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ALCONBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting held on Tuesday 30th November 2004 in the New Memorial Hall
Present:
Mrs Watkin (Chair), Mrs Adams, Mr Brown, Mr Dawson, Mrs Dyer, Mrs. Elphick, Mr Senior, Mrs Turner and Mr Vanbergen. District Councillor Sarah Vanbergen. Mrs. Lancey (Clerk), 4 members of the public.
Public Forum:
There were no items brought to the Parish Council’s attention.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Mrs Dix, Mr. Lane and County Councillor Peter Downes
2. Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 26th October 2004 were approved and signed.
3. Committee Reports
i. Infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Work had been completed on the Church.
ii. Village Green: Clerk reported that a reed cut had taken place in the village, and although the village green had been left in a poor state, it had now somewhat recovered. The lime tree that had been vandalised had been pruned by Marshalls Tree Services.
iii. General: Clerk reported that the new footpaths in Sharpes Lane were in place. Highways had suggested that a grit/salt bin should be placed in this area. Clerk to canvass residents. Clerk reported that grit/salt bins near the footbridge and in old Rusts Lane were filled and in place. The strapping kit had not been received in order to put up the new waste bin in Chapel Street. The waste bin that used to be outside the Old Memorial Hall had been resited in School Lane just beyond the School.
iv. Planning:
New Applications:
0403263TELDET – Orange Personal Communications Services – Erection of 15 metre lattice mast – land west of Great North Road. This application was discussed at some length and comments were made by both District Councillor Sarah Vanbergen and members of the public concerned about the proposal. Mrs Vanbergen informed the Council that this application was a General Permitted Development and as such the District Council were powerless to stop its installation. There were, however, grave doubts about the siting of the mast from a health and safety point of view, which were outlined by Mr. Read who had already written to the Parish Council expressing his concerns. It was decided that the Clerk should contact the Planning Dept. expressing the Council’s concerns from both an environmental and health and safety viewpoint and also requesting that if the erection of the mast had to go ahead, could it not be sited on the other side of Mill Farm away from residents and children.
0403121FUL – Extension to dwelling – 46 Manor Lane – No observations.
0403221FUL – Extension to dwelling – 26 Bramble End. Mr. Brown handed a letter of complaint to the Council from the residents of 24 Bramble End who had grave concerns about the proposed extension. The application was discussed at some length. It was agreed that although the Parish Council did not object to the extension they should voice their concerns about the fact that if it were to go ahead according to the current plans, the semi-detached houses would appear as terraced houses which would not enhance their appearance. Clerk to action.
Proposed Replacement Dwelling – Home Farm. Information had been received on behalf of Mr & Mrs Ayres concerning the proposed replacement dwelling at Home Farm. The Parish Council felt unable to comment on this until such time as the planning application was submitted via HDC when this supporting information could be taken into account. Clerk to reply accordingly.
Applications Determined:
0402754FUL/0402755LBC – Extension and alternations to dwelling – 3 The Matlings – permission refused.
0402756FUL/0402757LBC – Extension and alternations to dwelling – 5 The Maltings – permission refused.
0402956FUL – Erection of replacement roof – Research Centre – permission granted.
Mrs Watkin expressed her concern that the planning Sub Committee was not functioning in a satisfactory manner. She felt there should be more contact concerning planning applications between meetings. A possible change of membership of this Committee was discussed. Mr Senior and Mr Brown were willing to join the Sub Committee.
New Planning System Clerk reported that there was a meeting on 9th December to discuss the new planning system.
4. Matters Arising
i. Request for Donation - PTA: Clerk reported that the Application for Funding form had been completed by the PTA. After some discussion it was agreed to make a donation of £500 towards the provision of Interactive White Boards for the school. Clerk to organise.
ii. The Old Memorial Hall: Mrs Watkin reported that at last a letter had been received from the Charities Commission confirming that the proceeds of any sale of the site of the Old Memorial Hall should go to the New Memorial Hall. This was subject to the consent of the Church Commissioners which was being sought. The Church Commissioner’s legal fees would also have to be paid. A quotation for this would be obtained.
iii. Flood Alleviation Scheme: The exhibition held by the Environment Agency/Atkins Water was planned for Tuesday 21st December, 11am to 8pm, in The New Memorial Hall. Brochures would be delivered to all residents prior to the exhibition. Details had gone into the Parish Pump. The exhibition was relevant to Alconbury only, not Alconbury Weston.
iv. Noise from the main hall: It had been suggested that the Parish Council might meet on the last Monday of every month instead of the Tuesday as this might be a quieter night in the hall. After discussion with Councillors it was decided to leave the meeting day as the Tuesday.
v. New Bus Shelter: Clerk reported that HDC had informed her that there may be a slight delay in the provision of the new bus shelter planned for School Lane.
5. Correspondence (A list of all correspondence had been circulated)
i. Alconbury Registered Childminders: A request for a donation had been received from Alconbury Registered Childminders Clerk to organise the completion of Application for Funding Form.
ii Code of Conduct: Guidance for members on Lobby Groups, Dual Hatted Members and the Code of Conduct was distributed to all Councillors.
iii Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire and Rescue Authority: Integrated Risk Management Plan distributed.
iv Parish Path Partnership: Circulated to all.
v. CCC Corporate Plan 2005/2009: Circulated to all Councillors.
vi. Guide to becoming a Quality Council: Circulated to all Councillors.
vii. Lottery Anniversary “Tea Party”: This had been attended by some councillors and was considered a successful event.
viii. Community Beat Officer: Meeting dates had been given to Dave Lofting. It was thought a good idea if he attended a meeting some time next year. Clerk also informed Councillors that there was a possibility of the police bus visiting the village at some point to increase public awareness.
ix. Environment Agency Flood Awareness Campaign 04/05: Circulated to all Councillors.
x. Quality Council Questionnaire (CALC): To be completed by 23rd Dec. 04.
xi. The Bulletin: Copies distributed to all Councillors.
6. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
i. Payment of Accounts:
The following cheques were presented for payment:
Glasdon UK – grit/waste bins - £415.03
Church Commissioners - Hall Rental 2005 - £58.75
Clerks’ Salary – November/December (each 32 hours @ £7.76) - £496.64
K. Fergusons – grass cutting £1028.12
Custom Sign Co. – ASSC signs - £180.00
Payments were proposed by Mrs. Turner and seconded by Mrs Adams.
ii. Free Balances: Clerk reported free balances at Deposit Acct. £21,595.28 and Current Acct. £11,029.76
iii The Precept Budget 2005/2006: The Clerk had prepared a draft budget. This included £4,000 for young people provision similar to the current financial year. With the inclusion of this £4K the Precept would stay at the same level as the current financial year i.e. £17,000. It was discussed at some length as to whether it was necessary to include this £4K given that the Youth Group had only just reached the position when money would be needed. It was decided to keep the Precept at £17,000 for 2005/2006. Clerk to notify HDC accordingly.
7. The Youth Group
Mrs Adams reported on the recent youth group meeting. An open day was planned for 13th December in the New Memorial Hall. It was hoped young people would come along to find out about the activities of the group. Two more open days were planned for next year. The grant of £6940 had been received from The Local Network Fund. This money had to be spent within 12 months from date of issue which was 23rd August, and it was anticipated that it would be used for the salary of the proposed youth worker employed in Alconbury/Sawtry.
8. Any Other Business
i. American Traffic
It was observed that the amount of American traffic passing through the village from RAF Molesworth to RAF Alconbury seemed to be worse. This was briefly discussed and it was decided that it should be a separate agenda item in January 2005.
9. Date of Next Meeting:
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Tuesday 25th January 2005 at 7.45pm in the New Memorial Hall.
10. Clerk’s Salary
The general public and the Clerk were asked to leave the meeting for discussion of the Clerk’s salary. It was agreed that this should rise to £7.91 per hour (Spinal Column 18) with immediate effect.
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