Minutes 20th April 2016

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

3.1

3.2

4.1

None,

The Community Responder scheme was outlined.  Bramley is currently covered by the Tadley group, who received a substantial grant in the last couple of years.  This is being used to fund defibrillators in the community.  There are currently nine in Tadley, and the group are looking to expand into outlying villages.  One defibrillator may be funded – any others would need to paid for by a community organisation such as the Parish Council.

A demonstration was given of a defibrillator and public access box.  The box is powered  to keep the defibrillator at the correct temperature.  This costs around £20-£30 per year to run.  The box is accessed by code, which would be supplied by the operator on the end of a 999 call, who would also talk user through using the equipment.  Training is not required, but is provided by the ambulance service if necessary.  The equipment comes with a small pack containing small scissors, a razor, a face shield, wipes, and gloves.

If the defibrillator and box are supplied by the Community Responders, the cost will be approximately £1700; this includes the box and defibrillator.  Fitting would cost another £200 – £300.  Once fitted, the Ambulance Service will maintain it.  If used, pads will be replaced.

Community Responder response times are less than the ambulance time of 8 minutes.  They are very keen to recruit responders in the Bramley community, which would further reduce this time.  Responders are given training in basic first aid skills, and act as a first line when an ambulance is not immediately available.

It was recommend that defibrillators are placed in strategic areas – anywhere there are regular gatherings of big groups of people.

Cllr Durrant proposed that Bramley have two defibrillators fitted – one either side of the level crossing.  This was seconded by Cllr Lane and unanimously agreed.  Some though will need to be given as to where best to site them.

Cllr Durrant suggested advertising for responders via the Parish Magazine, website, noticeboards etc.  This was unanimously agreed.  The Community Responders also suggested a stall at the village fete – too late for St Georges fete, but one could be done later this year or next year.

Clerk

6.1

16/00117/HSE – 29 Taylor Drive Bramley Tadley

Erection of two storey rear extension

Cllr Durrant noted that extra information has been received on this application, which notes that part of proposed build appears to be on land owned by neighbouring properties.  He also noted that the extension will overshadow neighbouring properties.  Objections unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

16/00641/OUT – Land At Os Ref 464380 158820 Vyne Road Bramley

Outline planning application for erection of a dwelling (all matters reserved)

Cllr Durrant invited comments from public.

Several residents noted that they would be objecting for a number of reasons outlined below:

• The proposed building is in a countryside area
• The proposed building is in a conversation area
• The proposed building is outside the settlement boundary
• The proposed building is surrounded by listed buildings
• Concern was expressed about the proposed access onto Vyne Road

Councillors noted that the existing building at the site is more of a stable/smithy than a full building.  It was noted that there has been no activity at the site for many years.

It was also noted that no indication is given of what kind of building will be erected.  Councillors felt that a modern house in that position would not fit in with the surrounding buildings.

Cllr Durrant proposed objecting to this application.  This was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

16/00697/FUL – Land At Beech Farm Lane End Bramley

Erection of 15 no. dwellings, together with the widening of the existing access onto Lane End and provision of an area of public open space with associated landscaping

Councillors felt that there were a number of areas of concern for this application:

• The application is in a Conservation Area
• There are challenges of access to the site
• There is a listed building in existence.  Cllr Durrant noted that the application states that the sale of new properties will allow restoration of the listed building, which he felt was not necessary.  Cllr Robinson noted that this is likely to be a supporting factor for the application.
• The application is outside the Settlement boundary
• With the loss of part of the pond, there will be and adverse effect on biodiversity
• The site was removed from the SCHLAA, and indeed does not form part of the emerging Local Plan or emerging Neighbourhood Plan
• The standard figure of 40% social and affordable housing has been applied to the application – however, it was felt that Bramley has already more than met the need for such housing in this part of the Borough.

Cllr Tomblin noted that the BDBC Local Plan should be adopted in May 2016, and will give a 5.3 year housing supply.  This application is likely to go to DC Committee anyway, and this is likely to be after the Local Plan is adopted.  Cllr Tomblin further noted that the Local Plan does give a lot weight behind any PC objections.

Cllr Durrant proposed objecting to the application on the above grounds; this was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

16/00786/HSE – 26 The Smithy Bramley

Erection of a two storey side and rear extension

No objections unanimously agreed.

16/00785/HSE – 9 The Mews Bramley

Proposed side and rear extension

No objections unanimously agreed.

16/00884/HSE – 39 Taylor Drive Bramley

Erection of a first floor side extension over existing garage

No objections unanimously agreed.

T/00121/16/TCA – Street House The Street Bramley

1 no. leylandii – fell

No objections provided BDBC tree officer is happy.  Unanimously agreed.

