(The minutes of the July 2023 meeting given below are also available in PDF form, primarily for offline reading and printing. Please note that all minutes are draft until approved at a subsequent Parish Council meeting. Appendix 3, the financial statement referenced in item 13, is available in PDF format as a separate download.)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 3rd July. 2023
Those present were:
- Nick Ginn, Chairman;
- Andrew Pett, Vice Chairman;
- Chris Bane, Parish Councillor;
- Nigel Day, Parish Councillor;
- Alan Rowbotham, Parish Councillor;
Also present: District Councillor Richard West & 7 members of the public.
1. The meeting was opened with silent prayer.
2. Apologies for absence.
Councillors Michael Capps, James Catmur and Cathy Davis.
3. Declarations of Interest:
None.
4. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th June: The Minutes were proposed by Councillor Ginn, seconded by Councillor Pett and with the amendment of the apologies of Councillor Rowbotham were approved.
5. OPEN FORUM:
County Councillor Stephen Ferguson highlighted several issues: a) GCP Congestion Charge report and that this would be voted on in the autumn; b) E-W Rail – with the proposed major expansion of Tempsford and possible westward sprawl of Cambourne around new stations causing concern; c) Huntingdonshire green bin charge from April 2024.
District Councillor Richard West provided a report which is found as Appendix 1. This covered:
a) Land NE of Mandene Gardens (Dutton Gardens green space);
b) S106 funds allocated to Great Gransden Playing Field from the planning application for 31 & 32 Mandene Gardens;
c) Land at 16, Sand Road;
d) Crown & Cushion – seeking a balanced view;
e) Waste Reduction, HDC public meeting;
f) E-W Rail – concerns about proposed viaducts;
g) HDC Grounds Maintenance sites in Great Gransden.
Letter from a resident concerning children’s right to play which is found as Appendix 2: The letter, read out at the meeting, was written in response to the noise complaints on the Playing Field brought up at the Open Forum of the last Parish Council meeting. The letter includes a series of points in support of children’s right to play. The letter also noted that the children are all aware of the rules of the use of the MUGA. There was obvious support from many present, for the contents of the letter.
Representations by residents concerning the application for a Lawful Development Certificate, Crimpledean Farm: A number of residents were present to express their concerns about this application. The concerns included: the substantial size of the caravan / mobile home capable of being a sole residence; the fact that there is already a large bungalow on the land; the appearance that the mobile home is not ancillary and therefore constitutes development; that it requires foul drainage and energy connections; that the siting is on raised ground and will overlook the neighbouring property
6. Matters Arising:
6.1. Crown & Cushion
- The application for renewal of the Crown & Cushion – Asset of Community Value submitted by the Parish Council is now under review by HDC. The Parish Council will continue to seek a meeting with the pub owners to take matters forward regarding the possible sale and purchase of the property. Noted that residents can continue to make known their interest in the pub as a village asset. There is to be a public meeting organised by the Open the Crown & Cushion group on 13th July.
- Noted, the various funds that might be applied to for the purchase.
6.2 Possible double memorial: The Headstone Regulations for Great Gransden from 2006 which are on file were discussed. It was noted that double headstones have been agreed on three occasions since C2000, in 2000, 2010 and 2020. Agreed that the present application for a double headstone be approved.
7. Planning Applications:
7.1 Application Ref: 22/02382/FUL | Construction of 2no. 2 bedroom maisonettes. | Land At 16 Sand Road Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3AQ: Councillor Pett represented the Parish Council’s at the HDC Development Committee at which this application was considered. Despite the reasons for refusal put forward, and also a similar representation by a local resident, the application was approved.
7.2 RE: Planning Permission Consultation – Hardwick Farm Caxton Road Great Gransden (ref 22/00206/FUL). Additional Information – access road: Agreed to make no comment as the access road proposed is the existing farm access road.
7.3 23/01075/CLPD Crimpledean Farm 104 Meadow Road Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3BB Certificate of Lawfulness proposed – stationing of a mobile home within residential garden to provide ancillary accommodation: It was agreed that the Parish Council would write to Development Control to voice concern that the large size of the proposal would create a new housing unit and that a full planning application should be required.
7.4 23/01079/CLPD 3 Webbs Meadow Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3BL Certificate of Lawfulness proposed: single storey rear extension, in place of the existing conservatory: Agreed that the replacement of a conservatory with a single-story rear extension was acceptable in this instance.
8. Playing Field.
8.1 MUGA maintenance:
- Annual Inspection 26/6/23 – results: Concern was raised that the maintenance team was not fully prepared with the correct equipment for reviewing the fence, although a few bolts were tightened or replaced. The matter will be taken forward with ETC Sports. The work will also be assessed as to its effectiveness in reducing noise levels.
