Drayton Parish Council Minutes
of the meeting held on 8th March 2022 at 7:00pm in the Caudwell Day Centre
Councillors Present: Tamsin Crane (Chairperson) (from 7:40pm), Patricia Athawes (Vice Chairperson), Susan Harris (from 7:15pm), Pervin Shahin, Shane McAleavey, Caroline Green, Graham Webb.
Councillors Not Present: Richard Wade (Vice Chairperson), Robert Taylor, Clifford Hutton.
In attendance: Lorraine Watling (Clerk and RFO), Christopher Price (Deputy Clerk), Jonathan Fowler (Programme Manager), Richard Webber (OCC), Adrian Cooke (VWHDC).
Public: None.
The meeting started at 7:10pm and in the absence of the Chairperson, Patricia Athawes (Vice Chairperson) assumed the chair.
40/2022 Apologies for Absence. Robert Taylor, Clifford Hutton.
41/2022Declarations of Interest, Dispensations or Use of Delegated Powers. None.
42/2022 Public Participation. None.
43/2022 Report from OCC Councillor. OCC Cllr Richard Webber gave his report later in the meeting upon his arrival. See item 45/2022.
44/2022 Report from VWHDC Councillor (Andy Cooke).
a) Walnut Meadow Sports Facility. It was noted that there are indications of movement.
b) P21/V2176/FUL. Development of a brownfield site in Drayton to provide 9 purpose built houses to modern space and environmental standards. Land at Kiln Lane Drayton OX14 4FE. It was noted that this planning application had been re-opened for further comments and had been ‘called in’ in order that it be decided by the Vale’s Planning Committee at its next planning committee meeting.
c) Reservoir. It was noted that there had been a lot of responses to the Water Resources South East
(WRSE) group consultation.
Cllr Harris arrived at this point (7.15pm).
d) Tree Planting. It was noted that approximately 1500 trees have been planted in Abingdon – hazel and crab apple. Pervin Shahin proposed planting Walnut trees on the Village Green. Discussion followed. This matter will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Richard Webber arrived at this point (7.27pm).
45/2022 Report from OCC Councillor Richard Webber.
Cllr Webber gave his report and made the following key points.
a) 20mph Speed Limits. These will be rolled out across Oxfordshire. It was noted that when applying parishes or towns need to provide data as proof that there have been significant incidents or identifies potential risk sites. Cllr Webber advised the PCl to answer ‘yes’ to this question, even though it does not have specific data, and to refer the OCC officers to him for further information if required because there are accident statistics available for the last 10 years for the main roads in and around Drayton. The PC agreed to do so on this basis.
b) GARD. Cllr Webber noted that GARD are doing a fantastic job. So far, he had received at least 50 letters local residents that had concerns about the proposals.
c) Housing Infrastructure Fund / Didcot Thames Link Road. It was noted that the Government had extended the delivery time for the new road. It was also noted that the new road may eventually result in increased traffic due to time shifting, space shifting, new journeys, etc.
Tamsin Crane arrived at 7:40pm and assumed the chair.
d) Street Lighting along a Stretch of Pavement at Walnut Meadows. Cllr Webber was made aware that there were suggestions that the PC might be expected to adopt the street lights along a stretch of pavement in the Walnut Meadows Development. Cllr Webber confirmed that if the lights were on a road that was adopted they would become OCC’s responsibility, if not it would fall on the Management Committee for that development. It as noted that it would be very unusual for these to become the responsibility of the PC. Cllr Webber will investigate further.
ACTION: Richard Webber to investigate further and confirm who will be responsible for these lights.
e) Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS). It was noted that a VAS sign will be installed between Drayton and Sutton Courtney.
46/2022 Minutes of the Previous Parish Council Meeting. The minutes of the February PC meeting were approved.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Patricia Athawes Resolved: Unanimous (by all in attendance)
47/2022 Action Checklist. See Appendix B.
a) Insect Houses/Bee Houses. Pervin Shahin had consulted a local bee keeper for suitable locations of the bee house. It was noted that the bee hive was for solitary bees. It was resolved to purchase the Insect Houses/Bee Houses for the Drayton Wildlife Group.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Patricia Athawes Resolved: 6 for and 1 against
b) Village Green Bin Relocation. It was noted that the VWHDC are not be able to make any changes as they are currently undertaking a litter bin mapping project across both districts. Any new litter bin requests or repositioning of litter bins will be considered after the project has finished.
c) New Benches and Planters. It was resolved to put the 2 new planters either side of the existing memorial bench that is near to the roundabout.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Susan Harris Resolved: Unanimous
It was noted that Cala Homes had given the parish council permission to put a bench on the Manor Farm Green. It was agreed that Tamsin Crane and Susan Harris would determine the location. It was noted that Miller Homes had refused permission to install a bench on the Walnut Meadow small green (next to Barrow Road) until the land had been transferred to the PC. It was agreed to temporarily put this bench somewhere else until the land at Walnut Meadow is transferred to the Parish Council, at a site to be agreed.
d) Entrance Gate Signs. It was noted that OCC still had safety concerns about the proposed signs on the Steventon Road. Cllr Athawes reported that some local residents that live near to the proposed sites also had some concerns. It may only be possible to have 1 sign on the far side of the road. It was noted that OCC are making a mock up of what the sign will look like. Some Cllrs noted that the gates were a nice feature and so it would be good to retain these.
e) Street Lighting. It was noted that before embarking on undertaking any form of survey, it needed to be confirmed what actions the Parish Council could reasonably take to influence any changes, and whether it had the resources and funding that would be required to do so.
