BAYDON PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE BYPA HALL ON

21st February 2005

Commencing at 8pm

 

 

PRESENT:          

Mr K. Barnes (Vice Chairman)

Mr J. Grove

Mrs S. Bailey

Mrs S. Grove

 

 

Ms L. Knight (Clerk)

Councillor B. Twigger

 

 

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:    Mr T. Dominy, Councillor S. Findlay

 

There were 4 members of the public present.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                             Action

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 10th January 2005

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and signed as a correct record.

 

 

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no Declarations of Interest in any item on the agenda for this meeting.

 

 

MATTERS ARISING

1.       BAYDON BOOKLET – The deadline for revisions to the booklet is the Baydon Parish Council AGM (16th May). All feedback to be passed directly to Mr. Barnes.                                                                                                                        All

 

2.       LAND AT BAYDON HOLE – Kennet District Council’s intention is to take away permitted development rights. KDC will take enforcement action against any breach e.g. putting up any structure other than a fence.

 

It was noted that there are currently 2 sheds on the land. These are to be reported to KDC.                Clerk                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

3.       POWER SUPPLY ON THE GREEN – Awaiting notification from Bloor Homes as to when secure housing is to be completed. A concern was raised that planning permission may be required.  It is hoped that the structure will be small enough not to require planning permission. Clerk to investigate.                                                                                            Clerk

 

4.       NAMING OF FIVEWAYS – Another letter drop will take place now that the last house has been sold.

 

5.       BUILDERS RUBBISH LEFT IN DOWNSMEAD – The Clerk advised the meeting that Sarsen would be looking into this matter when they visited the village on 23rd February.

 

6.       SARSEN, MOWING IN VILLAGE – Awaiting feedback from Sarsen.

 

7.       DAMAGED ROAD MARKERS ON ALDBOURNE ROAD – Following the Lengthmen’s visit, only one marker has been put back in position.

 

8.       LOCAL FLOODING ON RUSSLEY ROAD AND ON ALDBOURNE ROAD – Letter to be sent to Highways advising them that flooding on Russley Road occurs after any rainfall, not just after a heavy downpour, and it is felt that the soakaway needs to be improved.                                                                                                                                                 Clerk

    

9.       WIND TURBINES – Councillor Twigger advised the meeting that following a review of the proposed site from a nearby property, it was clear from this that the wind turbines could not be screened out and that the inspector would not be allowing an appeal.

 

10.    VACANCIES FOR PARISH COUNCILLOR – A letter has been received from Joele McGowran who has expressed an interest in becoming a Parish Councillor. Mr Barnes stated that the intention would be to co-opt Mrs McGowran at the next meeting as this would allow time for “declarations of interest” etc to be put together.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1.       KDC NOTIFICATION OF CLEANSING GRANT 2005/06 - Received notification that the parish has been awarded a £100 grant. On the application, it was stated that this money would be used for litter picking, general cleaning and community skips. Clerk to check if there are any guidelines governing the application of this grant.                     Clerk

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

2.       KDC STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – Circulate for comments.                               Clerk

 

3.       WCC TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR THE COMMUN ITY AREA – It was agreed that the timing of the last bus (on or about 18.30) was restrictive and consequently no Baydon resident could effectively rely on public transport to commute to work in Swindon or Marlborough. It was also noted that there were no late night buses to allow residents to return from an evening out in Swindon. Response to be sent.                                                                                                                     Clerk  

 

4.       CPRE VISIT TO LONGFORD CASTLE – Notification of fundraising event involving a visit to Longford Castle. Question raised over who could attend as BPC as a body holds membership. Clerk to query with CPRE.        Clerk

 

5.       CPRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2005 – Entry form for the competition has been received.  The suggestion to enter in 2006 will be raised at Parish Assembly for feedback.

 

6.       NORTH WESSEX DOWNS, SET OF 4 PRESENTATIONS FROM Nov 2004 FORUM – Have been received. To be circulated.                                                                                                                                                                                           Clerk

 

7.       COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY, CONSULTATION ON CRITERIA FOR REVIEW OF NATIONAL PARK OR AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY BOUNDARY – A form has been received for BPC to comment on the criteria. To be circulated for comments.                                                                                                                                            Clerk

 

 

PLANNING

 

PEAR TREE COTTAGE (K/51296/F) - Notice of refusal of application received.

 

FORGE COTTAGE (K/51162/F) – Amended plan, returned with no comments.

 

APP/E3905/A/05/1172536, RETENTION OF POLE BARN FOR STORAGE – Notification of appeal.

 


PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

1.       BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION – Mr Barnes suggested that as some tidying up around the village would be required, and it was unclear as to how much time there was before the judges made their visit, Baydon should consider entering the competition in 2006, rather than 2005.  There was some discussion as to whether or not a steering committee should be set-up to help the village get ready. Mrs Bailey stated that the competition was meant to be community spirit motivated and that there was the risk of offending residents by a committee passing judgement on the perceived presentability of their property.

 

2.       ABANDONED “FOR SALE” SIGN – A sign for the last property sold on Waldrons Close has been abandoned at the junction of Ermin Street and Manor Lane. Clerk to contact Estate Agents and request that the sign be removed.      Clerk

 

3.       COMMUNITY SKIPS – It was suggested that Baydon could have the skips as frequently as they want, however, they need to be utilised and not returned half-empty. Although garden clippings are currently be collected on the Cricket Field, ready to be burnt, Councillor Twigger advised that it was much better for the environment if it was recycled. Anything left for normal waste collection goes to land fill, however, the skips are used for recycling, with garden waste being turned into compost. A decision is required as to how frequently the skips should be scheduled. 

 

4.       POT HOLE BY TURF RUN - A pot hole by Turf Run, on the left-hand side of the road coming into Baydon from Aldbourne, will be reported to Highways.                                                                                                                                  Clerk

    

5.       BRAMBLE HEDGE BY POND – A member of the public asked who had cut down the bramble hedge by the pond as it had almost be decimated, thereby affecting this seasons crop of brambles.

 

6.       ENERGY CONSERVATION WITHIN BAYDON – Councillor Twigger suggested that it would be good if Baydon could save the same amount of energy as the wind turbines would have generated.  Councillor Twigger to see if the scheme already running in Ramsbury can be extended to Baydon. A free energy saving light bulb would be sent to each household in return for completing a questionnaire.                                                                                                                               BT   

 

7.       “BAYDON” SIGN MISSING – It was noted that the “Baydon” sign, from the Finches Lane end of the village has still not been replaced. Clerk to chase.                                                                                                                                             Clerk

 

8.       BYEWAY SIGN REQUIRED – Sign required to mark start of bye-way. As a result of this it is proving difficult to cross the road with horses as the traffic is not slowing down in anticipation of anyone crossing at this point. Clerk to find out whether a warning sign for “horses” can be obtained.                                                                                                        Clerk

 

9.       30 MPH SIGN – It was felt that the sign was too close in to the village and as a result the traffic did not start to slow down until it had gone past the end of Manor Lane making it dangerous for anyone exiting the road. Clerk to seek advice from Highways.               Clerk        

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

FINANCE

 

                Cheques Paid:                    £10.00                   BYPA, Hall hire

                                                               

                Monies received:                None

 

VILLAGE LAND

 

1.       PROVISION OF UTILITIES FOR LANDAT BAYDON HOLE (ref. FINCHES FARM) – Mr Barnes informed the meeting that the owners of Finches Farm had raised concerns about the fact that the purchasers of one of the plots of land at Baydon Hole were under the impression that utilities would be provided from Finches Farm. It was noted that as this is now in the hands of KDC’s Legal dept and is no longer a planning issue, they should make their solicitor aware of the ongoing situation.   

 

 

VILLAGE MATTERS

 

1.       RIGHTS OF WAY BLOCKED IN RUSSLEY PARK AREA – The landowner has agreed to make the gate good. It was also noted that the other gate was tied with string which meant that any riders using the bridle path has to dismount to open it.

 

2.       VANDALISM IN ERMIN CLOSE – Mr Barnes advised the meeting that several acts of vandalism, to vehicles parked in Ermin Close, had taken place at about 23:00 on Friday 18th Feb. The Police have been informed, an incident number assigned and the investigation is continuing.

 

3.       LENGTHMEN’S VISIT – The meeting was advised that in the recent visit, the work requested to be carried out included clearing the tops of the drains, cutting back hedging around the 30 mph sign (on the Swindon side of the village) and replacing the road markers on Aldbourne road.

 

4.       LITTER PICK – It was agreed that the Litter Pick should take place on Saturday 19th March. The pub car park will be the rendezvous point. Notice to be placed in “Scene in Baydon”.

 

Councillor Twigger to get black bin bags and pass them onto Mr Barnes.                                                 BT      

 

5.       BEATING THE PARISH BOUNDS – “Beating the Parish Bounds” will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May. Some concerns were raised regarding whether or not BPC would be liable if an accident occurred and, whether the insurance cover was adequate. Mr Barnes asked if Councillor Twigger knew what other Parish Councils had done in similar circumstances. It was suggested that BPC contact Ronny Price, Ramsbury, as he had just been through a similar exercise. KAB

 

6.       ROAD SIGN TO CHURCH – Mrs. Evans had contacted the Clerk to enquiry about a sign to the Church, which she had requested several months ago. It was thought that this request had been previously reviewed and that the Parish Council had considered it unnecessary as the Church was a landmark of significant height. In spite of this, some visitors had found it difficult to locate the Church via the road.  Concern was raised over whether or not a sign could lead to problems of vandalism in the Church.   

 

7.       BOX HEDGING AROUND VILLAGE GREEN – Some of the bushes on the corner near the shop are dying. Bloor Homes agreed to replace any of the shrubs that died. Clerk to contact Bloor Homes.                                           Clerk

 

 

The meeting concluded at 9.30 p.m.

 

 

NEXT MEETING - Monday 4th April at 8.00 p.m. at the BYPA Hall, Manor Lane