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2023 April Minutes

EPC Minutes Uploaded on April 28, 2023
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DRAFT MINUTES (Click here for pdf version)

ENSTONE PARISH COUNCIL

Held in The Litchfield Room, Enstone Parish Hall on Thursday

20th April 2023 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT: PCs. N. Knott (Chair), R. Parker, T. Gilbert, C. Glendinning, D. Robottom, H. Bourne-Taylor, P. Johnson, DC Alex Beaney, DC Andrew Beaney & 14 residents.

 

APOLOGIES: PCs M. Baggaley, P. Shaw, A. Ward and CC Geoff Saul

IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs. Beth Sinclair, Clerk & Cllr. Paul North, Chairman Sandford St. Martin Parish Council (The Driving Centre, Enstone Airfield)

Cllr. Knott welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced DCs Beaney & Wilson and PC Paul 

North.

158. DECLARATION OF INTEREST AND MEMBERS’ REGISTER OF INTERESTS:-

  • Cllr. T. Gilbert declared an interest in Item 9 – The Driving Centre, Enstone Airfield, Enstone.

159. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:-

  • The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 23rd March 2023 were circulated prior to the meeting, read and approved by all Members and signed by Cllr. N. Knott.  

PLANNING APPLICATIONS:-

  1. The Driving Centre, Enstone Airfield, Enstone, 23/00891/RES:-
  • DC Andrew Beaney explained that the application 22/03415/FUL had been passed at the Development Committee held on Monday 27th March with a number of conditions required.  The above application relates to the Reserved Matters for the application that was approved in 2019.
  • It was agreed that no comments were required to be put onto the planning portal relating to this current planning application (23/03415/FUL)
  • It was agreed that a document from the Parish Council would be compiled and circulated to the five District Councillors from the Development Committee who have been asked to take a lead in determining the conditions attached to the approval of the application.  This would request certain conditions relating to Enstone.
  • Cllr. Knott thanked DCs Beaney & Wilson for all their dedicated work supporting Enstone Parish Council.
  • It was agreed that a letter of complaint would be sent to the WODC Planning Department concerning the whole process of this application.
  1. Land formerly known as The Square, Church Enstone, 23/00860/FUL:-
  • Cllr. Knott welcomed the residents from Church Enstone to the meeting and asked for their comments on this application.   
  • The address was misleading as the property was not on The Square and the post code was incorrect – this had created confusion as no yellow planning notices had been displayed at the proposed site and the details could not be found on the WODC planning portal with this post code.
  • The proposed polytimber framed glass solar panelled building would be sited next to a Grade II listed building and opposite the Manor House.  This is not in keeping with the character of Church Enstone.
  • The proposed property contravenes Policies OS2 and HS2 of the WODC’s Local Plan.
  • The Parish Council discussed the application – there were three objections and four PCs abstained from voting.  
  • It was agreed that the Parish Council would object to the current design and that the building is not in keeping with the character of Church Enstone.  The location of such a building at this site is inappropriate.   
  1. Land at Chapel Lane, Enstone, 22/00053/Appeal
  • This application has now gone to Appeal. There was frustration from residents and the Parish Council with the comments from the Highways’ Department that did not object to the planning application.   It was agreed that a further letter of objection would be emailed to the Appeals’ Officer by 24th April.

All residents were thanked for attending the meeting and left.

160.     Matters arising:-

  • Heythrop Park – ongoing
  • Cloudy IT – Cllr. Robottom will obtain further information
  • Damaged walls – Chapel Lane – ongoing
  • Repairs to bus shelter – a further quote would be obtained.  A quote was also being obtained for the painting of the bus shelter
  • Speedwatch – an article will be put into the Ensign magazine seeking more volunteers
  • Potholes – Lidstone Road – The Highways’ Department had assessed the repair work with the stones – No further action
  • Areas Weight Restrictions Engagement – Cllr. Glendinning was thanked for responding
  • PC Handbook and FOI policy – for May’s meeting
  • S106 monies – ongoing

161.     Public Discussion:-

i) Cllr. Knott has reported the bollards that have been knocked down at Church Enstone.

ii) Cllr. Knott reported that asbestos and large bin bags had been left along the Green Lane –

photographs will be sent to DC Andrew Beaney.

iii) Cllr. Glendinning updated the Council on the events being held for the King’s Coronation.

iv) Enstone Show – the Show is not taking place this year due to lack of Committee volunteers.

v) Cllr. Robottom reported that the wall outside the school is deteriorating and that the three concrete bollards also needed attention.   DC Andrew Beaney who is also School Governor will report this to the school.

vi) Christmas Tree on The Green – Cllr. Gilbert reported that Highways’ do not own The Green outside the village shop.  This will be investigated further by contacting the Land Registry.

vii) Cllr. Gilbert reported that he felt the length of meetings was too long and that there should be a cut off time.  Cllr. Parker disagreed and explained that the Parish Council is there for residents to raise their concerns, regardless of how long it takes.  The Standing Orders state that after two hours, the Parish Council can agree to the meeting continuing – how meetings are conducted will be discussed at the Annual Council Meeting.

