1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Tomblin declared an interest in item 9.1.a.ii, and did not vote on that item.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 21^st January 2020 were unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chairman. 

3.2

Matters arising

        i.            Outstanding minutes actions/task list

The list was reviewed.

4

Open Forum

Cllr Tomblin invited comments and questions from the public. 

• A resident noted that the path from the Church to the Burial Ground needs leaves cleared - Clerk to action.
• A resident noted that Basingstoke Council and some parish councils, including Mortimer, have declared a Climate Emergency and implemented a strategy to act upon this. Sherfield on Loddon has planted 105 Free Trees from the Woodland Trust to help combat Climate Change. Has Bramley Parish Council has declared a Climate Emergency yet? If not, please could this be considered?  Cllr Tomblin stated that Bramley PC has not as yet, but it is something that should be considered.  Cllr James remarked that he is also liaising with other councils under the BDBC umbrella on the issue.  Clerk to place on a future agenda.

Clerk

Clerk

5

County Councillor Report – see appendix A.

6

Borough Councillor Report – see appendix A. 

Cllrs Robinson and Tomblin gave a verbal report:

• Manydown planning application – this will be considered by the DC Committee on 24^th March. 
• Noted SHELAA Open Day and the excellent local response.
• Housing target is 849 per year – current delivery is around 1300, so BDBC is well ahead of schedule.
• CSPOs are getting 25% increase in staffing, targeting rural areas.
• Rough sleeping is down 81% in last 4 years in Basingstoke.
• BDBC has a pandemic plan for coronavirus – details are on BDBC website. 
• Anti-idling clean air campaign – CSPOs and environmental officers will be able to issue £25 fines for cars idling for more than 30 seconds.
• Survey – the recent resident’s survey was noted.  Details can be found on the BDBC website https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/priorities

7

Parish Environment

7.1

Update on Wildflower meadow proposal for Bramley Green – Cllr James and Cllr Bell have met with representatives from the Stratfield Saye Estate (SSE).   There was a very positive response from SSE.  The area of Bramley Green to be used was agreed. 

The next step is to find someone to do the necessary cutting and clearance.  Clerk to provide contacts to Cllr James and Cllr Bell, who will also contact the existing contractor.  Agenda for March.

Clerk

Cllr James/ Cllr Bell

8

Clerk’s report & Administration - The Clerk gave a brief verbal report.

• A reminder to all Parish Councillors that they are up for re-election in the May 2020 local elections.  More details to follow once the Clerk receives them from BDBC.
• The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 21^st May.  Councillors were asked to consider suggestions for a keynote speaker.

8.1

Parish magazine article – the author for the next article for the Parish Magazine will be Cllr James.  The deadline is 15^th March. 

Cllr James

8.2

IT Project update – The Clerk gave an update. 

A launch date of 31^st March for the new website has been suggested.  The Clerk is working with Cllr Ansell and the supplier to make this happen.

         i.            Equipment procurement – this is ongoing, with suppliers being sought.  Full proposals should be ready for approval at the March meeting.

Cllr Ansell/ Clerk

8.3

Review of Investment Account options – the Clerk has circulated a discussion document with a number of options.  She noted the current arrangement of and NS&I investment account, currently giving a return of 0.8% per year.

After some discussion, Cllrs agreed that no action should be taken at present, since the Council has minimal funds to invest.  However, once any CIL or commuted payment is due, then the subject should be reviewed again.

8.4

Review of 2020 Risk Assessment and Asset Register – these documents have been circulated to all Councillors.

Cllr Bell proposed adopting the 2020 risk assessment.  This was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to put on website.

Clerk

9

Reports

9.1

Reports from Parish Council representatives

a.

Planning Committee – see appendix B.

Sewerage issues – the recent weather has again overloaded the pumping station, causing flooding at North Row.  Photos and a report have been sent to Thames Water this week, with Councillors and officers at BDBC copied in.  Cllr Rhatigan of BDBC has replied and is supportive of the issues in Bramley.  BDBC officers do not appear to have discharged the obligations regarding sewerage – there is a report form 2014 stating that system was not enough to sustain further development in Bramley, and that property should not be occupied until improvements were made.  No further response re the hydraulic model that Thames Water are working on.  Cllr Bell has invited Thames Water representatives to a meeting with Bramley PC.  Cllr Bell noted issues at Centenary Fields.  Cllr Bell to distribute details to all councillors, Cllr Tomblin to highlight issues to BDBC officers. 

