Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
On Monday 13 March 2023
At Gorsley Village Hall
Present: Cllr B Clark (Chairman); Cllr A Newton (Vice Chairman); Cllr A Bates; Cllr M Bertenshaw; Cllr J Gough; Cllr A Price; Cllr A Reeves
In attendance: 6 members of public; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.
1) Apologies for absence: None
2) Declarations of Interest: None
3) Co-option of members: None
4) Minutes and Financial reports of the meeting of 16 January 2023: It was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes as a true an accurate record, together with the financial reports.
5) Clerk’s Report: All matters covered elsewhere.
6) Public Submissions:
a) Ward Councillor and PCSO not in attendance
b) Parish Matters: Concern was expressed that the pavement area by Gorsley Green has been cordoned off for nearly 3 months with developers work unfinished. Agreed to contact Planning Enforcement.
7) Planning
a) Current Applications
i) 223514 – Point Cottage Aston Crews – Change of use of garage to residential accommodation (retrospective). Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
ii) 230426 – Land at Hillside Cottage, Linton: Application for variation of condition 2 of planning permission. 193314 (Proposed dwelling providing three bedrooms and a workshop)- To allow a change in the approved plans. The requirements of the design of the property have changed, therefore a new design fitting with these requirements has been proposed. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to object to this application with comments as set out in Appendix A
iii) 230343 – The Drovers House, Linton: Proposed variation of condition 2 of planning permission 221958 (Proposed replacement porch and external alterations, proposed rear extension and alterations). To be considered an improvement to design in terms of aesthetics, light and accessibility. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
b) Decided applications: Schedule of recently decided applications was noted.
8) Climate Change working group – Cllr Newton provided an update on activity:
a) The thermal camera has been hired out 25 people/days since purchase, proving popular and close to recovering purchase cost.
b) The recycle cafes continue to be popular with 25 to 30 people regularly attending. Climate library and seed swaps have been added to the events.
c) Further work on the Quarry at end of January concentrated on opening up a new circular walk.
9) Locality Steward & highway matters.
a) Highways general: Weekly reports were noted. It was reported that a local resident had asked if the broken parapet to brook on Cut Throat Lane has been scheduled. Clerk to report to BBL again.
b) Roads Projects: Flooding on B4224 at Bromsash House was discussed and agreed to approach owner of the land on Fordings side to arrange a meeting with the Lengthsman to discuss soak-away into the field.
c) Quote from BBLP for assessment of Bromsash – was discussed and found to be expensive. Agreed to seek clarification of need to meet proposed amendments to the road markings.
10) Public Rights of Way –
a) Cllr Newton advised that he had supplied Ross Walkers are Welcome group with a list of stiles on the Jubilee Walk that might be replaced with gates using grant funding for ‘miles without stiles’. It was not clear if sufficient funds would be immediately available.
b) Electric fences have been placed across footpaths at LTR27 and LTR28. Clerk to report online.
11) Lengthsman
a) Grass Lengthsman – No work necessary this period. It was RESOLVED unanimously to renew this contract for year 2023/24.
b) Roads Lengthsman – BBLP have indicated that it would not be necessary to present invoices before 31st March 2023 for the Drainage contract. Lengthsman is known to be heavily over-committed as drainage work as well as last minute match funding scheme have caused a bulge in work from all Parishes.
12) Allotments –
a) Reported leak had been identified as a split hose pipe which has now been repaired by a leasee.
b) Two plots have been relinquished by their current lessee. One has a new user. It is anticipated that a third plot will be available to re-let in the next few months.
13) Financial Matters –
a) Current Receipts and Payments were noted.
b) It was RESOLVED to pay: The Chimes, Contribution to costs – £250.00; Mike Bertenshaw, SID extras- £163.33; Gorsley Village Hall, Hire in 2022 – £96.00; Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk Salary & Expenses Jan & Feb 23 – £699.45 (incl Expenses £9.45).
c) The schedule of assets was agreed and signed by the Chairman.
14) Budget 2023/2024 – Revised budget to be presented to next meeting.
15) Standing Orders – It was RESOLVED unanimously to approve the current Standing Orders.
16) Chairman & Councillors’ submissions –
a) The new drive layout for Stone Cottage at Gorsley was discussed and thought not to be in compliance with plans, as it encroaches onto the road.
b) It was noted that Mr Paul Dodd has refurbished the noticeboard at Bromsash. The Chairman undertook to write to thank him, and the meeting resolved to minute their thanks for this generous work.
17) Date of next meeting. Tuesday 11 April, 7.30pm at Linton Village Hall.
The Chairman invited members of the public to leave the hall to enable discussion of private and confidential matters item 18.