Minutes of a meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in the Standlake Youth Club, on 18th December 2018 at 7.30pm.

Present:

          Mr. C. Naylor      Chairman

          Mr. J. Rippin       Vice-Chairman

          Mrs. S. Adams

          Mr. B. Parnham

          Mr. S Hoskin

          Mr. S. Jones

          Mr. D. Bevan   Clerk

 

Mr. C. Mathew (OCC councillor), 5 members of the public.

1.      APOLOGIES – Mrs. S. Garrett, Mrs H. Fenton.

2.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – There were no declarations of interest.

3.      PUBLIC ITEMS – Mr. Naylor asked the public for their comments but they indicated they were attending only out of interest except Mr. and Mrs. LeHuray and Mr. Mordue who were interested in the planning application..

4.      COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS – Mr. Mathew had nothing of importance to report.

5.      PLANNING -.

          18/03379/FUL: Demolish existing bungalow and erection of five dwellings with associated works: Manor Bungalow 41B High Street Standlake: Mr Nicholas Blakemore.  Object: contrary to Local Plan 2031 Policy H2 (Small Villages, Hamlets and Open Countryside)- no requirement, of no demonstrable benefit to community, does not form a logical compliment to existing scale and pattern of development, close proximity to listed historical building, unsafe access. Setting of precedent; overloaded sewage system.

6.      MINUTES - Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th November 2018, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record and signed by the chairman.

7.      MATTERS ARISING

Recreation Ground – The clerk has received a quotation for the replacement of the Rack End children’s  playground fence. The council would purchase the materials at trade price of £1981.51 plus VAT and the labour cost would be £1580 including disposal of the waste; a total of £3619.51. It was agreed that this needed to be done as the existing fence was beyond economic repair. Mr. Mathew said he would consider funding up to 50% of the cost from his discretionary fund but warned that this may have to be in the 2019/20 financial year. The clerk said this was not a problem as it was planned to be put into the council’s 2019/20 budget anyway. Mr. Naylor expressed the council’s thanks for this offer and the clerk will liaise with Mr. Mathew.

The clerk also has a quotation of £380 for the various items noted by Mr. Parnham on his recent inspection: Windrush Way playground hedge; Rack End playground bench and the basketball net backboard (to be replaced, painted etc.). It was agreed that this should be done.

Dog Bins – The replacement/repairs of all bins identified by Mr. Parnham has now been completed. The clerk thanked Mr. Parnham for his efforts in bringing this to a conclusion especially his work while the clerk was away.

Safety Rail at Bus Stop on The Downs – This has now been installed.

The Bell – The public exhibition of the plans will now be held in the Youth Club on 10th January between 4pm and 7pm.

School Warning Lights – through Mr. Mathew’s efforts agreement has been obtained from Standlake School to fund one third of the cost of installation of the new lights. The council unanimously agreed to pay £600 as Standlake PC’s contribution and the clerk will contact OCC to start the process.

8.      CORRESPONDENCE –.

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

Absolute Solution – safety rail at bus shelter*                               £205.87

Wileman & Son – bus shelter cleaning*                                             £30.00

Witney CA – donation                                                                       £50.00

St. Giles Church – hedging car park/ new burial ground                  £38.40

DC Bevan – clerk salary and expenses                                          £1221.60

HMRC – clerk PAYE                                                                        £292.40

10.   BUDGET 2019/20 – There were no major changes in the proposed budget but, with the agreement of Mr. Hoskin, it was agreed that the proposed traffic calming funds would be better allocated to the community fund which would give more flexibility. The clerk asked for a proposition agreeing the budget and setting the 2019/20 Precept at £25,000 (the same as the current year) Mr. Rippin proposed and Mr. Hoskin seconded the proposal and it was passed unanimously.

11.   ANY OTHER BUSINESS – The date of the January and February meetings was set as 15th January and 19th February.  Mr. Naylor announced that he would be standing down as chairman and resigning from the council in April 2019.  Mr. Naylor thanked everyone for their work during the year and wished them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.35pm.

 

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