Parish Council meeting minutes – 11th October 2022

Date:

Tuesday 11^th October 2022

Time:                                    7.00pm

Place:

Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

 Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Chris Tomblin

Cllr Malcolm Bell

Cllr Keith Oborn

Cllr Chris Flooks

Cllr Bruce Ansell

Cllr Liz Capel

Cllr Steve Day

Cllr Colin Shimell

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

2 members of the public

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (County)

Apologies:

Cllr Nick Robinson (Borough)

A minute’s silence was held to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

·         Cllr Tomblin noted his position on the Development Control (DC) Committee and took no part in voting on planning applications.

·         Cllr Flooks declared an interest in the Pound Close planning application (T/00400/22/TPO) and took no part in the decision on that item.

·         Cllr Day noted his position on the local RBL committee and took no part in the decision at item 12.1 for the Poppy Appeal. 

·         Cllr Day noted his involvement with the School and note no part in the decision on the School Association fireworks grant.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 26^th July were proposed by Cllr Bell as being a true and accurate record of the meeting.  This was seconded by Cllr Tomblin and unanimously agreed.  The Chairman duly signed the minutes. 

3.2

Matters arising

·         Football Club – Clerk has had contact and will reply in due course

·         Yew Tree Close fence – no progress.

·         C32 paths – there are low hanging branches over the pavements along the C32 – Clerk to report to Highways

Clerk

Clerk

4

Open Forum

·         Village gateway project – a resident asked if village gateways are an effective use of funding when the real issue is controlling speed in the village.  Cllr  Durrant noted that speeding issues will form part of the discussion on gateways, but the wider issue of traffic calming will be for a future meeting.

5

County Councillor Report – see appendix A. 

Cllr Vaughan noted the following in addition to his report:

·         Cufaude Lane – Cllr Vaughan has distributed information from Highways on the principles about diversion when the A33 is closed.

·         Road markings – Cllr Vaughan is campaigning for more and clearer white lines in his Ward. 

·         Police – it has been announced that all burglaries in Hampshire will now be investigated. 

The Chief Constable has resigned.  Cllr Vaughan is involved in recruitment process for a replacement.

·         Fire Service – union members in the Fire Service are being balloted for strike action over the pay offer.

·         There is a support package in place for school meals and uniform for those in need.

·         Cllr Vaughan stated that the traffic islands on the west side of the village need cleaning.  Clerk to contact lengthsman.

·         Cllr Vaughan has received remarks that the last PC article for the Parish Magazine appeared to be overtly political.  Cllr Durrant stated that the article is not overtly political, but he has referred it to the monitoring officer for clarification and the removal of any doubt.

Clerk

6

Borough Councillor Report – Cllr Tomblin gave a verbal report.

·         Local Plan Update – the schedule has now been delayed by a year whilst housing numbers are reviewed and discussed with the Government.  Infrastructure and policies need to be reviewed more thoroughly, as does the strategy for Basingstoke Town Centre.  The water strategy also needs to be looked at with the water companies – this is a common problem across the south of England.  Cllr Tomblin noted that the rural strategy has also not been agreed as yet.  Unfortunately the delay means the Borough will still be vulnerable to speculative development applications.  Cllr Tomblin is trying to ensure that the plan moving forward will have more involvement with the public. 

·         Manydown – Cllr Ansell noted the Cabinet meeting this evening.  There appears to be a gap in funding for the project.  If the £1.4million shortfall cannot be met, then the project will be delayed by a year. 

7

Parish Environment

7.1

Village Gateways project – Cllr Day has distributed to all about how different types of village gateways might impact speeding and traffic behaviour.  He noted that gates will not be a solution to speeding in and of themselves.  There are various different types of gate, but the principle problem for Bramley is where to put them – Bramley is a very long village. 

In terms of speeding control, the Speedwatch team are looking at the possibility of some low cost speeding cameras to assist with this.  The issue would be where these should be sited.

Gates will not solve speeding problems, but they may improve the issue a little.  Cllr Day feels that the PC should be looking at alternative solutions throughout the village.  This would need to be done in conjunction with Highways.  He feels that village gates are not the best way to go at this time.  Cllr Durrant remarked that this tallies with the experience elsewhere in the Ward, where new gates have not stopped speeding problems.

Cllr Durrant noted that Highways will need to be engaged with any discussion about traffic calming.  Bramley PC can feed information back to Highways on behalf of residents.  Equally, residents can contact Highways directly. 

The Community Speedwatch team noted that any speed control initiatives are being blocked at a reasonably high level within the police.

Traffic calming to be on the November/December agenda.  Cllr Day to liaise with Community Speedwatch team. 

Cllr Vaughan noted that until the police change how they operate, the PC and Community Speedwatch are unlikely to get anywhere.  However, this does seem to be changing. 

Cllr Ansell to send link to website with accident figures to clerk. 

Clerk/Cllr Day

Cllr Ansell

8

Clerk’s report & Administration

8.1

Parish magazine article – The next deadline will be 15^th October for the November edition.  Cllr Ansell is to write the November article. 

The deadline for December edition is 15^th November, and Cllr Capel is schedule to write the article. 

Cllr Ansell

Cllr Capel

8.2

External Audit – the Clerk noted that the new 5 year cycle for external audit has begun, and that Parish Councils have the option to opt out of the Smaller Authorities Audit Appointments (SAAA) external audit appointment regime.  If the PC does opt out, it would mean it has to engage its own external auditor, which it is bound by law to do.  The Clerk noted that this option can be expensive and somewhat lengthy.  She advised that the Parish Council internal auditor, as well as HALC have strongly advised that councils do not opt out of the SAAA scheme.

Cllr Durrant proposed that Bramley PC remain in the SAAA external audit scheme, Cllr Shimell seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

The Clerk finally noted the recently completed external audit for Bramley PC for 2021-22, which was completely clear with no follow up questions or advisories.

Clerk

8.3

Insurance renewal – the Clerk has received the renewal notice for 2022-23, and distributed details to all councillors.  She noted that the policy is very similar to previous years, and covers all the key points that need to be covered.  The cover for Parish Council assets has been reviewed and altered accordingly, which has resulted in an increase on the annual premium.  The Clerk further noted that premiums for Parish Council insurance has increased across the board in the last year.  This, coupled with the end of a 3 year long term agreement, means the premium from the broker recommended company, Hiscox, is £2,148, and increase of £600 on last year.

Cllr Tomblin proposed accepting the Hiscox policy, Cllr Ansell seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

The Clerk further advised of an option for another 3 year long term agreement (LTA), which would fix the cost of insurance at a similar level as this year.  It was agreed not to take up the three year LTA.  The Clerk will explore other insurance suppliers in the summer of 2023.

Clerk

Clerk

9

Planning

9.1

New applications

        i.            T/00377/22/TCA – Glebelands Silchester Road Bramley

Five Oaks identified as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 Reduce lateral branches

o   Unable to make decision as map appears to be fore Sherborne St John rather than Bramley.  Clerk to feed information back planning officers.

       ii.            T/00400/22/TPO – 6 Pound Close Bramley

Willow/ mixed species – prune

o   Defer to tree officer unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

     iii.            Any other new applications – None.

Clerk

Clerk

9.2

Planning appeals

         i.            21/00349/FUL – Land At OS Ref 464762 159811 Minchens Lane Bramley – Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works

o   No further update.  Bramley PC has made representations to the Planning Inspector.

       ii.            20/03403/FUL – Site At Minchens Lane Bramley

Installation of renewable led energy generating station, comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays, battery-based electricity storage containers together with substation, inverter/ transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure, landscaping biodiversity enhancements including a Forest School, associated car parking and Nature Area

o   No further update.  Bramley PC has made representations to the Planning Inspector, and the inquiry is due to be held over 4 days starting on 13^th December.

     iii.            21/03758/OUT – Land At Stocks Farm The Street – Outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except for access) for the demolition of one dwelling and erection of up to 140 dwellings and a community building of up to 250sqm under Use Class E, together with sports and leisure facilities.

o   The Clerk has circulated to all councillors a draft submission for the Planning Inspector.   It was unanimously agreed to submit this.  Clerk to process.

     iv.            21/02588/TDC – Land Adjoining Clift Surgery Minchens Lane Bramley

                Technical Details Consent for the erection of 6 no. residential units      with associated access, parking, and landscaping, pursuant to                 Permission in Principle Approval Reference 19/01470/PIP for 4-6                 no. residential units

o   No further update.  Bramley PC has made representations to the Planning Inspector. 

Clerk

9.3

Local Plan Update – see Cllr Tomblin’s report. 

9.4

Neighbourhood Plan Update – the new working group are due to hold their first meeting on 18^th October.  Some policies can already be worked on, particularly those surrounding climate change. 

9.5

Water issues – Cllr Bell and Cllr Durrant met with Thames Water in September.  There are three options for upgrading the sewage systems for existing housing in Bramley.  Any new housing would need further sewerage upgrades, for which there are currently no plans.  No upgrades will be applied until at least 2024. 

10

Reports

10.1

Allotments & Burial Ground

         i.            St James Park allotments update – the lease is still being negotiated.  Persimmon’s solicitors has put in some extra clauses surrounding the installation of water troughs, and street cleaning.  The PC response has been submitted and a reply is awaited from Persimmon.  The Clerk is chasing this very hard now.

Persimmon have supplied quotes for the installation of two new water troughs (£6,000+), and for fencing around the car park (£1500).  The water troughs quote is very high, and Bramley PC will be investigating using their own contractors at a later date.  However, the fencing will be re-using the existing allotment fencing, so Persimmon economies of scale will work to for Bramley PC in this instance.  It should be noted that the cost of proper fencing around the allotments will be split between Persimmon and BDBC.   

Grays Meadow allotments – Cllr Shimell reported a water leak at the car park.  This has been reported to SE Water, but so far no action has been taken.  Clerk to chase.  Cllr Shimell also reported the SSE have requested access to the allotment site to identify and repair a cable fault – this issue is ongoing.  The fault appears to be in the car park area.

Clerk

10.2

Village Hall Trust – see appendix A. 

10.3

Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix A.

Cllr Capel gave a verbal report. 

·         The new shutters at Brocas Hall are done – CMT are very happy with them. 

·         Finances are steady. 

·         A grant application has been submitted to National Grid for solar panels. 

·         Two high level lights have been installed at either end of the new path between The Street and St James Park.  However, these lights do not appear to be operational.  The clerk has highlighted this to Persimmon and is awaiting a reply.

10.4

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – no report. 

10.5

Highways & Footpaths – see appendix A.  Lighting at the Cinder Track is not working and hasn’t been for some time.  The Clerk has been liaising with Taylor Wimpey to get the situation resolved. 

Issues with Cufaude Lane traffic when the A33 is closed were noted.  This is being taken up with Highways. 

10.6

Road Safety Project – minor carriageway repairs were carried out last week at the Bramley Lane junction, along with minor changes to the white lines and the signage.    

10.7

Chairman’s Report – no report. 

11

Consultation documents requiring consideration

None.

12

Grant Applications

12.1

RBL Poppy Appeal – Bramley PC has typically given a sizable donation to the Poppy Appeal in recent years – last year’s donation was £1500.  Cllr Ansell proposed a donation of 1500, Cllr Bell seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.2

Bramley School Association Fireworks – this grant was agreed via email due to the cancellation of the September meeting.  Cllr Shimell proposed ratifying the grant, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed.

12.3

Community Speedwatch – the annual renewal for the insurance of the speed indicator device (SID) is due.  Bramley PC has paid this in previous years.  The renewal fee is £296.  Cllr Day proposed that the PC should pay for this again this year, Cllr Durrant seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

13.

Finance

13.1

August payments and reconciliation approval – this was agreed via email due to the summer recess.  Cllr Durrant proposed ratifying the August payments, Cllr Shimell seconded, unanimously agreed.

13.2

September payments and reconciliation approval – this was agreed via email as the September meeting was cancelled due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.  Cllr Day proposed ratifying the September payments, Cllr Oborn seconded, unanimously agreed.

13.3

October payments and reconciliation approval – see appendix C

The Clerk noted the payments for October.  Cllr Shimell proposed approving the October payments, seconded by Cllr Day and unanimously approved.  Clerk to action. 

Clerk

13.4

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix C

There have been no receipts since the last statement.  The Clerk noted that a VAT refund for the second quarter of 2022/23 is due, and this will be approximately £3,500.  The Clerk also noted that the next tranche of CIL money is due soon, and that this should be in the order of £18,000. 

13

Date of Next meeting

The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 15^th November, with Planning Committee the week before on Tuesday 8^th  November.

14

Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings 

None.

15

Confidential Items

None.

The meeting closed at 9.26pm

1.        

22/01744/LDPO – 4 Flora View Chineham

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed loft conversion including installation of front and rear rooflights to convert the space into a bedroom, dressing area and bathroom

Granted

No objection

2.        

T/00314/22/TPO – Oak House Officers Row Bramley

G5, G8 & G12: Pruning works

Granted

Defer to tree officer

3.        

22/02205/LDPO – 31 Farriers Close Bramley

Certificate of lawfulness for a proposed loft conversion including installation of 1No flat roof dormer to the rear elevation & 5No roof-lights to the front elevation, to form additional habitable space

Granted

No objection

1.        

T/00583/20/TPO – Middle Farm The Street Bramley

T1, T2, T3 – Western Red Cedars: prune.

Defer to tree officer

2.        

20/03204/VLA – Land At Minchens Lane Bramley

Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 14/01075/OUT to enable the transfer of the Equipped play area, northern kick about and southern kick about areas to the existing management company instead of the Parish Council

No comment as PC has interest in application

3.        

21/01219/HSE – Clover Cottage Silchester Road Bramley

Conversion of loft to habitable space, including extension of existing hipped roof and addition of roof lights to the front and rear elevations

Objection

4.        

22/00444/PIP – Land North Of Cufaude Cottage Cufaude Lane Bramley

Application for Permission in Principle for the erection of 4 no. dwellings

Objection

5.        

22/00744/FUL – Bramley Garage Sherfield Road Bramley

Demolition of existing garage and bakery buildings, erection of two buildings comprising a Class E commercial unit and 9 residential flats, change of use of land to residential use associated with Spring Fields, change of use of parts of residential curtilage of Spring Fields to form part of new development, associated car parking, servicing and landscaping.

Objection

6.        

22/01703/VLA – Land At The Street The Street Bramley

Variation of section 106 agreement attached to 15/02682/OUT to insert mortgagee in possession clause

No comment

7.        

22/01797/FUL – Land East Of Ash Park Business Centre Ash Lane Little London

Installation of a battery storage facility and ancillary development.

Objection

8.        

22/01989/HSE – Garden Cottage 6 Razors Farm Doric Avenue Chineham

Erection of a conservatory

No objection

9.        

22/02029/HSE – 17 Moat Close Bramley

Proposed two storey side extension and single storey rear extension

No objection

10.    

22/02275/OUT – Land At The Street Bramley

Outline application for the erection of 4 dwellings with associated access

Objection

11.    

22/02326/HSE – 30 Coopers Lane Bramley

Demolition of existing garage and construction of a 1.5 storey side and single storey rear extensions. Construction of a timber framed cycle store within the front garden

No objection

12.    

22/02367/HSE – Sagepalm Barn Cufaude Lane Bramley

Siting of solar panels in the garden covering an area 11.8m X 6.8m

No objection