Minutes 1 Jun 2010

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 1st June 2010

FEN DITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman – Councillor Charles Jones

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 1st June 2010

at the Recreation Ground Pavilion

 

Present:

Councillors: A. Cram, M. Easterfield, I. Harvey, C. Jones, J. Parr, G. Peel, L.Woolfenden
N. Clarke, R. Turner

Parish Clerk: M. Starkie

 

Open Forum
Mr. Ritchie reported that there had been notices about the resurfacing of High Ditch Road. He also asked if the verges around the Blue Lion PH could be cut. These were not included in the village grass cutting schedule as the landlords had previously arranged cutting. It was agreed that the Parish Clerk should ask CGM to vary the contract to include these verges as this is the centre of the village and has some visual impact. It was recognized that there was a cost implication

 

  1. Apologies for absence
    Clrs. Green and Snellgrove Hawkins sent their apologies

  2. Declarations of interest
    There were no declarations of interest

  3. Ratification of the Minutes of the Council meeting of 4th May 2010 and the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 4th May 2010
    The minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the Parish Council meeting both held on 4th May 2010 were agreed and signed by Clr. Jones

  4. Matters arising from the Parish Council meeting
    a) Cycle Path     – the stretch between Horningsea and the A14 deceleration lane has been completed. Alex Alexander has reported that the second phase from the A14 on slip to the existing footway halfway towards the school should commence in the next two or three weeks. Arrangements are being made with BT to remove the poles that are in the way. Concern was expressed that, until there is a controlled crossing of the deceleration lane, it is not suitable for children.
    b) Wadloes Path lighting – after some discussion between the Clerk and Highways it appears possible for the solar powered lighting to be available if the PC is willing to contribute about £1500. Councillors felt this would be acceptable. Clr. Jones suggested that the lighting should not be over-engineered, and restrict the solar powered lighting to the bends and entrance and exit with reflective lights elsewhere.
    c)     Funding for blackcurrant bushes in cemetery – councillors agreed that the bushes would be good to encourage wildlife and form a barrier. It was suggested that members of the gardening club and others could provide cuttings in autumn rather than buying them.
    d) Pavilion security – the council discussed the possibility of providing CCT coverage as suggested by the PCSO. It was agreed that action should be taken to improve security. Clr. Jones suggested that security mesh should be put over the window. Parish Clerk to investigate costs.

  5. Matters arising from the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
    a) Training for councillors –     availability collected. Parish Clerk will organize
    b) Marshals Group Consultative Committee     - As Mr. Ritchie was no longer a councillor he had requested that the council should appoint a representative; the meetings are held twice yearly. Clr. Easterfield agreed to attend the meetings on behalf of the council; proposed by Clr Woolfenden, seconded by Clr Cram and carried unanimously.

  6. Reports from County and District Councillors -
    a) County Councillor Nick Clarke – reported that it had been proposed for the Council to share IT and Legal services with Northamptonshire County Council. This has now been finalized.
    A new Scrutiny Committee has been formed to hold council to account for services such as policing, youth offending, probation, library, fire, social cohesion and NHS services; this will be operational from July.
    There have been many demands for road resurfacing following the effects of bad weather; priorities have been set but resources are limited.
    b) District Councillor Robert Turner – reported on the Marshall Group’s Consultative Committee meeting held on 19th May 2010
    The Airport Director reported that there had been a reduction in aircraft movements of approx 32% during the period January to April in comparison to the same period in the previous year. The reduction of movements was in the lighter end of the general aviation market and he was pleased to report that commercial movements, which included horses, charter flights and executive aircraft were continuing at a consistent level.
    It was also reported that severe weather during January had disrupted airport operations, as had the volcanic ash cloud.
    It was reported that the main runway would be out of operation from 3 to 12 June for essential maintenance to be undertaken. It was noted that this work would continue on a twenty-four hour basis and that all efforts were being made to tell local people.

 

  1. Finance matters
    a) Audits –     the Internal Audit has been conducted by Dr. Michael Williamson. His report has not yet been received but he commented that the Parish Clerk should have a contract. He thought that the individual risk assessments were very good but that there should be an overall RA to include contingency for long-term sickness of Parish Clerk. He was satisfied with the accounting processes and bank reconciliation and had signed off the form provided by the external auditors. This was completed and signed off by the Chairman and by the Parish Clerk to be returned to Moore Stephens.

    b) Approval of accounts.
    The following Invoices were approved
    i) AON – Parish Council Insurance renewal Ch. No. 100809 £572.85
    ii) Hayden Woodruff bus shelter cleaning Ch. No. 100810 £25.00
    iii) L. Woolfenden for gift to PCSO (LGA S137) Ch. No. 100811 £11.50
    iv) CGM Cutting and Strimming Ch. No. 100812 £305.50
    v) Clerk’s salary and expenses for May Ch. No. 100813 £333.43

    c) Moneys received – no monies had been received this month
    d) Bank –     after payment of invoices the Current A/C is £6,730.55; the Savings A/C is £20,091.30

  2. Planning Applications and other Planning Matters
    a) S/0669/10/F – Erection of dwelling following demolition of garage land south of 27 Green End
    Clr. Parr gave a summary of the application and the council reviewed the plans. Clr. Jones commented that the architect had responded to the Council’s previous remarks and that it looked more in keeping with other properties although higher than the next property. Clr. Jones proposed that the application should be approved; seconded by Clr. Harvey and passed unanimously. A comment will be added for clarification on accessibility of second drive space and the need for access to rest of the village while construction vehicles are present. The Parish Clerk was asked to contact Clr. Snellgrove Hawkins and ask him to inform neighbours that the application closed on 4    th June.

  3. Conservation matters
    Preparation for Tidy-Up
    Clr. Woolfenden reported that seventeen people had volunteered to help with the Tidy-Up on Saturday 5th June, high visibility vests and equipment would be collected from Mike Hellowell of Horningsea and Lynn Strover had also offered sticks and gloves. She would provide refreshment for volunteers and McDonalds of Newmarket Road had also committed to provide refreshments at the end of the effort and send three volunteers. The teams had been organized and sent advice and she had conducted a Risk Appraisal (on file). Volunteers would meet at 2pm at the village sign.

  4. Highways matters
    a) Information from A14 Pre-inquiry meeting 24th May 2010
    Clr. Peel reported that he and the clerk had attended the Pre-Inquiry Meeting. Several people/groups at the inquiry had received information from HA late and were consequently asking for a postponement to the inquiry start date. Postponement was also requested because the HA and County want to introduce more Orders and have to advertise them. FDPC is included in this request based on late information from HA. The Chairman has to decide whether to ask the Secretary of State for a postponement
    However, we have to assume that no postponement will be given and meet the timelines required. This means submitting a statement of Proof of Evidence by 22nd June. The statement can be a simple letter stating that the objection was contained in previous letter and including this or it can be a fully objecting. FDPC was broadly supportive but with strong objections to some detail and had proposed alterations to the route and said the PC would be present (no restrictions on numbers).
    The majority of PCs appeared to have objections although some said they were pragmatic or realistic and recognized that it would go through but wanted to raise objections in detail for their areas. There were representatives of the Cyclists Tourist Club, Freightliners Group, Rail Track, Cambridge Cycling campaign, Ramblers Association, University of Cambridge and private individuals.
    These are the proposed dates for the Public Inquiry:
    By 22nd June - Submit Proof of Evidence in hard and electronic copy (if more than 1500 words must also have a summary; only the summary will be read at the hearing)
    By 13th July Submit Questions for clarification in writing  (he will decide if they are questions or cross examination which will be done at the hearing)
    20th July - hearing starts for two weeks (only likely to cover the Proposer's submission, i.e. HA. Will include cross examination from any interested party)
    30th July - adjournment
    7th Sept. - hearing continues; likely to complete in 40 days so will have an adjournment 25 to 29th October for half term and will finish early Nov.
    At end of hearing - site visit by Chairman and any representatives
    There are certain things outside the scope of the hearing, such as government policy, methodology of traffic flow calculations and there must be transparency  (no surprises). All messages must go through the Programme Manager.
    There have been suggestions that the scheme will not go ahead because of government cuts but the Chairman emphasized that the Inquiry is scheduled to go ahead and that we should submit documents to the current timelines giving more information, e.g. photos, reference to traffic flows etc. No further information can be introduced after the Proof has been sent.
    The Chairman strongly indicated that greater weight is given to evidence that is presented as oral representation and is open to cross examination, having been submitted in writing first.
    All statements have to be submitted as five hard copies, plus five copies of any documents that are not already submitted by HA, plus electronic copy. Photos and videos are accepted but must be accompanied by written statement.
    Clr. Jones will complete and submit the documents for Fen Ditton PC.
    b) Salt bins location Three bins will be purchased and the council agreed that they should be located opposite the Church, at the Recreation Ground entrance and opposite Wright’s Close
    c) Carriageway surface dressing High Ditch Road – this is scheduled for mid-June.
    It was noted that, following grass cutting and heavy rain, there has been earth slippage onto the path on Green End. The Parish Clerk is to contact Keith Faunch of Highways to ask for the earth to be cut back to original pathway width.

  5. Cemetery matters
    The timber post supporting the tap needs reseating and the tap needs repair; Parish Clerk to contact plumbers
    Clrs Parr and Woolfenden gave an update on planting.     Nigella propagated seedlings, wild seeds and Pontentilla 'Primrose Beauty'. have been planted in the area behind bin with more lavender. More bee friendly plants, including more lavender is to be planted along back railing bordering the Recreation Ground. Bee Keeping Association is to be asked for advice about bee friendly plants and also, if known, where to get grants for plants to encourage bees e.g. CO-OP.
    More weeding is planned for the autumn. Concern over Ivy on trees bordering entrance to the Rec. side has been expressed. Professional help to be sought to remove it after the nesting season.
    Cemetery railing had collapsed and although re-erected, has collapsed and been put up again subsequently. Clr. Woolfenden suggested that a "gate" should be made in back railing to facilitate grave preparation at plots near the railings. Parish Clerk to contact Kevin Bennett.

  6. Recreation Ground matters
    The last day of the University Bumps is scheduled for 12th June. As Mr. George Devine and other usual organizers are not available for the Bumps Parking this year Clr. Woolfenden and the Parish Clerk have started to organize it; sourced cones and barriers, notices, residents’ permits, stewards etc. More volunteers are needed, especially to put out cones and to steward in the afternoon. The Recreation Ground will open on Friday evening for residents’ cars and from 7am on Saturday.
    Clerk will contact CGM to cut back on Wadloes before 12    th June.

  7. Update on Parish Council Newsletter and Website
    Clr. Harvey reported that the site has been updated but is still under development and while Clr. Green is away any important notices can be put on the Fen Ditton Village site.

  8. Crime and Welfare Issues
    a) Recreation Ground –     the Clerk reported that damage to the Pavilion window had been reported to the police who had treated it as attempted break-in and sent SOCO to investigate. The window has been repaired.
    b) Camping on Fen Meadow – Clr. Parr reported that on 19th May campers had been moved by the PCSO but much rubbish had been left and the campers did not completely leave the area. Clr. Cram had ‘phoned Bidwells as agents for Gonville and Caius and the campers had now moved. It was suggested that representatives of the council should meet with Bidwells to discuss security’

  9. Report from Parish Clerk
    a) Contingency plans for Clerk’s holiday –     Clr. Harvey offered to re-route e-mails sent to the clerk to named councillors. Clerk will brief Clrs. Parr and Woolfenden on action needed for funerals or other cemetery matters.

  10. Correspondence
    a) No letters had been received
    b) A letter had been sent to Mr. and Mrs Oliver in response to their letter in April regarding the Deed of Grant of February 2009 and parking.

  11. Planning applications 2 Horningsea Road
    The council voted on the applications discussed at the Planning meeting held immediately before the scheduled monthly meeting. Planning application S/0349/10/F was rejected; proposed by Clr Jones, seconded by Clr. Easterfield and carried unanimously. Details of the comments are in Appendix 1.
    CAC s/0350/10/CAC was approved; proposed by Clr Jones, seconded by Clr. Peel and carried unanimously. Details of the comments are in Appendix 1.

  12. 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.
    Clr. Cram asked that the next meeting should include a discussion on Community Orchards.

There being no further business to discuss the meeting closed at 22.05

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th July 2010

 

 

The public is welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council

 


Appendix 1

 

Comments on Planning Application responses

 

S/0350/10/CAC

 

At a public meeting on 1st June 2010 the Parish Council voted unanimously to approve the CAC s/0350/10/CAC. The following comments were made:

 

  1. This is a conservation area so particular attention should be paid to the preservation of all trees (including roots) during the demolition.

  2. No work should be done on site during the nesting season

  3. The current garden has uncultivated areas which support wildlife and diversity of plant life; these should be maintained during demolition

  4. There are concerns over traffic access and disruption due to heavy plant use during the demolition

  5. There is concern over the security of the site after demolition as this is a prominent site in the centre of the village

 

Planning application S/0349/10/F.
The Council rejects the planning application and makes the following comments:

  1. The council is broadly supportive of a change of use but the proposed plan is not appropriate.

  2. Size of building and number of rooms - too large for the site; much larger than current building and therefore restricts the amount of garden.

  3. The site is too close to a busy road system for the needs of dementia patients

  4. Staff-to-patient ratio for such a home will be high; this will result in a need for more parking spaces than are planned. Although there is a 'bus stop nearby there is only one 'bus a day so staff and visitors will need cars. The lack of parking spaces could result in parking in High Ditch Road and High Street causing congestion. The number of parking spaces does not seem to conform to the guidelines.

  5. Deliveries (including ambulances, delivery vans and hearses) - access from High Street and High Ditch Road and parking on site are insufficient and proposed access would disturb local residents.

  6. The parking and delivery areas appear too small for access and movement of emergency vehicles

  7. Parking, deliveries and 24 hour lighting will change the rural aspect of the centre of the village, situated as it is on the cross roads. This is a conservation area.

  8. There are no provisions for double rooms for couples; the rooms appear very small resulting in a lack of private space for residents.

  9. The garden space is small and insufficient for the proposed number of residents resulting in a reduced quality of life for residents, visitors and staff.

  10. Respite care is not mentioned in the planning document but is increasingly needed.

In addition there were comments from members of the public on the plans lacking clarity on the flat roofs, inaccuracies on provision of shops nearby (there is no Post Office and the nearest local shops are at Barnwell) and the choice of finishes on materials used.
Some residents prefer a residential home to the current Public House but think it is too large for the site. It was noted that a residential home might bring some added employment to the village.

Last Updated (Tuesday, 07 September 2010 16:51)

 

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