Minutes

1. 1
South Marston Parish Council
Minutes of the meeting held on 18th November 2014
Present: Mr S Young Mrs S Brown
Mr B Thunder Mrs A Featherstone
Ms S Blair Mr A Leathart
Mr C McEwen Mr K Millard
Mrs J Britton (Clerk)
170/14 APOLOGIES
None
171/14 OPEN 10 MINUTES
Members of the public present: Lionel Cave-Ayland
Mr Cave-Ayland highlighted the dog fouling on the football pitch and asked whether the Parish Council would be
able to put additional signage to deter this.
Mr Cave-Ayland also stated that residents are dumping green waste in Ash Gardens and Rawlings Close.
Action: See Matters brought forward by or with consent of the Chairman.
172/14 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
- Members are reminded that any conflict of interest should be declared at the start of the meeting or item
or, if not previously foreseeable, during any discussion of the matter concerned.
Declarations for Councillors are as stated in the June and July 2014 minutes.
173/14 TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 21st
OCTOBER 2014
AND FORMALLY CLOSE ACTION POINTS
SY proposed to approve the minutes of the October 2014 meeting and close the completed action points.
Seconded: SB
Agreed: All
Appointment of chair
Stuart Young has resigned as Chair due to pressures of work. SB proposed Colin McEwen as Chair, seconded by
Barry Thunder. There being no other nominations, Colin McEwen was duly appointed.
174/14 CLERK’S REPORT – NOVEMBER 2014
Dog Bins
Action: Clerk to contact Stratton St Margaret Parish Council to enquire whether the present contract could be
extended to March 2015 when the Haydon wick PC scheme should be up and running.
Clerk to investigate whether dog waste can be put into public waste bins and how often they are emptied
Correspondence
Councillors agreed in principle with the proposal to e-mail correspondence in future for PC Meetings. WiFi in the
Village Hall would aid this process and hard copies of large documents would be brought to meetings by the Clerk if
requested. Copy documents to be put on Google Drive

2. 2
H&S / First aid Training
It was agreed for the Clerk to attend this training
Action: Clerk to enquire whether she fulfils the criteria to attend.
Councillor Training Courses
Action: Clerk to contact WALC to confirm details circulated in July 2014. Also to contact Haydon Wick PC re Ethical
Training for Councillors
175/14 Correspondence received to 12th
November 2014
Summary (not in date order)
No. From: Reference
1 Swindon College Free Management Training – H&S/ First Aid etc.
2 Smartwheelie Wheelie bin speed awareness stickers
3 Rightdriver Free Highway Code training
4 Julian Hodge interest Notice of change of interest rate
All noted
176/14 South Marston Parish Council Planning Sub Committee
Plans received to 13th
November 2014:
1. S/LBC14/1843HC
Proposal: Replacement of ground floor kitchen and utility room windows
Location: Longleaze Farm, Shrivenham road, South Marston, SN3 4RT
No adverse comments
Granted Planning Permission
S/14/1307/EDSN
Proposal: Erection of steel cladding to external elevations, installation of 2no. roller shutter doors and
alterations/replacement of windows and doors
Location: Unit 1 and 2, Stirling road, South Marston, SN3 4TS
Refused Planning Permission
S/14/1644/JABU
Proposal: Erection of a first floor extension to add an additional storey
Location: Plum Tree House, Old Vicarage Lane, South Marston, SN3 4SH
177/14 Reports from Working Parties: (Attached)
Open Spaces Working Group (formerly Environment Working Group) – BT, AF, SB
Further brainstorming meeting held. Exploring future management models for open space. Also exploring the
possibilities for footpaths and rights of way and how best to secure a coherent network of rights of way under the
new development proposals.
16 volunteers from Nationwide will be working on Friday 21st
November in St Julian’s Wood.
Flood alleviation: It was noted that the works, planned in consultation with the Environment Agency for the Copse
Relief channel north east of the village had now been agreed.

3. 3
Allotments: All the approved Tree surgery and Hedge trimming work has been successfully completed to a good
standard. Second inspection of allotments is due, to see if compliance notices have been actioned for those not in
good condition.
Action: BT to give CM the South Marston Solar Farm landscape papers
Village Expansion Group:
It was noted that little action could take place until the long awaited revised planning applications are received..
SBC officers have agreed to a series of bi-monthly meetings with South Marston. It was decided that this would be
best in January, given the workload/meetings over the December period
Action: SB to request January 2015 meeting and propose inviting Expansion Group members alongside the Parish
Council
178/14 Item 10: To discuss progress of registering South Marston as a Neighbourhood Area.
SB noted that this had been brought back for review by the Parish Council. It was agreed that there was no benefit
to South Marston progressing with this first stage of creating a full neighbourhood plan at the moment. It may be
revisited at a later date
179/14 Item 11 : 20mph Speed Zone Initiative – Update from Colin McEwen
Still awaiting a reply from HHL re the funding the balance of the technical work from the existing drawing to the
detailed specification and quote. Has now asked SBC to obtain figures from their preferred partner, Halcrow.
180/14 Item 12: Communications Task Group Report
Leaflets have been printed for the advertisement for the Editor of Tower & Tap. Bundles have been prepared for
distribution.
181/14 Item 13: Grant Application Form
It was agreed that this would be an Agenda item for December to discuss the wording of the form and also the
provision of advice to applicants on completing financial details on form.
Action: AF/SBl to circulate form for suggested amendment
182/14 Item 14: War Memorial
Will Hiscocks has kindly cleaned the Memorial and it has made it better in appearance, but it still needs to be
professionally restored
Action: Clerk to obtain an estimate from Highworth Memorials and 2 others for restorative work.
Although it is agreed that the Parish Council owns the land on which the War Memorial stands, there is no evidence
of title.
Action: Clerk and AL to investigate past Minutes to find reference to ownership to enable registering with the
Land Registry
183/14 FINANCE Statement and Cheques for Approval and Signature – 18.11.2014
Bank Account Statements Received
Julian Hodge Bank at
Unity Trust Bank at 8th November 2014 17,083.69
Total:

4. 4
ALTO Card
VAT Amount
From Current Account 250.00
Card Issue Fee -6.00
WordPress.com Domain Mapping -9.00
Staples (Folders, envelopes) 0.91 -5.48
Total: £229.52
Top-up (not required November) 20.48
Expenditure: Cheques for Approval and Signature
Cheque
Number
Our Ref Payment VAT Amount
300115 077 Allotment costs – Mr K L Cave Ayland 28.56
300116 078 Amanda Burchell – Expenses October 2014 71.40
300117 079/080 Stratton St Margaret PC – Dog Waste Collection 36.72 220.32
300118 081 SMRA – PC Village Hall Hire 3rd Q 76.50
300119 082 Barry Thunder – First Aid Kit (Outdoor Working Group) 4.33 25.99
300120 083 Greenshave Services – Allotment Pollard & trim) 130.00 780.00
300121 O84 Joan Britton – October Salary 701.37
300122 085/086 Grove Group Invoices – July – Sept 2014 17.16 102.96
300123 087 Crocodile Packaging Ltd – SMRA Planters 168.00 1008.00
TOTAL £356.21 £3015.10
Income: Invoices Raised to
Invoice To Amount
14-056 SMRA (E-mail addresses) 13.20
14-057 Allotment Plot S21 Rental – March 2015 10.40
TOTAL £23.60
Income: Other
Remittance From Amount
Julian Hodge Bank – Interest (High Interest Account)
10.10.14 Allotment Plot 17A Rental – March 2015 22.50
17.10.14 Allotment Plot 17B Rental – March 2015 22.50
TOTAL £45.00
Finance Statement, Payments and Income noted and transactions documents signed.
Tots’n’Toddlers Grant Application
The PC are very supportive of the application, but do need to have sufficient information on which to base the
grant.
Action: AF to contact Jodie Turner to clarify amount of grant required

5. 5
184/14 Item 16: Miscellaneous Reports & Representatives from Outside Bodies
Footpath Watch Report (AF)
AF provided answers to questions raised at PC October meeting on Footpath 2 diversion:
• The footpath will be fenced with wooden field fence with stock wire to lower half
• The existing boundary fence will be removed and walkers will be separated from the horses by the new
fence
• The footpath will exceed 2 metres (minimum requirement 1.5 metres)
• The hedges will be easily accessible for cutting
• The new wider footpath will now be able to be mowed as opposed to being strimmed now
Action – agreed not to object to the proposed diversion.
A further issue of the stile being replaced by a gate will be brought to a future meeting.
AF stated that Michael Enright of SBC has been very helpful.
SMRA Report (SB)
SMRA confirmed SBC empty the bins on the Recreation Ground and car park. SMRA intend to upgrade capacity of
existing bins and install an additional bin in the Play Area. Village Hall improvements noted.
Litter picking equipment
Action: Clerk to liaise with SMRA re purchase of litter picking equipment funded by PC as previously agreed
Insurance
PC and SMRA are to compare their asset registers to avoid duplication of insurance.
Annual Meeting with Parish Council
SMRA invited Councillors to join them on Wed 10th
December at 7pm to share drinks and nibbles for the first hour
of their meeting. An annual meeting will be held prior to the confirmation of the coming year’s agreement for the
grant aid for the Hall and maintenance contract for the Recreation Ground
Tots’n’Toddlers Review (AF)
The group continues to provide an excellent and inclusive service at low cost. The group leader (JT) with the group
has worked hard to complete the Action Plan as well as raise some additional funds. Unfortunately, despite their
efforts their income fails to cover their outgoings. They are unable to afford the rent for the Village Hall and have
asked for PC help for this.
Grant Application Form is under Item 15 - Finance
185/14 Item 14: Matters brought forward by or with consent of the Chairman
Dog fouling on Football Ground and open spaces
Action: CM to design and print signage to encourage dog owners to be more responsible in clearing up after their
dogs. Also a note will appear in the Newsletter (below)
Communication links
Action: SB to produce a Newsletter for the Village before Christmas in lieu of tower & Tap, using the Advert for
editor as an insert. Councillors to organise distribution.
Swindon Area Committee of Local Councils (SAC)
SBC had just published a proposal regarding the requirement for Parish Councils to attend the SBC Planning
Meeting if they have submitted an objection to an application to which all other parties are in support. This matter
will be discussed at the forthcoming SAC meeting. It was agreed that SB represent the Council’s view but it was
noted that a requirement to attend in all cases is not helpful

6. 6
Keypoint Advertising Sign
Investigation needed into how long the Keypoint Sign is allowed on site
Annual Meeting with Honda
Since the regular contact PC had with Honda has left, there have been no replies to e-mails, phone calls or letters.
Action: Clerk to contact Stratton St Margaret PC to enquire whether they have a meeting arranged with Honda
Meeting closed at 21.30
ITEM 9: ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
BARRY THUNDER/ANNE FEATHERSTONE/STEPHANIE BLAIR
Oak Tree Corner;
No actions to report
St Julian’s Community Woodland;
The Open spaces meeting minutes with Parish Councillors from the 13th
November meeting will contain the latest
updates on this area.
Allotments;
All the approved Tree surgery and Hedge trimming work has been successfully completed to a good standard.
The Parish Clerk completed her first allotment inspection on 23rd
October and letters have been sent to tenants who
were failing to comply with the required standards. All but one tenant has assured us that they intend to bring their
allotment up to standard. We have added one new tenant to replace a leaver. There are currently 4 persons on the
waiting list.
Joan has worked hard to get up to speed with this difficult task and I thank her for her patience with the tenants
and also with myself!

7. 7
Sevor Solar Farm at Nightingale Lane;
The replanting of hedgerows surrounding the site is to commence Monday 17th
November.
Community Benefits Fund-Eneco;
1. Anti-flooding measures with ditches and hedge clearance will be discussed on the Open Spaces meeting on
November 13th
2. Permissive footpath is completed with some small cosmetic works to complete
Nightingale Woods- Forestry Commission (FC)
On hold pending time to continue organising.
Oxleaze Woods-
No further action at present
ITEM 9: Expansion Working Group Report
13 NOVEMBER 2014
Sylvia Brown
Expansion Working Group
Progress or lack of it?
There has been no sign of revised plans being submitted by HHL.
SBC has had recent discussions with all the individual developer groups concerned with Eastern Villages
development. There are 6 such groups involved. SBC’s aim is to work towards a combined Section 106 agreement to
fund the overall infrastructure to give greater certainty to their infrastructure investment plans.
Government’s Local Infrastructure Fund has approved in principle the £17 million grant required for early investment
in the A420 improvements. This represents upfront funding for the works so that delivery will not have to wait for
the housing to be completed which would normally be the trigger for full payment of the Section 106 monies.
Progress with the plans for the expanded school are still awaiting the final verdict on heritage/archaeology, but the
Local Education Authority is holding an update meeting with school/governors this week.

8. 8
HHL were the only developer in the Eastern Villages to attend and speak at the recent public enquiry into Swindon’s
draft Community Infrastructure Levy plan. Their specific objection relates to the fact that retail services in the
Eastern Villages would be assessed under CIL. All other infrastructure in the Eastern Villages will be paid for under
the Section 106 approach.
The agreed extension to the time limits for assessing the existing HHL application submitted a year ago will run out
at the end of the month. SBC and the developers will have to agree another extension or it is open to the developers
to force determination through an appeal and make a claim for the return of their planning application fee.
SBC are planning to mount regular bi-monthly meetings with three groups of parishes – the Ridgeway parishes
(Wanborough/Liddington/Bishopstone), the inner urban parishes (such as Covingham) and South Marston. SBC
suggest that the first such meeting with South Marston representatives should take place in December. On the
agenda for that meeting will be a draft masterplan drawn up by SBC for development south of the A420
Action: Dates to be canvassed for this meeting.
Oxfordshire Plan
Oxfordshire County Council has produced its draft Local Plan in advance of its examination in public. Worthy of note
is the information on housing development in the Western Vale which affects traffic on the A420 between Oxford
and Swindon
The amount of new housing planned under these proposals is as follows:
• Land South of Park Road, Faringdon 350
• West Stanford in the Vale 200
• South Faringdon 200
• South West Faringdon 200
• East of Coxwell Road,Faringdon 200
• North Shrivenham 500
The documents say The Vale of White Horse District Council, along with Oxfordshire County Council, has also been
working with Swindon Borough Council in producing their respective
local plans. The particular focus is on the cumulative implications of development around the district borders and
especially the impact on the A420 corridor. The County Council is preparing a Route Strategy for the A420 corridor.

9. 9
Communicating with the village
Whilst we understand the timescales involved, villagers may feel that they are now in limbo, with no information or
action on the housing development. We need to consider the content and timing of a village communication. SBC
has indicated that a decision on the Hub proposal is imminent, so perhaps this could be the trigger for an update.
Action: Working Group to consider production of a leaflet for local distribution
Sylvia Brown
13/11/2014