MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF RADLEY PARISH COUNCIL HELD on THURSDAY 25th January 2024 at 7.30pm in the CHURCH ROOM, RADLEY
PRESENT: Councillors Crowley (Chairman), Henderson, Barnfather, Cook, Frank, Johnston, McDermott, Moggridge, Sparks and Tannahill.
IN ATTENDANCE: District Councillor Lugova, the Lengthsman, Clerk and Assistant Clerk
2 members of the public.
1/24 | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
District Councillor Cox was unable to attend the meeting. |
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2/24 | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
RECEIVED: Cr Henderson – North Radley Community Room, Radley Village Hall (Trustee of both) and Woodlands Defibrillator. Cr McDermott – North Radley Community Room (Trustee of the North Radley Room CIO) Cr Johnston – Radley Village Hall (Trustee) Cr Crowley – Radley Village Shop and Radley Lakes Trust (Trustee) |
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3/24 | DISPENSATIONS: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/24 | MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/24 | MINUTES: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | · RESOLVED that the minutes of the December 2023 Parish Council meeting were an accurate account of that meeting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6/24 | POLICE MATTERS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | · Noted that the abandoned car on Whites Lane has now been removed.
· Noted that at the PCSO “Have Your Say” meeting held in January that three residents had attended and raised concerns of the noisy moped rider and poisoning of cats and foxes. |
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7/24 | PLANNING MATTERS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | CIL PROJECTS:
· RESOLVED that the minutes of the minutes taken from the Development Steering Group held on 11th January 2024. · The Charity fundraiser introduced herself to the group and discussed the approach being taken to find fundraising opportunities for the CIL projects. 1. Gooseacre: i. The two heating solutions and quotes to be discussed at the next Gooseacre meeting on the 29th January. Running costs would need to be researched to form part of the decision-making process. Clerk to circulate the meeting invitation to all councillors. ii. It was raised that having a heating solution that includes air condition may be beneficial for residents during future heat waves. iii. Noted that the Radley History Club would like a room in the Village Hall to enable them to hold drop-in surgery approx. every three months, storage, and access to Wi-Fi. To be discussed further within the Gooseacre project committee group. iv. Noted that Mark Hewer had agreed to meet with Radley Parish Council to discuss VoWH CIL funds. Date of the meeting to be confirmed. v. Raised that the project might have to be split between Radley Parish Council and Radley Village Hall due to Radley Village Hall being the leaseholder and these payments would also have to pay the VAT, adding to the overall cost of the project. 2. Lawns Community Building: i. RESOLVED adopt the CIO’s recommendation that Matthew Day should be appointed for the S106 Public Art provision. ii. RESOLVED in principle to accept the final Rotunda quote, and to give the Clerk discretion on any extra costs due to additions required such as outside tap and floor finishes. iii. RESOLVED that warranty conditions should be included in the land transfer contract with Redrow, to cover Radley Parish Council in case of issues arise due to Redrow use of the land since the ground conditions report was completed. 3. Radley Lakes: i. Noted that Radley Lakes Trust will make grant applications either in this financial year or next to draw down on money for CIL projects. 4. Cemetery extension: i. RESOLVED that the Clerk will contact St James the Great Church find out the number of burial plots that are available due to leases expiring. ii. Noted concerns raised on the urgency required for a solution for land required for burials and the Glebe land may not be suitable. Noted that when space is used up, burials will become the responsibility of the District Council and people will be directed to Abingdon. 5. Welcome Leaflets: i. Cr Tannahill had volunteered to help create the content of the leaflet. ii. Cr Sparks will investigate if Radley College would be able to print the leaflets on behalf of Radley Parish Council. 6. Car Park New Entrance: No update. 7. Lower Radley sewage issues: i. AGREED Cr Henderson would attend a meeting on the 6th February between Lower Radley residents and Thames Water to represent Radley Parish Council to discuss surface water infiltration into the main system. The Council endorsed the approach being taken by the resident group. |
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(b) | STRATEGIC SITES:
1. NW Radley (Church Farm): i. Noted that the Whites Lane Junction land ownership claim from Pye was still ongoing. ii. RESOLVED to write to Pye to remind them of their commitment to replace all the dead trees by the end of January 2024. 2. North Abingdon: None. 3. South Kennington (The Lawns): 4. Balancing pond: i. AGREED that there was no action for Radley Parish Council. District council was dealing with the issue. |
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(c) | INFORMATION:
· Noted that “essential undertaking full structural examination works” is planned on 11/12 March for the stretch of Sandford Lane approaching the railway bridge. |
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(d) | THRUPP LANE:
1. Old Coalyard: · Noted that the owner has appealed the Enforcement Notice which was served in December. 2. ROMP: None 3. Terra Firma: · RESOLVED that the Parish Council will write to the head of planning and Chief Executive at VoWH, requesting them to carry out the enforcement and will object to the application that will be put forward to the County Council. |
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(e) | JOINT LOCAL PLAN:
· APPROVED that councillors are to comment on the plan individually, and Radley Parish Councils response is to support the reduction in housing targets as this will relieve pressure on the green belt. |
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8/24 | FINANCIAL MATTERS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | INTERIM AUDIT:
· RECEIVED the Internal Auditors report and the clerk’s additional comments. |
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(b) | ACCOUNTS:
· RESOLVED: to confirm scrutiny and acceptance of the bank statements and reconciliation. The chairman Cr Crowley confirmed this by signing the statements and reconciliation. |
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(c) | BUDGET:
i. Noted the budget updates in the file. ii. RESOLVED the Clerk would provide recommendation on how much is required to move from reserves to cover general expenditure. |
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(d) | ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:
i. The Council acknowledged scrutiny of the invoices for payment in January 2024. Cr Crowley confirmed this by signing the cashbook. ii. RESOLVED, and approved that the accounts as itemised on the monthly cashbook for January should be paid. |
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(e) | DEFIBRILLATOR:
· Noted that Woodlands residents had purchased their own defibrillator, and no action is now required from Radley Parish Council. |
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(f) | TAX BASE:
· Noted the Vales response on the Tax Base, and concerns raised that the correct number of occupied properties is not being used. |
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(g) | INFORMATION: All noted.
i. Noted that the pavilion roof has been re-felted, and additional work will be required to support the non-structural joints on the veranda that are rotten. ii. Noted that £500,000 of reserves have been deposited in Barclays Treasury Funds for 3 months maturing on 8th April 2024. iii. Noted that the precept request has been submitted and acknowledged by the District Council. |
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9/24 | REPORTS OF THE COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | COUNTY: Cr Johnston reported:
1. The only matter of substance to report is that the gap in the County budget for 24/24 has now been reduced from £11.2 million to £900,000 which is only about 0.7% of the total budget. This has largely been done by adjustments to the two Social Service budgets involving changes to the assumptions about future need. Amongst other things this has been as a result of successful reprofiling of the services which has resulted in more people receiving services at home rather than the much more expensive hospital care. Officers and the Cabinet are confident that the remaining gap will be changed by budget time in February. Updated at the Parish meeting – the County budget now balances and will be presented on budget day in February. 2. Updated at the Parish meeting – work will be carried out to rectify the drainage channel as a blockage further upstream has been identified on Sandford Lane. Maintaining the winterbourne (which becomes a stream when water levels are high) is still an outstanding issue with difficulties finding anyone to take ownership to investigate. |
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(b) | DISTRICT: Councillors Lugova and Cox reported:
1. Vale will open a new round of Climate Action Fund, and the scope of applications expanded significantly. It’s not just decarbonization (like EV charger installation), but also actions plan, for examples, funding local flooding action groups. If it’s of interest, please let us know, we will connect you to the officer for options discussion. 2. Available flooding support. The Oxfordshire flood toolkit contains flood recovery advice and contact in case of emergency and how to report a flood Report a flood – Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit. 3. Mark Hewer confirmed that is open for the meeting with Radley PC regarding CIL budget. Need to follow up to have it scheduled and in the Calendar. 4. Vale (and South) extended the contract with Biffa for waste collection. The contract will now run until June 2026. Biffa processes the waste in its facilities: – The food waste process produces biogas, which provides enough energy to power up to 4,800 homes, and nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser which is sold to local farmers to use on their land. – An average of just over 20,000 tonnes of compost collected and processed a year from residents’ garden waste goes to local farmers to be spread on farmland. 5. Loads of half-term activities for the kids planned by both Vale and South. More information on the website where tickets can be booked and places reserved – School Holiday Activities – Vale of White Horse District Council (whitehorsedc.gov.uk) 6. There were some changes made in Planning regulation and many of them require additional consultations. Mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain will come into effect from 12 February 2024 – this will be phased with major development (10 or more dwellings, or where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares & commercial devt. Where the floorspace is greater than 1,000sqm or total site area is more than 1.0 hectare) triggered from 12 February. Small sites will be within threshold from 2 April 2024. 7. The Boundary Commission started the new consultation on 9th January 2024 – https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/vale-white-horse 8. Vale (and South) Joint Local Plant (preferred option) consultation started 10th January 2024 – Joint Local Plan Preferred Options (southandvale.gov.uk) |
