STAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 8th September 2020
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), W. Windsor-Clive (County Councillor), G. Millar (Clerk) and Jeff Wheeler (Invited Speaker).
1. Chairman’s Welcome
Cllr Millar welcomed all present and explained the evening’s proceedings.
2. Receive Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Fardon and District Councillor Brian Lewis.
3. Declarations of Interest
None.
4. To confirm the minutes of the previous bi-monthly meeting held on Tuesday 14th July 2020
The minutes of the previous bi-monthly meeting held on Tuesday 14th July 2020 were proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Allen to be accepted as a true record.
5. Matters Arising
Donations
Cllr Millar noted that all donations for 2020/2021 had been raised and distributed, with thanks received from SCATS and St James’ Church. There are no outstanding donation requests.
6. Three Shire Stages
An official from Cheltenham Motor Club, provided details of the Hills Ford Three Shires Stages car rally which will be held next year on Sunday 5th September 2021.
The route will involve the closure of some public roads in the parish of Staunton on that day, in accordance with new laws allowing motorsport events to take place on closed roads under the Road Traffic Act.
All properties and / or businesses directly affected by the road closures will be personally visited by a member of the organising team as soon as practically possible once the route is confirmed. This will only be carried out in accordance with government advice, in view of the current ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. Other properties / businesses indirectly affected but within close proximity to the closed roads will also be notified by letter nearer to the event.
7. County Councillor Report
County Councillor Will Windsor-Clive noted Gloucestershire County Council’s efforts to help the vulnerable and those going back to work and education. It was reported that all schools in Gloucestershire have now reopened and return to school is going well.
8. District Councillor Report
District Councillor Philip Burford said that the cabinet of Forest of Dean District Council are proposing the creation of a new leisure centre at the Five Acres site, for which they are hoping to seek private sector funding.
9. District Councillor Report
As Brian Lewis was unable to attend the meeting no report was given.
10.Website
To approve Staunton Parish Council’s Accessibility Statement in line with Website Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Staunton Parish Council’s Accessibility Statement was approved by all Councillors. This was approved by Cllr Peach and seconded by Cllr Fuller.
To provide an update regarding the development of Staunton Parish Council’s new website.
Staunton Parish Council’s new website is now live and can be accessed at www.stauntonpc.co.uk . There are a number of documents still to be uploaded and sections providing more information about local history to be added.
11.Draft Housing Strategy 2020-2024
Cllr Millar reminded all of the need to submit any comments ahead of the deadline 20th October 2020.
Cllr Fuller also noted the lack of transport and infrastructure available in Staunton.
12.Planning Consultations
Cllr Millar reminded all of the need to submit any comments ahead of the deadlines.
13.Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation
Cllr Millar reminded all of the need to submit any comments ahead of the deadline on 18th October 2020. It was agreed that Councillors will email views to the Chair or Clerk for submission.
14.A417 Flooding
Cllr Fuller explained the concerns of local residents regarding the flooding along the A417 at Maisemore and effects resulting from this.
It was also noted that Cllr Fuller has prepared a letter supported by many other local Parish Councils to be sent to Gloucestershire County Council regarding this matter. A letter of clarification has also been requested with plans for this issue to be rectified.
County Councillor Will Windsor-Clive agreed that this issue’s priority needs increasing, with the District Council needing to raise the issue of ever-increasing property numbers with Highways and the County Council as this is only going to aid in increasing the amount of problems occurring.
15.Wildflowers
Cllr Fuller enquired regarding the possibility to cultivate an area of Staunton for wildflowers. Cllr Fuller to conduct further research into this and the schemes available.
16.Quiz
Cllr Fuller announced that there are currently no plans for the reopening of The Swan in Staunton and has therefore suggested the potential use of the Village Hall for fundraising quiz nights in the meantime. Cllr Millar to enquire.
17.Litter Bins
Cllr Williams stated that a new litter bin has now been purchased and has been installed where Jubilee Place meets Millennium Cottages and Stone Road.
The waste from this bin will be collected weekly and is already well used.
18.Whitmore Way
Cllr Williams noted that Parishioners, John and Irene Carroll have identified 175 new waymarks that are needed along Whitmore Way and have kindly offered their help installing these.
Public Rights of Way Officer for Gloucestershire County Council, Suzanne Hopes has been contacted regarding this to see if any can be provided. Cllr Trevor Jones to also be contacted regarding works required within Corse.
