6th August 2012
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on 6th August 2012 at 8pm.
Apologies: Mrs Glasse, Mr Huddleston, Mrs Pritchard, Cl. Kindersley, Cl. Page
Present: Mrs Handley, Ms O'Callaghan, Mr Dinsdale, Mrs Spencer, Mr White, Mr Tebbit and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton.
Minutes of the meetings held on 25th June were approved and signed.
Matters arising from the Minutes
1 Land Registration of Parish Property Declaration and Road at St Helen's Transfer. The Chairman reported that the deeds of the land outside the West wall had been lost, but that the appropriate form (ST1) for lost deeds will be filled in and submitted.
2 Cycle Path Eversden to Comberton This has had an encouraging reception from Natural England who are grant-aiding bridle-paths. However it is necessary to establish to complete route if they are to support the scheme. Savill's have not yet contacted St John's College, the land-owners.
3 Bench at Bus Shelter. Agreed that the Chairman should ask Mr Blatch once again if he has time to repair this now August is here.
4 Emergency Planning Mr Huddleston and Mrs Glasse No report was available, in the absence of Mr Huddleston and Mrs Glasse.
5 OSP148 The Chairman reported that he had been in contact with SCDC. Apparently Accent Nene have supplied the final information required, but the Legal Department have asked the Planning Department to delay issuing the approval letter because the Legal Department is currently dealing with two judicial reviews and does not wish to deal with another one yet. It was agreed that the Chairman should write to the Chief Executive asking whether it is acceptable for one department to request another Department to delay implementing a decision that is in the public interest and which has been approved by the Planning Committee.
6 Dog Control. New notices had been erected.
7 Ramblers' Association Response None
8 Liaison with Harlton about A603. Mr Dinsdale reported a satisfactory exchange with the Chair of Harlton Parish Council. They were interested in the possibility of a reduced speed-limit from the bottom of Orwell Hill to the Junction with Washpit Lane, and the possibility of a refuge at the junction by the Wheatsheaf. We would consult with Karen Lunn of the Highways Dept. as soon as the 30 mph limit was finally in place in the Eversdens.
9 Replacement of Parish Clerk. Mrs Volans had been Parish Clerk to the Eversdens Parish Council for more than 60 years. She had now expressed a wish to resign. This was a matter of great regret to all the members. It was agreed to advertise the vacancy on local notice-boards in the Eversdens, Kingston, Toft Comberton, Barton, Harlton and Haslingfield. The closing date for applications would be 7th September.
10 Flooding The Chairman mentioned that in the recent heavy rain Church Lane in Little Eversden had been flooded and also there had been problems in Finch's Field and Bucks Lane. Mr Pat Matthews of the Highways Dept. had responded very rapidly and it was hoped that the problems would not recur. However it was reported that there had also been some flooding in Chapel Road, Great Eversden and that there were tree trunks in the ditch. It was agreed to ask the tenant of the field, Mr Alan Banks, if he would arrange to have the trees cleared.
11 Mere Way and 4x4 damage Vehicles used for shooting, amongst others, were causing damage to the bridle-way. Mr Edd Banks' manager is aware of this and provides an alternative route for the shooters and will repair the damage as soon as practicable.
12 Churchyard Trees at St Mary's. The Chairman reported for information that the trees at St. Mary's had been inspected by two tree specialists and the necessary pruning agreed'
13 Code of Conduct. It was agreed to accept the draft Code of Conduct as written by SCDC.
14 Planning
Merry's Farm, Wimpole Road. Conversion of barn and piggeries.
After discussion it was agreed to approve this application and support it strongly, particularly as it was favoured by all in the neighbourhood. In addition it was agreed to write a letter requesting that the application should be dealt with by the Planning Committee and not under Delegated Powers.
15 Finance.
The following cheques agreed and signed:
District Auditor's fee £187.20 LGA 1972 s.111(i)
SCDC Election Expenses Lt. £75.00 RPA 1983 s.36(5)
Gt. £496.35
Clerk's Salary and expenses £284.68 LGA 1972 s.112(2)
It was agreed not to renew the subscription (£50) to Navigus Planning.
Mr White asked if the money from the Village Plan Account should be absorbed into the Council's general account, but it was agreed not to do this at present.
The Clerk reported that the sum of £56.05 has been received from the Recreation Ground Committee. This represents the amount not spent from the £200 grant given in aid of the Jubilee celebrations.
16 Correspondence In circulation
Next Meetings
Planning Meetings (if necessary) 20th August and 3rd September at 8.30
Full Parish Council Monday 17th September at 8pm.