Monthly
Meeting
Present: Mr
J Nowell-Smith (Chairman and District Councillor), Mr R Boughton, Mr K Field, Mrs
A Tremayne, Mrs J Willis, Mr D Turner (
1.
Apologies
Mr A Stratton.
2.
Approval of
previously circulated minutes
Previously
circulated minutes were approved and signed.
3.
Matters
arising from previous minutes
a.
The surveying
outside The Fox and Garage was in preparation for the pelican crossing. David
Turner reported that work on installation is likely to begin in May.
Cleaning of
the signs at both ends of the village was still awaited.
The Fox PH
disclaimed responsibility for the hedge alongside the
A letter had
been received from Peter Ronald indicating that no more would be done about a
weight restriction on the Ickford Bridges but that OCC had liaised with
Buckinghamshire County Council and the Bridges Maintenance Section of Highways
would be monitoring the wear on the bridge. Councillors expressed
disappointment and it was agreed to try to acquire photographic evidence of the
heavy lorries using the bridges. Mr Turner also agreed to discuss the matter
with Peter Ronald.
Comment was
made that speed activated signs were beneficial and could they be requested for
the A418 and A40. Clerk to look out previous correspondence on the matter.
b.
Affordable housing – a further survey for contamination of
the site was to be carried out and the architects were making plans for nine
homes. It is hoped these plans will be available for inspection at the March
Council meeting.
c.
Tree planting and maintenance – disappointment was expressed
at the trimming done by OCC to the chestnut tree. Mr Nowell-Smith reported that
the Michaelis family was happy to provide a fir tree from Fernhill Wood and it
was agreed that Mr Field would make arrangements to choose a suitable specimen.
d.
M40 road noise levels – the notes on the meeting of the M40
Group on 18 January were in the February wallet. Mrs Horne reported that they
were studying details of a new surface which might be appropriate. She had
suggested that a leaflet be issued explaining the work of the Group and its
need for funding. Clerk said it might be useful to put an article in the next
Newsletter.
e.
f.
Milton Common notice board sign – Mr Field reported that the
name sign at Milton Common was rusting and it was agreed to report this to the
suppliers when ordering a new sign. It was agreed that the new sign should have
“Milton Common” over the name of the Parish Council.
g.
Milton Common website – Clerk had emailed Great Haseley and
Great Milton giving Mr Stratton’s details and asking for possible funding. Great
4.
Planning
matters
a.
P05/W1204 Walters
Farm,
Decision: SODC
refused.
b.
P05/W1214 10 Albury
View, Tiddington – single storey side extension to garage and front porch and
pitched roof to bay window.
Decision: SODC
approved.
c.
P05/W1276
Decision:
approved. Mr Field declared a personal and prejudicial interest.
d.
P06/W0057 60 London
Road, Milton Common – erection of a two storey side extension.
Decision:
refused.
5.
Correspondence
a.
South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 has been adopted and
copies will soon be available.
b.
Licensing Act 2003 – SODC is reviewing its enforcement
policy.
c.
SODC Housing Strategy 2006-2011 consultation – a questionnaire
had been received inviting comments on housing priorities. Clerk to circulate
in February wallet and discussion to take place at March meeting.
d.
Oxfordshire Villages of the Year competition – agreed not to
enter.
e.
Invitation from Chairman of OCC to attend a reception at
County Hall on Wednesday, 15 March, 6.30-8.30 to thank Parish Councils and
Meetings for their contribution to their community and county. Mr Nowell-Smith
to attend.
f.
SODC new garden waste service – proposal to introduce
wheeled bins for garden waste with a fortnightly kerbside collection. The cost
would be £29.00 per year for each household. Comments are invited to gauge
potential take-up. It was agreed to respond suggesting a much lower fee and for
only the spring to autumn months on a weekly basis. Rural areas have very few
facilities and residents are being asked to pay more.
g.
A letter had been received from Mr and Mrs Morrish regarding
the redundant electricity poles close to Sandy Lane Estate. Contact with the
Electricity Board about a month ago has so far not brought a response to remove
the poles. Agreed that further time should be allowed but Council to monitor.
6.
Financial
matters
a.
Oxfordshire Association for the Blind donation of £50.00
proposed by Mrs Tremayne, seconded by Mr Boughton.
b.
Recreation Ground, Play Area and Churchyard maintenance estimate
for 2006 from Robinsons Garden Care was the same as 2005 with the addition of
the cost for raking the bark. It was agreed to continue with the same
contractor.
c.
Concessionary fares – from April the Government will be
funding a free bus pass to all over 60 for travel after
d.
Payment of £399.50 to Fiesta Furniture Sales for round
tables for the Village Hall proposed by Mr Boughton, seconded by Mrs Willis.
The Village Hall will refund the net cost.
e.
Payment of £186.20 to Parchment the Printers for Newsletter
printing February/March proposed by Mr Boughton, seconded by Mr Field.
7.
Open
discussion
a.
Mrs Willis reported that the postman was still crossing the
grass area near Spring Cottage. Clerk confirmed that she had mentioned it to the
postman, who had reported to his supervisor.
b.
Mr Field asked whether the change of use of a garage at
Mr Field
reported that there was a strong smell of sewage near the gypsy site and that
the litter and rubbish on the verge between the MSA roundabout and the flyover
was very bad. It was agreed to mention it to the Clerk at Great Milton.
c.
Mr Turner reported that it is proposed to set the County
Council budget at an increase of 4.38%. A poor settlement had been promised by
the Government and so there are likely to be cuts to Social Services, Highways
and mobile libraries. The Youth Service has had a good report but it is
seriously underfunded and there have been problems recruiting staff of the
right calibre. Figures would seem to suggest a good increase in funding but it
realistically only amounts to an increase of £65,000.
d.
Mrs Horne reported that Boris Johnson, MP had written to
David Hill, Strategic Director for Planning Enforcement at SODC regarding Sandy
Lane Veterinary Surgery. He had confirmed that the enforcement will be pursued
to remove the cabins and reinstate the entrance. However, there was still no
date for the hearing of the appeals.
8.
Date of next
meeting
There being no
further business the meeting closed at