PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

held in The Library Room, Wendover
on 4 July 2005 starting at 7.45pm and concluding at 9.35pm

PRESENT Cllr Gridley (Chairman)

Cllrs Mrs Ballantine, Mrs Gregory, Mrs Kearney, Mrs McKechnie, McPartland, Peeler, Mrs Toplis, Weston, Wilkinson and Worth

8 members of the public; Clerk: Ann Hooton

05/116 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs Mrs Clayton and Mrs Myers. Cllr Mrs Kearney sent apologies for her late arrival.

05/117 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None were declared.

05/118 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6 June 2005

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Toplis and seconded by Cllr Mrs Ballantine that the minutes were a true record of the meeting. This was AGREED and they were signed by the Chairman.

05/119 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) Minute 05/102 The Goodson Map; it was noted that no further progress has yet been made on identifying better ways to protect the map.

05/120 CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR

Following a brief presentation by the three candidates, a signed ballot was held. Mr Jerry Weston won by an overall majority and, having signed his declaration of office took up the office of councillor and joined the Parish Council.

05/121 FINANCE COMMITTEE held on 4 July 2005

In the absence of the Chairman of the Finance Committee, the Vice Chairman gave a verbal summary, reporting that the minutes had been agreed, the Clerk's report noted and the cheques signed

05/122 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM COMMITTEE MEETING held on 21 June 2005

The Chairman of the Committee presented the minutes and the recommendations were AGREED with the exception that any decision on cycle racks outside Budgens would be set aside and reconsidered once issues relating to the disabled access to Stars Newsagents and the presence of underground services have been resolved.

Cllr Mrs Kearney arrived at this point.

05/123 PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING held on 21 June 2005
The minutes were received and contents noted.

05/124 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) Bulletin 22
05/01415/APP Single storey rear extension and front porch
55 Halton Wood Road
The Parish Council has no objections to this application. b) Bulletin 23

05/01035/APP Single storey side and rear extension to form garage and store - retrospective; 47 Chiltern Road
The Parish Council objects to this proposal as it is in direct conflict with the planning permission granted on 3 June 2004, which followed a lost appeal on the applicant's behalf.

05/01304/APP Retention of portacabin for use as taxi office - British Rail Pound Street
The Parish Council would normally object to any retrospective proposal as a matter of principle. However, this tiny building tucked away to the side of the main station building is accommodating a well used local business and therefore the Parish Council has no objections

05/01483/APP Single storey side and rear extension;
Myrtle Cottage 46 Dobbins Lane
The Parish Council has no objections to this proposal providing it does not compromise the amenity of the occupants of 48 Dobbins Lane.

05/01539/ALB Replacement of existing velux roof light and provision of insulation within storeroom
Hale Farmhouse Hale Lane
The Parish Council has no objections to this proposal.

05/01490/APP Creation of vehicular access; 134 Aylesbury Road
The Parish Council has no objections to this proposal.

05/01490/APP Creation of vehicular access
134 Aylesbury Road, Wendover.
The Parish Council has no objections to this proposal providing the Highway Authority is satisfied that all safety issues are addressed.

05/01527/APP Erection of one single storey dwelling & detached double garage and creation of new vehicular access from Orchard Close - amendment to permission 04/02975/APP
Land behind 20-32 Perry Street.
The Parish Council has no objections to this proposal.

05/01174/ALB Internal alterations
Holdens House, High Street
The Chairman of the Committee reported that minor amended plans have been received which dealt with the Parish Council's previous reasons for refusal and the Clerk was therefore instructed to write to the Local Planning Authority withdrawing the objections.

05/125 PRINCESS MARY HOSPITAL SITE

No further information has been received although it was reported that the AVDC section 299A appeared to be satisfactory and attempts are still being made to obtain a copy of the County Council section 38 agreement.

05/126 FLYING ACTIVITIES AT RAF HALTON

a) Halton Consultative Group; the new Station Commander and Wing Commander were welcomed to the group. The aim of the Station Commander is to run a safe airfield and to try to ameliorate the impact of flying activities on residents.

Noise surveys have started and these will continue over the summer with a geographic spread.

It was reported that the station may be able to co-ordinate RAF Halton police patrol cars to increase their profile in Wendover and act as a deterrent.

b) Working Party Report; the work of the Working Party is in abeyance until AVDC has carried out its survey and the information on noise profiles is available.

05/127 GRASS CUTTING

a) Highway Verges: AVDC has requested help in monitoring the work of the contractors. Whilst the view was that the District Council should do its own monitoring, it was AGREED that the next cut would be monitored and, if unsatisfactory, this will be reported and a second cut requested.

b) Grass cutting of Parish Council land: this will be delegated to the Recreation Ground Committee and the Chairman of the Committee will meet with the contractor to try to improve the situation. The Clerk had sent an inquiry to the legal advice service at NALC regarding termination of contract.

05/128 JOINT USE OF FOOTWAY BETWEEN LIONEL AVENUE AND DOBBINS LANE

It was AGREED that the Parish Council objection to joint use of the footway would not be revoked. It was reported that, currently, the footway is marked for joint use and that the proposed improvements would help to maximise pedestrian safety.

05/129 POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS

An opportunity has arisen for the Parish Council to contribute towards 50% of the cost of providing a community support officer (£15,000 pa). It was AGREED that the Clerk will write to Sgt Mitford expressing the view that the Parish Council agrees in principle to part fund such a post but that more information is required before such a decision can be taken. It was considered that the views of the electorate should be sought before increasing the precept by such a substantial amount.

05/130 LITTER COLLECTION ON WHARF ROAD AND MANOR ROAD

It was AGREED to write to the Headmistress of The John Colet School, Chairman of the Board of Governors and Cabinet member for Schools pointing out that it is a criminal offence to drop litter under the Environmental Protection Act. An article will also be written for the Parish Council newsletter and the Wendover News.

05/131 FACILITIES FOR YOUTH/VILLAGE AMENITIES

This will be put on the next agenda for further discussion. It was recognised that a list of suitable projects is required.

05/132 CLERK'S REPORT

a) Correspondence; Letters received include a request to support the covering of cycle racks at the station car park and notice of transfer of officer and civilian posts from Halton to Surrey, It was AGREED to support the request for covers for the cycle rack and the Clerk will write to Chiltern Railways.

b) Clock Tower visits: 3 groups of children have been into The Clock Tower and Liz Dowell was able to give a short talk on its history,

c) Water Vole Survey: it was AGREED that the water vole survey will be carried out as soon as possible, prior to the work to Hampden Pond. The pond in Witchell will also be surveyed.

05/133 MATTERS OF REPORT

a) Footpath between Vine Trees and Holland Close; these are the responsibility of the residents.

b) Wendover Arm Trust; to go on next agenda

c) People's Millions; the Clerk will send off for the information pack.

d) Memorial Hall; the Memorial Hall will open on 24 August 2005. There will be an open day from 12 noon until 6.30pm on 22 August 2005. CCTV will be installed in conjunction with The John Colet School.

e) @stmary's; the Parish Council representative reported that she had attended two meetings but that there was little to report of relevance to the Parish Council. The staff are pleased with the shop and its site.

05/134 CLOSURE OF MEETING

The Chairman closed the meeting to press and members of the public under s1 of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, it being against the public interest due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

RENEWAL OF LEASE OF PARISH PIECE

It was AGREED that Mr Ramscar would be offered another 3 year agricultural tenancy of Parish Piece at a fee of £350 pa.

There being no further business to be transacted, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.35pm.

Signed:

Date: 1 August 2005

Chairman