LINTON PARISH COUNCIL
Bromsash Gorsley and Linton
Minutes Of The Meeting Held On October 13th
2003
Present:
Cllr Richard Smith , Chairman
Cllr Jean Foley, Vice Chairman
Cllr
Cllr Audrey Duke
Cllr John Foley
Cllr Keith Summers
Cllr John Wheble
Brian Atherton (Clerk)
8 Parishioners and the Lengthsman attended.
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Minute Item |
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Action |
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1 |
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Apologies |
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1.1 |
Cllrs Margaret Pearce, Rob Crawford and Gary
Woodman. |
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2 |
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Declarations of Interest |
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2.1 |
None. |
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3 |
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Minutes of the Meeting Held on 8th September 2003 |
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3.1 |
Item 12.3.2
Changed to read: The footway along the back of the village hall car park,
towards the Church at Linton is under question. The PCC is looking into it. |
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3.2 |
With this exception, the
minutes were agreed and duly signed by the Chairman. |
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4 |
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Matters
Arising Not Covered in the Agenda
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4.1 |
The Chairman
reported that he has finally had a response from Mr Colyer of CHDC giving the
analysis of traffic speeds past Gorsley Goffs school. Other information is
still awaited. |
Cllr Richard Smith |
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4.2 |
Item 19.1: Maps in the Village Halls was inadvertently omitted from this
agenda. It will now appear on the next agenda. |
The Clerk |
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4.3 |
Consultation Over Road Closures. The Clerk read out a full and helpful
reply from Stephen Oates, CHDC’s Head of Engineering Services, explaining the
problems and proposing use of the CHDC’s Web Site to resolve them. The Clerk,
in turn, had proposed an Interactive use of the CHDC Site and this had been
agreed. The Clerk was asked to write, thanking Mr Oates for his understanding
and looking forward to implementation of the proposed procedures. |
The Clerk |
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4.4 |
Dog Fouling
Notices. After a long delay it has emerged that the CHDC department had lost
the promised action. It will now be resurrected. |
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4.5 |
Blocked drain in Bromsash. An email from
CHDC’s Jim Smith promises that action will be taken. |
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5 |
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Talbot’s
Well and Quarry Lane Proposals
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5.1 |
Quotes have been received from
the Lengthsman to clear the undergrowth and overgrowth, lay a footpath of
stepping stone, set out boundary stones and renovate steps at Talbot’s Well
for £480 and to clear the Ash Trees and overgrowth on common land in Quarry
Lane, to expose the central Oak Tree, for £540. Proposed by Cllr Ken Downham,
seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED to accept
these quotations, the former to be paid from the Parish Project Budget and
the latter from the Gorsley & Kilcot Millennium Grant of £750. |
The Clerk |
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6 |
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Roadmaker Inn |
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6.1 |
The Clerk had written as requested,
asking for details of the environmental findings. The reply from CHDC (D1067)
cited the Data Protection Act as a reason for not divulging the information. |
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6.2 |
Council decided that it has no grounds for further action. |
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7 |
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Lengthsman Project |
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7.1 |
The Clerk said that it had been a quiet month and that the
Lengthsman was now primed to be ready for when “the rains come”. He asked if
any Councillor or Parishioner had any comments or requests. There were none
(see Item 15.3 below). |
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8 |
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Parish Footpath Partnership |
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8.1 |
The CHDC representatives, Lisa Lloyd
& Paul Seville, will attend and make a presentation to the next meeting
on November 10th. |
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9 |
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Risk Assessment
Return
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9.1 |
The Clerk reported that
both Wyenet and CHDC’s Web Master were of the opinion that Council has “No
Risk” in running its web site. |
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9.2 |
Cllr Ken Downham said that
the Tree Warden was of the opinion that twice yearly inspections would be
adequate. |
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9.3 |
On the above basis, the Clerk tabled a Risk Assessment Return.
Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Keith Summers and approved
unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that this be adopted and it was duly signed. A copy is attached to these minutes. |
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10 |
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Proposed Purchase of New edition of Charles Arnold Baker
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10.1 |
This reference book is “the bible” for Clerk and Councillors. It was
last issued 5 years ago and a new edition is now available at £37.60. The
Clerk recommended that a copy be purchased and added that Lea Parish Council has
agreed to pay 50% of the purchase price. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith,
seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED on that
basis to pay the 50%. |
The Clerk |
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11 |
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Accounts, Treasurer’s Report and Authorisation of Payment of Accounts |
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11.1 |
A new bank
mandate has to be signed, to implement the changes in handling of the current
and balance accounts, so that Lloyds will automatically transfer funds
between the current and the interest earning deposit account, to maximise
earnings. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Ken Downham and
approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that Cllr Keith Summers be added to the
existing signatories. |
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11.2 |
The External
Auditor has queried the outstanding balance of the public loan account. Confusion
had arisen as the Clerk had moved residence but the PWLB had been slow in
registering his new address. The Clerk tabled evidence from the PWLB of the
actual balance and proposed by Cllr John Foley, seconded by Cllr Audrey Duke
and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that the audit return be amended as
per that evidence. The amendment was made and duly signed by the Chairman. |
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11.3 |
Accounts to
date for 2003/2004 were tabled and noted. The Clerk will chase up the one
outstanding debtor, an allotment rent of £20. |
The Clerk |
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11.4 |
Proposed by Cllr John
Foley, seconded by Cllr John Wheble and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED
to pay the following invoices and the cheques were duly signed. |
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AP135 |
HALC Invoice for Toolkit Training Courses |
60.00 |
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AP136 |
HALC Membership |
135.45 |
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AP137 |
Lengthsman for September |
284.00 |
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AP138 |
Clerk's Salary for September 2003 |
180.00 |
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AP139 |
Clerk's Expenses for September 2003 |
8.02 |
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AP140 |
Lengthsman Administrator's Fee for September 2003 |
28.40 |
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AP141 |
Web Master's Time in September 2003 |
21.63 |
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12 |
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Working Party Reports |
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12.1 |
Planning |
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12.1.1 |
P81.
SE2003/1150/F. Amended proposal to retain & modify western section of
dwelling (part retrospective). Woodpeckers Barn, Great Woodend Farm, Linton,
HR9 7SR. Council supported on 12/05/03 if CHDC officers are content that
plans will be complied with and there will be no further retrospective
applications. Permission refused on 09/06/03. Appeal lodged on 26/09/03. |
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12.1.2 |
P82.
SE2003/1165/F. Single storey extension. West Ridge, Gorsley, HR9 7SF. Council
supported on 12/05/03. Permission granted on 27/05/03. |
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12.1.3 |
P90.
DCSE2003/2443/F. Conversion of barns to form swimming pool and granny annexe
and proposed conservatory to main dwelling. Cothers Farm, Gorsley, HR9 7SE.
Cllr Jean Foley was authorised to arrange a site visit and to comment to CHDC
via the Clerk in the light of that. Commented on 23/09/03 as follows: THE BARN
CONVERSION 1. We are concerned that this is a
metal-framed barn with no architectural value; there are some walls extant,
most of which are preformed building blocks and just a small amount of
natural stone. It has in the past been used for housing cattle. 2. This cannot
be called a barn conversion; to be fit for the proposed ‘Granny Annexe’ and
‘Swimming Pool’ a complete re-build would be necessary. 3. Having
regard to the Development Plan policies it is considered that this
application does not fulfil any of the criteria required to comply with C36 “Re-use
and Adaptation of Rural Buildings” nor C37 “Conversion of Rural Buildings to Residential
Use”. 4. May we suggest that a site visit by CHDC and
discussions are essential? The Council
for the above reasons cannot support this part of the application. THE
CONSERVATORY. 1. The Council support that part of the
application which refers to the building of a conservatory to the main
dwelling. |
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12.1.4 |
P91.
DCSE2003/2493/O. Site for the erection of a bungalow. Igls, Quarry Lane,
Gorsley, HR9 7SJ. Council felt that the development was inappropriate.
However, Cllr Jean Foley was authorised to check the history and arrange a
site visit. Cllr Jean Foley’s working party was authorised to make a decision
bearing in mind the general opposition from public present at the meeting of
September 8th. On 23/09/03 Cllr Jean Foley’s working party made the following
comments:- 1. As stated by the Agent, ‘The site is simply
a typical residential front garden’.
Another bungalow planted in this garden would be inappropriate both
for the size and location of the plot. 2. It would in
the opinion of the Council be visually intrusive to the adjacent bungalows,
including Igls, the applicant’s residence. 3. The computer-generated image suggests to us
that the new dwelling has been built in a very deep hole! The image is extremely misleading,
reference to the ‘typical section’ sketch shows that the roof line of the new
bungalow is at the same level as the fascia of the existing bungalow, i.e.
much higher than depicted in the computer image. 4. Drainage has been a particular and severe
problem on and near this site, both sewage and surface water. 5. Permission
to build on this site would set a precedent for other residents to follow
suit, which in turn could lead to unacceptable ‘cramming’ and ‘loss of
amenities’. 6. Land has
been identified for building within the settlement boundary, if at some later
date it is considered further dwellings are required. Therefore it is unnecessary and wrong to
allow building on comparatively small garden plots 7. This site
does not fulfil the description for an ‘infill opportunity’ nor does it meet
the descriptive criteria of a ‘windfall site’. 8. The Agent makes particular mention of
Planning Policy SH8 of the Development Plan, but omits Para 3.49 page 68,
which states, ‘It should not be interpreted that the drawing of a boundary,
around, for instance, a large garden indicates that housing development is
acceptable within that garden.’ For the
above reasons and considering this application on its planning merits as
judged in accordance with the Development Plan now in force, Linton Parish
Council are unable to support this application. |
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12.1.5 |
P93.
DCSE2003/2538/F. Amended proposal to modify western section of dwelling, providing
entrance way and garage/store (part retrospective). Great Woodend Barns,
Great Woodend Farm, Linton, HR9 7SR. Council, on 13/10/03 commented: This is
the second modifying application for this particular barn that is part
retrospective. It understands that the western section has been converted
into a two storey building and that three walls of the original building were
demolished and rebuilt. Therefore the applicant has neither complied with the
original planning permission nor with the criteria of the Development Plan
Policy C36. Council realises that the footprint of the development will not
exceed that of the original, and that the Planning Authority may consider
granting retrospective permission. This would of course make it very
difficult to resist further applications of a similar nature on this or other
developments. In future perhaps it would be possible to provide applicants
with a copy of the relevant policies during preliminary discussions and
hopefully avoid these situations. |
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12.1.6 |
P94.
DCSE2003/2564/F. First floor extension to provide level access bathing
facility for disabled person. White House Farm, Gorsley, HR9 7SF. Council
supported on 13/10/03. |
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12.1.7 |
P95.
DCSE2003/2714/F. Use of part of agricultural store for storage of timber.
Great Woodend Farm, Linton, HR9 7SR. Council supported on 13/10/03. |
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12.1.8 |
P96.
Replace Existing Vodafone Mast with a same height joint mast for Vodafone and
T-Mobile. Woodside Cottage, Gorsley, HR9 7SL. There being no grounds for
objection, Council asked the Clerk to write with thanks for being consulted
and for the adoption of Mast Sharing. (Clerk’s Note: This was not a planning
application, merely an advisory note). |
The Clerk |
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12.2 |
Highways |
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12.2.1 |
The Clerk
said that he had talked with Highways about the drainage at Revells and the
work as previously agreed had been done. It was decided to wait for rain
before considering further work. |
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12.2.2 |
All
potholes in the parish have now been filled by CHDC. |
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12.2.3 |
Mud on the road at Burton Mill. It is the responsibility of the farmer
to prevent “run-off” from his fields. CHDC have written appropriately and
Council has a copy (D1043). The Clerk said that, if nothing further was
heard, he will press CHDC for effective action. |
The Clerk |
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13 |
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Chairman’s Announcements
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13.1 |
A meeting to discuss the
bringing of Broadband to Linton has been organised by the Clerk. Present will
the BT’s Area Manager, a rural broadband consultant, a representative from
CHDC’s HIT (Herefordshire in Touch) Team and three Parishioners who have
agreed to form a Working Party, including a Councillor and another BT
employee. The Clerk will keep all interested parties informed of the outcome. |
The Clerk |
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14 |
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Correspondence |
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14.1 |
The following documents have been received since the last meeting: |
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D1040 |
12-Sep-03 |
Announcement of
AGM |
Community First |
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D1041 |
12-Sep-03 |
Clerks &
Councils Direct - General Newsletter |
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D1042 |
15-Sep-03 |
RAG Minutes |
Brian Colyer |
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D1043 |
17-Sep-03 |
Copy of letter
to Edward Vines re soil wash-off. |
CHDC |
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D1044 |
18-Sep-03 |
Newsletter of
the Hereford & Worcester Team |
English Nature |
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D1045 |
19-Sep-03 |
Parish Plan
Guidance Updates |
Herefordshire
Partnership |
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D1046 |
20-Sep-03 |
Training for
Councillors Booking Form |
HALC |
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D1047 |
20-Sep-03 |
AQA Certificate
for Clerks |
HALC |
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D1048 |
20-Sep-03 |
Insurance of
Special Events |
HALC |
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D1049 |
20-Sep-03 |
DEFRA Consultation
on agricultural management of common land |
HALC |
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D1050 |
20-Sep-03 |
Indemnities for
Parish Councillors |
HALC |
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D1051 |
20-Sep-03 |
West Midlands
Regional Assembly Speaking Update |
HALC |
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D1052 |
20-Sep-03 |
School Governors
- New Regulations |
HALC |
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D1053 |
20-Sep-03 |
New Bank Mandate
for signature |
Lloyds TSB |
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D1054 |
22-Sep-03 |
Parish Paths
Partnership Scheme |
CHDC |
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D1055 |
23-Sep-03 |
Precept Request
for 2004/2005 |
CHDC |
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D1056 |
30-Sep-03 |
External Audit
Question re Loan Balance |
Winross Hacker
Young |
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D1057 |
03-Oct-03 |
Forward Plan
October to January |
CHDC |
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D1058 |
03-Oct-03 |
Schedule of
Meetings |
CHDC |
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D1059 |
03-Oct-03 |
Parish Plans
Update |
CHDC |
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D1060 |
03-Oct-03 |
Letter re 9th
Edition of the Herefordshire Funding Directory |
CHDC |
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D1061 |
03-Oct-03 |
Broadband Press
Release |
CHDC |
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D1062 |
03-Oct-03 |
Herefordshire Business
Roadshows |
CHDC |
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D1063 |
03-Oct-03 |
Street Works
Schedule |
CHDC |
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D1064 |
03-Oct-03 |
Bromyard Area
Regeneration Partnership Update |
CHDC |
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D1065 |
03-Oct-03 |
Greenlinks
Directory |
CHDC |
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D1066 |
03-Oct-03 |
Letters re
Overgrowing Trees in Linton Quarry |
Derek & Jane
Hewett |
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D1067 |
04-Oct-03 |
Reply from Miss
Wilson re Road Maker Inspections |
CHDC |
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D1068 |
07-Oct-03 |
Newsline
Newsletter |
Community First |
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D1069 |
07-Oct-03 |
Newsletter |
Regional Action
West Midlands |
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D1070 |
08-Oct-03 |
Parish Plans
Surgery Event on 12th November |
CHDC |
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D1071 |
08-Oct-03 |
Second incorrect
invoice from HALC |
HALC |
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D1072 |
09-Oct-03 |
Parish Council
Minutes |
Gorsley &
Kilcot |
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D1073 |
10-Oct-03 |
Draft Integrated
Risk Management Plan - First Year Action Plan |
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D1074 |
10-Oct-03 |
Training for
Quality Parish Status on October 29th. |
HALC |
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D1075 |
10-Oct-03 |
Disability
Discrimination Act implications available |
HALC |
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D1076 |
10-Oct-03 |
Executive
summary of the shape of elections to come is available |
HALC |
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D1077 |
10-Oct-03 |
Next SAM meeting
is on October 27th at Brockington |
HALC |
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D1078 |
10-Oct-03 |
HALC AGM Agenda
Pack |
HALC |
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D1079 |
10-Oct-03 |
Minutes of HALC
Executive Committee on 7th August |
HALC |
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D1080 |
10-Oct-03 |
Do you want to
be a magistrate? |
HALC |
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D1081 |
10-Oct-03 |
Newsletter |
West Midlands
Regional Assembly |
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D1082 |
12-Oct-03 |
Footpath Issues |
Andrew Chalmers |
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14.2 |
Additionally,
the Chairman read out a letter from Dorothy Coleman, CHDC’s Parish Liaison
Officer, announcing that she is moving to a new post. The Clerk was asked to
write on Council’s behalf, with grateful thanks for all her past services. |
The
Clerk |
