Minutes 21st April 2015
MINUTES OF ELTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE HIGHGATE HALL
ON TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 2015 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Cllrs J Burgess (arrived late), T Cummins, R Donoyou, M Holman, I Kirk, M Porter, R Smith, S Strowbridge.
In Attendance: Mrs W Gray (Parish Clerk) until 9 p.m., County Cllr M McGuire, Mrs L Jepson.
- Apologies for Absence: Parish Cllr R Rankmore and District Cllr R Mathews.
- Declaration of Interest: None.
Matters Arising:
- Minutes of 17th March 2015:
Cllr Porter proposed minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record, seconded Cllr Donoyou, all in agreement.
- Matters arising from the above minutes:
Stocks Green – Response from CCC solicitors – it is officer’s view that the request made by Elton Estates legal representative to extend the deadline to 28 April be accepted. The reasoning for this decision is based on the following extract from Cambs Legal dept email.
1) As per discussions we had at the meeting in Emma’s office, one of the key issues in the manner that we would structure any action to remove the unauthorised works is to avoid any allegation that we have acted unreasonably. The Council has given them every opportunity to remove the unauthorised works and we believe that we have been reasonable in our efforts to achieve this. As you will also be aware, the last letter we sent made it clear that we maintained our position that the land was highway and requested that they provide any evidence they had to dispute this. It is this aspect that is currently being put through the reasonable test. By agreeing the extension based on their specified date, we will be able to defend any allegation that we have not been reasonable in giving them a reasonable time to collate their evidence.
2) Steve Ouditt who will be reviewing their evidence (if any is provided) is away from the office and it is our understanding that he will not be back until after the specified extended deadline.
Cllr Donoyou proposed, seconded Cllr Smith that we seek enforcement notice re parking spaces from HDC, as soon as possible after 28th April.
Footpath outside Mill House – Les Middleton, Highways reported “as none of the trip hazards are over 40mm – 50mm I cannot repair as a priority. It will be repaired as part of planned works which can take up to 12 weeks. I can try and hurry but the works are all planned well in advance to allocate resources etc.”
Potholes Chapel Lane – Les Middleton, Highways reported “the works have been completed to the available budget. I have had a look and agree the road is greatly improved. At present the remaining potholes are not within current intervention levels but I will monitor and act as soon as they fall into the required level.”
Precept 2015/2016 – Cllr R Mathews reported by email “The Council Tax share payable by Elton has been based on an allocated amount and divided amongst the number of households/tax bands etc.
The number of households (who pay full rates and do not have exemptions and discounts) reduced from 282 to 279 which increased the Council Tax for all of the other households to cover the shortfall of the other 3 households.”
Fly Tipping – reported from last meeting – now all cleared.
- YTD/monthly accounts v budget:
New accounting year started – spreadsheet circulated to all Cllrs. Parish Clerk in process of finalising Annual Accounts for 2014/2015 to pass to Internal Auditor.
It was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Donoyou that we should look at obtaining a better rate of interest in particular re funds in the Deposit Account. Parish Clerk and Cllr Rankmore to look at comparison site Money Facts, Aldermore.
- Authorisation of Payments:
| K & M Lighting Services – Maint April 2015 | £61.15 |
| Wendy Gray – Salary April 2015 | £240.00 |
| Wendy Gray – Tax April 2015 | £60.00 |
| Highgate Hall – Hire of Annexe 20th January, 17th February, 17th March 2015 | £60.00 |
| A Flatters – Grasscutting April 2015 | £445.00 |
Cllrs Donoyou, Porter and Strowbridge signed off authorisation for above payments to be made, all in agreement.
- Street Lighting:
Parish Clerk reported that she had contacted CCC (Balfour Beatty) re possibility of street lighting maintenance being put back under their control. Balfour Beatty will be sending out a contract for us to review. Cllrs Cummins, Donoyou and Holman will carry out a survey on the condition of all the street lights in the village currently under the control of the Parish Council and report back to the rest of the Parish Council at the next meeting.
- A605 Junction:
Nothing further to report, we will continue to pressure CCC. Note to be sent to Emma Murden at highways “we are still banging the drum”.
- Speeding:
Request sent to PCSO Barry Chamberlain for further speed checks to be carried out in the village particularly along Wansford Road/Overend during peak times – unfortunately Barry has been in hospital for a knee operation but did put in a request for some checks to be made. His colleague Billy Bond reported on 13th April as follows: “I gave this area speed enforcement attention from 18:20 to 19:05 today. No serious speeding offences were detected; WOA were offered to three motorists driving in the upper thirties. I will continue to give the area passing attention, calls for service and other JPS tasks permitting.”
- Planning:
15/00406/FUL – New stone extension to rear of the main house, linking the house to the existing stone barn on two levels. Renovation of the existing stone barn at Appletree Cottage, 8 Vinco Terrace, Elton PE8 6RT – the Parish Council notes the extension will more than double in size of the dwelling. Given the prominent setting within the conservation and at the brow of a hill, consideration should be given to changing the proposed concrete roof tiles on the new part of the building to a material; more in keeping with the conservation area setting. Bradstone collyweston slates would be most appropriate; Cambridgeshire Brick and Tile Works yellow pantiles or natural Welsh slate may be considered. The default position of more concrete interlocking tiles is not normally accepted in such developments.
15/00306/FUL – Demolition of garage buildings and erection of two detached dwellings and garages at The Garage, Overend, Elton PE8 6RU – no objection in principle – but there are no plans showing the elevations of the garages. The Parish Council considers that the garages should be in stone with replica collyweston (Bradstone) roofs or yellow pantiles are essential, given the conservation area setting. These roofs will be seen from public viewpoints in the conservation area. The Parish Council had previously requested that a full contamination survey (including soil testing) is undertaken and would like to see sight of the relevant report when it is submitted.
15/00585/HHFUL – Single storey rear extension and two storey side extension (revised from 15/00205/FUL) at 24 Chapel Lane, Elton PE8 6RE – previous comments stand particularly in regard to the continuous roof line.
Cllr Smith reported on progress re setting up schedule to keep track of planning applications.
- Trees/Verges:
- 4 Trees planted – 1 stolen 2 days after planting.
- Woodland Trust free tree scheme noted. Proposal: Parish Council (Cllrs Burgess, Donoyou and Smith) to village walk and decide planting proposals and appropriate pack from Woodland Trust, Cllr Smith to make preliminary application.
- Cambridgeshire Ancient Orchard Survey, 3 orchards in Elton – Cllr Donoyou to respond.
- Cleared verges to receive first cut first week in May.
- Broadband:
No further information, noted new green boxes are appearing, no publicity/hard information available.
- Correspondence:
None.
- Reports from Councillors:
- Signs to bypass – noted growth has been cut back.
- Repair of Mower – insurance and PC’s liability requires clarification, need to meet with Churchyard maintenance team as previously agreed. Estimate/quote required for repair costs.
- Commemorative seats – in poor condition. Always understood that persons who put seats in place are responsible for their upkeep and maintenance!
- PCC – Church in perilous state due to lack of congregation. PC to encourage village residents to attend.
- PC Annual meeting All Parishoners to be encouraged to attend Posters notifying parish residents to be posted around the village!
Date of Next Meeting:
Tuesday 19th May 2015 – Annual Meeting commencing at 7.30 p.m. followed by Parish Council meeting.
Meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.
Signed: ……………………………… Date: ……………………..