LINTON PARISH COUNCIL

Bromsash Gorsley and Linton

Minutes Of The Meeting Held On April 13^th 2004

In Gorsley Village Hall At 7:30 p.m.

Present:

Cllr Richard Smith , Chairman

Cllr Jean Foley, Vice Chairman

Cllr Rob Crawford

Cllr Ken Downham

Cllr Audrey Duke

Cllr John Foley

Cllr Margaret Pearce

Cllr Keith Summers

Cllr John Wheble

Brian Atherton (Clerk)

9 Parishioners attended.

Minute Item			Action
1		Apologies
	1.1	Cllr Gary Woodman. Council noted that the Councillor is anxious to resume his duties but still has a work back-log to clear arising from the difficult birth of his daughter.

2		Declarations of Interest
	2.1	None.

3		Minutes of the Meeting Held on 8^th March 2004
	3.1	Proposed by Cllr Margaret Pearce, seconded by Cllr Jean Foley and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that the minutes be adopted with two changes: 1) Add apologies for absence from Cllr Gary Woodman 2) Item 8. Change Roadside Inn to Roadmaker Inn.

4		Matters arising therefrom not covered in the Agenda
	4.1	Jessamine Cottage: CHDC have not received an application for change of use and say that, therefore, they will commence enforcement proceedings.
	4.2	Gate opposite Revells Barn: CHDC say that they are expecting to receive a retrospective application, simply for the gate and wall.
	4.3	Parking Outside the Coach House in Linton: Cllr Rob Crawford reported that there have been discussions with the owner, who has promised to park closer to the wall.
	4.4	Drainage At the School: Cllr Jean Foley said that there has not yet been a suitable meeting to discuss this issue.
	4.5	Item 15.3: Further Letter to Graham Dunhill re the Barrier at the School: The Clerk apologised for only just having sent this letter. Cllr John Wheble said that there had been two serious accidents at this point but he had still not been able to obtain a date for the fatality mentioned in the letter.
	4.6	Item 16.2 Speed Survey in Linton: The Clerk reported CHDC’s Justine Heath’s email, promising that a survey will be done and her explanation that 20 mph limits are only considered in the vicinity of schools. That information will be taken into account once the results of the Parish Plan Questionnaire are known. Cllrs Richard Smith and Jean Foley asked for a copy of the email.	The Clerk
	4.7	Item 19.2: The Clerk will write to the Headmaster of Gorsley Goffs School, confirming Council’s offer of special pupil prizes and asking how he would like us to proceed.	The Clerk

5		Dog Fouling Notices
	5.1	The public notice has appeared in the Hereford Times and the period for objections is about to expire.
	5.2	CHDC have a balance in their account and so will be supplying Council with the enforcement notices, at no charge. The Lengthsman will be able to erect the notices.
	5.3	The notice delivery date depends upon Herefordshire Jarvis Services who have delivered one batch to the wrong size.

