Parish Council Minutes
LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT 7.30PM AT LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Cllr McPherson BEM (Chairman), Cllr Myers (Vice Chairman), Brian Richards, Alex Barter, Mark Molson, and Jane Rogers.
Tracey Martin (Clerk)
Buckinghamshire Councillor: Matthew Walsh
15 members of the public present
- A resident asked if items 69 and 72 were linked, planning and Neighbourhood Plan. It was explained that they were not linked.
- Footpath alongside Crown Way by Miller Homes. Encroachment from hedge is causing access issues which Buckinghamshire Council said the Parish Council are responsible for. The Clerk explained the Devolved Services process and requested that this be reported on FixMyStreet.
- Community Garden Project: A resident asked why the Parish Council has received a request for a grant which is a commercial organisation when it was indicated that funding and ownership would come from and under the North West Chilterns Community Board. Cllr McPherson explained that it was set up through the North West Chiltern Community Action Group, however, because the gardens are on private land it means that the North West Chiltern Community Board cannot own the project as they would need to own the land.
- Communication: A resident stated that it was interesting to note that a letterbox drop was made regarding the event which is taking place on Saturday on the playing field. Cllr McPherson explained that this was a targeted drop only to residents who might be impacted and not advertising the event. Also, this event is not organised by the Parish Council.
- Survey: A resident asked how the Parish Council will deal with the 87 comments which have been received on the survey. Cllr McPherson responded this will be discussed by Councillors later in the meeting under item 71.
62. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Buckinghamshire Councillors: Alan Turner and Gary Hall.
63. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr McPherson will not be participating in item 77: Grant application from Orchard View Farm Community Garden and will refrain from discussions, voting and will leave the meeting.
64. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 16TH JULY 2024: The minutes were approved by all Councillors and it was resolved to approve the minutes and they were signed.
65. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLOR:
- Cllr Walsh provided information on the North West Chiltern Community Board for which he is the Chairman and stated that he has taken on board the comments which have been made specifically regarding communications.
- The Local Area Technician has visited Bar Lane regarding the roundels and repairs and these will be scheduled.
- The unauthorised advertising on the south-eastern side of the Lower Icknield Way between Mill Lane and the turning to Askett has been referred back to planning enforcement.
- Cllr Walsh reported that he is out in Longwick tomorrow and will inspect the hedge / tree encroachment which had been reported by a resident in the public participation time of the meeting.
- National Planning Portal Framework; Buckinghamshire is severely impacted and will see a huge increase in housing estimated around 80,000, this could also include a whole new town which may be an additional 20,000.
- Cllr Walsh highlighted that as the winter fuel payments have ceased people need to be aware and apply for Pension Credit and requested this be highlighted to residents. Buckinghamshire Councillors can assist with completing the forms if required.
- A resident asked the question regarding council tax and the removal of the 25% reduction for single persons. Cllr Walsh responded that he predicted it could be announced at the Budget on the 30th October.
Cllr Walsh left the meeting 8.02pm.
66. PLANNING - TO NOTE AUGUST COMMENTS SUBMITTED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY:
24/06662/CLE: Holly Tree Barn Owlswick Lane Owlswick: No comment
24/06683/FUL: 32 Walnut Tree Lane Longwick: No comment
24/06741/FUL: Sarahs Cottage Thame Road: No comment however, this is a listed building and the design needs to be sympathetic to this.
The following applications status has changed:
23/08118/FUL: Little Horsenden Farm Bungalow Lower Icknield Way: Application Permitted
24/05078/FUL: Waterspring House Meadle Village Road Meadle: Application Withdrawn
23/06112/FUL: Orchard View Farm Stockwell Lane Little Meadle: Application Permitted
67. SEPTEMBER PLANNING – TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE COMMENTS:
24/06976/CTREE: Manor Farm Horsenden Lane Princes Risborough: No comment
24/06988/TPO: 2 The Green Ilmer Lane Ilmer: No comment
24/06990/LBC: Sarahs Cottage Thame Road Longwick: No comment
24/07028/CLE: Middle Barn Quercus Owlswick: No comment
24/07041/CLP: 31 Wayfarers End Longwick: No comment
24/07091/FUL: Old Orchard Thame Road Longwick: No comment
The following applications status has changed:
24/06482/FUL: Ivy Farm Lower Icknield Way Longwick: Application Refused
68. TO NOTE AUGUST PAYMENTS MADE UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £711.85 | £711.85 | Clerk Salary | |
| HMRC | £98.60 | £98.60 | PAYE | |
| Shield Maintenance | £169.22 | £33.84 | £203.06 | Bin Emptying |
| PRTC | £459.36 | £91.87 | £551.23 | Grass cutting D/S |
| JR Sports Group | £395.83 | £79.17 | £475.00 | Play in the Park July 24 |
| PRTC | £1,715.60 | £343.12 | £2,058.72 | Grass cutting |
| Thomas Design | £2,687.40 | £537.48 | £3,224.88 | NP, Transport Vision, Planning App |
Direct Debits and Standing Orders: GiffGaff £6.00 gross; EDF £56.19 gross (Electricity - £92.04 in credit); Nest £44.85 (Pension Contribution).
69. TO NOTE SEPTEMBER PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £711.85 | £711.85 | Clerk Salary | |
| HMRC | £98.60 | £98.60 | PAYE | |
| JR Sports Group | £475.00 | £95.00 | £570.00 | Play in the Park 28/08/24 |
| Shield Maintenance | £169.22 | £33.84 | £203.06 | Bin emptying |
| PRTC | £408.32 | £81.66 | £489.98 | Missed from July payment run |
| PKF Littlejohn | £630.00 | £126.00 | £756.00 | External Audit |
| TEEC | £165.99 | £33.20 | £199.19 | Domain & Hosting annual charge |
Direct Debits / Standing orders: EDF £48.00 (Electricity); Nest £44.85 (Pension Contribution); GiffGaff £6.00 gross (Mobile Top Up).
Receipts: Groundworks £10,000 (NP Grant).
70. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REVIEW: Cllr McPherson provided an update. At this stage Councillors feel it would be a good idea to review and update the Neighbourhood Plan so the Parish Council will be holding a Drop In Session for all residents of the Parish hopefully on 2nd October 24, time to be confirmed. Details will go out on the website, Facebook and noticeboards.
71. TO CONSIDER RESPONSES TO THE PARISH SURVEY AND ANY ASSOCIATED ACTIONS:
- Play Area: it was indicated that residents would like to see additional equipment on the playing field which could include some equipment for those with additional needs. Discussions with school could take place so that the children can indicate which equipment they would like to see. A suggestion was made about tennis courts, the MUGA has tennis nets which can be used.
- Dog owners: a number of comments were made that some people need to be more respectful when dogs are off lead and requests that the park becomes a dog on lead park. Cllr McPherson stated that it is difficult to enforce this and has been discussed with local councils who have this byelaw. Council to look into what can be done to combat these issues.
- Anti-social behaviour: If any incidents are seen it needs to be reported to the police immediately. There is CCTV in the playing field which can be used by the police if and when needed.
- Additional dog bins: this comes down to Buckinghamshire Council apart from the ones on the playing field as these are on private land.
- Cllr Richards suggested that as there are so many comments to consider, himself and Cllr Molson could go through the report and make recommendations of actions which can then be considered by full Council. All Councillors were in favour of this. Action: Cllr Richards / Cllr Molson
- Communication: email communications were suggested by a few residents, this could potentially be explored.
72. TO DISCUSS ISSUES RAISED AT THE DROP-IN SURGERY AND WHETHER TO CONTINUE WITH THESE SESSIONS: Cllr Barter reported that a session was held on the 3rd September 24, two residents attended and both raised concerns with speeding. Overall, four sessions have been held and the average number of people attending is two. Discussions were had and it was resolved that as the sessions are not being utilised, they will no longer be held.
73. TO CONSIDER PARISH COUNCIL SOCIAL MEDIA: Cllr Barter suggested that other Councils are using Twitter and Instagram and asked whether the Parish Council should consider using these additional methods for communications. It was resolved that the Parish Council will set up accounts with both sites and Cllr Barter has offered to update them. Action: Cllr Barter
74. TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE WITH THE DEVOLUTION OF BELL CRESCENT AND WALKERS ROAD: Discussions were had and it was resolved to continue with them until the main devolution agreement is received as the Clerk is expecting some changes.
75. TO DISCUSS REMEMBRANCE SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS: A resident who has previously run the event has kindly offered to arrange the service. Discussions were had on the road closure which the Clerk will look into. It was felt that if a road closure takes places it needs to be official and well-advertised. Action: Clerk A concern was raised that the railings still need shot blasting. Clerk will arrange. Action: Clerk
76. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COST OF FREE PARKING IN PRINCES RISBOROUGH: Discussions were had and it was felt that without all the details a definitive decision could not be made. The Clerk will report back to Princes Risborough Town Council and state that we would like to receive further information when available. Action: Clerk
Cllr McPherson left the meeting due to an interest in item 77 and Cllr Myers Chaired the meeting.
77. TO CONSIDER A GRANT APPLICATION FROM ORCHARD VIEW FARM COMMUNITY GARDEN: Discussions were had and it was resolved that the grant be approved at a cost of £2,059.
Cllr McPherson returned to the meeting and resumed to Chair the meeting.
78. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND / OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL:
- The Clerk had received correspondence regarding the damaged grass verge in Ilmer between The Old Vicarage which is badly damaged. The residents had kindly offered to install wooden posts and asked if the Parish Council would fund this. The Clerk discussed this with Buckinghamshire Council's Local Area Technician who has stated that they cannot install wooden posts themselves but suggested the residents apply to the Community Boards which would result in an official Buckinghamshire Highways quote. Cllr Rogers raised concerns about obstructing access to the Church for disabled users.
- A request had been received to refund the £200 charged for the use of the playing field for Longwick Fete. Discussions were had and it was resolved that the charge would not be refunded however, if the fete committee wished to approach the Parish Council next year for a grant to cover event costs, then the Parish Council would consider it.
- Correspondence had been received regarding an incident with a dog who the resident felt was out of control on the playing field, Discussions were had and as mentioned earlier in the meeting it was felt that incidents should be reported to the police and / or dog warden where appropriate.
79. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL: Cllr Barter stated that she had attended the National Planning Policy Framework meeting and provided Councillors with information which includes that Buckinghamshire should expect an additional 43% of houses on top of what is already planned.
80. TO CONSIDER AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING AND TO CONFIRM THE DATES AND TIME OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting will be Tuesday 15th October 2024 at 7.30pm at Longwick Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm.