MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL Held the Millennium Pavilion, Somersham Monday 12 March 2012 at 7.30 p.m.

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1 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL Held the Millennium Pavilion, Somersham Monday 12 March 2012 at 7.30 p.m. PRESENT WERE: Mrs M Alvin, Miss M Blewett, Miss J Bullard, Mr S Criswell (in the Chair), Mr M Hoy, Mr A Jebson, Mr P McCloskey, Miss L Minter, Mr G Siggs, Mr P Suckling, Mr R Sutton and Mrs P Bryant (Parish Clerk). IN ATTENDANCE: Cllr G Bull and 5 members of the public In accordance with the Council s mobile phone / tablet policy it was agreed Mr Jebson may use his tablet for note taking purposes only during the meeting. There were no requests from other councillors or members of the public. 1. APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were accepted from: Mrs E Fleming personal Mr S Innes unwell Mr I Smith work commitments 2. CO-OPTION NOTICE FOR THE CASUAL VACANCY A poll has not been requested and the co-option notice has now been displayed. 3. PARISH COUNCILLORS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST SEE Appendix 1 4. PUBLIC FORUM It was proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Mr Siggs and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to close the meeting for a period of time to allow members of the public to participate in a public forum. The meeting was closed at 7.32 pm and reconvened at 7.38 pm. Matters discussed FUL 6, King Street, Somersham, badger snares on sets at allotments & other areas. 5. PLANNING MATTERS FUL Birds Nest Farm, Parkhall Road, Somersham Installation of a single small scale wind turbine (14.97 m to hub, 5.6m diameter blades) It was proposed by Miss Bullard, seconded by Mr Suckling and RESOLVED by 8 votes for and 2 abstentions to propose no objection. The property is located away from other properties and therefore should not interfere with anyone in Parkhall Road FUL 6, King Street, Somersham Demolition of existing bungalow & erection of 2 detached houses & garages It was proposed by Mr Suckling, seconded by Mr Sutton and RESOLVED by 8 votes for and 2 abstentions to propose no objection. The new plans are a good compromise with good turning circles for vehicles. Page 1 of 6 Pages

2 FUL Greenacres, St Ives Road, Somersham Erection of replacement dwelling & associated works It was proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Mr Suckling and RESOLVED by 9 votes for and 1 abstention to propose no objection. The new dwelling would not be much larger in footprint; the design looks good and fits in with street scene. PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED FUL 37, Cranfield Place, Somersham Extension to side garage & conversion of existing garage to provide annexe. PLANNING APPLICATIONS REFUSED Nil PLANNING APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN FUL 6, King Street, Somersham Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 3 detached houses and covered parking PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE HDC Amendment to CLPD Proposed occupation of gypsy site by Mr Fred Adams & family in accordance with Condition 3 of Planning permission App/H0520/A/09/ parishioner letters It was proposed by Miss Bullard, seconded by Mr Sutton and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to object. SEE Appendix 2 CCC Lafarge Aggregates Amendment to restoration proposals at Somersham Quarry The Clerk will a copy to Mr McCloskey for SNRG. The Chairman said he will take the map to the SNRG meeting at end of the month. Mr Jebson said it would be nice to have more joined up thoughts with the LNR for wildlife The Chairman confirmed future management proposals are still under discussion but part will be dedicated to public access and the remainder sold off or someone could purchase the entire area but public access must remain. It was proposed by Mr McCloskey and agreed by all members present the proposal meets pretty much the needs of the area. HDC Clarification on matters relating to FUL No 52, High Street, Somersham, Erection of single storey dwelling in preparation for the Development Control Panel meeting on 16th April Miss Blewett and the Clerk left the meeting prior to any discussion. The replacement wall plan was proposed by Mr Siggs, seconded by Mrs Alvin and RESOLVED by 8 votes for and 1 against to propose no objection. CCC Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Minerals & waste Local Development Framework. Adoption statement & letter HDC Development control Panel Agenda 27th February Matters for Somersham approval of S73 Mobile home opp Silks Farm Nursery, St Ives Road. Removal of condition 1 6. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13 FEBRUARY 2012 The Minutes were proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Miss Bullard and RESOLVED by all councillors present with 1 abstention to be a true record of events and were duly signed by the Chairman. Page 2 of 6 Pages

3 7. POLICE REPORT It was agreed enquiries will be made with the police re the badger sets and also with the county countryside officer if it is found that the sets are on their land. 8. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR S CRISWELL & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR G BULL There was no report from Cllr Bull as he had left to attend Wood Hurst PC earlier in the meeting. HDC Council meeting 25 th April 2012 Cllr Criswell spoke about the subsidised bus services and consultation process in place to establish community needs and appropriate community transport. 9. PARISH CLERK S REPORT o Correspondence o CCC raising awareness - Adult social care road shows o Cambridgeshire ACRE 2012 A year of celebration A Guide for your community o HDC Parish alert February 2012 o CAPALC Next Hunts Association meeting 28 th March 2012 o CCC Buy with Confidence o Bells of Britain Help ring all the bells in the UK on 27 th July to welcome the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympics games o M&G Charibond dividend 3.24 o Funding opportunities LEAF, CCF and Prince s Countryside Fund o Matters Arising Report accepted 10. FINANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT including: - o Monthly Accounts The accounts were proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Mr McCloskey and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to be paid and the cheques were duly signed. SEE Appendix 3 o Personnel Working Party Meeting held 7 March 2012 o Report on Staff Pension requirements there is an obligation to offer a pension to relevant employees but the council do not have to contribute. It was proposed by Mrs Alvin and agreed by all councillors present for the Clerk to write to employees. o Staff Pay Review for 2012 It was proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Miss Bullard and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to close the meeting for a period of time due to the sensitive nature of the business about to be discussed; the meeting was closed at 8.16 pm and reconvened at 8.25pm. Motion to exclude public & press: In accordance with section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act It was proposed by Mr Hoy, seconded by Mr Jebson and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to implement the following pay increment increases based on satisfactory annual appraisals using the NALC/SLCC 2009/10 pay scales from 1 April 2012: Mrs P Bryant SPC 44 Mr M Tyers SPC 20 Mrs DJ Draper SPC 10 o Unity Trust Bank the Clerk confirmed the mandate has been completed and returned to the Unity Trust Bank for processing. Page 3 of 6 Pages

4 o Hire of chipping machine to chip excess branches at the LNR & White Post area It was proposed by Mr Siggs, seconded by Mr McCloskey and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote for the Clerk to hire a chipper for a little as possible and under 500. (Contingency budget) 11. HIGHWAY MATTERS including Public Footways - Repairs/ Maintenance Correspondence: CCC Subsidised Bus Services review CCC Village Grass cutting 2012/ It was proposed by Mr Sutton, seconded by Mr Hoy and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to continue with the grass cutting contract. Speedwatch report - 11 March 2012 Mr Siggs commented the police need to be more involved and actually book people. The Chairman explained the problems with siting the police vehicle so that it can work effectively. The Clerk will write to the police with a copy to Speedwatch stating that in view of the shocking figures Speedwatch need support to catch people. The Clerk will also request a copy of the standard police letter and ask for confirmation whether the DVLA is informed. It was suggested a short article on process and any subsequent court action is published in Somersham4u newsletter. Repairs 2 drain covers dipped outside no 40 & 36 High Street on kerb site Outstanding road surface repair close to the Rose & Crown/ Property Services, Parkhall Rd Pot hole outside surgery vehicle entrance in Church Street car park, also two drains outside power transformer at back of car park need unblocking as partially blocked. Problems with ball games & skate boards in the car park in the original side a second sign is required (No ball games & no skate boarding) Also car park bylaw signs missing.. Footpath 2 horse now un-tethered and a lot of people frightened of them. The Clerk will speak to the Countryside Officer but felt there were no requirements to keep horses tethered in fields where there are public footpaths. 12. STREET LIGHTING MATTERS inc repairs The Clerk has met with Balfour Beatty to discuss parish owned lamps and upgrading. A quote will be sent in due course. 13. LOCALISM INITIATIVES o Time Bank Project Mrs E Pattison is in discussion with FOSL re their volunteer hours & how they can be converted to Time Bank hours. o Community Plan A community reporter session was held on 9 th March Mr McCloskey updated members on the session. An older person s workshop will be held on 20 th March. o Community Plan questionnaire the questionnaire is currently being compiled. A localism meeting will be arranged for March to discuss the questionnaire results and compilation of the Community Plan. 14. QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE - 2 June 2012 Installing a beacon It was proposed by Mr Hoy, seconded by Mr Jebson and RESOLVED by 9 votes for and 1 abstention to shelve the proposal. 15. HUNTINGDONSHIRE FLOOD FORUM 2012 and to agree questions to submit. Meeting date 24 th April for 7pm It was agreed Mr McCloskey would attend. There were no questions submitted. Page 4 of 6 Pages

