STAGSDEN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting of the Parish Council Held Monday 21 January 2019 in the Village Hall at 7:30Pm

STAGSDEN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting of the Parish Council Held Monday 21 January 2019 in the Village Hall at 7:30pm

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

APOLOGIES: None ABSENT: None Action/Power

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mr Cardwell, Stagsden Neighbourhood Plan Group, Spring Lane The Public Development, 18/02517/OUT Bodies (Admission to Mr Cardwell asked that Parish Council bring to the attention of the Meetings) Act planning officer the difference in the scaled diagram of the development 1960 as and the diagram submitted to BBC. The accurate scaled drawing shows amended by the development is out of the defined chevron area and impedes on s100, LGA 1972 existing properties and open space.

Mr Cardwell also asked that Parish Council bring to the attention of the planning officer the Bedford Borough Council 2002 adopted plan Policy H25, Development will not be permitted on land designated as important open space.

Cllr Jauncey advised the Decision was, that the Committee resolved to grant subject to a s106 agreement, which means BBC cannot issue the decision until the S106 is signed as the decision is not legally binding without the S106 agreement. However, the clerk agreed to look into this with the Planning Dept.

Mrs Holmes Mrs Holmes asked if a representative of Stagsden Parish Council would be attending the Gypsy & Traveller Planning Appeal. The Clerk confirmed she was awaiting a response from Bedford Borough Council on procedures for the appeal.

Mrs Morrison Mrs Morrison asked if anything could be done about opening the Royal George, Public House. Parish Councillors had written to the owners of the Royal George who had said they were trying to find a tenant/landlord for the business/property.

Mrs Morrison also asked about resurfacing of the bypass. Cllr Kenlock Minutes Jan 19 1 Signed (Chairman) ………………

confirmed that, as the PC representative for Highways, she had reported the condition of the bypass several times. The Clerk had also requested resurfacing and re-lining. Cllr Kenlock to speak with BBC representative.

45/18 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence. LGA 1972, Sch 12 para 40

46/18 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The meeting acknowledged that the minutes of the meeting held on LGA 1972, Monday 19 November 2018 were a correct record. Sch 12, para 41

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting, held on 19 November 2018, were agreed and signed as a correct record.

47/18 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

As previously declared and as recorded in the minutes.

48/18 REPORTS

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

Local Plan 2030 The Council approved the Local Plan for submission on the 5th December. Following the removal of the proposed Colworth Garden Village and its planned 2500 homes (because it was too close to the Santa Pod Raceway) the Local Plan period has been shortened from 2035 to 2030. That lowers the housing need figure from 7855 to a minimum of 3636.

The final allocations are set out in the below table taken from the report. As can be seen the majority of houses (2260 of 3636) in this plan period will be on greenfield sites.

Minutes Jan 19 2 Signed (Chairman) ………………

It is not clear why the Stewartby option has been reduced; that is a brownfield site and capable of taking 1000+ homes by 2030, not just the 100 it has been allocated. This rejection of a brownfield site and at the same time the selection of yet another greenfield site in Sharnbrook for 500 houses is not easily explained and is almost certain to be challenged. In common with the other village developments, the Sharnbrook proposal means inevitable additional strain on roads and local facilities both in the immediate area and for surrounding villages.

Because of the shortened time period, the Local Plan is going to be subject to almost immediate review to take account of the strategic implications arising from the ‘Oxford – Cambridge Arc’ and associated developments. As a consequence, and in the light of planning guidance, the need to identify sites for Garden Villages will mean continued speculation and developer pressure.

The Local Plan will now be examined by the Planning Inspectorate which will make comments and, where appropriate, suggestions for modifications so that it complies with national policies and legal requirements. Local authorities are not obliged to take on board the views of the Planning Inspector, but doing so could ensure the Local Plan is deemed to be ‘sound’ should it be subject to challenge from developers in the future. Depending on the workload of the Planning Inspectorate at the time of submission, it is likely to take several months for the Council’s Local Plan to be reviewed.

