CARLTON & CHELLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 10th SEPTEMBER 2007

VILLAGE HALL, CARLTON.

Present: Cllr L. Benson (Chairman), Cllrs. D Jenkins, J Tusting, R Davis, A Geerts, T Coles, L, Dempsey, B. Cllr V (Jim) Brandon (arr. 8.30pm).

In attendance: C. Cllr P Gershon (arr. 7.55pm), P.C.S.O. Allan Taylor, Helen Jago (Emmaus), 15 parishioners.

The meeting started at 7.30pm.

1. Apologies for absence: Cllr E Devine.
2. Disclosure of interest: None received.
3. Confirmation of minutes: meeting held 13th August 2007 – confirmed as a true record of the meeting.
4. Close main meeting – 7.35pm open Public meeting.

• Helen (Emmaus) outlined the recent incident at Emmaus whereby two people were very badly hurt by intruders and money was stolen. One person has been arrested and Emmaus are currently taking advice on security matters.
• A card from the Parish Council has been sent to Mike O’Meara.
• Our new P.C.S.O. Allan Taylor introduced himself and gave an outline of his duties and responsibilities. He is very keen to become involved with all community issues. Allan’s contact details are on all of the parish notice boards and in the Village store/Post office.
• Members of the public requested a discussion regarding 2 planning applications for Nicholas Farm, Edens Lane, Carlton – 07/02150/FUL (agricultural access) and 07/02251/COU (change of use of agricultural barn to offices, B1 use, and minor alterations). The applicant explained why the agricultural access was necessary to enable farm lorries and machinery to gain access to the grain storage area. Parishioners were concerned over the safety issues on the main road (Causeway – Turvey Road) as there are 2 blind bends.
• The applicant stated that the agricultural barn is decaying rapidly and the change of use to offices would be an improvement to the area, as well as encouraging more employment into the village. The Chairman asked if all present had been able to speak on this matter, everyone agreed. No further comments at the meeting were aired.

8 pm – meeting was closed to the general public.

Main Parish Council meeting was reopened. The Chairman asked the Councillors if he could bring forward item (8) Planning applications as the next item on the agenda. All councillors agreed to his request.

5. Planning applications – 07/02150/FUL (agricultural access) Nicholas Farm, Edens Lane, Carlton. The main issue is one of safety concerning the access point from the main road (The Causeway/Turvey Road), as the road has 2 blind bends. Request that Highways carry out a full survey on safety/hazard issues, including extending the 30 mph speed signs further along the road towards St. Mary’s Church. 07/02251/COU (change of use of agricultural barn to offices, B1 use and minor alterations) – objections raised on grounds of extra vehicle movement in Edens Lane (lighting issues) and landscaping of the whole area, which must be in keeping with the local scenery. Parish Council would have preferred residential use of the site.
6. County Councillor’s report – Unitary status – a judicial review, by the government, will be held. Harrold Liaison Forum meeting held on 2nd Sept. – a possible grant of £2,500. will be made available, but this will have to cover a number of parishes. C. Cllr Gershon will advise in due course.
7. Borough Councillor’s report – none.
8. Matters arising from August meeting

• R.H.Trust - no action to date. Anne Bishop is still awaiting response from land owners etc.
• Highways – Cllr. Coles has a meeting on 11th September with Celia Sellers to discuss all related matters with roads, Harrold bridge, Bridgend footpath/fence, Willow tree (Rectory Close/Gannick), The Gannick area recently resurfaced and the Causeway hedge. Cllr. Tusting will look at situation of ditches along the Carlton/Harrold Road.
• Zurich Insurance Policy – Cllr. Davis has looked at this. Invoice to be paid, but a review of next year’s policy will be undertaken.
• Standing Orders – a copy has been given to each councillor. To be adopted at the next Parish Council meeting. New Code of Conduct – it was resolved that Carlton & Chellington Parish Council adopt the revised Code of Conduct, with effect from 10th September 2007. BAPTC – Quality Parish/Town Council Scheme – resolved that the Parish Council will try to attain this award. This will be an ongoing procedure. P.C.S.O. Office facilities – Cllr Tusting to contact Carlton Lower School to discuss availability of an office area.

9. Finance report. Five cheques drawn for signature.

• BAPTC - £12.75 (Standing Orders)
• Warners £129.26 (Children’s field 2 cuts)
• Warners £188.00 (main cut)
• Mr W Crammen £171.20 (wages)
• Mrs N Bransgrove-Knight £354.69 (salary £259.05 August plus £25.24 expenses. Underpayment from July wages, £70.40).

Current account - £1,660.15 and Capital Reserve account - £21,218.39.

Letter to be sent to bank authorising Mrs N Bransgrove-Knight to receive bank correspondence, statements and transfer of funds between the current and capital reserve accounts – signatories to sign.

10. Correspondence – a list of correspondence had been circulated to the Councillors before the meeting.

• B.B.C. Letter 8/8/07 – Statement of Licensing Policy – Cllr Davis to complete form.
• BRCC 18/8/07 Invitation to A.G.M. 12/9/07, Henlow. No action.
• Churches Together 18/8/07 Invitation to Flower festival 29th/30th Sept.
• Cllr. Benson to action.
• BRCC 22/8/07 Invitation to Youth Engagement evening – 14th Nov.
• Cardington V. Hall. Defer to October meeting.
• Standards Com. minutes (9/7/07). Circulate to councillors.
• B.C.C. Letter 29/8/07 Highways 5 year programme. In by 25th Sept.
• Cllr Coles to complete proposals.
• BATPC 30/8/07 Letter – new councillor Induction training session 31/10/07
• at Cardington. Defer to next meeting.
• Invitation to new Parish & Town council LAA Reference
• Group meeting19/10/07. Defer to next meeting.
• Copies of September Bugle given to councillors.
• B.B.C. 7/9/07 Fishes Farm Barn, Edens Lane – new listed building
• information. Circulate to all councillors.
• Road Victims Trust Letter 5/9/07 – request for donation – denied.

C. Cllr Mrs Gershon left the meting at 9.30 pm.

11. School Governor’s report. None – first meeting will be 11th September.
12. Playing Field report – A request to the Parish Council for payment of the hours of work which Mr Crammen does on the playing field. It was resolved that the Parish Council agree to this request because it is for the good of the village. Another request for white masonery paint was put in – Cllr Coles believes he may be able to help in this matter. Ask the Pre-school if they will put forward a representative to go on committee.
13. Village Hall report – none.
14. Village matters of general interest

• Billy is having problems with the strimmer. Cllr. Benson has asked the grass contractor (Warners) to cut the grass in the Baptist Chapel area.
• Recent vandalism on playing field seat – reported to the police
• Moor allotment – tree branch problem with overhead wires.
• Pothole outside no. 25 The Causeway – Highways to inspect.
• Grass cutting near to Moor allotment houses – remind contractor to do this area.
• ‘Cold callers’ – advise P.C.S.O. of this ongoing issue.

15. Date of next meeting – Monday 8th October 2007. Cllr D Jenkins to chair meeting (Cllr Benson away). Close of meeting – 10.05pm.