Notes from the Parish Council July Meeting
Thursday, 8th July 2010
John Covill chaired the meeting with 8 Parish Councillors and 21 members of the public in attendance.
Following the meeting formalities, the Chairman suspended the meeting to allow members of the public to speak on the below:
East Cambridgeshire Local Development Framework with particular reference to - Site Allocations Development Plan Document Options Paper - Section 11 "Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople".
In summary, Section 11 refers to 9 potential site options for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. Option 8 -Swaffham Prior (south) -land east of Goodwin Farm, Heath Road, Swaffham Prior with the comment that "This site is owned by Cambridgeshire County Council. There is a particular shortage of sites in the south of the district" .
Members of the public expressed their serious concerns about the above proposal and the short notice given for the consultation period which is to run from 5th July - 16th August 2010. The outcome of the public discussion was that a 'Steering Group' would organise a full public meeting to make all residents of Swaffham Prior and surrounding Parishes aware of ECDC's proposals.
At this point, the Chairman reconvened the meeting and following discussion within the meeting, it was agreed that the Clerk would write to ECDC listing outline objections (as below) but confirming that a more detailed response would follow once parish residents had been fully consulted.
- Already adequate provision in the Burwell/Bottisham area.
- Outside development envelope for parish.
- No facilities within parish such as shops, etc.
- School currently over-subscribed thus requiring bussing of pupils incurring high costs to the council and the environment.
- Reference to sustainability notes that there is a bus stop within 600m. This is approximately correct but the bus service is minimal.
- Is within view from Devils Dyke, a listed historic and environmentally important monument and is close to a public footpath from Pulpit Corner, Heath Road to Devils Dyke.
- Legislation requiring specific targets for housing has been abolished thus reducing the urgency for achieving targets.
- It is understood that Cambridgeshire County Council is reviewing its policy for its surplus land and the sale thereof.
Reports:
CCC: Cllr David Brown reported.
Peter Hart asked about the need to cut all highway verges suggesting that it be more economical to only cut those areas where there might be a safety issue. Steve Kent-Philips reported the continuing amount of litter on highway verges.
ECDC: There was no report this month.
Correspondence Received: The Clerk reported on correspondence.
CCC
Children & Young People's Services -budget cuts
Changes proposed for mobile library services
County Council's Locality Teams -budget cuts for Connexions & Youth Work provision
Passenger Transport -Final Table of Service Changes
Cambridgeshire Older People's Newsletter
ECDC
East Cambridgeshire Local Development Framework -Parish Council Meetings
Schedule of Certification of Street Numbering - Orchard Close (Mill Hill Development)
Planning
Copy of Planning Permission received for 14 Mill Hill -single storey extension.
Copy of Planning Permission received for 25 High Street -demolition of existing collapsed barn and construction of replacement in similar form.
Copy of Planning Permission received for 34 Lower End - erection of rear extension following demolition of existing and replace non-original windows and doors.
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes (for information only)
Geoffrey Woollard confirmed that he had inspected with Andrew Camps the advertising sign at the top of Rogers Road. There followed some discussion on the size and its location. It was felt that the sign could be smaller but that its position was not causing a hazard.
Update on Responsibility/Ownership of Footpath and Request for Handrail for Steps at The Beeches: ECDC's Legal Department confirmed that they had written to CCC requesting that they adopt the footpath in question. In the meantime, an inspection of the condition of the path was to be carried out by ECDC's Parks & Open Spaces Team. The Parish Council continue to chase this as a matter of urgency.
The Pound -Request from ECDC for further details for Listed Building Consent: An application was submitted to ECDC Planning for approval but ECDC requested a Design & Access Statement, further photographs and additional details. Paul Latchford was to look at what was needed.
New Hiring Charges for Village Hall: These were agreed.
Consideration of Annual Play Area Safety Inspection Report by RoSPA: The report noted only "low risk" items for attention and these have been dealt with. The Parish Council asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Kim Sheldrick for his prompt help with the gate.
Clerk's Report:
Installation of Dog Bins: These have now been installed.
Cemetery Water Supply: The water supply was reconnected to the cemetery with the temporary standpipe by the gate to the allotments made permanent. There was some concern on the use of the additional tap. It was suggested that the water usage be monitored over a period and then looked at again.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Parish Councillors'Reports:
Geoffrey Woollard reported that he had attended the ECDC Local Development Framework meeting for Parish Councils and the Neighbourhood Panel Meeting. Steve Kent-Phillips reported that he had attended the Opening Evening for the Scouts'Camp.
Open Question Time:
General discussion.
If anyone would like further information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
Next Meeting: The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 9th September 2010 in the Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. (There is not usually an August meeting but should one be needed it will be on the 12th August 2010).
All are welcome to attend.