STAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 12th January 2021
Venue: Zoom (Due to Covid-19 pandemic)
Time: 7:30pm
Present: Councillors; J. Millar, D. Williams, B. Allen, M. Fuller, D. Peach, P. Burford (District Councillor and Corse Parish Council Representative), B. Lewis (District Councillor), Will Windsor-Clive (County Councillor), G. Millar (Clerk) and 1 Parishioner.
1. Chairman’s Welcome
Cllr Millar welcomed all present.
2. Receive Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Fardon.
3. Declarations of Interest
None.
4. To confirm the minutes of the previous bi-monthly meeting held on Tuesday 10th November 2020
The minutes of the previous bi-monthly meeting held on Tuesday 10th November 2020 were proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Allen to be accepted as a true record.
5. Matters Arising
Quiz
An update was given regarding the recent virtual quiz and raffle held by Staunton Parish Council. The raffle has raised £500 for the Royal British Legion, with a letter of thanks to be sent to all businesses who donated prizes.
6. County Councillor Report
County Councillor, Will Windsor-Clive reported that a consultation regarding a £480m council budget is concluding.
Additionally, within Gloucestershire County Council there are still concerns surrounding Adult Care and Child Services.
There are two elections due to take place in May 2021 for the County and Police and Crime Commissioner which are potentially going to be delayed due to the current Covid-19 situation.
Information is also to be sent to the Clerk regarding the Ash Dieback Project, Replanting Scheme for consideration by Councillors.
7. District Councillor
District Councillor, Philip Burford noted that both the Full Council Meeting and the Cabinet Meeting have recently been held at Forest of Dean District Council.
During the Full Council Meeting it was decided to devolve the Council Tax Support Scheme.
The Forest of Dean District Council’s first draft of their budget is now out for consultation following their Cabinet Meeting. On a Band D average Council Tax will increase by £5 per household. There is also a new charge for planning advice included in the budget and an additional expenditure for a new Climate Change role.
8. District Councillor
District Councillor, Brian Lewis had no further items to raise.
9. 2021/2022 Budget
After a discussion took place, the proposed 2021/2022 budget was approved by all Councillors. This was proposed by Cllr Fuller and seconded by Cllr Allen.
10.2021/2022 Precept
After a discussion took place, it was agreed by all Councillors to put forward a suggested precept figure of £4,868 to the Forest of Dean District Council. The decision to keep the precept figure the same as 2020/2021 was made in light of the current Covid-19 situation and the impact this has had on many household incomes. This was proposed by Cllr Allen and seconded by Cllr Williams.
Cllr Millar as a Corse Parishioner raised the matter of the proposed increase of Corse Parish Council’s precept to £6,500, an increase on the annual precept of £2000. Corse Parish Council Representative and Chairman Philip Burford explained the proposed increase would cover the costs of needed works to the pound, money towards a Community Initiative Fund and a new laptop for the Clerk.
The nature of this Community Initiative was challenged my Cllr Allen, who as a Corse Parishioner asked if this could be explained to the Council as to its benefit to the villages. Cllr Burford stated this was not possible as it was a commercially sensitive matter.
11.Local Plan Consultation
It was agreed by all Councillors to put forward their support for Option 2 before the closing date for consultation submissions on 29th January 2021.
12.Flooding
The ongoing A417 flooding issue was raised and discussed by Councillors. County Councillor Will Windsor-Clive noted that works to push the issue must continue. The petition, currently with over 1,100 signatures, will also remain open. Further information regarding this petition can be found at www.stauntonpc.co.uk .
Other areas of issue were all discussed by Councillors, including Nutshell Cottage that experienced flooding on 23rd December 2020 and outstanding works to be undertaken by Highways including unblocking the culvert at the holding pond adjacent to the A417.
13.Finance
Financial Report: Payments & Receipts 13/10/20 – 11/12/20
Opening Balance Brought Forward from Last Reconciliation: £2,432.76
Payments in Period:
06.11.20 000909 Clerk’s November Expenses £32.67
06.11.20 000910 Clerk’s November Salary £192.05
06.11.20 000911 Half Year Grass Cutting £80.00
06.11.20 000912 Remembrance Day Wreath £35.00
06.12.20 000913 Clerk’s December Salary £192.05
06.12.20 000914 Clerk’s December Expenses £21.67
TOTAL: £553.44
Receipts in Period:
- - -
TOTAL: £0.00
Balance After All Payments & Receipts Are Accounted For: £1,879.32
Cheques/Receipts Not Presented in Period:
- - - -
TOTAL: £0.00
Balance After Accounting for Unpresented Entries: £1,879.32
Statement of Account
Balance in Lloyds TSB Account @ 11/12/20: £1,879.32
Unpresented Cheques Drawn Post Bank Statement:
06.01.21 000915 Clerk’s January Salary £192.05
06.01.21 000916 Clerk’s January Expenses £21.67
TOTAL: £213.72
Balance After ALL Payments Clear: £1,665.60
Cllr Williams then reported the findings of the recent Internal Finance Check. The findings were the same as minuted during Staunton Parish Council’s last meeting in November 2020, where overspend on Clerk’s expenses was highlighted. This was due to unforeseen necessary items, some associated with business continuity during the pandemic.
14.Planning
P0435/20/FUL
Change of use of land to accommodate the siting of a timber framed pod holiday let. Creation of new access and parking – The Old Pyke Cottage, Old Pike, Staunton, Gloucestershire, GL19 3QJ
Staunton Parish Council Comment - OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
P2032/20/FUL
Erection of a single storey rear extension. Demolition of existing kitchen, bathroom and store/study– Glendale, Ledbury Road Crescent, Staunton, Gloucestershire, GL19 3QB
Staunton Parish Council Comment - NO OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
P2033/20/LBC
Listed building consent for the erection of a single storey rear extension. Demolition of existing kitchen, bathroom and store/study – Glendale, Ledbury Road Crescent, Staunton, Gloucestershire, GL19 3QB
Staunton Parish Council Comment - NO OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
It was also noted that there is currently an outstanding enforcement enquiry on the garage, at Glendale. which is currently being followed up.
15.Any Other Business
Corse Parish Council will be calling an additional meeting on Wednesday 27th January to further discuss the Snigs Acre planning application ‘P2162/20/FUL’.
16.Public Participation
No items were raised.
The meeting finished at 9:13pm
Signed: Date: