Minutes of Meeting of Cotton Parish Council
Held on Thursday 19th March 2009 in Cotton Village Hall
Present :- Chairman Mrs. Couldridge
Councillors’ Bridges Hutchinson Hanlon Williams
Parish Clerk Colin Hall
MSDC Councillor Andrew Stringer
Two members of the public
1. Apologies for absence.
Councillor Ellis
2. Declarations of Interest-
Councillor Bridges declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 6 as she owns land adjacent to the land, proposed in Mr. Lockett’s offer.
3. Introduction by Chairman
Councillor Couldridge welcomed those present and asked if any member of the public wished to address the Council. Mr. Lockett indicated he would answer Councillors questions regarding his proposal.
4. To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on the 4th March 2009 were approved and signed by Councillor Couldridge
5. Matters arising
There were no matters arising
6. Planning Policy H4 Land Offer
Mr. Lockett has offered the Parish Council a parcel of land in Cotton in lieu of payment to MSDC in respect of the £112,00.00 required under Planning Policy H4 on his proposed development (3753/08 & 3757/08) at Park Farm, Dandy Corner, Cotton.
Councillor Couldridge asked if there were any questions for Mr. Lockett at this stage, it was decided to wait until after the discussions to raise any questions. The meeting was adjourned for Councillor Bridges to make a statement. She said “that she felt the land had little benefit to local residents as it would require considerable work on it before it could be put to any use, the Parish Council could incur expenses in rectifying this and ongoing expenses to maintain the land”. Councillor Bridges then retired from the meeting, which was then re-convened.
Mr. Lockett stated the he believes his development is not subject to Planning Policy H4, however the offer of land is made without prejudice should this not be the case.
MSDC Councillor Stringer said the application would probably be discussed by MSDC at a planning committee meeting.
Councillor Couldridge said that the decision whether the offer was acceptable would be made by MSDC The only matter for the Parish Council to decide was if the land offered would be an asset to the Parish or a liability. She then reported on the site meeting held on 14th March 2009.During this suggestions for its use were made these were Grazing, allotments and wildlife/woodland/recreation. Councillors present expressed the view that the site was rather small for the latter and as there is no link to the footpath system for use by walkers, and that access was over a private road owned by Hastoe Housing.
After this report Councillors discussed the possible uses, it was felt that the land in its present condition was not suitable for grazing horses and would need considerable work done to make it usable involving cost to the Parish Council, the same applies to its use as allotments. The size of the plot limits its use for recreational purposes , Councillors’ Couldridge & Hutchinson said they felt any available funds for this purpose should be directed to the Carter’s Meadow project rather than being split between the two. Councillor Couldridge pointed out that all options would involve extra traffic over the road owned by Hastoe Housing, the cost of the maintenance for this access is met by the residents of Garden Meadow View via their service charge. They have expressed an opinion in the past that they are not happy with paying for facilities to be used by others. Councillor Could ridge also said that the land needs boundary fencing and the entrance gate would need moving at some expense. The Clerk informed the meeting that the Council currently do not have funds available for this purpose. Councillor Williams said he would like the Parish to own a piece of land in the centre of the village even if it was unused. Councillor Hutchinson said that she thought there are more financial implications for the Parish in owning a piece of land than are immediately obvious. Councillor Hanlon said that he agreed with the thoughts expressed by Councillor Williams. The Chairman then asked if Councillors thought it would be beneficial to seek advice from MSDC, this was agreed. Councillors Hutchinson & Williams expressed the view that if there is no financial burden on the Council the offer may be acceptable. Councillor Could ridge suggested that a letter be sent to Hastoe Housing seeking their view on increased use of Garden Meadow View for access. The Clerk will contact MSDC and write to Hastoe Housing. The Chairman asked MSDC Councillor Stringer to keep the Parish Council advised of the date that this application is due to go to committee.
7. Planning
No planning application were received after the publication of the agenda
8 Any other business
The Clerk reported that John Doherty had erected the new notice boards at the village hall, the Old School and on the bus shelter in Cock Road. A letter of thanks will be sent to Mr. Doherty.
He also reminded Councillors of the deadline for printing the newsletter, it must be ready to send to Mr. Hewitt by the 21st April.
The Clerk is to arrange a meeting of representatives from all village organisations, on the 7th April, to discuss the “Village of the Year” competion.
The statutory notice has been displayed regarding the vacancy for a Councillor, if the minimum number of village residents (10) do not request an election by the 3rd April 2009 a new Councillor can be co-opted by the Council
The meeting closed at 8.30 pm
Date of next meeting:-
Wednesday 15th July 2009 at 7.30 pm in the village hall
Chairman
, Lime tree Farm, Parkers Road
Tel: 01449 781047
Vice Chairman
- Jeannie Hutchinson, Ghyll House, Cock Road
Tel: 01449 781320
Clerk to the Council
- Colin Hall, Highberry Fields, Mill Road,
Tel: 01449 781400
Councillors
- Pauline Bridges, 14 Mill Road
Tel: 01449 780000
- Beryl Ellis, Elm Grove Bungalow, Mill Road,
Tel: 01449 780007
- David Williams, Rasecroft, Mendlesham Road,
Tel: 01449 781645
- James Hanlon, Wisteria Cottage, Mendlesham Road,
Tel: 01449 782925
- Beryl Halliday. Tanglewood, Mill Hill, Cotton.
Tel: 01449 781682
COUNCIL MEETINGS.