BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Monday 8th January 2007 at the Parish Room, Throckmorton
Members and Officers present: Mr D Cheetham (chairman) Mr M Argyle, Mrs B Lammas, Mr E Beever, Ms T Gillian, Mr E Carter, Mr C Tucker and Mrs C Morris (Clerk).
The meeting opened at 7.30pm.
Cllr Tucker, as a member of the Throckmorton Parish Room Trust, welcomed members of the council to the new hall, thanked them for their support in building the room and said how glad he was that the council had made the first booking of the premises.
Mr Brian Mason of Severn Trent Water and Mr David James of Severn Trent’s contractors Barhale attended the open session of the meeting to talk about the sewer work starting in Bishampton. See notes below. The Council Meeting began at 7.50pm.
NB: some urgent agenda items were taken out of order before some councillors had to leave.
07.01.01 To receive apologies for absence:
Apologies were
received and accepted from Cllr Chadwick who was working working away from
the area
and Cllr Tucker Morrison who was on holiday.
07.01.02 To receive any Declarations of Interest:
Cllr Cheetham
declared a personal interest in Item 19.
Cllr Carter declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in items 5.1 and 5.4 and a prejudicial interest in 4.4 and 9.
Cllrs Lammas and Argyle also declared prejudicial interests in item
9.
07.01.03 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Dec
4th 2006:
The minutes were approved and signed by the chairman.
07.01.04 Finance
07.01.04.01 To note any receipts:
There were none.07.01.04.02 To approve the Statement of Cash Reconciliation for Dec 06:
The statement of cash reconciliation for December showed that in the current account, income amounted to £2,500.00, and outgoings to £2,817.79, leaving £3,122.93 in the account at the statement date of December 22. The 30-day savings account earned interest of £72.92, bringing its total to £33,868.35.
This brought the council’s total cash assets at December 22nd to £36,991.28.07.01.04.03 To approve outstanding invoices for payment.
- Cllr Carter Christmas Lights £36.07
- David Baldwin Christmas Lights (Village Hall) £20.59
- Peter Chamberlain Christmas Lights (Village Hall) £62.08
- Peter Chamberlain Gardening Club bulbs £40.00
- The Festive Lighting Co Christmas Lights £58.75
- Allianz Cornhill Lights insurance £26.25
- R Yeates Electrician £37.50
TOTAL £281.24
07.01.04.04 To note the spending of the Christmas Lights Grant:
Lamps & Tubes Ltd |
Lights for Village Hall |
£1,135.05 |
|
Festive Lighting Co | Lights for Bishampton tree and Throckmorton | £928.25 | |
Limebridge Rural Services |
Supply and fitting of Christmas Tree | £170.38 | |
David Baldwin | Lights etc for village hall | £20.59 | |
Cllr Carter | Electrical equipment | £36.07 | |
Peter Chamberlain | Lights etc for village hall | £62.08 | |
Festive Lighting Co | Transformers for Throckmorton | £58.75 | |
Allianz Cornhill | Insurance | £26.25 | |
R YEates | Electrician (safety check on outdoor supply) | £37.50 | |
TOTAL | £2,474.92 |
Residue: £25.08
The council noted the figures and noted that a socket needs updating at Mrs Bufton’s house – part of the cost of which could be met from the grant. Clerk to ask Mr Yeates to quote for next meeting. Action Clerk
07.01.04.05 To approve the clerk’s expenses and overtime for December 06:
Expenses: Councillors approved the sum of £24.72 for the clerk’s monthly expenses and approved .
Overtime: Councillors unanimously approved paying the clerk overtime at her usual hourly rate for extra duties and approved a claim for November which amounted to:
- One day (8hrs) – (inc preparation, meeting time, and preparation of report)
- Extra PC meeting – re airfield plans, Nov 16.
- Half day (4hrs) – For extra work for Christmas lights organisation, budget preparation and play area committee meeting.
TOTAL: 1.5 days = 12 hours = £100.64.
07.01.05 Planning
07.01.05.01 To note the response by the planning committee to applications received between meetings:
- W/06/01979 Temporary siting of mobile home for Manager’s Office, Rest and Refreshment. Vale Golf and Country Club, Bishampton.
- W/06/01957 Proposed ancillary facilities, WCs, Bait and Maintenance Store, Generator Shed. Vale Golf and Country Club, Bishampton.
“Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council objects to both of the above plans, believing that they amount to nothing more than sections of previous plans already refused and now resubmitted in parts.
It feels there is nothing to change its position and stands by its previous objections to any development of the site, and supports the district council in its previous decision of refusal, urging enforcement on breaches of planning conditions as soon as possible.
Previous objections were as follows:
Accommodation and store:
There is no validity to the necessity of these facilities. As fishery is not agriculture, temporary accommodation is not recognised under the same policies. We question the fact that security is not adequate and point out that planning policy states it is not a reason to position a mobile home on a rural site.
Night fishing:
The justification to change this condition is weak and does not outweigh the original reason for making it a condition of approval.”- W/06/01994 Variation of condition of approval to permit limited night fishing. Vale Golf and Country Club, Hill Furze Rd, Bishampton. WR10 2LZ.
“The council notes that this is a repeat submission of a previously refused application - albeit split into separate sections - to develop the site and vary the night fishing conditions. The council remains opposed to any alterations of the conditions previously imposed and supports the previous reasons for refusal. Members hope enforcement action can be taken as soon as possible to call a halt to the night fishing already taking place there in breach of the previous applications.”To make comment on current planning applications:
- W/06/02179 Erection of garage with bedroom over, single floor extension to lounge and conversion of loft. Shachs, Abberton Road, Bishampton.
NO OBJECTION- W/06/02182 Extension and garage conversion to form family room, shower room and utility. Beggars Roost, Broad Lane, Bishampton.
NO OBJECTION- W/06/02021/LB Dining room extension, dormer window and internal alterations. Whitethorn Cottage, Main Street, Bishampton.
NO OBJECTION - It is considered that the dormer window would be an improvement to the cottage.- W/06/02222/PP Extension to rear (amendment to previous approval) Churchfields, Church End, Bishampton.
NO OBJECTION.07.01.05.02 To receive reports on Wychavon planning decisions:
- W/06/1849/PP – Conservatory and Outbuilding. Hayes Ley, Main Street, Bishampton.
APPROVED07.01.05.03 Enforcement Matters:
8.20pm: Cllr Carter, who had declared a personal and prejudicial interest, left the room while the matter was discussed by councilors.
Councillors debated the situation and whether they could do more in taking action to move on enforcement of the planning breaches. They learned that it was possible that the district chief planner could call a halt to repeat applications after a certain time and press ahead with enforcement. Councillors agreed to keep watch on the situation and respond whenever necessary. District Cllr Argyle will continue to monitor the planning situation.
Cllr Carter returned to the room at 8.25pm.
- Parking at garages in Babylon Lane:
The council had received a reply from WDC enforcement officer Adam Gatier.
He said he was unable to find a breach of planning control as there was no planning condition restricting parking. He said the planning department cannot govern the parking of vehicles in this case and he was unable to take any action. He advised the complainant to contact the police or seek legal advice if they wanted to take the matter further.
07.01.06 Play Areas:
07.01.06.01 To hear an update from the BATVH play area committee.
Minutes of the last committee meeting were circulated for members’ information. The committee is continuing its fund-raising efforts.07.01.06.02 To approve the council’s organisation and funding of a planning application.
The council agreed that Cllr Argyle should organise the planning application for the play area and approved funding of the application. Permission was also given for a cheque to be signed between meetings if needs be. Action Cllr Argyle07.01.06.03 To approve the parish council applications for grants to Awards for All and Central Networks.
The council agreed to Cllr Carter applying for the Awards for All grant on behalf of the parish council. The council also agreed to apply for an E-On grant for £2,500 to pay for a ‘Safagrass’ safety surface. Action Cllr Carter07.01.06.04 To approve the parish council’s funding contribution.
This was discussed as part of the budget/precept calculations. See item 9.
For Information: RoSPA has confirmed that Bishampton play area is included on its March schedule for safety checks.
07.01.07 Footpaths: To consider any footpath issues:
Two quotations
were considered from Limebridge Nurseries.
Councillors decided it was time to re-tender for its grass cutting contract so will ask Limebridge for a new annual quote. Members agreed to include monthly mowing of the footpath from the Parish Room to the Church in Throckmorton, along with cutting of the grass around the building, on its mowing schedule. Clerk to add it to schedule and distribute to contractors for quotes. Action Clerk
07.01.08 Litter bins: To hear an update on the replacement
of litter bins (06.10.17).
Clerk had gathered ideas of prices but was unable
to gather information from WDC successfully over Christmas period. Deferred
until next meeting.
07.01.09 To finalise the council’s budget and precept for the coming year.
Cllrs Argyle, Lammas and Carter declared an interest as members of the play area committee and left the room at 8pm
The council agreed its budget for the coming year,
(see below) which included agreeing on a sum of £5,000
donation to for the playground project at
this stage (noting the ability to donate more from reserves at a later date
if necessary).
Members agreed on a precept of £18,000.
Clerk to deliver precept
request to Wychavon DC. Action
Clerk
Cllrs Argyle, Lammas and Carter returned at 8.10pm
07.01.10 To hear progress about the
affordable housing survery suggested by Wychavon
District Council’s
Housing Development Officer (06.11.20).
No response from housing officer yet.
07.01.11 To hear progress on a parishioner’s
request for an allotment.
