Olveston Parish Council

Minutes for the Meeting of Olveston Parish Council, held at the Queen Alexandra Memorial Pavilion (QAMP), Old Down, on Tuesday 23rd September 2014, starting at 19:30.

Present: Mrs J Lyons, Mrs I Reid, Mr G Chappell, Mrs S Hunter, Mr J Mayes, Mr A Baxter, Mr G Anderson Mr Riddle

As the meeting started, Mrs Lyons on behalf of the Parish Council congratulated Mr Riddle on becoming Leader of South Glos Council. Mrs Lyons also informed the Council of Steve Webb’s appointment as a Privy Councillor, and it was agreed that the Clerk write a letter of congratulations to Mr Webb.

Min 87/14 Visitors – Bob Evely, Avon & Somerset Police and Mr Peter Floyd

Representing the Parish Vision Group, Mr Floyd attended the meeting to contribute to the discussions about Community Land Trusts, the Old Deer Park and the SGC ‘Policies, Sites & Places (PSP) Plan’.

Mr Evely informed the meeting that the current beat manager (‘Art’) had recently retired from the Police, the post has now been temporarily filled, but permanent recruitment is awaiting authorisation. It is hoped to supplement PCSO Kelly Dimery with further support, but again recruitment authorisation is required. The area team is also looking into creative ways to engage with the public, to plan the beat to improve visibility and encourage more flexible surgeries. Avon & Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire forces are now engaged in sharing resources, and have a singular Road Policing Unit (RPU). Currently Avon & Somerset are meeting their targets for responding to Emergency Calls, but falling short for Grade 2 Crimes, and it was noted that the PFI funded Police Station at Filton is now open.

Mr Evely then reviewed the Crime statistics for the area since 1st April. There were 11 ‘Rural Crimes’ with a spurt in April, May and the beginning of June, but this mirrored similar figures in the Severn Vale area, and is believed to have been teams from Henbury and Lawrence Weston, but insufficient evidence has so far been obtained. Zero ‘Vehicle Crimes’, 2 ‘Antisocial Behaviour’ and 2 ‘Violence against Person’ have also been reported in this period. Mr Evely noted that ‘Antisocial Behaviour’ was more from neighbour disputes and less involving groups and that the police didn’t really require ‘Dispersal Orders’, and observed that in recent years the Police Force had seen a reduction in this type of crime at Halloween. There has however been a big hike in ‘Non-Dwelling Burglaries’ (8) from Barns and Outbuildings.

The meeting then discussed safety around the School and Speeding through the parish. The Police & Crime Commissioner is also interested in pushing road safety and reducing casualties which will help with providing resources. Mr Evely gave a reminder of the 3 Strike System, whereby the School is entitled to fill out a form which is passed to RPU, initially to write to the Vehicle owner, followed by visit @ home and then ramping up to a Fixed Penalty notice. Mr Evely offered targeted assistance around the Primary School, and the meeting felt it would be useful to monitor speed at the same time, especially in the morning. Mr Evely noted that theoretically a uniformed Police Officer was expected to attend 1 in 4 events, his intention being to meet this target and improve on the follow through action with the drivers identified.

Mrs Lyons then thanked Mr Evely for this information and support, and Mr Evely left the meeting.

Min 88/14 Apologies for absence - Mr J Hughes, Mr R Panes

1 of 6 Min 89/14 Declarations of interests

Mrs Lyons - Ingst Wind Farm Mr Anderson – Allotments Mr Baxter – Allotments, Intelligent Solutions, Mike’s Maintenance Services,

Min 90/14 Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 26th August 2014 were circulated. Mrs Reid proposed that the minutes were a fair record of the meeting, Mr Baxter seconded the proposal, and agreed by all present.

Min 91/14 Matters arising from the minutes

Car Parking @ Old Down - Several Councillors expressed concern that the new parking area was not being used for overflow parking but rather as primary parking for the Bowls Club contrary to their original understanding. It was suggested that the area be chained off until the rest of the conventional parking was full. It was felt that this condition was made clear to the Bowls Club. Mr Mayes offered to put a chain across the entrance with a combination lock and was tasked with looking into the feasibility.

The meeting noted that a parishioner had again contacted the Council concerning the parking at Old Down, and Mr Riddle noted that a letter had been drafted and offered to copy the Clerk for circulation and comment.

Advertising by Olveston Town Football Club - During the meeting about the QAMP Building Improvements, the Football Club had again asked about advertising, and agreed to supply a document detailing what they are proposing and the actual benefits anticipated. The Parish Council have not yet received this document.

Transfer of Parish Hall Car Park Power Supply onto Hall Meter - A competent Electrician has quoted for this work and confirmed that the work could be done legally. However the Electrical Company has suggested that a two phase meter supply was required. The situation needs to be fully evaluated. Mr Anderson offered to take the issue forward and present at the next Rec & Leisure Meeting.

Safety Lighting at QAMP - Mrs Lyons proposed that the Quotation for the Safety Lighting was acceptable and the work undertaken, Mr Baxter seconded the proposal, and all present agreed with the work.

