Parish Council Minutes
LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 7.30PM AT LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair), Cllrs Brian Richards (Vice), Rolf van Apeldoorn, Alex Barter, Jane Rogers and Tracey Martin (Clerk).
Buckinghamshire Councillors: Matt Walsh.
Volunteer supporting the Parish Council with the Transport Vision
54 Members of the Public
Public Participation: Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting where an hour had been allocated for residents to ask any questions and raise any concerns. Cllr McPherson introduced the volunteer assisting the Parish Council and Matt Walsh the Buckinghamshire Councillor. Cllr McPherson ran through the history of the Transport Consultation and Neighbourhood plan where in each of these the same concerns arose which was speeding.
The President of the WI read out a statement on behalf of the WI on the first phase proposals for the Transport Plan. The concerns included that the Parish Council had not given feedback to residents following the questionnaires from the transport consultants, and also the amount of money to be spent in Stockwell Lane.
Cllr Richards reminded residents that Councillors are appointed to represent the whole community and that they have a duty to represent the whole electorate. The £34k which has been allocated so far for Longwick is only for the 1st phase proposal and these projects have all been identified through the Neighbourhood Plan and the questionnaires. The Ilmer works have evolved more recently due to increases in traffic for a number of reasons.
A representative for Logs read out a statement on behalf of the group. Having viewed the proposal they believe that there are things that need doing more urgently and that there is a disproportionate in the spending with the vast amount of traffic coming through Longwick and highlighted areas of concern.
A resident raised concerns on speeding in Bar Lane and the increased traffic with concerns for walkers and horse riders. Cllr McPherson informed the meeting of the traffic calming measures for Bar Lane which will be implemented between the 8th to 11th November 2022. These works include give way signage, 30mph signs and road markings including dragon's teeth. The costs of this project is in the region of £14k with the Parish Council funding £7k and the Community Boards match funding along with paying for the road closure which is an addition £1800.
Discussions were had on speed cameras, Cllr McPherson responded that following information from Thames Valley Police they would only be installed based on data which would include fatal and serious injuries and come with an estimated cost of £120k. The speed van has been in the Parish 13 times since the start of the year.
The volunteer who has extensive experience in this area and has been supporting the Parish Council addressed the meeting and stated that the views made by residents have been considered but that the ultimate decision makers are Buckinghamshire Council as to what happens on the roads. The Parish Council prepared a case to engage with Buckinghamshire Council on the 1st phase proposals and in his opinion, what is proposed is the biggest return on investment and that over time the rest of the transport vision will be delivered. The proposal was put together but looking at where the greatest needs are by looking at statistics which included where crashes have happened, opinions of residents, where children get collected to and from school, location of riding stables and other factors.
A resident asked how much a speed reduction would cost. The volunteer responded that before a speed reduction can be explored a traffic survey will need to be implemented.
Further concerns were raised about the plans and other sites identified by residents which included Wickfields and the junction by Wellington House.
Due to restrictions on time Cllr McPherson told residents they were unable to take further questions or concerns on the above matter at this meeting.
The Trustee of the Memorial Gardens stated that Buckinghamshire Council enforcement team had visited the site and found no breach and the case had been closed. The Trustee read out the minutes of 19th July 2022 and stated that they were not accurate as highways did not object.
The Public Participation time of the meeting closed at 8.36pm and all members of the public apart from one left the meeting. Buckinghamshire Councillor Matt Walsh and the volunteer supporting the Parish Council with the Transport vision remained at the meeting.
The official Parish Council meeting started at 8.44pm.
63. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Myers. Buckinghamshire Councillors Alan Turner and Gary Hall also sent apologies.
64. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Rogers declared an interest in planning application 22/07295/FUL the response to which will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting.
65. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 19th JULY 2022: Approved by all Councillors. Member of the public left the meeting.
66. TO CONSIDER AND WHERE APPROPRIATE APPROVE THE 1ST PHASE PROJECTS ON PROPOSED LOCAL SPEED LIMIT CHANGES: Discussions where had a vote was taken on the 1st phase projects. Cllrs voted 4 in favour and 1 against so the proposals were approved.
67. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLORS:
- Cllr Walsh thanked Councillors and the volunteer supporting the Parish Council on the work on the Transport Vision.
- The Household Waste Recycling Centre in Bledlow Ridge will be reopening in November 2022
- Works on the Risborough Relief Road Phase 1 plan will be underway in 2024.
- Discussions were had on missed bins in the Parish. These should be reported directly to Cllr Walsh who will follow up with the waste team.
