Parish Council Minutes
NOTE: 19 January was a Sunday. There is reason to believe that the original minutes incorrectly state 19 January and should have recorded the meeting as taking place on 21 January.
LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2025 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: Alan Turner
Representatives for Longwick Preschool and JR Sports
JR Sports have recently set up a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) called Brighter Futures, Active Lives which will be helping local income families in two ways and to support this are asking for a grant from the Parish Council of £203. An application has also been made to the North West Chiltern Community Board.
Part 1: Free sports sessions once a week for a 10-week blocks targeted at children from aged 5-14 from low-income families.
Part 2: Supporting families in the Half Term's where there is not the HAF funding (Holiday Activities and Food programme for 100 children for the week for these same children aged 4-13 so they get free (healthy food) and a free place at a sports / activity camp. Grant applications will be completed and considered at the February 2025 meeting.
Longwick Preschool will be applying for two grants, the first is for a forest school area for the preschool. The second grant application will be for a parent and toddler group which will run once a week for two hours.
Both representatives left the meeting and the Parish Council meeting started at 7.58pm.
130. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from Buckinghamshire Councillors: Gary Hall and Matthew Walsh.
131. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None declared
132. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2024: It was resolved by all those present to approve the minutes and the minutes were signed.
133. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLOR:
- Footpath opposite the Sportsmans Roundabout: The work to deal with the churned-up verge is still to be carried out.
- The caravan which had been reported to Buckinghamshire Councillors is actually a static home, the person is using it whilst they are developing a local property. Enforcement is aware but at this time there are no issues or concerns.
- NPPF: The mandatory numbers that Buckinghamshire Council have to build is 90,000 homes plus a 5% buffer which equates to around 3,000 houses a year. On top of this there is the potential of one new town which would be a minimum addition of 10,000 houses. At this stage there is no confirmed locations for these potential towns. The consultation for developers will close at the end of January 2025 and a decision is expected in May 2025. Previously an allowance of 25% of affordable housing had to be allocated to affordable homes but this has been removed from the planning process. Buckinghamshire Council have until December 2026 to submit their Local Plan.
- Cllr McPherson asked Cllr Turner for the follow up notes from the drive around where the Transport Plan was discussed. Action: Cllr Turner
Cllr Turner left the meeting at 8.30pm
134. TO CONSIDER OUTSTANDING AND COMPLETED ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
- Issue with bin collections: This has been resolved.
- Additional Playground Equipment: The Clerk has met with three Playground Designers and expects to receive the quotes prior to the February meeting.
- Obtain quotes for grass cutting: The Clerk has received two quotes and these will be considered later in the meeting.
135. PLANNING - TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE COMMENTS:
APP/K0425/W/24/3354530 (24/06482/FUL): Ivy Farm Lower Icknield Way Longwick: Stand by original objection submitted.
24/08080/TPO: 42 Bell Crescent Longwick: No comment
24/07905/FUL: Rest Awhile Owlswick: No comment, however would ask that any outside lighting is kept to a minimum, low level and downward pointing, this is to reduce the impact on bats known to be roosting in neighbouring buildings and also annoyance to neighbouring properties.
24/07906/LBC: Rest Awhile Owlswick: No comment, as above
24/07969/FUL: Maccabee Kennels Bar Lane Owlswick: No comment
24/08069/LBC: Orchard Farm Meadle Village Road Meadle: No comment
25/05066/CTREE: St Michaels Church Horsenden Lane: No comment
The following applications status has changed:
24/07205/FUL: Quercus Owlswick Buckinghamshire: Application permitted
24/05616/FUL: Maccabee Kennels Bar Lane Owlswick: Application withdrawn
23/08082/ADRC: Bumpers Farm Ilmer Lane Ilmer: Permit - detail reserved by condition
24/07698/HPDN: Tall Trees Lower Icknield Way Longwick: Application refused
24/07701/FUL: 6 Sawmill Road Longwick: Application refused
136. TO NOTE PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £739.57 | £739.57 | Clerk Salary | |
| HMRC | £105.60 | £105.60 | PAYE | |
| Shield Maintenance | £169.22 | £33.84 | £203.06 | Bin Emptying |
| Playground Inspection Co | £237.00 | £47.40 | £284.40 | Annual RoSPA |
| The Chiltern Society | £653.80 | £653.80 | Footpaths (D/S) | |
| Zempler Bank | £392.39 | £392.39 | Reinstate balance | |
| Longwick Evening WI | £45.50 | £45.50 | Grant - Carol Concert | |
| Valerie McPherson | £15.00 | £15.00 | Expenses |
Zempler Card Payments: GiffGaff £5.00 net, £1.00 VAT, £6.00 gross (Mobile Top Up); Royal Mail £294.50 net, £58.90 VAT, £353.40 gross (PO Box Renewal).
Direct Debits / Standing orders: EDF £45.53 net, £2.47 VAT, £48.00 gross (Electricity); Nest £46.77 (Pension Contribution).
137. TO NOTE QUARTER 3 ACCOUNTS: Noted
138. TO CONSIDER QUOTES FOR GRASS CUTTING IN THE PARISH INCLUDING DEVOLVED SERVICES CUTTING: It was resolved to proceed with quote 1 from Gardens by Gatherole at an annual cost of £5,250 plus VAT paid over 12 months. This contract is subject to the Devolved Services agreement being signed. It was further resolved that the contract will be awarded, subject to a review at the end of May.
139. TO CONSIDER VE DAY CELEBRATIONS AND ALLOCATE A BUDGET: It was agreed that further discussions are required, this will be deferred to the February meeting. Cllr Myers will prepare a proposal for councillors to consider. Action: Cllr Myers
140. TO CONSIDER AND SET PRECEPT FOR 2025-2026: Following discussions it was resolved that the precept will be set at £37,293.31 which is a band d rate of £39.04 and a 4.97% increase.
141. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND / OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL: None received
142. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL:
- Cllr Richards had attended a Communicating with your Community event and felt it was very useful and will be attending the second session. Clerk to book. Action: Clerk
- Cllr Barter had attended a training session on AI Community Engagement.
143. TO CONFIRM THE DATE AND TIME OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting will be Tuesday 18th February 2025 at 7.30pm at Longwick Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.09pm.