Parish Council Meeting Minutes
held on Monday 6th January 2020 at 7:30pm in the Caudwell Day Centre, Gravel Lane, Drayton, OX14 4HF
Drayton Parish Councillors Present:
- Tamsin Crane (Chairperson)
- Matthew Lowy (Vice Chairperson)
- Patricia Athawes (Vice Chairperson)
- Richard Wade, Pervin Shahin (arrived at 7:40pm)
- Shane McAleavey
- Colin Arnold
- Garin Schoonhoven
- Irma Vastakaite
- Claire Woollard
- Graham Webb
Drayton Parish Councillors not present:
All Councillors were present.
In attendance:
- Lorraine Watling (Clerk and RFO)
- Christopher Price (Deputy Clerk)
- Adrian Cooke (VWHDC) (left at 7:59pm)
Public:
2 members of the public was present.
42/2019 Apologies for Absence.
- County Cllr R Webber.
2/2020 Declarations of Interest, Dispensations or Use of Delegated Powers.
Claire Woollard declared an interest in the Walnut Meadow development as she lives there.
Tamsin Crane declared an interest in the Manor Farm development as she lives there.
Cllr R Wade declared a general interest in the Millennium Green grant application as he is on the committee.
3/2020 News from OCC Councillor
Richard Webber was not present at the meeting.
Councillors Priority Fund. It was noted that Richard Webber has a Councillor Priority Fund of £15,000.00 to be shared between his 6 villages.
Pervin Shahin arrived at 7:40pm.
4/2020 News from VWHDC Councillor (Andrew Cooke).
- Dog Faeces. It was noted that Biffa failed to remove the pile of approximately 20 dog poo bags along FP15 and District Cllr Andrew Cooke has sent a complaint to the operational staff.
- East Way BW1. It was noted that planning enforcement are still investigating whether the developer has fulfilled P15/V2828/FUL planning condition 7: The bridleway and driveway which form the proposed access to the site shall be upgraded to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved.
ACTION: Andrew Cooke to chase planning enforcement for a report. - P19/V3245/FUL. Installation of a synchronous gas powered standby generation facility, plus ancillary infrastructure and equipment. Land at Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN. It was noted that the granting of planning permission goes against the VWHDC’s climate change emergency.
5/2020 Public Participation.
Drayton Wildlife Group. Tracy Jesson reported on proposals to plant trees in the parish. The new wildlife group has already met once and will meet again on 11th January 2020. It was noted that there are unlikely to be any areas suitable for mass tree planting within the parish, but that there may be some where a few can be planted. They were advised to compile a report for the Council to consider.
ACTION: Tamsin Crane to get a quotation to clear the undergrowth around the Manor Farm green.
Adrian Cooke (VWHDC) left at 7:59pm.
6/2020 Minutes of the Previous Parish Council Meeting.
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting were approved and signed by the Chairperson.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Matthew Lowy Resolved: Unanimous
EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS. In view of the nature of the business to be transacted any members of the public and press would have been temporarily excluded from the meeting (Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1). As there were none in attendance this exclusion was not required.
7/2020 Burial Ground (item expedited).
The Council received an update about the burial ground.
The Council then went back into public session.
8/2020 Action Checklists.
The previous action checklist at Appendix A. was noted and the new actions noted below:
Dog Faeces.
It was noted that the population of Drayton has increased and therefore more bins are required.
ACTION: Clerk to send the Deputy Clerk the number of people on the electoral roll.
[Clerk’s note: As of 1st April 2019 it was 2027 people and 2,271 in December 2019.]
Sutton Wick Lane, Pond.
It is hoped that it may be possible to use money from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on matters associated with the pond in Sutton Wick.
ACTIONS:
1. Clerk to confirm if CIL money can be spent on matters associated with the pond.
2. Cllr G Schoonhoven to produce a risk assessment for the pond.
Plastic in the bins at the Churchyard.
The burial ground rules and regulations will be amended to deter the use of plastic in the cemetery.
ACTION: Clerk to work with the Chairman to draft the amendment.
Parking on Grass Verges.
It was noted that the Parish Council can install wooden posts to stop people parking on the Village Green.
ACTION: Cllr G Schoonhoven to bring proposals back to Council.
Bus Shelter Insurance.
It was noted that the Parish Council need to insure the bus shelters.
ACTION: Clerk to liaise with insurers.
Manor Farm / Abingdon Road Over Grown Hedge.
ACTION: Tamsin Crane to look into the cost of clearing undergrowth around the Manor Farm green.
Village Hall.
It was noted that the Parish Council have given the Village Hall Committee a grant of £3,000.00 towards the heating.
ACTION: Clerk to notify the Drayton Village Hall Chairperson, that Pervin Shahin has agreed to become the Parish Council’s nominated trustee.
Footpath Improvements.
ACTION:
1. Tamsin Crane to ask OCC for advice.
2. Clerk to ask OALC for advice.
Grass Cutting Contract.
