01491 825038 E-Mail: [email protected]

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

Minutes of the Full Council meeting of Benson Parish Council held on Thursday 25th July 2019 at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall Committee Room

Present: Cllr B Pattison (Chairman) Cllr P Baylis Cllr R Jordan Cllr T McTeague Cllr P Murray Cllr J Sharman Cllr I Skeels Cllr T Stevenson Cllr M Winton

Proper Officer: E Stanley (Parish Clerk)

In attendance: SODC Cllr A Powell Reporter from the Henley Standard 17 Members of the Public

Item 12 on the agenda was brought forward (see item 12)

1. Apologies Apologies were received from Cllrs F Lovesey, S McCann and D Olley, and District Cllr S Cooper

2. Declarations of interest Cllrs J Sharman and T Stevenson declared interests in item 15.c.i.

3. To receive reports from the following: a. Cllr M Gray – OCC Member Cllr Gray was not present. b. Cllr S Cooper – SODC Member Cllr Cooper was not present c. Cllr A Powell – SODC Member Cllr A Powel presented her written report (see attached) Cllr B Pattison expressed the importance of cycleways needing to be maintained and kept clear of overgrowth. Cllr P Murray asked if SODC is consulting with Oxford City Council and Cllr A Powell confirmed that Oxford City Council is in the Oxfordshire Partnership and part of consultations. Cllr J Sharman asked if SODC has plans to scrap or review the non-disclosure agreement that was signed by the previous term’s Council with relation to the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway. Cllr A Powell said that SODC is working out the legal implications of this, but there is no guarantee it can be rescinded.

The fire alarm sounded and all attendees of the meeting and users of the hall vacated the premises and went to the fire assembly point in the Parish Hall car park. The Halls Manager had performed a Fire Drill and allowed everybody back into the building.

4. Public session M Spence addressed the Council regarding item 11 on the agenda expressing the view that it is improper for Benson Parish Council to spend money on improving land which is the responsibility of OCC. I Leppard addressed the Council in support of M Spence’s view and also requested an update on the costs to date of professional fees regarding the Parish Hall extension. Cllr B Pattision advised that the RFO is looking back for information predating the accounting software. D Rushton addressed the Council to inform that D Cook, the Public Transport Representative 24

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

had attended an OCC Infrastructure Strategy Team meeting regarding updating the Local Transport Plan. OCC is consulting and requests feedback.

5. Minutes of the last meeting Those Members present at the meetings unanimously resolved to approve the minutes of the Full Council meetings held on Thursday 27th June 2019 and Thursday 11th July 2019 as true records of the meetings and the minutes were signed by Cllr B Pattison.

6. Benson Parish Council Planning Committee a. Those Members present at the Planning Committee meeting held on Thursday 27th June 2019 unanimously resolved to approve the minutes as a true record of the meeting and the minutes were signed by Cllr R Jordan. b. To note the responses of the Planning Committee to the following applications:

a. BPC44/19 P19/S1805/FUL Address: Land off Churchfield Lane Benson OX10 6SH No objections b. BPC45/19 P19/S1809/HH Address: The Old Inn Beggarbush Hill Benson OX10 6PL No objections

c. BPC46/19 P19/S1933/RM Fully supports subject to Address: Land to the North of Littleworth Road Benson SODC ensuring s106 compliance

d. BPC47/19 P19/S2160/LB Address: Hope Cottage 1 Crown Lane Benson OX10 6LP No objections

e. BPC48/19 P19/S0821/FUL Address: Goulds Grove Old London Road Ewelme OX10 6PX Strongly objects on the same grounds as previous f. BPC49/19 P19/S0822/LB objections Address: Goulds Grove Old London Road Ewelme OX10 6PX

Members were reminded to inform the Clerk about planning applications they feel should be considered by Full Council rather than Planning Committee.

c. The following planning decisions were noted:

i. BPC P18/S2357/FUL Navarac Oakley Wood near Nuffield OX10 6QG Application proposal, including any amendments: Demolition of an existing workshop and sheds, construction of two new live/work units. (As amended and amplified by revised red site plan, application forms and certificate B elevations received 11 April 2019 and amended parking and traffic plan SD08D altering the position of the widened junction received 22 May 2019 and supported by lease information and contaminated land questionnaire and tree survey dated November 2018). Planning permission GRANTED 24th June 2019

ii. BPC P19/S1428/HH 2 Westfield Close Benson OX10 6NT Application proposal, including any amendments: First floor side extension Planning permission GRANTED 26th June 2019

iii. BPC P19/S1492/FUL Land North of Littleworth Road Benson Application proposal, including any amendments: Erection of a toilet block to serve the playing field land serving planning permission P16/S1139/O (and associated Reserved matters approval P18/S2262/RM) Planning permission GRANTED 28th June 2019

25

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

iv. BPC P19/S0895/FUL Bertie West Memorial Field Benson OX10 6LB Proposal: Erection of gates and posts (in association with the creation of a vehicular access.) Planning application WITHDRAWN 29th June 2019

v. BPCP19/S1559/HH 20 Church Road Benson OX10 6SF Application proposal, including any amendments: Demolition of existing single storey rear extension. Formation of new two storey side extension and associated internal alterations Planning permission GRANTED 1st July 2019

vi. BPC P19/S2039/LDP 9 Castle Close Benson OX10 6SN Certificate of Lawful use for a ground floor rear extension The above application seeks a Certificate of Lawful Development at the above site. No comments taken into account

vii. BPC72/18 P18/S0181/O Appeal ref: APP/Q3115/W/18/3319295 Braze Lane OX10 6JB Application: 19 dwellings adjacent to the Orchard, Benson Appeal DISMISSED 4th July 2019

Item 11 on the agenda was brought forward (see item 11).

7. Benson Parish Council Finance Committee a. Minutes of the last meeting Those Members present at the meeting of the Finance Committee held on Tuesday 16th July 2019 unanimously resolved to approve the minutes as a true record of the meeting and the minutes were signed by Cllr R Jordan. b. To receive a report from the Chair of the Finance Committee Nothing to report. c. Recommendations to Full Council: i. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council that the Statement of Policy on Permitted Discretions of LGPS 2018 is adopted ii. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council to purchase 2 defibrillators at a cost not to exceed £3500 plus VAT to include fitting charge and signage

8. Benson Parish Council Halls Committee a. Minutes of the last meeting Those Members present at the meeting of the Halls Committee held on Tuesday 9th July 2019 resolved unanimously to approve the minutes as a true record of the meeting and the minutes were signed by Cllr T McTeague. b. To receive a report from the Chair of the Halls Committee The Halls Committee has given thought to its aims and objectives for the coming term and wants to incorporate them into the Benson Parish Council Strategic Plan. c. Recommendations to Full Council i. Members resolved with 8 in favour and 1 abstention to approve the recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council holds a Strategy Meeting on Thursday 22nd August 2019 in place of the scheduled Full Council meeting. ii. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council Finance Committee investigates the viability of purchasing the Crown Inn.

26

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

9. Benson Parish Council Recreations and Lands Committee a. To receive a report from the Chair of the Recreations and Lands Committee The Committee will set a date for a meeting to be held in August.

10. Benson Parish Council Information and Technology Committee a. Minutes of the last meeting To approve and sign minutes of the meeting held on Monday 8th July 2019 Deferred to next meeting. b. To receive a report from the Chair of the Information and Technology Committee Chairman not in attendance.

11. To receive reports from Benson Parish Council Working Groups and Outside Bodies a. Parish Hall Extension Working Group nothing to report. b. Neighbourhood Plan Delivery Group i. To receive a report from the Infrastructure Team D Rushton presented his written report (see attached) Recommendation b. was withdrawn following a further inspection of the area by OCC which may lead to a range of crossing options. A Toucan crossing (for both pedestrians and cyclists) would be too wide for the junction area, but there may be flexibility in what crossing can be placed there, possibly a zebra crossing Recommendation d. was withdrawn awaiting further discussion with OCC on costs. The NPDT is asked to prioritise the list of dropped kerbs. Dave reported that in the 3½ years he has been working on this project, there has been no funding available from OCC. The project came to life by public demand when road safety issues were listed as high priority in consultations for the Neighbourhood Plan. Roads are the responsibility of OCC Highways, who will decide what improvements can be made, using their contractors, however the Parish Council will need to provide funding. Significant progress has been made since the Parish Council resolved in November 2018 to further investigate improvements to the area.

ii. Recommendations to Full Council a. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council agrees to fund the installation of 800mm high, post and rail fencing around the A4074 north side verge at the junction with Church Road, whilst still maintaining vehicular access, at a cost not exceeding £3,000 OCC to determine exact positioning of fence. Pathway to be 3 metres wide as it is a joint foot/cycle path. OCC is able to provide some funding. The Parish Council has CIL money to spend on improving infrastructure however, it is not yet clear from the guidelines if these funds can be spent on another authority’s responsibilities. Hard surfacing of the verge is more complex and requires a full professional survey of the area, but b. Recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council agrees to fund the installation of a new controlled pedestrian crossing on the A4074, as close to the existing site as possible, at a cost not exceeding £120,000. Recommendation WITHDRAWN c. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council requests the Neighbourhood Plan Delivery Group Infrastructure Team to explore the possibility of parking restrictions along the bus pull in on the north side of the A4074 and the lane running through Preston Crowmarsh, and to report back to Full Council. St. Helen’s Avenue can take further parking, Church Road and Preston Crowmarsh lane cannot. Double yellow lines to be further discussed with OCC. d. Recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council agrees to spend up to £11.5k on improving dropped kerb and signage facilities to increase safety for 27

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

users and encourage access to the village by non vehicular means. Recommendation WITHDRAWN. e. Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the recommendation to Full Council that Benson Parish Council examines improving access to Rivermead from the southern bus stop as a matter of urgency. The bus lane can not be extended by 7 metres as hoped due to a gas main, it can only be extended 3.6 metres which is enough to ensure the bus can be completely off the main carriageway when it pulls in. The bus will drop passengers off by the Rivermead steps. Surveys show that 46% of people who cross the A4074 go to the Waterfront Café but walk along the road rather than through Rivermead. Improved access will include signage to the waterfront and café. Bollards to be considered to prevent people walking from the bus stop along the road. Gate across the Rivermead steps to be considered due to the proximity to paddling pool.

The grass verge on the south side if fenced and hard surfaced would only provide parallel parking for up to 4 vehicles at a cost of c. £8,000. The Neighbourhood Plan consultations highlighted the demand for 20mph speed limits along the Oxford Road (during School active times) and the High Street. Dave to report back with further information.

c. Youth Facilities Working Group YFWG and NPDT to be equally informed of matters relevant to both groups. Cllrs P Baylis as Chairman of the Recreation and Lands Committee and T McTeague as Chairman of the Halls Committee to join the NPDT. d. Bertie West Field Working Group The Bertie West Field Working Group had its first meeting last week, looking to set a programme for the future. Next meeting 28th August 2018. i. Members unanimously resolved to approve the amended Terms of Reference for the Bertie West Field Working Group ii. Field boundary stone Cllr B Pattison uncovered an historic field marker boundary stone in the Bertie West Field. Agenda item for next BWFWG meeting – where to site the boundary stone. e. Benson Community Association Update on dissolution and Warwick Spinney See attached report from D Rushton

12. To thank local organisations for their fundraising and contributions towards defibrillators Item 12 was brought forward to the start of the meeting. Representatives from the Tennis Club, Art Group, Badminton and Football Club attended the meeting and were thanked for their contributions towards the funding of two defibrillators for the village – one to be installed at The Parish Hall and one on the bus shelter in the village centre. Grundon Waste Management Ltd were unable to send a representative to the meeting, but said they were very pleased that Grundon could contribute towards the purchase of the defibrillators for Benson. Benson Parish Council is very grateful for the contributions and will match the funding to reach the £3,000 for the two defibrillators. The representatives left the meeting.

13. To discuss and agree any proposals or approvals a. Proposal from Cllr T McTeague that Benson Parish Council gives permission for Benson Youth Club to hold a car boot sale on the Sunnyside Recreation Ground on Sunday 25th August 2019 Members resolved unanimously in favour of granting permission to Benson Youth Club to hold a car boot sale on the Sunnyside Recreation Ground on Sunday 25th 28

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

August 2019 (weather permitting).

14. Correspondence a. To review correspondence and post received

Post/Emails Received Circulated Action 1. PCSO Marie Deacon, Thames Valley Police – From evidence provided, the parking on the footpaths on the A4074 verge would not 27.06.19 Noted be a police matter as there is no clear obstruction as there is a safe route around. 2. Christine Lalley OALC – Minutes of the OALC AGM, Monday 1st 08.07.19 Noted July 2019 3. Susan Linnet, Enrych Oxfordshire – Thank you to Benson 08.07.19 Noted Parish Council for the grant of £200 4. Sally Worsley, SODC – The new Carehome has been 08.07.19 Noted addressed as Benson House, 1 Churchfield Lane 5. Robert Maris, Thames Valley Police – Response to a letter from the Chairman regarding parking on the A4074 verge. Benson residents are a priority for TVP and cases of domestic violence, victims of fraudulent behaviour, protecting children from drug dealing, sexual 09.07.19 Noted exploitation and unwell missing persons are being worked on. TVP are working to encourage the decriminalisation of parking enforcement so that civilian parking wardens may be employed to enforce parking restrictions allowing revenue to be raised by local council 6. Georgia Thomason, Plum Pictures – Permission obtained to film at the corner of St. Helen’s Avenue/Old London Road on Thursday 11.07.19 Noted 25th July 2019 7. Planning Business, SODC – Invitation to planning training Cllr I Skeels to session, Tuesday 17th September 2019 2-4pm or 6-8pm at The 16.07.19 attend Cornerstone Didcot (max. 2 attendees per Council) Mick is also on the NPDG 8. Mick Brown – Mick was asked if he would consider being the Infrastructure

FixMyStreet Superuser and has agreed to take on the role Team. Thank Mick for taking on this role. 9. Stackhouse Poland Limited – Insurers have advised that claim 16.07.19 Noted ref 5056292 31/7/17 has been settled and the file closed 10. Sally Worsley, SODC – Notification of Hopefield Grange house numbering and road naming: Bell Weather Furlong, Farther Derhams, Hither Derhams, Maple Furlong, Broad Lays, Luke’s Close, Kings 17.07.19 Noted Close, Pickett’s Close, Winch Piece, Mile Stone Piece, China Piece, Triggs Mead, Coppice Piece. The New Community Building will be in China Piece 11. Kevin Brophy, Wallingford School Community Projects Team – A special thankyou to everyone at Benson for being the Community Projects Team’s number one supporter. Thank you to the residents of 19/07/19 Noted the village who have been kind and appreciative of the children’s efforts, and forgiving of occasional errors 12. Littleworth Road Resident – Problems with parents parking in Not BPC remit, front of driveways during school drop off/pick up times. Please would 19/07/19 suggest the Parish Council ask the School Head to advise parents that the resident 29

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

residents are experiencing difficulty accessing/leaving their properties, contacts the and draft a notice from BPC to place on vehicles asking drivers not to school and block driveways advise that we will pass the email to the school FOBL asked if it 13. Debbie Adams, SODC Notification of removal of Benson Library 23/07/19 will apply to from the list of Assets of Community Value relist

b. To review Parish Office notes Nothing to report

15. Finance a. To sign off the reconciled bank statements for the current accounts as at 30th June 2019 Members resolved unanimously in favour to approve the reconciled bank statements for the current accounts as at 30th June 2019. b. The following payments were agreed and signed:

Date of Organisation/ individual Description Cheque Amount Invoice Number 01/07/2019 Cathedral Leasing Limited hygiene services 300190 433.66 28/06/2019 Clarity Copiers Ltd photocopier June 300191 29.04 11/07/2019 Clear View Window July window cleaning 300192 140.00 cleaning 06/06/2019 Colliers of Crowmarsh Ltd Strimmer wire & bolts 300193 4.74 18/06/2019 Colliers of Crowmarsh Ltd sand paper, gloves, brushes and 300193 23.22 teak oil 21/06/2019 Colliers of Crowmarsh Ltd teak oil 300193 6.95 25/06/2019 Colliers of Crowmarsh Ltd Paint, gloves and equipment for 300193 103.64 school kids to paint soffits 08/07/2019 Earth Anchors Ltd Forest saver bench in memory of 300194 754.80 Lou Wood 12/07/2019 Champions reimburse R Irwin for hose for 300195 31.86 War Memorial 19/07/2019 Executive Fire Protection Fire log book 300196 37.92 Limited 19/05/2019 Executive Security call out to fix doors 300197 132.00 Locksmiths Ltd 30/06/2019 Grundon Waste June 300198 103.20 Management Limited 17/07/2019 NALC Local Councils Explained text 300199 19.99 book 08/07/2019 Oxfordshire Association of Bill Pattison Chairmanship skills 300200 102.00 Local Councils 13/06/2019 Prime Compliance legionella monitoring Q2 300201 234.00 03/07/2019 Sage Software Limited Sage Payroll 12/7/19-11/7/20 300202 348.00 16/07/2019 South Oxfordshire District dog bin emptying 1/4-3-/6/19 300203 179.58 Council. 22/07/2019 Southern Electric Power toilet elec 2/4-1/7/19 300204 44.02 Distribution plc 30

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

22/07/2019 Southern Electric Power ph elec inv 21 300204 1239.26 Distribution plc 22/07/2019 Southern Electric Power ph gas inv 9 300204 1613.95 Distribution plc 22/07/2019 Southern Electric Power Yh elec 2/4/19-1/7/19 300204 317.25 Distribution plc 21/06/2019 The Performing Right PH 7/19-7/20 300205 270.31 Society Ltd., 25/07/2019 OCC Pensions July 300206 1557.30 23/07/2019 M Ottery Repairs to PH socket – recharge 300207 54.50 to Blood Donors To Approve Bank Payments Date of Organisation/ Individual Description Method of Amount Invoice payment 25/07/2019 Coop Bank July salaries tfr 4995.21 25/07/2019 HMRC July PAYE NI tfr 736.89 28/06/2019 Wilko Mr Muscle reimburse Tanya tfr 7.00 To Approve Direct Debits/ Standing Orders Date of Organisation/ Individual Description Date of DD Amount Invoice 22/07/2019 Everflow Water Ph 16/8/19-15/9/19 24/06/2019 123.66 22/07/2019 Everflow Water Allotments 16/8/19-15/9/19 24/06/2019 27.04 22/07/2019 Everflow Water YH 16/8/19-15/9/19 24/06/2019 44.50 22/07/2019 Everflow Water Rivermead 16/8/19-15/9/19 24/06/2019 51.54 01/07/2019 SODC Pv Business Rates 01/07/2019 130.00 01/07/2019 SODC YH business rates 19/20 01/07/2019 169.00 01/07/2019 SODC PH business ratrs 19/20 01/07/2019 798.00 01/07/2019 Grenke photocopier hire 01/07/2019 121.93 01/07/2019 Virgin Broadband 01/07/2019 42.48 16/07/2019 Oxford IT IT Support 16/07/2019 59.99 24/07/2019 British Gas College Farm Elec 24/07/2019 28.95 To Approve Barclaycard Payments Date of Organisation/ Individual Description Date of DD Amount Invoice 10/06/2019 BES YH gas box lid 05/07/2019 45.26 22/07/2019 E-Receptionist E recp services 05/07/2019 9.00 c.

d. To consider the following grant applications: i. Girlguiding Benson £725 towards the cost of an adventure camping trip in September Members who had not declared an interest in this item unanimously resolved to award a grant of £725 to Girlguiding Benson. The cheque was written and signed. ii. Ewelme Preschool £300 towards the purchase of new sports equipment Deferred to October agenda to await further information.

16. Questions to the Chairman No questions to the Chairman were received.

31

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

17. Items for Councillors to note Cllr P Baylis announced her resignation from the Information and Technology Committee. Cllr T Stevenson received a complaint about the brook being blocked at Passey Crescent, but on inspection found plants growing in the brook which present no problem. The water level is low. John Brannan reported to Cllr T Stevenson that during the most recent Giant Hogweed treatment, the glysophate weed killer used by the contractor over sprayed onto one of the willow trees on the Cuckoo Pen site. Cllr P Murray reminded of the Castle Square resurfacing works, now commencing on Friday 9th August 2019. The Parish Council is unable to give permission for non-hall hire related parking in the car park and the School has advised that it is not possible for residents of Castle Square to use the School car park due to contractors being on site.

18. To confirm the date of the next Council meeting Thursday 26th September 2019

19. Dates of next meetings Strategy meeting Thursday 22nd August 2019

a. Planning Committee Thursday 22nd August 2019 7.00pm b. Finance Committee Tuesday 17th September 2019 7.30pm c. Halls Committee tbc d. Recreation and Lands Committee August meeting tbc e. Technology Committee Monday 19th August 2019 7.30pm

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

Elizabeth Stanley Parish Clerk 30th July 2019

32

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

Title District Councillors’ Report Authors Cllr Sue Cooper and Cllr Andrea Powell Meeting Benson Parish Council Date 25th July 2019

The Emerging Local Plan 2034 The first full Council meeting of the new administration was a busy one, with a packed agenda. As expected, the main focus of debate (and for the representations made by over 20 members of the public), was the South Oxfordshire Emerging Local Plan. The Cabinet motion put forward included several elements, including: • a desire to protect the district against speculative housing development and to maintain its housing land supply; • a wish to support the funding available through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (c. £215m currently targeting road improvements in and around Didcot); • a direction to officers to explore with OCC, Homes England and MHCLG options for protecting the HIF funding whilst enabling the council to address concerns about the current emerging Local Plan 2034, including (but not limited to) climate change issues and Oxford City’s unmet housing need; • a desire for the Local Plan to reflect more properly the recently declared Climate Emergency and the Climate Change Act 2008, including the objective to become Zero Carbon by 2050; • the need to commence work on a new Local Plan as soon as possible, strengthening climate change considerations. This motion was passed by 20 votes to 13; while some criticised the strategy NOT to make a clear decision at this stage between the four previously presented options, Cabinet’s view was that more time was needed to allow SODC officers to discuss with others potential ways to protect the much-needed funding for road and cycle path improvements while reducing the number of houses currently included in the plan. Latest traffic models have made it clear that the new roads and river crossings are already badly needed to relieve pressure on the existing network, and that if all of the planned houses are constructed, the roads will immediately be at full capacity. The current plan also includes nearly 5000 houses to satisfy Oxford City’s unmet need, but the inspector has recently questioned the methodology used to calculate this figure, and we feel strongly that the concerns around Oxford’s housing need should be addressed before we become legally obliged to embed this huge number in our allocation. Officers were requested to contact the SODC Plan inspector immediately after this motion was passed to request a pause in the process, and an additional Council meeting is likely to be arranged in September in order to review progress on their negotiations. Other Motions Passed by Council on 18th July Council also agreed to: • Establish a Climate Emergency Advisory Committee; • Request that the government accelerates the delivery of rail projects important to South Oxfordshire; • Explore options to deliver more high-quality, environmentally sustainable and genuinely affordable housing;

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

• Oppose the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway project in all forms, including expansion of existing (or new) roads in the district to form part of it; • Support fully-electrified East-West Rail, including freight capacity and connections, and better public transport and active travel connections; • Continue to support partnership working, especially with regard to landscape- scale conservation and nature recovery networks; • Call on the Oxfordshire Pension Fund to divest from non-renewable energy companies whose main purpose is the exploration and/or extraction of fossil fuels, and to explore reinvestment of its funds into appropriate renewable energy companies. Polling Station review SODC is reviewing its polling stations and want to hear from members of the community what they think of them. They are particularly keen to hear from people with disabilities if they have experienced any difficulties accessing the polling stations. This is a legal obligation, and must be carried out to ensure that all electors have “such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances”. Any representations or comments should be sent to [email protected] and the consultation ends on 27th September. More information can be found on the SODC website at http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2019/2019-07/have-your-say- polling-stations-southern-oxfordshire

Cycling Survey The new administration is determined to prioritise safe cycling routes in any new developments, so we are very keen to support the Oxfordshire Cycle Survey currently underway. The survey asks what you like or dislike about cycling in Oxfordshire and about any problems you encounter.

The results of the survey will support the production of the first 'local cycling and walking infrastructure' plans for Oxford, Bicester and Didcot and is open for comments until 6 September. The survey can be found at https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/Cyclesurvey2019/consultationHome

Food and Safety Inspections The council’s Food and Safety team is officially among the top performers in the country, helping businesses improve their food hygiene standards and taking enforcement action when necessary.

The Food Standards Agency has just released their stats for 2018/19 and they confirm that the team carried out 100 per cent of their planned food safety inspections, well above the national average of 89 per cent. Only 14 per cent of authorities achieved this level. They were also the only Food and Safety team in Oxfordshire to carry out all their inspections.

The team were also responsible for two thirds of all food hygiene prosecutions in the county. They were also the only ones to issue a 'Simple Caution' for non-compliance and, for the first time, a food business operator in South Oxfordshire was banned from running a food business for life after their restaurant was closed twice in six months due to rat infestations.

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

Benson PC - Benson NPDT WG

Infrastructure Progress Report – July 2019

A summary of the various projects the team are involved in are given below. In some cases we have now reached the stage of putting firm proposals to the PC which require a decision. Any questions at the Council meeting please if possible.

1. A4074 Fencing – North Side This part of the work alongside the A4074 is suggested as a high priority work, the object being to control the ad hoc parking on the grass verge which has caused a great deal of comment in the community. The plan had been to fence the sensitive areas off anyway following other work (see below), but by bringing this forward we can safeguard the footpaths and hopefully prevent some of the more extreme parking. It is anticipated that doing this work out of sequence will not prejudice the other work. Although this project has been discussed with them, final agreement from OCC Highways will be required in advance. The fencing suggested would be 800mm high, post & rail, and is indicated on the attached diagram.

There are two separate areas to fence off, as shown in the accompanying diagram: − Main area approx 68m − Side/Corner approx 25m Total Fencing needed = 93m Cost quoted = £12/m Possible County Fee = £750 Expected cost = about £2k Recommendation 1: “That Council agree to fund the above fencing at a cost not exceeding £3k”

2. Pedestrian Crossing on A4074 This was a very popular suggestion in the NP, reflecting the real fears expressed over road safety on this extremely busy main road. When first discussed with OCC Highways, they made it clear a survey would be required to indicate the need for a crossing and ideally the desire line of pedestrians.

As reported before, a detailed survey was carried out through the summer of 2018, and a full report was made to the PC and OCC Highways. Further discussions then took place with OCC as to the type and exact positioning of a new crossing. We now seem to be at the point where OCC will consider installing a light controlled Puffin crossing on the site of the existing island crossing, although there is still a debate to be had over a refuge island or not. A wider Toucan crossing (for cyclists & pedestrians) is unlikely due the cost and available space, whilst a Pegasus crossing (for the above plus horses) is ruled out on the same grounds. OCC Highways have given us a worst case estimate of about £110k, which includes about £35k for carriageway resurfacing if necessary – which they say is usually the case. Expected Cost = about £110k Recommendation 2: “That Council agrees to fund the installation of a new controlled pedestrian crossing on the A4074, as close to the existing site as possible, at a cost not exceeding £120k”

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

3. Parking Restrictions near The Marina As discussed in the Team's preliminary report earlier, it can be anticipated that with an increase in parking demand and a reduction in parking availability, there will be an increase in motorists parking in unsuitable locations. Almost certainly there will be an increase along St Helen's Ave, but this is the widest road in Benson and is unlikely to create major issues. Eventually the NP suggests off road parking might be required, but this is some way distant as yet. Church Rd may also prove problematical and any issues should be noted. However, the Team recommend that action be taken now to prevent future inappropriate parking in two places – the bus pull in on the north side of the A4074 (see below) and along the lane running through Preston Crowmarsh. The latter has already been the subject of a great deal of comment on some days, and this can only increase with the above changes. There is a safety issue here, with access for emergency vehicles being required – which already has proven problematical at times. The costs will include a Court Order as well as a consultation, and are unlikely to be under £8k. Recommendation 3: “Council requests the Infrastructure Team to explore the possibility of parking restrictions on this road and to report back”

4. Dropped Kerbs & Signage A preliminary report on this was submitted to Council earlier in the year. The main intention being to increase safety for users whilst encouraging access to the village centre by non vehicular means.

No additional suggestions have been received since the report was made, although one resident raised the issue with our local District Cllr.

Currently the proposal is for 7 pairs of dropped kerbs @ £1200 per pair (£8.4k) and for 4 new signposts @ £700 each (£2.8k) It is likely that negotiation will reduce the cost considerably due to the bulk order. Expected Cost = £11.2k Recommendation 4: “That Council agrees to spend up to £11.5k on improving these facilities” 5 Rivermead Access The pedestrian survey clearly illustrated the safety issues of pedestrians accessing the Marina complex by walking along the road from the crossing point. As was mentioned in our preliminary report, the Team recommend that improved access is provided via Rivermead – which is owned by BPC of course.

There are a number of possible solutions, and discussions with the Marina landowner would seem appropriate. It would also seem that this is a project best undertaken by BPC, although the Team would be very happy to discuss the situation in more detail with the appropriate PC Committee. It would seem logical that this might best be undertaken when the work on the south side bus pull in is being undertaken, and hence this project now has some urgency. Expected Cost = Unknown Recommendation 5: “That Council examines improving access to Rivermead from the southern bus stop as a matter of urgency”

6. Bus Pull In – South Side The improvements proposed here are that the existing pull in be widened slightly, and increased in length by about 3m. The exact length being determined by the proximity of a gas main when the site is excavated.

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

These improvements are aimed at providing a safer landing area for passengers, whilst enabling bus drivers to ensure their vehicles are clear of the road alongside Rivermead. The improvements will be funded by a S106 arrangement at no cost to the Parish. Expected cost = nil to Parish

7. Hard Surfacing – A4074 North Side Following the fencing if necessary, but simultaneously if possible, the installation of a grass crete hard surface on the main area identified above. It is not proposed to work on the corner area. The surface will not extend to the extremities of the fencing, but just enough to accommodate vehicles. Levelling etc & seeding is included in the quote. This work will hopefully prevent the damage observed to the verges, and the mud bath problems encountered. Taken together with the fencing, it will allow some parking on the site, but at a reduced level and will improve safety. Again, although this has been discussed with OCC Highways, their final agreement will be required in advance. At the moment this is some distance away. Area to be re-surfaced = 10m x 23m = 230 sq.m Cost quoted = £100per sq.m Expected cost = about £23k

8. Bus Pull In – North Side There is also a S106 agreement in place covering the bus pull on on the north side of the A4074, this coming from Phase 2 of Ben 1. The money is not yet available. To date, there have been no detailed discussions on any improvements, but a better access to the highway for drivers has been mentioned. The Team would seek to widen this discussion to include yellow lines to restrict parking for example, since there is evidence of inconsiderate parking already. Expected Cost = nil to Parish

9. Grass Verge on A4074 South Side No work has been done on this to date, but if the changes on the north side were successful, it would seem logical to consider installing a similar hard surface on the triangular piece of land on the south side of the main road. However, currently Highways are only likely to agree to parallel parking, not nose/tail in.

A very rough measurement of the site would indicate a possible area to be hardened of 72 sq m (and hence a cost of about £7.2k) and a fence of about 18m (a cost of about £0.25k). Hence a cost of about £7.5k could be expected for a gain of perhaps 3-4 parking spaces.

10 Traffic Calming The NP suggested that traffic calming measures in the High St and along Oxford Rd in the vicinity of the school would be of value. These measures would certainly include a 20 mph speed limit. Further discussions are required before taking this project forward however, and this is not an immediate priority.

D Rushton Infrastructure Team, BNPDT 14.7.2019

BENSON PARISH COUNCIL Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ Tel: 01491 825038 E-mail: [email protected]

BCA Update

I thought it time to update everyone on the progress made since the last AGM of the BCA and the present situation. You will recall that the Council at the last AGM required the Committee to explore ways of closing down the existing BCA and disposing of its assets.

The Committee did explore a range of options, with the future of Warwick Spinney being the main issue. Obviously simply selling the land is not and never was an option. After taking legal advice, we had to accept that it was also not an option to simply hand the land over to to the Parish Council, the advice received being that it could only be handed over to a charity. The Committee then looked at local existing charities, but concluded that any such transfer would not be possible or indeed in the interests of the community. We then explored the possibility of the PC forming a charity to enable this transfer to happen, but our solicitor then advised a cheaper, slightly quicker route.

The option being pursued therefore, is to create a new charity. Accordingly the Committee entered into discussions with the Benson Nature Group (BNG) – who have already agreed to undertake various works on the Spinney on our behalf – and were pleased to get a positive response.

The concept therefore is to set up a new charity – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) – which is legally allowed to own assets such as land (unlike the current BCA), register it with the Charity Commission, then transfer the existing assets including the Spinney to the new charity. The old BCA could then be closed down in line with the existing constitution.

The BNG have agreed to put forward at least 3 new Trustees for the new charity, and I have agreed to remain for one year to ease the transition. The new charity should have between 3 and 9 trustees, and we will appeal for any further potential trustees to step forward at the appropriate time. The new charity will have roughly the same objectives as the existing BCA, but its focus will very much be on the Spinney. All current restrictions on the use of the Spinney will be carried over. Further good news is that the BNG have been successful in obtaining a grant for necessary work on the Spinney, so its future is looking very positive

Currently we have instructed our solicitor to take the necessary steps to enable all this, and the preliminary approach is now with the CC. Once we are in a position to take the next steps, the Committee will set a timetable and proceed with an EGM to approve all the above. Under these circumstances, there seems little point in calling a routine AGM this summer, so the next meeting called will be an EGM in late Autumn.

Dave Rushton BCA Chair

5.7.2019