SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY

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1 SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SHERSTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 17 th JANUARY 2013 AT 7.30PM, IN SHERSTON VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Chairman Mr J Matthews (JM) Vice-Chairman Mr M Rea (MR) Councillors Mrs M Jolliffe (MJ) Mrs C Browett (CB) Mr S Magee (SM) Mr D Hibbard (DH) Mr G Morris (GM) Mr J Hillier (JH) Mrs M Jolliffee (MJ) Mr T Moody (TM) Mr T Weedon (TW) Mr L Price (LP) Parish Clerk Mrs S Wood (SW) There were 2 members of the public present. Item 530. To note apologies for absence Apologies were sent from Councillors Cutcher, Liddington and County Councillor Thomson Declarations of interest in items on the agenda. MR for the village hall Members of the public are invited to address the council on agenda items. Community Officer Durry Maule was present at the meeting. He reported that there had been some fraudulent door to door selling but otherwise the past month had been relatively peaceful Approval of Minutes. The Parish Council approved the minutes of the meeting held in December Planning - Schedules received and new applications Application N/12/04050/FUL - conversion of Sherston Community Church, Cliff Road, Sherston, to two residential units. After some discussion it was agreed the following a) The conversion to two residential units seems excessive. The proposal is essentially for an L shaped semi-detached property with all its limited outside space shared. This seems to plan into the development future domestic disputes and problems. b) Parking and access would be a real problem and potential danger. The rear area of the properties is small and constrained by the presence of the Dedicated Graves area. Vehicles will have to enter through a narrow entrance bordered by stone columns and alongside the dedicated parking for the next door property, 16 Cliff Road. (Formerly the residence for the clerics of the church.) c) The proposed treatment of the existing external windows is entirely unacceptable. To maintain the character of the area and the history of the building, ALL the existing full height windows should be retained. They should not be allowed to be simply split into two. The widows on the existing single story extension need careful design consideration and retained. In addition they must not be overpowered by modern dormer windows. d) The Council, noting that the property dates back to 1831 is not listed, is concerned about the security of the internal features of the Church, namely the gallery, memorials, organ and the Sherston made clock Application N/12/04068/S73A (retrospective) - variation of condition 5 of 09/01820/FUL to allow additional roof widows to garage and house, N12/04068/S73A - Conservatory - 20 Gaston s Road. It was noted by the council that this application was retrospective and raises concerns how this development that has only just been completed and should have been subject to regular checks by Wiltshire Council inspections, is in breach of planning permission. 1

2 534.3 Applications The following applications were discussed at the subcommittee meeting; comments attached to minutes. N/12/04123/FUL - Erect greenhouse and N/12/04071/FUL - minor changes to approved out building N/12/04068/S73A (Conservatory) and N/12/004967/S73A (new roof windows) N/12/04051/FUL single storey extension Lower Easton Cottage, Easton Town, Sherston N/12/04145/FUL Erection of detached garage Pinkney Cottage, Pinkney Update on Neighbourhood Plan JM reported that a SAE report is now in progress and there is to be a planned workshop/presentation on Saturday 16 th February. Other events will be organised to enable engagement with the youth and the elderly. The next meeting is on 31 st January To discuss the High Street Improvement Scheme The scheme will now be commencing at the end of March due to a delay in the delivery of the granite/stone. JH suggested an alternative scheme which would involve a one way system and roundabout in the High Street and would limit cars reversing on to the High Street. MR explained that he has been told by Martin Rose at Wiltshire Council that the scheme has reached such a late stage that such extreme changes cannot be made. Once the High Street improvements have been made and if there are any parking problems or issues, Martin Rose is prepared to revisit the suggestion Discuss the website The Parish Council had a request to have agendas put on the website and recent minutes. JM has explained that although agendas can be placed, minutes can only be submitted once they have been approved, which is at the next meeting. The Parish Council will talk to Compass Graphics regarding the council being enabled to add its own updates independently. This would save costs Emergency Planning Exercise Every town and parish in the Malmesbury Area has been invited to participate in a special emergency planning exercise planned by Wiltshire Council. It will be an opportunity for members of the Parish Council and emergency volunteers to test their emergency plan (if they have one) or provide the incentive to produce one. Two members of the public have so far asked to be included; JM asked if more parish councillors could attend the event. The exercise will be held at the village hall on 30 th January at 7.15pm Correspondence Wiltshire Council Parish Town Precepts The government have announced that although limits have been set for local, fire and police authorities, there will be no limit on the amount that the Band D charge may increase from 2012/2013 in respect of local precepting authorities (Town and Parish Councils) before triggering a referendum when setting the 2013/14 band d council tax charge. The statement adds that the government will revisit the issue in respect of local precepting authorities next year, having considered the extent to which local precepting authorities have exercised restraint in relation to council tax this year High Street Parking A resident of the High Street has asked the Parish Council to ask SOSCIC why they will not allow any car parking in the old school yard particularly for clients visiting the hairdressing salon. Also asked was what sort of pedestrian crossing is planned for outside the shop when the traffic scheme comes into force. The Parish Council reiterated that it although it holds the long term lease, SOSCIC are in total control of decisions regarding the Old School which includes parking. The matter is for SOSCIC and the village hall. Clerk SW will inform the resident of this and the latest plans for the High Street as requested Wiltshire Council Waiting requests The deadline for the submission of waiting requests is the end of January. More information can be found on the WC website. 2

