2018-11-12 – Drayton Parish Council Minutes

Table of contents

Drayton Parish Council Minutes

held on Monday 12th November 2018 at 7:30pm in the Caudwell Day Centre, Gravel Lane, Drayton, OX14 4HF

Present:

  1. Richard Williams (Chairman)
  2. Andrew Cooke (left at 9:51pm)
  3. Colin Arnold
  4. Patricia Athawes
  5. Matthew Lowy
  6. Pervin Shahin (arrived at 7:52pm)
  7. Graham Webb
  8. Richard Wade
  9. Tamsin Crane (co-opted item 192/2018)

Not Present:

All Councillors were present.

In attendance:

  1. Lorraine Watling (Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer)
  2. Christopher Price (Deputy Clerk and Meeting Administrator)
  3. Richard Webber (OCC) (arrived at 7:43pm and left at 8:32pm).

Public:

7 members of the public were present.


190/2018 Apologies for Absence.

Stuart Davenport (VWHDC).


191/2018 Appointment of a Vice Chairman.

Item was deferred to the next meeting.


192/2018 Co-option of Parish Councillors.

It was resolved to co-opt Tamsin Crane onto Drayton Parish Council. Cllr Crane signed the acceptance of office form in the presence of the Councils Proper Officer and joined the Council. Drayton is entitled to 11 Parish Councillors so there are still two vacancies.

Proposed: Colin Arnold Seconded: Richard Wade Resolved: Unanimous


193/2018 Declarations of Interest, Dispensations and Use of Delegated Powers.

None.


194/2018 News from OCC Councillor.

Richard Webber gave his report upon his arrival later in the meeting. See item 197/2018 News from OCC Councillor.


195/2018 News from VWHDC Councillor.

Stuart Davenport was not present.

Richard Webber (OCC) arrived at 7:43pm.


196/2018 Public Participation.

  1. Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD). Derek Stork (Hon Chairman, GARD) updated the Council about the proposed reservoir that GARD considers is not needed, not resilient against prolonged drought and would increase the risk of local flooding. It was noted that GARD are holding a public meeting on 14th November 2018 in the Village Hall, Drayton. It was also noted that Thames Water have made changes to their draft Water Resources Management Plan 2019. This can be viewed at: thameswater.co.uk/wrmp. Deadline to comment is 28th November 2018.

    ACTION: Richard Williams to draft a letter to be submitted on behalf of the Parish Council.

  2. Pervin Shahin arrived at 7:52pm.

  3. Damascus. Roxy Elford (Youth Worker) introduced James (New Youth Worker) and Jude (member of Damascus) and updated the Council on the work they do. The Clerk asked the group whether they might be interested in helping the Parish Council develop a potential wildlife site and Roxy Elford confirmed that this is the sort of project that they would like to help with. [Clerk’s note: The Abingdon Damascus Youth Project (a voluntary and registered charity) prides itself on enabling young people to make a positive difference within their own communities. The team is made up of enthusiastic, qualified youth workers who have a passion for seeing change in young people’s lives.]

197/2018 News from OCC Councillor (Richard Webber).

  1. Buckinghamshire Unitary Council. [Clerk’s note: The Government has confirmed that a new county-wide unitary council will be established in Buckinghamshire to replace the county council and four district councils Services which complement one another but are currently divided between the district and county councils such as bin collections, waste disposal, planning and roads, will be brought together under the single unitary council.]
  2. Walnut Meadow / Miller Homes. It was noted that there will be a meeting on 7th December 2018.

    ACTION: Clerk to notify Ed Vaizey (MP). Deputy Clerk to book Caudwell Day Centre.

  3. Demolition of the Remainder of the Didcot A Power Station. [Clerk’s note: The clearance of the towers and chimney is expected to be completed by the end of next year.]

Richard Webber (OCC) left at 8:32pm.


198/2018 Minutes.

The minutes of the previous Parish Council Meeting were approved and then signed by the Chairman.

Proposed: Matthew Lowy Seconded: Patricia Athawes Resolved: Unanimous


199/2018 Action Checklist from the Previous Meeting – Appendix A.

The action checklist was noted and specific issues are reported below:

Title Deeds for land by the Village Hall.

It was noted that the title deeds are with the Parish Clerk.

Allotments Meeting.

The Deputy Clerk has issued a Doodle Poll to determine the date for an allotment meeting.

Storage of Parish and Drayton History Society Records.

The archive material is now securely stored in the Village Hall.

Dog Faeces.

