MINUTES of meeting of the Parish Council held on 10^th December 2007 at the School, Water Lane, Oakington at 7.45 pm.

PRESENT: A Milton (Chairman), Mr D Reeves (Vice Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mrs Y Graves, Mr P Harradine, Mrs J Sidaway, Mr R Ward, Mrs A Christie, Coun N Bolitho (SCDC), Coun T Wotherspoon (SCDC), Clerk and 6 members of the public.

APOLOGIES:  Mr R Warboys, Coun S Edwards (SCDC), Coun D Jenkins (CCC), Coun M Bradney (CCC)

MINUTES – The Minutes of the meeting of 12^th November 2007 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: None

ROB CAMPBELL – PRINCIPAL OF IMPINGTON VILLAGE COLLEGE:

Mr Campbell advised he had been appointed as the first principal of IVC in Sept 07.

He outlined his background and then went on to explain the ethos of the college and its mission statement.

IVC is the process of submitting a grant application to SCDC to extend and develop the Sports Centre. Plans include a new fitness and health suite, enhanced changing rooms for community use, a spectator area for the swimming pool and a social area for those using the Centre.

Mr Campbell sought a letter from the Parish Council in support of this application.

It was agreed that a letter would be sent this week. (via e-mail) but the Parish Council would not be able to assist with any finances.

 MATTERS ARISING:

 Pavilion –

• WREN – grant application is due to be considered on 11^th December
• Original quote from British Gas to install pipes had been approx £6,000.  However, the proposed route would take the pipes near the children’s play area where it is known archaeological remains would most likely be found.  Therefore, the pipes would need to follow the same course as the water mains and this would increase the cost to £12,143.  British Gas also requires a minimum 10-week lead-time.  This is likely to delay work as the flooring can’t be laid until the underground heating is proven for a minimum of two weeks duration. Neil Cook had been quoted £2,000 per week for a temporary boiler.  It was agreed that there was no option but to confirm the order to British Gas so that the work can be done as soon as possible.
• The Chairman has written to Gallaghers to request assistance with funding but they had responded that it would not be possible at this stage and suggested making an application for S106 agreement monies.  It was noted that this would come too late for the project English Partnerships had not yet responded.
• A hearing loop system will be needed (ground floor). Coun Sidaway had been informed by Neil Cook that a loop had been budgeted for the meeting room only at a cost of approx £600.  The Chairman stated that it must be installed throughout the whole ground floor as the Parish Council is required to be fully inclusive nowadays.
• The Bus Project had enquired about a phone line/Broadband connection. The Chairman stated that it had already been agreed that a phone line should be installed in the office for ‘unspecified private use’ only.  Coun Sidaway will inform Neil Cook as this had not been included in the plans.
• Coun Sidaway reported that a concert at the church had raised £250 for the pavilion and the cubs/brownies had raised £501.80. 

Guided Bus – nothing new to report, apart from Gatehouse Road being open over the holiday period only.

Bus Project – attendance figures to be circulated.  It was noted that attendance had been low during the last few weeks.

Mill Road – the Chairman had met with James Cooper, English Partnerships to discuss the Station Road ditch.  He seemed quite amenable to dealing with clearing it but he would need to check to ensure badgers are not located there first.  The Chairman stated there would be no point in jetting Mill Road until the ditch is cleared.

Martyrs Graves – One coat of the paintwork had been done but unfortunately the frost had caused some patchiness in parts.  James Tomkins will complete the work next spring.  However, Peter Duthrie CCC had asked to be invoiced in full as soon as possible.  Therefore, it was agreed to ask James to submit his invoice now on the understanding that he would finish the work next spring.

Coun Warboys had kindly installed a new framed notice and presented the Parish Council with a laminated copy of the wording.

The Clerk will contact Diane Duncan about a direction sign.

Tomato Farm – still no planning application submitted for the polytunnels or the mobile homes.   It was agreed that the Chairman should write to SCDC asking them to confirm that the ‘residents’ are not paying the parish element of council tax as this is illegal. It is understood that there are 25 mobile homes located on the site.

