Notes from the Parish Council March Meeting
John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors in attendance + 5 members of the public present. The following items were discussed:
Public Participation: The meeting was given an up date on the concerns associated with business premises on Green Head Road, firstly with reference to parking problems caused by number of vehicles visiting the premises and, secondly, the delivery/disposal of substances used at the premises.
The outcome was that Cllr Alderson agreed to arrange a meeting between interested parties and Alan Dover, ECDC's Principal Development Control Officer with reference to planning issues raised.
The problem of odours and the use of chemicals substances were currently being resolved through the regulatory bodies.
Reports:
CCC -Cllr David Brown -apologies received. Written report circulated.
ECDC -Cllr Allen Alderson reported to the meeting.
Review of East Cambs Core Strategy - Katie Child, ECDC Principal Forward Planning Officer and Abigail Taylor, Forward Planning Officer attended the meeting to give a presentation on "Recognising Swaffham Prior's needs in the Core Strategy" , taking into consideration recent Government changes and its Localism Bill. Katie Child explained that this was an opportunity for the District Council and Parish Council to work closely together to look at the needs of the Parish within the Core Strategy, e.g., change/growth, local housing needs, protection of key facilities or services, new/improved infrastructure and services. It was suggested that this should be an agenda item for the Annual Village Meeting to give residents the opportunity to discuss. Katie Child said she was happy to attend this meeting.
Possible Affordable Housing for the Village -request for Parish Council views: To tie in with the above presentation, this item was moved up the agenda. A letter was received on behalf of the owners of land at Lower End ('Dencora' field) seeking the views of the Parish about the proposal to build some affordable or possibly shared equity homes for the benefit of the village plus some market value housing.
The meeting was reminded that currently no market value housing would be allowed on the site but it was considered that this might alter with the recent Government changes to the Planning Laws, etc.
As reported previously Cambridgeshire ACRE/ ECDC are to carry out a 'Housing Needs'Survey of the parish and it was agreed that it was important to look firstly at the results of the survey. The Clerk was to check on timescale for the survey.
Subject to the above, the Parish Council noted its support in principle for the proposals by the land owners. This was with particular interest in the provision of affordable housing for local people. It was also noted that there would need to be full consultation with village residents and consideration of detailed proposals as they became available.
Correspondence for Circulation/Consideration:
CCC-Highway Wardens scheme. Summary of success of pilot schemes focusing on relationships between Highways Depots and their local town and parish councils with an invitation to appoint someone to be a Highway Warden for Swaffham Prior. Steve Kent-Phillips said he would be happy to take on the role.
CCC -Cambridgeshire Library Service Review: The details were noted.
Repair Works to the Pound Wall: The repair works have been completed. It was suggested that the wall should not be whitewashed as had been the case in the past as this could lead to future water ingress and damage to the brickwork. The Clerk was to confirm with Lorraine King, Conservation Officer for ECDC. Repairs needed to the rear of the Pound Wall were agreed and Kim Sheldrick Building Services was to be asked to carry out this work.
Repairs to Village Hall Driveway: The repair of potholes, etc., was discussed and it was agreed to ask Martin Mead of Mead Construction for advice on a more permanent surfacing solution.
Repairs to Parish Noticeboard: Rather than replace the noticeboard it was agreed to carry out repairs and reposition the board nearer to the path to make it easier for people to view.
Clerk's Report:
Litter in the Village: A letter was received asking if something could be done to clear litter from village areas. This was prompted by a recent walk over several parts of the village which ended with a large plastic bag full to overflowing with cans, plastic bottles, sweet wrappers, crisp packets, etc. The Clerk said she would contact ECDC to see if they still provided free-of-charge litter pickers, gloves, etc. with a view to setting up a weekly rota of volunteer litter pickers. Volunteer litter pickers needed -can you help? Please contact the Clerk.
Cutting back of hedges, shrubs, etc. As Spring approaches, it is time to check whether any hedges, shrubs, etc need trimming back from pathways and footpaths. Thank you for your help.
Dog fouling: Despite the provision of extra dog bins and constant reminders, complaints are still being received about dogs fouling on footpaths, verges, etc. This is an offence and can incur a fine. Dog owners please clear up after your pets!
Notices on telegraph poles/street lighting columns: Complaints have been received about the number of posters, etc displayed on poles/columns but not taken down when finished with. This can lead to an 'overloading'of posters and an untidy appearance. Posters about village events, etc., can be displayed in the Parish noticeboard by contacting the Clerk.
Parish Councillor Reports:
Whiteway Drove: Concerns were raised about the large dip in the road surface. The Clerk was to contact CCC Highways about repairs.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed. Following discussion at the last meeting and receipt of further details, a donation of £100 towards the costs of putting on Royal Wedding Street Party was agreed.
Open Question Time:
Litter bins -discussion about condition of some of the litter bins. School noticeboard -it was noted that this was looking a little untidy. The Clerk was to contact the School.
Village map -request for the map to be cleaned up.
If anyone would like further information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 14th April 2011, starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
All are welcome to attend.