Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 4th November 2020, via ZOOM, commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor C Maidment
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor M Harris
Councillor A Pennington (arrived late – present for item 3 onwards)
Ward Councillor and Councillor P Trull (arrived late – present for item 7.2 onwards
Apologies:
Cllr A Pennington (late arrival and leaving for part of the meeting)
Clerk:
Mrs R Davis
Public time (20 minutes)
A representative from Wickwar out of School Club attended to present their plans with regard to a grant application towards renovating the outside space at the Wickwar Community Rooms (item 12 on the agenda). Councillors asked questions and the representative confirmed that permission to carry out the renovations was being sought from the management committee of the Community Rooms at its next meeting (the following week).
A member of the public raised concerns about an increase in the number of overweight lorries using the High Street. Councillor Carroll will post on the Wickwar Village Forum Facebook page asking members of the public to take details and report incidents to Councillor Trull by email.
A member of the public highlighted that the white lines on the Downs Road at the Charfield junction had not been repainted since resurfacing work had been undertaken there. Large potholes have also reappeared on the Downs Road at the entrance to the industrial estate and the playing fields. Clerk to report.
1.11.20 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to bring forward item 12 (To CONISDER and take a DECISION on an application from Wickwar out of School Club to fund outdoor equipment) so that the representative attending could listen to the discussion. See minute 12.11.20.
Councillor Pennington sent apologies for arriving late and needing to leave the meeting briefly to attend to family commitments.
2.11.20 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Councillor Carroll declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 7.5 (planning application P20/19204/F, 62 High Street) on the basis of predetermination, having submitted a comment on the application to South Gloucestershire Council prior to the meeting. In accordance with Wickwar Parish Council’s Code of Conduct Councillor Carroll left the meeting for the duration of the item and did not take part in the discussion or subsequent vote. See minute 7.5.11.20.
Councillor Pennington joined the meeting.
3.11.20 To AGREE whether the minutes of the last meeting should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to accept the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 7th October 2020. They were duly signed onscreen (to be signed in hard copy after the meeting).
4.11.20 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
No items required the public to be excluded.
5.11.20 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions
5.1.11.20 P20/14688/TCA 55 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NP DESCRIPTION: Works to 1 no. cherry tree to crown reduce by 3m and reduction in radial spread by 1.5m, situated in the Wickwar Conservation Area. No objection.
5.2.11.20 P20/12779/F 32 Station Road Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NB: Erection of two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation. Approve with conditions.
5.3.11.20 P20/14710/TCA 64 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NP: Works to 1no. Cherry tree to reduce the height by 2.5m and reduce the crown radial spread by 1m, situated in the Wickwar conservation area. No objection.
5.4.11.20 P20/14684/CLP 50 Inglestone Road Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NH: Erection of a single storey rear extension. Refusal.
5.5.11.20 P20/11744/F Half Acre Lodge Tanhouse Lane Yate South Gloucestershire BS37 7QL: Erection of 1no replacement detached dwelling, creation of access with associated works (Amendment to previously approved scheme P19/3609/F). Approve with conditions.
5.6.11.20 P20/11745/F Meadow Cottage Frith Lane Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8PB: Erection of first floor rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Approve with conditions.
5.7.11.20 P20/16674/F Hall End Barn North Of Hall End Lane Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8PD: Demolition of existing agricultural buildings and erection of 2no. agricultural buildings with associated hardstanding, parking and improvements to access. Refusal.
6.11.20 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following comments on planning applications submitted by the Clerk using delegated powers.
6.1.11.20 P20/16181/F Hall End Cottage, Hall End Lane, Wickwar, South Gloucestershire: Erection of garden gazebo. Neutral.
6.2.11.20 P20/18145/F 48 Inglestone Road Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NH: Erection of a single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Neutral.
6.3.11.20 P20/18062/CLE Land And Buildings At Shortwood Farm Wickwar Road Yate South Gloucestershire BS37 6PA: Continued use of land and buildings for equestrian purposes (Sui generis) and retention of outdoor riding area. Neutral.
7.11.20 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting.
7.1.11.20 P20/10660F Hill House Cottage, Frith Lane, Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8PB: Conversion of existing buildings to form 1 no. dwelling house, annexe ancillary to main dwelling house, internal swimming pool, detached garage and new access with associated works.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the application and make the following comment: Wickwar Parish Council supports this application on the grounds that it makes good use of redundant buildings which would otherwise be demolished, whilst maintaining the original structures as far as possible.
Councillor Trull joined the meeting.
7.2.11.20 P20/11380/LB Post Office 72 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL128NP: Installation of photovoltaic solar panels to southern roof elevation.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the application and make the following comment: Wickwar Parish Council supports this application on the grounds that it makes use of renewable energy technology.
7.3.11.20 P20/11379/F Post Office 72 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NP: Installation of photovoltaic solar panels to southern roof elevation.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to support the application and make the following comment: Wickwar Parish Council supports this application on the grounds that it makes use of renewable energy technology.
7.4.11.20 P20/19205/F 62 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NP: Infill of external side door way, installation of glazing and replacement of doors and windows to rear elevation.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to submit a neutral response.
7.5.11.20 P20/19204/F 62 High Street Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NP: Creation of vehicular access and installation of driveway to form 3 no. parking spaces in rear garden and 1.8m gates.
Having declared an interest and in accordance with Wickwar Parish Council’s Code of Conduct, Councillor Carroll left the meeting for the duration of the item and did not take part in the discussion or subsequent vote.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to object to the application and make the following comment. Wickwar Parish Council objects to this proposal based on the following reasoning: The Buthay lane is very narrow and is used by both vehicles and pedestrians entering and egressing as the single route for a number of houses in The Buthay. It can just about accommodate small vehicles without pedestrians using it at the same time as there is no pavement. Currently there is concern for the safety of pedestrians using the lane which is also used as a route by children, parents and dog walkers using the facilities at the King George V playing fields and those requiring access to homes in The Buthay.
Incorporation of vehicle Access to 62 High Street along the Buthay Lane would cause an additional hazard to both pedestrians and other car users that use the lane and could lead to accidents. The danger that currently exists along the Buthay Lane has also been identified under a planning proposal going forward P20/19205/F for 62 High Street which proposes to infill an external door which is adjacent to Buthay Lane. Within a “Statement of Significance “document supporting this application it states,
‘The existing kitchen door which gives access directly onto Buthay Lane will be blocked up. The location of the door directly alongside the narrow lane is very dangerous for people trying to exit the building’
If this is the case for people exiting onto the Buthay Lane the same rationale applies to how dangerous it would be to have a vehicular access on to Buthay Lane.
The building concerned and the wall are within the Wickwar Conservation Area and the proposal is for the removal of part of a boundary wall which is an integral part of Burgage plots. Within the Wickwar Conservation Area advice note 1 it states under the Enhancement Strategy ‘resist the removal of outbuildings, boundary walls and other historic elements and encourage their repair. New developments which would harm the Burgage plots will be resisted’
In conclusion from a safety aspect and historical perspective this application should be rejected.
7.6.11.20 P20/19799/PDR (see P20/14684/CLP for plans) 50 Inglestone Road Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NH: Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to submit a neutral response.
7.7.11.20 P20/19897/F Rose Cottage 1 Horwood Lane Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8NU: Erection of single storey rear extension to form garden store(retrospective)
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to submit a neutral response.
8.11.20 Items for CONSIDERATION and DECISION
8.1.11.20 To CONSIDER and take a DECISION on whether to engage CDS (formerly Cemetery Development Services) to undertake a free preliminary risk assessment to determine whether Park Field is a suitable site for a cemetery extension.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to engage CDS to undertake a preliminary risk assessment to determine whether Park Field is a suitable site for the cemetery extension.
8.2.11.20 To CONSIDER and give feedback on the three proposed options for future development of the Town Hall.
Councillors gave feedback which included a desire for a multi-functional space on the ground floor possibly to include market space. Councillor Fielding is negotiating with local companies to provide Lottery application standard plans and quotations – without incurring any costs – before making any firm proposal to the Council.
8.3.11.20 To CONSIDER and give feedback on a draft agreement for the seasonal hire of the King George V pitches and pavilion.
Due to the introduction of lockdown restrictions from 5th November 2020 Councillor Fielding has been unable to meet with the Chairman of Wickwar Wanderers Football Club to discuss the new agreement. He will rearrange when lockdown restrictions and lifted and will report back to the Council with any proposed amendments.
8.4.11.20 To CONSIDER and give feedback on the proposed charge for seasonal hire of the King George V pitches and pavilion.
The Council requested a cost comparison between what Wickwar Wanderers Football Club currently pay and the charge proposed. This will be brought to a future meeting for the Council to consider this item again.
8.5.11.20 To CONSIDER and give feedback on the draft Wickwar Parish Council Action Plan 2020 – 25 and AGREE the date for a working group meeting to finalise the plan.
The Council arranged a working group meeting via ZOOM to consider the draft Action Plan, on Tuesday 10th November at 7.30pm. A revised draft will be brought to the next meeting for approval.
8.6.11.20 To NOTE the total cost of the installation of speed bumps and signage along the King George V playing field access road (£661.85 plus £209.25 installation), and take a DECISION on how this will be funded (Community Infrastructure Levy or reserves).
