Parish
council meeting
March 5 2007
Belmont Community Centre
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BELMONT
RURAL PARISH COUNCIL
Parish
council meeting |
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Present: Mrs. Veronica Robinson (Chair) In attendance: Mrs. E. Kelso (Clerk) Apologies: Mrs. Beryl Brown There were no declarations of interest. 17/07
Minutes of the previous meeting · Minute 10/07
– Noted that the Clerk be instructed to write to Persimmon Homes
to express concerns that the Parish Council was not notified of the public
consultation regarding the proposed development off Kingfisher Rise. Subject to these amendments, authority was given for the Chairman to sign the Minutes as a true record of proceedings at that meeting. 18/07 Matters arising (a) Painting of lampposts and tree thinning on roundabout No response to date but a reminder letter was sent within the last ten days. (b) Litter bins The Clerk reported that installation of the new litter bins had proved particularly problematic as the contractor did not order the litter bins originally requested but had installed refurbished bins. There were also difficulties with the relocation of the old bins which had required re-installation due to poor workmanship. After considerable intervention, an order has now been placed for the bins originally selected and although the contractor’s officer is now on long term sick leave, the contractor has promised to complete the work as originally specified some five months ago. (c) Proposed development off Kingfisher Rise The Clerk has written to Herefordshire Council Planning Services to request that copies of the plans for any application be lodged in Belmont Library. It was noted that the Clerk is to write to Persimmon Homes to express the Parish Council’s concern that BRPC were not notified of the public consultation in connection with the proposed development off Kingfisher Rise. (d) Litter from Tesco The Clerk has written to both Graham Dunhill of Herefordshire Council and Tesco regarding continuing concerns of litter from the site. No response has been received from either although litter pickers have been seen during the mornings in and around the Tesco site. Councillor Edwards, as District Councillor, confirmed that legal exchanges were continuing between Herefordshire Council and Tesco. (e) Parking on Grass Verges The Clerk has been advised that the most persistent offender for parking on the grass verge in Dorchester Way has been identified and as this individual is an employee of Herefordshire Jarvis Services he has been formally warned not to park there any more. As a result there seems to have been a general improvement in this area although parking on the verge by a builders van in Northolme Road and Shellingham Way is still evident. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Highways Department regarding these two remaining areas of concern. 19/07 Report from West Mercia Police PC Paul Greenwood was in attendance on behalf of West Mercia police and reported on a number of incidents which had taken place within the Parish since the last meeting, including: · A car broken
into in Sydwall Road Generally members felt that petty crime, and in particular anti social behaviour is increasing and with little or no police presence on the streets as a result of the two CSOs being on restricted duties or on sick leave, there was a fear that the situation would get worse. It was noted that at the recent PACT meeting a number of people had raised similar concerns with Inspector Gebbie and Herefordshire Council’s Neil Pringle regarding lack of resources to deal with incidents and it had been explained that resources had to be directed to the areas of most need. It was clear that incidents must be reported to the police so that resources can be directed appropriately. It was agreed that the Clerk be instructed to write to Chief Superintendent Mark Turner of West Mercia Police to highlight Parish Council concerns regarding the increased levels of anti social behaviour and lack of visible policing. 20/07 Public Participation The Chairman adjourned the meeting for a period of public participation during which District Councillor Glenda Powell reported that she had raised a petition within the Belmont Ward requesting that the South Wye Police Station be manned on a Friday evening rather than the current Wednesday evening. 21/07 Correspondence The Clerk noted that several items of correspondence are currently in circulation and these include a number of documents which require comments for onward submission to various agencies. In addition, the Clerk has received a “demonstration pack” from Central Networks which contains items which Central Networks recommend members of the public keep handy in case of power cuts. Unfortunately the packs are not available to purchase. 22/07 Payments/Receipts (a) Payments Authorisation was given to make the following payments: Swintex Limited South Wye Community
Association Mrs. E. A. Kelso Inland Revenue Cash (b) Receipts None since the last meeting. (c) Balances Current account:
£179.24 Petty Cash (£18.83) 23/07 Planning Matters (a) Applications Received since the last meeting The following planning application was discussed. Councillor Edwards declared an interest as a member of Herefordshire Council’s planning sub committee: Ref: DCCE/20070151/F (b) Observations passed to Herefordshire Council since last meeting None since the last meeting (c) Notification of applications granted/refused The following applications have been determined since the last meeting: Ref: DCCW2006/3950/F
