Notes  on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held  on  Wednesday 6th May 1998

Present

Chairman Cllr Robinson, V/Chairman Cllr  Aves, Cllrs  Harrison, Pearson, Reed, Lambert and Davies;  also  D/Cllr Cane.

Minutes          The minutes were agreed and signed.

Reports

District CouncilD/Cllr Cane explained the proposed amendments, with reference  to Reach,  to the East Cambridgeshire District Council  Draft  Local Plan.  There had been some concern about the number of  dwellings allowed  in the definition of 'infill'. Cllr Cane assured the  PC that there would normally be no more than 3 and exceptionally  up to  5,  if  appropriate to the character and appearance  of  the surrounding area.

A  joint  forum has been set up between County  and  District  to discuss  matters  that affect both councils. Cllr  Cane  said  it would  be  useful to discuss things in advance e.g.  bus  service cuts, to try to avoid last minute decisions.

The new Assistant Chief Executive at ECDC is Cecilia Tredget  who will  be starting in July. Following the AGM the new Chairman  is Cllr Philip Warren and the Vice/Chairman Cllr John Smith.

Cllr Cane is continuing to sit on the planning committee and also the environment committee.

National Lottery Charities Board

Cllr  Robinson  and Tony Jordan had been to ECDC to hear  a  talk about  this  organization. Sport's grants did not come  into  the category  discussed  but  community projects could  be  given  an average  of £20,000. There was a 'fast track' scheme for  amounts of £5,000. The PC discussed possible projects.

Election of OfficersChairman:- Cllr Harrison proposed Cllr Aves, this was seconded by Cllr  Lambert.  There  were no other nominations and  so  it  was agreed. Cllr Aves accepted.

Vice-Chairman:-  Cllr  Robinson proposed Cllr Lambert,  this  was seconded by Cllr Harrison. There were no other nominations and so it was agreed. Cllr Lambert accepted.

Village  Hall  Committee:- Cllrs Lambert and  Pearson  agreed  to stand

Swaffham Prior PCC:- Cllr Robinson agreed to stand.

Tree Officer:- Cllr Reed agreed to stand.

Police Committee:- Cllr Lambert agreed to stand.

Cllr  Lambert asked about representation of Reach PC on  Swaffham Prior  Primary  School governing body. As a  member  of  Swaffham Prior  PC  represents Reach PC, some concern was voiced  that  no consultation was made over this in the recent nominations.  Clerk to write to Clerk of Swaffham Prior PC.

Vote of thanksCllr Aves thanked Cllr Robinson for his three years as Chairman.

Matters arising

Residents living near the proposed new barn at Churchfield  Farm, Burwell Road are concerned about its size. It was noted that they had not received letters about this from the Planning Department at  ECDC until after the PC had discussed and returned  comments. It  was also noted that plans do not show any  perspective.  Cllr Cane said this is not a legal requirement but will follow it up.

Correspondence

The  Home Energy Conservation Officer is proposed setting  up  an award  scheme  similar  to the Best  Kept  Village  scheme.  This required  PC's  arranging  some kind  of  door-to-door  audit  to evaluate recent improvement measures. It was agreed that although it is a worthy cause, Reach is too small to take part.

Planning permission has been granted for a dwelling and garage at Boutles Farm.

The experimental road closure scheme at Bridge Street,  Cambridge is to be made permanent.

The annual maintenance of vegetation on rights of way is to  take place  between May 18th and June 5th. Cllr Robinson told  the  PC that  he  had  tried to make contact with  Stephen  Hill  of  the Highways  Department as several areas in the village are in  need of attention.

Playing Field Update

It was announced that Sports Day is to take place on Sunday  28th June and on the last Sunday of June in subsequent years.

Councillors  were shown the proposed layout of play equipment  on the playing field.

Cllr  Aves confirmed that a kissing gate is to be  put  alongside the 14' gate. Cllr Davies is to ease the catch on the large gate.

Cllr Reed is still looking for a possible new mower. He is to try to get the field rolled.

Reach matters

Councillors were shown the annual accounts.