Parish Council Minutes

PRESENT

Cllr Mrs Valerie McPherson BEM (Chairman)

Cllrs. Ian Walker, Jane Rogers, Rolf van Apeldoorn and Brian Richards

Clerk Susanne Griffiths

Deputy Clerk Jayne Mylchreest

No members of the public

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Sally Whitworth.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council on the 20th September 2016 having been circulated were approved by the Meeting and signed by the Chairman.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were asked to declare any pecuniary or non-pecuniary declarations of interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. Cllr Jane Rogers declared an interest in Agenda item No 12.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA

Cllr Brian Richards gave an update on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

5. A REPORT FROM CLLR BENDYSHE-BROWN (BCC) ON MATTERS CONCERNING LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr B Bendyshe-Brown gave a report on the following:-

• The Wellington House development.

• The Wycombe District Local Plan.

• Two Vehicle Activation Signs applications at Chestnut Way and Thame Road have been refused by Transport for Bucks but funding is being sought from other sources.

• Requests for areas that require attention in the parish to be considered for the winter programme.

• Streamlining Local Govt. presentation from B.C.C. on the 25th October 2016

6. FINANCE

The income for September and the expenditure for October was examined by the Council. All present agreed that the necessary cheques be signed.

The Clerk presented the accounts together with the bank statements and bank reconciliation for the members' consideration together with a copy of all standing orders and direct debits made from the Parish Council account. All present agreed that the accounts were being handled in a satisfactory manner and the monies were all accounted for.

A/ Payments

B/ Receipts £135.00 Village Environmental Services Newsletter advertisement

C/ Bank Balance £25,279.69 (allowing for the above cheques).

7. CAPITAL ITEMS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES

A. Playing Field

There were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report for September. A crack in the surface of the skateboard ramp has been highlighted as low risk issue. A quotation has been received for £360.00 + vat to infill the cracks using Cretex EP Mortar. The quotation advises that the cracks which are showing are due to ground movement so infilling them is a temporary solution. The monthly risk inspector has advised not to proceed unless the cracks widen.

All present agreed to follow the advice of the risk inspector and take no further action.

B. Children's play area

There were no medium or high risk issues highlighted in the Risk Inspection Report September.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

An invitation has been received from the Buckinghamshire Playing Fields Association

An invitation from the Bucks Playing Field Assoc. has been received to attend the Annual General Meeting on Thursday the 20th October at the Aston Clinton Bowls Club. Noted.

The Local Government Finance Settlement 2017-18

The Government's Local Government Financial Settlement Technical Consultation paper includes proposals to extend council tax referendum principles to local parish and town councils.

Local parish and town councils are an important part of communities and local democracy.

It is vital local councils continue to have the freedom and flexibility to raise the resources they need to invest in local services, especially at a time when they are taking on services and assets from principal councils, often much valued services which would otherwise cease completely and which communities want to see continue.

The Parish Council is therefore extremely concerned about a consultation published by the Government on 22 September which includes proposals to extend council tax referendums to some or all local councils.

Resolved: The Parish Council is opposed to proposals by the Government to extend council tax referendum principles to some or all local councils. The Clerk is requested to write to John Bercow MP advising of the Parish Council's opposition. SG

An email has been received from Bucks County Council regarding Street Lighting Maintenance

B.C.C. advise that street lighting continues to move towards more energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps. B.C.C. requests a meeting to discuss the options available to keep costs to a minimum.

The Parish Council currently own one footpath light installed circ. 1989 following a fatality. The Clerk is requested to inform B.C.C. accordingly. SG

An email has been received from the Longwick Sports Club regarding the potential closure of the club

The members of the Longwick Sports Club have decided to call an Extraordinary General Meeting to consider a motion to formally close the club.

The Parish Council will wait to be formally informed of the decision made at the E.G.M.

9. UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF FLOWER CONTAINERS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE

Cllr Val McPherson informed the members that Briants of Risborough Ltd had made and installed containers at three entrances to the village free of charge. Penns Flowers of Longwick have donated the flowers for the containers and will supply the bulbs in the spring. The Clerk is requested to send a letter to each company thanking them for their generosity. JM

10. OBTAINING QUOTATIONS FOR A NEW NOTICE BOARD TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ESTIMATES MEETING IN NOVEMBER

All present agreed on the specification for a new notice board. The Clerk is requested to obtain quotations to be considered at the estimates meeting in November. JM

All present agreed to sell the Parish map notice board for £50.00.

11. DATES FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS IN 2017

The dates for the Parish Council meetings in 2017 were agreed as follows:-

Tuesday 17th January 7.30pm

Tuesday 21st February 7.30pm

Tuesday 21st March 7.30pm

Tuesday 18th April 7.30pm (Annual Parish Meeting)

Tuesday 18th April 8.00pm Council Meeting

Tuesday 16th May 7.30pm (Annual meeting of the Parish Council)

Tuesday 20th June 7.30pm

Tuesday 18th July 7.30pm

Tuesday 15th August 7.30pm

Tuesday 19th September 7.30pm

Tuesday 17th October 7.30pm

Tuesday 21st November 7.30pm

Tuesday 19th December 7.30pm

12. PERMISSION FOR LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO PLANT POLYANTHUS ON THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE HALL DRIVE

Cllr Jane Rogers declared an interest in this Agenda item and took no further part in the discussion and vote.

Longwick Village Hall Management Committee has requested permission to plant polyanthus plants on the edge of the village hall drive. All present agreed to the request. JM

13. ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING THE BULLETIN FROM TRANSPORT FOR BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CONCERNING WEED SPRAYING IN THE PARISH

Transport for Bucks has advised that there will be no routine weed spraying across Buckinghamshire during 2016 – 17. Whilst budget considerations have played a role in making this decision, there are 2 key influencing factors:

1. There is a detrimental environmental impact of the widespread use of herbicides on pollinating insects.

2. The legal constraints that are now imposed on the widespread use of herbicides significantly reduces the effectiveness of the application. TfB will continue to treat noxious and injurious weeds in line with its legal obligations.

An EU Directive was introduced primarily for the farming community but is equally applicable to any business/local authority etc. This legislation does not apply to domestic use. The substance found in most weed killers (neonicotinoid) is now the banned substance for use by any commercial organisation.

The only weed killer without this banned substance in is Roundup which contains glyphosate, but research shows that higher levels of respiratory illnesses have been found in towns that regularly use glyphosate.

BCC do not find Roundup is effective on weeds unless used very regularly due to the increased weed resistance to the substance. This together with the above information has resulted in BCC withdrawing from regular weed spraying programmes.

Resolved: the Parish Council withdraws any weed spraying in the Parish and this policy should be communicated in the next issue of the Longwick Newsletter and on the website. JM

14. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

To consider New Planning Applications

16/07610/CTREE

Address: Meadle Cottage Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD

Proposal: Crown reduce all limbs of Holm Oak (T1) growing towards the roof of the house by up to 2 metres; Re-pollard Poplar (T2)

The Parish Council will abide by the decision of the Aboriculturalist.

16/07465/FUL

Address: The Rosary Ilmer Lane Ilmer Buckinghamshire HP27 9QZ

Proposal: Householder application for construction of detached timber framed garden building ancillary to the main dwelling

The Parish Council object to this application as it considers it to be inappropriate in the open countryside.

16/07659/CTREE

Address: The Cobblers Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD

Proposal: Crown reduce by approximately 5% of the total crown area, reducing extended laterals by up to 1.5m removing no more than 2m from any one branch to reshape and maintain the size of the tree due to the proximity of the residence and crown raise and reduce back from the neighbouring structure to provide 2.5m clearance of secondary laterals to Beech tree (T1) and crown reduce the height by 3-4m from the tips and reduce both sides by up to 2m to reshape to Beech tree (T2). The Parish Council will abide by the decision of the Arboriculturalist.

16/07622/LBC

Address: Dock Farm Meadle Village Road Meadle Buckinghamshire HP17 9UD

Proposal: Listed building application to change existing door to a window to match adjoining window

The Clerk is requested to seek an extension for this application to allow the Cllrs to make an informed decision at the next meeting in November. JM

Notice of Planning Applications Approved

16/06835/FUL Application Permitted

Address: Ray Farmhouse Thame Road Longwick Buckinghamshire HP27 9QU

Proposal: Householder application for the demolition of existing lean-to and porch; construction of new porch, chimney and insertion of flue and fenestration alterations in connection with the conversion of existing attached barn to create additional habitable living accommodation in association with existing dwelling

16/06994/FUL Application Permitted

Address: Folly Cottage Ilmer Lane Ilmer Buckinghamshire HP27 9QZ

Proposal: Householder application for construction of single storey rear extensions and new front porch

To receive Notice of Applications Refused

16/06732/OUT Application Refused

Address: Crownridge Longwick Road Longwick Buckinghamshire HP27 9RX

Proposal: Outline application (including details of layout and access) for the erection of 2 x 3 bed & 2 x 4 bed detached two-storey dwellings together with creation of new access, parking and amenity space.

To receive Notice of Applications Withdrawn

None.

To receive Notice of Appeals

Appeal Ref: APP/K0425/W/16/3155301 16/05276/PNP3Q

Address: Barn Longwick Mill Lower Icknield Way Longwick Buckinghamshire

Proposal: Prior notification application (Part 3, Class Q) for change of use of existing agricultural building to 1 x 4 bed dwelling (Use Class C3) and associated operational development

15. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING

To discuss and decide on whether to continue to advertise the vacancy for a Councillor by Co-option

To consider the Village Hall accounts

To receive a report on the future of the Longwick Sports Club.

16. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 15th November 2016 in Longwick Village Hall at 7.30 pm. There being no further business to discuss the Meeting closed at 8.55 pm.

Chairman..............................................................Date..............................