SOUTHILL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 9TH JANUARY 2012 @ 7.00PM AT SOUTHILL LOWER SCHOOL
Present: Cllrs. Egar (Chairman), Andrews, Hickman, Hunt, Rodenberg, Central Beds. Cllr. Turner, the Parish Clerk and two members of the public.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Councillors Blackburn, Green, Hall, Jones, Rodenberg.
2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 1st November 2011 were confirmed as a true record and duly signed.
3. Declarations of Interest from Members
Declarations were as follows : Cllr. Egar Item 10(b), Cllr. Hickman Item 7(d)(iii)
4. Councillor Vacancy
The Chairman reported on the current vacancy in the Stanford ward and that Dr. Cakebread had indicated his willingness to be co-opted if the Council wished. Following a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed that Dr. Cakebread be invited to join the Council as a co-optee.
The Chairman also reported that Cllr. Hankins was leaving the area and had therefore resigned from the Council. The vacancy would be considered in due course.
5. Police Report
In the absence of any police presence there was no report. The on-going problem of lack of communication with the Parish Council was again highlighted by the Chairman. The Clerk was asked to
contact the appropriate officers and attempt to rectify the unacceptable situation.
6. Matters arising from the Minutes
a) Removal of school bus service
It was confirmed that the threatened removal of this service had been delayed until at least July 2012 and the Chairman thanked Central Beds. Cllr. Turner for her efforts in this regard. Cllr, Andrews reported there were on-going meetings with all interested parties to establish an agreed criteria for the risk assessment to take place, which is necessary before a further decision can be taken.
7. Special Interest Groups’ Reports
a) School
Cllr. Andrews reported that 54 children currently attended the school. The ‘value’ concept had now been introduced to the school which had been well received by children and parents. Planning permission had been received for the barn conversion. The school extended their thanks to the Parish Council for its efforts with regard to the potential removal of the school bus service.
b) Broom Quarry Liaison
There had not been a meeting of the group since the last Parish meeting but Cllr. Hickman confirmed that a further letter had been sent to Tarmac requesting early receipt of the two agreed vehicle activated speed signs.
c) Grass cutting
The Council expressed their thanks to Cllr. Green for his hard work in arranging and monitoring the cuts.
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. was scheduled for late January/early February but no date had yet been finalised. On-going efforts were being made to boost the funds for a new mower.
8. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
In the absence of Cllr. Jones there was nothing specific to report. The item would be reconsidered at the next meeting.
9. Highway Maintenance
The Highway Prioritised Works Programme 2012 – 2016 was tabled at Item 12 below. The surface of Southill Road in Broom was breaking up and was a concern.
10. Planning Matters
a) Applications considered
Southill Lower School, School Lane, Southill
Demolition of an existing single storey building to renovate/construct a new building to form a reception classroom, together with change of use for two parcels of land. No objection
16 Birch Close, Broom
Demolish existing garage and build new two storey ‘granny annexe’ extension. No objection
b) Central Beds. Council Decisions – Approvals
Corn store at Old Rowney Farm, Ireland
Provision of 261 photovoltaic panels on the south facing roof of an existing store.
The Bungalow, Broom Road, Stanford
Addition of first floor
Southill Lower School, School Lane, Southill
Demolition of an existing single storey building to renovate/construct a new building to form a reception classroom, together with change of use for two parcels of land.
c) Refusals
None to report
d) Local Development Framework
Nothing to report.
11. Financial Matters
a) Bank Balances
The Clerk reported bank balances as follows : £
Community Account 9,969.81
Business Premium Account 14,818.91
b) Payments
The following accounts have been received and were approved for payment : £
Southill Lower School Hire of room 25.00
Central Beds. Council Election expenses 172.24
Southill PCC Contribution towards cost of ‘Outlook’ 117.25
Southill PCC Contribution towards churchyard mtce. 299.30
P.D. Knightley Clerk’s duties & expenses Nov./Dec. 2011 817.49
HM Revenues & Customs Tax deductions Nov./Dec.. 2011 146.40
c)Precept for 2012/2013
The Chairman explained in detail the various items contained in the estimates for 2012/2013 making relevant comparisons with the probable result for 2011/2012. The precept level had now been held at its current level of £11,500 for four years which was a remarkable achievement and the level of balances now held by the Council had fallen as a result. Councillors were asked for their views as to whether the precept should be kept at its current level for one more year or be increased. Following a detailed discussion which gave rise to opposing views, it was decided, on the casting vote of the Chairman, to increase the precept for 2012/2013 to £12,000. In making this decision the Council was very aware of the financial difficulties facing many households but the £500 increase meant a minimal change in family outgoings. The Council was also aware that, even with a £500 increase, the level of balances held by the Council was likely to fall beyond the accepted level by the end of next financial year. It would be necessary, therefore, to review expenditure carefully during the year whilst noting that a further increase may be necessary in 2013/2014. The Councillors unanimously thanked the Clerk for his work in ensuring the efficient running of the Council.
12 Correspondence
The Clerk reported on the correspondence. :
a) Central Bedfordshire Council - Budgets 2012 : Making your money count
Prioritised Highways Works Programme 2012-2016
Minerals & Waste Core Strategy – Consultation on ‘Soundness’
Economic Development Plan – Consultation
Libraries for the Future - Consultation
b) General Correspondence
Beds.ATPC Beds. Bugle – November edition
Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Various emails from Dr. Fyson re planning application for 21 High Street, Broom – The Chairman commented on these and made it perfectly clear to those present that the Parish Council was not the planning authority and only gave its views/opinion on any application. If any parishioner has any grievance on the result of a planning application, they should address Central Bedfordshire Council and not the Parish Council or any of its Councillors.
13. Next Meeting – Tuesday 6th March 2012, 7.00pm at Broom Village Hall
There being no further business the meeting ended at 7.35 pm
At a general meeting before the Parish Council Meeting there were no points raised by members of the public: