DRAFT

BAUGHURST PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting held on Thursday 29 April 2010

7.30 pm, Heath End Hall, Baughurst

PRESENT:         Cllrs J Hewitt (Chairman), J C Ayre, P E Garrett, F Langley, G Round, S E Terrett

                       Also present:  County Councillor M Tucker and 4 members of the public

                        Apologies for absence received from Cllrs C C Surtees, G and M Adams, P R S Postance and M G  Slatford

                        In attendance:  Mrs P J Waterfield, Clerk

In the absence of both Chairman and Vice Chairman, Cllr Hewitt was elected to the Chair.

117.      Minutes of the last meeting

The Minutes of the meeting of 25 March 2010, copies of which had been circulated, were accepted as read with the following amendment:  112c:  It was agreed that this Council should proceed further with legal action, and (113) ‘warning’ instead of ‘warming’. 

118.      Declarations of interest

Councillors were reminded that for those with any interest to be disclosed in relation to any item included in the agenda for this meeting, it was their duty to do so at the appropriate agenda item (as required to be disclosed by Section 96(1) of the LGA 1972, and in accordance with the Parish Councils Order 2001). 

119.      Presentation by HCC Officers regarding traffic calming measures throughout Baughurst and Wolverton

The Chairman welcomed Andy Kettlewell from HCC, who, at the request of both this Council and parishioners, had put together proposals for traffic calming measures in Wolverton Townsend, Wolverton Common, Axmansford and Baughurst.  In the main, these resulted in the following:

Baughurst Road and Wolverton Road from A339    ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ signs to be placed at pertinent positions.  The sign at the junction of Shaw Lane/Baughurst Road is to be moved to just south of the junction.

Wolverton Townsend                                          ‘pinch points’ at either end of the hamlet; timber verge marker posts; edge markings through bend; additional warning signs

Baughurst Road/Violet Lane junction                   ‘pinch points’ north and south of the junction; additional signage; edge  markings through the bend; refresh ‘SLOW’ markings; remove barriers by Old Schoolhouse; verge marker posts

Axmansford                                                       ‘pinch points’ north and south of housing line; new signage, including sign which advises adverse camber near bridge

Wolverton Road, Wolverton Common                   ‘pinch points’ just north of Church Cottage and south of children’s play area; new signage; timber verge marker posts; removal of 40mph signs near St Catherine’s church; extension of 40mph speed limit to junction with A339. 

Several minor amendments were proposed, to be considered by the HCC team.  The final document, showing all proposed changes and amendments, will be posted on this Council’s website when received by email.   The Chairman thanked Mr Kettlewell for his attendance.

120.    Matters arising from the Minutes

(108)    Wolverton Lane

Local residents had expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals put forward by the Environment Agency, who had been called out to investigate the condition of the lane during the recent warm and rain-free weather.  Effluence had still been seeping onto the highway.  The new awaited legislation had finally come into force, and it was hoped that the Environment Agency would now be in a position to write to the landowner, asking them to comply with the law.

(108)    Newsletter

Had been distributed to all houses in the parish.

(112)    Copier

The new copier/scanner/fax/printer had arrived, and all facilities were working with the exception of the scanner unit.  Four visits thus far had failed to provide a solution, which is awaited. 

(113)    No 56 bus

The cessation of the No 56 bus service had been superseded by a car share taxi service sponsored by HCC.  Details are available on the Council’s website.

121.      County, Borough, BDAPTC and Police reports

No reports were available from County, Borough or BDAPTC representatives.  The Police gave the following report:

Dwelling burglaries                    1          Wolverton Common (property under renovation)

Non-dwelling burglaries              0

Vehicle crime                             0

Criminal damage                        0

Theft                                        1          Pound Green

ASB                                           2          Portway and Haughurst Hill (quad biking)

The Clerk advised that residents in ‘The Hawthorns’ had complained of youth nuisance, noise and subsequent debris in The Withies area, and asked the Police to monitor accordingly.

122.      Open forum

The Clerk advised that she had received formal notification of the resignation of Councillor Christopher Surtees, Chairman of the Council, with effect from 19 May 2010.  Cllr Surtees had been a member of the Council for some 16 years, and Chairman for 13, and great regret was expressed at the news of his resignation.  The appropriate advertising of the vacant position will take place after the Annual Meeting of Council on 19 May 2010.

