Parish Council Minutes
PRESENT: Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chairman), Richard Myers (Vice Chairman), Jane Rogers, Brian Richards, Alex Barter and Mark Molson. Tracey Martin (Clerk). Five members of the public in attendance.
Before the formal meeting, residents raised the following:
- Is a neighbourhood plan review going to take place? Cllr McPherson stated that the Parish Council may have to look at the Neighbourhood Plan in the future due to the pressure to build houses/approaches to landowners.
- An update on Speedwatch: Cllr McPherson confirmed that Speedwatch is run by volunteers independently from the Parish Council. The resident requested an average speed camera.
- Information on proposed CIL expenditure: the only proposed expenditure is on the Transport Initiative, however Buckinghamshire Council have still not provided figures for these works. Cllr Barter stated that suggestions are welcome from residents.
157. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were received from Buckinghamshire Councillors Cllr Hall and Cllr Turner.
158. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None declared.
159. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 16TH JANUARY 2024: The minutes were approved by all Councillors and the minutes were signed.
160. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLOR: There were no Buckinghamshire Councillors present so no update was received.
161. PLANNING:
The following new applications were reviewed, discussed and comments approved:
- 24/05078/FUL and 24/05079/LBC: Waterspring House Meadle Village Road, Meadle — No comment
- 24/05134/TPO: Rose Farm Thame Road Longwick — Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council would rely on the arboriculturist's knowledge when considering this application, however would like it noted that one of the attractions of this development is the mature tree cover
- 24/05328/CLP: 32 Walnut Tree Lane Longwick — No comment subject to comments from Cllr Barter
The following applications' status has changed: 23/07913/TPO (4 Innkeepers Court) permitted; 24/05089/TPO (Woodbine Cottage) withdrawn; 23/08121/CTREE (Three Cottages, Stockwell Lane) not to make a Tree Preservation Order; 23/08084/FUL (Appletrees, Meadle) withdrawn; 23/07557/MDS106 (Land to the South of Rose Farm) permitted.
162. TO NOTE ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £711.85 | £711.85 | Clerk Salary | |
| HMRC | £98.60 | £98.60 | PAYE | |
| PA Spittles | £1,150.00 | £230.00 | £1,380.00 | Removal of rotunda |
| D Hounslow | £320.00 | £320.00 | Tree Debris, Speedwatch Signs | |
| Shield Maintenance | £143.00 | £28.60 | £171.60 | Bin Emptying |
| Total | £2,423.45 | £258.60 | £2,682.05 |
Plus CashPlus Card (GiffGaff £6.00; CR Lighting £55.02 for a lighting column cover) and Direct Debits (EDF Energy £48.00; Nest £44.85). All payments were approved.
163. TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO HOLD ANY "PLAY DAYS" WITHIN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Discussions were had and all Councillors were in favour of approving 2 sessions during the summer holidays provided by JR Sports at a cost of £475 + VAT per session, one at the beginning and one at the end of the summer holidays.
164. TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE PLAYING FIELD HIRE COSTS: Discussions were had on the proposed fees: Fete £200 for 1.5 days; Parties £20 (small designated area near the Village Hall); Parties with bouncy castle £30; Ad hoc sports hire £20 per hour. Cllr Myers proposed and Cllr Richards seconded, and a vote was taken and all Councillors were in favour and the above fees were approved. Rules and regulations to be updated by the Clerk. Action: Clerk
165. TO APPROVE QUOTES FOR WORKS REQUIRED TO THE PLAY AREA FOLLOWING THE ROSPA: Discussions were had and the following quotes were approved: Reids Playground Maintenance quote number 7596 minus the rubber mulch under the Cableway (to be considered later, with the tractor flooring size reduced to lower the quote), maximum amount approved £3,195 + VAT; and the quote from D Hounslow, approved at a cost of £1,950.
166. TO APPROVE COSTS FOR ANNUAL ROSPA INSPECTION IN DECEMBER 2024: All Councillors were in favour of approving the inspection at a cost of £237.00 + VAT.
167. TO CONSIDER MAKING A REQUEST TO HAVE THE LARGE NOTICEBOARD LOCATED NEAR THE SPORTSMAN'S ROUNDABOUT RELOCATED INTO THE PARISH IT BELONGS: Discussions were had and, following a tied vote, the Chairman used their casting vote and it was resolved to request that the noticeboard is removed. Clerk to contact the Town Council. Action: Clerk
168. TO DISCUSS THE RECENT DROP-IN SESSION AND CONSIDER WHETHER TO HOLD ANOTHER: Cllr Barter reported that a drop-in session took place on 3rd February 24. In total five residents attended; a few of the issues raised were not specific to the Parish Council. The number of residents attending was down on the previous session. It was agreed to hold one further session in early May and see how many people attend.
169. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND/OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL:
- Cllr Barter reported an issue with dog poo bins raised at the drop-in session at the top of Walnut Tree Lane. Another request has also been received for a dog waste bin by Redhouse Farm, Thame Road, by the footpath. Indicative costs were discussed and it was agreed to request Buckinghamshire Council carry out an inspection of the two sites to check on feasibility. Cllr Barter to provide precise locations to the Clerk. Action: Cllr Barter / Clerk
- Cllr Barter raised an issue with litter being disposed of on the streets. It was agreed there is nothing that the Parish Council can do.
170. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL: No meetings attended.
171. TO CONSIDER AGENDA ITEMS AND CONFIRM THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Send agenda items through to the Clerk via email. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 19th March 2024 at 7.30pm at Longwick Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.31pm.