PRESENT: A Milton (Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mrs Y Graves, Mr P Harradine, Mr D Reeves, Mrs J Sidaway, Mr R Warboys, Coun S Edwards (SCDC), Coun N Bolitho (SCDC), Coun T Wotherspoon (SCDC), Coun D Jenkins (CCC), Coun M Bradney (CCC), the Clerk and 3 members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Mr R Ward
The Chairman welcomed Coun N Bolitho – our new district councillor.
MINUTES – The Minutes of the meeting of 8th May 2006 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING:
Guided Bus – nothing new to report.
Graffiti, Saxon Way Bus Shelter – SCDC had advised that they are not responsible for maintenance of the shelter. The Chairman stated that ownership of the shelter is not clear as it replaced one that belonged to the Parish Council but there is no documentation that proves ownership. It is on the public highway and so the land cannot be formally registered to anyone but the Highway Authority (CCC). Coun Edwards reported that there has been no decision about the Probation Service undertaking graffiti removal.
Pavilion – a copy of the initial archaeological evaluation had been received. Three graves had been discovered – one directly on the proposed site for the pavilion.
Neil Cook had not yet received confirmation from CCC that a full dig is required.
Coun Jenkins (CCC) had spoken to the Archaeologist at CCC who advised she had reported back to Neil. He will obtain a copy of the report and forward.
The Chairman reported that the grant from ODPM is to be paid to SCDC not directly to us as originally thought. This means we will have to claim back money from SCDC retrospectively. Confirmation had been obtained that the Parish Council will still be able to claim back VAT on the work done.
Coles Lane Development – the Chairman had chased Colin Tucker yet again re S106 monies as this is vital for the pavilion project. Coun Edwards agreed to try to speak to Mr Tucker tomorrow when he attends SCDC offices.
Northstowe – nothing new to report.
Bus Project – confirmation had been received that they are happy with the agreed contribution of £300.20 towards the summer holiday programme.
Website – it was agreed that Coun Warboys’ village history should be added to the website. He can provide further information at a later date if required.
Interactive Signs – Coun Graves reported that the signs from Cottenham direction appear not to be working now.
Trees, r/o Saxon Way – still no response from Nene Housing.
Parish Council land – the Chairman has some more work to do on this.
Accounts 2005/06 – the internal auditor had made the following points in her report:
ROSPA report – the Chairman had studied the report and it is virtually a duplicate of last year’s report. The main item is that the bark needs to be dug over. Coun Reeves advised he had been working on it in small sections and will try using Round Up on the weeds.
Mill Road Sign – Coun Ward had cleaned it up as best he could.
As Coun Jenkins (CCC) needed to leave the meeting the next item was brought forward.
Airfield Road – this has been put forward as an agenda item for the South Cambs Traffic Area Joint Committee meeting on 19th June. The proposal is to consider closing the road to through traffic except for pedal cycles, mopeds, invalid carriages and permit holders. The route would be gated to enforce the assess restriction and keys given to emergency services.
The Chairman read out a draft response in support of this proposal and suggesting that that one gate should be used and located at the parish boundary (approx half-way between Oakington & Longstanton) so that the emergency services would only have to unlock one gate and landowners could get to their fields etc without the need of a key.
All agreed.
Coun Warboys reported that his granddaughter had done a project at school which included counting the traffic in both directions using the road. On Friday 9th June between 4.45 pm and 5.45 pm she had counted: 3 coaches, 10 motorcycles, 42 vans, 3 lorries and 290 cars!! (+31 pedal cycles)
REVIEW OF CHARGES AND PAYMENTS:
Cemetery – It was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Coun Bailey that each charge should be increased by 10% (rounded to the nearest £). All agreed.
Clerk’s salary – agreed this should be increased in accordance with NALC/Society of Local Council Clerk’s recommendations and she should move one point up the LC1 spinal column to point 20 with effect from 1April 2006. New hourly rate will be £9.02.
Litter Picking- agreed to increase the amount paid by £2 per week to £46.
Tennis Club – agreed the annual rental should remain at £165.
(Coun Bailey declared an interest as he is a member)
Chairman’s Reimbursement – agreed this should remain at £110 per annum.
Recreation Ground Letting – agreed this should remain at £20 per session for organisations outside the parish.
Reward for information that leads to a conviction of a person who damages PC property – agreed this should remain at £150.
Community Association – letter had been received requesting an annual contribution of £200 towards the cost of the village newsletter. It was agreed that costed figures are required as more and more advertising is being placed in the newsletter. The Parish Council wants to be satisfied that it is not subsidising this advertising.
Pavilion Project – it was agreed that the Parish Council needs to plan ahead for the future running costs of the pavilion. The objective needs to be that it is self financing, with the Parish Council putting aside money each year specifically to help fund future maintenance/refurbishment costs. Cllr Sidaway to put this to the forthcoming Community association meeting and ask them for an up to date business plan, and for any suggestions regarding possible volunteer workers to carry out cleaning and letting duties. Otherwise, the Parish Council will have to employ somebody(s) and these costs will have to be handed on to users of the facilities.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Kathleen Rosewarne, Streatham – re speed humps in Oakington. The Chairman read out a draft response, pointing out that she has A class roads at her disposal and so does not need to journey through Oakington. All agreed this should be sent.
SCDC – Election of Parish Council member to Standards Committee. It was agreed that the Chairman should chose one of the five candidates standing for election.
SCDC - Consultation on future of gypsy/traveller sites- Weds 14, Thurs 15 June at 7.30 pm.
No one available to attend. Coun Wotherspoon (SCDC) suggested that the Parish Council put forward its view in writing. The Chairman agreed to draft a letter.
A lengthy discussion took place on this issue.
CCC – Consultation on congestion in Cambridge – 14 June, 5.45- 7.45 at Shire Hall. No-one available to attend.
A resident had expressed concern to the Chairman about the potential for travellers moving on to the field owned by CCC when the bridge construction work is completed as there is now quite a large gap in the hedging. Coun Bradney agreed to ask if it could be fenced off.
Circulation
Charter 88 Campaign for a modern democracy
CCC – Development in HCV controls
SCDC – Helping those affected by domestic violence
CCC – 2 x monthly reports for parish councils
Histon Sector Police – Neighbourhood Panel Meeting
Cambs Constabulary – Distraction burglaries
CALC – report on Association of Burial Authorities Conference
Coun T Wotherspoon – June report, SCDC
PLANNING:
J Rowe, 38 Water Lane – extension ref S/0930/06/F – no objections
J Wilkinson. 7 Mill Road – removal of spruce tree – no objections
C Hayton, 13 Station Road – extension to form annexe ref S/0394/06/F – amended plan to reduce depth of extension 3m in proximity to the boundary with 11 Station Rd – no objections
Mr & Mrs Whitmore, 17 Coles Lane – extensions – no objections
Dr G Butlin, 9 Longstanton Rd – extension – no objections
Planning Inspectorate – Appeal by Cambridge Wind Farm Ltd – notes on pre enquiry meeting
Mr & Mrs Leggett, 41 Coles Lane – extension – no objection in principle but request that it is exclusively for domestic use.
Land adjacent 48 Water Lane – the Chairman and Coun Edwards had done quite a lot of investigative work about the area of fenced off grass. The Chairman explained the background to this land.
Land Registry had advised that all the land up to the footway belongs to the owner of number 48. The Chairman had pointed out their error in that 3 metres at the front is highway. Land Registry had responded that only the proprietor can register a change of ownership. Therefore, the Chairman is going to write to CCC, Highways Dept.
There was a covenant stating that this land is not to be enclosed. However, SCDC had advised that this is no longer enforceable.
BILLS FOR PAYMENT:
CHS Architects (Cambridge) Ltd – architectural services re sports pavilion 6609.37
(outline design, liaise with planning dept and
QS, assist SCDC with GAF bid - Inv P262-01)
Cambridgeshire County Council – archaeological evaluation of proposed site 5698.75
for pavilion
Cambridge Water Plc – scout hut water 1.10.05 – 31.3.06 16.20
Print-Out – additional photocopying of annual newsletters 4.80
LGS Services – internal audit fee 05/06 105.75
S Reeves – construction of Parish Council website 50.00
L Lawrence – refund re Land Registry title plan docs re land adj 48 4.00
Water Lane
R Bell – street lights & cleaning – 9.5.06 – 12.6.06 220.00
L Lawrence – Clerk’s salary 9.5.06 – 12.6.06
37.5 hours @ £8.45
+ travel expenses = £17.17
+ telephone allowance = £30.00
less £5.40 overpaid salary 05/06 358.65
A J Milton – Chairman’s reimbursement 110.00
13177.52
It was proposed by Coun Sidaway and seconded by Coun Graves that these bills be paid. All agreed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Some residents had expressed concern about the unfenced ditch which runs alongside the field next to the school. This had been looked into previously. However, Coun Edwards agreed to seek advice from Pat Matthews, SCDC Ditches/Drainage.
The grips near Westwick Hall need to be cleaned out when the work is completed on the bridge and to ensure that the pipes with flap valves still do their job properly.
The footpath also needs to be restored.
Coun Graves also queried why there is a set of railings on only one side of the bridge.
There is still no power on the A14 junction bollards/lights. The Clerk will contact David Gilkes again.
The hedge/trees between Mead View and the shop are overhanging the footway. The Clerk will contact David Gilkes.
Gravel is spilling out from the Manor House drive on to High Street. The Clerk will contact David Gilkes.
The tenant of 50 Water Lane is not able to turn from his drive towards the crossroads due to the pinch point area outside the house. A site meeting is to be arranged with David Brace, CCC after the water company finishes work on the bridge in approx 4 weeks.
Coun Warboys sought confirmation that all footpaths are marked on the definitive map. The Chairman confirmed that they are.
The Clerk will contact SCDC re the Days Meadow road name sign for Coles Lane development.
Coun Ward had advised the Chairman that the traffic calming works in Mill Lane had only modified the flooding, not stopped it. The Chairman suggested an application for additional drainage could be made under the minor highways improvements scheme. Coun Bradney agreed to look into this.
Coun Bolitho had spoken to residents of Westwick during his election campaign about the removal of the trees in Mr Bull’s field. Some residents had indicated they would like them replaced, some would not. Coun Bolitho suggested consideration should be given to holding a referendum on this. Mr Bull had obtained the necessary permission for removal as they were diseased but had not replaced them and Coun Bolitho had been informed by Mr Hellingsworth that Mr Bull could not be forced to replant. The Chairman understood this was a requirement of the consent. It was agreed to look at the copy application.
Coun Bolitho also suggested holding a monthly surgery for residents so that they can discuss issues such as housing problems with him. The Chairman stated it is entirely up to him if he wished to do this.
Coun Bolitho also suggested the Parish Council might consider setting up a new parish charity so that people could donate to the community if they wished to do so without paying tax. The Chairman suggested that Coun Sidaway mentions this to the Community Association.
Coun Wotherspoon had forwarded his comprehensive report for circulation. He went through the key issues at the meeting.
The Parish Council congratulated Coun Edwards on his Cabinet appointment at SCDC as Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder.
Coun Bradney had also forwarded his report for circulation. He confirmed that the water work at the bridge would take approx 4 weeks and the contractors would make all areas good when the work is completed.
The unfinished cycleway to Histon is to be discussed at the area joint committee on 19th June.
The Chairman suggested the Parish Council should write to the Planning Dept restating our objections to the application to allow an earlier opening time. (the refusal had gone to appeal) All agreed.
A member of the public enquired if existing village clubs etc would be required to pay a rental fee for using the new pavilion. The Chairman advised that this had yet to be decided.
The meeting closed at 9.45 pm.