03.12.1

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 9^th DECEMBER 2003.

Meeting commenced at 7.00p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper, Roe and Bennett. Messrs. Johnson and Colston. Jackie Colquitt and Samantha Smith of Notts. Rural Community Council. Clerk Mr. B Machin.

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The Chairman proposed a change in the order of the meeting as shown on the agenda this was agreed.

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VILLAGE APPRAISAL:

Jackie Colquitt and Samantha Smith reviewed the appraisal results saying that the 67% response was very good as was the 17 volunteer responses. She also highlighted some of the positive and negative aspects of the results.

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Mrs. Jacobs and Mr. Bayliss arrived at this point.

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Some themes are apparent throughout the results e.g. transport.

She recommended Council proceed by producing a summary of the results (which she offered to produce) then holding an Action Planning Day to agree on the way forward, she was also willing to provide support for this day.

Council thanked Jackie and Samantha for their review and comments and accepted the offer to produce the summary, Council agreed to consider this and agree further action at the January meeting.

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Jackie Colquitt and Samantha Smith left the meeting at this point.

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Apologies for absence: Received from County Councillor Mr. Stewart and District Councillor Mr. Laughton.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11^TH NOVEMBER 2003:

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

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 11^TH NOVEMBER 2003:

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Thorndale Plantation: The Clerk reported that due to staff illness the Environment Agency had cancelled the meeting on the 8^th December; no alternative date had yet been arranged.

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Burntstump Cross Roads: The Clerk reported on behalf of Councillor Stewart that financial approval was currently being sought and a decision should be made in the next few days. If approval is forthcoming the timetable is likely to be design 2004 construction 2005.

03.12.2

The Clerk reminded Council that it had withdrawn its objection to detrunking on the understanding that finance would be made available to Notts. CC for the work and that this would be ‘ring fenced’.

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NALC – AQA Certificate Training: The Clerk reported that he had received details of the training programme for the certificate, training  was on four consecutive Saturdays for three and a half hours each at County Hall, he would not be attending.

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6 Manor Close – Retention of Brick Boundary Wall: Mr. Bayliss pointed out that this was a good example of where Council should have made earlier representation about its concerns, before the wall was completed.

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Tansley House Main Street – Removal of Tree: The Clerk reported that the property was outside the Conservation Area and therefore restrictions on tree work did not apply provided there was no specific order on the tree.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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N&SDC Code of Conduct Training: The training on the 22^nd December was noted. The Chairman and Clerk attended training last year.

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Parish Council Conference: Comments are invited by N&SDC on the format of the conference and any improvements. It was agreed that refreshments were inadequate, presentation skills were lacking and insufficient time was devoted to questions from the floor, the Clerk to reply accordingly.

HIGHWAYS:

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Oxton Hill – Milestone: The Clerk reported that Notts. County Council Highways don’t know where the milestone is or its current condition and has suggested a site meeting. The Clerk to arrange a meeting attended by the Chairman and Miss Roe.

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Main Street – Drainage Investigation: Miss Roe was concerned that Severn Trent was doing investigation works prior to major drainage work and that Council was not informed. The Clerk was asked to determine Severn Trent's intentions.

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Main Street and Forest Road – Potholes:

The following were reported:

03.12.3

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PLANNING:

Loath Hill Orange Telecoms Mast: The Clerk reported that notice had been received indicating that at today’s planning meeting the planning officer was recommending committee grant approval to the mast subject to the applicant/landowner entering into an appropriate Section106 agreement to secure a Woodland management plan for the adjoining wood.

The Chairman reported she had attended the meeting and spoken against approval but that approval had been granted.

FINANCIAL MATTERS;

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Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment.

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Financial Report for November: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £3737.70 plus £4027.62 in the sinking fund with receipts of £327.92 and payments of £323.47.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Inspection Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported verbally that moles were active on the site; otherwise there was nothing further to report.

BUDGET 2004/2005:

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The Clerk presented his estimate of the outturn for this financial year as £1248 in the current account and £4051 in the sinking fund, he cautioned that the hedge laying had not been completed in the quoted time and that BTCV may claim £162 for every extra days work.

Mr. Johnson said that the work was not in his opinion of a satisfactory standard and that Council should tell BTCV to complete the work at no extra cost.

It was agreed the Clerk determine when the work is to be completed and indicate that Council were not completely satisfied with the work.

The Clerk asked Council to identify any variations to the current budget. The Following were identified for inclusion:

·           Handrail to steps or grading to slope at rear of village hall.

·           Training.

·           Ringmaster system @ £200pa.

·           One additional poop scoop.

·           Neighbourhood Watch signs.

·           Dover Beck donation @£100.

·           Increases in Clerks direct costs.

·           Incremental increase in Clerks salary.

·           Plants for planters.

03.12.4

The Clerk reminded Council that a decision on the precept is required at the next meeting.

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TREE ELMCROFT:

Mr. Bayliss reported that he had sourced a tree locally for £30.00; the Clerk reported that N&SDC had acknowledged his letter but had not yet approved the siting of a tree.

It was agreed the tree be purchased and planted in a position to be agreed by the Chairman, Miss. Roe and Mr. Bayliss with nearby householders.

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NOTTS. COUNTY COUNCIL DRAFT STRUCTURE PLAN:

It was agreed the Clerk respond as follows:

·           Consideration should be given to a Park & Ride facility for traffic approaching Nottingham from the North.

·           Consideration should be given to the provision of more affordable housing being built in the County.

·           Little consideration seems to be given to rural matters.

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ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

Road Sweeping: Mrs. Jacobs asked if road sweeping could be arranged as the streets were untidy. The Clerk to arrange.

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Elmcroft Footpaths: Miss. Roe pointed out that the pavements needed attention. The Clerk has previously reported these and will remind Notts. CC.

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Manor House Tree Surgery: Mr. Bayliss asked if the recent tree surgery had been approved. The Clerk reported that approval had been given by N&SDC.

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Fallows Lane Borehole: Miss. Roe asked what the position with the borehole is. Mr. Johnson replied that a scheme similar to the pumping scheme at the head of the Dover Beck was being considered and that trial pumping was taking place this was due to end by Xmas.

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Affordable Housing: Mr. Johnson reported that the Estate was in contact with N&SDC with a view to providing affordable housing. N&SDC would consider the appraisal results and undertake a Local Housing Needs Survey. It was agreed to include this item on the January agenda.

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Future Meetings The Clerk indicated he would like to set the dates for the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the Annual Parish Meeting at the next meeting.

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Meeting closed at 21.20