Clerk has been in touch with Benefice secretary Delia Harding
who said all church land is already rented out but she is currently investigating
whether land is available from the Bishampton Relief in Need Charity. Council
will wait to see outcome.
07.01.12 To consider the maintenance of the Bishampton War
Memorial.
Clerk has written to the Gardening Club and is awaiting a reply.
07.01.13 To hear any progress on the planned Memorial for
Canadian Airmen.
There was no progress yet on the issue, although councillors
involved hoped to involve some Tilesford Park residents in the project.
07.01.14 To hear information regarding developments at Throckmorton
Airfield.
Cllr Gilligan received a complaint from a resident about noisy lorries
early in the morning and she reported a noticeable increase in traffic at the
airfield entrance since the ESP distribution centre had moved there. It was
noted that the firm was allowed to use the airfield buildings without gaining
separate planning permission but it was a temporary home for 12 months while
its main premises was being repaired. The council agreed there was no action
it could take at this time.
07.01.15 To review the status of the
council’s risk
management schedule.
No updates.
07.01.16 To review parish councillors’ areas
of interest/committee membership.
Members agreed that, with elections due in May, the time to review
areas of responsibility would be with the formation of the new council.
07.01.17 To review procedure for meeting notification to councillors
Councillors agreed the clerk would continue to send agendas and information
by email but that members would confirm receipt (of agendas particularly) to
make sure they had been informed of meetings. Clerk would telephone/post information
to anyone who had not replied to agenda emails or any marked urgent.
07.01.18 To hear about a dog fouling problem in Bishampton.
The chairman reported that he had received complaints about dog fouling continuing
in Bishampton, in the Moat Farm Lane and Babylon Lane areas. Other members
mentioned problems on the road from the Dolphin down to the church. Members
agreed to include stern warnings in their newsletter article, on noticeboards
and in the parish magazine, and with a notice in the shop window if possible,
saying that they would seriously pursue offending owners with a view to prosecution.
07.01.19 Application for Rural Rate Relief.
Cllr Cheetham expressed a personal interest and left the room at 8.50pm. Cllr Lammas took over as chairman.
Mr J A Mills had applied for Rural Rate Relief for John’s
Salon, in Main St . Three letters were taken into consideration, which had
been sent to Cllr Argyle from villagers who complained of their council tax
subsidising what they felt was profitable and non-essential business in the
village generally.
The council agreed to write to Wychavon, saying members believed the business
was beneficial to the community but they felt it was not appropriate to grant
relief from parish council funds.
The reasons were: That the council accepts the business is important to some
villagers and employs local people but members were not sufficiently convinced
of any need for parish council funds to subsidise what appears to be a profitable
concern.
Clerk to reply to WDC. Action
Clerk
Cllr Cheetham returned and took over the chair at 9.08pm.
Cllr Gilligan and Argyle left at 9.10pm.
07.01.20 To consider the entrance to the village from Broad
Lane.
Cllr Cheetham said he thought the area of verge
before the planters at the ‘Bishampton’ sign
in Broad Lane could be improved. It was agreed
to ask Limebridge Nurseries for a quote to level
the area of verge so it could be mown flat in the
mowing season. Action Clerk
07.01.21 Spatial Strategy - Local Meetings.
Clerk had circulated
news of workshops set up to inform parish councillors about the Spatial Strategy
consultation, which could mean 20,000 new houses built in the Wychavon district.
No councillors were able to attend the county workshop, but Cllr Carter and
Lammas put their names forward to attend the meeting set up by Wychavon DC
on Wednesday, January 17th, at the Civic Centre in Pershore. 6pm. Clerk to
put their names down. Action Clerk
07.01.22 To consider reports from councillors and items for future agendas.
REPORTS
Cllr Lammas left at 9.40pm
07.01.23 To consider any further items of correspondence:
07.01.24 To affirm the dates of the next meeting of the Parish
Council.
The date of the next meeting was agreed as Monday, February 5th, at
7.30pm at the Parish Room, Throckmorton.
The meeting closed at 9.50pm.
………………………………. …………………………………..
