The meeting was chaired by the District Commander of Hampshire Constabulary. Also present on the panel were representatives of the Fire and Rescue Services and the Community Reassurance Team.
It is proposed to put Community Safety on the standing agenda at the Parish Council meetings to encourage each Community to raise issues for presenting to the Police representative. This will also include feedback from Neighbourhood Watch meetings.
Operation Focus has recently set up whereby Police Officers patrol a particular area on Friday / Saturday evenings following information supplied by Councils
Parish Councils are to inform the Police if their police representative does not attend Council meetings.
Following Cllr Chase’s report general discussion followed regarding the ease / difficulty in contacting the Police: -
- Cllr Chase reported that at the Neighbourhood Watch Meeting (15/09/08) Mr Bowes had reported that PC Farley rarely attended the Neighbourhood Watch meetings.
- Cllr Manship reported that since the Parish was re-allocated to Bishops Waltham, Police attendance by PC Farley and his supporting PCSO’s at the Parish Council meeting had been excellent. The majority of meetings were attended and when not possible apologies were received. He also received visits to his home to follow-up concerns and valued the support offered.
- The Clerk reported that her e-mails to PC Farley had always been responded to either immediately or within a reasonable time-period in consideration of shifts worked. She had no fault of the support received.
- Cllr Tull reported that the difficulty in contacting PC Farley was an immediate response. The e-mail depended on him being at the Station and telephone messages left with 101 could take a number of days to reach him. A direct telephone line through to PC Farley or his colleagues was required to enable individuals to report suspicious circumstances, giving PC Farley / PCSO Akehurst the opportunity to follow-up immediately if felt appropriate.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To raise the above comments with the Police
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
c) Neighbourhood Watch meeting – 15th September 2008 – attended by JC
Cllr Chase gave the following report:
- A saddle stone had been stolen from a house in Main Road about 4 days ago
- A children’s bike had been spotted in a local field – believed to be fly tipping
- Concern was raised regarding the safety of children on bikes, many of primary school age, riding recklessly in Main Road during the rush hour. Mr Bowes will speak directly with David White, Head Teacher of Owslebury Primary School.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To discuss with David White whether, if not already offered, cycle safety training could be offered at the school and whether the Parish Council could assist in any way.
|
13/10/08 |
TM |
d) OMCA meeting – attended by JC
Cllr Chase gave the following report:
- OMCA are going to plant bulbs around the Bank Tree and in the Churchyard.
- OMCA were pleased with the result of the Church Fete and offered thanks to all
- OMCA were hoping to arrange a Bring and Share Newcomers lunch
- Mr Nash spoke on the Age Concern mini-bus and its availability to take the elderly out and about on Fridays
- OMCA were sponsoring this week’s Owslebury Newsletter, to be delivered to every home in the Parish.
- OMCA were hoping to arrange a Barn Dance or American Square Dance in March 2009.
168/08 PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
a) 08/02008/FUL – Greenhill Farm, Baybridge Lane – Erection of stable block (RESUBMISSION)
The landowner and members of the public outlined their comments for Parish Council for consideration.
169/08 CITY COUNCILLORS REPORTS
a) SLR’s
Cllr Ruffell confirmed that SLR’s were due to be stationed in Main Road in July 2008 to check the speed of traffic passing through the village, but that this had not happened as the Police had required the SLR’s elsewhere. He had arranged for them to be stationed in Main Road for 2 weeks from 3rd November 2008.
b) Planning and Enforcement
Cllr Ruffell reported that Enforcement had confirmed the number of open cases on their books had been reduced to 450. The number of planning applications was reported to be down.
c) Winchester Fireworks
Cllr Ruffell reported that WCC were giving money to Round Table for their Nov 5th Community Firework Display.
d) Virtual Footpath
Cllr Ruffell confirmed he would follow up progress regarding virtual footpaths with Durley Parish Council.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To place Virtual Footpaths on the October agenda
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
170/08 VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT
Mrs Sprot reported that Steve Opacek had tried to encourage the group to write a Parish Plan rather than a Village Design Statement, but she was concerned, as this does not carry weight. Mr Opacek had informed the group that a VDS would not address the speed of traffic or prevent unattractive development etc.
Mrs Sprot read a useful summary written by Mr Petter: -
“The key areas of our document which could be adopted by the Council will be advice on design and materials for extending or replacing buildings in the centre of Owslebury; on the character of spaces – both public and between buildings - and on landscape and boundaries.
This would become a “supplementary planning document” and would carry weight when officers are considering an application and indeed an inspector if a project went to a planning appeal. Broader aspirations could be encapsulated in an appendix which could not be adopted by the council but which could nonetheless be a useful way of focusing the residents of village on how they would like Owslebury to evolve over time.
We provisionally agreed that we should focus initially on the bits that could be adopted but before then, as Miranda says, we agreed we should get feedback on our draft contents list to make sure that we spend time on things which add value.
Mr Opacic explained that under the 2006 Local Plan Owslebury lost its village envelope and so the key policy for residential development is H4. Effectively, therefore, every project will be seen by the planners as a house in the countryside and so the options for development will be relatively limited. In his opinion, this will be even more so for the outlying hamlets, hence the advice to stick to the centre of Owslebury where the likelihood of at least some minor development is greater.”
Mrs Sprot felt that the VDS should encompass the whole of the Parish, not just the centre of Owslebury. Cllr Manship concurred. He also reported to the Council that at a recent meeting Mr Marsh, Enforcement, had confirmed that the VDS, as a supplementary planning document was the most useful document to support planning / enforcement concerns.
The Chairman thanked Mrs Sprot and the VDS Working Party for their work. Mrs Sprot confirmed they would continue.
171/08 HIGHWAYS
a) Whaddon Lane
Cllr Manship confirmed the meeting of the Highways Committee with the Independent Surveyor and the 2 landowners was to be held on Friday 19th September 2008.
b) Hurst Lane
Cllr Chapman reported that the road, turning into Hurst Lane, from the Fishers Pond direction, is subsiding.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To report to Hampshire Highways
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
c) Longwood Crossroads
Cllr Tull reported that drivers were not taking any notice of the road improvements at the Longwood Crossroads. Drivers approaching the junction from the south continued to overtake and increase their speed on the brow of the hill when other drivers were pulling out of the junction.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To invite Hampshire Highways to visit the site to observe and to request double white lines to prevent overtaking.
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
d) Potholes
Cllr Manship reported that Hampshire Highways had confirmed that all the potholes across Hampshire requested on the recent survey would be filled by Christmas. Cllr Tull reported that the potholes in Beech Grove had been filled in, but to an appalling standard.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To inspect the work and discuss with Chris Wilson, Hampshire Highways
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
e) Flooding in Whaddon Lane near Marwell Zoo
Cllr Chapman asked the progress of this preventative work. Cllr Manship reported that Mr Adams, Head of Works at Marwell Zoo had, a fortnight ago, had confirmed work would start in a week.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To follow up progress with Mr Adams
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
172/08 RIGHTS OF WAY
a) Bridleway between Whaddon Lane and Marwell Zoo
Cllr Tull reported that he had cut the bridleway but that it was impassable for horses owing to the mud. Water runs down the bridleway from the flood. Hopefully this problem will solve itself once the above work is complete.
b) Bridleway at the back of Marwell Zoo
Cllr Tull reported that there was a dangerous branch crossing the bridleway at the back of the zoo
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To give the number of the bridleway to the Clerk, to raise with Marwell Zoo
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
c) Bridleways
Cllr Tull reported that he had cut a considerable number of bridleways with his tractor. He showed pictures to the Council of their poor condition prior to cut.
173/08 PLAY AREA
a) Damage to the wetpour surrounding the roundabout
The Clerk reported that children ‘picking’ at a worn area had exacerbated the damage. She had met Mr Coney from Hampshire Playing Fields Association on site, who is also an Independent Playgrounds Risk Inspector.
Mr Coney informed the Clerk that the wetpour did not need to be replaced but could easily be repaired. He advised the hole should be left alone until it could be repaired. We could cover the hole with soil but he suggests we don’t. We could put up a notice but it is not necessary, as the hole is visible. He confirmed the only way to close the roundabout was to remove it but this was not necessary.
The roundabout should not be taped off as this creates a danger. He advised that moss growing on the wetpour could be cleared with a stiff broom and the best way to fill the gap around the edge is with loam. Cllr Manship volunteered to support Cllr Page with these tasks.
The Clerk reported she had met with a contractor from Playsafe on site who had concurred that the wetpour could easily be repaired and he would send a quote. He confirmed loam was the best method of filling the gap around the edge. Alternative quotes to repair the wetpour were also being sought.
Both experts felt the wetpour to be generally sound apart from an area on the gate side of the roundabout. This could be repaired at the same time as the hole. Playsafe advised that the Parish Council may wish to add a further surface of wetpour in a couple of years, on top of the existing, tapering at the edges to meet the minimum gap requirements and avoid trip hazards. It was not necessary to replace the surface completely.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- As the damage needs to be repaired as soon as possible, quotes, once received, to be discussed with Cllrs Page and Chase, who have the permission of the Council to authorise the work.
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
b) Feedback from play area sub committee – Cllr Page, Mrs Brightwell (Toddlers Group), Cllr Manship (attending on behalf of the Clerk who was sick)
Cllr Manship reported that the play area sub committee had me on site. They had discussed various options with regard to layout and equipment. The agreed outcome was that the Parish Council, with Mrs Brightwell would investigate the cradle swings being replaced by a pod, which could be used by both toddlers and older children alike.
