Minutes of the Meeting of Caldecote Parish Council on Thursday 6th January at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present: Parish Cllrs B Drayton, C Stopp, T Footman, P Phillips, F Wolton (Chairman) and A Levett.

In attendance: County Cllr R. Martlew, Mrs. L Hazel (Clerk), Simon Butler-Fimbow and Nick Jones Representatives of Ashwell Development, Mr. John Cooper, Rights of Way Officer and 8 members of the public.

1.  Apologies for absence : Cllrs  S Breeze, J Lang, N Whyatt.    

2.  To approve the minutes of the 2nd December 2004

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

3.  Ashwell Developments.

      Mr. Simon Butler-Fimbow and Mr. Nick Jones (Project Manager) represented Ashwell Developments.  They started proceedings by thanking the Parish Council for letting them attend the meeting.  They had the following points they wished to discuss:

 

·         Current Concerns

·         Concerns raised to date

·         Background to the current planning application (construction of alternative access) and the previous application which was discussed at the last meeting (to allow occupation of up to 15 houses prior to the completion of off site works in Highfields Road).

 

Mr. Butler–Fimbow asked if the Parish Council or any members of the public had any concerns which they would like to bring to his attention.   It was noted that contractors visiting the site parked their cars at the end of West Drive blocking access to residents.  The state of Highfields Road was bought to their attention in relation to mud being deposited onto the road.  Mr. Butler-Fimbow confirmed that road sweepers regularly sweep the road and the wheel washers should now be in place to prevent this from happening. 

 

The following concerns to date were raised.  It has been noted that delivery drivers regularly park on the pavement when delivering or waiting to deliver goods.  This in turn is blocking the footpath to pedestrians and causing damage to the footpath.  Mr. Newby raised concerns about the hedge along the southern edge of the development.  It was noted that the hedge will not be taken down only a very small section will be removed to create a footpath.  The majority of the hedge will be transferred to the Parish Council with a small section being transferred to the school.   Overall control will remain with the Parish Council.  A chain link fence will mark the boundary between the hedge and the properties. 

Mr. Butler-Fimbow bought up the issue of the two recent planning applications.  The current planning application to construct an alternative access to the development is due to Cambridge County Council taking a long time along with Taylor Woodrow over Highfields Road, therefore they have been forced to try and create an alternative access as a permanent solution until the problem is resolved.    The Parish Council explained its reasons for refusing the application due to concern over safety of the school children.  The majority of Lorries visiting the site arrive first thing in the morning when safety is of utmost.  A permanent access via West Drive would not be suitable as the mini roundabout at the junction between West Drive and Highfields Road is not well designed and can not cope with extra vehicles.   After a long and lengthy discussion it was agreed that the County and District Councilor Robin Martlew would try to arrange a meeting with South Cambs, Ashwell Development, Cambridge County Council Highways Department and the Parish Council to try and resolve this matter.

 

4.      Parish Path Partnership (P3) – Presentation.

4.1 Lost Highways.

Mr. John Cooper, Rights of Way Officer gave a short demonstration on the benefits of joining the scheme.  He left some literature for the Parish Council too look at.  It was agreed to place this on the agenda next time to allow parish councilors time to look at the literature and come to a decision.

 

5.  Matters arising for information only

 

5.1 Environment Agency reply on Storm cell matrix.

 

A letter dated 7th December 2004 from Environment Agency was read.  The Environment Agency has advised that the ‘storm cell matrix’ is to remain in the ownership of the developer.  It was agreed that a copy of the letter be sent to the Parish Councilor’s solicitors for their file and a copy of the letter be sent to SCDC with a covering letter requesting that they accept responsibility if in any unforeseen circumstances arise.  It was also agreed that when the land is transferred to the Parish Council a clause should be inserted into the transfer deeds to state that Taylor Woodrow maintain the storm cell matrix.

