The verified minutes of the meeting held in Keysoe Village Hall on Monday 17th September, 2007 were;
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
Cllr. Mrs Whitmore (Chairman), Cllr. Bates, Cllr. Mrs Browning, Cllr. Bryans and Cllr. Worth. Bor. Cllr. Ian Clifton, Mr Alan Woodward, seven members of the public, and Mrs Gill Wiggs (Clerk).
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETING
Cllrs. Dix and Landmann, and County Cllr. Tom Wootton.
3. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
None
4. TO VERIFY THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON MONDAY 20th AUGUST 2007
It was RESOLVED to add an amendment to replace the extract below from Item 7 the OPEN FORUM as follows:
Cllr. Mrs Browning spoke in response to Mr Worth’s letter read out by the Clerk and said that she had asked the Chairman at the last meeting why she hadn’t declared an interest in one application and did on another.
And replace it with:
Cllr. Mrs Browning spoke in response to Mr Worth’s letter read out by the Clerk and said that she had asked the Chairman at the last meeting why she hadn’t declared an interest in one application and did on another, when both applications referred to properties on the same boundary.
5. MATTERS ARISING
- No Cold Calling Zone signs – Cllr Bryans reported that a police van would be calling to investigate the condition of the signs.
- Cllr Worth’s letter as minuted in the meeting of the 20th August 2007 [link] – Cllr Browning asked Cllrs Bryans and Bates whether they too were of the opinion expressed by Cllr Worth, that Cllr Browning had brought the reputation of the Parish Council into disrepute, by asking Cllr Whitmore why she hadn’t declared an interest in one application and did on another, when both applications referred to properties on the same boundary. Cllr Bates replied he had nothing further to add to the matter, and Cllr Bryans commented that all Councillors should be mindful of the impact their comments made at Parish Council meetings can make on the reputation of the Parish Council. Cllr Browning asked the Clerk what the legal position was, and the Clerk advised the Parish Council that all Councillors are obliged to comply with the Code of Conduct. Should anyone feel a Councillor has failed to do this, it would be more appropriate to raise that concern with the individual outside of a public meeting. Ultimately any individual can complain to the Standards Board for England, if they believe a Parish Councillor has not complied with the Code of Conduct.
6. OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK
- Parish Plan - Cllr Bates reported that a youth consultation would be taking place on 18th October 2007 for the over 12’s.
- Contingency Planning – Cllr Bryans requested that an agenda item be added to the next meeting to discuss disaster and contingency planning. It was agreed to put this on the next meetings agenda.
- Horse Chestnut Trees – Cllr Bryans raised concerns about these trees on the public highway that appeared to by dying. Cllr Worth agreed to investigate this with Beds CC Highways.
- Planning Application 07/02327/FUL – The owner of Myers Hill Farm, outlined the plans for converting the buildings to form a horticultural nursery.
7. PLANNING
Decisions made by the Borough Council for Information Only:
07/01956/FUL – First floor extension. Brooke House, Kimbolton Rd Bolnhurst – Permission granted.
07/01719/FUL – Installation of solar panels. Nashleigh, Pertenhall Road, Keysoe – Permission granted.
Planning Applications for Discussions:
07/02327/FUL – Demolition and alterations to existing farm buildings, erection of new building to form horticultural nursery and refreshment/recreation area. Myers Hill Farm, Kimbolton Rd Bolnhurst. The Parish Council all agreed this would have a positive impact on the local community. It was RESOLVED to support this application and not to object.
07/02374/S73 – Change of use of agricultural land to garden land (development already carried out). London End Farm Keysoe Row East, Keysoe. It was RESOLVED not to object.
8. FINANCE
It was RESOLVED to pay the following accounts:
| Mr G Beverley – Bus Shelter | £ 15.00 | | Mrs G Wiggs – Clerks Account | £ 479.76 |
Cheque raised during the month in favour of Royal Mail (Post redirection) for £23.95
9. REPORTS FROM MEETINGS ATTENDED DURING THE MONTH
There were none
10. BEDFORDSHIRE PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION
The Clerk was asked to try and get more information about this and then carry forward to next meeting.
11. PLAYING FIELD RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT
Cllr Worth reported that the gate still needed a padlock, and the external pipes on the village hall still needed attention. The Clerk was asked to write to the Village Hall Committee about this.
12. HIGHWAYS CURRENT INFORMATION
- Highways 5 year Programme 2008 – 2013 Cllr Worth had considered any projects for 2008 - 2013 for the Parish as requested by Highways. He proposed that the sections of the side roads in Bolnhurst, off the B660, to be upgraded and restricted to 40mph, like the main B660 (i.e. St Neots Rd and Thurleigh Rd). It was also noted that the programme already included a pedestrian crossing at Keysoe School in about 5 years. Also that resurfacing will take place on the bends on St Neots Rd Bolnhurst in 2008, plus Riseley Rd Keysoe and the B660 between Riseley Rd and Row West, in 2010.
- Hedge at Rose Farm Hatch End – This was overgrowing onto the highway, and had been reported to Highways as the owner could not be traced.
- Potholes John Bulls Cottage Bolnhurst and Close Cottage Keysoe – repaired.
- Keysoe Row West/Kymbrook School crossroads – Highways had investigated the visibility problems here. They advised that a redesign was not necessary, but have contacted the owners of Wychtree Farm to request that the hedge on this corner is cut back for safety reasons. They also advised that the grass needed cutting on this corner.
- Hedges – Highways have asked that everyone should cut back their hedges that are bordering onto the highway this autumn, as these can cause a hazard to pedestrians.
13. UPDATE ON RURAL HOUSING TRUST
Nothing to report
14. CLERKS CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
The contract was reviewed and it was RESOLVED to sign it. Cllr Whitmore and the Clerk signed the contract.
15. WORKS IN SCHOOL LANE BOLNHURST
Cllr Whitmore read out a letter from Andrew Prigmore – BCC Highways, dated 14th September 2007. The letter confirmed that the land was part of the public highway, and outlined the options that had been explored for the future of this land, following the request from the Parish Council to designate it as an amenity.
The land could not be designated as amenity land, as the Parish Council do not own the adjoining land. Neither could the land be designated as a Village Green, as it does not meet the set legal criteria. The land will therefore remain as part of the public highway, and the Parish Council can plant and maintain the area under Licence from BCC Highways.
Mr Prigmore also reiterated that BCC would not involve itself in boundary disputes between individuals, and its only concern is to ensure the highway is opened up and maintained.
The Clerk then read out a letter from Richard and Ann Moss outlining their offer to clear, topsoil and turf the area. Cllr Whitmore had received confirmation from Mr Prigmore that Mr and Mrs Moss are not permitted to carry out work on the public highway, and BCC Highways will determine and carry out the work that is needed, in liaison with the Parish Council.
16. BEDFORDSHIRE VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Cllr Whitmore reported that Clapham had won, but that Bolnhurst and Keysoe had been awarded £150 for their work in “bringing the community together”. It was agreed to discuss how this would be spent at the next meeting.
17. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
It was RESOLVED to donate £75, and that Cllr Whitmore would lay the wreath.
18. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
- BRCC – Invitation to “Youth Engagement” evening on 14th November 2007 Cllr Bates took this to consider.
- Pertenhall and Swineshead Parish Council – Copy of their Parish Plan. Cllr Bryans took this to review
- BATPC – Notification of New Councillor training on 31st October 2007, Cardington Village Hall.
- BCC – copies of minutes from Councillor Liaison Group for Councillors Browning and Landmann.
- Anglian Water – Re: Brook End Keysoe. A change in frequency of jetting will be implemented. Any further problems to be reported on 08457 145 145.
19. CLOSE OF BUSINESS
There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 20:20 hours.
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