MINUTES OF BIGGLESWADE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2012 AT THE OFFICES OF BIGGLESWADE TOWN COUNCIL, THE OLD COURT HOUSE, SAFFRON ROAD BIGGLESWADE

Present: Cllr T Woodward (Chair), Cllr Mrs J Lawrence, Cllr D Lawrence, Cllr Mrs W Smith, Cllr G Wilson, Cllr P Woodward, Cllr P Vickers, Cllr S Watkins, Cllr Mrs H Ramsay, Cllr Mrs M Russell, Cllr D Albone, Cllr B Briars, Cllr R Skinner, Cllr I Bond Rob McGregor – Town Clerk Sue Crowther – Administrative Assistant Gill Boydell – 4YPUK Sam Vernon – Biggleswade Town Council Members of the public - 8

1. APOLOGIES

There were no apologies received.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

(a) Prejudicial interests – There were no prejudicial interests declared.

(a) Personal interests -Cllr P F Vickers registered an interest as members of the Central Bedfordshire Management Development Committee in respect of planning applications listed on the agenda.

Cllr B Briars declared a Personal interest in item 11c as listed on the agenda.

Cllr R Skinner declared a Personal interest in item 11c as listed on the agenda.

Cllr S Watkins declared a Personal interest in item 11c as listed on the agenda

Cllr I Bond declared a Personal interest in items 9c and 11c as listed on the agenda.

Cllr D Albone declared a Personal interest in item 9b as listed on the agenda.

Cllr Mrs M Russell declared a Personal interest in item 9c as listed on the agenda.

Cllr P Woodward declared a Personal interest in item 9c as listed on the agenda.

Cllr G Wilson declared a Personal interest in item 11c as listed on the agenda.

3. TOWN MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no Town Mayor’s announcements.

4. PUBLIC OPEN SESSION

There were no items discussed during the public open session.

5. BEDFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY

Members received the crime figures for Biggleswade dated 24/01/12 – 26/02/2012 which showed a reduction in crime compared to the same period last year.

A recent increase in the number of Theft from Motor Vehicles (Catalytic Convertors) has caused some concern. These crimes are being committed across the County but in our area the hot spots are Sandy, Biggleswade, Shefford and Stotfold. The majority of these offences are being committed during the hours of darkness and the Catalytic Convertors are being stolen for scrap metal value they hold. It is predominantly larger vehicles such as 4 x 4 that are being targeted for no other reason that they are generally higher from the road surface and easier to crawl under.

On 6 February 2012, Chief Constable Hitchcock at Biggleswade Police Station/ Central Bedfordshire Environment Team (EPT) commenced a joint day of action aimed at targeting unlicensed waste and scrap carriers in the town. 1 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. Assisted by colleagues from the ANPR team the following results were achieved: 15 x Vehicles stopped and subjected to checks

12 x Persons stopped and checked

6 x Vehicles were seized

1 x FPN issued for defective tyre

1 x FPN issued for use of a mobile phone whilst driving

Central Bed Environmental Protection issued:

4 x FPN tickets totalling (£1200) to three different males for carrying waste material without the proper licensing.

4 x Document producers issued to males to present proof of licenses.

The Police are in the vetting stage of volunteers from Biggleswade Community Safety group who have agreed to join the Street Watch Scheme. Once trained, they will be liaising with local residents and the Town Council to identify those locations within the town where speed monitoring will take place.

6. INVITED SPEAKERS

Gill Boydell from 4YPUK spoke to members regarding the work they are commissioned to do with young people locally by CBC.

4YPUK supports young people aged 16 – 19 years old in Biggleswade. They were formed in January 2011 and work in partnership with Plan B (drugs), MIND (mental health) and Brooks (sexual health). A grant enables them to work in Biggleswade, to help 16 – 19 year olds who are not in work or education and they have 5 core advisors in Central Bedfordshire Council, all with a variety of experience.

4YPUK receives referrals from the Job Centre, Health Authority, and Children’s Centres etc. At the moment they meet clients in the Library and help with writing a CV, job applications, interviews, job searching skills as well as practical things such as courses.

How they work is a ‘person centred way’. Gill gave an example of one particular young man who was referred by the Job Centre.

