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BLEWBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes
Of the monthly meeting of Blewbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 14th March 2007 in the Vale Room.
Councillors present: Mr Chris Whatmore (Chair), Mrs E Austin, Mr R Farrell, Ms H Magnay, Mr P Whitehead, Ms A Barclay-Watt, Mrs C Duckett
Also present: Ritz de Ridder (Parish clerk) and four members of the public.
Matters resolved:
· All due payments were approved
· TFF car park not needed for the Manor open day.
· Village Hall Risk Assessment done.
Actions arising from the meeting:
· Clerk to draft letter of response to OCC re Vas System and to send it after consideration by councillors
· Clerk to provide documents re Tree Work Quote to CD.
· CD to discuss tree work further with landscape architects in order to prioritise work.
· CD will look at SEERA documents and consider a response after consultation with experts.
· Clerk to provide letter from T-mobile to members of the public (i.e. Mr Hugh Osborn and Mr Graham Richards) and to councillors.
· CD to gather further information re government targets for mobile phone services and planning issues in a conservation area.
· CW to draft a letter of response to church re mobile phone mast.
· Clerk to circulate Risk management plan.
· Clerk to circulate information re Oxfordshire Children Services.
· Clerk to write to Mr Salter (KAP) .
· Clerk to circulate document re unitary council proposal.
· EA to contact Mr Ken Pottle
· Clerk to write to Mr Barlow
· Clerk to request quotes from other pest controllers for rabbit cull.
· Clerk to do research on the powers that the Parish Council has to maintain Bessels Lea Bridle Way.
· Actions carried forward from prior meetings:
· CW to trim back branches at the Pound that are reducing pedestrian visibility.
· CW to speak to Lee Turner concerning ownership of trees in the village and the Triangle.
Declaration of acceptance of office from newly co-opted councillors.
3 Co-opted councillors signed acceptance of office document as witnessed by the Clerk.
1. Apologies for absence: Mr M Brassel and Mr A Cooper
2. Declarations of interest: RF declared a prejudicial interest in the discussion about the possible erection of a mobile phone mast on the Church tower and EA declared a non prejudicial interest in Ladycroft Park discussions.
3. Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 14th February 2007 were accepted and signed as a true record.
4. Police liaison: No police officers present. CW reported that due to funding for the Milton Park area we have a high number of police officers (incl. 9 community officers) for our area. EA acknowledged the continuing attendance of police officers at Ladycroft Park on a regular basis.
5. County Councillors report; County Councillor not present.
6. Matters arising.
6.1. 04/09/05. Speeding of vehicles through the village:
CW reports re the good news of a partial response to our correspondence and the petition. One 2nd hand VAS has been offered to the village by the OCC with particular suggestions re where it should be situated. They suggest the Eastern approach to the village although CW questions whether the Northern entry is a bigger priority. CD proposes that this is a good start- one VAS system being better than none. CW suggests that a detailed response should be considered at the next meeting once councillors had more time to consider all the recommendations. CD suggest a letter as soon as possible to express the wish to accept the offer from OCC and to explain that there needs to be further consideration before we will make a final decision on where it will be situated. There needs to be consultation with residents who live adjacent to proposed sites. It is likely that the second suggested site might be more objectionable. HM added that it will be better to have the VAS as soon as possible on the journey through the village. CD suggests that there can still be opportunity for fundraising by the village if we want further VAS systems. RF mentions that he believe the accident rate for Bessels Way might have been under reported in the letter from OCC. Action: Clerk to draft letter of response to OCC and for councillors to consider before sending.
6.2. 13/12/06 Tree work required – budget and priorities.
RdR mentions that Oak Leaf Tree services were not able to prioritise the work that they quoted for but did break down the quote tree for tree. CD agreed to look at detail and discuss with landscape architect to assist council to make a decision re the urgency of the work and as our budget will allow. Action: Clerk to provide documents to CD who will discuss further with landscape architects
6.3. 14/02/07 TFF use for The Manor open day;
RF had a discussion with the Manor. Alternative arrangements are in place for parking and they are unlikely to need TFF car park. CW suggests that if a formal request for the use of TFF car park is received we would be content with its use. Matter closed
6.4. 14/02/07 Cleve Path repair work:
RdR reports that an e-mail has been received from the OCC to say that the matter has been passed to the appropriate department for consideration.
6.5 01/02/07 Seera consultation:
RdR refers to the documentation received from SEERA. Action: CD will look at the documents and consider a response.
7. Open Forum. (CW brought item 19.1 forward to this part of the meeting to allow a more lengthy discussion and input from members of the public.)
7.1. (19.1). Mobile phone mast on St Michaels Church.
CW reminds the council that there has not been a formal planning application yet. Mr Hugh Osborn explains that at present the Church is trying to get a feeling of public opinion. Once this has been considered there may be a planning application. Public meetings will then be called. He raises the issue around the health implications and that guidelines might change in this regard as new information is being considered. He is to suggest to the Parochial Church Council that they should check their insurance policy in their considerations. He warns that official bodies should be cautious to support such an installation as there are litigation issues (e.g. ongoing court case due to property devaluation after a mast installation elsewhere). CW asked whether objections have been expressed on the basis that it would be the Church that is used. HO explains that it is because it is a Grade 1 listed building. He is unsure why they need to use a site in the village and also raises concerns re the fact that due to a constant power output such an installation will be an environmentally unfriendly option. RdR mentions the response from T-mobile in which they outline why other sites cannot be used. HO and another member of the public requests a copy of this correspondence. It was mentioned that the mast will only serve a small part of the village community. HO mentions that other churches in the vicinity are also being considered. CW points out that all the applicants would have to prove is that radiation is under a certain level, and then objections on a health risk basis would not be considered. He also mentions that there is a mandate from the government that sufficient cover needs to be provided for mobile phone services. Objections from the council can only be based on planning issues. HO mentions that there are reasons why the church is a good option but that (for instance) the use of existing masts outside the village would be preferable. CD and AB-W suggest a response to the church stating our opinion and concerns but also making it clear that we do not want to damage the churches prospects in this matter. It was unclear in the meeting whether government targets are for 2G or 3G services. CD would be able to find more information about this and also about issues around the height of proposed structures which might have a bearing on planning permission in a conservation area. Actions: Clerk to provide letter from T-mobile to members of public (i.e. Mr Hugh Osborn and Mr Graham Richards) and to councillors. CD to gather further information re government targets and planning issues in conservation area. CW to draft a letter of response to church.
7.2. Mr Hugh Osborn commented on the Installation of the Vas system. He advises careful consideration also taking into account documents already published of which he can provide further information.
8. Risk Management.
8.1. Village Hall Risk Assessment due in April. CW reports that this Assessment has been done and provided a copy to the clerk. Matter closed.
8.2. Annual Review of Risk Management Plan. CW requests that the clerk circulate the Risk Management Plan and that it will need to be amended if necessary and signed off at the next meeting. CD recommends that there should be consideration of this document by a sub-committee. CW is happy to be in sub-committee and he also suggests Mr M Brassel. Action: Clerk to circulate Risk Management plan.
9. Planning & Housing
9.1. 12/07/05 Sale of land and development at London Road tennis courts.
RdR reports that letters have been sent to 4 agents and will be sent to another one ASAP inviting them to express interest in representing the Council. They have been invited to respond before the end of March.
9.2. 02/02/06 Planning Committee Report: CW reports that there are no important issues
9.3. 02/02/06 Exception Site: CW has received an e-mail from the ORCC stating that there are currently negotiations taking place with the owner of site 4
10. Finance & Administration
10.1. Payments for approval to be made under ancillary powers and within budgeted amounts. All payments were approved. Proposer: EA; Seconded: PW. There was a discussion re the request for a grant by Oxfordshire Children’s services. CD advises that a decision should be deferred until this has been further considered and that the council can prepare a consistent response as informed by decisions on previous applications. Action: Clerk to circulate information re Oxfordshire Children Services.
10.2. Preparation for elections: Councillors were advised that nomination packs are available from the clerk (15 packs in total). CW will chase the contact details of other interested people
10.3. Mobile Telephone for Parish Clerk: RdR reports that it would be practical if the clerk can be contacted on a mobile phone. The cost to connect to a “pay as you go” service would be about £45.The council agrees that the clerk can spend the minimum amount possible to acquire a phone with an appropriate and affordable answer phone service. The number will be provided to appear in the next Blewbury bulletin.
10.4. Bank Account details: To avoid having to go through the lengthy process of changing the details of the clerk with the Bank twice in the next few months (it will need to be done again after new council has been elected) it was suggested that it will be changed after May. In the mean time the previous clerk will be happy to provide the bank statements to RdR as soon as it arrives. The council agrees.
10.5. Funds to be allocated to reserves. RdR reports that the amount allocated to “Village Upkeep” needs specifying under reserves. CW suggests that this item be deferred to the next meeting.
11. Correspondence.
11.1. Items requesting a reply:
11.1.1. 14/02/07 KAP Funds: CW requests that the clerk write a letter to acknowledge receipt of the letter. Action: Clerk to write to Mr A F Salter.
11.1.2 14/02/07 School support for building a new room. CW suggests that no further action is indicated.
