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Minutes of a meeting of Barrowden Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 8th January 2008 at 8pm
PRESENT Mrs S Saunders Chairman, Mr D Lanning Vice-Chairman, Mr N R Pridmore, Mrs K Humphries, Prof N Witts, Mrs E Clarke, Mrs R Roberts, Mrs G M Wilkinson Clerk, Dr H E G Rees County Councillor for the Ketton ward, Mr B R Roper County Councillor for the Ketton ward, James Burton Cutting Edge Tree Services
9 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 asked if there were any topics that anyone wished to speak about.
(b) Councillor Saunders said that she had received complaints about vehicles using the short cut from Back Lane onto Wakerley Road, as this was now very muddy, and asked the opinion of Mrs Clayton, who lives nearby. Mrs Clayton said that vehicles had got stuck there, and she had also seen vehicles back down. After some discussion it was felt that it would be best to stop vehicles using this shortcut by filling and grassing over. In the meantime Terry Humphries and Councillor Lanning would decide on some immediate action to obstruct it. It was also suggested to ask the developers on Back Road for some soil to fill this in.
(c) Dr Wilkinson was concerned about the grass verge being seriously churned up near the allotments opposite the development at the Hey. Councillor Saunders asked Councillor Lanning to contact the compliance officer to get this verge repaired before the developers move off the site.
Mr Burton then talked about the survey and the results thereof:
1. Dangerous or dead trees that require removal as the only option. 2. Potentially dangerous trees that either are or could be a hazard, or that contain a hazard that can be rectified by work. 3. Trees that have the start of a problem, e.g. fungal or bacterial infection and will need monitoring. Some aspects of remedial work may involve future planning, the removal of items of street furniture, or change of land use.
Mr Burton said that there were 47 trees of which some needed attention either:- Crown clean, removal of deadwood and crossing, rubbing or diseased branches Crown reduction of whole tree Lateral crown reduction Crown lift (removal of lowest branches)
He understood that all the trees could not be dealt with this year, and suggested that the Parish Council attend to the ones with the most risk to the public and properties, or that were blocking street lights, and those on village greens. He said that most of the diseased chestnut trees will die in approximately 5 – 15 years, depending how fast the infection spreads and how long we dare leave them. In some cases we would need to ask EDF to remove any electric lines before works commences - this would apply to the lime tree in Kings Lane and the red chestnuts on Mill Lane which need crown reduction.
The total cost of tree work would be in the region of £6000, said Mr Burton. He suggested £3000 in the first year would cope with all that was dangerous or requiring early attention. The remaining work could be phased over four years. He also suggested creating a tree nursery area where we could plant small trees now (at something like £1 each), and use them to replace trees which have to be felled later, which would save a lot of money in the future. It was agreed to arrange a parish meeting in late February to get the views of the general public, and to agree what should be done in this year’s budget.
The Chairman thanked Mr Burton for his attendance and agreed that he would liaise with Councillor Humphries to arrange a meeting in late February.
The Chairman then continued with the Parish Council meeting, and asked Mr Redington if he would update the Council regarding the deputation that he delivered to the Rutland County Council planning meeting earlier the same evening, regarding the proposed development at 13 Main Street. Mr Redington said that the Planning Committee had agreed to defer the application and ask the agent to reduce the size of the new house in the garden, as the current proposal was overbearing. They have agreed that there will not be any roadside alterations and a revised plan will be considered. Councillor Lanning supported Mr Redington’s report and considered the parish petition had been very helpful in the positive decision. Councillor Saunders thanked Mr Redington for doing the presentation.