123.      Finance

a)         financial statement

The latest statement was received.  The Clerk gave the following breakdown:

Income  2009/2010                    £96,000

Less:                                         £26,000 (Section 106 agreement monies destined for play areas and open spaces)

                                                ----------

                                                 £70,000

Less:  earmarked reserves           £40,000 (purchase of open land)

                                                ----------

                                               £30,000

Expenditure 2009/2010              £41,000 over income of £30,000

representing a spend over budget of £11,000, although approximately £6,000 is to be clawed back in the forms of grants due, VAT repayments, etc during the coming months.  Noted.  The Chairman signed the accounts for the year 2009/2010.

b)         Renewal of Hampshire Association of Local Councils subscription

APPROVED.

124.      Planning

a)         to receive and consider the latest planning applications

Decisions by BDBC

b)         any matters arising

Boundary Hall site, Aldermaston Road     Public inquiry to be held on 12 October 2010, 10.00 am (8 days)

Christmas Cottage, Haughurst Hill          Following request from resident, Enforcement officer BDBC asked to investigate extension

Woodview, Haughurst Hill                      Following request from resident, Enforcement officer BDBC asked to investigate status of building

125.    Committee reports

a)       Playing Fields and Open Spaces

i)          land to rear of Hurst Community College

English Heritage had replied, but had apparently misunderstood the tenor of the communication sent to them, inviting us to contact the appropriate representative should we wish to fell trees on the tumulus.  Clerk to investigate further and report back.

New fences had been placed on the land to the right and left of Footpath 4.  However, the contractor had removed, without instruction, the existing right hand fence, and had agreed to reinstate, free of charge, the fence to the right of the path.  The culprit who removed the left hand fence is unknown.  It was AGREED that reinstatement of the left hand fence (approximately one metre in length) should be funded by this Council, at approximate cost of £91.00.

Purchase of the land to the rear of Hurst Community College – although this is a subject more properly directed to Playing Fields and Open Spaces Committee, as the land in question borders both BR1 and FP4, there is an impact.  L&Q had finally supplied a quotation for the purchase of the length of land in question, at a cost of £179,000.  To purchase the small area of land to the right of FP4 would be in the region of £14,000.  AGREED that a response should be made, asking for them to consider a ‘peppercorn’ sale

ii)         Wolverton field

Bark chippings had been placed on order for the autumn with BDBC.  RSS had been contacted with a view to replacement of the wooden seat on the ‘fox springer’.

iii)         Bulb planting

1000 single snowdrop bulbs had been delivered, and Baughurst Scout and Guide Group had kindly offered to help with their planting.  Wild daffodil bulbs will be unavailable until the autumn.  The Clerk had identified a cheaper supplier of daffodil bulbs, and it was AGREED that, instead of 1000 at £270, 2000 should be purchased at approximately the same price.

iv)         Flytipping, path rear of Old Forge shops

BDBC had investigated and advised that the flytipping was in gardens backing onto the path, and they were therefore unable to help.  The Clerk further investigated, and discovered some garden refuse at the southern end of the path, and will ask the maintenance contractor to clear.

v)         Pineapple field

The Clerk had notified Calleva of the accumulation of debris around the pavilion, which included old white lining machines, old goalposts (both metal and wooden), and a stack of rubber tyres, plus filled black plastic bags.  Noted that these potentially flammable materials constituted a fire risk, and Calleva were advised that, in the event of a fire in the pavilion, they may be held responsible as far as insurance is concerned.  The Club representative advised that he had asked for all the equipment to be removed as soon as possible.  One alternative would be for this Council to ask for it to be removed by the maintenance contractor, and Calleva invoiced as appropriate. 

Agreed that this Council would investigate the lack of hot water to the pavilion.  The chain for the padlock for the front gate is missing, but agreed that this would not be replaced. 

AGREED that tariff for 2010 – 2011 would rise slightly to £800 per year for rental of the field, and £17.50 for occasional use.  In addition, Calleva would pay all electric and water invoices relating to the pavilion.

vi)         Wolverton field

• Play equipment

AGREED that quotations should be received for the rolling of the field.  No further information had been received from RSS regarding our request for a quotation for the repair of the wooden play animals in the younger children’s section.  Sir George Brown Charity Trust was in the process of drawing up a new lease relating to the rental of the field, and a draft copy was forwarded to this Council.

