STANDLAKE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in the Standlake Youth Club, on 10th October 2017 2017 at 7.30pm.

Present:

          Mr. C. Naylor                                Chairman

          Mr. J Rippin

Mrs. B. Smith

Mr. J. Hunt

                                   

          Mr. D. Bevan                                 Clerk

Mr. Mathew (OCC), Mr. Good (WODC), Mrs. Fenton (WODC) and Ms. Catherine Foss

1.      APOLOGIES –apologies were received from Mrs. Clements, Mr. Willis and Mr. Owens.

2.      PUBLIC ITEMS –Ms. Foss was present to speak on the Abingdon Road traffic situation and Mr. Naylor said this would be dealt with in matters arising.

3.      COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS – Mrs Fenton and Mr. Good had little to report from WODC; the inspector’s decision on the Local Plan is thought to be imminent but it is not known what that decision may be. Mr. Mathew likewise had little to report but he will be keeping councils informed of developments regarding the government’s ‘Growth Board’ - worth £8.1 billion – as it relates to Oxfordshire.

4.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Mr. Naylor declared a non-pecuniary interest in application 17/02549/OUT 3 Abingdon Road.

5.      PLANNING

17/02866/HHD Construction of two storey side extension. Ashbourne, The Downs Standlake: Mr Robinson. No objection.

17/02549/OUT: Outline application for the erection of one dwelling: Lowenva Cottage 3 Abingdon Road: Mr Victor Fletcher. Object: back building; overdevelopment; access; overlooking/loss of privacy.

The clerk and Mr. Naylor raised the matter of planning decision notices not being communicated to parishes as happened in the recent past. Mr. Good said this had been raised by other parishes and he and Mrs. Fenton agreed to raise this formally with WODC.

6.      MINUTES - Minutes of the Meeting held on 12th September 2017, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record and signed by the chairman.

7.      MATTERS ARISING 

Roads, Traffic/Speeding, Newbridge –Ms. Foss expressed her concerns regarding speeding, traffic volume, inadequacy of footpaths and dangerous cycling conditions in relation to the Abingdon Road in particular; she has also raised these concerns with the MP, Robert Courts; she added that she was hoping for an on-site visit in the near future by Mr. Courts so he could see the problems first hand

Mr. Naylor said that these problems were well known (and not unique to the Abingdon Road) but the challenge was what to do about them.  There were limits on any physical barriers such as chicanes and any traffic calming measurers were at the discretion of OCC; in addition, there was the matter of cost which would have to be borne by the Parish. He would increase the ‘Speedwatch’ campaign                                     and Mr. Hunt asked for more volunteers to join the scheme. Mr. Hunt also said that the worn red block road markings at the start of the 30mph limit should be renewed and that, in his opinion, one the best deterrents on a straight road was the flashing vehicle speed indicators.

There followed considerable discussion on these matters as well as speeding on The Downs and parking at the school. In respect of the school, PCSO Sandra Syphas has visited the school again has come to the conclusion that the provision of yellow no parking lines on the bend beyond Lincoln Close should be investigated. However, Mr. Rippin was of the opinion that the parking in that area actually contributed to child safety in that it slowed traffic coming from the direction of the church   

Mr. Mathew suggested a letter to the OCC cabinet member responsible setting out the problems in principle but not mentioning funding this stage. He also suggested a public meeting with the member, accompanied by an officer, so that the depth of local feeling can be expressed. Mr. Naylor said he will draft a letter to OCC as suggested by Mr. Mathew.

 

Footpaths –Mr. Naylor has again attempted to contact the Lincoln Farm Park owner regarding the entrance but has had no success; he will continue to attempt to make contact.

Playground/Recreation Ground – repair of the monkey bars is in hand. Mr. Hunt reported that the proposed LWTC clubhouse will now have its own metered water supply separate from the village hall.

Dog walkers at Webb fishing lake – Mr. Hunt has spoken to MR. Webb and has confirmed that there are no objections to walkers around the lake providing dogs are kept under control.

Hedge – Abingdon Road – Mr. Naylor has examined the hedge and it appears that it has been trimmed – no further action.

8.      CORRESPONDENCE – request by Citizen’s Advice West Oxfordshire for grant. Unanimously agreed a grant of £50.

9.      ACCOUNTS – the following accounts were approved for payment.

*Absolute Solutions – mowing etc.                                                                                         275.00

*Buryhook (LWVP) litter bin                                                                                                    420.00

*Absolute Solutions – mowing etc.                                                                                         340.00

* Cottsway – retrospective ground rent Windyway p’ground                                                    20.00

10.   WODC MEETING WITH PARISH COUNCILS 22 NOV –Mrs. Smith and Mr. Naylor will attend..

11.   ANY OTHER BUSINESS – The clerk asked that the December meeting be put back to 19th December and this was agreed. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.45 pm.

 

 

...................................................................................... Chairman   .................................................................... Date