Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 18th July at 7.15pm
Present: Cllr Barbara Copper (chairperson)
Cllr Mrs Bobbie Coe
Cllr Ben Holland
Cllr Peter White
Sharon Brown (Clerk)
Also present: Christine Morton, Skylark editor and two members of the public.
Open Forum
a) Accidents and near accidents on the A1198 – Old North Road: A resident raised the concern that the accidents and near accidents situation on the A1198, within the village seemed to be getting worse. There have been two accidents in the last month where residents turning right into their properties have had their cars hit from behind, together with at least two near misses with the same context. There has also been a single vehicle accident on the School Lane / High Street bend with a young teen taking the corner too fast and craching into the sheep field fence. Noted, that the assistance promised by the former MP’s office, in obtaining traffic calming measures, cannot now go forward and the new MP will need to be contacted. Agreed, a request in Skylark again, for information to be forwarded to the clerk or chair, on any accidents or near accidents in the village.
The question was also raised as to whether the village should apply for a 20mph zone on the B1046, as most other villages around now have this speed restriction.
b) Fox Road development Ref. 24/02169/S73: Concern was raised by a resident about the danger of lorries carrying construction materials to this development stopping just by the junction in Fox Road where they could not be seen by other vehicles turning left from the A1198 into the Fox Road. A second concern was also raised that an unauthorised access to the building site had been created through the adjacent woodland and this was creating even more danger being nearer the junction. Agreed the Cllr Cooper to write to the Planning Department requesting signage to indicate the obstruction and danger at the road junction and concern about the heightened danger due to unauthorised access through the woodland
25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
District Councillor Tumi Hawkins, Councillor Will Bevan and Councillor Elly Hemmins, Bill Allan, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group.
26 RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR E. HEMMINS
The councillors record their regret that Councillor Elly Hemmins has resigned from the position and will write to her accordingly. She is thanked for her interest in parish matters and the enthusiasm she brought to the council.
27 MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF INTEREST FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None.
28 TO SIGN AND APPROVE MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The Minutes of the last meeting were proposed by Cllr White, seconded by Cllr Coe and unanimously approved.
29 REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS
No July reports available.
30 MATTERS ARISING/TO REPORT FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) – COUNCIL TO REPORT THE FOLLOWING
a) Neighbourhood Planning – update from 8th July meeting: The application has been made to SCDC for designation of the whole parish as the Neighbourhood Plan zone. The problem of the lack of public transport through Longstowe was also discussed in relation to possible housing development in the village. The meeting also considered next steps, comprising primarily evidence gathering and policy development. The next meeting is scheduled for 21st October.
31 FINANCE
a) Accounts update – Accounts update – mid-June – mid-July 2024: Noted.
b) Clerk’s Pay and Expenses mid-June – mid-July 2024 £122.96, HMRC £30.40: Agreed.
32 TO CONSIDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
None.
33 TO CONSIDER OTHER MATTERS
a) ONR accidents and near accidents: This matter was considered during the Open Forum and detailed above.
b) Village Hall update: The repairs and upgrade to facilities will probably start at the end of September. The question was raised about promotion of the hall for letting. Letting for children’s parties works well. A Christmas event is being planned.
c) Noticeboards – pin board replacement of large boards: The green, plastified baise of the two large noticeboards pin boards is degrading badly. Agreed, replacement of the pin boards. Cllr Holland agreed to action.
d) Other grain silos at The Red House: Agreed to write to the Planning Department to note concern that consistency of approach concerning the silos was required and request information on when planning permission for such buildings became mandatory.
34 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
A list of correspondence for discussion at the Parish Council meeting is printed in the Agenda; details are available from the Clerk.
a) Safety of Lithium ion Batteries and e-bikes and scooters, Parliamentary Bill: Agreed to add the Parish Council name in support of the bill.
b) Cambridgeshire County Council Community Energy Action Plan: survey: Cllr Cooper will respond to the survey.
35 SYKLARK – TO CONSIDER ANY EDITORIAL ISSUES
Items for inclusion in the next Skylark to include: Reporting accidents and near accident on roads in the village, Neighbourhood Planning update, new parish councillor request – nominations or anyone interested to come forward, Lithium ion Battery Safety – parliamentary bill, promotion of Village Hall for bookings.
36 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER, AT 7.15PM, AT LONGSTOWE VILLAGE HALL.
Signed by Date September 2024
Chairperson