WILSHAMSTEAD PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held remotely online on Monday 12th October 2020 at 7.00pm
PRESENT: Eric Benton (Vice Chair), Marc Frost, Richard Draycott, Mark Brooks, Geoff Odell, James Carroll, Lizzie Barnicoat (Clerk), and one member of the public.
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
The Chair welcomed all attendees, there were apologies for absence received
from Nigel Jacobs and Borough Councillor Graeme Coombes. 2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST FOR THE MEETING:
There was a declaration of interest received for the meeting received for finance matters from EB and MF, and MF declared an interest in items concerning Longmeadow Drive.
3. OPEN FORUM: No public statements.
4. PLANNING WORKING GROUP UPDATES ON APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS:
Detailed plans downloaded from the Bedford Borough website can be accessed in the Planning Documents folder within this meeting’s SharePoint folder.
o objections to this application, they would ask that the applicant replace any tree removed with
another tree so there is no overall loss of greenery in this area.
five bedroom house on this plot is out of keeping with the neighbours, 3 bed houses on one side and the single storey Wisson Court on the other. It will dominate the street scene. Also the fence on the Wisson Court side of the rear garden will together with the existing high fence of Wisson Court create a narrow dark unlit section of alleyway which would be perceived as unsafe. It is noted that the fence at the rear of the property is set back from the surface of another
a) 20/02080/LBC Replacement of South West window with new doors, repositioning kitchen, replacement utility units, new en-suite bathrooms, widened entrance gateway and crossover at Church Farm, 18 Vicarage
Lane – the Council unanimously agreed to respond with n
b) 20/02079/FUL Widened entrance gateway and crossover at Church Farm, 18 Vicarage Lane - the Council unanimously agreed to respond with no objections to this application, they would ask that the applicant replace any tree removed with another tree so there is no overall loss of greenery in this
area.
c) 20/01981/REM All reserved matters for the erection of a detached dwelling, pursuant to Outline permission 17/02975/OUT (Approved under Appeal Ref: APP/K0235/W/18/3200211) at Land West Of 1 Hampton Close
– the Council unanimously agreed to respond in objection as a
alleyway so that there would be no such safety worries but the Parish Council would want a condition that the Wisson Court side alleyway fence be similarly set back if permission were granted. Also if permission was granted the Parish Council would want an additional street light to be installed so this alleyway would be lit. Whilst it is good that bin storage and cycle storage would be provided in the rear garden it appears that the gap between the garage and 1 Hampton Close is narrow and getting the bins and cycles through this gap would be not easy / even possible. This would seem to indicate that the bins and the cycles would have to come through the garage as there appears to be no rear garden gate. The Council has concerns about any such access through the garage. The lack of dimensions doesn’t help the Council to understand what clearance, if any, there would be for the bins and cycles with a vehicle in the garage. The Parish Council has concerns regarding the current crowded parking in Hampton Close and any additional on road parking created by a new 5 bed house will exacerbate this. Currently houses in Whitworth Way have garages in their rear gardens which are accessed via Hampton Close. These garages are narrow and require road space all across Hampton Close in order to go into or exit them. Other vehicles relating to Whitworth Way houses are parked by their back gardens due to the narrowness of Whitworth Way and difficulty in parking there. If permission was granted then the Parish Council would want No Parking restrictions to be placed along Hampton Close immediately outside this property and a drop kerb across its full width so all vehicles could be parked off road at right angles to the house, so vehicles wouldn’t have to be shuffled around to create sufficient off road parking. The Parish Council also has concerns regarding the various manholes on the site as they and the services they give access to don’t seem to be mentioned in the application. These services presumably relate to surrounding properties and access is likely to be important to them. In summary this development will be out of keeping with the street scene and will put additional access pressures on the existing residents of Whitworth Way and Hampton Close as well as residents in the surrounding area who use the alleyways around this site. There is also concern that during construction, associated vehicles and traffic will cause problems in this area.
would have much less adverse impact.
