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Minutes of a Meeting of Ellisfield Parish Council
held in the Memorial Hall on Monday 7th March 2005 at 7.30 pm
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Present
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Paul Turner (Chairman)
Caroline Cazenove and Steven Gould (Councillors)
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In Attendance
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Jacqueline Matthews (Clerk)
PC Reid (until 7.35pm)
7 members of the public
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1.
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Apologies for Absence. Cllr Guinness.
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2.
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Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th February 2005. Agreed and signed as a true record.
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3.
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Matters Arising from the Minutes (for which no relevant Agenda Item is listed below). None.
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7.33pm, Open Forum: Chairman thanked PC Reid for attending and asked him for an update on activities in Rural Beat Two. PC Reid reported that in line with a national trend there had been more ‘distraction burglaries’, this time in Axford. He also reported that investigations were continuing into the Axford Road break-ins. Since recent Hunting with Dogs legislation, and instigation of ‘Keeper Watch’, problems with illegal hare coursing seem to have reduced. Finally, PC Reid issued a formal invitation to Chairman to attend a Chairmans' Meeting in April (date to be confirmed) to meet the Rural Inspector and discuss local issues. (PC Reid left after giving his report).
A number of residents expressed their interest in ‘Affordable Housing’ and ‘Village Allotments’ following an item in the recent Parish Newsletter. Chairman explained that, whilst these were not specific items on the agenda, they would be included in the Clerk’s Report and subsequent discussion.
7.44pm: The council returned to Closed Session.
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4.
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To receive a report and approve any action needed on:
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i.
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Highways: Chairman provided an update of Axford Road traffic monitoring. Results from HCC established that the average speed of vehicles passing both sets of monitoring "pipes" was 41mph (within the middle 85% of vehicles). The highest speed recorded was 61mph. It was reported that a meeting will, this week, be arranged with the HCC Traffic Management/Calming Department's representative to discuss the full set of figures. Chairman suggested that, at present, it may be better to concentrate on the possibility of creating village "gateways" either end of the Axford Road (and perhaps at the other entrances to the village?) rather than pressing for a reduction of the (currently 60mph) speed limit. This matter was discussed and it was agreed to investigate this further following the meeting with HCC. Action: Chairman
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ii.
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Web Site: Cllr Turner reported that quite a few new entries had been made to the News and Events pages during the preceding month, plus updating of the Ladies Club page and the Neighbourhood Watch's "Nige's Neighbourhood" page. The majority of recent Parish Council Newsletters had also been put up on the website. All this amounted to approximately 6 hours work during the month.
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iii.
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Land and Property: Clerk reported that the possibility of a grant had been discussed with B&DBC for the replacement of the Lower Common 5-a-side goalposts (4' foot high by 8' foot wide) and basketball net. Grant papers being sent by B&DBC.
Cllr Gould & Cllr Turner confirmed that an extra plank and non-slip surfacing for the footbridge on Lower Common will be done in the Spring. Action: Cllr Gould & Cllr Turner
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iv.
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Burial Ground: Clerk reported a Memorial request had been received from Alexander and Dry for Brian Bailey. The size is within guidelines but the stone proposed is "Blue Pearl Granite" with "Silver Painted" lettering. Clerk to obtain sample of material for Chairman to check suitability.
Action: Clerk
Clerk reported that formal confirmation was required that there had been no objection from Councillors to the memorial requested for Frank Pluckrose. The matter had been discussed and agreed during a visit to the burial ground and the Clerk had written to BV Masonry on 25th November saying they could go ahead. Approval confirmed.
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v.
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Environment: It was mentioned that the Council is awaiting a report from Cllr Guinness following B&DBC Annual Telecommunications Liaison Meeting on 19 January 2005. Action: Cllr Guinness
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vi.
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Swing: Cllr Gould reported that all weekly inspections had been completed and that anti-pigeon wire would be replaced now weather improving. Action: Cllr Gould
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vii.
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Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr Cazenove had nothing to report other than the Axford Road break-ins 14 February 2005.
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viii.
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Memorial Hall: It was reported that the Olde Tyme Music Hall event was a great success, although only 35 out of the 80 who attended were Ellisfield residents. The Memorial Hall Committee AGM to be held next Wednesday.
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ix.
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Basingstoke District Association of Parish & Town Councils:
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Cllr Turner reported that the next meeting of BDAPTC will be on Monday evening, 14 March 2005. The meeting to be primarily about the Draft South East Plan and its possible effect on rural parishes.
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7.
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To receive a report from the Clerk on Administration Matters.
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The Clerk reported as follows:
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Election: No nominations received. The council will now have to ask for two volunteers to be co-opted onto the parish council.
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Allotments: Following the latest newsletter, 3 residents have shown interest, some attending the meeting. It was discussed what steps need to be taken to clear the land and prepare it for letting as allotments. David Cox has offered to top the vegetation, in his own time, and someone from Farleigh can apparently plough the land. Water-supply, fencing and recommended size for allotments were also discussed. Costs need to be investigated. Action: Clerk
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Affordable Housing: Following the latest newsletter and mention in the Basingstoke Gazette's Village News, Clerk reported eleven individuals and/or families have phoned to express their interest. This was discussed and it was agreed that Chairman and Clerk should arrange a meeting with the Housing Association to establish future steps. Action: Chairman & Clerk
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Schedule of Incoming Mail: Copies of this schedule had been circulated with the Agenda and updated copies were distributed at the meeting. The following items were discussed:
From B&DBC – Brought forward from last meeting - Provision of Legal Services to Town & Parish Councils. This suggestion was mooted at the December Parish Liaison meeting. This letter is attempting to gauge interest in whether there is interest from parishes to participate in a scheme where they would pay a retainer to B&DBC to cover the cost of providing legal services. Response required by 15 March 2005.