6		The Herefordshire UDP and Planning Questions (CHDC Planning Officers Chris Botwright and Mike Wilmont in attendance)
	6.1	The Chairman introduced the officers and thanked them for attending. Chris Botwright spoke first, on the Unitary Development Plan (UDP).
	6.1.1	The UDP is 12 to 18 months away from adoption and, in the meantime, the existing South Herefordshire (SH) Plans and Guidelines remain in force.
	6.1.2	Most of the modifications proposed to the first draft relate to Hereford City. Gorsley has been identified as a main village but this simply brings the UDP into line with the SH Development Plan. The modified UDP will be published on 13th May and will then be open for comments, on the modifications only, for 6 weeks.
	6.1.3	After taking into account those comments, the UDP goes to an independent inspector in February 2005 for hearings relating to objections, most of which are around Hereford City. Adoption of the UDP should then follow after a further 6 months or so.
	6.1.4	The UDP allows for Supplementary Planning Guidance, to take into account Parish Plans.
	6.1.5	Affordable Homes are defined as homes built for a sale price of no more than 3 times the Herefordshire average income, + 10% for a deposit. Purchasers are prioritized in the order of Local Parish; Ward; Herefordshire County and there is a formula to control onward sales. There are 2600 Affordable Homes in the UDP and the CHDC Planning Guidelines are that new developments should contain 35% of Affordable Homes, as has been recently authorized in Weston.
	6.1.6	Housing Associations can build “self-contained” developments of Affordable Homes. The only effect of the UDP is to re-enforce the requirement to establish A NEED before such development can be submitted for Planning Approval.
	6.1.7	Agricultural sites do not qualify as “Brownfield” sites.
	6.2	Mike Wilmont took questions from Councillors and Parishioners.
	6.2.1	Cllr Jean Foley: When there is an appeal, does the inspector always visit the site? Answer: Yes.
	6.2.2	Cllr Jean Foley: How is Delegated Authority decided? Answer: Each application is checked for validity and all appropriate authorities are consulted before it is passed to one of three planning officers, who report to me (Mike Wilmont). I have the power to decide whether to pass it to committee or to use delegated powers. My criteria are that if the application is in accord with policy and there are no objections, it is delegated. Of the 30 most recent applications in Linton, 26 were delegated and 4 went to committee. The application always goes to committee if the officers approved but somebody, e.g. the Parish Council, objects. If there is an objection and the officers also object, then delegated powers are used. If the PC supports but the officers object, delegated powers can still be used. Prior to all of the above, consultation is encouraged
	6.2.3	Cllr Ken Downham: Planning Notifications are put up by whom? Answer: The officers. Sometimes there is no suitable place to position the notice, hence they may not be posted sufficiently obviously. Parish Councils are not allowed to put them up. It has been suggested that the applicant put them up but Central Government refused that.
	6.2.4	Cllr Ken Downham: Retrospective applications are disliked. What can be done? Answer: Retrospective applications and, hence, enforcement procedures are here to stay because it is not a criminal offence to proceed with a development without permission.
	6.2.5	Cllr John Foley: The consultation period of 21 days is inadequate because it takes no account of PC meeting dates. Answer: Central Government sets the guidelines for consultation. The proper route for representations is through the National Association for Local Councils (NALC).
	6.2.6	Cllr Richard Smith: A constant source of irritation is the lack of detail on the drawings. Answer: Officers are frustrated as well. If things are not clear, ask: the consultation period can always be extended for valid reasons. Chris Botwright added that, when the UDP is adopted, applicants will have to submit a design statement. Cllr Jean Foley asked for a copy of the guidelines for that and Mr Botwright agreed to send one.	The Clerk/Chris Botwright
	6.2.7	Cllr Jean Foley: There seems to be inconsistency in the approvals for barn conversions. Answer: Basically there are two sorts; “Big Steel Framed Buildings” where we seek to use those for commercial applications and “Traditional Buildings” where we look first to commercial use but if it has been proved to us that there is no prospect of commercial use, then domestic use is considered.
	6.2.8	Cllr Jean Foley: We return the plans with our comments. When there is an amended application, we need to see the plans again. Answer: Point taken.
	6.2.9	Cllr Jean Foley: Are the approval conditions always checked for compliance? Answer: There is a degree of trust. We do check but not 100%. So please tell us if non-compliance is suspected. The building inspector has a copy of the conditions and he is expected to inform CHDC of any non-compliance.	All Councillors
	6.2.10	Parishioner Gwynne Rowley: To judge from the lack of press reports, there are very few instances of serious problems. Answer: Of those cases that go to appeal, CHDC’s position is supported in 90%.
	6.3	The Chairman warmly thanked both officers for their time and clarity of replies. The Clerk will write appropriately.	The Clerk

7		Lengthsman Project
	7.1	It has been confirmed that the Lengthsman Grant will be maintained at its 2003/2004 level for the two years of 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. It is still unclear how the under spend in 2003/2004 will be treated by CHDC.	The Clerk
	7.2	The Lengthsman has signed a contract for 2004/2005 at the same payment as 2003/2004. The only changes in the contract are: Removal of the requirement to clear grass cuttings from Gorsley Common. Addition of a complete survey of all roads in the parish every two weeks.
	7.3	Cllr John Wheble objected to the Lengthsman’s Timesheets showing time for attendance at a Council meeting and said that Council should not be paying him for coming to meetings. The Clerk explained that the timesheets are a record of time spent and on what; not a record of work paid for. The Lengthsman is paid a regular monthly amount for both contracted and “on demand” work; the actual time involved is not defined. During this discussion, Cllr John Wheble tabled a letter to the Clerk about ditch clearance problems in Burrups Lane. The Clerk, as Lengthsman Administrator, had believed the problem to have been resolved. He will investigate further.	The Clerk
	7.4	Parishioner Gwynne Rowley said that he was pleased to hear that the new Lengthsman Contract addressed his long-standing objection to the clearance of grass cuttings on Gorsley Common.