T/00136/16/TPO – 2 Herridge Close Bramley

Lime tree – crown reduce by 3m all round leaving an approx finished height of 15m and crown spread of 8m and remove any deadwood

No objections provided BDBC tree officer is happy.  Unanimously agreed.

16/00272/ADV – Clift Meadow Pavilion Minchens Lane Bramley

Display of 2 no aluminium post signs

Cllr Durrant outlined the application.

Councillors queried why the signs were to be in white aluminium, and whether they were appropriate to a village location.  Councillors generally felt that if the signs were not quite as high, and in a different material (such as wood), then the signs would be acceptable.  The proposals as they stand are not in keeping with the village feel and very stark.  Simon Gill of the Clift Meadow Trust noted that CMT do receive a number of complaints from users who don’t know where the halls are.  However, he accepted that the current proposals were not necessarily ideal.

It was unanimously agreed to object to current plans, but to note that signs more in keeping with a village feel would be acceptable.

Cllr Durrant also noted that Brocas Hall is a drain on CMT resources, and that it is likely that further PC funding will be available in the near future.

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6.2

Cllr Durrant noted receipt of a letter from the developers for the Minchens Lane site asking if the PC would support the number of affordable houses being reduced at the site.  Cllr Durrant noted that the PC has a history of supporting this proposal.  Cllr Marshall stated that she has placed a FoI request on how many residents in social housing in Bramley have asked to live in Bramley, and how may have requested transfers out.  She will distribute the response once she receives it.

It was agreed that Cllr Durrant should write back and ask on what grounds the developers wish to reduce the affordable housing quota.

Councillors finally observed that affordable housing would be better placed near the railway station and bus stops, making Minchens Lane a good site for such housing.

Cllr Durrant

6.3

Cllr Durrant observed that the response from Mr Jayawardena MP did not answer the questions that were originally asked, and also has inaccuracies in it.  He felt that it should not be given any publicity.

Cllr Bell suggested publishing the letter on the PC website, with the PC refuting some statements.

All councillors were disappointed in the response, which did not give the hoped for support against further development in Bramley.

Cllr Bell proposed writing a response and posting this and Mr Jayawardena’s letter on the PC website.  The proposal was rejected by a majority decision.

Cllr Durrant proposed putting the letter on the PC website with no comment.  The proposal was unanimously rejected.

6.4

• Removal of all development caps
• All large development must have provision for traveller accommodation

6.4

Cllr Bell stated that the PC should have a wish list of priorities for s.106 funds.  Cllr Ansell noted that the PC should also engage with community on ideas for possible projects.  Cllr Durrant noted that some ideas were given as a result of the community survey held in 2011.  Ideas from this can be put forward.  Cllr Capel to approach Bramley School for items to add to the wish list.

Cllr Capel

6.1

7.2

Cllr Durrant

7.3

Cllr Bell proposed a budget of not more than £1500 for the whole event, to include supply of the beacon, fitting, and refreshments for the event.  This was unanimously agreed.  All expenditure for the event will be covered by s.137 expenditure.

The Clerk has distributed a risk assessment for the event.  This has been approved by the PC insurers, who are fully insuring the event.  It was unanimously agreed to adopt the risk assessment.

Cllr Bell finally requested that all councillors attend the event, and assist with setting up, running, and breaking down for the event.

Cllr Tomblin will be lighting the beacon.

7.4

The proposals were duly amended and approved by BDBC, and as the land in question is BDBC land, they have taken responsibility for project managing the improvements.  Improvements at the Bromelia Close play area are underway, and should be complete by the end of April.  Improvements at the Moat Close play area should have commenced this week, and will also be complete by the end of April.

Further details and plans are available on the Parish Council website.

7.5

Clerk

7.6

Noticeboards to be kept up to date.  Designated notice boards for bus stops unanimously agreed.

All councillors to have keys for boards, and assist in keeping up to date.  Clerk to purchase extra keys.

Clerk

• The Parish Lengthsman scheme is going ahead, and the Clerk and Chairman are meeting with the Clerk and representatives of Pamber Parish Council next week to discuss how to handle the scheme going forward.
• Sign for Bullsdown development – Cllr Bell has been in touch with the site managers, and requested that the sign be removed.  They have agreed to move the sign, but not remove it altogether, as two of the properties have not yet been sold.  Cllr Bell stated that the sign will go once properties are sold.  Cllr Bell proposed moving the sign to the edge of the hedgerow near the site.  This was unanimously agreed.  Cllr Bell to take forward.

Cllr Bell

8.1

Clerk

8.2

This leaves three spaces on the Council.  These may be filled by co-option at the next meeting after the elections, which will be the AGM on 11^th May.

Chris Flooks will become a councillor on 5^th May.  Cllrs Clarke and Murphy will be standing down.  All other councillors are standing uncontested.

