|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
Minutes of February 2008 Meeting |
|
|
The verified minutes of the meeting held in the Old School, Bolnhurst on Monday 25th February, 2008 were;
MEMBERS PRESENT: PCllr Whitmore (Chairman), PCllr Bates, PCllr Browning, PCllr Bryans, PCllr Worth, PCllr Landmann, PCllr Turner, BCllr Clifton, Mr Alan Woodward, two members of the public, and Mrs Gill Wiggs (Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETING
CCllr Wootton
2. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
PCllr Bates declared an interest in planning application 08/00058/FUL
3. TO VERIFY THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 21st January 2008
These were agreed to be a true record
4. MATTERS ARISING
Bus Shelter The Clerk had received confirmation that the Parish Council could go ahead and install the shelter on Highway land, but there were criteria that would need to be complied with. PCllr Worth raised concerns about proceeding with this matter as he felt the cost out of public money could not be justified, given the small number of people who were likely to use it. PCllr Browning said that other parts of the Parish do have one, and it would be there for future generations. The Parish Council discussed the pros and cons of the matter fully.
PCllr Worth proposed that the previous decision to install the bus shelter be rescinded. The Parish Council voted on this proposal and it was RESOLVED not to proceed with the bus shelter.
VAS The Clerk was still awaiting confirmation that the VAS was working correctly. However BCC did state that the VASs are often not exactly in sync with all car speedometers. Parish Councillors had been checking it, and it seemed to be within a reasonable tolerance now (see further discussion on this matter under Open Forum)
5. OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK
Bedford Autodrome - PCllr Bryans had received information from Jenny Johnson regarding the 10 year Immunity Rule, which stated that under Section 171B(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, no enforcement action can be taken against a breach of a planning condition after the end of ten years from the date when the breach first occurred. The ten year period would be up in July 2009, as the original planning condition to control the noise level (condition 24) was set in July 1999. PCllr Bates added that he had been advised by the Enforcement Officer that planning condition 24 is currently not being breached.
It was agreed that The Clerk should write to the Borough Planners to ask for advice on the matter.
School Lane PCllr Whitmore had received an update from Andrew Prigmore that Highways have given Mr Banks permission to remove hardcore from the site, and to put any top spoil he removed from his land on to the Highway area. Once this has been done, Highways will top soil and seed the area up to the border of the land fenced by Mr and Mrs Moss.
Garden Waste - PCllr Worth enquired about any guidelines or legislation regarding the burning of garden waste. The Clerk agreed to investigate this.
New Bench PCllr Bryans had been asked by the WI where to install the new bench. The Parish Council agreed they could not confirm this until the Playing Field plans had been finalised.
Oil Drums PCllr Landmann reported the oil drums had eventually been removed.
Planning Application for the Equestrian Centre PCllr Bates explained the application was for a cross country fence, and there was no proposed changes to the operation of the site.
VAS Members of the public raised concerns about the VAS. It was still going off at approximately 27mph for some drivers, and in some instances it was also going off prior to entering the 30mph zone. The Clerk was asked to raise the matter again with Highways.
6. PLANNING DECISIONS MADE BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL
FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
07/01973/FUL Application refused Demolition of existing building and erect ion of detached chalet bungalow. The Mission Hall Kimbolton Road, Bolnhurst.
07/03277/FUL Application refused Conversion and alterations of commercial units to dwellings. Greensbury Farm, Thurleigh Rd Bolnhurst
07/03355/FUL Application granted - One and two storey rear extension with retaining walls. Willow Lawn, Keysoe Row West
PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
07/03712/LBC Installation of velux roof windows (already carried out). Lavender Cottage, Pertenhall Road Keysoe No objections
08/00148/FUL 1st floor extension over existing bungalow, balcony to rear and dormers to raised loft area. The Bungalow Kimbolton Rd, Bolnhurst No objections
08/00023/FUL & 08/00024/LBC Extension to south elevation of restaurant. Ye Olde Plough, Kimbolton Rd Bolnhurst No objections
08/00058/FUL Erection of open sided field shelter for use as cross country equestrian obstacle (for less than 28 days per year) College Farm Equestrian Centre, Church Rd Keysoe PCllr Bates left the room while this application was discussed having declared an interest No objections
7. FINANCE
It was agreed to sign the following cheques:
| Bedford Borough Council - Election recharge | £670.68 | | Mr G Beverley Bus Shelter | £15.00 | Mrs G Wiggs Clerks Account
| £505.19 |
The Clerk explained the Election charge in 2002 was £572. She had enquired why it had taken so long to be sent as the election was in 2006, and was advised that there had been no one able to raise these charges until recently.
The Clerk also reported that there had been an unclaimed grant of £400 from BBC dating back to January 2005 for windows in the Old School. She had now arranged for the grant to be paid.
8. St MARYS CHURCH GRANT REQUEST
It was agreed to award a grant of £150.00, and £150 to Bolnhurst Church
9. LOTTERY GRANT UPDATE
PCllr Whitmore reported that some of the Councillors had now attended two meetings with Steve Tomlin at BBC, and a third meeting was being held on 26/2/08. Mr Tomlin had provided a great deal of expert advice, and the meetings had been very productive. The main issue is that he recommended that the proposed surface be changed. This new surface would cost more, which would mean the Youth Shelter would have to be funded some other way. It was hoped the details would be finalised at the meeting on 26th February 2008.
10. RURAL GRANT
In light of the shortfall in the Lottery Grant, it was RESOLVED to apply to BBC for a grant to pay for the Youth Shelter.
Three quotes would be needed for the application. PCllr Whitmore would try and find the quotes from within the Lottery Grant quotes in the first instance.
11. REPORTS FROM MEETINGS ATTENDED DURING THE MONTH
Meeting with BBC Environment Officer PCllr Whitmore reported that some Parish Councillors had met with this officer to discuss the situation at the Autodrome. They felt confident he had the matter in hand, and he advised he would be reviewing the situation once the bund had been installed.
Meeting with Bedfordshire Police PCllr Turner had attended a meeting to discuss the setting up of a community network, across the villages. 10 representatives would be needed from each ward to discuss policing matters. She would be attending a follow up meeting and would keep the Parish Council informed.
12. GRASS CUTTING PLAYING FIELD
It was decided to invite tenders from Alan Summerfield, John Maddison, and Steve Day, and to specify that a gang mower should be used. The Clerk would collect the tenders ready for the next meeting.
13. HIGHWAYS CURRENT INFORMATION
PCllr Worth had met with Highways, following a request to discuss their proposals to improve road safety in the area. They proposed installing 40mph speed limit signs prior to the 30mph speed limit signs, to slow cars down prior to entering the 30mph limit. This would be done at four positions: Riseley road, Church Road, and the B660 at Pertenhall Road and Wybridge.
PCllr Worth had suggested that they consider doing the same with the 40mph limits prior to the 30mph signs on the B660 adjacent to Janets Place, and near the White Horse where you enter Keysoe from the south. He had also suggested they consider continuing the 40mph limits between the two 30mph signs at Janets Place and Wybridge, as the distance is excessive and it would save 4 unrestricted signs.
Some adjustment in the positioning of the 30mph signs on the B660 would also take place to improve their visibility.
Highways also proposed to put a gateway consisting of wooden 5 barred gates at Pertenhall road and Wybridge, with the name Keysoe being mounted on this gateway. The Parish council could have some input into the sign design. PCllr Worth had pointed out that siting one gateway at Wybridge is unacceptable as this is cutting the village in half. He had advised them that the second gateway should be positioned at the 30mph signs south of the White Horse on the B660.
He had also requested the installation of 40mph speed limits in Bolnhurst on the St Neot's and Thurleigh Roads, as Bolnhurst has all of Keysoe`s traffic plus all the rest cutting across North Bedfordshire. He had pointed out that the St Neot's Road has many bends and on most bends there is a dwelling, and the Thurleigh Road needs a limit up to the Church, where traffic speeds can be excessive.
The Parish Council discussed these proposals at length. They agreed the gateways and the extension of the 40mph zone were a good idea, but raised concerns over whether all of the measures were necessary, as this would introduce increased signage throughout the parish. In particular they were unsure whether the 40mph signs leading up to the 30mph signs were necessary. PCllr Worth agreed to feedback these concerns.
14. UPDATE ON RURAL HOUSING TRUST
PCllr Whitmore reported progress was being made, but there was no further information at this stage.
15. KYMBROOK PRE SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION
It was RESOLVED to support the schools application for a Rural Grant from Bedford Borough Council for £20,000.00 to make improvements to the outside area of the school.
16. SCHOOL GOVERNOR VACANCY
PCllr Bates said he would like to become a Community Governor for Kymbrook Lower School. The Clerk would make the nomination.
17. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The Clerk had organised all the speakers, and the agenda had been issued. It was agreed the refreshments would be split up as follows:
PCllr Whitmore milk/sugar
PCllr Landmann Tea/coffee
PCllrs Bates & Turner biscuits
Cynthia and Carol would be asked to serve refreshments.
18. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
- BBC Information about proposed new conservation area in Bletsoe -circulated
- BCC Notification of Bridleway diversion no 59, and footpath extinguishment no 22 - passed to PCllr Landmann
- Parish & Town Council Local Area Agreement Reference Group Invitation to meeting 28/3/08 9.30am Rufus Centre Flitwick. Deadline for response 17/3/08 Anyone wishing to attend would advise the Clerk
- John Webb Mr Webb had raised concerns about the planning application for Virginia Cottage, Keysoe Row West which was discussed at the January meeting. He had asked for the plans to be re considered by the Parish Council. It was agreed that these plans had been properly considered, and that no further action could be taken. The Clerk would reply
- Countrywide Partnership - Bulletin Jan 08 - circulated
- BBC - Invitation to suggest areas for review by the scrutiny and policy review committee. Deadline for response 18/4/08 Any suggestions to be passed to The Clerk
19. CLOSE OF BUSINESS 8.50pm
|
Show comments (0) - Add comments to this article:
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
