SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 9 th MARCH 2017 at 7.30PM, IN SHERSTON VILLAGE HALL.

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1 SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 9 th MARCH 2017 at 7.30PM, IN SHERSTON VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Chairman Mr J Matthews (JM) Vice-Chairman Mr G Morris (GM) Councillors Mr T Moody (TM) Mr P Cutcher (PC) Mr J Hillier (JH) Mr T Weedon (TW) Mrs M Jolliffee (MJ) Mrs C Jarvis (CJ) Mrs T Burgess (TB) Mr J Hillier (JH) Mr S Magee(SM) Mr G Robinson (GR) County Councillor Mr J Thomson (JT) 1 member of the public was present Apologies for absence No apologies. Item 361. Declarations of Interest TM declared an interest in item 6.1, CJ declared in interest in Planning and the Angel Appeal Members of the public are invited to address the council on agenda items. No questions. 363 To confirm the minutes of the meeting on 9 TH February 2017 Item 326. Change name from Tanya to Caroline. The Minutes were approved Co-option of new councillor Giles Robinson Mr Giles Robinson applied for the role of Councillor after the February meeting. He had sent his CV and covering letter which was circulated amongst the council. At the meeting he spoke briefly about himself and his reasons for applying for a role as councillor on Sherston Parish Council. The parish council unanimously voted yes to the co-option of Mr Robinson, after which he signed an acceptance of office form. He was also given the code of conduct, standing orders, and financial regulations and was asked to register his interests both online at WC and with a hard copy to be left with the clerk Planning Schedules received and new applications: 17/01442/FUL Extension, alterations and new garage- Rowans, Gaston Lane, Sherston 17/0117/FUL - Single storey extension rear extension Samikand, Gaston Lane, Sherston 17/01252/FUL External and internal alterations Huntley House, 6 High Street, Sherston All of the above were discussed in full at the planning sub-committee meeting after main meeting ( see appendix B) Update on the Angel planning appeal CJ left the room while this item was discussed. The above appeal is due on the 28 th March and Alder King who are acting for the owners of Angel House have sent the parish council details on the proposed additional air vent/fan and have asked the Parish council to comment on the proposed vent. After discussion it was agreed to reply to Alder King that in view of the impending appeal, that the parish council could not offer an opinion. The parish council are aware that there are more issues than this additional air vent/fan, including noise and smell problems and that the drawing provides visual and aesthetic information only. ACTION GM will send reply. 1

2 366. Council to discuss application to divert footpath no.17 Sherston. The parish council were sent information from WC Rights of Way, regarding an application dated 16 th July 2014 to divert the above footpath. The proposal is to divert the path to a new route. The landowner has applied for the diversion to move the footpath from the proximity of the dwelling for privacy and security reasons to a convenient alternative path already in use by the public. The diversion route will have a recorded width of 2 metres. PC put this item on Sherston What s Occurring Face Book page asking for comments on the application, so far that here been no response. The parish council decided that it has no problem with this application to divert this particular footpath. ACTION SW will send reply to WC Update on Neighbourhood Plan. The complete Seymour s Viability Assessment of the Knockdown Road site is now on the Sherston.org. Website after the Freedom of Information request was granted for it to be available in its entirety to be viewed by the public. There was a Steering Group meeting in which it was agreed that a working group would be set up involving three members of the public who wanted the opportunity to explore alternative funding opportunities. The group has been given a six week period after which they will report back to the Steering group on the 30 th March on their findings Correspondence G Martin Allotment Rents Mr Martin who has a large allotment plot has written to the parish council expressing his objections to the increase of rents for 2017 as agreed in December. Mr Martin believes that allotments were intended as a social service allowing people to grow crops economically for their families, it should not be a money spinner for a council. Mr Martin goes on to mention ways to encourage villagers with allotment gardening and offering help such as an initial weed clearing service. Since Mr Martin s letter, SW has received two other complaints regarding the increase. The first letter considered that the parish council were punishing the large plot owners who were keeping their plots in very good condition and has concerns over how the charges were calculated. The other letter of complaint also included frustrations over the method of working out the rents for different sizes. All letters were circulated to all councillors. After some discussion the parish council voted unanimously to continue with the proposed increase. ACTION SW will inform those who wrote to the parish council Recreation Ground Parking Request Hannah Freeth has written to the parish council to request use of the recreation ground for parking on Saturday 10 th June for her wedding day. The parish council were happy with this request. ACTION -SW to inform Hannah Wiltshire Council- Protecting Wiltshire s Right of Way for people The parish council have been sent information regarding a motion that was put to Wiltshire Council which called for more money for the Rights of Way network and each parish was urged to canvas its councillor. The parish council agreed that Sherston is in a lucky position as it has an active footpath group and has left any response to Councillor Thomson NALC Briefing The Department for Communities and Local Government has confirmed that the appropriate sum for parish councils for the purpose of section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 for is Sec 137 enables parish and town councils to spend a limited amount of money for purposes for which they have no other specific statutory power. The amount is limited to a specific amount per elector which changes annually Wiltshire Council Easton Grey to Luckington Freight Surveys The parish council have been informed that the above has been undertaken. The survey on the B4040 and some surrounding routes were carried out during the week commencing the 20 th February. The survey was 2

3 undertaken due to the amount of complaints regarding HGVs in this area and we await the results. The planning permission for the Anaerobic digester at Easton Grey was discussed and the impact it will have on local traffic. JT explained that this permission will have many restrictions and conditions on the site including an increase in traffic. JT mentioned to the parish council that in the future parish and town councils should expect to see many more applications of this nature A Evelyn request for play equipment for Recreation Ground Mrs Evelyn has asked if the parish council would consider contributing to a locker /outdoor trunk for play equipment in the recreation ground. The locker could store play equipment such as basket balls, skipping ropes etc. After discussion the councillors all agreed that in principle it is a good idea, but practically not so in regards to the security and upkeep of it so decided not to contribute towards the locker. ACTION SW will inform Mrs Evelyn. LATE Police and Crime Plan Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner has sent through the above plan which sets out, in clear language, the four priorities for the force. and link has been sent to all councillors. LATE - Wiltshire Council Highways Newsletter March The above monthly newsletter has been circulated. It highlighted the services available at this time of year which includes grass cutting, verge cutting, litter collection, gulley emptying, street sweeping 370. Finance To agree payments in accordance with the budget as listed in the financial summary The parish council approved all payments listed in the summary. (Appendix A) Banking SM has decided not to proceed further with looking into setting up an account with Handelsbanken due to the charges. The application to open an account with Lloyds bank and NatWest is underway, the full council formally all agreed to this action GR asked about the North Legacy and if there was a subcommittee if so he would very much like to be involved. JM explained that he is the process of setting up an initial meeting with those interested parties. ACTION JM to organise meeting 371. Registering Interests online SW reminded people if they are to continue as a councillor in May to register their interests online on the WC website. SW noticed that only four councillors have so far done this so far and thanked them for doing so Environment, Parish Lands and General Services Update Allotments - Rent increase already discussed. An inspection has taken place and the plots that are in a bad state, warning letters will be sent along with the rent renewals that will be sent out later this year. The increase will enable the PC to employ Martin Ward and Andy Walden to trim the paths in the peak summer and other jobs that are needed Footpath Group - Regarding the locking of the gate at Ladyswood in January the gate has not been locked since and JM informed the meeting that the owner would very much like to resolve the issue with WC ROW officer Leases Final leases and invoices have now been sent to Football Club and the Tennis Club. Waiting to back from Scout Group regarding their amended lease. 3

4 372.4 Cliffhanger Update Going well Grove Wood The parish council were informed that a large tree had fallen down on the upper footpath of Grove Wood (not a WC path). SW contacted John Lloyd who speedily removed the tree, and despite being offered would not accept payment. The parish council formally would like to thank John for his amazing help, it is so appreciated. ACTION SW will send him a thank you Recreation Ground SW has been in communication with Sovereign regarding urgent repairs to the Aerial zip wire. They have been on site and are due to revisit to continue with further repairs. The inspection in January highlighted many small and medium risk issues on most of the equipment all high risk issues are being dealt with. The issues highlight the need for a completely new play ground and have asked councillors to start discussing and researching new equipment. GR has kindly offered his help with this project and has experience in this field. SW also asked if any councillor wanted to get the ball rolling by talking to companies regarding the Court Street frontage Sports field Skateboard Area SW will enquire with AW Services why the bins have not yet been removed. Graham Hayman has produced an article to go in the Cliffhanger about the renovation to the sports field, which he has been working on with the football and tennis club. The article is written from the view point of the Neighbourhood Plan and if the village get behind the plan there could be many benefits for the village. Mr Hayman has spoken to many different groups in the village and Sport England regarding funding opportunities. In the article he will be asking anyone in the village who has expertise in project management, funding, sports club etc to come forward and help with the project. Mr Hayman will send the article to JM for his comments before submitting it to the Cliffhanger. JM thanked Graham for all his work on this so far Defibrillators PC reported last month that there have been problems regarding access to the defibrillators and an incident where Wiltshire Ambulance were unable to find the unlock codes. The other issue that PC mentioned was the 200 metre rule set by the Ambulance Service where if you are further than 200 metres from a defibrillator you will not be given the code. To combat this problem the Community Heartbeat Trust has been in talks with the Ambulance Service and it has been agreed that cards can be printed with the code and given to each household within a parish. TB asked would that not increase the chance of it being vandalised or stolen? PC replied that yes but there will always be a risk balancing act and that the easy access of the unit if needed in an emergency should be paramount. PC asked if the council would be happy to cover the cost of the printing of cards, it would be anywhere from depending on how many cards are needed. The parish council agreed the payment however it will formally be approved at the April meeting Update on Highway Issues 373.1Green Lane - Since last meeting SW has contacted Green Square who have informed her that the path in question is not their responsibility but WC as most of the Green Lane houses are under private ownership. SW will go back to WC and report back at the next meeting Litter Picking and pickers The Parish Council wanted to formally thank Barbara Baggs and Richard Stancomb for the litter picking that they do within the Parish and all of those including Pat Cooper who continue to keep the village looking litter free. An article will go into the Cliffhanger for those who wish to get a free litter picker to contact SW Phone box - in the high Street is still under BTs ownership as the parish council have not heard as yet if its bid to adopt it was successful. Currently there are no lights in the telephone box; SW and Bob Broadway have reported it to BT Jobs for the Parish Team Leaves on one side of the Forlorn bridge pavement need to be swept as is very slippery. It was also 4

