September 2009

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 2^nd SEPTEMBER 2009

VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION

Cllr Howe welcomed 29 parishioners to the presentation of the prizes for the 2009 Competition.

Cllr Pam Greenfield, organiser of the Village Garden Competition, said that the numerous delightful gardens were a great attraction for the many visitors who are welcomed to the village each year for the Red Cross Open Gardens and the Hidden Gardens events. Frampton Court Estate were thanked for maintaining The Green and Caroline Williams for her care of the War Memorial. Michael Selby was thanked for his work in maintaining the area around Roes Pool over a number of years, and following his move from the village a volunteer was sought to take over care of this beautiful part of the village.

Trophies and Certificates were presented:

John Howe	Parish Council Salver	Best Design and Shrubs
John Howe	Chairman’s Salver	Best Herbaceous and General
Carol Alexander	Village Society Rose Bowl	Most Colourful Garden
Mary Durham	Herbert Salver	Best Mini Garden
Mary Durham	Judges’ Cup	Most Improved Garden
Pam Greenfield	Jack Millard Cup	Best Allotment

Special Commendations were awarded by the Judges to Lafarge and Frampton Cricket Pavilion. A full list of the prize-winners is attached for information.

Cllr Greenfield said that although Mr Chris Marshall, Chairman of the Judges, was unable to be present he had asked her to pass on his thanks to his fellow judges and to say that he felt the standard was even higher than last year and that the awards acknowledged the hard work that villagers put into their gardens.

On behalf of Parish Council and the whole community, Cllr Howe added his congratulations to the winners and thanked them for helping to make the village such a lovely place in which to live and work. He then invited those present to join Cllrs 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 CLLRS:

Mr Peter Morris reported:

	The stile on the footpath on the bridge at the side of the canal leading from the Church towards Splatt is difficult for the less able to negotiate.
	Parking in the village causes problems with numerous instances of inconsiderate parking by visitors. He would like to suggest additional signs be displayed.
	The speed of traffic along The Street is too fast. Consideration should be given to increasing the speed limit of 30 mph along The Green to 40 mph.

The Chairman confirmed these points would be discussed by Council later in the meeting.

POLICE REPORT

PCSO Mark Lifton reported:

	There have been three minor incidents over the past month.
	Vehicle speed checks have taken place along The Green.
	PC Kelly Acres has started a HorseWatch scheme in the Severnvale area.
	PCSO Deb Hughes was still on light duties following an injury.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Clifford, Greenfield, Howe (Chairman), K. Lewis, M. Lewis, Price, Speed and Wagstaff were present plus County Cllr Booth, District Cllr Smith and Lynn Ireland (Clerk) and 4 members of the public.

APOLOGIES

None.

97/09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None received.

98/09 PREVIOUS MINUTES

Minutes of the Meeting held on 1^st July 2009 were amended to correct minor error:

Page 713 Item 94/09 line .... to read – "The committee have been unsuccessful in their bid for funding from ....."

The Minutes were then approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

PRESENTATION

Mr David Hagg, Chief Executive, Stroud District Council

Mr Hagg reported work currently being carried out by the District Council and answered questions raised by Cllrs about problems encountered with the current planning application system. It was agreed that another meeting should be held when Mr Hagg and his planning officers could explain in detail how the planning system works and how the District and Parish can work closer together.

99/09 PLANNING

(a) decisions made by the district council

S09/0906/HHOLD
Warren Cottage The Street	Erection of single storey extension at rear.	Householder Planning Permission
S09/0827/HHOLD
Elgar House The Street	Erection of replacement single storey and two storey extensions	Householder Planning Permission
S09/0476/FUL
Recreation Ground Lake Lane	New traditional timber tennis pavilion to serve FoS Tennis Club and provide shelter, toilet, changing and storage facilities	Planning Permission
S09/1114/HHOLD
Tulip Cottage Whittles Lane	Erection of extension	Householder Planning Permission
S09/1116/LBC
Tulip Cottage Whittles Lane	Erection of extension	Listed Building Consent
S09/0839/CAC
The Vicarage Frampton on Severn	Demolition of vicarage	Conservation Area Consent
S09/0837/FUL
The Vicarage Frampton on Severn	Erection of replacement vicarage and two detached dwellings	Planning Permission
S09/0989/HHOLD
1 Riverside Cottages Fromebridge Lane	Construction of lean-to roof to form covered walkway and raised decking area to rear of property	Householder Planning Permission
S09/1268/HHOLD
21 Glebe Close	Demolition of garage and erection of two storey side extension	Householder Planning Permission

(b) planning application taken by the planning sub group

S09/0989/HHOLD
1 Riverside Cottages Fromebridge Lane		Construction of lean-to roof to form covered walkway and raised decking area to rear of property	Support
S09/1268/HHOLD
21 Glebe Close	Demolition of garage and erection of two storey side extension		Support
S09/0837/FUL
The Vicarage Frampton on Severn	Erection of replacement vicarage and two detached dwellings		Oppose
S09/1331/HHOLD
The Siblings Lake Lane	Erection of two storey side extensions and single storey at rear		Support
S09/1329/HHOLD
Lake House Lake Lane	Erection of two porches		Support
S09/1385/HHOLD
Rochester The Green	Extension of existing garage		Support
S09/1384/HHOLD
Coombe Cottage School Row The Street	Alterations and extensions (resubmission following withdrawn application S08/2506/FUL)		Support
S09/1443/HHOLD
Avalon The Street	Alterations and extensions to existing house		Support

(c) planning applications presented to the meeting

S09/1452/LBC
The Annexe Tom Clarkes Cottage The Green	Remove two internal walls to annexe Tom Clarkes Cottage to comply with Planning Permission S8/0227/FUL	To be taken by the Planning Sub Group
S09/1427/HHOLD
The Curlews Lake Lane	Two storey extension	To be taken by the Planning Sub Group

(d) de lacy cottage / de lacy hall

Cllr Alexander reported that since both properties are now vacant there could be a problem with vandalism or squatters. There was recently a problem with an oil leak which had to be dealt with by Fire & Rescue. Parish Council is advised that the properties are not secure and the owners have been asked to take steps to ensure that both properties are properly secured. The properties are Grade 1 Listed and at present in a bad state of repair and there is a danger of further deterioration. The buildings make up part of the historic heritage of the village and neighbours and interested parties have written to the District Council Conservation Dept to seek their help in ensuring that the buildings are preserved.

Mr David Hagg advised on the procedures available to the District Council. A Repair Notice can be issued which obliges owners to carry out repairs. The next step would be a Compulsory Purchase Order. This is more complicated and the District Council would need to have a back-to-back agreement with a prospective purchaser before taking this final action.

(e) other planning matters

Business Signs on The Perryway

The Enforcement Officer has advised that he is taking action for the removal of the signs.

Mr David Hagg left the meeting

District Cllr Smith left the meeting

100/09 FINANCE

(a) Invoices for Payment

D.J. Meadows	Materials for repairs to bus shelters	£30.00
Mr J Howe	Travel expenses to Conference in Cardiff	£13.05
K.T. Gooch	Expenses re Parish Office photocopier	£58.65
Mrs Lynne Barkley	Administration charge re April Severn Voice meeting	£65.00
T.W. Hawkins	Grass Cutting Account	£353.81
Gloucestershire County Council	Expenses re diversion of Baccabox footpath	£196.00
Mrs L. Ireland	Clerk’s salary/expenses	£878.28
NALC	Subscription re Local Council Review	£13.50

The Clerk was asked to get a breakdown of the figures for the payment to Mrs Lynne Barkley before paying the invoice.

The Clerk was asked to withhold the payment to Gloucestershire County Council until the work to clear the Baccabox footpath has been completed to a satisfactory standard

(b) Financial Update

Cllrs noted the contents of the Financial Update for August prepared by Cllr M Lewis.

(c) Play Rangers

The Chairman reported on the Play Rangers project providing out of school activities for children from 6 to 13 during school holidays and before and after school. Four sessions had been held in the village over the school holidays on the Recreation Ground. The organisation was excellent and the events were very popular, with approximately 40 children at each session. Additional funding of £700 was required to enable more sessions to be carried out for the final two weeks of the holidays and the Chairman had spoken to a number of Cllrs suggesting Parish Council make a contribution to enable this to go ahead. A donation of £200 had been received from the John Buckley Trust and Parish Council was therefore asked to make up the remainder.

Proposal The Chairman proposed making a donation of £500 to Play Rangers

Vote Unanimous support.

(d) Items for forthcoming budget

Cllrs were asked to forward their suggestions for any expenditure for the forthcoming budget. Cllr M Lewis will then prepare a forecast for discussion at the October meeting.

(e) Other Finance

Parish Council Audit 2008/09

Moore Stevens the external auditor has advised that the Audit papers will be returned as soon as possible.

102/09 PARISH COUNCIL INSURANCE

It was agreed to defer the item until the next meeting.

103/09 LAKEFIELD SCHOOL

The Chairman had held discussions with County Cllr Booth, the Head teacher and Mr Stuart King, Head of Access & Support Services with the County Council’s Children & Young People’s Directorate. Although the initial problems had been overcome for this year, ways were being sought to enable the school to accept the increasingly larger numbers of children wishing to register. The County Admissions Policy is to be reviewed and County Cllr Booth will arrange a further meeting.

County Cllr Booth advised he was waiting to hear from Mr King with proposals about the Admissions Policy following which a meeting will be organised.

104/09 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

County Cllr Booth reported:

	Build out in Bridge Road – Following some initial complaints County Officers have agreed to wait and see how things progress now that the signage is complete.
	Fretherne Bridge – There had been some temporary traffic problems reported during the time the bridge was closed for repair.
	Baccabox footpath – He will ensure the standard of work is checked to ensure satisfactory completion.

County Cllr Booth left the meeting

105/09 BUILD-OUT IN BRIDGE ROAD

Cllr Alexander had arranged for County Highways to carry out improved signage and road marking and this has now been carried out. It has been agreed that the new system should be given six months before being reviewed.

White lining has been carried out at Splatt Bridge. Although this should enable emergency and farm vehicles to get over the bridge unfortunately it has moved the problem of parked cars back into the village.

The untaxed Landrover has been moved into the British Waterways car park and PC Kelly Acres was thanked for taking the action that made this happen.

106/09 VILLAGE SEATS/BENCHES

Cllr Alexander reported on the condition of the tree and circular bench at The Three Horse Shoes:

- The softwood bench around the cherry tree is in a highly dangerous condition. Frampton Court Estate, David Tilling, Richard Dando and Cllr Alexander have discussed suitable action. They consider the bench is a health and safety hazard and suggest its urgent removal. With Parish Council’s approval this work will be carried out immediately. The bench has a plaque to commemorate Mr David Tilling Snr, and this will be held in store until another bench/seat is put in place.

Cllrs unanimously agreed to authorise removal of the seat.

- The cherry tree has been inspected by Laurence Wood and David Tilling they report that it is dying and have suggested that the tree be removed at the same time as the bench. With Parish Council’s approval this work will be carried out and discussions can take place at a later date about replacement of both tree and bench.

Cllrs unanimously agreed to the removal of the tree.

107/09 FRAMPTON PILL

The Chairman reported that Mr David Greenfield, the Parish Watercourse Warden, has requested that the Environment Agency be asked to dredge Frampton Pill. It was understood there was a rolling programme of maintenance work by the EA but it is not clear if this has been carried out. Dredging was last carried out in 2007. Cllr Alexander advised that Parish Council records contain a copy of an email from Martin Young confirming that the Environment Agency agreed to keep the Pill clear of silt.

Cllr Clifford said that there did not seem to be a problem at present and Frampton Court Estates would not wish to see dredging carried out more than as necessary as the procedure was detrimental to the surrounding grazing.

108/09 BILL WOOD MEMORIAL AWARD

The Chairman reported that to date four nominations have been received. A judging meeting will now be arranged and the presentation will be made at the AGM of the Village Society on 23^rd October 2009.

109/09 CORRESPONDENCE

Council was invited to send representation to the following:

11^th September	St John’s Ambulance	Frampton Village Hall
15^th September	Town & Parish Council Training	Ebley Mill
24th September	AGM Stroud & District CAB	Ebley Mill
1st October	AGM GRCC	Churchdown Community Centre

Baccabox Footpath

The County Council have provided copies of the Orders and maps relating to the inclusion on the definitive map of the public footpath at Baccabox and its subsequent diversion, as agreed by interested parties.

Severn Voice Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Monday 28^th September at Whitminster Village Hall. Mr David Hagg will be present and any questions for him should be forwarded to the Severn Voice Administrator by 21^st September. Also Minutes of the Severn Voice meetings held on 23^rd April and 18^th May 2009 had been received.

Neighbourhood Warden

Warden Kaz Elliott has forwarded Reports for June and July. Warden Phil Drew has advised that he is now covering the Severn Vale area.

Severn Way Footpath

The County Council Public Rights of Way Team confirm that the work to clear the drainage problem along the path has been carried out.

Standards Committee

Notification that there will be three vacancies for Independent Members and applications should be made to Ebley Mill.

Gambling Act 2005

Notification of consultation being carried out by Stroud District Council.

Mobile Police Station

Dates for the MPS visits to this parish were noted – 3^rd and 17^th September and 9^th and 15^th October. PCSO Paul Bowman will park the vehicle in Frampton Stores car park.

Miscellaneous

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

110/09 CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

Footbridge/Stile at the Splatt

Prior to the meeting Mr Morris raised a concern about the stile on the footbridge at Splatt and Cllr Alexander reported that the occupier of the field had already been asked to make the stile more user-friendly.

111/09 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Greenfield reported that the new window had been fitted in the Village Hall and that the exterior painting of the hall had been carried out by working parties from Leyhill Open Prison. The work had been carried out to a very good standard.

Cllr Alexander reported he and Cllr Speed have discussed a permanent board as a tribute to Honoured Framptonians. Cllr Speed is preparing a design and the RFO will be asked to put funds aside for this next project. Other organisations in the village could be asked to contribute.

Cllr Price reported the ‘to let’ sign outside the old Compello offices on The Green is extremely large and obtrusive. Cllr Lewis will contact the property owner to remove this.

Cllr Wagstaff reported that Tomkins Barron are making slow progress in their negotiations with Stroud District Council for affordable housing on the site in Lake Lane.

Cllr Speed suggested writing to Lakefield School to congratulate the head teacher on the outstanding results this year and this was agreed.

Cllr Clifford advised that a Remembrance Day parade will be held on Sunday 8^th November. Cllrs supported the proposal and authorised the ad hoc working party to agree details. Frampton Silver Band will again march from the Lych Gate to St Mary’s.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.10pm.

VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION - 2009

Parish Council Salver for Best Design and Shrubs	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mrs I. Hamblin, Stockelm Bungalow, The Green Mr & Mrs J. Turpy, Holly House, Rosamunds Court, Whitminster Lane Mrs S. Meyrick, Farthings, 3 The Oval
Chairman’s Salver for Best Herbaceous & General	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr & Mrs R. Clifford, 9 Oatfield Road Mr & Mrs R. Lewis, 23 The Oval Mr & Mrs E. Hewlett, Sunnyside, The Green
Village Society Rose Bowl for Most Colourful Garden	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr R. Hill, 8 Whitminster Lane Mrs V. Church, 19 Glebe Close Mr & Mrs J. Williams, 12 Whitminster Lane
Herbert Salver for the Best Mini Garden	1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mrs P. Selby, Poole House, The Green Mr & Mrs L. Sparry, 17 Oatfield Road Mr D. Smith 2 Bacco Box, Bridge Road
Judges Cup for the Most Improved Garden	1^st 2^nd	Ms R. Christian & Mr N. Mills, Tamarisk Cottage, The Street Mr & Mrs S. Pritchard, Brooklyn, The Street
Jack Millard Cup for the Best Allotment	1^st 1^st 2^nd 3^rd	Mr B. Smith, 36 Paynes Meadow, Whitminster Mr M. Wilkes, Fern Cottage, Vicarage Lane Mr W. Bradley, 14 Darrel Gardens Mr D. Radcliffe-Watts, 6 Meerbrook Way, Quedgeley
Special Commendations:		Lafarge Reception, Frampton Industrial Estate Frampton Cricket Pavilion, The Green

Copyright © 2005 Frampton on Severn Parish Council