Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 7.30pm

Parish Councillors

Parish Clerk

Members of the Public

CCllr Leffman & DCllr Cooper sent their apologies, please refer to reports below duly emailed.

The Minutes recorded from the meeting held on 14 February 2023 were approved as a true record, duly signed, dated and filed.

No declarations of interest were recorded.

This is ongoing, Cllr Leach is going to prepare a Poster.

Bank Balance £49,404.26

Income £0.00

Expenditure

21 Feb Ascott Grape Vine Magazine subsidy £450.00

20 Mar Wilson & Scott White Lining £2612.81

27 Feb HSBC Bank Charges £8.00

9 Mar Angela Barnes Salary £259.76

31 Mar HMRC £65.00

9 Mar Wilfred Gomm Tree surgery Gypsy Lane £650.00

The financial reports were emailed separately.

County Cllr Liz Leffman sent the following report:

OCC 5-year highways network management plan:

A 5-year plan was agreed at cabinet on how the highways network is used. The document (among other things), aligns highways policy with new transport and environment policies.

Sets out the rules for work on the highways and increased fees and fines for e.g., broadband.

Utilities priorities – to ensure walking, cycling and bus travel is possible during road works. Aims to reduce inappropriate use of local roads by freight

Oxfordshire County Council has sent letters to residents eligible for support. Claims need to be made by 28 March 2023. Grants for care workers – cost of living grants are available for care workers, available from the Care Workers’ hardship grant – funded by Oxfordshire County Council. Up to £2000 can be applied for. The process is light touch and can be paid within two weeks.  OCC’s new chief executive, Martin Reeves started on March 1st.

DCllr David Cooper sent the following report:

Full Council Meeting – Next Wednesday

Climate and Environment Scrutiny Committee Meeting – Next Thursday

WODC have carried out a full detailed Youth Needs Assessment and I would be happy to provide details regarding this on request and happy to sit down and discuss how this can be used within the parish. New coalition executive along with officers have agreed to increase the Council Tax by the maximum of 5%. However, there is still support and schemes we provide at West Oxfordshire District Council such as the Council Tax Support scheme and support for people on housing benefit who can’t make their rent. Many people aren’t aware that they can claim this support so please do take the time to check what you might be eligible for and let others know that they may be eligible for help.

We are continuing to work with Thames Water closely regarding the sewage distribution. The governments Environmental Improvement Plan outlines ambition to create greener and cleaner country is an excellent read and I have included the link.

I continue to work closely with individuals regarding planning and flooding issues weekly. There will be more to report following the full council meeting and I am hoping to issue a fortnightly update as things come through the council.

I am happy to receive questions via email and will aim to reply as soon as possible.

Cllr Leach welcomed Laurence to the meeting.  Laurence was happy to observe and had nothing in particular to discuss.

Cost of Living – A meeting was planned with Milton & Shipton on Thursday to discuss.

Coronation – 84 mugs had been ordered and children would be presented with these on the Sunday. Cllrs Leach and Russell had met with Tiddy Hall and Charity to discuss arrangements for the event to be run on the Sunday afternoon at the playing fields (backup of Tiddy if the weather is too bad). It was agreed that the PC would pay for leaflets to publicize the event.

Martyrs 150th Anniversary – Nothing to report.

Obsidian Strategic

Up to 41 new homes Land west of London Lane

Cllr Leach reported that he had met with Carl Rylett (Strategic Planning) and separately with Jeff Haine from WODC to discuss the proposal above.

CONSULTATION:

Deadline comments by 7 March 2023

APPLICATION No. 23/00274/HHD

PROPOSAL: Single storey side extension with lean to roof with rear conservatory.

LOCATION: Mulberry Cottage 43 High Street, Ascott under Wychwood.

APPLICANT: Mr & Mrs Fraser-Looen

REGISTERED: 6 February 2023

CONSULTATION

Deadline comments by: 11 November 2022

APPLICATION No. 22/02798/S73

PROPOSAL:

Variation of Condition 2 to allow changes to fenestration, amendments to porches and use of roof space as habitable space and discharge of Conditions 3 (Sample Materials) 5 (Landscaping) and 9 (Surface Water drainage) of permission

21/02804/RES

LOCATION: Land North East of 51 High Street, Ascott under Wychwood

APPLICANT: Mr Rupert Beak

REGISTERED: 10 October 2022

12-18 London Lane 17/01067/FUL Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/W/17/3179654

Construction of four dwellings and associated works at Land North West of 18 London Lane

WODC Address Management have received an application to address 4 properties at site on London Lane.  Planning Application 17/01067/FUL

Cllr Leach reported that a first draft on the environment section had been received from Nicola.

(a) 5 Shipton Road – Ongoing

(b) OALC 2050 Consultation – Ongoing

(c) Tree – this is now complete and a celebratory plaque would be presented at the Coronation.

(d) Footpaths – Ongoing

(e) Flood Warden Scheme – 3 volunteers; Cllr Leach, Cllr Ravenhill and Mark Pidgeon.

(f) Network Rail Community Rail Licence

The PC would like to make it very clear that we are in no way responsible for the corporate vandalism carried out at the Railway garden by NR contractors. A request had been made for them to clear back the branches of the single tree that was encroaching on the power line, not for the wholesale chain-sawing of the area. A complaint has been raised and we are seeking permission to clear up the debris before it becomes a flood hazard. The purpose of much of the planting is to hold up the bank so that it does not fall into the ditch.

Cllr Plant reported that the gutter clearance was now complete, but the soakaways are blocked and the downpipes will need to be removed to clear. She will add this to the Risk Assessment.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

Ascott will be part of Stage 2 for the 20mph scheme.  Cllr Russell reported on positive feedback and appreciation received from parishioners for the white lines.

(a) Sports Clubs – nothing to report.

(b) Village Charity – Cllr Ravenhill reported that the Charity were looking for a new Trustee.

Email (forwarded)

OALC:

February update/newsletter

Membership Invoice

Green Day 24 March

OCC:

James Hammond Tree Planting

Minerals & Waste Local Plan Update

Wychwood Library Partnership working group

Household Waste recycling centres

Area Weight Restrictions Engagement

COTSWOLDS AONB:

Consultation on Cotswolds National Landscape Draft Revised Neighbourhood Plan Position Statement

AGE UK:

Cost of Living Campaign

Post

Clerks & Councils Direct

There being no further business, Cllr Leach declared the meeting closed at 8.50pm

Cllr Brian Leach (Chairman)

Date: Tuesday 11 April 2023