Parish Council meeting minutes – 16th March 2021

·         Web article about garden waste dumping to go live early next week.

·         The Clerk has reported maintenance issues on the Brenda Parker Way between Folly Lane and Mill Lane to Highways, as advised by HCC Countryside Services.

·          Cllr James still to write to allotment holders re children’s toys on the allotment.

·         St James s.106 – CT has contacted officers.  Awaiting information on level marker and life buoys at the attenuation pond.  He has chased the tree planting and the footpath.  He is awaiting a response re allotment fencing.

Clerk

Cllr James

·         None.

·         He has met with Highways – drains have now been cleared on Silchester Road.

·         Residents have been asking about the Bramley Book clearance.  The culvert is the responsibility of HCC Highways, and the rest of the brook is BDBCs responsibility under riparian rights.  Cllr Vaughan and BDBC are chasing this up.

·         Footpaths – because of bad weather and higher usage many of the footpaths are in a poor state of repair.  HCC is aware and the issue is in hand.

·         Clerk to contact developers re yellow signs on lampposts etc.

Clerk

Cllr Tomblin and Cllr Robinson gave a verbal report:

·         BDBC Budget – this has been approved.  It is a balanced budget, which is a good achievement under the circumstances.  New home owners will now have to pay for a new grey dustbin.  Bulky waste fees remain the same.  Council tax is up £5 a year on an average property.  Grass cutting grants remain, and playground inspection fees will be less than originally proposed.  The Anvil budget to be cut by about 50%.

·         5 year land supply – this is a big issue at the moment.  There is a proposition to bring two sites forward from the next plan period.  One is the golf course near the hospital, and the other is Sherfield Hill Farm, near Redlands and Sherfield Park.

·         There will also be a motion to put an AONB on the North Hampshire Downs (which would cover the villages south of the M3), which if it is passed will limit any development in that area.  This will create greater pressure on areas such as Bramley and Sherfield on Loddon.  Cllr Robinson has asked for the wording to be amended to include historic villages all around Basingstoke, rather than just in the south of the Borough.

·         Litter – there is a proposal for drive through takeaway restaurants to print the car registration on the cartons, thereby meaning litterers can be identified.

·         Covid vaccines – Basingstoke Fire Station is carrying out 800-1000 vaccinations a day, and the Hampshire Court Hotel roughly twice that.

·         Election purdah begins on 22^nd March.

·         Local Plan – a Members Advisory Panel is due to meet about climate change and how this might affect the Local Plan polices – there will be a presentation from consultants WSP.

·         Manydown – first bricks might be laid towards the end of 2022.

Cllr Ansell

Cllr Durrant/ Clerk

Clerk

·         Anne Porter – in recognition of her long-standing work on the Bramley WI garden

·         John Readman – in recognition of his long-standing volunteer litter picking along Cufaude Lane and other places

·         Beckie Bethell – in recognition of her work in co-ordinating the volunteer response to Covid-19 in 2020

·         Chris Holland – in recognition of his long-standing service to Bramley Parish Council and the Clift Meadow Trustees and other voluntary organisations in the parish

·         Chris Wright – in recognition of his long-standing voluntary effort in creating and maintaining the various village voluntary organisation IT systems

These names were unanimously agreed – Clerk to take forward.

The Clerk is also to draft a letter of thanks to Dr Kenshaw, who is retiring very soon.

Clerk

Clerk

Cllr Oborn

Cllr Flooks briefly summarised the March Planning Committee meeting.  Of particular note was the refusal of the QPS House application.  Cllr Tomblin noted that he has been speaking with enforcement officers, who will be speaking with the owner about their intentions for the property.

i.            21/00349/FUL – Land At OS Ref 464762 159811 Minchens Lane

Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works

·         Cllr Flooks noted the thoughts he has already circulated (see appendix C).

·         Cllr Flooks proposed that the PC object to the proposer, Cllr Munday seconded.  Majority decision to object – 4 in favour of the motion and 1 against.  Clerk to draft submission and clear with Cllrs before submitting.

ii.            Any further new applications – none.

iii.            Update on sewerage issues – a document has been drafted and sent to officers at BDBC by Cllr Tomblin outlining the issues in Bramley and all the supporting correspondence – this can be viewed online at www.bramley-pc.gov.uk/sewerage-issues-update-march-2021. A meeting between BDBC officers and Councillors and Thames Water was scheduled for 10th March – all officers concerned have received a copy of the Bramley report. Cllr Bell has documented all the emails concerning the issue from 2015.

Cllr Tomblin gave un an update on the meeting with Thames Water and BDBC planning officers last week.  In attendance were a PR representative, an engineer, and a planning officer from Thames Water.  The issues in Bramley and the wider area were acknowledged.  It was agreed that it would be good for Thames Water to work with local areas as well as BDBC when planning applications come in.  However, Thames Water are unlikely to do anything until an outline planning application is in place, due to previous experience of installing infrastructure and then the site not being developed.  Engagement with Thames Water and BDBC officers needs to continue via Borough ward members and officers, and the Parish Council, particularly on the current issues.

Cllr Bell and Cllr Tomblin is meeting with Bewley, Thames Water, and Centenary Fields residents on 22^nd March.

iv.            Update on Solar Farm application – see appendix B.  Cllr Durrant noted decisions on other solar farms in the county – one in Alresford, and the other in North Warnborough, and noted the differing comments in the decision notices.  Cllr Tomblin noted that there have been complaints about large signage on the solar farm – enforcement are aware and following through.

Clerk

i.            Allotment administration – Cllr James has stated that he is having issues with finding time to do the administration.

Cllr Durrant noted the play equipment still on site.

3 plots needs to be offered.  Cllr Durrant suggested offering them a year rent free if they are able to clear the ground themselves.  This was agreed.  Clerk to liaise with Cllr James.

Broken tap – clerk to ask contractor to replace.

Burial Ground – rubbish area to be cleared as soon as possible.  Clerk to take forward.

Cllr James/ Clerk

Clerk

·         Replacement trees – no longer an action point for every meeting but Trustees would like an update as and when there is one.

·         CCTV – can the camera angle can be tweaked slightly to give more vision of the car park especially near gateway and far back corner, and is it possible to be able to zoom in and look at number plates?  Clerk to contact SCS.

·         Brook and overgrown hedgerow – there is concern that Minchens Lane is flooding but the brook doesn’t appear to get very much water in it.  The area in particular that is a concern is by the bridge into the new estate.  It is very overgrown and there are worries that this could be blocking a drain or outlet and not letting water flow properly.  As the other side at Browns Close has been cut back the Trustees wondered if the overgrown brook could maybe have the same treatment. Does the PC know whose responsibility it is? It might also be worth checking the other end of the brook by the road to see if this is blocked.  Clerk to speak to Persimmon.

·         Cllr Durrant noted that the brook seems to have been built over by some properties in Oakmead – this has been reported to BDBC enforcement officers.  Cllr Tomblin noted that 19/00946/ROC refers – it is being investigated.

·         Cllr Durrant noted new grant applications from CMT, for a live music event, the fete in September, and some capital expenditure.  This will be on the April agenda.

Clerk

Clerk

BT are expected to commence work on the site shortly, however they are still waiting for consent from Network Rail to work in close proximity to the railway crossing.  Due to how close this is to the level crossing, NWR are undertaking various checks and internal consultations to ensure there is no risk to the railway line before they will confirm that BT can go ahead.  The Network Rail consent process can take a while but once BT are clear to proceed we will have some dates confirmed and I will provide a full update.

Also, for your information, HCC survey team will soon be doing some setting out work around the junction (NB: this has begun).  This is to mark out some of the new kerb arrangements so that when utility companies arrive on site to undertake diversions and construct new chambers etc, they have certainty over the new layout.  I expect they will use pins in the ground or similar to mark out, so nothing intrusive but their presence on site may raise some queries.

Cllr Bell proposed awarding the grant, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

·         Improve external security lights

·         Install dimmer lights in the Pavilion

·         Carry out essential electrical safety inspections in both halls

Cllr Durrant proposed ratifying this grant, which was then unanimously agreed.  It was also agreed that as this is a capital project on Parish Council owned land, then all invoices should be paid directly by the Parish Council.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

The Clerk noted the payments for March.

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

The Clerk stated that the 2020-21 internal audit is booked for 13^th April.

Clerk

The receipts for March were noted.  The Clerk stated that the VAT claim for Q4 of the year would be for around £220.

The meeting closed at 8.38pm

Erection of front extensions to garages of 2 no. semi-detached dwellings (part retrospective)

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works

·         Cllr Bell proposed that this application goes to full council for a final response.  The Clerk noted that the planning committee decision can be refereed for ratification at full council.  However, it was unanimously agreed to refer to full Council.

·         Cllr Bell noted the height of the battery units, and also the height of the surrounding fence.  This will impact NDP views 7, 8, and 9.

·         The impact on a greenfield site and archaeological site was noted.

·         A biodiversity metric is required.  There is a large herd of deer in the area that will be impacted, and also bats in that specific area.

·         Transport in and out of site will be extremely difficult.

·         Members to submit thoughts to Clerk for submission to full council.

·         Cllr Bell noted that there is an ‘option area’ mentioned in the application, which could mean that there will be further batteries installed later on.

·         Steve Spillane, representing the Silchester Solar Farm group, noted that they are looking for volunteers from Bramley.  They are opposing the battery installation as they feel it is an integral application to the solar farm application.  An objection letter has been drafted for resident’s use.  He noted that Professor Mike Fulford of Reading University has opposed both applications on archaeological grounds.  Mr Spillane also noted that the plans do not highlight the size and what the batteries will look like, and they are looking at getting an artistic impression of what it will actually look like – the group is currently seeking funding for this.

Clerk

All

First floor extension above garage to create office and work space

·         Extension over garage will obstruct one of the original windows.  However, this is the en-suite window, and therefore obscured anyway.  Clerk to seek clarification on this matter.

·         Clerk to ask for clarification on garage use and whether there is permission for this.

·         Otherwise, no objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Erection of 1no. dwelling and associated parking

·         This is related to an application last year.  Clerk to query whether this means that there might be two houses on the plot, or if this replaces last year’s application.  POST MEETING NOTE: the new application states that it replaces the old application.  Clerk to double check with BDBC.

·         However, there is major issue with sightlines from the access at Cufaude Lane.

·         Will look very overpowering in the street scene context of Cufaude Lane.

·         It was unanimously agreed to object on a similar basis to the original application.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

·         T/00124/21/TCA – Grays House The Street Bramley Tadley

T1 Cherry: fell to ground level

T2 Ash: fell two heavily leaning limbs to ground level

o   Cllrs happy to defer to tree officers view.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward, and to note that these are TPOs and the house is grade 2 listed.

Clerk

These were noted.

No further update on this application.  There are now a great number of neighbour comments on the planning portal, the majority of which appear to be objecting to the application.

Cllr Tomblin has attended a meeting with Highways and BDBC officers re transport at the site.  Highways have not registered an objection.  Cllr Tomblin noted that HGVs will really struggle with access to site, and also there are a number of junctions nearby.  Highways were unaware of battery and NWR applications.  Highways have noted that if the application is turned down on the transport grounds, then it will be overturned at appeal.  Cllr Tomblin stated that it is unlikely that there will be a Highways objection due to the cumulative effect of the three applications.

Cllr Tomblin has enquired when a decision might be made on the application – officers are waiting for outstanding consultee comments.  Cllr Tomblin to check about non-determination and election purdah rules.

Steve Spillane gave an update on the activities of the Solar Farm Residents Group – so far 172 objections have been placed with BDBC.  These are from a good mix of Bramley and Silchester residents.  There are two big banners up in Silchester near the site, and two more going up this week, near Clappers Farm Road and Minchens House.  There is a big campaign coming up this weekend – a leaflet drop in Bramley about the application with a form letter of objection included.  Completed forms can be dropped off at the Village Hall.

Cllr Tomblin

i.            Thames Water contact – a document has been drafted and sent to officers at BDBC outlining the issues in Bramley and all the supporting correspondence – this can be viewed online at www.bramley-pc.gov.uk/sewerage-issues-update-march-2021 .  A meeting between BDBC officers and Councillors and Thames Water is scheduled for 10^th March – all officers concerned have received a copy of the Bramley report.  Cllr Bell has documented all the emails concerning the issue from 2015.

Cllr Tomblin noted that the officer for responsibility for water issues has responded, saying that she will make sure that the issue is raised in the water core strategy.  Discussions with Thames Water to resolve the issue are ongoing.

BDBC would be unlikely to win any appeal refused on the grounds of inadequate sewerage supply.

Cllr Tomblin has highlighted concerns that BDBC officers are not ensuring that conditions for planning permission are not being met at the build stage.  This has been noted by officers.

ii.            Bewley Contact re Centenary Fields – Bewley Homes continue to liaise with BDBC and with Thames Water to try and address some of the issues at Centenary Fields.  Bewley is trying to arrange a meeting between residents, BDBC, and Thames Water.  As well as the external issues, the plumbing systems installed in the homes are being checked.  A meeting has been arranged with TW and residents for 22^nd March.  Cllr Bell requested that Bramley PC be invited to this meeting.

i.            Update on Bramley Brook issues – work has been carried out recently on clearing Bramley Brook, although it is unclear which agencies have been involved.  The Clerk has contacted BDBC for an update, and is awaiting a response.  This has been chased, but still no response.

Path – the enforcement officer at BDBC will be writing to Persimmon about this as the lockdown eases.

Attenuation pond – the fencing has now been removed from the pond, and two lifebelts have been installed at either end.

Possible issue with an area of the brook having taken into a resident’s garden in Oakmead– this is being investigated.

Clerk

Cllr Tomblin noted that the upcoming BDBC Cabinet meeting has a motion to bring two SHELAA sites forward into the Local Plan to address the housing supply issue.  However, this is a somewhat irregular process.  There has also been a minimal consultation period.

Meeting closed at 8.56pm

Two ground floor pitched roofed extensions

No objection, comments

Proposed part conversion of existing garage into habitable space

No objection

Request for screening opinion for proposed battery storage development

EIA requested

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

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

Single mature Lime tree: prune

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

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

Single storey front extension.

1 Lime: fell

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

Variation of Section 106 agreement to modify the mortgagee in possession clause

Installation of a 2kWp solar array consisting of 7 solar panels mounted on a ballasted flat roof mounting system (see also 21/00096/LBC for the same property)

Certificate of lawfulness for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension

Variation of conditions 1 and 5 of Planning Permission 20/01036/FUL to amend the plans numbers and drainage details

Erection of single storey pitched roof rear extension

1 Oak: pollard: Leaving a finished height of 10m and a radius of 4m