Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
On Monday 14th December 2020
at 19:30
by Video Conference (Zoom Meeting ID 828 6273 7592) meeting
Present: Cllr C Crumpton (Chairman), Cllr A Reeves (Vice Chairman); Cllr B Clark; Cllr J Gough; Cllr A Newton.
In attendance:2 members of public; Ward Cllr William Wilding; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.
1. Apologies for absence: It was noted that Cllr Gary Owen had resigned from the Council. The Chairman thanked him for his hard work on behalf of the Parish in particular with Gorsley roads project.
2. Declarations of interest: Cllr Newton declared an interest in relation to Planning application no 203818 item 7.a.iii; Cllr Clark declared an interest in relation to Planning application no 2033571 item 7.a.i.
3. Co-option of Councillors: None
4. Minutes of the Parish Council it was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes of the meeting of 9th November 2020 as a true and accurate record, together with the financial reports.
5. Clerk’s Report – The Clerk shared a short report of items not covered in the meeting, including the PCC Presentation and information on County budget progress.
6. Public Submissions
a. Ward Councillor – reported that central Government is seeking a £16million reduction in budget, which together with 2020 flooding issues and Covid costs will have a severe impact. The Herefordshire Council is on track to meet 2030 climate targets, but the County as an area is not and much work needs to be done to change resident’s behaviour. The likely cancellation of Hereford road bypass was discussed with effect on business and housing.
b. Public – A resident of Fordings Lane spoke at item 9, and applicant for 7.a.iii was invited to comment at this item.
7. Planning
a. New applications
Cllr Clark was placed in Zoom waiting room (excluded from the meeting)
i. 203571 – Hughs Barn, Woodend Lane, Linton. – Erection of new garage/car port. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
Cllr Clark returned to the meeting.
ii. 203711 Lower Tedgewood Barn, Upton Bishop – Proposed erection of an outbuilding to form car port, store and pool room. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
Cllr Newton was placed in Zoom waiting room (excluded from the meeting)
iii. 203818 – The Old Rectory, Linton – Works to numerous trees. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
Cllr Newton re-joined the meeting.
iv. 202060 – Land at Lovers Walk, Gorsley – Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval 181908 Appeal Ref: APP/W1850/W/19/3321618 (Outline planning application for 9 proposed dwellings with all matters reserved except access and layout). Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to object to the application with comments as set out I attachment Appendix 1 (page 958)
v. 203920 – Gorsley Baptist Chapel – Variation of a condition 14 following grant of planning permission. 183642/ Coffee shop extension -to allow extended hours on Saturdays from 08:00 to 20:00. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED by majority (1 objection, 4 no objection) to return no objection and no comments.
vi. 203742 – Site at 1 The Laines, Gorsley – Proposed new two bed dwelling on site, existing property to remain with demolition of existing garage and erection of new single garage. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED by majority (2 no objection, 3 objection) to object with comments as set out in attachment Appendix 2 (page 960).
b. Decided applications – the Clerk reported Planning Department is now able to provide differentiated information between Linton Penyard and Linton Bringsty and a report will be prepared for the next meeting.
8. Locality Steward & highways matters –
a. Reports were noted. No matters arising.
b. SIDs at Bromsash – It was noted that one unit had been put in place for November and traffic data received to be forwarded to Councillors together with comparative data from earlier assessment.
c. Gorsley Traffic Calming – an update to be sought from Gary Owen by Chairman.
d. B4224 Multi Parish Strategy Group – Cllr Crumpton to attend a meeting of the group on 16th December and report back to next meeting.
e. Large vehicles in Steelworks / Burrups Lane- the Clerk to seek prices for ‘do not follow Sat Nav’ signs at lanes to Burrups and other lanes such as Gorsley Common Lane.
f. Road damage and Closure at The Line, Linton – Cllr Reeves reported that repairs are in hand. Special rubbish collection arrangements have been established and BBL roads team have been helpful and communicative.
9. Public Rights of Way –
a. Cllr Newton reported he had visited the new footpath gate installed near Eccleswall Barn on the boundary between Bromsash and Weston under Penyard and recommended payment of the half share of cost of gate. It was RESOLVED to approve payment.
b. It was noted that new signs had been placed on certain routes round Hartleton Lakes restricting public access. It was felt that application under Section 31 Highways Act 1980 would be appropriate and Mr Arrowsmith kindly undertook to coordinate action.
10. Lengthsman
a. Grass lengthsman – no work was undertaken in November.
b. Roads Lengthsman – The Clerk was asked to circulate the reports of work in October and documents were shared on screen. No further work commissioned at present.
11. Financial
a. Current Receipts & Payments and budget progress were noted.
b. The following payments were approved: Terry Griffiths, Roads Lengthsman 2 days – £918.00; Chris Hyett, Allotments maintenance – £350.00; Weston under Penyard PC, PROW Gate at WP15 – £74.00; Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk salary & expenses – £339.45 (Salary £330, mileage £9.45)
c. Budget 2021 to 2022- Cllrs reviewed a 2nd draft budget for the next financial year. It was RESOVLED to reduce the line for ‘Parish land and property maintenance’ by £500 and accept the resultant budget.
d. It was RESOLVED to request a Precept of £14,400 for the financial year 2021 to 2022.
12. Trees – It was RESOLVED to accept the further estimate from Greenwood Timber to remove Ash and Larch trees adjacent Allotments at £450 and to cut back the hedge line and overhanging trees around northern section of allotments at £480.
13. Allotments – The Clerk reported that one person had notified their intention to give up in the Spring and an enquiry is being followed up.
14. Standing Orders – It was RESOLVED to adopt the draft discussed at November meeting and provided for review.
15. Neighbourhood Development Plan – Cllr Reeves reported that the Examiner has now approved the plan and it therefore carries substantial weight. The final step is a referendum which can take place no earlier than May 2021 under current Covid restrictions. The Chairman congratulated the team for achieving a tremendous result in a short time.
16. Climate Change Working Group – Cllr Newton reported that newsletters continue though other actions are limited due to Covid restrictions. Collaboration with the Kempley group is under discussion.
17. Linton Village Pound – Clerk to send Cllrs copy of Locality Steward email via Footpaths office stating no issue at present.
18. Chairman’s & Councillors’ submissions – Cllr Crumpton advised that he would be resigning from Council in April. It was agreed that new Councillors should urgently be sought.
19. Next meeting – will take place on Monday 11th January 2021 at 7.30 pm by Video Conference – Zoom.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 21:35.