9.1

a.

The ditching work has been completed, and work to make the spare allotment plots ready for cultivation will be carried out in the next week or so.  Need to ensure that maintenance is done on a yearly basis.  Next step will be to move on to Memorial Garden project.

b.

Waiting for SEA update this week.  Final updates will be applied and then submitted to BDBC.  Response from inspection has been very positive.  BDBC will conduct a six week consultation period, after which the external examiner will need to see it.  Referendum at least 3 months away.

Executive summary to be written.

c.

• Philip has worked out the costing if the Village Hall want to continue with the position of Events & Admin Co-ordinator
• Christine finished on 11^th April.  The Trustees have identified 11 candidates which are being interviewed
• Men’s toilet was damaged and unfortunately the holding deposit bounced
• Looking at an all-round entertainment company called ‘Hog the Limelight’.  Hog the Limelight is Hampshire County Council’s rural touring arts scheme – bringing professional arts to a place near you!
• Next Meeting Monday 25^th April

d.

• Trees in cages to be pruned.
• Football is going to continue for another year. Very happy with arrangement.
• Farmers market now has more variety but needs more people to attend
• Website is being updated with more info and photos
• £50 grant being applied for from BPC to replace plants damaged by Rocon when tarmacking on behalf of WI.
• AD noted that a decision on CMT funding will be made at the next meeting.

e.

The Clerk confirmed that the current Chair of Governors at Bramley School is Nicky Parker.

f.

g.

• Culvert improvements on The Street are continuing.  The Clerk stated that unexpected groundwater had hindered the work, as well as the Cufaude Lane closure.  Now that Cufaude Lane work is complete, work on the culverts can continue.
• Olivers Lane is flooded.  Highways are trying to liaise with landowners to get drainage pipes put in.
• The recent barrier problems were noted, as were the resulting traffic delays.
• Potholes review and parking issues deferred to May meeting.

h.

Deadline for repeat LIF application is end of April – the application will be submitted next week.

Feedback received on HCC consultancy report, and an option has been decided upon.

Cllr Ansell meeting with HCC re traffic islands, and with Network Rail re taking some NR land for the proposals, and to discuss rain shelters.

9.2

Cllr Tomblin noted that this is his last report as a Borough Councill, and stated that it has been good to work with Bramley PC.

• Local Plan- Cllr Tomblin has sent a letter to the new senior director outlining issues for Bramley.  He raised the social housing issue particularly, which is being looked into.  He also raised s.106 issues.  Noted that officers would be very happy if PC could come up with a wish list for s.106.
• LIF – asked why the road safety scheme was resting just with one option, where possible funding may be available for a wider scheme.  Cllr Ansell noted the question and will investigate.  He did note, however, that the option chosen does cover almost everything that the PC want to put in place.
• Cllr Robinson thanked Cllr Tomblin for his efforts over the last few years, and for his assistance personally to Cllr Robinson in the last year.
• Cllr Robinson will try to push for solution for Olivers Lane flooding.
• Cllr Robinson has been chasing Taylor Wimpey re adoption at German Road Estate.  Main issue is with surface water.  Adoption now likely to be September 2016.  Broken lights – there is a problem with ownership between HCC and Taylor Wimpey.  May not repaired until adoption in September.

9.3

9.4

Clerk

11.1

Carry forward to May meeting.

12.1

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

• S.106 money was received in March from BDBC for the car park improvements at Clift Meadow and the Village Hall.  The cheque for payment has been duly submitted.
• Fees for the traffic survey are in.
• Fees for the LIF feasibility study are due.
• Various bills are due for the Beacon ceremony, including a final bill for a protective mesh for £36 which does not appear on the reconciliation.
• The invoice for the allotment ditch clearance is now due.
• A deposit of £1047.78 is now due for the replacement of the Pavilion shutters.  The final bill for the shutters will be £1746 + VAT, which is well within the budget set for the grant from Bramley PC in February 2016.  This also does not appear on the reconciliation.

All other payments are as expected.

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

Clerk

12.2

• Grant money for the Bullsdown path work has been received.
• Interest of 98.68 for the last quarter has been paid.
• The limited general grant, grass cutting grant, Council Tax support grant, and first half of the precept is due by the end of April.

12.3

The Clerk noted that the internal audit for 2015/16 was carried out on 19^th April.  She is still awaiting a formal report, but was happy to state that no major problems were found.  Several minor items were highlighted, most of which the Clerk already has in hand.

Formal approval for the internal audit and annual governance statement will be sought at the May PC meeting.

The next meetings will be held on Wednesday 11^th May (AGM & APM), and on Wednesday 18^th May (ordinary meeting).

13.1

Cllr Lane noted Village Hall Trust concerns over bookings for the Village Hall.  No action necessary.