Parish Council Meeting minutes – 20th October 2020

·         Parish Council charge card – the Clerk is in the process of filling out the lengthy application forms for this.  This will be forwarded to councillors for signature once complete.

·         Alpha accounts – the package will be installed by Rialtas next week, with all the necessary account codes etc ready to go.  This year’s data will need to be input, but the package will be ready for use in time for the November meeting.

·         The cradle swing at the Clift Meadow playground has been installed.

·         Solar farm – Cllr Capel has put CMT in touch with Cllr James, and they have discussed solar panels and ground sourced pumps.  Now that the storage shed is complete, CMT will be able to focus more on this issue.

·         Traffic calming survey – this missed the deadline for the November Parish Magazine, and is on hold until next month.

·         Storage shed ramo – CMT are happy with the ramp as it stands, but will monitor the situation.

·         BDBC environment officer – Lucy Martin will be invited to a future meeting, probably when physical meetings are more possible.

Clerk

Clerk

·         None.

·         Police and Crime commissioner grant for security items – Cllr Vaughan has passed on details, which the Clerk has in turn passed on to the Village Hall and Clift Meadow Trustees.

·         Development sign posts – Cllr Vaughan noted that the three developments in Bramley are now nearly complete.  The guidance is that the signposts for new developments should be removed once the building is nearly complete and the units nearly all sold.   Clerk to write to developers requesting that signs are now removed.

·         Cllr Tomblin asked what work is being done at the Sherfield School junction on the A33.  Cllr Vaughan stated that it is part of the process of easing traffic flow on the A33 – there have been delays at that junction because of people turning into the school.  Similar work is planned at the Wellington Memorial further up the A33.  Cllrs expressed frustration that little appears to have changed, but Cllr Vaughan noted that the work is not complete yet.  It was noted that the diversion maps on the HCC website were confusing – Cllr Vaughan will take this up with Highways.

Cllr Tomblin gave a verbal report:

·         A new Chief Executive has now been engaged.  Russell O Keefe will join BDBC in around 3 months’ time, leaving his current role as Chair of the Board at the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.

·         Covid-19 has cost BDBC £6million to date.  £2million of this has been covered by the Government, with the remainder coming out of BDBC reserves.

·         Government White Paper on planning – a letter from the portfolio holder expressing concerns has been sent.  BDBC feel that the proposed changes could take away localism from the planning process, and negatively affect Neighbourhood Plans.

·         Manydown –the first houses may be built in 2 years.  The ‘Manydown Standard’ is being produced, working towards needing less energy to support the home.  At this stage, the standard is not tough enough, and the consultants are working on this.  Work is ongoing.  Cllr Tomblin noted that whilst they would like to get Manydown built to the most up to date future facing environmental standards, this is not currently being supported by central government.

·         BDBC, Bracknell, Reading and Wokingham are looking at trying to improve links between these areas, particularly transport links.  The company Atkins have been commissioned to look at the issue.  Rail and road links between Reading and Basingstoke are of particular interest to BDBC, and dual carriageway options for the A33 are being looked at.

Cllr James noted that the grass was cut quite late in the season, but the contractors have not collected the arisings.  Local knowledge suggests that the grass should be cut once at the beginning of the season and once at the end, which should allow local plants to seed naturally.  This happens at Sherfield, with some success.  Cllr James proposed trying this approach for two years – this was agreed.  Cllr Durrant noted that the Stratfield Saye estate need to be consulted – Clerk to pass contact details to Cllr James.

It was suggested that a path could be cut across the area when the grass is long, since this is used by locals.  However, there were concerns that this might cause PC liability issues, and should be given a great deal of thought.

Cllr James to write a paragraph for the Parish Magazine article.

Clerk/Cllr James

Cllr James

Coopers Lane bus stop – the original proposal came from the previous pub landlord, as the land in question is assigned to the pub.  However, nothing ever came of this, and the landlord in question has now moved on.

Cllr Flooks

Clerk

The Microsoft tablets have now all been distributed except for one, which is due to be dropped off in the next few days.  Once this is done, the Clerk will be ensuring that all PC correspondence goes via the new PC email addresses.

This will mean the formal closure of the IT project, although there will be ongoing work to do on the website.  The Clerk is working on this on an ongoing basis.

It was agreed that cases/covers should be obtained for the new tablets.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Cllr Flooks briefly summarised the September Planning Committee meeting.

s.106 for Clift Meadow – no progress on as yet.  The Clerk and Cllr Durrant are chasing.  Cllr Durrant noted that there is a clause in the s.106 agreement that enables the PC to close the path if it is deemed unsafe.  Dissatisfacton was again expressed about the lack of communication and action from Persimmon, and the lack of support from BDBC planning officers.

i.            New applications – there are no new applications requiring attention at this time.

ii.            Letter to BDBC re the Settlement Policy 2020 – Cllr Bell wrote a detailed response to BDBCs definition of Bramley as a community that is able to be more sustainable for future growth.  This was distributed to Cllrs for approval via email, and submitted to BDBC early last week.  Cllr Durrant proposed that the letter be ratified, and this was unanimously agreed.

Of particular note is the Issues & Options consultation for the Local Plan, which needs a response by 9^th November.  All councillors should read through this and submit any comments to the Clerk by 30^th October, to allow time for collation and submission to BDBC.

iii.            Meeting with BDBC to discuss Local Plan Update – subsequent to the above letter being sent, a number of parish councillors met with BDBC to discuss both this and other aspects of the Local Plan Update.  Notes from the meeting have been distributed to all Cllrs.  At the meeting it was suggested that Bramley PC might wish to speak with Mark Lambert, the Design, Environment and Infrastructure Manager at BDBC.  Cllrs noted that this would be useful, but that they need to structure what needs to be talked about.

Cllr Tomblin noted that the next stage is the site selection process, which will go into the draft plan that goes to the BDBC Economic, Planning and Housing (EPH) Committee for approval.  Bramley PC should keep an eye on the process and EPH agendas.

Cllr Tomblin raised the following issue – if Bramley is allocated a number of houses (as per the 200 in the last iteration of the plan), should Bramley PC go to the community asking where they should be (as per the Minchens Lane estate), and then should the PC have a plan ready asking for more infrastructure?  It was agreed that this could be looked at via a working group within the PC.  Cllrs to think about the subject and contact the clerk and Chairman in the next few days.

All/Clerk

All

i.            Parking Working group update – no update at present.

ii.            Bramley Brook & footpath – the Clerk has submitted a letter to the Environment Agency, BDBC, HCC, and Thames Water about the poor maintenance levels of the brook that runs from the culvert in Bramley Lane and behind Bromelia Close, and then up through Strawberry Fields and up to Centenary Fields.  There are also issues with the footpath that runs alongside it.  Continued poor maintenance has led to the brook becoming blocked in several places leading to flooding issues, and the bank is collapsing in places too.  No one agency is claiming responsibility for the brook.  Thus far, there has been an acknowledgement from HCC, but no other reply.  Cllr Durrant proposed ratifying the content of the letter – unanimously agreed.

Cllr Tomblin noted that the BDBC grounds maintenance is aware of path issues, but may not take responsibility for the brook issues.

I.            Lane End pond – this needed urgent maintenance and clearance work.  Cllr Durrant proposed ratifying the decision to get this done.  Unanimously agreed.

Allotments – the draft lease agreement for the allotment space at St James Park has been passed to the Parish Council solicitors to handle.  All legal fees should be paid by the developer.

i.            Proposal for a Memorial Bench at the Burial Ground – on hold until November meeting.

Cllr Durrant noted a recent meeting that the Chair of the VHT had with Wates, who are looking to develop the field behind the hall.  It is likely that they will contact the PC for a meeting to discuss this further.

Cllr Oborn and Cllr James met Trustees at the hall– they have been offered a grant for solar panels by National Grid.  This is unrelated to the solar farm proposals.

Cllr Tomblin noted parked cars at the football ground, and asked if they could use VH car park.  However, this is unlikely to be agreed for the moment given the planned work at the hall car park.  Clerk to write to the football club to ask them to park more considerately, and not on the pavement.

Clerk

Cllr Capel gave a verbal update.

·         CMT have gone back to physical meetings, with one or two joining via video.  Physical meetings are an issue for Cllr Capel, and she is monitoring the situation.

·         Three new people have jointed to help with the Clift Meadow website.

·         The Youth Club is starting up again with bubbles of up to 15 children.

·         CMT are currently losing money each month due to lower usage of the halls because of pandemic.

·         Playground equipment is now all done.  Playground insurance is being checked.

·         Storage containers have now all gone.

·         CMT have requested advice on whether they need an AGM or not this year because of the pandemic situation.  Cllrs advised that CMT check with the Charities Commission.

·         It was noted that trees that were cut down to create an access to the footbridge that was then not built need to be replaced by the developer.  Clerk to write and chase.

Clerk

It was noted that the Parish Council has recently arranged for maintenance work to be carried out on several footpaths in the Parish, particularly the Cinder Track.  These paths are rights of way and would normally be maintained by HCC.  Such tasks can also be carried out by the Parish Lengthsman (who was the contractor used in this instance).  However, Bramley PC had used it’s Lengthsman budget of £1000 by June of this year, and therefore such work is coming out or Parish Council funds at this time.  Cllr Durrant stated that the PC needs to look at trying either increase the Lengthsman budget, persuade HCC to find extra funding for such tasks, or, as a last resort, raise the precept for next year.  He noted the spend on this so far this year has been just under £1300, and that there will be more in due course.

