MINUTES OF KINGTON LANGLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF THE VILLAGE HALL ON

MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2007

 

PRESENT:  Cllr. Peter Hart (Chairman), Cllr. Mrs. Lynn Atwell, Cllr. Mrs. Betty Bird, Cllr. Dennis Gill, Cllr. Rev. J Schofield, County Councillor Mrs. Jane Scott and District Councillor Peter Green. Mrs. Sue Hart (Clerk) and 6 members of the public.

 

APOLOGIES for absence were received by Cllr. Mrs. Val Giles (in Hospital) and Cllr. Graham Trickey (Business Commitments)

 

 

 

011.07

                   

 

 

RESIDENTS FORUM

 

Mr. Ramon Weston asked if a copy of the minutes relating to the Village Party could be published in the Village Magazine. Cllr. Hart agreed that this would be done.

 

 

ACTION

 

 

Clerk

 

 

012.07

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

None.

 

 

 

 

 

013.07

 

MINUTES

 

Minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2007 were circulated to all Councillors. On a proposal from Cllr. Dennis Gill, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. Betty Bird, IT WAS RESOLVED that the Chairman, Cllr. Peter Hart, sign the Minutes as a correct record.

 

Following a Parish Council Internal Audit, the clerk also asked for a change to the Parish Council Meeting Minutes of Monday 13 November 2006: Minute 128.06: The VAT Refund (6 months) should read: £3,485.15 not £3,485.16. Cllr. Hart duly signed this page of the November minutes as an amended record.

 

 

 

014.07

 

 

 

 

MATTERS ARISING

 

There were no matters arising.

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

015.07

 

KINGTON LANGLEY VILLAGE PARTY

 

Mrs. Debbie Elkins, as a representative of the Village Party Committee, reported the results of the Questionnaire that was sent to villagers after last summer’s party. 71% of respondents wanted a village party to be held on a Saturday evening, and 67% wanted the party to be held on the Common. As a result the Village Party Committee wished to make a formal request to hold the Village Party again this year on Middle Common on the evening of Saturday 9th June 2007.

 

Mrs. Elkins gave details of the proposed arrangements for this year’s event including:

 

1.       The music would finish at 11:00 pm.

2.       There would not be a beacon.

3.       Marshals would be nominated and would wear identifiable clothing.

4.       Marshals’ tents would be at either end of the closed area of the road.

5.       Marshals would remain on site until 12 midnight.

6.       There would be announcements at the beginning and end of the event that all alcohol must be taken home.

7.       At 12 midnight, any remaining alcohol would be removed by the marshals.

8.       The police would be asked to attend.

9.       A risk assessment would be completed.

10.   The event was being organised when there was a new moon so there would be no natural light after the event lights were turned off.

 

The Organising Committee consists of Mrs. Debbie Elkins, Mrs. Anita Sartain, Mr. Chris Timbrell, Mr. Marcel Chapman and Mrs. Sheila Prentice. The Committee still need more people to come forward to assist as organisers and marshals to help run the event.

 

Discussion then followed about the safety of individuals and property in the light of last year’s disturbances. Cllr. Atwell explained the issues that involved her family last year. Some prosecutions are still under consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service.

 

Cllr. Atwell suggested that leaving lights on could in fact help to deter troublemakers because they would be visible.

 

Cllr. Mrs. Jane Scott drew attention to the new Police Community Support Officers that should be in place by the summer and suggested making contact with the Kington Langley area police officer.

 

There was discussion about the employment of security guards and possible costs. It was agreed this would be advantageous, and the organisers will investigate further. The Party will be discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting held in March including financing of security staff.

 

Cllr. Hart then asked the Parish Council to vote on whether the Village Party should be held again this year. The decision to hold the party was carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Hart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

016.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLANNING

 

(a)     Planning Issues & Consents Granted: 

 

At a Development Control Committee meeting of NWDC held on 31st January the requirement for 50% of all new developments to be Affordable Housing arose. The current planning regulations have led to much confusion. Cllr. Green confirmed that it appeared from the last Development Control Committee meeting and the decision on Glenhaven at Plough Lane, that the 2nd house has to be put with a Social Landlord. This is in spite of the fact that one house is already on the site and the net gain to the site is only one house. This decision appears to be contrary to current planning policies and the Parish will seek clarification.

 

Cllr. Mrs. Jane Scott said that this issue had arisen because the District have a quota of Affordable Housing to meet, and they are struggling to find land and developers to fulfil the need. She would pass the Council’s concerns to the Chairman of the Development Control Committee.

 

(b)    Planning Applications decided by North Wiltshire District Council:

 

06/03105/TCA Mole End, Parkers Lane. Tree Surgery and felling work.

Consent Granted -

 23 Jan 07

06/03039/FUL Place House, Lower Common. Infill extension to form Study.

Consent Granted – 22 Jan 07

 

 

06/03178/FUL Upper Leaze House, Parkers Lane. Single Storey Extension to Kitchen.

 

Consent Granted –

2 Feb 07

 

Planning Application Recommendations decided under powers delegated to the Parish Clerk: 

 

07/06263/TCA Old Chapel Field, Plough Lane. Fell one horse chestnut tree. (Reason: Tree has canker disease and is leaning towards road)

Support.

 

 

(c)     Planning Applications for consideration:

 

Reissued Planning Applications:

 

Reissued 15th January 2007: 06/03126/S73A Limetree Farm.  Removal of Condition 1(Temporary Use) of permission 04.02223.FUL. (It is Removal not Renewal)

 

Information only

 

Amended Plans: 06/02758/FUL Glenhaven, Plough Lane. Demolish existing dwelling and erect 2 detached houses / garages and access

 

Note: Decision to support already made by Development Control Committee

Information only

 

New Applications:

 

07/00145/CAC Dutch Barn at Langley Gate Farm, Swindon Road. Demolition of redundant Dutch Barn

 

Support.

07/00169/LBC Manor House, Lower Common. Internal alterations to attic and window, plus replacement of some rainwater goods.

 

Support.

07/00240/FUL Little Gables, Church Road - First Floor Attic Extension over existing dwelling, extension to rear & alterations to Drive and Frontage

 

Support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Hart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

 

Clerk

 

 

Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

017.07

 

COMMONS EROSION PROJECT

 

Discussion still continues about the right way forward regarding the North side of the road outside the School. This will be an agenda item at the next Annual Parish Meeting.

 

Cllr. Mrs. Atwell was concerned that the current kerbing is unsuitable to be driven over. Cllr. Hart said that posts which were put on the North side of the road were removed by drivers almost immediately, and that any successful solution would need to be more substantial, such as a raised bank or kerbing.

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

018.07

 

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AGENDA

 

The Chairman of the Parish Council would not be able to attend the APM if it was held on 20th March, therefore it was agreed to hold it a week later. As the Village Hall may not be available, Cllr. Rev. John Schofield suggested that the Village Chapel may be a suitable alternative venue. The Clerk was asked to investigate speakers’ diaries and venue availability.

 

Cllr. Rev. John Schofield has agreed again this year that the Village Magazine Distributors will circulate copies of the agenda at the end of this month. Parish Councillors will assist the Clerk in distributing leaflets to those additional households (approximately 90) who do not receive the Village Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

All Councillors / Clerk

 

 

 

019.07

 

FINANCE

 

(a)    Cheques issued and transfers since 15 January 2007 meeting:

 

26 Jan 07

Bus Shelter Cleaning 2006

961

£125-00

26 Jan 07

Commons Cuts & Branch Clearing 2006

962

£2,460-00

9 Feb 07

Clerk Salary – January

963

250-00

 

 

 

£2,835.00

 

      Payments Received:

 

4 Dec 06

Lloyds TSB

Refund of Borrowing Fee + Interest

£16.52

22 Jan 07

Village Hall

Loan repayment

£656.00

 

      Transfers Made: None.

 

      Direct Debits Paid:

 

5 Feb 07

Public Works Loan Board

Footpath Loan

£2,039.90

 

 

The invoices for the above cheques had been inspected and approved by the signatories. On a proposal from Cllr. Rev. John Schofield, seconded by Cllr. Euan Sudbury, IT WAS RESOLVED that cheques numbered 961-963 be approved by the meeting.

 

(b)    Bank accounts: The last reconciliation had been successfully carried out on the 6 February 2007.

 

Bank Accounts and Petty Cash as at 31 January 2007:

 

Current account

£2,875.72

Deposit account

£5,310.29

Petty cash

£     13.52

Total:

£8,199.53

 

(c)     Final Quarter Precept Review:

 

The Council reviewed Expenditure versus Budget, and considered expected spending for the remainder of the year. The Commons Erosion Project had been challenging but the Parish should still end the year with a small surplus. Cllr. Green commended the Clerk on the clarity of the finances.

 

(d)    Grants / Other Financial Actions: 

 

·         An Internal Parish Council Audit carried out by Cllr. Mrs. Val Giles in January 2007 had produced very useful comment and feedback. The Chairman and Clerk passed their thanks to Cllr. Giles for doing such a thorough job.

 

·         Cllr. Rev. John Schofield said that the School Governors had agreed in principle to donate £400 to the Commons Erosion Project. Thanks were expressed to Cllr. Schofield for following this through as this greatly assists the Parish in obtaining matched funding.

 

·         This month was the final opportunity to consider opportunities to release money from the Donations fund. However, in light of earlier discussions regarding the imperative need for good security for the next Village Party, on a recommendation by Cllr. Rev. John Schofield, it was unanimously agreed that the remaining £75.00 in the donations fund should be specifically allocated to helping to provide security guards for the Village Party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

020.07

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

(a)      Received: 

a.       An e-mail from Mrs. Elizabeth Coles, PCC Secretary, thanking the Parish Council for the increased donation from this year’s Precept for the upkeep of the Churchyard.

 

b.       A letter from Mr. Colin Curtis, Fern Close, complaining about obstruction of Footpath No. 5 by a horsebox at Barncroft, The Barton was received. Cllrs. Gill and Hart have now investigated and confirm that there is an obstruction. Cllr. Hart will be writing to the parties concerned.

 

c.       A letter from Highways Dept. in response to a request from the Clerk asking whether Church Lane was scheduled for resurfacing. The reply had been that it was not in plan. Cllr. Mrs. Jane Scott also thought that it had been and said she would investigate further.

 

d.       An e-mail from the Scarecrow Committee asking for permission to use the Commons for the Scarecrow weekend. Following discussion on their specific requirements which are much the same as in previous years, Councillors agreed unanimously to grant permission again this year.

 

(b)      Circulated to Parish Council:

·         WCC – Wiltshire News, February 2007

·         Wiltshire Association of Local Councils, February 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Hart / Clerk

 

 

 

Cllr. Mrs. Jane Scott / Clerk

 

 

Clerk

 

 

021.07

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

(a)     Speed limit restrictions have finally been changed. The double bends on the B4069 by the Great house are now 40 mph, and the 40 mph limit from the A350 Traffic Lights up Plough Hill has now been reduced to 30 mph.

 

(b)     Cllr. Hart asked for a volunteer to organise the re-erection of the two Parish Council Notice boards blown over during last month’s gales. Cllr. Rev. John Schofield said he would help when the ground was drier.

 

(c)     Pancake Race – Road closure permission has now granted for this year’s Pancake Race which will be held between 12:30 and 13:30 in Church Lane on Saturday 17 February.

 

(d)     The Clerk said that there is now a revised letter which Councillors can put on car windscreens if people are parking on the Registered Commons. Cllr. Hart requested that if anyone attaches a letter to a car windscreen, they should also make a note of the car registration number.

 

(e)     Cllr. Gill pointed out that a rainwater pipe on Yew Tree Cottage at the corner of Silver Street was outside the curtilage of the property. Cllr. Hart said that he would raise this with the new owners.

 

(f)       Cllr. Mrs. Betty Bird said that a large puddle was reforming at the bottom of Plough Lane by the Traffic Lights. This has been a problem in the past and could be dangerous if the water freezes at this time of the year. Cllr. Hart said he would investigate further.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held at 8:00 pm in the Village Hall Committee Room on Monday 12 March 2007.

 

The meeting closed at 20.53.