 

162.    County Councillor’s report:- 

  • No report had been received

163.     District Councillors’ report:-  

  • DC Wilson explained that DC Andrew Beaney’s position was up for Election on 4th May.  The Parish Council thanked DC Beaney for all the dedicated work he undertakes to support the Parish.

164.     Correspondence:-

West Oxfordshire District Council:-

  • West Oxfordshire District Council to await detailed proposal before taking a view on Botley West Solar Farm – Noted
  • Council takes steps to reduce sewage pollution into local waterways – Noted
  • Shared Prosperity Fund – Market Towns asked for improvement ideas – Noted
  • Redevelopment of former sheltered housing scheme in Witney set to begin – Noted

Oxfordshire County Council:- 

  • UK Government Emergency Alerts System launched (Cell Broadcasting) – Noted
  • Transfer of responsibility for on-street parking enforcement in West Oxfordshire – Noted
  • TTRO (T11844) Temporary Road Closure, Cleveley, road through Cleveley – Noted
  • Enstone Footpath No. 18 (part), Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2023 – The information will be placed on the noticeboards and website.

Parish Council – Correspondence:-

  • Sports Club – 
  1. Business Plan – Cllr. Robottom reported that he is working with the Sports Club to produce a Business Plan.   
  2. S106 monies for recreation – ongoing
  3. Repairs to walls – quotes – ongoing
  4. Lease Agreement – The current lease expires in September 2023.
  • One Way System – Village Shop – Highways has confirmed that the works for a one way system will take place in Summer 2023.
  • OALC – March’s update – Circulated to all members.
  • Grass Mowing at The Churchyard – Enstone Parochial Church Council is aiming to attract  further wildlife to the area and wishes the grass at the old churchyard to only be mown in late July/early August.   There would be no change to the pricing as this would involve more machinery and more manpower.   Enstone Parish Council agreed with this.  Cllr. Parker requests that the Parish Council discusses the grass cutting around the whole Parish when it is discussed at the annual Finance Meeting.
  • Change to June, July & August meeting dates – Agreed – 29th June, 20th July and 17th August.

165. Planning Applications 

• Land at Chapel Lane, Enstone, 22/00053/Appeal – The Appeal Notice had been received and circulated.   Enstone Parish Council agreed to send a further letter of objection to the Appeal’s Officer.

• Glebe Barn, Little Tew Road, Church Enstone, 23/00608/HHD – Proposed extension to existing garage to provide ancillary accommodation.  No objection

• The Driving Centre, Enstone Airfield, Enstone, 23/00891/RES – Reserved Matters application for the construction of museum building, show land building, corporate hospitality building, energy centre/store building and workshop building.   Formation of car exercise road.  Construction of 28 holiday lodges.  Formation of landscaped grounds.  Associated site services and external works.  This related to the planning application in 2019.  It was agreed to make no further comments.

• 39 Cleveley Road, Enstone, 23/00761/FUL – Change of use from residential to residential/business use along with the erection of a log cabin for dog grooming business.  No objection

• Land formerly known as The Square, Church Enstone, 23/00860/FUL – Erection of a single dwelling.   Enstone Parish Council objected to this planning application as it contravenes policies OS2 and HS2 of WODC’s Local Plan.

Decisions Received:-

• Rose, Cottage, Church Enstone, 23/00462/LBC & 23/00461/HHD – Approved

• Old Chalford Estate Chalford Grange Oxford Road, 22/01486/FUL – Approved

• The Old Coal Yard, Gagingwell, 23/00431/FUL – Approved

166. Finance:-  

a) To agree the following accounts for payment:-

. Mrs Beth Sinclair (£953.26-£38.13) £915.13

• NEST Pension Scheme (er)    £28.60

• NEST Pension Scheme (ee)   £38.13

• Vodafone  £16.00

• HMRC, NI contributions £117.69

• Ensign £500.00

• Green Gym £120.00

• Enstone Parish Hall, Senior Teas £54.00

• Enstone Parish Hall, rent £90.00

• SLCC, membership £177.00

Received:-

• Bank interest £84.89

• Mrs B Sinclair, NI contributions £41.37

• Precept                     £19,642.00    

b) Statement of Affairs to 31.3.2023 – These had been circulated to all members prior to the meeting together with the Accounts for 2022/2023.  They were checked and unanimously agreed by all to be correct.  The clerk was thanked for all her work with this.

c) The Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2022/2023 – The Annual Governance Statement (Section 1) was read, agreed by all Members and signed by the Chair and Clerk.  Following this, the Accounting Statements 2022/2023 (Section 2) were completed by the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) and then approved by the Council before being signed by the RFO and Chair.  The Clerk/RFO was thanked for all her hard work with this.  The clerk confirmed that the paperwork will be delivered to Astral Accountancy (Internal Auditor) on Friday 28th April.

167. Dates of next meetings: –

* Thursday 18th May, Annual Council Meeting & Parish Council Meeting

* Thursday 25th May – Annual Parish Meeting

* Thursday 29th June – Parish Council Meeting

* Thursday 20th July – Parish Council Meeting

Cllr. Paul Johnson had decided not to stand for Election in May 2023 due to increased work 

commitments.   Cllr. Knott thanked him for all his hard work and dedication over the past 

eight years and he was presented with a gift from the Parish Council.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40 pm. Cllr Knott thanked everyone for

attending.