Ref: DCCW2006/3696?F Ref: DCCW2006/3671/F Ref: DCCW2006/354/F (d) Other Planning Matters Notification has been received that an appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the refusal of permission under reference DCCW2006/2743/F which is for the replacement of 3, 1metre high fence panels with 1.8 metre high panels at 3 Yarlington Mill. The Parish Council originally had no objection to this development although it was specified that this should not be considered a precedent as the development in principle was contrary to the original open design of the locality. The Clerk was instructed to write to the planning inspector to stress that this development is contrary to the original design for this area and may represent a hazard for vehicles entering and exiting this road. 24/07 Additional Tree Planting Councillor Brian Hubbard reported that although he had been advised otherwise, Herefordshire Council has now confirmed that some funding is available for additional tree planting this season but he was concerned that lack of watering for new planting would mean that some replacement trees would fail. As a result he would not be proposing replacement of all trees which had died since last year. Residents at 55 Dorchester Way, adjacent to the children’s play area, have suffered from nuisance from children playing ball games next to their property and Councillor Hubbard, in consultation with Herefordshire Council, proposed planting additional trees in the form of very young plants between the play area and no. 55. Councillor Phil Edwards noted that some years ago there was a considerable amount of engineering works carried out at that location to resolve drainage problems from the nearby landfill site and as a result that either the proposed planting would not survive or might damage the works below the surface. He suggested that Bruce Chartres, of Pollution Control Services of Herefordshire Council be consulted and that no planting take place until Mr. Chartres has approved the proposals. This was agreed. Councillor Veronica Gummer noted that she has seven small hazel whips which can be planted within the Parish. 25/07 Northolme Community Centre – Progress Report Fran White, Chairman of the Northolme Community Centre Assocation presented a progress report for the Centre noting that work has now begun on the renovations. A copy of the progress report is attached to these Minutes. 26/07 Funding Application – South Wye Community Association A decision on this application by South Wye Community Association had been deferred from the last meeting pending further advice. John Newman on behalf of South Wye Community Association was in attendance to answer questions raised by members. In response to a query regarding the nature of the work required, Mr. Newman confirmed that a like-for-like replacement of the header tank was required and had now been completed as the work was required as an emergency repair. He confirmed that the Centre had no insurance for this incident. Treasure of the South Wye Community Association had provided the Parish Council with further notes regarding the process of awarding the contract for this work. Members noted that the procedures adopted in this instance by SWCA were not in accordance with financial procedures required by the Audit Commission, the Parish Council Financial Standing Orders or Local Government Act requirements. Members resolved that this application be refused and the Clerk was instructed to notify the applicant accordingly. 27/07 Proposed all terrain cycle project – Update Councillor Ian Robinson reported on the positive outcome of a meeting held between young people, their parents and Mrs. Fran White from Herefordshire Council’s Parks and Countryside Department. Those in attendance at that meeting were told that the Parish Council could not, at this stage, promise the provision of any facilities but if funding were to become available, the purpose of the meeting was to identify what people wanted. Of those present at that meeting, three local high schools were represented, and the young people themselves are to draw up a petition requesting facilities for cycling within the Parish which is to be presented to the Parish Council at its next meeting. Fran White on behalf of Parks and Countryside confirmed that Herefordshire Council would want the provision of cycle facilities to be part of an overall scheme to improve provision for young people within the area so that an application for lottery funding can be made for the whole scheme. The overall plan would include the provision of an all terrain cycle facility, improvements to the playing surface of the kick about area adjacent to Northolme Community Centre, facilities such as pathways over public open space and the splitting of the children’s play area off Northolme Road to provide a separate toddler play area and equipment for older children. She advised that it was hoped that the compulsory acquisition of land behind Dorchester Way would take place before the end of March 2007 and that this area was ideal for the type of cycle facility envisaged. Councillor Phil Edwards urged that in the event that the land acquisition does not take place, consideration be given to the provision of a facility on a plot of land between the pathway from Northolme Road to Abbotsmead Road, adjacent to the Northolme Centre. Mrs. White agreed o consider this but noted that public consultation would be required for this site, being so close to housing, and that a temporary facility might jeopardise a subsequent lottery bid. Finally Councillor Brian Hubbard suggested that a suitable site might be a green field site behind the ponds off Haywood Lane. However, during the parish planning exercise members of the public had indicated a need for further facilities within this area of the Parish and the identified site was outside the Parish boundary. 28/07 Shrub Planting Councillor Ian Robinson confirmed that the Highways Agency has offered the Parish Council a licence to cultivate the area in question. Councillor Brian Hubbard agreed to assist with the identification of appropriate shrubs for planting. A fully costed plan is to be available for the next meeting. 29/07 Purchase of additional litter bin liners Councillor Phil Edwards advised that up to 5 litter bins have damaged liners which can prevent the bins functioning properly and from being emptied by contractors. The cost of these liners is £20 plus VAT. One has been purchased as an emergency repair and it was proposed that an additional four be purchased. It was proposed by Councillor Phil Edwards and seconded by Councillor Ian Robinson that four replacement litter bin liners be now purchased. This was unanimously agreed. Councillor Edwards volunteered to take delivery of these liners. 30/07 Revision to funding application guidance notes The Clerk advised that these notes have been revised to include provision for applicants to attend Parish Council meetings at which their application is to be discussed. A copy of the revised notes had been circulated to Members. It was unanimously agreed that the revised guidance notes be formally adopted. 31/07 Parish Freighter The Clerk advised that the Parish Freighter service is currently attending at the Community Centre car park twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 2pm – 4pm through 2007. Herefordshire Council has confirmed that these timeslots are also available for booking through 2008 although a final decision on the price for this service in 2008 has not yet been made and any booking would be subject to any price increase. It has also been noted that the contract for this service is likely to go to tender during 2008 which may affect the service. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk be instructed to book the freighter twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 2pm – 4pm through 2008 and it was further agreed that this booking recognises that the cost may be subject to a reasonable re-adjustment after the booking has been made and that the service may change as a result of he possible change of contractor during the period of the booking. 32/07 Parish Matters (a) It was noted that repair to the roundabout on the junction between Grantham Close and Dorchester Way was still awaited. Concern was expressed that the loose cobbles could be used as missiles. The Clerk was instructed to progress this item. (b) In response to a query on the parking of caravans, it was noted that developers rarely enforce the requirement that drives are not used to park caravans and planning services only become involved if the caravan impinges on neighbouring properties or the caravan is being used for accommodation. (c) Councillor Phil Edwards reported on his activities as District Councillor, including: · Arranging
for overgrown shrubs to be cut back (d) Councillor Ron Loft reported on the PCCT meeting he had attended. Members noted that the next meeting is to be held on 29th May at 5.30pm. (e) Councillor David Cook noted that the tarmac is breaking up along the main trunk road. It was noted that although the Highways Agency indicated it would be repairing the road last November, there is no funding available for this work. (f) Councillor Ian Robinson reported that the Northolme Community Centre Association would be holding a summer fete/centre opening on 4th August and had invited the Parish Council to take part. It was suggested that Belmont Community Centre might wish to do something similar. (g) Councillor Veronica Gummer reported that she had taken photographs of litter collecting just outside the boundary of the Tesco site and had raised this with the manager of Tesco. Councillor Phil Edwards advised that the land in question is in private ownership but an order has been raised to clear this area. (h) The Chairman noted that repairs are required to drains outside 26 Dorchester Way and on the junction of Westhome Road and Southolme Road. The Clerk was instructed to notify Herefordshire Council accordingly. 33/07 Public Participation During the final period of public participation it was agreed that the “power cut kit” provided by Central Networks (see Minute 21/07) be donated to the Northolme Community Centre Association. 34/07 Date of next meeting The previously agreed date for the next meeting is 9th April but as this is Easter Monday it was agreed that the meeting be moved to Monday 16th April 2007 at Belmont community Centre, Eastholme Avenue, Belmont, commencing at 7pm.
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