MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE GREAT WOLFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2016 IN THE CHURCH
PRESENT: Councillor Mrs. Lynn Mathias in the chair and Councillors Mrs. Jennifer Green, Mr. Steve Duck and Mrs. Lynn Bryan plus the Clerk Mrs. Janet Piller. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mr. Paul Riley. There were eleven members of the public present.
MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held on 13th July 2016 were approved and signed.
There were no matters arising.
FUTURE OF LITTLE WOLFORD PARISH AND PARISH MEETING: The Chairman outlined the current situation and after further discussion, following the initial consideration of this topic at the previous meeting, it was agreed that the Parish Council’s response to the paper dated 17th May 2016 from the Chairman of Little Wolford Parish Meeting would be that the Parish Council would not involve itself in any possible change to the longstanding position in Little Wolford, particularly as it was felt that any steps taken now might prejudice the preferred option of Little Wolford remaining an independent unit. Therefore Clerk to inform Little Wolford Parish Meeting Chairman that no action would be taken at present by Great Wolford Parish Council.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR: A written update was received from Councillor Riley. It was noted that plans to adopt the BT telephone kiosk (where the defibrillator would be installed) were continuing and also that training would be provided free of charge for a limited number of people.
VILLAGE PUB: The Chairman reported that consideration of the application submitted in early June to Stratford District Council (Technical and Community Services Dept) to place the pub on the Community Asset Register had been delayed by the presence of a “rogue” website containing vitriolic anonymous comment about the pub. This had now been removed and it was anticipated that SDC’s response to the application would be received shortly. It was noted that the pub was currently closed. The Chairman acknowledged a letter on the future of the pub received from Mr. Peter Watson and invited contributions from the floor on proposals on how the pub could regain its viability. It was agreed that with some basic changes, e.g. full-time hands-on management, reliable opening hours, informative website, provision of draught beer and meals, programme of pub activities, kerb appeal etc, there was no reason to suppose it could not return to its former central position in village life. The owners of the pub, who were accompanied by a planning consultant, were invited to respond but declined and, asked if the pub was going to re-open, their reply was that this was unlikely. It was also understood that an application may be made by them for change of use for the building. The Chairman undertook to convey the views of those present to SDC. The current loss to the village of such a popular and valued village asset was unanimously regretted and it was agreed that every effort be made to ensure its survival.
PLANNING: (a) The following application was considered and it was agreed to make no representations concerning the building work but to raise concerns about the alternative access track being used which formed a potentially dangerous junction with the road between Great Wolford and the A44:
Wolford House, Great Wolford Road: retrospective change of use and alterations to buildings to form a single dwelling.
(b) The following applications were considered and it was agreed to make no representations:
(i) Stirling House: single storey side extensions; erection of open porch extension to front of dwelling; replacement garage and driveway with associated timber entrance gates; glassed canopy to rear kitchen area.
(ii) Jasmine Cottage: felling of horse chestnut tree.
CORRESPONDENCE: The following were reported and noted: (a) A property marking pack (part of WCC’s Stop the Thief campaign) which was available for residents’ use (b) Paper detailing the benefits of membership of WWMALC (membership has been renewed) (c) Report of Shipston/Stour Community Forum meeting on 6th September d) Details of new, free information telephone number to call in cases of power cuts (to be circulated in next Newsletter) (e) Details from WWMALC of the Local Councils Charter (to be taken forward to next meeting) (f) Other general correspondence and non-essential circulars were noted/tabled and would be circulated to all Councillors for information.
FINANCE: (a) The following payment was unanimously agreed, proposed by Councillor Duck, seconded by Councillor Green: £95 to WALC (annual subscription).
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: (a) Following discussion on the on-going problem of dog waste, it was agreed to apply to the Village Fund for a grant for the purchase of two further dog bins, one bin being already in position on the green outside the churchyard wall. The proposed two new positions would be at the entrance point to The Ridgeway and at the point where the public footpath exits between Carters Leaze terrace and The Leys. Clerk to submit application.
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 8th November 2016 at 8.00 pm in the church.