Minutes 4 May 2010

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 4 May 2010

 

FEN DITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman – Councillor Charles Jones

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 4th May 2010

at the Recreation Ground Pavilion

 

Present:

Councillors: A. Cram, M. Easterfield, J. Green, I. Harvey, C. Jones, J. Parr, G. Peel, P. Snellgrove Hawkins, L.Woolfenden, R. Turner

Parish Clerk: M. Starkie

 

Open Forum

Five members of the public attended the meeting and spoke during the Open Forum, and, with the Chairman’s agreement, during some of the items. One reported damage to the slide and Flying Fox in the Recreation Ground play area. Clr. Jones explained that the Trustees were aware and that they are waiting for the report from the play area inspection by RoSPA. They will then take appropriate action.

Two members of the public attended to hear the outcome of item 5c. One of these reported that City Council employees had collected litter on Ditton Lane and High Street and he asked if this could be extended to High Ditch. This was discussed more fully at item 4a. He also commented that Fen Ditton is a Conservation area and that the broken fence and blue tarpaulin at the field on crossroads did not enhance the state of the village. The Clerk has reported the fence to the agents involved. Clr. Jones said he had heard from the horses’ owner that the hay-stack and tarpaulin would be moved; he commented that the presence of horses in the middle of the village enhanced the rural appearance. One member of the public attended to hear information at item 5c. Mrs E. Jack attended to thank the council for the daffodils in the village, the recent work on the Cemetery and on the Church Wall; she said that these made a great difference to the appearance of the village.

 

  1. Apologies for absence
    County Councillor Nick Clarke sent his apologies

  2. Declarations of interest
    There were no declarations of interest

  3. Ratification of the Minutes of the meeting of 6th April 2010
    The minutes of the meeting on 6th April 2010 were agreed and signed by Clr. Jones

  4. Matters arising
    a) Litter - The Clerk had reported to SCDC Environment Department that litter from the waste collection lorries had been dropped along the length of High Ditch Road. The Department had collected it and investigated the incident. However, there is a litter problem throughout Fen Ditton and the Highways department is only able to sweep every three months (last done in April). Mr. I Ritchie suggested that a volunteer party should be set up to clear litter and Clr. Woolfenden offered to organize. She will register with www.thebigtidyup.org for advice and equipment and has been in touch with Horningsea PC who had recently had a tidy up. Clr. Green suggested that McDonalds on Newmarket Road should be approached for sponsorship. Clr. Harvey suggested that the school might be involved. The possibility of a Litter Warden was raised; Parish Clerk to investigate.
    b) Potholes – most have been filled and High Ditch Road is scheduled for surface dressing in June
    c) Graffiti – Clr. Parr has reported the graffiti on the Red House, Green End to Bidwells and had also reported to them and to the police that there was a break-in there. The police attended and Bidwells have secured the house. Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins commented on the graffiti on play equipment. The Recreation Ground Trust is aware of this and has tried to remove it in the past; they will consider further action after the RoSPA report.
    d) Village sign – held over to next meeting
    e) Cemetery business rate and bins – SCDC has agreed a reduced rate for the cemetery and issued a credit for the last four years. Clr. Woolfenden reported that she has been putting the bins out for collection and this has reduced the overflow.
    f) Arrangements for APM – the Church Hall has been booked for 20    th May and most representatives have agreed to provide reports, either in person or to be read. The Clerk has not heard from the chairman of Ditton Day; Clr. Easterfield will try to contact.

  5. Reports from County and District Councillors - there was no report from Clr. Clarke
    Clr. Turner reported that the three local authorities will share expertise of their legal departments to save money and improve services. All back office staff in these departments will be shared.

