Minutes 8th December 2008

PRESENT

Chairman: Cllr Mr A Manship
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mrs J Chase, Mr R Page, Mrs P Sharpe, Mr G Tull

County Councillor: Mr P Mason
PC Charlie Farley & PCSO Ralph Akehurst
Clerk:  Mrs E Manship
Mr

220/08 APOLOGIES

District Councillors: Mr L Ruffell & Mr R Humby
Councillor Mrs T Meads,

221/08 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS

Cllr Roger Page declared a professional interest regarding planning applications: 08/02701/FUL & 08/02678/FUL

222/08 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th November 2008 had been circulated.  The Chairman signed the minutes.

223/08 POLICE CONSTABLE REPORT

PC Charlie Farley reported to the Council that one crime had been reported since the last meeting – two buckets of coal had been stolen – and encouraged all to be vigilant particularly at this time of year.  He also reported that over the last two evenings the Police had undertaken an operation to try to reduce the poaching across the area – stopping and searching suspicious vehicles etc.  He hoped that this approach would start earlier in future years.

A resident reported that a gate had been stolen in Longwood by cutting through its security fixing.

224/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a. Annual Meeting of Parish Transport Representatives – Feedback meeting 15th November 08 – Cllr Chase

A summary of the bus and train finances for the year was given, together with an overview of projects undertaken in relation to school transport etc.  Twyford PC are considering a late night bus for young people going in and out of Winchester.  This will probably be a hired mini-bus with driver.  Twyford PC has co-opted a man to research into the demand for this.  The outcome of this research may well be interesting for Owslebury.

 

b. OMCA Meeting – Feedback from AGM 8th December 08 – Cllr Chase

Finances raised and spent over the year were presented, together with the clubs etc. that had benefited within the village.   The constitution, originally written 25 years ago, was amended.

 

c. Hampshire Playing Fields Association – Feedback from AGM – 18th November 08 – Cllr Sharpe

Cllr Sharpe reported that she had made contact with Mr Coney from Hampshire Playing Fields Association who had confirmed he would be happy to come and view our play area and the likely donation towards new equipment is 10% of anything requested.   Cllr Sharpe has e-mailed Mr Coney to arrange the above and is waiting a reply.

 

d. The Ship

Cllr Manship confirmed The Ship is now open.  As the Editor of the Newsletter, he encourages everyone to use the facility to ensure it remains open.

 

e. Highways Minor Works

Cllr Mason confirmed he had a budget of £10,000 and awaited requests from Councils.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To request funds from Cllr Mason for Minor Works.	ASAP	Clerk

225/08 PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Public questions and comments were taken from the floor. 

226/08 VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

Mr Petter reported that further to discussions regarding the merits of a Parish Plan or Village Design Statement and the resulting resolution of the Parish Council requesting a VDS, he would personally move this forward early in the New Year.  Cllr Manship thanked Mr Petter for his time and commitment to this for the village.

227/08 LAND OFF WHADDON LANE – CONSULTATION IN ADVANCE OF PLANNING PERMISSION

The Parish Council discussed the intended planning application.  The Council was pleased to note that the stables had been moved closer to the Marwell Zoo boundary, that grass matting was being used instead of hard surfacing and that safety of vehicles access onto the carriageway had been considered.

Parish Council Comments for the Agent: -

• If vehicles are to be on the land consideration should be given to their location, in order to prevent the view across the valley being blocked
• Landscaping should be in place between the intended stables and the roadside (the landowner reported that  this had already been planting)

228/08 HIGHWAYS

a) Grips

Cllr Tull reported this would need to be postponed until the January meeting, as creating a specification for tender was a bigger job than he had envisaged.  He had driven around the areas of concern.  He now needed to measure the areas, map them out and calculate the time required.  The Chairman asked Cllr Tull to forward the specification to the Clerk a week before the January meeting to enable it to be circulated with the agenda. 
Cllr Tull agreed.  Cllr Tull asked the process when the area needing to be cleared encroached on farmers’ land.  It was agreed he should discuss the work required with the landowners direct to obtain their agreement.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To forward a specification to clear the grips for the purpose of tender to the Clerk for circulation in time for the January meeting To speak with landowners direct to discuss work required	05/01/09	GT

 

b) Whaddon Lane Bank Preservation Project

Dr Burns and Mr Wakeham presented the specification of works requested for the purpose of preserving the banks and reducing the speed of the traffic in the top section of Whaddon Lane.  The proposal includes three passing places in the areas that are currently being worn by passing traffic.  Two at 4.8 metres and one at 4.5 metres.  To put these measurements into perspective 4.8 metres allows a large HGV and a wide car to pass.  4.1 metres allows 2 cars to pass.  The road will be returned to a single-track road between passing places.  All agreed that the specification as presented sounded positive.  The two landowners concerned wish to study the measurements closely over the next couple of days.  Regarding the visual appearance of the single-track sections it is agreed that drivers need to be able to see immediately that they cannot pass and must wait. Mr xxx confirmed that we could reduce the main carriageway to 3 metres, the required width for one vehicle.  The passing places are approximately 20 metres in length with a 5 metre taper each end.  Ideally the kerbing used will be Conservation Kerbing as whilst this had the look of Countryside Kerbing, it is stronger and should last 10 – 20 years.  The next stage is to discuss these proposals with Hampshire Highways.  This needs to move forward quickly to ensure we can tap into the £30,000 pledged by Hampshire Highways for the project, as long as it is completed within the financial year.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
Cllr Tull and Mr Ward to look at the specification over the next couple of days. Cllr Manship to take forward with Mr Wakeham	11/12/08   12/12/08	GT/JW   AM

 

c) Virtual Footpaths

The Clerk reported to the meeting information gained from Mandy Ware in Hampshire Highways regarding Virtual Footpaths: -

 

“The feasibility of a virtual footway is dependant upon the amount of carriageway width available.  I have not an opportunity to measure this as yet, but can do if the Parish Council wish to explore this further.  The lining used to mark the edge would be reflective so it would be fairly clear in the dark.  Hatching can be applied behind an edge line only if the virtual footway is of a sufficient width.  The alternative is coloured surface, but this is more costly especially if it is to be applied over a long length.  However, coloured surfaces can be less visible at night, particularly red.  If this is related to School related travel it might be worth considering an update to the School Traffic Plan to incorporate the issues.  The school will need to initiate this and the School Travel Planning Team will be able to advise further on this.”

 

Cllr Meads has discussed the above with David White at Owslebury School who is potentially interested in taking this forward.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To arrange a meeting between Mandy Ware, Tricia Meads and David White to discuss further	12/01/09	TM

 

d) Country Kerbing Project – East End of Main Road and Longwood Road

The Clerk reported that Colin Taylor had asked Ken Matthews to measure the kerbing required in Main Road and report back with a copy to the Parish Council.  This remains outstanding.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To follow up.	12/01/09	Clerk

 

e) Annual Hedge Cutting Blitz

Cllr Tull confirmed that this is in progress.  With regard to the north side of the village he will approach landowners after Christmas where the cutting of hedges remains outstanding. With regard to the south side all remarked on the beautiful cut in Hurst Lane.  Cllr Chapman and Page will follow up other areas as required.

 

f) Flashing Speed Limit Reminders (SLR’s)

The Clerk reported the results of the recent survey, received from Corinne Phillips, Traffic Engineer, WCC.

 

“In the week between Monday 1st December to Monday 8th December, the SLR was triggered 182 times by traffic travelling from the Winchester direction.  In the week before (Monday 24th November to Monday 1st December) it was triggered 159 times by traffic travelling from the Bishops Waltham direction”

 

This averages at approximately 30 cars each way per working day, most probably during the rush hours, driving more than 33mph (the speed the SLR was set).  What is known is that when a driver sees a flashing “slow 30” sign they usually slow.  What we don’t know is any proven level of success over the long term.

 

The Clerk reported that both Curdridge and Upham Parish Clerks had confirmed potential interest from their Parish Councils to joint purchase an SLR.

The Council confirmed that subject to further research proving positive they wished to joint purchase an SLR.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To research into success rates of SLR’s in place long term To liaise with local Parish Council’s to ascertain serious intent to joint purchase	12/01/09   12/01/09	Clerk   Clerk

 

g) Hurst Lane

Cllr Chapman reported on the progress of the residents group to reduce the speed of traffic in Hurst Lane.  The residents group had met with both Charlie Farley and Cllr Mason who had offered their support.  Cllr Chapman reported that as suggested by Cllr Mason he would write to Cllr Mason outlining the residents concerns and thoughts as to what needed to be done.  He would write as a resident not a Councillor but asked that this was placed on the agenda of the January meeting to enable the residents to discuss the issues with the Council.  The Council agreed. 

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To place on the agenda for the January meeting	12/01/09	Clerk

 

229/08 RIGHTS OF WAY

a) Flooding in Whaddon Lane on the boundary of Marwell Zoo

Cllr Tull reported that further to work carried out by the zoo to reduce the flooding in Whaddon Lane, the water was flooding the bridleway.

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To discuss with John Adams, Clerk of Works, Marwell Zoo	12/01/09	AM

 

b) Missing Bridleway Sign

Cllr Manship reported the bridleway sign was missing at the junction of Red Lane and Lower Baybridge Lane

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To report to Rights of Way	12/01/09	Clerk

 

c) Horse Riding Signs in Hurst Lane

Cllr Chapman confirmed that the residents group would like to request the installation of ‘warning – horses’ signs in Hurst Lane.  Cllr Page confirmed that the empty post in Hurst Lane used to hold a ‘warning – horses’ sign.

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To request a replacement ‘Warning Horses’ sign for the post from Hampshire Highways The Hurst Lane residents group to consider the best location of additional ‘Warning Horses’ signs in Hurst Lane to discuss with the Council at the January meeting.	12/01/09   12/01/09	Clerk   John Chapman

 

230/08 STRIP OF LAND NEXT TO GARAGES IN BEECH GROVE

Cllr Manship reported that he had placed information regarding the proposal in the Owslebury Newsletter but to date had not had any response.  Whilst the offer to dig the land over had been made by Cllr Tull he was concerned about purchasing and planting shrubs without the offer of a local resident to water and maintain as necessary.  However, to balance against this, this is the time of year for planting to ensure minimum watering. 

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To see whether anyone volunteers	12/01/09	AM

231/08 REVISED MODEL PUBLICATION SCHEME

The Clerk confirmed that whilst the Council does have a model publication scheme, under the Freedom of Information Act this has to be revised by 31/12/08.  The Clerk has written a draft revised model publication scheme, using a template considered appropriate for Parish Councils, circulated prior to the meeting.  The Council agreed The Revised Model Publication Scheme for Owslebury Parish Council.  Cllrs, as required, completed revised ‘Record of Interest’ forms.

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To complete revised ‘Records of Interests’ Form To obtain and circulate a proforma for Councillor Specifications regarding agreed areas of responsibility To draft Councillor Specifications regarding agreed areas of responsibility  To create A4 information sheets covering information as required to be available for the public on request and to place on the website as appropriate To request the webmaster place e-mail links for all the Councillors (without disclosing their personal e-mails) onto the website	10/12/08 12/01/09   09/02/09   ongoing     12/01/09	TM Clerk   All Cllrs   Clerk     Clerk

232/08 GANG MOWING AND ANCILLARY WORKS

The quote from Cannon for gang mowing and ancillary works for the years 2008 and 2009 were circulated prior to the meeting.  Whilst everyone was very pleased with Cannon’s work to date they were concerned that the new quote included an approximate 10% increase.  Cllr Sharpe also confirmed that, if it could be included in the quote, the Toddlers Group would appreciate the grass being cleared away when the play area was cut, for the children’s safety.

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To negotiate a lower quote with Cannon to include the above.  The Council agrees to accept the quote if it can be reduced to include a rise of 5%.	12/01/09	AM

233/08 PLANNING

a) To discuss planning applications

 

08/02475/FUL:	Hill View, Longwood Road, Owslebury
Proposal:	First floor rear extension with roof terrace; alterations to front and rear dormers, fenestration and repositioning of front door
Comments to OPC by:	8th December 2008 (Parish Council meeting @7.45pm) (agreed extension with WCC)
Comments to WCC by:	Thursday 4th December 2008

 

OPC: Object. The main area of the application that is objected to is the Roof Terrace. Considerations material to planning are Design / External Appearance / Mass of Built Form and Impact on amenity of neighbouring land/properties including privacy, daylight and sunlight.   The Council fully supports the objections already forwarded to WCC by neighbours with regard to the impact on their properties.

