08.08.1

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 12^TH AUGUST 2008

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper, Jones and Jacobs. Messrs. Johnson, Aldridge and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin. Councillor Laughton (part). 

Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Wilkes and Councillor Stewart.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8^TH JULY 2008:

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The minutes, having been circulated before the meeting, were confirmed and signed as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 8^TH JULY 2008:

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Building Better Communities – Village Trail: It was agreed to put this item on the September agenda.

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Partnerships with Parish Council Questionnaires: Only 24 out of 82 completed questionnaires have been returned; the initial responses suggest that parish council’s perception of, and engagement with N&SDC is relatively low. N&SDC is seeking to obtain further outstanding responses to ensure an accurate reflection of parish council’s perceptions.

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Best Kept Village: It was noted that the village has not been placed in this year’s competition.

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Main Street Tree: The Clerk has reported this to Notts. CC. Mr. Johnson agreed to inspect the tree.

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Internal Auditors Report etc: The Clerk pointed out that in minute 08.07.4.6 the second sentence in para. 2 should read “Item 5 refers to…..”

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Dates of Future Meetings: It was noted that, as the October meeting is arranged at the same time as the schools half term, several Councillors would not be able to attend. As it was difficult to arrange an alternative date it was agreed to cancel this meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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Code of Conduct Training: Training on the Assessment of Standards Complaints on 12^th September was noted. No-one is able to attend.

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Building Better Communities: Notts. County Council is seeking suggested schemes for inclusion in the 2008/09 programme. It was agreed the Clerk circulate details and includes the item on the September agenda.

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Progressing with Wisdom – Proposals for Modernisation of Notts. Registration Service: This consultation document was noted without comment.

08.08.2

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The Valerie Gillespie Cup: CPRE is arranging another annual event with an award for a community initiative enhancing the environment. It was agreed not to enter this year.

HIGHWAYS:

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Main St. Street Light: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the light at the end of her drive is on continuously which is probably due to overhanging trees. The Clerk is to report.

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Southwell Road: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the shoulder of the highway is collapsing just North of the junction with Blind Lane. The Clerk is to report.

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A6093 Oxton By- Pass. Mr. Johnson reported that weeds were now growing and obstructing the vision splay where the hedge has been removed North of the Forest Road junction. He also reported that several of the new street lights were not working. The Clerk to report.

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Blind Lane Roadwork’s; Mrs. Jacobs reported these works were still in place. The Clerk has reported these to Notts CC. The Chairman suggested a request for a site meeting would expedite things.

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BBC - Southwell Road Junction: Mr. Aldridge asked if Council was giving up on ‘rat running’ through the village. The Chairman said that Notts. CC had made it clear that the scheme would not proceed and that Councillor Stewart was hopeful that a change of leadership of the Council at the next election would bring about a change of mind on the scheme. The Clerk suggested the scheme also be resubmitted in this years BBC bids.

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Forest Road Rubbish: The Chairman said she had received a complaint about rubbish in the verges; Mr. Johnson said there was not much and what there is had been disturbed by mowing.

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Greaves Lane- Thinning of Woods: The Chairman reported that Miss Roe had expressed concern over more ‘rides’ being constructed in the woods, there had also been a temporary slow sign painted on the road which she hoped would be made permanent. Mr. Johnson said more rides had been made to recover timber some of which had been surfaced these would be a permanent feature. Also the slow sign was painted temporarily by the contractor, he did not think that Notts.CC would be willing to make the sign permanent as it is only a single track road and driving slowly is self evident.

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New Road – Overhanging Trees: The Chairman reported these trees; Mr. Johnson said he was surprised as the trees had been cut back last year, the hedge is cut back annually at the right time of year; he agreed to inspect.

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Nottingham Road: The Chairman reported that branches are still overhanging between the roundabout and the sewage pumping station and are dangerous. The Clerk to report.

08.08.3

PLANNING:

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Meadow View Nottingham Road – Extension: N&SDC has refused this application due to the bulk and mass not reflecting the form of the original building.