- Annual Inspection – contents of contract: Noted thatthe contract agreed in March 2023 includes general maintenance of the fence, but not an at-height review which would require scaffolding.
- Specialist fencing maintenance: Noted that the quote, reviewed at the April 2023 Parish Council meeting, for the specialist at-height review of the fence, was for – Goal Ends ONLY £780.00 + VAT / All of the MUGA £975.00 + VAT, and had not been agreed.
- Water supply for jet washing: To be programmed for all future jet washing.
8.2 Cricket wickets: Noted that wooden stumps are about twice the price of plastic stumps and as no technical specifications are available for plastic stumps, it must be assumed that recycled plastic ones are not made. It was noted that the children continue to use the MUGA for cricket. Proposed by Councillor Ginn and seconded by Councillor Pett that basic plastic stumps be bought. This was agreed with one abstention.
8.3 Public relations: Agreed to put the MUGA usage information in Roundabout and on Touchbase for August.
9. Sportsfield.
9.1 Football pitches re-seeding: Due to lack of rainfall the re-seeding had been postponed, but has now been completed.
9.2 Football pitches – draft maintenance agreement: The finalised document to be signed.
10. Reading Room: Building Project: Update deferred to the next meeting.
11. Green Space Land North East of Mandene Gardens. S106 Agreement under planning application 17/01375/OUT (‘Dutton Gardens greenspace’): The chairman has not received a reply from HDC to his email of 13th June 2023, which included a summary of the issues concerning the site and the request for a considered resolution.
12. Mandene Gardens ‘play area’:
a) The issue of asbestos from the demolished garages has been raised. The council noted that there may be a significant amount of asbestos remaining, now covered by soil, as best practice by the removal firm was in doubt. Agreed that information from local residents would be collated before contacting Planning Enforcement.
b) The chairman reported that the 6-foot fence around the ‘play area, is in fact in breach of the planning conditions for 17/00979/FUL.
13. RFO’s Financial Statement for May 2023 and Budget Review: The sheet filed as Appendix 3 had been circulated. The Statement was proposed by Councillor Ginn, seconded by Councillor Pett and unanimously agreed.
14. Payments for Approval:
The payments below were proposed by Councillor Pett seconded by Councillor Ginn and unanimously approved by the Council, with the agreement that the MUGA maintenance work would be clarified by ETC before payment.
Payments for approval at the Parish Council meeting on Monday 3rd July 2023
(Approved at June meeting – payable July)
GGPCC PC Annual Contribution £1600.00
Roundabout PC Annual Contribution £140.00
Old Chapel Graveyard PC Annual Contribution £130.00
Cheques/ Bank Transfers payable July 2023
1. RFO expenses for June 2023 £15.59
2. Human Capital Department (Retained HR support) £178.80*
3. Buchans Landscaping £ *
4. LGS Services (Internal Audit) £150.00
5. Nigglefix (Repairs to Lych Gate) £67.80
6. The Mower Shed (Invoice no 1534) £156.00
7. The Mower shed (Invoice no 1513) £156.00
8. ETC Sports Surfaces £840.00
9. BHIB Insurance 2023/24 £1746.81
10. LexisNexis (Arnold Baker 13th Edition) £131.99
11. Mr R McIntosh (Garden of Remembrance) £7.50 *
12. Clerk’s Salary – June 2023 £466.24*
13. RFO Salary – June 2023 £244.40*
(28th June 2023)
14. HMRC – PAYE (period ending 5th Aug 23) £116.60*
Automated Payments payable June 2023
1. DD BT – Broadband Reading Room £ 44.36
(11th June 2023)
2. DD SSE £ TBC*
(DD 18th June 2023)
*Invoice/ payroll notification expected, but not available in time for meeting
15. Internal Audit – review:
- Number of signatories per transaction: Clarification of number of signatories to be obtained.
- Completion of Annual Reviews required by the GGPC Standing Orders including: certain subscriptions / land and buildings / certain policies: Annual review of all remaining items to be brought to the next meeting.
- Amendments to Minutes by striking through and annotating signed copy: Noted.
16. Bank Signatories: Noted that a new signatory would be required from the end of July. There was discussion as to the services for councils provided by other banks.
17. County Broadband connection to Reading Room: Response awaited from County Broadband that a parish council connection remains free and with the high bandwidth after the initial 6 months.
Any repairs or maintenance needed:
- : The work area for this hole is now marked.
- Agreed that if contact cannot be made with the owner of the hedge, the matter would be reported on the Highways portal.
19. E-W Rail meeting: Noted, the written report from Councillor Catmur, stating that little new information was available at the meeting, whilst topics raised included embankment heights, power systems and last mile in to Cambridge connectivity. There is to be a further statutory consultation and the Development Consent Order application.
