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Minutes of a meeting of Barrowden Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 26th February 2008 at 8pm
PRESENT Mrs S Saunders Chairman, Mr D Lanning Vice-Chairman, Mr N R Pridmore, Mrs K Humphries, Prof N Witts, Mrs R Roberts, Mrs G M Wilkinson Clerk, Mr B R Roper County Councillor for the Ketton ward 14 members of the public were present.
The meeting began at 7.45pm, giving the public an opportunity to raise any concerns.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, and invited public participation.
Councillor Saunders said that as we are working hard to be an open council she felt that the following events which have taken place since the last meeting on January 8 should be recorded in the council minutes. On January 12 she had received notification from the Standards Board for England that Mr David Slater had lodged a complaint about her conduct of the public meeting held on November 20th relating to the planning application for 13 Main Street, which also included the reduction of the width of the road for traffic. The Standards Board had decided there were no grounds for further investigation, their last letter stating “…This is the last stage in the process in relation to this complaint and we now consider the matter to be closed.”
1. APOLOGIES Councillor E Clarke Councillor H E G Rees - County Councillor for the Ketton ward
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS None.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 8th JANUARY 2008 Councillor Lanning proposed, seconded by Councillor Witts, that the minutes were correct, all agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 1. Tippings Lane: Councillor Saunders said that the shrubs had now been cut down. 2. Back Lane: Councillor Saunders thanked Terry Humphries and David Clayton for erecting posts on the grassed bank on Back Lane which had been churned up by vehicles using the short cut. 3. Trees in Church Lane: Burghley Estate’s forester had agreed to deal with them, but work has not yet done, the Clerk was asked to write to remind them. 4. No Parking signs: The Clerk had contacted a company called Barker Signs who said that they could make signs for approximately £30 - £40 depending on the wording. It was agreed to think about the wording, how many signs and where to erect them. 5. Standards Board: The Parish Council was still undecided whether they needed to adopt paragraph 12(2) of the new code of conduct for members. Councillor Roper agreed to look into this and report back. 6. Council Tax: Councillor Witts said that he was unable to attend the meeting but did have a summary report which he would circulate. 7. Meeting with Carolyn Cartwright: Councillor Witts said that a meeting had been arranged with Carolyn Cartwright on Friday 29th February at 2.30pm, which he would attend with Councillors Saunders and Roberts, to discuss and clarify planning issues the Parish Council have with Rutland County Council. 8. Parking Swan Cottage: It was thought that the cars at Swan Cottage were now parked satisfactorily. Councillor Lanning said that that a police officer had explained to them that they must park within the marks on the footpath. 9. Padlock on gate from the allotments to the recreation ground: It was reported that the padlock had been fixed, but the combination number had not yet been revealed. 10. Thanks: Councillor Saunders thanked Councillors Lanning and Humphries for their articles in the magazine regarding trees and planning.
5. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND It was reported that the new play equipment has now been installed and that it is being enjoyed by the children. Some concern that older children are using the equipment, but it is hoped that this will be short lived. Thanks to Becky Farmer and Katie Greaves and their Committee for all the work they put into this.
6. ENVIRONMENT GROUP PRESENTATION The Chairman then asked Mr Maguire and Mr Conway to update the Parish Council on environmental issues as follows:
Burghley Estate had given permission for a seat and information board to be erected on the wide part of the mill pond path on the corner in front of the wall of the Tannery properties, as long as provision is made for vehicular access to their land, but they would not be funding or maintaining this. Mr Maguire circulated photographs and details of the proposed seat, information board, and draft inscription on the board. It was indicated that a substantial wooden seat of oak or elm, similar to those at the Forestry Commission at Fineshade, would be purchased, and that Mr and Mrs Scott had agreed to construct the seat if the group purchased the wood. Moss Beck had agreed to undertake the task of concreting the base for both the seat and stone information plinth at cost. Cambridge Real Estates have offered to undertake the work of rotavating and clearing the area around the proposed seating site, and to sow grass and wild flower seeds as laid down by the group. The proposed text for the information board, which Linda Worrall had created from her mill pond historical research, was circulated. A former Barrowden Mill sign had been purchased, and painted by Ray Bailey. It was suggested that other information could be provided, e.g. regarding wildlife and perhaps Village Trail leaflets (the latter thought not to be a good idea, as it could create litter). Keith Hensby is to be approached regarding some wildlife illustrations as an addition to the information board.