8		Allotments Water Supply
	8.1	The Clerk is waiting for quotations from Welsh Water and a plumber but believes that Welsh Water may charge no more than £75 to provide a metered connection. Parishioner Phil Page asked that the supply should include a hose connection. The Clerk explained that his information was that the cost would be “high”. Council decided that the quotations should include a lockable and individually chargeable hose connection.	The Clerk

9		Accounts, Treasurer’s Report and Authorisation of Payment of Accounts
	9.1	The internal audit for the year 2003/2004 is unqualified in its report to the external auditor. The report to Council makes several points which were read out by the Clerk and noted by Council. The Chairman thanked the Internal Auditor on behalf of the Council.
	9.2	Accounts for the year 2003/2004 were tabled and noted. Council will debate adoption at the May regular meeting.
	9.3	Proposed by Cllr Richard Smith, seconded by Cllr Ken Downham and approved unanimously, IT WAS AGREED that the following invoices be paid and the cheques were duly signed:

AP183	Parish Plan Questionnaire Envelopes	61.10
AP184	Parish Plan Questionnaire Printing	875.38
AP185	Lengthsman for March 2004	284.00
AP186	Scalpings for Allotments Gate	20.00
AP187	Clerk's Salary for March 2004	187.20
AP188	Clerk's Expenses for March 2004	53.60
AP189	Lengthsman Administrator's Fee for March 2004	28.40
AP190	Web Master's Time in March 2004	28.78
AP191	Parish Plan Questionnaire Time in March 2004	54.34

10		Working Party Reports
	10.1	Planning
	10.1.1	P102. DCSE2004/0030/F. Erection of garage. Penyard View, Linton Hill, Ross, HR9 7RS. Permission granted on 02/03/04.
	10.1.2	P103. DCSE2004/0132/F. Retention of conservation pond. Land at Darnells Farm, Linton, HR9 7SQ. Application withdrawn on 16/03/04.
	10.1.3	P109. DCSE2004/0640/F. Enclose balcony on ground floor and incorporate into bedroom 2 (retrospective application). Flat 2, Ivy House Estate, Gorsley, HR9 7SN. Council supports and comments: We regret that this is yet another retrospective application. However, we support the application provided the work has been inspected by Herefordshire Council to ensure the safety of the building and compliance with relevant building regulations.
	10.1.4	P110. DCSE2004/0700/F. Renewal of pp SS98/0916/PF use of land for gypsy pitch. Jays Green Meadow, Linton Road, Gorsley. Council supports and comments: This site is a credit to Mr Harris and his family. We have no hesitation in fully supporting this renewal with the same conditions as applied to the original application in April 1999.
	10.1.5	P111. DCSE2004/0846/F. Proposed rear extension. Alderwood, Gorsley, HR9 7SH. Council supports.
	10.1.6	P112. DCSE2004/0929/F. Variation to previous planning permission SE2001/0448/F approved on 23/04/01, to increase height of rear extension. Lambs Cross, Gorsley, HR9 7SG. Council Supports.
	10.1.7	P113. DCSE2004/1043/F. Proposed conservatory at rear. Ashcroft, Gorsley, HR9 7SJ. Council Supports.

11		Footpaths & Walks including invitation to Gorsley & Kilcot Parish Council
	11.1	Cllr John Foley reported that on the 16th March there was a Southern Area Footpaths meeting and officers from all adjacent areas were there. The Ramblers Association is reporting direct to CHDC without consulting other organisations.
	11.2	On the 19th March, the route from Kilcot to Upton Bishop was surveyed and a similar route was walked on the 29^th. In both cases, reports on the conditions, including styles, were generally favourable. 60% of footpaths have been covered in the first quarter of this year.
	11.3	It was decided to invite Gorsley & Kilcot PC on one of our walks as we have been on several of theirs. Cllr Audrey Duke will ask the WI to provide refreshments in Gorsley Village Hall.	Cllrs John Foley/Audrey Duke

12		Chairman’s Announcements
	12.1	Together with Cllr Jean Foley, he had attended the first of the restarted Local Area Forums. CHDC considers that LAFs are very important and this one was better organised than in the past. There were updates on the Ross Area Partnership and the UDP. The next meeting is on 16th June; John Kyrle High School at 7:30.
	12.2	Also represented the Council at the B4221 meeting. The minutes are in Correspondence (D1232).

