MINUTES of a Meeting of the Parish Council Held in the Village Hall, Main Street

MINUTES of a meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Main Street,

Little Downham, on Thursday, 22 July 2008 commencing at 7.02pm.

Councillors present: DA Adams-Payne, in the chair,DJ Badcock, CM Frankland,EW Hall, M Oldfield RC Stacey, RS Martin (7.03pm), BL Taylor, AJ Whiteand KO Winters.

In attendance: PC K Humble, PCSO J Hall, Dist. Cllrs A Bailey and T Goodge, County Cllr P Read (7.16pm) and 12 parishioners.

59/08 / TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
1.Apologies were received from Cllr CE Hall.
60/08 / TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
1.Cllr DA Adams-Payne declared a personal interest in Item 65/08 because her brother is on the Proposed Sports & Social Club Committee.
2.Cllr DJ Badcock declared a personal interest in Item 65/08 because he was on the Proposed Sport & Social Club Committee but is not now.
7.03pm / Cllr R Martin arrived
61/08 / TO ADJOURN MEETING FOR PUBLIC FORUM
7.04pm
7.05pm / No public comments
Meeting reconvened
62/08 / PARISH CRIME MATTERS
1. Police Crime Reports – Seven crimes were reported in Lt Downham and six in Pymoor between 12/06/08 to 21/07/08. PC Humble informed that operations against metals thefts have been ongoing for the past 12 months and old cars are being stolen for scrap metal.
2. To report recent events – PCSO Hall has been out and about on his bicycle and getting known to the locals.
7.15pm
7.16pm / PC Humble and PCSO Hall left the meeting.
County Cllr P Read arrived.
63/08 / DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS (Dist. Cllrs A Bailey & A Goodge)
1. Waste Collections are now under more control and ECDC is dealing with complaints. Management of the Maltings is still being decided. Shock expressed regarding the proposed post office closure and anomalies considered on the Branch Access Report. The Parish Council confirmed members will attend the Post Office Closure meeting at ECDC on 24/07/08.
64/08 / COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT (County Cllr P Read)
1. Concern wasexpressed regarding the post office and shop. Cambridgeshire County Council is carrying out a review of school admissions.
65/08 / PROPOSAL FOR SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB FACILITY IN LITTLE DOWNHAM
1. To receive results of parish survey and consider the proposal in principle- Letters from the Village Hall Committee, Mrs K Batt and Mr & Mrs B Smith were read to the meeting. The results of the survey and additional comments written on the questionnaires were observed. A recorded vote was requested to consider the proposal in principle. The result was as follow:
Cllrs in favour: DA Adams Payne, DJ Badcock, M Oldfield, RC Stacy, KO Winters
Cllrs against: CM Frankland, AJ White. Abstentions: R Martin, B Taylor
RESOLVED: The Parish Council agreed in principle to the extension/renovation of the current pavilion or to demolish it and build a multi-functional building in the same location. The Council is prepared to enter into a lease agreement for the area of land required but requests a business plan from the Sports & Social Club Committee covering the project and sustainability of the building for a five-year period, plusdetailed plans of the proposed works/new building,details of anticipated project costs that would hopefully include the Parish Council’s legal fees,details of funding for the project,outlining the Committee’s commitment to the project,anticipated timescale and a contract of building completion and details of management and maintenance of the building.
The Chairman made it clear that the aboveResolution was made in order that the Sports & Social Club could progress to seek funding confirmation and produce the Business Plan. Further matters are to be consideredby the Council in due course before a final decision is made regarding the project.
8.15pm / Dist. Cllr Goodge,County Cllr Read and parishioners left the meeting.
66/08 / TO APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1. RESOLVED: The minutes of 12 June 2008 (Full Council) were approved and signed as a true record.
2.A recorded vote was requested to approve the minutes of 3 July 2008 (Extraordinary) as a true record. Cllr Taylor disagreed that he abruptly walked out of the meeting and slammed the door. The result was as follows: Cllrs in favour: DA Adams-Payne, DJ Badcock, EW Hall, RS Martin, M Oldfield, AJ White. Cllrs against: BL Taylor, KO Winters. Abstentions: RC Stacy (absent on 03/07/08).
RESOLVED: The minutes of 3 July (Extraordinary) were approved and signed as a true record.
67/08 / MATTERS TO REPORT
1. (Min.42/08.2) Electricity Poles and stays in School Lane, Lt Downham – An order number has been given and the Clerk isawaiting a site visit appointment with a representative to assess the area.
2. (Min.42/08.3) Pymoor Tiles – At the Play Area & Recreation Committee Cllr Taylor informed that the tiles don’t need cleaning at this time but will be monitored with a view to clean them before winter.
3. (Min.42/08.6) Barbed Wire on FP 51 – The barbed wire has been removed.
4. (Min.44/08.3) To approve purchase of play equipment parts and consider booking play area annual inspections – Play equipment parts and paint have been received. The Handyman has started painting Pymoor play area and the Annual Inspections have been ordered.
5. (Min.44/08.5) Anglian Water bill for LNR – Due to the leak being at the standpipe in Pingle Wood, the situation does not fit the criteria for making a claim. The meter will be monitored closely in future.
6. (Min.45/08.2) East Cambs Neighbourhood Watch Association – grant request– aletter of thanks received from Mr Evans was read.
7. (Min.51/08) Section 106 Project Funding – ECDC Legal Section have approached the advisors to the Developer to raise this issue –no reply has been received yet.
8. (Min.58/08) East Cambs Local Development Framework, Core Strategy Submission Development Plan Document And Proposals Map Submission Development Plan Document – Comment was submitted.
68/08 / PLANNING MATTERS
1. / To consider planning applications received:
1.108/00576/FUL Mr S Parrin, 50 Ely Road, Lt Downham – Extensions to front and rear of existing property -RESOLVED:The Parish Council had no concerns.
1.208/00641/FUL Mr J Dhokia, 30 Lawn Lane, Lt Downham – Two storey rear extension -RESOLVED:The Parish Council had no concerns.
1.308/00695/FULDr Rachel Grimley & Mr Ryan Bingham, 9 Third Drove, Little Downham - Change of use of c0.805 hectares to grazing of horses to include construction of timber fenced 40 x 20m outdoor riding area for private use -RESOLVED:The Parish Council had no concerns.
2. / Planning correspondence
For information only:
2.1 / ECDC - Applications approved: 08/00383/FUL,08/00436/LBC,08/00457/FUL,08/00460/PDR
2.2 / ECDC – Applications refused: 08/00404/FUL, 08/00485/FUL, 08/00521/FUL
69/08 / FINANCE
1.Monthly Internal Auditwas carried out by Cllrs EW Hall and RC Stacy.
2.To consider appointment of Internal Auditor for 2008/09– It was noted that Mrs Wallace had held this position for the past six years. The Council considered this acceptable and not a problem because of her continued independence from the Council. A vote was taken in which the result was nine in favour and one abstention.
RESOLVED:To appoint Mrs Caroline Wallace as Internal Auditor for 2008/09.
3.To consider risk assessment report of new basketball post at Lt Downham Recreation Area, accept responsibility and include on insurance policy – The installation of the basket ball post was considered acceptable by Mr A Payne (Adams-Payne Safety Ltd) .
RESOLVED:To approve installation of the basketball post in Little Downham Recreation Area and include it on the Council’s insurance policy.
4.To approve bills and other items for payment–(Cheque no. 000405 for £50 approved 45/08.2.)
RESOLVED: To approve list of payments for cheque numbers 000406 to 000415 and direct debits for the total sum of £3635.69.
70/08 / PARISH MATTERS
1.Little Downham Proposed Post Office Closure – To consider objection to the proposal in support of retaining the local amenity – The Clerk will amalgamate points made by the Council into a letter to Post Office Ltd Consultation Team, Post Watch, M Moss MP etc. Members were reminded of PO Closure meeting at ECDC on 24/07/08. Cllr Winters reported attending a Cambs ACRE event for the launch of the State of the Countryside Report 2008. During the meeting it was stated that the internet will afford vast expansion of small businesses setting up in rural areas. In this aspect it is essential that the parish Post Office retained.
1.1 Postwatch Letter re Post Office Closure Programme - Cambs, Herts, Beds & South Lincs Area Plan – information was noted.
9.40pm / Cllr CM Frankland gave apologies and left the meeting. Dist. Cllr A Bailey left
Cllr RS Martin declared a personal interest in the following item because he is a member of the Village Hall Committee.
2.Little Downham Village Hall – To consider donation request towards refurbishment of rear terrace and new curtains– The Council was unanimous to support the Village Hall.
RESOLVED: To pledge £1500 to the Village Hall Committee towards refurbishment of rear terrace and new curtains under Local Government Act 1972, s. 133.
3.Littleport & Downham Internal Drainage Board – R Chilvers – Proposed drainage work at Pymoor and request for authorisation for work on Pymoor Recreation Field if scheme approved–Work proposed on Pymoor Lane, land to rear of Straight Furlong and recreation ground was considered and confirmed asat no cost to the Council. The developer is yet to approve the scheme. RESOLVED: To approve proposed work by Littleport and Downham Internal Drainage Board on Pymoor Recreation Ground.
9.50pm / Cllr EW Hall gave apologies and left the meeting
4.ECDC - Deprivation in Lt Downham Parish – Clarification of deprived areas (Min.223/07 266/07) –The Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 states that Downham‘s Lower Super Output Area (SOA) E01018020 ranks in the top 1% of the most deprived when looking at Barriers to Housing and Services. E01018020 covers part of Hundred Foot Bank, The Droves, Pymoor, Oxlode, Wayhead, Coveney and Wardy Hill. Doug Perkins (ECDC) is unable to clarify how long these areas have been classified as deprived because SOAs that allow the micro level comparison of areas only beganwith the2001 census. Previous to that data was based on electoral wards. The analysis was discussed. The Clerk was instructed to write again to Mr Archer to request how long Lt Downham has been a deprived area.
5.CCC P3 Confirmation - To consider any cuts that could be added to CCC regular cuts– No other areas to be cut at present.
6.Matters to be raised at next Neighbourhood Panel Meeting (28/07/08) – No issues.
71/08 / CONSERVATION MATTERS
1.Community Orchard – To approve a cut and clear of the grass to rid the area of Thistles -
The Council was to approvethe cut but was unsure about undisclosed costs to remove cut material. The Clerk will refer back to the Conservation Group regarding urgency of work.
2.Pingle Wood – To approve early cut and clear of the grass to rid the area of Thistle - The Council approved bringing forward the cut but no costs were quoted about removing cut material. The Clerk will refer back to the Conservation Group regarding this work.
3.Downham Parish Conservation Group (DPCG)– To approve costs to replace the Hurst Lane Footbridge & Cartshed Security Barrier –Four costs were obtained by the Conservation Group for materials.Cllr Taylor offered wood from his farm.
RESOLVED: To accept Cllr Taylor’s offer and approve costs of additional material up to £157.94 + VAT quoted by Ridgeons, Cambridge and £25 + VAT quoted by Cottenham Sawmillto replace the Hurst Lane Footbridge & Cartshed Security Barrier.
4.Downham Parish Conservation Group– To consider financing the printing of promotional flyers for participation or recruitment of new members – DPCG chose quote of £50 / 500 sheets.
RESOLVED: To approve grant payment of £50 for Conservation Group promotional flyers.
72/08 / YOUTH ACTIVITIES
1.Youth Group Report – Nothing to report
73/08 / HIGHWAYS
1.Reply re matters reported from previous meetings:
1.1 West Fen Drove, Lt Downham – CCC contractor has jet cleared through and on inspection could still find no evidence of any water trickling down the road. Occasions are assumed the result of sudden downpours temporarily overloading the drains.
1.270 Main Street, Lt Downham – There is no visibility stipulations in planning consent and owners confirm they have no intention of allowing the trees to bush out. CCC will continue to monitor.
2.To report current matters of concern
2.1Blocked Drain at 34/34A Main Street, Pymoor - It was reported that concrete has been poured down this drain at some time because it gets blocked and water runs off the road into nearby gardens.
2.2Puddle outside 28 Main Street, Pymoor - this has been reported before - during and after wet weather excess water is splashed across the path and up the nearby wall.
2.3 Tyres dumped at Hundred Foot Bank railway bridge.
10.45pm / Cllr RC Stacey gave apologies and left the meeting
3.CCC Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvement Scheme – to propose bids for 2009/10
- current proposal - Outside School on Main Street - It was agreed to put forward the following:
1. B1411 Little Downham Main Street School Safety and Speed Management Measures
2. Safer Pedestrian Footway and kerbing on Main Street, Pymoor.
74/08 / CORRESPONDENCE
For information only:
1.Downham Playing Field Committee – Accounts for year ending 31 December 2007
75/08 / REQUEST OF ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – none
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 11.08pm.

LD.minsPage 1 of 422/07/08

Little Downham Parish Council