Haynes Park -
A much smaller house with good off road parking
d) CB/20/02117/MAF Meeting Hall (Class D1) incorporating ancillary facilities including toilets, medical rooms and circulation. Demolition of the pool structure and landscaping including reinstatement of historic landscape features, hard and soft standing and a wilderness garden at
Action: 6.02: PWG To submit comments to Central Bedfordshire Council expressing concern over the possible use of the Carriage Drive to access RSSB at Haynes Park and get feedback. Still awaiting reply from Central Bedfordshire Council as to whether they would have to give any additional permissions to allow the use of the rear entrance to Haynes Park off Cotton
End Road, Wilstead. Action: 6.02: Ongoing
The Council unanimously agreed to respond with no objection t
o this application. However although the Transport Plan does not mention any access through the Carriage Drive off Cotton End Road in Wilstead it is shown in documents in this application. The Parish Council would want
conditions that if access was required via the Carriage Drive then this route which is a poorly surfaced, single track with few passing places would be restricted to emergency vehicles only. It should be noted that national pipelines cross the Carriage Drive with temporary looking covers on them where they cross.
Comments to be submitted in response to the above planning applications.
Action 10.01: PWG
e) Update 20/01666/MAO outline application with all matters reserved (except for access) for the demolition of existing buildings on site and residential development of up to 69 dwellings with public open space,
access from Luton Road, at land east of Luton Road –
Action 9.03 All Councillors To give further feedback on the application Councillors had provided supporting reasons for an objection to the
application to be submitted, this had been sent to the local authority.
Action 9.04: Complete
Action 9.04: GC To call this application in to ensure that it is considered by the full Planning Committee The Planning Officer has responded to GC that they are minded to refuse the application now the Council have a five year
land supply. Action 9.04: Complete
f)
20/02264/FUL Erection of 2 two bedroom dwellings on each side of existing terrace, with associated parking, new access and modification of the existing car parking arrangements at 2 - 8 Longmeadow Drive – MF declared an interest in this application and took no part in the discussion. Councillors unanimously agreed to object to this application, on the grounds that it is against the village design policy and a three storey property is totally out of keeping. It will impact negatively on the street scene, and there are concerns over the inadequate parking provision with these proposed new properties given the current challenges in the area. There will also be a loss of windows for the existing end of terrace buildings and the proposals will make the current end of terrace properties, mid terrace dwellings which is a fundamental and significant change for them.
The Local Government Boundary Commission draft recommendations consultation relating to the new Ward boundaries will need to be a future agenda item ahead of the 7th December deadline. Action 10.02: Clerk
5. PLAY AREA WORKS UPDATE AND AGREEMENT OF WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN
Action 6.04: PAWG To ensure appropriate assessments are being undertaken ahead of the play area re-opening. Action 6.04: Ongoing
The Council unanimously agreed to approve the cost of £150 plus VAT for a survey of the timber framed climber. MB to meet with surveyor.
Action 10.03: PAWG
6. CONSIDERATION OF FURTHER COMMUNITY SAFETY CAMERAS IN THE PARISH:
Action 9.08: Clerk To seek resident views in the next Homewatch article on increasing camera provision See responses collated in supporting document in meeting file. Action 9.08: Complete
There had been a project update document circulated to all, it was agreed to
have multiple keys cut for the cabinet and the cost to be reimbursed.
Action: 10.04: MF
The Parish Council reviewed the residents feedback, taking this into consideration it was agreed to seek quotations for the additional cameras to
be located at the village entrances as well as the bottle bank.
Action: 10.05: MF
The different options regarding additional cameras would be discussed at the
next meeting. Action 10.06: Clerk
7. CONSIDERATION OF FORMALLY ADOPTING THE LAND OFF
BEDFORD ROAD:
Action 9.09 MB To seek resident views via social media on potential future
use of land off Bedford Road Action 9.09: Complete
Following a review of the residents feedback, it was unanimously agreed by the full Council to explore the transfer of the land off Bedford Road, with the Finance and General Purposes Working Group to lead the negotiations with the Borough Council. RD offered support with this work, and it was noted the
use of the land would form part of the considerations.
Action 10.06: F&GP WG
8. PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCIES
It was noted JM had resigned from the Parish Council, the Monitoring Officer
to be notified. Action 10.07: Clerk
The vacancy notice had been displayed following GD’s resignation.
9. FINANCE MATTERS:
a) Quotes for consideration:
It was unanimously agreed to accept the quotation for the noticeboard repairs, at a cost of £70 and the Council’s preference being wood. It was asked for the contractor to review the noticeboard at the cross roads and offer advice and feedback.
Action 10.24: EB To seek quotations to improve the area in front of the Crossroads shops. Quotations to include the hedge removal The removal of hedging is the only action at this stage. MB has received quote from local tree company. EB has confirmed with Pharmacy permission to remove hedge.
Review further improvements to the area when the work to install the Christmas Tree is complete Action 10.24: Ongoing
b) Invoices to be paid
Payment of accounts:
Payee Service Amount
The Council reviewed the quotation from Andy Muskett Ltd for the associated work relating to the village Christmas tree and the Bowls Club light, it was unanimously agreed to accept the quote. MF to follow up with the contractor.
Action 10.08: Clerk
Action 10.09: MF
The quotation from Albion Trees for hedge work at the cross roads was unanimously agreed to be accepted for £350.00, payment between meetings on satisfactory completion of the work was agreed to ensure the contractor
received a timely payment.
1. Barnicoat Ltd
2. ARWorboysLtd
3. Agrovista
Clerking service September £887.37 GrassCutting £593.28 JubileePitchAeration(payabletothe
Football Club £1408.80 less £200.00) £1208.80
4. Reimbursementallotmenttrophyengraving(payabletoEricBenton)
£20.00
5. RouterforCCTVsystem(payabletoMarcFrost) £63.00
6. South East Security Jubilee and other installation costs & cameras
finalisation £3,077.50 plus VAT
7. BritishLegion Remembrancedonation £50.00
EB and MF declared an interest in items 4 and 5 respectively and took no part in the discussion.
Accompanying invoices filed ahead of this meeting in the Invoices and Quotations folder of Parish Council documents held online within the folder for this meeting in Office 365 SharePoint As minuted in March 2020 the F&GP WG is delegated to approve and pay the above items electronically. However, these items are yet to be paid, so it is proposed that payment of the above be made.
Payments made out of meeting:
Plus Net Telephone and broadband
Riches Skip Allotment clearance work
Riches Skip Allotment clearance work
Councillors resolved for all the above payments to be made.
c) External audit
10. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION RECEIVED:
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Homewatch newsletter copy
Homewatch article submitted
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
Bank statements
Crime statistics - forwarded
ERTA Voluntary Transport email
Allotment tenant various communications
Burial ground and associated communications
Wilstead emergency group communications regarding Coronavirus updates from Public Health England
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Continued communications from NALC and BATPC information and updates on the coronavirus situation and how this impacts local councils
£21.60 direct debit £327.00 plus VAT £327.00 plus VAT
No formal feedback to date from external auditors.
