Clerk: Nicky Hill
Orchard Cottage
Hill Farm Lane
Tirley
GL194EZ
Tel: 01452 781028 Email: /
Minutes of the Meeting of 11TH November 2014
Councillors Present / In attendanceMike Fellows (MF) Chairman / 7 members of the public
Phil Cheeseman (PC) Vice Chairman / Grant Elliot (GE) Neighbourhood Watch representative
Tony Eardley (TE) / Clerk: Nicky Hill (NH)
Caroline Saunders (CS)
Adeline Raine (AR)
Minute No. / Item
354/1114 / The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. No apologies were received.
A Member of the public questioned as to who has ownership of the track round the village green. MF replied that it is unadopted and also advised that the question of track maintenance is on the agenda and that a letter has been drafted, which if approved, will be delivered to residents of the green in due course.
It was reported that the bench on the village green was broken. NH is in receipt of a quote for the repair and this item is on the agenda for discussion.
A member of the public raised concerns regarding the housing needs survey, in particular how it was being conducted and that it might result in a large development on the proposed exception site at Bloxhams Orchard of which affordable housing was just a small part. Other concerns were raised regarding the overload of drainage and sewer systems if more houses were built in the village. MF replied that the parish council cannot comment on the impact of any new development or on the proportion of affordable houses until a planning application is received. MF advised there will be a Severn Vale Housing drop in event at the Memorial Hall on the 18th November 4-7pm, where members of the public will be able to discuss the need for affordable housing in Ashleworth and voice any concerns about development of housing on the Bloxhams Orchard site.
A member of the public asked why a house in Bloxhams Orchard is not being let to a local person. TE said that APC are not informed of available properties or decisions as to who gets a property, although requests have been previously asked to do so. He explained that there is a procedure where by a person registers with the housing association and when a house becomes available, it is publicly advertised and any decisions are made on the applicant’s needs.
A member of the public asked if APC had been informed of the BT Broadband work in and around the village green. PC said that the parish council are not normally informed of any such works unless it involves listed buildings, however as the village green is in a conservation area, APC may be informed of any new applications. NH will check with TBC.
The Queens Arms planning application for a new dwelling was raised by a member of the public as to what affect it will have on the pub. MF stated that the planning application documents indicated that the owners intended to move into the new dwelling on completion and then convert the Queens Arms into a residential property.
355/1114 / Declaration of Interests: TE declared an interest on minute No 362/1114 as he lives on the village green.
356/1114 / To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting on 14th October 2014.
No amendments were necessary and the minutes were agreed and signed.
357/1114 / Matters arising /review of actions from the last meeting not on the agenda.
No matters arising.
358/1114 / Reports from invited speakers.
GE reported a fairly quiet couple of months, but highlighted concerns over bogus schemes circulating via phone, email, social media and cold calling.
Village Agent Anne Vaughan reported via email:
Transport to Gloucester has been a concern, the 351 Swanbrook Bus Service no longer stops at Tesco and a few of the residents have been affected by this. AV has spoken with the Integrated Transport Delivery Dept at Glos CC and has requested at least once a week the bus drops off at Tesco and then returns for a later pick up.
AV wished to highlight that there is a need for more volunteers to drive the Village Minibus
The Lunch Club continues to be a life line for elderly local residents and the hard work that is put in by Amanda, all the amazing volunteers and the superb mini bus drivers is very much appreciated by everyone.
359/1114 / Planning
a) No planning applications have been received.
b) No decisions required.
c) No decisions made since last meeting
d) 14/00410/FUL Proposed demolition of the 'Old Cottage' and storage building to the rear of the cottage – Awaiting decision
e) 14/00742/FUL Erection of two storey dwelling with attached double garage, associated parking and amenity space - Awaiting decision
360/1114 / Housing needs survey update.
The proposed content of the survey and printing costs submitted by GRCC were agreed. It was also agreed in principle that we would prefer to distribute the survey with the next WoSN rather than pay postage of £115. CS to confirm this is feasible. A 30% response is required to ensure that the survey is meaningful. MF reminded the members of the meeting of the Severn Vale Housing drop in event at the Memorial Hall on the 18th November 4-7pm.
361/1114 / AED Defibrillator.
MF and NH have sent an application to the British Heart Foundation, which if successful, will help towards the funding of a village AED. The outcome is expected by the next meeting but in the meantime NH will explore other routes for funding and will draft an article for the WoSN asking for volunteers to help with fund raising ideas.
A generous donation has been agreed by the Village Show Committee for £200.
362/1114 / Village green/track and concrete repair/replacement.
MF circulated a draft letter regarding the use of the track and repair of the concrete. It was approved and will to be sent to the residents of the village green. NH to seek an updated residents list.
363/1114 / Councillor attendance at/feedback from relevant events/meetings.
Nothing to report.
364/1114 / Highways:
a) Review encroachment of trees on Lawn Road
Highways have been out to inspect the trees and advised that it is the responsibility of the adjacent land owner and that in their opinion the trees do not give cause for concern as there is no obstruction.
b) Bricklow sign refurbishment- update
Richard Waters reported the sign to be in reasonably good condition; however he would have no objections to any volunteers wishing to bring it up to pristine condition. NH to draft a note for WoSN asking for volunteers. APC agreed to provide funding for materials.
c) Drain cover at Boat Inn car park
Highways have replaced the drain cover.
d) Flip flood sign on Ham Road
Chris Hawkins local Highways rep is arranging for the sign to be replaced. It was questioned as to whether the sign could be re located further back. NH will ask CH
365/1114 / Village green bench quote.
A quote of £499.60 has been received for the replacement of all the slats, labour and fixings. The quote was circulated and the councillors agreed to accept. NH to liaise with the contractor.
366/1114 / Finance:
a) To approve accounts for payment
1) Clerk Wages - Agreed
2) Ashleworth Memorial Hall - Agreed
3) ICO Data protection renewal - Agreed
4) P Finch Grasscutting Services - Agreed
b) To agree the bank reconciliation payments and receipts - Agreed
c) Expenditure to date against budget- Agreed
d) To agree budget priorities – Budget priorities will be discussed at next meeting. e) Draft Budget 2015/2016 – Circulated for review at next meeting.
367/1114 / To agree agenda items for next meeting
· Planning
· Housing needs survey
· AED Defibrillator
· Village Green/track and concrete repair
· Highways
· Finance
· Budget 2015/2016
· Precept 2015
368/1114 / To confirm date of next meeting as Tuesday 13th January 2015 – Confirmed
369/1114 / Dates for forthcoming meetings:
10th March 2015
7th April (Annual Parish Meeting)
12th May (AGM)
Agreed
The meeting closed at 8.52pm
55
Chair:
Clerk: