PRESENT: A Milton
(Chairman), Mr D Reeves (Vice Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mr P Harradine,
Mrs J Sidaway, Mr R Warboys, Mr R Ward, Mrs A Christie, Coun S Edwards (SCDC),
Coun N Bolitho (SCDC), Coun T Wotherspoon (SCDC), the Clerk and 7
members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Mrs Y Graves, Coun D
Jenkins (CCC), Coun M Bradney (CCC)
MINUTES – The Minutes of the
meeting of 9th July 2007 were approved and then signed by the
Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING:
Pavilion – a WREN application is
to be submitted by 28th September for a £10,000 grant towards
costs.
Guided Bus – the Chairman
reported that Histon & Impington are campaigning to stop the planned
temporary closure of Gatehouse Road. Coun Warboys reported that an
18-inch concrete pipe from the ditch in Station Road has been laid under
the road by Nuttalls, but is not yet connected to the brook.
Bus Project – the Chairman had
received some complaints that the signs advertising the activity day
have not been taken down. The Clerk will contact Connections, because
this does not set a good example.
Mill Road – the Chairman and Coun
Jenkins (CCC) had met with Matt Pickering to discuss drainage problems.
The gully cleaners have been round the village and Matt advised that
jetting works would be undertaken.
Martyrs Graves – the Chairman
read out an email from Peter Duthrie (Northstowe Rights of Way Project
Manager) offering the possibility of funding some minor improvement
works to the graves (no amount stated or deadline given). It was felt
that any work on the stonework should be undertaken by a qualified
stonemason and this would be costly. After some discussion it was
agreed to obtain a quote for paintwork on the fencing and to consider
options for improving the two signs at the next meeting.
Tomato Farm – Coun Edwards had
chased Melissa Reynolds but she is away at present. He will follow up.
20 mph safety zone – Coun Reeves
will follow up with the headteacher later this term.
Tree debris, ditch – work still
to be undertaken by Couns Reeves, Ward & Bailey.
Parking bay, Recreation Ground –
Coun Christie had prepared a draft agreement. She will visit the
resident concerned to discuss it.
Dead tree, Water Lane – Matt Pickering had placed an order for the work to be done months ago. He will chase it up again.
Bank account signatories – the
new mandate had been submitted. For some reason Couns Warboys and
Harradine had received Certificate of Identification forms from Alliance
& Leicester to complete but the Chairman and Coun Ward had not.
Bark mulch – Coun Reeves had
ascertained that the mulch offered by Mr Bartingale would not be
suitable for the play area.
Saturday markets – the planning
application had been withdrawn but markets continue to be held on the
site. The enforcement officer is dealing with this and had informed the
Chairman that Melissa Reynolds had requested a traffic survey, and the
Chairman made the point that with Station Road Closed and the impending
closure of Gatehouse this would be seriously flawed. The Bourn Airfield
market application was being dealt with last week and it is hoped that
the markets will move there.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Joint Parishes Initiative email – a
second invitation from David Norman (Cottenham PC) to join a joint
Action Group (currently Cottenham, Girton, Histon, Impington,
Longstanton & Rampton). This was discussed at length. The Chairman had
already attended two initial meetings and had not been impressed as the
issues discussed did not have relevance to Oakington/Westwick. However,
it was felt by some members that it could be beneficial to have a
representative on the group and if we do not join the group may make
decisions that could be detrimental to our parish. Coun Ward offered to
attend one meeting and feedback before any commitment is made to join.
Northstowe Joint Development Control
Committee – invitation to attend informal briefing on Tues 11th
Sept that will cover the nature and extent of parish councils’
involvement in the Northstowe development process. The Chairman and
Coun Reeves will attend.
Peter Duthrie, Northstowe Rights of Way – email suggesting that the kissing gate at end of permissive footpath to rear of Rec could be removed to improve access.
However, following feedback that this
area is used by youths on motorbikes Mr Duthrie agreed to improve the
gate and block the ‘bypass access’ again.
Mr & Mrs Heaver – Chairman read out copy
of letter sent to SCDC expressing concerns about the proposed new access
road to Northstowe via Dry Drayton Road.
Circulation
Cambridgeshire Voluntary Services – invitation to attend a networking lunch on 20th Sept.
SCDC – Review of polling districts and polling places.
Histon Neighbourhood Police Profile July 07
SCDC – LDF – Adoption of Control Policies Development Plan & Northstowe AAP
SCDC – Public Speaking at Planning committee meetings
CCC – On-Street Parking Policies
Guided Busway Local Liaison Forum mins 10th July
COPE newsletter – Aug 07
CCC- Seasonal Prohibition of motorised multi-axle vehicles on specified byways.
COPE newsletter Sept 07
Clerks & Councils Direct Sept 07
Mereham Newsletter
Northstowe Transport Assessment Scoping Report June 07 CD – Coun Wotherspoon recommended studying this report and submitting comments.
D Jenkins – CCC Report Aug 07
PLANNING:
Bedford Markets, Phypers Farm – use of
land for car boot sales and associated parking on Saturdays and Bank
Holidays between the hours of 7 am – 2pm – objection on basis that if
granted it could effectively transform this land form “agricultural” to
“brown field”, thereby paving the way for other development. Concerns
also raised on road safety issues. Application subsequently withdrawn.
Westwick Holdings Ltd, Westwick Hall – refurbishment, alterations and extension. 18/7 – no objections
Mr & Mrs Hodges, 1 Coles Lane – garage –
no objections
D Cleaver, 47a Cambridge Rd – two-storey
extension and replacement garage – no objections
Mr V Chapman, land r/o 5 High St – new dwelling. The Chairman declared an interest as the proposed new dwelling abuts his property. He stated that he would exercise his right under paragraph 12 (2) of the new Model Code of Conduct to make a representation relating to the application and would be involved on the debate only regarding the access aspect of the application.
He left the room during the debate about the new dwelling.
The remaining members of the council were divided as to opinions. Therefore a vote was taken. One member was in favour of approval the application, 5 against and 1 abstained.
It was agreed to respond that the application should be refused on the basis that it is too large for the site and is incompatible for the plot.
The Chairman returned to the meeting and read out his personal response.
The Chairman then read out a draft response objecting to the proposed demolition of the garage that is part of 9 High Street as it is of significant local historical interest because it used to house the village fire engine. It was agreed this response should be sent.
Mr & Mrs Chapman, 5 High St – extension - approved
Mr & Mrs Mardle, Foxelwood Cottenham Rd – erection of garage – approved
Ms L Parker, Stables, Oakington Rd – change of use of land from agricultural to ménage – approved.
Mr & Mrs Bradley, Scallywags Day Nursery – single storey rear extension – approved.
G Stearn, 11 Station Rd – extension –
approved
P Sadler, Oakington Garden Centre – canopy – approved
Mr & Mrs Bradley, Scallywags Day Nursery – alterations & extension – approved
Westwick Holdings Ltd, Westwick Hall – conservatory & refurbishment/alterations – approved
Bedford Markets, land at Phypers Farm – use of land for car boot sales – application withdrawn.
Mr & Mrs Hodges, 1 Coles Lane – garage –
approved.
