Minutes of a meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in the Standlake Youth Club, on 14th June 2016 at 6.45pm.
Present:
Mr. P. Willis Vice Chairman
Mrs. J. Clements
Mr. J. Rippin
Mr. N. Owens
1. APOLOGIES – were received from Mr. J. Hunt.
2. PUBLIC ITEMS – members of the public wished to comment on the application for 10 houses at the rear of 65 High Street. The following points were made:
There was no neighbour notification sent out and the statutory notice was not in a prominent position so it was by chance that some affected residents found out. The district councillors did not know why this was but the clerk said he had taken this up with WODC and the answer was that they have not done this for some time; notice is made by the site notice, newspaper advertising, online etc. It was agreed that this was not really acceptable and the district councillors will take this up at WODC.
It was noted that one existing building shown at the northeast of the site plan does not exist; it was an old horticultural greenhouse which was demolished years ago.
Grave concerns were expressed regarding the following: lack of sewage disposal capacity, establishment of a precedence for other developments, lack of infrastructure, increase in traffic etc.
Mrs. Smith urged everyone to write with their objections and Mrs. Fenton said that it was important to remember that representatives of the PC and the public can speak when this comes before the Lowlands planning committee.
Mr. Naylor thanked everyone for their input and said the council would take them into account when examining the proposal.
3. COUNTY and DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS – councillors reserved their comments for the Annual Parish Meeting.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - there were no declarations of interest.
5. PLANNING
Mr. Naylor referred to e mail correspondence regarding the decision in May to object to an application by Mr. Brian Cade for a garage/workshop at 141 Abingdon Road. Mr. Cade has expressed to Mr. Naylor by email his dissatisfaction at the council’s reasons for objecting to this application; this has raised demands by some councillors to revisit the decision. Following WODC’s decision to approve the application, Mr. Naylor and Mr. Owens have been in contact with Mr. Cade and discussed the matter with him and that matter is now closed.
However, Mr. Naylor said that, taking into account that WODC were the final decision makers, once decisions have been made in the open forum of a Parish Council meeting they must stand. Mr. Owens concurred, adding that in this recent case if the information had been presented to the council in a different format the decision may well have been different but the council can only make decisions on what is before them on the night.
16/01461/HHD: demolition
of conservatory; erection of single storey extension with internal alterations
to existing dwelling; Hamilton House, Abingdon Road. – no
objection.
16/01516/HHD: erection
of detached dwelling; land east of 6 The Green. – no
objection
16/01526/FUL: hybrid application for proposed development of 10 dwellings; construction of detached garage for 65 High St; land to the rear of 65 High St.- objections: overlooking/loss of privacy; sewage; not compliant with current or future planning policies; access and traffic; possible future development; impact on surroundings
6. MINUTES
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 3rd May 2016, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record and signed by the chairman.
7. MATTERS ARISING
Busses, Bus Stops – Mrs. Smith said that the situation was now clear. The 18 service to Oxford would cease but the X15 (renamed the 15) and the 19 would continue to run for a 6 month trial period from 21st July; the 19 will be rerouted to run via Brighthampton, Abingdon Road, High St. and The Downs. The two services combined will provide an hourly service to and from Witney with connections to Oxford.
A scheme proposed by Stanton Harcourt utilising mini busses would give access to Eynsham on a very restricted basis. Bus passes will not be valid on this and there would be a cost of approximately £2 each way (plus a small one off) fee to join the scheme. It was agreed that the council give its provisional support, but it will be up to individuals to make arrangements to join; more details will be available later. A scheme utilising private cars offering lifts is also being discussed but there are concerns about insurance issues.
Traffic/Speeding – OCC have provided costs for any proposed change in speed limit. Briefly, there is no guarantee that, after surveying the village, this would be approved. If it were to be approved the cost to the parish would be in the region of £10,000. Mr. Mathew said that other villages have taken up the option of having individuals trained by the police in the use of speed guns. It is unlikely that prosecutions of speeding drivers would follow, but the police would use the evidence to issue warning letters. It was agreed that this was probably the best way forward and Mr. Mathew said he would arrange to send the clerk further details.
Roads, Newbridge – nothing further to report at this meeting
Footpaths – nothing further to report at this meeting
Highway Maintenance - nothing further to report at this meeting.
Playground/Recreation Ground & Maintenance – nothing further to report at this meeting..
Flooding/Sewers/Winter – nothing further to report at this meeting..
Village Hall Car Park – nothing further to report at this meeting.
8. CORRESPONDENCE - WODC 2016 Strategic Housing & Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).
Mrs. Smith compared this with the SHELAA 2014 which was dismissed on various grounds but primarily flood risk. This new document has a number of additions which gives rise to objections such as being contrary to the existing and evolving local plan, access, sewage and general lack of infrastructure; though the areas designated for employment (primarily in and around the existing Standlake Industrial Estate) are acceptable. The clerk will write in reply expressing these concerns and objecting to the proposals.
9. ACCOUNTS
For approval:
Absolute Solutions – mowing/litter 17th May 315.00
Absolute Solutions – mowing/litter 3rd June 315.00
For payment:
D C Bevan – clerk salary and expenses 1213.05
D C Bevan – APM copying 20.00
HMRC – clerk PAYE 290.20
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.50pm.
...................................................................................... Chairman .................................................................... Date