Chairman Date
Clerk to the Council Mrs C.Morris
Bishampton & Throckmorton Parish Council Budget 2007/8 |
Spend |
Budget |
Actual to |
Predict to |
Budget |
||||
2005/6 |
2006/7 |
4 Dec 06 |
31 Mar 07 |
2007/8 |
Notes |
|||
RECEIPTS | ||||||||
Precept | £14,000 | £18,030 | £18,030 | £18,030 | £18,000 | |||
Interest | £349 | £300 | £379 | £300 | £300 | |||
Grants | £1,300 | £800 | £4,474 | £4,474 | £1,200 | 1 |
||
Sundry | £28,000 | £6,533 | £6,567 | £6,567 | £20,000 | 2 |
||
VAT arrears | £0 | £2,035 | £2,029 | £2,029 | £0 | |||
Parish Plan | £0 | £2,004 | £2,004 | £2,004 | ||||
TOTAL RECEIPTS | £43,649 | £29,702 | £33,483 | £33,404 | £39,500 | |||
Balance from Reserves | £29,761 | £16,398 | £19,566 | £1,330 | 3 |
|||
TOTAL | £43,649 | £59,463 | £49,881 | £52,970 | £40,830 | |||
PAYMENTS | ||||||||
Staff costs | £3,436 | £4,500 | £903 | £1,810 | £4,500 | 4 |
||
Audit & Insurance | £670 | £1,200 | £1,469 | £1,469 | £1,300 | |||
Meeting costs | £118 | £180 | £117 | £210 | £180 | |||
Repairs | £289 | £200 | £0 | £0 | £200 | |||
Conservation | £0 | £100 | £0 | £0 | £100 | |||
Footpaths | £151 | £1,200 | £857 | £1,200 | £1,200 | 5 |
||
Mowing & Clearance | £2,837 | £3,150 | £1,721 | £2,100 | £3,150 | 6 |
||
Villages Hall Grants & Donations | £1,462 | £1,000 | £1,000 | £1,000 | £1,000 | |||
Throckmorton Parish Room Grants & Donations | £623 | £5,500 | £555 | £555 | £500 | 7 |
||
Play Areas | £2 | £38,533 | £38,536 | £38,536 | £25,000 | 8 |
||
Other Grants & Donations | £845 | £900 | £855 | £855 | £1,000 | |||
Rate Relief | £500 | £114 | £500 | £600 | ||||
Subscriptions & Training | £286 | £500 | £351 | £500 | £600 | |||
Admin & Stationary | £353 | £500 | £517 | £750 | £800 | 9 |
||
Sundries | £309 | £500 | £1,925 | £2,524 | £200 | |||
Election costs | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | £500 | 10 |
||
Public Transport | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | |||
Parish Plan | £109 | £1,000 | £961 | £961 | 11 |
|||
TOTAL EXPEDITURE | £11,490 | £59,463 | £49,881 | £52,970 | £40,830 | |||
Transfer to/from Reserves | £32,159 | -£29,761 | -£16,398 | -£19,566 | -£1,330 | 12 |
||
TOTAL | £43,649 | £29,702 | £33,483 | £33,404 | £39,500 | |||
TOTAL CASH ASSETS | £53,855 | £24,094 | £37,457 | £34,289 | £32,959 |
NOTES FOR 2007/8 BUDGET PREPARATION
Note |
|
1 |
Can anticipate footpath grant say £800 and verge cut grant say £398 High last year due to litter clean £500 and Xmas lights £2500 |
2 |
Assumed grants for junior play area in region of £20,000 |
3 |
Large balance from reserves last year due to carry over from 2005/6 |
4 |
Low cost last year due to vacant clerk post |
5 |
Footpath grant unknown but may now include some clearance. |
6 |
Must now include mowing Jubilee and Badger walks. |
7 |
£5000 still held to underwrite Throckmorton cashflow but not shown on budget |
8 |
PC to contribute £5,000 to junior play area (and reclaim £20,000 as note 2) |
9 |
Has not been realistic figure to cover travel and admin in past years |
10 |
Agreed at December meeting to allow £500 for election costs |
11 |
Parish Plan lines now discontinued |
12 |
Amount to be draw from reserve – matches note 3 |
END OF YEAR PREDICTION
Total estimated receipts 2007/2008 | £39,500 | |
Total estimated payments 2007/2008 | £40,830 | |
SURPLUS/DEFECIT FOR THE YEAR (to/from reserves) | -£1,330 |
Notes from the open session preceding the Council Meeting
Mr Mason and Mr James outlined the scheme to improve the outdated and collapsing sewer system in Bishampton and how the contractors planned to carry out the work.
They said the work would be carried out in two stages –1) from the bottom of Abberton Road up to the shop, until about March 20, and 2) from there up to the pumping station opposite Moat Farm Lane, for another fortnight until early April.
The road will be closed in sections at a time, moving up through the village, and as contractors move along, they said the road will be fully closed across those sections at all times, because of necessary safety fencing. There would be times people may not be able to get on their drives, they said, but they could park in the road as near as possible. They added that no-one should be cut off from the sewer because temporary pipes would keep the system connected.
They gave maps and time schedules to councillors and the clerk as well as contact details. They also said there would be a site office near the sewage treatment works off Abberton Road during the project.
The council asked Mr Mason if a warning sign could be placed by the bad corner on the way in to Broad Lane from the Lenches and asked him to check on arrangements for school buses. The chairman thanked Mr Mason and Mr James for taking the time to explain the scheme.