Baydon Village News by Barbara Furber

Parish Council Meeting of 4th February 2013

 

 

A lively Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 4th February 2013 when nearly 40 people attended to discuss the proposed planning for a new dwelling on the Red Lion Pub car park.

 

There were no declarations of interest, and the approval of the Minutes from the 26th November meeting was deferred to the next meeting.

 

Chairman Andy Knowles welcomed Mr Andrew Lloyd, representative for the Trustees of the land. Mr Lloyd explained that the property and land were part of a pension for a small group of people.  They were actively seeking new tenants for the Pub and were in negotiations with a couple at the moment. The rent had been greatly reduced, Mr Lloyd added, and therefore the new build would supplement the income.

 

Mr Bernie Gribble said that the new property would be between two endangered species namely the pub and the shop, and would do nobody any favours.

 

Mr Alan Brown was concerned that restricted car parking space would be detrimental to the pub. Mr Lloyd replied that the parking was in line with County requirements.

 

Mr Dick Maycock asked about the extension to the pub that had been proposed some years ago. Mr Lloyd replied that the market place had changed and a £100,000 extension was no longer feasible, however if a tenant was able to make it work, the plans were still there.

 

When asked if the Pension Group would consider selling the pub, Mr Lloyd replied that the right offer would be considered. He explained that the Group wanted an income from the site for the next 30 years. The Group also owned two other pub sites, which also have land to create extra income. Nothing would please the Group more than to have a successful pub in Baydon.

 

Several members of the public then discussed parking. Mr Lloyd pointed out that although they had allowed villagers access to the car park, it was not the public’s right to use it.

 

Chairman Andy Knowles thanked Mr Lloyd for attending the meeting as he left the building.

 

Later in the meeting the Chairman asked for a vote from the members of the public as to whether they felt that the new build should be allowed. The majority voted against the plans. Cllr Alison Tomkins said she also voted against as it was in line with village views. Cllrs Kevin Howell, Philip Dore and Andy Knowles did not object to the plans but were unhappy about the access from the new build onto the main road.

 

Other Planning:-

 

A single storey side conservatory at East Leaze Cottage had received no objections from Aldbourne Parish Council.

 

A workshop and garage at Gooselands raised no objections.

 

 

The 2013 Baydon Parish Council meeting dates had now been agreed and would be circulated via the Baydon website and the notice board.

  

Mrs Harriet Knowles was the only applicant for the post of Clerk to the Parish Council. She will start work shortly.

 

Cllr Andy Knowles explained that the 2013/14 precept was increased by 18% to fund the proposed traffic calming changes on the east side of the village. County would be more likely do the work if the Parish found 25% of the costs. It was proposed to raise £3,000 from the precept to add to the generous donation from Mr & Mrs Brook Johnson.

 

Cllr Knowles made a final plea to all present to consider filling the vacancies on the Parish Council and helping to make decisions for the village.

 

 

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.

 

 

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