Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:

Wednesday 21^st June 2017

Time:

7.30pm

Place:

Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

Cllr Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Tomblin (Vice-Chair)

Cllr Bell (Vice Chair)

Cllr Ansell

Cllr Flooks

Cllr Capel

Cllr DiMascio

In Attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

5 members of the public

Cllr Robinson (Borough)

Lesley Kelly – Community Speedwatch

Chris Price – Community Speedwatch

PCSO Johnson

Apologies:

Cllr Lane

Cllr Marshall

Cllr Rowland (Borough)

Cllr Vaughan (County)

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Ansell declared an interest in item 5.1, the planning application for 26 Bramley Green Road, and took no part in the decision for that item.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 17^th May, and the AGM and APM on 24^th May 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.

None.

5

Planning & Development

5.1

New Applications

 17/01597/LBC - Sherborne House Bullsdown Farm German Road Bramley

Installation of bi-fold doors

No objections unanimously agreed.

17/01707/HSE - 26 Bramley Green Road Bramley

Erection of single storey side extension

Cllr Ansell noted his declaration of interest for this item, and took no part in the decision.

No objections provided parking space/garage space is not reduced.  Unanimously agreed.

17/02004/FUL - Bow Brook Farm Vyne Road Bramley

Change of use of equestrian haystore and menage to use as a stables, riding school and livery

No objections unanimously agreed.

17/02007/HSE - 4 Tudor Close Bramley

Erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory

No objections unanimously agreed.

17/01999/RET - 103 Coopers Lane Bramley

Conversion of garage to habitable accommodation

Appearance of the property is unchanged as the garage door is left in place.  However, parking/garage space is reduced.  Objections on this basis unanimously agreed.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

5.2

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

The refusal of the 17/00449/RET for Farriers Close was noted.  The decision by the Development Control Committee at BDBC was unanimous.  There is a 2 month grace period before enforcement action will be taken.  It is likely the application will go to appeal. 

5.3

Minchens Lane reserved matters – update

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

This application was due to be considered at the recent DC meeting – however, it was removed pending further information.  Further amendments to the above application have been received today from BDBC.  Cllr Durrant stated that he has written to officers at BDBC protesting the lack of cycle path through the development, and noting that the PC is seeking ways of withdrawing the licence for access to Clift Meadow from the development in the south eastern corner of Clift Meadow.  The application is likely to be considered at the next DC meeting in July – Clerk to request ward councillors ensure that this is the case. 

Clerk

5.4

Update on Strawberry Fields planning application – a meeting is still to be set up between Bewley and councillors to discuss s.106 and affordable housing requirements.   

It was noted that the Environment Agency have lodged objections to the application, and the PCs objections have the support of the ward councillors. Cllr Tomblin noted the continued lack of consideration for the cumulative effect on Bow Brook of repeated developments – the Planning Committee is to meet to formulate a response to BDBC re-iterating concerns on flooding at the site.

The marketing sign on the site has been reported to BDBC enforcement, who have confirmed that advertising permission would be required for such a sign.  BDBC have written to the developers informing them of this, and requested that the sign be removed or the appropriate permission sought.  The Clerk is awaiting further updates. 

Clerk

Planning Committee

5.6

Update on planning enforcement actions

One Stop shop – One Stop are liaising Environmental Health officers on light levels from the sign at the shop, and trying to clarify exactly what is required.  The Clerk is continuing to chase for updates. 

Cufaude Lane traveller site – BDBC are still seeking a variation on the injunction to include the entire site, and that the travellers will subsequently be issued with a final notice to quit.  The Clerk is continuing to chase for updates.

Clerk

Clerk

5.7

Planning Committee Membership – Cllr Flooks to Chair the Committee.   Members will be Cllr DiMascio, Cllr Tomblin, and Cllr Bell.  Clerk to check Terms of Reference for the Committee and distribute to all members.

Clerk

6

Parish Environment

6.1

Parish maintenance issues

         i.            Campbell Road roundabout grass cutting – this is now complete, but will need to be repeated to maintain lines of visibility.

       ii.            Coopers Lane bench – the Clerk has checked with the contractor about the safety of the concrete ends of the bench.  The contractor has confirmed that it is safe, but as a further measure has filled the cracked to prevent frost damage. 

     iii.            Cinder Track culvert clearance – this is now complete. 

     iv.            Various complaints have been received about long grass around BDBC maintained areas.  The Clerk has raised the issue with officers at BDBC.

Clerk

7

Clerk’s report and administration

7.1

Moving meetings to a different evening – several issues recently have highlighted that Wednesday evenings are becoming increasingly difficult for Parish Council meetings.  It was proposed by Durrant to move to a Tuesday evening, and seconded by Cllr Bell.  Unanimously agreed.  Effective from September meeting.

Clerk

7.2

Update on defibrillators – the defibrillator for the Village Hall should be installed soon – the electrician is to get in touch to confirm location and dates.  The Clerk is still consulting with the Community Responders on the location of the second defibrillator.

Clerk

8

Reports

8.1

Reports from Parish Council representatives

a.

Allotments & Burial Ground Update – see appendix B.

Advert for parish mag to be placed as no waiting list at present.

         i.            Replacement bench for Burial Ground - Cllr Ansell has obtained three quotes.  These were considered by Councillors, with Cllr Durrant proposing that the quote from Memorial Benches for £1150 be accepted due to the guarantee the company give.  This was seconded by Cllr Bell and unanimously agreed.  Clerk to action.  Cllr Ansell to check about secure fixings for the bench.

       ii.            Cllr Durrant to take on the Burial Ground Memorial Garden project.