It was noted that an invitation to quote has been advertised on the village website and Facebook.
ACTION: Clerk to prepare report for consideration by the Finance & Personnel Committee which will then make a recommendation to Council.
Caretaker Contract.
It was noted that an invitation to quote has been advertised on the village website and Facebook.
ACTION: Clerk to prepare report for consideration by the Finance & Personnel Committee which will then make a recommendation to Council.
Walnut Meadow / Miller Homes.
ACTION: Claire Woollard to arrange another meeting with Miller Homes and then suggest a date for the next Projects Board meeting.
Manor Farm / Cala Homes.
ACTION: Tamsin Crane to arrange a site meeting with Cala Homes.
Drayton Conservation Area Appraisal.
ACTION: Deputy Clerk to circulate Drayton Conservation Area Appraisal.
9/2020 Finance & Personnel Committee – Appendix B. (Patricia Athawes)
- Payments. The list of payments circulated prior to the meeting was approved. The 2 councillors nominated to approve online payments were Patricia Athawes and Matthew Lowy.
- Bank Reconciliation. The Council noted the bank reconciliation that had been circulated prior to the meeting.
- Disposition of Council Funds. The Council noted the disposition of council funds that had been circulated prior to the meeting.
- S137 Grant Application. Millennium Green Trust – Grass Cutting. It was noted that the grass is currently cut 12 or 13 times a year at a cost of £288.00 per cut = £3.500.00 per year approximately. The best way of providing this service in the future was discussed. The council resolved to make a s137 grant of £1,000.00 to the Trust and to add the Millennium Green in the Parish Council’s new grass cutting contract.
Proposed: Colin Arnold Seconded: Claire Woollard Resolved: Unanimous - Village Hall Committee. The Parish Council is the custodian trustee of the Village Hall charity. It was resolved to appoint Pervin Shahin as the Parish Council nominated representative on the Village Hall Committee.
Proposed: Colin Arnold Seconded: Richard Wade Resolved: Unanimous
ACTION: Clerk to advise the Drayton Village Hall, Chairperson that Pervin Shahin has been appointed to be the Parish Council’s nominated representative.
10/2020 Public Art Working Group. (Pervin Shahin).
The Council noted the report and that the priority was for the new village signs/gates.
11/2020 Rights of Way & Conservation Working Group (Richard Wade).
- Footpath Improvements. It was noted that OCC have not yet responded to the Deputy Clerk’s emails requesting advice on footpath improvements.
ACTION: Tamsin Crane to ask OCC for advice. Clerk to ask OALC for advice. - FP17. It was noted that FP17 has been rerouted.
12/2020 Projects Board Committee (Claire Woollard).
- Walnut Meadow / Miller Homes Meeting held on 16th December 2020. The Parish Council met with Miller Homes for a site inspection. It was noted that the VWHDC were not present, and the sports field was not inspected because a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) has been served on Miller Homes. This is a formal request for further information to be supplied to VWHDC about the raised area of land, and where the material to create this came from. The PCN puts a legal requirement on Miller Homes to answer the questions honestly within a specified time limit. Failure to do so is a criminal offence could result in fines. The answers provided in response to the PCN will help VWHDC assess the extent of any planning breach and whether there is a need to take formal enforcement action.
ACTION: Claire Woollard to arrange another meeting with Miller Homes and then suggest a date for the next Projects Board meeting. - Manor Farm / Cala Homes. It was noted that another site meeting with Cala Homes is required.
ACTION: Tamsin Crane to arrange a site meeting with Cala Homes.
13/2020 Planning Committee – Appendix C. (Matthew Lowy).
Drayton Conservation Area Appraisal. It was noted that this has got lost in the mists of time.
ACTION: Deputy Clerk to circulate Drayton Conservation Area Appraisal.
14/2020 Correspondence.
None.
15/2020 Items to be noted from Parish Councillors.
None.
16/2020 Dates of the next Meetings.
- Finance and Personnel Committee. 20th January 2020. 7:00pm Cauldwell Day Centre.
- Projects Board Committee. ? January 2020. 7:30pm Village Hall.
- Planning Committee. 3rd February 2020. 7:00pm Cauldwell Day Centre.
- Parish Council. 3rd February 2020. 7:30pm Cauldwell Day Centre.
The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.10pm.
Signed:…………………………..
Name:…………………………..
Date: 3rd February 2020
Appendix A
Action Check List
Additional Consecrated Land.
Clerk working with the Diocese office to process the application for the Bishop of Dorchester to consecrate additional land at the existing burial ground. Ongoing.
Conifer Trees that are on the boundary with 85A Barrow Road.
To be removed when the land is transferred. Ongoing.
Dog Faeces.
Clerk was ready to order 3 new bins. Action postponed due to VWHDC refusal to empty bins at the proposed sites as they did not think that they are required. Chairperson to monitor the situation to determine if further communication required to VWHDC about this. Cllr Adrian Cook will follow up with Biffa / Vale. Deputy Clerk to report dog poo bags at the end of FP15 to VWHDC and suggest a dog poo bin is installed. Clerk to send the Deputy Clerk confirmation about the number of people on the electoral roll. Ongoing.
Sutton Wick Lane, Pond – letters.
The Council decided not to purchase warning signs at this time. Tamsin Crane has sent letters to Thames Water about use of pond as run off, and OCC Highways. Action completed.
Plastic in the bins at the Churchyard.
Tamsin Crane to write a letter in the Drayton Chronicle urging people not to leave plastic in the burial ground.
Bees and Trees.
All Councillors to think about potential locations for bee friendly plants and for free tree planting. Tamsin Crane to circulate details of the Woodland Trust scheme for consideration. Action completed.
Parking on Grass Verges.
Richard Webber to discuss the matter with OCC to try and find a solution. Garin Schoonhoven to look into barriers to stop people parking on the Village Green. Ongoing.
Councillors Priority Fund.
Richard Webber to advise on the type of trees. All Councillors to think about where to plant trees. Ongoing.
East Way BW1.
Andrew Cooke to chase planning enforcement for a report. Ongoing.
Sutton Wick Lane, Willow Trees next to the Pond.
Clerk to get 2 more quotations. Ongoing
Updating of the NDP.
Tamsin Crane to discuss NDP with Richard Williams. Action completed.
Manor Farm / Abingdon Road Over Grown Hedge.
Tamsin Crane to ask for volunteers in the Chronicle and on Facebook. Ongoing.
Footpath Improvements.
OCC has failed to respond to requests for information from the Deputy Clerk. Ongoing.
Appendix B
Finance & Personnel Committee
PAYMENTS: £500 OR MORE
Disposition of Council Funds
Appendix C
Planning Committee Report
P19/V1775/FUL.
Adjustment of garden levels. Plot 48 Edward Park Drayton.
PC: Objection:
See September Minutes for details.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V2439/HH.
Proposed garage extension and loft conversion. Highfield House Barrow Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4SU.
PC: Response:
It provides a first floor level viewing platform over the neighbouring house and suggesting that it needs screening from that view.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V2428/FUL.
Single dwelling house with detached double garage. 208 Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN.
PC: Support:No objection.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V2486/O.
Outline planning application for the erection of 3 detached dwellings with parking under timber frame car ports on land to the rear of and part of the garden of Norrington House, demolition of the existing garage to facilitate provision of access along existing driveway, landscaping reserved for later determination. Norrington House 22 High Street Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JL.
PC: Objection:
The original (withdrawn) planning application for this site was for 10 houses and we understand was withdrawn because of the Vale of White Horse confirming that the retail space at the road ward edge of the plot was required to be retained. In the PC opinion, this application for three houses clearly is under using the site and is very likely to be followed by subsequent applications for further development at the rear of the site. The PC consider this appears to be a way of avoiding the requirements to provide social housing by developing the site piecemeal and may also be an attempt to bypass the requirement to retain the retail frontage on the site.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V2428/FUL Amendment: No. 1 – dated 29th November 2019.
Single dwelling house with detached double garage (as amended by plans and additional information received on 29 November 2019). 208 Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN.
PC: No comment.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V3186/FUL.
Proposed new 3-bedroom dwelling with integrated garage and creation of new dropped kerb and vehicular access by demolishing a section of the boundary wall. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.
PC: Objection:
The development will add extra vehicle movements on a road that is already seriously congested and will have an adverse effect on street parking by reducing the on-street parking on a road that is already seriously overused for residential parking.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V3187/LB.
Proposed new 3-bedroom dwelling with integrated garage and creation of new dropped kerb and vehicular access by demolishing a section of the boundary wall. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS.
PC: Objection:
The development will involve demolition of a very old boundary wall in a conservation area.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V3205/FUL.
Proposed single storey detached building to provide 2 x 1 bedroom dwellings. 18 Sutton Wick Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4HJ.
PC: Objection:
Drayton Parish Council objects for the following reasons: The proposed repositioned driveway is over common land 77 that is registered to Drayton Parish Council. There is a grade 2 listed building next door and the proposed new house is not in keeping with the local area and will decrement the character. There is not enough space for vehicles to manoeuvre into the parking bays. The development will increase traffic. This development is within the proposed conservation area extension.
VWHDC: Pending.
P19/V3245/FUL.
Variation of Condition 2 of P18/V2356/FUL (as amended by application P19/V1162/FUL) for proposed changes to the approved layout. Further information to satisfy conditions 4 – landscaping, 6 – archaeology and 8 – lighting. Installation of a synchronous gas powered standby generation facility, plus ancillary infrastructure and equipment. Land at Steventon Road Drayton Abingdon OX13 6RN.
PC: Objection:
A major change like this should have a new planning application submitted.
VWHDC: Pending.