Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:

Wednesday 12^th April 2017

Time:

7.30pm

Place:

Main Hall, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

Cllr Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Bell (Vice Chair)

Cllr DiMascio

Cllr Ansell

Cllr Flooks

Cllr Tomblin

In Attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

3 members of the public

Cllr Robinson (Borough)

Apologies:

Cllr Capel

Cllr Lane

Cllr Marshall

Cllr Keith Chapman (County)

Cllr Rowland (Borough)

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 15^th March 2017 were unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record.  The minutes were signed by the Chairman.

3.2

Matters arising

None.

4

Open Forum

Cllr Durrant invited questions from the public.

Resident noted concerns about the land behind the Village Hall, and whether it would be developed or not.  It was also noted that the landowner owns a property along The Street, backing on to the land in question.

5

Planning & Development

5.1

New Applications

17/00936/HSE - Land To The North Of Sherfield Road Bramley

Residential development of 55 dwellings including affordable housing with associated access, highways works, drainage work (SUDS), public open space and other associated infrastructure

Objections to the previous application on the site for 50 houses were noted; however, planning permission was granted.  This application is a new application for 55 houses, which is in excess of the maximum number per development stipulated in the NDP and LDP.  Objections as per the previous application were unanimously agreed, with and added objection on the number of houses.  Details from recent flood and traffic surveys should be used when formulating objections.  Cllrs Ansell, Bell, and Durrant to submit objections to BDBC on behalf of the PC and NDP working group. 

17/01176/HSE - 9 Strawberry Fields Bramley

Erection of single storey side extension

No objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

17/01010/FUL - Land At Larchwood Crockford Lane Chineham

Erection of 2 no buildings for flexible B1c, B2 and B8 use and provision of associated parking

Cllr Tomblin noted that this is part of the Hampshire Business Park and has not yet been developed.  Councillors expressed concern about the increase in traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles.  Objections on this basis unanimously agreed, and the lack reference to infrastructure and to previous development in the area to be noted.  Clerk to process. 

15/03423/FUL - Land Adjacent The Street Bramley

Erection of two no. 4 bedroom dwellings with detached garages and associated landscaping and access works

Councillors noted their disappointment that this application has gone to appeal due to non-determination by BDBC.  Clerk to write to planning officers expressing the PCs disappointment.

17/00611/HSE - Willow Tree House Cufaude Lane Bramley

Construction of an open fronted 3 bay car port with 2 bay closed garage

Cllr Tomblin declared an interest in this item.

It was noted that the previous PC objection on the rural aspect not being maintained is not a strong objection.  It was unanimously agreed that this objection be withdrawn.  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 Councillors noted that the work has been completed despite planning permission not yet being granted.  The Clerk has reported the issue to enforcement officers at BDBC, particularly in the light of objections from both the PC and close neighbours.  Clerk to chase BDBC for an update, and also let neighbours know once the update has been obtained. 

Cllr Ansell/ Cllr Bell/Cllr Durrant

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

5.2

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

5.3

Minchens Lane reserved matters – update

Phase 3 reserved matters have now been agreed between the Parish Council, and Persimmon, and are awaiting a decision from BDBC planning officers.  Amended plans have been received for Phase 2.

16/03524/RES - Land At Minchens Lane Bramley - AMENDED

Reserved matters application for Phase 2 for the access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of 66 dwellings with associated estate roads and open space (pursuant to Outline planning permission 14/01075/OUT for 200 dwellings) - AMENDED

Councillors noted that the hipped rooves are along one line and don’t actually break up the street scene very much.  There is also no cycle path on the plans as previously agreed – Persimmon say there is no room for it.  It was unanimously agreed that Cllr Flooks should write to Persimmon outlining the PCs issues. 

Cllr Flooks

5.4

Update on Beech Farm development – the Parish Council’s objections to both applications have been submitted.  The Planning Officer has stated that he plans to recommend the application for 15 houses for refusal, although he has not done so as yet.  The decision notice is due to be published sometime this week.   Cllr Durrant proposed writing to the planning officer and Head of Planning at BDBC expressing concern at the length of time taken to publish a decision notice.  Unanimously agreed – Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

6

Parish Environment

6.1

Traffic Issues

Community Speedwatch – Chris Price has submitted the following report:

Following approval at last month’s BPC meeting we’ve been busy getting ready for our initial deployments.

We have:

• Trained 7 volunteers
• Procured hi-vis clothing
• Confirmed insurance in place for volunteers (via Hampshire Constabulary) and equipment via BPC insurance
• Confirmed where we are allowed to deploy (suggest we don’t minute this as it gives a clear indication to the public where we can’t deploy)
• Sherfield Road (level crossing to 40 mph limit)
• Campbell Road
• German Road

In addition, we’ve sought to publicise what we are doing to raise public awareness in the village and have had an article published in the Bramley Magazine. This publicity has allowed us to get a good number of new volunteers.

Forthcoming month activities:

• Progress with Hampshire Constabulary approval to deploy on the Street (the Tadley side of the level crossing) which is not currently in the approved list
• Schedule initial deployments from 24^th April that will coincide with PCSO Johnson’s shifts and availability and support of Silchester SID
• Schedule another training session for new volunteers after 6^th May

Cllr Durrant noted that deployments should be considered on the west side of the level crossing.

Cllr Durrant has written to the County Councillor expressing concerns about the lack of maintenance of the road surface on the eastern side of the level crossing, particularly at pinch points. 

Cllr Durrant noted a previous suggestion for bollards on the pavement either side of the village shop to prevent parking on the pavement.  It was agreed to take this idea further with Highways. 

Cllr Bell asked if there was a weight limit on Sherfield Bridge.  It is thought that there is not one at present.  Clerk to investigate. 

6.2

Ditching work at Bramley Green – Cllr Bell has been liaising with Bulpitt Brothers about clearing the ditches around Bramley Green.  He is awaiting a quote for clearance work.  It was noted that this is a recurring issue, and Cllr Bell suggested a flyer requesting neighbouring residents take their garden waste to the dump rather than tipping on or near the green.  The Parish Council also need to look at getting regular clearance work done.  Cllr Bell also to ask about rubbish clearance at the Lane End pond. 

Cllr Durrant noted that ditches at Minchens Lane by the business units could also do with some clearance.  Cllr Bell to investigate. 

Cllr Bell

Cllr Bell

7

Clerk’s report and administration

7.1

Audio recordings – the Clerk noted her wish to make audio recordings of Parish Council meetings to assist with minute taking.  She noted that regulations are in place to enable her to do this, but is seeking Parish Council approval to do so.  Any recordings will be deleted once the written minutes are approved.  After some discussion, it was agreed that a decision should be taken at the May meeting.

7.2

Storage for Council documents – Cllr Bell noted that he has a large amount of documentation related to the Neighbourhood plan that should be kept to hand, but stored somewhere other than his home.  It was noted that other councillors have similar issues.  Whilst the Clerk has some space for storing up to date Council documents, this is fast disappearing.

External storage options to be explored by Cllr Durrant – a six month initial period to be considered.  Cllr Ansell suggested digitising the paper records.    

Cllr Durrant

7.3

Update on defibrillators – the Clerk has passed contact details on to the Community Responders for placing the first defibrillator at the Village Hall.  The placing of the second defibrillator on the eastern side of the level crossing is proving to be difficult – the originally identified site at Mekanix is unlikely to be suitable, as is the Village Shop since the shop front was refurbished.  The Sansome and George building has been investigated, but that likewise has a largely glass front, which is not suitable for siting a defibrillator.  Therefore, an alternative site needs to be sought.

Councillors suggested placing a unit at the railway station - this is to be investigated.

Clerk

7.4

Use of land behind Village Hall – Cllr Durrant noted two separate contacts on this – the owners of the Longbridge Road Village Green are looking to rescind the Village Green status, and are looking at offering a plot of land behind the Village Hall.  They have spoken to the owners, who have subsequently asked the Parish Council for their thoughts on developing the whole field.  Access via the track by the Village Hall is unlikely, but there is a house further down that could be knocked down to create an access point.  Cllr Durrant noted that the NDP means that the PC is unlikely to approve any development in the near future – housing requirements for Bramley have already been met.  Development would be contrary to polices in both the NDP and the Local Plan.  Cllr Robinson noted that such developments are likely to be refused by the Borough in the current climate.

8

Reports

8.1

Reports from Parish Council representatives

a.

Allotments & Burial Ground Update – see appendix B.

         i.            Tree surgery work at allotments – along the main path there are some large trees which are overshadowing some of the plants.  Cllr Ansell proposed cutting the trees back to a reasonable height.  Unanimously agreed – Cllr Ansell to take forward. 

Cllr Ansell

b.

Neighbourhood Development Plan

         i.            Next steps for NDP – the plan was made by BDBC on 30^th March, and commended by the Cabinet Member.  It is now out for a final six week consultation.  Cllr Bell noted one query about the plan from a developer, which will be referred to the Borough Council.  Councillors formally thanked Cllr Robinson for his maiden speech at BDBC on the Plan.  When the plan is fully adopted, Cllr Durrant proposed that an event be held to recognise the work put in by the volunteers on the working group.

c.

Village Hall Trust 

         i.            Parish Council representative – the Clerk has spoken with the Trustees, suggesting that the PC representative does not have to be a councillor.  She noted that the VH Trustees do not have the manpower currently for the representative to be one of them.  Therefore, the representative needs to be either a Parish Councillor, or a PC nominated person.  Cllr Durrant suggested that the PC be copied in on any meeting minutes – meetings are once a month.  He also suggested a rota of councillors to attend VHT meetings.  Cllr Bell to look at attending next one. 

       ii.            Cllr Ansell has met with the Chair of the VHT about the audio visual installation in the Bramley Room – the VHT are supportive of plans for this, particularly with their plans for the film nights.  A hearing loop installation is also being considered.  A survey is to be carried out in the next week, and proposals to come after.  Proposals will be for a projector, screen or television screen, and a hearing loop. 

     iii.            Cllr Ansell also noted long term plans for a small extension to provide storage space for Little Apples, and office space.  The VHT are applying for LIF money for the project, but there is still a shortfall in funding.  In principle, the PC is supportive of plans, although there are reservations about the possible suppliers. 

Cllr Bell

d.

Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix B.

The ongoing issues with vandalism were noted.  This has been discussed with the PCSO, who supported increased security measures such as motion sensor lighting, CCTV or trail cameras, and alarms for both of the main buildings.  This is to be raised for discussion at the next CMT meeting.  It was noted that the Parish Council were likely to financially support any security measures, although other funding streams will be investigated.  Cllrs Durrant and Ansell to meet with the Chair of CMT. 

Broadband for Brocas Hall – Cllr Durrant proposed that the PC pay for broadband for Brocas Hall – unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Cllr Durrant/ Cllr Ansell

Clerk

e.

Education & Schools – see appendix B.

Cllr Ansell has met with Nicky Down, the head of the PTA, to update them on the LIF project.  The PTA are looking for sponsorship for the village fete for a number of stands, and will submit a grant application to the PC in due course.

f.

Policing & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix B. 

Cllrs Durrant and Bell and the Clerk met with PCSO Johnson last week.  The vandalism at Clift Meadow was noted.  One incident involving catapults was also noted – this is being monitored.  PCSO Johnson observed that fewer incidents have been reported this year than for the same time last year. 

Cllr Durrant proposed that there should be an awareness campaign run via posters and social media, highlighting that the police cannot deal with any incidents unless they are reported to either 101 or 999.  This was unanimously agreed – Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

g.

Highways & Road Closures – see appendix B.

The following road closures were noted:

• Olivers Lane from Bramley Lane to Folly Lane – 3 weeks – date TBC
• Bramley Road from A340 Aldermaston Road to Silchester road – 2 weeks – date TBC

Both closures are to allow carriageway resurfacing work and repairs.

h.

Road Safety project – see appendix B. 

Cllr Durrant noted that Network Rail’s response on closing the existing path is disappointing, as it compromises the whole project.  Cllr Ansell is working with NR to resolve the issue. 

         i.            Air quality management solution – still awaiting quotes and survey.  It was unanimously agreed to pay for the survey.  Cllr Ansell to take forward.

Cllr Ansell

8.2

Borough Councillor Report - Cllr Robinson gave a verbal report:

• Strawberry Fields development – the officer seems inclined to approve, but the Borough Councillors will call it in.  The same will be so for the Farriers Close retrospective application.
• Sherfield allotments – raised beds have now been built, and half have been let.
• Regeneration of Basing View – the AA have signed a new lease for a new headquarters.  The old AA building to be demolished.
• Manydown development – a planning application is now in.  A one off Development Control Committee meeting is planned for just this application in September. 
• Cufaude Lane traveller site – the enforcement team are preparing statements for the Courts.  The land immediately adjacent to the plot does not have an injunction on at present – this is being investigated.

8.3

County Councillor Report – no report. 

8.4

Chairmans Report – noted IT report.  Clerk has actioned the PO box address.    

9

Consultation Documents requiring consideration

None. 

10

Grant Applications

10.1

None.

11

Finance

11.1

Payments and Reconciliation Approval – see appendix C.

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

• Payment is due for bulk shredding of expired NDP documentation
• Fees have been paid by the Clerk for the Parish Council PO Box address.
• New taps at the allotments have been installed and paid for by Cllr Ansell
• All other payments as expected

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

The Clerk noted that the mandate for the NS&I investment account has now been successfully changed, and that the account would be closed in accordance with the previous Parish Council decision.

Clerk

11.2

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see Appendix C.

Receipts were noted.   The Clerk noted that the first payment of LIF funds are due this week, and that the first half of the precept is due by the end of April.

12

Date of Next Meeting

The next meetings will be held on 17^th May 2017 (ordinary meeting) and 24^th May (AGM/APM).

13

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

The motion was proposed by Cllr Durrant and seconded by Cllr DiMascio,   and unanimously agreed.  The public and press left the meeting.

14

Confidential Items

14.1

Clerk’s performance and salary review

The Clerk left the meeting, and the Chairman minuted this item.

The Councillors were advised of the content of the Clerks recent review.

It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk be moved to level 32 with the appropriate salary increase.

It was requested that in future all planning applications responses be sent to all councillors for any comment before filing with the Borough planning officers.  

The meeting finished at 9.45pm