MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COTTESMORE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 20 JUNE 2016, AT THE VILLAGE HALL, COTTESMORE
035/16 PRESENT: Mr C Donovan (Chairman), Mr N Barker, Mr R Hyde, Mr J Kelly, Mr J Meara,
Mrs S Smith, Mr G Swain, Mr K Nimmons (Clerk).
036/16 APOLOGIES: Apologies were received and accepted from Mrs J Edwards and Mrs J
Patient. Apologies were also received from Mr R Foster (Ward
Councillor).
037/16 DECLARATIONS OF UNREGISTERED DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY
INTERESTS IN AGENDA ITEMS AND REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS
FROM MEMBERS ON MATTERS IN WHICH THEY HAVE A REGISTERED
DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no unregistered disclosable pecuniary interests in agenda items to be declared or any requests for dispensations received from members.
038/16 PUBLIC TIME
There was one member of the public, Mrs Towe, in attendance.
Grass Cutting at Harrier Close
Mrs Towe expressed concern that the standard of grass cutting around the signs at the entrance to Harrier Close were not as good as the rest of the village.
It was agreed that Mr Hyde would take a look at the areas in question and contact the contractor if it was thought necessary.
Appeal by Abbey Developments for the Residential Infill Development at Harrier Close
Mrs Towe asked if the Parish Council would be represented at the Appeal being held at 10.00 AM on 6 July 2016 at Rutland County Council. She was advised that two or three Councillors were intending to attend.
039/16 MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Minutes – 16 May 2016
It was proposed by Mr Kelly, seconded by Mr Meara and agreed that the Minutes of the annual
meeting held on 16 May 2016 were correct, and be approved and signed.
040/16 MATTERS ARISING
The Placing of Roadside Memorials
RCC has advised that a further letter had been sent and the resident had advised that they wanted to proceed with the licence and that the other areas would be restored to their original state as soon as possible. It was also confirmed that the licence would not be issued until the other areas had been reinstated.
Cottesmore Neighbourhood Plan
Mr Meara reported that the June meeting at RCC at which the Plan was to be ‘formally made’ did not take place and so it should now happen at the July meeting.
It was also reported that the reception in the Sun Inn on 31 May 2016, organised to recognise the work put in to produce the Plan by the Members of the Neighbourhood Planning Group had cost £221.05.
Damage to the Heath Drive Play Area Safety Surface
The Clerk reported that Ground Control is still to come back to him with an update on this.
The Parking of Vehicles on the Grass Verge at Hall Close
Mr Barker reported that he had met with Rachael Thomas of RCC. It was considered that 26 posts on the Hall Close side and 5 on the opposite side of the road, 3 metres apart, would suffice, at a cost of £1,390.27.
Questions were raised as to whether RCC is getting best value and how does the Parish Council know if this is the case. It was agreed that the question be asked of RCC.
Subject to the answer from RCC, it was proposed by Mr Barker, seconded by Mrs Smith and agreed that a maximum budget of £1,500.00 be set for the work.
‘Home Zone’ Signage for Harrier Close
It was agreed that some changes are needed to the Scheme Proposal Form before submission. It was suggested that any comments and/or suggested wording be provided to the Clerk within the next couple of weeks so that the form can be altered and then brought back to the August meeting before submission to RCC.
The Refurbishment of the Austhorp Grove Play Area
The Clerk reported that the invoice for the equipment is yet to be received.
Charge for the Use of the Village Hall for Parish Council Meetings
The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from the Village Hall Management Committee advising that it had agreed to defer, for a year until April 2017, charging the Parish Council for use of the hall for monthly meetings.
Entrance to Manor Farm
RCC has advised that an order will be processed to re-surface the area in question within the next three months.
Potential Cottesmore Good Neighbours Scheme
There was no update available on this.
The Strimming of the Verges Under the Hedges on the Approaches to the Village
Mr Barker thought that the verges are still not being cut back to the hedge. It was agreed that Mr Hyde would investigate.
The Parking of Vehicles on the Approach to Jubilee Gardens
The Clerk reported that the Police will monitor the parking of vehicles in close proximity to the junction of Hall Close and Jubilee Gardens.
RCC has advised that the adoption of Jubilee Gardens is being delayed due to an on going legal dispute. It was agreed that until it is adopted there is little more the Parish Council can do in connection with the parking of vehicles
Cycling on Village Footpaths
The Clerk reported that a response is awaited from RCC as to which footpaths in the village are designated for use by cyclists as well as pedestrians.
Speed Sign on the Approach From Oakham
Having taken a look RCC has advised that the sign is currently not dirty enough for any action to be taken.
AGENDA ITEMS
041/16 DISCUSS THE STATE OF THE GREEN AREAS AROUND HARRIER CLOSE AND
CONSIDER ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
It was agreed that there was no action the Parish Council could take but it was suggested that RCC be asked if the original planning permission placed any duty on the developer, Abbey Homes, to maintain the areas in question to a certain standard.
042/16 CONSIDER THE 2016-2018 NATIONAL SALARY AWARD FOR THE CLERK
It was proposed by Mr Meara, seconded by Mr Barker and agreed that, per his contract, the Clerk receive a salary increase according to the new pay scalesagreed by The National Joint Council for Local Government Services and which are to be implemented immediately and back dated to 1 April 2016.
043/16 DISCUSS THE 2016 ROSPA INSPECTION AND THE ACTIONS REQUIRED
Mr Kelly reported that there were no high risk items in the report on the Heath Drive or Austhorp Grove Play Areas and that he will continue to monitor them for his monthly reports.
Mr Meara reported that there were no high risk items on the report on the multi-court.
It was proposed by Mr Kelly, seconded by Mr Barker and agreed that Mr Meara organise a ‘deep clean’ for the multi-court surface.
044/16 DISCUSS THE RCC LED LIGHTING UPGRADES AND THE IMPLICATIONS
RCC has advised that all suitable lighting stock is to be upgraded to LED units and it will recover the energy costs for community lighting from town and parish councils/meetings. It will also inspect and maintain all lighting stock throughout the County. Based on current energy rates the charge for Cottesmore for 2017/18 will be £1,136.45.
It was proposed by Mr Kelly, seconded by Mr Hyde and agreed that the Parish Council is not satisfied with the proposals. This decision is based on the fact that as the Parish Council had had, back in the 1980’s or 1990’s, at great cost funded by loans, the village lighting upgraded,with the assurance from Leicestershire County Council that the Parish Council would not face any costs for maintenance or energy in the future.
It was agreed that this should be conveyed to RCC, with a request for justification of the proposal for Cottesmore.
045/16 OTHER MEETINGS
Village Hall Management Committee AGM and Meeting Held on 13 June 2016
A report of both meetings had been circulated by Mrs Patient. The report of the AGM included that a profit of around £2,000 had been made for the year and the meeting report included that proposed work included the cutting of the hedges and replacement of the main entrance doors.
046/16 CORRESPONDENCE
From Julie Pack – Expressing concern about speeding vehicles on Rogues Lane. It was suggested that Ms Pack be advised to, if possible, take down the number plate of such vehicles and that both RCC and the Police be made aware of the continuing problem.
From Cottesmore Village Hall – In response to the letter questioning the proposal to charge the Parish Council to use the hall for the monthly meetings, the VHMC has advised that it has been agreed to defer the charge until April 2017. This was noted under 040/16 above.
From CPRE Rutland – Advising that the AGM and Summer Drinks Party will be held on Sunday 17 July at 4.00 PM in Whissendine. Nobody is available to attend.
From Fields in Trust and The Royal British Legion – Introducing the Centenary Fields Programme, the objective of which is to secure recreational spaces in perpetuity, in honour of the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in conflict, and inviting Town and Parish Councils to nominate a recreational space to be dedicated as a Centenary Field. This was noted but there was no space to be nominated.
From RCC – Providing information relating to the consultation currently being undertaken in relation to home to school transport policies. This was noted.
From Rocks by Rail – Request to release the agreed grant of £500.
From RCC – Advising that all suitable lighting stock is to be upgraded to LED units and RCC will recover the energy costs for community lighting from town and parish councils/meetings. It will also inspect and maintain all lighting stock throughout the County. Based on current energy rates the charge for Cottesmore for 2017/18 will be £1,136.45. This was dealt with under 044/16 above.
047/16 PLANNING
Observations on
Refurbishment of outbuilding to include living accommodation.
The Granary, 39 Main Street, Cottesmore. LE15 7DH.
It was agreed that the roof is in need of repair and that in doing so the Collyweston Slate should be retained. It was also agreed that a dormer window should not be put in and that the Conservation Officer should be involved with the application.
Conversion of outbuilding to habitable area i.e. bedroom with ensuite shower room.
27, Main Street, Cottesmore, OAKHAM, Rutland, LE15 7DH.
It was agreed that the Planning Committee would decide on the comments to be submitted.
Notice of Decision in Respect of a Section 211 Notice Proposing Work to a Tree
or Trees in a Conservation Area
Fell 1 No. Ornamental Cherry Tree
13 The Pastures, Cottesmore. LE15 7DZ.
Rutland County Council District Council decided not to exercise its powers to make a provisional Tree Preservation Order in this instance
Appeal
Residential infill development comprising 22 dwellings including 8 affordable dwellings along with open space and parking.
All Green Space Around, Harrier Close, Cottesmore.
10.00 AM on 6 July 2016,
Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham.
048/16 FINANCE
Income
Interest 0.56
Expenditure Net VAT Total
Roadman - May 2016 107.25
LRALC – Finance for Councillors Training for Mrs Edwards and Mr Hyde 70.00
Cory Environmental – Grass Cutting 420.00 84.00 504.00
Mr J Meara – Neighbourhood Plan Event 221.05
Mr J Kelly – Plants 17.96
Rutland Railway Museum – Grant 500.00
Clerkʼs Salary – May 2016 563.47
Clerkʼs Expenses – May 2016 117.18
Payments made since last meeting
Lamin & White – Internal Audit 160.00 32.00 192.00
Mr J Kelly – Plants 54.00
Cottesmore Neighbourhood Plan Group 104.80
Payment of the expenditure, as detailed above, was proposed by Mr Swain, seconded by
Mr Hyde and agreed.
Account Balances
HSBC Community Account (as at previous meeting £1.79) 1.88
HSBC Business Money Manager (as at previous meeting £13,052.54) 10,601.29
NatWest Business Reserve Account (as at previous meeting £89.86) 89.87
HSBC Money Market Fixed Term Deposit Account (Maturity 5 August 2016) 10,000.00
HSBC Money Market Fixed Term Deposit Account (Maturity 28 October 2016) 15,000.00
HSBC Money Market Fixed Term Deposit Account (Maturity 2 February 2017) 10,000.00
HSBC Money Market Fixed Term Deposit Account (Maturity 28 April 2017) 15,000.00
049/16 OPEN FORUM
Meeting with Kendrew Barracks Commandant
Mr Swain advised that arrangements are being made for a meeting between the Commandant and the Kendrew Barracks Liaison Committee on 14 July.
Waste Bin Attached to Multi-Court
Mr Barker reported that the waste bin attached to the corner of the multi-court was loose and that he would attend to it.
050/16 NEXT MEETING
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 15 August 2016.
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