Posted inmeetings minutes

Minutes of the June 2023 meeting

28/06/2023

(These minutes of the June 2023 meeting are available in PDF form for offline reading and printing. Please note that all minutes are draft until approved at a subsequent Parish Council meeting. Appendix 2, the financial statement referenced in item 14, is a separate download.)

(The minutes have been updated to include the amount of the payment to NFU insurance.)

Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 5th June 2023

Those present were:

  • Nick Ginn, Chairman;
  • Andrew Pett, Vice Chairman;
  • Michael Capps, Parish Councillor;
  • James Catmur, Parish Councillor;
  • Cathy Davis, 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.
    Councillor Bane.
  3. Declarations of Interest:
    None.
  4. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 2nd May: The Minutes were proposed by Councillor Ginn, seconded by Councillor Pett and unanimously approved.
  5. OPEN FORUM:
    District Councillor Richard West provided a report which is found as Appendix 1. This covered:
    Planning: Ref 22/02382/FUL Land at 16 Sand Road; Green Space Land North East of Mandene Gardens S106 agreement under planning application 17/01375/OUT (Dutton Gardens open space); Sand Road street lighting, the Crown & Cushion Public House and E-W Rail.

The ‘Open the Crown & Cushion’ group provided a verbal report. The group is applying to become incorporated in order that it may raise funds and make a bid for purchase of the pub. Application will probably be made to the Community Fund. The application for a judicial review with reference to HDC actions is also being pursued.

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.

  1. Matters Arising:
    6.1. Neighbourhood Plan:
    6.1.1 Hard copy of Plan: Now ready for distribution.
    6.1.2 Parish Councillors’ Workshop: Thanks were recorded to Peter King and David Prest for running the successful Workshop in April.
    6.1.3 Agreed to use the excel chart produced by Councillor Catmur for monitoring planning applications. The chart was developed from the Councillor’s Neighbourhood Development Plan Workshop.
    6.1.4 Agreed to produce the NP monitoring documents annually, but no specific working groups would be set up.

6.2 Litter Bins: The new bin is now in place on Sand Road opposite Williams Close.

6.3 Crown & Cushion:
• ACV: The application for renewal of the Crown & Cushion – Asset of Community Value was submitted from the Parish Council on 31st May and receipt by HDC has been acknowledged. The application goes to the Board Meeting for review, on 14/6/2023. HDC has now informed the owners of the statutory 6-months sale moratorium. The chairman made the proposal that contact be made with the owners of the Crown & Cushion to discuss the sale and a property survey. He also proposed that a meeting be arranged with the Community group interested in purchasing the pub. There was unanimous agreement with arranging both these meetings.
• Investment: This item was deferred to the next PC meeting.
6.4 Lych gate – bottom bolt / cracked stone: Councillor Capps has arranged with a handyman to fix the lych gate cobbles and gate bolt stone.