  6. Planning Applications and other Planning Matter
    a) S/0465/10/F – planning application to extend & resurface car display and parking areas Marshall Motor Group – the application had been reviewed before the meeting and was discussed at the meeting. Clr. Jones proposed that the Council should approve the application with no comments. This was seconded by Clr. Green and carried unanimously.
    b) S/0185/10/F – refusal of planning permission for erection of 2 dwellings East of 30 and 32 High Ditch Road – this was for information only.
    c) Land by the Barn
     i) Letter from Mr. and Mrs Oliver (circulated before the meeting) complaining that their letter of 30th December had not been answered. They asked why the council had proceeded with a deed on 28th February 2009 which they claimed had breached their rights. The Clerk had acknowledged their letter in January and Clr. Jones had spoken to Mr. Oliver. The Clerk has written to them inviting them to this PC meeting and offering to arrange a meeting with Clr. Jones. The Council received advice from Hewitsons LLP, in a letter dated 2nd February 2010, that the Deed of February 2009 had been validly granted. The Clerk will write to Mr. and Mrs Oliver stating this advice.
    ii) Land Registry – Title CB292732 land on the west side of Green End – the registration has been amended to show the name of the Chairman and the name and address of the Parish Clerk for correspondence.
    d) This was by advertised addendum to the original agenda:
    S/0349/10/F – Demolish existing Public House and erect a 41-bedroom residential care home at
    2 Horningsea Road
    S/0350/10/CAC (Conservation Area Consent) – Demolition of Public House at 2 Horningsea Road
    There was considerable discussion on this item. The Tree Warden had been asked for advice and had reported concern over the immediate state of the copper beach and other trees and the future effect to tree roots by construction activities. He also had personal reservations about the size of the development and light pollution affecting the rural aspect of the village. Councillors commented on the number of parking spaces available, the size of the development and the effect on the village. There was concern that people with dementia would be so close to a busy road (which would be worse if the A14 scheme went ahead). There was also concern on the impact on existing medical services in the area. Some had no objection on principle while others objected to the demolition of the public house as a local amenity. There were some inaccuracies in the proposal, e.g. that there was a Post Office within 100yards. Two members of the public attended to support the application as the development would reinstate a garden frontage on High Ditch Road and was better than the current building in size and aspect and that it might bring some employment to the village. One reported that the Vicar was in agreement with the proposal. Clr. Turner advised that the Planning Officer would ensure that the application was governed by strict regulations on parking, tree protection, size and design. He said that the Highways Agency would be consulted and advised that, if the Council approved the application, it could make a provision that there should be a contribution towards traffic lights at the crossroad. He advised that the council could ask to attend a site visit with the Planning Officer and developers. Clr. Jones proposed that this application required more discussion and should involve the village; he proposed asking for an extension to the time to respond to the proposal (due 18    th May 2010) and discussion at the Annual Parish meeting 20th May; seconded by Clr. Woolfenden. Parish Clerk to contact SCDC Planning Officer.

  7. Conservation matters
    a) Response from Conservation Committee to Rural Strategy Consultation. Clr. Woolfenden reported that she, Clrs. Easterfield, Parr and Peel and the Clerk met to decide upon and submit a response on line. (Full response is on file). In summary, whilst generally the ambitions were embraced and the work that had gone into producing this consultation document was recognised, it was felt that the objectives lacked the “how”, “what” and who” and were not in the SMART model.

Several specific concerns have been expressed in the response, particularly with respect to transport, new development and preserving the Green Belt around Fen Ditton. Improving local amenities, such as a mobile shop/Post office and encouraging the availability of locally produced food was supported along with encouraging cycling and walking by improving well lit and surfaced inter-village off road routes. It was also suggested that the guided bus route could be expanded. The move to make green technology more affordable and suitably designed for a conservation area was also supported.

It was also felt that the role of the Parish Council should be to respond to the needs of the local community and not have its objectives imposed by Central Government. It was also stated that it was not feasible to ask small PC’s to take on more responsibility without support and finance.

b) To hear report from Committee on Conservators’ Application to Natural England to relocate aggressive swan.
Clr. Parr reported that members of the Conservation Committee met at the Clerk’s house on Sunday, 25th April to consider a request by Dr Philippa Noon, River Manager for the Conservators of the River Cam, to have a highly aggressive swan relocated from Fen Ditton for Health and Safety reasons. This was an urgent request by the Conservators because of the swan’s numerous attacks on rowing boat crews and other river users and also in light of the many river events upcoming, including the May Bumps plus the imminent return of the university students.

In order to relocate the swan (and pen), the Conservators of the River Cam required the landowner’s permission and, because the swans were believed to be nesting on Parish Council land, the Parish Council was required to complete the declaration part of the application to Natural England so that the relocation of the swans could be made by the Queen’s Swan Marker. After checking the Ordinance Survey map reference TL 481 604, the Committee was in agreement that the swans were indeed nesting on Parish Council land. The swans have built a nest on the northern side of Fen Parish Ditch at Hall Farm, between the fence and the river.

The Committee also discussed a summary of incidents’ reports compiled by Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs, the umbrella body for College rowing clubs. This was a summary of attacks by the aggressive cob between April and July 2009 and further incidents since late March this year. The CUCBC is concerned for the safety of rowers and coxes especially after a serious incident on the 11th April 2010 when a rowing eight crashed into the stern of a barge during an attack by the on the cox. The CUCBC is fearful that serious injury to river users is possible.

The swans have lived at Fen Ditton for many years and have only recently become aggressive and the Committee feels that it is unfortunate that the term “Mr Asbo” has come into use since the media’s portrayal of the situation. There have been a number of complaints to the Conservators of the River Cam, about the media’s attention and intrusion on the swans when filmed by the BBC’s One Show.

The Committee agreed to the relocation of the cob and pen in the interest of all, and stipulated that it did not agree to the swans being killed (there are several options available to deal with aggressive swans) and, if further action is required, the Council would need to be informed. The Council would also like to be informed of the relocation area and the steps that will be taken to prevent the swans returning. The Committee was also concerned that the pen may already have laid and that care should be taken over any eggs.

A letter outlining the Committee’s decision, and the completed declaration form, were sent to Dr Noon on the 25th April 2010. Dr Noon has now submitted the application to Natural England and will continue to monitor the situation whilst a decision is made by the Queen’s Swan Marker. The Council will be kept informed of any developments.
The Council discussed this and expressed concern now that it was confirmed the pen was sitting on eggs. The Parish Clerk to contact Dr. Noon and ask what measures were being taken to protect the swans and would be taken to keep boats away if the swans are not relocated especially during the Bumps.
c) Questionnaire from SCDC on Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - discussed and form completed.
d) Grass cutting – there was some question as to who had cut the grass at the village sign as CGM said they were not involved. The recent grass cutting in other parts of the village had cut many wild flowers – Clerk to talk to CGM. Clerk also to find out when County has scheduled cutting and clearing Wadloes.
e) CUBC website report of sewage run off in river - this report suggests that effluent from the Travellers’ site is going into the river. Dog walkers are advised of the possible hazard. Parish Clerk will contact City Environment Officer.

  1. Highways matters
    a) Recent information on A14 proposal - The Council has received a letter from the A14 Project Team stating that it may either submit its original letter for consideration or Statement of Case before 17    th May. The situation has changed since the council’s letter as the Marshall group is not relocating and thereby there is no need for a link road. It was agreed that a Statement of Case should be agreed through e-mail circulation. Clrs Jones, Peel, Snellgrove-Hawkins and Woolfenden would be involved in subsequent developments.

  2. To Discuss Cemetery matters
    a) Update on replacement bench – a new bench has been fixed but may need to be moved as it may cover part of a pre-booked plot. Parish Clerk to organize.

  3. To discuss Recreation Ground matters
    a) Clr. Jones summarised the Trustees’ Meeting held on 26th April 2010. Clr. Green was voted onto the trust as a Councillor Trustee. The Trust is waiting for the report from RoSPA and will then take appropriate action on the play area. The Trust may then apply to the Parish Council for funds to improve the play area and make improvements, such as disability access, to the Pavilion.
    b) Report of damage to Flying Fox and climbing frame – this and graffiti had been discussed in the open forum
    c) Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins asked if there had been any response to the survey of children at FD Primary School. He suggested that the council might employ a contractor to maintain the Playground in the recreation ground, with responsibility for keeping all equipment functional and also removing graffiti. Clr. Harvey suggested that SCDC might be able to remove the graffiti; he will contact them. It was also suggested that it might be possible to stain the areas. Parish Clerk to contact Mr. Dave King. PCSO Lynch has suggested that CCTV notices might deter further damage.
    Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins also asked if lighting on Wadlows’ footpath could be installed before the clocks go back (this had been discussed with County engineer Alex Alexander at a previous meeting). Parish Clerk to contact Mr. Alexander.

  4. Update on Parish Council Newsletter and Website
    Clr. Green reported that the Parish Council website went live at http://www.fenditton-pc.org.uk/ on Saturday 1st May and he has updated it since. He invited comments and offers of contents. All councillors expressed their pleasure at this progress.

 

  1. Crime and Welfare Issues
    a) Incident in Church St. & Recreation Ground – police had been called to the area for a report of anti-social behaviour by two youths.
    b) Alms Houses Tidy Up – Clr. Woolfenden reported that a small group met on a lovely sunny Saturday morning recently to tidy a garden. She thanked Lynne Strover, Gill and Ian Griffith and Mark Woolfenden for their help     .
    c) Copper thefts - Clr. Green reported that these were on the increase and that e-Cops were warning about the potential for thefts of lead. There have been reports in some areas of stripping copper from telephone exchange and electricity sub-station cables. He also reported two car break-ins in High Street and High Ditch Road and three reports of burglaries in the area. PCSO Lynch has advised that at week ends Fen Ditton was covered by the city rather than the rural team. This meant that if there was a major incident in the city it would take longer for a response in Fen Ditton. There are concerns that the village is probably more likely to have an  incident at a week end and  that surely the rural team should be staffed accordingly . Perhaps this needs further discussion with the Police service managers.

  2. Finance

  1. The following Accounts were approved
    The following Invoices have been received
    i) CPALC Membership 213.45
    ii) Fen Ditton Church Hall – Hire for APM 30.00
    iii) H. Woodruff – bus shelter cleaning 25.00
    v) Clerk’s Salary & expenses for April
    vi) Branson Leisure for Cemetery Bench 664.46
    This was not on the agenda but was included because of time constraints.

    The following monies were received
    i) Hibbitt & Sons – memorial inscription 50.00
    ii) P.A. Hibble - additional inscription 20.00
    iii) SCDC Half Precept 6975.88

    The following credit notes were received
    SCDC – Business Rates Cemetery – small business reductions 213.92

    The current account balance is £7978.83 after invoices payment of £1226.55 and income of £7045.88. The Savings Account balance is £20,091.30

    b) Request from SCDC for payment of supplier accounts by BACS – it was agreed that SCDC could make payments to the council electronically; bank details form was signed by Clrs Jones and Snellgrove Hawkins.

 

  1. Report from Parish Clerk
    a) Path 6 surface – County Public Paths Access group has scheduled an upgrade to the path entrance.
    b) Rev. Bowers has thanked the Council for its interest in improving the Church Wall. He will arrange a meeting to discuss this further.
    c) The internal audit has been arranged for Monday 17    th May at the Clerk’s house.
    d) Beeches Community Car Scheme Committee has replied that they are not able to extend the scheme to Fen Ditton but would be willing to give some advice in setting it up.

  2. Correspondence
    a) Letters were received from
    i) Mr. J Bruce-Ball – copy of letter from CCC Highways and his reply regarding potholes
    ii) Cambridgeshire Acre – Community Led Planning
    iii) Cambridgeshire County Council – update on Countryside Access and Parish Paths Officers
    organization and training programmes
    iv) Cambridgeshire County Council – Electronic Consultation for planning applications
    v) Cambridgeshire County Council – Newmarket Road to A14 link road

    b) Letters sent
    i) Mr. and Mrs Oliver – acknowledging their letter
    ii) Cambs. County Council – e-mail agreeing to Electronic Consultation for planning applications

  3. To Accept notices & Matters for the next Agenda
    Please note that no decisions can lawfully be made under this item. LGA 1972 s12 10(2) (b) states that business must be specified; therefore the Council cannot lawfully agree any matter that is not on the agenda. There were no notices.

The Annual Parish Meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday 20th May at the Church Hall.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st June 2010

 

 

The public is welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council

Last Updated (Thursday, 10 June 2010 12:26)

 

Copyright © 2010 Fen Ditton Parish Council.i All Rights Reserved.
Site designed by Adeptium Consulting Ltd.