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14.3 |
The
Chairman read out D1050 and D1066. |
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14.4 |
For
D1066, Cllr Ken Downham will work with the Parish Tree Warden to survey and
report back to Council on proposed remedial action. |
Cllr
Ken Downham |
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14.5 |
Councillors requested copies of the
following documents: Cllr Richard Smith: D1041, 1043, 1045, 1050, 1051, 1054, 1056,
1059, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1070, 1073, 1074, 1077, 1081, 1082. Cllr Audrey Duke: D1042, 1045, 1059, 1066, 1072, 1074, 1082. Cllr Keith Summers: D1061, 1063, 1076, 1082. Cllr John Wheble: D1049, 1061, 1067. |
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15 |
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Councillor’s Submissions, including Village Events |
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15.1 |
Cllr John Wheble The
Councillor has been approached as to suspect change of use of Jasmine
Cottage. Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Audrey Duke and
approved unanimously (Cllr John Wheble abstaining), IT WAS AGREED that the
Clerk will write to CHDC asking them to investigate. |
The Clerk |
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15.2 |
Cllr John Foley The “Red
Bands” on the B4224 through Bromsash have not been re-instated after the
resurfacing. The Clerk will write to CHDC. The Councillor
has been invited to join the Gorsley & Kilcot Footpath Celebration of the
opening of two new kissing gates. The
Agenda for April 2004 should include an item for inviting Gorsley & Kilcot
to come and walk our footpaths, when the Brownies resume their walks. |
The Clerk The Clerk |
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15.3 |
Cllr Ken Downham The trees
alongside the road from the Alma to Shuttons Cross are a danger. The Clerk
will arrange for the Lengthsman to walk the route with the Councillor. |
The Clerk |
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16 |
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Quality Council & Parish Plan, including: Questionnaire
Compilation (Keypoint); Means of Delivery and Return of
Questionnaires; proposed Covering Letter and optional loose Contact Sheet
(see attached). |
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16.1 |
The Clerk reported on slow progress with preparing
the Questionnaire in Keypoint. Cllr Keith Summers suggested that the printed
document could be produced in Microsoft Word, thus simplifying the work in
Keypoint. The Clerk replied that he had considered that but issues concerned
with making the data entry negate any possible advantage. It was accepted
that it is unlikely that the Questionnaire will be ready for distribution
before Christmas. |
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16.2 |
Council
decided that Questionnaire delivery should be by hand, with specific
locations and people nominated for the returns. |
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16.3 |
There is no
need for action at the moment on the covering letters and “optional contact
sheet”. The Clerk will reintroduce
these at the appropriate time. |
The Clerk |
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17 |
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Appointment
of a Governor to Gorsley Goffs School. |
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17.1 |
Cllr John Wheble reported that Cllr Jean Foley has been accepted as a
governor and that she should receive notification from the school to that
effect. |
Cllr Jean Foley |
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18 |
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Public Submissions |
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18.1 |
Parishioner Sheila Jakeway suggested that Council should seek competitive
bids for the work in Quarry Lane (see Item 5.1 above). The Chairman explained
that the decision to accept the Lengthsman’s bid had already been made as
above and that, under Standing Orders, could not now be discussed again. That
decision had been made on the basis that alternative quotes had been sought
during the process of appointing the Lengthsman and that his
prices/qualifications had been properly vetted and agreed at that time.
However, the Council will now establish a register of possible contractors so
that several quotations can be swiftly and easily requested for such work in
the future. |
The Clerk |
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18.2 |
Parishioner Gwynne Rowley said that, if the Chairman was not
prepared to allow parishioners to speak at times during the meeting, then he
would lose interest in attending meetings. |
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19 |
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Items for Consideration at the Next Meeting |
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19.1 |
Maps in the village halls Planning Procedure Council’s Budget for 2004/2005 (Draft proposals to
go out with the Agenda) Parish Footpaths Partnership (Copy of the pack from
CHDC to go out with the Agenda) |
The Clerk |
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20 |
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Date of the Next Meeting: Monday 10th November, Linton
Village Hall |
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The Meeting Finished At 10:22
p.m. |