Minutes of the February 2022 Meeting

(These minutes 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.)

Minutes of the meeting on 7 February 2022:

Those present were:

  • Giles Scott, Chairman;
  • Nick Ginn, Vice Chairman;
  • Peter King, Parish Councillor;
  • Diane Taylor, Locum Clerk;
  • Andrew Pett, Parish Councillor;
  • Michael Capps, Parish Councillor;
  • James Catmur, Parish Councillor;
  • District Councillor Richard West;

…and 5 members of the public.

  1. The meeting was opened at 7:30 pm with a silent prayer.
  2. Apologies. Apologies were received from County Councillor Stephen Ferguson and Parish Councillors Cathy Davis, Vikki Murphy and Nigel Day.
  3. Declarations of Interest. There were no declarations of interest.
  4. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting held on the 10th January 2022 were approved and signed accordingly by the Chairman.
  5. OPEN FORUM. The meeting was closed for 18 minutes.

    District Councillor West spoke about the refusal by HDC of Hayfield’s application to vary condition C20 for the off-site works. The developer has 6 months to appeal and in view of this time frame, it will be up to local representatives to contact HDC to seek a solution, otherwise the development will be completed, Hayfield Homes will leave the site and nothing will be done. It was Cllr West’s view that stronger action could have been taken at the time to ensure the off-site works were completed in accordance with the planning permission. On the EWR Local Representatives Group, he hoped that a Parish Councillor would join. Referencing item 6.2 on the agenda, Cllr West had been a member of the Development Management Control Panel when the Muga planning application was approved, having spoken against the Environmental Officer. Cllr West spoke of his concerns if the Muga was to be made available on a commercial basis.

    A resident also spoke about his concerns to allow commercial activities on the Muga, namely music being permitted and the increase in noise.

    The Chairman of the Reading Room spoke about a number of proposed events to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, to include a ‘Party in the Pews’ music event in the Church on 14th May with a picnic in the churchyard, a possible street party and/or a garden party in the afternoon.
    A resident, who had previously organised car related events in the village, offered to organise a similar event for the Queen’s Jubilee.

    A resident raised two issues relating to the Sand Road development;
    • Hayfield’s breach of the planning for off-site work and the length of time that has elapsed during which HDC and Highways have tried to engage with the developer, asking what is the next course of action?
    • The light pollution with 6 lights to be erected in addition to 2 existing lights, along an 85m stretch of Sand Road. Cllr Scott confirmed that the Parish Council was not consulted on the lights.
    He also brought to councillors’ attention that a notice has been erected on a pole on the corner of East Street stating that electronic equipment is to be installed.

    A resident enquired about the Potton Timber development, asking if it had been shelved. Cllr Scott stated that no such information had been received and it was understood that Potton were still working through the list of conditions.

    Cllr Ginn confirmed that there was no update on the pub. HDC had carried out an inspection of the premises to see if it is being used as a public house, albeit a closed one.
  1. Matters Arising

    6.1 Neighbourhood Plan. Councillor King spoke about the 6-week consultation period commencing on the 1st March which will be available on the Parish Council website. Every household will also receive a Notification letter and Representation form to complete should they choose to do so rather than submit comments online. Councillors were shown the consultation process on the website with an introduction showing a mind map of key points and issues resulting in 13 policies. The full documents will be available on the website but the key points have also been summarised. Councillors were taken through the process of completing the form. Once the 6-week consultation is complete, there follows a 5-week consultation by HDC, after which it will go to a public body. Once the plan is made and accepted, it has the same status as HDC’s Local Plan. An Open Day is to be held on 13th February.

    6.2 Use and Management of the Muga. Councillor Murphy had prepared an amended draft policy for commercial use of the Muga which had been circulated to councillors. The amendments included a restriction on the use of music and limiting the number of sessions for commercial use per week. There is presently one user group wishing to use the facility for commercial purposes when the playing field is too wet with this group made up primarily of village residents. Commercial users would have no preferential access as there continues to be a no booking system. Taking into account the concerns raised in open forum councillors unanimously agreed to adopt the Commercial Use Policy subject to 2 amendments; no music can be played and the Parish Council can review the policy rules at any time. (Proposed Councillor Scott, seconded Councillor Pett). Councillor King reported that the signs on the Muga had gone missing. One had been found and re-attached but a further sign was needed. The original contractor will be asked to supply another sign and all signs will be more securely attached if possible.

