The following councillors were present: Mr. N. Braithwaite (Chairman), Mr. M. Pearce, Mr. S. Fox, Mrs. W. Pearse, Mrs. E. Byles Mr. R. Rose (County Councillor), Mrs. H. Hibbert-Biles (District Councillor). 29 members of the public were also present.

Quick Links
APOLOGIES
MINUTES
MATTERS ARISSING
CORRESPONDENCE
PLANNING
FINANCE
REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
NEXT MEETING

1. APOLOGIES:

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. M. Ismail (Mrs. A. Braithwaite took the minutes in her absence)..

2. MINUTES:

The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December 2002 were agreed and signed.

3. MATTERS ARISING:

Martyrs Bench: Andrew Jackson will look at the tree and report back. Action: Chairman

Railtrack: No further developments. Action: Clerk

Vandalism: Mr. Pearce repaired damage to the downpipe to the pavilion. Clerk to contact Bill Greenaway to look at damaged wall. Action: Clerk

4. CORRESPONDENCE:

A letter had been received from the Secretary of the Parochial Church Council asking if the Church Fête could be held on the Recreation Ground on Saturday 12th July 2003. There were no objections. Clerk to advise P.C.C. Action: Clerk

5. PLANNING

Corner Farm - A revised application for an extra low cost flat above existing single storey flat. Clerk to write in support of application. Action: Clerk

6. FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Fox had nothing to report.

7. REPORTS FROM COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLORS:

Mr. Rose had been working with the District Councillor and local G.P. to find ways of making Langston House viable.

The County tax increase for the next year is currently being discussed and the increase will be between 10 and 15%.

Mrs. Hibbert-Biles has been in touch with the Environmental Agency and Thames Water and has asked for an Enforcement Notice against Thames Water to sort out the sewage problem in the village.

8. PUBLIC QUESTIONS:

There was lengthy discussion at the beginning of the meeting concerning the planning application that has been submitted for the demolition of 18 Shipton Road and the erection of fourteen dwellings.
It was agreed that the Parish Council would write to the planners expressing the villagers concerns:-

• Too many houses on site - over development
• Not enough parking/garaging
• Create too much traffic and parking along Shipton Road
• Create a precedent
• Block light for next door bungalow/make maintenance of boundary wall difficult
• Cars parked too close to boundary of Nos. 20 and 22<
• The question of whether Shipton Road is a bridle path or not

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The problems of the sewage in Shipton Road was raised and children playing in the ‘fountain’ and the villagers not being aware of the health hazard. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Environmental Agency at West Oxfordshire D.C. and sending copy to Thames Water. Action: Clerk

Shane Barnes has asked if Daniel Cook can cut grass with the hand machine. Clerk to write to Insurance Company to ask if this would be in order. Action: Clerk

The hedge by the river bridge is in need of cutting back. Clerk to write to Bill Izod requesting that it be cut back. Action: Clerk

It was asked if the village should become a Conservation Area. The Parish Council agreed to look into it at their next meeting.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Monday 10th February 2003.

The meeting closed at 9.30 pm