48/2022 Finance and Personnel Committee (Patricia Athawes). See Appendix A.
a) S137 Grant Application. Friends of Drayton School Association (FODSA) had requested £500.00 towards an event. It was resolved to approve this s137 grant application.
Proposed: Patricia Athawes Seconded: Shane McAleavey Resolved: Unanimous
b) Payments.
i) The list of payments had been circulated prior to the meeting and was noted.
ii) The payments to be made following the meeting were approved.
iii) The two councillors authorised by the Council to approve the online payments this month were Patricia Athawes and Graham Webb. They were also authorised to approve any payments that are required to be made before the next meeting.
c) Bank Statement and Reconciliation. These had been circulated prior to the meeting and were noted.
d) Disposition of Council Funds. This had been circulated prior to the meeting and were noted.
e) Annual Pay Award. It was resolved to approve the 1.75% pay award to the staff, backdated to 1st April 2021.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Shane McAleavey Resolved: Unanimous
f) Investment Policy. It was resolved to adopt the Investment Policy for the Council.
Proposed: Patricia Athawes Seconded: Graham Webb Resolved: Unanimous
g) Grass Cutting Contract. It was resolved extend the current grass cutting contract for one year with a 2% increase in charges, and to add the Manor Farm Green at a cost of £50.00 per cut (at the appropriate time once this land has been transferred to the PC), and Walnut Meadow small green (next to Barrow Road) at a cost of £30.00 per cut (once this land has been transferred to the PC).
Proposed: Susan Harris Seconded: Patricia Athawes Resolved: Unanimous
49/2022 Public Art (Pervin Shahin).
a) Walnuts Shaped Bollards on the Village Green. It was noted that ten additional walnuts will be installed from the 10th to 12th March 2022.
b) Entrance Gate Signs. This had been discussed earlier in the meeting under item 47/2022 Action Checklist. d).
c) Plaque on the Village Green. It was noted that the new sign had been vandalised. The supplier has kindly offered to replace the broken part free of charge.
50/2022 Planning Committee (Graham Webb). See Appendix C.
Graham Webb’s report was noted.
51/2022 Neighbourhood Development Plan Working Group (Graham Webb).
a) Walnut Meadow Sports Pitches. It was resolved to amend the high level requirements for the Walnut Meadow sports pitches as follows: Pavilion, MUGA, Children’s Football (U13/14 pitch sized to 87.78m x 55.77m including safety / run-off area), Sports Pitch 122m x 74m, Cricket, Outdoor Gym (but not in the first Phase), Combined Walking / Running / Cycling track around the perimeter.
Proposed: Tamsin Crane Seconded: Graham Webb Resolved: Unanimous
b) S106 Footpath/Cycle Improvements. It was noted that Tamsin Crane has written the contract but the RAMS (risk assessment and method statement) was still required.
ACTION: Graham Webb and Richard Wade to draft the RAMS.
52/2022 New Benches and Planters. This was discussed under item 47/2022 Action Checklist. c).
53/2022 Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (Pervin Shahin). It was agreed not to form a working group and just keep it as an informal group. It was noted that a list of items and prices for the celebrations needed to be collated for the Parish Council to consider. The event will be held on Sunday 5th June 2022.
54/2022 Annual Parish Meeting. It was agreed to have the Annual Parish Meeting on 26th April 2022 at 7:00pm in the Caudwell Day Centre.
55/2022 Allotments Annual Inspection. It was agreed to have the annual allotment inspections in May.
Reserved Business. Exclusion of the Public and Press. In view of the nature of the business to be transacted any members of the public and press were temporarily excluded from the meeting (Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1).
55/2022 Burial Ground Covenant. An update about the covenant was noted.
56/2022 Funeral Director Debt. It was noted that the debt is still to be paid.
57/2022 Miller Homes. Item discussed earlier in the meeting.
End of Reserved Business.
58/2022 Items to be noted from Parish Councillors.
a) Caudwell Day Centre. It was noted that the Caudwell Day Centre sent the Parish Council a thank you card for the grant money the Parish Council gave them.
b) Clifford Hutton. It was noted that Clifford Hutton has resigned from the Parish Council. This will be formally noted at the next meeting.
ACTION: The Clerk will inform the Vale of White Horse District Council.
c) Pot Holes in Church Lane. The pot holes in Church Lane were noted.
59/2022 Date of the next Meetings. 12th April 2022 in the Caudwell Day Centre.
The Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 9:57pm
Signed: Date:
Name:
Appendix A
Finance & Personnel Committee
Payments of £500 or more since the last meeting
£
Staff salaries 2,422.47
OCC LGPS Pensions 700.22
OALC Annual Subscription 606.77
Surrey Hills Solicitors – professional services 2,352.00
FODSA – s137 grant 500.00
Disposition of Council Funds as at 01st March 2022
ACCOUNT REF BALANCE INTEREST RATE ACCOUNT TYPE
Unity Bank 674 £266,527.93 0% Current Acct
NS&I 779 £20,489.69 0.01% Savings Acct
Unity Bank 554 £15,186.46 0.10% Projects Acct
Total £302,204.08
Appendix B
Actions Checklist
Entrance Gate signs. Waiting for OCC Highways to produce mock up of what the sign will look like.
Street lighting. Shane McAleavey. Confirmation of whether the PC had appropriate powers and resources to affect any requested changes, before embarking on a survey about street lighting.
Fly Tipping in the Burial Ground. Cllr Webber agreed to ask Cllr Cooke to contact the Clerk about the possibility of borrowing some mobile cameras in order to try to catch the perpetrators if they return.
Walnut Meadow Sports Pitch Requirements. Programme Manager to arrange the meeting with Miller Homes after layout drawings received.
New Benches and Planters. Bench to be installed on the Manor Farm Green, Tamsin Crane and Susan Harris to pick a location. Other bench to temporarily be put somewhere until the land at Walnut Meadow is transferred to the Parish Council.
Walnut Meadow Street Lights. Richard Webber to confirm who will be responsible for a specific stretch of street lighting.
S106 Footpath/Cycle Improvements. Graham Webb and Richard Wade to draft RAMS.
Appendix C
Planning Committee Applications
| P21/V1924/FUL. Hybrid Planning application: Formation of sports pitches with associated ground works, drainage and landscaping (Full application) and sports pavilion with associated car parking and access (outline application with all matters reserved except access). Land West of Abingdon Road Drayton. PC: Objection: See September’s minutes for comment. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V2176/FUL. Development of a brownfield site in Drayton to provide 9 purpose built houses to modern space and environmental standards. Land at Kiln Lane Drayton OX14 4FE. PC: Objection: See September’s minutes for comment. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V2203/HH. Erection of new timber frame double garage to front of 122 Abingdon Rd. 122 Abingdon Road Drayton Abingdon OX14 4HT. PC: Noted. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V1924/FUL Amendment: No. 1 – dated 18th August 2021. Hybrid Planning application: Formation of sports pitches with associated groundworks, drainage and landscaping (Full application) and sports pavilion with associated car parking and access (outline application with all matters reserved except access). (Retrospective). Land West of Abingdon Road Drayton. PC: Objection: See September’s minutes for comment. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V1924/FUL Amendment: No. 2 – dated 7th September 2021. Hybrid Planning application: Formation of sports pitches with associated groundworks, drainage and landscaping (Full application) and sports pavilion with associated car parking and access (outline application with all matters reserved except access). (Retrospective). Land West of Abingdon Road Drayton. PC: Objection: See October’s minutes for comment. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V2622/O. Outline planning application for up to 80 residential dwellings (including up to 35% affordable housing), and 0.46 hectares for a C2 extra care facility (up to 30 units). The introduction of structural planting and landscaping, public open space and children’s play area, sustainable urban drainage system, and associated ancillary works. All matters to be reserved with the exception of the main site access. Land off Abingdon Road Steventon. PC: Objection: See October’s minutes for comment. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P22/V0003/HH. Erection of a garden outbuilding to be used for gardening, storage, and a hobby workshop space. 64 Hilliat Fields Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JF. PC: Noted. VWHDC: Planning Permission on 2nd March 2022. |
| P22/V0240/HH. Construction of detached annex. Magpie Cottage 30 High Street Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JW. PC: Response: Drayton Parish Council notes that the additional residential accommodation, if permitted, shall be occupied only as accommodation ancillary and incidental to the main dwelling on the site and shall not be occupied or used separately and no separate curtilage be created. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P21/V2176/FUL Amendment: No. 1 – dated 14th September 2021. Demolition of single dwelling and associated outbuildings and structures, and erection of 5x4bed and 3x5bed detached dwellings with associated parking and landscaping. (As amended by plans and additional information received 14 September 2021, 16 December 2021 and 14 February 2022, including change to red line area and description amendment). Land at Kiln Lane Drayton OX14 4FE. PC: Response: Drayton Parish Council’s previous objections have not been addressed and is disappointed that there are no smaller affordable houses in the planning application. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P22/V0305/HH. Demolition of the existing garage, proposed new rear extension and new double garage. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS. PC: Support: Drayton Parish Council hopes that the modification respects the layout of the existing roof timbers. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P22/V0307/LB. Demolition of the existing garage, proposed new rear extension and new double garage. 3 Church Lane Drayton Abingdon OX14 4JS. PC: Support: Drayton Parish Council hopes that the modification respects the layout of the existing roof timbers. VWHDC: Pending. |
| P22/V0165/FUL. Part garage conversion, to create a salon space in order for me to work from home. 6 Friars Mews Drayton Abingdon OX14 4GS. PC: Pending. VWHDC: Pending. |