Minutes November 2019

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2019/23

Minutes from a meeting of Cropthorne Parish Council held on Monday 4th November 2019 in the Village Hall at 7pm

  1. PRESENT:

Chairman B Annis Vice Chairman S Smythe Cllr W Clive Cllr M Anderson

Cllr M Rowell Cllr J King District Cllr T Rowley

County Cllr L Eyre Clerk L Yapp 8 members of the public

  1. APOLOGIES Cllr R Segar
  2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
  • Cllr King – Village Hall
  • Cllr M Rowell – SWDP Discussion
  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Minutes from previous meeting were approved and signed – proposed Cllr Clive, seconded Cllr King – all in favour
  2. PARISHIONERS QUESTION TIME:
  • Overgrown hedge at Jubilee Bridge – clerk to investigate
  • Abandoned vehicle in Middle Lane – the clerk would report to police
  1. PLANNING/ENFORCEMENTS:
  • Kimberleys Field – Photographic evidence has been provided regarding occupation at the site
  • Grass Verge, Sheppey Corner – Despite assurances that this would be done by the end of October, this has not been attended to. The clerk to chase WDC Enforcements
  • 19/01393 – White Gates House, Sunnyside, Main Road – 3-bedroom ECO house and studio – withdrawn by the applicant
  • 19/02018 – Lanesend Smallholding, Smokey Lane – approved by WDC
  • Field Barn Lane Caravan Park (19/00991), erection of dwelling – this was refused by WDC and not supported by the parish council. The applicant has lodged an appeal on this decision. The parish council had no further comments to make other than those already submitted
  1. VILLAGE HALL – Cllr Kings reported that the Annual Quiz on 23rd November still has spare tables. Following a complaint from a resident about the parking of vehicles on the verges, apologies had been received from the manager of the football club and a message will be passed on to all visiting football clubs. Cones will be purchased to deter the problems if large numbers of vehicles are expected
  2. HIGHWAY MATTERS :
  • Parking, Sheppey Corner – the clerk would report to the police that the problem is ongoing
  • Flooding – following extremely heavy rainfall, flooding was clearly evident at the bottom of Brook Lane. The clerk notified the police for assistance in getting the road closed which was finally done but inconsiderate drivers did cause problems for near neighbours driving at speed through the flood water creating a ‘wash’. Discussions are ongoing with WCC with regard any future plan for Brook Lane. No other areas were affected. The clerk would request jetting of drains
  • Road Closed Signage – following on from the flooding a suggestion was made for the parish council to organise their own ‘road closure’ signage which could be put out a lot quicker (one vehicle was stuck in flood water). Initial enquiries suggest that this is not possible as permission needs to come from a local authority for a road closure but the clerk will investigate other options
  • Natural Springs – It was reported that ‘natural springs’ were breaking through the road surface in Church Leys and Field Barn Lane. It is thought that little can be done but the clerk would report for investigation

2019/24

  • Cllr Annis suggested speaking to landowner on corner of Smokey Lane with regard the possibility of a small corner of land being used for a hardstanding for bus users
  1. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT – County Cllr Eyre had nothing to report for this meeting
  2. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR – District Cllr Rowley reported
  • SWDP – 2 sites in Cropthorne had been identified as suitable Options. Public Consultation period has now opened and runs to 16th December. Cllrs and residents were urged to attend one of the many Exhibitions being held throughout the District – one on Wednesday 13th November at Pershore Town Hall. The parish council would be meeting again to consider a response to the consultation
  1. MATTERS ARISING:
  2. Lengthsman – there was nothing to report back to the LM other than to ensure drain covers are clear of leaves.

Cllr Annis advised that brambles at the lay-by had been cut back but there was a need to ask residents to cut back over growth at the junctions of Field Barn Lane and the B4084

  1. New Home Bonus – Consultation notice to be distributed to all homes in Cropthorne asking for their thoughts on the proposed 2 projects; A number of responses had been received back and early indication suggested the Church toilets was more favourable, however there were a number of responses which had been left at the school and not taken into account because of half term
  2. s106 – From the ‘wish list’ from the VH Committee, WDC had asked for more detail before establishing if some or all of the projects would be acceptable under the conditions of the s 106 criteria.
  3. Community Infrastructure Levy Fund – no further action pending the outcome of the NHB consultation as this fund could be used with any infrastructure scheme
  4. Speeding :
  • Community Speed Watch – Cropthorne are on the waiting list but the clerk would chase this up
  • Traffic Calming Options – A suggestion made from Cllr Eyre that the CIL money held could be used for ‘dragons teeth’ or ‘rumble strips’
  1. Bus Service – Awaiting outcome of consultation but Cllr Eyre reported that a number of schemes for rural areas are being investigated including lift share, group ‘buses’ and volunteer drivers.
  2. Bollards Lower Croft – Rooftop had requested yet another site meeting to establish where the bollards are required. A frustrated reply was sent from the clerk to advise that this had been ongoing since February and nothing had been received back from them
  3. War Memorial – Nothing further to report
  4. Replacement Benches – The Charity had advised that whilst they were to cover the cost of a new bench, they would hand over responsibility and further maintenance to the Parish Council. It was agreed we accept the generous contribution and move forward with placing the order
  5. FINANCE
  6. Payments made since the last meeting/for authorisation

Current account balance:

(incl. unpresented cheques) £16,982.16

Deposit account: £5019.77

Full accounts had been circulated to all Cllrs

2019/25

  1. AOB/ ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT FUTURE MEETINGS:
  • Policies – the clerk gave all Cllrs copies of existing Standing Orders / Financial Regulations and the Code of Conduct as well as amended versions taking on board Model documents from CALC. Cllrs were asked to read through with a view to adopt updated versions in January
  1. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: Monday 2nd December – SWDP Consultation Response

Monday 13th January – Parish Council Meeting