Richard Wade to write article for Chronicle.

ACTION: Deputy Clerk to map the site of the current ‘Dog Poo Bins’ and include ‘Dog Poo Bins’ on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting.

Drayton Public Art.

Abi Brown provided a draft Terms of Reference which the Parish Clerk modified for Drayton.

ACTION: Richard Wade to send some suggested edits to the Parish Clerk.

Vale Chairman’s Community Awards Lunch.

It was noted that the deadline has now passed for this. Nominations are currently being invited for the High Sheriff Awards for the year 2018/2019.


200/2018 Finance & Personnel Committee – Appendix B. (Patricia Athawes).

  1. Payments. The list of payments circulated prior to the meeting was approved. The 2 councillors nominated to approve online payments were Patricia Athawes and Graham Webb.
  2. Bank Reconciliation. The Council noted the bank reconciliation that had been circulated prior to the meeting.
  3. Disposition of Council Funds. The council noted the disposition of council funds that had been circulated prior to the meeting.
  4. Annual Asset Check and Risk Assessment. It was noted that the annual asset check and risk assessment and was undertaken by the Parish Clerk and Chairman on 18th October 2018.
  5. Training. An expenditure was approved totalling £425.00 (excluding VAT) for OALC training courses for the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Cllr Matthew Lowy.

201/2018 Rights of Way & Conservation Working Group (Graham Webb).

  1. FP16 Barbed Wire. The Clerk received an email on 28th September 2018 form the OCC Public Rights of Way Officer. He will write to the land owener to make him aware that some residents have concerns about his use of barbed wire along this footpath.

    ACTION: Clerk to confirm that the letter was sent to the landowner and whether any response was received.

  2. Walnut Meadow Barbed Wire. It was noted that the new barbed wire fence along the north west edge of Walnut Meadow is still in situ. The landowner made a verbal agreement with the Council to replace it with plain wire to eliminate any potential danger.

    ACTION: Clerk to remind the land owner of his verbal agreement to replace with plain wire.


202/2018 Leisure & General Purposes Working Group (Richard Williams).

Village Caretaker report was noted.


203/2018 Projects Board Committee.

  1. Salt Bin at Walnut Meadows. It was noted that OCC will not fill a salt bin at the junction of Walnut Meadow as the road has not been adopted.
  2. Drayton Complaint about Walnut Meadows. The Clerk sent an email on 25th September 2018 to Mark Stone (Chief Executive, VWHDC) and Peter Clark (Chief Executive, OCC) with a letter of complaint attached. It was noted that the Clerk received a response on 16th October 2018 from Liza King (PA to Adrian Duffield, Head of Planning, VWHDC) which was circulated to Councillors. It was also noted that the Clerk also received a response on 23rd October 2018 from Joyce Fagan (Complaints Co-ordinator Comments and Complaints Law and Governance, Directorate for Resources, OCC) which was also circulated to all Councillors.
  3. Drayton Public Open Space. The Clerk received an email on 19th October 2018 from Peter Dunford (Technical Coordinator, Miller Homes Southern) with a drawing attached ‘POS Filling levels added1.pdf’ showing the new sports field. It was noted that the Deputy Clerk sent a response from the Parish Council to Mr Dunford of Miller Homes on 9th November 2018, asking that Miller Homes confirm some of the size details contained within their drawings and redraw the football pitches so that they fit and are covered by the drainage scheme as originally shown. It was also noted that to date no response has been received.

    204/2018 Planning Committee – Appendix C.


    205/2018 Allotment Working Group (Richard Williams).

    Matter had been discussed earlier in the meeting under 199/2018 Action Checklist from the Previous Meeting. Allotments Meeting.


    206/2018 Public Art Working Group.

    Matter had been discussed earlier in the meeting under 199/2018 Action Checklist from the Previous Meeting. Drayton Public Art. It was agreed that the membership would be: Pervin Shahin (Chairperson), Tamsin Crane and Shane Mcaleavey.

    ACTION: Richard Williams to invite people to join the working group in the Chronicle.


    207/2018 Correspondence.

    Walnut Meadows Residents. It was noted that there have been a number of complaints from Walnut Meadows residents regarding issues and lack of progress with this new development.


    208/2018 Items to be Noted from Parish Councillors.

    1. Gravel Lane Stone Wall. It was noted that a stone wall has been knocked down.

      ACTION: Deputy Clerk to photograph and report.

    2. Andrew Cooke left at 9:51pm.

    3. Trees of Remembrance Project. It was noted that the Parish Clerk collected two free saplings however, as these are only 3” tall, they will need a few years to mature before they can be planted without the risk of them being eaten by wildlife or accidentally destroyed during grass cutting.

    209/2018 Dates of the next Meetings.

    1. Finance and Personnel Committee. 19th November 2018. 7:00pm. Village Hall.
    2. Planning Committee. 10th December 2018. 7:00pm. Caudwell Day Centre.
    3. Parish Council. 10th December 2018. 7:30pm. Caudwell Day Centre.
    4. Projects Board Committee. TBC January 2019. 7:30pm. Caudwell Day Centre.

    The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10:04pm.

    Signed:…………………………..

    Name: Richard Williams

    Date: 10th December 2018


    Appendix A

    Action Check List

    NDP Text Revisions.

    Richard Williams to draft suggested revisions for the Drayton NDP for the Council to consider.

    Manor Farm, Gravel Lane Footpath.

    Stuart Davenport (VWHDC) to get an update from VWHDC Planning Enforcement about the PC’s complaint.

    Closed Bridge Linking Drayton to Marcham via BW3.

    Richard Webber (OCC) to look into the matter and see if anything can be done to get the bridge reopened.

    Dog Faeces.

    Richard Wade to write article for Chronicle. Deputy Clerk to map the location of the current bins and add item ‘Dog Poo Bins’ to the December agenda.

    Additional Consecrated Land.

    Clerk to work with the Diocese office to process the application for the Bishop of Dorchester to consecrate additional land at the existing burial ground.

    Drayton Public Art.

    Richard Wade to send some suggested edits to the Parish Clerk who will then amend and circulate the Terms of Reference.

    Suttonwick Lane, Grass outside Casa Mia.

    Clerk and Richard Williams to look at the areas in question and report back.

    Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD).

    Richard Williams to draft a letter to be submitted on behalf of the Parish Council.

    Walnut Meadow / Miller Homes.

    Clerk to invite Ed Vaizey (MP). Deputy Clerk to book Caudwell Day Centre.

    FP16 Barbed Wire.

    Clerk to ask Arthur McEwan-James if he sent his letter to the landowner.

    Walnut Meadow Barbed Wire.

    Clerk to remind the land owner of his verbal agreement to replace with plain wire.

    Public Art Working Group.

    Richard Williams to invite people to join the working group in the Chronicle.

    Gravel Lane Stone Wall.

    Deputy Clerk to photograph and report.

    Tile on Lytch Gate.

    Cllr Webb to ask a suitably qualified local professional to confirm that the broken tile on the roof of the lytch gate is stable and does not pose a potential hazard


    Appendix B

    Finance & Personnel Committee

    PAYMENTS: £500 OR MORE FOR OCTOBER 2018

    Payments
    Invoice Amount
    Including VAT
    Green and Tidy – grass/bank cutting at the Millennium Green undertaken in September and October 2018 (3 invoices)
    912.00
    152.00
    Staff Salaries – October
    1,054.24
    n/a

    DISPOSITION OF COUNCIL FUNDS AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2018

    ACCOUNT
    REF
    BALANCE
    INTEREST RATE
    ACCOUNT TYPE
    Unity Bank
    674
    £115,601.23
    0%
    Current Account
    NS&I
    779
    £20,034.46
    0.70%
    Savings Account
    Unity Bank
    554
    £15,079.61
    0.40%
    Projects Account
    Total
    £150,715.30

    Appendix C

    Planning Committee Report

    P18/V1547/FUL.

    Single dwelling house with detached double garage. 208 Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN.

    PC: Support.

    VWHDC: Withdrawn prior to determination on 12th October 2018.


    P18/V1644/FUL.

    Single storey extension to existing unit. Address: 1-2 Bradfield Court Milton Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4EF.

    PC: Objection:

    Drayton Parish Council feels that this is over development outside of the built up area of the village. We also disagree that this is a single story extension as the plans appear to show a mezzanine floor and second floor windows.

    VWHDC: Planning Permission on 16th October 2018.


    P18/V2195/HH.

    Garden office directly behind the existing garage. 28 High Street Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JL.

    PC: Response:

    No objection.

    VWHDC: Planning Permission on 24th October 2018.


    P18/V2238/HH.

    To fit a new matching UPVC window to the front under the garage canopy roof. Removed up and over garage door. Fit a new matching UPVC multi point locking access door to side of garage. 12 Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4LE.

    PC: Response:

    No objection.

    VWHDC: Planning Permission on 31st October 2018.


    P18/V2197/FUL.

    Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission P16/V2579/FUL. Change of use from existing detached garage and workshop with ancillary accommodation above, to a self contained two bedroom dwelling. The Barn 41 Sutton Wick Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4HH.

    PC: Objection:

    Drayton Parish Council can not see any improvement on the approved planning application P16/V2579/FUL. We do not find the black painted feather-edge weatherboarding uninspiring and we do not find the existing steel and timber external staircase unsightly. Also, the Parish Council does not think that the mid-grey painted profiled boarding will be in keeping with the area.

    VWHDC: Planning Permission on 6th November 2018.


    P18/V2125/HH.

    Proposed single storey extension to rear and two story extension to side and new pitched roof porch. Hilliat Fields Drayton Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4JE.

    PC: Response:

    Drayton Parish Council feels this could be over development of the site.

    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V1775/LB.

    Replacement rear dormer window to match first floor window. Removal of small rear kitchen window, enlargement of opening and insertion of french window. The Old Farm House, 44 High Street Drayton Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4JW.

    PC: Response:

    Drayton Parish Council would like clarification that this complies with listed building regulations.

    VWHDC: Listed Building Consent on 15th November 2018.


    P18/V2365/FUL.

    Installation of a synchronous gas powered standby generation facility, plus ancillary infrastructure and equipment. Land at Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN.

    PC: Objection:

    This extends the built up area of the village outside the developed envelope and therefore should be not allowed. The unit is a commercial generator and has no place within a village and is a potential source of noise and risk that is not appropriate in proximity to houses. It appears to bring no benefits to the village and contrary to the neighbourhood plan is not in any way in keeping with any of the other developments in the village. It is more appropriate for a unit such as this to be placed in proximity to other industrial developments, and as there is a national grid there is no justification for placing it in a village. The unit is gas powered, this means either the unnecessary risk of storage of pressurised gas containers in close proximity to a major road and residential property… or major works to connect it to a main gas supply. Is there a secret high-pressure gas main under the A34 there? In the absence of any consultation or explanation in the application documents, we have no idea as to the purpose or long term plans for this facility and so have no context to the application.

    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2288/HH.

    Loft conversion. 45 Abingdon Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4HW.

    PC: Response:

    No Objection.

    VWHDC: Planning Permission on 7th November 2018.


    P18/V2537/LB.

    Proposed alterations to the existing fireplace within the living room, re-in-statement of a Victorian fire surround and grate. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2535/LB.

    Proposed alterations to the existing fireplace within the family room. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2542/LB.

    Proposed alterations to the existing fireplace within the Sitting Room, re-in statement of a Victorian fire surround and existing log burner retained within fire opening. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2527/HH.

    Proposed single storey front extension & first floor rear extension. Fernhill Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2495/HH.

    Addition of en-suite facility to Bedroom 1. 46 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2577/HH.

    Addition of en-suite facility to Bedroom 1. 44 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.

    PC: Support.
    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2539/FUL.

    Demolish existing pair of semi-detached cottages (3 & 4 Mill Lane) including garages and outbuildings. Construct 2, four bedroom detached dwellings and garages. 3 & 4 Mill Lane Sutton Courtenay Abingdon Oxon OX14 4BE.

    PC: Objection:

    Drayton Parish Council has concerns regarding the impact of flooding on the area, and would not wish to see the chances of flooding increase. We also have concerns about development outside the main villages of both Drayton and Sutton Courtenay, if the development is allowed, then at the very least, the situation should be carefully monitored with a view to limiting further expansion.

    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2563/FUL.

    Proposed change of use from agricultural to retail business and repair of garden machinery and accessories. Milton Garden Machinery Milton Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4EZ.

    PC: Objection:

    The Parish Council would like clarification wherever the track that runs to this business is a bridleway or a byway (open to all traffic).

    VWHDC: Pending.

    P18/V2563/FUL Amendment : No. 1 – dated 23rd October 2018.

    Retrospective application for the proposed retention and change of use of an existing building currently used as a dwelling to a lawnmower retail showroom to be used ancillary to the existing authorised lawnmower repair business use. Change of use of agricultural land to business use with additional car parking. Erection of an assembly workshop for mowers and an open framed storage area for mowers. (Description amended 23.10.2018). Milton Garden Machinery Milton Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4EZ.

    PC: Objection:

    The Parish Council would like clarification wherever the track that runs to this business is a bridleway or a byway (open to all traffic).

    VWHDC: Pending.