SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
Please note: For minutes of the Annual Finance Meeting 2007 click here

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2007, COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M.
PRESENT

Councillor R. J. Fitchford (Chairman)
Councillor A. G. M. Jones
Councillor Miss C. Kimberley
 Councillor Mrs. S Morlidge

County and District Councillor R.G. Hobbs

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

There was a twenty minute period of public participation prior to the formal agenda

01.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor G.J. Stammers

 Sickness
02. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
  None
03. MINUTES
 The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10th September, 2007, having been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman
04. MATTERS ARISING
  (a) Stratford Area - Public Transport Review
  Councillor Jones submitted the response rto the consultation. Comments relating to No. 24 route included
  (1) need for bus from Stratford late than 6-00 p.m. to acccommodate workers
  (2) need for bus later in the evening for those enjoying leisure time in Stratford
  (3 ) to enhance accessibility to Claverdon Surgery, e.g. Flexi bus 513
  The response was noted
  Councillor Hobbs commented that more yse was being made of the Flexi bus, but suggested that the service should be more publicised in the Parish
  (b) Definitive Map Review - 1977 Claims
  The Chairman reported that members had attended a site visit. They had concluded that the claim should not be pursued in view of the fact that no representation has been made to the Council, since use of the footpath was discontinued 30 years ago.
It was noted that certain gardens had been extended across the footpath. It was agreed to advice householders accordingly
it was further agreed to explore the possibility of a Permissive Path with the consent of the landowner
  (c) Bonfire and Firework Display
 

Councillor Jones referred to sponsorship of this proposed event and expressed concern that the donation from the village shop was specifically for 'charity' rather than 'good cause'
It was pointed out that the Sports Club, which was to organise the event, was a Registered Charity and was, therefore, within the definition.
  (d) Public Footpath SD141c
 

Councillor Jones reported that this Public Footpath referred to at the last meeting had further deteriorated. He intended to ask for a Closure Notice
The Public Footpath around the Sewage Works had been cleared and was now in good condition
05. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
  (1) Foxhunter Public House - insurance investigation had only recently been completed. He commented that the building was safe and the local authority had no power to intervene.
  (2) View from War Memorial - he waited further information from Councillor Morlidge.
  (3) Tree planting in Park Lane - this matter was ongoing
  (4) Planning Appeal, Gypsy Site, Black Hill - commented on the rules of procedure and said that it was the responsibility of any interested parties to check on any information/updates
  (5) Planning Application, Land at Northern Bypass/Ingon Lane. he spoke of the retrospective application for Change of Use to Category B1. He said that the Planning Officer was seeking to ascertain whether the correct category should be B2, but there would be no need for a further consultation period
Councillor Miss Kimberley said that, if the decision was made to change to B2, then the Parish council should be consulted, as this would be a significant variation.
Councillor hobbs undertook to follow up
  (6) Trees in the Park - said that a discussion on the replacement planting between the landowner and district Council Officers would take place on 23rd October.
  (7) removal of hedge, Fruit farm - court proceedings had been set down to commence on 29th October.
  (8)

Councillor Miss Kimberley raised the matter of vehicles parking on the road adjacent to the Mercedes Garage. She said that the problem was ongoing and spoke of a recent incident when two coaches had been seen parked at that location.
Councillor Hobbs said that he was unaware of that development.
However, a meeting between Police and the County Surveyor had been arranged in an attempt to resolve the situation
Councillor Hobbs left the meeting at 8-25 p.m.
07. FINANCE
Receipts
(a) Stratford District Council

Precept (second payment)
£10,300-00
(b) HM Revenue & Customs

VAT Refund
£499-45
(c) Central Networks

Wayleaves
£43-48
(d) Charinco Common Investment Fund

Investment Dividend
£19-01
(e) Mrs. H. Schmidt-Hansen

Alloyment rent
£12-00
(f) Warwickshire Beer Co. Ltd

Donation
£150-00
Payments to be Authorised
(a) Greenacre Garden Services Grass Cutting contract
£224-00
(b) ABB Ltd

Street Light Maintenance
£154-63
(c) Jukes Pest Services

Mole Control contract
£75-00
(e) British Gas Gas supply to Village Hall (Direct Debit)
£121-00
(f) Powergen Electricity supply to Village Hall (Direct Debit)
£22-00
Correspondence
(a) British Gas Review of Payment Plan
It was noted that, commencing October, there would be a reduction of monthly payments of
£4-00
Proposed Councillor Morlidge, Seconded Councillor Miss Kimberley
"That the listed items be authorised for payment"
So resolved, nem con
08. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
(a)

Mr Jones
Timber Bungalow
Park Lane

 Erection of single storey wooden garage at side of existing house. To be 5.4m x 3.6m x 2.6m
07/02414/FUL
Submission Support. It will have little or no impact upon the adjoining properties. Comment - the design is considered to be uninspired and does nothing to enhance the street scene
(b)

Simon Chappell
The Cottage
The Green

 Arboricultural work
07/02477/TREE
Submission Support for reasons given by the applicant
(c)

Mr. J.S. Bloor
Comyns Farm
Wayfield

Erection of orangery
07/02545/FUL
Submission Supported. The orangery will not be visible and will not impact upon any other properties. ( on condition that any increase in volume does not contravene the 30% rule
Decisions
(a)

Mr & Mrs Lelliot
Field Place
Church Road

 Extensions and alteration
07/02141/FUL
Permission with conditions
(b)

Mr & Mrs White
13, The Green

 Change of roof design to garage to provide first floor storage accommodation, further to previously approved planning permiission
06/02576/FUL
07/02245/FUL
Permission with conditions
(c)

Mr. N. K. Lambert
The Mullions
Smiths Lane

 Erection of doestic garage and store and formation of hardstanding
07/02163/LDP
Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development
Correspondence
(a)

Stratford District Council

 Planning Appeal - Informal Hearing - 06/02234/FUL - Land ajacent warwick Road, Black Hill
A report outlining the procedure of the Appeal hearing on 4th October was submitted on behalf of Councillor Stammers. The contents were noted
(a)

Stratford District Council

 Planning Application 07/02057 Land by Northern Bypass, Ingon Lane Consultation process
The Clerk submitted a letter written to the Development Control Officer setting out the Parish Council's concerns regarding the decision not to consult further about the possible amendment to the change of Category. The Clerk added that he had not yet received a response.
The contents of the letter were noted and it was agreed to send a follow up letter
09. CORRESPONDENCE
Warwickshire County Council
  
(a)

Bus Service Changes

 Noted
(b)

The Warwickshire Tree Scheme

 resolved not to join membership
Warwickshire Association of Local Councils
  
(a)

Birthday Honours

 Decision taken to recommend Councillor Stammers
(b)

Notice of Annual General Meeting

 No Member able to attend
(c)

Corporate Strategy Workshop

Noted - no Member able to attend
Warwickshire Training Partnership
  
(a)

Briefing Event - Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement

 No Member able to attend
(b)

Briefing Event for all Chairmen and aspiring Chairmen

 No Member able to attend
(c)

Recent Changes to accounts and Audit Regulations - General Financial Clinic

 Clerk authorised to attend
Council for Voluntary Service
  
(a)

Notice of Annual General Meeting

 No Member able to attend
9. CARBON REDUCTION PROJECT
Councillor Jones presented his report on the activities of the committee
  (1) Tree Planting - 9 trees to be planted in the Large playng Field, 1 tree to be planted in Atteys Field ( to replace the Women's Institute Commemoration tree).
An approach would be made to local organisations to take part in the planting in November
  (2) Recycling - proposal to organise a trial collection of items not currently subject of kerbside collectio, e.g. cardboard, plastic bottles and tin foil. Wheelie Bins would be sited at a strategic site, to be emptied by volunteers.
  (3) Eco - schools project had aroused much interest and was ongoing
  (4) Green Energy - it was proposed to arrange a delivery in the village of a letter with leaflets giving details of green energy tariffs. A similar excercise would be carried to business premises.
The project would be carried out in collaboration with energy suppliers
13. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS FROM COUNCILLORS
Councillor Miss Kimberley
 

Referred to the meeting on Planning Enforcement issues organised by Tanworth in Arden Parish Council. She asked if there had been a response by Mr. Pat Reid, Head of Planning Services
The Clerk said that there had been no response to date. He undertook to follow up
Councillor Jones
  Referred to the Public footpath by Bushes Farm, Bearley Road and said that it had become overgrown. He had approached the County council, but they were restricted by financial constraints.
It was agreed to obtain quotations for the work. Also, to explore the possibility of organising a working party with materials and equipment supplied by the County Council.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the Meeting closed at 9-23 p.m
 
NOTES OF A PERIOD OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Sue Wheeler
asked for action to be taken with regard to the provision of additional car parking space in hales Close.
Councillor Hobbs said that he was aware of the porblem. He added that he was in the process of resolving a car parking situation in highfield close. he explained that it was a matter of priority, but he undertook to look to resolve the situation in hales Close as soon as financial constaints allowed.

Virginia Crowe
Asked what progress had been made to resolve the flooding problem.
Councillor hobbs said that he was liasing with both County council and district council. Proposals had been put to the Environment Agency, but no response had yet been received. John Maples, M.P. was also taking an interest in resolving the situation.
He gave an assurance that both he and the Parish Council would continue to pursue the matter.

Meryl Rice

  (1)

Commented on the prolific fruit on apple trees in the orchard opposite the wolds. She said that they had not been picked and it was a complete waste.
Councillor Fitchford said that it was not a matter where the Parish Council could intervene. He suggested that contact be made with the owner of the orchard.
  (2)

Asked what action could be taken about vehicles speeding through the village.
Councillor Hobbs agreed that there was still a problem, despite the road safety measures already installed. He recalled that he had made an approach for a temporary speed camera to be installed in Wolverton Road adjacent to the Large Playing Field, but without sucess.
Councillor Fitchford said that Sean North, community Officer covering the area, was aware of the problem and was taking steps to provide higher viibility policing.