Minutes of Paish Council Meeting of 10 October 2011

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APPLETON WITH EATON PARISH COUNCIL
Held on Monday 10 October 2011 in the Village Hall at 7.15pm
 
Present: Mr James Mansfield (Acting Chairman); Mrs Liz Gilkes, Mrs Sue Hine, Mr Keith Stammers, and Mrs Anna Yalci.
Also Present: Mrs Tian Davidson (Clerk), Mrs Betty Griffith, Mr John Evans, Mr John Woodford (District Councillor), later Mr Nick Withers, Mr Anthony Gearing (County Councillor) and Mrs Natalie Crawford.
 
11/108 Acting Chairman: Mr James Mansfield was elected to chair this meeting.
 
11/109 Apologies for absence: : Mrs Claire Salmon (holidays), Mrs Sara Murray (ill).
 
11/110 Declarations of Interest: There were none.
 
11/111 Public session:
Mrs Griffiths came to represent Mr Alan Feast of PTR: She expressed that Mr Alan Feast was in support of the 4.15 return from Oxford after consultation with passengers on the bus and others in the community. He also spoke with RH Transport Ltd and they were happy with the 4.15pm rather than the 5.00pm originally suggested.
 
Mr Evans gave a detailed summary of the potential candidates of people, buildings and events which would qualify for consideration of the Blue Plaque awards in Appleton. Council thanked Mr Evans for his time and contribution.
 
Mr Woodford – District Council matters:
In his opinion, he did not consider that a 2 member ward would cause any problem. It is likely that they would be from the same political party. Pre 2003, Cumnor village was linked with Appleton with Eaton and Kingston Bagpuize and this has been proposed.
 
11/112 Minutes of the last meeting:
Mr James Mansfield signed the minutes of the 12 September 2011 as a true record except for the use of the word ‘confident’ by Dr Hine should be ‘hopeful’; Extra-ordinary meeting on 3/10/11 as a true record, and to accept the signed minutes of the Leisure and Recreation Committee meeting of 27/6/11.
 
11/113 Matters arising from the 12 September:
  1. Title deeds of properties owned by Council – Mrs Davidson has found the folder containing the title deeds. Council agreed that Mr Stammers would look into the cost of a fire safe and liaise with Mrs Davidson.
  2. Flood Group – 10 high visibility jackets purchased and will be kept with the equipment rather than individuals. Training session to be arranged.
  3. Blue Plaques in village – Council would like Mr John Evans (History Group) to send Council their recommendation.
  4. Parking near school – Mr Mansfield was waiting to receive the cones from Mr Johnstone before Mrs Davidson sends a covering letter and map to Mrs Watts; Council thanked Mr Johnstone for the supply of 10 cones; and Mrs Pam Feast would be the liaison Governor from Appleton School and would attend once a term (suggested: November, February and May).
  5. Village Hall fundraising event – Mrs Davidson spoke to Mr Munro regarding the legalities of claiming VAT.
  6. ORCC community networking and AGM – no one able to attend the meeting of 3/10/11.
  7. OALC training course on 8/11/11: Course was fully booked; will let us know in the spring. 
 
11/114 Standing orders, amendments, review of risks and internal controls: 
Council agreed the review of the Standing Orders and amendments. It was agreed that where the Planning application deadline falls between meetings, that the papers would go round the Councillors for comments and where 1 Councillor raised an objection, Council would meet to discuss. If the planning application was significant or contentious, a meeting would be held.
 
11/115: Public session (continued):
Mr Withers showed Council a presentation made by Mr Mike Hill, Chairman of the Northmoor Weir Campaign Team.
Mrs Crawford (8.30 pm) reported on the progress of the Playground project. The lease remained to be signed. She would review the tender documents to check for accuracy of the equipment and to confirm to Mrs Davidson. 
 
Mr Gearing (8.40 pm) – County Council matters:
  1. Winter preparation – Council may if they wish purchase more grit for £100/ton but all the grit boxes would be filled. There is a Snow Day on 29/10/11 which he plans to attend;
  2. Weir – This matter has been discussed. Health and safety was the main issue. 
  3. Boundary review – He has submitted his response and he was not in favour of a 2 member division as it would be too big. In addition, if the two members are from different parties, there would be additional concerns.
  4. Bike rack – He would consider and look into funding from the Stewardship fund. Tubney PC was in favour.
 
11/116 Northmoor Weir: 
Council received the updates on the Northmoor weir and replied to the Environmental Agency regarding their request for Council’s response on support of the option to replace the weir, results of the public response of the meeting held on 19/9/11 in Appleton village hall and health and safety issues to the weir via Badswell Lane.
 
 11/117 Car parking problem at the Plough and the sign outside the pub in a conservation area:  
Council was informed that Greene King will remove the sign and the car parking problem was an isolated incident.
 
 11/118 Bicycle rack by the bus stop off the A420 in Tubney:  
Council requested that Mrs Davidson ask Laura Hitchins for the costs of a bike rack and Mr Gearing will explore funding possibilities from the Stewardship fund.
 