The Clerk will contact Matt Pickering regarding the overhanging leylandii which are obscuring streetlights.

Parking Bay, Recreation Ground – Coun Christie had circulated a copy of the draft licence agreement.

It was agreed that this should be reviewed each year with other charges and payments.

Proposed by Coun Bailey and seconded by Coun Christie that the annual licence fee should be £10.  All agreed.

Saturday Markets – continue to be held without planning permission. Hardcore had recently been laid on the site.

Joint Action Group (JAG) – Coun Reeves had kindly offered to attend a meeting with CCC on 13^th December.

Seat, Village Sign – Coun Graves’ son will repair it shortly.

Minor Highways Improvement Scheme – the agreed applications had been submitted. (Extension to footway and yellow lines in Longstanton Road and extension to 30 mph zone in Cambridge Road to Midfield Lodge).  The Chairman had also submitted a third application – closure of the airfield road - as this had been inadvertently omitted.  An acknowledgement had been received.

Stocks Green Trees – acknowledgement of application had been received from SCDC.

Litterbins – it was noted that SCDC is not collecting bin rubbish as promised.  The Clerk will contact them.

Longstanton & District Heritage Society – the Chairman had sent a letter of support.

Streetlight, Queens Way – noted it is still not working.  The Chairman understood there is an underground cable fault.

Interactive Signs – Matt Bradney (CCC) had chased Drew Wallace several times but this is still not resolved.  It was agreed to submit a formal complaint to CCC.

Horse, Play Area – not yet dealt with.

CORRESPONDENCE:

CCC – Consultation on the Introduction of the National Standard Planning Application – circulated for comment.  Responses to be returned to Chairman as soon as possible as consultation deadline is 21 December.

Cambs ACRE – Rural Services Survey 07 – completed by Clerk and submitted.

Connections – Internet Access Questionnaire – agreed phone line is to be installed at sports pavilion but not possible to give commitment on Broadband access at this stage.

CCC- opening of Gatehouse Road from Fri 21 Dec until Mon 7 Jan

SCDC – acknowledgement of application for tree works on Stocks Green

CCC – Minor Highways Improvement Scheme 08/09- acknowledgement of bids

CCC – Parish Paths Partnership 08/09 – agreed not to submit application.

R Morgan, 38 Lee Close, Cottenham – copy of letter sent to CCC re queuing traffic in Water Lane due to temp closure of Gatehouse Rd and suggesting that the no entry sign on Mill Road should re removed and yellow lines painted outside school. It was agreed that the location of the pinch point is not ideal but it was not possible to install it nearer the school as it would have blocked the access gate to the field.

CCC – Northstowe Education Provision – consultation – copy to each councillor

CCC – Street Lighting Maintenance & Energy 2007/08 – one streetlight had been missed from schedule (No. SC 16 – located on footpath between Water Lane & Coles Road)

Mr N Harrison – the Chairman read out the letter advising that Mr Harrison had been working with Richard Mortimer, CCC archaeologist on a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to investigate a possible ringed ditch which passes through the Recreation Ground.  He sought permission to undertake a geophysical survey on the Rec (at own cost).

This was agreed.  However, any further investigation of the site would need to be carefully considered.

Circulation

Buchans – request to tender for grounds maintenance contract

SCDC – Parish Plan Statement

A Lansley,MP – A14 improvements & closure of Night Owl lorry parking facility in Alconbury.

Cambs Local Access Forum – meeting dates

D Jenkins,CCC – Nov Report

CCC – Education Provision to serve Northstowe – copy to each councillor

PLANNING:

Mr & Mrs Beaumont, 1 Cambridge Rd – alterations and extensions – no objections.

