HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2014 at 7.30pm
Present: Councillors Kane, Millar, Usher, Hicks, Hayward, Watkins, Wright, Henderson, Casson, County Cllr Reynolds, District Cllr Jelf (left at 8.30), Mrs Watts (Parish Clerk) and one member of the public
Apologies for Absence – Councillors Brotherston and Cooke
Chairman’s Announcements
Cllr Kane announced with regret that Chris Barry, a former Parish Councillor, had recently passed away. The meeting observed a one minute silence in remembrance of Mr Barry.
Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 9 January 2014 and Matters Arising
Cllr Casson proposed that the minutes of the meeting on 9 January 2014 be accepted as a true and accurate record. This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and passed unanimously.
Declarations of Interest
There were none.
Report of the Planning Co-Ordinator on Planning Applications – Annex 1
Seven planning/TCA applications were received during the month. Councillors objected to 14/00014/TCA – felling of a birch at 18 Bean Acre
Two applications have been withdrawn by the Applicants:-
- 13/01700/LB – 2 Marrie Mount, Round Close Rd; replacement of single glazed windows with slim-line double glazed 14mm units and replacement of front door with similar style
- 13/01824/F – 4 Heath Court, Queen St; conversion of office to one bedroom flat
Cherwell District Council had granted seven planning/TCA applications.
Cherwell District Council had refused one application:-
- 13/01744/F Railway Farm, Station Rd; re-submission of 13/01002/F, demolition of existing farm buildings. Erection of new industrial building with yard and car park.
Cllr Kane had written a letter of complaint to the Chief Executive of Cherwell District Council following a planning officer’s decision to grant planning permission for a new build on land to the rear of The Police House in The Bourne. This was despite Parish Council objections. Cllr Kane had received an acknowledgement of her letter and was now waiting for a response.
To Invite Members of the Public to Comment on Planning Applications – a question arose about the size of the proposed building on Redlands Farm.
Reports or Working Groups
Recreation – Playdale had carried out a quarterly inspection of the play equipment. Their contract will come to an end in March. Cllr Hayward proposed that the Parish Council enter into a three-year inspection contract with Playdale at a cost of £1,860. This was seconded by Cllr Henderson and unanimously agreed.
Cemetery and Allotments – Cllr Usher reported that so far one person had volunteered to help maintain the cemetery. Councillors thanked Nigel Matthews for supplying and delivering wooden pallets for a new compost bin. Plastic wrappings had been taken out of the compost pile and put in the wheelie bin. Unfortunately the bin had not been put out for collection and it was now full. It was agreed that Cllr Usher will purchase a sign for the new compost bin stating ‘Compostable Items Only’.
Environment – Cllr Hayward reported:
a) Trees: Dave Smith is expected to start work next week on the tree work he has been contracted to do. He will also cut up the fallen willow at Beanacre Cottage and leave the logs on-site as firewood or villagers.
b) Environment Champions: There are volunteers based at Ironstone Hollow, Hollybush Road, Beanacre and Watery Lane. Cllr Hayward will arrange a meeting with these people during the next month and decide on territories and modus operandi.
c) Watery Lane: Tim Burchell has cut back the overgrowth and exposed the extent of the wall deterioration. Some areas of collapse date back many years but some are more recent. A & J Greatbatch have quoted £2,800 to partially rebuild one section and dismantle an unstable section further along for safety reasons. Cllr Hayward proposed that the Parish Council proceed with this without further quotations on the grounds that the damage constitutes an emergency. Cllr Kane seconded this proposal and it was unanimously agreed.
d) Playground: There is a “weed” sycamore growing out of the beech hedge adjacent to a bungalow and overhanging the garden. Cllr Hayward has asked Ben Acreman to look at it as it is big enough to need consent from Cherwell District Council to fell it.
Hook Norton War Memorial Hall
a) Cllr Hayward had received the TOE2 energy assessment report. Councillors are asked to study the 16-page document.
b) The Structural Engineer has completed a survey of the hall as required by the insurers.
c) The Structural Engineer is preparing drawings to enable the Parish Council to seek quotations for repairs to the roof.
d) Cllr Kane handed market fees to the Parish Clerk from Doug Marshall for hire of the hall in January and February.
Neighbourhood Plan Sub-Committee – Cllr Hicks reported that the six-week consultation ended on 6 January 2014. The Plan and Scoping Report are being updated. When finalised, the Plan will be sent to Cherwell District Council for consideration.
Finance/Schedule of Receipts and Payments for Authorisation by the Council
The Clerk presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay the cheques itemised on the schedules totalling £3,079.42 for the Parish Council and £183.30 for the Memorial Hall. Cllr Hicks moved acceptance of the payments detailed. This was seconded by Cllr Henderson and approved unanimously.
Members’ Allowance Scheme 2014/2015
Councillors considered the Independent & Parish Remuneration Panel’s report on the review of parish member’s allowances for the 2014/2015 financial year. Councillors agreed that for the financial year 2014/2015 they would not introduce allowances for Councillors. Out-of-pocket expenses can still be claimed.
Affordable Housing – in the absence of Cllr Cooke there was nothing to report.
Joint Parish Council Meetings
Cllr Kane recently attended a Joint Parish Councils’ meeting at The Gate Hang’s High with Sibford, Ratley and Epwell and others.
Cllr Kane attended a Joint Parish Councils’ meeting on 29 January with Adrian Colwell (CDC) and Cllr Gibbard to discuss the 5-year rolling land supply and CDC’s Local Plan.
Report on District Council Matters – Cllr Jelf said that Cherwell District Council will be setting the precept in the next few days. No increase was expected.
Report on County Council Matters – Cllr Reynolds said that OCC will be setting their precept in the next few days, with a 1.9% increase expected. Spending cuts are expected, including the number of cuts of grass verges and home to school transport. Cllr Reynolds will clarify the details of the home to school transport policy.
Correspondence – The Parish Clerk had forwarded all correspondence to Councillors during the month.
To Invite Questions and Comments from Members of the Public – there were no matters arising.
AOB – villagers are concerned about A C Lloyd lorries serving the Stanford Engineering site travelling through the village. Lorries are mounting pavements and some houses are in danger of being hit. There is no routing agreement and the Parish Clerk will write to A C Lloyd asking that the lorries take an alternative route across the top road.
The next meeting will be held on 13 March 2014 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
There being no further business Councillor Kane thanked everyone for attending and closed the public meeting at 8.45 pm.