- An update was requested on the caravans in Askett and the rubbish. Cllr Walsh responded that this is all being dealt with as part of the eviction and reclamation process.
68. TO RECEIVE MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA: None
69. TO NOTE PAYMENTS AND PLANNING RESPONSES MADE UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY:
September Payments:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £510.52 | £510.52 | Clerk Salary | |
| Tracey Martin | £49.44 | £3.90 | £53.34 | H/A & condolence books etc |
| CashPlus | £6.00 | £6.00 | Reinstate Balance | |
| HMRC | £26.60 | £26.60 | PAYE | |
| Oxfordshire Garden Contractors | £220.00 | £220.00 | Strim vegetation around stream | |
| Shield Maintenance | £143.00 | £28.60 | £171.60 | Bin Emptying |
| BMKALC | £35.00 | £35.00 | ROW Training - Cllr Wilkes |
Direct Debits and Standing Orders: EDF Energy £20.00 (Electricity monthly payment); Nest £29.72 (Pension Contribution); GiffGaff £6.00 gross (Monthly Top Up - Cashplus account).
August Payments:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £510.52 | £510.52 | Clerk Salary | |
| Tracey Martin | £20.00 | £20.00 | Home allowance | |
| HMRC | £26.60 | £26.60 | PAYE | |
| PRTC | £282.49 | £56.50 | £338.99 | Devolved Services Cutting 22/07/22 |
| Shield Maintenance | £143.00 | £28.60 | £171.60 | Bin Emptying |
| PRTC | £1,003.00 | £200.60 | £1,203.60 | Playing field grass cutting |
| PKF Littlejohn | £400.00 | £80.00 | £480.00 | Audit 21-22 |
| Kompan | £125.00 | £25.00 | £150.00 | Replacement caps gym equipment |
| PRTC | £239.03 | £47.81 | £286.84 | Cleaning and Painting Village Gates |
| CashPlus | £6.00 | £6.00 | Reinstate Balance |
Direct Debits and Standing Orders: EDF Energy £20.00 (Electricity monthly payment); Nest £29.72 (Pension Contribution); GiffGaff £6.00 gross (Monthly Top Up - Cashplus account).
Planning application responses made under delegated authority:
22/06940/VCDN - Hazeldene Lodge Thame Road Longwick: No comment to make on this application
22/07256/CTREE - The Old Vicarage Ilmer Lane Ilmer: Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council will be guided by the decision of the Arboriculture officer.
21/08785/VCDN - Land to South of Rose Farm Thame Road: Observations made.
22/07189/ADRC - Bumpers Farm Ilmer Lane Ilmer: Notification only no comment required.
22/06880/ADRC - Old Berkeley House (Shoulder of Mutton) Owlswick: Notification only no comment required.
22/07230/ADRC - Land to The South of Rose Farm Thame Road: Notification only no comment required.
70. TO CONFIRM PLAYGROUND CHECK RESPONSIBILITY GOING FORWARD: Following discussions Cllr van Apeldoorn was appointed to carry out the playground checks.
71. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND / OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL: The Clerk had received the following correspondence:
- Request to have dogs kept on lead at the playing field. Councillors discussed and felt that if it was introduced it would be hard to enforce however, possibly would consider should the situation continue. A reminder to keep dogs under control will be put in the newsletter and a post on Facebook.
- Loud music being played at the MUGA: The Clerk has requested a quote for signage requesting noise be kept to a minimum.
- Bus services for Wickfield: The Clerk will inform the residents that they should raise this with the Buckinghamshire Council Ward Councillors.
- Dog waste bin Walnut Tree Lane where it joins the bridleway: It was agreed that the Clerk would enquire with Buckinghamshire Council about getting a bin installed.
- Dog waste issues: Any reports of dog fouling should be reported to Buckinghamshire Council dog warden.
72. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL:
- Cllr van Apeldoorn asked for an update following the Wickfields meeting with the Management Company. The Clerk stated that the Officer is on leave but will follow up next week.
- Cllr Barter thanked Cllr McPherson for arranging the Moment of Reflection.
73. TO CONSIDER AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
- Cllr Richards stated that the war memorial steps are currently being installed however, some of the railings need securing and painting. Clerk to arrange quotes.
- Discussions were had on the Remembrance Service and it was agreed this would be arranged by Cllr van Apeldoorn.
74. TO CONFIRM THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Tuesday 18th October 2022 at Longwick Village Hall.
75. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.