BILLS FOR PAYMENT:

Speedy Hire Centres Ltd – fence panels re pavilion                                      449.09

Cambridgeshire ACRE – annual membership 2008                                         25.00

CALC – planning workshop 23 Jan (Clerk, AC & DR)                                   60.00

Community Association – annual contribution towards costs of

                                           producing newsletter                                           200.00

J Sidaway – refund re community association subscription 07/08                   10.00

Cambridge Water Co – pavilion water 26.7.07-30.9.07                                 185.59

R Bell – street lights & cleaning 13.11.07 – 10.12.07

              4 weeks @ £49                                                                                 196.00

L Lawrence – clerk’s salary 13.11.07 – 10.12.07

                       30 hours @ £9.57 = £287.10

                    + telephone allowance = £30.00

                    + travel expenses = £5.58                                                           322.67

                                                                                                                      1448.35

It was proposed by Coun Harradine and seconded by Coun Sidaway that these bills be paid.  All agreed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The lights at the A14 junction (Dry Drayton side) are still not working and there are now no bollards there at all.  This was felt to be incredibly dangerous and had been reported several times to Matt Pickering, Highways Dept.  It was agreed to inform him if they are not working/repaired by January a formal complaint will be submitted.

The hedge at Oakington House is still overhanging and there is still a bulge in the footway outside number 59 Water Lane. Both had also been previously reported to Matt Pickering.

It was suggested that Matt should be invited to a Parish Council meeting to discuss all these issues and ask him to give an account of the process involved in dealing with them. (or not!)

Coun Bailey reported that there are leaves in the gutters and on the paths near the pinch point in Cambridge Road.  The Chairman had seen a mechanised sweeper working by the pinch point in Cambridge Road last Friday.  Coun Bailey agreed to check if there is still a problem in that area.

The Saturday market organisers are still placing a sign at the Station Road airfield entrance each week stating that markets are no longer held there and directing visitors to the location on Dry Drayton Road.

There is no street lighting over the new guided bus crossing causing visibility problems for pedestrians at night.  The Clerk will contact Guided Bus Team.

Coun Reeves will ask the School/PSA to remove all notices about Christmas events from various locations around village.

There is new mole activity at the cemetery.

The litterbin on the children’s play area is full with a dead pheasant in it!! The Clerk will report to Roger Bell.

The Clerk will contact Matt Pickering about overhanging laurel bushes opposite the church, reportedly causing difficulties and disruption to the Sunday bus service.

The Chairman had been informed that Westwick Hall is being converted into a hotel!   It was noted that the planning application states that it is to remain as a family home.

Coun Wotherspoon (SCDC) reported the following:

·         SCDC is going through reinspection for Corporate Governance and appears to be doing reasonably well

·         SCDC is hoping to introduce kerbside recycling of plastic next financial year.  Collections planned for same day as green box.  He understand that an extra box will be provided, but did not know if a second would be provided on request

·         Coun Edwards is in charge of Housing Futures Project. The working group is due to meet on 11^th Dec and will then make a recommendation to cabinet.

·         SCDC cabinet will shortly authorise the formation of a Northstowe Trust and an interim director will be appointed to facilitate this process

·         Northstowe planning application is due to be submitted by 19 Dec.  The electronic version should be available on SCDC website by 21 Dec. Boxes of the hard copies will be delivered to Cambourne (Regus Building). If the Parish Council wants the copies requested before Christmas someone will need to collect from Cambourne. Otherwise, a courier will deliver them in early Jan.  All Oakington, Westwick, Longstanton and Cottenham residents will receive a letter advising of the consultation period which starts in January and runs to the end of March.  SCDC will submit one large amendment to the developers at the beginning of April.  Gallaghers/English Partnerships have offered to meet with parish councils from Jan 08.  DC officers are also planning to arrange joint meetings with parish councils in Feb (at Oakington with Cottenham, Histon, Impington and Girton).  The Chairman thought it would be necessary to call a public meeting to ensure as many residents as possible have an opportunity to air views.

·         He had also been working on A14 issues (re ‘worst-case’ scenario that A14 upgrade works could coincide with 2000-2500 houses being in place on Northstowe).  The Highways Agency had suggested that if this is the case Northstowe traffic would not be allowed on A14 until upgraded and traffic would be pushed on to the surrounding villages.  He had held several meetings with CCC and HA on this issue and will also be meeting with Gallaghers/EP.

There were no questions/comments from members of the public.

The meeting closed at 9.40 pm.