Action 91/14/1 Clerk to contact Electrician to proceed with the work.

Mr Anderson left the Meeting at 8:30

Planting of Bulbs around the Parish - The Clerk informed the meeting that the Rec & Leisure Committee have walked around the parish and identified a number of suitable sites for bulb planting, and that Mr Hughes had received a quotation for this years planting that would be presented later in the meeting for approval. Mr Floyd questioned whether the bulbs being bought were cultivated or wild, as there was a distinct difference in size and suggested that the larger cultivated bulbs should be focused within the villages rather than in rural sites.

Mr Riddle reminded the meeting if tree planting sites were being considered then it would be a good time to replace the tree at Pump Lane that is bent over.

2 of 6 Min 92/14 Meetings with Other Local Bodies

Olveston School Travel Plan (OSTP) – Nothing back yet from Officer, and the Car Park is being used – await feedback.

Parish Vision – Very successful drop in event was held on the 13th September, with 103 people coming through the door, this has led to 7 new volunteers for Speed Watch, and other volunteers for the Parish Vision. Comments from the day are currently being processed, but 4 Towns Link want to discuss transport options for kids to the Mall, Thornbury etc.

Wind Farm Benefits Group – No Update this month

Old Down Sports Clubs – Ongoing.

Olveston Parish Community Development Project – Report with Councillors, no further comment

SGC Consultations –

Broadband in Olveston – secondary boxes have not been upgraded, so many residents are not benefiting from the Broadband Upgrade. This Consultation therefore needs a response.

SSCG’s – to save money, these activities are to be shelved, a suitable response is required as this is a good forum to discuss policing issues among other activities.

Community Composting Consultation – needs to be further supported.

Min 93/14 Committee reports

1. Recreation & Leisure – No update this month

2. Planning

No known issues with Footpaths in the parish. The Council is still awaiting feedback from SGC about the gates on the Common. The Parish Council has been notified about a planning appeal on 14th & 15th October by Ingst Hill Farm (PT12/3318/CLE).

Concern was raised about the level of fly posting on Telegraph poles, and particularly that they were not being removed once the event had been held. It was suggested that the Council could provide public notice boards around the Parish – for example the Linella notice board opposite the Stores, if the owner amenable.

Community Land Trust (CLT) Mr Chappell (& Mr Floyd) reviewed the Inaugural Meeting of the Olveston Parish Community Development Project that he had recently co-chaired with Mike Wright of the PCC. Members of the Parish Council, PCC, local Land Owners and the Parish Vision Committee, were invited to explore the possibility of finding land for Cemetery Expansion, and to resolve local housing issues. Through the Parish Vision Committee, Dick Whittington had been approached and suggested that Community Land Trusts be considered, and in turn arranged for Wessex Community Assets to give a presentation about CLT’s, and suggest how they could benefit the Parish.

3 of 6 Wessex has already undertaken several schemes in the South West to a high standard, and have the capacity into 2015 to help with a local scheme. Wessex would help establish the CLT(s), and once suitable Land is identified and a Housing Needs Survey conducted to identify requirements, then a Housing Association can become involved to provide housing, although through the CLT the Local Community decide the mix of housing required. Mr Chappell informed the Parish Council that one of the outcomes agreed was to organise a public meeting to publicise CLT’s to residents, and was looking towards an event on the 18th November.

Several Councillors expressed an interest in how Wessex were financed, and to meet with Wessex to explore the opportunity further. After further discussion Mrs Hunter proposed that in principal the Parish Council were interested in finding out more about forming a Community Land Trust, this was seconded by Mr Mayes and agreed by all present.

Action 93/14/1 Clerk to arrange for the Parish Council to meet Wessex on either the 14th or 21st October, at 8pm. Action 93/14/2 Clerk to advertise the public meeting on the 18th November in Parish Matters

Housing Needs Survey - an integral part of supplying suitable Housing in the Parish. SGC have limited funds to support this work and prefer schemes in which potential land has already been identified. It was understood that SGC would be prepared to process the data generated from the Survey, if the Parish and associated bodies (Parish Vision Group) could organise publishing and distribution.

Action 93/14/3 Mr Baxter to email Councillors with the ‘Affordable Housing’ Definition

Sites and Places Policy – Mrs Reid on behalf of the Parish Council expressed thanks to Richard Lloyd for his help in completing the Parishes response to this SGC Policy, and asked that the Clerk issue a suitable letter.

Deer Park – In addition to recognising the Deer Park as a Community Area in the Sites and Places Policy, local residents need to prove that the area has been used for leisure for over 20 years. The Parish Council agreed the need to help form a suitable Committee with Councillor Chairmanship, as a Project team. Mr Hughes to be asked to chair the Committee with Mrs Hunter offering her support. Mrs Lyons also proposed that the Parish Council join the Open Spaces Society, this was seconded by Mrs Reid and agreed by all present.

Action 93/14/4 Clerk to discuss best approach with Richard Lloyd and Mr Hughes

Planning Applications Approved/ passed by SGC since last meeting:

PT14/2464/F Laurel Croft Pilning Street Pilning Bristol South Gloucestershire BS35 4HN {Erection of single storey side extension to form attached double garage} PT14/2629/F 28A Orchard Rise Olveston Bristol South Gloucestershire BS35 4DY {Installation of 1no. front dormer window}

Planning Applications Refused by SGC (or withdrawn) since last meeting – None this month

Planning Applications Pending Decision by SGC since last meeting – None this month

New planning applications received:

PT14/3485/F Paddock House New Road Olveston Bristol South Gloucestershire BS35 4DX

4 of 6 {Erection of a rear conservatory and external alterations to facilitate conversion of store to living accommodation} PT14/3490/LB Paddock House New Road Olveston Bristol South Gloucestershire BS35 4DX {Erection of rear conservatory. Internal and external alterations to facilitate conversion of garden store to living accommodation} PT14/3598/TCA Highmead Lower Tockington Road Tockington Bristol South Gloucestershire BS32 4L {Works to fell 5no. apple trees, 1no. plum tree and 11no. non-native conifer trees in Tockington Conservation Area}

3. Projects

QAMP Changing Room renovation – Following a meeting with the Sports Clubs, initial costings have been identified in the region of £80 - 100k. Clubs have now gone back to their associations to see what funding support is available; they are aware that they are the main drivers on the project, and will also be contacting John Hesketh (SGC) about funding options.

Terrier Document – Need Volunteers to create the Starting Point

Min 94/14 Correspondence (see Appendix below)

Mrs Reid informed the Council that the Scout Explorer leaders – Cathy & Russell Cook had recently retired, and suggested that the Council write a letter of thanks, given their years of support to the local community – this was agreed by all.

Min 95/14 Financial report and Accounts for payment

SGC have notified the Parish Council that the estimated cost for the May 2015 Parish Election (if contested) would be £2,781.63. This is lower than if a singular election was held, as a proportion of the costs have been amortised over the District & General Election costs. In December the Parish will need to decide whether to include this cost into the annual precept, or allocate from savings currently held.

Replacement Parish Computer – deferred to next month, Mr Baxter asked to prepare a specification

Poppy Wreath already organised by Stan Bradburn, but he has indicated that manufacturing costs have risen since the Parish last assessed its donation, and now no longer meets this charge.

Direct Debit Payments: 1st Oct, £350 to Diocese of Bristol, Lease the land for OPAGA allotments. 8th Sept, £32.40 to PlusNet, BroadBand @ QAMP (PNET2472604)

Income – £200 from Old Down Cricket Club for the Defibrillator, and £3.40 for Wayleave.

Mr R Rogers Salary Salary (£353.79), Phone Voucher (£10.00) - PAYE Tax Period 04 (July) - £90.20 - PAYE Tax Period 05 (August) – £66.60 - PAYE Tax Period 06 (September) – £70.80 £ 293.99 Post Office Limited HMRC Period 4 – 6 £ 227.60 Carers Support Centre, Bristol & South Glos Donation to Carers Support Centre £ 75.00 Fentongollan Farms Cost of Bulbs £ 193.86 5 of 6 Intelligent Solutions Charge for July QAMP BB £ 27.42 Strimming Aust Road, Hedge at Allotments, Old Down Mike's Maintenance Services Lights, Inv 43 £ 430.00 Zeta Printing Printing of Parish Plan Leaflets £ 126.15 Zeta Printing Printing of Parish Plan Posters £ 64.80 Post Office Ltd Electricity 28th June 2014 - 03rd September 2015 £ 30.09 RGS Aug-14 £ 858.25 RBL Poppy Wreath £ 50.00 Total £2377.16

Parish Council does not need to transfer funds from reserve to cover the invoices above. Mrs Lyons proposed that the Cheques be signed, seconded by Mrs Reid and agreed by all present.

Present balances after the above charges have been taken into account, Current account £7,645.08 cr Reserve account £32,030.70 cr

Min 96/14 Meeting Point Article

Reminder about removing posters promptly

Community Land Trusts – what they are, and the Public Meeting advert

Min 97/14 Date of next Parish Council meeting

Planning 1 Monday 13th October 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m. Rec & Leisure Wednesday 8th October 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m. Project Meeting TBA Planning 2 Tuesday 28th October 2014 at QAMP 7.00 p.m. Parish Council Tuesday 28th October 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m. Planning 1 Monday 10th November 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m. Rec & Leisure Wednesday 12th November 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m. Project Meeting TBA Planning 2 Tuesday 25th November 2014 at QAMP 7.00 p.m. Parish Council Tuesday 25th November 2014 at QAMP 7.30 p.m.

The Meeting closed at 22:25

Appendix 1 – Correspondence

SGC Estimated Parish Council Election Costs May 2015

South Autumn Newsletter Gloucestershire Deaf Association CPRE Avonside CPRE Avonside Branch AGM 2nd October 2014 + Annual Report

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