    6.3 Speeding Vehicles. Councillor Catmur reported that Little Gransden Parish Council had agreed to the loan of their MVAS sign which is capable of recording vehicle speeds. This offer will be taken up provided the sign fits Great Gransden’s existing poles. Possible locations for the sign included the 40mph section of Caxton Road. Cllr Catmur will arrange to liaise with Little Gransden Parish Council.

    6.4. Future Funding for Playground Area. This matter will be deferred to the next meeting.

    6.5. Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. At the last meeting councillors had agreed to plant trees in commemoration. Councillors discussed planting an avenue of trees to replace the elm trees in Church Street. However, it would be another 2 years before new trees could be planted, to allow time to kill off the elm tree suckers and remove the stumps. Other possible locations included the outskirts of the village and the cemetery, where a row of trees could be planted along the new boundary line of the cemetery extension. Councillors agreed the playing field the most appropriate place to mark the Jubilee, planting a large specimen tree and circular bench to make it a focus. The cost will be investigated. Cllr King proposed that the Parish Council support the Reading Room group organising community events, contributing funds and arrangements to close the road for a street party. Councillors agreed to support any group which comes forward wishing to organise a community event.
  2. Recruitment of a replacement clerk. No applications had been received following the advert in Roundabout. An advert will be placed on the Capalc and Nalc sites as well as other locations including the school, village shop and on Touchbase.
  3. Installation of Picnic Bench. Cllr King had contacted the manufacturer of the bench about 2 minor issues; there is a gap along one corner where two sides do not joint perfectly and there is visible damage with raised fibres on one of the top pieces. The manufacturer suggested that the slats could be adjusted by loosening the blots and screws to try to close the slight gap and also offered to supply a replacement top bullnose slat to replace the damaged slat. The damaged slat has been satisfactorily rubbed down and the adjustment of the slats can be done by a working party. There was no reason to delay paying the invoice. There has been positive feedback about the new bench.
  4. Financial Statement for January 2022. The sheet filed as Appendix No. 1 had been circulated. The statement was unanimously approved and signed by the Chairman. Councillors also noted the budget review as at the end of January 2022.
  5. Cheques for approval. The following payments were approved (Proposed Cllr Pett, seconded by Cllr Catmur):
    • Cheques/Bank Transfers payable February 2022
      1.         RFO expenses for January 2022                                 £ 24.38
      2.         HMRC – PAYE (period ending 5th Mar 22)                 £ 0.00
      3.         Glasdon UK Ltd                                                          £ 992.26
      (Purchase of new picnic bench for playing field
      As agreed at item 8 of minutes dated 1st Nov 2021 –
      payment held due to delivery delays)
      4.         Cambourne Parish Council                                        £ 273.79
                  (Installation of picnic bench)
      5.         bb+c architects                                                £ 2491.80
                  (Reading Room –
      second claim for third of agreed fixed fee)
      6.         JM Structural Consultants Ltd                                    £ 187.00
                 (For Churchyard Wall)
      7.         Mr R McIntosh                                                            £ 7.50
                  (Garden of Remembrance)
      8.         Caretaker Salary –February 2022                                £ 590.20
      9.         RFO Salary – February 2022                                       £ 245.22
      (28th February 2022)
      10.       Locum Clerk Fee and expenses
                  January 2022                                                              £ 607.50
                  Mrs D Taylor
    • Automated Payments payable February 2022
      1.         DD                  BT – Broadband Reading Room            £30.16
                                          (11th February 2022)
      2.         DD                  SSE                                                      £100.25
                                          (DD 16th Feb 2022)
  6. Reading Room Cottage Repairs.  Cllr Pett reported that contractors had been approached but no response received for arrangements to carry out the repairs. 
  7. Sportsfield Grass Cutting 2022. The current contractor had suggested a 3% increase on last year’s costs. Cllr Ginn reported that the contractor had continued to do a good job but quotes will be needed in accordance with the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations. It was agreed that the GSRA will go out to tender and seek quotes on behalf of the Parish Council.
  8. Highways.
    A meeting to walk the village has been arranged with the Highways Officer on 21st February to discuss the ongoing issues. Cllr Capps reported that the drain cover at the corner of Caxton Road and Fox Street, which has already been lodged as a safety problem due to a broken lock mechanism, is now becoming worse. This will be emphasised at the meeting. Cllr Ginn reported a missing bridleway sign between Waresley Road and the B1040, but this is not within Great Gransden parish.