  1. Playing Field.
    7.1 MUGA sound reduction: The annual MUGA maintenance work will be undertaken 22nd / 23rd June. The chairman and a neighbouring resident plan to meet with the ETC Sports on site. The sound map of the MUGA fencing provided by the resident was noted as very helpful.
    7.2 Cricket wickets: Councillor Rowbotham had put forward the suggestion of buying wickets for use in the MUGA. This was proposed to the meeting by Councillor Ginn and unanimously agreed with a budget of £25.00. The question of buying wooden wickets or at least recycled plastic will be looked into.
    7.3 Public Relations: The information about use of the MUGA will again be put on Touchbase and in Roundabout. (Councillor Pett to action).
  2. Sportsfield.
    8.1 Football pitches re-seeding: The mowing contractors have been contacted concerning the reseeding of pitches 1,2,4, & 5. They have agreed to mow around these pitches during a 3-4week period. The chairman of the GSRA reported that the grass reseeding has been started.
    8.2 Football pitches – draft maintenance agreement: The GSRA has proposed a 10-year agreement with the Parish Council as the land owner, concerning the Sportsfield management. Such an agreement would allow the GSRA to apply for support funding. Councillor Catmur proposed that the Parish Council should enter into this agreement, seconded by Councillor Ginn with all in favour.
  3. Reading Room Cottage Water Supply: The project to separate the Reading Room and Cottage water supplies is still ongoing.
  4. Reading Room: Building Project:
    The Reading Room building project group is putting together a pre-planning application. There was discussion as to replacing the window overlooking the reading room with a skylight, with concern expressed that there needs to be adequate light coming into the cottage. There was also discussion as to whether there was a party wall with the Reading Room to be taken in to account, as well as the location of a soil pipe.
  5. Jubilee Celebration – 7th May event: Should read – Coronation Celebration. This was a fantastic event and the Parish Council wishes to thank all the organisers.
  6. Green Space Land North East of Mandene Gardens. S106 Agreement under planning application 17/01375/OUT (‘Dutton Gardens greenspace’): The chairman will continue efforts to have a site meeting with HDC to discuss the situation of the ‘Dutton Gardens greenspace’ in relation to the Mandene Gardens ‘play area’. Noted that the Parish Council has already agreed that it cannot take on the play area whilst the fences remain in place. The £2600 recompense for the removal of the Parish Council swing on the original Mandene Gardens play area has not been received from HDC. It was noted that this sum of money is far below that which would be required for a replacement swing.
  7. Churchyard Conservation Awards: Noted that a meeting had been arranged between a few interested residents who are following up the matter.
  8. RFO’s Financial Statement for May 2023 and Budget Review: The sheet filed as Appendix 2 had been circulated. The Statement was proposed by Councillor Capps, seconded by Councillor Pett and unanimously agreed.
  9. Payments for Approval:
    The payments below were proposed by Councillor Capps seconded by Councillor Pett and unanimously approved by the Council, with the addition of the expenditure on the new computer for the RFO, this being the sum of £524.98.

Payments for approval at the Parish Council meeting on Monday 5th June 2023
Cheques/ Bank Transfers payable June 2023

  1. RFO expenses for May 2023 £15.59
  2. Human Capital Department (Retained HR support) £178.80
  3. Buchans Landscaping £478.24
  4. Reading Room Committee (Cleaning) £240.00
  5. The Mower Shed (Outstanding Invoice 1425) £156.00
  6. The Mower Shed (Invoice no 1492) £156.00
  7. HDC Council Tax (18 Fox St) £1664.63
  8. CAPALC Affiliation 2023/24 £456.24
  9. NFU Mutual (Insurance 18 Fox St) £632.68
  10. Ms K Cooper (Coronation Event Donation) £250.00
  11. ROSPA £184.20
  12. Xlpress (NDP Printed Copies) £189.00
  13. GGPCC PC Annual Contribution £1600.00
  14. Roundabout PC Annual Contribution £140.00
  15. Old Chapel Graveyard PC Annual Contribution £130.00
  16. Clerk’s Salary – June 2023 £466.24
  17. RFO Salary – June 2023 £244.40
    (28th June 2023)
  18. HMRC – PAYE (period ending 5th July 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 expected, but not available in time for meeting

  1. Energy Contract: The quotes provided on 5th June were reviewed. Acceptance of the quote for a 3-year term was proposed by Councillor Pett, seconded by councillor Ginn and unanimously agreed.
  2. County Broadband connection to Reading Room: Check to be made with County Broadband that the connection remains free and with the high bandwidth after the initial 6 months.
  3. Highways
    Any repairs or maintenance needed:
    Church Street: all holes were repaired on 5/6/23.
    Water / hole problem near the Crown and Cushion: does not relate to water supply and has been reported further to CCC Highways.
    Grass cutting at junctions: Some concern was expressed that not enough grass cutting had been undertaken at junctions this Spring giving rise to certain safety issues.
    Parking at Fox Street junction: there is an issue with a vehicle being parked too close to the junction.
    Little Lane: Cutting back of vegetation along Little Lane is needed.
    • Overgrown hedges – Crow Tree Steet, on raised path: Noted that the hedge is growing over the path and really needs reshaping. The Clerk to write to the residents. A reminder about hedge trimming and grass by paths is highlighted and will be put in Roundabout.
    • Playing Field – hand rail at Little Lane steps:
    No progress yet made on the project.
  4. Correspondence
    19.1. Bourn Surgery Patient Participation Group – Defibrillator Training: Further training on defibrillator use was thought worthwhile for the village. The Reading Room Committee could be contacted to see if the venue could be free of charge. Information on costs / level of donation will be sought.
    19.2. Village Knitting Bee / Lych Gate: The project to decorate the Lych gate for 11th November was unanimously agreed.
    19.3. Town & Parish Council Forum – HDC 14/6/23: Noted.
    19.4. Cemetery – possible double memorial: Noted that some older plots do have double memorials. The information provided on the website only includes the height of memorials. Noted, that mowing access is required between plots and the plot width purchased does not include the mown walkways between them. Clarification of the website information will state that a memorial should be completely within a purchased plot, so as to maintain the mown paths.
  5. Local Plan Update – Issues Paper: Noted
  6. Planning Applications:
    • Application Ref: 22/02382/FUL | Construction of 2no. 2 bedroom maisonettes. | Land At 16 Sand Road Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3AQ – update: Councillor Pett will make representation on behalf of the Parish Council at the forthcoming HDC Development Management meeting where the above application is being considered.
    • APPLICATION REF. 23/00748/FUL Change of Use of Unit 17 to General Industry, and Storage and Distribution (Use Classes B2/B8) from Agricultural Use Eltisley Business Park Potton Road Great Gransden PE19 6TB: The site is well outside the village Built-up Area and the Conservation Area boundaries on the edge of the parish. Proposed by Councillor Capps, seconded by Councillor Ginn and unanimously agreed, that there was no objection to this planning application.
    • APPLICATION REF. 23/00742/HHFUL Erection of a Single storey rear extension, including a new roof and fenestration alterations to the existing extension. 39 West Street Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3AU: Noted that 39 West Steet is outside the village Conservation Area, the extension would not be visible from the road and is in keeping with its situation. Proposed by Councillor Ginn, seconded by Councillor Pett and unanimously agreed that this planning application be approved.
  7. HR Committee Update: A confidential minute has been prepared.
  8. Date of Next Meeting.
    The next meeting has been arranged for Monday 3rd July 2023, at 7:30pm.

This meeting closed at 9:10 pm.

Appendix 1

Report to Great Gransden Parish Council Monday 5th June 2023
from District Councillor Richard West.

PLANNING
Application Reference 22/02382/FUL Construction of Two number bedroom maisonettes Land at 16 Sand Road Great Gransden.

I must express to the meeting My disagreement with officers determination of approval.
I will register to speak at the development management committee to express the reasons why.

Each month attend your parish meeting to find no resolution to outstanding issues for example Green Space Land North East of Mandene Gardens S106 agreement under planning application 17/01375/OUT (Dutton Gardens open space ).
Am not sure what action to take officers seem not to want to engage with a site meeting.

Sand Road Great Gransden Street Lights received email from Head of Planning Services with information the approved scheme decided by developers , lighting engineer and design team.

CROWN CUSHION PUBLIC HOUSE
May be being to sensitive understand the decision going before the board to become Asset of Community Value, in My mind decision been made by the residents and parish council it is.

EAST WEST RAIL
Route announcement been made am disappointed at the webinar not more detailed discussion of the route between St Neots and Camborne .
Have expressed to East Rail believe it is important should meet residents of the Great Paxton ward to discuss all infrastructure needs and further route details.

Richard West

Last updated on 01/07/2023