The Public and Press are invited to attend the meeting.
Lauren Darnell, Clerk to the Council
1) To receive apologies for absence.
2) To receive declaration of any interests in items on the agenda as required by the Shillington Parish Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.
3) To resolve that the minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 18th July 2023 be signed as a correct record.
4) Matters arising not covered by the agenda (Information only).
Adjournment for Public to make comment:
Members of the public may make brief comment on items which are not on the agenda.
Members of the public wishing to address the Council during the meeting must make the Chair aware of their intention before the meeting starts.
5) Planning
a) Information only – Decisions from Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC):
CB/23/01499/FULL – The Old Rectory, Higham Road, Higham Gobion. Erection of workshop outbuilding in the front garden. REFUSED 21/07/23
b) New / Revised Applications to be considered: (Click on application reference to view documents online).
CB/23/02456/FULL – 10 Wilson Close, Shillington, Hitchin, SG5 3PN. Single storey rear and two-storey side extensions. (Comments to CBC by 6th September 2023 – Extension Agreed).
CB/23/02615/FULL – 17A Hanscombe End Road, Shillington, Hitchin, SG5 3NB. Single storey rear/side extension and new rear bi-fold doors. (Comments to CBC by 6th September 2023 – Extension agreed).
CB/TCA/23/00102 – Land at Hanscombe End Road, Shillington. Works to trees in a conservation area: Fell tree labelled as ‘’leaning’’ on sketch plan. Cut back other two trees. (Comments to CBC by 6th September 2023 –Extension agreed).
CB/23/02608/FULL – 17A Handscombe End Road, Shillington, Hitchin, SG5 3NB. Single storey rear and side extension and new bi-folds doors to rear. (Comments to CBC by 11th September 2023).
CB/22/03536/VOC – Chiltern View, Higham Road, Higham Gobion, Hitchin, MK45 4RB. Variation of condition number 2 of planning permission CB/21/04807/FULL (Erection of an agricultural barn) – The approved structure shall only be used for agricultural purposes and any other use considered appropriate in the countryside.
Appeal Reference: APP/P0240/W/23/3320841 (Representations to CBC by 31st August 2023 – Emailed to Councillors).
CB/23/02505/FULL – 31 Bury Road, Shillington, Hitchin, SG5 3NY. Garage roof terrace with external steps. (Comments to CBC by 26th September 2023).
6) To receive a report from the Central Bedfordshire Councillor
7) Police & Crime
a) Information only: Crime Statistics July 2023 were emailed to Councillors.
8) Finance
a) Council to agree a £200 limit for a prepaid debit card for small expenses incurred by Clerk. Under Shillington Parish Council Financial Regulations 2019 transactions and purchases made will be reported to the Councillors and authority for topping-up shall be at the discretion of the councillors.
b) Council to consider grant application from CPRE.
c) Council to consider grant application from All Saints Church Shillington.
9) Parish Council priorities for discussion / agreement:
a) Consideration of Working Groups for specific projects for the Councillors.
b) Councillors to be updated any Community Properties that need to be registered on the List of Assets of Community Value.
c) Councillors to discuss and consider movement of bench placing at Church View Avenue.
d) Councillors to discuss and bring to attention to Ward Councillor concerns of road speed in the village and to discuss Highway Improvement Schemes options.
e) Councillors to discuss and consider use of Parish Council Reserves to update Community Buildings. Playing Fields Management Committee and Social Club Committee representative to be present at meeting.
f) Councillors to be updated in relation to the Clerk pursuing to be qualified and prepped for the job role.
10) Shillington Remembrance Service 2023
a) Council to be given overview of Order of Service.
b) Council to agree quotation received for printing of the Orders of Service (£95.00 excluding VAT) and to agree to supply refreshments (£100.00).
11) Shillington Memorial Playing Field
a) Update on S106 funding towards replacement path to new play area.
12) Hornes Pasture
13) Highways, Footpaths & Street Lighting
a) To consider any street light repairs identified.
b) To receive updates on Highway / Footpath issues in the Parish.
c) Future road closures notified by Central Bedfordshire Council (Information Only):
• Handscombe End Road, Shillington. New Customer Connection Works/ ducting in footway. The closure will be in place on the 26th September from 09.30-15.30hrs.
• High Road, Shillington. Carriageway patching. The closure will be in place 20th to 24th November 2023 from 08.00-18.00hrs.
14) Shillington Parish Council Contracts from April 2024 – Council to consider any changes required to the following contracts prior to them being extended/retendered
a) Amenity Grass Cutting and Highway Verge Maintenance, Shillington & Pegsdon
i) Council to consider whether to offer an extension or retender the contract.
b) Grass Cutting at Shillington War Memorial Garden – Council to consider whether to offer an extension or retender the contract.
c) Grounds Maintenance & Litter Cleansing at Shillington Memorial Playing Fields & Hornes Pasture – Council to consider whether to offer an extension or retender the contract.
15) Shillington Parish Council acting as Trustees for Shillington Car Park Charity
a) Council to accept annual report for year ending 31st March 2023.
16) Shillington Parish Council acting as Trustees for Shillington War Memorial
a) Council to accept annual report for year ending 31st March 2023.
b) Council to consider any action following quarterly inspection.
17) Correspondence received
a) Council to consider response to email received from Times Radio.
b) Correspondence from Parisher regarding Grand Union construction in Greenfields disrupting nesting Swift Colonies.
c) Correspondence from Parisher regarding damaged trees on Handscombe End Road.
d) Anti-sociable behaviour within the Parish.
e) Update from Shillington War Memorial volunteers regarding box hedge caterpillar infestation.
f) Correspondence from Woods Hardwick regarding Thomas’ Meadow.
18) Accounts for Payment
a) Council to approve the payments to be made on or between meetings.
b) Council to receive Bank reconciliation to 30th June 2023.