Minutes of the Meeting of Standlake Parish Council, held in Standlake Village Hall, Rack End. on 17th March 2026 at 7.30pm

Present: 

 Mr. B. Parnham – Chairman.              

 Mr. D. Jeffcoat – Vice Chairman

 Mr. B. Smith.

 Mrs. A. Knipe.

 Mr J. Rippin.

 Mrs. J. Macdonald.

Mr. D. Bevan, Clerk.

Mrs. C. Swan - Clerk designate.

 

WODC Cllrs. Mrs. Sandra Cosier, Mr. Steve Cosier and 3 members of the public (Mr. A Couper, Mrs. P. Gaffney, Mrs. F. Smith)

 

1.         APOLOGIES – OCC Cllr. Mr. T. Fenton, Mr J. Clements.

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None.

The Chairman used this opportunity to confirm that this would be the last meeting held with the current Clerk and passed on his thanks to Mr. Bevan for his hard work and commitment over the years.  Other councillors stated their agreement.

3.         PUBLIC ITEMS – Mrs. F. Smith requested that signage be considered for the Downs Road to highlight the use of the road by horse riders. Mr. Couper agreed to pass on this request in the Speedwatch group’s next correspondence with their OCC contact, Mr James Wright, for consideration. Cllr Steve Cosier provided a link to the British Horse Society who also provide resources and advice.

Mrs. P. Gaffney came to thank the Parish Council for its support for the Nature Recovery group and confirmed installation of the swift box to the Village Hall.

Mr. A. Couper confirmed that the Brighthampton residents had been unsuccessful in their recent grant application for funding towards the traffic calming survey. He thanked the council for their support that ensured the consultation could go ahead regardless.

4.         COUNTY and DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – See Cllr. Steve Cosier’s report on the village website at www.standlakepc.org.uk. Cllr. Cosier stressed that his engagement with Thames Water was ongoing.

5.         PLANNING

26/00276/FUL: Erection of single storey dwellinghouse, with detached double garage and associated works: Manor Field House 41B High Street Standlake: Zoe Davies – No objections

26/00398/HHD: Demolition of existing single storey elements and erection of single and two storey side and rear extensions, including insertion of contemporary infill element. Construction of replacement front entrance porch, installation of replacement windows and doors, and associated works: Stones Old House 74 High Street Standlake: Mr Josh Bourton – No objections

 

6.         MINUTES – Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, copies of which had been previously circulated to all members, were agreed as a true record, and were signed by the chairman.

7.         MATTERS ARISING 

Sewage/Flooding – ongoing

Roads/Speed watch/Aston Road/Traffic Calming – A recruitment campaign for new volunteers will begin in Spring.

Playgrounds/Recreation Ground – Absolute Solutions will go ahead with the planned installation works now that the ground water levels had subsided. A request to conduct repairs to the rockers would also be made. 'A brief discussion about the vandalism and future of the play equipment was held.  Although so disappointing and adding extra cost, repair works will be undertaken as a lot of enjoyment is had by the children of the village.

Environment/Nature Recovery Network – New Burial Ground - The Nature Recovery team have been involved with the ecological input to the design for this community space, that can be enjoyed and used by all members of the community. Village Hall Swift Box - The village hall committee have agreed to have a Swift Box attached to the gable end of the village hall.  This has been purchased, along with a loudspeaker that will encourage Swifts to take residence in the nesting box. This will hopefully be installed in April, in time for the nesting season. Village hall Planters - These have been approved by the committee to position on the rear patio and be filled with pollinator plants. The order will be placed shortly. Village Planters - These have been managed and are flowering well despite the weather. Spring Litter Pick - The litter pick was well supported, and 17 volunteers cleared 40 sacks of rubbish from around the village.  We combined the event with the village market and that helped raise awareness of what we are doing to benefit the village. Mrs. Macdonald made a request for additional volunteer Hi-Viz jackets and Mr. Parnham will arrange.

New Website – it was agreed that Mr. Bevan will continue to maintain the current website until further information about services such as Hugofox could be considered. Mrs. Swan will provide Mr. Bevan with the minutes and other information to upload in the interim.

Car park security – No update

Litter Bins – The Litter bins have been installed and Mr. Bevan pointed out that the original costs provided by WODC contractor are inclusive of VAT which could be claimed back. A suggestion regarding installing the new bin at the Rack End playground was made, and Mr. Jeffcoat will request that Mr. Barber empty this bin.

Car park drainage – Mr. Jeffcoat has been in touch with Fergal Contracting regarding the large pool of water at the entrance to the car park. They conducted a site visit and made a recommendation to dig out the current stones and create a soak away. Smiths of Bletchingdon have been approached regarding a donation of additional stones. The work will potentially take two men a day with the use of a digger. There may be a small cost to the Parish Council. Mr. Jeffcoat will update the council.

Bike rack – Installation pending due to high groundwater.

Notice Board – The new Parish Council notice board has been purchased and delivery expected at the end of March. The Notice board will have two keys for use by the Parish Council.  The public accessible notice board at the side of the Village Store has been repaired and is being well used'.

Council phone – Mrs. Knipe confirmed she had a mobile phone that could be provided at no cost to the Parish Council Clerk. Mr. Jeffcoat suggested details of a SIM only contract with Talk mobile. However, Mrs. Claire Swan will also source a SIM only contract with EE which provides a better service. Notices and signage would need updating with the new phone number. Mr. Bevan was aware of this and would update once the new phone number was known

Clerk Handover – Mrs. Swan will take over on the 1st of April 2026 as Clerk and Mr. Bevan will attend the April meeting to finalise finances. Mrs. Swan and Mr. Bevan will continue to meet regarding the hand over. Council agreed that Mr. Bevan should invoice the new Clerk for his time during the post-handover period.

8.            CORRESPONDENCE. – None

9.            ACCOUNTS: - Mr. Bevan said that the finances were in a very satisfactory condition as we approach the end of the financial year.

 

The above payments were reviewed and unanimously approved.

 

10.          BANK MANDATE – The Parish Council unanimously agreed to add Mrs C. Swan as account signatory and operator; Mr. D Jeffcoat as account signatory.

11.          STANDLAKE NEWS – a payment to Ms. S. Bliss for required email program £220.80 from community fund was approved unanimously.

12.          STANDING ORDERS – The updated Parish Council Standing Orders were reviewed and agreed unanimously.

13.          SLCC – Membership to the SLCC for the coming year was agreed unanimously.

14.          OALC Membership – renewal £370.15 (in 26/27) agreed unanimously.

15.          OFPA Membership – renewal £35.00 (from 26/27) agreed unanimously.

16.          ELECTIONS – Mr Brian Parnham confirmed that he would not be standing again as a chairman and Parish Councillor. Forms for Councillors were provided and the window date of return to WODC confirmed as 30th March 2026 – 9th April 2026. Mrs. Swan stressed the importance of complying with the deadline.

17.          Date of the next meeting – 21st April 2026 at 7.30pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9pm

 

Chairman…………………………………. Date…………………….