Costs were noted. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to fund the cost of speed bumps on the King George V playing field access road – £871.10 – from reserves.
Councillor Pennington left the meeting for a short time immediately after this item.
8.7.11.20 To CONISDER and take a DECISION on the ownership and responsibility for future maintenance of the speed bumps on the King George V playing field access road.
The Clerk was awaiting further feedback from the Council’s insurers. A decision was deferred to the next meeting once the insurers have responded.
8.8.11.20 To CONSIDER and APPROVE the expression of interest form for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects led by community organisations, and the application timetable.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to approve expression of interest form for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects and the application timetable – expressions of interest to be invited immediately and due by 25th January 2021.
8.9.11.20 To CONSIDER and take a DECISION on providing additional dog bins to cover gaps – two proposed.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to consult with residents about whether they would like dog bins to be installed at the junction of Inglestone Road/ Cotswold View and at the junction of Amberley Way/ Sodbury Road. Feedback to be reported to a future meeting.
9.11.20 To NOTE the playground inspections for July, August, September and October 2020.
As these were circulated a short time before the meeting it was requested to note these items on the next agenda.
10.11.20 To NOTE the outcome of enquiries regarding ownership of Wickwar Cemetery and Park Field.
Councillor Trull found reference in the Parish Council minutes to the purchase of Park field (including the open cemetery) by the Parish Council from the Cheltenham Original Brewery, in the name of Arnold Perrett & Co Ltd. It was resolved to purchase the land at a Council meeting on 27th July 1926 (p94). The conveyance was executed at a meeting of the Council on 14th December 1926 (p111). The Clerk will submit an enquiry to the Land Registry to check if the land is registered and report back to the Council.
11.11.20 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received
Received.
The Council noted the response from South Gloucestershire Council to a Freedom of Information request submitted by a councillor regarding the timetable for implementing the Wickwar Traffic Calming Scheme. A future agenda item was suggested to agree writing a formal letter from the Parish Council in the new year expressing the Council’s desire for swift progress.
12.11.20 To CONSIDER and take a DECISION on an application from Wickwar Out of School Club to fund outdoor equipment – £500.
This item was considered immediately after public time before 1.11.20. Councillors Pennington and Trull were absent for this item and did not vote.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to award a grant of £500 to WOOSC towards the development of their outdoor space, subject to evidence being provided to the Council of an acceptable agreement between the Community Centre management committee, WOOSC and Alexander Hosea Primary School regarding permission for the work and responsibility for the future maintenance of the outside area.
13.11.20 To CONSIDER and take a DECISION on an application from Wickwar Village Hall Committee to fund a free-standing hand gel dispenser and cleaning equipment to facilitate use of the hall by a larger number of groups – £400.
Councillor Pennington rejoined the meeting immediately before this item and participated in the discussion and subsequent vote.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to award a grant of £200 to the Wickwar Village Hall Committee to purchase sanitising equipment.
14.11.20 To NOTE approval of an application for a memorial IRO Murden.
Noted.
15.11.20 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliation for September 2020. Chairman to sign as a true record.
Noted and signed onscreen by the Chairman.
16.11.20 To APPROVE accounts for payment and NOTE additional payments made in line with Financial Regulations. (These are listed in the attached payment schedule).
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to approve the accounts for payment.
17.11.20 To NOTE the budget monitoring report to 30th September 2020, prepared by the Clerk. Chairman to sign as a true record.
Noted and signed onscreen by the Chairman.
18.11.20 To REVIEW and APPROVE changes to the asset register for 2020/21.
Deferred to the next meeting.
19.11.20 To NOTE the removal of the wooden playground equipment and the addition of the Proludic climbing equipment to the Council’s insurance schedule, and the revised premium for 2020/21 (to be advised at the meeting).
Noted. The Clerk advised that the revised annual premium will be £1733.47, although no additional charge is due until renewal of the policy in March 2021.
20.11.20 Items for the next agenda.
To APPROVE the Wickwar Parish Council Action Plan 2020 – 25
To CONSIDER and give feedback on the proposed charge for seasonal hire of the King George V pitches and pavilion.
To CONISDER and take a DECISION on the ownership and responsibility for future maintenance of the speed bumps on the King George V playing field access road.
To NOTE the playground inspections for July, August, September and October 2020
To NOTE the outcome of further enquiries regarding ownership of Wickwar Cemetery and Park Field
To CONSIDER and AGREE to write formally to South Gloucestershire Council regarding progress with the Wickwar Traffic Calming Scheme.
REVIEW and APPROVE changes to the asset register
The meeting was closed at 9.16pm.