PARISH OF STOKENCHURCH
Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 18th August 2010 at Longburrow Hall
Attendees: Mr Penny (Chairman), Mrs Baker, Mr Conran, Mr Elliott, Mr Jones, Mr Randall, Mr Capell (Clerk) together with 3 members of the public
Before the start of the meeting, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Ron Harding, who had served the Council for over 20 years and who had passed away recently.
1. Apologies were received from Mrs Cripps, Mrs Warden, Mr Davis, Mr Dunn, Mr Harding and Cty Cllr Frank Downes.
2. Declarations of Interest. None.
3. Minutes. The Minutes of the meeting held on 4th August, having been previously circulated were approved, proposed Mrs Baker, seconded Mr Randall. Mr Elliott and Mr Conran abstained as they were not present at the meeting.
4. Matters Arising. The Chairman reported that no action had yet been taken on the suggestion from Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown to compile a 30year ‘vision statement.
5. Reports and Actions. Mr Elliott reported a new sign and telegraph pole at the Memorial Hall and that the hedge had been cut. Mr Penny informed members that the official opening of the Allotment Association store and best produce competition had been very successful, despite poor weather.
6. Other Parish Matters. Mrs Baker wished to mention two items concerning the Medical Centre.
7. Planning. Four applications were discussed. In the case of 06590 – outline planning permission for housing development at the former Slade Road School, Members agreed to make no comment at present, but reserved the right to comment on the full application, especially with regard to access, site lines and access to the green space areas. However Members asked that the District Council should give due consideration to the concerns raised by the residents, which had been discussed at the previous meeting. A copy of a petition sent to the District Council, expressing concern over sewage disposal was received. In the case of 06748 – Pophleys, City Road, Radnage, Members agreed to make no comment; no objection was raised in the cases of 06751 – tree works at 55 New Road, Stokenchurch and 06866 – Greendale Farm, Bigmore Lane, Horsleys Green re certificate of lawfulness for stationing of mobile home
8. Finance. (i) Bills Payable. It was proposed by Mr Elliott, seconded by Mr Conran and agreed unanimously, that the Bills payable in the sum of £4,943.53 be approved. (ii) Accounts for July. It was proposed by Mr Randall, seconded by Mr Conran and agreed unanimously, that the accounts for July be approved. (iii) Report of the Finance and Risk Assessment Committee. The Chairman gave a brief synopsis of the discussions at the recent meeting, including consideration about leases, referral to the Valuer, attention to the fabric of Longburrow Hall, various signs, the cost of servicing fire extinguishers and action with regard to allotment holders, who fail to maintain their plots. Members unanimously agreed that in one such case, the clerk should write to a tenant to state that the tenancy will not be renewed with effect from 1st October, 2010 on the grounds that he had failed to maintain the plot properly to the detriment of other plot holders. (v) Hedge at Marlow Road cemetery. Two quotations had been received; it was proposed by Mr Jones, seconded by Mr Conran and agreed unanimously, that the quotation from Thompsons Garden Services in the sum of £625 be accepted.
9. Correspondence. The following items of correspondence were received:-
Letter from David Lidington MP re noise issue on M40
Request re fireworks party at wedding reception on 25th June 2011
Cancellation of centenary cricket match
Letter from Mr Gower re trees at Marlow Road cemetery
Invitation from Cllr Bendyshe-Brown to Battle of Britain service on 19th Sept.
Invitation from Cllr Bendyshe-Brown to Civic Service & Kop Hill climb 26th Sept.
Letter of Thanks from Air Ambulance
Invitation from Bucks Hospitals NHS Trust to consultation meetings re community health services Marlow/Bourne End 2nd and 9th Sept.
Invitation to Prize Giving Lunch from FWAG at Bucks County Show 26th August
Letter from BALC re appointment of new Chief Executive
Bid for funding for Youth Fairs in Marlow; views requested by Local Area Forum
Invitation to Bucks NHS Health Fair & AGM on 29th Sept.
Request from Open Spaces Society for support to keep footpaths open
Invitation to attend the opening of the ‘Arts4every1’ Centre on 17th Sept.
Request from Stokenchurch Juniors F.C. for alcohol license on 13th November.
Members approved the request for a Fireworks Display at Longburrow Field subject to appropriate insurance cover and on the understanding that fireworks were directed away from houses and the A40. Members provisionally approved the request from Stokenchurch Juniors FC for an alcohol license at an event on 13th November for adults.
10. Scouts and Guides Headquarters. Nothing to report
11. MUGA. Nothing to report.
12. Travellers sites. Nothing to report.
13. Other Parish Matters. Mrs Baker had attended a meeting at the Medical Centre, at which a request had been made to publicize more widely details of the new opening times, and the Centre’s new ‘phone number. Members agreed to include this information on the Parish website and notice boards. The use of crockery from Longburrow Hall for fund raising towards a pulse meter for the nurses at a ‘flu vaccination day was also agreed.
14. Parish Warden. Following the successful completion of his probationary service, it was agreed that the appointment of Mr G. Ansell be confirmed.
15. Fete – Commons leveling request. The Chairman gave a detailed resume of the investigations undertaken following receipt of a petition to have an area of the Common leveled to facilitate aspects of the annual Stokenchurch Fete. Extensive consultations had taken place and two quotations to level an area for an arena, had been received. Members had reservations as to whether leveling would achieve the desired aim in the long term; other considerations were the cost, whether residents were in support and the arrangements for fencing-off part of the Common, possibly over a long period. It was suggested that some performances of the annual fete could be held on Bowling Green Common, or indeed that the entire event could be held at Longburrow, but after careful discussion, it was agreed that a survey be conducted amongst all residents, via “Village View” to obtain local opinion on the proposal, and in particular, whether residents are prepared to accept an increase in their community charge to fund the work.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 9.15pm.