21st February 2011
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on 21st February 2011 at 8pm.
Apologies: received from Mr Tebbit and Mr White.
Present, Mrs Handley, Mr Huddleston, Mrs Glasse, Mr Dinsdale, Mr Blatch, Mrs Hobbs, and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton. Cl. Mrs Heazell and Cl Kindersley were also present.
Minutes of the previous meeting held on 17th January had been circulated. The Clerk reported that she has received a letter from Mrs Pritchard during the afternoon asking that the accuracy of the minutes should reflect what was said in respect of Item13 headed 'Affordable Housing'. This letter was circulated to all councillors present to read and, later, members were asked again if they agreed the minutes were an accurate record. Voting on this took place, resulting in 6 in favour and one abstention. The minutes were duly signed.
Matters arising from the Minutes
1 Nixon's Hall Tablet. No change
2 Land Registration of Parish Property Declaration. This remains in the hands of the solicitors.
3 Road at St Helen's Transfer. Nothing further to report.
4 Trees at 2 Wheeler's Way The SCDC housing manager is handling this at present.
5 Standing Orders. A copy has been circulated
6 Youth Bus and 100 Club Plan: Mr Blatch reported that they now have enough money to cover costs for fortnightly visits until April and weekly visits until Christmas during term-times. From April they would be looking for two volunteer helpers. On Sunday 13th March the bus would call for a youth forum to find out local preferences for activities. The Chairman congratulated Mr Blatch on the success of the project.
7 Telephone Boxes: Glass has been received by Mr Blatch and will be installed when the weather is better.
8 Cycle Path Eversden to Comberton Still no progress. The sub-committee of Mr Dalton, Mr Huddleston and Mrs Handley would meet again soon. Mrs Glasse offered to join them and this proposal was welcomed.
9 Recreation Ground Multi-Use Games Area: Planning Application. The Chairman reported that two days after the last meeting he had received an email from John Koch, a senior planning officer. In the Chairman's opinion this email made it very clear that the only rational option was to withdraw the current application and apply again after careful consultation with the planners. If the revised application was received within twelve months, no further charge would be incurred. Continuing with the present application could only result in its refusal, and this could have unacceptable consequences. The Chairman had therefore withdrawn the application immediately. Some members disagreed and felt strongly that the Chairman should have consulted with council members before taking such decisive action. The Chairman apologised. Mr Blatch reported that the Recreation Committee was now trying to clarify the wishes of the Tennis Club in relation to the MUGA. When this had been resolved they would contact the planners to arrange a site-meeting and discuss the form of a new application. Mrs Heazell strongly endorsed the suggestion of setting up a site-meeting.
10 Dog Bin at Recreation Ground. SCDC was not willing to move the dog-bin.
11 Affordable Housing Update It is understood that Accent Nene are still in discussion with SCDC planners about the final plans for 0SP 148.
12 Finance No cheques required.
13 Planning
30 Harlton Road, extension No recommendation but concern was expressed about the amount of parking space on the site. Parking on Harlton Road at this point would be a serious hazard since it was opposite the bus stop, used also by the school bus, and access to the surgery car-park.
14 Cl. Mrs Heazell reported that SCDC's share of the Council tax will be kept at the same level as last year. By freezing the Council Tax for four years SCDC will receive a government grant of £173,000 payable for four years until 2014/15.
She had attended a Transport Conference at which it was reported that the subsidies to the bus company would be cut, resulting in the loss of most rural services. It was hoped that Village Car Schemes and Dial-a-Ride buses would fill the gap, but it appears that there are not enough volunteer drivers to make this possible.
The senior Environmental Health Officer had left last April and his deputy in July. Mrs Heazell had suggested that neither should be replaced, and their work should be shared with officers from another Council.
It was likely that SCDC may be required to buy in its stock of housing over a
period of years.
15 Cl Kindersley reported that the County Council have agreed to freeze Council Tax for five years. They aim to save £50m in 2011/12 and $160.6m over the life of the plan. Cuts were expected to be made in subsidised bus services (including the 75 bus) and some villages are actively seeking alternatives for transporting shoppers and sixth form students.
Potholes are being filled very rapidly, but at considerable cost.
Plans proceed for a new secondary school at Cambourne, but it is possible that the planners may object to the proposed site.
16 Correspondence In circulation.
17 Vacancy Mrs Pritchard, who had chosen to sit among the public, then tendered her resignation in writing.
Next Meetings
Planning Meeting (if necessary Monday 31st January in the Pavilion at 8.30
Little Eversden Parish Meeting Monday 7th March in the Pavilion at 8pm
Full Parish Council Monday 4th April in the Village Hall at 8pm.
Great Eversden Parish Meeting 11th April in the Village Hall at 8pm.