MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NORTHLEACH WITH EASTINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2005
PRESENT: Councillors Phillips (Chairman and Mayor), Loveday (Vice-Chair), Asquith, Blundell, Cotton, Hancock, Mustoe, Mrs Rainey, Vincent and Wellman and Cllr David Fowles (District) and Cllr Mark Tufnell (District), Mrs Jill Thomas (RFO), Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk)
1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
None.
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2005
Amendments:
11.2 “liking” should read “linking”
11.3 The Next meeting will not be the Annual General Meeting.
The amended Minutes were confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Cllr Mrs Rainey declared an interest in Re-surfacing Back Lane.
4. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
4.1 Planning -
The Clerk confirmed that a retrospective application for work at 51 Mays Crescent has now been received. Cllr Mustoe advised that he had contacted the Planning Authority on behalf of concerned residents and had received confirmation that their views would be taken into account in reaching a decision.
4.2 Lights at Phipps Yard and KGV Car Park
It was confirmed that these are now operational. However, some of the lights in the Town need adjustment: Light outside School House should be turned round to shine over the road; Two lights either side of the road between the traffic lights and Coalyard Farm are obscured by trees; lighting between The Green and High Street is very poor.
It was agreed that Cllr Wellman would appoint a group to conduct a survey of lighting in the Town that would report to a future meeting.
4.3 Repair of Tourist Notice Board in the Market Place
A quote for replacing the pin board and adding an oak door (to match the existing frame) with Perspex window and catch totalling £217.00 + VAT has been received. It was RESOLVED to accept this quotation.
Action: Clerk to progress.
4.4 CDC – Public Toilets
A copy of the Deed of Indemnity had been received and inspected by Cllr Hancock. The document confirmed that neither CDC nor the Town Council owned the building and, therefore, the Clerk had requested further justification from CDC that the Town Council should contribute to its upkeep.
The Clerk confirmed having written to the Sports and Social Club suggesting that a Councillor attends meetings as an observer.
5. FINANCE
5.1 Cash Flow Analysis and Budget Status up to 31 August 2005
These were noted. The RFO advised:
The RFO was requested to transfer a further £10,000 into the main account in January to ensure funds would be available for Back Lane, Cemetery wall and monthly bills.
Action: Clerk to contact Norman, Trotman and Hughes to resolve payment for burial plots.
5.2 To Consider Bills For Payment
The list of bills for payment for August and September 2005 was approved.
Proposed: Cllr Mrs P Rainey Seconded: Cllr C Hancock
It was RESOLVED that payments to the Caretaker and Cleaner should be removed from the public list.
5.3 To Consider Support of Clerk’s SLCC Conference Fee
The Clerk advised that her two other Councils are contributing a total of £110 towards the fee. It was RESOLVED to cover the balance of £185.
5.4 To Consider Quote for Additional Light at Macarthur Road
GCC Contractors have quoted £2,800 for this work with GCC contributing £1,400. It was RESOLVED to apply to CDC for a Community Safety grant of £700 and the Town Council would contribute the remaining £700.
Action: Clerk to progress as a matter of priority.
6. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Mark Tufnell advised:
Action: Clerk to request re-phasing by GCC Highways.
NORTHLEACH HERITAGE CENTRE
8. PLANNING AND TREE WORKS
8.1 The items discussed are detailed on the attached schedule.
8.2 Church Rooms, Northleach
Criticism of the use of Guiting Stone rather than material from Farmington Quarry was raised. Cllr Tufnell confirmed that the Conservation Officer had inspected and agreed the stone and that Guiting Stone is included in the Cotswold Design Code as an approved material. It was suggested that the Council formulates a Design Statement for the Town that could be applied to all future planning applications.
It was noted that the Planning Training conducted the previous evening with CDC’s Senior Planner, Kevin Field, was very useful and informative.
Action: Clerk to thank Kevin Field and also write to Head of Planning.
9. WESTWOODS CENTRE COMMITTEE
9.1 Draft Minutes of the Meeting on Monday, 12 September 2005
Noted.
9.2 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Issues
Cllr Pezet reported:
10.1 Report from the Chairman and Update on Current Projects
Wills Meadow
Cllr Loveday reported that a meeting would be taking place with GCC Footpaths Officer later this week to discuss the bridge over the stream and gate in MedCentres wall.
10.2 Back Lane
Cllr Loveday advised that some residents have raised concerns about safety due to the possibility that traffic speed might increase once the Lane has been re-surfaced and this is now seen by them as the main issue. In the circumstances the following options need to be considered:
It was noted that installing such barriers would itself cause some difficulties for residents. Members voted 8 – 2 with 1 abstention to fill in the holes as a temporary measure pending further investigation of safety issues.
11. DAMAGED WALL BORDERING SHORT HEDGES CLOSE
Since no reply has been received from the remaining resident at Short Hedges Close, it was RESOLVED to clear the site where the wall has fallen and replace with a post and rail fence.
Action: Clerk to progress.
12. CLERK’S INFORMATION UPDATE
The Clerk advised that an Information Sheet would accompany future agendas. This would include items that Members should be aware of but did not necessarily need to be included on the agenda. Members would have opportunity to discuss any matter on the Sheet under this agenda item or could contact the Clerk directly for further information.
a) Verges at All Alone – Clerk to take up with GCC
b) Condition of Road Surface on School Hill – Clerk to take up with GCC
c) Launch of Northleach Skate Facility – Members advised.
13. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION:
a) Countyside Agency – Registered Common Land and Open Country Map
The Clerk will consult Cllr Wellman on the accuracy of the map.
b) GCC – Temporary Road Closure. A429 Stowell Park to Calmsden Turn closed for carriageway strengthening works from 17 – 28 October 2005. Noted.
c) GCC Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan – Noted.
14. Chairman’s Report
Cllr Phillips advised that the installation of the Disabled Parking Bays in the Market Place had been delayed by an objection despite it being made outside the consultation period. GCC acknowledge that no objection was received during consultation and will progress the matter as soon as possible.
14. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
Deferred to October meeting.
a) Trees on Wills Meadow.
It was reported that calves and not vandals might have caused the damage to the trees.
b) Posts at West End.
Action: Clerk to request these be replaced with stone sets.
c) Lights in the Market Place.
Action: Clerk to request all bulbs to be replaced to create softer lighting.
d) Land Adjacent to Westwoods.
If this is not to be developed for sports use, Westwoods Committee to consider how best to improve and tidy.
Action: Clerk to investigate on how to address.
The next meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 27 October 2005 at 7.45p.m. at The Westwoods Centre, Bassett Road, Northleach.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.55 p.m.