    13.1. Great Gransden Footpath 11. The footpath has been marked up indicating the repair is likely to be carried out.

    13.2. Overhanging Hedges. A letter will be sent to the householder of the overhanging hedge.

    13.3. LHI Bid 2022/23. The feasibility study for Great Gransden’s LHI Bid 2022/23 had been received which included speed surveys in 4 locations. The only question mark is the ‘key projects risk’. The Local Highway Improvement Panel will be assessing Great Gransden’s application on 28th February. Cllr Catmur agreed to present to the panel.
  9. Correspondence.

    14.1. Bedford to Cambridge Cycleway Invitation. It is unclear which route this is to take. Great Gransden is supporting a Cambourne to St Neots cycle route. Cllr Ginn agreed to attend the meeting to be hosted by Gamlingay Parish Council on 17th February.

    14.2. Mobile Flood Event Invitation. Noted.

    14.3. Request for an additional salt bin. A resident has requested a salt bin at the corner of Mill Road and Sand Road. Councillors expressed concerns as to where it would be positioned, if it was needed at that location and if it would be used. The advice of the Highways Officer will be sought and a map produced of the location of the existing salt bins.

    14.4. Invitation to join EWR Local Representatives Group for Hunts/South. Cambs. Cllr Catmur agreed to join as the Parish Council representative and attend the first meeting.
  10. Planning

    15.1. PARISH COUNCIL CONSULTATION – APPLICATION REF. 21/02716/LBC
    Replacement and thermal upgrades to mono-pitch roof, replacement of rainwater goods, thermal upgrades to existing walls and general repairs.
    Providence Baptist Church Sand Road Great Gransden.
    Councillors unanimously agreed to recommend ‘Approval’ on the ground that that it is sensible upgrade to an old building. (Proposed Cllr Scott, seconded by Cllr Catmur).

    15.2. PARISH COUNCIL CONSULTATION – APPLICATION REF. 22/00142/S73
    Variation of condition 2 (plans) to 21/02539/HHFUL as the depth of the extension is to be increased from 4m to 5m. The pair of rooflights are to be reduced to one.
    8 Middle Street Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3AD.
    Councillors noted this was the third application. Councillors unanimously agreed to recommend ‘Approval’ on the grounds that there are no reasons to object. (Proposed Cllr Scott, seconded by Cllr Pett).

    15.3. PARISH COUNCIL CONSULTATION – APPLICATION REF. 21/02723/HHFUL
    Proposed Cartlodge/Store.
    36 – 38 Church Street Great Gransden Sandy SG19 3AF.
    Councillors unanimously agreed to recommend ‘Approval’ on the grounds that there are no reasons to object and there will be no impact on the street scene. (Proposed Cllr Scott, seconded by Cllr Pett).

    15.4. Hayfield Homes Development, Sand Road, Great Gransden.
    The Parish Council was not consulted on the lighting which was a reserved matter. Councillors commented there should be down lighting and agreed to write to HDC to ask them to conduct a review and work with the developer and the Parish Council. The new heritage lights are very tall and the additional lights to be erected will floodlight the area. The existing light opposite Williams Close is a downlighter. The number of proposed lights is wholly inappropriate in a village setting creating an urban-like development. Cllr West stated that he will be writing to Hayfield Homes. The Parish Council would support a variation of the lighting condition subject to consultation.
    Following the refusal of Application 21/01521/S73, Variation of Condition C20, off-site highway improvement works, the developer now has 6 months to appeal the decision. The Parish Council will write to HDC asking how they propose to make things right as the matter cannot be left; the pavement is dangerous. Cllr Catmur reported that privately, at his request, a highways officer had looked at the junction earlier today and expressed a view that the pavement should be on the south side. The present works are the wrong solution for the junction. Councillors will discuss the matter with the Highways Officer at the forthcoming meeting before writing to HDC, CCC and Hayfield Homes.

    Councillors also noted that the note pinned to the telegraph pole had been placed there on behalf of County Broadband.
  11. HR Committee Update. In line with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 this item was considered in closed session.
  12. Date of next Meeting. The Next Meeting has been arranged for Monday 7th March 2022 at 7:30pm

This meeting closed at 9:09pm.