Minutes of the Meeting of Caldecote Parish Council on Thursday 3rd February 2005 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

 

Present: Parish Cllrs B Drayton, C Stopp, T Footman, P Phillips, F Wolton (Chairman) A Levett, J Lang, N Whyatt, and S Breeze.

 

In attendance: County Cllr R. Martlew, Mrs. L Hazel (Clerk), Simon Butler-Finbow and Nick Jones Representatives of Ashwell Development, and 19 members of the public.

 

12.  Apologies for absence : None.

 

13.  To approve the minutes of the 6th January 2005.

On a proposition by C Stopp, seconded by F Wolton the minutes were approved as a true record after a few minor amendments were made.  The Chairman signed the minutes.

 

14.  Ashwell Developments.

      Mr. Simon Butler-Finbow and Mr. Nick Jones (Project Manager) represented Ashwell Developments.  They started proceedings by thanking the Parish Council for letting them attend the meeting.  Mr. Butler-Finbow asked the Parish Council for their support in their amended planning application put forward for consideration and if procedures put in place since the last meeting to address various problems and issues raised is working.  It was noted that Lorries were still parking on the pavement before accessing the site therefore causing an obstruction.  Mr. Butler-Finbow confirmed that all drivers had been instructed not to park on the pavement but he would make sure that the point was raised again with the site manager.  It was also noted that the road cleaners were keeping the roads nice and clean and tidy but were starting very early in the morning which was disturbing the residents.   It was requested that perhaps they could attend in the afternoon at a more appropriate time.

     

      The meeting was then closed for a very brief period to allow members of the public to speak.

 

      Mr. Butler-Finbow was asked when the turning head at the end of West Drive was to be opened to allow Lorries to turn around easily.   Mr. Butler-Finbow informed the Parish Council that although it needed top dressing he would open it with immediate effect.  Mr. Butler-Finbow then went onto to briefly explain what a Section:73 planning application was.  It was noted that in the covering letter attached to the planning application it stated that ‘No more than 27 houses shall be occupied’ but on the planning application itself it stated ‘Allow occupation of up to 15 houses’.  Ashwell Developments confirmed that the correct number should be 27 houses and that the planning application is incorrect. 

 

15. Parish Path Partnership (P3).

 

It was noted that not all the parish councilors have had the opportunity to look at the literature provided therefore it was agreed to hold back from applying this year and look into the possibility of applying next year.  This would allow ample time for all the parish councilors to study all relevant documents and asses the footpaths over the following year before making a decision.   It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the meeting in June.   On a proposition by C Stopp, seconded by F Wolton it was agreed to have a regular item for footpaths on the agenda.

 

16.  Matters arising for information only

 

16.1 Westley & Huff Reply – Tree at Bosserts Way.

 

A letter dated 1st February 2005 was read.   It was agreed that a letter be sent to Westley & Huff highlighting the fact that school children regularly wait underneath the tree to catch the school bus in the morning and the Parish Council will hold them legally responsible if anything unforeseen was to happen.

 

16.2 Church steps hand rail.

 

Cllr B Drayton informed the parish council that he had a site meeting with the Conservation Officer who confirmed that a full planning application would be required before any steps could be erected.   It was noted that if the parish council put in the planning application then the cost would be at a reduced rate of £55.  On a proposition by N Whyatt, seconded by C Stopp it was agreed that the parish council would put in a full planning application for the above.  B Drayton confirmed that he would get all the relevant documents together and put in the application as soon as possible.

 

17.   To attend to correspondence/communications received since last meeting    including.

 

17.1 Parishioner correspondences

 

Caldecote Parish Council has received 2 letters from concerned residents in West Drive in connection with TKA Tallent.  The first issue raised was the ongoing noise from the factory due to persistent whining from the fans, day and night.   The second issue was a terrible smell was experienced from the factory and concerns were raised over the fumes and the possibility they may be toxic.  It was agreed that a letter be sent to B Heffernon enclosing a copy of the letters received.   The parish council would like to request that any member of the parish who has an issue with TKA Tallent to write direct to B Heffernon so they are made aware of the problems and a copy be forwarded to the parish council for their records.

     The meeting was closed for a brief period to allow for further discussion on the matter.

 

It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for next month to see if the noise continues.   It was noted that the court date has been set for March.   The parish clerk will get in contact with the relevant people to find out the exact details.

 

A letter has been received from a resident in Cavendish Way on the Banner Homes Development expressing concern at the size of the trees at the back of their property.   It was noted that the trees in question are on private land and that as the parish council does not own the land or the public footpath that runs along it then the resident will have to get in contact with the owners of the tree direct.   The parish council can not be drawn into private disputes.

 

17.2 Other

Calor Rural Sponsorship Programme is holding a ‘Calor village of the year competition’.  The parish council was asked if they wished to enter the competition but declined.

 

The Campaign to Protect Rural England is holding a LDF Workshop for Parish and Town Councilors and clerks on 5 March 2005.  There is a meeting on 22 February 2005 to discuss the East of England Plan.  Cambridgeshire Police Authority is holding a series of consultations with the business sector and general public relating to the Police Authority’s annual budget setting process.   Further details on any of the above meetings/consultations can be obtained form the clerk.

 

It was noted that the parish clerk has received the South Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership annual Review for 2003/2004. 

 

The Parish Council previously asked the clerk to look into the possibility of getting a ‘Give Way to Bridleway Ahead sign’ to be erected by Clare Drive to warn drivers.  Cambridgeshire County Council has replied stating that no such sign is permitted by the Traffic Signs Regulations.  

 

18 To attend to planning received since the last meeting including

 

18.1 S/1573/04/F Chalmers – 53 Highfields Road – Replacement Dwelling Amended.   Noted

 

18.2 S/0052/05/O Ward – R/O 12 West Drive – Dwelling and Garage.  On a proposition by S Breeze, seconded by T Footman it was agreed No Recommendation.

 

18.3 S/0059/05/F Gawthorpe – Land South of Menuir House, Main Steet, Caldecote – Implement Store. On a proposition by C Stopp, seconded by B Drayton it was agreed to ‘Approve’ the application with the following comments;

·         Caldecote Parish Council supports this application providing the Conservation Officer supports it and that the public Footpath remains open and accessible.

 

18.4 S/0060/05/F Gawthrop – Land South of Meunier House, Main Street, Caldecote – Widening of Vehicular Access, Gates and Access Road.  On a proposition by C Stopp, seconded by B Drayton it was agreed ‘Approve’ with the same comments as above.

 

18.5 S/0159/05/F Reed – Carrara Farm – Conservatory.  On a proposition by T Footman, seconded by F Wolton it was agreed to ‘Approve’ the application.

 

18.6 S/2348/04/F Ashwell Homes – Grafton Pig Farm, West Drive – Variation of Condition 3 of Planning Permission S/0460/02/F to allow occupation of up to 27 houses prior to the completion of off site works in Highfields Road.   On a proposition by B Drayton, seconded by S Breeze it was agreed to ‘Approve’ the application subject to the following conditions;

·         The arrangements for an interim access at the junction of Highfields Road have been approved by Cambridgeshire County Council, Highways Department and that they deem it to be safe.

·         Ashwell Developments withdraw their previous application ‘S/2586/04/F’ and that Ashwell Developments provide assurances that this application will not be re-submitted at a later date.

 

S/0176/05/F Purser – Orchard Farm, Main Street, Caldecote – Retention of Mobile Home.  On a proposition by S Breeze, seconded by T Footman it was agreed to ‘Approve’ the application.

 

S/0185/05/F Altman – 52 West Drive – Extensions.  On a proposition by F Wolton, seconded by P Philips it was agreed No Recommendation.

 

The following councilors registered personal interests as residents of West Drive for planning application S/0052/05/O – C Stopp, S Breeze, B Drayton.   J Lang registered a personal interest in planning application S/0159/05F.    N Whyatt registered a personal interest in planning applications S/0059/05/F + S/0060/05/F.  C Stopp and B Drayton registered personal interest in application S/0185/05 as residents of West Drive.

 

It was noted that in the previous minutes the following was not recorded.   T Footman declared an interest in S/2469/04/F (57 West Drive) and left the room while the matter was discussed.  C Stopp declared a personal interest but remained in the room.  C Stopp and B Drayton declared personal interests in S/2586/04/F as residents of West Drive.

 

18.7 SCDC planning notices.

 

It was noted that SCDC has granted permission for the following: Replacement Dwelling at 53 Highfields Road, Extensions including Annex at 57 West Drive, erection of 2 shops and 4 Flats at Corner of Furlong Way and Highfields Road.  It was noted that the following had been refused permission; Extensions and Carport at 52 West Drive, Extensions and double Garage at 16 West Drive.

 

19.  Village Shop.

 B Drayton declared a personal interest in this item as the developer.   The Parish Council was informed that building work would start on the shop at the end of the month.   An advert has been placed in the Caldecote journal asking for anyone interested in taking over one of the shops to get in contact with the chairman.  It was agreed to carry this item forward to the next meeting.

 

20.  The village development

 

20.1 Developer matters, Taylor Woodrow, Banner, JS Bloor, Ashwell Homes and Beechdale Homes.

 

Taylor Woodrow – Recreation Ground.  It was noted that a meeting between SCDC, the Parish Council and Taylor Woodrow had taken place.  At the meeting it was noted that surface drainage was also needed in addition to drainage already in place.   It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the next meeting to discuss in more detail.

 

Banner Homes.  All the relevant details and information has now been received.  The transfer papers for the POS on the Banner Home Development were signed.

