Minutes of the Meeting July23
LONG BENNINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
APPROVED MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting
Held Monday 3rd July 2023
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Public Forum |
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2 members of the public attended the entire meeting with 4 joining briefly. |
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Meeting commenced at 7.00 pm |
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Present |
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Mark Newton (MN) Chairman, Geoff Fearn (GF), Jane Bell (JB), John Leventhall (JL), Mick Walker (MW), Mick Brooks (MB), Carole Lee (CL), Ross Warman (RW), County Cllr Alex Maughan (AM) and Jane Evans, Parish Clerk |
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23/115 |
Apologies for Absence |
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Daryl Walton, Paul Wood and Iain Lyon due to personal circumstances– apologies accepted. |
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23/116 |
Declarations of Interest. |
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To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 - none |
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23/117 |
Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 12th June 2023 |
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Matters Arising Grit Bin Costa Row – AM advised he would liaise with Rowan Smith at LCC Highways about removal of the grit bin. If it stays, JB agreed to remove the dog waste bags from inside the bin. 23/104 – Cllrs were advised the deadline for applications was missed but the criteria indicated a successful application was unlikely. It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record. |
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23/118 |
County Council Report |
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AM advised that a report is to be done on behalf of LCC, looking at parking arrangements now and in the future. The purpose is to provide an overview of the village needs as a reference point for future plans/development. Draft scoping, done by AM, was read out for Cllrs for feedback purposes. It was confirmed work has commenced of the TROs that have been requested by the PC.
It was RESOLVED to temporarily open the meeting at 7.25pm for 4 members of the public to speak. Councillors were advised a local Flood Action Group has been established, working in collaboration with a number of local authorities/groups and a national initiative. Councillors had the opportunity to ask questions about the work and objectives of the group. The PC and AM offered support with the intention to join the next meeting. ACTION AM Meeting closed again at 7.38pm |
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23/119 |
District Council Report |
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No report |
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23/120 |
Planning |
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Applications S23/1038 Long Bennington PCC Application for the construction of a concrete footpath extension to the churchyard (extension) to match the existing at St Swithun's Church , Church Street, Long Bennington. Fully supported by the PC. RESOLVED no objections/comments S23/1086 Shaw Application for Discharge of Conditions pursuant to conditions 3 (hard landscaping),4 (AMS),5 (surface and foul water drainage),6 (WSI),7 (sustainable building),8(soft landscaping) and 9 (materials) of S19/2243 (Construction of 7 New Dwellings) at 33 Church Street, Long Bennington RESOLVED no objections/comments Planning Approvals – see agenda, no comment required Planning Refusals – none Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none Other planning issues – none |
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23/121 |
Section 106 Monies re Park View– to provide update on request for funding for car park and update on progress of plans for car park. |
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An update had been circulated via email today, confirming planning permission would not be required for the proposed car park with an application for a certificate lawful development to be submitted. ACTION CLERK |
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23/122 |
Village Hall Ownership Structure – to discuss current position |
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Councillors were advised there has been an issue with the VH insurance renewal, the insurer deciding that the VHMC is not the insured party. To resolve the issue, it has been suggested and agreed the current lease will be reassigned to the VHMC with the PC covering the related legal fees. It was confirmed a meeting of the VHMC took place last Friday to discuss the current position at it has been unanimously agreed that the ultimate goal is for the village hall to rest solely with the PC. The search for a solicitor to help close the 1921 trust continues. ACTION JL/CLERK |
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23/124 |
Gateway Project |
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It was confirmed one quote still remains outstanding for the installation of the gates. ACTION MN/CLERK |
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23/125 |
Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report |
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Chairman’s Report MN confirmed a lot of work has been done to resolve the VH ownership issues and insurance renewal. MN referred to recent correspondence relating to the resurfacing of Moor Lane and AM confirmed it will be retread work and Fen Lane is on the list for similar treatment. Clerks Report Councillors were referred to the attached report. Item 6 – Councillors were referred to the Letter of Engagement from Chattertons relating to the gift of land at the playing field. It was RESOLVED the Clerk is to sign the letter on behalf of the PC. ACTION CLERK |
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23/126 |
Finance |
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Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £5776.28. RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. ACTION Clerk to arrange payment. Monthly financial reports were provided, and no questions were raised. Community Cleaner hours worked and payment – approved. Quotes for Village Hall Floor Refurbishment – the availability of contractors with ISO and trade body certification limited the choice with three contractors having been considered. Only two quotes have been received due to the third contractor being too far away to be a practical consideration. As such it was RESOLVED to accept only two quotes and to approve the quote from Carlton for £5600+VAT, being the cheaper option with a better aftercare service.
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23/127 |
Reports |
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Playing Fields Management Committee – Cllrs were advised there has been some vandalism on surface of the MUGA and annual maintenance of various areas is being completed. It was confirmed the recent Solstice Run and Party in the Park event were very successful. Village Hall Management Committee – no report School Liaison – no report Emergency Planning Group Report – no report Road Safety – it was suggested that if a serious accident happens and the PC is seen to not be taking any action regarding a known danger point then it could be liable. It was confirmed the PC has continuously expressed safety concerns regarding Valley Lane/Main Road junction. Police Report – it was confirmed the Police has recently undertaken speed checks locally with 11 motorists being stopped. Footpaths & Streetlights – the footpath at the side of the Co-op was mentioned as being overgrown and it was agreed to contact the Co-op given an informal agreement is in place for maintenance of this footpath ACTION CLERK Witham Meadow – no report |
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23/128 |
Correspondence |
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Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month. No issues raised. |
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23/129 |
Items for next agenda and Parish News Report. |
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Next agenda – Village gateway, S106 monies, Village Hall transfer of title Parish News – report on flood relief works |
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23/130 |
Date of next meeting – 7th August 2023 |
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Meeting Closed 8.20 pm |
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Signed Mark Newton. Designation Chairman Date 7th August 2023 |