Minutes of the Meeting of the High
Public Meeting
There were no
members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr Keith
Marshall, Mr
Apologies
Mr Nicholas Pearson and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the
Parish Meeting held on the 13th July 2009
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of
the meeting.
Declarations
of Interest
None
Development Control,
Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
07/02424/EOUT Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks
comprising offices, industrial residential, continuing care retirement
community, pub/restaurant, community building, open spaces, associated
infrastructure and access roads. Closed
Awaiting a decision
09/02001/OUT Erection of one-bedroom bungalow
(Resubmission), Cherry Cottage, High Street, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
Planning application
for a coffee shop at the Bookbarn, Hallatrow
The Clerk sent the Council’s
letter that stated that the Parish Council believe the Bookbarn to be a retail
operation, plus the coffee shop in Bookbarn to Mrs Lisa Bartlett (Development
Manager Planning Services). The Clerk received a reply from Mr Charlie Robson
(Senior Planning Enforcement Officer). Mr Robson stated that a Planning
Contravention Notice has been issued that will help him determine whether the
nature of the business carried out is significantly different from 2002. Mr
Robson further added “If the conclusion is that the premises is still operating
a warehouse within Class B8, the Council would be in a position to rely on the
information provided in reply to the PCN, to resist claims that a retail Use
(Class A1) had become lawful, and gained immunity from planning enforcement
powers, for up to 10 years following the date of the reply to my Questions”.
The Council agreed to remove from the agenda and to revisit in 9 years.
Shelter – The Star
Inn
The Clerk was
requested to inform Ms Janette Bokacz (Planning Enforcement Officer) that there
has been a change of management and to ask if there have been further
developments with the Enforcement Notice
1. Safer Walking
The Council agreed
to rename “Parish Plan –Highways and Environment”
·
Speed
Restrictions National Review
No news
·
Proposed
road improvements and request for continuation of footway on the
The Clerk emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) stating
the Council would like him to go ahead with the pavement extension by the Old
Station Inn. Mr Chiffers replied that he has instructed his legal team to
progress and will keep the Council updated. Mr Chiffers has yet to come up with
ideas for the suggested gateway
Mr R Hitchens raised the matter of the parking bays by Bloomfield
Cottages,
·
Increasing
number of vehicles using
No news regarding a meeting with the three local Councils. The Clerk
was requested to write to Mr Chiffers to ask how he is progressing with the
collating of information.
·
School
Traffic Issues
The Clerk emailed Mr Chiffers that the Council would like him to put
the works in place for a footway from Rosewell to
·
White
Lines at
Mr Chiffers emailed that
Clerk to say that he is not making any further changes at present to the
lining. The matter was discussed by the Council. Mr P Wyatt agreed to speak to
Mr Chiffers regarding the Councils lining alteration request.
·
Safer
Walking Review
Mr S Chiffers informed the Clerk that a mobility scooter varies in size.
Average is 607 mm wide. The Council noted the telegraph poles in the High
Street and
The Council
discussed merits and the problems of the bollard by the bus stop by The Star
Inn.
2. Parking matters
·
Land/Lay-by
north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news. The Council have been informed that the lay-by in Eastwood
Close is in this year’s financial year. The Council to chase at the end of the
year.
3. Highway related matters
The Highways
Maintenance sheet was updated
4. Bus
Stops / Bus Shelters
·
The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) to
confirm that the Councils agreed that the bus shelter should go ahead (as
discussed with Mr K Marshall and Mr Jon King at the recent site meeting). No
news. The Council requested that the Clerk chase and to ask for the litter bin
to be replaced as soon as possible as promised
·
New
timetables – Hallatrow omitted
The Clerk emailed Mr King to ask again for a new timetable for the bus
stop at
5. Youth Service
The Clerk emailed Mrs
Val Smith (B&NES Youth Worker) for an update on the advertisement for a
voluntary worker. No news. The Clerk was requested to chase and if Mrs Smith does
not reply before the Parish Council’s next meeting, then to email the B&NES
Councillor Mr Chris Watt
The Clerk wrote to Mr
Don Morris (Co-op Chief Financial Officer & Secretary) to say that the Council
will be pleased to meet to discuss the development when they have further plans
in place. No news. The Council
decided to remove from the agenda.
To revisit in January 2010
7. B&NES Local
Plan Adopted October 2007
No news.
8. Christmas tree
for Hallatrow
The Clerk emailed
again Mr Jeff Havvock (
Mr Dave Kingman
(Somer 2000) replied that the cost of dressing the tree will be £196.00 plus
VAT
9. Christmas tree
for High Littleton
The Clerk emailed
again Mr Jeff Havvock for the cost of an extra Christmas tree and Somer 2000 for
the cost for new lamps like those purchased for the Hallatrow tree three years
ago. No news from Mr Jeff Havvock
Mr Dave Kingman
(Somer 2000) sent the Clerk a breakdown of costs for a) electrical element of
works (parts and labour), estimate of the builder’s works and the cost of the
recessed enclosures. The Clerk forwarded the quotation to Mr K Staplin. The
Council discussed the works and costs which estimates in the region of £3,200. Mr R Hitchens proposed that the Council
budget £3,500 NET for all costs for the installation in connection with the
High
The Clerk forwarded
to Mr Rob Slater (Western Power Distribution) the signed letter of acceptance
for connection works for supply for Christmas lights at the Batch. The Clerk
informed the Council that the cost of the electrical connection has to be paid
before the work is carried out. The Council agreed to pay the £1,381.76 and to
add to this months cheque list
10. Parish Plan for
Highways and Environment
The Parish Council
agreed to remove this from the agenda as it is now covered earlier in the
agenda.
11. Church Farm –
review
The Council noted
that Church Farm appears to have builders working on the farm.
12. Litter bin at
The Council
discussed the litter bin at
13. Footpaths
Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) wrote to the Clerk
stating that he inspected the concerning footpath and agrees that the surface
needs attention. Mr Hudson again wrote to say that the work will be carried out
in the next 3 to 4 weeks. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr
Hudson to ask if the hedge along the footpath could be cut back.
14. Public Path
Order Policy
Mr R Hitchens
reviewed the Public Path Order Policy. Mr Hitchens read extracts from the
Policy and added that the aim of the Policy is to be of a service to the public.
Mr Hitchens informed the Council that he found nothing objectionable about the
Policy.
15. Review Financial
Regulations and Standing Orders
The Clerk reviewed
the Financial Regulations and Standing Orders and sent suggestions to the
Councillor for their consideration. The Council discussed the suggestions. Mr R
Hitchens proposed that the Standing Orders and the Financial Regulations are
not amended. This was seconded by Mr K Marshall and carried unanimously
Allotments
Mr K Marshall
provided a verbal report to the Council
Recreation Ground
Mr J Shears informed
the Council, that the Recreation Ground Committee have been told that £20,000
is available from B&NES Initiative Scheme (Parkfinder). Surveys and site
meetings have been carried out. The initial plans were rejected, therefore further
plans were required. The person drawing up the plans will be deducting their
consultancy fee. This means that the Recreation Ground Committee will be £2,000
short for the two pieces of new equipment that they wished to purchase. Mr J
Shears requested that £2,000 be released from the Section 106 (
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin
provided a verbal report. The Clerk was requested to invite PC Stuart Peard
(Community Police Officer) to a Council meeting
School Governors
Mr P Wyatt provided
the Council with a verbal report
Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk chased Mrs
Pat Gay (PCC Secretary) to ask if she had any news on the legality of the Council
clearing the graves of un-wanted vegetation. Mrs Gay informed the Clerk that
she has spoken to the Vicar who referred her to the Arch-deacon.
The Clerk also
contacted ALCA to ask the legal aspect of the matter. Mrs
ALCA
Mr P Wyatt informed
the Council that ALCA are commenting on the lack of support by Councils attending
the last AGM. ALGA nearly did not have a quorum. Mr Wyatt asked the Council if
anyone wished to attend future AGM meetings and the regular B&NES Area
Group meetings. The offer was not taken up.
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens
provided the Council with a verbal report.
Greyfield Wood
Mr S Skelhorn
provided the Council with a verbal report
Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk and Mr K
Marshall provided the Council with a verbal report.
Parish Cluster Meeting
The Clerk informed
the Council that the meeting on the 8th October 2009 had one subject
from Clutton PC that was not generic. A briefing note has been supplied by the
appropriate section of B&NES.
Parish Liaison Meeting
Meeting on 14th
October 2009
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
None
For information (on table): ALCA – September and October 2009 Newsletters;
Clerks and Councils Direct – September 2009;
Financial
Quarterly Accounts
and Payments
The Clerk sent the
Councillors the Quarterly Accounts and payments before the meeting for their
review. Mr P Wyatt signed the accounts
Review Clerk’s Pay –
increment rise
The Clerk left the
room at the Chairman’s request; in order that the Council discuss the Clerk’s
annual increment pay increase request from LC2 29 (£200.24 a week) 2008 scale
to LC2 30 (£208.59 a week) revised 2009 scale. Plus backdated pay to April 2009
= £58.97. The Council informed the Clerk that they would not award the Clerk
the increment rise from LC2 29 to LC2 30. They would accept the revised
increase for LC2 29 (£200.24 to £202.15 a week) plus back dated pay of £58.97.
For
Payment:
The following cheques were approved for
payment October 2009:-
|
|
|
£ |
|
Cheque 055 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Sept (5 Weeks) including |
1001.20 |
|
|
Less Sept Tax |
(84.00) |
|
|
Less Sept NI Contributions |
(49.75) |
|
|
Net Total |
867.45 |
|
|
Travel for Sept 2009 |
16.80 |
|
|
Total |
884.25 |
|
Cheque 056 |
To Brian Maule for Sept (5 wks) Sweeping |
198.00 |
|
Cheque 057 |
To David Redwood for Sept (5 wks) Sweeping Less Sept Tax Net Total |
330.00 26.20 303.80 |
|
Cheque 058 |
Post Office Ltd Clerk’s and Redwood Sept Tax Clerk’s NI Sept (Employee + employers contribs) Total |
110.20 107.65 217.85 |
|
Cheque 059 |
Playdale Playgrounds Ltd – Recreation Ground Maintenance to playground equipment |
580.53 |
|
Cheque 060 |
High Littleton Royal British Legion Club Ltd – Rent for Room Hire |
48.00 |
|
Cheque 061 |
|
125.00 |
|
Cheque 062 |
Fosseway Press - Newsletter |
126.00 |
|
Cheque 063 |
EDF Energy – Electric Jul – Sep 09 |
105.76 |
|
Cheque 064 |
Cam Valley Wildlife Group – Annual Subscription renewal |
5.00 |
|
SubTotal |
|
2,504.19 |
|
Cheque 065 |
Western Power Distribution – Electric connection at the Batch (Christmas tree) |
1,381.76 |
|
Total |
|
3,885.95 |
None
Mary Jones Charity
Start Precept
discussion by tabling initial draft budget
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 9th
November 2009
Chairman Clerk
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