Minutes of the meeting of Somerford Keynes Parish Council (SKPC) 1st March 2021

Present: Cllr J. Whitwell (JW, Chair), Cllr R. Elsey (RE, Vice Chair), Cllr M. Rigby (MR), Cllr M. Keegan (MK), Cllr R. Sleeman (RS), Cllr G. Valentine (GV), Cllr A. Stradling (AS) Cllr T. Berry (TB CDC), Cllr S Parsons (SP Gloucester County Council GCC), W. Cartwright (WC, Clerk) plus 5 parishioners.

Held by Zoom conference due to ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

1. Apologies:  None
2. Declaration of interest: GV and LME
3. Minutes of meeting held 1st February were approved subject to amendment that 12/02/21 was the extended date of consultation for Ashland House. Proposed RS, seconded JW.
4. LME presentation on footpaths access (Oberon Rogers, OR): OR gave a presentation regarding villager access to footpaths around LME private estate. He indicated that following the Homeowners Association meeting and discussion with the Landlord that there would be no future access given to villagers to any private footpaths. OR gave a number of reasons why this was the case in terms of the inability of parishioners to sign code of conduct and invalidating insurance policies, security and drowning issues, practical issues with electronic gates, as well as abusive people.  OR pointed out that there was free access to the public footpaths around the estate. It was questioned whether there could be seasonal access in the autumn, winter and spring months, but not the summer. OR also indicated that LME were adhering to recommendations made by the police following Covid-19, and that the LME decision of no access was final. SKPC voiced its strong disappointment given the past historic relationship with free access to walking around Mill Lake.   
5. Lane End Gardens (Daniel Janocka, DJ); DJ gave a presentation on a future plan to replace sheds with a low-level building to tidy up the current site as well as to prevent thefts of equipment. It would be discrete, and DJ had sent plans to the Parish Council before submitting to gratefully receive any comments, as he wishes to ensure that any improvement is welcomed. SKPC agreed it was a good idea to tidy the site and had identified no adverse issues with current proposals.
6. Clerk’s report
   1. Village Website: Mike McKeown (MM) and Jon Lunn (JL) had made the corrections that were given by MR and the website was now live. A training session was scheduled for 4/3/21 for permitted individuals to post information on the website, which included WC, MK, GV.
   2. Keynes Country Park: (KCP); Nothing further to report
   3. Village Lake: Mike Wilding (MW, Village Lake Management Committee, VLMC) gave an update of Village lake projects and indicated that LME did not need to continue to offer to mow the grass (last offered 2019) as the VLMC had a lawn mower. The anti-slip strips had been installed on the boardwalk by village volunteers and the owl box camera installed which is hoped in the future if an owl nests, videos can be downloaded on the village website. A water level gauge is still to be placed at the pond dipping pond. The LME 106 grant to be sought for planting of wildflower meadow had been submitted and correspondences were being exchanged between MW and Esther Frizell-Armitage (CDC). MW was answering questions and there were some barriers to progress, including a request for matched funding. The Natural England designation of the SSSI would now mean that consent would need to be given for regular maintenance work (e.g. pruning trees, planting), but MW had spoken to Peter Holmes (PH, advisor) who indicated that this could be listed on the form, and that such work would not have objections and consent would only be needed once. Action: MW to update TB who would follow up with CDC to help move the LME 106 grant forward. Action: MW to correspond with Natural England on consent of maintenance work.
   4. LME cycleway: No update.
   5. GCC Highways/ footpaths:
      • Village gateway signs: Awaiting installation.
      • Elm View overflowing drain/Water Lane potholes, Water Lane gritting:  WC had contacted Gill Portlock (GCC Highways) on all issues.
      • Footpath post: Footpath post and sign at end of Church Lane adjacent to Old School House needs had been replaced. Action: WC to request a meeting with Frank Dorrington-Ward (FDW) when Covid restrictions are lifted to discuss style replacement with kissing gates.
      • Cycleway red barriers: WC had contacted GCC Highways to request their removal. GP had replied to the request to remove them indicating they were still important and that she would get them reinstated.
   6. Parish Field: A parishioner had indicated that poor state of repair of the fence at the southern end of the field and MR/RE have contacted Jo Pendleberry (JP, Waterland) and she has repaired the fencing and discussed whether any more permanent solution could be sought. One suggestion had been planting thorny hedging which was agreed was a good idea. However, now classified as a SSSI, the Parish Council would need to apply for consent from Natural England. MR had spoken to PH, and requested another pack be sent to WC to give to JP. An acknowledgment form had been sent updating contact details. Action:  WC to chase delivery of additional pack if necessary.
   7. Neighbridge: Ben Wellbourn had provided clarification about the level of income from the Neighbridge car park, which was higher than SKPC had anticipated.
   8. Flooding: Concerns were raised about the high water table and flooding in the vicinity of Water Lane and Laurence King (CDC, Flood manager) and Gill Portlock (GP, GCC Highways) had been contacted. GP had reported that the culvert was clear, and LK had responded indicating that he had been unaware of any specific current problems in the village. SP indicated that clearing the County ditch and jetting culverts in the summer would be a preventative measure to the problem. Action:  WC maintain contact with GP/LK.
   9. Newsletter: AS offered to write a redesigned newsletter and requested for topics to be covered by Councillors. It was agreed a quarterly newsletter was required, and that AS would write the spring issue, RE the summer issue (June), and GV/JW the autumn issue (September). The AGM date of 26/4/21 to be publicised in the newsletter. Action: AS to draft newsletter.

6.10 Other matters

6.10.1 Litter picking: It was agreed that Des Sheen be commended on his huge litter picking efforts around the village with a letter as well as a mention in the spring newsletter, especially given that the annual village litter pick was cancelled the last two years due to Covid-19. Action: WC/AS to acknowledge DS appreciated efforts.

6.10.2 Aggressive dog: WC had contacted the owners of the dog requesting that it be kept on a lead, or if loose muzzled. The owner’s response was considered inadequate by the Parish Council and it was agreed that the FDW (GCC footpaths) and the police be recontacted as previously. Action: WC to contact external bodies.

6.10.3 Electric car charging:  Mike McKeown (MM) had requested this be investigated at the village hall and it was agreed this was a good idea. TB indicated there was money available at CDC for this type of initiative. Action: WC to inform Village Hall Management Committee.

6.10.4 PROW: A parishioner had queried whether the public footpath AKEY4 at Ashton Down, within the Cotswold Community was being inadvertently blocked had contacted Wiltshire County Council (WCC). There was still some access via a farm track but was concerned the original footpath may become lost. Action: WC to keep awareness of response from WCC.

6.10.5 Watercourse/Drainage Ditches: A question had been received from a parishioner regarding whether the County ditch could be regarded as a watercourse as there had been some indication on an old OS map that this could be the case. RS indicated that the River Thames was the nearest watercourse which was the responsibility of the Environment Agency, rather than the County ditch.

Planning applications

• 21//00339/FUL; 21/00192/FUL (LME change permitted unit type); No objections.
• 20/04079/FUL – Development of Land to South East of Ashland House – Developers resubmitting amended plans.
• White barns update: TB had asked for a follow up with planning enforcement, but it would not be a fast response. Action: TB to keep aware of any update.

Financial Matters

Clerks salary £691.80; Zoom subscription expenses £14.39; McAfree subscription £59.99, Village Lake expenses £5.27; £467.23; Historic Town and Village Forum Subscription £15; GAPTC subscription £142.37 Proposed RS seconded MR. Agreed en bloc.

The meeting was closed at 9.20pm.    

Date of next meeting:  Monday 12th April 2021, 7.30 pm

Date of Annual Parish Meeting: Monday 26th April 2021, 7.30 pm

Minutes of the meeting of Somerford Keynes Parish Council (SKPC) 1st February 2021

Present: Cllr J. Whitwell (JW, Chair), Cllr R. Elsey (RE, Vice Chair), Cllr M. Rigby (MR), Cllr M. Keegan (MK), Cllr R. Sleeman (RS), Cllr G. Valentine (GV), Cllr A. Stradling (AS) Cllr T. Berry (TB CDC), Cllr S Parsons (SP Gloucester County Council GCC), W. Cartwright (WC, Clerk)

Parishioners:  2 attendees

Held by Zoom conference due to ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

1. Apologies:  None
2. Declaration of interest: GV and LME
3. Minutes of meeting held 4 January were approved subject to minor amendments suggested by Mike Wilding on the Village Lake. Proposed RS, seconded MK
4. Clerk’s report
   1. Village Website: Mike McKeown (MM) and Jon Lunn (JL) had given a demonstration of the latest version of the new look website to SKPC on Monday 11^th January. All had been highly impressed with its design. It was agreed that the outdated emergency plan should removed and updated for the new site. MK had supplied MM/JL with a list of corrections and it was agreed that MR check the content once corrected, and that training for maintaining the site be organised before the site is made live. Action: MR to contact MM/JL
   2. Keynes Country Park: (KCP) The meeting to be scheduled between Victoria Hadnett (VH, General Manager, Cotswold Country Park and Beach) and RE/ MR was now cancelled as VH had indicated she was leaving the role, but that she request that the new manager contact us when in post.
   3. Village Lake: Mike Wilding (MW, Village Lake Management Committee) gave an update of Village lake projects: The LME 106 grant to be sought for planting of wildflower meadow had been submitted until a response given, the final spend of the Calor grant would be on hold. The oiling of the boardwalk had given good results other than the last 10 metres in the shady area which was still slippery. It was requested that anti-slip strips be purchased (cost £260) which would mean an additional £150 was needed above the original maintenance budget.  Proposed GV, Seconded AS – all voted in favour.
   4. LME footpath: Oberon Rogers had been in contact with MR and indicated that a walking route for access to villagers had been proposed, and that this would be discussed at the next Residents Association meeting on the 6^th February. GV thought that the meeting was scheduled for the 13^th February but would attend on either date, and it was greed that GV would take the lead to move this forward. Action:  GV to update SKPC.
   5. LME cycleway: No update.
   6. GCC Highways/ footpaths:
      • Village gateway signs: AS had met with Gill Portlock (GCC Highways) and shown the
        3 sites and installation was now considered to be imminent.
      • Elm View overflowing drain: WC to report to GCC Highways for investigation/jetting.
      • Water Lane potholes: WC to request update from GCC Highways on resurfacing.
      • Water Lane gritting:  WC to request to GCC Highways to be included in the route.
      • Footpath post: Footpath post and sign at end of Church Lane adjacent to Old School House needs replacing. Action: WC to report to GCC Footpaths (Frank Dorrington-Ward) and request update on style replacement with kissing gates.
   7. Parish Field: A parishioner had indicated that poor state of repair of the fence at the southern end of the field. MR/RE indicated that this is a recurring problem that Jo Pendleberry (JP, Waterland) faces with members of the public breaking the fence down to enter the woodland, and that she does mend the fence regularly. It was suggested the ditch to the southern end and parallel to the Spine Road also needs clearing. Action: MR/RE contact JP and discuss the issue and whether any more permanent solution could be sought.
   8. Neighbridge: Ben Wellbourn had provided information about the level of income from the Neighbridge car park, although SKPC did not understand the basis of the figures and would like further clarification. JW had attended the virtual Multiagency Waterpark meeting the previous week and would circulate the minutes when received. Action: WC to contact BW and seek further clarification on the figures.
   9. Flooding: Concerns were raised about the high water table and flooding in the vicinity of Water Lane. Clearing and jetting the County ditch and drains were discussed as a solution to the problem. Action:  WC to contact Laurence King (CDC, Flood manager) and GCC Highways to investigate and seek solutions.

4.10 Hedges: The overhanging hedge on The Street had been pruned which was welcomed.

4.11 Other matters

4.11.1 Social and Safe Roads Survey: GV had completed the survey but not been sent off.

4.11.2 PC Newsletter: Action: JW to seek contributions for a spring newsletter.

Planning applications

• 20/04183/FUL; 20/03916/FUL; 11/03126/FUL; 20/03885/FUL; 20/04183/FUL (LME) – No comments.
• 20/04499/FUL – Full Application for Construction of a temporary 19.94MW Solar Farm at Land at Grid Reference 403536 198745 Ashton Road Siddington – No objection
• 21/00353/TCONR; 21/00313/TCONR (Grange End, Loughrigg tree work) – No objections
• 20/04079/FUL – Development of Land to South East of Ashland House – Extended final date for comments by consultees due on 12/02/21.
• White barns update: TB had asked for a follow up with planning enforcement, but it would not be a fast response. Action: TB to keep aware of any update.

JW had contacted Fern Lynch regarding the lack of knowledge of LME and some helpful correspondence had been sent, and she suggested that the SKPC request site visits if deemed necessary.  A visit/ tour will be requested once COVID restrictions are lifted.