It was decided that Ellisfield Parish Council do not wish to participate in this scheme and that B&DBC be informed. Action: Clerk
From B&DBC - Notification/Invitation to attend Mayor’s Charity Ball Friday 22 April 2005 (clashes with Ellisfield Parish Meeting). If unable to attend, would we consider donating a prize?
It was decided not to donate as it had not been budgeted for.
From B&DBC – Consultation Draft SPG: S106 Planning Obligations & Community Infrastructure. Can be viewed at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning/leaflets/obligations.asp. Comments to be submitted by Wednesday 6th April 2005.
It was discussed and agreed that a hard copy be obtained from B&DBC and that Cllr Guinness should review and make recommendations at next Parish Council Meeting. Action: Clerk & Cllr Guinness
From Star Energy - Notification that work is starting on pipeline linking Gas Storage Facility at Humbly Grove (The Avenue, Lasham) with National Transmission System at Barton Stacey, Nr Andover. There will be traffic implications around the area. Map of the route to be placed on main village noticeboard. Action: Clerk
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Litter Picking: Clerk reported that Richard Avis (of 6 Farrier's Field) has offered to replace Mark Woodgate as the Litter Warden of the northern route. His appointment was discussed and approved. High Visibility Jacket and Bin bags have been requested from BDBC.
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Parish Liaison Meeting: Clerk reported attendance on Wednesday 2 March.
The first presentation was a review of Refuse & Recycling in the borough, highlighting recycling statistics. The current position for recycling is 16% of waste (target 30%). They were unable to give parish figures although it was suggested that analysis by round would suffice as competition will motivate! There was emphasis on the quality of recycling, any unsuitable items (e.g. glass) results in the whole bag/bin rejected. Statistics were also given for fly-tipping and discussions regarding an increase in fly-tipping since introduction of bulk waste charge – B&DBC say no, but Parishes say yes!
The second presentation was a detailed explanation of legal position if Gypsies camp on Parish or Private land. This was illustrated by some graphic examples and a draft of the council’s policy on ‘Managing Unauthorised Encampments’ can be viewed at:
www.basingstoke.gov.uk/general/unauthorised_camping.asp
Tony Curtis, Deputy Chief Executive, gave another overview of South-East Plan, explaining B&DBC's role as consultee; The Formal Consultation Period extends from mid-January to mid-April and B&DBC will produce a summary (the original document is 250 pages) and the opportunity to contribute to their response. In addition, each household will receive a news-sheet and questionnaire. Cllr Turner, present in his capacity as Chairman of BDAPTC, asked questions about M3 barrier and Rural Hampshire. The South East Plan is to be the main topic at the BDAPTC meeting on 14 March and Clerks were urged to encourage their councillors to attend and contribute to the discussions regarding how the plan will affect Basingstoke and particularly rural parishes.
Finally, Georgio Framlico, Head of Development Control, explained changes to Planning Policy, including how to deal with Village design Statements, giving more weight to these in planning decisions/appeals. He also explained changes to Use Classes, particularly differentiation between pub, restaurant and hot food take-away – further explanation to be circulated to parishes.
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The following items are outstanding from previous meetings:
Village Signs Review. Action: Cllr Turner and Clerk
Portfolio files. Files currently being reviewed. Action: Chairman and Clerk
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8.
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To receive a report from the Clerk on Financial Matters.
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The Clerk provided a written report (see Appendix 1). Report noted and approved.
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The following payments were approved and cheques signed:
R. Swanston - Litter Picking for February (£27.30)
Clerk - Salary and Expenses (£742.01)
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9.
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To receive an update on current Planning Applications and to consider any new Planning Applications.
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Application Number
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Details
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Parish Action
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Outcome
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BDB 60014
Land at The Rest,
College Lane
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Reserved matters application for the erection of a replacement dwelling pursuant to outline planning permission BDB/48864.
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No Objection (at Feb 7 Meeting). B&DBC was requested to ensure that the present natural screening around the site be retained.
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BDB 60071
Wyckens
College Lane
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Demolition of existing property and rebuild 1 x 5 bedroom house.
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Objection (at Feb 7 Meeting). Full text was emailed to all Councillors.
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Clerk commented that Notification of Outcome for the above applications had not been received from B&DBC.
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10.
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To discuss any matters which the Chairman considers urgent. None.
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11.
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To decide upon the date of the next Meeting. Monday 4 April 2005.
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The meeting closed at 8.35pm
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Open Forum: There were further discussions about allotments, notably fencing and water supply (especially the use of a horse-trough style water dispenser to avoid wastage). Katrina Dalziel asked whether there would be any further grants available for projects such as refurbishing the pond opposite Hill Farm Cottage. It was discussed and agreed that Cllr Turner should approach the landowner in the first instance. Cllr Cazenove also agreed to speak to the landowner and Katrina agreed to raise the matter with the Volunteer Group.
8.47pm: Open Forum closed.
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Chairman …………………………………………… Date ……….…..…………
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