PITSTONE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 30 January 2014 
In the meeting room at the Memorial Hall, starting at 7.00pm and 
concluding at 10.25pm

151/13	ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES
	
PRESENT:  Cllr Saintey (Chair), Cllr Blunt (Vice Chair), Cllr Mrs Arney, Cllr Mrs Stack, 
Cllr Mattey, Cllr Richardson, Cllr Ginda and Cllr Nicholls.   Clerk: Laurie Eagling.    
Approximately 55 members of the public in attendance at the start, 53 departing after planning, 1 departing part way and 1 (Mr Broadbent) in attendance throughout.

	It was RESOLVED to accept apologies for absence from: Cllr Mrs Monaghan and 
Cllr Mrs Hawkins 

152/13	QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/PRESS:  

By far the majority of those in attendance were interested in the planning item for Rushendon Furlong.  Four residents wished to speak on matters other than those contained within their written submissions relating to this planning application:

Mr Robert Clark of 49 Rushendon Furlong, Mr Karl Rawlings of 11 Rushendon Furlong, 
Mr Craig Ponton of 4 Rushendon Furlong and Mrs Liz O’Keiffe of 41 Rushendon Furlong raised  issues and concerns relating to the planning application and sought clarification about the steps and processes that AVDC would undertake, and how the submissions of the residents and parish council would be taken into account.

No further questions were tabled from the public gallery.

153/13	DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:  

All councillors have an interest in the charity actions as the council is trustee of the Recreation Ground Charity and Pitstone Parish Charity. 
Cllr Mrs Hawkins has a previously disclosed Pecuniary Interest in the planning application relating to Rushendon Furlong.  She was not present at the meeting and has not taken part in any discussion / debate / vote relating to this application.
Cllr Richardson declared an Interest in the Rushendon Furlong application as a resident of the road in question.
Cllr Blunt declared an Interest as a governor of Brookmead School for any items relating to education.

154/13	MINUTES OF THE MEETING held on 9 January 2014

	It was RESOLVED that the draft minutes of the Pitstone Parish Council meeting held on 9 January 2014 were a true and accurate record.  The Chairman was authorised to sign them on behalf of the council.

155/13	CLERK’S REPORT

The content of the clerk’s report (appendix 1) was noted.   To assist the public, the notes on matters arising are duplicated below:

1)	Minute 131/09.3 – Business Park Signs; Paul Roberts at Transport for Bucks confirms all OK for Pitstone.  Ivinghoe PC called him out to visit site to explain works again on 22/1/14.  TfB waiting for installation programme from contractor but hope the signs will be installed before 31 March 2013.  
2)	Transport for Bucks current issues: 
(a) The footpath down Cheddington Road should have initial works undertaken by mid-December but the slurry sealing won’t take place until 2014 as it requires fair weather.  
(b)  Glebe Close resurfacing (work first identified in Feb 2012), Paul Foot confirmed not included in current program.
(c) No drop curb at canal bridge end of footpath to Cheddington so mobility scooter having to use highway (ref: EAG0549201309-4910).  Paul Foot doesn’t know why not originally installed.  TfB do have a small budget to remedy this type of issue and he will put forward for sign off.
(d)  Pitstone gates need repairing and painting (ref: EAG0433201311-3359).  Paul Foot advises that this will be included in next round of works.
(e)   Arranged for jetting contractor to attend Marsworth Road to clear drains & help prevent further flooding (436587/EAG0720201409-2021/EAG0749201409-4906)
3)	Bollards for Yardley Avenue junction
TfB (ref: EAG0337201310-3735) deferred to VAHT who own land.  VAHT visited site before Christmas & believe they will be able to assist as they have a Community Safety Fund.   Sending an inspector to scope and price the necessary works and will then advise PPC/TVP.
4)	Northfield Road Cycle/Pedestrian Path: John Rippon is now trying to arrange for the funds to transfer to HCC without a legal agreement.  Confirmed actual sum = £115,716.65.
5)	Marsworth-Pitstone footpath:  Marsworth Parish Council intend to use LAF funding to commission safety & feasibility audits during the current financial year and then apply for NHB funding next year.
6)	Mounds of top soil at allotments: Waiting for the soil conditions to dry out before the work can be undertaken to avoid excessive damage to the allotment site.
7)	Roundabout central light –Stuart Labross visited site 9/1/14.
8)	Castlemead Issues: Issues in hand: replace/repair damaged dog bin by Windsor Road playground and repair of sunken manhole cover in carriageway.  Issues that can’t be resolved until highways adopted by BCC: bus shelters, mVAS, pedestrian crossings, street light maintenance.   Issues that should be resolved when highways brought up to adoptable standard: cycle path signage, road markings.  Issue that can’t be resolved until all residential and industrial complete: post box.   Issues asked BCC/TW to resolve: barriers on cycle path by Windsor Road playground & by alleyway from Castle Close to Windsor Road; Sandall Road request for bollards/chicanes, however the parish council has not be copied on any correspondence from the residents to TW.
9)	Parish map: In progress.  	
10)	Lighting: (a) basketball square: OLS will fix once ground firmer to enable access.

156/13	CORRESPONDENCE 

	The correspondence received this month was discussed and noted (Appendix 2).   

157/13	PLANNING MATTERS

1)	The Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) Rejected

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the Vale of Aylesbury Plan submitted by Aylesbury Vale District Council on two main grounds:
a)   Insufficient co-operation and collaboration with neighbouring councils
b)   Insufficient housing growth to accommodate the districts own requirements or a share of housing needs that neighbouring councils may not be able to supply
They concluded that it was “not justified or effective and it is not consistent with national policy”.  AVDC has been forced to withdraw the plan and the further hearings sessions scheduled have been cancelled.

	The VALP had provided for significant less housing growth than that previously specified within the original plan to central government targets.  The VALP required the villages to accommodate an additional 50 properties each.  In Pitstone’s case, this is on top of those already in the plan for the Pitstone Development Area outlined in 2005.    In light of the Planning Inspectorate report, AVDC are expected to increase the housing requirement when they produce the revised version of the Vale of Aylesbury Plan, and this has been confirmed verbally but not yet in writing.

The official planning position from AVDC is that it will continue to use the saved Local Plan as a basis for deciding planning applications.    Verbally, they have acknowledged that whilst some areas of the Local Plan match the National Planning Policy Framework, other aspects are not as aligned and may be given ‘less weight’ during considerations.   The extent of this decision is as yet unknown and unspecified.   However, it could pose a threat to several parcels of land within the village that have previously been protected under the GP14 restrictions.

2)	Applications: 

Land at Rushendon Furlong, 13/03491/AOP, erection of 40 residential dwellings together with new access, associated parking, on-site play area and informal open space and attenuation pond.

As this was a significant application, the parish council had extended the neighbour notification scheme by: hand delivering letters to all homes in Rushendon Furlong & all affected homes in Glebe Close, advertising the application on the web site, Facebook page and via Twitter, placing notices in all the notice-boards and arranging a public drop-in session on 23 January 2014 which was also attended by Rydon Homes (the applicant).  Over 60 objections relating to over 50 properties were registered on the AVDC planning portal plus 3 submissions in support and 1 neither support nor oppose.

The parish council based its deliberations on the latest stated position from AVDC in the 29/1/14 Bulletin that “the Adopted District Local Plan 2004 remains the development plan for assessing planning applications in the district until it is replaced by the Vale of Aylesbury Plan”.  Therefore, the parish council RESOLVED to oppose this application as it would be in breach of GP14 of the Local Plan, namely that it:

•	is only developed on 2 sides
•	would encroach into open countryside / cause a loss of countryside
•	is not infill or small scale rounding of less than 5 units
There are also significant concerns, for both the local residents and the parish council, surrounding highways/paths:

•	the Transport Statement provided would appear to be misleading and not reflect the true nature of Rushendon Furlong / Marsworth Road
•	due to the proximity of the local primary school, there is a concern for the safety of children both crossing Rushendon Furlong or travelling along the re-routed section of footpath which would snake through residential roads
•	the layout of linear parking provision for some of the properties within the development would not encourage use
•	there is no public bus service to the nearest train station

PPC noted that the AVDC Biodiversity department had not tendered comments prior to our parish council meeting so would urge AVDC to ensure sufficient consideration be given to the loss of habitat and protection of biodiversity.

The parish council noted the requirements of the Buckingham and River Ouzel Internal Drainage Board relating to surface water drainage and urge AVDC to undertake sufficient investigation into the sewerage capacity.

Following the motion, the majority of public present left the meeting.

Land off Cheddington Road, 13/02942/AOP, application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved except means of access for erection of 5 residential dwellings and associated parking.    It was noted that the parish council had recently received notification of this application and that it would appear on the agenda for 27 February 2014.

3)	Decisions:

Applestore, Cheddington Road, 13/03163/ALB & 13/03272/APP – installation of twin wall flue system: Approved (PPC tendered no objections)

5 Church Road, 13/03230/APP – removal of existing attached garage and replacement with two storey side and rear extension and front porch canopy: approved (PPC tendered no objections)

4)	AVDC Development Committee:

Willows Park, Horton Road, Slapton, extension to gypsy site to provide additional 8 pitches being heard at AVDC development committee today (30/1/14).

158/13	PROPERTY ISSUES

1.	Pavilion

a)	It was RESOLVED not to permit a mobile catering van on site during matches.
b)	It was RESOLVED to accept the necessary costs to reinforce 3 fence posts & replace roof tiles following the high winds.
c)	It was RESOLVED to approve PAT tests for the pavilion and youth café equipment during the Easter school holidays.
d)	It was RESOLVED to grant permission for Tring Town AFC to use the pavilion site for their home games during the 2014/15 season.   Permission to be granted on a season-by-season basis to enable monitor of ground erosion etc and review hire charges.
e)	It was RESOLVED to grant permission for Party in the Park to hold a series (possibly 6) car boot sales at the site during the summer closed period on the condition that (a) 25% of profit is providing to the parish council towards upkeep of the pavilion (b) the committee have an effective traffic management plan to ensure vehicles don’t queue towards the blind bridge (c) the ground is in a suitable condition to accommodate the sale (d) the sale will not hinder ground restoration works (e ) the council reserve the right to charge for any damage to the ground / cleaning / litter removal etc.

2.	Play Space
a)	It was RESOLVED to appoint Wicksteed to understand annual playground inspections for all three playgrounds.
b)	It was RESOLVED to employ M F London to adjust the self-closing gates to comply with legislation.
c)	Council should note that a replacement bin/bin top will be required near the hall/rear car park shortly as it is not possible to swap the tops to replace the lid.

159/13	OTHER ISSUES

1)	Youth Café

a)	It was RESOLVED to arrange a meeting with AVYFC to confirm management of the café until March 2015.
b)	It was RESOLVED to purchase an Acer projector to replace the faulty one at the youth café, cost approx. £180 if there is any sale stock still available.

2)	100 Year Centenary of World War I
It was RESOLVED to establish what other local bodies (museum, church, school, WI, British Legion) may be doing to mark this commemoration before deciding on activity for the parish council.

3)	Dog Fouling
AVDC has been very supportive and helpful.  They surveyed the area and confirmed that we have the right amount of bins in the right places, and affixed some additional signage.  They arranged for the path to be cleaned on 20/1/14 and this will be repeated on a monthly basis at the same time as the AVDC litter pick/bin emptying.  They will monitor the situation to see if in the short term, whilst dog owners are using footpaths and not field paths, the cleaning needs to be increased.  AVDC will approach Brookmead & Windmill pre-school to see if they would be willing to run an awareness campaign and potentially make posters.  AVDC also volunteered to attend a village fete/community event to help educate dog owners.  Some councils have had much success with the ‘any bin will do’ campaign.  It was RESOLVED to support these initiatives.

4)	BMKALC Accounts and Finance Training
It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure of £45 plus £1.78 booking fee for the clerk/RFO to attend the above course in March.

5)	Boundary Commission Review
It was RESOLVED not to respond to the above consultation at present.

6)	Bus Shelters
It was RESOLVED to replace the vandalised panes, like-for-like, with more glass at a cost of £729 + VAT.

7)	
LAF Local Area Planning Refresh
a)	It was RESOLVED to respond to the LAF citing (a) footpaths between villages (b) activities & facilities for young people 11+ and (c) road improvements required, as the top priorities for the parish.
b)	It was RESOLVED to write to Chiltern Transport and seek their co-operation with using the top road and not the High Street road for their HGV traffic.  The firm had been most helpful previously.

8)	Hedge Cutting Strategy
a)	It was RESOLVED that the Pitstone Hill Car Park hedge and the hedge at the allotment sites should move to a 3 year hedge management strategy to encourage biodiversity and promote the health of the hedge.
b)	It was RESOLVED that the Recreation Ground and Pavilion site hedges would be maintained on an annual basis to help improve security and appearance.

9)	Marsworth Road grass verge
a)	It was noted that the hedge contractor that had destroyed the grass mounds either side of the layby opposite Masons, had returned to re-instate them.   They would be finished with grass seed shortly.  The parish council was grateful for the support of the hedge owned, Mr Leach, in resolving this matter.
b)	It was RESOLVED to purchase 4 x small lawn signs to be located along this verge at the back by the hedge, reminding residents not to park on the grass because the daffodils are growing there (cost £46.02 + VAT).

10)	Annual Assembly
a)	It was RESOLVED to employ Mrs Graves to conduct a leaflet drop for the annual assembly agenda again in 2014 at a cost of approx. £112 to distribute & £50.40 to print.
b)	It was RESOLVED to just offer tea/coffee/biscuits during the interval.
c)	It was RESOLVED to invite residents to write down their questions during the first half of the session, for council to respond to during the public question time.  Cllr Saintey to explain during his introduction session.
d)	It was RESOLVED to offer a donation of £30.00 to Dave Short for the bat presentation.

