Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:

Wednesday 15^th February 2017

Time:

7.30pm

Place:

Main Hall, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

Cllr Bell (Vice Chair)

Cllr Lane

Cllr DiMascio

Cllr Ansell

Cllr Flooks

Cllr Tomblin

Cllr Capel

Cllr Marshall

In Attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

4 members of the public

Cllr Rowland (Borough)

Apologies:

Cllr Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Robinson (Borough)

Cllr Keith Chapman (County)

PCSO Johnson

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.  

2

Declarations of Interest

None.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th January 2017 were unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record.  The minutes were signed by the Vice-Chair.

3.2

Matters arising

Actions from last meeting:

• Letter re level crossing – still to be actioned
• Clift Meadow Strategy – still to be actioned
• IT meeting – to be organised
• Memorial plaque – this has been delivered.  Needs to be erected in Bramley Room with an official unveiling.

4

Open Forum

The Vice-Chair invited questions and comments from those present.

A resident noted his concerns about large amounts of litter along the C32 between Sherfield and Bramley.  The Clerk will investigate this and instigate action with the relevant authority. 

A resident noted that a large white vehicle has been parked in the slip road by church permanently for the last 6 months.  He believes it is any eyesore, and is in the way of traffic on the slip road.  He also believes the vehicle is incorrectly parked on an HCC Highway.  The resident requested the PC to investigate getting the vehicle removed.  Clerk and Cllr Bell to investigate and write accordingly.  POST MEETING NOTE: the vehicle has now been removed.

Clerk

Clerk/Cllr Bell

5

Planning & Development

5.1

New Applications

17/00195/HSE - Oak Cottage The Street Bramley

Demolition of existing garage and erection of triple garage with store above, log store and single open carport and associated works

It was noted that the two storeys make the area look like a ribbon development.  However, the layout will be better than it currently is.  Officers should ensure that the room above the proposed garage is a store room and not living space.  No objections but comments as above unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

17/00147/HSE - Fabians Sherfield Road Bramley

Erection of two storey rear extension and side porch

No objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

17/00206/ADV - Bramley Post Office Sherfield Road Bramley

Display of 1 no. externally illuminated Fascia Sign and 3 no. window graphics

The objections from close neighbours were noted.  Councillors felt the proposed signs are not in keeping with a village location.  There will also be an intrusion to neighbours with extra light pollution.  Objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

T/00036/17/TPO - 1 St Marys Avenue Bramley

2 lime trees - 20m in height reduce to 16m, reduce crown spread (radius) by approx 2m to give a finished crown radius of 4m and deadwood

It was unanimously agreed to accept the BDBC Tree Officer’s opinion. 

17/00451/HSE - 22 Coopers Lane Bramley

Erection of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing single storey side extension

It was noted that extension will be close to the railway, and that the finished building will be considerably bigger than it currently is.  No objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

17/00462/HSE - Stratfield House Bullsdown Farm German Road Bramley

Erection of single storey front and side extensions

No objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

17/00449/RET – Land to the rear of 29 and 30 Farriers Close Bramley

Change of use of open space land to land within residential land (retrospective)

Precedent has been set with neighbouring properties; however, they obtained planning permission first, whereas this application is retrospective.  It was noted that neighbours applications went through a protracted process.  However, no objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

5.2

Approvals/Refusals – these were noted.  See appendix A. 

5.3

Minchens Lane & Razors Farm reserved matters – update

• Minchens Lane – a letter has been written to both Mike Townsend at BDBC and to Persimmon outlining the PC’s concerns about the reserved matters.  Mike Townsend has responded, stating that the planning officer is awaiting amendments, and that little can be done until these are received.  Mike also confirmed the view that the agreement between Bramley PC and Persimmon cannot be enforced by BDBC. 

Persimmon has now responded requesting possible dates for a meeting, and the Clerk is in correspondence with them and councillors to set this up.  Cllr Bell stated that Sue Tarvit has this evening been in touch with regards to setting up a meeting to discuss the various issues regarding multiple reserved matters. 

• Razors Farm – the letter to Mike Townsend included concerns about Razors Farm as well, and he has responded by noting that the reserved matters submission is largely consistent with the parameters set out in the outline planning permission.  Therefore, it will not be possible to refuse on this basis.  He also noted the concerns of both Bramley PC and Ward Members about the Thames Water response, which was also raised by Chineham PC, and he is awaiting a further response from them before progressing the application.  Cllr Rowland noted that there is Ward Members meeting next week with Sue Tarvit, and she will update the PC with results after the meeting. 