5 mentioned that there seems to be running water coming from Tanners Hill at the junction of Grove Road. SW will look into this matter Report on outside meetings GM and SW attended the recent Area Board Meeting SW met with a gentleman who is doing an exhibition at Athelstan Museum and bought the CDS and asked if anyone wanted to do a similar project there and be recorded along with photos. The Riverside building is now opened in Malmesbury and Heather Martin is kindly involved with a new Arts project involving local parishes. The next Area Board meeting in May will be held there Local Elections The Annual meeting of the council is now to be held on the 22 nd of May venue tbc. SW has sent all councillors information on the process of this year s election. SW is waiting the Notice of Election from WC, which has to be published by the 27 th March. For those who wish to stand as a councillor has until the 4 th April, SW will the nomination forms which she has downloaded. The nomination papers can no longer be delivered by post but by hand to Wiltshire Council Chippenham. The papers can be delivered by a person appointed by the candidate. After the close of nominations, there are three possibilities: 1. There are more candidates than seats then a poll will be taken on the 4 th May. 2. There are fewer candidates than seats or the exact number those validly nominated are declared elected unopposed and will form the new council from 8 th May and can co-opt to fill any remaining seats UNLESS 3. There are fewer candidates than seats and not enough to form a quorum (5 for Sherston).A new election will be required within 35 days. JM has volunteered to go into Wiltshire Council to drop off forms, so those who are standing this year if they want JM to take in their forms please contact him Agenda items for next meeting and AOB for information only. None at this point Public Question Time. None Time and Date of next meeting The next Parish Council meeting is on 6 th April The meeting finished at 9.30pm and minutes were taken by the Parish Clerk, Mrs Sarah Wood. 5

6 Sherston Parish Council Financial data as at 9th March 2017 Bank account balances at the report date: Current Account 2, Deposit 353, Total balances 356, Payments for approval at this meeting: Sherston Post office Stamps, various Sherston Village Hall - hall hire Jan/Feb Compass Graphics - Web updates Feb Pat Cooper - Village Tidy BWBSL - Allotment trough ASHTAV Membership Viking Direct - ink, paper, audit stationery Total payments for approval today Funds received and allocated but not yet agreed for payment: Remaining 'Heroes All' profits 1, SOSCIC funds/accelerated rent - 36, Area Board funding - New Stiles Mrs North Estate - Sherston Young People 296, Total future allocations 334, Receipts this month in Bank Cliffhanger Advertising Small advert Cliffhanger 2.00 Sale of Heroes All Sale of 2 I remember Sherston CD Total

7 SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE 9 TH MARCH 2017 The committee met on 9 th March 2017 to review the following Applications. These had been discussed earlier that evening during the full Parish Council Meeting. The decisions of the Council were confirmed as below. 17/01252/FUL - Huntley House, 6 High Street, Sherston. External and internal alterations. (Also subject of a LBC Application) Huntley House in a Grade 2 Property located in the High Street and well within the Conservation Area. It has had a varied life, having been a Public House, Solicitors Office and now a residential dwelling. As a result its internal layout is unusual. The internal changes proposed concentrate on improving the layout, in particular removing the need to pass through bedrooms to get to others. As this has no visual impact on the property, we have no objections at all to the internal changes proposed. Externally, the main change is to the kitchen/utility area. The proposed new layout, with its new extension, looks good. It will be very hard to see from the High Street, so we have no objections. 17/01171/FUL - Single Storey Rear Extension. Samarkand, Gaston Lane, Sherston. This is a relatively new property, one of two which were built on a large site previously occupied by a single dwelling. It is not in the Conservation Area. The extension will not be visible from the road. It will also be on the west side of the plot/house, well away from the neighbouring property. I have visited the property (as has the Planning Officer). Looking towards Glencairn, the neighbour next door on the east side, this property is only visible above the fence above its gutter line, and no windows can be seemed. The roof may just be visible, however. It is planned to be a single storey Sun Room with roof lights, not as a base for a balcony. The development is not wanted to be a balcony to the adjoining bedroom. It would be wise to prohibit such a change, if that is legally possible. (The applicant has no objection to this ban in fact, he proposed it!) No objections at all. 17/01442/FUL - Conversion of Bungalow to Dormer House. New Garage Rowans, Gaston Lane, Sherston. It is the PC Policy not to encourage the conversion of bungalows into houses, so our examination starts from that position. 7

8 This application has been the subject of much pre-application advice, which seems to have been acted upon. It has resulted in a rather pleasant proposal. The increase in bedrooms from 3 to 4 is modest, and should not result, eventually, in any traffic problems. The elevation change at the front of the property is really only an increase in the height of the ridge. Wiltshire Planning will examine this application against their pre-application advice and decide accordingly. We are content to go with their decision. 8