11)	Portable Skate Park
It was RESOLVED to hire the portable skate park during the February half term holiday, at the discounted cost of £40 per hour.  Total cost £120.

160/13	PITSTONE PARISH DEVELOPMENT PLANS

1)	Pitstone Development Area
No further progress from 9/1/14 meeting.

2)	Leisure Development (funded from S106, grants and parish council funds)
a)	Skate Park: 
	Unable to progress further without landowners’ permission to install (see above).
b)	Play Space
The parish council is still awaiting the tree protection report for submission to AVDC to discharge the planning condition.

161/13	PITSTONE RECREATION GROUND CHARITY AND PITSTONE PARISH CHARITY

1)	Pitstone Recreation Ground Charity
a)	It was RESOLVED to approve a £600.00 donation to A J Groom & Son towards work carried out on the recreation ground.
b)	It was noted that the charity were obtaining a quote to clear the drainage ditch.

2)	Pitstone Parish Charity
No update available for the parish council.

162/13	FINANCIAL ISSUES  

1)	Quarterly Grant Considerations.
None received.

2)	Annual Review of Internal Controls and Annual Internal Audit   
The council undertook the annual review of internal controls, and undertook an annual internal audit.  It was RESOLVED that council were happy with the existing arrangements in place and no recommendations were put forward.

3)	New Homes Bonus Grant Scheme
It was RESOLVED to continue supporting a joint bid between Pitstone and Marsworth Parish Councils for a foot/cycle path between the two villages, rather than submit a bid for other infrastructure projects.

4)	Financial Position & Payments
The council RESOLVED to make the payments outlined in Appendix 3, and the cheques were duly signed by 3 members of the council.  The income, debtors and financial reconciliation/ summary information was noted.   

5)	Internal Controls
The regular controls were carried out with no issues arising or amendments to the procedures recommended.

163/13	REPORTS 

1)	Cllr Saintey provided feedback from the Memorial Hall Charity management meeting.  It was RESOLVED that the clerk would check & confirm the extent of duties of a custodian trustee.
2)	Cllr Saintey provided feedback from the LCPLG meeting.
3)	The mVAS data for Marsworth Road was noted.  New Local Area Technician, Rob Anderson, attending a site visit in February regarding repositioning of this unit.
4)	AVDC’s adoption of Phase II public open space within Castlemead was noted.  It was RESOLVED to write to AVDC Planning Enforcement regarding the continued breach of enforcement notice at 16a Vicarage Road, whose boundary meets this land.
5)	Faulty bridge sign on Vicarage Road reported to TfB (EAG2832201402-3258) and since fixed by LAT.
6)	Other reports in the Clerks report were noted. 

164/13	THE FOLLOWING REMINDERS WERE NOTED

•	AVDC monthly litter picks on approximately 2nd of each month
•	Parish Council meetings: 27/2/14, 27/3/14, 24/4/14, 29/5/14, 26/5/14, 31/7/14, 28/8/14, 25/9/14, 23/10/14, 27/11/14, 8/1/15.
•	Pitstone Annual Assembly: Tuesday 13 May 2014 at 7.30pm.  Dave Short booked to present about bats and bring a live bat.
•	Aylesbury Vale Transport Users Group meetings: 4/3/14 (Corey Cashman)
•	European and English council elections 22 May 2014 (parish council not due until 2015)
•	LAF meetings: 12/2/14 (Edlesborough), 13/5/14, 4/9/14, 26/11/14
•	Play around the Parish sessions provisionally booked for am on 10/4/14, 5/8/14 and 20/8/14.
•	Party in the Park 2014: 12/7/14
•	West Coast Mainline major engineering works at Watford, so no trains on following dates in 2014: 3-5/5/14, 8-25/8/14, 25-29/12/14, 3-6/4/15
•	Lighting of the Paralympic torch for winter games 1/3/14 at Stoke Mandeville Stadium
•	Brookmead working party to clear Whistle Brook 09.30-13.00 Sat 1/2/14
•	100 Year Centenary of WWI (28 July 1914 start of war, 4 August 1914 England declared war)
•	BMKALC Accounts & Finance training 5/3/14 – Clerk
•	Internal audit: 14/5/14

165/13	DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

	The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 27 February 2014.  Councillors requested no items for the agenda.  The next pavilion committee meeting will be notified in due course.

166/13	CLOSURE OF MEETING

	There being no further business to be transacted, the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.25pm.

Signed:			Date:	27 February 2014
	 Chairman