1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Election of Chairman

Cllr Durrant stood down as Chairman, and Cllr Tomblin took over the proceedings.

Cllr Tomblin proposed that Cllr Durrant should be re-elected as Chairman for 2019-20.  This was seconded by Cllr Capel and unanimously agreed.

Cllr Durrant then took his place as Chair.

3

Election of Vice-Chairman

Cllrs Bell and Tomblin stood down as Co-Vice Chairman.  Cllr Flooks proposed and Cllr Capel seconded that Cllrs Bell and Tomblin be re-elected as Co –Vice Chairman for 2019-20.  This was unanimously agreed.

4

Declarations of Interest

None.

5

To appoint representatives to committees and other organisations, as follows:

         i.            Clift Meadow Trust – Cllr Capel was unanimously re-elected.

       ii.            Village Hall Trust – Cllr Oborn was unanimously re-elected.

     iii.            BDAPTC – Cllr Bell was unanimously re-elected.

     iv.            Planning Committee – Cllr Flooks was unanimously re-elected as Chair, with Cllrs Tomblin, Bell, and Munday as committee members. 

       v.            Neighbourhood Plan working group – it was unanimously agreed that Cllr Bell and Cllr Flooks should lead on this project, and will report into the Planning Committee. 

     vi.            Allotments and Burial Ground – Cllr James was unanimously re-elected.  Cllr Tomblin to assist as necessary.

6

Cheque signatories/online authorisation of payments

Cllr Durrant proposed that cheques and online authorisation of payments should require the signature/online authorisation of any two councillors.  This was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to ensure that the bank mandate is up to date.

Clerk

7

Appointment of Responsible Financial Officer

Cllr Bell proposed that the Clerk, Maxta Thomas, remain as the RFO.  This was seconded by Cllr Durrant and unanimously agreed.

8

Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

This will be on the agenda for June for a full review of both documents.

Clerk

9

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

9.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 16^th April 2019 were unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record, were signed by the Chairman.  The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 16^th May 2019 were also agreed unanimously, and were signed by the Chairman.

9.2

Matters arising

• Investment accounts – still to be explored.
• Welcome leaflet – this is with the printers, and will be ready for delivering very soon.
• Signs for Cufaude Lane – still to be explored. 
• Meeting of Cllr Vaughan with Chief Inspector Matt Reeves as yet to be confirmed.

10

Open Forum

Cllr Durrant invited comments and questions from the public. 

None.

11

County Councillor Report

No report at this time.

12

Borough Councillor Report

Cllr Rowland submitted the following written report:

• Going forward I am following up in BDBC on the S106 issues. 
• I am going to raise the matter of Neighbourhood Plans with Rebecca Emmett and Mathew Evans as there is a growing feeling within communities that have taken the time, effort and expense to undertake these significant plans that there is a lack of significance paid to them within planning decisions.
• Additionally I would urge the community to be vigilant as to the dreadful fly tipping that has taken place in Upton Grey and elsewhere.  This has been reported to the police and had wide coverage in the media.  Given the lanes that Bramley and Sherfield on Loddon have within the parish it could potentially happen here.

Cllr Robinson gave a verbal report:

• The Local Plan is due for a review.  Cllrs queried what implications this might have on the Bramley Neighbourhood Plan, and suggested that the Ward Councillors should ask officers to meet with the parish councils to explain the need for the review and the call for sites.  Cllr Robinson explained that the Local Plan must be reviewed every 5 years, and that the call for sites is purely about identifying landowners who might have land available.  BDBC are very tight on housing land supply – 5.25 years.  He stated that a big part of this is Manydown – Cllr Robinson is now on the Manydown Overview committee.  The hold-up on getting Manydown to the planning application stage appears to be HCC, who have not come back with the transport infrastructure.  This is also the case for Land to East of Basingstoke.  Cllr Bell to contact Joanne Brombley at BDBC with Bramley concerns and queries, and will co-ordinate with Cllr Tomblin on others to contact. 
• Dixon Road – the traveller site appeal was approved.  BDBC are appealing this decision.  The trees that were felled have been ordered to be replaced.  This is the responsibility of the Forestry Commission but does not appear to be being followed through.
• Cllr Robinson noted that he felt the number 14 and 7 bus routes could do with being reviewed and overhauled.  He is talking to the relevant authorities.
• Clift Meadow – residents opposite the meadow have requested that the lights be shielded as they are very bright.  Cllr Robinson to talk to BDBC officers about the issue.
• BDBC elections – the current Council is now made up of the following: Tory 31, Labour 21, Liberal 7, Independent 1.  The new Leader of the Council is Cllr Ken Rhatigan, the new Mayor is Cllr Diane Taylor, and the Deputy Mayor is Cllr Onnalee Cubitt.

Cllr Bell / Cllr Tomblin

13

Parish Environment

13.1

Update on St James Park playground – there is no update on this issue at this time.

13.2

Ratification of support for Clift Surgery car park changes

Cllr Tomblin proposed that the letter of support for the changes to the Clift Surgery car park access be ratified.  This was unanimously agreed.

14

Clerk’s report & Administration

14.1

Parish magazine article – Cllr Munday is due to write the next article.  The deadline is 15^th June. 

Cllr Munday

14.2

Freedom of Information policy – the Clerk has reviewed and updated the FoI policy and Publication Scheme, and distributed to all councillors.

Clerk to check that policy is compliant with FoI act. 

Clerk

14.3

Vexatious Policy – the clerk has distributed a draft vexatious policy for consideration.

Clerk to check against guidelines.

Clerk

15

Reports

15.1

Reports from Parish Council representatives

a.

Planning Committee report (see appendix A).  The report was noted by Councillors.

         i.            New applications – there no new applications to consider at this time.

       ii.            NDP working group Terms of Reference – the Planning Committee have agreed a draft Terms of Reference for the NDP working group, and have recommended them for approval.  Cllr Tomblin proposed that the ToR should be adopted – this was unanimously agreed.

b.

Allotments and Burial Ground

          i.            Ground water monitoring – Burial Ground – the ground water levels at the Burial Ground have now been monitored for the last year.  The ground water levels have been consistently high over that period, with only 5 months where the levels were more than 1 metre below ground level.  At no time were levels more than 1.6m below ground level.  The Environment Agency guidelines state that there should be 1m clearance between the base of a grave and the underlying groundwater – this is clearly not the case in Bramley. The ground is acceptable for ashes interments.

After some discussion it was agreed that the temporary suspension of full burials should become permanent.  Interment of ashes will still be accepted. 

It was agreed that there should be a press release on the issue, to be published on the website.  Clerk to action.  Clerk also to check details Exclusive Rights holders who will need to be contacted.

        ii.            Ditching work – Allotments & Burial Ground – a quote has been received for ditch clearance for £3980.  This is in line with when the work was done previously.  It was unanimously agreed that the quote be accepted, although the work should be carried out in the late autumn.  Clerk to progress.  Cllr James to check conditions in the meantime.

Clerk

Clerk

Cllr James

c.

Village Hall Trust – no report for this month. 

d.

Clift Meadow Trust – Cllr Capel gave a verbal report:

• New adverts for the noticeboards will be available soon
• Flyers to be added to welcome pack, if they are ready in time.
• Playground – CMT have request that a wall for football kicking to be added to the proposed design.

         i.            Exit to pub car park – it has been agreed this exit will be closed permanently. The cost for this work, including removal of tarmac reseeding the area, is £675.  Enquiries are being made with the Inclusion & Diversity officer at BDBC about whether the exit onto The Street is properly accessible to all, and if not, how to go about making it so. The alternative exit will not be closed until this exit is made fully accessible to all legitimate users.  

e.

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix B.

f.

Highways/Footpaths – no report. 

• The resurfacing at Ringshall Gardens was noted. 
• The log in the cul de sac at Bramley Green Road has been rolled into the main road on several occasions causing safety hazard.  It was unanimously agreed that this be removed. The protection from the injunction concerning illegal encampments along with the gate in place should be sufficient protection for this area against illegal parking.   To be monitored.  Clerk to action.
• Cleaning of the footbath along Bramley Green to be investigated along with other footpaths across the village.  Clerk to action, and check for other tasks for the Lengthsman.                                                                  

Clerk

Clerk

g.

Road Safety Project - no update at present.

         i.            Funding shortfall – there is a shortfall of funding for the junction improvement scheme of £23,507.  Most of the funding is being met by the LIF grant.  Cllr Durrant proposed that the Parish Council meet the cost of the shortfall, using reserves as necessary.  This was unanimously agreed. Other funding routes are also being explored.

Cllr Bell noted that the school should be consulted on the project – Cllrs Durrant and Ansell to take forward.

Footpath still to be addressed.  Cllr Durrant to discuss the situation with Mekanix Garage in view of the high work load of Cllr Ansell.

Cllr Durrant / Cllr Ansell

h.

Chairman’s report – Cllr Durrant thanked everyone for their input to the APM. 

Cllr Tomblin suggested that nameplates should be made up to have for meetings so that public know who Councillors are.  Clerk to investigate. 

Clerk

16

Consultation documents requiring consideration

None.

17

Grant Applications

17.1

Victim Support – a request of £100 towards the cost of security measures for victims in need.

Grant agreed by majority approval, provided Victim Support makes efforts to make Bramley residents aware of their service.  Clerk to progress.

Clerk

18

Finance

18.1

Payments and reconciliation approval - see appendix C

The Clerk noted the payments on the reconciliation. 

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

Clerk

12.2

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix B

Receipts were noted. 

13

Date of Next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 18^th June 2019. 

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 9.35pm

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

None.

3

Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 10^th April 2019 were unanimously agreed and signed off by the Chairman. 

3.2

Matters arising

Minchens Lane junction – CF not actioned yet.

4

Planning & Development

4.1

New Applications

a.

19/00864/HSE - 6 Minerva Road Bramley

Erection of rear conservatory

No objections unanimously agreed.  Ensure that roofing material matches existing.

b.

19/00896/LBC - Barefoot House Olivers Lane Bramley

Repair and replacement of windows and doors

No objections unanimously agreed.

c.

19/00946/ROC - Land At Minchens Lane Bramley

Variation of condition 1 of application 16/04505/RES to amend drawing numbers

Application is more than amending drawing numbers – it is to correct the fenceline.   Should be fence, then walkway.  This will reduce the wildlife corridor.  Subsequent maintenance will also be compromised by less room.  Objections.

d.

19/01127/HSE - 14 Yew Tree Close Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension

No objections unanimously agreed.

e.

19/01180/HSE - 27 The Smithy Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension and conversion of loft to living accommodation with rear dormer and front rooflights

Supplementary planning document July 2018 – SPD HQB4 - promotes good design.  Dormer windows do not appear to conform with this.  Drawings on the website are the wrong way round – existing and proposed are wrong way round.  Overdevelopment of the site.  Dormers are not evenly spaced – not good design.  Also not in line with windows on ground floor.  Will also overlook properties that back onto it from Longbridge Road.  HQB8, HQB9

f.

Any other new applications – none.  Amended drawings for The Stables, Cufaude Courtyard.  No comments – presented plans make it hard to determine exactly what changes are.  Objections still stand .

4.2

Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A) – these were noted. 

The Clerk noted that the decision for the Goddards Lane application in Sherfield on Loddon has been appealed by the applicant, and is due to be heard on 14^th August.

Approvals for The Mews and Razors Farm were also noted.  See item 7.2

5.

Planning Appeals

b.

18/03304/FUL - The Upper Barn, Middle Barn And South Barn Minchens Court Minchens Lane Bramley

There is no date as yet for the appeal to be heard.  It should be noted that application 19/00483/FUL for the same site is being considered this evening by the DC Committee at BDBC.

6.

Update on sewerage for new developments

The letter has now been submitted to all relevant parties.  No response has been received other than an acknowledgement of receipt.  The letter is now on the PC website.

MB suggested sending follow up email saying that PC is very concerned, and requesting a response and a meeting.

7.

Neighbourhood Plan Review working group

7.1

Working Group Terms of Reference – the Clerk has made a start on drafting Terms of Reference for the Review working group, based off the Terms of Reference for the original NDP Steering Committee.  Include Malcolms addition.  PC meeting for approval.

7.2

Letter to BDBC re planning concerns about the NDP - A letter of concern has been sent to senior planning officers and portfolio holders at BDBC, expressing concern that the Bramley Neighbourhood Plan is not being taken into proper consideration when planning decisions are made.  No response has been received to date.  It was unanimously agreed that a copy of the letter should go on the PC website.  Clerk to action.

The Clerk also noted a recent communication from Oakley & Deane Parish Council, who has similar concerns.  She will reply to them in due course with Bramley issues.  Will also check out other parishes with Neighbourhood Plans. 

Check out Neighbourhood Plan legislation. 

8.

S.106

a.

Minchens Lane development

• The lockable bollard at the footbridge has now been replaced with a concrete bollard at either end of the footbridge.  Also bollards at footpath near entrance to estate from Minchens.
• St James Park playground – the commuted sum has now been returned to BDBC.  There is no further progress on who has responsibility for the Park.  Concerns have been raised by councillors about the possible safety of the park, and with this in mind an independent safety inspection funded by the Parish Council will be booked in the near future.
• Main junction into the site is also causing problems with people ignoring the priorities.  Cllr Flooks to write to Highways highlighting the issue.
• Staggered barriers at the Doctors surgery are still required. 
• Recent flooding at the main junction with Minchens Lane was noted.  Clerk to report to Highways
• Many of the trees and hedging that has been planted around the site have died and need to be replaced.  Clerk to highlight to BDBC and developer.

9.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Planning Committee meeting will be on 12^th June 2019

Meeting closed at 8.22pm.