3 540. Update on the Defibrillator An order has now been placed with the Community Heartbeat trust for three defibrillators and delivery will be within 8 weeks. PC will arrange training for the village. SM asked if the resident in Willesley, who offered their property as a location for one of the machines, had asked if the Parish Council would be willing to reimburse their electricity costs. The Parish Council would be happy to reimburse these costs Finance Finance To agree payments in accordance with the budget as listed in the financial summary Note: Clerk SW mentioned once the money had left the account for the defibrillators the allocated amount will be amended. The following amounts were approved for payment subject to the cheque to JPU Services is held until payment from the Tennis Club has been sorted. Sherston Parish Council Financial data as at 17/1/2013 Bank account balances at the report date: Current Account 10, Deposit 20, Total balances 30, Payments for approval at this meeting: Sarah Wood - Clerks Salary and expenses Sarah Wood NHP admin Jun- Jan CPC - January Cliffhanger print Sherston Post Office and Stores - various Pat Cooper - Village Tidy JPU Services Tree Surgery at sportfield E Hodges Trust donation to Brownies Total payments for approval today Funds received and allocated but not yet agreed for payment: Cliffhanger profit from launch to 31/03/2012* 6, Sales of 'Heroes All' books since , Defibrillator Donations from launch to , Total future allocations 15, Receipts this month Cliffhanger receipts 700 Total Section 106 Contribution Play Scheme Clerk SW has received a letter from Wiltshire Council confirming that the parish scheme for improvements to play equipment, which required 6,398, had been approved and funding secured. Sherston Parish Council can now proceed with the planned scheme. On completion of the scheme Wiltshire Council must be notified so they can inspect the scheme for compliance before releasing funds. This amount is to go towards an Ariel swing part of the play scheme to attract older children. A consultation took place with children late last year and the swing was one of the favoured pieces of equipment. Wiltshire Council have also updated Clerk SW on the Section 106 contributions that the Parish Council were expecting from the planning application 08/00258/OUT Eastville, Gaston s Lane. In 2007, North Wilts District failed to agree a Section 106 agreement for that application so the Parish Council will not be receiving any funding towards its new play scheme (e.g. fitness equipment for the recreation ground). The Parish Council were very disappointed that the village is to lose out on a mistake made by North Wiltshire Council and will be writing to Jane Scott at Wiltshire Council. 3

4 541.2 Clerk SW has found a good quote for the zip-wire (most favoured piece of equipment) which the Mark Doyle Fund will purchase. The Parish Council agreed that Clerk SW could place the order for the Areal swing. Once the price for the zip wire has been confirmed Clerk SW will talk to Sharon Doyle regarding transferring funds etc. An article with images of the new equipment will go into the February Cliffhanger asking for any views Recreation Ground Bin Mr Pat Cooper has reported that a bin in the recreation ground has deteriorated. Clerk SW discovered that it cannot be replaced and a new bin is the only solution. Mr Cooper asked if he could have a new litter picker and a high visibility jacket. The Parish Council agreed that Clerk SW could purchase these items Delegation of power to grant dispensations under section 33 (1) of Localism Act 2011 As mentioned last month under the previous Standards for England framework, the Standards Committee for Wiltshire Council considered and granted dispensations allowing town or parish councillor to discuss and vote on items in which the councillor had an interest. Under the Localism Act each town or Parish Council now has the responsibility for determining dispensations. Any councillor who has a beneficial interest in land which is in the area of the relevant authority (including a home in the area), has a prejudicial interest in the setting of the council tax precept and will therefore need a dispensation. All councillors present at the meeting were given and completed forms requesting dispensation and gave them to the clerk After discussion the Parish Council decided to delegate the decision making to the clerk. It made the following formal resolution: Sherston Parish Council resolve that the council delegates the power to grant dispensations under section (1) of the Localism Act 2011 to the Clerk, Mrs Sarah Wood; under the following relevant statutory circumstances, where appropriate; e.g. (a) Without dispensation so great a proportion of the council would be prohibited from participating in that business as to impede the council s transaction of that business (i.e. the meeting would be inquorate; (b) Where granting the dispensation is in the interests of persons living in the authority s area or; (c) It is otherwise appropriate to grant a dispensation To discuss dispensation requests. The clerk received all dispensation request forms from the councillors present and granted dispensations to all councillors. The reason for the granting of the dispensations was because of reason (a) mentioned above. The dispensation will last for four (4) years. ACTION Clerk SW will send copies of the dispensations granted to the monitoring officer at Wiltshire Council. The clerk will also ask the remaining councillors for their forms before the next meeting. 544.To discuss the budget and precept for 2013 SM has circulated a budget to all councillors; amendments to the Section 106 funding will be made as to the Grove Wood budget The Parish Council formally agreed to retain the precept at 22,400 for the forthcoming year The government have decreased the council tax base which has resulted in a higher council tax charge for the same precept. Wiltshire Council has helped the situation by giving an additional grant to Parish Councils to deal with the difference. An article will go into the Cliffhanger about the precept and the changes to the council tax base. JM signed the form and SW will send it to WC.SW will send in form to WC. 4

5 545. Environment, Parish Lands and General Services Report, January 2013 by MR Sports field Conifers have been reduced in height. Discussions with Tennis Club re finalising. Wall is being completed and looks very good Parish lands Solicitors yet to be instructed on new leases despite Old School legalities completed Community Speed Watch GM is setting schedule for the year Grove Wood- Further coppicing underway. Likely to be completed within the next month, subject to weather. Interpretation boards and leaflets have been drafted for approval by the Grove Wood group Footpaths Work proceeding re booklet reprint. Next meeting Wednesday 13 th February 2013 at 7.30 pm in the village hall Allotments Inspection required Highways Various: Tarters trees JM to talk to landowner again Easton Square - Response from Westlea still waited regarding remedial work to large sycamore tree Jubilee Diamond Jubilee Tree has been planted by the Scouts. Thanks are due to them and to the Reverend, Sue Harvey, for blessing the tree Dog fouling CB reported that a Wiltshire Council officer has to witness a dog fouling in order for a fine to be given. Even a photograph of the incident will not be sufficient evidence. Pat Cooper reported seeing along the path to the water tower / sportsfield (where the 1066 container is) that someone had been bagging up dog excrement and throwing it in the trees and not the bin! 546. Issues for Highways and the Parish Team. The parish team implemented jobs on the recent list, including clearing out vegetation at the bottom of Brook Hill and leaves on Church Street. Clerk SW will write to thank them and also add to the list that vegetation along Court Street needs attention CB reported that the green at Easton Square was being damaged by refuse vans driving on to the grass, presumably to avoid parked cars. CB asked if there was any way the grass area near kerb could be reduced slightly in order to reduce damage to the green. MR will give CB Westleas details Items for next months agenda. None Public Question Time. None Any other business for information only. There is to be a new development contribution to replace the existing Section 106. The overall contributions will be reduced Time and Date of next meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be on 14 th February 7.30pm. The meeting closed at 09:15 p.m. The minutes were taken by Sarah Wood, Clerk to Sherston Parish Council. 5