 

08/02510/FUL:	Hillview, Lower Baybridge Lane, Owslebury
Proposal:	Pitched roof to replace flat roof; balcony to west elevation; removal of chimney; change dormer roofs from gabled to hipped; alterations to fenestration
Comments to OPC by:	8th December 2008 (Parish Council meeting @7.45pm) (agreed extension with WCC)
Comments to WCC by:	Thursday 4th December 2008

 

OPC Comment – No comment

 

08/02678/FUL:	The Forge, Owslebury Bottom, Owslebury   SO21 1LY
Proposal:	Removal of condition 2; for use of building for B1 business purposes
Comments to OPC by:	8th December 2008 (Parish Council meeting @7.45pm)
Comments to WCC by:	25/12/08

 

 

08/02701/FUL:	The Forge, Owslebury Bottom, Owslebury   SO21 1LY
Proposal:	Removal of condition 2; for the occupation of the dwelling to be limited to an employee
Comments to OPC by:	8th December 2008 (Parish Council meeting @7.45pm)
Comments to WCC by:	25/12/08

 

OPC Comment – The above 2 applications were considered at the same time.  It was agreed that the exact proposal being requested is difficult to understand from the papers.  If the request being made is to remove B1 from the property, to enable the current house and business premises to be sold as a private residence with no business use, then the majority of the Council were in agreement.  If, further to research, if it is ascertained that this is not what is being requested, then the Council will need to meet again to discuss further.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To research further into the request being made – contact Planning Aid	11/12/08	AM

b) To hear planning decisions

08/02008/FUL:	Greenhill Farm, Baybridge Lane, Owslebury.  SO21 1JN
Proposal:	Erection of stable block (RESUBMISSION)
Decision:	Application Permitted

 

Note for the minutes: The minutes of the Planning Committee currently state that Owslebury Parish Council did not forward comments to WCC prior to the closing date.  This is incorrect and Cllr Ruffell is liaising with WCC to ensure the minutes are amended.  With regard to whether this would have affected the decision of the Committee - Cllr Ruffell has been assured by WCC – Planning Department that the Committee did have access to OPC’s comments prior to making their decision to permit the application.

 

08/02268/FUL:	1 Bankside Cottages, Main Road, Owslebury.  SO21 1LU
Proposal:	Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension
Decision:	Application Permitted

234/08 ENFORCEMENT – ANY GENERAL MATTERS

a) Blue Tanks on land at the junction of Longwood Road and Baybridge Lane

The Chairman again asked Cllr Tull when he was going to move the tanks as complaints from residents continued. Cllr Tull confirmed that he had made his position clear.  Under the General Development Order 1958 S552a he had the necessary licence for the tanks on his land and at the previous meeting had suggested that the Clerk confirm this information if the Council was not satisfied.  Personally, he had not received any complaints but if the Enforcement Team wished to discuss this with him he was more than willing to talk with them.  

The Clerk reported that due to the number of complaints the Council had received she had followed up his licence agreement with the Environment Department.  They had confirmed that his licence did not give him the necessary permission to site tanks of this size on his land and planning permission is required.  The Clerk confirmed that Enforcement had been notified.

b) Marwell Activity Centre

Cllr Chapman reported that he was concerned to note that Marwell Activity Centre had advertised events through to 1am on a number of occasions over the Christmas period and the noise for the local residents that these events could potentially cause.  However, he has confirmed that the Activity Centre hold the necessary Temporary Entertainment Notice.

 

c) Travellers

Cllr Chase reported that she had spoken with Mr Jordan-Davis from HCC Traveller Service,  with regard to a Traveller who was currently residing within the Parish.  They would be liaising direct to discuss their position and agree next steps.  As the Traveller is not residing on Council managed land no further action is required by the Council.  However, once they have left the site she proposed the Council considered installing a barrier that would prevent large vehicles accessing the site on future occasions.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To place the proposal for a barrier on the agenda for the next meeting To discuss this suggestion with Liz Giles in Rights of Way	12/01/09	Clerk

 

d) Marwell Grain Store

Concern was again raised that the site is being used as a transfer station.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To raise again with the Enforcement Team and with Environment	12/01/09	Clerk

235/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMATION ONLY

a) Litter in the Owslebury Area – e-mail from Mr Cryer

 

b) Meon Valley Community Event – Dementia Care in a Rural Community – Wednesday 7th January 2009 – 9.30am – 3.30pm

No one available to attend    

218/08 FINANCE

Payments were approved in accordance to the budget: -

219/08 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING and ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 12th January 2008 at 7.45pm