Odstock Parish Council

A meeting of Odstock Parish Council was held at 7.30 pm on 4th December 2002 in The Radnor Hall, Bodenham.

Present: Dr S Elcock (Chairman), Mr C Whitley, Mr R Poynting, Mr C Berry, Mrs J Payne, Mr R Parsons (Clerk), District Cllr Bryan Rycroft and one members of the public. Apologies were received from Mr R Underhill, Mr S Martin and County Cllr Julian Johnson.

58/02 Comments from the Public: * A parishioner suggested that it would be helpful if minutes of Parish Council meetings could be published in the Salisbury Journal. Following considerable debate it was agreed that a report, rather than the full minutes, would be prepared for publication in News and Notes and a copy of this would also be sent to the Salisbury Journal.
* A parishioner expressed concern that there appeared to have been very little consultation with the wider community over the proposed lease of the Nunton field. Cllr Elcock explained that this had been a hot topic for several years and that consultation at each of the last two village Fêtes had confirmed the strength of public support for these proposals.

59/02 Declaration of Interest: None.

60/02 Minutes: of 4th September 2002, having been circulated, were agreed and signed by Chairman.

61/02 Matters Arising: * 43/02 - Those that had taken part in the autumn litter clearance day hoped that others would join them to provide a volunteer group able to do small clearing and maintenance jobs around the villages.

62/02 Freedom of Information Act 2000: * The PC has reviewed the guidance notes from the Information Commissioner and resolved to adopt the model publication scheme. Following approval by the Information Commissioner the scheme will be published locally

63/02 Nunton Field: The Clerk reported that at a meeting with the agent for the Longford Estate and Simon Martin, ten conditions had been proposed for inclusion in the new lease. The PC considered each one:
1: No subletting
There was concern that this might restrict the use by other football teams or for commercial events.
2: The inclusion of a standard development clause
This was considered acceptable.
3: PC to insure for Public Liability
This was considered acceptable.
4: The length of lease is to be 15 years with a rent review and break clause every 5 years
This will satisfy Salisbury District Council's conditions for the release of R2 funds.
5: PC responsible for water charges
This was considered acceptable.
6: Nunton Farm is responsible for fences and hedges for which the PC will pay annually at cost
There was concern about exactly what fencing would be needed.
7: The Longford Estate is to lease the land at a peppercorn rent
This was considered acceptable.
8: Nunton Farm will charge £400 per annum management fee reviewed 5 yearly
Cllr Elcock stated that a management fee implied 'maintenance' but that 'compensation for loss of use' might be more appropriate wording. The EU compensates farmers for land taken out of production.
9: Events use stipulated and restricted
As with condition No.1, this needs clarification.
10: Simon Martin to liaise between Parish Council, Nunton Farm and Longford Estate
The Clerk referred to the lease drawn up in connection with the Bus Shelter at Odstock crossroads. This had clearly stipulated the manufacturer and type of bus shelter to be installed as well as the method for ongoing management. There was concern with the proposed Nunton Field lease that the PC would be liable for undefined costs without the opportunity of offsetting them against income.
Action: Cllr Elcock agreed to arrange for a draft lease to be produced.

64/02 Finance: * The Clerk reported that the External Auditor was satisfied with the Annual Return. * The Clerk produced copies of a prepared budget. After some discussion, Cllr Poynting proposed and Cllr Whitley seconded a 16.7% precept increase to £7,000 for 2003/04. This equates to £26.73p for Band D Council Taxpayers.
* Ref Minute No.57/02 - The PC agreed to pay the annual subscription to SLCC for 2003/04, on behalf of the Clerk.
* The Council approved the following payments:
R V Maidment - Skip hire --------------------- 116 -- £235.00p
Mazars - Audit Fee 2001/02 ------------------ 117 -- £141.00p
Radnor Hall - Hire charge --------------------- 118 --- £80.00p
R Parsons - Clerk's fee on account -------------119 -- £240.00p
Society of Local Council Clerks - Subscription - 120 --- £54.00p

65/02 Transport, Roads and Footpaths: * Liaison with WCC Lengthsmen had produced a list of work to be completed on 5th/6th December

66/02 Planning: * There was a discussion about how the Nunton Field entrance should be improved to facilitate the installation of playground equipment. Cllr Berry presented a plan to illustrate the improvements that might be needed and Cllr Whitley agreed to approach the SDC planning office to discover whether planning permission would be required. Action: It was agreed that a planning application would be submitted without delay if it was determined that one would be needed.

67/02 Correspondence: * 21st Jan - Councillors' Training Seminar on Planning. * 20th Nov - Periodic Review of Election Wards by the Boundary Commission.

68/02 The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 5th February 2003.

The meeting closed at 8:45pm

Signed without amendment by the Vice-Chairman on 16th April 2003

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