WINFORD PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES-April

Date:   Monday 6 April 2009.             Venue: Felton Village Hall, Felton

Time:   7.00pm                                            

Councillors Present:  

                  Mrs B Smith (Chair)          Mr A Parker    

                  Mr S Banks                     Mr P Etheridge

                  Miss K Bye                      Mr A Sage

                  Mr P Longden                  Mrs M Murphy      

                  Mr P Hatherell                  Mrs G Patch

Mr P Roberts (Clerk)          

Also present     

Cllr Hugh Gregor

Mr Richard Fenn

Paul Horsfall (JDL Consulting Ltd)

                   Duncan Leather (JDL Consulting Ltd)

The Chair opened the meeting with a prayer.

1. Apologies

Cllr Mr L Curry

WPC Jackie McDonald

Graham Quick

2. Minutes of the previous meeting

2.1  Correction to spelling made in para 5.5.

The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

2.2  Matters arising (references to March minutes):-

2.2 (7.1) The brambles on the corner of Felton green have been cleared satisfactorily.  An invoice for the work has not yet been submitted.

2.2 (9.6)  Avon Youth Association have reported that NSC has reinstated voluntary sector grants in their 2009/10 budget and the prospects for continuing provision of the Youth Bus are therefore brighter.

4.3  BS reported that the plans set out in the March Open Forum relating to play provision at Felton school have fallen through.

5.2  NSC have written to say that they plan to commence works to extend the footpath from Brookside towards Church Road on 11 May.  They are likely to take a week and Criterion Asset Management has been informed.

5.5  BS proposed that the 10^th tree provided for West Lane should be planted on the grass area opposite the stone bus shelter on the corner of West Lane and Old Hill.  This was agreed unanimously.

5.5  NSC have confirmed that the Hounsley Batch sign should not have been installed and will be replaced by one indicating Whitling Street.  They will be asked to consult local residents before deciding whether and where the Hounsley Batch sign should be relocated. 

6.3  NSC are investigating the stables at Parsonage Close.

7.2  SB will provide the draft letters thanking volunteers who have worked on Felton Common clearance. 

7.4  PH reported good progress on forming a group to take forward the next stage of developing the Vee Lane recreation area.

9.3  Notices advertising the surgery transport scheme have been put up and will be included in the “welcome pack” provided for new residents.

3.  Crime and Disorder

3.1  A written report from Jackie McDonald listed the following crimes in the last month:-

1  burglary to outbuilding.  A person not from the Parish for has been arrested this offence and the property was recovered undamaged;

3 instances of criminal damage to a plant, a window and a door lock.

1  theft of a car which was found burnt out in Dundry.

3.2  BS noted that there have been reports of post boxes being stolen and an inventory including photos of local boxes has been compiled by GP for potential future reference.  Repairs to the box at Winford Manor are needed and will be reported to Royal Mail. 

4.  Open Forum

4.1  Nothing raised.

5.  Highways and Footpaths

5.1  Market Place steps.  David Neale outlined the options open to the council in the light of reservations about the designs that had been expressed by NSC’s Disability Access Officer that were reported to the March meeting.  DN had designed a revised scheme incorporating 5 flights of 10 steps which might meet the concerns.  The options were discussed and PH proposed that the council should relay to NSC its view that the serrated incline design is its preferred option and that a letter should be sent setting this out.  This was agreed unanimously. 

5.2  West Lane cycle/footpath.  BS outlined the background to the scheme and said that funding had been made available from the Aggregate Levy Fund for design work on the next phase between the A38 and the George and Dragon.  She introduced Paul Horsfall of JDL Consultants Ltd who had been commissioned to undertake work to test the feasibility of extending the cycle/footpath.  Mr Horsfall presented a report and drawings outlining the various issues and possibilities which he hoped would enable the council to decide whether it is feasible to proceed with a scheme. 

5.3  There are effectively 2 options that could be pursued.  One of these could, in Mr Horsfall’s view, present difficulties for NSC’s highway engineers because of its impact on existing road space and could give rise to road safety issues.  The other involves more acquisition of land adjacent to the highway and might prove to be the more realistic scheme if the land needed is available.

5.4  The council felt that, overall, the scheme is worth pursuing, in particular to mitigate the effects of rising traffic levels caused by the airport and the possibility of funding being made available to address such problems.  Arrangements were made for each Councillor to have sight of the report and plans before the next meeting so that a considered decision could then be made. Mr Horsfall was thanked for his excellent presentation.

5.5  Local reports.  Ongoing concerns about the state of local roads remain.  Stephanie Jones of NSC has offered to attend a future meeting and this will be pursued.  MM said that the finger post at Winford Manor is broken.  This will be reported.  PL said that a tree on Felton green has been badly damaged and it was agreed that it should be replaced in the next planting season.

5.6  NSC has informed the council of the temporary closure of Pinchay Lane.  SB raised the issue of access to land from the lane during the closure.  It was agreed that the council should write to NSC asking about the likely length of the closure and temporary access arrangements during it. 

5.7  West Lane speed signs.  AP reported that the latest estimated cost of the signs from NSC has risen by 50% to £12K due to the need to install junction signs.  It was agreed that NSC should be asked to go ahead with the scheme and that the council should write to BIA asking whether it can contribute towards the costs.

5.8  NSC have responded to the request for improved signage to properties at High Winford and believe that the careful positioning of a new street nameplate that incorporates an arrow and reads "Nos 22 -26 Kingston Lane" should resolve the problem.  It is hoped to have the new nameplate in place by the end of May.

6.  Planning

6.1  Previous applications.

Application refused: Yew Tree Cottage, Potters Hill.  4 B&B rooms.

