Minutes of Barkway Parish Council Meeting
Held remotely via Zoom on Tuesday 8th December 2020 at 7.30pm.
Acrobat PDF version here
1. In attendance: Cllrs:
Mr W Dennis (Chair)
Mr P Baker (Vice Chair)
Mrs J Connolly
Mr D Marchant
Mr N Stuart
Mr R Tym
Also present: Mrs C Toms (Clerk/RFO)
County Cllr. Fiona Hill
District Cllr. Gerald Morris
Members of the Public: Two members of the public were present
2. To receive and accept apologies for absence: Dist. Cllr. Tony Hunter. Cllr. J Cox (work commitments). Apologies accepted
3. To receive Councillor’s Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and to remind Councillors of their requirement to update register of interests under change of circumstances – none received.
4. Minutes
4.1 To approve the minutes of the last meeting - Proposed, seconded and all in favour to approve. Resolved. Action: Clerk
4.2 To consider any matters arising from the last meeting – None
Standing Orders were suspended to allow members of the public to address the Council and for Dist. Cllr. Morris and County Cllr. Hill to make their reports.
5. Public Session - to receive representations from members of the public –
A resident was present to raise some concerns and observations regarding the proposed development off Windmill Close (Site BK2). These points were duly noted (see item 9.2.6). A member of The Diary Editorial Committee was present to provide additional information regarding their grant application (see item 10.4). This member of the public left the meeting at 7.50pm, she was thanked for attending.
6. To receive report from District Councillor – Enforcement by North Herts District Council (NHDC) regarding the mobile home sited south of Barkway was ongoing and likely to need legal action by NHDC. Cllr. Dennis agreed to email the NHDC Enforcement Officer for an update. (Action: WD)
Other matters to be reported were items on the agenda and Standing Orders would be suspended to allow Cllr. Morris to speak on those matters at the appropriate time.
7. To receive report from County Councillor - County Cllr. Hill reported that she had followed up on speeding vehicle issues following the November meeting. The Police would be carrying out speed checks, as their resources would allow. Speeding was one of their key priorities for the current quarter. She would continue to look at means of reducing speed coming into the village from the South (but this area would be difficult to be enforceable by the Police). She would also look into the possibility of having 20mph advisory zones within the village. The Police had also been made aware of the dangerous overtaking happening in the village.
Standing Orders were resumed.
8. Council Administration – to note conclusion of Audit 2019/20 – The Clerk reported that the external audit was now concluded and there had been no matters raised for the attention of the Council. Notification of this was now on the noticeboard and on the website.
9. To rceive updates from Portfolio Holders
9.1 Corporate Governance – To adopt Standard Terms of References for Committees – to be deferred to the January meeting.
9.2 Planning
9.2.1 Wisbridge Reservoir update – The Clerk reported that she had written to the Environment Agency (EA) sending copies of drone photos and had also copied in NHDC. The EA had responded to say that they would look into matters. The EA visited the site again in November but a report on the conclusion of that visit was still awaited. The Clerk and Cllr. Morris to chase the EA for a response. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Tym joined the meeting at 8pm
9.2.2 Neighbourhood Plan – to receive update on following Reg. 14 consultation – The Clerk reported that the consultation period had ended and a total of 36 responses had been received. Those from the Statutory Consultees and Landowners, where they had engaged a 3rd party to respond, were complex responses and had been forwarded to the Planning Consultant to decipher. The remaining responses, from residents, were now being collated and would be sent over to Govresources. It was expected that a meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee would be called to discuss any proposed changes and a final draft would be prepared for approval by the Parish Council. This approved draft would then be submitted to NHDC for the Regulation 15 consultation.
9.2.3 NHDC Local Plan Hearing Sessions – update on matters relating to Barkway – Following the new modifications proposed by Officers at NHDC regarding Barkway (to re-categorise Barkway from a ‘Village for Growth’ back to a ‘Category A Village’ and to delete site BK3) to the Local Plan, the Inspector was arranging a new Hearing Session to discuss Barkway and Site BK3. The date of which was still awaited but was likely to be either in January or February.
9.2.4 To consider and approve draft additional comments response prepared by Govresources to outline planning application:
Outline Application : Outline application with all matters reserved other than strategic point of access onto Royston Road and Cambridge Road for the erection of up to 140 dwellings and a new shop (A1 use) with associated open space, landscaping and drainage. Land between Royston Road and Cambridge Road, Barkway, Hertfordshire. Case Ref No: 18/01502/OP – The Clerk had previously circulated a draft response prepared by the Planning Consultant. It agreed to move the paragraph regarding S106 to the end of the statement. It was therefore proposed, seconded and agreed to approve the response incorporating the change. (See Appendix A). The Clerk to response to NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.5 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Section 73 Application : Proposed extension to the existing agricultural building including new grain dryer facilities with associated works including hard standing (Section 73 variation of condition 9 of planning permission 17/01925/1 granted 11.12.2017). New Farm, The Joint, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8DU – Case Ref No: 20/02778/S73 – After discussion of this application it was agreed to ask the NHDC planning officer what had altered with regard to the development to trigger a S73 application to change the sequencing of the work? The works to the highway to create passing places surely should be of paramount importance to enable the narrow road to cope safely with the increase in volume of HGV traffic that a finished development will entail? The Clerk to contact NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.6 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Planning Permission : Erection of 24 dwellings and associated access roads.
Land at, Windmill Close, Barkway, Hertfordshire – Case Ref No: 20/02779/FP - The planning application was discussed at length, the Parish Council proposed, seconded and agreed that it had no objection to the application subject to the following observations and comments. It would be asked if they could be taken into consideration and if possible incorporated as conditions of approval, if the Planning Officer at NHDC was mindful to approve the application. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
The Clerk also mentioned that the Officer at NHDC dealing with the sale of land at Windmill Close was apparently unaware of any contract between themselves and the Parish Council that would allow for transfer of ownership of the leased Open Space to the Parish Council upon sale of the remainder of the land. The Clerk would pursue this matter. Action: Clerk
9.3 Highways – update – (also see item.7). The idea of a buffer speed limit of 40mph coming from the South into Barkway (between the 60mph and 30mph zones) was discussed. County Cllr. Hill said that although the Police had not yet been asked, it was the Highways Officer’s opinion that it would be unlikely to be accepted due to the openness of the environment in that area. However, she was happy to continue investigating this and see if a study could be carried out. Cllr. Dennis reported that a leaflet was due to go out to all residents to gain support for a new Drivesafe team to monitor traffic speeds through the village.
9.4 Sports and Recreation
9.4.1 To consider quotations for installation of replacement multi-play equipment and for carrying out regular play area inspections and maintenance and agree action to progress matters. To also consider plans for a longer-term play equipment replacement project – Cllr. Baker had circulated information regarding the 1st phase of the project (replacement of play fort) with quotations from 3 different companies. The prices were around £15k - £16k which included demolition and removal of rubbish, so this charge would need to be reduced as the fort had, for safety reasons, already been demolished. Other items of play equipment identified as needing replacement in phase 2 of the project were the roundabout, the slide and the swings. It was thought that approx. £12-£15k would be the cost to replace these. The idea would be to move the play area southwards away from the Pavilion. Safety matting would be incorporated into the grass to maintain the appearance of the area. He was awaiting an overall design from these companies to share with the Council. The Clerk confirmed that £15k was already included in the forecast for the current year, which would cover the cost of the fort. The £15k estimate for phase 2 of the project could be included in the budget for 2021/22. It was noted that there was still money left in the Solar Farm fund which could be used for this project. The Council agreed that it was important to move this project forward as soon as possible. Cllr. Baker indicated that there was still more preparation needed to plan this, but it was hoped that a replacement fort could be in place by the Spring.
Dist. Cllr. Morris departed from the meeting at 8.43pm. He was thanked for attending.
9.4.2 To receive report on football activities – Cllr. Merchant reported that although there was very little in the calendar, football training still seemed to be continuing. It was agreed that these people must be asked to book use of the facilities through the Bookings Clerk. It was noticed that a lot of rubbish had been left on the ground after the last weekend, which was totally unacceptable. The Clerk to contact the Bookings Secretary to ask her to rectify matters. Action: Clerk
9.5 Community Property – To receive update on donors board for the Pavilion entrance hall - Cllr. Cox had reported in her absence that she had taken the measurements and was obtaining quotations. Action: JCox
9.6 Environment – To consider and approve expenditure for the first phase of the Wagon Wash Restoration project- Cllr. Connolly had circulated a proposal for phase 1 of the project following a specialist survey recently carried out. This proposal was to allocate £5k immediately to carry out some preparatory work required to get together as much information as possible, covering an ecology report and careful de-silting of the Wagon Wash. It would then be possible to get an idea of how much the whole project would cost and decide how it could be funded. She had met with a former Parish Councillor who had explained the path of the drainage. Cllr. Connolly to forward details regarding the pipe between Barkway House ponds and the Wagon Wash to Cllr. Hill to establish if Herts County Council had ownership and maintenance responsibility of that pipe. Action: JC
The Clerk was asked to write to the owners of Manor Farm to request permission to remove their tree on the south wall as it was causing damage to the structure to the Wagon Wash and to also explain about the overall project to restore the Wagon Wash. Action. Action: Clerk
It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to approve expenditure of £5k on phase 1 of the Wagon Wash Renovation project. Resolved.
9.7 Media and Communications
9.7.1 To discuss website accessibility, consider quotations and agree any necessary action to acquire a compliant website – Cllr. Stuart was still awaiting quotations from various companies. Most companies would require 50% up front payment and the remaining 50% on completion. They had all been informed that to test compliance of the new website, the Government tools software would be used and if it passed then the final payment would be made.
Cllr. Stuart was thanked for fixing the Booking Clerk’s laptop.
9.7.2 Update on production of a Winter edition of the Barkway Bulletin – to be deferred.
9.7.3 Police Report – nothing to report.
9.7.4 To receive update on the Barkway Hub – Cllr. Cox reported in her absence that they had held an initial meeting and would produce terms of reference for the Committee. Cllr. Tym had volunteered to act as an advisory. Christmas Kindness boxes had been organised for 10 people. No-one had taken the group up on any Christmas activities so far.
County Cllr. Hill left the meeting at 9.17pm. She was thanked for attending.
10. Finance – To receive finance reports from the Clerk
The Parish Council bank balance at 08.12.2020 was £88,628.19
Petty Cash £16.01
Receipts since the last meeting:
£2.14 – Barclays - Interest
10.2 To authorise payments to be made
Approval of payments since last meeting:
DD £8.40 – Sage Software – Monthly Subscription
DD £68.31 – Nest – Pension Contributions
DD £8.70 – Castle Water – Water Pavilion
DD £71.00 – EDF – Electricity Pavilion
Approval of payments to be made at meeting:
By bank transfer
£1,064.39 - Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Monthly Salary + Office Allowance
£37.50 – Orla Swann – Litter Picking Nov
£37.50 – Kaitlin Aldridge – Litter Picking Nov
£76.50 – R Bonfield – Maintenance Rec. Nov
£50.00 – T S Drake – Line Marking Nov
£55.00 – M Thornton – Window Cleaning RR, Pavilion and Cleaning of Bus Shelters
£360.00 – PKF Littlejohn LLP – External Audit
£185.00 – Society of Local Council Clerks – Annual Subscription
Reading Room Accounts:
Bank Balance at 08.12.2020 was £11,434.70
Receipts since last meeting:
£33.02 – COIF – Interest
£0.17 – Barclays - Interest
Payments since last meeting:
DD - £41.00 – NHDC Rates Reading Room
The payments were proposed, seconded and all approved. Resolved.
.
11. Correspondence
Caravans site at Hare Street - Thanks to information provided by neighbouring Parish Councils, the Council had been alerted to an application to site caravans in a field north of Hare Street. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to forward an objection to East Herts District Council by 12th December. Action: Clerk
Agricultural Barn, Langley - The Parish Council had also been made aware of an application for an agricultural barn at Langley. The impact of which would be a huge increase of HGV traffic along narrow lanes locally. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to forward an objection to Uttlesford District Council by 12th December. Action: Clerk
12. Items to be deferred to the next meeting – Terms of Reference for Committees and Working Parties, incl the Barkway Hubb, Off-road parking along Cambridge Road, New play equipment for the Rec. and maintenance programmes, the Donors Board for the Pavilion, New storage shed, Action plan for the Wagon Wash, Quotations for a compliant website, Budget 2021/22 and Precept application.
13. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 12th January.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 9.34pm
1. In attendance: Cllrs:
Mr W Dennis (Chair)
Mr P Baker (Vice Chair)
Mrs J Connolly
Mr D Marchant
Mr N Stuart
Mr R Tym
Also present: Mrs C Toms (Clerk/RFO)
County Cllr. Fiona Hill
District Cllr. Gerald Morris
Members of the Public: Two members of the public were present
2. To receive and accept apologies for absence: Dist. Cllr. Tony Hunter. Cllr. J Cox (work commitments). Apologies accepted
3. To receive Councillor’s Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and to remind Councillors of their requirement to update register of interests under change of circumstances – none received.
4. Minutes
4.1 To approve the minutes of the last meeting - Proposed, seconded and all in favour to approve. Resolved. Action: Clerk
4.2 To consider any matters arising from the last meeting – None
Standing Orders were suspended to allow members of the public to address the Council and for Dist. Cllr. Morris and County Cllr. Hill to make their reports.
5. Public Session - to receive representations from members of the public –
A resident was present to raise some concerns and observations regarding the proposed development off Windmill Close (Site BK2). These points were duly noted (see item 9.2.6). A member of The Diary Editorial Committee was present to provide additional information regarding their grant application (see item 10.4). This member of the public left the meeting at 7.50pm, she was thanked for attending.
6. To receive report from District Councillor – Enforcement by North Herts District Council (NHDC) regarding the mobile home sited south of Barkway was ongoing and likely to need legal action by NHDC. Cllr. Dennis agreed to email the NHDC Enforcement Officer for an update. (Action: WD)
Other matters to be reported were items on the agenda and Standing Orders would be suspended to allow Cllr. Morris to speak on those matters at the appropriate time.
7. To receive report from County Councillor - County Cllr. Hill reported that she had followed up on speeding vehicle issues following the November meeting. The Police would be carrying out speed checks, as their resources would allow. Speeding was one of their key priorities for the current quarter. She would continue to look at means of reducing speed coming into the village from the South (but this area would be difficult to be enforceable by the Police). She would also look into the possibility of having 20mph advisory zones within the village. The Police had also been made aware of the dangerous overtaking happening in the village.
Standing Orders were resumed.
8. Council Administration – to note conclusion of Audit 2019/20 – The Clerk reported that the external audit was now concluded and there had been no matters raised for the attention of the Council. Notification of this was now on the noticeboard and on the website.
9. To rceive updates from Portfolio Holders
9.1 Corporate Governance – To adopt Standard Terms of References for Committees – to be deferred to the January meeting.
9.2 Planning
9.2.1 Wisbridge Reservoir update – The Clerk reported that she had written to the Environment Agency (EA) sending copies of drone photos and had also copied in NHDC. The EA had responded to say that they would look into matters. The EA visited the site again in November but a report on the conclusion of that visit was still awaited. The Clerk and Cllr. Morris to chase the EA for a response. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Tym joined the meeting at 8pm
9.2.2 Neighbourhood Plan – to receive update on following Reg. 14 consultation – The Clerk reported that the consultation period had ended and a total of 36 responses had been received. Those from the Statutory Consultees and Landowners, where they had engaged a 3rd party to respond, were complex responses and had been forwarded to the Planning Consultant to decipher. The remaining responses, from residents, were now being collated and would be sent over to Govresources. It was expected that a meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee would be called to discuss any proposed changes and a final draft would be prepared for approval by the Parish Council. This approved draft would then be submitted to NHDC for the Regulation 15 consultation.
9.2.3 NHDC Local Plan Hearing Sessions – update on matters relating to Barkway – Following the new modifications proposed by Officers at NHDC regarding Barkway (to re-categorise Barkway from a ‘Village for Growth’ back to a ‘Category A Village’ and to delete site BK3) to the Local Plan, the Inspector was arranging a new Hearing Session to discuss Barkway and Site BK3. The date of which was still awaited but was likely to be either in January or February.
9.2.4 To consider and approve draft additional comments response prepared by Govresources to outline planning application:
Outline Application : Outline application with all matters reserved other than strategic point of access onto Royston Road and Cambridge Road for the erection of up to 140 dwellings and a new shop (A1 use) with associated open space, landscaping and drainage. Land between Royston Road and Cambridge Road, Barkway, Hertfordshire. Case Ref No: 18/01502/OP – The Clerk had previously circulated a draft response prepared by the Planning Consultant. It agreed to move the paragraph regarding S106 to the end of the statement. It was therefore proposed, seconded and agreed to approve the response incorporating the change. (See Appendix A). The Clerk to response to NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.5 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Section 73 Application : Proposed extension to the existing agricultural building including new grain dryer facilities with associated works including hard standing (Section 73 variation of condition 9 of planning permission 17/01925/1 granted 11.12.2017). New Farm, The Joint, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8DU – Case Ref No: 20/02778/S73 – After discussion of this application it was agreed to ask the NHDC planning officer what had altered with regard to the development to trigger a S73 application to change the sequencing of the work? The works to the highway to create passing places surely should be of paramount importance to enable the narrow road to cope safely with the increase in volume of HGV traffic that a finished development will entail? The Clerk to contact NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.6 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Planning Permission : Erection of 24 dwellings and associated access roads.
Land at, Windmill Close, Barkway, Hertfordshire – Case Ref No: 20/02779/FP - The planning application was discussed at length, the Parish Council proposed, seconded and agreed that it had no objection to the application subject to the following observations and comments. It would be asked if they could be taken into consideration and if possible incorporated as conditions of approval, if the Planning Officer at NHDC was mindful to approve the application. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
- This is an application for 24 dwellings – it was noted that on site BK2 in the emerging NHDC Local Plan, this site was earmarked for only 20 dwellings. To squeeze an additional 4 dwellings on this area makes for very tightly packed housing and lowering the standard of amenities on site, i.e. garden size and number of parking spaces.
- NHDC has acknowledged that there is a climate emergency and the application stated that it had considered energy conservation but there do not appear to be any solar panels being incorporated in the design. Ground/air source heat pumps should be considered, as well as each property having a mandatory electric car charging point.
- Garages should be car ports and a condition imposed to prevent them being converted to garages/additional accommodation. Thereby to ensure that they are used for parking and not storage, which would create on road parking problems.
- As the demographic has changed in recent years in Windmill Close, younger people have moved in and parking there has become a real problem, with cars parked up on verges and much congestion. A survey does need to be carried out to establish if the existing situation would allow the associated new traffic from the development to flow. Looking at the current situation there, this is an important issue to be addressed.
- Parking spaces – there must be an increased number of off-road parking spaces provided on site, not only for residents but to allow for visitors as well (plans show no spaces for visitors). Unaddressed this will only exasperate the existing parking problem in Windmill Close. A more generous allowance for parking on this site may lead to ease the parking congestion for Windmill Close residents.
- Houses designated for rent / shared ownership should stay as such. Can this level of social housing be guaranteed as a condition of granting planning permission?
- Tidy bin storage areas should be provided within the design of the site.
- Landscaping guarantees – existing hedgerows should be retained and any landscaping replaced with what is already there. In addition, landscaping should be placed as a buffer between the new development and the Parish Council recreational green space.
- During the construction phase, provision for contractor parking must be made available within the site and deliveries of materials, etc. to site to be made at the least congested times in Windmill Close. Building works to only be carried out during normal working hours and not on Sundays or bank holidays.
