Minutes of the Caldecote Parish Council Meeting on 3 October 2002 at 7

Minutes of the Caldecote Parish Council Meeting on 6 February 2003 at 7.30pm

in the village hall

Present: Parish Councillors; B Drayton, T. Footman, O. Kember (Chairman), J. Lang, P. Phillips, Dr C. Stopp, F. Wolton, Councillor County Councillor R. Martlew, District Councillor J. Stewart and Mrs G. Stoehr (Clerk).

Also present twelve members of the public (parishioners) and Mr Simon Butler-Finbow Planning Director from Ashwell Development Ltd.

1. Apologies for absence

Nil.

2. To approve the minutes of

2.1 the meeting on 6 February

The proposal by Councillor Drayton, seconded by Councillor Phillips that 'the minutes be approved as a true record after an amendment to the page numbering' was carried unanimously. The Chairman signed the minutes.

2.2 the extra-ordinary meeting on 13 February

The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Phillips that 'the extra-ordinary meeting minutes be approved as a true record following the deletion of the second bullet reference to foul water drainage as this is a repeat' was carried unanimously.

On a proposition by the Chairman it was agreed to take item 5.3 Ashwell Developments at this point in the meeting as Mr Butler-Finbow, Planning Director from the Company was present.

5.3 S/0460/02/F Ashwell Developments, Grafton Pig Farm - erection of 41 dwellings - amended

It was noted that the application had been withdrawn form the District Council's agenda yesterday following a site visit by the Planning Committee. Mr Butler-Finbow explained that his company wished to work with the village to plan a development that was acceptable both in terms of density and design. In order to progress this application the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'a public meeting be convened for 7pm next Thursday to discuss the applications followed by an extra-ordinary meeting of the Parish Council' was carried unanimously.

3. Matters arising

3.1 (3.1) Telephone kiosk re-siting

Councillor Drayton and Phillips reported on the site meeting with BT. It was agreed that an appropriate siting for the kiosk should be found and that this matter be discussed further at the next meeting.

3.2 (3.2) Location for the schematic map and play area notice

The proposal by Councillor Dayton, seconded by Councillor Lang that one schematic map be erected by the village sign and the second by the notice board outside the school' was carried unanimously.

The proposal by Councillor Drayton seconded by Councillor Lang that 'SignWorks be asked to make some 'no dog' notices to be put up in near the children's play area' was carried unanimously.

Information about byelaws is to be circulated for further discussion at the next meeting.

3.3 (3.3) TKA Thyssen Chassis Ltd

In response to the letter to the Environmental Health Department Mr Brian Heffernon had tried to contact the Clerk but unfortunately missed her.

3.3 (3.4) Traffic calming and speed bumps

It was noted that contractors had carried out some works to the speed bumps but this was consider inadequate. The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'a letter be sent to James Dunn at Wilson Connolly stating that the Parish Council remain concerned at the speed bumps and reiterating that if further works to improve the bumps are not carried out within 14 days the Parish Council will inform the Press' was carried unanimously.

3.4 (4.2) Bridge reconstruction

It was noted that this was proceeding well.

3.5 (10.1) Emergency procedures

Information received from the County Council's Civil Protection Unit is to be circulated and this is to be an agenda item at the next meeting.

4. To attend to correspondence/communications received since the last meeting

4.1 Licensing bill

It was noted that the Village Institute Trustees had already discussed the implications of this.

4.2 A428 Highway Improvements Scheme

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Footman and carried unanimously that 'a letter be sent to the Highway Agency commenting as follows:

(1) With reference to the A428 trunk road (Cambourne to Hardwick improvement) compulsory purchase order (no) 20

1.1 Caldecote Parish Council owns the brick bus shelter at present on the northern side of the A428 west of the Childerley Gate roundabout. This is within the area shown in red as scheduled for compulsory purchase (sheet 2). The area is also within the parish of Caldecote and not "Bourn" as erroneously stated in the schedules. Moreover, the areas pinpointed as 2/9C and 2/9D on sheet 2 are both within the parish of Caldecote as is much of 2/9F. It is also probable that some of the area pinpointed as 2/7C is also within the parish of Caldecote.

1.2 Caldecote Parish Council requires official notification of the compulsory purchase of this bus shelter and inclusion in the schedule.

1.3 Caldecote Parish Council also requires an explanation of why this blatant omission and erroneous designation of land in incorrect parishes has occurred and also requires official notification of the procedure to be followed to rectify the mistakes and omission.

1.4 Caldecote Parish Council requires the relocation of the above shelter in a position to the east and north of the existing A428 (close to its original position prior to the construction of the roundabout).

(2) Pedestrian access

2.1 Caldecote Parish Council is concerned that the pedestrian access from Caldecote parish to Childerley will be severed by the construction of the dual carriageway. There is a traditional walk from Caldecote School to Childerley.

(3) Bus services

3.1 Caldecote Parish Council is concerned that the existing bus services along the A428 may well be affected by the proposals and seeks reassurance that every effort will be made to maintain such services.

(3) Petrol station/shop

3.1 The existing petrol station/shop is, for many people in the parish of Caldecote (an expanding village with about 550 dwellings at present) the only shop within walking distance. The facility will clearly be considerably affected by the duelling of the A428 and there are rumours that the petrol station may be relocated.

3.2 If relocation is in fact contemplated Caldecote Parish Council urges that pedestrian access to a new site be maintained for parishioners of Caldecote.

(4) Integrity of drain

4.1 The drain which at present runs along the southern side of the existing A428 to the west of the Childerley Gate roundabout is a crucial element in the drainage of the area.

4.2 A new road is proposed, leading from the roundabout to the engineering works on Bourn Airfield. This will cut across the said drain.

4.3 Caldecote Parish Council urges that the integrity of this drainage system is maintained and if possible improved.

(5) Road noise

5.1 Caldecote Parish Council is of opinion that noise emanating from the proposed dual carriageway will be detrimental to residents of Caldecote parish unless ameliorating steps are taken to reduce the impact of noise.

5.2 Caldecote Parish Council advocates a noise assessment and, at the very least, low noise tarmac for relevant stretches of the road.

On a proposition by the Chairman it was agreed to take item 5.4 at this point in the meeting.

5.4 S/0386/03/O Jenkins, Childerley (1996) Settlement and Childerley Estates Ltd. Land north of the A428 - 2 bungalows

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Footman that 'the Parish Council make no recommendation on this application' was carried unanimously.

4.3 Northern and Western corridor Transport Area Plans

It was agreed that these plans should be circulated.

4.4 Friends of War Memorials

In response to the letter from Friends of War Memorials it was agreed that a letter be sent saying that the village did not have a war memorial only a tablet in the local church.

5. Planning received since the last meeting

5.1 S/0284/03/F Tolhurst, adj. 12 Highfields Road - dwelling Approved by the Parish Council.

5.2 S/0313/03/F, Rush, The Sheilings, Highfields Road - erection of dwelling following demolition of existing bungalow

It was agreed that this application be carried forward to the next meeting so that the Parish Council's previous response on the address could be considered.

5.5 S/0387/03/F Bell, 19 West Drive - extension. Approved by the Parish Council.

5.6 S/1630/2001/RM 118 Dwellings & Associated Works at Highfields Rd for Wilcon Homes Anglia Ltd - amendments to social housing - noted by the Parish Council.

5.7 S/0140/2003/F Extension at 38 West Drive for Mr & Mrs Leaman - amended. Noted by the Parish Council.

5.8 Appeal Decision Notice for S/1541/02/F Banner Homes Fencing Adj. To East Drive - Fence To Be Removed And Hedge Reinstated

6. The village development

6.1 Landscaping on Wilson Connolly and Banner Homes sites - report on Lesley Dickinson site visit

Mr Newby's report and photographs on the Wilson Connolly landscaping was received.

The Clerk reported on the site visit by Ms Dickinson which had highlighted the following:

Wilson Connolly site

Some shrubs in the landscaping adjacent to the children's play area had failed and would need replacing or other shrubs where denser could be resited to fill in the gaps. Roses adjacent to the paths could be removed or trimmed back as required.

Three trees had failed near the tennis courts. Mrs Dickinson would not insist on these being replaced by Wilson Connolly unless the Parish Council wanted her to. The advantage of their removal an non replacement would mean less leaves on the tennis courts in the autumn.

Tress and landscaping was identified to be attended to on the kick about area and Mrs Dickinson was to write to Wilson Connolly asking them to undertake the work without delay.

Mrs Dickinson had agreed to serve a breach notice on Wilson Connolly if the rest of the landscaping including the recreation ground works were not completed by 31 March 2003. However she could only require the works to be undertaken by the end of the next planting season i.e.31 March 2004.

Banner Homes POS

The land is not level - in many places the land has sunk by up to 2 feet leaving a dangerous surface.

The site has not been cleared of all stones and debris and as such would not be able to be grass cut before first the whole site cleared and levelled.

The shrubs in the SW corner of the large Public Open Space area have been planted into grass and will result in problems e.g. weeding and grass cutting

There is thin kerbing set along the eastern side of the Public Open Space approximately 3 feet in from the road which looks as though it should have been a pavement and was changed to a footpath

Additional shrubs have been set into the landscaping as detailed on the attached plan. These were not part of the landscaping scheme and one shrub is adjacent to a drain and already causing damage to its surround

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Footman that 'a letter be sent to Mr Stead at Mills and Reeve pointing out the problems with the Banner POS and asking him to serve a breach notice on Banner Homes requiring them to attend to the POS before the transfer to the Parish Council is completed' was carried unanimously.

It was noted that Banner Homes had not replied to the solicitor's letter enquiring as to the future ownership and maintenance of the hedge adjacent to the bridlepath.

6.2 Wilson Connolly developments

6.2.1 The Solicitor had not as yet received any response to the amount of commuted sum required by the Parish Council.

6.2.2 A letter had been received from Wilson Connolly saying that they would attend to the flooding at the rear of Highfields Road properties.

6.2.3 Two letters from David Rush in response to the Parish Council's complaint that the District Council was un-supportive in ensuring that Wilson Connolly met their obligations were received and considered.

6.3 Banner

Nothing further

6.4 JS Bloor

No reply had been as yet received to the Parish Council's letters enquiring about the POS.

7. Recreation grounds and public open spaces

It was noted that the Multi Use Games Arena (MUGA) fundraising and project was almost complete and details of the proposed bund wall were discussed.

Following consideration of the proposals from CALYPSO for a youth shelter the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'the Parish Council support in principle the CALYPSO youth shelter project subject to final siting details being agreed' was carried unanimously.

7.1 Children's play areas including mud problems

Mrs Johnson had said that the digging of grass in the wrong place during the installation of the safety surface had caused the mud and that the Play Equipment Committee had on numerous occasions asked Anglian Playground Services to repair the grass surrounding the play equipment safety surfacing. A letter had been sent by the Clerk asking Anglian Playground Services to return and repair the ground without delay.

7.2 Tennis courts and tennis club or sports association

Mrs Tasker reported that the LTA official has visited the tennis courts and will send a letter to state that the courts are not up to standard for competitive play. It was noted that Jane Lampshire and Russell Dole have been invited to attend the public meeting next week and the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'an extra-ordinary meeting of the Parish Council be held following the public meeting so that the Parish Council consider any matters arising out the public meeting' was carried unanimously.

8. Village drainage

8.1 It was noted that works on the ditch near Mr Bibby's land had been completed by Mr Matthews however there was silt and sewerage in the northern part of the ditch.

8.2 A letter is to be sent to Mike Cooper asking him to arrange for the culvert under the road to be cleared now the culvert work is completed.

8.3 Environmental Health and Karen Champion are to be informed of the sewerage laying around on the bridleway and in the ditch during periods of heavy demand and asking them to put pressure on Anglian Water.

8.4 Councillor Wolton and other interested members are to attend a site meeting with Mike Cooper to look at flooding near the Church.

9. Finance

9.1 Payment of bills

The proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Wolton, that 'the following bills be paid:

South Cambs district council	Bin bags	£35.25
Moore Stephens	Audit	£141.00
M Kember	Salary	£27.30
K Martlew	Salary	£33.00
Cambs County Council	Street lighting	£46.31

was carried unanimously.

9.2 Audit report

The audit certificate had been received from Moore Stephens and the notice of completion of audit is to be placed on the notice board.

10. Councillors' items

10.1 Concern was expressed at the continuing problems with the village postal service when the post man was off duty. In response to the front page news article in the Cambridge Evening News claiming that Cambridgeshire had the best postal service the proposal by Councillor Kember, seconded by Councillor Lang that 'the Parish Council write to the Cambridge Evening News about the poor delivery service to the village' was carried unanimously. It was also agreed to send another formal complaint to PostWatch with a copy to Andrew Lansley MP.

10.2 A complaint had been received that bottles were being dumped on Path No 1 and in the adjacent donkey field. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Karen Champion drawing the matter to her attention.

10.3 Concern was expressed that the hedge on the northern boundary of the school had been cut. The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Footman that a letter be sent to Mr Ian Slatter asking him to report on the cutting of the hedge' was carried unanimously.

10.4 A letter is to be sent to the County Council asking them to have removed the lighting column which is still in the centre of the pavement on Highfields Road just north of the Banner development.

10.5 The faulty streetlight on West Drive is to be re-reported.

10.6 It was noted that Wilson Connolly had encroached on Mr Rooke's property and had broken his fencing. The proposal by Councillor Wolton, seconded by Councillor Footman that 'a letter be sent to the District Council asking them to get Wilson Connolly to repair the fencing and ask them to stay off the resident's land.

10.7 Councillor Stewart was thanked of all his help with the Ashwell Developments application.

10.8 It was noted that 20-25 feet of hedging had been removed adjacent to Hall Drive. A letter is to be sent to Lesley Dickinson drawing this to her attention.

10.9 Concern was expressed at the recent work undertaken on the path to Hardwick Wood adjacent to the Kennels. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Karen Champion.

10.10 It was noted that bags of dog waste were being left on the public open space near the ditch and hedge.

10.11 Election nomination forms were available on request from the Clerk for the forthcoming elections on 1 May.

11. Closure of meeting and Parish Matters

There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.04pm.

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