Notes from the Parish Council October Meeting
Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 5 members and 2 members of the Public.
CCC Report: Cllr Fitch reported to the meeting.
ECDC Report: Cllr Alderson reported to the meeting.
Parish Council Vacancies: Two vacancies still remain.
Matters Arising - for information only:
- Footpaths/Highways. Andrew Tipple of CCC Highways contacted the Clerk confirming the following:
- Skirting/siding works carried out to the Rogers Road footpath
- "Passing place" signs will be replaced and straightened as necessary on Whiteway Drove/Station Road.
- The missing speed limit sign on Station Road is to be replaced.
- The missing Swaffham Prior name plate is to be replaced.
- Enhancement Scheme - progress: Cambridge Landscape Architects confirmed to the Clerk that a small St Giles lantern is to be fitted by a local steel fabricator once an order number has been received from the new ECDC Conservation Officer. Once the lantern is in place, the existing lamp post will be removed and a new feeder box installed behind the wall to service the throw lantern once costs have been approved by ECDC.
- CCC-Public Lighting Maintenance Agreement. The Clerk received confirmation of agreement details.
- Recreation Ground - Burwell Tigers Football Club: A subcommittee has been set up by BTFC and a meeting is to be held on the 20th October. Steve Kent- Phillips will represent the P.C. at this meeting.
- Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvements - 2005/06 Bidding Round: Due to concerns raised about the speed and volume of vehicles using Heath Road, an application is to be submitted for consideration under this scheme. Suggestions put forward included the provision of speed signs/markings, the extending of the 40mph speed limit and passing places where the road narrows.
- Date for Budget/Precept Meeting: This will take place on the 4th November 2004.
- ACRE Insurance Services Šannual renewal: This was agreed at £601-04.
- Village Car Park - estimates received for removal/replacement of damaged tree: Two estimates were received from J V Waugh & Eastern Tree Surgery. After consideration it was agreed to instruct Eastern Tree Surgery to carry out the work subject to the confirmation of a suitable replacement tree.
- The Zion Chapel - correspondence received It was brought to the P.C's attention that a local Charity is trying to raise funds to purchase the Zion Chapel to use as an Arts Centre for adults with disabilities. This prompted concerns about the proposed parking arrangements and would mean the use of a private road to gain access to the back of the Chapel. The meeting noted the concerns and agreed that this should be kept under review noting that such a use with increased traffic would not be in keeping with the building or the High Street.
- "Dencora" Land, Lower End - meeting with Stockbourne Management Ltd. Stockbourne (the now owners of the land) sought the Parish Council's views on any future plans for this land. It was suggested by Stockbourne that half of the site fronting Burwell Road should be transferred to the PC for the benefit of the community for all time with the remainder of the site fronting Lower End being released over time in phases for a mix of affordable housing and housing for sale. The meeting agreed that these proposals would not be appropriate for this site.
Planning Applications:
- The Gables, 20 Lower End - erection of a single storey dwelling. No objections.
- 15 Lower End Šalteration to existing planning with the addition of velux windows. No objections.
- The Forge, High Street - Move driveway to other side of the house; Build a wall to enclose the garden; Build an open covered walkway and erect a pantiled roof between the house and existing garden room. Concerns were raised about this application noting that the proposed changes would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the High Street.
Planning Approvals:
- Tiptree Marina, Prior Fen, Walcott, 34 High Street.
Any Other Business:
Station Road - hedges, paths generally untidy.
It was reported that the age limit sign on the swings in the play area needed replacing.
The bench seat installed by ECDC has not been positioned correctly.
Open Question Time:
Mr Limb asked when the directional sign for Upware at the top of Station Road was to be reinstated. This will be checked with CCC Highways. Mr Limb also noted the edging works carried out to the footpath on Rogers Road but asked that the PC continue to press CCC for resurfacing of the footpath.
The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 11th November 2004 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.