Bedfordshire Police Funding The Home Office has announced plans to increase funding for police forces next year which could see Bedfordshire Police’s resources rise by £8m. Around £5.6m of this sum will be realised should the Police & Crime Commissioner choose to increase the policing element of Council Tax. Of the remaining sum, £1.3m will come from the central government core grant and there will be additional £1.1m to cover pension costs.

Minutes Jan 19 3 Signed (Chairman) ………………

Rough Sleeper Support The Council has in place a package of support for rough sleepers during the winter period.

Last year a grant of £307k was received from central government for 6 additional support workers and a Rough Sleeper Outreach Co- ordinator to ensure effective working with partner organisations. Furthermore, additional units of accommodation are being provided, along with 10 emergency accommodation beds.

For more information on the support available to those facing homelessness or rough sleeping see https://bedfordhomeless.org.uk/

Bromham Road Bridge Traffic travelling westbound over the Bromham Road bridge in Bedford is to be redirected from January 2019 – April 2019. This is due to Network Rail’s preparatory works for the demolition and rebuilding of the bridge to accommodate the electrification of the line. Specific dates and details of the diversion will be advertised in the area.

Bedford Hospital Inspection The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) latest inspection found that overall Bedford Hospital ‘requires improvement’. This grading was given to urgent & emergency services (including A & E) and maternity, although the remaining 6 categories were rated ‘good’.

The Hospital’s Chief Executive, Stephen Conroy, told local media that since the inspection the Hospital has opened its Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) which is seeing around 50 patients a day and taking the pressure off A & E services. He also reiterated plans to retain key services including maternity, A & E and paediatrics as part of the intended merger with Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

Council Website Following a period of redevelopment and testing, the Council has launched its new website at www.bedford.gov.uk. This is part of the implementation of the ‘Digital Operating Model’ to save over £10m a year by 2020 through the improved use of technology.

School Cameras The Council has agreed to allocate £650k, from a predicted underspend on this year’s budget, to purchase 38 cameras to enforce parking restrictions outside of schools as a means of improving safety. The maintenance costs will be covered by the income from fines issued.

Alzheimer’s Society Scheme The Alzheimer’s Society is publicising a new service in Bedford Borough. ‘My Future Plans’ provides one-to-one support for those who have been diagnosed with the disease and their careers to discuss future care arrangements. For further details call 01234327380 or email [email protected]

Winter Maintenance Minutes Jan 19 4 Signed (Chairman) ………………

The Council’s website provides updates on winter maintenance, including gritting operations. It also notifies residents of changes to school and adult services transport, bus services and waste collections. See http://apps.bedford.gov.uk/winterupdates/

49/18 UPDATES ON CURRENT ISSUES

(a) Police/Crime Report

The Crime report for Stagsden is attached at Appendix A. (b) Vacancy/Elections

Elections will be held on 2 May 2019. Councillors agreed to promote the vacancy in the newsletter, website and social media. It was also agreed to promote at the Neighbourhood Planning event.

Clerk to prepare posters and leaflets about the Election and becoming a Parish Councillor

Please note the May meeting has to be held within 14 days of the Election therefore The May meeting will be held on Monday 13 May 2019 note

Cllrs Jauncey and Dickson carried out a speedwatch on 22 December 2018. 5 out of 17 vehicles in a 30 minute session were speeding, 1 in excess of 40mph. The initiative will continue in 2019.

(d) Neighbourhood Planning

Report by email from Gavin Todd.

As this email also contained other issues unrelated to NHP, PC resolved to respond to Gavin’s email.

The team is progressing the SNP draft, with a key point summary to be shared for approval prior to the 16th February 2019.

The material for the 16th February 2019 is in preparation and a team are meeting weekly to ensure items are prepared, as per above we need to work together as a Parish on the event.

A follow up event on the SNP has been scheduled for the afternoon of 14th April 2019 at the Village Hall, where the developers have been given the opportunity to present on their proposed sites.

Minutes Jan 19 5 Signed (Chairman) ………………

High Level Plan:

January 24th – Next SNP Team meeting (occuring weekly in prep for 16th Feb) January 21st – Parish Council Update, plus Newsletter update February 16th – Stagsden Neighbourhood Plan Event March 18th - Parish Council Update and update of Parish event feedback, plus Newsletter update April 14th – SNP Stagsden Parish Event, Developers present, then Parish to vote on preferred sites May 20th - Parish Council review SNP draft including preferred sites options, plus Newsletter update June – Final revisions of by SNP team based on Parish Council decisions. July – Final SNP signed off by Parish Council for submission to BBC, plus Newsletter update

TBC – BBC feedback received and reviewed by Parish Council; then submit to Inspectorate; Conduct Local referendum; Stagsden Neighbourhood Plan approved and adopted under BBC Local Plan 2030

Based on the discussion and output of the PC meeting a Newsletter update can be provided, as it will focus on the 16th February event.

Parish Councillors to plan stall for the Neighbourhood Plan Event on 16 February 2019. All

(e) Village Hall

Repairs not finished, original builder not yet paid. Village Hall Committee are employing a new builder. Work still to be done: flooring, disabled Toilet plumbing and decorating.

(f) Allotments & Lease Peter Brown declared an interest.

AGM held on 4 December 2018. Cllr Watson no longer Chair. New Chair is Mr Hodson.

Note: Allotment lease expires 2020.

Councillors asked Cllr Brown to consider a toilet facility on the allotments. Cllr Kenlock to pass on information on Compost Toilets.

(g) Christmas

23 people sat down to Christmas Dinner. Attendees had a great time and would like to see the event happen again in 2019. Minutes Jan 19 6 Signed (Chairman) ………………

(h) Broadband

No update.

(i) Street Lighting

Cllr Kenlock to write an article for the Village Newsletter about dimming and switching off street lighting in Stagsden. Cllr Kenlock would like to see the village join the CPRE Dark Skies Campaign, reducing lighting to benefit wildlife and to stop light pollution. AK

Agenda for March meeting. JB

(j) Buckingham Palace Garden Party

BATPC had requested nominations to enter the draw to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Because of the deadline the Clerk had to respond before the meeting nominating Chair, Joanne Hodson.

50/18 PLANNING

(a) Report of Planning Applications

18/02324/FUL 2 Ducksworth Farm, 1 & 2 storey rear ext and single store side ext, granted 18/02557/FUL, High View, Wick End, Erection of agri building, revised location, granted 18/02375/TPO, Land rear of 23-25 High Street, Pollard Trees, granted 18/02859/TPO, Land rear of 23-25 High Street, Prune Willow, granted 18/02517/OUT, Land west of Village Farm, Spring Lane, granted

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

None.

51/18 FINANCE

(a) Schedule of Receipts and Payments – Dec/January 2019, Appendix C

Minutes Jan 19 7 Signed (Chairman) ………………

The Council received the schedule of receipts and payments LGA 1972, s150 made during December/January 2019. (6)

Prop: Mandy Jauncey, Sec: Jim Watson, All in favour

(b) Internal Audit

Mrs Carter had confirmed she was available to carry out the audit for Stagsden at a cost of £135.00.

RESOLVED

That Mrs Carter carry out the Internal Audit for Stagsden at a cost of £135.00.

Parish Councils with a turnover of no more than £25,000 are not subject to External Audit.

Smaller Parish Councils still have to be audited by an internal auditor and comply with the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities by showing audit paperwork on their website.

Smaller Parish Councils can still have their accounts audited by an External Auditor but can also choose not to. To do this they need to sign a declaration of exemption.

RESOLVED

To Continue to have Stagsden Parish Council’s accounts audited by the External Auditor.

(d) Payroll Services

Bedford Borough Council Payroll have confirmed they will be moving the pay date of salaries to the 27th of each month from the 15th.

With effect from April 2019 Bedford Borough Council require all clients including Stagsden Parish Council to hold their own unique PAYE tax reference. Currently under an old local arrangement with HMRC, employees have been registered under the Bedford Borough Council PAYE reference.

Minutes Jan 19 8 Signed (Chairman) ………………

52/18 Amenities

(a) Play Areas

The Chair and Clerk had met with BPHA to discuss new equipment in the play area at Oakcroft. BPHA will draw up a proposal for Parish Council to consider. It is understood that BPHA will fund the play area refurbishment and it is not known if Stagsden Parish Council will have to contribute towards the costs.

There were concerns over access from resident’s gardens into the play area and the play area being used to access a property to deliver oil. BPHA to investigate.

Cllr Smith’s Councillor Funding agreed for an outdoor Tennis Table was on hold until the new equipment was agreed.

(b) Rights of Way/Footpaths

 Damaged verges at St Leonards Close referred to Highways but no action as yet.

 Footpath sign by The Forge still missing.  Bridleway work still outstanding, latches need readjusting.  There was evidence that the Underpass was being used for anti-social activities, pass to PCSO.

 Drains blocked again on High Street near building works at St Leonard’s Close  Litter problem Wick End from Industrial Estate AK

The Canoe Trail Parking

With reference to a resident complaint about parking at the entrance to Oakcroft. Cllr Kenlock explained that The Canoe Trail business trailer vehicles were now being parked elsewhere and additional parking on a driveway had been in place since early last year. Cllr Dickson agreed that there had been an improvement. As there are also issues with the way other residents are parking around this area of the village, the PC resolved to monitor the general issue of parking around Oakcroft and at that end of the High Street.

Oakcroft road sign still not replaced.

Cllr Kenlock to chase white lining either side of Stagsden. Stagsden side hedge on A422 still requires cutting back. A428 Bromham side hedge still requires cutting back.

Minutes Jan 19 9 Signed (Chairman) ………………

53/18 NEW MATTERS FROM COUNCILLORS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

Street Lighting.

54/18 CORRESPONDENCE, APPENDIX E

See Correspondence list attached, Appendix D.

Prop: Ashley Kenlock, Sec: Mandy Jauncey, All in favour

55/18 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Meeting closed at 8.52pm. The next meeting will be held on Monday 18 March 2019 (7.30pm).

MINUTES AGREED: ______

Date: ______2019

Minutes Jan 19 10 Signed (Chairman) ………………

APPENDIX A Crime Statistics Dec 2019 07/12/2018 Burglary - Residential - Wick End Stagsden Dwelling 28/12/2018 Theft from a motor vehicle Spring Lane Stagsden

APPENDIX B Planning Application update

Planning Applications to consider - None.

APPENDIX C RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS December/January 2019 Income Exp Bedford Borough 223.21 Council salary + admin costs Bedford Borough 223.21 Council salary + admin costs 3.32 Nat West Interest 3.35 Nat West Interest 25 Nat West charges 233.82 Mrs Hodson Christmas Lunch 6.67 706.24

B/F £19831.32 Income £6.67 Expenditure £706.24 Balance c/f £19365.57 APPENDIX D CORRESPONDENCE LIST Received Type From Subject 15.1.19 email BATPC S137 limit for 2019-2020 15.1.19 email St Leonards add website link 15.1.19 email BBC Precept 2019-2020

15.1.19 email Brown & Co New layout for land west of village farm 15.1.19 email BBC G&T Appeal to be heard 5.2.2019 Beds Fire & 15.1.19 email Rescue Budget consultation 15.1.19 email BATPC Queens Garden Party nomination 15.1.19 email Carol Prigmore flytipping in layby and litter picking

20.1.19 email Gavin Todd items to be addressed by PC at Jan meeting

PC cc'd update planning committee approval in principle the 21.1.19 email Martin Page development at VillageFarm Spring Lane

Minutes Jan 19 11 Signed (Chairman) ………………