Notes from the Parish Council July Meeting
Chairman John Covill chaired the meeting with 8 Parish Councillors and 3 members of the Public.
Minutes of June Meeting: These were agreed.
Reports:
- CCC - Cllr Hazel Williams
- ECDC - Cllr Allen Alderson
Correspondence Received:
CCC
Post Office Closures In Cambridgeshire - short-term strategy for Post Offices in Cambridgeshire - July-December 2008.
ECDC
East Cambridgeshire District Council - Performance Plan 2008.
"Chairman's Chat" - newsletter.
General
Ashwell Developments - confirmation of contribution towards traffic calming on Mill Hill.
School - newsletters
East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership - questionnaire
Discussion re Affordable Home Scheme for Village following Presentation by Northern Affordable Homes: Simon Drummond-Hay of Northern Affordable Homes left the Parish Council 4 questions for reply following his presentation at the June meeting - replies were agreed as follows:
Is there a need for a small scheme of affordable housing?
The simple reply here was 'Yes'.
Who should a scheme be for (occupancy criteria)?
People with Swaffham Prior links such as family or work.
Is either site a suitable site? Is there a better site?
There was considerable discussion about the two suggested sites; one at 'Deal Hole'and one on Lower End. The meeting was split on which site would be most suitable. For the second part of this question, it was suggested that a small development on the 'Dencora'field as previously put forward by Flagship Housing would be a better site for such a development if available.
Would you want to be involved in village exhibition?
It was agreed that the Parish Council could not favour one developer by being involved with such an exhibition but had no objection to NAH organising this on their own part.
There was discussion about the merits of a policy outlining what the Parish Council would consider suitable development for the Village. There were mixed views on this and it was agreed further consideration should be the topic of a separate meeting.
Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvements:
Further discussion re Traffic Calming Measures for Mill Hill - successful bid 2008/09. The draft proposals put forward by CCC Highways were agreed but it was to be emphasised to CCC Highways that the final scheme should be open to enhancement at a future date particularly with the confirmation that Ashwell Developments will be contributing towards work.
Confirmation of Application for 2009/10 Bid: To follow on from the above, an application will be submitted for the continuation and enhancement of current proposed measures to give safe crossing of Mill Hill for pedestrians.
Agreement to Parish Contribution for 2009/10: As required with any successful bid, the contribution of £1/elector was agreed.
Summary of Neighbourhood Panel Meeting 1/7/08: Andrew Camps and Geoffrey Woollard reported on this meeting.
Ongoing Cemetery Maintenance: Some overhanging vegetation had been cut back. This is ongoing. It was suggested that perhaps a team from the Probation Service could help with the work.
Tidying of The Pound, Cage Hill: The Clerk reported that the above was badly in need of weeding and general tidying up. A working party was set up to carry out this work on Thursday, 24th July.
Parish Plan: It was agreed to 'shelve'this for the time being.
Planning Approval: South Lodge, 88 High Street.
Accounts for payment: These were agreed.
Items for the Next Agenda:
- Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme
- Update on Cemetery Maintenance Works
- Final Review of Asset Register
- The Lodes & The Fens
Open Question Time:
Alastair Everitt confirmed that the work to secure the Village Hall oil tank was ongoing.
Steve Kent-Phillips confirmed that a small gate had been installed in the back fence of the play area.
The Clerk confirmed that the installation of the barrier at The Beeches was complete.
The Clerk also confirmed that two correct road signs had been installed for Green Head Road.
Should anyone require further information on any of the reported items above, please contact me.
There will not be a Parish Council meeting in August (unless called). The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 11th September 2008 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.