Minutes of the Meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in the Youth Club, Church End, on 9th January 2024 at 7.30pm

Present:

          Mr. B. Parnham               Chairman

          Mr. J. Rippin                   Vice Chairman

          Mrs. A. Knipe

          Mrs. J. Macdonald

          Mr. D. Jeffcoat

          Mr. J. Clements

          Mr. B. Smith

          Mr. D. Bevan                   Clerk

 

OCC Cllr Mr. D. Levy, WODC Cllrs. Mr. C. Maynard & Ms. L. Nicholls. Mr. A. Edge and colleague - representatives of Edgars Ltd. Planning Consultants, Mr. Humphries and 8 members of the public

1.         APOLOGIES – None

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

3.         PUBLIC ITEMS – Mr. Parnham closed the meeting at 7.40pm.

Mr. LeHuray spoke in objection to planning application 23/03179/FUL on the grounds that the proposal would involve encroachment on to greenfield space and noted that a previous application to do this has already been denied by WODC. The clerk noted that this current application could be built under permitted development rules once the main buildings had been completed. Cllr. Nicholls said that this would still have to be the subject of another application.

Mr. Edge and colleague gave a presentation on the development at Malthouse Livery and stables (23/03179/FUL). Councillors asked several questions on matters of, inter alia, access (vehicular and pedestrian), long term maintenance of access roads, increased traffic flows both for dwellings and the commercial building, parking bays at the commercial building versus expected number of jobs, and housing type. The answers received were sometimes vague and incomplete. Mr. Edge did however confirm there was no provision for social housing, but councillors welcomed the provision of some 2 bedroom dwellings in the mix.

Mr. Humphries spoke on behalf of Brighthampton residents objecting to the above application. He began by pointing out that the developers had ignored the fact that Brighthampton was a small separate hamlet within Standlake and that this had coloured some of their assumptions as to access for pedestrians and the proximity to shops and other services. Mr. Humphries then presented objections under the following headings: inappropriateness of a large, overbearing commercial development in this rural setting; traffic and pollution; security of the site; precedent; sewage and flooding risk.

Mr. Parnham thanked those who had spoken and reopened the meeting at 8.10pm.

4.         COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – see Cllr. Maynard’s report attached to these minutes.

Cllr. Levy said little had changed from his report in December 23. Work on the budget continues, though at present there is a difference of £11m between the anticipated requirement and anticipated income. He also said that, once the floods have subsided, OCC will carry out a survey of maintenance of local road drainage.

Cllr. Nicholls reported that the appeal against the WODC decision to refuse the application at 48 Abingdon Road has been dismissed. She also reported that the application to build on land on Chapel Lane has been deferred by the Lowlands Planning Committee so that objectors can consider a late drainage survey by the developers: it will come back to council in due course.

PLANNING – 23/03179/FUL: Redevelopment of site to provide mixed-use business and storage space (Classes E(g) and B8) and 8 dwellings with associated demolition, access and parking, landscape and drainage works: Malthouse Livery and Stables Aston Road Brighthampton. Object: negative impact on area; overdevelopment of the site; scale and lack of need for the commercial building; access; traffic; drainage and sewage.

23/03183/S73: Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 21/01497/FUL to allow design alterations to Plots 1, 2 and 3 and changes to site layout. 21/01497/FUL: Conversion of former pub into 4 bedroom dwelling and erection of two new 5 bedroom dwellings and carport to the rear with associated landscaping and parking areas.: The Old Bell 21 High Street Standlake: Object encroachment on greenfield site.

5.         MINUTES - Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 9th January 2023, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record, and were signed by the chairman.

6.        MATTERS ARISING

Sewage/Flooding - Mr. Parnham said that he had been hoping for more details prior to this meeting but none was forthcoming.

To summarise, the Thames Water situation in Standlake is unacceptable.  It is so disappointing when taking into consideration all the works that have taken place over the past 2 years. 

TW have finally admitted there are serious problems at the High Street Pumping Station and the Sewage Treatment Works leading to the continuous discharge of raw sewage into the river over an extended period.  I would like to thank Charlie Maynard for taking the lead on this one as very often the replies from TW lead to more questions.  Once we have the answers to the latest round of questions and importantly the way forward, I will put forward a summary report.  It must be remembered however that TW are only responsible for providing clean water to properties and then sewage / grey water.  Issues where surface water is not draining, for example in High Street, are the responsibility of OCC.

I have also engaged with Robert Courts on these issues.  Further updates will be provided in due course, but I would like to assure residents of Standlake that the Parish Council are working very hard on these issues.

Roads/Speedwatch/20mph - Mrs. Knipe reported that: Despite reduced operating hours and weather challenges 10 Speedwatch sessions were held, 4 in the new 20mph zones and 6 in the 30mph zones.  77 speeding drivers were reported to TVP.  In the 30mph zones we are seeing typically a 1% offender rate (maximum 49mph) whereas in the 20mph zones 25% offender rate (maximum 37mph).  Hopefully as awareness grows and more roadside sessions take place this will drop.

OCC are aware of the damage to the signs and chevrons at the 'Golden Balls' A415/Aston Road junction and a works order has been issued for contractors to attend and replace.

As we come into January discussions will be picked up with OCC regarding additional SID devices, traffic calming, and safe crossing points and progress will be reported at Parish Council meetings.

Playground/Recreation Ground – Rack End - Mr. Rippin will replace the warning tape on the carousel which has been vandalised. He also suggested that the damaged section be replaced by using an original part from the manufacturer – Wicksteed Leisure – who still can supply the part: the cost would be £580 + VAT. This was discussed and agreed unanimously. Mr. Rippin will contact Mr. Pascoe and discuss ensuring the correct part is ordered and obtaining a quote for installation. Windrush Way- Mr. Clements reported that there was little to report, but the board on the climbing frame is rotting around the edges and should be replaced during the spring refurbishment.

Environment/Nature Recovery Network - Mrs. Macdonald reported the following. • Plug Plants. The team received some locally propagated wild flower plug plants from the Eynsham Nature Recovery group and planted them out on the wildflower bank at the Village Hall in November.

Hedge Laying. SNRN would like to express gratitude to Stuart Bridger and the team from the Wychwood Forest Project for completing the excellent work at the new burial ground at the Church. The hedge laying work has been much admired and will enhance the burial ground for years to come. Brash. The brash will be disposed of shortly when the weather is better.

Fruit Trees. The team are investigating where in the village there are public access areas where fruit trees might be planted.

Coronation Planters. When the weather improves, the 2 planters bought from the Coronation fund will be prepared, positioned, and planted.

Spring Litter Pick. We are planning to do another litter pick in the Spring to keep the levels of litter under control.

Car Park Potholes – the potholes at the entrance have been filled. However, it will not be clear whether this will be sufficient until the floods recede.

7.         CORRESPONDENCE – Invitation by WODC to discuss Oxfordshire Council’s Charter. No councillors were available to attend.

8.         ACCOUNTS – The clerk reported that the accounts remained in a satisfactory state and were within budget.

The following accounts received were approved: (paid*)

B Parnham - chair expenses                              £83.00*

Wileman - bus shelter cleaning.                        £30.00*

CPRE - subscription                                           £36.00*

Cottsway – Windrush Way playground rent     £10.00*

9.          DEFIBRILLATOR PADS AT VILLAGE HALL – Mr Barber has informed the council that the defibrillator pads will need to be replaced in February: he has received a quote of £138. Mrs. Macdonald suggested a quote be obtained from Wellmedical, the company that replaced the unit at the school. This was agreed and Mrs. Macdonald will do this and report at the next meeting.

10.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Mr. Parnham said that the next meeting will be held in the Youth Club on Tuesday 13th February 2024 at 7.30 pm.

11.       There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.55pm.

 

Chairman   ....................................................................  Date …………………………………………………

District Councillor update – Charlie Maynard 9 Jan 2024

1.     Flooding

The water is high. This link has lots of useful tips, including where to pick up sandbags from - https://westoxon.gov.uk/environment/flooding/what-to-do-during-a-flood.

2.     Sewage / Thames Water

As of this evening, Standlake Sewage Treatment Works (“STW”) has dumped sewage non-stop for more than a month. Below is a summary of its performance for the last three months. I’m working with your Chair to access flow and depth meter data from Thames Water so we can assess directly where infiltration is worst and what segments are the highest priority to fix.

3.     Taking on the Planning role at WODC

I’ve accepted the Planning & Sustainable Development Executive role at WODC. Various people have asked why I would want such a poisoned chalice. I’m taking it on because I’m in politics to get stuff done and this is an opportunity to do that. Opportunities include maximising the probability of keeping the district inside its five-year housing land supply and therefore away from rapacious developers; helping steer a Local Plan which genuinely serves West Oxfordshire’s residents and environment; working towards a better transport solution for our area; and grappling with thorny issues such as the Botley West solar proposal.  I’ve got a list of issues seven pages long and getting longer. Lots to do.