5 16. ABBEY SCHOOL CLUSTER AREA (ASCA) PARTNERSHIP It was proposed by Mr McCloskey, seconded by Mrs Alvin and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote for the parish council to sign up to the current draft charter. 17. REPORTS FROM SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL WORKING PARTIES & REPRESENTATIVES: a) Norwood Building / The Victory Hall VHMC draft Minutes 21 st February VHMC AGM 13 TH March 2012 Request from Rebecca Rugg (Child Minder) to use the Norwood Playing Field for a picnic as part of Barnardo's Big Toddle fundraiser 22nd April It was proposed by Miss Minter, seconded by Mr Hoy and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote this was acceptable and must comply with events policy. Dog Fouling & the law Host training event Keep Britain Tidy 24 th May 2012 b) Amenity Area Working Party The Clerk confirmed new play bark will be ordered this week. Meeting Report 23 February 2012 Mr Siggs reported the Colne footpath steps have been swept at last Danger deep water sign for the White Post pond area & the burial ground It was proposed by Miss Bullard, seconded by Mr Sutton and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to purchase the sign. CCC seminar how to stay friends with the neighbours Mr McCloskey will attend. Nature s Tracks new newsletter for the LNR Community Orchard update funding successful with neighbourhood challenge Community tree packs for a jubilee wood Somersham Carnival request to use the electricity on the multi sports area. Mr Sutton recommended the cost for this should be taken on a case by case basis. It was proposed by Mr Siggs, seconded by Mr McCloskey and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to say yes and at no charge as it is a big community event. This will be reconsidered annually. c) Somersham LNR Friends of Somersham Local Nature Reserve It was proposed by Mr McCloskey, seconded by Mr Hoy and RESOLVED by a unanimous vote to accept the 2 oaks on behalf of Whitehall School. d) Millennium Sports Field There was nothing to report. e) Christmas Lights Working Party Meeting report 9 th February 2012 f) Youth Working Party / Youth Club Revised Service Level Agreement for 2012/13 Miss Minter updated the meeting on matters relating to this. g) Somersham4U Newsletter First issue April/May 2012 The Chairman expressed his concern the newsletter doesn t seem to have a new (overhauled) style and looks much the same as before. A team meeting will be called as soon as possible. h) Community Information Centre (Library) EGM 28 th March Miss Minter updated the meeting: FOSL had a big volunteer meeting last week, the CRB s seem to be going through quicker and County are bringing in a new computer system. i) The Educational Charity of Thomas Hammond Nothing to report 18. REPORTS OF EXTERNAL MEETINGS ATTENDED BY PARISH COUNCILLORS Councillors attended a Heartstart training session. The Clerk will arrange a second session for those councillors and staff who missed the first round. 19. BURIAL LAND EXTENSION The Clerk will ask HDC to contact or clear the watercourse running by the football ground if not already done so. Page 5 of 6 Pages

6 The Clerk will: Contact Nigel Dolby to establish when the fence is to be erected. Confirm who is responsible for the status of boundary wall Contact Mr P Tyers and remind him about the quote for Buck Well Request Martin Tyers to roll the grass area 20. NOTICES & MATTERS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA There being no further business the meeting closed at pm The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 16 April 2012 at 7.30 pm... Steve Criswell, Chairman Page 6 of 6 Pages

