Minutes of an Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting in the Village Hall on Friday 3rd May 2013
Present: Dr B Lott (Chairman), Mr S Fraser, Mrs L Shaw, Mr B Shaw, Mr S Norman, Mrs A Hoy (Clerk)
+ Four members of the public
1. Apologies: Mr J Dickens
2. Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare any personal interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. Any Member arriving after the start of the meeting is asked to declare personal interests as necessary as soon as practicable after their arrival even if the item in question has been considered. There were no declarations received.
3. Retrospective Planning Application: P13/V0702/FUL, Livery Stables at Wattle Cottage Farm.
Open Forum
The Chairman for the Meeting invited members of the public present to give their views on this revised application.
Several concerns were raised including:
- Access issues with an unknown number of slow-moving vehicles exiting onto the busy main road;
- Permanent nature of the structure, believed to be contrary to AONB legislation
- Number of horses to be kept at the stables inappropriate for the available pasture.
- Impact of bad odour on the village pub, given the proximity of the building (up wind) to the Beer Garden
- The blatant disregard for planning rules displayed by the applicant
On the positive side:
- it was felt that a single building would be better than the collection of ramshackle buildings currently on site.
The meeting was reconvened, and further discussion ensued. The PC was in agreement with the issues raised from the floor with the exception of access, which was felt to be adequate. The principle concerns of the PC were:
- Inappropriate permanent development with a detrimental impact on the AONB;
- Detrimental effect of bad odour on the village pub;
- Insufficient pasture for number of horses;
- Permanent structure outside the curtilage of the village.
A vote was held and returned a unanimous “Objection”. Clerk to notify Planning accordingly before the 8th May deadline.
4. Signage for Children’s Play Area
Dr Lott advised that he had obtained a quote for a new sign for the Children’s Play Area in the amount of £180 + VAT. After discussion about the height and make-up of the sign, there was unanimous agreement that this should go ahead, proposed by Dr B Lott, seconded by Mr B Shaw.
5. Gate for Children’s Play Area
The fence surrounding the play area had been vandalised on or about 25th April. Dr Lott reported that the culprit had been identified as a young boy in the village. On taking it up with the family an offer to repair the fence at the child’s cost was offered. They were also happy for the boy to receive a visit from the PCSO.
Mrs Shaw proposed the PC accept the family offer, seconded by Stuart Fraser.
The option to insert a small (3ft) wooden gate to improve access was discussed. Mr Brown thought this would cost in the region of £30 plus £15 for ironmongery and a spring closer. It was agreed that Mr Brown should go ahead and purchase materials for the gate and install it as soon as convenient.
6. Rolling of Play Area
Dr Lott had received a quote for £180 + VAT from Didcot Plant Hire for the hire of a roller to be used on the play area after the Bank Holiday weekend to flatten out ruts cause by the recent pump track development. It was unanimously agreed that this should go ahead, proposed by Mr Shaw and seconded by Dr Lott.
It was noted that a working party needed to be put together to tidy up the ground around the play area.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.45pm.
Date of Next Meeting: Several Councillors were unable to make the planned date of 21st May and the date was therefore changed to Thursday May 30th at 8pm in the Village Hall.
ACH 09.05.13