Minutes 18th May 2015

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

3.1

3.2

4.1

5.1

Erection of rear extension (permitted development notification)

Noted.

15/01231/HSE – 27 St Marys Avenue Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension and roof light with parapet wall. All rear windows changed from brown colour to aluminium finish

No objections unanimously agreed.

15/01327/LBC & 15/01326/FUL – Bullsdown Farm German Road Bramley

Conversion of farm buildings to 2 no. four bedroom live-work dwellings, reconstruction of 1 farm building to form part of 1 no. four bedroom live-work dwelling and erection of 2 no. two bedroom live-work dwellings following demolition of existing outbuildings, conversion of 1 no farm building to car ports and work unit with associated parking and alterations to existing access road

Cllr Durrant noted that there have been six applications for this site, and therefore the PC have lost track on what is happening.  Clerk to request a summary from BDBC.  Once this is obtained, Councillors should respond via email.

Cllr Durrant noted that the PC have not objected to previous applications.  15/01453/FUL – 1 Moat Close Bramley

Raise roof to form two storey dwellings with two and single storey front extensions. Demolition of single storey elements to north-west. New pedestrian and revised vehicular access

Cllr Durrant noted previous application, which was refused by BDBC.  It was unanimously agreed to object on the basis of infilling too much between properties and the building being out of character with the rest of the properties in the area.  Clerk to action

15/01502/HSE – 5 Ringshall Gardens Bramley

Erection of a first floor side extension

Cllr Durrant noted the reduction of parking due to the extension.  He proposed objecting on this basis.  This was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to action.

15/01478/HSE – Brambledown Sherfield Road Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension and raising of roof to create living space. Erection of porch. (Amended scheme to that approved under 14/03852/HSE to reduce floor space of rear extension)

No objections unanimously agreed.

15/01597/GPDE – 21 Longbridge Road Bramley

Erection of a single storey rear extension (Permitted Development Notification)

Noted.

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

Cllr Durrant to maintain the PCs long standing response to the LDP and submit to BDBC.

6.1

6.2

The Clerk noted the recent networking event, which was held on 29^th April.  The event was attended by most of the PC, as well as representatives from several village organisations.  The talk on ‘Finding Funding’ was given by Steven Lugg, and several people expressed interest in a follow up session.  The evening was a great success.

6.3

Clerk/Cllr Wright

7.1

a.

• Allotments – 9 people on the waiting list, down from 31 people a year ago.  All allotments are now being fully utilised.
• Burial Ground – Cllr Ansell is pursuing quotes for the new cremation memorial garden.  Clerk to enquire via HALC for possible suppliers.

b.

The NDP has now reached a critical stage, and is awaiting Parish Council approval prior to going out to public consultation.  It is anticipated that an extraordinary meeting of the PC will be held in early June to consider the NDP, with the public consultation commencing on 20^th June should the PC approve the plan.

Cllr Ansell will be representing Bramley NDP at BDBC meeting with round table of all local NDP groups.

c.

No report.  Full year report at APM last week.

Phil Lewis noted recent work on the windows, and the results of the asbestos survey.

d.

No report.  Full year report at APM last week.

e.

No report.  Full year report at APM last week.  The resignation of Head Teacher Andy Higgs was noted.

Cllr Lane noted that she would be happy to take over as the PC representative for education.  The motion was proposed by Cllr Durrant, seconded by Cllr Capel, and unanimously agreed.

f.

Cllr Durrant thanked PCSO Johnson for his yearly report at the APM.

PCSO Johnson noted a burglary in Sherfield-on-Loddon, a few suspicious incidents, and one outbuildings break in.

g.

• Road closure – the Clerk noted the recent notice of road closure for Coopers Lane.  This is part of HCC’s Operation Resilience, and is to enable resurfacing of the junction of Coopers Lane with Sherfield Road.
• Coopers Lane – the Clerk gave an update on the drainage issues at Coopers Lane.  A camera survey has been carried out on the drainage the east side of Coopers Lane, although this has not yet been addressed in detail.  The banking on the west side of the junction where the ditching was carried out will remain in place, mainly to prevent pedestrians from falling in the ditch.  As the area is self-seeding, no further work on this is anticipated.
• Minchens Lane flooding – no further news.  The Clerk has chased HCC Highways and will report back at the next meeting.
• Olivers Lane fallen branch – the Clerk has chased this after reporting the issue back in January.  HCC Highways to check and action.  Clerk to report back at the next meeting.
• Sherfield Road tree work – notification has been received for the removal of three trees on the C32 near Church Lands.  This is within the Conservation Area; however, because the trees are causing damage to the culverts and drains in the area, HCC Highways can remove the trees without planning permission.  Removal of the trees and subsequent repairs to the drainage system should alleviate flooding problems in the area.
• Cllr Ansell noted that BDBC have released £2million for road improvements.
• Cllr Clarke noted deep pothole at the Bramley Lane/Olivers Lane junction.  Clerk to report to HCC.
• Collapsed culvert at Folly Lane – clerk to report.
• Fly tipping at Minchens Lane just north of doctors’ surgery.  Clerk to report.
• Collards skip at green by level crossing- Clerk to report.  May need to go through BDBC to get removed.
• Cllr Lane noted hedge debris by traveller owned site in Cufaude Lane.  Clerk to report to BDBC.  Judy Foyle noted damaged trees leaning into lane.

h.

