Minutes of the Meeting of the Council
Date: | Tuesday 20th March 2018 | Time: 7.30pm |
Place: | Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall | |
Present: | Cllr Durrant (Chair) | Cllr Tomblin (Vice- Chair) |
Cllr Flooks | Cllr DiMascio | |
Cllr Capel | Cllr Whorton | |
Cllr Marshall | ||
In attendance: | Maxta Thomas (Clerk) | 6 members of the public |
Cllr Robinson (Borough) | ||
Apologies: | Cllr Bell (Vice-Chair) | Cllr Ansell |
Cllr Rowland (Borough) | Cllr Vaughan (County) | |
PCSO Nath Johnson | PCSO Richard Fisher |
Action |
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1 | Apologies for Absence |
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As listed above. |
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2 | Declarations of Interest |
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None. |
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3 | Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting |
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3.1 | The minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2018 were unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman. |
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3.2 | Matters arising |
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The outstanding actions list was reviewed.
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4 | Open Forum |
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Cllr Durrant invited comments and questions from the public. The following questions were asked:
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5 | Planning & Development |
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5.1 |
Summary of Planning Committee meeting of 14th March 2018 (see appendix A)
Cllr Flooks gave a summary of the meeting, along with the planning decisions made at that meeting. Cllr Durrant observed that any agreement made with developers must be written into reserved matters to ensure that it is upheld. The amendments to Land North of Sherfield Road were noted – Cllr Flooks to write response and circulate to councillors for approval. |
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5.2 |
Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A) – these were noted. |
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5.3 |
Update on Planning Enforcements
17/00206/ADV – Bramley Post Office, Sherfield Road This application has now been refused, and referred for immediate enforcement. The sign and illumination will need to be removed within two months from 12th March 2018. |
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5.4 |
Planning issue at 29 & 30 Farriers Close
Cllr Durrant noted PC sympathy with the family situation. The PC confirmed unanimously its objection to the acquisition of buffer land by house owners and could not set a precedent which may have wider and longer term ramifications in the community. The Chairman noted that a precedent has already been set with other properties; however, the he observed that the Parish Council objected to these applications. The Parish Council has been consistent. Cllr Robinson confirmed his support of the PC objection but did not say if his objection as a ward councillor remained. It was noted that ward Cllr Rowland has also supported the PC decision previously and objected strongly, as a ward Councillor as did the Borough’s Development Control Committee. The PC could only restate its objection but BDBC has an option to sell or continue to support the objections. The PC can do no more, and the matter is now in the hands of BDBC. |
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5.5 |
Update on Cufaude Lane planning issues
A meeting has been held between BDBC officers, Bramley parish councillors, and BDBC ward members, to discuss the enforcement and planning issues at the Cufaude Lane traveller site. The minutes of this meeting has been circulated to all councillors. The current situation is:
Bramley parish councillors and the ward members all expressed dissatisfaction with the length of time it has taken to reach this point, and with the planning, appeals and enforcement process itself. It was noted that residents are becoming very frustrated and disillusioned with the whole issue. BDBC officers stated that they must follow due process, and that the legal process is unfortunately very lengthy. The stated that, despite the perceived lack of action, there has in fact been a great deal of work going on in the background. Bramley Parish Council will continue to liaise with BDBC on the issue, although Cllr Durrant noted that there will be some information that cannot be given out at times due to legal constraints. |
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6 | Parish Environment |
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6.1 |
WW1 Commemorations
i. Memorial bench – the Clerk confirmed that the PC does not have the power to put in a new War Memorial. Therefore, councillors were asked to consider the installation of a memorial bench in the village. The proposal was unanimously agreed in principle. Funding to come from s.137 funds. Most likely placement would be at Clift Meadow. ii. Beacon ceremony
The Silent Soldier campaign is still to be investigated. Clerk to take forward. |
Cllr Bell
Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
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6.2 |
Drone flights – reports have been received of drones over people’s properties and gardens. The clerk has distributed a copy of the current drone regulations (via the Civil Aviation Authority), and particularly noted the regulations with regards to drones with cameras. It was unanimously agreed that the regulations should be put on the website and issued through social media. Clerk to take forward.
Concerns were noted that photos being taken from drones are being posted on Facebook. One resident in particular has been posting these. Letter to be written to resident requesting that he be mindful of the regulations and people’s privacy. |
Clerk
Clerk |
6.3 |
Update on air quality monitoring (see appendix B – Transport)
The recent interview with Meridian TV was noted. This is due to be aired sometime in the next week. Network Rail have also expressed an interest in the longer term results. |
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6.4 |
Update on unlawful encampments – the encampments at Ordnance Road were moved on earlier this week, and the newly installed barrier has now been closed and locked.