The Council were informed that the Footpath Officer had indicated that Rutland County Council would match any funds towards this from the Parish Council, as there was still a large amount of money needed besides the grant. Mr Maguire read out the list of payments which would be necessary, and said that more grants could be available. The Environment Agency had recommended two firms for laying the pipes if diverting water back into the mill pond goes ahead. Councillor Pridmore proposed that the Parish Council support the erection of the seat and information board; this was seconded by Councillor Roberts and agreed by all but one member. The suggested “improved” design for the seat and detailed design for the information board, landscaping and planting proposals to be considered by the Parish Council when available. The Environment Group offered to lend the Geomatics report to the Parish Council for circulation, on condition that it remains their property and is returned. The Parish Council requested the environment group to obtain definite quotations for the proposals in the Storm Geomatic report.
7. PLANNING MATTERS (a) To Consider Planning Applications No new plans to discuss.
(b) To Minute Planning Applications Received & Parish Council Responses 1. Mr D Slater: revised application for the erection of detached two storey dwelling house and conversion of existing house into two dwellings, 13 Main Street, Barrowden. FUL/2007/1068. The Parish Council objected to this planning application for the following reasons: (a) The proposal still impacts on the density of building in this conservation village as expressed in the Village Design Statement (section 3.2 open spaces and greens). (b) This proposal still interferes with one of the finest views over the Welland Valley from the road. In the Village Design Statement (Section 3.3 Open Views) it spoke “of a number of gardens which give rise to important views (including) the aspect to the south along the whole of the Main Street”. The proposal continues to ignore this statement. (c)The building design would still be more appropriate in an urban setting and our concern is to retain village character as it pertains to buildings in designated open spaces and gardens.
2. Mrs Dowman: to demolish existing single storey extension and construction of a new two storey extension to rear (north) elevation, 14 Main Street. LBA/2008/0016/MW. The Parish Council objected to this application for the following reasons: (a) The proposal, while not as detrimental to neighbours as the previous one submitted last year, is still considered to be an over-development of a listed building, creating a footprint that is out of proportion to the surroundings. (b) There have been detailed objections from neighbours who would suffer loss of light from such a large extension. (c) The issue of vehicular access is still of concern, since there is no proposal to provide parking within the curtilage of the house. Currently there is no access for vehicles, as the owner has created a garden on access drive and restricted it to a pedestrian access for both this property and for number 16 Main Street.
3. Mrs Dowman: revised planning application for the construction of two storey extension to rear (north) elevation to replace existing extension, 14 Main Street, FUL/2008/0015 The Parish Council objected to this application for the following reasons. (a) The proposal is still considered to be an over development of a listed building creating a footprint that is out of proportion to the surroundings. (b) There have been detailed objections from neighbours that continue. We note that the applicant wishes to accommodate neighbour concerns where possible. (c) The issue of vehicular access is till of concern, since there is no proposal to provide parking within the cartilage of the house. Currently there is not access for vehicles as the owner has created a garden on the access drive and restricted it to a pedestrian access for both the property and for number 16 Main Street.
4. Mr & Mrs Wise: for conversion of barn to form ancillary residential accommodation and associated works (amended scheme) FUL/2008/0019/JR, 15 Main Street. The Parish Council objected to this revised application as the existing barn is on the boundary of the approved building envelope for Barrowden and therefore to intrude into this area is directly opposed to the RCC planning guidance. To create a newly converted and separate building in the garden is also contrary to VDS recommendations, and to use the existing footprint of the barn for ancillary accommodation would be more acceptable.
5. Mrs Dowman: for the construction of dog kennel/implement shed to side (east) elevation of outbuilding, to replace existing timber lean-to, 14 Main Street. FUL/2008/0027/NT. There were no objections from the Parish Council.
6. Mr & Mrs Facer: for the construction of single storey extension to rear (west) elevation and conversion of attic to living space, 2 Pollard’s Close. FUL/2008/0045/JR. No objections from the Parish Council.
