22 March 2011

Last updated: Tuesday, 22 March 2011, 07:16 PM

Meeting held on Tuesday 22 March 2011 in the School at 7.45 pm

Present: Cllrs I Storr (Chairman), A Freeman, P Joslin, G Chamberlain, A Gill, J Stewart and J Bowen.
In attendance: Mrs G Stoehr (Clerk) and 2 members of the public.

Open public session including reports from the County and District Councillors
A resident expressed his concerns to decking at the Blue Lion. It was note s that this had been drawn to the district Council’s attention and that a retrospective application was expected otherwise the District Council might require the works to be removed.
Another resident outlined his interest and proposals for church and community use for the derelict site on St Neots Rd as the building is for sale. The Parish Council was keen to see the site developed as the current state is an eyesore. The Parish Council wished him well with his project.
The Chairman referred to his email to members and his offer to resign following an incident on the Recreation Ground. He temporarily left the meeting and so did the public.
It was agreed that the Parish Council did not wish the Chairman resign and the Vice-Chairman was asked to speak with the Chairman Dog control orders will an agenda item at a future meeting.
The Chairman and public rejoined the meeting.

1. Apologies for absence and declarations of interest
Apologies were received from Cllr Bhachu (previous engagement)
There were no declarations of interest.

2. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 22 February 2011
The minutes of the meeting on 22 February 2011 were unanimously approved (Prop PJ, 2nd AG), following an amendment to item 3.4 to delete ‘or the chairman’.

3. Matters arising and carried forward from the last or previous meeting
The Clerk’s report was noted.
3.1 In response to a complaint received about a bonfire it was agreed that a letter be sent to the resident. He is also to be thanked for kindly picking up litter.
3.2 The Streetlight on the skate park is to be re-reported.
3.3 Millers Way – nothing to report. Carried forward.
3.4 Fly tipping on the Recreation Ground has now been collected.

4. Correspondence/communications received
4.1 CCC Highway Warden’s Scheme
The Parish Council thinks that its County Councillor fulfils this role admirably and will reply that it is not interested in the scheme.
4.2 CCC – proposed bus service changes
This was were noted and the Parish Council reluctantly accepted the proposals however, it was felt that the changes locally will have an impact on the older generation.
4.3 SCDC – Recycling Banks
There were no recycling facilities in the village scheduled for removal and no need for textile banks as there is the new British Heart Foundation bank for clothing. It was agreed that the blue bins have been a success and the Parish Council was pleased with the collection service.

4.4 SCDC Parish Liaison Meeting – 29 March
Cllrs Chamberlain and Storr will attend.
4.5 Resident complaint – mud in Pump Lane
The complaint was noted and as it had been reported to the Highways who advised it was a police matter, no further action was required.
4.6 Affordable Housing – SCDC – how doe the Parish Council wish to respond?
I response to Ms Newstead’s letterasking for clarification on the Parish Council’s previous letter. It was agreed to reply that whilst the Parish Council would like to have more housing in the village, it is not amenable to the dilution of the housing to residents of other villages, as it would wish to give priority to residents of Hardwick.
4.7 Hardwick Primary request to run tournament on the Recreation Ground
Approval was given for the annual tournament.
4.8 County wide Library petition
The Parish Council agreed to sign the petition.
4.9 HSSC request to install fencing and signage
In response the Parish Council agreed that if they so wished the HSSC could install fencing and signage at their own cost and be responsible for the maintenance of it. The HSSC is to be informed.

5. Planning applications and decision notices
5.1 Planning applications received
5.1.1 S/0320/11 – 16 Bramley Way – Erection of detached dwelling
The proposal that the application should be refused as tt was felt that dwelling would increase density in the area, and cause a visibility issue was defeated. (Prop GC, 2nd TG, 3 against 2 in favour and 1 abstention) The proposal that the application be approved was carried (Prop IS, 2nd JB 3 in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention)
A letter is to be sent to SCDC as a site notice had not been seen in the vicinity of the application site.
5.1.2 S/0256/11 – 19 Ellison Lane – Extension
The Parish Council agreed to recommend approval.
5.1.3 S/0480/11 – 52 Main Street – Extensions (renewal of time limited consent)
A copy of the previous application is to be requested and the response on the application delegated to Cllrs Chamberlain and Gill in conjunction with the Clerk rather than convening another meeting.
5.1.4 S/0326/11 – 10 Hall Drive – alteration and extension of existing single garage to form double garage
The Parish Council agreed to recommend approval.
5.2 SCDC Decision and appeal notices
None
5.3 Tree works applications
5.3.1 Tree works at Redbrick Farm
The application and the supporting information conflicted about whether materials would be left or removed. The Parish Council would prefer to see the entrance a wildlife habitat.
The 3 trees to be planted by SCDC on the recreation ground are still outstanding and this has been mentioned to them but as yet no reply had been received.

6. Members reports and items for decision
6.1 Recreation Ground drainage
Cllr Storrreported on his meeting with the drainage man and tree roots were thought to be the cause of the problems. Dynorod had visited and rodded the drain and the roots had been cleared. The situation will need to be monitored and if there are further problems Dynorod had said that the pipe might need relining.
6.2 Allotments Training Report
Cllr Joslin reported that it had been a very useful meeting. Her report is to be circulated to all members.
6.3 P3 report including proposal for works to Portway near Starve Goose Plantation
Cllr Joslin recommended that the Parish Council considered laying some hardcore to improve the surface, and to remove the scrubbing hedging and fencing etc. churned up by heavy vehicles. The state of the paths was considered and it was agreed to raise this with the landowner.

7. Finance, risk assessment and procedural matters
7.1 To receive the financial report and approve the payment of bills
The financial report was received and considered and invoices and bank statements were checked. The payments as listed in the report, plus direct debit of £11.98 to SCDC and Dynorod £156.00, were approved for payment (Prop PJ, 2nd JB).

Caroline Edgley (newsletter expenses)
£20.00
Victoire Press (printing)
£672.00
Town & Country (car park works)
£280.80
Grounds by Rounds (grounds maintenance)
£294.01
LGS Services (admin support)
£1227.68
CPALC (Allotments training)
£55.00
LG Stoehr (salary)
£176.80
J Dyer (salary)
£110.36
HMRC (YE PAYE)
£861.00

It was agreed to seek a quote for the revaluation of the Pavilion for insurance purposes.

7.2 Play area inspection reports and skatepark inspection report
Play inspection reports were received. The ‘no kite flying’ sign has been defaced again and it was agreed to see if the overhead cables could be relocated underground.

8. Members items for the next agenda and for the Clerk’s information and Closure of meeting
8.0.1 To consider a S.137 donation request from the Church.
8.0.2 Cllr Gill reported on a Speedwatch meeting that he had attended and gave statistical data which had been collected.
8.0.3 The Clerk reported on her meeting with the Litter Picker, his review and his report and suggestions for bins in the village. .It was noted that two bins have gone missing in Grenadier Walk and had been suggested that larger bins would be an improvement at the recreation ground. He had also suggested a bin by the bus shelter on St Neots Road opposite Newton house. It was agreed to consider the bin suggestions and also the Litter Picker’s salary review further at the next meeting.

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 10.25pm.