Northleach Town Council Meeting Sept 2008

MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2008 PRESENT: Cllr C Hancock (Chairman and Mayor), Cllr Mrs S Burgess, Cllr D Cotton, Cllr J Mustoe, Cllr R Sanders, Cllr A Wellman and also Mrs Caroline Braidwood (Clerk), Mrs R Duarte-Nichols (Assistant Clerk), 2 members of the public and 1 member of the Press.
241/08	Public Question Time (1) Nangle Allotments Michael Gaut enquired if there was any further information available on the transfer of Mill Lane Allotments and was advised that the Agreement is still awaited from Fields in Trust. Doctors Lane A resident living in Doctors Lane complained some users have been abusive and have accused her of driving too fast. She explained that it is the cyclists and skateboarders who travel too fast in the Lane creating a hazard. She also claimed that following complaints to Councillors her son had been victimised at School. Members acknowledged that it could be dangerous as the Lane is used by pedestrians and cyclists and provided vehicular access to garages. However, it has always been unregulated and no-one had knowledge of any other complaints. It was generally agreed that everyone needs to take care in a shared space and that the County Council has responsibility for regulating highways. She was also assured that any matter brought to the Council would be dealt with confidentially.

242/08	Apologies and Reasons for Absence Cllr Mrs Jenny Lawrence (Personal), Cllr N Blades (Personal), Cllr Mrs J Pullin (Council Business), Cllr M Williams (Council Business), Cllr Mark Tufnell (District) and Cllr Mavis Lady Dunrossill (County)

243/08	Acceptance and signing of Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes as a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chairman

244/08	Declaration of Interests None.

245/08 *Action:*	To Discuss any Matters Arising from the above Minutes not included on the Agenda All Alone Re-surfacing It was noted that the new surface is already breaking up and that the Clerk should notify Gloucestershire Highways.

246/08	Police Report
	Report from attending Police Officer Not available

247/08	District Councillors’ Report
	Report from Councillor Mavis Lady Dunrossill (County) and Councillor Mark Tufnell (District) Neither Councillor were available.

248/08	Finance
248.1/08	Budget Status up to 31 August 2008 Noted
248.2/08	Bills for Payment for July and August 2008 Proposed by Cllr C Hancock, Seconded by Cllr D Cotton and unanimously RESOLVED to pay.
248.3/08 *Action:*	Grant Application from Northleach Town Football Club (New Team) Members were advised that there is concern that some teenage players are under 16 and, therefore, not covered by insurance. It was agreed to invite the applicant to the next meeting to help Members understand the team’s position better.
248.4/08	Quotation for Repairing the Town War Memorial Members were advised that the costs of repair would be shared with British Legion. Proposed by Cllr C Hancock, Seconded by Cllr P Sanders and unanimously RESOLVED to accept the quotation presented.
248.5/08	To Appoint a Member to the Finance Committee This was deferred to the next meeting.

249/08	Planning and Tree Works
249.1/08	Schedule of New Planning Applications, Applications Responded to and Decision Notices Received Noted
249.2/08 *Action:*	Response to Chipping Campden Town Council’s letter to Cotswold District Council It was agreed that there is no real consultation of Parish and Town Councils and that Decisions do not always reflect Members recommendations. It was RESOLVED to write to Cotswold District Council in support of the letter with a copy to Chipping Campden Town Council. Church Farm House The Clerk advised that Planning Enforcement has been advised of the work carried out.

250/08	Property and Premises Maintenance Committee
250.1/08 *Action:*	Draft Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday, 1 September 2008 Noted. Members were advised that a meeting would be arranged with the Cotswold Wardens’ Co-ordinator to progress the bridge on the water meadows.
250.2/08	Report from the Chairman Nothing further to report

251/08	Westwoods Committee
251.1/08	Report from the Chairman In the absence of the Chairman the Draft Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 September 2008 were circulated and Noted.
251.2/08	Fencing the River from the Garden at the rear of the Centre The Committee had discussed this proposal and recommended that the Council should reject it. It was RESOLVED not to pursue the request to fence the Westwoods Garden from the river.

252/08	Updates from Working and Project Groups
252.1/08	Cllr Mrs Lawrence’s Update Report on Current Projects Cllr Mrs Lawrence’s report was circulated and Noted
252.2/08	Clerk’s Update Report on Current Projects The Clerk’s report on current projects was circulated and Noted
252.3/08	Drainage - To Note Hyder 2^nd Phase Report and Comments Noted.

253/08	Correspondence
253.1/08	Gloucestershire Highways – Letter to Mr M Brough re Northleach Market Members discussed the issue of stalls being set up during the evening prior to the Charter Market and it was unanimously RESOLVED that Members do not wish to put pressure on Gloucestershire Highways to enforce the conditions of the Charter providing that the organisers are considerate of other users of the Market Place and set up as late as possible.
253.2/08	GCC – Gloucestershire Charter It was RESOLVED to sign the Charter.
253.3/08 *Action:*	Gloucestershire Highways – VAS Assessment The assessment showing that the criteria had not been met was discussed. Members felt that the goal posts had been changed half way through project and that it made no sense to have only one at East End. It was agreed to contact Gloucestershire Highways and request that this be reconsidered.
253.4/08 *Action:*	Eastington BT Payphone – To Consider Adopting a Kiosk Proposed by Cllr C Hancock, Seconded by Cllr P Sanders and unanimously RESOLVED to apply to adopt the telephone kiosk in Eastington.
253.5/08 *Action:*	NALC – Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004 It was agreed to pass this to the Finance Committee for action.
253.6/08	NALC – Election Day – Weekend Voting It was noted that Members could respond to this individually.
253.7/08	NALC – The Balance of Power: Central and Local Government – Communities and Local Government Select Committee Inquiry Noted.
253.8/08 *Action:*	NALC – Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 It was agreed to pass this to the Finance Committee for action.
253.9/08	NALC – The Power of the Promotion of Economic, Social or Environmental Well Being Noted.
253.10/08	NALC – Empowerment White Paper – Communities in Control Noted.
253.11/08	Email from Bourton on the Water regarding Planning Training It was RESOLVED not to take up this offer of joint training.

254/08	Local Development Framework – Core Strategy
254.1/08	Notes of the Meeting with CDC Planner Circulated with the agenda and noted.
254.2/08 *Action:*	A Vision for Northleach It was agreed that a separate meeting would be arranged when the Multi Use Games Area Feasibility Report could also be considered.

255/08	Chairman’s Report Invitations Cllr Hancock confirmed that he would be attending a Reception at 29^th Regiment on 29^th September Drainage and Flooding Cllr Hancock reported that recent heavy rain had burst the river bank at the Wellings. Wills Estate has restored the banks on its land but a commitment was needed to ensure that it will be maintained. The sluice gate by the Mill had been raised but insufficient water had come through. Luckily the road drains had coped with the surface water but it was agreed that pressure on Gloucestershire Highways needs to be continued to carry out more work on the culvert. It was noted that the surface water in Doctors Lane misses the drain by the Youth Club as the levels are wrong. Some drains are still blocked – Corner Café and halfway down Farmington Road. The drain on the corner outside the Post Office has been cleaned out but not tested. Others were coping well. Huge volumes of water came off the fields behind Ward Road but the owners of the properties have made alterations to garden drains and built walls to protest themselves.

256/08	Representatives on Other Bodies
256.1/08	Youth Club – Cllr Mrs J Pullin Cllr Mrs Pullin was attending the Youth Club meeting.
256.2/08	Parochial Church Council and Church Restoration Fund – Cllr D Cotton and Cllr C Hancock Members were advised that the Appeal is now at an end and that approx £500,000 has been raised in 3 years. Immense generosity had meant that the £400,000 target had been exceeded. A new sound system has been installed and the St Petersburg’s Choir would be singing at an event soon. However, the Churchyard lights are still a problem.
256.3/08	Safer Cotswold and Community Crime Panel – Cllr Mrs J Pullin Not available.
256.4/08 *Action:*	Northleach Primary School – Cllr J Mustoe and Cllr C Hancock The new building is nearly completed and has been very well received by the staff and pupils as it provides excellent facilities. Members were advised that the District Valuer’s report on the strip of land between the School and the Sports and Social Club and the proposed access would be discussed at the next Council meeting.

257/08	Any Other Business Welcome Evening The Assistant Clerk confirmed that an event is being planned for 12 November at Savages Selection Wine Bar 7.30 – 9.30 pm for new residents who have moved into the Town during the last 12- 18 months. Representatives of local organisations would also be invited. An information pack is being put together that can be left with estate agents and at centres in Town. Members were requested to advise the names of new residents. Westwoods Overflow Car Park Members were advised that the planning application for the ramp has been withdrawn and Cllr Mustoe expressed concern that all of the preparation work has been lost. However, the Chairman stated that it will be required when permission for permanent car parking and access is applied for. He advised that Planners have confirmed that the building and curt ledge is designated for sports use only and that the Council will not need planning permission for a MUGA. The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting with Planners to explore the information relating to the site that is held by the District Council.

258/08	Public Question Time (2) None.