Parish Council meeting minutes – 26th July 2022

Date:

Tuesday 26^th July 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

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

5 members of the public

Cllr Nick Robinson (Borough)

Apologies:

Cllr Colin Shimell

Cllr Liz Capel

Cllr Steve Day

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (County)

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.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June were proposed by Cllr Tomblin as being a true and accurate record of the meeting.  This was seconded by Cllr Bell and unanimously agreed.  The Chairman duly signed the minutes. 

3.2

Matters arising

·         Football Club – they awaiting results of their meeting before speaking with the Parish Council.

·         CIL money – Cllr Durrant has recommended a delay on putting the CIL funds into savings due to some unexpected bills.

·         NDP – Alan Munday has agreed to chair, and possible members will be contacted.

·         Bramley Lane junction – Cllr Durrant has written again to Highways about Bramley Lane junction.  No reply as yet. 

·         Clerk to look at Sherfield Park venues meeting for an autumn PC meeting.

4

Open Forum

Cllr Durrant invited comments and questions from the public. 

·         A resident asked if the PC could enquire what the junction at the new Stocks Farm development is likely to be like – it is already problematic for residents pulling out or trying to cross the main road at this location.  Cllr Durrant stated that the point has been made in the objections sent to the planning officer.  Despite the application going to appeal due to non-determination, the officer is likely to recommend refusal for the application, and BDBC will robustly defend this position.

·         A resident noted that a security light at Clift Meadow is on all night, and enquired how is this might be  affecting electricity bills.  Cllr Durrant to make enquiries.

·         A resident enquired on the status of the St James Park allotments.

Cllr Durrant

5

County Councillor Report – see appendix A. 

·         Cllr Flooks asked when highway repairs are likely to be carried out.  Clerk to make enquiries.

Clerk

6

Borough Councillor Report – Cllrs Robinson and Tomblin gave a verbal report.

·         BDBC capital budget – Cllr Robinson stated that BDBC last year ended with a £5 million underspend, although much of this is future projects that were delayed by Covid.  Money was saved by having more employees and fewer contractors.

·         Revenue budget – Cllr Robinson stated that BDBC last year ended with £1million underspend, much of which is now going into a cost of living support fund.  Any queries should be addressed to ward councillors. 

·         Ward Cllr grants – Cllr Robinson noted that there was a £60k underspend on ward councillor discretionary grants for last year.  This is being made available to Citizens Advice and other organisations.  He also noted that the Bramley ward councillors were able to use most of their discretionary total.  The new system for this year is now live. 

·         Devolution discussion – more discussion are behing held around the devolution issue.  One of the initiatives under discussion  is around Hart District Council being disbanded.  Part of the  area Hart currently covers could go into BDBC, and the other part into Rushmoor. 

·         National Grid – they have been put in contact with the appropriate officers at HCC re installation of the new transformer.

·         Yew Tree Close – problems re ASB have returned.  Fencing to be replaced whilst ward councillors look for a more permanent fencing solution. 

·         Cinder Track adoption – Cllr Tomblin has been approached by an officer from HCC about adoption of the Cinder Track and Kirby Drive estate.  He noted that the process is likely to be lengthy.

·         Local Plan Update – the first draft of local plan consultation is likely to be out before Christmas 2022.  The final plan might be approved in 2024.  Draft reports have gone to EPH committee, who have queried a number of the reports, some of which have not been completed properly.  There are issues particularly with the Water Study and the Transport Assessment.  Next EPH is scheduled for 1^st September for Water Study and sewage solutions, and then 5^th September for continuation of a meeting June. 

·         Manydown– this project is moving forward.  There is a presentation in Rugby coming up re carbon neutrality for the estate.  Cllr Ansell noted that such measures should apply to all new developments moving forward, and noted his dissatisfaction with the constant delays to the Manydown project.  Cllr Bell asked when Manydown would actually start being built.  Cllr Tomblin stated that it should be in around 6 months’ time.  The first house might be complete in 12 months’ time.  However, this will not now help with the 5 year land supply figures. 

·         Housing numbers methodology – Cllr Bell asked where BDBC is with method of working out how many houses need to be built.  Cllr Tomblin stated that the Government has set the standard method, which is what officers are working to.  EPH has asked officers not use this model, but officers are continuing to use it. 

7

Parish Environment

7.1

Update on ‘Jubilee Glade’ – Highways has confirmed that they have responsibility for the land for the proposed Jubilee Glade.  The Sustainability Group has been in touch directly with Highways.  Representatives of the Sustainability Group has met with HCC, who are supportive of project and willing to engage with the community.  This would be the first project of this kind.  Land ownership is not wholly clear.  There will need to surveys carried out by Highways which will need to be paid for by the local community.  Cllr Durrant noted that Bramley PC has made decision to support the project, but not necessarily to fund it.  The PC will need rough idea of costs before such a decision can be made.  The Sustainability Group will keep the PC in the loop with any correspondence. 

7.2

Air quality monitoring – see appendix B.  Cllr Ansell gave a brief presentation  on air quality monitoring by the level crossing from late January 2022 to July 2022.  Generally speaking trends for particulates in Bramley have been low to medium, with an occasional high spike.   

7.3

Update on CIL/s.106 – a schedule of Community Infrastructure Levy (developer money paid to BDBC for infrastructure projects.  Parishes with a Neighbourhood Plan receive 25% of this levy) income has been received, which shows a total of just over £75,000 to be paid to Bramley Parish Council over the course of the next 12 months.  Cllr Durrant, Cllr Tomblin and the Clerk are meeting with BDBC officers this week to better understand the CIL charging process, and ask why the Parishes are not receiving their share sooner.

7.4

Grass Cutting – Bramley Green – Quotes have been received for a cut and collection of cuttings for the whole of Bramley Green in the Autumn.  However, Cllr Durrant explained that the agreement reached in March 2022 with Stratfield Saye is that the wild meadow area would be a cut and collect in the autumn, and that the rest of Bramley Green would be cut as normal in July/August and then September/October.  A full review of the wild meadow area will be discussed at the October PC meeting.  The following actions were agreed:

·         Area 4 – Clerk to talk to contractor to see if it can be handled similar to Area 2.

·         It was noted that signage at site is required to explain the project.

·         Clerk to see if the main cut can be delayed until late August. 

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

8

Clerk’s report & Administration

8.1

Parish magazine article – The next deadline will be 12^th August for the September issue.  Cllr Flooks to write the next article. 

Cllr Flooks

8.2

Quarterly Budget Statement – Cllr Durrant noted that the PC is roughly on track with income and expenditure against budget for 2022.  This will be reviewed more fully in the Autumn in preparation for the budget planning for next year. 

9

Reports

9.1

         i.            To ratify planning recommendations from the July Planning Committee meeting –see appendix C. 

The Clerk noted that as the Planning Committee for July was held online, the decisions made at that meeting are recommendations only.  Cllr Flooks ran through the recommendations.  Cllr Durrant proposed that the recommendations be fully ratified.  This was seconded by Cllr Ansell and unanimously approved.

       ii.            New applications – none.

Cllr Robinson to speak to officers re appeal for Stocks Farm.  It was noted that officers are planning to recommend the application for refusal, and will robustly defend the decision at the appeal.  It was noted that a couple of major consultees have not responded as yet.  Cllr Bell has chased Thames Water.

9.2

Allotments & Burial Ground

         i.            St James Park allotments update – Cllr Durrant informed Council that he has made direct contact with Persimmon, and as a result there is beginning to be some movement on this issue.  The major sticking point has been the lease, and the lack of communication from the developer’s solicitors.  The lease is not currently at the point that the PC can sign due the following issues. 

·         Peppercorn rent is £50.  This is more than Bramley PC would like, but is probably bearable.

