SOUTHILL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 7TH MARCH 2011 @ 7.00PM AT SOUTHILL LOWER SCHOOL
Present: Cllrs. Egar(Chairman), Andrews, Green, Hankins, Hickman, Hunt, Jones, Rodenburg, Rook, Central Beds. Cllr. Turner, the Parish Clerk and six members of the public.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Councillor Blackburn.
2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th January 2011 were confirmed as a true record and duly signed.
3. Declarations of Interest from Members
Declarations were as follows : Cllr. Egar 11(b), Cllr. Hickman 6(diii),12(cii), Cllr. Rodenburg 12(ci)
4. Police Report
Two PCSOs attended and PCSO Bannon gave a brief report outlining that, of the 20 crimes reported in the parish over the past two months, the majority were burglaries. There was great concern from Councillors that rural crimes were on the increase and that the police response had been unsatisfactory.
5. Matters arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.
6. Special Interest Groups’ Reports
a) School
Cllr. Andrews reported that 55 children were currently attending the school, an Offsted visit had been undertaken and it was hoped a good report would be received. The Friday enrichment club was progressing well and a fruit and vegetable patch was being looked after by children.
b) Broom Quarry Liaison
There had not been a meeting of the group since the last Council meeting.
c) Grass cutting
Nothing to report.
d) Halls and Playing Fields
i) Southill - There was nothing to report
ii) Broom – There was nothing to report
iii) Stanford – The AGM of the Playing Field Assoc. had been held and the Committee reformed.
7. Council Elections
The Chairman reminded members that four years had elapsed since the last election and it was hoped that all Councillors would be available for re-election. The nomination forms were available from the Clerk and should be returned to Central Beds. Council.
8. Royal Wedding Celebrations
The Council considered in some detail the most appropriate way of giving support to any activities taking place to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29th April 2011.
It was agreed that all children in the parish, aged 16 and under and in full time education, should be treated equally where possible and approval was given to the purchase of approximately 150/160 commemorative mugs. The Broom WI, who are organising a street party for Broom children, have very kindly agreed to purchase the mugs on the Council’s behalf and arrange distribution to all children. The funding for this will be met from the budget for ‘New Projects’ in 2011/2012. Cllr. Andrews will liaise with the Broom WI on this matter.
9. Housing Needs Survey
The Chairman informed members that Bedfordshire RCC has asked the Council if it would agree to them undertaking a Housing Needs Survey.in the parish. The Chairman went on to explain that in rural communities affordable housing can be developed on ‘rural exception sites’ where an exception can be made to planning restrictions to allow affordable housing specifically to meet local parish need. A potentially suitable site has been earmarked in Stanford. Following discussion it was agreed that the survey should be carried out at no cost to the Council.
10. Highway Maintenance
Highway issues were reported as follows :
Pot holes in Bancroft Avenue and Kings Road, Broom, Southill station, Rowney Lane.
Surface badly damaged at entrance to Birch Close, Broom
Loose road chippings in gutters along Southill Road, Broom causing problems.
11. Planning Matters
a)(i) Applications considered
28/29 School Lane, Southill
Repair to house and replacement of outbuilding (retrospective) No objection
28/29 School Lane, Southill
Listed Building Consent : Repair to house and replacement of outbuilding (retrospective)
No objection
Land south of Broom, Broom Road, Stanford
Details pursuant to condition 15 of planning permission No.28/2008 concerning plant layout
No objection
a)(ii) Central Beds. Council Decisions
Approvals :
I Laburnham House, Old School Lane,Stanford
Two storey side/rear extension (replacement of planning permission 12/11/2007
Refusals :
None to report
c) Local Development Framework
Central Beds. Council are currently undergoing public consultation on their minerals policy for safeguarding areas. It was agreed that the Special Interest Group for Local Development respond on behalf of the Council and their comments be forwarded to all Parish Councillors.
12. Financial Matters
a) Bank Balances
The Clerk reported bank balances as follows : £
Community Account 11,492.91
Business Premium Account 14,811.51
b) Payments
The following accounts have been received and were approved for payment : £
Southill Lower School Hire of room 25.00
Southill PCC Contribution towards the production costs
of ‘Outlook’ 198.50 Southill PCC Contribution towards the cost of churchyard
maintenance 359.80
P.D. Knightley Clerk’s duties & expenses Jan/Feb 2011 922.22
P.D. Knightley Clerk’s duties & expenses March 2011 451.83
Amey LG Works Placement of new salt bin 231.08
c)(i) Request for financial assistance – All Saints Church, Southill
The Council unanimously agreed a contribution of £500 towards the church building fund.
c)(ii) Request for financial assistance – Stanford Playing Field Association
The Council unanimously agreed a contribution of £500 towards the association’s mower fund.
13. Correspondence
The Clerk reported on the correspondence. :
a) Central Bedfordshire Council - Biggleswade Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan
Part of footpath 28 – temporary diversion order
b) General Correspondence
Beds ATPC ‘Bedfordshire Bugle’
14. Next Meeting – Monday 9th May 2011, 7.00pm at Southill Lower School
There being no further business the meeting ended at 8.05 pm
At a general meeting before the Parish Council Meeting the following points raised by the public: