The following councillors were present: Mr N Braithwaite (Chairman), Mr M Pearce, Mr S Fox, Mrs W Pearse, Mrs E Byles. Mrs M Ismail, Parish Clerk was in attendance.
1. APOLOGIES Received from Mr R Rose, County Councillor and Mrs H Hibbert-Biles, District Councillor.
2. MINUTES
An amendment to item 10. b) of the minutes of the meeting held on 10th November was discussed. The minutes were then agreed but left for signing until the amendment could be re-typed.
3. MATTERS ARISING
Sewerage: A meeting was held on 11th December between Thames Water and the District Council. The District Councillor was expected to report but she is unwell.
Vandalism: Clerk had reported recent incidents to P C Badrick and he will investigate.
Publication Scheme: No progress on risk assessment
Village Shop: Mr Fox reported that in the first week the shop reached its break-even turnover figure and in the 2nd week it was 5% under. It is hoped that when it starts to stock wine and meat and with the Christmas trade this target will be reached again. It will still depend on the Parish Council donation and further fund raising for the near future. The official opening had gone very well. It was felt that there was more litter around the village since the shop has opened. Chairman and Clerk to look at the best place to put a rubbish bin. Action: Chairman/Clerk
Kerbing on Shipton Road: Highways cannot give this priority and will repair within the next 3 months.
Plaque on Pavilion: Nothing to report
Sign Post: Highways estimate this will take approximately 6 weeks.
Salt Container: The broken container has been replaced.
Give Way Sign: This has been adjusted and is now at a better angle but it is broken and needs replacing. Highways estimate 6 weeks.
Playing Field Gate Post: Work completed.
Hedge Opposite The Green: This has been cut back but the grass verge is still very untidy and overgrown making the pavement narrow. Clerk to ask Highways to cut grass verges back on London Lane. Action: Clerk
Building in Coal Yard: WODC Planning Department are looking at a possible breach of planning permission.
Letter from Sue Richards: Clerk had replied to Sue Richards letter and she was happy with the outcome of the points raised. Highways have been asked to estimate for a signpost to 43-51 High Street.
Woodland Trust: Clerk had replied refusing the request for a donation.
Wychwood Day Centre: Clerk had replied refusing request for donation but explained that we would donate when funds allow.
Oxford Record Office: Clerk replied giving permission for image of tapestries to be used on their web site.
Insurance – Tree on Green: Work has now been done and Clerk to send report to Cornhill Insurance. Action: Clerk
Crown Farm- Fire: District Councillor was to report to Environmental Health.
Poors Estate: The issue of adverse possession has now been resolved and is no longer a Parish Council matter..
4. CORRESPONDENCE
WODC have requested the precept figure for next year. It was agreed this would stay the same at £7555.
Mr Pearce had received a letter from Wychwood School asking for help to refurbish their swimming pool. Although children from Ascott go the school this was reluctantly refused. Mr Pearce to reply. Action: Mr Pearce
It was agreed that Mr Fox would look at the finances again to see if there was a way to help the school and the Wychwood Day Centre.
Notice has been received of the application for an Off Licence for the shop. The hearing will be held on 17th December 2003.
5. PLANNING
03/1960/P/FP CHANGE OF USE FROM AGRICULTURAL TO AGRICULTURAL/EQUESTRIAN ALLOWING LAND, COVERED ARENA, HORSE WALKER AND STABLES TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH EXISTING LIVERY BUSINESS AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITION 4 OF PLANNING PERMISSION W2001/0730 TO ALLOW OUTDOOR ARENA ALSO TO BE USED FOR PURPOSE OF THE LIVERY (PART RETROSPECTIVE). New
This application was discussed and it was agreed that the plans and wording of the application is very unclear and that further clarification is required before the Parish Council can comment on the plans. Chairman to write to planning officer.
Action: Chairman
03/2206/P/FP INSERTION OF ADDITIONAL THIRD DORMER WINDOW IN FRONT ELEVATION at D’OYLEY HOUSE, HIGH STREET, ASCOTT UNDER WYCHWOOD Outstanding
03/1773/P/FP ERECTION OF TWO STOREY REAR EXTENSION AND TWO SINGLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSIONS at 49 SHIPTON ROAD, ASCOTT UNDER WYCHWOOD Granted
03/2206/P/FP ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO SIDE ELEVATION at THE BRIARS, 2 MEADOW BANK CLOSE, ASCOTT UNDER WYCHWOOD New
6. FINANCIAL REPORT
Payments: S Barnes Grass cutting 1599.00
P Pratley Iron Gate Post 36.42
W Greenaway Work to Kerbing on Green 272.60
WODC Waste Collection 87.07
A Jackson Work to Tree on Green 180.00
7. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
No report
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
No Report
9. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
No public questions
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Mrs Byles asked if it would be possible to have a brown tourist sign to the shop attached to the signpost at the end of High Street. Clerk to contact Highways
Action: Clerk
b) Mr Pearce suggested that Anne Braithwaite should be given a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her work on the grapevine over the past 10 years. This was agreed. Clerk to organise.
Action: Clerk
c) The Chairman had received complaints about parking on the road leading to the Church. There were concerns that emergency services would not be able to reach the church. It is not clear if this is a public road. Clerk to mention in Grapevine report.
Action: Clerk
d) Radio Oxford had asked if anyone would be like to do a live phone chat to talk about the village. Chairman to ask Fred Russell.
Action: Chairman
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The meeting closed at 8.50 pm. The next meeting will be held on Monday 12th January 2004.