Reports of a new encampment on the feeder road to the electricity substation have been logged and passed on to the landowner and all other relevant parties. |
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7 | Clerk’s report & Administration |
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7.1 |
IT Project update -see appendix B |
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8 | Reports |
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8.1 |
Reports from Parish Council representatives |
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a. |
Allotments and Burial Ground – see appendix B
i. Burial Ground risk assessment – a second proposal has now been received and circulated. After some discussion, it was unanimously agreed to accept the proposal from Bold, with an agreed expenditure of up to £1000+VAT. Clerk and Cllr Ansell to take forward. Need to get a greater scope of works. Also need to make sure that company engage contractors as necessary, and not the PC. ii. Review of Burial Ground fees – Cllr Ansell has circulated proposals for an increase in fees (see appendix C), noting that fees have not increased since 2011. It was noted that burials should be limited whilst risk assessments are being carried out. Decision deferred until after risk assessments unanimously agreed. iii. Best allotment award – Cllr Ansell has proposed this award, with a possible £25 prize for the best. Cllr Tomblin prop, Cllr Flooks seconded, agreed by majority decision. Cllr Ansell to come back with more full proposals on how it would work. |
Clerk/Cllr Ansell
Cllr Ansell |
b. |
Village Hall Trust – see appendix B |
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c. |
Clift Meadow Trust – Cllr Capel gave a verbal report:
i. Car parking issues – the PC has received an email from a resident, expressing concerns that they may be unable to park in the Clift Meadow car park when using the railway station in the future. This has been referred to the Clift Meadow Trustees for comment. Councillors noted general issues with commuter parking in the village. CMT to monitor the situation. ii. Storage Shed – CMT have approached BDBC to see if there might be any s.106 funding towards this project. The reply at present is that there is not. Cllr Durrant noted that the PC are looking into getting the allocation changed, but this won’t help the immediate need. Noted previous grant request that was agreed in principle if alternative funding could be sought as well. Cllr Durrant suggested that a slightly bigger storage unit could be built to accommodate future expansion. Cllr Durrant proposed funding up to £15,000 for storage, Cllr Capel seconded, unanimously agreed. |
Clerk
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d. |
Education & Schools – see appendix B |
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e. |
Police & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix B
The Clerk is currently trying to set up a meeting with Councillors and the new PCSO Richard Fisher. |
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f. |
Highways/Footpaths – see appendix B |
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g. |
Road Safety Project – see appendix B |
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8.2 |
Borough Councillor Report – see appendix B.
Cllr Tomblin asked if the new waste contract would mean an improvement in the recycling service for the BDBC area. Clerk to feed back to Ward Councillors. |
Clerk |
8.3 |
County Councillor report – see appendix B |
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8.4 |
Chairman’s report – Cllr Durrant noted that the Annual Parish Meeting is coming up in May, and asked all councillors to consider the various positions within the PC and whether they would like to stand for them. |
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9 | Consultation documents requiring consideration |
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9.1 |
Ward boundaries for Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council – the Boundary Commission have now issued the amended consultation, which is open for comments until 7th May. The consultation can be viewed online at http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/hampshire/basingstoke-and-deane
The Commission is minded to recommend that 54 councillors should be elected to BDBC in the future, and the likelihood is that all wards will have three members each. Cllrs to respond to Clerk who will pull response together. |
All |
10 | Grant Applications |
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10.1 |
Tadley & District Citizens Advice – details of the grant application have been circulated to all councillors. Bramley PC gave a grant to the organisation last year of £1500 towards running costs.
Cllr Marshall proposed a grant of £1500, Cllr Whorton seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward. |
Clerk |
10.2 |
Bramley School PTA – details of the grant application have been circulated to all councillors. The application is for £1000 towards the costs of the school fete.
Grant unanimously agreed, provided that PC is recognised in fete programme. Funds to be released once this is done. |
Clerk |
12 | Finance |
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12.1 |
Payments and reconciliation approval -see appendix D
The Clerk noted the payments on the reconciliation, with particular reference to the following:
It was unanimously agreed to approve the payments for March – Clerk to process. Cllr Durrant noted his correspondence with a resident re the precept increase, which has been circulated to all councillors. |
Clerk |
11.2 |
Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix D
Receipts were noted. The Clerk further noted the following:
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12 | Date of Next meeting |
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The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th April 2018. |
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13 | Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings |
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14 | Confidential Items |
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None
The meeting closed at 9.29 pm |
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Signed: …………………………………………………………………. Date:………………………………………
(Chairman)
Appendix A – Planning
Planning Applications for Consideration
1. | 17/04276/FUL – Land at Cufaude Lane Bramley
Change of use of site as a private gypsy site for one family comprising two mobile homes and touring caravans including installation of cesspit |
Objections as per previous applications – comment re cess pit |
2. | 18/00370/ROC – Razors Farm Cufaude Lane Chineham
Variation of condition 1 of 16/03842/RES to allow amended plans for inclusion of kickabout area within phase 2. |
No comments |
3. | T/00102/18/TCA – Grays House The Street Bramley
T1 Scots pine: fell. |
No objections, subject to TO’s view |
4. | 18/00366/RES – Land at the Street Bramley
Reserved matters approval pursuant to planning permission 15/02862/OUT comprising 65 dwellings (26 affordable dwellings) open space, landscaping and car parking (matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered) |
No objections, subject to all matters being resolved from developer meeting |
Approvals/Refusals*
1. | 17/03248/RES – Little Bowlings Goddards Lane Sherfield-on-Loddon
Reserved matters application for details of access, appearance, landscape, layout and scale, pursuant to outline planning permission 15/01460/OUT, for the erection of 4 no. 5 bed dwellings, office building and new access |
Granted
Objections |
2. | 17/03768/FUL – Latchmere Green Barn Ash Lane Little London
Change of Use of barn from B8 storage to use as dog daycare, grooming and training centre to include use of vacant field to dog walking area. |
Granted
No objections, comments submitted |
3. | 17/03457/HSE – Driftwood Sherfield Road Bramley
Erection of two bay Oak car port |
Refused
Objections |
4. | 18/00025/HSE – 22 Coopers Lane Bramley
Erection of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing single storey side extension |
Granted
No objections |
Pending Applications*
1. | 16/04519/FUL – Upper Cufaude Farmhouse Cufaude Lane Bramley
Erection of 2 no. dwellings |
No objections, subject to Heritage view |
2. | 17/00206/ADV – Bramley Post Office Sherfield Road Bramley
Display of 1 no. externally illuminated Fascia Sign and 3 no. window graphics |
Objections |
3. | 17/01597/LBC – Sherborne House Bullsdown Farm German Road Bramley
Installation of bi-fold doors |
No objections |
4. | 17/00942/FUL – Land Adjacent To The Oaks Cufaude Lane Bramley
Change of use of site as a private gypsy site for one family comprising a mobile home, utility room and touring caravan |
Objections
Appeal lodged – non-determination |
5. | 17/03717/VLA – The Lodge Cufaude Courtyard Cufaude Lane Bramley
Discharge of legal agreement to remove the tie which restricts the garages/store approved under BDB/54128 being used and/or sold as a separate unit of accommodation |
No comments |
6. | 17/04267/LBC & 17/04266/FUL – Razors Farm Cufaude Lane Chineham
Demolition of existing barn and erection of 2 no. dwellings (appearance to remain the same as approved applications 16/04520/FUL and 16/04521/LBC) |
Objections |
7. | 17/04282/RES – Land At Minchens Lane Bramley
Reserved matters application (phase 4) for the appearance, landscape, layout and scale of 83 dwellings, with associated landscaping and open space (pursuant to outline permission 14/01075/OUT for 200 dwellings) |
No objections, subject to all matters being resolved from developer meeting |
8. | 18/00006/RET – 4 Cufaude Lane Bramley
Proposed use of land for gypsy/ traveller family comprising stationing of 3 no. touring caravans, the erection of a utility room, installation of cesspit and new vehicular access |
Objections as per 17/00942/FUL |
9. | 18/00099/RES – Land To The North Of Sherfield Road Bramley
Reserved matters application for the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of 50 dwellings, with associated open space and children’s play area (pursuant to outline permission 15/02708/OUT) |
No objections, subject to all matters being resolved from developer meeting |
10. | 18/00164/FUL – Hawthorns The Street Bramley
Erection of garage and creation of new access |
Previous objections still stand |
11. | 18/00266/LBC – Latchmore Farm Ash Lane Latchmere Green Little London
Alterations to ground floor rear fenestration, creation of opening between rear rooms and replacement of kitchen into original location |
No objections |
12. | T/00049/18/TPO – 34 Taylor Drive Bramley
1 mature Silver maple: lift over hanging branches over property by a 3m clearance. remove epicormic growth, reduce 3 lower branches by 5m on SW side of property and reduce all branches away from the street light by a 2m clearance |
No objections |
13. | 18/00386/HSE – 26 Farriers Close Bramley
Conversion of garage and erection of single storey rear extension No objections provided extra parking is provided within curtilage to allow for loss of garage. |
No objections |
14. | T/00082/18/TCA – The Manor House Vyne Road Bramley
T1 Birch: to be removed completely |
No objections, subject to TO’s view |
15. | T/00081/18/TPO – Open Space To The Front Of 39 Wallis Drive
1 Lime: full crown reduction of 40% (10m) leaving a total height of 12m with an approx crown spread of 8m |
No objections, subject to TO’s view |
*Objections/no objections listed are the decision of Bramley Parish Council only, and do not reflect any submissions placed by members of the public or other bodies with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
Appendix B – Briefing Notes
ALLOTMENTS/BURIAL GROUND
Burial Ground – The hedge acting as a border between 2 areas of the burial grounds is in quite a poor state. Removal of the hedge and replacement with a number of ornamental trees would release more land for burial capability.
A request for quote on the removal and supply/plant x3 trees has been made to Bulpitts.
Flooding in the burial grounds has been some of the worse I have seen since moving to the village in 2000. A risk assessment is required to understand the impact if any on the current burial instructions on the water table and more importantly and potential liability to the Parish Council. One quote has already been received and circulated, and another is expected imminently.
Actions:
- Risk assessment conducted for flooding in burial grounds.
- Burial ground regulations updated within noticeboard at grounds.
- Parish Council to decide on revision of burial costs, separate presentation provided for review/info.
Allotments – Plots currently under lease agreement
- X2 full plots
- X14 half plots
Total plots available for lease –
- 2 available plots – Waiting list is 8 – 2 offers sent out
- 3 bay composter is full again only 4 months after it was cleared back to the compost level. We need to think of a solution.
- Castle Water, waste water supplier to the allotments, is seeking to charge the Parish Council for waste water removal from the allotments. After 6 months of chasing, the Clerk has now received confirmation that the Parish Council will not be charged for waste water services, which it does not have.
Actions:
- Payment demands for 2018 charges outstanding to 2 leaseholders.
VILLAGE HALL TRUST
No written report received.
CLIFT MEADOW TRUST
No written report received.
EDUCATION & SCHOOLS
No written report received.
POLICING & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Beat Report February 2018
Burglaries – There has been one dwelling burglary in Bramley and Sherfield this month, this involved a property being broken into with cash and jewellery being stolen. The car keys for the vehicle parked on the driveway were also stolen but the vehicle was left at the scene.
Burglaries remain a district priority, recently a Basingstoke nominal was identified by CCTV at a burglary in Sherborne St John. The male was arrested, and as a result of the identification, was also charged with a string of other burglaries and thefts across the district. He was remanded in custody until his appearance at court. This goes to prove the vital importance of the crime prevention advice that we give out, if the aggrieved did not have CCTV installed, we would likely not have been able to identify the male so he would have been allowed to continue with his unacceptable behaviour.
The male appeared in Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2nd March 2018 but our system hasn’t been updated with the outcome of this so I am unable to pass it down to you.
Anti Social Behaviour – There have been 4 reports of ASB this month. One of these incidents involved a motorbike riding along the Cinder path, causing a pedestrian to pick her dog up to prevent the dog running in front of the bike as it was moving. If you experience any problems such as this, please report this to us on 101 directly. There is an offence under section 34 of the Road Traffic Act, I will always challenge riders/ owners of vehicles seen riding along common land or footpaths without good cause to do so. If I receive more reports of this nature, I will hopefully be able to narrow down the times I would need to be on the Cinder Path to identify the rider.
If you suffer from ASB and you are a tenant of social housing then you will need to report these incidents to your housing officer before you contact Police. If the offender is also in social housing accommodation then your housing association will have more powers to tackle it than we do. If your housing officer believes Police intervention will help then they will contact us.
I would like to encourage all residents to report any incidents of anti social behaviour to us on 101, or if you are a resident of social housing and your issues are with a neighbour also living in social housing accommodation, please report any incidents to your local housing officer, if the problem then persists then your Housing Officer will contact me. Please do report ASB because if it doesn’t get reported then I will not know that it’s happening and therefore I will not be able to focus my patrol time efficiently.
Speeding/ Traffic offences – There have been 3 report of speeding/ dangerous driving reported to us over the last month and one damage only traffic collision.
I appreciate the weather hasn’t been the best over the last few weeks but if you are interested in joining the local community Speedwatch, please contact me directly so I can talk you through what this would involve.
Suspicious Incidents – There have also been 11 suspicious vehicle/ person reports. None of these are majorly concerning.
Overall – Firstly, I would like to apologise for the delay in my beat reports, a mixture of annual leave and very busy shifts meant that I did not have enough time to complete them. Secondly, it is with mixed emotions that I say, this will be the last report I send out to you as I will be handing over Bramley and Sherfield to PCSO Richard Fisher over the coming month.
Richard is relatively new to my team but worked on our other team at Tadley before moving over to join us. I will be working with him over the coming month and introducing him to the beat. I will try to introduce Richard to as many people as possible before I move to cover Tadley from April.
The drugs offence listed below is in relation to when a youth was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle from Basingstoke, he was located on Silchester Road, Bramley and also had a small amount of cannabis on his person. He is currently awaiting a police outcome for the offences. This incident is linked to the only theft of vehicle listed below also.
February Crime Stats
ASB – 4 Assault – 5 Burglary Dwelling – 1
Burglary non-Dwelling – 0 Concern for Welfare – 2 Criminal Damage – 3
Domestic incidents – 1 Driving Complaint – 3 Drugs offence – 1
Public Order – 1 Road Related Incidents – 1 Road Traffic Collision – 1
Suspicious Incidents – 11 Theft – 2 Theft of Vehicle – 1
Emergency. As always, please can I ask all residents to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or incidents using the 101 telephone number; please only ring 999 if it is a genuine emergency. An easy guide on which number to use is this:
Is the incident in progress and is there a risk of injury or damage to property? – 999
Has the incident already happened and there is no longer any risk? – 101
HIGHWAYS/FOOTPATHS
The Parish Path Leaflet has been produced and distributed to a number of locations within the Parish and surrounding areas;
Bakery / Bramley Inn / White Hart Sherfield / Four Horseshoes Sherfield / Doctors surgery / Bramley Station Ticket office
Actions:
- Explore options for path linking Sherfield-on-Loddon to Bramley Parish as per NDP. – Cllr Bell
ROAD SAFETY PROJECT
Network Rail will not release permissive rights for any path across their land.
A further meeting with Network Rail has indicated a softening (not much) Network Rail in that with a legal agreement in place and a firm understanding from the Parish, Borough & County that if any permissive rights are given then Network rail at the point of electrification have the full rights to recover all rights and land.
Actions:
- Network rail to provide a statement of intent in terms of permissive access.
- Parish Council to seek HCC advice on permissive terms once letter of intent received
TRANSPORT
The failed sensors on the air quality monitor were replaced early January, the monitor is back fully operational, and measurement of carbon dioxide has not stopped.
Full breakdown of the 1st 5 months of results has been provided to councilors and a Parish Magazine article produced.
Actions:
- Continuing air quality monitoring.
IT/COMMUNICATIONS
Within the next step of the IT upgraded plan for the Parish Council it is recommended that a gov.uk site be sourced.
Shared with my briefing notes I have sourced a single source supplier for Web hosting / management.
Migration to a word press, templated site would ease current support mechanism and separation of Web traffic from email traffic.
Maxta and I met with ABA Associates last week to review and discuss proposals for Web / Email support.
Chris raised a number of questions and ABA have responded to most concerns favourably.
Actions:
- Source of gov.uk hosted service for Parish web address
- Migration of existing Web content to gov.uk wordpress template
- Migration of Councillors’ email address to gov.uk
- Source of dedicated IT platform for councillors’
- Seek a 2nd quote for Web/email support.
BOROUGH COUNCILLOR REPORT
The Borough is the awarding of the waste contract to Serco – the new £44 million joint waste contract will run for the next eight years, with an option of extending for a further eight years. The current contract with Veolia expires in October 2018; the retendered joint arrangements ensure the best possible service and continued value for money for residents in both council areas.
The new contract worth £5.5 million per year will deliver additional benefits to residents, including a reduction in joint service costs. Working jointly in partnership with Hart District Council has allowed BDBC to achieve significant improvements to the service provided, whilst securing the most efficient, value for money service for residents.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT
Cllr Vaughan has written to the Executive Member for Transport to leave number 14 bus route in place. No reply as yet.
Cllr Vaughan has been liaising with HCC officers re the opening up of the Olivers Lane site by the railway bridge near Minchens Lane. This site is being used by HCC Highways during the upcoming surface dressing works in the area, and HCC are taking measures to ensure that the site remains secure whilst in use.
Appendix C – Burial Charges proposals
Appendix D – Finance