Surface water – flooding in the road opposite Tudor Close was noted.  Action was taken a couple of years ago to address this, but it does not appear to have been successful.  Clerk to report to Highways.

SHELAA - the successful SHELAA Open Day on 15^th February was noted, with approximately 300 residents attending.  Further information is going onto the PC website and social media this week.  The Clerk is collating the many comments, and these will be submitted to BDBC, and be placed on the PC website.  Photos re flooding to be taken from Facebook and submitted to BDBC as well. 

A repeat of the social media campaign on how to respond to planning applications is also planned.

No response from BDBC officers re Minchens s.106.  Cllr Tomblin will continue to chase.

         i.            Any new applications – none other than Tudor Farm – please see below.

       ii.            Proposed development at Tudor Farm Site

20/00319/FUL - Land At Silchester Road Silchester Road Bramley

Erection of 13 no. dwellings, associated access, parking, landscaping and amenity space

The application details have been placed on the PC website and social media.

The following points were made:

• The site is adjacent to a conservation area, and it will affect views listed in the NDP
• Bus service – the application states this is regular.  It is, but very sparse – 3 or 4 times a day.
• Residents are likely to need to drive, thus increasing traffic in the village.
• Thames Water – the sewage capacity problems are noted in the application; however, officers should be made aware of the issues that Bramley faces.
• No amenities for older residents within walking distance of the site.
• Community engagement – this has been carried out, but Bramley PC is aware that there is little community support for the development.
• Access point – this will be right on the bend at Tudor Farm and will not be a safe point to join Silchester Road. It is also a known speeding area.
• The site is one of the few breaks in development that stops the village being a completely built up ribbon from Bramley Green to Bramley Corner.
• The application is against Local Plan policy SS6 - houses in countryside.

Objection unanimously agreed (Cllr Tomblin abstained).  Clerk to respond accordingly. 

Cllr Bell / Cllr Tomblin

Clerk

Clerk

Cllr Tomblin

Clerk

b.

Neighbourhood Plan working group – no update as present. 

c.

Environment

         i.            Community Speedwatch update – a discussion document has been circulated for possibilities for a village gates scheme.  Costs are around £1000 per pair of gates plus management fee.  It was agreed that this should be a formal agenda item for the March meeting.

Paul Holland asked whether there was a possibility of reducing the 40mph zone by Bramley Green to 30mph.  This is likely to rest with HCC Highways and the police.  Clerk to make enquiries with HCC.

The Speedwatch team would like to purchase a second SID.  Cllr Vaughan has pledged £1000 funding from HCC.  A new SID will cost approximately £2500.  Cllr James proposed that the PC contribute up to £1500 on the condition that grant from HCC comes through.  Cllrs agreed in principle, but will need to see a completed grant application before a final decision.  Clerk to process.

       ii.            Parking Working group update – Cllr Capel submitted the following report re parking at Pheabens Field and round the level crossing:

There is concern over the speed that some cars come in and out of the Close (commuters and residents).  There is one car in particular that parks regularly across or alongside driveways or on the pavement of one house, even when there are parking spaces.  A couple of non-resident cars park overnight in the Close.  Builders working in the area are parking their van regularly on the double yellow lines, sometimes blocking residents’ cars in.  Driving instructors drops off and pick up new learner drivers on double yellow lines at the main road junction.  There are only a few regular parkers now but they are usually very considerate.  There is often chaos at the junction when commuters are dropped off in the early mornings and collected in the evenings – it is becoming very dangerous.

Cllr Flooks also noted that parking issues continue around Ringshall Gardens and other areas of the central village.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

d.

Allotments and Burial Ground

Allotment rents are still coming in.  There are two new plot holders. 

         i.            Burial Ground maintenance quote – a quote has been received from the current contractors for the maintenance of the Burial Ground in 2020, and also for grounds maintenance at Yew Tree Close.  The Clerk noted that the charges remain the same as for last year.  It was unanimously agreed to continue with the current contractors.

e.

Village Hall Trust

The grand opening of the new extension and refurbishment, held on 18^th February, was very successful.   

Drainage and car park work is still to be completed, hopefully over the summer.

Trustees are looking into solar panels for the future.

f.

Clift Meadow Trust

• CMT are looking to get the hedge cut before the end of February.  It will be taken down to about 4 feet in height.  Their chosen contractor is local, and can complete the work very soon, for a total of £500. 

After some discussion, it was agreed by majority that the Parish Council would meet this cost, subject to receipt of a completed grant application.  Cllr James noted environmental concerns with the wildlife that could be affected by the cut.  Clerk to enquire what the contractor plans to do with the arisings.   

• The playground project is proceeding, with an expected start date for installation of early April.  Installation should be complete in early May.

g.

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix A. 

The Clerk noted that the Rural Policing team have now transferred back to Tadley.

h.

Highways/Footpaths – see appendix A.

Cllr Tomblin noted the fence at German Road, which is falling down.  The Clerk has reported this to Taylor Wimpey repeatedly, with no action being taken thus far.  Cllr Tomblin noted that the land actually belongs to HCC Highways.  POST MEETING NOTE: Taylor Wimpey have now responded that they will remove the remainder of the fence.  They do not plan to replace it.  

i.

Road Safety Project – no update at this time.

j.

Chairman’s report – Cllr Tomblin gave a verbal report.

• Roll of Honour – Cllr Tomblin noted that nominees are invited for the Honours Board.  Any suggestions should be made to the Clerk. 

10

Consultation documents requiring consideration

a.

HCC Library Service consultation – this consultation outlines proposed changes to the Hampshire Library service, with proposals to either cut opening times or close up to 10 libraries across the county.  Chineham Library is one of those on the list for possible closure. 

HCC’s preferred option is to combine the two approaches, although they do also put forward a proposal where all branches remain open with reduced opening times – a reduction of 6-15 hours per week.  There are a number of other lesser proposals to try and introduce efficiencies into the service.

Cllrs noted local support for keeping the library at Chineham Library, which is widely used by Bramley residents.  Clerk to respond accordingly. 

Clerk

11

Grant Applications

11.1

Clift Meadow Trust – funding for 2020 fete – CMT have submitted a grant request for this event on 16^th May for £3500.  This will go towards booking attractions, purchase of tents, licenses, insurance, etc.

 After some discussion, Cllr Bell prop giving the grant.  Cllr Oborn seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

11.2

Bramley Patient Participation Group – support for health improvement groups – the PPG are looking to hold a workshop for pre-diabetic patients on Saturday mornings at the Clift Meadow Pavilion, and have asked whether the Parish Council would fund the cost of the hall hire.  The groups have tried to meet at the surgery, but there is no real meeting space at the there.  The initial proposal is for 6 two-hour sessions at a cost of £132, with the possibility of extending the project if successful.  There may be other groups in the future is this is successful. 

After some discussion, Cllr James proposed and Bell seconded that the PC fund the initial period.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk and Cllr Oborn to take forward.

Clerk/ Cllr Oborn

11.3

Cross House window grant application – the Clerk has heard back from the PCC, who have approached a number of other funding avenues.  Unfortunately, they have met with little success.

Cllrs noted that this is a maintenance project rather than capital expenditure. 

PC feels uncomfortable granting money for maintenance for a church asset.  However, the PC is still open to grant applications for capital expenditure, as in previous years.  Given that the PCC has confirmed that they do have the funds to cover the project expenditure, the grant application is declined at this stage unless there is match funding from other sources.  This was proposed by Cllr Munday, seconded by Cllr Flooks.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to contact PCC.

Clerk

12

Finance

12.1

Payments and reconciliation approval - see appendix C

The Clerk noted the payments on the reconciliation. 

It was unanimously agreed to approve the payments on the reconciliation.

Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.2

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix C

Receipts were noted. 

13

Date of Next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 17^th March 2020.

14

Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings 

None.

15

Confidential Items

None.

The meeting closed at 9.44pm