SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
Please note: For minutes of the Annual Finance Meeting click here

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 9TH JANUARY 2006, COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M.
PRESENT
Councillor Mrs. S. Morlidge (Chairman)
Councillor W. A. Collett
Councillor R. J. Fitchford
Councillor J. Jacobs
Councillor Miss C. Kimberley
Councillor G. J. Stammers

County and District Councillor Hobbs

Clerk of the Council, I. A. Wilkins
4 Members of Public
There was a 15 minute period of public participation prior to the formal agenda

01. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
02.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None
03. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 12th December 2005, having been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman
04. MATTERS ARISING
  (a) Protected Trees at the Park
It was noted that the file is now with the District Council Legal Department for decision on process
  (b) Planning Enforcement Matters
It was noted that the file (hedgerow removal at Snitterfield Fruit Farm) is now with the District Council Legal Department for decision on process
Councillor Stammers expressed concern at the apparent lack of action regarding the wall at Corner Cottage, The Green
Councillor Hobbs reported that a planning enforcement enquiry had been initiated with regard to a caravan sited in a field at the Fruit Farm
  (c)

A46/M40 junction
The Clerk reported that he had been in contact with the Clerk to Barford, Wasperton and Sherbourne Joint Parish Council
He had been informed that no decision had been taken on a response to the proposal, but the subject would be discussed at the next Meeting.
The Clerk undertook to follow up

  (d) Parish Plan Actions
Councillor Stammers submitted a mock-up of the Parish Plan, which was now ready for printing
He undertook to submit costings to the Finance Meeting
The Clerk reported that he had acknowledged the letter from Mr. Malcolm Graham regarding the proposed traffic improvements
He said that he had spoken with Dr Leyland and she had agreed to make herself available for a meeting with representatives of the Council
It was agreed that the Chairman together with Councillor Stammers and Councillor Jacobs would represent the Council
The Clerk undertook to arrange a date and venue
It was also agreed that the Chairman, Councillor Fitchford and Councillor Miss Kimberley would form a working party to report on street lighting requirements
  (e)

Cemetery Maintenance
The Clerk reported that a site meeting had been held with Mr Trueman of Greenacre Garden Services with regard to the clearing of undergrowth and tidying hedges at the top end of the Cemetery
A quotation in the sum of £145 to carry out the work had now been received
Proposed Councillor Mrs. Morlidge, seconded Councillor Stammers
'to accept the quotation'
So resolved, nem con
Concern was expressed at the condition of the gatepost at Park Lane entrance
It was agreed that a contractor should be contacted to carry out work of reinstatement and also repair of the two benches
There was also agreement that the laying of granite chippings would be required to continue refurbishment of the paths
It was reported that there was evidence of moles in both the Cemetery and the Playing Field
The Clerk undertook to contact the contractor
  (e) Corporate Signs - Large Playing Field
Nothing further to report
05. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS / OBSERVATIONS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
  (a) Gave information of two Planning Enforcement Enquires concerning conservatories in Frogmore Road and The Green
  (b) Reported that he had received feedback from young people in the village on the provision of facilities and possible funding
  (c)

Gave details of two Planning Training Sessions organised by the District Council
  (d) Reported that the application by the Village Hall Management Committee for a grant to install a hearing loop had been approved and the sum of £1000 had been awarded
06. FINANCE
Receipts
  (a) Charifund

Investment Dividend
£145 - 68
  (b) Charinco Investment Dividend
£19 - 01
  (c) A.E. Bennett & Sons Cemetery Fee (Thornett)
£50 - 00
  (d) C. Pullin & Son Cemetery Fee (White)
£50 - 00
Payments to be Authorised
  (a) ABB

Street Lighting Maintenance
£154 - 63
  (b) Greenacre Garden Services Clearing footpaths at Cemetery
£70 - 00
  (c) Jukes Pest Services Mole Control (quarterly payment)
£75 - 00
  (d) I. Wilkins Clerk's Salary and Expenses
£632 - 51
  (e) Inland Revenue PAYE on Clerk's Salary
£148 - 00
  (f) Powergen Electricity supply to Village Hall
(Direct Debit)
£22 - 00
  (g) British Gas Gas supply to Village Hall
(Direct Debit)
£86 - 00
  (h) Severn Trent Water Water supply to cattle trough Atteys Field
£11 - 79
Proposed Councillor Mrs. Morlidge, Seconded Councillor Stammers,
'that the payments be authorised'
So resolved, nem con
07. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
(a)

Stratford Oaks Golf Club
Bearley Road

 New refreshment shelter and toilet facilities on 10th tee, including drainage and cesspit
APP/J3720/A/05/1194894
Submission The application is supported for the following reasons
(a) the proposed building will not have a detrimental impact upon the views of the Golf Course
(b) the size and design will not be seen from the highway, nor any residential properties
(c) the Council supports all sporting/recreational activities in the Parish
(d) this type of facility is not unique to Stratford Oaks Golf Club; many such clubs have this facility which prevents litter and misuse of the hedgerows by the golfers
Decisions
(a) Mr. & Mrs. G. Boxall
Old Coach House
Church Road
 Proposed erection of detached car port, bay window and open porch
05/02906/FUL

Permission with Conditions
(b) Mr. R. Evans
Foxhunter Inn
The Square
 First floor extension to provide additional living accommodation to managers private flat, including
re-location of flue
05/02599/FUL

Permission with Conditions
(c) Mr. Passalacqua
15, Hales Close
 Proposed ground floor extension to side
05/03268/FUL

Permission with Conditions
08. CORRESPONDENCE
Office of Deputy Prime Minister
(a) Standards of Conduct in English Local Government - The Future
 No response
09. SPILLAGE OF SEWAGE IN BROOK

Councillor Fitchford reported details of an incident where effluent had been erupting into the brook adjacent to the bridge.
Severn Trent Water had been contacted and representatives attended the scene
The problem was detected to be a blockage of the sewer in the adjacent field
It was agreed that Councillor Stammers should liase with Mr. Jeff Timms, Seven Trent Water, on the problem.

10. ROADSIDE VERGE OPPOSITE WAR MEMORIAL

Councillor Stammers introduced the subject, which had been brought to notice at the December meeting
He said that the area was in need of remedial attention and that the matter had been reported to the County Council
He said that the Parish council had now been asked to submit proposals for the reinstatement of the verge
After discussion, it was agreed to request that the verge be grassed and landscaped, with the driveway properly identified. Also, bollards placed strategically to prevent parking of vehicles
It was also suggested that the existing lay-by be extended
11. GRASSCUTTING CONTRACT 2006

The Clerk submitted a quotation from Cleanaway Ltd. in the sum of £1106 - 74 plus VAT for mowing the Playing Fields and the grass areas at the Stocks Tree and the War Memorial at 13 cuts for the season
It was queried whether the two small areas were the responsibility of the District Council
The Clerk pointed out that the District Council contract specified only 9 cuts per season
It was agreed to accept the quotations, subject to clarification of the additional cost of the grass areas
12. INSPECTION REPORTS OF PLAY AREAS

The Clerk submitted Inspection Reports prepared by Digley Associates Limited on behalf of the District Council
The Reports recommended the provision of swing barriers to satisfy a moderate risk
Also, to replace missing protective nut caps on the swings to satisfy a low risk
The Clerk also submitted a quotation from Wicksteed Leisure to carry out the work
Concern was expressed that the matter of providing swing safety barriers had not been brought to notice earlier, neither by Wicksteed Leisure who installed the equipment, nor Digby Associates Limited at the 2004 inspection
In view of the cost involved, it was agreed to defer a decision until alternative quotations were available
12. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS / OBERVATIONS FROM COUNCILLORS
Councillor Fitchford
Brought to notice complaints of vehicles parking adjacent to the Mercedes Garage in Sandbarn Lane and causing obstruction
The Clerk was asked to write an appropriate letter to the Garage Manager
Councillor Mrs. Morlidge
Referred to the e-mail from the young people of the village indicating the need for the provision of facilities
The matter was discussed and it was suggested that the Parish Council might consider 'match funding'
This could be considered at the Finance Meeting together with funding of any other specific projects

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the Meeting closed at 9-20 p.m.