HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2016 at 7.30pm
Present: Councillors: Kane, Watkins, Hicks, McCall-McCowan, Matthews, Henderson, County Cllr Reynolds, District Cllr Brown, Mrs Watts (Parish Clerk) and one member of the public
Apologies for Absence – Cllrs Griggs, Duggan, Wright, Casson and Brotherston
Chairman’s Announcements: There were none
Declarations of Interest: There were none.
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10 November 2016 and Matters Arising
Cllr Hicks proposed that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10 November 2016 be resolved as a true and accurate record of the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr McCall-McCowan and passed unanimously.
Report of the Planning Co-Ordinator on Planning Applications – (Annex 1)
Seven planning/TCA applications had been received since the last meeting.
There were objections to
a) 16/02144/F, Field Barn, Whichford Road and
b) 16/02421/Q56, Ridge Top Buildings, Wychford Lodge Farm, Whichford Road.
16/02040/F, holiday accommodation on land NW of Lodge Farm; following a discussion the vote was split equally. The Chairman cast her deciding vote which resulted in there being a ‘no objection’ decision.
16/02188/F, variation of opening hours at Hook Norton Brewery. The Chairman had received one email from a resident raising concern about the brewery opening on a Sunday. Following a discussion, Councillors agreed unanimously that they would not object to the application.
Cherwell District Council had granted three applications.
Cherwell District Council refused two applications:-
1600273/TCA, Redlands Farmhouse – fell silver birch. A Tree Preservation Order has been applied to the tree (TPO 12/2016).
16/01977/OUT, new dwelling at The Stables, Swerford Road.
Appeal to the Secretary of State, 16/00281/Q56, change of use of three barns to three dwellings at Field Barn, Whichford Road.
To Invite Members of the Public to Comment on Planning Applications: there were no matters arising.
Reports of Working Groups
Recreation
a) New play equipment – the Parish Clerk was asked to put this on next month’s agenda.
Cemetery and Allotments
a) A quotation of £2.5k – £3k has been received from a specialist firm for ridding the cemetery of Japanese Knotweed. A second quotation will be sought in the New Year.
b) Cllr Hicks proposed that allotment rents for 2018-2019 should be increased to £24 per full plot and £15 per half plot. Reminder letters will be charged at £10 per letter with immediate effect. This was seconded by Cllr Watkins and agreed unanimously.
c) Cllr Kane proposed that cemetery fees should be increased on 1 January 2017 – (Annex 2). This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and agreed unanimously.
Environment
a) A survey of Parish Council owned trees has carried out by Sacha Barnes Ltd. Their report is to follow.
b) A quotation for replacing the Parish Council Noticeboard outside the Village Shop is being sought.
c) A quotation from Tim Burchell for removing the growth on top of the bus shelter by The Green is being sought.
d) A defibrillator has been put on the front outside wall of the Memorial Hall. Training for users will take place in the War Memorial Hall on 11 January 2017 at 6.30pm. There are now defibrillators at the War Memorial Hall, The Pear Tree Inn, The Sun Inn, the Sports and Social Club. A paediatric defibrillator is in the Primary School.
Hook Norton War Memorial Hall
a) Lights in the hall have been replaced with LED strip lights. Unfortunately one has failed and the contractor will be contacted.
b) The timer on the outside light needs adjusting. Cllr Watkins will ask Kenny Smith to deal with this.
c) A quotation is being sought for cutting back trees to the right of the hall.
d) Cllr Brotherston will purchase an extension lead so that the refrigerator in the kitchen can be used.
Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan: Cllr Hicks had nothing to report.
Finance/Schedule of Receipts and Payments for Authorisation by the Council:
The Parish Clerk presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay the cheques itemised on the schedules for December totalling £1,931.44 for the Parish Council (Annex 3) and £167.03 for the Memorial Hall (Annex 4). Cllr Hicks moved acceptance of the payments detailed. This was seconded by Cllr McCall-McGowan and agreed unanimously.
Report on District Council Matters. District Cllr Hugo Brown reported:
Proposed constituency changes will not affect Hook Norton.
Cherwell District Council is considering selling some of its commercial services to other councils.
Cherwell District Council is proposing to set up a Lottery from March 2017. Tickets will be £1 each and profits will go to voluntary groups.
Cllr Brown will hold a surgery in the War Memorial Hall on 4 February 2017 from 10.00-12 noon.
Report on County Council Matters. County Cllr George Reynolds reported:
OCC Highways is aware that there is traffic danger at the top entrance to the Taylor Wimpey estate. The road has now been re-surfaced and he will urge Highways to paint white lines as soon as possible.
He is no further forward with discussions with OCC about potential flooding issues arising from The Taylor Wimpey site having been built.
Correspondence: The Parish Clerk had forwarded all correspondence to Councillors during the month. There were no matters outstanding.
To Invite Questions and Comments from Members of the Public: there were no matters arising.
AOB: there was none.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on 12 January 2017 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
There being no further business Councillor Kane thanked everyone for attending and closed the public meeting at 8.40pm.
