07.02.1

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 13^TH FEBRUARY 2007

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

1

Present: Mesdames Cooper, Roe, Jacobs and Bennett. Messrs. Johnson, Bayliss and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin. County Councillor Stewart (part). District Councillors Armstrong and Laughton (part). Two members of the public.

Apologies for absence: There were no apologies for absence.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23^RD JANUARY 2007:

2

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

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 23^RD JANUARY 2007:

3

Affordable Housing: Mr. Johnson declared an interest and took no further part in discussion of this item. The Clerk reported that through Notts Rural CC three housing associations had been invited to show an interest in the proposal, to date Framework HA has shown an interest but only for ‘specialist housing schemes’ no formal response has been received from Notts. Community HA. and Metropolitan HA, however, advice is that other sites be identified if the present site favoured by the planners is not acceptable to Council. Discussions with the planners have repeated the results of the pre application enquiry that any application for development off the Old Epperstone Road would not receive officer support and would be recommended for refusal should an application be submitted. Mrs. Armstrong was of the opinion that the planners were being unhelpful and would be happy to see a rented/shared ownership development she offered to approach the planners in support of Councils views, this was agreed. Mr. Bayliss pointed out that affordable housing was currently being built in Calverton and asked if it was the Parish or District Council who were pressing for this development, he also asked who round the table was in favour; after discussion the Chairman allowed members to express their views which could be summarized as largely neutral.

It was suggested that Council should approach four more housing associations, this was agreed and the Clerk was asked to arrange this.

4

Street Nameplates: The Clerk reported that the repairs were already included on N&SDC’s work schedule.

5

Homecare: Councillor Laughton reported that a decision would be taken this month and he would report back.

6

Water Lane Turning Lorries & Dog Mess: Miss Roe reported that lorries were causing damage to the road edge and grass verge also to the safety fence alongside the stream. The Chairman said this was possibly the first month of a twelve month contract and that the damage could become more extensive. Councillor Stewart agreed to arrange a site meeting with the Highways Dept.

07.02.2

COMMUNICATIONS:

1

Main St. Bench o/s Church: OVHMC has requested permission to clean and seal the bench to inhibit moss/algae. Council are happy to see the bench cleaned but consider sealing is an inappropriate treatment for an oak bench.

2

Police Authority Budget Proposals and Policing Plan: Council noted receipt of this consultation document which was received too late to comment.

3

Mobile Rural Contact Point: The service has been suspended until the Spring due to vehicle problems.

4

Threat to Lottery Funding: NALC has informed Council of its concerns over future Lottery funding availability due to the demand caused by the costs of the Olympic games. Council agreed to write to the Chancellor and MP.

5

Freedom of Information Publication Schemes: The current scheme adopted by Council is due for review in February but the Information Commissioner has extended the existing scheme for a further two years so no action is required.

6

Post Office Closures: Council noted a briefing note from NALC, as Council has already raised its concerns with the Post Office it was agreed to take no further action pending receipt of the proposals, following from the current consultation.

7

East Midlands Association of Local Councils: A seminar on the Government White Paper and its impact on Parish Councils to be held on 1^st March was noted.

8

Building Better Communities: The Annual Event is to be held on 12^th June at Thoresby, anyone wishing to attend to inform clerk by March meeting.

9

Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005: Under this Act Parish Councils may introduce Dog Control Orders in their own right or can be included in a district wide scheme to be introduced by N&SDC; Council can introduce additional controls to those included under the district wide scheme if so desired. It was agreed to accept the district wide scheme with the additional control restricting dog access to the children’s play area.

10

Gelding BC – Local Development Framework: Receipt of the Core Strategy Preferred Options Document was noted.

11

Code of Contact for Local Authority Members: The consultation document on Amendments to the Model Code of Conduct was noted.

12

Notts. CC – Local Government White Paper: Notification has been received from Notts. CC that it has adopted the two tier structure which includes a need to improve service, achieve better value for money and work more effectively and more closely with Parish Councils.

07.02.3

HIGHWAYS:

1

Oakes Lane/Bypass Junction - Improvements: Councillor Stewart confirmed that Council will be consulted on the proposed lighting scheme.

2

BBC Scheme – Southwell Road Junction: Councillor Stewart confirmed a decision will be made in March.

3

Oxton Hill – Kerbstone: Miss Roe reported that a kerbstone was loose and a tree branch was overhanging the carriageway, Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue these matters.

4

Elmcroft – Tree Removal: Complaints have been received about the removal of debris following the removal of a tree felled in the recent gales. Councillor Armstrong agreed to pursue with N&SDC.

5

Blind Lane – Flooding: Miss Roe pointed out that the road flooded during the recent heavy rain.

Councillors Laughton, Armstrong and Stewart left at this point.

PLANNING:

6

Bankwood Farm Conversion of Barn to Dwelling: The Clerk reported that whilst this site is in Thurgaton Parish N&SDC has asked for Councils comments. Council had no objection provided materials used are sympathetic with the existing.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

7

Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

8

Ringmaster: Dr. Kilpatrick reported that the account was for the total amount due for the duration of the scheme to date. Mr. Bayliss asked if the benefits of this scheme justified the costs involved. It was agreed to get the opinion of parishioners at the Annual Parish Meeting.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

9

Monthly Inspection |Report: Mrs. Jacobs had nothing to report.

The Chairman changed the order of the meeting at this point.

07.02.4

SAFETY LIAISON MEETING:

1

Mrs. Jacobs reported that in Oxton six incidents of violent conduct in the last six months  had been reported to the meeting, one of these had led to a conviction for assault; as it was reported that as none of the other incidents would affect licence applications it would appear that these incidents were related to licenced premises.

GRASS CUTTING:

2

The Clerk reported receipt of quotations as follows:

Ulyetts

Cost 2006 = £1367.00

Equivalent cost 2007 =£1410.00 (3.1% increase)

3

The Clerk reported he had included work on the football pitch as no decision had yet been taken on its future use but he would recommend that the pitch is no longer hired out due to safety concerns caused by the numerous mole hills. It was agreed to accept the quotation of Ulyetts and to include the future of the football pitch on the next agenda.

DATES OF AGM and ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:

4

The following dates were agreed:

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

5

Litter – Calverton Road Layby: Concern was expressed about the above on one of the main routes into Oxton. It was agreed the Clerk should contact Calverton PC and Gedling BC who are responsible.

6

Elmcroft Path: Miss Roe pointed out that a slab path across the green requires clearing of grass and weeds. The Chairman suggested Councillors look at the path before making a decision.

07.02.5

1

Elmcroft Hedge: Mr. Bayliss reported that residents wished to improve the existing hedge by infilling gaps, Council had no objection. It was also noted that trees were overgrowing and obstructing the pavement.

The Chairman suggested the tree that had recently been blown down should be replaced; Mr. Johnson said that Council should avoid planting in the same place as this would restrict hedge growth.

2

Elmcroft Parking: It was pointed out that two residents were still parking on the grassed area causing serious damage; it was agree the Clerk contact the two offending residents asking them not to park on the grass.

3

Speaker at AGM: The Chairman reported that Councillor Armstrong had indicated that Andy Statham – Head of Environment at N&SDC would attend the Annual Parish Meeting to speak, this was agreed.

Meeting closed at 21.15

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