 11/119 Draft National Planning Policy Framework: 
Council wanted to preserve the Green Belt and was in support of representations made by Oxford Green Belt Network and the Council of  Protection of Rural England.
 
 11/120 Boundary review: 
Council voted in favour of the smaller, one member ward as suggested with Cumnor village, Appleton with Eaton villages and surrounding villages along the A420 corridor. Council was not able to support Cumnor PC’s suggestion of a much bigger division with 2 members.
 
  11/121 Community Action Groups: 
Council received updates on NAG, Flood group would be having a training session, Appleton playground updated (see below). There were no updates from Appleton VH Committee or the QG Jubilee Group.
 
 11/122 Album in Chest kept in the Church: 
Council agreed that Mr Stammers would investigate if there was a risk of mould due to poor ventilation.
 
 11/123 Appleton Playground Lease: 
Council agreed that the signing of the lease documents be made by any 2 members of Council who would be available on the day and in the presence of the Clerk.  Council approved the tender documents in principle once Mrs Crawford had reviewed and was satisfied with the contents of the document. Council approved that the tender documents would go to 4 suppliers. Council was pleased to hear that Mrs Crawford and Mrs Biltcliffe will be going to the Community Award Lunch.
 
 11/124 Planning: 
(a)Considered since the last meeting:

(i)
11/01730/DPOB
Application for modification of planning obligation relating to planning permission 80/01401/OUT. The occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person wholly employed, or last employed locally, in agriculture as defined by section 290(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, or in forestry or a dependent of such a person residing with him (but including a widow or widower of such a person.           
Thames View, Millway Lane, Appleton,, OX13 5LB
Parish Council response:
Council objected on the grounds that Council would like the land tied to the house with the agricultural restriction, to ensure that it is a viable small holding to sustain an agricultural business.
(ii)
11/01934/FUL
Proposed new gravel driveway and access onto Oaksmere and fencing off existing access
Carmel, Oaksmere, Appleton, Abingdon, OX13 5JS
Parish council response: Council has no objections but wants Planning to consider: 1. The entrance should be in keeping with the rest in stone rather than post and rail; 2. Cars should exit in forward gear onto Oaksmere; 3. Consider the safety aspects of another entrance onto Oaksmere.
 
 
 
 
(b) New applications:
(i)
11/02093/FUL
Proposed single and two storey rear extensions with internal alterations to form improved accommodation.
8 Southby Close, Appleton,, OX13 5LE
Parish council response: Council has no objections and was informed that the dormer window would be removed from the plan.
 

 
11/125 Vale of White Horse DC – Consultation to 2 hours of free car parking in Abingdon:  
Council was in favour of this initiative to help and boost businesses in Abingdon .
 
11/126 Review of bus services: 
Council discussed the revised timetable for 63 Service and proposed that the last bus leaving Oxford should be moved to 4.30pm instead of 4.15pm suggested. Council noted that RH Transport Ltd was in favour of the 4.15pm suggestion. Council thanked our PTR, Mr Alan Feast, for attending meetings on our behalf.
 
 11/127 Consultation on draft Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Plans:
Council considered the OCC strategy of minerals and waste to 2030 and had concerns on the following: Density of operations in an area of amenity of landscape; damage to landscape; traffic increase with one site being filled in while another site started and the uncertainty of not completing one site before they start on another.
 
 11/128 Great Green Project: 
Council approved the revised quote of £350 (discount given) by Nick Hester of Accredited Woodworking for a ‘unique’ seat on the site, the payment to come from the Brownies’ fund of £300. The additional £50 will be raised by Mrs Page from donations.
 
 11/129 Accounts: Authorised payments:
1. 022 Mrs T Davidson – September 2011 salary (net) £        214.06
2. 023 Post Office – HMRC Paye for Q2 (July – Sept)   £        160.53
3. 024 Ultimate Supplies – purchase of 10 visibility jackets for Flood Group £        102.00
4. 025 Vale of White Horse DC – uncontested election services £        100.00
5. 026 Slade Legal – Fees for services provided by Mr David Quayle on Playground Lease  £      1,863.04
 
11/130 Publications and correspondence: 
  1. CPRE – Is your Parish at risk from Planning Reforms? Deadline for consultation 17/10/11 see – www.communities.gov.uk
  2. South and Vale Carers Centre – Fundraising for 2011/2012 – Activities and Outcomes – not funding.
  3. Highway works in the Vale of White Horse – September
  4. Response form Oxford Green Belt Network (OGBN) on the Draft National Planning Policy Framework
  5. Snow day on 29/10/11 at Drayton (Abingdon) from 11am – 3pm (Mr Stammers will be attending)
 
 11/131 Matters for report:
  1. Speed indicator devise to borrow
  2. Auditors’ report
  3. Mrs Pam Feast – Liaison Governor to inform Council on possible expansion of school roll numbers
 
 11/132 Date of the next meeting:
Council agreed the next meeting of the Parish Council to be held on Monday 14 November 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall. 
 
            The meeting finished at 10.00 pm
  
            Mrs Claire Salmon – Chairman               Date: 14 November 2011

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