Applications granted:-

3 Parsonage Lane.  Change of use to hairdressing salon;

59 Long Cross, Felton.  Erection of shed.

25 High Street, Winford.  Conversion to 2 dwelling units and work unit.

6.2  New applications:-

Smallholme, Felton Common.  Erection of single storey side extension.  This proposal was smaller than that previously applied for and would not impact on other property.  It was resolved to make no objection.

Hillview Gardens, Felton.  Loft conversion to bungalow. It was resolved to make no objection.

12 Kingston Lane, Winford.  Erection of single storey front and rear extension and 2 storey side extension.  It was resolved to make no objection.

8 Moorlay Crescent, Winford.  Proposed enlargement of existing conservatory.  It was resolved to make no objection.

6.3 Other planning matters:-

BS and AP had met the householder of Oak Tree Farm, Regil at the latter’s request concerning minuted remarks made when the council had considered a planning application at the property.  They had confirmed that the comments regarding the boundary of the property had been withdrawn following the meeting and that the council’s representations to the local planning authority accurately represented the views of the council.  In terms of council procedures, BS felt that the involvement of more than one councillor in looking at applications would be helpful in avoiding any misunderstandings in future.   

MM reported that conditions attached to a planning consent at Uporchard, Regil, have not yet been complied with.  NSC will be informed. 

HG informed the council of a letter from the NSC planning department about the stables on Regil Lane, Winford.  It said that the conditions relating to consent for the stables have been complied with but that, in the light of issues raised about failure to consult on lighting proposals, NSC would be changing its procedures.

11a Church Road.  AP reported that construction has not conformed with the consent in that the building is not in the approved position.  A further application is therefore required.  Councillors expressed concerns that the earlier assertion by NSC planners that the development conformed to the consent had been wrong and it was resolved that the council should write to them about this.

7.  Parish Council Property

7.1  Mr Richard Fenn of 14 Moorlay Crescent, High Winford explained his proposal to lease a small part of the land currently leased to the Cricket Club at High Winford set out in his letter to the council of 22 February.  He would like to improve the appearance of a small piece of land in the corner of the field.

7.2  A number of councillors had viewed the location.  AP, PH, AS and PE felt that the small piece of land in question is poorly maintained and could benefit from being cared for by the adjacent householder.  SB took the view that in principle the council should not consider transferring the lease.  BS proposed that the suggestion should be taken up with the cricket club and this was approved by 9 votes to 1.  The clerk and AP were authorised to approach the cricket club, informally in the first instance, about the proposal. 

7.3  Felton councillors have chosen a design for the replacement seat for Felton green.  Its acquisition and installation will be taken forward. 

7.4  BS reminded those present of the working party to remove litter from Felton Common on 16 April at 6.00PM.   

8.  Bristol International Airport

8.1   PL briefed the council about a meeting he had attended that evening about the impending planning application by BIA.  BIA takes the view that doing nothing, even in the current economic climate, is not an option.  The existing facilities are inadequate for the present level of demand.  The airport believes that summer 2009 will be busier than 2008.

8.2  PL understood that there would be a series of outline applications with detailed matters reserved for further approval.  The process might now begin in May rather than April.  There will be an acoustic barrier at the western end in response to concerns. Surface access is accepted to be a critical issue and the Rapid Transit scheme and improvements to the A38 are priorities.

8.4  An open letter from BIA’s Chief Executive about its proposals, and a response from the PCAA had been received and will be circulated to councillors.

9.  Finance

9.1  Money received:-

Allotment rents - £45-00

Compost Sales - £60-00

9.2  Invoices received:-

Streets Ahead – surgery transport  £96-60

Simon Banks – fuel for work on Felton Common  £50-00

Clerk – back pay £108-90

J Kiernan – Wenfre Parish Plan  £15-86

Clerk – expenses and stationery £99-40

Alan Parker – materials for allotment maintenance  £29-10

ALCA – training course £25-00

ALCA – annual subscription £455-54

Felton Village Hall – council meetings  £150-00

It was resolved unanimously that these invoices should be paid.

9.3  Annual subscription to the Open Spaces Society of £40-00 has been requested – a rise of 33% from the previous year.  It was resolved to discontinue membership.

9.4  AP reported that a quote of £250-00 + VAT for internal audit services had been received from Oak Accountancy Services of Chew Magna.  It was agreed that the quotation should be accepted.

9.5  BS outlined the position on community transport provision from Felton to Winford following the shop closure and it was agreed unanimously that the £25 contribution set aside earlier should be paid to the Community Car scheme.

9.6  Winford Pre-School had written requesting assistance towards their funding.  The letter will be circulated and considered at the next meeting.

10.  Primary Schools

10.1  PH said that the consultation document is being finalised and a copy of the latest draft will be placed on the file.  Consultation meetings are scheduled for 19 and 20 May:  he will raise the issue of publicity to the wider community at the next task force meeting. 

11.  Felton Shop

11.1   PE reported on the well-attended public meeting held on 26 March.  Notes of the meeting will be circulated.  A committee has been set up and PL offered to represent the council on it.  BS proposed that the council continues to provide what support it can to the process and this was agreed.

12.  Meetings

12.1  Past meetings. 

PH said that the Vee Lane Recreation Area Support Group had met and now has good representation from across the various interests

          12.2  Future meetings. 

The Annual Parish Meeting is on Thursday 23 April at 7.30 in Winford. 
 

13.  Other Correspondence and items for next agenda

13.1   HG requested that the Sustainable Communities Act be discussed at the next meeting.

13.2  Letters from First Bus and 2 local residents had been received about the 121 service.

13.3  Other letters had been received from NSC about housing growth, emergency planning and parish plan work.

The meeting concluded at 9.57  PM.

The next council meeting is on Monday 11 May 2009 at 7.00pm at Felton Village Hall.