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Fosters Main St. – Extensions: This application has been withdrawn.

Councillor Laughton arrived at this point.

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Two Ways Windmill Hill – Demolition and Rebuild: Mr. Johnson said he has spoken to several of the neighbours who had no objection other than removal of the hedge. Mrs. Jones and Mr. Aldridge were of the opinion that the proposal is an improvement on the existing. The scheme was approved subject to consultation with respect to the hedge.

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2 Orchard Court Blind Lane – Alterations: Council had no objection to this proposal.

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Newark – Potterdyke Redevelopment: Council had no objections to this proposal but observed that the doctor’s surgery was some distance from the parking. Mrs. Jones thought the development would rid Newark of an eyesore. Concern was also expressed about adequate toilet facilities.

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Local Development Framework Evidence Base: This document gives notice of N&SDC’s major piece of work to help inform the content of its LDF; included is an Infrastructure Delivery Plan questionnaire which the Clerk was asked to complete highlighting Councils affordable housing requirements.

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Draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document: This consultation document was noted it deals with developer contributions.

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Strategic Land Availability Assessment – Sites in Oxton: N&SDC has provided details of sites in the village identified as available for development and is asking for a response on technical issues, that might affect the development of the sites, by 12^th September. The Clerk was asked to circulate the documents and include an item on the September agenda, asking N&SDC for an extension of its deadline.

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East Midlands Development Agency Regional Plan: It Was agreed to circulate this document and include it on the September agenda.

08.08.4

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

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Bee Removal: Mrs. Jones received a report regarding a bee swarm in a tree in the village car park and arranged removal and paid the contractor from her own pocket. This action and reimbursement was agreed with thanks.

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Financial Report for July: The Clerk reported a current account balance at the end of July of £3545.73 with payments of £1402.25 and receipts of £4.78 and a balance of £9517.25 in the sinking fund.

The Clerk pointed out that Council had a surplus of cash caused by grants from N&SDC and Notts. CC both last and this year and needed to consider how this should be spent. It was suggested a double instalment to the sinking fund and improvements to benches.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the gate sign was faded and needed replacement and also a timber slat on the seat outside the play area was broken. It was agreed to replace both.

Mrs. Jacobs also pointed out that the school is using the play equipment on a regular basis and was concerned about insurance cover – it is believed Council is covered. Also that vandals have been turning the swings around.

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ROSPA Annual Report: Council considered the report which contained mainly low priority items which in view of the proposed redevelopment of the play area  Council agreed to monitor only during the monthly inspections; it did agree to change the wrong chain installed on the baby swing and paint the ‘Wicksteed ‘ swing top bar etc.

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Progress Report from Redevelopment Group: The Clerk had already circulated a report from Mr. Wilkes for consideration. He also reported on a grant of up to £30000 available through N&SDC over the next three years available for delivering active play opportunities attractive to all children including 8 – 13 year olds, unfortunately applications are required by 5^th September. Discussion took place over what Council wanted to achieve e.g. skate board etc, the play area at Sherwood Pines was highlighted as a good example. It was pointed out that Councils original brief was to replace the play area equipment to a modern standard. It was agreed that Mrs. Jacobs progress an application by inviting play equipment companies to submit a design and estimate for use in an application.

08.08.5

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE:

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Mr. Aldridge said he was being pressured by N&SDC to decide on a site for the resilience store; he suggested the village hall car park would be the preferred site if the management committee is willing; the ownership of the alternative adjacent to the weir was unknown. The Chairman suggested the Workhouse Close field as an alternative; this appeared to have some disadvantages due to access via the bridge and during flooding. It was agreed the Clerk seek the approval of the OVHMC to site the store in the car park.

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BUS SHELTER/BENCH: A decision was made to purchase a ‘Heritage’ bench in recyclable material from Glasdon.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

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There were no items of any other business.

Meeting closed at 21.35

Signed………………………………..Chairman.           Date……………………