Correspondence

• SSSI designation: JW had been given two detailed hardcopies of the proposals. Action: To circulate to MW (Village Lake Management Committee) on its implications for the Village Lake, and MR/RE to assess implications for the Parish Field and its lease.
• 20 mph speed limit: A letter had been received requesting whether SKPC would like to consider the idea of collaborating with four neighbouring villages to share costs to introduce a 20 mph speed limit, but the SKPC considered this would not be viable and no further action required.
• Community Rail partnership: Survey has been circulated to parishioners to complete as desired.
• Covid list of volunteers:  Action: JW to update list given that some volunteers had indicated their wish to now be removed.
• Aggressive Dog: A report had been received regarding an aggressive dog, which had been reported in the past. Action: WC to recontact the owners and the police who had previously been involved.
• Model code of conduct: Action: To consider at next meeting.

Financial Matters

Zoom subscription (£14.39) approved; Village Lake boardwalk anti-slip strips (£150) Proposed RS seconded RE. Agreed en bloc.

Questions and comments

The red barriers on the Spine Road cycleway were continually falling down and considered unsightly and of no use for health and safety.  Action: WC to contact GCC Highways to request their removal.            

The meeting was closed at 8.55 pm.    Date of next meeting:  Monday March 1st 2021, 7.30 pm

Minutes of the meeting of Somerford Keynes Parish Council (SKPC) 4 January 2021

Present: Cllr J. Whitwell (JW, Chair), Cllr R. Elsey (RE, Vice Chair), Cllr M. Rigby (MR), Cllr M. Keegan (MK), Cllr R. Sleeman (RS), Cllr G. Valentine (GV), Cllr A. Stradling (AS) Cllr T. Berry (TB CDC), Cllr S Parsons (SP Gloucester County Council GCC)

Parishioners:  18 attendees

Held by Zoom conference due to ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

1. Apologies: W. Cartwright (WC clerk)
2. Declaration of interest: GV and LME
3. Minutes of meeting held 7 December were approved. Proposed RS, seconded MK
4. Planning Application 20/04079/FUL Land to SE of Ashland House development

Due to the availability of TB and the attendance of a number of Parishioners, the published Agenda was re-ordered with priority given to the discussion of this application.

Firstly, JW summarised that the draft plans were briefly discussed at the last meeting in December, but it was decided to await the formal application which has now been published on the CDC Portal. As at 4/1/2021, around 80 documents were visible with around 55 objections lodged and viewable. In addition, a further number of objections had been seen by the PC but had not yet appeared on the Planning portal. It was recognised that a great deal of research, thought, time and effort had been invested by Parishioners in this topic.

JW declared that it was the intention of the PC to object and asked whether anyone opposed that view. The decision was unanimous. Proposed RS, seconded MK.

JW outlined that the grounds for this decision would need to be formulated but that his impression from the substantial objections that he had reviewed, were that the primary objection would be that the application is contrary to the NDP, that the access would be unsafe and that this may set a precedent for future similar development.

SP stated that he saw strong grounds for refusal based on elements in the Cotswold District Council Local Plan accepted in 2018 plus the fact that the development is contrary to the NDP which must carry weight and be taken into account. The flooding risk is also a key element.

TB supported this view but added that the Access issues that many had highlighted would not be a material reason to reject the application.

James Owens (JO) on behalf of Clare Baker spoke at length about the Cotswold District Plan and urged the PC to focus on this policy in its objection. This has identified 17 settlements where development should be directed where there are a range of services e.g., schools, public transport, industry. Somerford Keynes is not one of these. This is a greenfield site which is in conflict with the housing policy.

Peter Brailey (PB) further supported this view and embellished on the argument.

Ron Munroe (RM) added that the NDP should be given significant weight and treated as though it was passed through the referendum stage (only held back due to COVID). There is some case law to support the strength of this argument.

TB added that we do not need this type of housing development to meet Government targets.

SP stated that we should see the NDP & Cotswold District Plans as complementary and RM confirmed that this was very much the intention. SP also again reiterated that the flooding issue required weight given the absence of main sewers.

PB felt that the drainage issues were likely to be soluble as the Flood Authority had already responded in this regard.

JO highlighted via a highlighted plan that the whole development site is in Flood Zone 2 and a such is therefore unsuitable.

TB, when questioned, confirmed that he would look to take the matter to Committee given the strong objections but added that he would look for support from Parishioners were this to be the case. 

PB added that he felt it was unreasonable that due process had not been followed with regard to extension deadlines over the holiday period.

JW summarised that he would be drafting the objection over the coming days and thanked Parishioners for the input and attendance. Most left the meeting at this point.

• Clerk’s report
  • Village Website Mike McKeown and Jon Lunn are due to demo the latest version of the new look website to the PC at a special meeting to be held Monday 11^th January.
  • Keynes Country Park (KCP) The meeting to be scheduled between Victoria Hadnett (General Manager, Cotswold Country Park and Beach) and RE and MR – suggested date 21 January at 5pm (to be confirmed) is likely to be postponed due to latest COVID restrictions.
  • Village Lake MW (Village Lake Committee) gave update of Village lake projects: The Owl Box has arrived, owl box camera (being installed) and a grant to be sought for planting of wildflower meadow. RM enquired as to whether there might be any potential impact that the proposed Ashlands Development could have on the Lake. MW confirmed that the water level in the Lake is currently at ground water level in the area and that there was little likely impact.
  • LME No progress has been made with gaining access to LME lake area for  walking, difficulty in accessing LME personal (Oberon Rogers) has led to some frustration as repeated attempts have been made to do this. GV and MR have tried to seek clarification and a ruling on the request for Parishioners to access the private lake area. Action: MR to contact Will Vickery and set up a zoom meeting in order to progress.
  • LME cycle Way No updates
  • GCC Highways/ footpaths:
    • Village gateway signs: No installation dates have been advised as yet. Note, it has since been confirmed that the gateways have been produced and are ready awaiting installation when a crew is available to undertake the work.
    • Damaged/ fallen road sign – still to be repaired
  • Parish Field Nothing further to report
  • Neighbridge Outstanding Action: WC to try and obtain from Ben Wellbourn information about the level of income from the Neighbridge car park. AS commented on the poor state of the verges following recent bad weather and continued parking on them.

Other Planning applications

• 20/04292/TCONR – Tree work at East Manor Barn Somerford Keynes – RS declared n interest as on a neighbouring property but commented that he saw no issues with this.
• 20/03092/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/l00247/FUL to seek approval of the change of permitted unit type, LME
• 20/03592/FUL – Erection of 8 detached holiday units, ancillary buildings, provision of new landscaping, vehicular access plus amendments to the waters’ edge of Minety Lake, LME
• 20/04086/FUL – Addition of hot tub to rear decking and jetty to water’s edge. LME
• 20/04259/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/00247/FUL to seek the approval of the change of unit location, extended decking and relocation of two trees, LME
• 20/03207/FUL – Variation of condition 2 and 4 of application 11/03126/FUL to seek approval of the change of permitted unit type, LME
• 20/03013/FUL – Variation of condition 2 of application 19/00247/FUL to change of permitted unit type, LME

It was discussed that the PC find it difficult to comment on LME applications due to such limited knowledge of the site as general access is denied. A visit/ tour will be requested once COVID restrictions are lifted.

GV informed that a noticeboard has now been erected on the corner of Mill Lane to put the planning Applications relating to LME.

White Barns update: Action – requires follow up with TB who is to investigate the apparent further development of the white barns on the North edge of Somerford Keynes.MR reported that she had been advised that Lavender was being planted in the fields surrounding the site.

Correspondence

• Social and Safe Roads Survey: It was felt that the survey should be completed. JW asked for a volunteer and GV offered to undertake this and circulate to the PC for comment, deadline 15/1.
• Non designated heritage structures. Peter Watkins had circulated some information on this. RS felt it was not relevant as all Listed buildings are already identified.
• Water Lane & drainage issues. SP has been to look at Mill & Water Lane. He has yet to talk further to Highways about the issue and will do so and report back.
• Disrupted Water Supply – Church Lane. RS reported that there was a serious issue with supply for part of the village and Poole Keynes. Thames Water had responded promptly and been on site with some services and partial pressure restored.

Financial Matters

Recommendation of increased precept by £750 approved to £3750, and Zoom subscription (£14.39) approved – Proposed MR seconded RE.

Questions and comments

JW commented on the problem of Fly Tipping and damage to stiles on Ewen Road but noted that the Council has been quick to respond to ongoing problems.  

The meeting was closed at 21.20