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Bottisham Parish Council Minutes |
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On this page are the Minutes of Bottisham Parish Council |
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BOTTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL 7/03
Minutes of Council Meeting held in the Village College – 7th July 2003
Present - Cllrs Boal (from minute 3B), Bryant, Buchanan, Clark, Laister, McCartney, O’Dell and Tilley. Cllr Tilley took the Chair. County Cllr Fitch and District Cllrs Leake and McLean and villager Mrs James attended 1. Apologies were received from Cllrs Astill and Walker who were unwell 2. Minutes of the June meeting were agreed and signed after “mini roundabout” at Minute 3.F was amended to “traffic island” 3. Matters Arising A. Mr Nick Clarke spoke to his letter of application for co-option to the Council. He left the room together with County and District Cllrs and Mrs James whilst a decision was made. His co-option was proposed by Cllr McCartney , seconded by Cllr Buchanan and approved unanimously. Cllr Clarke was welcomed, signed his declaration of office and remained for the meeting. B. St Peters Field. - Delay in reinstating the Bell Rd footpath. Highways Department are corresponding with the contractor for proposals to solve the situation. The Clerk will write to the Development Officer to check if all building conditions have been met. It was agreed that we should pursue this matter to retain the path around Bell Road and the A1303 even though there is an excellent cyclepath on the other side of Bell Rd. C. Cllrs Tilley and McCartney have signed the Licensing Agreement for the Children’s Play Area at Bottisham Community Primary School for the Council. A request for part payment for repair to the train was refused – we have precepted and paid for repainting and new equipment and have yet to pay for a delivery of sand. D. Cllr Buchanan is continuing to act for the Bottisham Library Association as coordinator with the Village College. The new system will start this month and Cllrs were asked to support it. E. Edmund Rank will be assured that insurance cover is held by the Parish Council in case of accident when the steel cover is applied to the wooden seat in the bus shelter. F Six lighting posts have been installed at the A1303 and Bell Rd junction and a traffic island is planned for the site. This work should be completed soon. G. The environment committee recommended a permanent flagpole to be placed near the Village Sign. Proposed by Cllr Buchanan, seconded by Cllr Laister and passed. There were 2 votes against the proposal. The Clerk will process the order. A letter of thanks from the American donor will be printed in the Cresset. Revd Lewis (the new vicar) has agreed that the American Flag may be kept near the memorial in the Church. H. Several Cllrs and James Fitch had met at the Heathway on 30th June and agreed it was a major facility waiting to be used. The ECDC Travelers Liaison Officer is to arrange with Mr Meadowcroft to remove the caravan base and trailer body and to paint the white fencing black. It was agreed to write to the Countryside Team (copies to Cllr Fitch) to request new signage, repair or replacement of the second gate to be fitted with a lock and chain and screening or landscaping between the two gates. The exit on the Six Mile Bottom Rd is satisfactory. Copies of our letters will be sent to adjoining Parishes. I. A representative from Anglian Water will attend the September meeting. J. Cllr Leake provided information from Nigel Brown ECDC who has written again to the developers requesting them to convert the storage area into garages with a promise of legal action if there is further delay. K. David Groom had advised that the grant for grasscutting services (presently £1548 for 5 cuts) is to be reduced next year to allow for 32% of the allowance to be given to the Park Estate (Bottisham) Residents’ Society Ltd. Cllr Laister and McCarney had read through the few available papers. They considered that the allowance given to the Council was based on contractors charges for grass cutting for County Council adopted land in the village excluding Park Estate verges. These had never been cut by the local authority as there was a verbal agreement for the Society to arrange for grass cutting in return for the Council maintaining the paths through amenity land. The Clerk will arrange a meeting with David Groom and Cllrs Clark, Clarke, Laister and McCartney together with Cllr Fitch to work out a new agreement for 2003/2004. Mr Groom is to be asked to provide details of the original plans and contracts. Cllrs Boal, Buchanan and Tilley are all members of the Society and declared an interest..
4. Chairman’s Report a. PC Butcher had contacted the Council with information of problems around the Pightle area involving youngsters. He had not replied to an e-mail sent on 13th June. A copy has been sent today and if no reply is received within 48 hours John Reynolds, the Chairman of the Police Authority is to be informed. There had been a further incident on 4th July when a young boy was seen with a replica gun. The Police responded immediately with 5 Police vehicles - treating it as a major crime. The Council was surprised not to have been officially informed of the crime. b. The Chairman of each committee will meet with Cllr Tilley before September to rename them as working parties and not committees to overcome the problem of making meetings accessible to the public. This has been particularly difficult for the Planning group. Terms of reference for each group are to be set up and it was noted that all decisions reached under this system would need to be referred to full Council. It was agreed that there would be a stay of execution until September to allow for work to proceed during the summer months. 5. Reports of County and District Councillors. County Councillor James Fitch reported on the Electoral Review for the County to be discussed on 8th July. No comments had been made on the proposed amendments based on the amended District wards by the Parish Council. Fire and Police Officers are visiting schools to speak to children about the high incidence of hoax emergency calls. Information is expected shortly regarding proposed toll charges on County Highways. The County Council is unable to promise any financial help to the Bottisham Library Association after the initial 3 year allowance of £1000 per annum. District Cllrs Leake and McLean had provided a joint report detailing grants of £2000 towards the start up costs of the Bottisham Library Association and £5000 to Bottisham Swimming Pool Gym extension, and the success of the Ely Farmers’ Market. Written enquiries should be answered by the Council within 10 days, the telephone answered after 7 rings and phone messages responded to the next working day. The Summer of Music was also promoted. Cllr Leake had attended the Local Government Association Conference and reported that the Planning Bill will be delayed until Autumn 2004. This will cause difficulties to small authorities as a new local development framework needs to be drawn up. Cllr McLean reported that Ray Harding Executive Director of Community Services has resigned and will be moving to Kings Lynn. There is a possibility that he will not be replaced. A letter will be sent to Mr Harding.
6. CORRESPONDENCE 1. ACRE. Details of Management and Community Development Courses at Cambridge Regional College 2. CALC. Copies of newly published “Good Councillors Guide” were distributed. Information on NALC Conference on 3-5 October in Cardiff City HallParish Council Training Sessions 6th or 17th November – minimum of 15 people £12.50 each New Councillor Workshop - Sat 2nd August. June Bulletin – circulated with agenda - further information on Quality Parish Councils 3. CCC Details of changes to Bus Services - none relevant to Bottisham
4. Government Department Correspondence Copy of Video and Workbook relating to the Code of Conduct in Practice Report on the seminars held 29th April on the A11 route management Strategy from the M11 (Stumps Cross) to the A47 Thickthorn Roundabout Norwich Booklet on Quality Parish Councils and application details – Cllr Tilley had discussed this with CALC who had advised that serving unqualified Clerks could not be easily removed and that implementation would take 3 or 4 years. It was agreed that an application should not be made but that we should work to comply with the criteria recommended. 5. ECDC Draft review and Strategy for Homelessness in E Cambs is now out for final consultation on 11th July. Information on the Web. A paper copy can be obtained. East Cambs Energy Event 29th June at Ely. Poster displayed East Cambs Community Safety Partnership Summary of Drug Action Scheme. Details of services provided and contact numbers would be printed in the Cresset. Decision List from June Transport and Personnel Committee Agendas for various meetings now out of date 6. Additional post Histon Police Sector June Newsletter – 3 reported crimes in Bottisham Brochure from Glasdon for street furniture Hereward Herald for June Launch of Cambs. Community Recycling and Reuse Network Sat 12th July at Cottenham. Poster to be displayed. Catalogues from SEPCO who provide sustainable energy street furniture products Details of Sawston Police Authority Consultation Event at Scotsdales 29th July. Poster to be displayed. Newsletter Cambridgeshire Police Authority Summer 2003. Information from Wicksteed Leisure concerning the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which comes into force on 1st October 2004. This will be retained with Papers relating to the Childrens’ Play Area at the Primary School. Poster for Summer Music events at Ely - displayed Healthy Living East Cambs Summer Newsletter. Association of Burial Authorities summer newsletter and details of examination and testing of headstones passed to Cllr Laister Care Network Summer newsletter Cambs and Peterborough Fire Authority Corporate Performance Plan 2003/04 South Cambs NHS Primary Care Trust Bulletin for June and 1st birthday newsletter
7. Committee reports A. PLANNING. Cllr Buchanan, Chairman of this committee and reported Decisions made since last Council meeting. 1. 03/00490/FUL – 17 Howlett Way – conversion of part of integral garage into residential Refused – inadequate parking provision 2. 03/00363/FUL – Royal British Legion Club – to form new small lounge/kitchen and relocate snooker hall to first floor. Approved 3. 03/00458/FUL – 1A and 1B Jenyns Close (formerly 44 Lode Rd). Variation of condition 7 of planning consent dated 15th Nov 2002 for 02/00294/FUL to “ so that the windows at first floor level in the NW elevation shall be obscured glazed and with a limited opening but with the ability that they can be fully opened as a means of escape from fire only” Refused. The use of non-fixed windows in this elevation would result in the potential to overlook the private rear garden of the adjoining property. We are in discussion with ECDC about any enforcement action planned because of the non-compliance with building regulations. Completion certificates have not yet been granted on these properties and any contraventions will be considered at that time.
