The following councillors were present: Mr N Braithwaite (Chairman), Mr M Pearce, Mr S Fox, Mrs W Pearse, Mrs E Byles, Mrs H Hibbert-Biles (District Councillor). Mrs M Ismail, Parish Clerk was in attendance.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Received from Mr R Rose, County Councillor
2. MINUTES
Item 8 and Item 10 b) were amended in the Minutes of 10th November 2003. These minutes were then agreed and signed. Item 1 in the minutes of 8th December was amended the minutes were then agreed and signed.
3. MATTERS ARISING
Sewerage: The District Councillor reported on a meeting with WODC and Thames Water which had taken place on 11TH November 2003. All parties are now aware of the drainage problems in Ascott and the district engineers are supportive of the work to be done. Mrs Hibbert-Biles had inspected the gulleys with WODC Chief Engineer.
Vandalism: The police have increased their patrols and there have been no further incidents.
Risk Assessment: No progress
Village Shop: Mr Fox reported a very successful Christmas period. The off licence has done very well. The shop is now fully equipped and it is hoped to buy more freezers so that meat can be sold. Sales are in line with the forecast and no more fund raising will be required. No profit is expected in the first three months as this period includes set up costs. A survey will be sent out to everyone with the next newsletter to assess types of customers and the results will be sent to Leaderplus .
Litter Bin: The Chairman and Clerk have looked into the most appropriate place for a new litter bin and it was decided that two bins would be needed, one outside the shop and the other near the notice board at the end of High Street. It was agreed to put one near the notice board to start with. Action: Clerk
Kerbing: Work ordered awaiting Highways.
Plaque on Pavilion: Sport England had contacted the Clerk to apologise for the delay in sending the plaque and it should be delivered soon.
Sign Post: Work ordered awaiting highways
Give Way Sign: Work ordered awaiting Highways
Hedge Opposite Green: Highways have agreed to look at clearing the debris from the hedge and the verge along London Lane.
Coal Yard: See Planning
Street Sign to Houses at Yew Tree Farm: Work ordered awaiting WODC
Tree on Green: Cornhill Insurance has confirmed that tree is now fully insured but they require it to be checked regularly and these checks must be recorded. It was agreed to inspect the tree again in November 2004.
Crown Farm Fire: The permanent fire at Crown Farm has been moved down the field nearer the village. The District Councillor had reported it to Environmental Health and was told that they require incident diaries to be completed and that individuals effected should contact them directly. Clerk to ask for diaries. Action: Clerk
Wychwood School: See Financial Report
Tourist Sign: WODC had quoted £100 -£150 for a brown tourist sign to the shop. District Councillor to enquire at the tourist department
Action: District Councillor
Flowers: Anne Braithwaite passed on her thanks to the Parish Council for the flowers she was given in appreciation for her work for the Grapevine.
Parking: The problems with parking on High Street and Church Close had been included in the Parish Council Report for the Grapevine.
Radio Oxford: The Chairman had approached Fred Russell and he is willing to talk to Radio Oxford. Clerk to organise. Action: Clerk
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a) WODC had written about the new rules regarding applying for public entertainment licences. The rules have been delayed until 2005. A copy will be given to Roger Shepherd and the shop
Action: Clerk
b) WODC had written explaining the regulations for supplying the electoral register under the Representation of the People2002. Councillors must send individual request forms to obtain their own copy. Clerk to organise a copy for each councillor.
Action: Clerk
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). Outstanding
A decision on this application was deferred from the meeting of the Uplands Area Planning Sub-Committee held on 5th January 2004 and a formal site visit will take place on 29th January prior to the next Sub Committee meeting on 2nd February 2004.
03/2206/P/FP INSERTION OF ADDITIONAL THIRD DORMER WINDOW IN FRONT ELEVATION at D’OYLEY HOUSE, HIGH STREET, 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 Outstanding
03/2363/P/FP ERECTION OF SECURE SHED AND LOG/COAL SHELTER (RETROSPECTIVE) at OLD STATION YARD, ASCOTT UNDER WYCHWOOD
Outstanding
After discussion it was agreed that there is no objection to the buildings if they will help to clear up the site. There is concern about the way planning is sought retrospectively, the unsightly state of the coal yard, poorly drawn plans and the building not being in keeping with the surroundings. Clerk to write to planning making these points. Action: Clerk
6. FINANCE
Mr Fox reported that under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act it is in order for the Parish Council to make a donation to the Wychwood School new swimming pool appeal. It was agreed to donate £500. It was also agreed to donate £700 to the shop under Section 137. This allows a donation of £5 per ratepayer to projects outside the Parish Council’s normal powers. Action: Clerk
7. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
No report
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
Mrs Hibbert-Biles reported that four sites have now been proposed in Milton and Shipton to re-site Langston House and the final proposals will be decided on 2nd February. She will continue to fight against closure especially as community hospitals are also under threat. Witney Minor injuries unit is at present open until 11.00 pm but there are proposals to close it at 6.00 pm. A public meeting is being held in support of the unit. The review of parliamentary constituencies was considered and our constituency and its boundaries are to be the same as West Oxfordshire District Council. A survey of housing stock in the area is taking place. Chipping Norton open-air swimming pool will remain open until November and then £13,500 will have to be raised to keep it open. The budget is being looked at closely to try to keep Council Tax down
9. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
There were no public questions.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.30 pm. The next meeting will be held on 9th February 2004.