1. APOLOGIES Mrs A Last
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Councillors Saunders and Lanning declared interests in the appointment of the Charity Trustees.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 30TH OCTOBER, 15TH & 20TH NOVEMBER 2007 Councillor Saunders asked for one instance of Back Lane to be changed to Back Road. Councillor Lanning then proposed, seconded by Councillor Clarke, that the minutes were correct.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 1. Land Registry: Councillor Saunders said that she and the Clerk had a meeting arranged with the Solicitors next week. 2. Litter Bin: Councillor Saunders thanked Councillor Roper for arranging the litter bin to be re-sited near the Village Hall. 3. 14 Main Street: The chalet has now been removed, and the dog kennel application has been withdrawn. 4. Trees in Church Lane: Burghley Estate has agreed to deal with them. 5. Verge Tippings Lane: Brown & Jones have still not repaired the verge in Tippings Lane, to ask developers on Back Road for some soil. 6. No Parking signs: Although it was agreed at the last meeting that No Parking signs should be erected, Councillor Saunders proposed that we seek alternative quotations for signs. 7. Councillor Humphries said that a car had been parked on the verge outside Padbury Lodge for some time, agreed to investigate ownership. 8. Standards Board: The Parish Council did not understand the letter from the Standards Board regarding whether they should adopt paragraph 12(2). To ask more details from RCC about this before agreeing to adopt. 9. Communication Leaflets: Councillor Witts felt it was too costly to laminate the communication leaflets, especially as expensive work on the trees is required. The information in the Parish Magazine each month was considered adequate at present.
Meeting Nov 15th 2007 Councillor Pridmore proposed, seconded by Councillor Humphries, that the minutes were correct, all agreed.
Special Open Parish meeting Nov 20th 2007 Councillor Witts proposed, seconded by Councillor Clarke, that the minutes were correct. It was reported that there were 136 names on the petition.
5. CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND Councillor Clarke circulated a report she had received from Becky Farmer giving an update on the play equipment in the recreation ground. This said that they have secured the funding to pay for all the new equipment, but reported that one of the existing swings needs replacing and that they had a shortfall for this of £35.00. Councillor Humphries proposed, seconded by Councillor Pridmore that the Parish Council donate the £35.00 to cover the cost, all agreed. The proposed date for delivery of the equipment is 21st January and Becky Farmer and her committee are looking for volunteers to help set this up, also the matting which would arrive earlier. It has been agreed that the equipment will now be positioned further back, away from the trees. Councillor Saunders proposed thanks to Becky Farmer and her committee for all the work done towards this.
(a) To Consider Planning Applications No new plans to discuss.
(b) To Minute Planning Applications Received & Parish Council Responses 1. Mr & Mrs Dawson, work to trees High House, Wakerley Road. No objections from the Parish Council. CAT/2007/1192/CN
2. Mr P J Wood, Hayward Rise, 25a Wakerley Road, pruning and crown thinning to one sycamore tree. The Parish Council said that the proposal seems satisfactory but the sycamore is close to the house and will reach 20/30 metres high when full grown. CAT/2007/1146/CN.
(c) To Report Results of Previous Applications 1. Mr Slater 13, Main Street, for the erection of a detached two storey dwelling, and conversion of existing house into two dwellings. FUL/2007/1068. Decision deferred at the Development and Licensing Committee meeting 8th January 2008.
2. Mr & Mrs Holland, Padbury Lodge, Wakerley Road, approval granted for retrospective application for the erection of timber shed, pergola, two retaining walls and alteration to ground levels. FUL/2007/0872/NH.
3. Mr & Mrs Rossell, for the conversion of former Baptist Chapel to dwelling, including various external alterations, approval granted. LBA/2007/0920/CN – FUL/2007/0921/CN.
4. Mr & Mrs Vaughan for the demolition of bungalow, and erection of 2 two storey dwellings and associated works, 1 Seaton Road, approval granted. FUL/2007/0865/NH
5. Location 3, Home Farm, Belton, for the erection of two storey house and associated works (revised scheme), plot 1 Durant Farm, Seaton Road, approval granted. FUL/2007/2007/1053/CC
6. Nene Housing for the erection of 5 two storey dwellinghouse and 2 bungalows and associated works, land off Back Road, approval granted. FUL/2007/0152/CC
7. Mrs E Clarke to fell 2 pine and one sycamore tree Rose Cottage, Tippings Lane, approval given. CAT/2007/1131/CN.
Councillor Saunders thanked Councillor Witts for all his work on planning.
7. TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE The following letters were received:
(a) Rutland County Council informing the Parish Council that there is a council tax consultation meeting on 19th January at 10.00am at Catmose. Councillor Witts agreed to attend. (b) Invitation to a Peterborough housing event on 18th January. (c) Arthur Maguire expressing disappointment that the Parish Council have taken no action with regard to vehicles parking on village grassed areas, and saying that overnight and long term parking should not be permitted. It was agreed that there were several areas in the village with the same problem, but that greens do regenerate themselves in the summer. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Maguire saying that this problem could not be resolved at one meeting, and the Parish Council would consider what steps to take.