The annual independent risk survey had been carried out, identifying the site as low to medium risk-.  AGREED that those small items requiring attention should be carried out (ie replacement caps, etc).

vii)        Long Grove

Restoration of the damaged play equipment had occurred, and APPROVAL given to the payment of the invoice.  80% of the costs will be reclaimed via insurance.

The annual independent risk survey had been carried out, identifying the site as low to medium risk.  AGREED that those small items requiring attention should be carried out (ie replacement caps, etc).

viii)       land at junction of Crabbs Hill and A339

Agreed that investigation should be carried out into possible clearance of this land to provide a pond area which may help with excess drainage of surface water from Crabbs Hill.

ix)        Section 106 monies

Approximately £22,200 had been received from BDBC as this Council’s share of developers’ contributions relating to new housing in the area.  This amount is carefully compartmentalised into various areas – open spaces, play areas, etc.

b)         General Purposes

BDBC Local Development Core Strategy Key Themes public consultation

The document was discussed in some depth, and responses made as follows:

1 and 2             Key themes put forward are right in principle, but additional comments made included traffic management in rural areas, and new housing numbers in terms of Councils, not Government, with especial concern for affordable housing.

3                      Infrastructure necessary to address existing gaps and support new development included a bypass for Tadley, and road widening of the A339 near the hospital entrance to help easier access to Basingstoke from the north; improvements to both A339 and A340 to ensure traffic chooses not to use local roads, and improvements to the A33 Basingstoke – M4 Reading.   

4                      Delivery and implementation to support Core Strategy should include more involvement with the community, and especially Parish Councils.

5 and 6             BDBC should seek to regenerate and improve existing urban areas of the borough – suggestions put forward include Basing View, under-used and vacant employment land, older and run-down estates, and brownfield sites.  Community should also be involved in this process.

7                      Agreed that lower cost measures to help funding should not be made.  Improvements should be made by priority and/or need.  Management of schemes should be improved, cut waste and improve purchasing – be more commercial.

8                      Re-use of some of existing BDBC employment land for other types of development – retail/housing – agreed.

9                      Certain types of employment uses move away from residential areas to minimise the negative impacts of business activity – agreed, providing transport is easily available.

10                     Scope to release greenfield sites on edge of urban area for employment related purposes – disagreed.

11                     Strategy for employment land should ensure that existing land is redeveloped.

12                     LDF Core Strategy should be seeking energy standards in excess of those set out in Building Regulations.

13                     LDF Core Strategy should include a target for low carbon and renewable energy installations.

14                     Best ensure delivery of a network of green spaces which will improve biodiversity and opportunities for recreation by ensuring that no ‘creep’ occurs through stealthy movement of the Settlement Policy Boundary, and no coalescence of adjoining urban areas.  Traffic management.

15                     Priorities in preparation of a Strategy for Education should include full support for the local EIP (Education Improvement Partnership), which strives for an holistic approach to the education and wellbeing of all children within its orbit.  This will in turn raise standards, improve quality of teaching and wellbeing, and benefit the children of the Borough.

16                     It was agreed that it was not appropriate to concentrate resources at secondary education level on improvements to existing schools.

17                     It was agreed that it was not appropriate to encourage a university presence and learning campus in Basingstoke.

18                     Key facilities and services addressed at village level to improve health and wellbeing of residents should include a green waste facility, youth facilities and late night youth transport to/from Basingstoke.

19                     Identifying key settlements as service centres for smaller settlements – agreed.

20                     Many key settlements already exist, so improvements needed rather than extensions.

21                     Proposed settlement hierarchy agreed.  Baughurst should be included in the ‘Villages’ section – does not appear in any of primary service centres, service centres, local centres or villages.

22                     Forms or scale of development permitted for each type of settlement should include affordable housing,  (maximum 10 dwellings), and development within the Settlement Policy Boundary.                                                

23                     Provision of affordable housing should be supported in rural areas, and principle of providing an element of market homes to support affordable dwellings – agreed.

24                     Parish plans – not necessarily the best way of identifying aspirations of rural communities – other options are available.

25                     Agreed that an extension to Basingstoke’s town centre boundary may be desirable, but with reservations attached.  The proposed new boundary shown on map is inappropriate.  Impact on adjacent residential areas should be considered.

                        It was considered that this Council did not have sufficient knowledge of the area to comment on which areas should be in or outside the town centre boundary.

26                     It was agreed that it was not appropriate to designate certain parts of the town centre for certain activities.

27                     Agreed that BDBC should seek to protect and enhance the district and local centres by encouraging self-help for local retailers and businesses to refurbish and maintain their properties.

28                     A wider range of uses within local shopping parades to enable them to continue to serve the day to day needs of local communities should be allowed.

29                     Agreed that the approach to achieving the ambition is correct. 

30                     Agreed that all the items included in terms of culture, leisure and recreational provision should be considered – maintaining, cultural, quality of open spaces, quality and quantity of recreational and sporting facilities; community facilities; links from towns and villages to countryside; more allotments.

31                     Agreed appropriate to provide an average of 740 new homes per year to year 2026.

c)         Footpaths

i)          Path to rear of The Withies

The application had been accepted for consideration by HCC.  Relevant forms had also been sent to BDBC as landowners.  Their investigation of the site in question had resulted in four letters of objection by adjacent neighbours, together with ancillary queries and comments, which were considered.  It was AGREED, however, that this Council should proceed with the application, on the following grounds:

• the path is already in existence, and has been so for the last 50 years to living knowledge
• adoption of the path as a right of way on the Definitive Map will make no difference to the physical aspect of the path.  At the most, it may encourage walkers who are using the Ordnance Survey map.  The path will not be widened, or altered in any form
• adoption of the path will protect and preserve the right of way for future generations

Other complaints received included the thinning of the copse known as The Withies, and it is AGREED that a replanting scheme should be carried out here.  BDBC had also cut back overhanging vegetation, presumably on health and safety grounds (ie overhanging branches above the pavement).  A further complaint was that of the irregularity of grass mowing, currently five times per year.  Consideration is to be given to more frequent mowing.  Complaints were also received about youth presence, noise and debris – Police to be advised, and residents urged to log such complaints with the Police to build a dossier of evidence.

d)         Bridleway 15

Works carried out by HCC  had been completed, involving removal of vegetation.  Agreed that further works are necessary to the path surface in due course.

e)         Footpaths booklet

• Walk 1 (Browning Hill to Tadley Place)

Agreed that this walk is now finalised.

• Walk 2 (Ashford Hill water meadows)

The proposed path leaves the proscribed route via the Definitive Map, and the Clerk had

attempted to find the owners of the land in order to gain their permission to deviate from

the designated route.  However, neither Ashford Hill and Headley Parish Council, nor

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, nor Natural England, display any knowledge

of ownership, and the latter referred the problem back to the Definitive Map and HCC as

the relevant authority.  Agreed therefore, that the route would follow that originally

planned.

• Walk 3 (Wasing)

Walk planned for mid June.

f)          Kissing gates

Two walks had been carried out during the past fortnight, the first along FP31 in Wolverton Common, and the second across Witches Gulley and up towards Little Ham Farm.  8 sites for replacement of stiles with kissing gates had been identified, and formal approval awaited from landowners.

g)           Parish online

Investigation to be made into the easy and free accessibility of online OS maps for use by this Council.

h)         North Hampshire Downs Group Ramblers Association

The Association had advised their intention to create a long distance path in memory of one of their long-standing members, to be known as the Brenda Parker Way.  This crosses the north of Hampshire from Andover to Aldershot, and encompasses some of Baughurst.  The Clerk had been asked to provide relevant information to help them in their aim.  The route will run as follows:

NE along Shaw Lane to junction with Tadley FP8, continuing as Baughurst FP50

NW along Baughurst Road to junction with Baughurst FP11

Baughurst FP11 to junction with Violet Lane

North along Violet Lane, Wolverton Road and Inhurst Lane to Baughurst FP7

To junction of Baughurst FPs 7 and 7

Baughurst FP8 to junction with Baughurst BW6

Access across open ground to junction of Ashford Hill with Headley FP720 and BW 726

i)          FP24/25 Browning Hill

This right of way to be walked and investigated.

126.      Highways and Rights of Way

a)         Footpath 28                   damaged footbridge to be reported to HCC

b)         Heath End Road             poor tarmac causing ruts in road – HCC

c)         Baughurst Road              sunken trench in road – HCC

d)         Browning Hill                 potholes

127.      Accounts for payment

Received:  £1.08 Premier interest; £1000 HCC grant; £1055.01 VAT refund

To pay:

128.      Dates of next and future meetings

The next meeting of BAUGHURST PARISH COUNCIL will be held on Wednesday 19 May 2010, 7.30 pm, Wolverton Village Hall.  Future meetings are proposed as follows:

All meetings are subject to change with one week’s notice.