Action 9.13: Clerk To submit the 2018/19 internal audit report and associated
action to external auditors Action 9.13: Complete
BBC Village Car Park work to barrier communications
BATPC Bugle – circulated
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
Resident concerns regarding Luton Road compound usage ongoing communications with local authority regarding enforcement and Parish Council communications
Village Hall communication regarding re-opening of the Hall – circulated
Copied into communications regarding Wilstead Woodland transfer
Copied into communication regarding remote Doctor’s appointments
Resident concerns regarding a blocked ditch Whitworth Way – responded to
Village Hall booking communications regarding next meeting dates
Copied into communications regarding 20/01367/FULL Haynes Park
Copied into communications with Persimmon
BATPC Government's White Paper 'Planning for the Future'
Copied into communication seeking clarity on the current capacity of the
village school
Local Plan village facilities information requested from Borough Council -
submitted
Bedford Borough Council Special Expenses consultation communications –
circulated to F&GP WG
Copied into communications regarding hedge removal at Crossroads
GC confirming Planning Officers for planning applications within the parish
Communications regarding the Local Plan call for sites being published
Confirmation Albion Tree quotation for works at Crossroads accepted
Allotment clearance work and skip ordering
Copied into Officer communication regarding Whitworth Way footway works
Resident feedback regarding the piece of land at Bedford Road – responded
to
Bedford Borough Council update on Bedford Town Investment Plan ready for
review – circulated
Resident concern with weeds outside 22 Luton Road – responded to and
forwarded to Highways Helpdesk
Resident feedback regarding the piece of land at Bedford Road – responded
to
Parish and Town Council £200 Grant for a defibrillator
Letter from the Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council – forwarded
SME confirming noting change to contact details
Communications regarding notifying affected residents of Jubilee Way tree
works
Police community priority setting meeting communication – circulated Resident concerned September Parish Council was recorded – responded to
BATPC advice sought on recording of Parish Council’s meeting
Resident communication regarding Jubilee Tree work – responded to Resident enquiry regarding Luton Road application and Parish Council response – responded to
Resident concern regarding football field hedge cutting – responded to
Resident communication regarding Whitworth Way play area – responded to
Homewatch communication regarding the format the Parish Council receive
the crime figures – responded to
Confirmation that planning application 20/01666/MAO has been called in
Bedford Borough Local Plan - Call for sites information – circulated
BBC information on local track and trace – forwarded to F&GPWG
Police update regarding new Inspector – circulated
Village Hall communications regarding track and trace
Copied into resident concern over poor conditions of highways and
footways in Wilstead sent to Borough Council
BBC Tree Warden communications regarding tree at junction of Longmeadow Drive and Church Farm Avenue
BBC update regarding orange recycling sacks – forwarded for social
media and PC website
BBC Parish & Town Council Network - next meeting – circulated
BATPC AGM information – circulated
BATPC Transforming Journeys and Passenger Rail Study – circulated
Communications regarding car causing obstruction in Pollards Close
Communications regarding grass cutting in Elms Lane
Communications regarding additional skip for allotment clearance
Enquiry regarding volunteering opportunity in the village – responded to
Communications regarding Bowls Club power supply
Resident concern regarding barriers in Whitworth Way – responded to
Enquiry regarding balancing pond land and assistance with a future scheme –
forwarded to F&GP WG
Resident communication regarding grass cutting – responded to
Resident concern regarding speeding in Cotton End Road – responded to
Resident communication regarding grass cutting – responded to
Resident request for Parish Council data protection policy – responded to
Resident concern over woodland fires – responded to
Resident feedback regarding Homewatch article items – responded to
Resident feedback regarding land off Bedford Road – responded to
Resident communication regarding Parish Council noticeboard
Communication regarding village Christmas Tree donations
Resident reporting Northwood Lane street light not working
11. TO AGREE THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 7th SEPTEMBER:
Councillors received a copy of the last meeting minutes. It was noted that the minutes require an amendment to the CCTV discussion item.
The Working Group items to be listed as an appendix to the meeting minutes.
12. CLOSE OF MEETING:
Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm
The following items are a collation of the latest reports from Parish Council Working Groups and, whilst they represent the latest status, they were not
Action 10.10: Clerk
discussed at the meeting as none required a decision to be made and no further explanation was necessary.