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10/24 | HIGHWAY MATTERS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | FIX MY STREET:
i. RESOLVED that the Lengthsman will become the Fix My Street superuser for the north of the parish after the resignation of the present superuser for that area. ii. Noted that several issues raised on Fix My Street are being incorrectly recorded as being actioned / completed. Lengthsman to raise with the co-ordinator to get these fixes actioned for no charge. |
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(b) | LENGTHSMAN REPORT:
· NOTED the activities carried out by the Lengthsman in the last month. – Routine checks and inspections – Litter picking, playground checks, regular air- sweeping of the playground and pathways. Cleanliness of benches. Functionality of AEDs and SIDs. SID battery replacement. Meter readings. Bus shelter cleaning. – Tree inspection. – Parking-terms sign attached to bow fence. – Meeting with newly allocated area Highways Officer at Lower Radley. – Review of FMS repairs. Marked up road and footpath defects. Submitted repair reports. – Liaised with assistant clerk and measured the divided allotments and the concrete pad. – Cleared leaves, pruned brambles and air-swept pavement on Church Road. – Cleared leaves and overgrowth from Church Road PC car park path. – Litter picked Church Road PC car park. – Gritted Church Road PC car park and paths, gritted Church Road and the highway pavements around the school. – College boys’ partnership – leaf clearance, weeding, edging and litter picking on Church Road. – Minor housekeeping activities and emails. |
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(c) | INFORMATION:
i. Noted that the residents feedback captured from the 20mph survey and the roads requiring attention from the gully gulper has been forwarded to OCC. ii. Noted that a officers will have to produce a business case before the funding can be drawn down from the S106 fund and any work can commence. |
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11/24 | CONSERVATION: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | GARDEN COMPETITION:
· RESOLVED Cr Moggridge would bring a written proposal of a biodiversity competition to supersede the original garden competition to the next Parish Council meeting. |
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(b) | RADLEY LARGE WOOD:
i. RESOLVED to write to St Nicholson to comment that the Radley Large Wood management plan is risk adverse, and there is a very rare plant called Herb Paris present that needs to be protected. ii. RESOLVED for Cr Moggridge to ask if Radley Environment Group would like to offer their services to be involved with the long-term management plan with St Hildas. |
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(c) | SPRING LITTER PICK:
· RESOLVED for Cr Moggridge and the Lengthsman would organise a litter pick within the Radley Parish and provide details to the Assistant Clerk by the 19th February to be added into the Radley Newsletter. |
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(d) | ALLOTMENTS:
i. APPROVED that the rent for the subdivided plots to be set at £5. ii. RESOLVED that that the plot charges should be reviewed at the Finance and Administration meeting in July. iii. APPROVED for the Clerk to gain a quote to crown the trees in the corner of with Church Road and the bungalow gardens, with the work to be planned to be carried out from April. |
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(e) | INFORMATION: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/24 | CONSULTATION: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
i. RESOLVED that the Assistant Clerk will produce a draft proposed Emergency Plan.
ii. Noted the ward boundaries consultation. iii. RESOLVED that the Clerk will reply to the Oxfordshire Councils Charter. |
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13/24 | ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Biodiversity garden competition.
2. Church Farm street lighting and update on the speed limit. 3. Spring Litter Pick event. 4. Bus Shelters – Church Road. |
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14/24 | CORRESPONDENCE: The following were noted: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Mind Grant – thank you | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. ACRE Support to help village halls become more energy efficient | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. Crime Prevention grants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4. OCC newsletter DIY waste and increase to budget shortfall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5. Tree Guardian Newsletter Jan 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15/24 | DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
· Planning committee: Thursday 22nd February at 7pm (if needed). · Ordinary Parish Council meeting: Thursday 22nd February at 7.30pm All to be held in the Church Room. · Noted the full list of dates of meetings for 2024. |