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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 23^RD JANUARY 2007

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper, Roe, Jacobs and Bennett. Messrs. Johnson and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin. Councillors Stewart (part) and Laughton (part), Mrs. J Sanderson (part) representing N&SDC and Mrs. C Turner (part) representing Notts. RCC.

Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Bayliss.

At this point the Chairman with agreement changed the order of the meeting.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

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The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Sanderson and Mrs. Turner to the meeting. Mr. Johnson declared an interest and took no further part in discussion of this item.

Mrs. Turner reported that matters were at a standstill, the last action was a meeting she had attended with Oxton Estates back in October: they are generally supportive of the idea of affordable housing, she had indicated that Council were looking for suitable building land and asked if  the Estate had any that could be released. They had indicated that they may be interested in making their own arrangements for building housing but that in this event, no finance would be available from the Housing Corporation. She is still awaiting a response from Oxton Estates following this meeting.

She also drew attention to the pre application planning enquiry of which Council has a copy this indicated that the planners had reservations about the use of land opposite the Olde Bridge Inne but would consider an application for land off Elmcroft.

Mrs. Sanderson said that N&SDC had preferred partners which listed 8 Housing Associations who they would use, however, the Parish Council can choose whichever partner housing association they wish; she had also spoken to the planners again within the last few days and they have indicated that the site off Elmcroft would have the least obstacles from a planning viewpoint.

Mrs. Turner said that according to the Housing Corporation some under spending had resulted in an available surplus for this financial year but only for a commitment before the end of the financial year.

The Chairman said the first need was to establish if land is available and who would progress the scheme Oxton Estates or the Council; it was essential that the housing should be affordable and available for rent. She also said that possible sites were limited but that Council are against the use of Elmcroft as it would draw additional traffic into the village it would therefore prefer the site opposite the Olde Bridge Inne; an access could be made off Southwell Road and as such would be the site having minimum impact on the village but still be part of the village envelope, there was of course difficulty in finding a site acceptable to everyone.

Mrs. Turner pointed out that the site could only be developed as an ‘exception site’ as it was in the green belt and this is normally not allowed if there is an alternative site in the village e.g. Elmcroft; this can only be tested by submitting a planning application. She suggested that round table discussions with the planners might be

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appropriate before submitting a planning application. She suggested the approach should be select a Housing Association then approach the Housing Corporation for finance, which would cover fees for planning advisors, architects etc.

Mrs. Sanderson agreed to supply information on N&SDC preferred partners.

Mrs. Jacobs said we need to make decisions on the type of houses, numbers and sizes. Dr. Kilpatrick thought that a development of 5/6 houses would be too big.

Mrs. Turner said the housing association selected would look at the data and tell Council if they can build on an economical basis, responding to a question she said the housing survey results were valid for 5 years.

The Chairman said there were few alternative pieces of land in the village that Council would be happy to see developed and it was now time to pursue Oxton Estates for their plans also the selection of a housing association. Dr. Kilpatrick asked if we should go back to the planners before doing any further work.

The Chairman summarised that Council were unanimously against the use of Elmcroft, selection of a Housing Association should begin and approach be made to Oxton Estates to determine their intentions, this was agreed.

Mrs. Sanderson and Mrs. Turner left and Councillors Laughton and Stewart arrived at this point.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12^TH DECEMBER 2006:

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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 12^TH DECEMBER 2006:

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Post Office Change of Proprietor: The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Post Office; a national consultation process ending in March 2007 is ongoing after which the Government should be able to announce its policy, the Post Office will then prepare more detailed plans which would be subject to discussion with Postwatch before commencing public consultation.

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Training Courses: There are no requirements.

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Speedwatch: Dr. Kilpatrick reported that the N&S Safety Partnership has confirmed that letters have gone to all drivers’ detected speeding in Oxton, and that the Police were now seeking support from parishes to deal with the additional workload; he has received offers of help. Councillor Stewart had been reassured by the Chief Constable that Speedwatch remains one of his priorities as it is something that works; he is looking at the staffing problems. He also indicated that the beat constable should work with Speedwatch and issue fixed penalty notices this would be more effective as it would mean points on the offenders licence.

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Budget: The Clerk reported that Calverton has no grass cutting resource.

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Water Lane Turning Lorries and Dog Mess: The Chairman reported that the lorries were accessing a development at Elmfield and that a new access had been created off Water Lane to allow lorries access to the site; there were associated tree works. This had caused some concerns to adjoining residents; there is little that the Council can do but the planners; highways and tree officer have been informed of the situation.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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Gating Orders: A letter from Councillor Laughton outlined procedures for the above; these apply to the closure of footpaths where there is evidence of anti social behavior. It was agreed this would not apply to Oxton.

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Police Budgets 2007/2008: The Clerk reported receipt of a questionnaire on attitudes to Police budgets and expenditure, Mrs. Jacobs agreed to complete the form on behalf of the Council.

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Parish Council Conference: The Clerk is to attend on 21^st February

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HIGHWAYS:

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Local Transport Plan – Rural Schemes: A letter received from Notts CC Highways regarding the requested central refuge where the public footpath crosses the Bypass has misread Councils intentions and has turned down the request on their interpretation of refuges being in the centre of the carriageways. The Clerk was asked to clarify Councils requirements.

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Oakes Lane/Bypass Junction: Councillor Stewart reported that following Councils earlier concerns about the safety of this junction the Highways Section had investigated and found that 80% of accidents were in the hours of darkness as against a County average of 30%, it was proposed therefore to improve the lighting of the junction next financial year. The Chairman said she would be concerned about excessive lighting and it was agreed plans would be made available. Mr. Johnson suggested that the hedge to the North of the junction should be cut down as this and the curve of the road made visibility difficult.

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Bypass Tractor Signs: Councillor Stewart informed the meeting these would be erected in February.

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Street Nameplates: Miss Roe said that the signs at School Gardens and Nottingham and had not been replaced. The Clerk confirmed they had been reported and he would pursue N&SDC.

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Oxton Hill: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the road requires sweeping; the Clerk is to pursue.

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Blind Lane Flooding:  Miss Roe reported that the road had been flooded in the recent rain, Councillor Stewart is to pursue.

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Homecare: Mrs. Jacobs raised this item before Councillor Stewart & Laughton left, she was concerned that a letter from Notts. CC to all people in receipt of the service indicated that financial savings were being sought and that weekly charges were proposed to increase. Councillor Laughton indicated that a final decision was being awaited following representations against the increase.

Councillors Stewart and Laughton left at this point.

PLANNING:

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The Old Vicarage/Quince Cottage – Tree Works: N&SDC has agreed to the felling of a holly tree and remedial work to a cedar tree.

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Green Dragon – Creation of Accommodation: N&SDC has granted full approval to this scheme.

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Wind Turbines Rainworth: Further technical information to support the earlier planning application for wind turbines was noted; Council reiterated its earlier comments.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

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Financial Report for December: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £5180.87 with £176.96 of outstanding cheques for payment with receipts of £130.62 and payments of £873.89 and a balance of £7752.84 in the sinking fund.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the inspection had been carried out but the written report was not available.

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ROSPA Annual Inspection: It was agreed the Clerk ask ROSPA to carry out the inspection.

BUDGET 2007/2008:

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The Clerk presented his budget calculation showing an estimated balance of £1836 at 31^st March 2007, estimated expenditure on routine items of £8201, on non recurring items of £3878 with income of £1225; this gives an estimated precept of £10018 compared with £7800 for the current year. Additional to this Council had to consider an estimated election expense of £924 should an election be necessary on 3^rd May.

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It was agreed that the following non recurring items be omitted:

This would give a budget figure of £7218.

In view of the potential liability of a contested election it was agreed to leave the budget/precept unchanged at £7800.

PLAYING FIELD BENCH:

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It was agreed the Clerk order a ‘Stretton’ seat @ £284.75. plus VAT from Glasdon; the bench to be fixed by FT Redfern

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

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Main Street: Miss Roe pointed out that ivy growing over the wall south of Home Court was obstructing the path. Mr. Johnson will arrange for it to be cut back.

The meeting closed at 21.45

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