Oxton Parish Council - Nottinghamshire

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 3^RD SEPTEMBER 2002.

Meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.

Present: Messrs. Maclaren, Bayliss and Colston. Mesdames Cooper, Jacobs, Bennett and Roe. County Councillor Stewart. District Councillors Armstrong and Laughton. Clerk Mr. B Machin.

Apologies for absence. There were no apologies absence.

MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD 23^RD JULY 2002:

The minutes, having been circulated prior to the meeting, were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 23^RD JULY 2002:

Village Appraisal: The Chairman presented a suggested appraisal questionnaire for comment based on the Notts. RCC master document, which has been amended by Mrs. Jacobs, Miss Roe and herself to reflect the village.

Village sign: Mrs. Jacobs informed the Council that she wished to pursue the provision of information boards on a personal basis and would be seeking volunteers to form a small group.

Footpath leaflet: It was agreed this could be incorporated with the last item.

Charitable status of playing field: The Clerk reported that he had not yet been able to retrieve the relevant minutes of the Council. He suggested that the minutes should be archived at safe repository, this was agreed, the Clerk to get details from the County Archivist.

Mrs. Bennett reported she could find no reference to the Charity in the Village Hall Management Committee (VHMC) minutes. She suggested that there could be information in the original building committee minutes held by Colin Ashmore.

Mr. Maclaren said he was anxious to avoid putting responsibility onto the VHMC and would draft a response for consideration by Council.

Footpath near mill Farm: Notts. CC is to clear the footpath, they could find no problem with the bridge or signing. It was agreed that the path be re-inspected when the footpath has been cleared.

Manor house development – fencing around paddock: The Clerk reported that he had not yet received a reply from N&SDC. Mr. Bayliss asked the Clerk to seek confirmation that the current construction of a boundary wall was within the planning approval.

Asset Register: Council agreed that the playing field wooden shelter should be included on the asset register but was not to be covered by insurance.

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Additional notice board key: Mrs. Bennett reported that she had copied the key and given it to Mrs. Wheatley at a cost of £3.99. It was agreed to reimburse Mrs. Bennett.

Councillor Stewart arrived at this point.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Parish Councils role in planning: DEFRA has confirmed that the Planning Green Paper 2001 will not change the requirement for Parish Councils to be consulted on any relevant planning application, this will therefore remain in primary legislation.

Freedom of Information Act 2000: The Clerk reported the Act will require certain documents to be available for inspection, NALC have circulated a consultation document for comment prior to discussions with the Information Commissioners. Council had no comment.

Periodical electoral review of Notts County Council: The Boundary Committee for England started the review in July this year and is seeking any initial comments from Council. Council had no comments.

NALC – AGM: The meeting on the 27^th November is to be attended by Miss Roe and Mr. Colston as voting delegates. There were no nominations for election as officers.

Time on your hands: The launch of this scheme is to take place on 18^th September. Mrs. Armstrong gave a brief resume of its objectives i.e. to get people who are willing and have time to support others in need.

Skateboarding Conference: To be held on the 21^st October, Council will not be represented.

Newark and Sherwood Primary Care Trust – Annual Public Meeting: To be held on 25^th September, Council will not be represented.

Best Kept Village: Oxton is runner up in Section C, additionally a Certificate of Merit was awarded for the harmonious planting in gardens on New Road.

Greenwood/Sherwood Access Study: Notts CC has invited Council to take part in a consultation exercise on the 30^th September. Council will not be represented.

PLANNING:

Trees in conservation areas: The following approvals granted by N&SDC.

The Clock House, Blind Lane – pruning of Lime tree in the interest of good husbandry and safety reasons.

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Garden Cottage Water Lane – the removal of one Cypress tree this is too large for its position and of no merit.

15m Telecoms mast for O2 at Fallows Farm Loath Hill: The application has been granted ‘permitted development’ rights by N&SDC.

Mr. Maclaren expressed concern that N&SDC had not responded to Councils letter of 13^th June. Mrs. Armstrong agreed to pursue the matter.

Replacement 20m telecoms mast for Orange at Fallows Farm Loath Hill: N&SDC refused planning permission as contrary to the local plan.

Carrick house Main Street – replacement conservatory and utility enlargement: N&SDC granted full planning permission.

Cherry Tree Cottage Water Lane – erection of conservatory: N&SDC granted full planning permission.

Police House Nottingham Road – detached single garage and alterations to highway access: N&SDC granted full planning permission.

Meadow View Nottingham Road: An application to provide a new roof dormer and window, extension to provide new WC and cloaks area and erect a new double garage was considered and approved.

Councillor Laughton left the meeting at this point.

Marsett House Oxton Hill: An application for alterations and extensions to the existing dwelling was considered and approved subject to conditions that the accommodation provided is for use only by family or staff.

Wesley Farm Chapel lane: An application to erect a three bay garage was considered and approved.

HIGHWAYS:

Footpath Blind Lane to Home Court: Councillor Stewart reported that the County Council is to try and find finance to effect a repair.

Village shop sign: Councillor Stewart reported that the County Council do not provide signs but they would turn a ‘blind eye’ to any sign the shopkeeper erected within reason.

Quiet Lanes: Councillor Stewart reported that this is only a pilot scheme being run in two areas and that nothing is currently happening in Nottinghamshire. He suggested Council should write to the Highways indicating future interest. It was agreed to consider suitable ‘quiet lanes’ at the October meeting.

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Footpath from Oxton roundabout: Miss Roe reported that this path is overgrown and walkers are using the field to by-pass the path. The Clerk is to report this to the County Council and speak to Ian Johnson to request the path be fenced off from the field.

Nottingham Road - defective kerb stone: Miss Roe reported that the kerb stone had been displaced. Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue.

Main Street – pot hole: The Chairman reported a pot hole opposite School Gardens. The Clerk was asked to report this.

Stile on footpath crossing by-pass: The Chairman reported that the stile was loose. The Clerk was asked to report this.

Park and Ride: Mr Maclaren pointed out that a lot of money was being spent on the Nottingham Tram system but nothing was being done to improve traffic problems from the North of the City. Traffic restrictions imposed in Arnold and the proposed closure of the Forest park and ride were likely to make things worse. He suggested Council make representations to the Highways Authority to provide a park and ride facility at Leapool Island. This was agreed.

Councillor Stewart left the meeting at this point.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

Invoices and payments: The following were approved for payment.

B Machin Clerks salary July and August £237.14

Parkinson Dis. Soc. Oxton Flyer Fares July £20.80

Total £257.94

Financial report for July and August: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £32924.81 plus £3457.91 in the sinking fund with receipts of £74.39 and payments of £804.84.

Annual Audit – results of internal audit: The Clerk reported that the internal audit had been completed and the auditor had two points he wished to be brought to the attention of Council.

Council has sufficient cover for financial risks but no consideration has been given to risk assessment to cover other risks, in particular who would be responsible if the Clerk were unable to undertake their duties.
That the asset register should have financial values allocated to assets.

It was agreed the Clerk determines the requirements of a risk assessment and that the allocation of values to the asset register is ongoing.

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RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

Monthly inspection report: Mrs. Jacobs gave a verbal report, the inspection found no additional items.

Grants for playground equipment: N&SDC has set aside funding available in the form of 50% grants coupled to matching funding for upgrading existing play areas. It was agreed Council register its interest.

VILLAGE SIGN AND BENCH ON WINDMILL HILL: It was agreed that these two agenda items should be considered together.

The Chairman presented Mr. Borretts proposal for a bench around a tree on Windmill Hill, this would cost approx. £1000. She also gave details of flagpoles at a cost of approx. £200 plus fixing and also suggested an Oxton flag could be designed. Also a commemorative stone with plaque, the stone itself would only cost approx. £30 plus transport.

It was agreed to circulate details and include an item on the October agenda.

COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP: Mrs. Jacobs presented a report on the last meeting of the Partnership. Use of the Register of Electors now required payment of a £35 registration fee, also the Police are trying to raise finance for a mobile speed check that Parishes could use but would not result in prosecutions for speeding. The Clerk was asked to write to Inspector Russ Foster indicating an interest in the scheme.

Dates of future meetings: The following dates were agreed.

Tuesday 22^nd October Games Room.

" 12^th November " "

" 10^th December " "

Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Armstrong left the meeting at this point.

Beacon: The Chairman reported that the Beacon was provided by the Millennium Committee, this had now disbanded. She asked if the Council should adpot the beacon this has a value of approx. £500 and was stored in the village hall garage. It was agreed to adopt and insure the Beacon.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

Attendance of members of the public at meetings: Mr. Colston suggested that chairs should be set separately at meetings for the public and at the discretion of the Chairman they should be reminded they have no part in the meeting unless invited, this was agreed. The Clerk pointed out that some Council’s include an agenda item suspending Standing Orders at which time the public is allowed to speak to the meeting.

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Village Hall car parking: Mr. Bayliss pointed out that footballers were parking on the grass verge. No action was agreed.

Straw on village roads: Miss Roe pointed out that a lot of straw had accumulated on the roads following harvest. No action was agreed.

Meeting closed at 21.40

Signed. Chairman Date.