·         No rights to air space – Cllrs felt that this is unlikely to be  a big issue, but need clarification.

·         Charge of £250 every time a plot is sublet – there may well be a work around to this clause, but this is the main deal breaker at present.

                A site visit and meeting between Bramley PC, Persimmon, and                 BDBC officers is planned for 9^th August. 

                Cllr Tomblin noted that BDBC have admitted some liability on the                 s.106 agreement and have therefore agreed to pay for properly                 fencing the site. 

       ii.            St James Park allotments – solicitor fees – Due to the time and various queries to do with the lease, Bramley PCs solicitor fees are higher than originally anticipated.  Whilst Persimmon’s solicitors have paid the original fees agreed to, there is still £817+VAT outstanding.  It also estimated that it could take up to another £1000 to successfully complete.  Cllr Durrant proposed that Bramley PC pay the currently outstanding fees.  This was seconded by Cllr Oborn and unanimously agreed. 

Cllr Durrant then further proposed that Bramley PC pay any further fees up to £2000, provided that a satisfactory lease can be achieved.  This was seconded by Cllr Ansell and unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

9.3

Village Hall Trust – see appendix A.  Cllr Oborn noted that the solar panels have now been installed at the Village Hall.

9.4

Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix A.

It was noted that the Sustainability Group have been talking to Clift Meadow with a view to turning the area around the tennis court into a wildflower meadow.  However, there still needs to be a discussion with the Trustees around ongoing maintenance.

9.5

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – no report.  Cllr Bell noted that speed on Sherfield Road near Campbell Road can be dangerously high – can the speed limit be reduced?  Cllr Durrant stated that Highways and the Police have no appetite to drop the speed limit at that point. 

9.6

Highways & Footpaths – see appendix A. 

The Clerk has reported an issue with a missing bollard on the footpath between Lane End and Farriers Close.  The online portal states that the issue is ‘in progress’.  The Clerk has chased for a progress report.

Bramley Green Road paths – vegetation needs cutting back.  Clerk to take forward. 

Clerk

9.7

Road Safety Project – no report. 

9.8

Chairman’s Report – no report. 

10

Consultation documents requiring consideration

10.1

HCC consultation on 20mph speed limits – 20 limit to be supported in Bramley Lane by school and possibly between shop and level crossing.    However, it was agreed not to send a PC response.  Cllrs to respond individually.

11

Grant Applications

11.1

Bramley Youth Club – funding for an extra Youth Worker.

Bramley Youth Club has seen the numbers of young people attending rise in recent months, with a steady attendance of 25 rising to 30 to 35 youngsters per session.  Whilst this is good news, it does raise a safety issue in that the 2 works at the session are now not enough to supervise all attendees – the recommended ration is 1 youth worker per 10 attendees.  RMD would like to have a third paid youth worker for the remainder of the year.  This would cost £2153 for the year.  Cllr Durrant proposed the motion, Cllr Bell seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward. 

Clerk

11.2

Dreamflight – this charity takes children with serious medical conditions or disabilities to Florida each year for a 10 day holiday.  The area of benefit is children in Hampshire, and parts of Surrey, Dorset and Berkshire.  They have applied for £320 to cover the cost of t-shirts for the children.  There is a publicity aspect to this, which the Clerk advised the Parish Council should not support;  however, if the PC wished to give the funds for some other purpose within the charity, this could be considered.  The Clerk also noted that there is no direct benefit to Bramley residents as yet, although it has in the past.  Cllr Bell proposed a donation of £300, Cllr Oborn seconded, unanimously agreed. 

Clerk

11.3

Bramley PPG – the Patient Participation Group has applied for funding for two benches outside the Bramley surgery.  These would be used by patients who are queuing for assistance in the dispensary and the surgery itself.  The total funding applied for is £2000.  Cllr Ansell proposed giving the grant, Cllr Bell seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

13.

Finance

13.1

Payments and reconciliation approval – see appendix D

The Clerk noted the payments for July.  Cllr Ansell proposed approving the July payments, seconded by Cllr Tomblin and unanimously approved.  Clerk to action. 

Clerk

8.3

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix C

There have been no receipt since the last statement.  The Clerk noted that a VAT refund for the first quarter of 2022/23 is due, and this will be £827. 

13

Date of Next meeting

The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 13^th September, with Planning Committee the week before on Tuesday 6^th September.

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 9.39pm

Date:

19^th July 2022

Time:    7.00pm

Place:

Online via Zoom

Present:

Cllr Chris Flooks (Chair)

Cllr Keith Oborn

Cllr Chris Tomblin

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

0 members of the public

Apologies:

Cllr Malcolm Bell

Cllr Bruce Ansell

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above. 

2

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Tomblin noted his position on the BDBC Development Control Committee, and took no part in any planning decision.

The Clerk noted that any ‘decisions’ taken this evening would need to be ratified by full council at the next meeting on 26^th July, as this meeting is online due to the weather conditions. 

3

Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 12^th April 2022 were unanimously agreed to be a true record of the meeting and were signed by the Chairman.

3.2

Matters arising

None.

4

Planning & Development

4.1

New Applications

a.

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 unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

b.

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

·         No objection/comment unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

c.

22/01753/HSE – Wynford Sherfield Road Bramley

Single storey pitched roof front extension and porch

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

d.

T/00248/22/TCA – Maple House The Street Bramley

Front Garden – T1 3x Small Conifers front garden road side – to section fell to ground level.

T2 Irish Yew – to reduce by approximately 1m to leave a level top.

Rear Garden – T3 Chinese Conifer tree – To trim back over extended limb on right side of tree by approx. 1.5m. To trim back the protruding limbs approx 1.5m – 2m growing towards the house to keep level with rest of canopy.

·         Cllrs noted that it would be good to have an accurate sketch plan. 

·         However, defer to tree officer opinion unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

e.

22/01155/LDEO – 30 Longbridge Road Bramley

Certificate of lawfulness for existing operation for the erection of a detached building forming garden room

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

f.

22/01745/FUL – Air Products Plc Crockford Lane Chineham

Erection of new 2.5m high security fence, replacement of existing fence and ancillary works

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

g.

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

Installation of a battery storage facility and ancillary development.

·         Cllrs noted a possible noise issue, although this may be mitigated with the quoted ‘acoustic fence’.

·         Cllrs noted that there is still no formal guidance from the Fire Service about on how they would handle battery fires. 

·         There will be an impact on landscape, similar to the Minchens Lane proposals. 

·         Footpaths run along two sides of the site. 

·         The installation will be Visible from the Conservation Area in Bramley, specifically the church area.

·         Recommend for objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

h.

Any other New Applications

None.

4.2

Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A)

These were noted. 

5.

Planning Appeals

a.

 21/00349/FUL – Land At OS Ref 464762 159811 Minchens Lane Bramley – Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works – Planning Inspectorate reference APP/H1705/W/21/3289603

·         The Clerk confirmed that she has submitted the comments agreed at the previous Parish Council meeting.

·         No further update at present.

b.

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.

·         This application has been appealed due to non-determination by BDBC.

·         There is no Planning Inspectorate reference for this application at present.  The Clerk will update members when this becomes available.

6.

Water Issues

No update at present. 

7.

Minchens Lane s.106 issues

The Chair of Bramley PC, Cllr Durrant, has opened a direct dialogue with senior management at Persimmon.  He has raised the various issues, particularly the St James Park allotment lease, and it appears that Persimmon are now keen to get this moving.  However, there is no further update at present.

8.

Local Plan Update

The continuation of the June Economic, Planning & Housing (EPH) Committee meeting will be held on 21^st July.  EPH has discussed the water cycle study and the transport assessment.  There is some concern among councillors that there are issues with both these documents. 

9.

Neighbourhood Plan

No update at present. 

10.

Review of Planning Committee Terms of Reference

The Clerk has circulated a slightly updated Terms of Reference (see appendix B) for the Planning Committee.

After reviewing, it was resolved that these should be adopted moving forward.  Clerk to finalise and place on website.

Clerk

11.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 9^th August.  However, as this falls within the Council summer recess, planning activity will be monitored, and this meeting may not go ahead.  The next meeting after that is on Tuesday 6^th September, to be held at the Bramley Room at Bramley Village Hall.

Meeting closed at 8.09pm

1.        

22/00407/OUT – Land At Boarsbridge House Bramley Road Little London

Erection of 4 no. dwellings to include access and layout

Application withdrawn

Objection

2.        

22/00708/HSE – The Farthings Cufaude Lane Bramley

Erection of a detached double garage following demolition of existing

Granted

No objection

3.        

T/00129/22/TPO – Chestnut Lodge Officers Row Bramley

London plane: remove crown in order to initiate pollard

Granted

No objection

4.        

22/01105/FUL – Lantern Courtyard, The Barn The Street Bramley

Change of use from office space (Class E(g)(i)) to café (Class F2(a)). Installation of double doors to south elevation leading out to new external seating area.

Granted

No objection, comments

5.        

22/01244/HSE – The Stables, Sadler Cottage Coopers Lane Bramley

Single storey rear extension

Granted

No objection

6.        

22/01324/LDPO – 1 Yew Tree Close Bramley

Certificate of lawfulness for the proposed loft conversion including installation of 1 flat roof dormer to the rear elevation & 2 roof-lights to the front elevation, to form additional habitable space.

Granted

No objection

7.        

22/01348/HSE – Fairlands Silchester Road Bramley

Loft conversion

Granted

No objection

8.        

T/00193/22/TCA – Lime Tree Cottage Vyne Road Bramley

T1 Oak – Fell to ground level and grind out stump. Tree has a weak fork at a significant branch junction. One of a group of trees with asymmetrical growth with heavy bias over driveway and power lines.

Raise no objection

Defer to tree officer

9.        

T/00195/22/TCA – 42 Kirby Drive Bramley

T1 (Goat willow): remove goat willow on Council land to just above ground level. We believe this tree is on the edge of the CA, possibly within its boundaries, possibly just outside.

Reason for requesting removal: this woodland edge tree has a significant phototropic lean over the garden, overshadowing plants and fruit trees.

Raise no objection

Defer to tree officer

10.    

22/01370/HSE – 19 Apple Dene Bramley

Proposed rear Lean to extension

Granted

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.        

21/03758/OUT – Land At Stocks Farm The Street – AMENDED

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.

Appeal lodged – non-determination

Objection

5.        

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

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

Objection

6.        

22/00149/HSE – Bramley Corner House Bramley Corner Bramley (see also 22/00150/LBC)

Demolition of existing brick outbuilding, conversion of existing stable into residential annexe, including two storey rear extension, amendments to fenestration and new conservation rooflights. New annexe outbuilding with store at ground floor and accommodation at first floor. Conversion of existing garage into home gym.

No objection, comments

7.        

22/00498/FUL – Stocks Farm House The Street Bramley

Build new oak framed garages and greenhouse

No objection

8.        

22/00703/FUL – Bramley Village Hall The Street Bramley

Proposed new externally illuminated sign for Bramley Village Hall on existing verge in front of existing hedge (see also 22/00750/ADV)

No objection, comments

9.        

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

10.    

22/01377/HSE  – Middle Farm Cottage The Street Bramley

Part single storey part 2 storey front extension, 2 storey rear and side extensions plus rebuilding of existing conservatory and new insulation.

No objection, comments

11.    

22/01457/LDPO – 3 Centenary Fields Bramley

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed operation of a single storey side extension

No objection

12.    

T/00210/22/TCA – Olivers Cottage Bramley Green Tadley

1 Oak: fell, 6 Lawson cypress: fell.

Objection