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Minutes of a Meeting of Ellisfield Parish Council
held in the Memorial Hall on Monday 06 February 2006 at 7.30 pm
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Present
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Tim Guinness (Chairman)
Steven Gould and Peter Hopwood(Councillors)
Apologies: Caroline Cazenove, Rose Taplin and Alison Swanston
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In Attendance
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Jacqueline Matthews (Clerk)
PC Andy Reid
No members of the public
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1.
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Apologies for Absence.
Caroline Cazenove, Rose Taplin and Alison Swanston
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2.
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Minutes of the Meeting held on 05 December 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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7.38pm OPEN FORUM
PC Andy Reid reported there had been no crime reported in Ellisfield since the last Parish Council Meeting, and that the three youths who had been apprehended last July, for shooting wildlife with an airgun, had been to court and given 3 months community service and the firearm had been seized and crushed.
PC Reid also appraised the meeting of the current situation regarding the proposed merger of Police Forces in the UK. Hampshire Police Authority and The Chief Constable have apparently refused to consider the merger confirming that Hampshire Constabulary is very close to the threshold set for independence and they would prefer to remain an independent force. Merging police forces would incur considerable expenditure and Tony Blair has apparently said he won’t force the issue.
Finally, PC Reid stated he had not been contacted by HCC Highways regarding the introduction of a 40mph speed limit along the Axford Road and would pursue the matter and write to Hampshire Police Road Traffic Unit at Farnborough recommending a 40mph limit.
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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: Cllr Hopwood reported that despite 4 phone calls and 2 emails he had still not heard from Keith Pauw regarding any progress with Traffic Calming project on the Axford Road.
Clerk confirmed a letter had been received from B Goodsell of Scribelands, confirming the size of Agricultural vehicles using Axford Road as 3.8 metres wide – a gap of 4.0 metres was suggested for Traffic Calming structure. Cllr Hopwood to liaise with HCC. Action: Cllr Hopwood
Clerk reported that an email had been received from Rebecca Heath @ BDBC regarding the cycle route signs at Axford Road/Green Lane crossroads; expenditure had been approved, new signs on their way.
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ii.
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Web Site: Cllr Guinness reported Mark Thomas continues to make good progress with website. There had been some teething issues with local organisations not sending info to Mark, so therefore he could not put it on website, this had been addressed. It was discussed and agreed that Mark’s hard work is much appreciated.
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iii.
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Land and Property: Cllr Gould reported non-slip surfacing (chicken wire) had been installed on Lower Common bridge.
Clerk reported that written estimates had been received from SE Water for establishing a connection to mains and installing water meter for allotments - £914.33 +VAT. Also quotations had been received from two contractors; quotes for pipes along Lane behind The Fox/Honeysuckle Barn also across Mick Frankham’s field. Hamlin Water Mains - £7,560 / £3,733 + VAT; Chris Girlin - £4,900 / 2,700 + VAT. Cllr Gould reported that he had asked Mick Frankham if he would allow this access and he had declined to give his permission. Chairman to follow up.
Cllr Gould agreed that he and Cllr Taplin would investigate site clearing and fencing costs for allotments and would approach Portsmouth Estates for a quotation. Cllr Guinness also said he would give Cllr Gould the phone number of the man who worked on Anthony Cecil’s fence. It was noted that fencing would need to be 6 ft high and rabbit proof at the bottom. Action: Cllr Gould
Clerk confirmed that Brian Saunders, BDBC allotment advisor had said we should send in estimates for water supply/clearing/fencing costs asap.
Cllr Gould submitted written quotation from Steve Brabbin for repairs to Bus Shelters. This was discussed and it was agreed that Clerk should approach BDBC for funds. Action: Clerk
Clerk reported that an application had been made to English Heritage for the Phone Box to be listed. BT continues to insist that it is not viable commercially and should be removed, particularly following recent burglary. It was suggested that BT is approached to see if Parish Council could adopt/purchase phone box. Action: Clerk
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iv.
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Burial Ground: Cllr Cazenove sent a written note confirming the seat from Burial Ground had been exchanged with seat from Gravel Pits. Also a suggestion that the Parish Council should provide the strimmer required by the Volunteer Group to work on the difficult areas in the Burial Ground. Cllr Hopwood to find prices. Action: Cllr Hopwood
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v.
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Environment: It was confirmed that the work had been completed to solve problem of sewage leak in Kit Lane.
Clerk reported that Furzen Lane had been swept; taking 2 large road sweepers 2 days and most of the thick layer of mud had been removed, It was suggested that next time the road is very dirty a photograph be taken for records. Also Axford Road drains were still a problem and HCC had been reminded that they had committed to tackle this issue using a Power Jet.
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vi.
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Swing: Cllr Gould reported new parts had been ordered. And would be installed on receipt. Action Cllr Gould
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vii.
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Neighbourhood Watch: Following PC Reid’s report, Cllr Hopwood had no more to add.
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viii.
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Memorial Hall – Cllr Swanston sent a report that the New Year’s Eve celebrations had been a great success as had the Hog The Limelight event on 28 January.
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ix.
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Basingstoke District Association of Parish & Town Councils: Cllr Gould had been unable to attend the last meeting but had received and noted the minutes. 2006 meeting dates 28th March, 27th June, 26th September and 12th December. It was discussed and agreed that it was considered useful for someone to attend if possible
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5.
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To receive a report from the Clerk on Administration Matters.
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Schedule of Incoming Mail: Copies of this schedule had been previously circulated and updated copies were distributed at the meeting. The following items were discussed:
BDBC
- Details of Parish Liaison Meeting Wed 01-03-06 at 7.00pm - The main item on the Agenda will be Issues surrounding Traffic and Highway matters in rural areas. Discussions with representatives of Borough Council, County Council and Police. Request to notify Martin Ridgeway of points we would like to raise in advance. Clerk and Cllr Hopwood to attend.
- Details of Green Garden Waste collection service starting in March 2006. Service costs £28 for fortnightly collection March – November. Cost includes larger re-usable sack (60 cms x 45 cms x 45 cms) extra sack £10 Posters to be displayed on noticeboards
- Details of Summer Playscheme Forum to be held at Civic Offices on Tuesday 21 February
- Best value review – B & D A Cleaner, Greener, Safer Place. On the agenda for Parish Liaison meeting 01 March 2006.
BT
Notification of permanent removal of payphone – Ellisfield Green
Hampshire Constabulary – PC Reid Rural Beat Officer
Annual report for Rural Beat Two January – December 2005
HAPTC
- Notification of Portfolio Seminar for Clerks wishing to study for Qualified Status. Clerk to attend
- HAPTC Invoice for Affiliation Fees £100. To be paid in April
- Details of Risk Assessment Training Monday 27-03-06 at Botley Centre £57.99
- VAT – needs to be recorded in minutes that Clerk is authorized by Council to purchase small items such as stationery that may incur VAT, using own credit card to be reimbursed. Also applies to mileage claims – VAT invoice for petrol to be provided. This was discussed and noted.
- HAPTC response to ODPM Standards of Conduct in English Local Government
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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 – Jan) 27.30
R. Avis (Litter Picking – Jan) 27.30
Richard Avis lost cheque – to be cancelled – replacement cheque next meeting
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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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The Clerk provided a written report as follows:
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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 61551
Merritt’s Farm
Bell Lane
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Change of Use from Class B1 offices, research & development and light industrial use to Class B8 wholesale warehouse, distribution centres and repository use
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Parish wrote in support of 23 objections from local residents. Essentially unsuitability of site in Bell Lane for traffic
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Still to be considered by Development Control Committee. Date tbc, not Feb
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BDB 61986
Kandahar Cottage
The Green
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Erection of part two storey, part single storey rear extension and entrance porch
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No Objections
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Permission granted
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BDB 61856/61857
Coopers Farmhouse
Bell Lane
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Conversion of existing store to office
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No Objections
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Permission granted
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BDB 61870
The Old Stables
College Lane
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Erection of garden room with lantern light to south elevation. Erection of a bin/garden store adjacent to garage
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No Objections
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Permission granted
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BDB 62205
Manor Cottage, College Lane
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Erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory
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No Objections
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Permission granted
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BDB 62428
Forge Cottage
Green Lane
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Erection of part two storey, part single storey side extension. Construction of balcony on west elevation
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No Objections
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Permission granted
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BDB 60666
The Rest
College Lane
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Erection of 4 bedroom detached house with double garage. (new design)
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No Objections
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Not
yet decided
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It was reported that the survey of accidents and petition against the planning application at Merritt’s Farm continued to grow.
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11.
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To discuss any matters which the Chairman considers urgent.
Chairman reported that he and Cllr Hopwood had met with Keith Best from Kingfisher Housing Association to continue to gain greater understanding of what is involved if another affordable housing project is undertaken. It was discussed and agreed that it was important that if this is pursued, the houses should be the best possible and that it was necessary to do all necessary research before starting. Chairman explained the timetable as he saw it;
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- February 2007 – apply for Planning Permission
- July 2007 – application to Housing Corporation who would make a decision by January 2008.
Chairman confirmed that the above timetable gives 12 months for all preparatory work; establishing need, formal survey, finding site etc. Lord Portsmouth had been approached informally about giving some more land and had apparently agreed under the condition a substantial contribution is made to the Church.
Clerk to arrange another training session with John Lancaster, new Rural Housing Enabler to enable all councillors to fully understand their role and to appreciate the implications and possibilities of choice; e.g. choice of housing associations, types of houses, shared ownership, sites etc.
It was discussed and agreed that as Cllr Taplin has a personal interest in the subject she would not be involved in discussions.
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12.
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To decide upon the date of the next Meeting. Monday 20 March 2006
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The meeting closed at 9.27pm
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Open Forum. No one present
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Chairman …………………………………………… Date ……….…..…………
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