Author: SKPC Clerk

Minutes of the meeting of Somerford Keynes Parish Council (SKPC) 1st February 2021

Present: Cllr J. Whitwell (JW, Chair), Cllr R. Elsey (RE, Vice Chair), Cllr M. Rigby (MR), Cllr M. Keegan (MK), Cllr R. Sleeman (RS), Cllr G. Valentine (GV), Cllr A. Stradling (AS) Cllr T. Berry (TB CDC), Cllr S Parsons (SP Gloucester County Council GCC), W. Cartwright (WC, Clerk)

Parishioners:  2 attendees

Held by Zoom conference due to ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

1. Apologies:  None
2. Declaration of interest: GV and LME
3. Minutes of meeting held 4 January were approved subject to minor amendments suggested by Mike Wilding on the Village Lake. Proposed RS, seconded MK
4. Clerk’s report
   1. Village Website: Mike McKeown (MM) and Jon Lunn (JL) had given a demonstration of the latest version of the new look website to SKPC on Monday 11^th January. All had been highly impressed with its design. It was agreed that the outdated emergency plan should removed and updated for the new site. MK had supplied MM/JL with a list of corrections and it was agreed that MR check the content once corrected, and that training for maintaining the site be organised before the site is made live. Action: MR to contact MM/JL
   2. Keynes Country Park: (KCP) The meeting to be scheduled between Victoria Hadnett (VH, General Manager, Cotswold Country Park and Beach) and RE/ MR was now cancelled as VH had indicated she was leaving the role, but that she request that the new manager contact us when in post.
   3. Village Lake: Mike Wilding (MW, Village Lake Management Committee) gave an update of Village lake projects: The LME 106 grant to be sought for planting of wildflower meadow had been submitted until a response given, the final spend of the Calor grant would be on hold. The oiling of the boardwalk had given good results other than the last 10 metres in the shady area which was still slippery. It was requested that anti-slip strips be purchased (cost £260) which would mean an additional £150 was needed above the original maintenance budget.  Proposed GV, Seconded AS – all voted in favour.
   4. LME footpath: Oberon Rogers had been in contact with MR and indicated that a walking route for access to villagers had been proposed, and that this would be discussed at the next Residents Association meeting on the 6^th February. GV thought that the meeting was scheduled for the 13^th February but would attend on either date, and it was greed that GV would take the lead to move this forward. Action:  GV to update SKPC.
   5. LME cycleway: No update.
   6. GCC Highways/ footpaths:
      • Village gateway signs: AS had met with Gill Portlock (GCC Highways) and shown the
        3 sites and installation was now considered to be imminent.
      • Elm View overflowing drain: WC to report to GCC Highways for investigation/jetting.
      • Water Lane potholes: WC to request update from GCC Highways on resurfacing.
      • Water Lane gritting:  WC to request to GCC Highways to be included in the route.
      • Footpath post: Footpath post and sign at end of Church Lane adjacent to Old School House needs replacing. Action: WC to report to GCC Footpaths (Frank Dorrington-Ward) and request update on style replacement with kissing gates.
   7. Parish Field: A parishioner had indicated that poor state of repair of the fence at the southern end of the field. MR/RE indicated that this is a recurring problem that Jo Pendleberry (JP, Waterland) faces with members of the public breaking the fence down to enter the woodland, and that she does mend the fence regularly. It was suggested the ditch to the southern end and parallel to the Spine Road also needs clearing. Action: MR/RE contact JP and discuss the issue and whether any more permanent solution could be sought.
   8. Neighbridge: Ben Wellbourn had provided information about the level of income from the Neighbridge car park, although SKPC did not understand the basis of the figures and would like further clarification. JW had attended the virtual Multiagency Waterpark meeting the previous week and would circulate the minutes when received. Action: WC to contact BW and seek further clarification on the figures.
   9. Flooding: Concerns were raised about the high water table and flooding in the vicinity of Water Lane. Clearing and jetting the County ditch and drains were discussed as a solution to the problem. Action:  WC to contact Laurence King (CDC, Flood manager) and GCC Highways to investigate and seek solutions.

4.10 Hedges: The overhanging hedge on The Street had been pruned which was welcomed.

4.11 Other matters

4.11.1 Social and Safe Roads Survey: GV had completed the survey but not been sent off.

4.11.2 PC Newsletter: Action: JW to seek contributions for a spring newsletter.

Planning applications

• 20/04183/FUL; 20/03916/FUL; 11/03126/FUL; 20/03885/FUL; 20/04183/FUL (LME) – No comments.
• 20/04499/FUL – Full Application for Construction of a temporary 19.94MW Solar Farm at Land at Grid Reference 403536 198745 Ashton Road Siddington – No objection
• 21/00353/TCONR; 21/00313/TCONR (Grange End, Loughrigg tree work) – No objections
• 20/04079/FUL – Development of Land to South East of Ashland House – Extended final date for comments by consultees due on 12/02/21.
• White barns update: TB had asked for a follow up with planning enforcement, but it would not be a fast response. Action: TB to keep aware of any update.

JW had contacted Fern Lynch regarding the lack of knowledge of LME and some helpful correspondence had been sent, and she suggested that the SKPC request site visits if deemed necessary.  A visit/ tour will be requested once COVID restrictions are lifted.

Correspondence

• SSSI designation: JW had been given two detailed hardcopies of the proposals. Action: To circulate to MW (Village Lake Management Committee) on its implications for the Village Lake, and MR/RE to assess implications for the Parish Field and its lease.
• 20 mph speed limit: A letter had been received requesting whether SKPC would like to consider the idea of collaborating with four neighbouring villages to share costs to introduce a 20 mph speed limit, but the SKPC considered this would not be viable and no further action required.
• Community Rail partnership: Survey has been circulated to parishioners to complete as desired.
• Covid list of volunteers:  Action: JW to update list given that some volunteers had indicated their wish to now be removed.
• Aggressive Dog: A report had been received regarding an aggressive dog, which had been reported in the past. Action: WC to recontact the owners and the police who had previously been involved.
• Model code of conduct: Action: To consider at next meeting.

Financial Matters

Zoom subscription (£14.39) approved; Village Lake boardwalk anti-slip strips (£150) Proposed RS seconded RE. Agreed en bloc.

Questions and comments

The red barriers on the Spine Road cycleway were continually falling down and considered unsightly and of no use for health and safety.  Action: WC to contact GCC Highways to request their removal.            

The meeting was closed at 8.55 pm.    Date of next meeting:  Monday March 1st 2021, 7.30 pm

Minutes of the meeting of Somerford Keynes Parish Council (SKPC) 4 January 2021

Present: Cllr J. Whitwell (JW, Chair), Cllr R. Elsey (RE, Vice Chair), Cllr M. Rigby (MR), Cllr M. Keegan (MK), Cllr R. Sleeman (RS), Cllr G. Valentine (GV), Cllr A. Stradling (AS) Cllr T. Berry (TB CDC), Cllr S Parsons (SP Gloucester County Council GCC)

Parishioners:  18 attendees

Held by Zoom conference due to ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

1. Apologies: W. Cartwright (WC clerk)
2. Declaration of interest: GV and LME
3. Minutes of meeting held 7 December were approved. Proposed RS, seconded MK
4. Planning Application 20/04079/FUL Land to SE of Ashland House development

Due to the availability of TB and the attendance of a number of Parishioners, the published Agenda was re-ordered with priority given to the discussion of this application.

Firstly, JW summarised that the draft plans were briefly discussed at the last meeting in December, but it was decided to await the formal application which has now been published on the CDC Portal. As at 4/1/2021, around 80 documents were visible with around 55 objections lodged and viewable. In addition, a further number of objections had been seen by the PC but had not yet appeared on the Planning portal. It was recognised that a great deal of research, thought, time and effort had been invested by Parishioners in this topic.

JW declared that it was the intention of the PC to object and asked whether anyone opposed that view. The decision was unanimous. Proposed RS, seconded MK.

JW outlined that the grounds for this decision would need to be formulated but that his impression from the substantial objections that he had reviewed, were that the primary objection would be that the application is contrary to the NDP, that the access would be unsafe and that this may set a precedent for future similar development.

SP stated that he saw strong grounds for refusal based on elements in the Cotswold District Council Local Plan accepted in 2018 plus the fact that the development is contrary to the NDP which must carry weight and be taken into account. The flooding risk is also a key element.

TB supported this view but added that the Access issues that many had highlighted would not be a material reason to reject the application.

James Owens (JO) on behalf of Clare Baker spoke at length about the Cotswold District Plan and urged the PC to focus on this policy in its objection. This has identified 17 settlements where development should be directed where there are a range of services e.g., schools, public transport, industry. Somerford Keynes is not one of these. This is a greenfield site which is in conflict with the housing policy.

Peter Brailey (PB) further supported this view and embellished on the argument.

Ron Munroe (RM) added that the NDP should be given significant weight and treated as though it was passed through the referendum stage (only held back due to COVID). There is some case law to support the strength of this argument.

TB added that we do not need this type of housing development to meet Government targets.

SP stated that we should see the NDP & Cotswold District Plans as complementary and RM confirmed that this was very much the intention. SP also again reiterated that the flooding issue required weight given the absence of main sewers.

