STUDHAM PARISH COUNCIL ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ MINUTES OF VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ HELD

TH MONDAY 6 ​ JULY 2020 @ 7 PM ​ ​ ​ ​ Councillors Present: Bob Wilkin (BW), Mark Poyner (MP), Mohammed Rashid (MR), Geoff Shute (GS), ​ Chrys Smith (CS), Lynne Smith (LS) & Alan Wright (AW). Ward Councillors Kevin Collins (KC), and Eddie Perry (EP) (Part meeting). Also, in attendance: ​ 8 members of public. Julie Cooper (Clerk) 1. Apologies for absence. No apologies were received. 2. Declaration of Interest. (Personal and / or Prejudicial) ​ ​ CS: 6 a) Parking at Chapel, 6 d) Village Hall, 6 f) SKAW group, 15 Playing Fields. 3. Public Question time. Nick Opperman (NO) – attending to speak re; telephone mast, happy to wait for the agenda item 7. 4. Matters for the Central Bedfordshire Councillors. EP unfortunately not currently au fait with Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) circumstances, KC yet to arrive. Kevin arrived at the meeting; he advised that the planning team has pretty much covered their workload, Richard Carr (CBC’s Chief Executive) has made it clear that he is resigning, albeit delayed due to the Covid-19. This will be a 6-month process, currently looking at the criteria required, prior to advertising. st 5. To confirm approval the minutes of the meeting held on 1 ​ March 2020 ​ These minutes were previously approved as a correct record of the meeting by way of affirmative responses from Councillors following e-mail circulation. These minutes formally confirm this to be correct. Any matters arising therefrom. No matters arising other than those included within the agenda.

www.studhamparish.co.uk Signed: Page 1 of 5 ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. Report of the Chairman – Councillor Wilkin. a) Gates and Bollards on the Common. BW updated the meeting regarding the ongoing concerns for pedestrians with the gates and bollards on the Common and the current situation in relation to correspondence with CBC. The PC has not received a satisfactory response from CBC thus far, Councillors agreed therefore to pass copies of correspondence and underlying issues to our Ward Councillors to take this matter forward. EP has written to Robin Richardson (of CBC); he is disappointed with the response he received and will pursue this matter. Paul Rushmer, (in attendance) and resident of one of the properties involved in this issue, informed the meeting that they were advised in correspondence from CBC that CBC have no jurisdiction over the land and have no intention of pursuing the matter. b) Woodland Rise. The PC, along with CBC, are still managing an ongoing issue of maintenance of the footpaths and the central Island, which has again been brought to the Councillors’ attention due to the dumping of garden waste. CBC have checked the situation regarding the land and responsibility for its upkeep. BW showed a copy of the e-mail from CBC which shows that the land is currently classed as escheat which essentially means it is owned by the Crown but would be available for purchase for a commercial price. CS updated the parishioners on the history as to why this position has evolved. AW suggested that effectively it could be purchased by the PC but this was not felt to be appropriate due to the ongoing maintenance required. The residents of Woodland Rise may feel it appropriate to purchase it or a developer may wish to investigate the possibility of purchasing for building, however some very mature trees may be subject to TPO’s. CS suggested a letter to affected residents, BW to action. BW c) Holywell Green Triangle. It has been suggested that a bench would be appreciated in this location. Following e-mail correspondence between Councillors it was agreed to ascertain the cost of implementing this idea. GS has obtained quotes for supply and install a green Oak bench, as seen on Studham Common. The consensus however was that a less ‘rustic’ style would be more appropriate in this location. Ensuring the bench was securely anchored would add to any cost. Suggest budget of circa £700. AW has advised that he is not aware of any residents who would be against this project but suggested a bulk e-mail go to nearby residents to gauge their opinions. Assuming a positive response all in favour, with a caveat, that the financial position should be considered and perhaps defer to the next financial year. AW to action the e-mail in the first instance. CS suggested that Spring might be a sensible time to install the bench to allow an official unveiling. AW d) Village Hall Floor. The Councillors have been updated by Des Salmon with regard the delay, not helped by the current Covid-19 restrictions. It was hoped that by now a position to move forward would have been achieved however this is not quite the case. The PC feel the quotes are viable to allow the project to proceed. NO questioned whether there is a reason why the person who offered to undertake the project free of charge has not been considered. It was made clear that the floor repair alone is not appropriate as works to the wall must be undertaken as part of the project, as per the engineer’s report. Local builders who advertise in The Parish Link were among those approached to submit a tender. e) Studham Parish Council (SPC) Policies and Procedures – ✔ Standing Orders ✔ Financial Regulations ✔ Complaints Procedures The above revised policies have been circulated ahead of this meeting for Councillors consideration. Relevant adjustments were made following Councillor feedback.BW proposed all three be accepted as ​ ​ stated. Seconded by: AW and RESOLVED. Copies will be uploaded to the website. ​ ​ ​ ​ f) SKAW Coronavirus Response Group. SKAW CRG was assembled right at the beginning of the lockdown, along with Kensworth and Whipsnade Parish Councils, church representatives, the WI and volunteers, BW on behalf of the PC to offer sincere thanks to Liesa Coates (in attendance) who co-ordinated the 140 volunteers and provided an excellent service over the last 3 months. Moving forward, as lockdown is eased, the service will be handed over to the Good Neighbour Scheme. This has instigated a new group to be formed at Whipsnade. Liesa responded with an update, including details of a grant being received. The balance of SKAW CRG funds held will be shared across the three village groups. www.studhamparish.co.uk Signed: Page 2 of 5 ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. Report of the Vice-Chairman – Councillor Poyner. There are currently no new Planning Applications to be considered. Very few applications were submitted ​ ​ during the lockdown, ● Mile Barn Farm, Leighton Buzzard Road, redevelopment – withdrawn, need to monitor. ● Land rear of The Bell Cottages – rejected – 2 semi-detached bungalows. ● Land next to 240 Dunstable Road – rejected – new house. ● Manor Farm – 30 x 60 m ménage has been started ● Mansgrove Farm – change of use to Residential Care Home – more information requested. All of the above have been considered per the approved Covid-19 protocols and responses submitted. ● Other Planning Matters: ​ Mobile Telephone Mast – Cornerstone, Telefonica and Vodafone consultation letter received. New ​ proposal following mixed reaction to the site on Common Road. It was noted that CBC did not handle the application correctly. This means that should a new site not be agreed they could technically go ahead under the previous granted approval. It is noted that the new mast will be approx. 34 metres high and of a completely different structural design. MP requested any comments. NO feels height (previous 17.5 m) and the new design suggests this would be used for other things. BW advised that the original location, on high piece of land allowed for a smaller pole. This new location will need to reach above the treeline to achieve a good signal. Until last Autumn, 24 metres was the highest allowed, but regulations were changed to allow taller masts, hence this new application. It is felt that this will be a very visible from the footpath network, but hidden from roadway, whereas the previous one would be more visible from road network. It was noted that this proposal is on private land as opposed to CBC land previously. Consensus was the mast is not environmentally shaped and design too high. 2, 3 & 4G, expected, anticipated that 5G will need a larger number of smaller receivers. MP feels it is unlikely that Studham, being so rural will see 5G. There were concerns that current screening will be lost when Ash trees are removed as planned. There was some concern as to the accurateness / comparison of other sites. Feelings were the new site will be a very visible eyesore. AW added that the information, as provided for sites which were not suitable was not sufficient. Mike Pittam felt that hosting a tower of this type would probably provide a considerable financial reward. MP advised that from a commercial point of view this is no longer the case. Lynn Draine mentioned that as legislation has been approved for these taller towers, this is likely to be the case on any site. MP had been advised that a minimum 6m above treeline is optimal. NO noted that 34m is twice the height of the church tower. NO also noted the Ash trees in Castle Grove ​ ​ might be felled at some point due to ash dieback disease which would increase mast visibility. EP opinion (personal) felt mast is too high and would not support it himself if called to CBC’s DMC meeting. Ultimately however the Villagers must decide. CS suggests that the height might be designed to reach over the church. MP reminded those present that this is not a ‘normal’ application, more of an advice notification, therefore BW feels it unlikely that the company would want to start again but noted the implication regarding Option 16 (Common Road) that that option could be reverted to if the new site is deemed unsuitable. MP wanted to know if anyone is in favour. No affirmative responses received. CS commented that whilst the location is good it is just too high. Important to remember that this is a mast not a tower. The company may feel that this site is much more secure. Probably visible to much of the village. MP will produce a draft response; this will be circulated for approval by e-mail. 2 residents left the meeting. 20.24 Neighbourhood Plan. A Neighbourhood Plan (NP) update had been formally requested by end July. ​ Caravan Sites at Billington. MP advised that the PC had been contacted by a local interest group ​ regarding Green Acres / The Stables sites at Billington and sought KC’s view on the situation. KC advised that CBC was involved and monitoring the situation at these sites and another at Stanbridge which was complex with caravans in excess of permitted levels. KC said the situation had improved over the last 2 years but there was still a long way to go. CBC’s Local Plan. MP requested an update from KC as this Impacts on progress towards Studham’s NP. KC ​ advised that a resolution to tidy up on consultation documentation has been passed, additional information was out to consultation and CBC was mainly waiting to hear from inspectors as to when hearings will be held. It is hoped that CBC have provided sufficient information. Unfortunately, the longer this situation drags on the more the underpinning information becomes out of date. KC said emerging

