Councillors Present were:
Mr David Wilkinson
Mr Stuart Fox
Mrs Elaine Byles
Mrs Bridgette Crundwell
Parish Clerk: Mrs Angela Barnes
Members of the Public: Miss Siobahn Tustian
Mrs Carol Anderson
1. APOLOGIES:
Received from County Councillor Rodney Rose, District Councillor Hilary Hibbert-Biles and Councillor Sally Franks.
2. MINUTES:
There are two amendments to the March minutes. The first being under Matters Arising – Crown Farm; The Village Green Parking – this should read “The consensus was to widen the road/access around the Village Green; possibly with yellow lines being put along the field side of the road.”
The second amendment was under Any Other Business, the final paragraph, this should read “Chairman closed the Meeting at 9.45pm and confirmed the Meeting in April would be Tuesday 10th April, the change of day being due to the Bank Holiday.”
3. MATTERS ARISING:
Cottsway/Affordable Housing – Clerk to contact Hilary Biles to enquire if progress had been made.
Action Clerk
OCC Highways – Clerk to contact Paul Wilson and chase the new sign combination at the bottom of Chipping Norton hill now that the excess water had receded.
Action Clerk
Village Shop – Stuart Fox reported that they were trying to recruit their 4th member of staff. Ongoing.
Pavilion/Sports Club – Nothing to report.
Parish Conservation Plan – David Wilkinson introduced Carol Anderson, who attended the meeting to offer her support on the moving / re-siting of the Ascott Barrow. Carol reported that she was able to obtain photographs and plans of the Stones and also to make enquiries on placing the stones safely and securely. It was decided that when more information had been gained Carol would contact the Clerk and a “Sub-Committee” would be formed to carry this project forward. Carol also reported that Mr Don Benson, who originally excavated the Stones may possibly do a talk on them, should the Parish Council wish.
Action Clerk
5 Shilling Corner – David Wilkinson reported that he had received a further letter from Mrs Shepherd, Ascott-under-Wychwood Hill Farm outlining their proposals for 5 Shilling Corner. David, once again, asked all Councillors for their views on the sale of this land. The consensus felt that due to the vicinity, the liability and indeed the cost to make this land good, a sale may be the best option to the Parish Council. The Clerk had circulated some information she had obtained from OALC on the correct procedures for a sale of a parcel of land. It was decided the Clerk should contact the District Valuer and enquire about a valuation. OALC notes stated that should a sale be decided, the land would have to be professionally valued and the best price obtained.
Action Clerk
2a Shipton Road – Ongoing.
Crown Farm; The Village Green Parking – Clerk had sent a follow up letter to the relevant parties outlining the Parish Council’s proposals; this being “yellow lines” being painted by Highways down the field side of the Green. Two replies had been received from Mr Badger and Richard Plant. Clerk reported that O.C.C. Highways had replied and strongly advised against yellow lines, this being mainly due to cost and the viability of them. Clerk to write further and enquire about the “Verge” being reinstated.
Action Clerk
RoSPA – Mr Barnes had reported that after inspection of the See-Saw, the Junior Swings and the top step on the Slide, these were sealed units and advised the Parish Council to seek professional advice. Clerk to contact supplier.
Action Clerk
Litter Pick – Stuart Fox reported that this had been successful with, including the Parish Councillors 12 people had attended. Stuart was asked to mention this in the Grapevine.
Action Stuart Fox
14 High Street – Clerk had written to Mr & Mrs Wu in reply to their letter. No response had been received. Ongoing.
Hedgerow Chipping Norton Hill – Clerk had contacted Cornbury, but was directed to Belinda Young at Savills, Oxford who confirmed that the same contractor had ben used to cut the hedgerow back. Clerk to write to Savills requesting compensation/re-instatement of the trees that had been damaged beyond repair/regrowth or removed – these being a mix of Oak, Ash and Walnut and which the Parish Council had planted and indeed paid for and which were clearly tagged/marked. On inspection 15 to 20 trees had been damaged.
Action Clerk
4. CORRESPONDENCE:
A letter had been received from Mr Gripper of Manor Farm, Ascott-under-Wychwood, enclosing a plan of adjacent fields advising the Parish Council of the excessive amount of flooding on the Chipping Norton road between the entrance drive to Manor Farm and the bridge over the River Evenlode.
Councillor Elaine Biles declared an interest and signed the “Declaration of Interest book”. A letter was handed to David Wilkinson from Mr S Byles, Elaine’s husband. David read the letter to the Councillors and Public Members.
Siobahn Tustian then reported that when this excessive flooding had happened she had called O.C.C. Highways and spoke with Wayne Barker. It was also reported that Geoff Mason had taken photographs of the flooding and these had been sent to Highways. Siobahn reported that Network Rail had had their part of the Culvert professionally dredged and that Highways had indicated they would carry the same works out on their part of the Culvert. Clerk to contact Highways to confirm.
Action Clerk
5. PLANNING:
07/0006/P/FP EXTENSION OF CONTROL KIOSK at LAND OPPOSITE 8 SHIPTON ROAD, ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
Granted
07/0024/P/FP ERECTION OF SINGLE AND TWO STOREY EXTENSIONS WITH NEW THREE BAY GARAGE (to allow re-orientation of roof, additional South facing dormer window and changes to window sizes & positions) at 1 PRIORY LANE, ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
Granted
07/0093/P/FP ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION at 1 WYCHWOOD COURT, ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD
Granted
07/0098/P/S73 NON-COMPLIANCE OF CONDITION to PLANNING APPLICATION 04/2165/P/FP – REQUESTING OCCASIONAL USE OF VILLAGE ACCESS FOR HORSE BOXES, LORRIES AND HORSE TRAILERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EQUESTRIAN USE OF LAND at CROWN FARM ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
Ongoing
07/0174/P/FP ERECTION OF TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION AND CONVERSION OF LOFT. NEW PITCHED ROOF OVER GARAGE & CREATION OF CAR PORT at ROSE COTTAGE, 24 SHIPTON ROAD, ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
Refused
07/0223/P/FP CHANGE OF USE FROM FARM WORKSHOP TO METAL ART STUDIO (RETROSPECTIVE) at CROWN FARM ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
Ongoing
07/0521/P/FP ERECTION OF DETACHED GARDEN ROOM at 35 HIGH STREET, ASCOTT-UNDER-WYCHWOOD.
New
6. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Payments In:
Lottery Funding £3665.00
Payments Out:
Clerks Quarterly Expenses £91.44
Clerks Quarterly Salary £459.00
Inland Revenue £129.45
Tiddy Hall Rent £126.00
OALC Subscription (S.137 Expenditure £122.79
The Parish Council were presented with the Annual Accounts, these were then signed by the Chairman and the Responsible Financial Officer. Whilst preparing the Accounts, it was reported that one recommendation was for Parish Councils to adopt a model scheme to accommodate the Freedom of Information Act. Clerk to investigate.
Action Clerk
7. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Apologies received, no report.
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Apologies received, no report
9. PUBLIC QUESTIONS:
Siobahn Tustian reported that now the Shipton Road had been reopened speeding vehicles had become a problem once again.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
An information leaflet on the “Oxfordshire Villages of the Year 2007” competition had been circulated. Stuart Fox thought this to be a beneficial competition for Ascott-under-Wychwood to enter. Clerk to put item this under Matters Arising in May.
Action Clerk
Chairman closed the meeting at 10.10 pm and confirmed the next meeting would be Monday 14th May, 2007.