The Clerk also mentioned that the Officer at NHDC dealing with the sale of land at Windmill Close was apparently unaware of any contract between themselves and the Parish Council that would allow for transfer of ownership of the leased Open Space to the Parish Council upon sale of the remainder of the land. The Clerk would pursue this matter. Action: Clerk
9.3 Highways – update – (also see item.7). The idea of a buffer speed limit of 40mph coming from the South into Barkway (between the 60mph and 30mph zones) was discussed. County Cllr. Hill said that although the Police had not yet been asked, it was the Highways Officer’s opinion that it would be unlikely to be accepted due to the openness of the environment in that area. However, she was happy to continue investigating this and see if a study could be carried out. Cllr. Dennis reported that a leaflet was due to go out to all residents to gain support for a new Drivesafe team to monitor traffic speeds through the village.
9.4 Sports and Recreation
9.4.1 To consider quotations for installation of replacement multi-play equipment and for carrying out regular play area inspections and maintenance and agree action to progress matters. To also consider plans for a longer-term play equipment replacement project – Cllr. Baker had circulated information regarding the 1st phase of the project (replacement of play fort) with quotations from 3 different companies. The prices were around £15k - £16k which included demolition and removal of rubbish, so this charge would need to be reduced as the fort had, for safety reasons, already been demolished. Other items of play equipment identified as needing replacement in phase 2 of the project were the roundabout, the slide and the swings. It was thought that approx. £12-£15k would be the cost to replace these. The idea would be to move the play area southwards away from the Pavilion. Safety matting would be incorporated into the grass to maintain the appearance of the area. He was awaiting an overall design from these companies to share with the Council. The Clerk confirmed that £15k was already included in the forecast for the current year, which would cover the cost of the fort. The £15k estimate for phase 2 of the project could be included in the budget for 2021/22. It was noted that there was still money left in the Solar Farm fund which could be used for this project. The Council agreed that it was important to move this project forward as soon as possible. Cllr. Baker indicated that there was still more preparation needed to plan this, but it was hoped that a replacement fort could be in place by the Spring.
Dist. Cllr. Morris departed from the meeting at 8.43pm. He was thanked for attending.
9.4.2 To receive report on football activities – Cllr. Merchant reported that although there was very little in the calendar, football training still seemed to be continuing. It was agreed that these people must be asked to book use of the facilities through the Bookings Clerk. It was noticed that a lot of rubbish had been left on the ground after the last weekend, which was totally unacceptable. The Clerk to contact the Bookings Secretary to ask her to rectify matters. Action: Clerk
9.5 Community Property – To receive update on donors board for the Pavilion entrance hall - Cllr. Cox had reported in her absence that she had taken the measurements and was obtaining quotations. Action: JCox
9.6 Environment – To consider and approve expenditure for the first phase of the Wagon Wash Restoration project- Cllr. Connolly had circulated a proposal for phase 1 of the project following a specialist survey recently carried out. This proposal was to allocate £5k immediately to carry out some preparatory work required to get together as much information as possible, covering an ecology report and careful de-silting of the Wagon Wash. It would then be possible to get an idea of how much the whole project would cost and decide how it could be funded. She had met with a former Parish Councillor who had explained the path of the drainage. Cllr. Connolly to forward details regarding the pipe between Barkway House ponds and the Wagon Wash to Cllr. Hill to establish if Herts County Council had ownership and maintenance responsibility of that pipe. Action: JC
The Clerk was asked to write to the owners of Manor Farm to request permission to remove their tree on the south wall as it was causing damage to the structure to the Wagon Wash and to also explain about the overall project to restore the Wagon Wash. Action. Action: Clerk
It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to approve expenditure of £5k on phase 1 of the Wagon Wash Renovation project. Resolved.
9.7 Media and Communications
9.7.1 To discuss website accessibility, consider quotations and agree any necessary action to acquire a compliant website – Cllr. Stuart was still awaiting quotations from various companies. Most companies would require 50% up front payment and the remaining 50% on completion. They had all been informed that to test compliance of the new website, the Government tools software would be used and if it passed then the final payment would be made.
Cllr. Stuart was thanked for fixing the Booking Clerk’s laptop.
9.7.2 Update on production of a Winter edition of the Barkway Bulletin – to be deferred.
9.7.3 Police Report – nothing to report.
9.7.4 To receive update on the Barkway Hub – Cllr. Cox reported in her absence that they had held an initial meeting and would produce terms of reference for the Committee. Cllr. Tym had volunteered to act as an advisory. Christmas Kindness boxes had been organised for 10 people. No-one had taken the group up on any Christmas activities so far.