(c) To Report Results of Previous Applications 1. Mr & Mrs Dawson: work to various trees, High House, Wakerley Road. Planning permission granted. CAT/2007/1192/CN
2. Mr P J Wood: Hayward Rise, 25a Wakerley Road, pruning and crown thinning to one sycamore tree. Planning permission granted. CAT/2007/1146/CN.
3. Burghley Estate Preservation Trust: to fell three ash trees in the paddock to the rear of the Village Hall. Planning permission granted. CAT/2007/1173/CN.
It was reported that the revised planning application for 13 Main Street will be discussed at Rutland County Council planning meeting next Tuesday.
Councillor Saunders thanked Councillor Witts for all his work on planning matters.
8. TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE The following letters were received:
(a) Mr & Mrs Parks: 16 Main Street with their concerns regarding the proposed planning application at 14 Main Street. (b) F E Peacock Construction Limited: recording that they have written courtesy letters with contact numbers to residents in the vicinity informing them that construction has commenced on the Back Road development. (c) Rutland County Council: giving details of the decriminalisation of on-street parking contraventions. As RCC become responsible for the enforcement of parking restrictions on county roads and public car parks from the summer of 2008, they aim to improve traffic management by reducing the number of illegally parked vehicles for the benefit of the whole community. Councillor Roper said that it is aimed to include broader aspects such as travellers, and would mainly affect Uppingham and Oakham. (d) Audit Commission: informing the Parish Council that they propose to appoint Clement Keys as external auditor to Barrowden Parish Council for a five year period commencing with the 2007/2008 accounts, at a fee of £120. (e) Rutland County Council, South Holland & South Kesteven Councils: Joint strategic housing land availability assessment letter stating that they are working together to prepare a strategic housing land availability plan, and are asking Parish Councils to let RCC know if they have any land suitable for building. (f) David Thompson, Rutland County Council, asking the Parish Council to comment on the suggestion of Hey Court for a new street name. The Parish Council felt bound to accept this name as signs were already displaying it. (g) James Frieland, Rutland County Council, for suggestions for a street name for the Back Road affordable houses development. Suggestions made by Councillors and public included, Pridmore Place/Close/Drive, Bagshaw Place/Close/Drive, Quarry Rise/Close/Heights, Story’s Yard, Story’s Corner, Witts End, Paddock Close, Welland Close. Councillors decided to ask others in the village and the matter to be discussed at the Annual Parish meeting.
LAND REGISTRY REPORT Councillor Saunders reported she and the Clerk had a meeting with the Solicitors who informed them that Burghley Estate had claimed ownership(s) of the village greens. A letter was sent to Burghley Estate by the solicitor informing them of the expenditure in maintaining and mowing the greens over the last few years, and the likely work needed on some trees on these greens. Burghley Estate then retracted their claim. The Parish Council have now received confirmation that the Village Hall, Recreation Ground, village green and chestnut green are now registered. At present the green in King’s Lane in not included. There are also some small areas of grass not included in the first declaration, but there is still opportunity to make amendments at this stage, which have been requested.
10. RUTLAND RE-CYCLING Councillor Lanning said that he attended Rutland Forum where re-cycling was a main item. It was a similar presentation as the one given by Councillor Rees earlier in February. He said that the extra bins will be delivered in mid-March along with further leaflets and calendars detailing dates of collection.
11. TREES – REPORT ON PUBLIC MEETING 25TH FEBRUARY 2008 Councillor Humphries said that 14 members of the public and 4 Councillors had attended this meeting, at which James Burton gave a talk on the tree survey he had done, and answered questions. She said that she now had a list of thirteen people who would sponsor a tree, join the group, or help in some way. Another walnut tree has been offered by Mrs Gardner. The next stage was to do some fundraising to obtain a tree nursery. It was agreed that 3 or 4 chestnut trees would be felled this year in the recreation ground, those which posed a threat either to buildings or members of the public. She said that her husband Terry would cut the felled trees into rounds and they could be collected by members of the public for a donation to the tree nursery, as this would cut the cost of felling the trees if they did not have to be taken away, and that this would be done after 9th March. Councillor Saunders said that an application to fell these trees had been submitted to Rutland County Council. 12. FINANCE (a) To Report Balances Barrowden Parish Council Current Account £10,833.32 Recreation Ground Land Account £133.74 Defibrillator Fund £548.70 A claim has been submitted for VAT return of £1,451.54.