5.2 Westley & Huff Reply – Tree at Bosserts Way.

A letter dated 21st December 2004 was read.  The letter informed the Parish Council that a report from Burleigh Tree Surgery has now been received and that further advice was being sought before any action was taken.  The Parish Council expressed concern over the length of time this matter has taken. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Westley & Huff expressing concern over the length of time this matter is taken bearing in mind the bad weather we have been having lately and asking if they will disclose the contents of the report.

5.3 Church steps hand rail.

There was nothing further to report on this except Cllr B Drayton is meeting with the conservation officer to ask for their point of view.

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

6.1 Parishioner correspondences

Mrs. Snudden updated the Parish Council on the latest situation in connection with the purchase of the Caldecote Deeds.   A request for £200 to help purchase the deeds will shortly be put in writing.   An article is to go in the next issue of the Caldecote Journal updating all residents.  A reception is to be held on the 3rd March 2005 in the village hall to thank everyone for their help.  A news release is to go in the Cambridge Evening News.  The Parish Council expressed their thanks to Mrs. Snudden for all her hard work.  It was noted that the deeds will be held in the County Record Office. 

6.2 Other

 

An e-mail has been received from S Cambs warning people that certain companies appear to be trying to “cash-in” on the recent appeals surrounding the Earthquake and Tsunami disaster with illegal Street and house-to House Collections.  A full copy of the article will be published in the next Caldecote Journal

Victim Support has requested a donation towards providing practical help to those who have been victims of crime within the community.  It was felt that at this time the Parish Council are unable to make a donation.

It was noted that Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum are holding a meeting on 25th January 2005.  ‘Stop Stansted Expansion’ is holding a Community Conference on Sunday 30th January 2005 if anybody wishes to attend please contact the Parish Clerk for further details.

A letter dated 13th December 2005 from Comberton Parish Council in connection with PCSOs was read out.  The letter stated that they are with regret withdrawing their funding support.  After consideration it was agreed that due to circumstances Caldecote Parish Council would now be unable to continue with PCSOs.

7 To attend to planning received since the last meeting including

7.1 S/2480/04/O Drummond – Land rear of 121 Highfields Road – erection of single storey dwelling.  On a proposition by B Drayton seconded by F Wolton it was agreed to refuse this application on the same basis as before.

 

7.2 S/2469/04/F Footman – 57 West Drive – Extensions including annex.  On a proposition by C Stopp seconded by P Philips it was agreed No Recommendation.

 

7.3 S2352/04/F Whyatt – College Farm, Main Street Caldecote – Tennis Court.  On a proposition by B Drayton seconded by T Footman it was agreed No Recommendation.

 

7.4 S/252/04/F Bibby – Land at Claire Farm, Main Street, Caldecote – Stables.  On a proposition by F Wolton seconded by B Drayton it was agreed to tick the No Recommendation box with the following comment

·         Neighbours comments to be taken into consideration.

 

7.5 S/2586/04/F Ashwell Homes – Construction of alternative access to West Drive in association with consented residential development for 33 dwellings.  A letter from a resident in West Drive apposing this application was taken into consideration.   On a proposition by B Drayton seconded by F Wolton it was agreed to refuse this application on the following points;

·         Safety issues.

·         Access to West Drive from Highfields Road at junction is dangerous due to restricted visibility.

·         There is only a footpath along one side of West Drive and there is no traffic calming in place.

7.6 S/1569/02/F Ward – Rockery Farm, Broadway, Bourn – Wind Turbine.   This application was put to a vote resulting in 4 people against and two people in favor.  On a proposition by P Philips and seconded by T Footman it was agreed to refuse this application. 

7.7 SCDC planning notices.

It was noted that SCDC has granted permission for an Agricultural Dwelling at Orchard Farm, Main Street, Caldecote.  SCDC has refused permission for a Bungalow at Land Adj 79 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote.

8. The village development

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

Taylor Woodrow – The Chairman has received one letter and an e-mail both concerning fencing that Taylor Woodrow agreed to erect around the boundaries of their properties along Highfileds Road to protect them, which they have yet to be installed.

Banner Homes – Transfer papers for the POS have now been received.  It was felt that before the Parish Council could sign the transfer papers further clarification on who will own and maintain the hedging along the rear gardens of Blythe Way backing onto the Bridleway is needed.  It was agreed that this should be placed on the agenda for next time to allow the information to be obtained.

9. Finance.

9.1  Bus Shelter Quotes.

No further quotes have been received.

 

9.2  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:

 

L Hazel (Salary)

£xx.xx

K Martlew

£33.00

M Kember

£27.30

Mission Computers (Journal)

£181.50

Herald Contract Services

3264.38

L Hazel (Equipment Costs)

£243.80

L Hazel (Ink Cartridges)

£30.97

Cambridgeshire ACRE

£25.00

Data Protection Act

£35.00

The Parish Clerk was given authorization to purchase Charles Arnold Baker, Local Council Administration Book at £47.50

 

9.4 Parish Clerk’s equipment. 

The Parish Clerk was given authorization to purchase equipment needed to aid her in the job.

 

9.5  To prepare a budget for Financial Year 2005 – 2006.

The budget report (appended 2 to these minutes) showing income and expenditure against budget to date and draft figures based on past history and existing contracts was received and consider.  On a proposition by Cllr C Stopp seconded by T Footman and carried unanimously the full budget (as appended 2) to these minutes was unanimously approved;

In summary;

      Advertising                             £2,500             (including Caldecote journal printing).

      Agency Services Expenses     £0                     No longer required.

General Admin                       £7,500             (to allow for increases in salaries

and administrative costs plus the usual increase

 in insurance etc.)

S137                                        £600                           

Village & assets maintenance £7,050                         (to include maintenance of POS)

Contingency                            £1,500                         (to include legal costs)

 

Receipts:

            Bank Interest                          £300                                                                                       

            Agency Services grant            £618.82                      

            Recycling credits                    £700

 

Released from the reserves:

Carried forward from budget FY 2004 – 2005 not now required:

     

Village Security                £10,000                       (the jointly funded PCSOs with

                  Comberton Parish Council has not been

Achieved and the money has been

Transferred to the General Fund)

 

The Precept for FY 2005 -2006 was considered.   On a proposal by Cllr F Wolton, seconded by Cllr Stopp that ‘a Precept is issued for £19,100 (nineteen thousand one hundred pounds) was carried unanimously. 

 

On a proposition by B Drayton, seconded by C Stopp it was unanimously agreed to hand the cutting of the grass verges in the village back to Cambridge County Council due to high cost and problems occurred during the last year.

 

It was noted that money set aside under the budget heading ‘Agency Services Expenses’ to pay for the cutting of the grass verges in the village does not cover the bill.  It was agreed to transfer the remainder of the money needed from the contingency fund.

 

10.  Councilors’ items.

 

The Parish Council was reminded that the remainder of the in-house training session would be held on 31st January at 7.00pm in the Village Hall.  The clerk would send out a reminder nearer the time.

 

Taylor Woodrow is to be notified that there is a depression in the footpath along Furlong Way outside the village hall. 

 

It was noted that there is a missing tile on the Bus Shelter roof (outside village hall) and that the small gap between the shelter and the footpath is very muddy.   It was agreed to send a letter to Taylor Woodrow bringing this to their attention and reminding them of their obligation to install a very small path between the bus shelter and footpath. 

 

The path/access to the village hall along side the bus shelter has not been properly installed.  This shall also be bought to the attention of Taylor Woodrow.

 

It was noted that the manhole cover north of pumping station by the grass verge is broken and in need off repair.  It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Highways Agency.

 

It was agreed that the ‘shop’ be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for an update.

 

It was bought to the attention of the Parish Council that the footpath along West Drive has collapsed outside No: 41.

 

It was bought to the attention of the Parish Council that the play equipment has now been installed on the Bloor Development.  It was agreed that the Chairman would look into this.

11. Closure of meeting and Parish Matters

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

Signed………………………… Chairman …….…………………Dated.