8. TO APPOINT THREE CHARITY TRUSTEES Councillor Saunders asked Councillor Pridmore if he would take the chair for this item as she and Councillor Lanning had an interest in this. The three year term of office of Malcolm Wells, Hugh Rees and John Haddon was now up as Charity Trustees, and all were willing to stand again. Councillor Pridmore asked Dr Rees for an update on the charity. Dr Rees said that there had been some problems for the last year, and the current Trustees felt that they ought to sort these out before standing down. Councillor Humphries proposed that the three be re-appointed and this was seconded by Councillor Roberts, all in favour. Rev Geoff Angell will be an observer until he is appointed Rector.
9. FINANCE (a) To Report Balances Barrowden Parish Council Current Account £11,550.78 Recreation Ground Land Account £133.20 Defibrillator Fund £548.70 Playgroup £3,341.00 (b) Minute Any Payments Made Since Those Sanctioned at the Last Meeting None.
(c) Outstanding Accounts to be Paid None.
(d) Precept 2008/2009
After some discussion Councillor Lanning proposed to set a precept of £8,500 as he felt that we should do the bulk of the work on the trees this year, which could be upwards of £3,000, and money is also needed for traffic calming, grass cutting, land registry, clerk’s salary, etc. This was seconded by Councillor Witts, all in favour.
10. GRASS CUTTING It was agreed to contact Gardens & Greens for a quotation for this year, and to decide what we want them to do and when. Councillor Lanning requested an item on verge maintenance at the Parish AGM.
11. THE ENVIRONMENT (Trees, Footpaths, Ponds, etc) Councillor Roberts read a report from the Environment Group. It noted that Mike Conway and Frances Traves were looking after the village pond. She said that the most pressing item was to get a flow of water from the river back into the mill pool. She said that Smithers Purslow from Glaston had been consulted and were very keen, but had found that it was outside their area of expertise. They suggested a survey by specialist company Storm Geomatic which would cost in the region of £1,000, but the total cost of the work could be up to £15,000. The Parish Council unanimously agreed that the survey by the Storm Geomatic engineers should go ahead. The Parish Council agreed to ask the Cory Environmental Trust if they could use the money originally allocated for the pond’s water supply, to get the flow of water back into the mill pond. Councillor Saunders thanked Councillor Roberts for her report.
12. PRACTICAL JOBS Councillor Pridmore said that there were no jobs pending at the moment. It was agreed that a letter of thanks should be written to those residents of Barrowden involved in erecting a Christmas tree with lights on the village green.
13. TO CONSIDER ANY ITEM PUT FORWARD FOR THE BENEFIT OR IMPROVEMENT OF THE PARISH Councillor Humphries circulated some leaflets regarding Night Blight (light pollution) for the Parish Council to consider before the next meeting.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (1) Councillor Saunders proposed that Caroline Cartwright be invited to meet with Parish Councillors to discuss the over-development of Barrowden.
(2) The parking of cars on pavements was raised again, outside Swan Cottage in particular, as this is a dangerous corner. It was proposed to write and ask the occupiers to park their cars so that pedestrian buggies, wheelchairs, etc could get past.
(3) The Parish Council were informed that the cricket pavilion had been broken into and some mowers had been stolen, and it was believed that the burglars had got in through the gate from the allotment. It was agreed by all that a padlock should be put on this gate, as requested by the Cricket Club, as it would mostly only affect the grass cutting contractor.
(4) Councillor Humphries said that she had received a request from the owners of the Baptist Chapel asking if a shade could be put on the street light. The Chairman proposed that this be discussed later when the chapel was ready for occupation.
(5) Councillor Humphries to prepare an article for the Parish Magazine on village trees.
15. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING It was agreed that the next full Council meeting should take place on 26th February 2008. There being no other business, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting closed at 10.20pm.
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For details of other minutes, please click on the appropriate date |
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For details of other minutes, please click on the appropriate date |
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2nd April 2008 (APM) |
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