DRAFT

BAUGHURST PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting held on Thursday 30 April 2009

7.45 pm, Heath End Hall, Baughurst

PRESENT:         Cllrs G and M Adams, J Hewitt (fr6), F Langley, P R S Postance, G Round, S E        Terrett (elected Chairman for the meeting)

                        Also present:  6 members of the public

                        Apologies for absence:  Cllrs J C Ayre, P E Garrett, M G Slatford, C C Surtees, County Councillor M Tucker

119.                  Minutes of the last meeting

The Minutes of the meeting of 26 March 2009, copies of which had been circulated, were taken as read and approved.

120.                  Declarations of Interest

Councillors were reminded that, for those with any interest to disclose 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).

At this point the Chairman moved the meeting into Open Forum.

121.                  Open forum

Following a recent site meeting with HCC officers on highway adjacent to ‘Hillside Farm’, Baughurst Road, plans for remedial works to the highway had been put forward by HCC.  Copies were distributed to all present.  The aim of the exercise was intended to improve highway safety, lessen traffic speed throughout the ‘narrows’, and repair and protect eroded verges.  It was established that the proposed Village 30 scheme did not include this section of the Baughurst Road, although this Council plans to pursue the ideal of continuation of the 40 mph speed limit into rural areas via other schemes and methods. 

Those members of the public present expressed their concern that the proposals would result in a widening of the highway, which, they suggested, could have an adverse effect on traffic speed.  Perusal of the plan by those who had been present at the site meeting also resulted in various queries to be addressed by HCC. 

122.                  Matters arising from the Minutes

(110)                Wolverton field

The annual safety report from BDBC had highlighted several instances of safety measures which matched those given by Recreational Supply Services.  Agreed that a committee meeting should be convened immediately to consider these factors with a view to their imminent repair.

(110)                Wolverton Lane

Clear water still appears to be cascading down the Lane towards the bottom of the hill, where it is pooling.  HCC had apparently inspected the site, but this appears to be a matter for the Environmental Agency.

(110)                Microsoft Office 2007

The appropriate disc and licence had arrived.

(110)                105 Long Grove

Copy correspondence had arrived from this Council’s solicitors, who had been in touch with those acting for the residents.

(110)                Highways and Rights of Way

No formal information had been received regarding provision of a dropped kerb by the Old Forge shops in Heath End Road.  However, it was noted that HCC had visited the site to take measurements, and consider the best way forward.

(114)                Mount’s Path

6 members of the public had volunteered to help cut back undergrowth and debris from the path. Noted that two trees (one dead) would need to be removed from the path.  Approval sought from HCC before the works are to be carried out, and insurance covering volunteers investigated.

(114)                Highways defects

All items had been reported to HCC. 

(115)                Diamond Jubilee

Item deferred to next meeting of General Purposes.

123.                  County, Borough, Police and BDAPTC reports

Borough Councillor Round advised that he had no particular updates relating to BDBC at this time.  He did, however, support the view of those residents present in expressing concern over the possible widening of the highway at Hillside Farm, Pound Green, whilst allowing that the proposed scheme represented a compromise for all concerned.

124.                  Finance

The latest statement, representing the balanced figures to year end, was accepted.  The proposed Budget for 2009/10 was also received and accepted.

The accounts for the financial year 08/09 were signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.

An anomaly was noted on the accounts Heath End Hall, following their submission for grant aid, requiring explanation before they may be considered.  The item was deferred to the next meeting.  (Cllr Hewitt declared an interest).

A grant of £100 was made to Age Concern under Section 137 of the LGA 1972, for the benefit of the area and its inhabitants.

125.      Committees

a)         Playing Fields and Open Spaces

• Memorial seat

The new seat had been installed.

ii)   Heath End shops

New paving had been installed by the tenants of the adjacent shops.

• Brimpton Road Management scheme

The Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust scheme had been adopted by Council.  Funding for the scheme had been anticipated from BDBC as a result of Section 106 agreement payments.  However, late in the year BDBC had announced that such monies would be paid direct to parish councils, rather than retained, managed and distributed by them.  It had been agreed at a full meeting of the parish council that the scheme would be implemented by the maintenance contractor, and this is being carried out in manageable stages.  It was agreed that the maintenance contractor should be asked to continue the scheme during the (grass growing) summer months.  It was noted that this should not be offered until the foliage has come into full leaf, so that any gaps or discrepancies can be more easily noted.

• The Withies

The removal of the debris of the pond had been carried out by the maintenance contractor.

• Fly tipping

No further information had been received.  Clerk to investigate further.

• Land rear of Hurst College

No response had been received to various emails sent to the designated person at London & Quadrant.  Clerk to investigate further.

• Pineapple Field

Calleva football club had requested a renewal of their use of the Pineapple Field, and this was agreed.  The new tariff for the 2009/2010 year was agreed at £775 per year, and £16 for occasional use.  Repair of the plumbing system had been carried out.  A new lock is required for the boiler room door.

• Bulb planting

Agreed that further planting of daffodils (wild daffodils in rural areas) takes place during the autumn months.  Suggested areas for replanting are:

Heath End Road/Baughurst Road       by village sign

Poplar Corner                                  under chestnut tree

Violet Lane                                      triangle by Baughurst Road

Ham Lane                                       both ends

Wolverton church                             opposite

Crabbs Hill                                      bottom of hill by A339

Other suggestions welcome.  Quotations to be received for costs of both types of daffodils; Scouts and Guides to be asked to help with planting.

• 78-84 Woodlands Road

The resident at No 82 had applied to HCC for a formal dropped kerb to their property.  HCC could see no technical reason on which to make any objection.  A concrete hardstanding had also been put in place outside No 82, and the Committee considered that BDBC should be asked to investigate as a possible planning breach, and therefore enforcement action.  It was noted that the land in question is privately owned, and does not fall within HCC’s ownership.

• Wolverton field

Agreed that, following a quotation for various repair supplied by RSS Ltd., the following should be carried out:

• Russell Multi play unitremove rusted steel perforated panels and replace with

panels manufactured from wisaboard timber £285)

• Picnic table/Rhino animal/rub down and re-stain (one price quoted for the three)

rabbit animal bench  £205

• Long Grove

Clerk advised increased vandalism and congregation of older youth in the play area after hours.  A certain amount of damage had occurred to neighbouring properties, although nothing as yet in the play area.  She had asked the Police to increase their surveillance, and advised them of the incidents which had occurred.

• Any other business

land at junction with Bishopswood Lane/Heath End Road

Clerk to contact the owner and discuss the future of the piece of land.

b)         Footpaths

• footpath 10

Officers from HCC are to meet with full Council to give the latest information regarding the lack of accessibility to the above path.

• HCC Countryside Access plan

Information had been relayed to HCC, but no further correspondence had been received.

• Land to rear of Hurst Community College (FP4)

Despite frequent communications with London & Quadrant Housing Association, no satisfactory response had been received.  The latest communiqué had advised that the valuer which they had chosen to value the land had failed to respond, and they were seeking another.  Meanwhile, residents adjacent to FP4 had contacted the Clerk regarding a) the trespass on their land at the pinch point by children cycling to and from the Hurst Community College, and b) their request that this Council help to limit the passage of said cyclists to single file, instead of double or triple.  Agreed that the cost of a low chain link fence should be investigated; the Hurst Community College asked to remind children of their need to dismount prior to the pinch point.  As the Hurst College wish to encourage their children to ride to school by cycle via this rear entrance, agreed that HCC should be asked to provide double yellow lines along the appropriate length of Brimpton Road to discourage random parking.

• Footpaths Walks booklets

Agreed that this Council consider the provision of a further edition of the Footpaths booklets, incorporating walks which lead from Baughurst paths into those belonging to Tadley, Wootton St Lawrence and Ashford Hill and Headley parishes.  A tacit agreement is to be sought from those parishes before a final decision is made.  Further agreed that funding should be sought for the provision of the booklets, and a clear decision of the routes to be taken before any further action moves forward.  Agreed that a more realistic price should be charged for this booklet, which should follow the same design brief as that issued in 2007.  Ramblers Association is to be asked to identify any walks which they may have tailored within Baughurst.  Agreed that a date for the next meeting of Footpaths Committee should be set at the next full meeting of Council.

• Kissing gates

Agreed that full Council should be asked to approve a further £1000 to be spent on kissing gates during this financial year, and HCC to be asked to consider granting a similar sum.  It is proposed that kissing gates should replace stiles along the route of FP24 and 25.

• Mount’s Path

A recent request for volunteers to help clear the vegetation and debris along this historic causeway had resulted in 5 helpers.  Agreed that the route of the causeway (Mount’s Path) is more clearly defined, with the help of local landowners, and that a subsequent date is set for the clearance of the path.  HCC is to be advised of this initiative, and asked for financial aid in order to build upon the clearance with a view to ensuring the continuity of the path.

• path to rear of The Withies

Agreed that the path leading from the rear of The Withies to The Hawthorns is presented to HCC as a contender for inclusion in the Definitive Map.  Forms of declaration are to be given to any who may have used the path during the past for submission as proof of use to HCC.

126.      Planning

a)         to receive and consider the latest planning lists

b)         Decisions by BDBC

127.      Highways and Rights of Way

a)         Village 30

Following this Council’s application for amendments to the Village 30 final scheme, a meeting had been organised between HCC, the Village 30 Team, parish councillors and several members of the public, where emphasis was laid on the need for the extension of 30 and 40 mph speed limits both beyond the limits set by the scheme, and also in areas where the criteria for the scheme did not fit.  As a result of this, the Village 30 team agreed to extend the new 30 mph limit in the Baughurst Road to the end of the existing 40 mph speed limit, just south of ‘The Wellington Arms’, and also to include white lining along the length of Wolverton Common to the children’s playing field.  This Council had subsequently agreed to continue fighting for the extension of 30 and 40 mph speed limits once the Village 30 scheme has come into existence, which will be within the next few weeks.

b)         Pound Green/Hillside ‘narrows’

Following further discussion from ‘Open Forum’ above, it was agreed to approve the plans put forward by HCC for remedial works along the above stretch of highway, whilst acknowledging that this was a compromise for all parties concerned.  Various items to be checked with HCC included:

• SLOW signs at either end of the stretch of highway
• reinstatement of dotted white line at junction of ‘Snakey Lane’ with Baughurst Road
• buffer ‘stops’ of countryside kerbing at either end of more southerly passing place to prevent drifting of the length of the area
• explanation of the fading central white line in the middle of the ‘narrows’

c)         Path between shops at Old Forge and Portway (Right of Way No 4)

Following a complaint by a resident, HCC to be asked to reinstate the path on the grounds of public safety, and BDBC to be asked to site a waste in the vicinity.

d)         Junction of The Hawthorns with Baughurst Road

Following a complaint about restriction of sightlines at this junction, shrubs to be cut back to allow better vision.

1. Green Waste facility, Paices Hill

Clerk had contacted BDBC, who advised that negotiations were still proceeding between HCC, West Berkshire (who own the facility) and BDBC.

1. Noted that in several places potholes are filled with tarmac by HCC, which in turn leads to an eventual widening of the carriageway.
2. Church Lane, Browning Hill – potholes to be reported to HCC
3. Wolverton Common – large potholes south of playing field to be reported to HCC
4. Baughurst Road opposite Baughurst House, and Pound Green triangle – re-seeding of bare earth areas requested of HCC

128.      Annual Parish Meeting

Slightly better attended this year, with 3 members of the public present.  Items raised including the reseeding of bare earth areas as (127f (iv)) above; outlook for redundant building at Burnham Copse Infant School; approval of kissing gates put in at Browning Hill and information about the land at the apex of Bishopswood Lane and Heath End Road.

129.      Open forum

Information regarding the change in regulation governing white lines painted in the centre of a highway was noted.  Further discussion ensued regarding the material to be used for the passing places at Hillside/Pound Green, where members of the public favoured gravel.

130.      Accounts for payment

Received:  BDBC half year interest £436.65

To pay:

131.      Date of next and future meetings

The next meeting of BAUGHURST PARISH COUNCIL will be held on Tuesday 2 June 2009, 7.30 pm, Wolverton Village Hall.  Please note the change of date and day.  The next meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 30 June 2009   - again, a change of date and day.