Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council

http://bolnhurstkeysoe.bedsparishes.gov.uk/

Past minutes are available for download as MSWord files at the bottom of this page.

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NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Parish Council will be held in KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL,
MONDAY 17th October 2011 at 19.30pm.

All members of the Council are hereby summoned to attend for the purpose of considering and resolving upon the business to be transacted at the meeting as set out hereunder.

Dated this 11th October 2011 Clerk to the Parish Council

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
Members are reminded they must declare any personal interest in any item on the agenda and state whether they are also prejudicial. In the case of personal interest, the member may speak and vote on the matter. In the case of prejudicial interests the member may share information on the topic, but then must withdraw while the matter is discussed and any decisions made.

TO VERIFY THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

MATTERS ARISING

OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK -
Councillors and members of the public are reminded the Open Forum is the only part of the meeting that the public can participate in. Only Parish Councillors can take part in the remainder of the meeting.

CHAIRMANS COMMENT – To receive update from Chairman on relevant matters

PLANNING
Planning Applications received for comment:
11/02085/FULL – 2 storey & 1st floor rear extension – Willowlawn, Keysoe Row West

11/02005/FUL Installation of one 20kw wind turbine with hub height of 20.8m & blade of 13.1m & associated works - Ashfield Farm Keysoe Row East

Decision notices received:
11/01482/FUL – Permission granted for conversion of garage roof space including dormers & external stair case – Brook End Lodge, Riseley Rd, Keysoe

11/01619/FUL – Permission refused for provision of additional vehicular access – Llangwn, Mill Hill, Keysoe

11/ 01560/FUL – Permission granted for erection of new livery stables - College Farm, Church Rd, Keysoe.

11/01565/FUL – Permission granted for erection of 2 storey side extension. Replacement windows in single storey rear extension – Thatched Cottage, Riseley Rd, Keysoe

11/01683/TPO – Permission granted for removal of Sycamore TG1 – The Vicarage, Church Rd, Keysoe

11/01663/FUL & 11/01664/LBC – Permission granted for single storey front extension – Orchard Cottage, Riseley Rd, Keysoe

ALLOCATIONS & DESIGNATIONS CONSULTATION (circulated prior to meeting)

TO AGREE THE SIGNING OF THE FOLLOWING CHEQUES:
Royal British Legion donation £75.00
C Holland – bus shelters £20.00
G Wiggs – Clerks account (incl newsletter) £515.83
HMRC – Clerks income tax £76.00

SIX MONTHS FINANCIAL REPORT (circulated prior to meeting)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

PLAYING FIELD

HIGHWAYS

COMMUNITY SAFETY

REPORTS FROM MEETINGS/TRAINING ATTENDED DURING THE MONTH

CHANGES TO PARISH CLERK RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS (circulated prior to meeting)

EVENTS AT WYBRIDGE

WARD FUND

EXTERNAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE PARISH

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
• The Mayor – Unable to include The Plough at Bolnhurst in “pints in the parishes” this year as he is giving priority to venues he had to turn down last year.
• BATPC – Invitation to Planning Training event 25/11/11 (emailed 28/9/11)
• BATPC – AGM 20/10/11 (emailed 28/9/11)
• BBC – Information about Diamond Jubilee Beacons (emailed 11/10/11)

CLOSE OF BUSINESS

 

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A Meeting was held on 19th September 2011 in Keysoe Village Hall at 7.30pm

Present: PCllr R Bryans, PCllr R Heming, PCllr R Bellamy, PCllr E Richardson, PCllr C Kidd, PCllr R Smith, BCllr T Wootton, Mrs G Wiggs (Clerk), Mr A Woodward, 11 Members of the public

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received.

DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
None received.

TO VERIFY THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
These were approved.

MATTERS ARISING
Bus Shelter – This had now been repaired.

Police cones – These had been provided.

Parish Map - PCllr Bellamy had been quoted £95 (or £105 laminated). He would continue to look into this.

OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK -
Grass Cuttings – PCllr Bryans had observed residents dumping these in ditches. Blocked ditches are an on going problem so this practice should be discouraged. Residents should put all garden waste in the green bin.

The Old School House – A resident had reported a raised water hydrant to PCllr Smith & PCllr Bryans had reported it to Highways.

Nettles – These were excessive in Row West o/s Wychtree. PCllr Heming had booked a grass cut by the end of September.

Tree branches overhanging signs – This is a problem at the school sign near Janet’s Place & also over the VAS at the same location. PCllr Bryans would report it.

Speed Checks – These have been carried out at various locations throughout the parish over the last few days. 350 out of 800 drivers were driving in excess of 35mph in a 30mph zone. The information had been passed to the police.

Wybridge – PCllrs Bellamy & Bryans had received reports of human excrement being dumped on private land. The perpetrator is unknown, but the matter is being investigated by Environmental Health & Pilgrims Housing who own houses in the locality. There appeared to be some neighbourhood disputes in the area. Pilgrims had undertaken to keep the Parish Council informed on the matter.

Equestrian Centre - Several complaints have been received from residents regarding excessive noise at a recent event at the Equestrian Centre, over the weekend of 10th & 11th September. The noise issue was from the tannoy system which was excessively loud in the opinion of the residents who complained. This could be clearly heard as far away as Keysoe Row East. Residents who tried to contact the Equestrian Centre by telephone could not talk to anyone as it was on answer phone. Residents also tried to contact the Borough Council Noise Team, but were advised that they do not operate over weekends. BCllr Wootton confirmed that some residents had contacted him about it. It was RESOLVED to report the matter to Environmental Health department, & send a copy to the Equestrian Centre. PCllr Richardson would also visit Simon Bates to discuss the matter – Action The Clerk/PCllr Richardson

Parking outside the school – It was reported from the floor that this is still an ongoing problem. It was pointed out that this parking is legal, & is usually only excessive during “school run” times. PCllr Bryans had already raised that matter with the Mayor, so he would await his response in the first instance.

Access across Village Hall car park to crossing – PCllr Kidd pointed out there is no footpath to take children safely through the car park to reach the crossing. PCllr Smith would ask the Village Hall if they would be happy for the Parish Council look into this – Action PCllr Smith

CHAIRMANS COMMENT
Street lights – PCllr Bellamy pointed out Milton Ernest Parish Council are currently trialling timers for street lights.

PLANNING
Planning Applications received for comment:
• 11/01619/FUL - provision of additional vehicular access – Llangwn, Mill Hill, Keysoe – no objections raised.

• 11/01663/FUL & 11/01664/LBC – single storey front extension – Orchard Cottage, Riseley Rd, Keysoe - no objections raised.

• 11/01685/FUL – erection of double garage & store/kennel - Meeting Cottage, Riseley Rd Keysoe - no objections raised.

• 11/01962/FUL – single storey flat roof rear extensions – Isola, Keysoe Row West - no objections raised.

 

Decision notices received:
• 11/01328/FUL – Permission refused to convert barn into 4 bed dwelling – Wychtree Farm, Keysoe Row West

• 11/00892/FUL – Permission granted for erection of detached timber framed building to act as school dining hall & replace temporary unit – Kymbrook Lower School, Kimbolton Rd, Keysoe

TO AGREE THE SIGNING OF THE FOLLOWING CHEQUES:
C Holland – bus shelters £20.00
G Wiggs – Clerks account £468.43
HMRC – Clerks income tax £76.00
R & J Maddison – Playing field grass cutting £723.60

WARD FUND (email circulated)
This had been set at approximately £1000 per Parish & could be used for capital projects only. It must also be something that the Parish Council would not normally purchase out of its own funds. Ideas need to be submitted to BCllr Wootton by 30th November 2011. An article would be put in Village Voice inviting suggestions.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY DONATION
It was RESOLVED to donate £75.00. PCllr Bryans would organise the wreath – Action PCllr Bryans.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Hastoe have reported they are still keen to have a site in Keysoe. Their preferred site is behind the playing field. The HCA funding has still not been secured, & the 50% funding has been withdrawn which means rents will have to be higher. The developer now has to pay up front & then be reimbursed at the end of the scheme. If the funding is secured, this scheme is scheduled for next financial year.

PLAYING FIELD
Mr Worth has handed over the monthly checks to PCllrs Richardson & Heming. The Clerk has been chasing ROSPA training, but there are no current plans to hold any for the foreseeable future. The requirement is to have an annual check by ROSPA & a monthly check by a “layman” is also recommended.

The Clerk was asked to look into the insurance position for volunteers carrying out repairs – Action The Clerk

HIGHWAYS
Junction of Bushmead Road/B660 This resurfacing work is now complete. However during the work a crack in the road in the northbound lane to the north of the works was detected. This will be repaired when the road is closed again in Sept/Oct for lining.

Chevrons in Bolnhurst on Double Bend This work is now complete.

Water on Mill Hill to the North of the Old Post Office Highways have been to investigate. There is a water main running on the grass verge to the west of the road. Anglian Water (AW) is checking this and they will be responsible for repairs if the main is leaking. If it is found to be intact, then the cause must be a small stream which rises in the gulley. If so, Highways will divert the stream into the ditch so that it avoids spilling onto the road. This will involve cooperation with Brook End Farm, who will have to clear the ditch which is badly overgrown. AW will complete their investigations by end Sept. If Highways intervention is required, they will prioritise the job to complete before winter.

Weed Spraying on Cycle Path Highways have organised a spraying team to visit. This should have been done last Friday.

Damaged Gulley O/S Lingfield, Row West This has been inspected but in Highways judgement it is not serious enough yet to repair. They will keep it under review.

Gateway between Village Hall car park and B660. Extra blocks have been placed on either side of the gate posts to block the gaps. Highways have not attached the metal fence to the blocks as they contend that the fence belongs to the Village Hall and it should be their responsibility. The Parish Council will get quotes for this small piece of work to be done. PCllr Richardson would provide names of suitable contractors – Action PCllr Richardson

Incorrect references to School Lane Bolnhurst as “Church Lane” – This was an oddity that had been reported to the Mayor. It was not hopeful anything could be done as all official maps have it named correctly.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The schedule was reviewed & updated.

REPORTS FROM MEETINGS/TRAINING ATTENDED DURING THE MONTH
Parish & Local Council workshop 5/9/11 was attended by PCllrs Bryans & Bellamy. The purpose of the workshop was to outline the process for consultation for the Allocations & Designations Plan. A report had been circulated to all Councillors. The consultation would commence on 30/9/11 & would close on 14/11/11.

FLIGHT ACTIVITY AT THURLEIGH AIRFIELD
A resident had raised concerns about this with some Councillors. BCllr Clifton had confirmed he is not aware of any concerns within either the parishes of Thurleigh or Riseley, & is not aware of any recent or imminent planning applications in respect of a change to flying operations. It was believed that the original application for the flying use was linked to the travel requirements of  Palmers and the occasional use of clients attending the track events, however the web site appears to offer general landing facilities. Planners will review the permissions granted for the flying option at Thurleigh, & confirm whether the services being offered through the web site are compliant. PCllr Bellamy would inform the resident – Action PCllr Bellamy

EXTERNAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE PARISH
Nothing to report

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
• BBC – Temporary road closure notice B660, St Neots Rd, School Lane Bolnhurst (circulated 26/8/11)
• North East Beds Liaison Forum – BCllr Wootton had suggested this be resurrected, with Parish Councils taking turns to host. It was agreed this would be a good idea.

CLOSE OF BUSINESS – 9.15pm

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Parish Council Meetings 2011/12

17th October 2011

21st November 2011

16th January 2012

20th February 2012

19th March 2012
Annual Parish Meeting

All meetings are held in Keysoe Village Hall at 7.30pm unless otherwise notified

 

You may now download past minutes (only since this site has been running) as an MS Word file from these links,