7 SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 2012 APPENDIX 1 MYRA ALVIN Friends of Somersham Library Treasurer St John the Baptist Church PCC treasurer MEGAN BLEWETT Personal interest Related to Mrs P Bryant Parish Clerk Prejudicial interest in the planning application for No 52, High Street plus the salary review JUDITH BULLARD Somersham Sports & Leisure Association Trustee (Vice Chairman SSLA) Victory Hall Management Committee Friends of Somersham Library (FOSL) STEPHEN CRISWELL Harvey Feoffees Charity Committee Somersham Charity of Poor s Money Friends of Somersham Library (FOSL) Member of Huntingdonshire District Council Member of Cambridgeshire County Council MICHAEL HOY Somersham Sports & Leisure Association Trustee Somersham Charity of Poor s Money ANTHONY JEBSON Burial land extension personal interest PAUL McCLOSKEY LESLEY MINTER GRAHAM SIGGS PAUL SUCKLING RICHARD SUTTON Somersham School Governing Body - Governor, Premises Committee, Finance & Personnel Committee Somersham Nature Reserve Group - Secretary The Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership Scheme - Initial Steering Group Committee Friends of Somersham Library (FOSL) Harvey Feoffees Charity Committee Victory Hall Management Committee Historic Society Treasurer Friends of Somersham Local Nature Reserve - Treasurer RAFA Welfare Officer Victory Hall Management Committee Friends of Somersham Library (FOSL) Education Trust of Thomas Hammond Personal interest as a relation: Booking Secretary monthly pay Friends of Somersham Church

8 APPENDIX 2 Certificate of Lawfulness at Chatteris Road, Somersham for Mr F Adams Ref: CLPD In the Decision of the Planning Inspector dated 7 th April, 2011, he found that Mr Adams and his family were not gypsies or travellers for the purpose of planning policy, as it did not appear that they ceased to travel in accordance with a nomadic lifestyle for any of the reasons given in para.15 of Circular 1/2006, and, therefore, the family did not comply with the definition of gypsies and travellers. Mr Adams later applied to HDC for a Certificate of Lawfulness with a view to setting aside that finding, and seeking confirmation from HDC that he and his family could, in fact, legally occupy the Chatteris Road site. He supplied further evidence of his gypsy status. That contained contradictory evidence particularly with regard to when the applicant and his family ceased to travel. After some considerable delay, and further discussions with HDC, Mr Adams has now provided additional information, received in mid-february 2012 which is purported to address the points raised and the concerns about the validity of the applicant s gypsy status. For the first time we are told that not only does Mr Adams have dual nationality but that he and family spent a total of nearly three and a half years, in three separate visits between travelling around the eastern parts of Australia for the purpose of finding work. Obviously with passport and other photographic evidence, which we haven t seen, we cannot disprove this, however we question why this information has only just surfaced and was not available to the Planning Inquiry. It was apparent to everyone in the drawn out series of applications that the subject of gypsy status would be a key factor. The subject was raised by Counsel for sides, the Inspector and other interested parties. Indeed even before the Inquiry opened in 2009, information was sought by HDC on the gypsy status of proposed residents of the site but nothing was forthcoming. No mention has ever been made of travelling for work in Australia in any of the planning applications, hearings and throughout the appeal. The impression given by Mr Adams was that he was pursuing his Romany way of life in this country and when he talked at the Inquiry about the difficulty of finding authorised pitches, the entirely reasonable belief was that he was referring to the UK. Like the school records produced after the Inquiry when the documents only showed that the two sons attended school and not that Mr Adams had given up travelling for work purposes, the passport and photographic evidence falls into the same category. They may show that Mr Adams and family were in Australia but not necessarily prove that they were travelling for work reasons. If the applicant can now find passports and photographs that date back at least 15 years, then surely it is not unreasonable to suppose that it might be possible to provide other meaningful information such as details of income or precise travelling dates and destinations which Ms Parkin suggests have been lost in the passage of time?

9 2/ In an earlier statement provided by Mr Adams, it shows that the family purchased a unit on the Wyton industrial estate in 1990 and planning records show planning applications were made and granted permission in 1991 and Mr Adams talked in evidence at the appeal of setting up the Wyton business premises in 2002 but said he had been operating the business before he occupied Wyton. Ms Parkin clearly stated in July 2008 that the applicants have been settled in the eastern part of the District in excess of 10 years. One can only presume someone else was running the business whilst he was in Australia for 3.5 years? Mr Adams latest sworn declaration shows his address at his house at 8 Greendale in Huntingdon, although he has in fact been living with his family in his mobile home at the Chatteris Road site for several months (since October 2011). We therefore question why he should have been allowed to live on site before a decision had been made on this Certificate of Lawfulness and before all the conditions set out in the planning consent had been met? Before making its final decision on this application, which will undoubtedly be claimed strongly to be a precedent by future gypsy applicants and their planning advisers, we would urge HDC to look in far greater depth at the applicant s latest variable claims and evidence as unfortunately there is a history of information being changed by the applicant to suit various situations as well founded questions arise. This note represents the views of Somersham Parish Council 12 th March 2012