MINUTES of
meeting of the Parish Council held on 6th March 2006 at the School,
Water Lane, Oakington at 7.30 pm.
PRESENT: A Milton (Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mrs Y Graves, Mr P Harradine, Mr D Reeves, Mrs J Sidaway, Mr R Warboys, Mr R Ward, Coun S Edwards (SCDC), Coun T Wotherspoon (SCDC), Coun M Bradney (CCC), the Clerk and 3 members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Coun
J Dixon (SCDC), Coun D Jenkins (CCC)
MINUTES – The Minutes of the meeting of 6th February 2006 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.
UPDATE ON GUIDED BUSWAY, BOB MENZIES, CCC:
Mr
Menzies handed out a presentation pack to each councillor, which contained
photos of examples of guided buses and a map of the proposed routes.
He
then outlined the key facts:
·
Busway will be world’s longest
at 25.1 km
·
Within 10 years of opening more
than 20,000 trips a day will be made. In the first year 11,500.
·
Services will operate from 6 am
to midnight
·
Three bus companies have
submitted tenders to operate services
·
14 stops with 3 P&R sites
(including Trumpington)
Approx
journey times were included and details of on-road sections including new bus
lanes and priority at traffic signals.
A
final decision from Government is expected in May/June and if given the go-ahead
completion should be in Oct 2008.
Mr
Menzies advised that CCC is keen to keep parishes updated on progress and they
would like to revisit parish councils once contractors are on board to give a
more detailed programme.
He
then took questions:
Q.
Weekday services will obviously be commercially viable but what about the Sunday
service? It is known that the current service is subsidised. We hope our
existing service won’t suffer as a result.
A.
CCC is hoping that some of the Guided Bus Sunday services will be commercial. Mr
Menzies stated that he is fairly confident that our current bus service will not
be diluted.
Q.
The photos don’t show luggage space for shoppers.
A.
They will be located at front of bus immediately as you get on.
Q.
Where will the site compounds for contractors be located?
A.
Main sites at St Ives and Longstanton P&R sites and one near Long Road.
There will be one or two minor sites along the route.
Q.
Why is there no car turning point planned for Oakington stop?
A.
There was not considered to be sufficient demand at Oakington and some
concern was raised about environmental issues. However, if it becomes a problem
CCC may need to revisit this when up and running.
Q.
Do you think drivers will park their cars in the village and walk to the stop?
A.
We think they are more likely to use Longstanton P&R. But, if a problem
arises we will need to tackle it.
Q.
Are bus lanes planned for Histon Rd, Sidney St etc?
A.
No. Histon Road is fairly clear and free flowing, so there was not thought to be
a need. Also, many of the city centre roads are restricted to buses, etc only.
All the buses will have real-time traffic info on them.
Q.
If there is a frequency of every 3 mins – how will these affect road
junctions?
A.
Will be controlled by traffic lights and traffic should only be stopped for
approx 20 secs. All junctions have been analysed and they don’t anticipate any
problems
Q.
How long will a bus stop to let people on?
A.
As longs as it takes but approx 30 secs. Everyone will buy a ticket before they
get on.
There
were no questions from members of the public.
MATTERS ARISING:
PC Rogerson – the Chairman had not heard any more from PC Rogerson re signed statement re village crimes.
However, PC Rogerson had visited him to hand over a draft letter he would like to send to all village residents regarding recent incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the village. The Chairman read out the letter which suggested various measures to tackle the problems and asked for help from residents in doing so. The Chairman felt that the Parish Council should support PC Rogerson wholeheartedly. All agreed.
PC Rogerson had applied for a grant for a youth shelter but has now asked that any monies available be directed to the new pavilion.
Coun Ward had reported an incident of vandalism to the police which he had witnessed at 11.30 pm one night and he had observed the same youths out at midnight the following night.
Pavilion – a pavilion sub-committee meeting had taken place on 27th Feb. Two quotes had been received for an archaeological dig. It was agreed to proceed with the CCC quote as there was little difference in the amount and they had undertaken the survey on the play area.
The hedge running alongside the Recreation Ground will cause a problem re positioning the pavilion and MUGA making them encroach further on to the Rec.