5.4

Update on Beech Farm development – the Parish Council’s objections to both applications have been submitted.  They will be called in for discussion by the BDBC Development Control Committee.   The Clerk noted that the Parish Council have requested a slot for speaking at this meeting.  The next DC meeting is on 8^th March 2017 – no agenda has been issued as yet.  It is likely that the planning officer will recommend that the application for 15 houses is refused.  Bramley PC feels that Beech Farm should be restored without the development. 

6

Parish Environment

6.1

Traffic Issues – Chris Price has formally requested that the Parish Council support a Community Speedwatch scheme.  9 volunteers are currently undergoing the necessary police checks.  Cllr Durrant has already highlighted issues on some of the back roads in the Parish, and the Clerk requested that all councillors consider which areas in the Parish are of particular concern regarding speeding ahead of a formal agenda item for the March meeting.

Cllr Rowland noted that Sherfield Park Parish Council is keen to partner with Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council and Bramley Parish Council and share equipment and funding. 

Speed signs – Cllr Bell noted that there are signs in some Community Sppedwatch areas similar to those one might see in Neighbourhood Watch areas.  This needs to be investigated if a Community Speedwatch scheme in commences in Bramley. 

Cllr Tomblin has investigated pricing for number plate recognition SLR signs; however, these are a prototype at moment and not ready for general usage.  Agenda requested for March meeting to decide on what style of SLR the PC should consider purchasing.     

Coach speeding – Clerk to check how many children are collected in Sherfield and Bramley and see if a full sized coach is necessary. 

Clerk

Clerk

6.2

Outstanding s.106 funding – the Clerk is in the process of setting up a meeting with June Balcombe at BDBC.

The Clerk also noted a request from BDBC and Persimmon regarding the s.106 obligations for Minchens Lane.  BDBC have noted that they are now at the point at which they need to invoice Persimmon for the following items:

• Pavilion car park resurfacing contribution to be paid by 40th occupation by Persimmon
• Equipped Play Area Contribution to be paid by 50th occupation by Persimmon
• Following payment, the Equipped Play Area to be transferred from Persimmon to the Parish Council
• Prior to the 75th occupation, the Owner (the Parish Council) to provide the Southern Informal Kickabout Area
• Prior to the 150th occupation, the Owner (the Parish Council) to provide the Northern Informal Kickabout Area

The Clerk has queried what is happening about the cycleway/footpath and footbridges, which also form part of the s.106 agreement.  BDBC have confirmed that Persimmon have stated that all the requirements for the Clift Meadow related consents are in hand.  Cllr Ansell to write to Ben Clifton at HCC re cycleway funding. 

Clerk

Cllr Ansell

6.3

Update on defibrillators – the Clerk has written to the Community Responders stating that two sites in Bramley have been found, and is awaiting a reply on the next steps.  She has also written to both the Village Hall Trustees and the Clift Meadow Trust to double check that both would be happy with an installation should it be necessary.  The Village Hall has confirmed acceptance and a reply is awaited from CMT.

7

Clerk’s report and administration

The Clerk has received a quote for £260 to repair the windows in the bus shelters at Campbell Road.  This is a little more than originally anticipated as the quote include thicker Perspex panels which should be more resistant to breakage.  It was agreed to not replace the glass, but ensure that the shelters are safe.

Clerk

8

Reports

8.1

Reports from Parish Council representatives

a.

Allotments & Burial Ground Update – see appendix B.

• Burial Ground – the Clerk noted that work on the headstone restoration is now complete, and she is meeting with the contractor next week for a final inspection.
• Allotments – the ditching work is now complete. 

Clerk

b.

Neighbourhood Development Plan – Cllr Bell gave a verbal report. 

The open forums held ahead of the referendum on 9^th February were very successful.  The referendum result was overwhelmingly positive, with a turnout of 33%, and 95% voting in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan.  The Plan will now go to the full Council meeting on 30^th March, where it will be officially made and be given legal weight in the planning process.  After this point there will be a 6 week wait for any further legal challenges. 

Cllr Bell thanked everyone involved in the Neighbourhood Plan, particularly all the volunteers who have worked extremely hard on it in the last three and a half years.

c.

Village Hall Trust – no report.  Need new rep.

d.

Clift Meadow Trust – Cllr Capel gave a verbal report.

• Finance is looking encouraging.
• Table top sale – despite being well advertised, was very short on footfall.
• Farmers market this month was cancelled due to lack of stalls.  Next one on 14^th April should be better, and this will be followed by the Easter Egg hunt.
• Maintenance – in hand.
• Deep clean in the next month or so.
• Bush and hedge cutting at end of February.
• New bench – this will be done as soon as possible.
• Presentation made to Millennium Garden volunteers.

         i.            Clift Meadow car park barriers – the car park barriers at Clift Meadow were driven into recently, causing some damage.  CMT have had this repaired, and there is a charge of £600 + VAT for this.  CMT have asked whether the Parish Council are willing to pay for this emergency work.  The Clerk noted that their insurance policy has a high excess on it, to the point where it is likely that it is not worth claiming this on the insurance.  It was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council pay for the emergency work.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

e.

Education & Schools – Cllr Capel gave a verbal update.  She has written to the Head to confirm numbers at the school.  Cllr Capel to forward the reply to all Councillors.

Cllr Capel

f.

Policing & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix B. 

Cllr Bell noted concerns from residents about a pair of dangerous dogs in the parish.  The issue has been raised with the police and the BDBC dog warden. 

g.

Highways & Road Closures – see appendix B.

The following road closures were noted:

•  Cufaude Lane, Bramley – From its junction with The Street, Bramley to its junction with Hanmore Road, Chineham.  The closure will come into effect on 19 February 2017 for 5 days (from 19 February 2017 until 23 February 2017 or until work are completed, whichever is the sooner).  This is to enable urgent vegetation work in the interest of highway safety.  Information will be placed on the PC website.
• Full closure of Bramley Lane or the duration of the Bramley Road Race on Sunday 19^th February between each end of Moat Close, with diversion via Moat Close, full closure of all of Bramley Lane (Olivers Lane to Sherfield Road) or the start of the race (approx. 10.15- 10.45) with diversion route, and rolling road block of Sherfield Road from Bramley Lane to Folly Lane for the start of the race (approx. 10.15 – 10.45).  The closure is to allow safe passage of runners.  Information is on the PC website and on noticeboards.

A road traffic order is to be placed on various roads in Bramley, restricting parking at any time.  The roads affected are the Coopers Lane spur road, and Ringshall Gardens.  Cllr Flooks noted that Ringshall Gardens restriction does not go far enough, as cars can still park very close to the bend.  Cllr Bell noted Cllr Durrant’s comments on issues with the other end of Ringshall Gardens near Pound Close; however.  Cllr Flooks stated that there is not the traffic issue as there is elsewhere in the road.  Clerk to write to BDBC with concerns. 

Footpaths have been cleaned recently, but side footpaths have not been done.  Clerk to contact HCC. 

Potholes – one near traffic island at The Smithy has been reported.  Clerk to report others on the C32 near the substation.    

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

h.

Road Safety project – see appendix B. 

8.2

Borough Councillor Report - Cllr Rowland gave a verbal report:

• Noted likely new application from Bewley homes for Strawberry Fields site for 55 houses. 
• Noted collapse of Solent devolution deal.
• Budget meeting next Thursday.

8.3

County Councillor Report – no report. 

8.4

Chairmans Report – Cllr Bell noted the letter from Bewley Homes and their request for a meeting re a new planning application at Strawberry Fields.  The meeting is set with councillors and Bewley for 22^nd February.  Bewley Homes purchased the land from the Stratfield Saye estate in early February.  Information to go on Parish Council website. 

Clerk

9

Consultation Documents requiring consideration

None. 

10

Grant Applications

10.1

Bramley Youth Club – the Youth Club has submitted a grant request for the funding of two Youth Workers for 2017/18.  The cost for both workers to supply one session per week for 52 weeks will be £9,451, which includes the workers’ salaries, pension contribution, and a management fee from Basingstoke Voluntary Organisation.  Other options were outlined for the provision of further sessions; however, Chris Holland, Chair of Bramley Youth Club, noted that this funding is not being sought at the moment.  The Youth Club plans to consolidate the sessions for the current age group in the next year. 

It was unanimously agreed that funding should be provided for the two Youth Workers for one session per week for the year.  Clerk to process.  The Clerk noted that funding cannot be guaranteed for future years.  Mr Holland stated that other funding sources are being investigated.

Clerk

11

Finance

11.1

Payments and Reconciliation Approval – see appendix C.

The clerk outlined the payments and reconciliation for February.  She noted the following:

• Payment is due for the final redecoration work at the Clift Meadow Pavilion
• An invoice has been received for the installation of a sound system at Cross House.  This expenditure is part of the grant made to Cross House last year.
• Payment is due for the various marketing materials used for the NDP referendum.
• All other payments are as expected.

It was unanimously agreed to approve the payments for February – Clerk to process.

Clerk

11.2

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see Appendix C.

Receipts were noted.   

12

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on 15^th March 2017.

The meeting finished at 9.16pm