Cllr Durrant noted that the PC need to ensure that the LIF funding remains in place, as the project is dependent on this to be completed.

Cllr James and Cllr Oborn to look at Parish Council response.

Cllr James/ Cllr Oborn

Cllr Bell proposed granting £1000 (which would have been the PC contribution to the fireworks event).  Cllr James seconded the motion, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Cllr Vaughn confirmed that the Remembrance service will be via zoom this year, with a few socially distanced physical attendees.  The service is to be held on 8^th November

Cllr Flooks to put up silhouettes towards the end of October.

Clerk

Cllr Flooks

The Clerk noted the payments on the reconciliation.

It was unanimously agreed to approve the payments on the reconciliation.

Clerk to process.

Clerk

Receipts were noted.

The meeting closed at 9.48pm

Single storey rear garage extension 2.2 metres by 3.25 metres

It was noted that this application is retrospective – the work was done in 2018 by the developer.

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

Conversion of loft to include dormer to rear elevation to create additional bedroom

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

Certificate of lawfulness for the proposed erection of single storey rear and side extensions with internal alterations

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

Fell/Pruning works as per tree survey report August 2020

·         The number of tree applications in recent years for both this property and for Churchlands in general were noted.

·         Concern was expressed at the number of trees that have had severe pruning or felling in a small area within the conservation area.

·         Cllrs unanimously agreed to defer to the tree officer’s decision, but their concern about the number of applications in the Churchlands area should be highlighted.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

Erection of general purpose 4 bay steel portal frame. Partially clad from the eaves down on three sides, open fronted with a pitched roof

·         No comments unanimously agreed.  It was noted that it seems odd that a property in the area has recently been given permission for converting a similar barn into housing.  However, that was on a different property.  Clerk to check details and raise issue with planning officers as necessary.

Clerk

Single Storey Rear Extension

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

1 Sycamore: fell

·         It was queried whether the tree is on land that was incorporated into the garden without planning permission – the application for this was in 2012, and was refused.  Cllrs questioned why has this not been enforced.

·         Aside from this issue, the plan is very unclear and it is difficult to identify which tree is being felled.

·         The tree is healthy.

·         It was unanimously decided to clarify location of tree, then defer to the tree officer view.   However, the above points should be raised with BDBC.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

T1 Willow: Crown reduction from 18 m to a final height of 10 m with a 4 m horizontal radial canopy spread

·         As per item 4.1.d.  It was noted the only light exclusion will only affect the new extension at a neighbouring property.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

T/00503/20/TPO – 16 St James Close Bramley

Single mature Lime tree: prune

·         The proposed work will bring the tree down to the level of other trees in area.  Defer to tree officer unanimously agreed.  Clerk to respond accordingly.

Clerk

These were noted.  The decision on the solar farm EIA was particularly noted and welcomed.

Bramley Parish Council submitted additional comments to the Planning Inspector for this appeal.  The appeal will take the form of an inquiry, for which a date has not yet been set.  It will be after 20^th October, which is the deadline for inquiry evidence.

Clerk/Cllr Durrant

Details of this open consultation have distributed to all members.  Representatives are due to meet with BDBC officers on 15^th October to discuss the Local Plan Update and associated issues.  In the meantime, a letter has been sent to BDBC officers and Councillors highlighting Bramley PCs concern over Bramley’s place in the Settlement Policy 2020.

Members to comment individually and circulate to all.  The consultation should also be circulated to full council for comment.  Cllr Bell and Clerk to consolidate comments ready for submission.  Comments should be submitted to the Clerk by 23^rd October.

All

Clerk/Cllr Bell

Meeting closed at 8.18pm

Outline planning application for the erection of 4 dwellings including access

Objection

Outline planning application with access to be included, for the demolition of existing stables and riding arena and the erection of 4 no. dwellings

Objection

EIA Screening Request for a proposed solar farm and battery storage facility

Full EIA requested

Conversion of ground floor from tanning salon (sui generis) and retail (A1) to 2 no. one bedroom flats and retail (A1)

The erection of 1 no. dwelling and associated parking and access

Variation of Conditions 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 20 and 21 of 19/00464/FUL to amend drawing numbers to allow for improved siting and alterations to the detailed design of the dwellings. Including amended wording of conditions 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 21 to allow the removal of conditions 9 and 17.

Erection of 1 no. single storey dwelling to provide accommodation for parents, associated landscaping and access following demolition of stable/home office