19. Staunton and Corse Patients Group
Cllr Peach told all that there is a flu clinic due to be run in October with Covid-19 precautions in place and reminded all of the importance of continuing with the current Covid-19 precautions – washing hands, wearing a mask and keeping social distance amid a rise in cases.
20. Finance
Financial Report: Payments & Receipts 18/06/20 – 26/08/20
Opening Balance Brought Forward from Last Reconciliation: £4,285.09
Payments in Period:
06.07.20 000893 Clerk’s July Expenses £25.14
06.07.20 000894 Clerk’s July Salary £187.03
04.08.20 000895 2019/2020 Audit Fee £75.00
06.08.20 000896 Clerk’s August Expenses £141.67
06.08.20 000897 Clerk’s August Salary £187.03
06.08.20 000898 Donation to Village Hall £250.00
06.08.20 000899 Donation to Brownies £200.00
06.08.20 000900 Donation to SCATS £100.00
06.08.20 000901 Donation to St James Church £250.00
10.08.20 000902 Zoom Subscription Fee £143.88
TOTAL: £1,559.75
Receipts in Period:
05.08.20 VAT Reclaim £328.00
TOTAL: £328.00
Balance After All Payments & Receipts Are Accounted For: £3,053.34
Cheques/Receipts Not Presented in Period:
06.08.20 000898 Donation to Village Hall £250.00
06.08.20 000900 Donation to SCATS £100.00
06.08.20 000901 Donation to St James Church £250.00
TOTAL: £600.00
Balance After Accounting for Unpresented Entries: £3,653.34
Statement of Account
Balance in Lloyds TSB Account @ 26/08/20: £3,653.34
Unpresented Cheques Drawn Post Bank Statement:
06.09.20 000903 Clerk’s September Expenses £71.67
06.09.20 000904 Clerk’s September Salary £215.25
TOTAL: £286.92
Balance After ALL Payments Clear: £2,766.42
It was also agreed by all Councillors to pay the Clerk an additional £50 from the Chairman’s Fund for works done to Staunton Parish Council’s new website following the introduction of the Website Content and Accessibility Guidelines. This was proposed by Cllr Allen and seconded by Cllr Fuller.
21. 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
P0615/20/FUL
Erection of a single storey extension providing facilities for the benefit of a registered disabled person – 14 Freedom Close, Staunton, Gloucestershire, GL19 3SN
Staunton Parish Council Comment - NO OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - GRANTED PERMISSION
P0809/20/FUL
Construction of a two-storey extension to the side of the property and a single storey extension to the rear of the property. Demolition of conservatory and store to the rear of the property. Construction of drop kerb to form vehicular access – 1 Jubilee Place, Staunton, Gloucestershire, GL19 3RS
Staunton Parish Council Comment - NO OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - GRANTED PERMISSION
P1288/20/FUL
Erection of a multi-purpose agricultural building, demolition of existing agricultural building – Staunton Court, Ledbury Road, Staunton, GL19 3QD
Staunton Parish Council Comment - COUNCILLORS TO SEND A LETTER OF SUPPORT
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
P1291/20/LD1
Application under section 191 to establish the use of building as a separate single dwelling house – The Parlour, Brook Farm, Prince Crescent, GL19 3RF
Staunton Parish Council Comment - NO OBJECTION
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
P1369/20/TCA
Reduce lateral limbs by 2-3 metres of 1 oak tree – 9 Sovereign Close, Chase, Staunton, GL19 3NW
Staunton Parish Council Comment - TO CIRCULATE
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
P0087/20/DISCON
Discharge of conditions 03 (materials), 04 (CMP), 08 (cycle storage) and 11 (surface water drainage) of planning permission P0308/20/FUL – Garden Centre, Ledbury Road, Staunton, GL19 3QA
Staunton Parish Council Comment - TO CIRCULATE
FoDDC Decision - PENDING CONSIDERATION
22. Any other business
Cllr Fuller noted a rise in crime locally, and that the use of the clothing recycling bin facility at Staunton and Corse C of E Academy is being abused.
Cllr Millar asked the views of all Councillors regarding recommencement of face-to-face meetings with the reopening of Corse and Staunton Village Hall. Following a discussion, it was agreed to remain conducting Staunton Parish Council’s meetings via Zoom for the foreseeable future.
23. Public Participation
None.
The meeting finished at 9:07pm
Signed: Date: