Minutes of a Meeting 7th July 2009
Minutes of a Meeting of Cornwood Parish Council
held on Tuesday 7th July 2009 at Lutton Sunday School.
PRESENT Vice Chairman Councillor Mrs den Hollander. Councillors Mrs S Brown,
Mundell, Munford, Reburn, Taylor, Yarnold.
Clerk: Mrs S Fairman
District Cllr Blackler, part of the Meeting
Maurice Retallick – DNP SH Parishes representative
PC Potter – part of the Meeting
Dr Gill Glegg, Parish Tree Warden – part of the Meeting
One member of the public
APOLOGIES Chairman Councillor T Brown. Councillors Mrs Littlemore, Paull.
ABSENT County Councillor Hart.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None
OPEN FORUM
The matter of the damaged walls in Lutton was raised by the member of the public present. The Clerk reported that repairs are to commence shortly to the damaged wall opposite the new houses in New Road, funded by DCC, and the damage to the wall at Almshouse is the subject of an insurance claim. Other areas of less serious damage are at the right-hand side of the gate in New Road, and on the Cornwood side of Almshouse Bridge. Discussion took place about land owner’s liability for maintenance of walls.
Dr Glegg discussed with the Parish Council the report from the SHDC Tree Officer who had visited Crossways Green. His recommendation was to remove the oak trees and allow the ash trees to flourish. This was discussed with Councillors, and in view of the feelings of local residents about preferring not to take down the oak trees a compromise was considered. It was agreed to write to SHDC requesting further consultation, but suggesting that in the first instance only one or two trees, possibly one ash and one oak, are removed, and then the area be re-assessed.
POLICE REPORT
PC Potter reported 6 crimes in the Parish in June: 2 assaults (one in Lutton and one in Cornwood), 2 thefts, 1 arson of books and 1 possession of drugs in Lutton.
REPORT OF COUNTY AND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
District Cllr Blackler reported that the Chairman of SHDC is now Cllr Melvyn Stone and the Vice-Chairman is Cllr John Baverstock. Cllr Blackler reported on possible grants available through the Langage community fund for village halls. He also reported that in the past year 52 affordable dwellings have been built, and 87 homes have been adapted for people with disabilities. Local Government Review is on hold at the moment and savings through shared services are ongoing. County Cllr Roger Croad is the DCC contact regarding travellers.
Mr Maurice Retallick reported that SHDC Cllr Bill Hitchins is now Chairman of DNPA, and Trevor Smale is Chairman of the Planning Committee. He reported that the Regional Development Agency has agreed to continue the vital grant to hill farmers, and the Heritage Fund will continue to support the upkeep of Listed Buildings. Parish Councillors discussed the forthcoming build in School Lane.
Issues regarding the proposed Conservation Area were also discussed – see below under Minute 1970 b) at Matters Arising. Mr Retallick passed a copy of the DNPA Annual Report to Cllr Mundell.
2165 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on the 2nd June 2009 were confirmed and signed as correct.
2166 MATTERS ARISING
Minute 540 Highway Matters. Letter received from the Highways Agency confirming improved signs on the A38 to prevent HGVs using the road through Cornwood to the clay companies. Cllrs reported that three foreign vehicles were stuck at Fardel on 3rd, 6th and 7th July. Further complaints received about the wall of Bond Street between the water works and Langham Bridge.
Minute 1805 a) Parish Plan. No report
Minute 1970 b) Proposed Conservation Area. Councillors again considered the proposal for a Conservation Area in part of Cornwood village. The Clerk reported that the Clerk for Peter Tavy also highlighted the concerns of that Parish Council and whether there were long term benefits of the designation. As a result of the uncertainties regarding future planning policies and the implications of inconsistencies for parts of the village both inside and outside the proposed area the following resolution was proposed by Cllr Mrs den Hollander, seconded by Cllr Reburn and unanimously agreed: that there was no wish to proceed with this proposal for the foreseeable future, but that if it were proved that other villages with Conservation Areas are benefiting by this designation and that there are more discernable and positive advantages to be gained then this matter may be revisited in the future. Clerk to report this to DNPA. Item to be taken off the Agenda.
Minute 2018 a) Local Government Review. Further response from the Boundary Committee expected on 15th July, but it is not thought that there will be time enough to put any recommendations into place before the expected General Election in May/June 2010.
Minute 2073 d) HGV Signage. No further details yet received of the signs proposed, or confirmation of the locations. Clerk to contact DCC again. See also under Minute 540 Highway Matters above.
Minute 2080 b) Trees at Crossways. See item under Open Forum.
Minute 2127 f) Play Area at Churchtown. Report of the consultation evening not yet received.
Minute 2138 c) Tree Planting Proposals. No request received. Item to be taken off the Agenda.
Minute 2160 d) Ivybridge & District Association of Parish Councils. It was agreed that possibly there is no need for so many regular meetings, but that the Association should remain in place to address such items as the proposed re-structuring of local government. Cllr Taylor to attend the next meeting.
Minute 2172 Works.
a) Damaged wall at New Road, Lutton. After some discussion with the landowner and DCC it was agreed that DCC would pay half the cost of the repair (£750), and work would commence shortly. DCC also agreed to provide traffic signs for the duration of the work.
b) Repairs and Replacements. SHDC contacted for the repairs to the paving stones at Crossways Green, the paint on the pavement at Crossways, the missing street name at Blachford Close and repair to the seat at Old Oak, Lutton.
2167 CHAIRMAN’S TIME
a) Cluster Meeting. Cornwood, Shaugh Prior and Sparkwell Cluster Meeting was held in Cornwood on 8th June. Minutes available at the September PC Meeting. Next Meeting provisionally arranged to take place in Sparkwell on Monday 28th September.
b) Hedges. Concern was expressed about hedges overgrowing the highway and in some places impairing visibility. It was unanimously agreed to put an item in the Parish magazine reminding residents of their responsibility for keeping hedges cut, and that this is permitted after the 1st August.
2168 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Delana, Lutton - amended plans for extension and alterations Granted
2169 REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
Cllr Mrs S Brown reported on the plans for improvements to the Village Hall, and the difficulties of obtaining a grant. Further investigations are underway with other funding providers.
2170 FOOTPATHS No Report
2171 CORRESPONDENCE
a) From SHDC letter regarding possible conflict of interests with Councillors attending ‘Inquiry by Design’ workshops.
b) From Cornwood Parochial Church Council copy of Accounts 2008/09 – passed to Cllr Mundell - and letter of thanks for the Parish Council grant to churchyard maintenance.
c) From the Highways Agency letter confirming that the closure of the A38 on-slip at the Lyneham Inn will be temporary for the next eighteen months and reviewed after that time. This order came into force in October 2008 and will therefore be reviewed for possible permanent closure in April 2010.
2172 WORKS
The repair to the wall at Fardel has been completed.
2173 FINANCE No Report
2174 PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The following payments were proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Munford and unanimously agreed:
Westline Stationers £ 60.90 stationery and p’copying (2 mths)
DAPC 200.65 subscription 09/10
Mrs S Fairman 15.76 for A Stokes, Jubilee Mem. Repair work
Mrs S Fairman S/O £ 166.67 June salary
Receipts:
Bank Interest a/c 7317807 £ 0.15 June
Bank Interest a/c 7517881 £ 0. 20 June
2175 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 1st September 2009 at the Community Room, Church Park at 7.30 pm