11.1.3. 14/02/07 Application for funding (Oxoncis): See under Finance and administration (Item 10.1)
11.2. Items for information:
11.2.1 Unitary Council proposal. The clerk was requested to circulate the document. Action: Clerk to circulate. Item Closed.
11.2.2 Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste local Development framework consultation. CD agrees to peruse the documents and respond as appropriate. Item Closed
12. Cemetery Development Plan. RdR reports that the numbering of the graves that needed removing has been removed.
13. Parish Plan
13.1. 02/02/06 Blewbury Surgery:
CW reports that there has been further discussion and it appears that funding from various sources may become available for remodelling.
13.2. 25/01/07 Litter Bin site:
There has been no response to the request for suggestions for the site for the litter bin. CD will discuss with a villager who has previously done research on litter in the village.
14. Recreation Ground.
14.1. 28/11/06 Management Committee Structure:
RF reports that there has not been any development.
15. Allotments: CD reports that the gate has been removed to be mended by Mr Ken Pottle (Lengthman) at what is understood to be at no cost to the council. She also mentions that people should apply to go on the waiting list if interested in case an opportunity for more allotments arises. EA mentions that spaces may become available very soon as we enter spring time. CW requests that EA contact Mr Pottle to express the Council’s gratitude. Action: EA to contact Mr Ken Pottle.
16. Footways, Footpaths and rights of way.
16.1. 02/09/05 Village upkeep review – Gravel laying:
CW questions whether the amount of gravel delivered for the TFF car park was not enough due to an under estimate. RF expresses concern re the lack of a risk assessment for volunteering work and that this will need consideration in the annual risk assessment. The clerk was requested to write a letter of thanks to Mr Barlow for his help with the gravel laying. CD suggests that a note of thanks to villagers who helped should go in the Bulletin. Action: Clerk to write to Mr Barlow
16.2. 01/02/06 Coffin Way Cycle Track:
No developments. AB-W and HM expressed interest to take over this project. They were advised to contact Mr Richard Bird and the Upton Council in order to get the relevant information.
16.3. 02/01/07 Annual rabbit cull:
RdR reports that the person who was suppose to do the cull is not in business anymore and he failed to inform the council as such even though he agreed to do it. The clerk was requested to get quotes from alternative pest controllers. Action: Clerk to request quotes from other pest controllers for rabbit cull.
16.4. 03/03/07 Bessels Lea Bridle path:
CW reports that approaches to the County Council have been unsuccessful in the past. The Parish Council does have power to maintain and he mentions two references to help clarify such powers. (Highways Act 1980, sections 43 and 50 and the Parish Council Act 1987, Section 3). Action: Clerk to do research on the powers that the Parish Council has to maintain Bessels Lea Bridle Way.
17. Roads, Road safety and public transport.
17.1. 27/02/07 Parish Transport Representative:
CW suggested deferring this item to the next meeting.
18. Village Hall management committee report: Nothing further to report.
19. Environment
19.1. Mobile phone mast on St Michaels Church: This was discussed under open forum (item 7).
20. District Councillors report:
RF reports that the Vale has agreed on a 4.99% increase in budget. (This equates to an increase from £97,22 to £102,07 in rates). 79% of council tax bill go to county; 10% to the police and the rest to the Parish and District Councils. Even with the increase in the Vale’s rates it still remains the 8th lowest of 250 district councils in the UK. The District Council has agreed on spending £500 000 per year for 4 years on affordable housing. They will introduce a further environment warden to deal with environmental pollution. They have decided to increase the time that people can park for free in Vale car parks. The scheme to provide free bus passes to people over 60 has been extended. Various prospectors have expressed interest in the marketing of the old jail in Abingdon.
21. Any Other Business
21.1. Thames Valley energy Centre’s posters
21.2. Celebrating Oxfordshire 2007: The Council had no objections to the clerk putting up posters re items 21.1 and 21.2 on the notice boards.
21.3. Ladycroft Park: EA reported that there has been no visit from the new owner yet. A manager visited but his response was unclear re potential further development and whether this corresponds with court consent details. There will be a meeting on the 16th of March on site and further input in newspapers. No work has been done yet and the roads continue to deteriorate at a pace. The manager mentioned that no repair work has been planned till April. RF mentions that he will attend the meeting and also Mr Staines from the VWHDC. Mr Staines has apparently met the new owner and emphasised the urgency of repair work to be done. It would be fair to give the new owner time to do repair work (to start within 6 months but with clear plans of work to be done within 3 months) There will be a further meeting to get residents up to speed on Monday 19th of March. The Council will discuss Ladycroft Park again during the May meeting.
22. Details of the next meeting: 11/04/07 at 19:30
Meeting closed at 21.36.