7.2

He introduced Cllr Nick Robinson, who was elected at the recent Borough Council elections.  He was welcomed by Cllr Durrant on behalf of the Parish Council.

The new Mayor was sworn in on 14^th May.  The first full Council meeting since the elections is on 21^st May, and the personnel of the various BDBC committees will be decided.

Development Control –the planning application for the site on Aurum business park to be considered on 20^th May.  Cllr Durrant noted Bramley PC opposition and asked if a CP representative was required.  Cllr Tomblin stated that it would be beneficial.  Cllr Durrant to contact BDBC to request a speaking spot, and liaise with Cllr Tomblin.

Campbell Road roundabout – a resident has complained about various items to do with roundabout.  Cllr Tomblin has directed them to HCC.  He enquired whether the PC have had similar complaints.  Cllr Durrant confirmed that the PC have, and that they were being referred to HCC.

Cllr Robinson thanked Cllr Ansell for standing in the recent election – he noted that it is important that electors had a choice of candidates.  Cllr Robinson apologised for not making the APM – he was attending the Mayor ceremony.

Cllr Robinson noted that he has been asked by residents and councillors what he can do for Bramley.  He believes his most important role is as a link between residents, the PC and BDBC.  He intends to attend Bramley PC meetings regularly.

As a result of the recent election campaign, several key issues have become apparent to Cllr Robinson.  These include:

• Trees at the back of Forge Field are causing complaints.
• Trees at the back of St Marys Court are causing problems for residents.
• Campbell Road roundabout.
• Length of time level crossing barriers are down and concern about eletrifcaition.
• Minchens Lane development.

7.3

7.4

8.1

8.2

ASB – PCSO Johnson gave a summary of events since the beginning of the year.  Perpetrators appear to be the same group of youths each time.  The Longbridge Road incidents are the greatest percentage of ASB in Bramley.

Residents made the following queries/observations:

• Who is able to make decisions on tackling the ASB problems?
• What can be done about the green area – can it be sealed off to prevent access from German Road to Longbridge Road?
• There is a permissive right of way across the green area; however, this does not appear to be a definitive right of way
• There is a gate at the access to the green area, which could be kept locked.  However, other residents noted that this would be vandalised very quickly, as has happened before.
• Residents have been discussing the use of CCTV, and asked whether this was something that the police, Parish Council or Borough Council could contribute to.
• Residents have stated that when the green area was sold by BDBC, BDBC insisted that the right of way was maintained.  However, this may now not be the case, and need to be investigated

PCSO Johnson made the following points:

• Taking action on ASB is very difficult due to the lack of higher authorisation.
• Photographic or film evidence would be need to obtain such authorisation.
• Criminal Prevention Orders can only be served with positive identifying evidence.
• PCSO Johnson has increased his presence at Longbridge Road.  However, he cannot be there as often as needed.
• He spoke with the group of youths concerned around Christmas time.  Residents noted that this did seem to improve the situation, at least for a short time.

Parish & Borough Councillors made the following points and observations:

• ASB is clearly a criminal matter, and as such there is little the PC can do directly.  The PC can support action, but not initiate it.
• It may be possible for the PC or BDBC to support some CCTV, but this needs to be investigated, particularly in terms of cost and lawfulness.
• There is a willingness on the part of the PC to maintain the green area; however, permission would be required from the landowner.
• The PC has attempted to initiate dialogue with the landowner, without success.
• The Village Green status was granted after a petition from many of the then property owners in Longbridge Road.
• If the current property owners are willing to rescind the Village Green status, then complete removal can be investigated.
• The original 2008 planning application for the green area has now lapsed.
• Village Green status can only be removed if a similar sized piece of land can be found in the Parish to replace it.
• Removal of the Village Green status will open the land up to development, over which the PC and BDBC would have little control.

Actions:

• PCSO Johnson to continue liaising with residents, and policing the area.
• The Parish Council will continue to try and clarify the ownership of the land at the end of Longbridge Road, and make contact with the owner.
• PC and Borough Councillors to investigate possibility of supporting CCTV in Longbridge Road.
• Borough Councillors to investigate rescinding the Village Green status, investigate the possible right of way, and formulate a way forward.
• The issue will be carried forward to the June meeting agenda of the PC.

8.3

8.4

Cllr Tomblin noted that enforcement appears to be the issue, and that the problem is borough wide.  He will try to raise problem at Borough Council level.

Cllr Durrant noted that problems are also at Oakmead and Coopers Lane, as well as Pheabens Field.

Cllr Tomblin enquired whether the PC are able employ someone to police parking in the area.  Clerk to investigate.

10.1

The clerk outlined the payments and reconciliation for March.  She noted the following:

• All bills are now in for the networking event.
• The invoice for the dishwasher at Cross House has been received.  This was agreed as part of the PC grant to the PCC made back in November 2014.
• An invoice for £6000 has been received from Urban Vision for consultancy work on the NDP.  This is not on the reconciliation, but still needs to be paid.  The payment is offset by a grant received from Groundwork UK

All other payments are as expected.

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

Clerk

10.2

Payments were received in April/May for:

• Allotment rent
• NDP grant from Groundwork UK
• Precept and grants from BDBC

The next meeting will be held on Monday 15^th June at 7.30pm, in the Bramley Room at the Village Hall.