(b) Minute Any Payments Made Since Those Sanctioned at the Last Meeting Playdale for play equipment £4,651.36 Thames Valley Supplies £766.10 Money for this was raised by the Playground Committee.
(c) Outstanding Accounts to be Paid The Clerk’s salary and expenses. Storm Geomatics for survey on land to the south of Barrowden. Survey details include a grid of levels over land adjacent to the mill pond, a more detailed survey of the pond and outlet structure, the alignment and level of the footpath and top of river bank, and up to five cross sections through the adjacent river. £870 + £152.25 VAT £1,022.25 £870 of this will be received from the Environment Group by way of a grant.
13. GRASS CUTTING Gardens and Greens sent the following quotation for mowing and strimming of the village greens and recreation ground for 2008 season:
To cut village greens approx every 10 days (20 cuts per season) £62.00 per cut To cut recreation ground every 2/3 weeks (12 cuts per season £38.00 per cut To strim around pond area and other obstruction at both locations on a monthly basis (7 cuts per season) Total £1,920.00. The season will start on the 1.4.07 and end 31.10.07. Councillor Humphries propose to accept this quote this was seconded by Councillor Witts and agreed. Councillor Lanning asked if we had a detailed map of Barrowden with grassed areas. Councillor Roper said he would obtain one. It was thought that the top of the recreation ground should be cut twice. Councillor Humphries to organize a meeting of the volunteer group on the future care of Barrowden trees.
14. THE ENVIRONMENT (Trees, Footpaths, Ponds, etc) Councillor Roberts said that the village pond fence has some broken rails and posts and is in need of repair, and it was believed that this damage may have been caused by Barrowden children. It has been suggested that a notice to be placed in the Exeter Arms indicating that parents must supervise and take responsibility for their children. She said that a quote had been received from Rutland County Corporates of Morcott (who had built the duck houses), which was as follows: 4 oak rails £120, 3 oak posts and labour £75 a total of £285. Volunteers would then be asked to paint the posts and rails. A request was made from the floor for the fence to keep the same uneven look as it has now. Councillor Saunders proposed that Bill Story is also asked for a quote before accepting that of Rutland County Corporates. This was agreed. The clerk to action.
15. PRACTICAL JOBS Councillor Pridmore said that there was more ivy to be removed in the spring on the wall between the allotments and the recreation ground.
16. TO CONSIDER ANY ITEM PUT FORWARD FOR THE BENEFIT OR IMPROVEMENT OF THE PARISH None.
17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 1. Councillor Witts asked that the Clerk is not telephoned while at work in Barrowden Surgery on Parish Council business, and that all contact to the Clerk should be in writing. 2. Councillor Witts said that he was pleased with what the developers had done at Hey Court, by re-seeding the verges. Councillor Lanning was concerned that the lay-by put in by them was to be used for visitors to Hey Court, as there was very limited space for vehicles within the development, but others thought that this might be a good thing. Concern was expressed for allotment holders to have access to the parking area.
3. Councillor Humphries was concerned about an article in the paper about an oil leak from a storage tank in Barrowden. Councillor Lanning had official information that it was heating oil that had leaked into a sewer and was dealt swiftly with by Anglian Water.
4. Councillor Roper reported he had a meeting arranged on 4th March to discuss moving the 50 mph sign on the A47 nearer to Barrowden
5. County Councillors had met with the Affordable Housing developers on site regarding brickwork selection. They were pleased with progress, traffic management and protection of verges etc, and intend to make regular visits.
6. The Parish Council were advised that they would not receive keys, for the bollards in Mill Lane as Burghley Estate, the landlords, do not consider it necessary for them to have a set.
18. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the Annual Parish meeting should take place on Wednesday 2nd April 2008. There being no other business, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting closed at 10.20pm.
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2nd April 2008 (APM) |
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