20. Correspondence
20.1. Waste reduction Meeting, HDC: Noted that this meeting is open to the public and will be put on Touchbase.
20.2 Community Ownership Fund – Round 3 open: Noted.
20.3 HDC Grounds Maintenance in Great Gransden – information: Noted, the map showing the small areas of HDC Grounds Maintenance responsibility in Great Gransden, including the red hatched area put into the HDC Alternative Land Management scheme.
21. HR Committee Update: A confidential minute has been prepared.
22. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting has been arranged for Monday 7th August 2023, at 7.30pm.
This meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
Appendix 1: report from Richard West
Report to Great Gransden Parish Council Monday 3rd July 2023 from District Councillor Richard West.
PLANNING
I ask the chairman Councillor Ginn and the vice chairman Councillor Pett, after the exchange of emails with the Head of Planning Services had the impression the Green Space land Northeast of Mandene Gardens S106 agreement, Mandene Gardens ‘’play area ‘’ and CIL payment would be resolved this seems not to have happened, find it disappointing. Have emailed the Head of Planning Services to find a message ‘’out of the office.’’
I received email with webinar details to speak at development management committee reference application 22/02382/FUL 2 no 2bedroom maisonettes land at 16 Sand Road thinking everyone would be speaking by the webinar did not attend meeting, do not think the objector or vice chairman could have done more to express reasons for their refusal in the interests of the village, would like to have been with them showing support.
CROWN & CUSHION
Since the last parish council meeting, been exchange of emails with officers, am seeking to be balanced to understand all sides, in the interests of village residents there is need to retain the community asset.
WASTE REDUCTION MEETING
Hope to attend the meeting on the 12th of July, the collection of, treatment of waste is expensive therefore if there are ways can, reduce waste would be worthwhile there is talk of charging for the first green bin this will go to scrutiny before vote at full council.
EAST WEST RAIL.
Understand the parish council will receive report.
HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
The parish council will receive correspondence on the above.
Richard West
Appendix 2: Letter from a resident concerning children’s rights to play.
Sent: 30 June 2023 09:33
To: clerk@greatgransdenpc.org.uk
Subject: Concerns regarding the rights of children to play
Good morning!
I am writing in relation to the following (taken from the 05/06/23 Minutes of the PC meeting):
“A resident raised the subject of noise considered intolerable, from children on the playing field after school. This concerns older primary school children using the play equipment and not the MUGA. Help was requested in reducing noise levels. Concern was expressed about the MUGA usage as well. It was noted that the older children are respectful when spoken to. However, several times, there has been use after the 8.30pm deadline. Balls are also still being kicked against the backboard.”
I am a Great Gransden resident and Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician at *********** Hospital, *********.
The tone of the complaint is extremely worrying particularly with the use of language such as “intolerable”.
I would like to defend the right of our children and young people to play.
I would like to defend their right to play in a designated playing area which is accessible and free to use for all.
I would like to defend their right to make noise while they play.
I would like to defend their right to use equipment such as that provided in the recreational area and balls when they play.
There should be no limitation on accessibility and use of the facilities based on age, gender or ethnicity. No anti-social behaviour has been described by the complainant.
Children have the right to play and this is enshrined in national and international law. It is deemed negligent to deny children the right to play.
The tone suggests that the complainant actively discriminates against young people and their rights which should not be tolerated by the community of Great Gransden.
The MUGA is a significant community asset. It was created by the community for use by the community. It is shameful that having successfully been planned, funded and installed, we somehow find such a wonderful resource the focus of contention simply because of it is used by the people it was principally designed for.
There is a curfew limiting the playing of sports within the MUGA but to my knowledge there is no curfew in place limiting either access to the MUGA court itself or the recreation park after 20.30, and I would support this.
It is unfortunate that some older members of our community continue to feel the need to remind younger members of our community to vacate the MUGA every time they use it as the curfew time is approached. The fact that the young people continue to show respect shows great resilience on their part. Intimidation and bullying would be an apt description for this continued approach to the young people of our village who are exercising their right to meet, socialise and play sport in a safe environment. The young people are well aware of the MUGA curfew: they are of course reminded of it every time they use it. This continued assault may eventually result in the MUGA not being used at all, which may of course be the intention of people who have chosen to self-police it. The young people are causing no harm. They are not abusing alcohol or drugs. They are not engaging in anti-social behaviour. Their behaviour has no malicious intent. They are often just playing with their friends and having a laugh.
I feel that it is extremely important that our children and young people have a voice when being so unfairly represented in a public forum, and that the intolerance of others to people who are different from themselves is always challenged.
I trust you will find these comments useful.
Yours sincerely
Appendix 3: RFO’s Financial Statement for May 2023 and Budget Review
This has been made available for download in PDF format.