applied for and the Vale D.C. are seeking permission to take enforcement action which could lead to the whole structure having to be demolished.

(iv) Yatscombe Lodge, Boars Hill – the owner of this property has recently had additional bedrooms built without planning permission and it is felt that the resulting structure now exceeds the legitimate size allowance. Officers at the Vale D.C. are currently in touch with the owner – who will have to apply for retrospective planning permission – but negotiations have been impeded by the fact that he maintains that correspondence from the District Council has not been delivered.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

The following correspondence has been received since the last meeting

8.1 OCC Your guide to OCC

8.2 “ Local Transport Plan 2006-2011

8.3 “ Home2School Newsletter – Autumn 2005

8.4 “ Newsletter – August & September 2005

8.5 “ Definitive Map & Public Rights of Way

8.6 “ Village Treatments – proposed Village Gateway Measures *

8.7 “ Social Health & Care Business & Commissioning Plan 2005-2008

8.8 “ CAG Waste Management – newsletter

8.9 “ Scrutiny work programme

8.10 “ Consultation questionnaire & briefing – new housing to 2026 –

3 members to attend briefing meeting

8.11 Vale D.C. South East Rural Affairs Forum – new members wanted

8.12 “ Chairman’s Charity Dinner Dance- 7^th October

8.13 “ Parish representations for licensing applications

8.14 “ Solarsavers – discounted Solar Water Heating Scheme

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8.15 Vale D.C. Register of members interests – ack. Of Cllr. Payne’s details

8.16 “ Parish Review – implementation plan

8.17 “ Handbook on local investigations & determinations

8.18 “ Town Crier magazine

8.19 “ Meetings of Council & Committees

8.20 “ Half-Fare Bus Pass Scheme – poster

8.21 “ Voluntary Sector Forum

8.22 Carter Jonas Regional Spatial Strategy Consultation – SPADE

8.23 RoSPA Play Area Inspection Report – Cllr. Belcher

8.24 OPFA The Playing Field magazine - Cllr. Belcher

8.25 OALC County Circular – September 2005 Cllr. Nichol

8.26 ORCC Village Shop of the Year Competition

8.27 “ Rural; Social & Community Programme

8.28 “ Finding out the transport needs of your local community

8.29 Office of DPM - Changes to Regional Planning Guidance – waste & minerals

8.30 The Local Channel - develop your own website

8.31 Local Works - The Sustainable Communities Bill

8.32 Sobell House Hospice Charity – poster

8.33 The Countruside Agency – map of registered common land

8.34 Society of Local Council Clerks – membership invitation

8.35 Thames Valley Crimestoppers – information leaflet

8.36 Uffington White Horse Show – advertising

8.37 Primary Care Trust – Public Board – agenda & minutes

8.38 Complete Weed Control – advertising

8.39 Clerks & Councils Direct – magazine

8.40 Wicksteed Leisure – advertising

8.41 ORCC Annual General Meeting – 2^nd December 2005

8.42 Oxford City Primary Care Trust – agenda & minutes – Cllr. Birch

8.43 SE & SW Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust – agenda & minutes

8.44 Vale D.C. – WREN grant application - VHMC

8.45 Thames Valley Police – Safer Streets Campaign

8.46 Oxford Inspires – autumn/winter events

8.47 Glasdon – advertising

* Ref: 8.6 The proposed Gateway Measures were discussed and it was agreed that these are likely to be helpful and are particularly needed at the suggested Beaulieu Court site. It was also noted that these proposals ignore 2/3rds of the Parish and that signs already in place are in need of cleaning. The Clerk was asked to respond accordingly.

9. FINANCE

a) Payment of Accounts

It had been necessary to pay two accounts between meetings as follows –

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It was proposed by Cllr. Macdonald and seconded by Cllr.Lynam-Smith that the following accounts be accepted for payment. This was agreed unanimously.

b) Finance Sub-Committee – meeting arranged for Tuesday 11^th October at 2.15pm

10. SUB-COMMITTEE/GROUPS UPDATES

10.1 Parish Plan

Cllr. Macdonald reported that the group had been working for almost exactly a year now. The Steering Group consists of 3 members of the Parish Council and just one or two residents. The problem has arisen that because of a general lack of commitment from residents, the work has largely fallen onto the shoulders of Parish Councillors. From the outset the ORCC made clear that a Parish Plan should not be run by a Parish Council but must rely on leadership and manpower coming from parishioners. After some discussion it was agreed to suspend any further work on the Parish Plan until such time as a group of residents comes forward to take the initiative. The structure to restart the activity will remain in place. Cllr. Ward pointed out that Parish Plans will be a significant source of information when areas for housing development are decided and therefore it was a pity that the activity is having to be suspended at this time

Action: Cllr. Macdonald to write article for next edition of the Sunningwell Scene explaining why the Parish Plan has been suspended.

10.2 Flooding Committee

Cllr. Lynam-Smith reported that during her negotiations with the Vicar regarding the clearing of the stream running through Church land, it had been suggested that a meeting between the Parish Council and the PCC might be helpful. The Chairman suggested that this be referred to the Finance Sub-Committee in the first instance with a remit to establish more clearly the issues arising from registration and ownership of the Glebe before a meeting with the PCC is arranged. This was agreed.

Action: Clerk to seek guidance from the Open Spaces Society before the Finance Sub-Committee meets on the 11^th October.

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11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

11.1 Cllr. Ward raised the following points –

* Anne Barber, the local co-ordinator of Neighbourhood Watch groups, would be happy to talk to Parish Councils – or perhaps at the Annual Parish Meeting. It was suggested that an article in the Sunningwell Scene would be appropriate.

* ‘Real Time information’ on local buses is now available on a dedicated website provided by OCC. This enables residents to check whether the bus they intend to catch is running on time before they set out from home.

* Wootton & Dry Sandford Youth Club are looking to appoint a Youth Worker before they can open the Club but the high level of interest and enthusiasm continues.

* Residents at the Whitecross end of the Parish might be interested in the improved hourly bus service from Abingdon to Oxford via Wootton that will begin on 25^th September. A subsidy lasting until December 2009 will enable there to be a Sunday and evening service along this route.

11.2 Cllr. Birch proposed that the Parish Council send flowers to Mrs Vera Greening, a very long serving member of the Council in the past, but who has been in poor health in recent months. This was agreed unanimously.

Action: Clerk to order flowers which Cllr. Birch will deliver to Mrs Greening

11.3 Cllr. Nichol said that he had been approached by a resident about the possibility of holding a Bonfire Night Party (no fireworks) on the Glebe. It was agreed to refer this request to the Finance Sub-Committee who already have the task of clarifying the Glebe land issues. It was also suggested that Cllr. Belcher be asked to advise on the safety issues if such an event is arranged.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 10pm

Date of next meeting – 19^th October 2005

Signed…………………………………….Date……………………………….

Chairman