STAGSDEN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting of the Parish Council Held Monday 18 September 2017 in the Village Hall at 7:30Pm

STAGSDEN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting of the Parish Council held Monday 18 September 2017 in the Village Hall at 7:30pm

PRESENT: Joanne Hodson, Jim Watson, Roger Heron, Mandy Jauncey, Peter Brown, Esther Dickson, Cllr Mark Smith, Julie Betts (Clerk)

APOLOGIES: Ashley Kenlock ABSENT: Action/Power

The Village Hall had been double booked, therefore the meeting moved to Stagsden Farm Shop. Thanks to Cllr Brown for facilitating this.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Ann Hagan attended the meeting to highlight the Planning Consultation The Public by Covanta at Marston Vale Forrest Park on Wednesday 20 September Bodies (Admission to 2017. 1- 7pm. Meetings) Act 1960 as amended by s100, LGA 1972

23/17 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Ashley Kenlock. LGA 1972, Sch 12 para 40

24/17 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The meeting acknowledged that the minutes of the meeting held on LGA 1972, Monday 17 July 2017 were a correct record. Sch 12, para 41

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting, held on 17 July 2017, were agreed and signed as a correct record.

25/17 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

As previously declared and as recorded in the minutes.

26/17 REPORTS

Minutes Sept 17 1 Signed (Chairman) ………………

(a) Borough Councillor’s Report, sent by Cllr Mark Smith

East Midlands Trains A consultation is being held by the Department for Transport (DfT) on proposals to amend the East Midlands rail service which currently provides fast trains from Bedford to London St Pancras. The consultation is to inform the drafting of a contract for the new East Midlands rail franchise from March 2019. Bedford is served by the Intercity (between London St Pancras and Sheffield / Derby / Nottingham/Leicester) and London Commuter (providing trains stopping at stations closer to London) lines. In launching the consultation, the DfT stated that changes need to be made in order to address issues such as crowded trains and long journey times. It was identified, in particular, that these problems are evident on the Intercity route travelling from the midlands into London. You may have seen there has been coverage in the local press around potential changes to the East Midlands service stopping at Bedford. It is proposed that Bedford will no longer be served by the Intercity service (as set out above) during peak hours, although trains travelling from Corby to London St Pancras will continue to stop here. Our understanding is that Bedford will continue to be served by the same number of trains during peak hours, but these will begin their journey at Corby rather than further north as at present. Nevertheless, no decisions have been made so it is important that service users give their views through the consultation. Along with Alistair Burt MP, I cannot support any reduction in the East Midlands service for Bedford Borough and will be responding accordingly. The consultation ends on the 11th October. You can view the document and details of how to respond at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-east- midlands-rail-franchise Library Services From the 4th September the Council is to change the way its library services operate through establishing a ‘Library Plus’ model. This was the subject of a public consultation last year as the Council sought to realise efficiencies within the service to meet financial pressures. Library Plus will see the introduction of self-service hours at Bedford Central Library, Wootton and Bromham with users accessing the services without assistance from staff. Core, staffed opening hours will also be reduced. During the consultation, users of the libraries at Putnoe and Kempston made clear their desire not to join the Library Plus scheme, which means those facilities will see their overall opening hours reduced instead. More information on the changes can be seen on the Council’s website at the following link: http://virtual- library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.beds_librar ies/bbc_changing.htm Rural Crime Minutes Sept 17 2 Signed (Chairman) ………………

A scheme tackling rural crime has been deemed a success since its inception earlier in the year. In March, the Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, announced the establishment of Operation Sentinel Rural. This has seen a team of an Inspector, Sergeant, 4 Police Constables and 4 Police Community Support Officers focus on rural policing issues. Since the initiative was launched, the rural crime team has been involved in a range of operations including 900 speed checks, the seizing of 39 vehicles and carrying out 9 arrests. The rural crime team can be contacted via [email protected] A-Levels and GCSEs In August pupils around the country received their GCSE and A- Level results. GCSEs Pupils undertaking their GCSEs this year did so under a new system which has reduced the emphasis on coursework. It also introduced a new grading system for English Language, English Literature and Maths with numerical grading of 1 (lowest score) – 9 (highest score) replacing the traditional A* - U grades (which remain for all other subjects). This new system is said to be more suited to differentiate the brightest pupils, with fewer attaining the highest grade of 9 compared with A* under the old system. In the Borough: - 62.24% of Bedford Borough students attained Grade 4 or above, the required standard, in English and Maths. - 37.87% of Bedford Borough students attained Grade 5 or above (strong pass) in English and Maths. - The Borough’s average ‘Attainment 8’ score was 46.04 (this is the average score obtained by a student for their best 8 GCSE results). It is unclear as yet how this compares with the national average in 2017, although the Borough’s average in 2016 was 49.4 against a national average of 48.5. This would suggest, therefore, that results are slightly down compared with last year, although this is in line with the national trend. A-Levels In the Borough, provisional figures showed that 78% of pupils achieved 3 or more A-Levels graded A* - E. Careers Advice The Jobs Hub, based in Bedford and established by the Council and the Jobs Centre, provides 1 to 1 support and careers guidance. It also has links with local businesses looking for new staff. This may be of interest to anyone seeking an apprenticeship or employment and possibly those who are thinking about their next steps following education or training. For more information search ‘Bedford Jobs Hub’, call 01234 223510 or email [email protected] Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Free School Bedford Borough is one of 20 local authorities selected by the Government to establish a new Free School for pupils with special Minutes Sept 17 3 Signed (Chairman) ………………

educational needs and disabilities. The Council is now searching for a partner to work with to establish the school, as well as to determine its size and location. It is unclear at this stage as to when the school will open. A free school can be set up by community groups such as parents, teachers, charities or businesses where a local need for places can be demonstrated. Ward Fund Cllr Smith had received notification that the Council Ward Funds for 2017/18 which allow him to make a financial contribution to local schemes benefitting the community was available. Cllr Smith agreed to support 2 picnic benches, 1 for the play area, 1 for the village hall.

RESOLVED

To apply to Ward Councillor Funding for two picnic benches total cost £1000.

27/17 UPDATES ON CURRENT ISSUES

(a) Police/Crime Report

Attached at Appendix A.

Police & Crime Commissioner meeting Wednesday 20 September 6pm – 8pm, Chicksands.

Priorities for Stagsden: to be Speeding, Fly-tipping and Rural Crime.

(b) Pub

No update.

Two Speed Watches had been carried out, one early, 7.30 – 8.30am – 1 driver in excess of the speed limit. The second had been carried out near the Forge – 29 vehicles with only one offender.

(d) Neighbourhood Planning Peter Brown declared an interest.

Minutes Sept 17 4 Signed (Chairman) ………………

A meeting had been held on 14 September, 2017. The air had been cleared and the group had agreed to go forward with a Neighbourhood Plan.

Gavin had been agreed as interim Chair for the Group.

The meeting considered the next update to be circulated to the village, attached at Appendix B. The update showed the results of the Village Survey Questionnaire issued in September 2016 and ranked the sites put forward for Stagsden.

Cllr Dickson said the next steps would be to circulate the document to the village including a request for help from residents with relevant skills for progressing the plan.

RESOLVED

To acknowledge the results of the Village Survey Questionnaire.

(e) Village Hall

� Harvest Supper this weekend � 25 November 2017 Quiz & Curry Night � There were no objections to siting a picnic bench at the village hall. � Next AGM 25 September 2017 � Cllr Jauncey asked if the Village Hall had considered an online booking facility � Wedding hire had been a problem. There had been more weddings booked which had led to neighbour complaints. A review of booking would take place.

(f) Allotments

Apples and pears had been picked in the Orchard on 17 September 2017. There would be a tasting on 11 October 2017 which was open to all Stagsden residents.

There had been no new members.

(g) Broadband

Cllr Jauncey reported there had been an update from Bedford Borough Council. Fibre to the premises would be installed on Bedford Road. This would give superfast broadband. Once installed residents can access at a cost. Cllr Jauncey will put an update on the website and in the newsletter.

Minutes Sept 17 5 Signed (Chairman) ………………

28/17 PLANNING

(a) Report of Planning Applications

17/00743/COU, Bromham Nurseries, Change of use to land for a residential caravan site, Refused

16/03059/FUL, Conversion and extension of stables and hay barn to form one residential dwelling and other associated works, Stables rear of No. 60 High Street, Stagsden, Appealed.

(b) To Consider Planning Applications Town & Country Planning Act 1990

17/02242/MAO, Land at Stagsden Road, erection of 80 dwellings.

RESOLVED

No objections subject to no vehicular access on to A428.

17/02017/FUL, The Roost Wick End, Conversion of storage building to single dwelling.

RESOLVED

Objection: Outside Settlement Policy Area

17/02209/telph, Layby A422 West of Stagsden, Prior Notification for telecom radio base station installation.

RESOLVED

No Objections

29/17 FINANCE

(a) Schedule of Receipts and Payments – Aug/Sept 2017, Appendix B

The Council received the schedule of receipts and payments LGA 1972, s150 made during Aug/Sept 2017. (6)

Prop: Joanne Hodson, Sec: Esther Dickson, All in favour

(b) Budget Update Minutes Sept 17 6 Signed (Chairman) ………………

The Clerk circulated a budget update, attached at appendix C. There were no concerns.

The 2016-2017 Audit is now complete, there were no issues arising from the External Auditor.

30/17 Amenities

(a) Play Areas

‘Free equipment’ had now been put into the play area. It had been . well used and there had been several ‘thank yous’ for the equipment.

Cllr Heron agreed to drill some holes into the storage bin to drain.

(b) Rights of Way/Footpaths

2 Styles required attention at Northend and steps needed cutting Cllr Watson back.

Ashley has finally found the people now responsible for Stagsden’s Highways and is meeting with them in Oct to do a walk about. She has listed the issues covered in the last couple of meetings, but if anything new has arisen, please email her.

Cllr Jauncey said that St Leonards Close would not be adopted and would now be a private road. Cllr Smith to investigate with Bedford Borough Council.

The meeting discussed Yellow Lines outside the new development on the High Street. It was agreed to defer for a future meeting.

Dog fouling continued to be a problem in the village and this would be highlighted in the newsletter.

31/17 NEW MATTERS FROM COUNCILLORS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

� Updated defibrillator training. � Village Hall Insurance � Street Lighting update – can BBC turn down brightness?

Minutes Sept 17 7 Signed (Chairman) ………………

32/17 CORRESPONDENCE, APPENDIX D

See Correspondence list attached, Appendix D.

33/17 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Meeting closed at 9.30pm The next meeting will be held on Monday 20 November 2017 (7.30pm).

MINUTES AGREED: ______

Date: ______2017

APPENDIX A CRIME STATISTICS

None

APPENDIX B

STAGSDEN NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Stagsden’s Neighbourhood Plan is well on its way. Following the recent Issues and Options Survey, we are now in the position to move forward with policy planning and writing. We are actively seeking new members to come and join us. If you think that you can give a little of your time and skills, please come and join us on the 5th October 2017 at 19:30 in the Village Hall. If you can not make the meeting but would like to register your interest, please email us on [email protected] Results of the Issues and Options Survey: The below sites were the top four ranking sites from the Village Survey Questionnaire (VSQ) issued in September 2016. To the question: Do you agree that site should be a preferred site for development? From the 40% of responses to the Issues and Options Questionnaire the results were: Landowners Input Issues and Options July 17 VSQ 2016 Anticipated Development Time Site Potential Capacity YES NO Ranking Sep-16 Frame Site 252 - Brookmead Up to 5 Dwellings 10 – 15 Years 74% 26% 1 1 Farm Up to 30 Dwellings Site 255 - Manor Farm 10 – 15 Years 32% 68% 3 4 Small Business Units Site 625 - Wick End Up to 4 Dwellings 1-5 Years 70% 30% 2 2 Barns Site 627 - Land at 90 Up to 20 Dwellings 1-5 Years/ 5-10 Years 29% 71% 4 2 Bedford Road Note all of the sites are subject to a detailed Highways Assessment, planning approval and the owner’s decision to develop the site.

To the question: Do you agree with the decision to exclude site 697 from the short list of preferred sites? (Land off Church Lane)

Yes = 94%, No = 6%

Minutes Sept 17 8 Signed (Chairman) ………………

What Next ? The Neighbourhood planning team will continue to develop the draft Stagsden Neighbourhood Plan in line with the Bedford Borough Council Local Plan 2035. Further updates to follow.

To recap on status: Bedford Local plan consultation is currently taking place and Bedford Borough Council (BBC) are not proposing to allocate any growth for Stagsden, but instead are supporting Parish Councils to prepare their own neighbourhood plans. Prior to the BBC consultation which concluded June 2017 Stagsden had been given an allocation of between 10-20 units by Bedford Borough Council. The housing needs survey undertaken recommended 7 units.

The current objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan based on the survey feedback are:- Character: We should seek to preserve the rural and village character of Stagsden by: � Ensuring future development within the parish enhances the character of the village centre and surrounding parish by focusing development on infill or brownfield sites � Ensuring new housing is in keeping with and has minimal impact on heritage assets � Working with other agencies and organisations to enhance the natural environment within the parish � Encouraging a pride in the village from all residents to keep the village looking attractive � Ensuring any negative aspects of a development which affect local residents are minimised. Community resources: We should seek to preserve and enhance the village’s community resources by: � Encouraging development that supports establishment of a village green/recreational area, including a new children’s’ play area and additional green open spaces. This will facilitate village fetes and regular outdoor village events. � Preserving and maintaining the countryside views and walks in the parish by protecting footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways � Promoting the use of land for the community e.g. allotments Sustainability: We should seek to make Stagsden a more sustainable community by: � Enhancing work opportunities within the parish through improved broadband and the encouragement of more small business units within the parish � Ensuring there is appropriate accommodation within the village that meets the community needs � Ensuring strong transport links from safe independent cycle ways to regular public transport links to local retail, education, leisure and transport centres � Ensuring local issues are continually captured and addressed e.g. fly tipping, dog fouling, litter, crime APPENDIX C RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS Apr/May 2016

0.16 16995.94 July interest Bedford Borough 204.13 16791.81 Council Aug Salaries 610.14 16181.67 Came & Co insurance 80.39 16101.28 Julie Betts/Gritbins.net Grit bin for storage 120 15981.28 BDO Audit costs costs for play 54.9 15926.38 Esther Dickson equipment 4223 20149.38 BBC Precept 2nd part 4.3 20145.08 Bromham PC printing Bedford Borough 204.13 19940.95 Council Sept salary 0.15 19941.1 Aug Interest c/f 19941.10 Minutes Sept 17 9 Signed (Chairman) ………………

APPENDIX D Stagsden Parish Council

Update as at 18.9.17 Budget Actual Receipts

Interest 0 0.64 Precept 7950 8446 Precept top up grant 45 0 Grants 0 2450 Allotments 600 0 Total Receipts 8595 10896.64

Payments Election Costs 500 0 Staff costs (Salary/Expenses) 3250 1624.78 Admin (Stationery & Postage) 210 10.8 Councillor expenses 100 Training 100 0 Subscriptions 90 91 Hall Hire 100 0 Village Hall 750 0 Grass Cut 700 0 S137/Community Action 250 0 Defib Checks S137 £100 debif, £50 VH Electric Allotments 600 0 Bank Charges 0 0 Legal Fees 0 0 Audit 100 235 Insurance 600 610.14 Play Areas 785 191.89 Open Space 0 0 Maintenance of village 110 furniture 0 Defibrillator 150 18 Good Neighbour Scheme 0 Stagsden Historical Society 200 0 Councillor grants 0 980 Neighbourhood Planning 630 Total Payments 8595 4391.61 note: without VAT

Minutes Sept 17 10 Signed (Chairman) ………………

APPENDIX E Correspondence List Bromham Nurseries Change of Use permission 15.8.17 letter BBC refused PC Bugle and 12.9.17 training email Louise, BATPC schedule PC Wyboston Village Garden 18.9.17 letter Village Advert PC

Minutes Sept 17 11 Signed (Chairman) ………………

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