PLANNING
DECISIONS TO BE NOTED:
20/01667/LDP Certificate to confirm that the details submitted do not require planning permission (Single storey rear extension and garage alterations/conversion) at 34 Armstrong Close - Certificate Issued
20/01554/FUL |Remodelling of existing dwelling including two storey front extension, new pitched roof to existing flat roof area to side, roof extension and rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion and front porch at 93 Whitworth Way - Refused
20/01466/TPO 1x Large Holm oak tree to reduce in height back to previous points then reduce remaining lateral branches in by 2m all over to good growth points at Duck End Farm House, 7 Duck End Lane - Permitted
20/01267/FUL Single storey side and rear extension to match existing roof line and dormers to side to utilise loft space at 12A Ivy Lane - Refused
ANY OTHER PLANNING MATTERS:
submitted.
The Parish Council response
Action 7.04: PWG A response to be submitted outlining that Wilstead must not be classified as Key Rural Service Centre given its immediate proximity to
Wixams and the reducing local facilities
Action 9.05: PWG To submit the agreed planning responses
Action 7.04: Complete
Action 9.12 PWG To check on how much / which parts of Longmeadow Drive has been adopted by the Borough Council map circulated by Borough
Action 9.05: Complete
Council. Action 9.12 Complete
To note Local Plan village facilities information requested from Borough
Council was submitted.
It was noted the Borough Council results for the 'Call for Sites’ for the new Local Plan has resulted in the submission of 17 potential sites from local
landowners totalling a potential 2412 houses.
NP Group letters to be sent to identified properties for the heritage list.
Action 10.11: Clerk
Follow up communications with Bellway Developments to be taken forwards with the Parish Council to challenge the wording regarding open space
management. Action 10.12: Clerk
BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Action 2.05 (19): GC To clarify with the local authority the chain of communications during such an incident and who tells Cadent there is an emergency plan in place in the parish. Feedback from GC discussed, it was
agreed to delete the action. Action 2.05 (19): To be Deleted
Action 11.05 (19): GC To pursue Cotton End Road width of footway concern reported to local authority, widening the path as part of their capital
improvement works. Action 11.05: Ongoing
PLAY AREA
Action 9.06: Clerk To place additional signage in and around the Whitworth Way area to make it clear the equipment is closed MB had kindly actioned.
Action 9.06: Complete Action 9.07: Clerk To claim back the cost of hiring the fence from Playdale
Action 9.07: Ongoing
ENVIRONMENT
Action 1.12: EB/RD To continue liaison with the Borough Council on A6 completion and remedial action on Luton and Bedford Roads following completion. Action now moves on with the Borough Council planning to undertake remedial work to Luton Road which has been budgeted in this Financial Year. Recent on-site meeting with Andrew Tipple, Bedford Project Engineer, to discuss remedial action required including installation of a mini roundabout at the crossroads and reshaping of the Luton Road at the pedestrian crossing to provide a safer crossing by residents. Explanation of details requested with the updated information from the Borough indicating completion February / January Action 1.12: Ongoing
Action 3.05 EB To arrange fitment of additional meter at allotments An additional meter has been fitted at the Bowls Club to measure the amount of water used for watering the green. This will allow a calculation of the correct proportion of water usage not returned to the sewer. A revised rate has been requested from Anglian Water based upon the amount used for irrigation. Response has been to request more information over a longer period of time.
Action 3.05 Ongoing
Action 3.07 F&GP WG The group offering to contribute to the installation of the village Christmas tree have agreed to purchase, deliver and erect the tree at the crossroads. Andy Muskett has agreed to provide a secure, capped hole to accommodate the tree and connect to electric supply. It was agreed that Andy Muskett and Chris Pursell coordinate a streamlined approach for the CCTV and tree work electric supply. The Councillors agreed to authorise a maximum spend of up to £1,500 on the associated works with the tree installation including the cost of setting up an electric socket. Village residents are reported to have raised approx £700 towards the cost of the tree/installation. So far the PC has received donations totalling £150.00
Action 3.07 Ongoing Action 4.03A EWG To accept the £100 for the digger to undertake repairing the
wheel track marks at the allotment Action 4.03A: Ongoing
Action 6.11 (19): PAWG To proceed with a site visit by prospective contractors EcoSurface and Abacus Playgrounds in order to prepare more detailed quotations for the new safety surface. Also to ensure appropriate fall height / area by the Wicksteed metal climber, and check compliance with appropriate legislation. Quotes reviewed. Clarification on above points will be
sought from Contractors, liaison remains ongoing.
