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 13TH NOVEMBER 2006, COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M.
PRESENT
Councillor G.J. Stammers (Chairman)
 Councillor A. G. M. Jones
Councillor J. Jacobs
Councillor Miss C. Kimberley
Councillor Mrs. S. Morlidge

Clerk of the Council, I. A. Wilkins
7 Members of Public

Prior to the formal agenda, there was a fifteen-minute period of public participation
01. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor R. J. Fitchford
County and District Councillor R.G. Hobbs (late arrival)
02. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Mrs. S. Morlidge

 Planning Application 06/02576/FUL
13, The Green
Personal Interest
  Councillor Stammers Planning Application 06/02861/TREE
2, Bell Lane
Personal Interest
  Councillor Jacobs Planning Application 06/02861/TREE
2, Bell Lane
Personal Interest
03. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th October, 2006, having been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman
04. MATTERS ARISING
  (a) Planning Enforcement Matters
The Chairman reported on updates of specific enforcement investigations
    (1) The Park
Enforcement Officers are monitoring the exclusion zones, which have been implemented around the trees. A report is awaited from an independent tree specialist in relation to the extent of any damage from previous ploughing operations
    (2) Fruit Farm
The landowner is being prosecuted in relation to the destruction of the hedgerows. A 'not guilty' plea has been entered; the trial is likely to take place early 2007
    (3) Corner Cottage, The Green
The investigation has been completed and a file has been submitted to review the need for enforcement action. This review will be completed as soon as possible
    (4) Oak Cottage, Bearley Road
The matter has been investigated. It has been decided that in this particular setting, the visual impact is insufficient to merit formal action directed at the removal of the fencing. No further action is proposed
05. COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Councillor Hobbs reported that no decision had yet been made with regard to the Planning Application for a gypsy site off Warwick Road, Blackhill. He said that 24 objections had been received
06. FINANCE
Receipts
  (a) Bank of Ireland

Interest on Deposit Account
(June - September, 2006)

£105-36
  (b) A.E. Bennett & Sons Cemetery Fee (Taylor)
£70-00
Payments to be Authorised
  (a) Greenacre Garden

Grass cutting contract - September
October


£220-00
£220-00
  (b) Cleanaway Grass cutting contract
£736-38
  (c) ABB Limited Street Light Repair
Hales Close
Woodward Court

£35-25
£47-00
  (d) Margaret Tweed Flower Tubs Maintenance
£80-34
  (e) Powergen Electricity supply to Village Hall
(Direct Debit) October
£22-00
  (f) British Gas Gas supply to Village Hall
(Direct Debit)
September
October


£107-50
£121-00
07. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
(a)

J.Carrier
Gatton
White Horse Hill

 First floor extension to side
06/02583/FUL
Submission Support - on the grounds of safety
(b)

P.Farley and R.Mander
Land off Church Road

 4 lock up garages
06/02563/REM
Submission Comment - the revised location could interfere with the right of access to No.1, Park House. It is understood that there is a legal problem over the right of way across the car park
(c)

Mr. G.Grasby, Mrs. B.Grasby
and Mr. R.A.W.Booth
The Green

 Demolition of single storey rear wing and outbuilding and construction of new 2 storey accommodation. Garage, vehicular access and ancillary works
06/01779/FUL
and
06/01780/LBC
Submission Object
(1) Over 30% extension to a property in the Green Belt PPG2 and PR2
(2) Unacceptable design for a property in the Green Belt and a Conservation Area; the character will be substantially changed STR4 (F) and EF13
(3) Proposed gates are in conflict wit the 1 metre requirement for boundaries adjacent to highway
(4) In order to build the garage, several trees will need to be removed; there is no indication where, or if, any replacement trees are part of a landscaping design EF12 (F)
(d)

Mrs Lee

 Change of use for gypsy accommodation of 4 no. plots, each comprising 1 no. mobile home,1 no. day/utility room, 1 no. touring caravan,
plus a garden play area
06/02234/FUL
Submission See Appendix to Minutes
(e)

Mr. & Mrs. S. Hamilton Smith
Melbrae
Warwick Road
Blackhill

First floor extension to side. Demolish existing garage and replace with detached garage with living accommodation over
06/02728/FUL
Submission Support - No overlook problems. The site stands alone and the garage will improve the overall appearance of the property
(f)

Miss J. Sheasby
Sycamore House
White Horse Hill

 Demolition of existing dwelling, attached barns and outbuildings and construct replacement dwelling, garage and ancillary works
06/02875/FUL
Submission Application withdrawn before submission
(g)

Eileen Gunn
2, Bell Brook

 T1 - willow- selectively reduce stem over road by 20% (approx 3-4m) spread and height back to suitable pruning points. Selectively reduce other stem over Bell Brook bridge by 20% (approx 3m) spread and height back to suitable
pruning points. Lift lower canopy for road view for vision splay to 5.5m. Prune out deadwood
T2 - willow-selectively reduce stem over the road by 25% (approx 4m) spread and height back to suitable pruning points. Reduce other stem over Bell Brook Drive by removing upright branches (approx 3m height). Remove
deadwood
T3 - 4no.Leyland Cypress - reduce height to approximately 11 - 12 m
T4 - elm and ash - lift lower canopy to approx 4m
Submission Support - it will improve the street scene and prevent the possible danger of a large section from the willow falling onto the road. Also, it will improve visibility for drivers exiting Bell Brook on to School Road. It will also allow more light into the area, thus improving the growth of other species
(h)

