SUTTON COURTENAY PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Sutton Courtenay on Tuesday 6th October, 2015 at 7.00 p.m.
Present: Councillors: Mrs. R. Atkinson, M. Jenkins (Chairman), W. Hanks,
M. Howell, Mrs. C. Myerson, S. Noys
Clerk: Mrs. L. Martin
5 members of the public
Cllr. G. Duffield (District Councillor)
Joined by Cllr. D. Hignell and Cllr. R. Webber (County Councillor)
2015/227 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr. D. Butler,
C. Campbell, Ms. T. Field and Mrs. H. Knight.
2015/228 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest. The Chairman advised that if a member became aware at a later stage that he/she had an interest in an agenda item, then to declare it at that stage.
2015/229 Minutes of the meeting held on 1st September, 2015
The minutes of the meeting held on 1st September, 2015 were agreed and signed as a true record of the proceedings.
2015/230 Matters arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 1st September, 2015
Defibrillator
Council noted that a letter requesting consent in writing from the landowner for the defibrillator to be sited at the garage at the southern end of the High Street had been sent. Owing to the fact that a reply had not been received an email requesting a response had been sent.
Street Names – Linden Homes Development Milton Road
Council noted that this development had been allocated the names Rye Gardens and Partridge Close.
Drayton Road – Speed limit
Council noted responses from the County Council and the Police. The County Council had added the request for a 30 mph speed limit to a list of speed limit changes which were to be investigated when resources permitted. On the basis of preliminary assessment however, it seemed the existing 40 mph was appropriate taking into account the character of the road. The Police would be carrying out speed monitoring in the Drayton road over the next few months. Once data had been gathered, should it show excess speed, then speed enforcement with radar gun or camera van would follow.
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2015/231 Public Participation
Drayton Road – traffic
It was suggested that the Police when undertaking speed checks needed to be at Longreach as that section of Drayton Road was dangerous, and one where speeding occurred.
Cllr. Hignell joined the meeting during the following item.
Claim for right of way off All Saints Lane - near lake
Council noted that a claim to amend the definitive right of way map to include a footpath on the southern side of the lake, had been lodged with the County Council some years ago, when a path that had been regularly walked had been fenced off by the landowner. The land had eventually been sold, and the new owner had granted access for local people on the northern side of the lake. The County Council had recently begun to investigate the earlier claim. It transpired that the new owner, having concerns about the claim, and also dog fouling in the area, had since blocked off all access. A request was made for the claim for the right of way to the south to be rescinded, as there were fears that access to the northern side of the lake, as currently used by some, would not re-open.
The Chairman advised that the application to amend the definitive rights of way map was a claim for a public footpath to which everyone, if an Order was made by the County Council, would have access. The claim was no connected to any consent, temporary or otherwise, that the landowner may have recently permitted.
2015/232 County Councillor’s report – Cllr. R. Webber
This item was deferred until Cllr. Webber’s arrival.
2015/233 District Councillor’s Report – Cllr. G. Duffield
Vale of White Horse District Council- Cllr. Duffield report likely changes within staff structure at the District Council, and new efficiency measures that were being investigated.
New Developments – Cllr. Duffield suggested that parish councillors should talk to developers in advance of their submission of planning applications, in order to prevent being presented with a fait accompli.
He suggested that he would put a motion to the District Council that the local Member should be notified when officers first hear of a likely application. Cllr. Hignell pointed out that there was no legislation which required pre-application discussion to be in the public domain.
Oxford Flood Relief Scheme – Cllr. Duffield encouraged action in regards to the Oxford Flood Relief Scheme, rather than leave things until the final report was published in case there were any issues which affected Sutton Courtenay.
Appleford – train service – A public meeting was being held on 16th October in Appleford to discuss a proposed reduction in the number of trains that would stop at the Appleford station.
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2015/234 Cllr. R. Webber joined the meeting
2015/235 County Councillor’s report – Cllr. R. Webber
Traffic Calming – vicinity of Drayton Road – Cllr. Webber confirmed that white line painting was being done. Cllr. Webber had personally cleaned the road signs, one which he had come across which had faded was being replaced by the County Council. Local press had been involved as a result of a resident’s effort on Radio Oxford following the fatal accident in the Drayton Road. Cllr. Webber had spoken on behalf of the County Council. A reduction in the speed limit for Drayton Road was unlikely in the near future.
Cllr. Webber suggested sharing the cost with Drayton Parish Council for a vehicle activated sign which could be moved from one location to another which may have an effect on traffic speed.
It was suggested that a presentation from a company supplying such signs could be useful. The Neighbourhood Action Group had information on these signs. The clerk was asked to add the item to the agenda for the next meeting.
FCC – Drainage - Works have started on the drainage. It was necessary to block the footpaths whilst work was carried out, but the work was essential.
County Council Budget – Cuts were needed in order to meet the savings required. Cllr. Webber was drafting a letter to the Leader in a hope of saving recycling centres, not isolate villages owing to lack of bus services, and saving the children’s centres.
The following points were made to Cllr. Webber:
(i) The ditch in front of Hulgrove Barn in Drayton Road where the fatal accident had occurred had been filled in a few months ago. Had this not been the case, the situation might have been different. It was thought to have been filled when a gas pipe had been laid.
(ii) The meeting hosted by the County Council for parishes to consider the transfer of services had left Parish Councils disheartened as the County Council was taking on an enabler role, but not providing funding. Cllr. Webber commented that hard choices needed to be made. The priority was to save the children’s centres etc, rather than spend on services which could be provided parish and town councils.
(iii) A statement was made that the diversions of the footpaths on the FCC site needed better signing.
2015/236 Matters raised by Members for Information
FCC signs – It was suggested that FCC needed to put up the information panels advising on the drainage works were being carried on the site, as it looked like housing development works.
Vehicle Activated Sign
A request was made for the Parish Council to agree and explore the possibility of a VAS in partnership with Drayton and ratify the decision at the next meeting. A presentation by the manufacturer was not required.
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Village Entry Signs
It was suggested that the erection of village entry signs be an item for the next agenda.
Village Hall Car Park
It was reported that there may be a need to fence and gate the front boundary of the village hall site as there was concern that construction workers could use the car park, without permission, during development works in the area.
Damascus Youth project
It was reported that the Damascus Youth Project would like to give a presentation to Council prior to the budget meeting. Members could see no objection to this in principle.
Cycle track to Appleford
Cllr. Hanks referred to a meeting in Appleford to discuss a possible cycle track to Sutton Courtenay. He asked Council whether he should attend. The clerk recalled the issue of a cycle track having been raised several months ago. She would provide the information for Cllr. Hanks.
Cross Trees Farm – Enforcement Action
A local resident had taken up this matter with the Team Lead in Enforcement Management at the District Council, as nothing had been heard since March. The District Council was actively pursuing the matter of unauthorised uses at the Farm.
2015/237 Police Matters
A member of the public arrived after the start of the meeting and asked to speak. Council agreed to hear her comments.
She raised queries with information in Sutton Courtenay news as to the time of the meeting. The editor’s front page conflicted with the time shown in the Council’s article. She also queried the report in the News on the meeting with the County Council. She suggested that the County Council had not grasped the issues regarding the roads. There were numerous signs in other villages that were not in Sutton Courtenay, such as “traffic in the middle of the road”, “cycle route ahead” and “cyclists crossing the road”. She suggested signs should be erected by The Fish in Appleford Road to warn of traffic in the middle of the road, and motorists in church Street should be made aware that there are cyclists crossing from Brook Street to High Street.
The Chairman advised that the County Council had no funding, and that any measures in Sutton Courtenay would need to comply with highway legislation and regulations.
It was suggested that the western side of the cross trees triangle should be made “no entry”. The businesses at Harwell Campus and MEPC could be approached for funding. The Chairman advised that whilst new
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developments could possibly assist with funding, traffic management regulations may not permit it.
A request was made for discussions to continue regarding the Sutton bridge and ensuring that cyclists were safe whilst going over it. It was suggested that a group of people should sit round a table to debate the matter. Cllr. Webber would consider that suggestion further.
2015/238 Planning Applications
a) Decisions on previous applications
P15/V1921/HH Walk in bay window to front with pitched roof
56 Barretts Way
Permitted 5th October, 2015
P15/V1530 proposed 2 x dormer windows to existing roof space
52d Tyrrells Way
Refused 2nd September, 2015
b) Applications dealt with prior to the meeting
P15/V2062/HH and P15/V2061/LB Alteration and extension of the existing 70's and 80's additions to the original barn structure to form a larger third bedroom, new bathroom, and improved ground floor kitchen including front porch and balcony
The Wharf Barn, 43a Church Street
For: Mrs. N. Aubury
Comments: Council had no objections.
P15/V2090/FUL Removal of condition 10 of P12/V2642/FUL – restriction on access to Appleford Road, in connection with the erection of a dwelling
The House, All Saints Lane
For: Keble Homes
Comments: Council objected as the condition was imposed only 2 years for good reason to ensure highway safety and to maintain neighbour amenity. Nothing had changed to justify its removal.
P15/V1721/HH Proposed first floor extension (amended plans)
The House, All Saints Lane
For: Keble Homes
Comments: Council maintained its earlier objection. There had been no alterations to the external elevations and the total footprint was out of keeping in the backland development location. Should the District Council approve the application, there should be conditions imposed to prevent business use.
c) Planning Applications considered at the meeting
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P15/V2227/LB Retrospective internal works and alterations
4 Brook Street
For: Mr. O. Firkins
Comments: Council deplored the retrospective nature of the application, but otherwise had no objections
Cllr. Jenkins left the room
d) Planning Correspondence
P15/V1636/FUL – Extension and alterations at The Matrix Arts Centre, The Nursery
Council had submitted comments on this application objecting to the impact caused by additional parking and the traffic implications. The Planning Authority had advised the clerk that the County Council had no such objections, and asked the Parish Council to consider reviewing its comments in the light of the opinion of the highway authority. Council considered its comments. There was reference at paragraph 6 in the design and access statement that overflow parking could take place at the recreation ground. The applicant therefore recognised that parking could be a problem. Council maintained its earlier view and maintained its objection to the application. The Centre was used by children, and children running between parked cars would be an additional hazard.
Cllr. Jenkins rejoined the meeting.
Cllr. Mrs. Myerson left the room
2015/239 Neighbourhood Plan
Council noted that a public meeting to hear presentations from Mr.. David Potter, Neighbourhood Plan Officer, Vale of White Horse District Council, and Mr. Tom McCulloch, Community Development Officer, Oxfordshire Rural Community Council concerning neighbourhood planning, and to gauge public opinion would be held on 25th November at 7.00 p.m. in the village hall. Reference was made to the Council possibly funding the hall hire for this event.