MINUTES Parish Council meeting Monday 2nd September 2024

Minutes of the Stewkley Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 2nd September 2024 at 7.30pm at the Stewkley Village Hall

Cllr Keith Higgins (Chair), Cllr Gill Morgan, Cllr Andrew Arthur, Cllr Brian Bottomley, Cllr Phil Delafield, Cllr Henry Hunt, Cllr Joanne Locke, Cllr Andrew Pryke, and Joanna Simonds, Clerk & RFO.

PCSO Tina Hobbs and one member of public were also present up to and including Open Forum.

1. To receive apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Cllr Virgilio Simeone.

2. To receive any declarations of interest on this evening’s agenda
No declarations were received.

3. Open Forum
PCSO Tina Hobbs asked the PC to remind parishioners that emergencies should always be reported via 999. Only non-emergency issues should be reported via 101, email to the local team address WingNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk, or online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk. In terms of Stewkley crimes, the following reports were received during the period 2nd July to 31st Aug ’24:

  • 1 x dangerous dog incident;
  • 1 x Criminal damage;
  • 2 x suspicious people;
  • 1 x Assault with injury;
  • 1 x suspect vehicle and action fraud.

The Best Kept Village co-ordinator, invited to attend the meeting, was thanked profusely for all she’d done to secure the winning victory of the prestigious Tindall Cup. She was presented with flowers and invited to accept the winning cup on behalf of the Parish Council at the 21st Sept ceremony at the War Memorial.

4. Update from Unitary Councillor, Phil Gomm on Buckinghamshire Council matters
Cllr Gomm was not in attendance and there was no update provided.

5. Update from the Clerk on Parish matters

  • BC has confirmed the South Lane damaged grit bin will be replaced and installed before winter.
  • PKF Littlejohn have concluded our 23/24 external audit with nothing to note.
  • Regarding the drainage issues on HSN, all associated properties have given permission for hedge work to be carried out to allow access for an excavator. This will be a staged process; a tree surgeon will attend site first to do the vegetation clearance and the ditch clearance will follow shortly after by another contractor. Our LAT will keep us posted on dates.
  • The BC Street naming team have confirmed the 15 dwellings on the “Land Adjacent to Wing Road” will be assigned the name Valentines Meadow. Unless any objections are received by the Magistrates Court, the order will be officially made on 14th September.
  • The Lawn cemetery extension drawings have been received and passed to our contractor to determine next steps.
  • The PC received a letter today from the Highways Asset Manager, confirming the resurfacing of HSS footways is currently scheduled for delivery during the autumn of this year. He said the scheme is still being designed and he cannot currently be any more specific regarding an exact delivery date but as soon as the work is programmed, he will provide the PC with an update.
  • Following an introductory call with our new MP, Callum Anderson, whilst unable to attend any Monday meetings, due to being in Parliament, he is more than happy, subject to availability, to attend any appropriate functions in Stewkley on either a Friday or over a weekend.

6. To approve the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 1st July 2024
The draft minutes were approved and signed as a true record by the Chair.
Proposed: Cllr Delafield / Seconded: Cllr Bottomley / Agreed unanimously

7. Planning
24/02250/APP – Littlecote Farm, Littlecote, Stewkley MK18 3LN
Cllrs resolved in favour to SUPPORT this planning application as the village very much welcomes and supports the farm shop, however, Cllrs concluded, that as raised with the agent, they would be grateful if reassurances could be given in respect of:
(i) a better design in terms of the car parking arrangements which currently look to encroach residential use into commercial use, and
(ii) a front covered area over the entrance doors which would be beneficial in inclement weather.
The Clerk was also asked to reach back out to the agent confirming that concerns were still raised about this application and that Cllrs would be grateful for an onsite meeting to discuss further. Action Clerk

24/02325/APP – Old Lower Dean Farm, Dean Road, Stewkley LU7 0EU
After lengthy discussion, Cllrs resolved to OPPOSE this application, as whilst in support of the principle of the holiday let, Cllrs would, as conveyed to the agent, want to see the access and seating area on the other side of the barn, rather than within the working area.  

Cllrs reiterated the importance of applicants attending the PC Meeting where their planning application is to be considered so that Cllrs have the opportunity to ask any necessary questions.

24/00815/APP – Land South of 20 Wing Road
To consider whether to request a consultation session with BC planners.
The Chair gave an update on the meeting with the agent last month who were under pressure from planners and Cllrs agreed that a meeting be requested with the Town & Parish Councillor Surgeries team. Action Clerk

To ratify the August planning application:
24/02035/APP
– Breach Farm, 113a High Street South, Stewkley LU7 0HU
Cllrs ratified their decision of SUPPORT for this application.

8. Enforcement Issues
Cllr Bottomley confirmed there had been no further developments in regard to 74 HSS, and Cllrs asked that the Clerk write and escalate matters directly with Enforcement, copying in Olivia Stapleford and Cllr Gomm Action Clerk

9. Finance
To ratify the August payment run as circulated

SPC payments august 2024

Proposed: Cllr Morgan / Seconded: Cllr Delafield / Agreed unanimously

To approve the September payment run as circulated:

SPC payments September 2024

Proposed: Cllr Locke / Seconded: Cllr Bottomley / Agreed unanimously

To approve the Accounts to 31st August 2024 as circulated
Proposed: Cllr Morgan / Seconded: Cllr Delafield / Agreed unanimously

10. Insurance renewal
Cllrs resolved unanimously to approve the 24/25 insurance policy renewal quotation from Clear Councils as circulated by the Clerk.

11. Community Projects
Cllr Bottomley updated that whilst things are progressing with the Community Garden, they have still been unable to secure a builder. Cllr Arthur said he knew somebody that may be able to assist and would reach out looping Cllr Bottomley in. Action Cllr Arthur. Cllr Bottomley also confirmed they are still in need of materials for the path, including paving slabs.
Cllr Delafield confirmed he was scheduling a meeting with a landowner who might be able to assist with the “Dry Lands” (previously known as Wetlands) project.
Cllrs agreed the next Drop in event would be postponed until at least next Spring.

12. Recreation Ground
The report on Dropbox was noted.

13. Highways, Footpaths, and Lighting
Cllr Bottomley commented that a good job had been made of the recent Orchard Lane pothole patching works.

14. To agree the date of the next Parish Council Meeting
The next Parish Council Mtg will be held on Monday 7th October ‘24 at The Village Hall at 7.30pm.

The Chair confirmed the meeting closed at 21:40