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Minutes of a meeting of Clifton Parish Council held on Thursday 9 th March 2006 in Clifton Community and Sports Centre, Whiston Crescent , Clifton at 7. 00 pm
Present: , Mr B. Livesey (in the Chair)
Mr A . Burnage
Mr T. Cobb
Mr M. Ephgrave
Mr S. Fish
Mr B. Hudson,
Mrs P. Livesey,
Mr I. Pacey
Dr R. Puritz
Mr J. Wall
District and County Councillor T. Rogers.
• Public Forum: There was no Public Forum .
• Apologies: Apologies were received from Mr D. Duff, Mr J. Stevens, District Cllr P. Carne and Pc. N. Battams
3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 9 th February 2006 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member were agreed to be a true record and signed.
4. Matters arising
4.1 “ Cold calling” Enquiries were being made about distributing the leaflets throughout the village .
4.2 Copies of the letter from the Minister for Housing, Yvette Cooper had been passed to Mr Terry Cobb and also to Mrs Herbert who originally raised the issue.
4.3 Garden of Rest : Recent correspondence on this matter were read. Transfer of the land is close to completion.
4.4 Revision of Byelaws : Mrs Nadanahumaran's comments and advice are still awaited
4.5 Mower It was noted that the Parish Council had now received £3,500.00 from Mr R. Whitbread in payment for the Ransome mower. The latter had collected the replacement mower and the registration document had been hand over. The DVLA had been notified that the machine was no longer owned by the Council and the Insurers would also be notified.
4.6 Gopak Tables : It was reported that the tables had now been repaired. 12 retaining straps had originally been ordered, but only two were received with the order. The remainder had now been received.
4.7 Mr Cirin : An open meeting on Planning for an Emergency hosted jointly by Care Scheme and Residents Association would be held in the summer..
4.8 Planning Application No. 06/00121/FULL : Mr Livesey reported on the meeting with residents from Alexander Close attended by himself and Mr Cobb. It was noted that 24 letters of objection had been submitted to the District Council.
4.9 Golden Lion Sunday football team It was reported that the request for Sunday usage of the football pitch submitted by Mr R. Knight is being considered. Mr R. Mackay thinks there is also a possibility of an Under 16 team as well and consequently the matter is to be included on the agenda for next Wednesday.
4.10 Churchyard maintenance : A letter of thanks for the donation of £600.00 and for the increase in the 2006/07 precept was noted.
4.11 The Environment Agency had been informed that the Parish Council had no objections to raise concerning the Poppy Hill sewage treatment works.
5 . Outstanding Matters: The list of outstanding matters was circulated.
6. Correspondence :
6.1 Crime figures for February 2006
6.2 Land Registry : Voluntary First Registration of Title: The Chairman read a letter dated 1 st March 2006 concerning voluntary registration of landholdings and containing an invitation to the Parish Council to explore the possibility of registering the playing fields. It was agreed that this should be done.
6.3 Link a Ride Report and Appeal. This was considered. Proposed by Mr J. Wall. seconded by Mr T. Cobb and all in favour that a donation of £100.00 be made.
6.4 Mr A. Clarke, Treasurer All Saints PCC: Letter seeking a grant to help finance the costs of the village website. It was unanimously agreed that a contribution of £100.00 be made and a cheque was drawn.
6.5 Beds CC Parish Profiles
6.6Beds CC Organising for Excellence: Review of School Structures in Bedfordshire : It was agreed that this should be circulated and put on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
6.7 MBDC Transport Token Scheme 2006/07. It was agreed that copies of this should be circulated to the Guides, Brownies and to Church Youth groups.
6.8 MBDC: Issues, Opinions plus questionnaire. It was agreed this should be circulated and members' comments invited.
MBDC Street naming/ numbering for 23 New Road (1), 200b Shefford Road (2) 198a Shefford Road, (3) These were noted.
Village Halls News sheet Feb/Mar 2006, Issue 5 No 1.
Network Issue 81, Spring 2006
Open Space Spring 2006, Vol. 28 No 5
Local Council Review Vol. 57 No 6
CPRE: Fieldwork.
Clerk and Councils Direct Issue 44 March 2006
7. Management Committee:
The report of the meeting held on Wednesday, 15 th February 2006 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-
7.1 Fence between the end of the hedge and Clifton House. A further hole has appeared. This would be repaired and the fence treated with anti-vandal grease.
7.2 . Quotations to landscape the soil removed from the kicking wall installation are awaited.
7.3. Amendment to byelaws : A copy of the draft bylaws had been sent to the OPDM for advice and comments.
7.4 Car park . No further quotations had been received but after discussion it was decided that this project should be considered at a later date as requirements for the netball court and car park surfaces differed .
7.5 Mower. A response from Mr Whitbread was still awaited. It was agreed that should there be no response by next month a further letter stating that the Committee would have no alternative other than to resort to the law.
7.6 Side Gate Estimates for a gate and palisade fence had been received from David Brookes (DAB) £1200.00; Stevenage Fencing £668.00 + VAT (verbal) and D. Granger £500.00 (approx. also verbal) It was proposed by Mr Ephgrave, seconded by Mrs Dawson that Mr Granger should be asked to do this work.
7.7. Keys to Tractor shed . Mr. Mackay reported that these were on order.
• Yew Tree Walk The County Council has still not removed the rubbish despite requests to do so.
• Broken Tiles. To be dealt with at the end of the football season.
• Dog Bin. Mid Beds District Council reported that the Parish Council are on a waiting list for this to be supplied. In the meantime Mr Stevens reported that notices requesting dog owners not to use the litter bins near the Youth Shelter for dog detritus have been observed and there has been no further complaints.
• Tables: Spare parts for the tables had been delivered that morning.
• Multi-sports area. It was agreed that despite a recommendation to shelve this project it would be useful to continue to assess the situation and gather information for the future as it appeared that funding for such facilities was forthcoming. 7.13 Mr Harvey had made electrical repairs in the Community Centre.
7.14 Shutter Mr Stevens and Mr Ephgrave had repaired this
7.15 Roller: The recommendation to dispose of this had not been accepted by the Parish Council. Mr Wall could be asked to move it when necessary.
7.16 Fire Policy Mr Stevens would be attending a seminar and invited other members of the Committee to join him. our ‘ The Policy for fire protection needs to be reviewed.
7.17 The Policy for Children' needs to be reviewed..
7.18. Finance (a) Mrs Yarwood's and Mr. Spalding's a accounts had been authorized.
(b) The balance sheet showed a balance of income over expenditure of £4,189.01
(c) Mr Morris's payment had been authorised. The Clerk was asked to write to him to thank him for past service and inform him that as from 1 st April 2006 the Committee would be employing a groundsman to do all work around the Community Centre and Playing Field and thus would not be requiring his services beyond 31 st March 2006 .
(d) Mr Spalding had informed the Clerk that he would not be continuing as Assistant to the Caretaker beyond 31 st March 2006 . Mrs Yarwood had a replacement in mind for the post.
7.19 . Correspondence: (a)Mrs D. Viana: Letter asking permission to have a bouncy castle outside on the field during the period of a booking on 11 th June 2006 . The committee raised no objection.
(b)Shefford and District National Childbirth Trust: Letter from the Secretary regretting that owing to no one attending meetings they would not be requiring the meeting room on Wednesday mornings until the beginning of May. |This was noted.
(c) Mr R. Mackay: Application from Clifton FC to play one team on Saturdays next season. Confirmation of the Club's intentions on Sundays would be received in due course. (d) Mr King, licensee of the Golden Lion applying on behalf of the former Crown, Henlow team now sponsored by the Golden Lion for use of the football pitch on Sundays. The committee was broadly in favour provided the fees were paid in advance but it was agreed that Mr Mackay would consult Clifton Football Club and report back before the final agreement could be given.
7.20Outstanding Matters: (a) Upkeep of Playing Field and around Community Centre during 2006/2007 Mr Stevens outlined the various options for upkeep.
• Separate contracts for cutting the grass and for keeping the surrounds of the Community Centre tidy.
• Employ one grounds man to do both.
After examination of the quotations received it was noted that there would not be a great deal of difference in cost but it would be more practical to have one person with one contract. Mr Adrian Crawley had submitted estimates outlining 2 options - To cut and strim all grass areas on the field, the junior play area and around the Community Centre on a fortnightly basis during the growing season for £2,700.00 or
To cut main field on a weekly basis and cut and strim junior play area and around the Community Centre and perimeter of the main field fortnightly during the growing season for £3,300.00. It was proposed by Dr Puritz, seconded by Mr Beaumont and unanimously agreed that Mr Crawley should be asked to provide the weekly service.
(b) The willow trees had been planted .
(c) Dog wood Mr Crawley had queried the decision to remove the dogwood and turf the area surrounding the Community Centre. It was agreed that if he would be willing to attend to them no further action need be taken.
7.21 . Any other Business (a) Playground Inspection Clarification on the nature and time of this was sought.
(b) Child Protection Policy Attention was drawn to a forthcoming workshop on this matter.
The report was then adopted.
8. Highways Committee
The report of the meeting held on Thursday, 16 th February 2006 , a copy of which had been circulated to each member of the Council was presented and discussed. It was noted:-
8.1 Festival of Britain Sign : The bus stop sign had already been re located and Bedfordshire County Council would be asked to remove the redundant post. The Clerk is to write to Mr . Gazeley and confirm that work on the plaques should be put in hand.
8 . 2 Memorial Seat It was noted that the County Council were unable to give permission for the siting of the seat on the island facing the pond. As Mrs Whitby the prospective donor had now died it was agreed that no further action should be taken .
8.3. Section 106 Agreement for Stockbridge Road Development The Committee noted that to date, a reply had not been received to enquiries on this matter.
8 . 4 Garden of Rest This was in hand
8.5 Village Pond – Street light A new column was in place. It had yet to be connected.
8.6 Village Pond – Parking Restrictions The general matter of vehicles parking on the double yellow lines around the Village Pond would raised with Mid Beds District Council. As discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 12.2.06 individual registration numbers would be passed to Pc Battams who would take necessary action.
8.7 Village Litter It was reported that the District Council had advised the Council of the litter collection schedules and it was noted that the stretch of road around Samuel Whitbread would receive weekly attention. Further efforts will be made to resolve the situation at the “One Stop” car park. It was agreed to ask for the area for weekly attention to be extended along Shefford Road and Broad Street and to find out which week the streets were due to be visited in order that this could be advertised and residents asked to move cars parked by the roadside.
8.8 Outstanding Matters (a)It was agreed to obtain further details of illuminated signs reported to have been installed at Houghton Conquest .
(b) Split barriers: It was agreed to seek the advice of the DDA officer at County Hall.
8.9 . Correspondence : The receipt of a letter from National Stagecoach was noted.
8.10 Any Other Business (a) Post box : The Clerk had been requested to ask if the postbox at the “One Stop” could either be cleaned and re-painted or replaced with a traditional one. This had been done. The appearance of the exterior of the shop was also criticised. Mr Pacey would investigate who would be responsible for repainting it.
(b) Entrance to Clifton Fields development . Mr Wall reported that the Shefford Road entrance to the new development was extremely dangerous; recently there had been several incidents with vehicles entering or exiting the private road alongside 172 – 182 Shefford Road where accidents were narrowly avoided.; the Clerk should write to the County Road Safety Officer.
(c) Samuel Whitbread Community College The general appearance of the area bordering the newly completed college was criticised. After discussion it was proposed that a letter should be sent to the Director of Education, Bedfordshire County Council suggesting a site meeting if necessary.
(d) Fairfax Close ; The Highways Helpline had been notified of a pothole which had re-opened in Fairfax Close .
(e) Trees Mrs Livesey stated that she was keen to establish Tree Preservation Orders on 2 monkey puzzle trees in the gardens of Nos. 1 and 14 Fairfax Close. She would speak to Mr Morwood. The replacement trees ordered were currently being planted
.(f) Fly-tipping was reported down New Road .
(g) Cold-calling; The Clerk would approach Mrs Blackmore to ask if the leaflet could be delivered with the Clifton Chronicles.
(h) 7.8 Newis Crescent : There had been complaints of the height of the fence at 35 Broad Street as it blocked visibility for motorists exiting Newis Crescent . County Highways would be notified of this.
The report was then adopted.
9. Planning
The undermentioned plans had been returned to Mid Beds:-
06/00144/FULL: 20 Knolls Way : Two storey and single storey rear extension (Mr and Mrs French) No objection.
06/00230/FULL: 1 Clifton Farm Barns, Clifton . 3 no. up and over timber garage doors to existing car port and two velux windows to front and 1 velux window to rear. (Mr F. Rivett) No objection
06/00231/FULL: 2 Clifton Farm Barns, Clifton : Enclose car port to form garage and convert part of second car port to form utility room. (Mr and Mrs Manning) No objection.
06/00155/TPO. 39 Church Street Clifton : Works to TPO trees: Remove two sycamore trees : Object by majority decision. If however the TPO trees are decayed to such an extent that they are dangerous and the Arboricultural Officer confirms that they must be removed then they should be replaced in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tree Preservation Order.
006/00154/CAC 39 Church Street , Clifton : Total demolition of dwelling (Mr and Mrs Saunders) Majority decision - No Objection.
006/00146/FULL 39 Church Street , Clifton : Replacement dwelling and detached double garage. (Mr and Mrs Saunders) By majority decision do not object in principle but present proposal is not in keeping or sympathetic to the immediate premises/ street scene. Roof height and style make the design too dominant.
06/00214/FULL Land to rear of 200 Shefford Road : Erection of 1 no. 4 bedroom chalet bungalow and detached double garage (revised scheme to that previously approved under ref 04/02195/FULL dated 25.2.05. (Greenpeak) Objection (a) Original permission was for a bungalow not a house which will overlook the rear gardens of adjoining properties.
(b) The increase in size would have an adverse overbearing impact on the neighbouring property and is therefore contrary to Policy DPS5 of the Mid Beds Development Plan 2005.
06/00121/FULL: 65 Shefford Road , Clifton ; Erection of seven dwellings with associated garages and parking and formation of vehicular access. (Mr and Mrs R. Burton) Objected on following grounds ...
• Application contravenes Policy PM13 on the density of development. This is an area of low density housing and the proposal is totally out of character.
• It appears that the bottom end of the site is outside the village development envelope. The Parish Council has not been informed of any proposal to amend the envelope to include the long gardens of 61, 65 and 67 Shefford Road,
• The application contravenes Policy HO6 (Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005) which states tandem development will only be permitted where it can be shown that it will not have an adverse impact on the amenity of adjoining dwellings or the character of the area and that a satisfactory standard of accesscan be achieved.
• Neighbouring properties in Bunyan Close and Alexander Close as well as 61 Shefford Road (Policy DPS9)
• Access as proposed is unsatisfactory - no vision splays provided for the access on to a busy main road. It does not conform with the recommended standards for a shared access road. As such contravenes Policy DPS10 of Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 2005.
• Provision of parking facilities inadequate. This would in turn hamper access by emergency vehicles.
• Inadequate provision made for the collection of refuse bins.
• No mention has been made of the flooding potential to/from this development
• Proposed access road severely affects the rear garden of 61 Shefford Road and is therefore contrary to new proposals for security.
10. Reports (a) Clifton Lower School Mrs Livesey reported there would be a meeting to discuss the future structure of education in the county.
(b) Mid Beds District Council: Councillor T. Rogers gave a report mentioning inter alia that the Broad Street sign had been repaired. He also noted that the MP, Nadine Dorries would be holding a “surgery” in the Community Centre on Friday, 24 th March between 4.00 and 5.00 pm .
(c) Beds CC: Councillor Rogers gave a short report on the first year as a County Councillor and the events of the past year.
11. Finance :
It was reported that the bank balances at 28.2.06 were:-
Community Account £ 1.527.43
Business Premium Account £12,764.86
Business Reserve account £46,356.90*
* Village Improvement Fund £40,000.00.
Receipts : The following receipts were reported:
Barclays Bank Plc: ¼ Interest on Business Reserve a/c to 2.12.05 £243.20; Mrs M. Eastwell Hire of C. Centre on 25.2.06 £50.00: RJW Machinery: Re- purchase of mower £3500.00; Seamarks: Hire of C. Centre on 24.2.06 £45.00; Pearce Recycling: Sale of newspaper Oct – Dec 2005 £12.30; Ladies Social Hour: Hire of Centre in Dec/Jan £54.00; Mrs W. Hitchcock: hire of Centre on 11.3.06 £55.00.
Payments Payment of the following accounts was authorised:-
Mrs Yarwood £340.00 ( Ch101116)
Mr Yarwood £240.00 (Ch101117)
Mr Spalding £100.00 (Ch101118)
Mr Morris £110.00 ( Ch101119)
Powergen: Electricity in Feb +VAT £201.11( Ch101120 )
D. Harvey Electrical works at C. Centre £112.00 ( Ch101121 )
J. C. Lanham ¼ Salary, Office allowance, Approved expenses/refund and postages for ¼ £1112.25
(Ch101122 )
xAll Saints PCC: Contribution to costs of web site £100.00 (Ch 101123)
xMid Beds Link a Ride: Donation towards running costs £100.00 ) ( Ch 101124 )
x Section 137 payments
Dates of next meetings , 13 th April 2006 , 11 th May 2006 , and 8 th June 2006