SHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Sherington Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th October 2019, at the Pavilion, commencing at 7.30pm
PRESENT: Cllrs Watts, Hindler, Shires and Readman, Parish Clerk Will Pike.
ALSO ATTENDING: 6 members of the public and Ward Councillor McLean.
- RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllrs M & S Crabb, Ward Cllrs Hosking and Geary. All apologies accepted.
- RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Shires should the pavilion come up.
- APPROVE MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
Minutes for the last meeting are to be signed at the next meeting.
- RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS
Points were raised as follows:
- John Cook announced he was resigning as Chairman or the Village Hall Trustees to be replaced by Giles Fern as of the 31st John will remain a trustee.
- The Parish Council were asked if any feedback had been received from the latest Police speed checks. None had been received.
- It was mentioned that there had been an increase in issues being reported to MKC in general and that this had the knock-on effect of delaying responses.
- RECEIVE WARD COUNCILLORS REPORT
Ward Cllr McLean mentioned the following:
- Training should be available from the local PCSO for the use of the speed monitoring equipment. It was also mentioned that she should be able to come to meetings so will be invited to the upcoming ones.
- Still no decision over the H.I.F. bid.
- Several points around Neighbourhood Plans and the MK housing supply were mentioned. It was agreed that clarity was needed as to the length of time a Neighbourhood Plan is valid for and it was agreed to start to look at renewing the current plan.
- It was mentioned that it was currently Rural Crime Week with PC Dan Smith being the local liaison officer.
A member of the public asked why there was no Ward Councillor response with respect to the Barwood Homes development. Ward Cllr McLean responded that he is often involved in the DCC meetings and decisions and therefore cannot openly state his views.
- RECEIVE REPORT ON ACTIONS FROM LAST MEETING
- The idea of a multi-sport surface being installed at the Pavilion to complement the football pitch as use of the available S106 monies was mooted. It would fall within budget and would be self-supporting. It was agreed to contact Richard Shires as a first port of call to see whether this idea could be investigated further.
- Stonepits Copse – it was agreed to form a sub-committee including Cllrs Hindler and Shires to push this project forward now that initial steps had proved successful.
- Cllr M Crabb had produced a set of draft terms and conditions for the hire of the hall / pitch and feedback was asked for from all Cllrs.
- The utilities switch for the Pavilion was in progress.
- It was agreed to progress with the planned memorials to Phil Smith subject to family approval. Quotes and further information will be obtained prior to the next meeting for the installation of a bench in Water Lane and a tree on the Knoll.
- It is still very difficult to find ownership of the footway between the High Street and Crofts End that floods. Further attempts will be made. A list of evidence to support MKC taking responsibility to be produced.
- CLERKS REPORT
WP had nothing to report that wasn’t being covered in other items.
- PROJECT GROUP UPDATES
PAVILION:
With the absence of Cllr M Crabb no update was given. It was agreed to add a sinking fund to next year’s budget to cover any large maintenance issues that may be forthcoming.
SHOP:
Focus Groups have and are being run to obtain information about what the community would like to be sold / available.
A draft viability report has been produced, comments from Councillors and from the Shop Committee have been requested. For now this will stay within the PC, until further information has been obtained.
It would appear that the project is viable, given the correct management and offerings.
The PC has written to the current tenants to explain that they will not automatically be offered the tenancy of the new shop and help has been offered to them to improve the current offering.
Helen Sachdev is liaising with the architects to produce the initial drawings from which accurate costings can be obtained.
BIODIVERSITY:
It was agreed to produce a strategy for Stonepits Copse
Malcom MacNaughton has produced some wooden signs which will be placed in appropriate places. It was asked if he could produce others along the same theme for God’s Acre as well.
- CARETAKERS REPORT
Cllr Hindler reported that the kerbstones on Hill View had still not been sorted. WP confirmed that MK Council are aware and that he will chase the repair work.
- FINANCE
Current Account Balance: £5,196.80
Savings Account Balance: £61,185.10
Cheques Due for Payment: £7,124.68
Total therefore being held is £59,257.22
All cheques were approved for payment.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
- BARWOOD HOMES
Cllr Watts confirmed that the application had been refused. He also made aware to everyone the possibility of appeal.
- CONSIDERATION OF OUTSTANDING OR RECENTLY SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS
None.
- CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE AND NEW CONSULTATIONS
None.
- EXTERNAL MEETINGS
None.
- COUNCILLORS ITEMS
Several points were made regarding S106 monies and possible uses.
Contact was being made with regard to the Arts Fund and also the Community Infrastructure fund.
There are amounts available for allotments, however as the existing allotments are leased from the landowner and there is no provision on the Barwood Homes site MKC has been asked if the monies could be used to improve the current site, possibly with new fencing / gates.
Cllr Watts asked for an update regarding the Landscaping process. Cllr Hindler will speak with MKC and respond at the next meeting.
- DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be on November 12th 2019 at 7.30pm to avoid clashing with Bonfire Night.