D R A F T M I N U T E S
ENSTONE PARISH COUNCIL
Held in Enstone Parish Hall on Thursday 24th April 2025 at 7.00 pm
PRESENT: PCs. N. Knott, P. Shaw, J. Ferguson-Davie, C. Glendinning, H. Bourne-Taylor, N. Peart, A. Ward, DCs Andrew Beaney & Alex Wilson and three members of the public.
APOLOGIES: PCs Craig Millar & David Robottom
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs. Beth Sinclair, Clerk and Mr. Michael Ergatoudis from Soho Farmhouse
34. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND MEMBERS’ REGISTER OF INTERESTS:
- PC. N. Peart declared an interest in item 10, Planning Applications (The Old Garage); PCS. C.P. Shaw, A. Ward and N. Peart declared an interest in item 9, correspondence (Appointment of Trustees to ERINC)
35. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
- The minutes of the two Parish Council Meetings held on Thursday 20th March 2025 were circulated, adopted and signed by Cllr. Knott. One set of minutes needs correction and will be signed at April’s meeting (the trees at Apple Tree Wood were taken down by the Great Tew Estate, not Soho Farmhouse).
36. PRESENTATION FROM MR. MICHAEL ERGATOUDIS, SOHO FARMHOUSE
- Following the last meeting, it was agreed to invite Mr. Ergatoudis to a Parish Council meeting, to update the Parish Council on its recent planning applications and repair works following the severe flood damage last November.
- The approved planning applications include three Padel courts on the site of the existing tennis courts as well as tennis courts; erection of an extension to the gymnasium building to provide extra flexible studio space and plant area; alterations, adaptation and extensions to Stable courtyard buildings and the construction of a horse riding arena and associated works.
- There will be a new area for the 16 years – 18 years age group.
- There will be a new facilities for the younger members of the Club including an outdoor swimming pool for children.
- Additional family cabins and walled garden rooms are planned for 2026.
- A temporary marquee will be erected between October and the New Year.
THE MULLIN PROJECT:-
- Mr. Ergatoudis confirmed that the sale of the land has been completed and work has begun on the reserved matters of both planning applications. Fosters have been appointed as the architect. Various reports are required including ecology reports, drainage reports, a highways construction management plan and archeology reports.
- The S106 monies will be available towards the end of 2026 which include monies for Enstone Parish Council towards traffic calming and road improvements. There are also monies available for the local Parishes towards affordable housing (£1.5 million) – these monies will be provided on receipt of a Housing Needs Survey. Mr. Ergatoudis encouraged Enstone PC to submit its survey as soon as possible.
LAND TO THE NORTH OF ENSTONE AIRFIELD:-
- An email had been received from The John Phillips Planning Consultancy (JPPC) inviting local Parishes to a meeting to discuss the possibility of “An alternative community-led approach to development to see if a way of balancing local and national needs can be found.” The JPPC in conjunction with Charlie Luxton Designs are working on a proposed sustainable “new rural village” settlement on brownfield land on the edge of Enstone Airfield. After discussion, it was resolved that PCs. N. Knott, J. Ferguson-Davie and A. Ward would attend the meeting on 7th May. PC. N. Knott will invite Encon to the meeting.
Mr. Ergatoudis was thanked for attending the meeting
PLANNING APPLICATION:-
- Enstone Quarry, Oxford Road, Enstone, 25/00805/FUL – two members of the public attended the meeting and reported that no “Yellow Notice” from WODC Planning Department had been displayed at the site and many residents from Church Enstone were unaware of this application. The Chair will contact the Planning Officer concerning this.
– It is reported that there is a high risk of water contamination; gas monitoring has not been undertaken; there is no report from the Highways Department; the Right of Way access at Ditchley has not been marked up.
– After discussion it was unanimously agreed to object to the planning application due to insufficient information.
–DCs Andrew Beaney & Alex Wilson advised the Parish Council to send them questions for the Uplands Committee regarding this application.
37. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: –
- It was queried whether there can be an extension to the planning application, Enstone Quarry, in view of the fact that the “Yellow Notice” had not been displayed. DC Wilson explained that as the Parish Council had “objected” to the planning application, it might be referred to the Uplands Committee at WODC for a decision. DC Wilson also explained that as the Yellow Notice had not been displayed, a further 21 days to make comments will be made once the notice has been displayed.
38. MATTERS ARISING:-
- S106 monies for Art, sports & recreation – Cllr. Ward updated the Parish Council explaining that the Sports Club Committee had not submitted any further information since the last meeting with WODC.
- The Marshall Fountain – Cllr. Ferguson-Davie explained that a local architect has visited The Marshall Fountain and will arrange for a contractor to investigate the hydrology issue of The Fountain – there will be costs involved and this was agreed.
- Housing Need Survey – Edgar Planning Consultants – the clerk reported that no further action will be taken which was disappointing.
- Dog/litter bin at Church Enstone – After discussion with two of the residents at Church Enstone, Cllrs. Ferguson-Davie & Knott will send maps to DC Beaney of the possible locations.
- PC vacancy – this will be re-advertised.
- Lidstone – road flooding – Cllr. Knott will chase up a response from the Environment Agency.
- Litter Picking Weekend – Cllr. Shaw was thanked for organizing another successful litter picking weekend. PC Shaw thanked members of the PC and Enstone residents for helping – there were 40 volunteers in total. The WODC had been very co-operative in collecting the bags of rubbish so efficiently.
39. ITEMS TO REPORT:
a) PC Knott requested that the clerk checks the insurance cover from Thomas Fox, Landscaping. Noted.
b) PC Knott asked whether the Parish Council’s Standing Orders were up to date and the clerk explained that this would be an item for the Annual Council meeting. Noted.
c) PC Glendinning reported that there are still road signs that need replacing by WODC and DC Beaney will chase this up.
d) PC Ward explained that along The Green Lane, opposite Soho Farmhouse, there is a lot of fly tipping including asbestos and household rubbish. DC Beaney will report this.
e) PC Bourne-Taylor updated the Parish Council on the bumble bee border and requested funding for the update of this totalling £65.00. This was unanimously agreed.
40. County Councillor’s Report:-
- No report
41. District Councillor’s report:-
- DC Beaney congratulated Enstone Parish Council as it is way ahead of any other Parish/Town Council in respect of its Biodiversity Plans.
42. CORRESPONDENCE:-
- To confirm appointment of new Trustees to the Enstone Relief in Need Charity for four years and to formally thank the previous Trustees. Following the interview process, PC Ferguson-Davie proposed the appointment of PC. Christopher Philip Shaw, Mrs. Karen Ward and Mr. Rory Calderwood to be Trustees of the ERINC for a period of four years from 20th April 2025. This was seconded by PC Bourne-Taylor and unanimously approved by the Parish Council. PC Shaw and Mr. Calderwood expressed their thanks to Mrs. Susanne Hamilton for the excellent handover and outstanding co-operation with the handover. The clerk will send letters to the outgoing Trustees thanking them for all their hard work and commitment to the ERINC. An article will also be placed in the Ensign magazine. A member of Encon attended the meeting and asked that it be involved with the ERINC.
- Offer of invitation from Community First Oxfordshire to conduct Housing Needs Survey for Enstone – It was resolved to invite CFO to a further meeting in order to start this process.
- To respond to questionnaire on Rural Inequalities in Oxfordshire with the Marmot Place Project – It was resolved not to undertake this survey.
- OALC – March’s update, changes to the National Association of Local Councils’ Practitioners Guide 2025 & training opportunities – Noted
- To consider next actions for the PC’s Biodiversity Plan – Monies towards biodiversity is included in the 2025/2026 budget and it was resolved to contact local organisations with requests for donations. Noted.
43. Planning Applications:-
- The Old Garage, Springfield, Bicester Road, 25/00124/S73. Variation of conditions 2 & 10 of PP 21/00871/FUL to allow for amendments to the replacement fence (retrospective) – The Parish Council objected to this retrospective planning application on grounds of Health & Safety in relation to the hot tub as it is located under overhanging electric wires and when emptied, the water escapes which is a nuisance and affects the Ph balance of the soil. There is also concern that the close proximity and direction of the bi-fold doors cause a nuisance level with neighbouring properties with loud music and voices.
- Chalford Cottage, Oxford Road, Chalford, 25/00872/HHD – Replacement of outbuilding – No objection but a request for swift bricks to be included
- Enstone Quarry, Oxford Road, Enstone, 25/00805/FUL – Proposed Vehicle Depot – Enstone PC objected to this planning application due to insufficient information being submitted. It was noted that the yellow notice had not been displayed at the site by WODC.
- Land at Quarry Farm, North of Green Lane, Great Tew, MW.0027/25 (OCC) – To approve an extension date of the original planning application – No objection
Decisions Received:-
- Appeal Decision: Broad Close, Little Tew Road, Church Enstone, Chipping Norton – 24/01142/HHD – Erection of a single storey garden room. Formation of a new vehicle access for existing ancillary buildings – Appeal allowed
- Land South of Charlbury Road, 24/00769/OUT – construction of up to 104 residential dwellings, together with the provision of open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure. Approved
- Chalford Cottage, Oxford Road, Old Chalford, 24/03158/HHD – Erection of side extension to existing dwelling (amended plans) – Approved
- Chalford Cottage, Oxford Road, Old Chalford, 24/02880/CLE – Certificate of Lawfulness – Use of accommodation ancillary to main dwelling – Approved
- 4 Chapel Lane, Enstone, 25/00341/CLP – Certificate of Lawfulness – Erection of a two storey rear extension – Approved
44. Finance:-
a) To agree the following accounts for payment:-
- Clerk’s salary Personal
- NEST Pension Scheme (er) Personal
- NEST Pension Scheme (ee)Personal
- Vodaphone £19.72
- Stationery £18.98
- Ensign, donation £1,000.00
- Thomas Fox, mowing of churchyard
- & Cemetery (1 of 7) £361.62
- Thomas Fox, mowing of verge
- & junction Charlbury Rd/Coxs Lane £94.96
- Scribe, professional services £537.60
- Scribe 1.4.2025-30.4.2025 £42.00
- HMRC, Tax & NI £141.32
- Society of Local Council Clerks, annual membership£190.00
Received:-
- WODC, 1st Precept £22,273.00
b) Statement of Quarterly Affairs to 31.3.2025 – this had been circulated to all members prior to the meeting. It was resolved to agree with these figures and the clerk was thanked for all her work involved with the financial business of the Parish Council.
c) To note receipt of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the 2024/2025 financial year from Moore, external auditor – Noted
d) To approve Section 1 – Annual Governance Statements 2024/2025 of AGAR – This was agreed and signed by the Chair and RFO
e) To approve Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2024/2025 (AGAR) – This was agreed and signed by The Chair (The RFO had already signed this form)
f) To approve dates for Notice of Public Rights & Publication of Unaudited AGAR – 10th June 2025 – 21st July 2025 – This was unanimously agreed
g) The explanation of significant variances, bank reconciliation and explanation of reserves were also circulated to all members and agreed.
45. Dates of Next Meetings:-
- Thursday 15th May – Annual Parish Meeting
- Thursday 22nd May – Annual Council Meeting & PC Meeting
- Thursday 26th June
- Thursday 17th July
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00 pm. PC Knott thanked everyone for attending.