Action 6.11 (19): Ongoing
Action 3.03 EB /RD To seek clarity from Borough Officer if any assistance
available with cost of average speed cameras. Action 3.03 Ongoing
Action 6.07: RD To support resolution for the recent concerns expressed by residents around anti-social behaviour at playing fields on Jubilee Way and the potential threat to Bowls Club, Jubilee Centre and Parish allotments These have been reported to the Borough Council and community police. The police have agreed to supply and fit warning posters that the area is being surveyed and perform regular patrol visits. This will complement the installation of CCTV cameras in Jubilee Way and the Bowls Club.
Action 6.07: Ongoing
Borough Officer feedback received on Whitworth Way footway resurfacing which state they are on the structural maintenance forward programme for completion in financial year 22/23.
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES
Action 4.10 (18): F & GP WG To update and sign the Jubilee Centre lease given the length of time that has now passed and the lack of response from the solicitors and to be registered with the Land Registry. No progress to date.
Action 4.10 (18): Ongoing Action 11.06: F&GP WG To arrange meeting with Beds CCG IT to discuss video link doctors' appointments, as some surgeries already do this. Following queries on this topic with Beds CCG they offered a meeting to discuss this
which has yet to be taken up. Action 11.06: Ongoing Action 1.22: F&GP WG To make a recommendation on Parish Council reserves and associated policy for consideration. Was an Agenda item for March meeting but will now be addressed online and Financial Regulations amended as necessary. Action 1.22: Ongoing
Action 2.15 F&GP WG To create an annual payments schedule and incorporate into the Financial Regulations to reflect the Council's practice. Was an Agenda item for March meeting. Now will be addressed / agreed online. Action 2.15 Ongoing Action 2.16 BC,GO,JM To notify the Clerk of any training needs All training courses postponed until further notice Action 2.16 Ongoing Action 3.08 F&GPWG To Change Barclays Business Account to allow signatories to be the same as on Community (ie Current) Account. Ongoing correspondence with Barclays on-line has not resolved this yet, letter to be sent confirming request. Action 3.08 Ongoing Action 3.10 F&GPWG To arrange a meeting with residents who had expressed an interest in being a Parish Councillor. Both residents have been told that a meeting will be arranged once face to face meetings are permitted. Now there has been some relaxation in Covid rules meetings with prospective Parish Councillors will be set up. Action 3.10 Ongoing
Action 9.10 Clerk To place article in Homewatch not to park on the verge or footway after comments from residents regarding parking on the verge in
Longmeadow Drive Action 9.10 Complete
Action 4.08: Clerk To include information on financial assistance to be made widely available through the Homewatch once the revised form is created. Thorough list of funding opportunities has been collated by Clerk and
circulated to Working Group. Action 4.08: Ongoing
Action: 5:07: Clerk To make Community Chest application for Village Car Park works Awaiting for works to be complete, have followed up with the
Borough Officer when the works are due to be finished, awaiting response.
Action: 5:07: Ongoing
Action 9.01: Clerk To notify the Monitoring Officer at the local authority and display the vacancy notice Action 9.01: Complete
Action 9.02: MB/MF To de-activate GD’s email account Office365 Completed. Action 9.02: Complete
Action 9.11 F&GP To respond to a Government consultation on vergeyway
parking Action 9.11 Ongoing
JM’s email account to be de-activated Action 10.13: MF/MB