Minutes of a meeting of the Bestwood St. Albans Parish Council held at the Hawthorne Primary School, Bestwood Village, Nottingham on Tuesday, 4 th March 2014 at 7.30 pm. Councillors: D.N. Beeston MBE - Chairman A. Fox-Smith - Vice-Chairman Mrs. M.A. Gee W.F. Beckwith Mrs. D.M. Stevenson - (a) T. Binks - (a) D.M. Marshall Mrs. S. Stewart Cllr. Mrs. J. Pauley - (a) Present: Jack Ashworth Cllr. Roy Allen Cllr. Pauline Allen 5 Members of the Public Apologies: Cllr. Mrs. Pauley Family Illness Niki Pekal Gedling Borough Council Cllr. Barnfather Other Commitments Cllr. Mrs. Stevenson - Illness Cllr. Binks - Illness Cllr. Michael Payne Other Commitments. It was pointed out that the venue for the meeting should have been held at the Warren Academy, on Bewcastle Road, Top Valley, Nottingham, but due to the Caretakers illness no one was available to open up. Apologies were given for the last minute notice. Minutes: The minutes of a meeting held at the Hawthorne Primary School, Bestwood Village, Nottingham, on Tuesday 4 th February 2014, previously circulate, were agreed as a correct record and sign by the Chairman. Proposed: Cllr. Fox-Smith Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Gee. Short Silence: A short silence was observed for Parishioners recently deceased. Matters Arising: Dog Fouling Bestwood Village The Clerk emailed Niki Pekal regarding Dog Fouling and invited her to the Parish meeting, her response is as follows: - Thank-you for your e-mail in relation to Dog fouling in Bestwood Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 1 of 8
Village. I am sure you know that I am aware of these problems and I am doing my best to patrol the area and catch the culprits. Regular letter drops are done on specific streets, as and when they are reported and if necessary a street cleanse is organised. The Chairman stated that he would follow this up and arrange a drive around the village with Niki Pekal. Declarations of Interest: Cllr. Beeston The Chairman Allowance District Cllr. Beeston s Report: Lighting New Bridge over the Rail Lines Cllr. Jan Pauley, who is also an Officer at NCC emailed the Clerk to report that: - There is funding in the 14/15 budget (which I hold) for lighting the bridge in the New Year - earlier if it's a contribution to NR who we are trying to agree to do the work. Of course, nothing in this day in age is guaranteed, especially if it has to do with money, but at this moment in time the budget is sitting with me to do the work. Cllr. Pauley also reassures the Council she will do her best to safeguard the funding to get the work carried out as quickly as possible. Bus Shelter Damaged Cllr. Beeston reported a damaged bus shelter opposite the Country Park to Laura Trusler of NCC. She reports that it is owned by Clearchannel UK and has asked them to organise a repair. It was also mentioned that the Timetable enclosure had also been broken. Road Works Moor Road with Park Road Cllr. Beeston wrote to Laura Trusler regarding the recent road work and informed her that he was a little disappointed that no-one had contacted the Parish Council to inform them that work was being started. Laura Trusler reported that she had passed his email on to the Principal Coordinator. The Clerk and Cllr. Mrs. Gee were quite concerned that the planters and seat had been removed, but after talking to the workmen and getting phone numbers and names, felt reassured that all would be back in its position once work had been completed. Leen Footpath Cllr. Beeston reported to Cllr. Dave Shaw of Ashfield District Council that the Leen Footpath A Team had been sent to investigate. Footpath between Hill Road and The Spinney A report was sent to Laura Trusler at NCC that a light was not working and Laura Trusler reports that: We identified the verge that this vegetation is growing on as land belonging to Wilcon Homes. I served final notice on the firm on 16 th December and the Highways Inspector has now confirmed that the necessary pruning works have been undertaken. Highways Problems Cllr. Beeston arranged to meet with Laura Trusler, but unfortunately this did not take place Light Out First light on the footpath from School Walk. Laura Trusler reports that she had raised the fault with street lighting Team and they will carry out the necessary repairs shortly. Adjourn for Parishioner s Questions 15 minutes Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 2 of 8
Equipment and Safety Surface The Play Area Bestwood Village: There was nothing to report at this time. Bestwood Country Park/Winding Engine House: Minutes sent to Councillors. It was agreed to invite the Bestwood Country Park to a Parish meeting. Policing in the Parish: The Clerk wrote to Insp A Knight at the Arnold Police Station regarding Councils concerns that Officers were not present at Parish meeting no response received. Proposed Development Off Park Road and Open Space Requirement: Ball Courts The Clerk contacted Melvin Cryer again during the month to inquire if there was any further news from Taylor Wimpy. No news to date... S106 Money from new Development: Email received from Jenifer Cole of Gedling Borough Council I had a meeting with Hazel Buchanan of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group this morning to discuss