The first thing is to listen to find out what he wanted. Quite often young people are told what to do and not listened to. He had a troubled story with his Mothers partner and domestic violence and he had no self-confidence.

Gill had a long conversation with him to find out what he wanted. He was not ready for interviews and had never travelled on a train or learned how to read a train timetable.

Gill wanted him to visit a training provider in Stevenage, this was a big thing for him and she accompanied him on his first visit. He was gradually being taken out of his comfort zone. Next thing was he was able to travel on his own and Gill arranged for another your person to travel with him. Now he attends the Training Provider regularly and is really enjoying his course.

This is how they work with young people, helping them remove barriers.

Their vision for the future is to be embedded in community where they work, particularly with local employers.

4YPUK don’t have any funding yet to help 18 – 24 year old, this is a big area of unemployment. There may be services they do not have access to yet and gaps in their service which they need to feed back to CBC.

They would like to develop a charitable arm of their organisation, to help fund travel costs, uniforms, etc.

2 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. Cllr Mr H Ramsay asked if anyone enquires about 4YPUK, could Council tell them Gill is at the Biggleswade Library every Weds and that they could just turn up.

Gill replied that the session at the library is by appointment only, as she is the only person covering the area. All their details are on their website.

Cllr G Wilson asked what sort of success rate have they had so far.

Gill replied that she didn’t have those figures with her, but that CBC have set a target of 275 new people every ¼. Each ¼ they are moving into positive, helping about 30 – 40 young people.

7. MINUTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF MEETINGS

7a. Members received Minutes of the Council meeting held on 24 January 2012 at the Offices of Biggleswade Town Council, The Old Court House, Saffron Road, Biggleswade.

7b. Members received Minutes of the Planning meeting held on 14 February 2012 at the offices of Biggleswade Town Council, The Old Court, Saffron Road, Biggleswade.

7c. Members approved the recommendations of the Off Street Car Parking committee meeting held on 14 February 2012, Items for Consideration – 4. a,b,c,d,e,f,g and h as listed on the Off Street Car Park Agenda.

The following 2 items were deferred from Council meeting on 24 January 2012

4a. Request from Tuesday Market stall holders

The stall holders who support the Tuesday market have requested a reduction in rent during January, as it is a very difficult trading month, especially in the current economical climate.

It was RESOLVED to agree to a 50% reduction in rent for January and February 2012 and that this would not affect the Market Superintendants wages.

4b. Request from James Harris Funfairs

Correspondence was received from James Harris Funfairs requesting permission to use White Hart car park on the following dates:

Saturday 18 and 25 February Saturday 31 March Saturday 21 April

It was RESOLVED to allow James Harris Funfairs to use White Hart car park on 5 dates throughout the year, as well as the Carnival, Christmas Lights switch on and any special Town celebrations but that he must give Council at least one month’s notice of each date

4c. Ask Restaurant Trade refuse Bins

Members considered trade refuse bins for Ask restaurant; these bins are placed in the White Hart car park.

It was RESOLVED that Town Council write to Ask to request that they remove the bins from Town Council property.

4d. Request from Amey

Amey have asked the Town Council to place an advert in the Biggleswade Bulletin and on the Town Council web site, regarding problems with gritting in Sun Street. Copy of the advert was attached.

It was RESOLVED that Town Council ask Amey to put leaflets through the doors of houses along Sun Street regarding the problems with gritting.

3 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. 4e. Parking restrictions Aldi Car Park

Members considered the Parking restrictions in Aldi Car Park. The Parking restrictions in both Aldi car parks have been reduced to 1.5 hours. Previous correspondence on the issue was attached.

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council’s solicitors write to ALDI regarding the parking restrictions.

4f. Shortmead Street & Sun Street Mini Roundabout

Correspondence was received from a resident of Biggleswade asking Council when the mini Roundabout at the Junction of Sun Street and Shortmead Street is going to be put in. Attached was a response to the resident from Highways dated May 2011.

Cllr D Lawrence said that after 120 houses are occupied on the new estate, as part of the planning consent the developer will then be required to build a roundabout at the junction of Sun Street and Shortmead Street. 95 houses have been built so far.

Cllr Mrs M Russell suggested that CBC be asked if work on the roundabout could begin using CBC own funds on a loan basis, until the Section 106 money is available.

It was RESOLVED that Town Council write to CBC as well as the resident.

Cllr P Vickers advised members that the plans are well advanced for the new roundabout, an agreement has been reached between the agent at David Wilson homes and CBC Highways. Funding is in place and although no date has been set it is expected to be completed in summer 2012.

4g. Commuter Parking – Tennyson Avenue, Chaucer Drive & Dickens Court.

A letter was received from a resident of Biggleswade highlighting issues of Commuter parking in Tennyson Avenue, Chaucer drive and Dickens Court. The resident is asking Council to persuade C.B.C to approve proposed parking restrictions on a six months trial Basis.

It was RESOLVED that Town Council write to CBC to ask if parking restrictions in this area could be part of the overall scheme for Biggleswade, along the lines of restricted parking for an hour rather than a residents’ parking scheme.

4h. New Inn Walkway

Members were asked to consider Issues that have been raised around the walkway that runs from the market square through to Bonds Lane. Some of the issues raised are loud music, obstruction, intimidation and the use of a gazebo type structure across the passageway. These issues have been on- going since August 2011.

It was RECOMMENDED that Town Council write to Greene King Public Relations Department to ask them to take the gazebo down, with a copy of the letter sent the Landlord, and ALSO For Town Council to obtain Land Registry documents.

Cllr T Woodward said that Greene King have confirmed that they do own the land through to the book shop.

Cllr P Vickers said that the tables, gazebos etc are causing problems in the walkway.

Rob McGregor said he will write to Greene King Rights of Way Officer.

8. MATTERS ARISING a. Minutes of the Council meeting held on 24 January 2012 – Page 5 – Item 8a –

Cllr M Russell asked if there was any feedback yet on Joint Management Committee as the meeting that CBC had scheduled for Friday 27 January had taken place

4 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. Cllr D Lawrence replied that the Constitution Task Group at a meeting in April 2012 will be making recommendations in line with Dunstable, also Houghton Regis is a similar format.

Cllr M Russell said that Town Council had agreed on 5 Town and 5 Central Bedfordshire Councillors, this had been changed to 4 Town and 4 Central Bedfordshire Councillors, this must mean they are altering the Constitution of others, it would be good to have the proposals in writing.

Cllr T Woodward said it would be the same Constitution for all Committees and would allow us to take part within the framework.

Cllr B Briars said asked if this come back to Council, why did we have a meeting now we have no choice.

Cllr T Woodward said that they are still drawing up the Constitution, we need to wait and see, we will then have the chance to negotiate.

Cllr B Briars said we formed a Committee to push things forward we should have a say within the Constitution.

Cllr M Russell said that we spent time round this table deciding how the Joint Committee would work as there is so much to be done, there was a cabinet member present who was happy with what we decided, has our proposal been accepted or not.

Cllr J Lawrence said that is not part of the Constitution Task Force, we are trying to get an amalgam, to be the same.

Cllr P Vickers presumed that the recommendations were not yet formulated.

Cllr M Russell asked what CBC is proposing.

Cllr T Woodward replied that the CBC are putting a framework together we will vote in this chamber to work within the framework.

Cllr Mrs H Ramsay asked if the Constitution Task Group would consist of Councillors or Officers.

Cllr D Lawrence that CBC has 5 Councillors on the committee including Cllr David Jones. Houghton Regis has influenced Biggleswade proposal, as it needs to be wider that just the Town Centre, to include the new retail park.

Cllr M Russell it came from this chamber that it has to be wider than the Town Centre.

Cllr P Vickers we should be thankful that this is going forward. b. Minutes of the Planning meeting held on 14 February 2012 - None

9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS a. CB/12/00516/FULL – 12 South View, Biggleswade Erection of part single storey and part two storey rear extension

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application provided the neighbours are consulted and that any comments they may make are considered by CBC in their deliberations. In addition, the Council is to ensure that their guidelines on the size of the proposed extension to the principle dwelling are complied with in order to eliminate detriment in respect of light and privacy of adjacent residents. Town Council ask that CBC monitor carefully the impact on the adjoining property. b. CB/12/00534/FULL – The Hop Bine, 21 Drove Road, Biggleswade Change of use from public house to single dwelling house and erection of 2 dwellings.

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application. c. CB/12/00500/LDCP – Stratton Upper School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Lawful development certificate proposed: Erection of solar panels on roof

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application. 5 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. d. CB/12/00584/FULL – 64 Fairfield Road, Biggleswade Removal of single storey side & rear garage/utility room & garden room and erection of single storey side, front & rear extension

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application PROVIDED Central Bedfordshire Council consider the impact of the possibility of increased parking on the highway. e. CB/12/00340/FULL – 79 Hitchin Street, Biggleswade First floor and loft extension over existing footprint of 2-storey dwelling

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application. f. CB/12/00613/FULL – 29 Devon Drive, Biggleswade Conversion of Garage to form an Annexe and Conservatory

It was RESOLVED that the Town Council raise no objection to this application PROVIDED Central Bedfordshire Council consider the impact of the possibility of increased parking on the highway.

10. ACCOUNTS a. Financial Administration

Members received and adopted the following accounts:

i. Detailed Balance Sheet to 31 January 2012 ii. Summary of Income & Expenditure. iii. Current Bank Account, receipts and payments to 31 January 2012 b. Internal Audit Report (2 nd interim) 2011/2012

Members received a copy of the Internal Audit Report and agreed the recommendations on the Action Plan.

It was RESOLVED that the Town Clerk, Rob McGregor and the Chair of Finance Committee, Cllr P Vickers undertake periodic reviews of bank reconciliations.

11. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION a. Rave Bus

BRCC had requested permission to take their ‘Rave Bus’ onto the Market Square on Wednesday 23 May 2012 from 8.30am – 2pm, to once again promote the health and welfare facilities available to all adults in Central Beds.

It was RESOLVED that permission be granted. b. Mantles Group request for Occasional Town Centre Vehicle Display

Further to Council meeting on 24 January when the above item was discussed, the Town Clerk wrote to Mantles to request more details and a copy of their reply was attached to the agenda.

The manufacture campaigns to which their request refers vary from quarter to quarter and may feature things like ‘0% Finance’, ‘Low Cost Finance’, ‘Free Fuel for a Year’ etc, etc. Any such messages are tastefully advertised and all advertising material has to conform to nationally recognised advertising standards. They are seeking to raise awareness of such offers on their own brands of cars, namely Ford Mitsubishi.

It was RESOLVED to allow Mantles to display one car only, which is equivalent one market stall space, once a year, and they are charged market fees.

6 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. c. Request from Biggleswade Twinning Association

Correspondence was received from The Biggleswade Twinning Association asking permission to use the Council Chamber on Friday 4 May from 5 – 6pm, or earlier if it suits Council better. They are expecting a party of 15 – 20 Germans and the final figure would be around 40 people. They are happy to provide their own tea, coffee, squash and biscuits.

It was RESOLVED that permission be granted. d. London Luton Airport: futureLuToN:Optimisation project

London Luton Airport Limited (LLAL) commenced consultation on 13 February 2012 with residents and businesses across the region on important potential changes within the airport.

The project is aimed at increasing the capacity of the airport from approx 10.3 million passengers per year today to 18 million passengers per year by 2020 and involves better use of the infrastructure within the existing boundary and existing runway.

Stephen Heappey (Corporate Director Customer Services – Luton BC) has agreed to give a private briefing on the proposals to Members of CBC and representatives of the Parish Councils within Central Bedfordshire on Thursday 22 March at 3pm in the Council Chamber, Priory House, Chicksands (the briefing is expected to last for an hour).

Members were invited to attend and should confirm attendance to: [email protected].

It was RESOLVED that this be noted.

Cllr D Lawrence said that with the increase in air traffic, we do not want them ‘stacking’ over Biggleswade. e. New ‘Development Strategy’ and invitation to workshops during March 2012

Work is now being undertaken on a new plan to cover the whole of Central Bedfordshire. The plan will be called the Development Strategy, will set out how much development (housing, employment, retail etc) is required and broadly where that development should go. They will shortly be starting an informal consultation.

Members were invited to attend workshops to be held on 1 and 6 March at Watling House, Dunstable and 8 and14 March at Priory House, Shefford all starting at 6pm, to discuss key issues. These workshops are will be open to all but places are limited. If you would like to attend, please email on [email protected] or phone Sally Hicks 0300 300 4353 to book a place.

It was RESOLVED that this be noted and that the Town Clerk contact CBC for clarification asking if the workshops are all the same. f. Request for part of River Ivel to be made a conservation area

Correspondence was received from a resident regarding the fishermen that use the stretch of river at the section in which the retirement flats at the Shortmead Street end adjoin the river.

The fishermen are vandalising the river bank, leaving litter and are not very particular with their toilet habits so that at times the view from the flats resembles a gent’s urinal.

The resident goes on to ask if a section of river bank, for 250 metres from Shortmead Street westward, could be made into a conservation area and a no fishing zone.

It was RESOLVED that Town Council write to Ivel Protection Association for them to ask their members to behave in an appropriate manner, including taking their litter home with them.

7 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. g. Local Lettings Policy relating to Rural Exception Sites in Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire is proposing a new Local Lettings Policy for allocation (or letting) to new homes on rural exception sites in Central Bedfordshire (a copy of the proposed Policy is attached. The draft policy sets out the qualifying criteria which people applying for social housing in rural exception sites would need to meet and the order of priority for allocating homes on these sites.

This new Policy will only apply to exception sites, if it is adopted.

A copy of the Consultation on the Draft Local Lettings Policy for Rural Exception Sites was also attached to the agenda.

Members were invited to attend a workshop to discuss the proposed new Policy on Monday 2 April 2012 in the Council Chambers at Priory House, Chicksands, from 9.30am – 11.30am. Anyone wishing to attend please contact Sue Smith, PA to the Assistant Director, Housing Service to book your place on 0300 300 5213 or email [email protected].

After the consultation period has ended responses received will be discussed on 18 June 2012.

It was RESOLVED that this be noted.

h. Central Bedfordshire Members/Public Meeting – Wednesday 7 March 2012

South Essex Partnership University have invited Members to attend the above meeting due to be held at Dunstable Community Fire Station, North Station Way, off Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable LU6 1AA, 14:00 to 15:30hrs.

Attendees will also be invited to become a member of the Foundation Trust. As an NHS Foundation Trust, SEPT is run locally, not by Government, and must work closely with the local community to develop services in a way that best suits the needs of local people. Members’ meetings give the local community the chance to ask questions about the Trust, mental illness and mental health services.

Attendees will need to contact the Membership Office on the free phone number 0800 023 2059 to confirm their attendance.

It was RESOLVED that this be noted.

12. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION a. Proposed temporary road closures for Street Parties in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

CBC has advised Town Council that they are arranging for temporary road closures for Street Parties to be held in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The restrictions are to be in operation only when the necessary signs are erected on site. The Legal Order will be made to cover 4 days 2 to 5 June 2012 as requested.

Anyone wishing to hold a Street Party should contact Central Bedfordshire Council – Hazel Potter – 0300 300 8000 or email [email protected].

There will no charge to the applicants for the Order. However there may be costs incurred for any signing required.

A copy was attached to the agenda.

It was RESOLVED that this be noted.

13. PUBLIC OPEN SESSION

A member of the public asked why the roundabout at the junction of Sun Street/Shortmead Street has taken so long. Why are so many houses allowed to be built before the roundabout is built?

8 AmendedMinutes/Council280212. Cllr T Woodward replied that is doesn’t work like that. House have to be sold before the money is available to make improvements to the roads.

Another member of the public asked why Town Council is getting involved in the issue of fishing in the river Ivel.

Cllr T Woodward replied that a resident had written to Town Council, therefore we have a duty to reply to them.

14. EXEMPT ITEMS

The following resolution will be moved that is advisable in the public interest that the public and press are excluded whilst the following exempt item issue is discussed.

Pursuant to section 1(2) of the public bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Council resolve to exclude the public and press by reason of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted.

9 AmendedMinutes/Council280212.