BAYDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE BYPA HALL ON
9th June 2008 (Subject to approval at the meeting on 7th July 2008)
PRESENT: Don Carmichael, Tony Prior, Alison Tomkins, Heather White
Also in attendance: Elizabeth Carmichael (Clerk), Cllr Humphries & 10 members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies received from Cllr Findlay
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Tony Prior declared a personal interest in agenda items 6.1 - 6.5. Don Carmichael declared a prejudicial interest in agenda items 9.1 & 9.2.
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The minutes of the meeting on 19th May were approved and signed as a correct record.
4. SUSPENSION OF THE MEETING FOR PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The meeting was suspended to give members of the public the opportunity to speak to the Parish Council about matters on the agenda before they were considered.
5. CLERK’S REPORT
MATTERS FROM THE MINUTES
Risk Assessments for Water Supply & Fencing – Sent to Councillors for comment. Added to current agenda for approval.
New Hedging for Parish Field – Quote for mixed hedging to be obtained.
Agreement between Allotment Association & Parish Council – Responsibilities of Allotment Association to be documented.
Ownership of Willow lane - Letters sent to Willow House, The Croft, Finches Farm & High Farm. The NALC solicitor has advised that to simply ask the property owners if they own the lane does not evidence anything and will not take the Parish Council forward in its endeavour to establish who may be legally responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lane. The Parish Council needs sight of the title deeds for all properties along the lane.
Letters of complaint regarding the allotments – Responses sent. Further communication will be required regarding the ownership and maintenance of the lane.
Community First Questionnaire – Completed and returned.
Trees on Manor Lane – As previously discussed the Parish Council have no powers to act in these types of matter. A letter was sent to the Highways Authority and copied to the land owner advising that the trees may be dangerous. As reported in the meeting on 7th April, Highways have written to the landowners to advise them that if action is not taken within 28 days from the date of the letter (4th April 2008) then they will deal with the matter themselves and will charge the landowner for any work undertaken. This matter is being dealt with by Highways. No further action required.
Letter to Mr & Mrs Lloyd – Letter sent.
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Brambles on corner of Manor Lane – Quote to be obtained for clearing the land.
North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Forum 2008 – Heather White was unable to attend the forum.
Best Kept Village Competition – Notices have been put up and litter pick was held on 31st May.
Removal of Horse Wire – This was raised in public question time and will need to be added to a future agenda so that the Parish Council can decide whether or not to remove it.
Replacement Millennium Trees – Replacement millennium trees have been planted in the bottom section of the field.
Training Day for New Councillors – Tony Prior, Don Carmichael & Alison Tomkins have been added to the waiting list. There is currently no information on when the next course will be run.
Parish Path Survey - Heather White advised the meeting that she expected to start on this in August.
Aldbourne Road Development – As reported at meeting on 7th April, a reply was received from Gleeson Homes. Gleeson Homes have said that the development off Aldbourne Road had been delayed largely by protracted negotiations with the Register of Social Land which will be providing the affordable housing. This was not down to the fact that they were being difficult, simply that negotiations took time. It is expected that work to clear the site will start shortly. Gleeson Homes have said that they will endeavour to provide the Parish Council with further updates as things move on. No further information received following update at Parish Assembly.
Parking Around the Green/Travel Plan – No information on Travel Plan received.
Barrier Tape & Pins – To be purchased.
S106 Money – The clerk has asked KDC if the Parish Council can hold the money, ring fenced, in their account.
Willow Lane Hedge – Volunteers from the Allotment Association have cut back overhanging branches. The Parish Council need to consider how the hedge is to be managed in the future.
BYPA Hall – Information regarding funding passed to BYPA. Letters have been sent offering assistance and requesting copies of relevant insurance documents etc.
Clearing Rubbish from Parish Field – Quote obtained from Clean Green Dirty Job Company. Three quotes will be required to clear the mound with rubbish beneath it as the cost is likely to go over £300. It was noted that the Parish Council should ensure that the contractor is licensed to dispose of rubbish.
Allotment Working Group – Notices put up by Heather White.
Traffic Calming Working Group – To be set up. Tony Prior was asked if he would consider replacing Don Carmichael as the Parish Council member of this group.
Letters of Support for Ramblers Association – Heather White advised the meeting that the draft letter had been sent to clerk for action.
Before the meeting moved onto ‘items for consideration’ the Chairman updated the meeting on the latest advice received by the clerk from the National Association of Local Councils’ solicitor. The solicitor had stated that the Parish Council should not take any further action regarding the allotments until they had reviewed the process taken to reach the decision to use the Parish field and considered the intended use of the land when it was purchased.
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6. ITEMS FoR CONSIDERATION
6.1 To consider the proposal for funding raising for the village
It was noted that a plan for the proposed use of the S106 money will the required before Kennet District Council will release the funds. It was agreed that a representative from the Baydon Resource Group be invited to the next meeting to provide an update on the BMX bike track project and to discuss how the group can help progress a project to provide a children’s playground in the village.
Send letter to the Baydon Resource Group Action: Clerk
6.2 To agree the Parish Council’s allotment rules for fruit frames, raised beds, ground covering material (e.g. plastic sheeting) and power tools.
The Parish Council agreed to defer this agenda item to the next meeting.
6.3 To review & approve the Allotments tenancy agreement
The Parish Council agreed to defer this agenda item to the next meeting.
6.4 To consider what to do if the Allotment Association decide not to work on the projects to install the water supply and fencing
The Parish Council agreed to defer this agenda item to the next meeting.
6.5 To agree the risk assessments for the installation of the water supply and the rabbit proof fencing
The Parish Council agreed to defer this agenda item to the next meeting.
6.6 To consider obtaining a replacement waste bin for outside the school paddock
The clerk advised the meeting that Kennet District Council were not responsible for empting street bins and only did so as a good will gesture. Alison Tomkins stated that, if necessary, she would be prepared to empty the bin herself. The Parish Council agreed that money from the litter grant be used to purchase a replacement waste bin, similar in design to the existing one.
Purchase replacement waste bin Action: Clerk
6.7 To discuss concerns regarding the Red Lion pub being closed e.g. cutting of grass, loss of village amenity
Don Carmichael advised the meeting that the pub would be re-opening on 10th June and stated that he hoped everyone would support it.
6.8 To discuss issues with dogs wandering loose in the village
The clerk advised the meeting that she had been approached by a member of the public who had expressed concern regarding dogs wandering loose in the village. It was noted that some villagers were not comfortable walking along the Russley road with their children and dogs.
Send letter to the owners of the dog Action: Clerk
6.9 To consider any specific jobs for the Parish Steward’s visit on 3rd July
It was agreed that the Parish Steward be asked to carry out the following jobs:
i) cut back trees so that 30mph signs are clearly visible
ii) remove weeds from Downsmead & from Ermin street opposite the school
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7. CORRESPONDENCE
7.1 Consultation on the draft Wiltshire Alcohol Strategy – No comment
7.2 Kennet District Council consultation pamphlet Spatial Options for Future Development – No comment
8. PLANNING
8.1 The Parish Council’s reviewed planning application K/58748 for the extension to the Red Lion pub and the construction of 2 semi detached dwellings on adjacent land on Aldbourne road. It was agreed that the following comments be made about the proposed development:
i) the new houses should follow the building line of Ash Terrace
ii) the height of the roof of the new houses should be the same as Ash Terrace
iii) 3 storey houses are not in keeping with the area
iv) if possible, a S106 should be put in place to ensure the pub continues
9. FINANCE
The clerk advised the meeting that a litter grant of £380 had been received from Kennet District Council. Don Carmichael left the room.
9.1 The Parish Council agreed to renew the clerk’s membership of the Society of Local Council Clerks.
9.2 The Parish Council approved payment of the following invoices :
Mike Collis, Village Plan £100.00
E Carmichael, petty cash £ 50.00
Southern Electric £ 29.40
Don Carmichael rejoined the meeting.
10. ITEMS TO NOTE / ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
To discuss & agree the remit of the Liaison Officer.
To consider timescales for issuing the minutes
It was noted that there was silt in the drains on Finches Lane outside the school and a problem with the manhole cover by Starvon Manor.
The meeting ended at 10.00 pm
Signed : ________________________________ Date : _______________
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