Clerk/Cllr Ansell

Cllr Durrant

b.

Neighbourhood Development Plan – see appendix B.  The Plan is now fully in place beside the Local Plan.  It is being quoted in planning applications, and referred to in planning decisions.  Work is now being done to bring areas of the parish in line with the policies.

Cllr Bell to present Bramley experiences at a forum at BDBC in the near future.

Cllr Bell noted the ‘Groundwork Community Awards’ which recognise excellence in community work.  He suggested that the NDP working group could be put forward.  Cllr Bell to circulate details ready for an agenda item for July.

Cllr Bell/ Clerk

c.

Village Hall Trust – see appendix B.

Cllr Bell gave a brief synopsis of the AGM held on 19^th June - full report in appendix.  Cllr Bell noted his questions re the rents charged to Little Apples for the use of the hall.  He also noted that the proposed extension is primarily for the benefit of Little Apples, and that the PC and others would only have access when Little Apples were not in session.  Cllr Bell noted that he felt that the extension will not be of benefit to the village as a whole. 

Cllr Tomblin noted that the pre-school is primarily for Bramley residents, and Phill Lewis of the VHT further noted that the pre-school is very well regarded by County and Ofsted. 

Councillors noted concerns over the proposed architect – Phil stated that he was aware of these concerns, and that this architect is only involved with the pre-planning stage for the moment.

Phil noted that the extension will open up extra toilet facilities for the Bramley Room whilst the Pre-school is in session.

LIF grant is mostly for extension, but will include some refurbishment of the existing facilities. 

There is now a full complement of elected Trustees, plus one co-opted Trustee.

Phil noted the silver award accreditation from the Simple Quality Protects scheme, and congratulated Catriona Hayward for her work on this – this was echoed by Councillors. 

Cllr Ansell noted that the pre-school did try in 2010 to find an alternative site, but support at Borough level was not forthcoming. 

         i.            Cllr Ansell presented audio visual proposals for the Bramley Room.  After consideration of the three quotes, Cllr Ansell proposed that the quote from AVAT be accepted, subject to accepting certain criteria.  This was seconded by Cllr Durrant and carried unanimously.  Clerk and Cllr Ansell to liaise with the VH Trustees.  It was noted that there may be ongoing maintenance costs, and Cllr Durrant proposed that the PC cover for the first two years.  This was unanimously agreed.

Cllr Ansell/ Clerk

d.

Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix B.

Cllr Capel gave a verbal report. 

• CMT need to generate more income for both halls – efforts are being put into this.
• The website is being updated.
• Quotes are being obtained for a new barrier for the car park.
• Alan Kemp, a long standing trustee, passed away in June.  Councillors asked that their condolences be passed along.  Cllr Durrant proposed sending flowers or a donation.  Richard Wood noted that there may be a memorial bench installed in memory of Alan.

e.

Education & Schools – see appendix B. 

f.

Policing & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix B. 

Poster campaign on reporting to be repeated in the middle of July (at the start of the school holidays).

Yew Tree Close issues – vandalism etc.  Cllr Durrant has been speaking with officers at BDBC about blocking the unofficial access at yew Tree Close.  It appears that BDBC will be unable to assist.  Therefore Cllr Durrant proposed that the PC place a planning application to block off the access, and fund the necessary work.  Cllr DiMascio seconded – unanimously agreed.  Cllr Durrant to take forward.

Cllr Durrant

g.

Highways/Footpaths– see appendix B. 

         i.            Air quality measurement system proposal – Cllr Ansell presented the proposal for a system at the level crossing, which will cost £8,029.  Cllr Ansell proposed that the quote be accepted and taken forward.  Cllr Durrant seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk and Cllr Ansell to take forward.  Cllr Ansell confirmed that the Borough have no plans to monitor air quality at the level crossing. 

Cllr Ansell/ Clerk

h.

Road Safety project – see appendix B.  A meeting with Network Rail has been set to discuss the permissive path, and (at their suggestion) to discuss possible options to close the level crossing.  Clerk to remind new County Councillor that a follow up meeting to the NR meeting last year was promised.

Clerk

i.

Community Speedwatch – see appendix B.  Chris Price introduced the new co-ordinator Lesley Kelly.  Cllr Durrant noted that the team have yet to deploy on the western side of the level crossing – Lesley stated that they are still waiting for police approval for sites on this side of the village. 

The group are actively seeking funding opportunities for the purchase of their own SID. 

Awaiting formal quotes for CSW signs for the entrances to the village. 

8.2

Borough Councillor Report – see appendix B.  Cllr Durrant noted that Cllr Robinson is now the Deputy chair of the DC Committee. 

8.3

County Councillor Report – see appendix B.

8.4

Chairmans Report – nothing to report.

9

Consultation Documents requiring consideration

9.1

Draft Planning Obligations for Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document

The consultation was considered by Councillors.  Cllr Tomblin noted monies from the CIL process can go anywhere in the Borough.  S.106 money usage will be very restricted.  CIL money will have to be applied for. 

No response unanimously agreed. 

10

Grant Applications

None.

11

Finance

11.1

Payments and Reconciliation Approval – see appendix C.

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

• The outstanding payments for May have now been made.
• The invoice for signage at Clift Meadow is due.
• All other payments as expected

It was unanimously agreed to approve the payments for June – 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 Wednesday 19^th July 2017.

13

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

14

Confidential Items

None.

The meeting closed at 9.19pm.