2 Planning applications sent to ECDC with the following comments :- 1. 03/00306/FUL – Land at 18 Lode Road – erection of single dwelling. ECDC Planning committee meeting on 5th June requested the applicant to narrow the width of the carport and if the above is achieved to defer the decision on this application to the Executive Director (Development Services). Amended application received for a single carport. – This satisfies our previous concerns regarding the tight infill of the site. We request a time limit for the work to be completed and complete restoration of the grass verges. 2 03/00426/LBC – Parsonage House, 106 High St – installation of satellite television dish No objection as this should not be too visible on such a large house. 3. 03/00681/DEM – Cremgah Lode Road – Demolition reuested as property unused for 18months. – No objection on planning grounds but are concerns are a. Security and clearing of the site. b. Any damage done to verges and footpaths should be rectified even if waiting for future development of the site. c. Council would be willing and pleased to be involved in a positive discussion with developers and neighbours for a sensible solution to be reached to benefit the environment and all interested parties. 3. Planning Application under consideration 1. 03/00670/FUL – 6 Bradfords Close – first floor rear extension 4. Other matters 1. Carter Jonas have asked for our support on the development of housing on land adjacent to Bendyshe Farm. This will obviously depend on the type of application made. 2. House numbering information. 29,31 and 33 Tunbridge Lane (former Doctors’ Surgery and 1c Jenyns Close rear of 23 Pound Close.
B. ENVIRONMENT Cllr Boal, Chairman of this committee reported that 1. There have been no applications for the post of litter picker. It was agreed that the employment of a village handyman would not be practical or financially possible at present. 2. The invoice of £68 has been paid for the work done. Cllr Boal has been unable to contact Mr Burnett for a donation towards this. 3. The Clerk will contact Eastern Tree Surgery regarding unsatisfactory tree work at 60/62 Lode Rd. The payment will be withheld until the work is to a satisfactory standard. 4. The matter of reduction in CC grass cutting grant for 2004/05 was dealt with at 3K above. 5. Dr Buchanan will assist Cllrs to construct an up to date map using the GPS system. 6. The Lighting Department estimate £2282 for the cost of three lamp standards in Bell Rd near the entrance to Howletts Way. These lamps should be provided for by the County Council. 7. Highway matters. Road markings at West Walk, Vineyard Walk, parts of Beechwood Ave and the High St (outside No 53) have been made and repairs should be done soon. Cllr Laister had met Andrew Tipple on 7th July and agreed that work on the dropped kerbs for Jenyns Close, Arber Close and Pound Close would be done within the next two months. The Clerk will confirm these details. Cllr Fitch has been in contact with Andrew Tipple concerning road repairs in Tunbridge Lane.. 8. An award of £262 has been paid as the 2003/2004 Parish Path Partnership Grant. The Clerk will contact the Prospects Trust Team to clear the path from behind the Church to the High Street. Cllr Astill had walked the village paths with John Cooper from the Countryside Team. 9. The seat outside the Post Office has broken again and is considered not worth further repair. The Clerk will purchase a seat from Marmax Products. 10. ECDC have been advised about the 2 abandoned cars left on the verge in Bell Road and are arranging for their removal. 11. There is continued concern by a High St resident about the permanent parking of a horse box outside the Old Courthouse in the High Street causing traffic problems. The Clerk will refer this matter to the Police Department. C. FINANCEThe bank mandate form will be completed before September.
D. CEMETERY Cllr Laister Chairman of this committee reported that I John Henry, Contractors have resurfaced the paths and will set the top dressing when building work within the Church is completed. Andrew Tipple has advised that the footpath between the gates will be covered with green slurry by the end of September. The Clerk will confirm this meeting 2. Members of the Royal British Legion have trimmed the hedge near the bottle bank. 3. The Holly and Yew trees planted in the cemetery hedge have been reviewed by the Council Officer. Additional free hedging plants may be available later this year. 4. Villagers will be reminded in the Cresset that cars should not be parked off road outside the Church gates. Cllr Laister will arrange for a sign to be made by Alan Shepherd.
8. Notified business. a. Cllr Buchanan and County Cllr Fitch requested that the Community Education Service for Bottisham Village College should be an Agenda item at the next meeting. b. Cllr Fitch suggested that the application for the Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme for 2004/05 be an agenda item at the next meeting.
9. Accounts
The following cheques were signed at the meeting by Cllrs Boal and Buchanan.
TXU Energi - Monthly Payment. 8.61 S Overton - Salary 271.00 S Overton – half annual expenses 200.00 Laura Petley – Litter Picking 25.00 Leo Bond – Litter Picking 25.00 Alan Enterprises – internal auditor report 25.00 CALC – Subscription to Local Council Review 11.99 ESPO – stationery and computer cartridges 27.06 T Bugg – 5th Village and Cemetery Grass Cuts 500.00 T Bugg – 2nd cut old cemetery 40.00 Alfred McAlpine Asset Management Services – quarterly maintenance 30.57 T Bugg – 6th Village and Cemetery Grass Cuts 500.00
10. Next Meeting Monday 1st September 2003 7.30pm Round Room at Bottisham Village College
An additional meeting will be arranged if required.
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