proposals for the s106 contribution towards health from the Park Road development. The CCG are looking at engaging with the local community through a partnership working arrangement. I advised her that you were interested in their proposals and I will pass your contact details on to her. Hazel also advised that Cllr Barnfather has also approached the CCG in relation to this matter (I have therefore copied Cllr Barnfather into this e-mail). Cllr. Beeston emailed Paul Hillier regarding the remainder of the Transport money for Bestwood Village and he reports that: As I reported previously, I have issued a brief for our design teams to look at what can be done at the mouth of Park Road at its junction with Moor Road. As the deadline for spending this money does not fall until January 2015, work on this has not yet started. St. Modwen Proposed Development Bestwood Village: Email received from Jack Ashworth, previously emailed to Councillors. I'm sure members are aware of the considerable concern being shown by residents regarding future housing in the village and local community groups comprising Village Vision, Nottingham Citizens and a village Facebook group have recently met to discuss the situation. You may recall that the Parish Council was invited, albeit at some short notice, to this meeting, but unfortunately no one did attend. There is a groundswell of local opinion, that although the St Modwen proposal may be a better option than the previously "up to 500 houses on green belt" north of the village, it will still have considerable impact on village life. In order to minimise such impact, it is obviously essential that adequate 106 compensation is negotiated and that the wording of such agreements are focused on Bestwood Village itself. To this end please find attached a draft of suggestions in this Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 3 of 8
regard and could I request please that an item is included in the agenda of the next PC meeting to discuss both this issue and how members can work with local community groups for the benefit of the village as a whole. These are as follows: St Modwen Development - 106 targets School: To provide additional classroom space on or immediately adjacent to the Hawthorne Primary School site in Bestwood Village. Transport: To contribute to setting up a community transport scheme (including training, administration etc.) and also a crossing facility for Moor Rd. Health: To provide funding for health service provision in Bestwood Village, specifically directed to weekly clinics in the Community Centre and support of projects concerning social health. Play/Leisure facilities: To make monies available in accordance with the accepted formula, to provide or enhance leisure/play areas within Bestwood Village. Plans are presently being circulated to Councillors for their comments and observations. It was reported that St. Modwens were keen to have another meeting with Councillors just to bring everyone up to speed with what they are doing and to let them know who they have been speaking with and what the process is from here and it was agreed to meet on Thursday 13 th March at 1.30 Mrs. Gee s House. Mr. Ashworth was also invited to attend. Langridge Homes It was reported that Langridge Homes have lodged an Outline planning application for 101 houses on the safeguarded land north of the village. Langridge Homes would be quite happy to meet with Councillors during the consultation period on this application to discuss their ideas and if you consider it to attend a public meeting. The Clerk was also contacted on Monday by Jesse Honey Senior Development Planner/Economist URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited informing her that there is to be a final presentation of their finding for Bestwood Village on Thursday 13 th March at 5.15 pm and hoped as many of the Parish Council as possible will be present. Jesse Honey, who held the Workshops in the village for houses on the land to the side of the Spinney informs her that the Inspector had agreed that Bestwood s allocation for housing in the Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 4 of 8
village is 260, 32 have already been built, Standens land, and 29 allocated for the Sycamores leaves 199. Langridge have put an outline planning in for 101 houses on the Spinney which is called Safeguarded land and the remainder is 98. Jesse Honey thinks the reason Langridge have only applied for 101 as any further housing would be on greenbelt land. It was also reported that St Modwens have to prove to GBC that there is a need for housing in the village to use Commercial land and that the site is no longer being used for that purpose. It was agreed that Mr. Ashworth from the Village Vision and Cllr. Beckwith should attend at Gedling Borough Council. Sycamores Bestwood Village It was agreed to keep this item on the agenda. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Gee Lengthmans Scheme: It was reported that there is no news to date. Sign Board Entrance Bestwood Village: It was reported that Cllr. Barnfather had donated a sum of 500 towards the signboard an email of thanks had been sent to Cllr. Barnfather from the Council. Cllr. Barnfather acknowledges the Council s response and was pleased to help, he pointed out that they are very pleased with their signs at Ravenshead. A small group of Councillors met with Cllr. Mrs. Pauley regarding the Village Sign Board and proposed artwork, which Cllr. Pauley would be undertaking. At the meeting ideas were given to Cllr. Mrs. Pauley and she reported that she would do two drawings and let Council choose one, of which, would be incorporated on the two sign board (same design at the entrance and exit of the village) Parish Computer: The Clerk organised assistance and insurance for the Computer from PC World for the Sum of 199.00 Resolved: to reimburse the Clerk 199. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Gee Defibrillator Donation Request: It was pointed out that Councillors agreed in principal to a donation for the Defibrillator in the Village and were asked to go away and consider the amount they would wish to donate. In a short discussion it was agreed to donate 500 from 2014/15 s137 allocation. Proposed: Cllr. Mrs Gee Seconded: Cllr. Fox-Smith Cenotaph Cleaning; Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 5 of 8
The Clerk invited Bonsers Building Restoration to quote for the work and it is as follow:- (Councillors have been circulated with a copy of the quote). To Clean the War Memorial Labour and Materials 250 Clean Bronze Plaques and apply microcrystalline wax Labour and Materials 210 Pressure Wash surrounding block paving and apply stay putt joint sand Labour and Materials 405 Total works 865.00 not including VAT Resolved: Clerk to arrange for the work to be undertaken. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Gee Poppy Decorations to the rear fencing Cenotaph Area A small group of Councillors met with Kay Brown, Secretary of the WI. It was pointed out to Councillors that the area only to the rear of the Cenotaph would be decorated with single knitted poppies in Red with a black centre. It was also asked if knitted wreaths one in the usual red/black and one in mauve (animals lost in wars) and white (conscientious objectors), could be placed on the Cenotaph and be weighted down to stop them blowing away, this would happen from 28 th July until the end of September. It was also asked if the Flag could be flown on 13 th September at half-mast for the Poppy Walk that is being undertaken. Council agreed to fly the flag at half-mast as a mark of respect from the 28 th July to the end of September Proposed: Cllr. Mrs. Gee Seconded: Cllr. Marshall Standing Order no 5 it was agreed to continue the meeting for a further 10 minutes. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Gee Full Council agreed to the proposal Date Annual Parish Meeting: It was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 29 th April at 7.30pm. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Fox-Smith In a short discussion it was agreed to invite a member of Gedling Borough Council Planning, St. Modwens and Langridge Homes to the APM. Chairman s Allowance: The Chairman previously declared an interest and left the room. Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 6 of 8
It was agreed that the Chairman s Allowance of 255 for this Financial Year be paid. Proposed: Cllr. Fox-Smith Seconded: Cllr. Beckwith Full Council agreed with the proposal with the exception of the Chairman who had previously declared an interest. The Chairman return to the room. Park Keeper/Bus Shelter Cleaning/Flag Keeper Wages: No increase for this year. Clerk s Wages: It was agreed to increase the Clerk hours and pay by one hour increasing the Clerk s Salary to 9753 per annum. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Fox-Smith Domestic Allowance: It was pointed out that the Domestic Allowance had not been increased for the past 4 years, although bills such as internet charges had increased. It was proposed to increase the Domestic Allowance by 100 per annum. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Fox-Smith Any Other Item The Chairman Considers Urgent There was nothing at this time. Plans: St Modwen Development of 220 houses on the Old Bestwood Colliery Site. Plans presently being circulated. Correspondence: CPRE & NALC Best Kept Village Competition Paddy Tipping New Address Finance: Bank Account as at 28 th February 2014. Current Account 20938.02. Savings Account 3532.37 Income Untaxed Interest 3.66 Accounts: The Accounts, circulated to Councillors, were signed by the Chairman and it was agreed to pay the following:- BT 301832 95.52 Phone Warren Primary 301833 90.00 School Hire x3 Reimburse PM Hall 301834 199.00 Computer Insurance Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 7 of 8
Reprotec 301835 21.13 Office Reimburse PM Hall 301836 26.48 Office Reimburse PM Hall 301837 60.00 Office W.F. Beckwith 301838 13.92 Mileage A. Fox-Smith 301839 10.44 Mileage D.N. Beeston 301840 255.00 Chairman s Allowance P.M. Hall 301841 659.37 Wages M Prince 301842 563.25 Wages Petty Cash 301843 25.00 Petty Cash P.M Hall 301844 22.62 Mileage P M Hall 301845 300.00 Domestic Allowance Date & Venue of the next meeting: The next meeting is due to be held at the Hawthorne Primary School on Tuesday 1 st April 2014 at 7.30pm This concluded the meeting which closed at 9.30pm. Signed.Chairman. Date: 1 st April 2014 `Page 8 of 8