Sept 2011

Frampton on Severn Parish Council

Gloucestershire England

FRAMPTON-ON-SEVERN PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SCHOOLROOM

ON WEDNESDAY 7^th SEPTEMBER 2011

PRESENTATION OF THE VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION AWARDS

Cllr Howe welcomed parishioners and Councillors to the presentation of the prizes for the 2011 Village Garden Competition.

Cllr Pam Greenfield, organiser of the Competition, welcomed those present and read a note from Chris Marshall, Chairman of the Judging Panel, who apologised for not being present. He commented how much the dry weather had affected gardens this year but as this affected all gardens it had been an even playing field for the judging. He considered it a privilege to be able to cycle round a beautiful village with an excuse to be nosey looking at all the gardens in their wonderful diversity. He thanked his fellow judges, Jane Hey and Mary Durham, and passed on his congratulations to all the winners and gardeners whose work contributes to the beauty of our village.

Trophies and Certificates were presented - a full list of the prize-winners is attached for information.

Cllr Greenfield added her congratulations and thanks to all the winners and especially to Frampton Court Estate for their continued care of The Green and to Mrs Caroline Williams and family for their care of the War Memorial and its environs. The Red Cross Open Gardens and the Hidden Gardens events held in the village help to raise funds for a number of charities and show that the village is a lovely environment in which to live.

Cllr Howe advised of a campaign being run by the Royal Horticultural Society entitled "It’s Your Neighbourhood", part of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign. This is a non-competitive scheme for volunteer-led community gardening groups and the Chairman asked local gardeners to consider how a scheme of this type could benefit this village. An article will be published in the next issue of the Community Newsletter giving more details.

On behalf of Parish Council and the whole community, Cllr Howe added his congratulations to the winners and thanked all the judges for their hard work and special thanks to Cllr Greenfield for organising the Village Garden Competition and the award ceremony. Everyone was then invited to join Councillors for refreshments before the start of the Parish Council meeting.

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PRIOR TO THE MEETING PARISHIONERS WERE INVITED TO RAISE MATTERS OF CONCERN WITH COUNCIL:

Mr Kim Wain, representing residents in Oatfield

Mr Wain started by thanking Cllr Howe and the Parish Council for their support in dealing with the drainage problems at Oatfield which continued to cause anxiety to local residents.

Oatfield residents were setting up a Residents’ Association following concerns over the change of use of a unit at Walk Farm where a distribution company was working. The subsequent early morning noise, light pollution and constant lorry movements had been disturbing residents who have complained to both the Parish and the District Councils. Residents have already carried out a lot of research into the retrospective planning application for Walk Farm and Cllr Howe had explained to them how Parish Council dealt with planning applications and had outlined the planning procedures and the strict time limits imposed. In all cases Parish Council consult adjoining householders, but this does not work for this particular application which affected a wide area.

The Parish Council Planning Committee had met to discuss the retrospective planning application for the change of use, but there had been a communications problem with the public over the timing of the meeting and residents had been unable to attend. The residents felt they could have actively contributed to the discussions and therefore would like to propose a different structure to advise matters of concern to parishioners. As this relates to Oatfield, it is proposed that a specific person be nominated who can be contacted if any matters concerning Oatfield arise.

The Chairman confirmed that Parish Council would continue to consult immediate neighbours on all planning applications received and where there is a recognised local body it would be sensible to also brief their representative. The Chairman gave an undertaking to add the representative of the Oatfield Residents’ Association to the contact list and would be happy to provide similar help to any other local residents’ organisations which may be established.

Police Report

PC Kelly Akers had provided a written report notifying reported crime over the last two months. There had been 24 incidents recorded and 7 crimes, including a number of minor incidents at Frampton Feast Fun Fair.

PC Akers would be in attendance at Frampton Country Fair on Sunday 11^th September.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Baker, Clifford, Greenfield, Grist, Howe (Chairman), Hutchinson, Peacey and Price were present plus Lynn Ireland (Clerk). 3 members of the public were present.

APOLOGIES

County Cllr Booth

97/11 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None received.

98/11 PREVIOUS MINUTES

Minutes of the Meeting held on 6^th July 2011 were amended as follows:

Item 90/11(B) BT Telephone

2^nd line to read "... shared with the Sports & Social Club on the number 01452 740199."

Item 92/11(A) Ditch at Oatfield

4^th line to read "... responsible for the ditch from Sandfield T-Junction running north..."

The Minutes were then approved as a true record and signed on behalf of the Council by the Chairman.

99/11 PLANNING

(A) DECISIONS MADE BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL

S11/0832/HHOLD
Conifer Cottage Bridge Road	Insertion of two dormer windows to rear elevation	Householder Planning Permission
S11/0739/TCA
Little Green Bridge Road	Trees in a Conservation Area Fell Ash tree	Permission
S11/1325/TCA
The Pines The Green	Trees in a Conservation Area Fell Holly tree to approx 6ft	Permission

(B) DECISIONS MADE BY THE PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE

S11/1157/FUL
Land at Severnthorpe The Green	Conversion of outbuilding to an independent dwelling and erection of extensions	Object
Council opposed this application on the grounds of access – Policies HN15 and HN16. The request was made that the County Council Highways Planning Liaison Team be made aware of the application.
S11/1161/HHOLD
Rosemont The Street	Erection of a two-storey extension and construction of a dormer window to the rear (resubmission of refused application S11/0436/HHOLD)	Support
Council supported this application under Policies HN16 and BE5.
S11/1325/TCA
The Pines The Green	Trees in a Conservation Area Fell Holly tree to approx 6ft	Support
Council supported this application following discussion with the Parish Tree Warden.
11/0030/STMAJW
Netherhills Whitminster	M.C.Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd – small scale extension to existing sand and gravel quarry and restoration to agriculture using inert waste fill	Support
Cllr Alexander, Peacey and Price had accepted the invitation to tour the Cullimores site and were able to confirm that this application would have minimal impact and therefore Council confirmed there were no objections.
11/0031/STMAJW
Netherhills Whitminster	M.C.Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd – variation of condition 1 of consent S02/2283 for the renewal of permission for an inert waste material recycling facility	Support
Cllr Alexander, Peacey and Price had accepted the invitation to tour the Cullimores site and were able to confirm that this application would have minimal impact and therefore Council confirmed there were no objections.
S11/1531/TCA
Halfpenny Cottage Bridge Road	Trees in a Conservation Area Removal of 5 branches overhanging from Scotts Pine tree	Support
Council supported this application following discussion with the Parish Tree Warden.
S11/1596/COU
Walk Farm Whitminster Lane	Change of Use from agricultural barn to B8 storage, including installation of roller shutter doors and access (retrospective)	Support
The Committee had considered that there were no planning grounds on which the application could be opposed, but wished access to the premises to be via the original farm access onto Whitminster Lane rather than via the temporary access onto Church Lane associated with the Marina construction works. The Chairman reported that following his meeting with Mr Wain he had discussed the application with a District Council officer. The reason why the temporary access was in use was not clear. Council agreed that the Chairman should continue discussions with the District Council officer stressing Council’s view that if the application were supported by the District Council, the original access should be used and conditions as to hours of work should be stipulated.

(C) OTHER PLANNING MATTERS

Notice of Appeal – Rosemont, The Street

An appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate against the District Council’s refusal of application S11/0436/HHOLD. Parish Council had supported the original application and agreed to support it at the Appeal.

Stroud Parish Forum

Cllr Alexander had attended the meeting to represent this Council. The Localism Bill had been discussed but no useful points were made and no actions had been proposed.

100/11 FINANCE

(A) Invoices for Payment

Springhill Contracts	Fencing at Baccabox footpath	Highways A 1980 ss.43,50	£195.02
T.W. Hawkins & Sons	Grass Cutting Account Invoice 0004415	Highways A 1980 s.96	£380.28
Longney & Epney PC	Contribution to Severn Voice admin	LGA 2000 s.100	£7.20
Mrs L Ireland	Clerk’s Salary – September	LGA 1972 s.112(2)	£190.10
The Post Office	HMRC PAYE re above	LGA 1972 s.112(2)	£47.40
Mrs L Ireland	Clerk’s expenses – July & August	LGA 1972 s.111	£252.74
Moore Stephens	Auditors fee	LGA 1972 s.111	£162.00

(B) Invoices paid between meetings

Mrs L Ireland	Clerk’s Salary – August	LGA 1972 s.112(2)	£190.10
The Post Office	HMRC PAYE re above (backdated)	LGA 1972 s.112(2)	£190.00

(C) Income Received

Mrs L Ireland	Refund of phone bill on removal of line	£28.15
John Buckley Trust	Contribution to PlayRangers	£450.00
Rotary Club of Stonehouse	Contribution to PlayRangers	£250.00

(D) Finance Update

Cllrs noted the contents of the Finance Update for September submitted by RFO Martin Lewis. Cllrs were asked to consider how the £5000 currently in the Capital Budget could best be used.

(E) Audit

The Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2011 had been approved by the External Auditor with one minor comment - a quantified explanation is required and not just a receipts and payments account. This will be noted for future audits.

Mr Iain Selkirk FCA had notified that in view of the expected abolition of the Audit Commission he was researching the possibility of undertaking full audits for parish councils. He asked if this parish would support him. Cllrs had always found Mr Selkirk efficient and thorough and had no hesitation in unanimously agreeing their support.

(F) Budget 2012/13

Cllrs had been asked to submit proposals for next year’s budget:

FoS Village Hall

Booking charges for the village hall were to be increased to £15 for the Rowles Room and £20 for the Main Hall.

FoS Playground

Cllr Baker declared a prejudicial interest and took no part in the discussion

The Playground Committee had requested funds to assist with required updating and improving of the facilities. Cllrs considered that a request for Parish Council to supply a specific item would be preferable since Council could reclaim the VAT.

Wooden Seat on The Green

Cllr Alexander asked that consideration be given to replacing the circular seat outside The Three Horse Shoes.

Litter Bins at Frampton Stores

Cllr Price explained that the present litter bins in the car park adjacent to Frampton Stores were inadequate and asked that consideration be given to providing larger bins. Cllr Price was authorised to check with the District Council about the possibility and cost of them providing another litter bin. It was noted that the refuse collectors did not always empty the bins and Cllr Alexander agreed to check with Veolia to see if they would agree to empty the bins on a twice weekly basis.

It was unanimously agreed the above items would be included in the budget list for discussion at the November meeting.

Gloucestershire Chest Fund Ltd

Although considered an excellent organisation this request was not supported. Cllrs unanimously agreed to continue their policy of only making donations to organisations that provide services directly to parishioners.

(G) Other Finance Matters

Donation to the Congregational Church

Cllr Alexander explained that the meeting venue had had to be changed because of repairs to the Village Hall floor, and proposed a donation of £20 to the Congregational Church as an expression of thanks for the use of the Schoolroom. This was unanimously agreed under LGA 1972 s.134(4).

102/11 CLERK’S UPDATE

This item is introduced as a ‘matters arising’ to enable Cllrs to report actions following the last meeting.

Cllr Peacey had successfully repaired the lock on the notice board in Vicarage Lane.

Cllr Peacey advised that the cricket and football clubs had submitted a nominee as an Olympic Torch Carrier.

Cllr Price said that Dickie Baker had cleared the litter from the school playing field and this area would be monitored.

The Clerk had attended a GAPTC course following which some minor amendments to minuting practice would be introduced:

	The Chairman would initial each page of the loose leafed Minute Book
	The Chairman would sign the Minutes "on behalf of the Council"
	The Clerk would keep an official Agenda Book to run alongside the Minute Book
	The item previously entitled "Any Other Business" would now be entitled "Councillor’s Submissions"
	The item "Clerk’s Update" would be introduced
	The relevant legislative authority would be quoted against each payment made by Parish Council
	The term "Sub Group" would no longer be used
	Notification of Planning Committee meetings would be publicised on the Parish Council website
	The Clerk would have a legally binding contract of employment.

Cllr Hutchinson advised he had attended the Affordable Housing coach trip organised by Gloucestershire Rural Community Council. A number of housing estates had been visited throughout the county and the day had been very informative. Presentations had been given by a number of Housing Associations. He believed that this parish would probably need to carry out another Housing Needs Survey if the proposed site in Whitminster was established as this could make a difference to the housing need for the Severn Vale.

103/11 HIGHWAYS

(A) Damage to wall in Perryway

Cllr Clifford reported that the buttresses on the wall adjacent to Frampton Cottage in The Perryway had been damaged by passing HGVs and this was now considered unsafe. The householders will be claiming on their insurance for essential repairs but the ongoing problem of this dangerous corner still needed to be resolved. Traffic needed to be slowed and Cllrs discussed various options. It was agreed a meeting should be called with County Highways and Cllrs Alexander, Clifford and Baker will take this forward.

(B) Other matters

The County Highways Annual Information Evening was to be on 10^th October. Cllrs Alexander, Baker and Howe would attend.

104/11 SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS POLICY

The Chairman reported that Mr Neil Carmichael MP was continuing to lobby for a new school admissions policy and had forwarded a copy of a letter he had received from the County Council. The details confirmed the discussions at the Severn Voice meeting in February and did not give any new information.

105/11 SEVERN ESTUARY

Cllr Alexander reported that Severn Voice members leading negotiations locally regarding a review of the SMP2 plans for the Severn Estuary would be meeting the Minister, The Right Honourable Richard Benyon MP. Mr Neil Carmichael MP would also be in attendance. It is considered that the present document is seriously flawed and if implemented would have serious consequences for the Severn Vale. It is essential that concerns are voiced to ensure the long term protection of this area.

106/11 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

No report.

107/11 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

No report.

108/11 CORRESPONDENCE

Parish Council is invited to send representatives to the following meetings:

15^th Sept	Neil Carmichael MP presents "Provision of Enhanced Broadband Services in Stroud"	The Imperial Hotel 6.00pm
15^th Sept	Chartered Parishes Group Meeting	Eastern Avenue Fire Station 7.00pm
23^rd Sept	Frampton Village Society presents "The Future of our Community"	Frampton Village Hall 7.30pm
12^th Oct	Chief Constable Mr Tony Melville Presentation on current issues / Q&A	Highnam Community Centre 2.00pm

SARA Plans

PC Kelly Akers has advised that the SARA plans for the next six months are:

	To reduce speeding on St John’s Road, Slimbridge
	To reduce incidents of youths on mopeds acting anti-socially in Whitminster
	To reduce incidents of youths playing ‘kerby’ in Whitminster.

Mobile Police Station

Routes for the MPS have been changed and the vehicle will now visit Frampton 3 mornings a month. In October this will be the 3^rd, 13^th and 23^rd.

Police Non Emergency Telephone Number

As from 19^th September Gloucestershire Constabulary are introducing the new national 101 non-emergency number to replace their existing number which will be phased out.

Miscellaneous

Various papers and publications were made available for Cllrs’ perusal.

109/11 CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

The Chairman reminded Cllrs that Sgt Neil Gibbs from the Dursley & District Neighbourhood Policing Team would be attending the October meeting to give a presentation on speeding problems in the District.

110/11 COUNCILLOR’S SUBMISSIONS

Cllr Baker advised that the PlayRanger sessions held in the village had again been very successful and were very well attended.

Cllr Peacey

A number of cars have been parking on the recreation ground. Cllr Price advised that the barrier post had been damaged but this was now being repaired and will be replaced to prevent unauthorised access.
Could consideration be given to rotating the venues for Parish Council meetings? The Chairman agreed this suggestion had some merit and would be raised at a future meeting.
Local resident Mrs Clare Church has advised she would be willing to stand as a Parish Councillor at the next election.

Cllr Clifford

The family of the late Keith Wilcox had asked if a permanent memorial could be placed on The Green. FCE are considering replacing the lime tree by Manor Cottages and this could be a suitable memorial. A final decision will be made after discussion with the Village Tree Warden, Laurence Wood.
The future of the Horse Chestnut trees in The Narles is in question and a programme of replanting with native Oaks is being considered.

Cllr Price

The graffiti in the bus shelter in Bridge Road would be removed by the Neighbourhood Warden.
Dog bins have been requested for Baccabox.

Cllr Alexander advised that Stroud District Council would probably be making their final decision about changes to the Development Limit Boundary next month.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.23pm.

FRAMPTON-ON-SEVERN PARISH COUNCIL

2011 VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION

Parish Council Salver for Best Design and Shrubs	1^st 2^nd 2^nd	Mr & Mrs W Church, Holyport, Vicarage Lane Mr B Roberts, Tom Clark’s Cottage, The Green Mr & Mrs M Griffiths, Tanfield, Churchend
Chairman’s Salver for Best Herbaceous & General	1^st 2^nd 3^rd 3^rd	Mr & Mrs S Barnfield, Buckholt Cottage, The Street Mr & Mrs R Clifford, 9 Oatfield Road Mrs P Winfield, Wonkey Cottage, The Green Mr J Clutterbuck, 9 The Oval
Village Society Rose Bowl for Most Colourful Garden	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr & Mrs C Hinder, 20 Phillimore Gardens Mr L & Mrs R Sparry, 17 Oatfield Road Mrs J Bennett, Brooklyn, The Street
Herbert Salver for the Best Mini Garden	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr & Mrs G Wood, 13 Oatfield Road Mr & Mrs T Pockett, 6 Oatfield Road Mr & Mrs R Cooper, Walford House, The Street
Judges Cup for the Most Improved Garden	1^st	Mrs P Selby, Jima, The Street
Jack Millard Cup for the Best Allotment	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr M. McCrea, 4 Henry Withers Close, Whitminster Mr B Smith, 36 Paynes Meadow, Whitminster Mr D Radcliffe-Watts, 6 Meerbrook Way, Quedgeley
Special Commendations:		Lakefield School Mrs Caroline Williams for the War Memorial

Copyright © 2005 Frampton on Severn Parish Council