Parish Council Minutes
1/ PRESENT
Cllr G Harper (Chairman)
Cllrs G Walters, Mrs J Rogers, I Walker, G O'Neill and Mrs V McPherson
Mrs S Griffiths (Clerk)
Wycombe District Councillor S Lacey
1 Member of the public
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies were received.
2/ MINUTES
The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 19th July 2011, having been circulated, were approved by the Meeting and signed by the Chairman.
3/ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were asked to declare any personal interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. None were declared.
4/ MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA
Longwick Parish Map Board. Cllr J Rogers confirmed that she has annotated the new map with the field names as requested. Cllr G Walters confirmed that he is now able to proceed in producing a copy for the Parish Map Board.
Diverting Footpaths 3 and 4. Cllr J Rogers has spoken to the landowner and confirmed that he is happy with the suggestions for footpaths provided that he does not incur any cost and if any extra stiles are needed, would like someone else to provide them. All present agreed for Cllr G Walters to submit a proposal for B.C.C.'s consideration to fund and accept the application to divert the footpaths as agreed.
5. FINANCE
A/ Accounts for Payment:
| Cheque | Description | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/O | S Griffiths - August Salary | £341.27 | £341.27 | |
| 440 | WDC - RoSPA report | £64.00 | £12.80 | £76.80 |
| 441 | Manor Estates - Grass cutting July 2011 | £358.32 | £71.66 | £429.98 |
| 442 | Mazars - External Audit Fee | £285.00 | £57.00 | £342.00 |
B/ Income received: Bank interest £0.81.
C/ Bank Balance £6,107.98 (allowing for the above cheques).
6. CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
A. Playing Field. Cllr G Harper reported that the skate park had suffered from graffiti during the month. The Clerk arranged for it to be cleaned off. All present agreed for the Clerk to report this incident to the anti-social behaviour unit at WDC. Cllr I Walker reported that there has not been monthly strimming of the scout footpath as per the contract. The Clerk is requested to contact Manor Estates.
B. Children's Play Area. The Clerk has received a report from a member of the public that there is a loose bolt on the swings. Cllr G Harper presented the RoSPA report to the members. The equipment was checked by RoSPA and found to be satisfactory, with a few low/medium risk issues. The Clerk is requested to arrange for works to be undertaken on the areas highlighted as a medium risk and the loose bolt on the swings.
7. ROADS, VERGES AND RIGHTS OF WAY.
The Clerk is requested to raise the following concerns with the relevant local authority:
- The 50mph sign at the Kimble side of the Longwick roundabout of the B4009 has been knocked down. Reported previously in July.
- Bridle path 14 (Green Lane end): there are overhanging trees blocking the path for horse riders and generally needs trimming back.
- The reflective black and white posts have been demolished and need replacing in Stockwell Lane, Owlswick.
8. CORRESPONDENCE.
External Auditors Certificate and Opinion on the audit of the annual return year ended 31st March 2011. On the basis of the auditors' review, in their opinion the information contained in the annual return is in accordance with the Audit Commission's requirements and no matters have come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met. Noted.
Invitation to a Workshop on Day Care Opportunities in Buckinghamshire. B.C.C. is holding a Workshop about the Transformation of Day Care Opportunities in Buckinghamshire on the 1st September 2011 to hear about the future vision for Day Opportunities and opportunities to provide services and support. Cllr I Walker agreed to attend.
A cross-party review of Buckinghamshire County Council's preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The public are being encouraged to participate; the scrutiny review will take place over two days (5-6 September), examining BCC's plans for 2012 in areas such as transport, emergency planning, and how communities will celebrate the Games. Noted.
Letter from WDC to invite the Parish Council to take part in an up-coming public consultation on plans for the future of the district. In September WDC will be consulting on the Delivery & Site Allocations document (DSA), the final consultation before WDC send the plan to government for official approval. The DSA sets out plans for regenerating key development sites, supporting and managing town and district centres, and planning policies for sustainable development, covering High Wycombe town centre, Marlow & Princes Risborough town centres, and other district centres. The consultation runs from Friday 2nd September to Friday 14th October 2011. All present agreed for Cllr G Walters to talk with the relevant officer to decide if it would be beneficial for the council to receive a short presentation from WDC on this consultation at the next Parish Council meeting.
9. REPORTS
A. School Governors – Nothing to report.
B. NW Chilterns Local Area Forum – Nothing to report.
C. WDALC – Cllr I Walker presented a report on the meeting he attended in June, which included: the Rural Forum, which meets quarterly and exists to give farmers the opportunity to explain how they function and highlight the needs of a rural community; the Standards Committee, made up of Parish and District Councillors and independent lay members, which is to be abolished in early 2012; and financial matters, with subscriptions to increase from April 2012 to £10 (electoral roll below 2000, 2 representatives), £15 (2000-3000, 3 representatives), or £20 (3000 and above, 4 representatives).
D. N.A.G – Cllr V McPherson presented a report from the Princes Risborough Rural Neighbourhood Team. Speeding: a speed enforcement operation in Thame Road, Longwick dealt with 20 speeding motorists, the fastest recorded at 46mph. Anti-social behaviour: complaints of fly-tipping in the area; a number of noisy parties reported in Longwick, Bledlow Ridge and Marsh. Offenders brought to justice: 2 fixed penalty notices issued to local men for possession of a controlled substance; three local men given cautions for criminal damage, possession of a controlled substance and theft. The next Neighbourhood Action Group meeting is Wednesday 14th September at Longwick CofE School.
E. Newsletter – Cllr V McPherson requested all articles for the next issue to be submitted by the 12th September.
10. CHILDREN'S PICNIC TABLE FOR THE PLAY AREA.
All present agreed to defer this item until the Estimates meeting in November when, if agreed, the cost can be included in the budget for 2012/2013. The members are requested to look at the various websites suggested by the clerk to enable them to make an informed decision on the style and cost of the various picnic tables available.
11. THE DIAMOND JUBILEE
Cllr G O'Neill proposed that the Parish Council part fund an event to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. All present agreed to include an article in the next newsletter requesting volunteers to come forward to organise a community event with an amount of money from the Parish Council. Cllr G O'Neill agreed to write the article.
12. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A/ Progress on applications already considered:
- 11/05751/CLP — Decision: Grant Certificate of Proposed Use. Address: Old Oaks, Thame Road, Longwick. Proposal: The internal conversion of the existing outbuilding from a residential ancillary use as a snooker room to use as ancillary residential accommodation for a relative of the family occupying the main dwelling house.
B/ New Applications to be considered:
- 11/06700/TPO: 5 Woodbine Close, Longwick. Proposed: Crown raise, thin and reduction of one Ash Tree (T2). The Parish Council has no objections.
- 11/06723/FUL: 7 Bell Crescent, Longwick. Proposed: Householder application for the construction of a rear conservatory. The Parish Council has no objections.
- 11/06393/FUL: Old School House, Thame Road, Longwick. Proposed: Minor amendment to the plans for the demolition of existing conservatory and construction of part two storey, part first floor side and rear extension to care home. The Parish Council has no objections.
13/ AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
To discuss and decide on a response to the consultation on Wycombe District Council's Delivery & Site Allocations document.
14/ NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Longwick Village Hall at 8.00pm.
There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed at 10.05 pm.
Chairman......................................... Date..................