www.studhamparish.co.uk Signed: Page 3 of 5 ​ ​ ​ ​ NP’s are being considered in absence of the Local Plan but all NP’s are being held up anyway as no vote can be undertaken during Covid-19. Best case scenario will be next summer for conclusion of Local Plan. Other Matters th SiGNS meeting scheduled for 7pm 25 ​ July. ​ 8. Report of Councillor Rashid. Nothing to report. 9. Report of Councillor Shute. Councillor Shute’s report on his portfolio was accepted, as distributed. This included the following. a) Friends of Studham Common working to establish safe working practices to allow continuing parties. b) Bench for Holywell Green – see item 6 c). ​ ​ c) The gardener has trimmed the Lonicera hedge around the village triangle, no other works undertaken

there due to dry conditions and issues around watering. Hope to restock flower beds in October. The

Meads footpath, top section has been trimmed back to ensure safe passage should the school reopen. d) War memorial railings have now been neatly secured. The Clerk is requested to write to Nick Cler Opperman to convey the PC’s thanks for overseeing this tricky finishing touch. The gates will in future remain padlocked. BW reminded the PC that the securing of roof slabs remains outstanding. e) Dunstable Road footpath now extremely dangerous for pedestrians, urgent attention required by CBC. f) Concern regarding green waste up to five feet high on Woodland Rise triangle – see Item 6b. 10. Report of Councillor C Smith. a) Highways – All works requested have been undertaken where possible. A replacement salt bin has been ordered to replace damaged one. The pole reported to be sticking up from ground has been removed as requested. White lining around the area is included on the new works list. Drain at Whipsnade Lane has been emptied, next visit will include a check on Hedgeside / Linney Head. CBC are looking to claim compensation for the damage caused by constant lorry traffic on Church Lane. th b) Sports & Social Club – Re-opened under government guidelines on Saturday 4 ​ July. 12-9pm weekend, ​ 4-9pm weekdays. rd c) Playing Fields – AGM to be held on Thursday 23 ​ July at 7pm. ​ d) Village Hall – CS appointed Vice Chairman of Management Committee. For floor see item 6 d. 11. Report of Councillor L Smith. Nothing to report – pleased to see the NHS flag flying again after its temporary removal. 12. Report of Councillor Wright. a) Website ticking over nicely b) Heartbeat – given up on solar cabinets for defibrillators. New cabinets require no heating so would be viable for Holywell area, unfortunately no grant funding available. Actual cost is approx. £2,000. Funds not allowed for this year but to be considered in next precept application. CS suggests Des Salmon might be able to secure a grant to assist with purchase. 13. Accounts for Payment. a) Accounts for payments relating to April & May were circulated and subsequently approved for payment via e-mail to all councillors as per the Covid-19 protocols established. This minute is to formally confirm this action. b) Payments for June, a request has been circulated ahead of this meeting. It was noted that the payment for Zurich has already been remitted ahead of this meeting to avoid further delay. EP left the meeting 20.52 14. Budget Statement Period 3 Financial statements relating to periods one and two were circulated to all councillors and subsequently approved as being correct. This minute is to formally confirm this action. Financial statement of income and expenditure for the year to date, 2020/2021 has been circulated ahead of this meeting. 15. Correspondence. A request for financial support towards upkeep and insurance of the play equipment has been received from the Playing Fields Committee. BW asked where PF get funding – CS advised from rents for buildings/ pitch use etc. BW PROPOSED £500. SECONDED by: GS RESOLVED.

www.studhamparish.co.uk Signed: Page 4 of 5 ​ ​ ​ ​ 16. Report of Clerk. a) Audit of 2019/2020 accounts – AGAR Part 2 has been circulated to all councillors ahead of this meeting for approval. AW PROPOSED these are approved as an accurate account of the previous year’s finances. SECONDED by: MP RESOLVED. The Clerk advised that the PC must now advertise the availability of the accounts being available for inspection for a period of 30 days. They must be placed on the PC website. AW b) Internal Audit 2019/2020 was undertaken by Ray Foster. His report and account have been circulated to all Councillors ahead of this meeting. The Clerk PROPOSED these are accepted by SPC. SECONDED by: BW. RESOLVED CS wished to highlight the auditor’s positive comments on the submitted accounts and extend thanks to The Clerk. c) The Clerk confirmed that the Standing Order mandate re. Gardener contract 2020/2021has now been successfully set up. 17. Review ongoing actions list. An update of the Ongoing Actions was circulated ahead of the meeting by BW. BW to ensure some information is provided for Parish Link – online version. BW 18. Items for the next Agenda Apologies in advance for September – AW – on holiday. Date and time of future meetings. th ● Monday 7 ​ September 2020 @ 7pm (to be confirmed later whether this will be in person or online) ​ Meeting Closed at 21.22pm

www.studhamparish.co.uk Signed: Page 5 of 5 ​ ​ ​ ​