707

Present: Parish Councillors: T. Footman, O. Kember (chairman), J. Lang, P. Phillips, Dr C. Stopp,

F. Wolton, District Councillor J. Stewart.

1. Apologies for absence

County Councillor R. Martlew.

2. To approve the minutes of the meeting on 3 October 2002

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Wolton that "the minutes be approved as a true record" was carried unanimously. The Chairman signed the minutes.

3. Matters arising from the minutes
1. Telephone kiosk re-siting update. There had been no response to the parish council letter to Don Jones. The matter was carried forward.
2. Speed limits within the development roads replies from developers. Replies from both Banner and Wilcon were considered, basically putting the onus for speed limits within their respective estates on the County Council. The clerk was instructed to write to both developers and request approximate dates when the roads would be adopted.
3. Notice board and schematic map locations and designs update. Nothing more has been heard from Signworks. The matter was carried forward. Councillor Drayton said that he would contact the man involved.
4. East Drive access. Letters had been received from the County Council, Sue Reynolds and Martin Casey (Wilcon). It was noted that Hall Drive had been opened on 9 October 2002.
5. Thyssen Tallent Chassis Ltd – complaints. A letter had been received from Mr McCrystal (dated 11 October 20020. He will investigate the cause of the noise and reply in the near future. Letters of complaint from Mr and Mrs Bell were also considered. The matter was carried forward until Mr McCrystal’s reply is received.
6. Bus shelter near village hall. A letter had been received from Martin Casey (Wilcon) confirming that he will attend to the surface in due course. It was noted that a contractor had been seen measuring the area and preparing a quotation.
7. IC Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Publication schemes. Councillor Kember proposed, seconded by Councillor Wolton that "with regard to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Publication Schemes, the parish council adopt the Model Publication Scheme for Local Councils (Core Classes Only); the clerk should complete and send the declaration form with this as the title of the scheme adopted." This was carried unanimously.
8. Other

4. Hedge and daffodils between A428 and West Drive. The parish council instructed the clerk to send reminder letter to Wilson Connolly.
5. Parish notice board. Councillor Drayton reported that he had two posts ready to put in the ground and submitted an invoice for £87.83. Councillor Wolton stated that he had refurbished the actual notice board. Councillor Kember proposed, seconded by Councillor Lang that "Councillor Drayton would install the notice board as soon as possible." This was carried unanimously.
6. Minutes. Cllr Lang reported that he had not been sent the minutes/agenda by electronic mail and it would thus be difficult to put them on the website. It was resolved to ask the clerk to send the electronic form of the agenda/minutes to Cllr Lang.

1. Correspondence received since last meeting
1. Local Plan no. 2. Cllr Kember circulated copies of the modifications affecting the parish. He noted that the inspector’s report stated that "In my view the past GGS [Rural Growth Settlement] status of the village is of limited historic interest from the standpoint of planning for the future. I conclude that the village is, at best, no more than a group Village. These considerations present a strong case against further extension of the village framework or the allocation of additional sites for development unless this is merited by individual site circumstances." It was noted that the deadline for comments on the modifications had been extended to 10 December 2002, but it was unanimously resolved (on the proposal of Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Footman) that no further action need be taken.
2. Review of contracted bus services 130/X30.A letter and questionnaire had been received from the County Council. This basically asked for users’ views on the bus service from Cambridge to St Neots, asking how the service meets the needs of users. The clerk was instructed to put the questionnaire in the Caldecote Journal and ask for parishioner’s views.
3. Consultation for regional planning guidance and SE regional airport. Details of these matters had been circulated. Councillor Kember noted that some of the issues would be crucial to the future planning of Cambridge and its environs. Councillor Stewart noted that the matters would be considered by the Policy Advisory group of South Cambs District Council and he would advise the parish council about any specific proposals at the next parish council meeting (in December 1002). It was agreed therefore to defer the subject until the next parish council meeting.
4. Other

709

2. Housing Needs survey. Councillor Footman proposed, seconded by Councillor Wolton that "the parish council support a request from a Childerley resident with strong family connections in Caldecote (aunt, uncle etc.) in an application to South Cambs District Council for affordable housing in Caldecote. The clerk should write to South Cambs District Council to this effect." This was carried unanimously.
3. Culvert in ditch alongside recreation ground. The Environment Agency had written in connection with Wilson Connolly’s application for a culvert in the ditch alongside the recreation ground. Councillor Drayton proposed, seconded by Councillor Footman that "the clerk reply to the Environment Agency that no maintenance had been agreed by the parish council and that the matter rested entirely with Wilson Connolly." This was carried unanimously.
4. County Council parish path scheme. Couyncillor Kember proposed, seconded by Councillor Drayton that "the parish council should not join the parish paths scheme." This was carried unanimously.

5. Planning received since the last meeting
1. No applications had been received since the last meeting.
2. The following decisions were noted:
1. Consent for a sign at the BP filling stations.
2. Consent for two bungalows at 87 West Drive.
3. It was also noted that an retrospective application regarding a fence in Blythe Way had gone to appeal.

6 The village development including

1. Recreation grounds and public open space including maintenance and safety checks.

6.1.1 A draft notice had been received from the 0-12 playground group. Councillor Kember proposed, seconded by Councillor Wolton) that "the following notice should be put on two wooden boards (each about 2 feet square with two posts set above the fence line at eye height) near the two gates. ‘Caldecote Parish Council Money was independently raised to build this playground for children aged 0-12. Children over 12 should not use this equipment, Please respect this playground. Sorry, No Dogs’. The clerk should check with the insurers that this wording is satisfactory and then inform Councillor Drayton who will arrange for the construction and erection of the notices." This was carried unanimously.

6.1.2 A letter had been received from Cornhill Insurance saying that, with regard to the upkeep of the recreation ground and related areas, weekly visual checks should be made by a member of the parish council and entered in a log book. There should also be an annual inspection by a professional. Councillor Kember proposed, seconded by Councillor Drayton, that "a working party (headed by Councillor Wolton with the assistance of Councillors Footman and Drayton) should be established to deal with the weekly inspection and that the log book should be purchased by the clerk. The clerk should also make immediate inquiries as to the availability of a professional to inspect the relevant sites at the appropriate time next year." This was carried unanimously.

6.1.3 Location of second seat donated by Cllr Lang. Councillor Drayton proposed, seconded by Councillor Wolton that "prior to determining where the second seat donated by Councillor Lang should be located, the clerk should write to Wilson Connolly and ask them when they intended to put seats and bins into the part of the recreation area which contained the wooden logs etc. as indicated in the section 106 agreement." This was carried unanimously.

710

2. Wilson Connolly – other

6.2.1 Orchids on the Phase 2 site. Councillor Footman proposed, seconded by Councillor Wolton that "Wilson Connolly should be reminded by a letter from the clerk that the orchid site should be correctly cleaned and maintained as previously agreed." This was carried unanimously.

3. Grafton Pig Farm development including section 196 matters and pavilion. The clerk had written to Januarys (9 Oct 2002) stating that the parish council was considering the offer of £160,000 for a pavilion but had £200,000 in mind. Januarys had replied (6 Nov. 2002) that they would forward the matter to the Local Planning Authority. They would not, moreover, entertain a circular walk etc at the back of the development site. They also asked whether the parish council would take ownership of the hedge adjoining the development site. After discussing the matter with District Cllr Stewart and noting the likely response of the Local Planning Authority, it was proposed by Cllr Kember, seconded by Cllr Wolton that "the clerk should write a letter to Januarys as soon as possible stating that the parish council had after consideration, decided (i) to accept the offer of £160,000; (ii) not to take over ownership or responsibility for the hedge alongside the development. The clerk should further state that the parish council was disappointed that the owner had gone back on his publicly stated word to the parish council about the circular walk." This was carried unanimously.
4. Banner & Bloor including section 106 agreement and POS obligations. Councillor Kember proposed, seconded by Cllr Footman that "the clerk should send a reminder to Bloor Homes about the need to install play equipment on the public open space and maintain it in accordance with the section 106 agreement. The parish council is of the view that the public open space should by now have been transferred to the parish council." This was carried unanimously.
5. Traffic calming. The parish council considered several letters of complaint. Mrs Goller reported

that she had received a reply to her letter and that the traffic calming scheme would be modified later this month. The parish council has not received any information about this and the clerk is instructed to write and find out what is going on.

6. Other
1. Updating the sewage pumping station opposite Bourn Drift. A letter had been received stating that it was proposed to close the road during daylight hours in November so that a crane could help in updating the sewage pumping station. The clerk was instructed to point out to Anglian Water that with the planned closure of Main Street from early November near Bourn Brook, this would mean that residents of the old village and most of Main Street would be completely shut in.
2. Sewage Pumping station – complaints. Letters of complaint had been received and the MP had also commented on the situation. The parish council agreed to monitor the situation closely, reporting any further breaches of discharge consent to the clerk.
3. Rising main on Bourn Drift. Cllr Wolton reported that the rising main on Bourn Drift was spouting water over the past week. The clerk was instructed to notify Anglian Water.
4. Post Office services in the village. Cllr Kember reported that the Village Institute trustees had been pursuing a plan for using the village hall as a temporary base for post office facilities in the village. They had been an official from the rural services division of the Royal Mail (Ms Newey) and it had been suggested that the hall might be used for two mornings a week (8 hours a week in total) as a Post Office for parishioners. Initially demand would have to be assessed and the trustees will insert a short questionnaire in the Caldecote Journal asking how many people would use such a facility if it were offered.

711

6. Awarded watercourse and Bourn Brook including
1. Survey of existing drains. Cllr Wolton gave a report on the state of the Award Ditch. He noted that much of it was in very poor condition. He will liaise with the clerk and report to Pat Matthews (South Cambs Drainage officer).
2. Flooding survey. A letter (from Mr Kemp, dated 9 Oct. 2002) had been received from the County Council offering to pay 25% of cost of a survey. The clerk was instructed to reply that it would be grateful to accept this contribution and would be informing him of the details when the other agencies (Environment Agency), South Cambs District Council and Anglian Water had been contacted.

 

7. Village appraisal/Parish Plan. A letter had been received from ACRE re grants. It was agreed that the clerk should deal with this matter and submit an application as soon as possible for a village appraisal.

9. Finance
1. Payment of bills:

The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Footman that ‘the following bills be paid:

Cambridge City Council £83.43

Cornhill Insurance 64.12 insurance

Kathy Martlew 33.00 salary

Mae Kember 27.30 journal delivery

Mission Computers 159.75 Caldecote journal’ was carried unanimously.

Additionally, Councillor Drayton’s invoice was considered and the proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Lang that ‘the Parish Council pay £87.83’ was carried unanimously.

`9.2 Special projects/items for the draft budget including dog bins

Community Room at School (oddments) £250

Village Appraisal

Church Grass Cutting

Maintenance of playground

Website

Village seat replacement

Dog Bins (x 6)

Replacement waste bin outside social club

Bus shelter north of Bloor estate

10. Councillors’ items
1. Polystyrene waste had been seen blowing down the village road from the school building site. This had been cleared up.
2. The surface of Highfields Road from the Bloor estate to the A428 is breaking up; the drains alongside the road are blocked.
3. Numerous street lights are not working including new ones and those on the bend of West Drive. The new ones do not have numbers and are not assigned to any authority. The clerk should write and complain.

 

 

712

4. Water is running off the Wilcon phase 1 estate onto Bourn Drift. Mr Casey had said that there would be French drains here but nothing has happened. Water has been six inches deep in places.
5. The school sign has fallen over and needs re-erecting.
6. Various trees around the Wilcon site have either broken off, died or been vandalized. They need urgent attention. Waterlogging is a particular problem in places.
7. The entrance to the village from the A428 needs attention. Grass cutting needs to be more regular.
8. The Water Board van parked on Highfields Road is considered a danger to traffic. The police should again be informed.
9. The traffic calming mound outside 95 Highfields Road is leading to pools of water entering the drive of the owner of that property (this also applies to 63 Highfields Road as has already been mentioned).
10. A progress report on the school building and plans for opening the new buildings would be appreciated for the next meeting.
11. The photographs of the village sign provided electronically by Councillor Lang have been much appreciated. It was asked if one of them could be framed with a caption.
12. Councillor Kember reported that he had spoken unofficially to the leader of South Cambs District Council and she had suggested that there might be a case for increasing the size of the Parish Council in view of the increasing population of the parish. The clerk should write to South Cambs District Council to investigate this matter and include it as an agenda item for the next meeting.
11. Closure of meeting and parish matters

There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.50 pm.

Signed…………………….…….Chairman……………….……….Date