If it is not kept cut back, it could protrude into the MUGA and if the trees are allowed to grow substantially they could undermine the special surface there. Therefore, after some discussion it was agreed that the hedge should be removed as soon as possible before bird nesting season commences. There will be an opportunity to plant more hedging at the rear of the Rec.
Neil Cook is to meet with the Community Association this Friday to discuss the final design and will then submit the planning application.
Coles Lane Development – an acknowledgement had been received from Colin Tucker, SCDC Legal Dept re variation to S106 agreement. However, he now needs to obtain formal instructions from his planning colleagues.
Traffic Calming – site meeting had been postponed due to temporary bridge closure.
Northstowe – nothing new to report.
Bus Project – the Chairman, Coun Reeves and Clerk had attended the bus open day on 25th Feb. The Chairman commented that the new bus is very impressive.
SCDC Streetlights – the Clerk had confirmed to SCDC that the Parish Council would formally adopt the 13 lights in question.
Bus Shelters – the Chairman reported that vandals had destroyed the bench opposite the village sign. It was generally felt that it is not worth replacing it. However, out of courtesy it was agreed to consult with Mrs Few who had the bench placed there in memory of a relative.
Three holes had also been poked in the asbestos roof on the shelter. It was agreed to ask the contractor who installed them to replace. A decision is to be made re insurance claim when the cost is known.
The new shelter at Saxon Way has been graffitied with paint – thought to be water-soluble. It was agreed to obtain quotes for the shelter to be cleaned and then make a decision re insurance claim. Coun Edwards agreed to investigate if SCDC operates a scheme for this type of work
Neighbourhood Police Panel – the Chairman had attended the first meeting on 23rd February. Coun Bradney had been elected on to the panel. The Chairman reported this is a refinement of the police consultation meeting and commented that time will tell if it will be successful.
Website – Coun Reeves reported that work is in progress and a full demo should be available for next meeting.
S106 Wish List, Northstowe – the following items were suggested:
· Pillbox, Station Road should be preserved and possibly used for some purpose such as a youth shelter. Coun Warboys would like to see one of the mushroom type shelters on airfield retained too.
· Additional room on school building for an after school club
· Preservation/make a feature of old mill foundations
· Pond revitalised – including a raised walkway over it
· An environmental area near Recreation Ground e.g. nature reserve with more diverse habitats
Bus Shelter, Cambridge Rd – reported to CCC.
Rubbish, Water Lane – Roger Bell has had a blitz there but the main problem is the rubbish fly-tipped on Mr Johnson’s field. The Clerk will contact SCDC to see if can be cleared.
Safer Routes to School – the officer will contact the school.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Gawn
Associates – quote for provision of structural design services re pavilion
Richard
Herrman Associates Ltd – as above
Parish
Council Election – 4 May 2006 – a set of nomination papers was given to each
councillor. The Chairman urged members to submit papers in time. Electoral role
numbers are to be obtained from the Clerk.
Mrs
Nixon – expressing concern about the trees that had been cut back on Mr
Bull’s land in Westwick. The Chairman had responded that Mr Bull had obtained
the necessary permission and good woodland management sometimes means that trees
have to be cut back.
Circulation
SCDC
– Race Equality Scheme
Cambridgeshire
ACRE – Parish Plans Open Evening – 21st March
CALC
– Street/footway lights and other issues
CCC
– Streetscape consultation
Local
Council Review – March
CCC
– Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Hilton
PC – A14 Upgrade- Joining Forces update
A
Lansley, MP – A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton re-build
CCC/Peterborough
City Council – Minerals & Waste Development Plan
SCDC
– Public consultation on proposals to change the local elections system
CCC
– Reports from Coun D Jenkins & Coun M Bradney
PLANNING:
Mr & Mrs Upton, 15 Church View – extension – no objection
M Watson – re possible land for development r/o 4 Dry Drayton Road. The Clerk had acknowledged and referred Mr Watson to SCDC.
P Norris, 32 Coles Lane – conversion of garage into dining room & extension to form store – approved.
R Hales – Arcade Farm, Water Lane/Kettles Close – erection of 6 dwellings – refused.
Tamar Group Ltd – land r/o 43 Station Road – 4 houses – refused
St Andrews Church – siting of lamppost – approved
BILLS FOR PAYMENT:
L Lawrence – refund re new toner cartridge for printer
(purchased from Prime Source Ltd) 46.94
R Bell – street lights & cleaning 7.2.06 – 6.3.06
4 weeks @ £44 176.00
L Lawrence – Clerk’s salary 7.2.06 – 6.3.06
30 hours @ £8.45
+ telephone allowance @ £30.00
+ travel expenses @ £5.05 288.55
1571.49
It was proposed by Coun Sidaway and seconded by Coun Bailey that these bills be paid. All agreed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The area around the A14 has had no power for a few weeks. The Clerk will report to David Gilkes.
Streetlight in Cambridge Road at start of cycleway near road narrowing is still not working.
Coun Warboys suggested put a note about the cost of vandalism in the community newsletter. However, it would be difficult to calculate the exact figures involved.
There had still been no official confirmation of Government funding re pavilion.
The bridleway sign at Lambs Cross has been knocked over.
The Clerk will contact Gareth Guest, CCC to ensure footways are restored when work on Westwick bridge is completed. Coun Bradney also agreed to take up.
30 mph interactive signs at Westwick have never worked. Coun Bradney agreed to take up problem.
The new footpath outside Whitehall Farm is causing a problem in that cars are now parking further out into the road on this blind bend – this was reiterated by a member of the public who nearly had an accident there recently.
Coun Warboys suggested obtaining a copy of the new guide for burial authorities. The Clerk will order a copy.
There have been no drains installed along the new extended footway in Dry Drayton Road. The Clerk will contact David Gilkes to check if CCC has adopted it.
The developers never did remove the trees at the rear of Saxon Way. The Chairman will write to them.
Coun Warboys advised that he is giving a talk on Oakington at Ely Library this Friday 10.15 – 12 pm.
Details of 2006/07 precepts had been put in CEN and there are 13 parishes that are ‘dearer’ than us.
It was agreed to send a thank-you letter to Cambridge Horizons re pavilion grant success.
Vandals had removed the bus stop sign at Water Lane/High St junction. The Clerk will report to CCC.
There is a quite a large pothole in the road near the Coles Lane development.
Coun Reeves sought clarification re the planning process. Coun Edwards explained the three ways an application can be decided and stated that reasons for approval/refusal should be based on the conditions laid out in the Local Development Plan.
SCDC is undertaking a consultation about holding elections every four years on bloc.
Coun Edwards had confirmed that developers would be responsible for legal costs re S106 agreements.
Coun Edwards reported that Fairfield Partnership is to submit a planning application for Northstowe at the end of March.
Coun Edwards reported that SCDC had agreed to use the budget put in place to cover maintenance costs for their streetlights (£12,500 for 06/07) to carry out priority based renewals and replacements. This should no longer make it necessary for Parish Councils to insure the lights.
Coun Wotherspoon reported that Gallagher Estates had given SCDC permission to extend the decision period on one set of the plans submitted but not for the second set re non-determination.
There is also a debate whether Gallaghers will be required to submit a new planning application for the extra 1,000 houses.
Guided Bus exhibition to take place at the School this Thursday.
Couns Wotherspoon and Edwards had been ‘pestering’ the police authority re future funding of PCSOs. At present, no one is giving a straight answer. The Chairman commented that the Superintendent at the meeting last week gave his assurance to the public that PCSO numbers would increase. There is consideration being given to private sector sponsorship/funding.
Coun Bradney had e-mailed his report earlier this evening – to be circulated.
He had joined the Police Panel and the three main objectives over the next few months are arson, drink and drugs problems and bike thefts from Waterbeach Station.
As expected Council Tax increase was set at 5%.
Coun Bradney has been asked to produce ideas for a library loyalty scheme. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact him.
The Cowley Road P&R is to be moved nearer to Milton by March 2008. Two sites are being considered – one north and one south of Butt Lane.
The meeting closed at 9.35 pm.