BILLS FOR PAYMENT:
C J Murfitt Ltd– interim invoice no.1 re building works, pavilion
(paid on 31.7.07) 57799.43
Durman Stearn Ltd – construct car park, MUGA re pavilion
(paid on 2.8.07) 13865.00
EDF Energy Networks – electricity connection to pavilion 4851.66
(paid on 2.8.07)
C J Murfitt Ltd – interim invoice no. 2 re building works pavilion 54372.54
Cambridge Water Plc – connection to main in Queens Way, meter
CALC – Code of Conduct advert in CEN 29.8.07 24.00
Connections Bus Project – 16 visits from 16.4.07 to 20.8.07 1156.50
R Bell – street lights & cleaning 10.7.07 – 10.9.07
L Lawrence – clerk’s salary 10.7.07 – 10.9.07
67.5 hours @ £9.02 = 608.85
+ telephone allowance = £60.00
+ travel expenses = £17.95 686.80
It was proposed by Coun Harradine and
seconded by Coun Sidaway that these bills be paid. All agreed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The hedge at Oakington House is
overhanging the highway. The clerk will contact Matt Pickering.
Coun Christie asked if it would be
possible to consider improvements to the children’s play area. It was
felt that this would be a major project needing a comprehensive review
and a proper plan. Therefore, it was agreed to defer further discussion
on this until after completion of the sports pavilion due to constraints
on current funding.
Coun Christie expressed concern about
speeding vehicles in Cambridge Road and wondered if interactive signs
could be considered. She also suggested extending the 30 mph zone to
Midfield Lodge. It was agreed to ask Highways Dept if this would be
possible.
Coun Warboys reported that there appears
to have been a landslide near Westwick bridge causing tree debris etc to
fall in the water. The clerk will contact Environment Agency.
Coun Reeves read out an extract from the
latest South Cambs magazine re the adopted Northstowe Area Action Plan
which stated that ‘ a sustainable drainage system that allows for
climate change is required and there must be no worsening of flooding
risk to Oakington and Longstanton where possible’. Coun Edwards
reported that this was taken from the inspectors report as he wanted to
put more flexibility in the plan!
Coun Bailey reported that the lights are
still not working on Oakington side of A14 junction.
The Chairman reported the following:
Saxon Way bus shelter had been
vandalised. Considerable force had been used to knock out several
bricks and break one in half. C J Murfitt Ltd had kindly repaired the
damage.
Mr Hayes had contacted Coun Edwards re
the noise caused by vehicles going over the speed hump outside his
property and he had asked Matt Pickering to check it has been
constructed correctly.
The ditch to the rear of Arcadia Gardens
needs to be cleared out. The Chairman has reported it to Matt Pickering
but it is probably the responsibility of the landowners.
The ‘ladies’ toilet door had been
vandalised again. The Chairman had secured it in three places now.
The seat by the village sign has not
been vandalised any further. It was agreed to ask Mrs Graves son if he
would be willing to repair it.
It was agreed that permission could be
given to allow the annual firework display on the recreation ground if
requested.
It was agreed to plant some bulbs again
this year. Couns Reeves and Ward kindly offered to do this.
Coun Edwards reported that SCDC had undertaken a review of dual-use facility and conservation grants. He suggested that the parish council might wish to consider applying for a conservation grant for the martyrs graves.
SCDC is approx £300k under spent on
other grants. It is hoped that these funds will be diverted into a
kerbside plastics recycling scheme for next year.
Coun Edwards had received some
complaints about rubbish burning at the Tomato Farm. The Environmental
Health Dept had already warned the owner about burning industrial waste
there and is now in the process of collecting statements from anyone
affected by the smoke. It is hoped the owner will be served with an
abatement notice.
Coun Wotherspoon reported that he had attended a meeting with Cottenham PC, Couns Jenkins and Bradney and two county councillors responsible traffic modelling. Discussions included the possible Station Road to Northstowe link road. The data they are using for vehicle movements in the morning peak time is based on Gallagher’s original assessment. Coun Wotherspoon pointed out that other factors have changed since then but was unable to get any answers to his questions.
He suggested thinking about the data
when considering the Northstowe Transport Scoping report and asking
‘what are they doing to assure us about implications for traffic through
Oakington?’
A member of the public asked if the MOD
would be resuming the search for bombs on the airfield this month. No
information had been received but Coun Edwards thought Oakington would
be outside any potential exclusion zone.
The meeting closed at 9.25 pm.