MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SHIPLAKE PARISH COUNCIL IN
SHIPLAKE MEMORIAL HALL
ON MONDAY, 10th MARCH 2008 AT 7.45 P.M.
1. PRESENT. Mr. C.R.Dean (Chairman), Mr.E.A.Ryder, Mr R.B. Head, Lord F. Phillimore, Mrs A-M Bull, Mr M.Leonard (DC), Mrs J Arnott, Dr P Skolar (CC) and Mr. G Thomas. Apologies received from Mrs A Law.
2. DECLARATIONS OF GIFTS & INTEREST.
Councillors were given the opportunity to declare any gifts or interest in any item on the Agenda.Mr Head declared an interest in planning application P08/E0159. The Hockett .Mr Thomas declared an interest in planning application P08/E0163. The Oak House.
Mrs A Bull declared an interest in planning application P08/E0131, Fairfields.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY 2008
Mr Head noted on Page 1 item 2 “will be given” should read “were given”
Mr Head noted Page 4 item 112/08 “to report “should read “nothing to report” after these changes were amended the minutes were approved on a motion proposed by Mr Head and seconded by Mrs A Bull.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Following last month’s Parish Council meeting requests were made to OCC Highways for an update on Procedures and schedule of repairs and Gulley emptying. Response received from Brian Purcell Smith
1. There are no plans to cut grips down Mill Lane, recent work in Memorial Ave was re-cutting existing grips, but there are no original grips in Mill Lane and it is not suitable for any further works of this type.
2. Missed gully now cleaned, it was just the grating covered over with detritus!
3.All of A4155 from Henley to Playhatch along with Station Road, Shiplake and its associated soakaways is on increased cleaning schedule, which are cleansed twice yearly at varying times. It is not possible to say dates when they will be done as this varies year by year.
Council expressed the view that the issue was not the upper section of Mill lane but the lower section and Mill Road where the issue of flooding arises. It was agreed that Dr Skolar would liaise with Mr Purcell Smith and effect a site visit to review the length of Mill Road/Lane to highlight a number of issues, including road surface condition Mr Thomas and Mr Milne (resident) volunteered to attend.
Mr Head raised the issue of standing water on the A4155 opposite Hailey wood Farm during heavy rain fall.
5. POLICE MATTERS.
There have been no candidates for the position of NHW Coordinator according to Carol Rudd any ideas welcomed. Council was urged to think of some local potential candidates.
The first Police Surgery was held at the Memorial Hall on Friday 7th March.
Phone call received from Mr Robin Hunter re supply of Crime Statistics, promised to forward 1st quarter by post by as soon after April 1st as possible.
Request received from A Tysom Public Relations Officer requesting support and nominations for Community policing Awards. Due to a lack of presence Council felt unable to make a nomination .Lord Phillimore suggested contact the PRO and notifying them that we may be in a better position to make a nomination after the end of the 6 month experience with the police surgeries. The Clerk to action.
Dr Skolar reported that Henley Town, Mapledurham and Sonning Common NAG’s have met, to date the out of town NAG has yet to meet.
6. O.C.C. - Cllr.Dr. P. Skolar.
Dr Skolar reported on the discussions with local residents and OCC regarding road safety issues at the junction of Station Road ,The Memorial and A4155, as there have been several night time accidents recently .The proposals are to lengthen the existing double height kerb towards the A4155, introduce low level reflective posts to highlight the bend , to review the possibility of a mobile speed warning sign and to request moving the current GATSO camera from The Plowden Arms to nearer to the bends approaching Shiplake from Reading on the A4155.Dr Skolar requested Council support for these measures ,approved unanimously.
Dr Skolar requested support for the repainting of yellow lines and replacement of a “No parking, turning point only “notice at the turning circle at Shiplake Lock, approved unanimously.
Dr Skolar urged residents to ensure Police are informed and insist a report is generated of any accidents otherwise accident data is not recorded .
Dr Skolar reported that The Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, a centre of excellence is in danger of being closed and relocated due to funding issues.
Dr Skolar reported that the linked website set up between District/County and City during the flooding crisis has won an award for being one of the best in the country in the emergency.
7. S.O.D.C. – Cllr. M. Leonard.
Mr. Leonard confirmed that the Council tax rate rise would have to be 3.5% this year compared to nil increase over past few years due to reductions in central funding this year only being an increase of 1.9%. The picture sadly worsens over the coming years as the increase will further reduce to only 0.5% for the next two years. This means that SODC have to find savings of almost £1million without affecting services.
Car parking charges will rise from April 1st 2008 from 40p- 50p for the first hour.
Mr Leonard reported that the SODC website came out as one of the best in the country in a recent annual Local Government Survey.
The police and Licensing authority at district have been working together carrying out a review of the road worthiness of local taxis, unfortunately several Henley taxis had to be taken off the road as a result, because of illegal tyre tread depths.
Licensing are also continuing to carry out test purchases of alcohol, and they are also carrying out drug testing in local pubs with a sophisticated and sensitive piece of equipment called an “Itemiser.”
Mr Leonard reported that after many delays, he was assured that the refurbished leisure centre was indeed due to open this month.
8. OPEN FORUM.
Formal meeting was suspended at 8.37pm for questions from the members of the public present.Mr A Duckett spoke on behalf of the applicants on the planning submission for the Hockett. Mr Milne raised the issue of the flooding in Mill Road and Mill Lane and also the issue of car parking close against the border hedge along Mill Road by the Baskerville. Cars are parking so close that pedestrians have to go into the road. This is a popular route for walkers as it is part of the Thames Path. This issue was also raised at the Police Surgery.
A member of the public raised the issue of the land identified as potential housing redevelopment and asked if the parish council were actively involve in any consultations .The Chairman assured that the council had made a submission on behalf of the village in the consultation process and was actively monitoring any further developments.
Meeting reconvened at 8.37pm
9. SPECIAL REPORTS-PLANNING.
10. PLANNING.
The Council was asked to approve the comments made by the Planning Working party
P08/E0159 The Hocket, Lashbrook Road Shiplake RG9 3NX
Replacement dwelling with new boathouse
The Hocket - Mr Head declared an interest and left the meeting.
There is a new application which has taken the property back marginally. The working party looked up what the environmental agency has to say and they mention that they should be 8 metres back from the water. The neighbour wants them to move back to the original property line, which seems quite reasonable .Mr Thomas made quite a good point about the boathouse- do the environmental agency know that the "boathouse" is only a small awning or do they think that it is a full blown "BOATHOUSE"? The planning department has been emailed and they will wait until we all vote on it at the next PC Meeting.
Following Mr Duckett’s presentation and reassurances on the issues raised the working party recommended NO STRONG VIEWS. Council approved
P08/E0131 Fairfield, New Road, Lower Shiplake RG9 3LA
Single Storey side/rear extension and insertion of two new windows
NO STRONG VIEWS
P08/E0133 Fairfield, New Road, Lower Shiplake RG9 3LA Erection of new garage and alteration of existing vehicular access
RECOMMEND FOR REFUSAL
P08/E0134 Fairfield, New Road, Lower Shiplake RG9 3LA Erection of entrance gates including brick piers and walls and altering existing vehicular access RECOMMEND FOR REFUSAL
Fairfields:Mrs A Bull declared an interest and left the meeting
The application for the conservatory seemed fine so the working party had no strong views. The other two, were refused - they followed the neighbours lead on gates and it would appear that the neighbour (Redwood Park) doesn’t have planning for the excessive gates that they have built – Should we ask for it to be taken down? Wouldn't leaving it up set a precedent?
P08/E0136/RET Woodstock, Crowsley Road Shiplake RG9 3LE
Retention of two lean to extensions to garage area (retrospective)
Retrospective planning for two open sided wood stores NO STRONG VIEWS
P08/E0163 Oak House, New Road, Shiplake.RG9 3LB
Detached Garage with games room in roof space over The Oaks We have until 5th March. Mr Ryder has the papers. Mr G Thomas declared an interest as he is a rowing colleague of the applicant. Mrs Bull thought that it was far too big - they have applied for a quadruple garage with games room above. It is right at the front of the property and although they have a very spacious plot, do they really need 6 garages? NO STRONG VIEWS
The land behind Lashbrook Grange. The latest from David O'Shaughnessy is that the council might bring it up at the meeting on 12th March - no confirmation yet.
SODC are recommending granting planning permission, committee meeting 12th March
Mr Thomas will be attending on behalf of Shiplake Parish Council .The Clerk to notify planning SODC of Mr Thomas attendance P08/E0205 Kingsley Gate House Mill Road Shiplake RG9 3LX Erection of leisure building. NOT REVIEWED
Council approved the comments of the working party
DETERMINATIONS
P07/E1677 Wayside Northfield Avenue, Lower Shiplake, RG9 3PB Erection of Orangery to front elevation 28.2.08
PERMISSION GRANTED with 2 conditions
11. FINANCIAL MATTERS.
A copy of the financial statement for March, with details of the accounts due for payment, were reviewed and approved on a motion proposed by Mr Ryder and seconded by Mr Thomas.
The Clerk contacted Ryder Cheshire Volunteers re their request for a grant. Response received .Council reviewed response and felt that as the charity did not specifically benefit local residents they would regrettably have to decline the request .The Clerk to action response.
The Council have received a grant request from the Shiplake Gardening Circle re support to purchase plants for the Village Station. Mrs Law had sent a letter supporting the request Council agreed to make a grant of £100 on a motion proposed by Mr Head seconded by Mr Leonard
The Council have received a grant request for £300 from Rosemary Club. Council approved the request.
The Council have received a grant request from the Shiplake Village U14 football club to support purchase of goal/nets total £1995.The council requested further details of how the club intends to raise the funds required .The Clerk to action.
The Internal Audit was carried out successfully on the morning of the Parish Meeting .One issue was raised Mr Weir felt that there should be a contingency back up plan in place should the Clerk become indisposed .The Clerk to review and present a recommendation.
12. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.
115/08 MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT.
Minutes of Standards Committee held on 6th February 2008, received .tabled
Notification received on Code of Conduct training for all Councillors to be held at
Henley Town Hall on Thursday 3rd April 2008.Tabled Mr Ryder requested to attend.
Communication received from Government (sent to wrong address) issued in January notifying Council of Consultation on orders and regulations relating to Conduct Of LA members in England comments requested by 15th February 2008.The Clerk has written to the authors notifying them that papers were sent to wrong address and to see if a response can still, be submitted. Tabled Consultation paper passed to Mr Ryder to review.
116/08 RECREATION GROUNDS.
Badgers Walk - Mr. Leonard reported the condition of the equipment and general condition of the playground was acceptable and submitted a signed check list. Mr Leonard reported that there was a significant amount of undergrowth around perimeter fence that would benefit from being cleared .The Clerk to contact Mr Robin Head.
The Clerk had been contacted by a bordering resident Mrs Bindley Ross re the condition of the fence at the bottom of her garden which had been broken down by children clambering over to fetch wayward footballs. Council restated that the chain link perimeter fence was installed to protect neighbours fences and this appeared to be in good order .Mr Leonard agreed to review the fencing. The Wooden fences are the responsibility of the individual residents. Council suggested the reintroduction of a notice stipulating no climbing.
Memorial Hall. Mrs Law reported by letter that the condition of the equipment and the general condition of the playground was acceptable.
Revised ROSPA Inspection report /check lists received for Memorial Hall Playground, forwarded to Mrs A Law for review.
117/08 HIGHWAY MATTERS.
There have been several accidents at night occurring at the junction of Station Road and the A4155 .Local residents have requested whether Council can add safety measures to prevent accidents e.g. cat’s-eyes and protect pedestrians by barriers
In addition to the paper reporting system for road repairs there is now an online system for Pot Hole reporting on the SODC website. Council expressed surprise as repairs are the responsibility of County Highways and the current paper system seems to work efficiently. The Clerk to investigate.
Mr Head raised the issue of Memorial Avenue as per item 106/08 from February meeting .It was agreed that a review of this road would be combined with the proposed site visit of Mill Road being organised by Dr Skolar.
Communication received from resident Mr C Nash re unsightly advertising at roadside Wyevale garden Centre .Tabled
The following items are being reviewed by OCC
OCC ref: 133646 Footway to Tower House nothing to report
OCC ref: 133650 Footway in Plough lane nothing to report
Mr Thomas reported back on some in depth investigations he had carried out into the upgrade of the warning signs at the level crossing. He had identified and contacted the Level Crossing Risk Control Manager for Thames Valley at Network Rail who informed him that the current AOCLM (automatic open closure link) system will be replaced with a ABC (automatic barrier closure) system at some point in the distant future .Mr Thomas feels he is making progress and continues his investigations .In the shorter term it would appear that Shiplake will be installed with new high intensity LED warning lights within 12 months.
118/08 FOOTPATHS.
Mr Thomas reported on Path 37 where he had noticed a stile which required some attention and two signs, one was falling off and another had disappeared .The clerk to action.
119/08 SHIPLAKE – DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES.
Latest (February) issue of newsletter distributed
Correspondence received via email from Mrs Cranmer-Brown re the condition of the Pond and drive up to Lashbrook House NB issue raised at last parish Council meeting by June Green.Suggestion to offer project to Sonning Common green Gym.
120/08 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
Nothing to report.
121/08 S.O.D.C.
Planning Services are carrying out a review of the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and are requesting comments on the Draft proposal Closing date 10th April 2008. CD supplied .CD passed to Mrs Arnott for review.
Schedule and invoice received for servicing Dog Bin at Shiplake Lock
Legal & Democratic Services have issued a Parish Remuneration report setting out conclusions on levels of allowances which may