PB felt that the drainage issues were likely to be soluble as the Flood Authority had already responded in this regard.

JO highlighted via a highlighted plan that the whole development site is in Flood Zone 2 and a such is therefore unsuitable.

TB, when questioned, confirmed that he would look to take the matter to Committee given the strong objections but added that he would look for support from Parishioners were this to be the case. 

PB added that he felt it was unreasonable that due process had not been followed with regard to extension deadlines over the holiday period.

JW summarised that he would be drafting the objection over the coming days and thanked Parishioners for the input and attendance. Most left the meeting at this point.

• Clerk’s report
  • Village Website Mike McKeown and Jon Lunn are due to demo the latest version of the new look website to the PC at a special meeting to be held Monday 11^th January.
  • Keynes Country Park (KCP) The meeting to be scheduled between Victoria Hadnett (General Manager, Cotswold Country Park and Beach) and RE and MR – suggested date 21 January at 5pm (to be confirmed) is likely to be postponed due to latest COVID restrictions.
  • Village Lake MW (Village Lake Committee) gave update of Village lake projects: The Owl Box has arrived, owl box camera (being installed) and a grant to be sought for planting of wildflower meadow. RM enquired as to whether there might be any potential impact that the proposed Ashlands Development could have on the Lake. MW confirmed that the water level in the Lake is currently at ground water level in the area and that there was little likely impact.
  • LME No progress has been made with gaining access to LME lake area for  walking, difficulty in accessing LME personal (Oberon Rogers) has led to some frustration as repeated attempts have been made to do this. GV and MR have tried to seek clarification and a ruling on the request for Parishioners to access the private lake area. Action: MR to contact Will Vickery and set up a zoom meeting in order to progress.
  • LME cycle Way No updates
  • GCC Highways/ footpaths:
    • Village gateway signs: No installation dates have been advised as yet. Note, it has since been confirmed that the gateways have been produced and are ready awaiting installation when a crew is available to undertake the work.
    • Damaged/ fallen road sign – still to be repaired
  • Parish Field Nothing further to report
  • Neighbridge Outstanding Action: WC to try and obtain from Ben Wellbourn information about the level of income from the Neighbridge car park. AS commented on the poor state of the verges following recent bad weather and continued parking on them.

Other Planning applications

• 20/04292/TCONR – Tree work at East Manor Barn Somerford Keynes – RS declared n interest as on a neighbouring property but commented that he saw no issues with this.
• 20/03092/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/l00247/FUL to seek approval of the change of permitted unit type, LME
• 20/03592/FUL – Erection of 8 detached holiday units, ancillary buildings, provision of new landscaping, vehicular access plus amendments to the waters’ edge of Minety Lake, LME
• 20/04086/FUL – Addition of hot tub to rear decking and jetty to water’s edge. LME
• 20/04259/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/00247/FUL to seek the approval of the change of unit location, extended decking and relocation of two trees, LME
• 20/03207/FUL – Variation of condition 2 and 4 of application 11/03126/FUL to seek approval of the change of permitted unit type, LME
• 20/03013/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/00247/FUL to change of permitted unit type, LME

It was discussed that the PC find it difficult to comment on LME applications due to such limited knowledge of the site as general access is denied. A visit/ tour will be requested once COVID restrictions are lifted.

GV informed that a noticeboard has now been erected on the corner of Mill Lane to put the planning Applications relating to LME.

White Barns update: Action – requires follow up with TB who is to investigate the apparent further development of the white barns on the North edge of Somerford Keynes.MR reported that she had been advised that Lavender was being planted in the fields surrounding the site.

Correspondence

• Social and Safe Roads Survey: It was felt that the survey should be completed. JW asked for a volunteer and GV offered to undertake this and circulate to the PC for comment, deadline 15/1.
• Non designated heritage structures. Peter Watkins had circulated some information on this. RS felt it was not relevant as all Listed buildings are already identified.
• Water Lane & drainage issues. SP has been to look at Mill & Water Lane. He has yet to talk further to Highways about the issue and will do so and report back.
• Disrupted Water Supply – Church Lane. RS reported that there was a serious issue with supply for part of the village and Poole Keynes. Thames Water had responded promptly and been on site with some services and partial pressure restored.

Financial Matters

Recommendation of increased precept by £750 approved to £3750, and Zoom subscription (£14.39) approved – Proposed MR seconded RE.

Questions and comments

JW commented on the problem of Fly Tipping and damage to stiles on Ewen Road but noted that the Council has been quick to respond to ongoing problems.  

The meeting was closed at 21.20