13		Correspondence
	13.1	The following correspondence was tabled:

D1211	09/03/2004	B4221/4215 Strategic Issues January 2004 - Executive Summary
D1212	11/03/2004	Developing Co-operative Communities in Rural Areas - March 26th Conference
D1213	11/03/2004	Letter of introduction from the new Market Towns Officer
D1214	11/03/2004	2004 Football Talent Competition
D1215	17/03/2004	Rural Broadband
D1216	17/03/2004	G&KPC Minutes
D1217	19/03/2004	Bromsash Speed Survey Results
D1218	20/03/2004	Sitelines
D1219	22/03/2004	AQA Registration Certificate
D1220	25/03/2004	Minutes of meetings on December 8th and February 16th.
D1221	25/03/2004	Forward Plan
D1222	26/03/2004	Consultation on waste management
D1223	29/03/2004	B4221 Combined Survey
D1224	30/03/2004	Building Safer Communities Together - Consultation
D1225	30/03/2004	Newsline
D1226	01/04/2004	Forward Plan
D1227	01/04/2004	Made in the Middle Exhibition Poster
D1228	02/04/2004	UDP News - Notification of Revised Deposit Draft Consultation May 13th to June 24th.
D1229	02/04/2004	Lengthsman Agreement signed by Reed
D1230	03/04/2004	Audit Return for 2003/2004
D1231	06/04/2004	Calor Village of the Year Competition Application - Deadline April 16th
D1232	06/04/2004	B4221 Meeting Report
D1233	07/04/2004	Newent Initiative - Community Shopping Buses - Extend to Lea?
D1234	10/04/2004	Highway and Street Services Leaflet
D1235	13/04/2004	Review of the Rural White Paper

Councillors requested the following:

Cllr Richard Smith: D1212, 1221, 1222, 1224, 1228, 1233

Cllr Rob Crawford: D1214, 1233

Cllr John Wheble: D1214, 1224, 1229

Cllr Audrey Duke: D1223, 1235

Cllr Keith Summers: D1215, D1234

Cllr Margaret Pearce: D1222, 1229

14		Councillor’s Submissions, including Village Events
	14.1	Cllr Ken Downham The Alma Inn Meat Raffle has offered to donate up to £1000 towards renovation of the Linton Pound. An appeal for stone will be put in the Chimes.	Cllr Ken Downham
	14.2	Cllr Keith Summers reminded Council that Broadband goes live on the Gorsley exchange on April 21^st.
15		Quality Council & Parish Plan, including Returns and Data Entry
	15.1	Over 100 forms have been returned so far. The requested return date of April 14^th is close but it is not a deadline and the Clerk will put up notices reminding parishioners.	The Clerk
	15.2	It seems likely that the response will exceed 30%. The data entry is proceeding much as expected.
16		Maps in Village Halls
	16.1	Cllr Rob Crawford has this in hand.	Cllr Rob Crawford
17		Draft Report to the Annual Parish Meeting (Previously circulated by email)
	17.1	Councillors had no further amendments or suggestions.
18		Public Submissions
	18.1	Parishioner Phil Page said that there has been extensive brushwood clearance within Linton Quarry. Parishioner Mrs Hewett said it was adjacent to her property and her brother had been over zealous. The Chairman explained that entry is forbidden. The Clerk will write to English Nature again, requesting urgent action, especially with a view to stop the dumping. (Clerk’s Note: I have subsequently received a copy of a letter ostensibly giving the owners of adjacent property the right to enter and carry out work within the Quarry. Unfortunately the letter pre-dates the English Nature Agreement but it appears that that agreement was not publicised to neighbouring properties.)	The Clerk
19		Items for Consideration at the Next Meeting
	19.1	Purchase of CD-ROMs of aerial views of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
20		Date of the Next Meeting: Monday 10^th May 2004, Linton Village Hall
	20.1	The Clerk requested a change of date to allow him to attend a farewell dinner. Parishioner Phil Page objected that meeting dates could not be changed without waiving standing orders and that the request was “out of order” as the agenda item did not allow for discussion.
	20.2	The Clerk offered to withdraw his request but other Councillors insisted that the principle of changing dates and “standing order waiving” be established. The Clerk being unable to make a ruling on the spot, Council decided to convene an additional meeting on Monday April 19^th at 7:00 p.m. in Linton Village Hall, prior to the Annual Parish Meeting. Notices will be posted.	The Clerk

The Meeting Finished At 10:08 p.m.