Mr. & Mrs. Wilson
Chestnut Tree Cottage
Wolverton Road

 Proposed garden room and replacement garage
06/02706/FUL
Submission Objection - there is concern over the development of this site. The cottage has been extended in recent years and it is felt that this proposed extension to the commercial part of the development will take it well over the Green Belt Policy guidelines of 30%. The Garden Room is 4m from the cottage and the oak-framed garage is out of keeping with the cottage and the offices to which it abuts
(h)

Mr. & Mrs. M. Flowers
Mole End
Church Road

 Alterations and extensions to dwelling
06/03056/FUL
Submission deferred
Decisions
(a) Mr. & Mrs. N. Bright
The Pigeon House
 The Green
 Door and window alterations. Construction of new covered link to garage, formation of new utility room in garage and construction of new lean-to garden shed. New garden wall
06/01999/LBC
and
06/02000/FUL

Permission with Conditions
(b) Mr. & Mrs. D. McMahon
Sandbarn Cottage
Sand Barn Lane
 Erection of two storey extension
06/02339/FUL

Permission with Conditions
(c) Mr. J.S. Bloor
Comyns Farm
Wayfield
 Erection of replacement house and garage
06/01894/FUL

Permission with Conditions
(d) Penelope A. Feldon
3, Park Cottages
Church Road
 Fell one Leyland Cypress and one Portuguese Laurel
06/00783/TREE

Consent
(d) J. Carrier
Gatton
White Horse Hill
 First floor extension to side
06/02583/FUL

Permission with Conditions
08. CORRESPONDENCE
Warwickshire County Council
  
Environment Agency Flood Roadshow
Noted. To be published in 'Snipe'
South Warwickshire General Hospital
  
Midwifery Service
Noted. No further action
Warwickshire Association of Local Councils
  
(a)

The Local Government White Paper

 Noted
(b)

Clerks Briefing Day - 29 November

 No Member to attend
(c)

Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement - 2 December

 No Member to attend
09. TO CONSIDER ACTION IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND A GREENER ENVIRONMENT
The Clerk reported that he had established liaison with Paul Chapman, the District Council Officer appointed to promote energy saving measures in the area
He had also spoken to Cindy Musgrove, Marketing Manager of South Warwickshire Energy Efficiency (SWEEP). She had undertaken to forward relevant literature for information. She had also expressed her willingness to attend a Meeting of the Parish Council to advise on future action, including staging an Exhibition.
It was agreed to proceed accordingly
It was also agreed to consider carrying out an energy saving survey of the Village Hall
10. TO RE-CONSIDER DESIGN AND COST OF REPLACEMENT STREET LAMP - THE GREEN
The Chairman reported that he had visited the site and had found that the height of the selected column was far less than that required

After further discussion, Proposed Councillor Mrs. Morlidge, Seconded Councillor Jacobs 'to instruct ABB Limited to supply and install 1 no. 4m Chatsworth column with hook neck and Albany 50w lantern'
So resolved, nem con
11. RURAL CINEMA SCHEME
The Clerk submitted a letter from Chris Wood, Community Leadership Manager, outlining a proposal by the District Council to implement a scheme to provide a quality cinematic experience to areas of the District where it is not presently available without a considerable amount of travelling being involved
The Chairman commended the proposal and he was supported by Councillor Jacobs Councillor Mrs. Morlidge expressed misgivings about the allocation of funds for such a venture
Councillor Hobbs said that the use of funds for such a purpose would be appropriate to the aims of the District Council
It was agreed to support the proposed scheme and to respond accordingly
12. COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS BY COUNCILLORS
Councillor Jacobs
Reported damage to items of street furniture
(1) 'Snitterfield' sign in Wolverton Road
(2) 'Bell Lane' sign adjacent to junction of School Road
(3) Fire Hydrant sign School Road/Bell Lane junction
Councillor Hobbs undertook to deal
Councillor Mrs. Morlidge
Reported that there was evidence of moles in the Small Playing Field
Said that there was need of a further grass cut at that location
Referred to the Cemetery and said that the paths required a further application of weed killer; also the Yew Tree needed to be trimmed
Councillor Jones
Said that he had attended the training seminar on Planning Policies and Responses to Planning Applications
He submitted an advice note on Responses and undertook to circulate to Members
Councillor Miss Kimberley
Spoke of the advantages of the use of e-mail in the circulation of communications
Councillor Stammers
Said that the District Council had sent a questionnaire on Actions arising from the Parish Plan
He undertook to complete
Pointed to the need for a map showing the revised Parish Boundary
Councillor Hobbs
Spoke of the expansion of electronic service arising from the grants from 'Awards for All', specifically in relation to Planning Applications
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the Meeting closed at 9 -10 p.m.
APPENDIX:
SUBMISSION FROM PARISH COUNCIL TO PLANNING APPLICATION 06/02234/FUL

The Parish council have discussed this application with a large number of Parishioners and made a site visit. Our grounds for objection are based on both the failures to meet or comply with the policies set out in our Local plan review 1996-2011 issued July 2006.
The Council not only find planning grounds for objection, but also serious concerns relating to Tourism and Crime prevention.
The proposed site is located on the main access road (A439) from the motorway system to World Class Stratford-upon-Avon and will be clearly visible from this road. To make it even more prominent, there is a Schedule of Personal Covenants on the land owned by Mrs Lee requiring a boundary fence "Six foot close boarded fence with concrete posts" around all the boundaries. This is totally inappropriate in the open countryside adjacent to the Green Belt and the Arden Special Landscape Area, making the application in conflict with PR.1 & EF.2. (Protecting and enhancing environmental features) and PR.1. By causing damage to the landscape and character of the area.
One of the key requirements of an application in the Parish of Snitterfield (a Local Centre Village) is our Parish Plan 2006, which has clearly identified the needs of the Parish. This document along with our Village Design Statement 2000 and Parish Appraisal have been adopted as supplementary planning guidance notes by Stratford District Council Planning Department.
STR.1 Settlement Hierarchy
In line with your policy, COM.1 Local choice, we have identified our needs and recently conducted a housing survey with WRCC to re-affirm our needs. The proposed applications failed to meet this identified need for the settlement. Also when you consider the basic requirement in PPS.1 Sustainable Development, the application fails to:-

(a) "Protecting and Enhancing Environmental Features (EF.1)
(b) The site is outside an Urban Area and not a "Brownfield Site" rather a "Greenfield Site in Open Countryside".
(c) Neither will it "Reduce the need to travel, particularly by private car"
Development principles in the Local Plan state clearly in Policy PR.1 the key requirements.
To "respect and where possible, enhance the quality and character of the area" this application fails to address these basic principles:-
(a) To "respect and where possible, enhance the quality and character of the area" this application fails to address these basic principles.
(b) And it could easily "damage or destroy features which contribute to the distinctiveness of the local area".
(c) It will cause "Permanent Loss of good agricultural land (PR.4 ). The site is pasture or paddock, although it has been neglected.
(d) The Layout and Design for the site is in conflict or fails to address DEV.1, sections
a, b & d in that the proposal will not share the "characteristics that define the locality". It will not "integrate with the existing settlement in terms of physical form, patterns of movement and land use". Also the "effect of the development on the surrounding area in terms of its position, shape, size and height".
(e) 5.5 Access, DEV.4 promote "safety of all road users and pedestrians" the increased number of vehicle movement onto and from the site into fast moving traffic on the A439 will increase the risk of a road traffic accident. This location on the A439 already has a record of serious and minor road traffic accident, hence the Speed camera opposite the site. Any pedestrians leaving or entering the site will have to walk in the road because no pavements are available from the nearest bus stop.

The Parish also has concerns over the possible increase in policing needed in the area of the site and the possible increase in tension from the neighboring businesses and properties that may impact upon the already overworked Warwickshire Constabulary.
7.39 Gypsy sites, Policy CTY.7 (a) deals with the need and monitoring of sites to ensure "there is a significant capacity within the District". The dated 2nd May 2006 from Stratford District Council has contradicted the supporting information to justify the need for a new site.
The medical data also submitted in support of the application contains no special requirements that demand better facilities than those that exist in the Bidford-on-Avon Medical Centre, which has a much shorter travelling time and distance to an available Doctor. (Snitterfield surgery is staffed by a nurse practitioner, the nearest Doctor will be in Stratford or Wellesbourne.)
Cleeve Prior, Bidford-on-Avon and Evesham schools better serve the educational requirements.
Finally the Parish Council is concerned over the potential growth of caravans and supporting infrastructure on the site when you review the family structure and ages of the children in the LEE family. Clearly the number of caravans could increase to eight Mobile Homes, day/utility rooms and touring caravans in a very short time, thus exacerbating the above situations and concerns

PERIODS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 2006

Richard Yendell
Referred to a pending application for planning permission at 'Woodcote', Bearley Road
Arrangements were made for Members to make a site visit
Thomas Sargent
Gave details of amendments to a proposed application for planning permission at 'The Old Bakehouse', The Green
Councillor Mrs. Morlidge declared a personal interest
Alan Morris
Referred to sets of gates, which had been installed at properties in The Green and, in particular, at the Riding Stables. He spoke of the style and height of the gates and queried the need for planning permission
The Chairman undertook to follow up
Paul Perkin and Andrew Fairman
Spoke of the problem of parked cars in Highfield Close
The Chairman said that he and Councillor Hobbs had recently made a site visit and had confirmed that that there was a significant problem. He undertook to write a letter to the County Council, with a copy to the Housing Association
Ken Chatland
Raised the matter of the workshop situated at the junction of Kings Lane and Ingon Lane. He said that it was apparent that it was still being used for fabrication, contrary to the Planning Permission
Referred to the Small Playing Field and said that the concrete fencing posts were insecure