County Cllr. Hill left the meeting at 9.17pm. She was thanked for attending.
10. Finance – To receive finance reports from the Clerk
- To provide update on current financial position
The Parish Council bank balance at 08.12.2020 was £88,628.19
Petty Cash £16.01
Receipts since the last meeting:
£2.14 – Barclays - Interest
10.2 To authorise payments to be made
Approval of payments since last meeting:
DD £8.40 – Sage Software – Monthly Subscription
DD £68.31 – Nest – Pension Contributions
DD £8.70 – Castle Water – Water Pavilion
DD £71.00 – EDF – Electricity Pavilion
Approval of payments to be made at meeting:
By bank transfer
£1,064.39 - Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Monthly Salary + Office Allowance
£37.50 – Orla Swann – Litter Picking Nov
£37.50 – Kaitlin Aldridge – Litter Picking Nov
£76.50 – R Bonfield – Maintenance Rec. Nov
£50.00 – T S Drake – Line Marking Nov
£55.00 – M Thornton – Window Cleaning RR, Pavilion and Cleaning of Bus Shelters
£360.00 – PKF Littlejohn LLP – External Audit
£185.00 – Society of Local Council Clerks – Annual Subscription
Reading Room Accounts:
Bank Balance at 08.12.2020 was £11,434.70
Receipts since last meeting:
£33.02 – COIF – Interest
£0.17 – Barclays - Interest
Payments since last meeting:
DD - £41.00 – NHDC Rates Reading Room
The payments were proposed, seconded and all approved. Resolved.
.
- To consider draft budget for 2021/22 – The Clerk had previously delivered a draft budget spreadsheet to all Councillors. This was a first draft budget that would need to be finalised at the January meeting, along with the associated Precept application for 2021/22. She asked Cllrs. to look at the budgets for their portfolio areas as appropriate and check that the figures looked realistic. As reserves going forward would be depleted by planned expenditure on both the Wagon Wash and Play Area projects, it was suggested in the draft to increase the Precept from £36,720 to £39,950 to maintain an appropriate level of reserve funds. As there had been quite a significant number of new properties in Barkway, the Parish Council element of the Council Tax bill would be split between more households, therefore the increase would likely only have a minimal effect on individual householders bills. Comments were invited from Councillors on the proposed draft before the January meeting. Action: All
- To consider and agree on grant application from The Diary Editorial Committee – After much discussion it was proposed, seconded and agreed to take the following action: To not make any immediate decision on the matter and whilst the Parish Council was sympathetic to the situation, it needed to check whether it could legally spend public money supporting this. It would also help follow up a suggestion by Cllr. Hill that the Committee approach NHDC for a grant as it met the criteria for an organisation suffering as a result of Covid-19 and the publication met the needs of alleviating social isolation, particularly in the elderly, that may not have access to the internet. In addition, the Committee would be asked to produce more detailed financial information, including accounts and forecasts to demonstrate the need for the £5k level of grant they were requesting. Action: Clerk
- To consider and agree on grant application from Barkway Church for Churchyard maintenance – After consideration, it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to award a grant of £550 towards the cost of Churchyard maintenance. Action: Clerk
11. Correspondence
Caravans site at Hare Street - Thanks to information provided by neighbouring Parish Councils, the Council had been alerted to an application to site caravans in a field north of Hare Street. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to forward an objection to East Herts District Council by 12th December. Action: Clerk
Agricultural Barn, Langley - The Parish Council had also been made aware of an application for an agricultural barn at Langley. The impact of which would be a huge increase of HGV traffic along narrow lanes locally. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to forward an objection to Uttlesford District Council by 12th December. Action: Clerk
12. Items to be deferred to the next meeting – Terms of Reference for Committees and Working Parties, incl the Barkway Hubb, Off-road parking along Cambridge Road, New play equipment for the Rec. and maintenance programmes, the Donors Board for the Pavilion, New storage shed, Action plan for the Wagon Wash, Quotations for a compliant website, Budget 2021/22 and Precept application.
13. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 12th January.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 9.34pm