 

JS Bloor.  The parish council noted that the play equipment has now been installed on the POS.  When the transfer papers are ready for signing a site visit by the parish council should be undertaken to make sure that everything is in order.

 

21. Finance.

 

21.1  Bus Shelter Quotes.

 

One quote from Kim Sheldrick Building Services has been received for £7,265.00 plus V.A.T.   Caldecote Parish Council has now received 3 quotes to build the bus shelter.  On a proposition by F Wolton, seconded by J Lang it was agreed upon comparison to accept the quote from Herald Contract Services for £3,700 as this represented best value for money.   A letter is to be sent to Herald Contract Services confirming this.

 

21.2 To receive the financial report and approve the payment of bills.

 

The financial statement was received and considered and the invoices and bank statements were available for checking. On a proposition by the Cllr T Footman, seconded by a Cllr P Philips the following payments were approved:

CALC (Book)

£47.50

CCC Street Lights

£52.62

BT Phone Installation

£74.03

Mrs. L Hazel (Salary)

£xx.xx

K Martlew

£33.00

Mission Computers

£214.80

 

MUGA – A quote from Herald Contract Services instructed by SMP has been received to re-instate the grass area in front of the MUGA.  After discussion it was agreed to instruct Herald Contract Services to carry out the work as per their quote.  Caldecote Parish Council will withhold the final sum of £2,000 to pay for the work.  The balance minus the fee for Herald Contract Services will be paid in full when the work has been completed to the parish council’s satisfaction and the satisfaction of SCDC.  A letter is to be sent to SMP explaining this.

 

The invoice for CCC Street Lights was not approved for payment as it was bought to the attention of the parish clerk that there are no CCC street lights in the village.  There were 2 but they have now been removed.  It was agreed to get in contact with CCC for further details before payment is made.

 

It was noted that Saskia Dart has agreed to be the internal auditor for the coming year.

 

It was agreed that C Stopp and the Parish Clerk should attend the accounts workshop which is to be held on the 12 th February 2005.

 

The parish clerk bought to the attention of the parish councilors a few minor changes that need to be changed to the budget figures as set down in the previous minutes. Under the heading ‘Village & assets maintenance’ the figure should be changed to £7,000 and the following wording should be added: (N.B to also include part from the ear marked reserves).  A heading is to be inserted for ‘Misc’ a sum of £1,000 to be placed in it.  The figure for Agency Services Grant should read £0 as the contract for the cutting of the grass in the village is being handed back to CCC therefore no grants will be received.  Under the heading ‘Released from the reserves’ the following wording is to be inserted to clarify the position ‘Village Security’ £9,000 is to be released to the General Fund, £1,000 is to be released to reserves for village security.   Caldecote Parish Council would like to thank the previous clerk Gail Stoehr for all her help, advice and training provided in preparing this years budget and a letter is to be sent conveying this.

 

Due to in-house training received and advice given the parish council has noted that any decision to spend money should also state under which section of the statuary powers it has the authority to do so.  A decision was also taken to number the agenda and minutes concurrently and numerically starting at the beginning of 2005 to make it easier for reference purposes.   Therefore the previous agenda is to be re-issued with correct numbering. 

 

22.  Councilors’ items.

 

It was bought to the attention of the parish council that there is a lack of dog bins in West Drive and the one provided for West Drive is continuously full.  It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the next time for further discussion.

 

The Bollard outside No: 72 Highfields Road approximately is still broken.

 

It was noted that the fencing erected around the orchids to protect them has now been taken down.  It was also noted that on the Bloor development the site for the POS is still a turning head at present.  It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Bloor asking them when it is to be re-instated to POS as agreed.

 

Cars parked daily outside the solicitors in the village are causing an obstruction.  It was agreed that the chairman F Wolton is to have a word requesting that all off-street parking is to be utilized where possible therefore reducing the need for on-street parking.

 

Vehicles driving through the old part of the village are regularly going up the bank when trying to pass large vehicles thus causing damage to the banks.  The buses that regularly go through the village cause the most damage and some appear to speed through not taken into account the narrowness of the road in places.  It was agreed to write a letter to the bus company highlighting this.

 

The bridlepath by Hardwick Wood is very muddy and in a bad state.

 

The following potholes are to be reported to M Cooper, Highways: Hall Drive - in middle of road and several potholes have been noted in the road to the south and north of West Drive. 

 

A428 bypass.  An article has been published in the Cambridge Evening news on the subject.  It was agreed to place this on the agenda for the next meeting to allow the clerk to obtain a copy of the article and any further information. 

 

The idea of an open forum at the beginning on each meeting was broached.  It was agreed to place this on the agenda for the next meeting for further discussion.

 

23. Closure of meeting and Parish Matters

There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.35 pm.

 

Signed……