Mrs Brightwell had also requested a couple of animal springs for the toddlers, the layout of the equipment to be gradually turned around as recommended in a recent play area assessment and the grass cuttings to be removed. The Parish Council to investigate.
c) Research regarding improvements to the play area – Clerk
i) Pod
Hampshire Playing Fields Association had risk assessed the existing ‘A Frame’ for the swings, confirmed it was absolutely fine with no sound of rust inside and should be able to take the weight of a pod. Proludic had confirmed that whilst they did not install pods on existing frames they did sell pods separately. Pods could be installed by an independent contractor but must be risk assessed by an independent risk assessor prior to use.
ii) Swing Seats
Hampshire Playing Fields Association had confirmed that the seats are absolutely safe, no need to worry if the rubber cracks, only if the metal underneath shows through. The bearings, bolts and chains are also fine.
iii) Springs
Toddler’s springs seemed to vary in price from £600 to £3000. Cllr Chapman confirmed his grandchildren enjoyed sitting on them.
iv) Slide
Playsafe have suggested that to increase the ease of sliding down the slide, to buff it up using a silicon buffer and silicon spray. Basically it is the shoe leather etc. that slows the slide down. Cllr Manship offered to hire a buffer/purchase boat polish and support Cllr Page in this task.
v) Risk Assessment suggestion that we should consider two gates.
Hampshire Playing Fields did not consider this feasible in our case. There is the farm gate one could climb over but in any case, another gate could only go to the same exit.
vi) Layout of Equipment
Hampshire Playing Fields explained there were two schools of thought. One that toddler equipment should be near the gate so that they can get away if necessary. Another that this is not necessarily a good idea as bigger kids would have to pass through the toddler’s section to get to their own equipment. His suggestion is that we could consider installing a bench near the toddler’s equipment so that parents/carers could sit down and still have easy reach of their children.
vii) Way Forward – Advice from Mr Coney – Hampshire Playing Fields Association
Mr Coney feels the Play Area is fundamentally good and he would suggest replacing or adding one piece of equipment every couple of years. He will provide the Council with a list of who to approach for funds and can help with completing application forms. Fundamental to all grant applications is consultation with the children.
Always apply for grants from people who will give you money without hassle first (e.g. from Hampshire Playing Fields Association and the Open Space Fund). Apply to the National Lottery as a last resort. Regarding appropriate equipment for toddlers considering the space available, he suggested a spring, either one you sit on with an animal, or one with a plate you stand on with a handle.
viii) Children's Views for New Equipment.
The Clerk reported that when visiting the play area 4 children using the swings and roundabout (aged 8 to 11) asked whether she was the lady who was going to add some more equipment. The children said the slide was fine'ish'.
They confirmed the roundabout was the best bit if kit on the play area. They unanimously requested a set of monkey bars (between the roundabout and the climbing frame) - The contractor from Playsafe confirmed afterwards that this would be a good place for them if we went ahead. They proudly displayed their multi-room hotel that they had made with the grass cuttings.
They said they had had a lot of fun and asked that I did not have them cleared away - they were great!
They confirmed they knew who had 'picked at' the wetpour. It apparently started with a small hole. They were anxious that we didn't close the roundabout and began said they would ask the culprit not to make it worse!
ix) Grants
- Telephone conversation with Stuart DD from the Open Space FundWe have £4,000 in our Play Pot and £5,520 in our Sports Pot. If there is not a particular need for sports equipment we could use some of this money to boost the Play Pot, but it would have to be replaced in time.
- Telephone conversation with Bernice Heller, WCC Grants Officer, who confirmed we could apply for 'Awards for All' lottery funding which offers up to £10,000. The good news is this is designed for Parish Councils seeking funds for new play equipment etc. The bad news is lottery funds are far from guaranteed.
- Conversation with John Coney, Hampshire Playing Fields Association. They gave money to Parish Councils towards equipment. He suggested applying for a grant towards a piece of equipment rather than towards a play area. In consideration of their funds, the less the cost the larger the proportion of the grant was likely to be.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- Obtain quotes for a Pod, Toddlers Springs and Monkey Bars
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
- Discuss with Mrs Brightwell the preferred location for Toddlers Spring/s (subject to finance being agreed)
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
- Apply to the Hampshire Playing Fields Association for a grant
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
- Next Parish Council Meeting – Councillors to prioritise and agree the purchase of equipment, as affordable from our Open Space Pot and potential grant from the Hampshire Playing Fields Association.
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
- Cllr Manship to hire a buffer/purchase polish to improve the slide
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
- Cllr Manship to purchase loam to fill the gap around the roundabout
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
174/08 BT TELEPHONE BOX IN BEECH GROVE
The Council remained hopeful that BT would continue to fund the telephone box as this was considered to be the best way forward. The Clerk reported that she had obtained support from Rospa with regard to the need for the telephone box to support public safety at the Play Area, which she had forwarded to BT.
She also reported that WCC – Planning Department and HALC had written to BT objecting to the removal of the telephone box.
She confirmed she had also received a reply from the resident who believed the telephone box was a listed building, however, no further evidence was available.
Councillor Ruffell reported that he had been informed that BT had stated that our telephone box cost BT £1000 a year to maintain and that income was only £10 – 30 a year. Therefore it was not financially viable to run.
Information regarding the options presented by BT - to purchase the telephone box without the telephone equipment for £1 or to sponsor the telephone box with the telephone equipment for £500 per year - were discussed.
Neither option was felt to be right for the Parish. After discussion the Council instructed the Clerk to suggest to BT, as late as possible before the deadline of 1st October 08 in the hope that the result of the consultation would be received, the possibility of purchasing the telephone box for £1 and renting the telephone equipment.
The Parish Council would need to add the telephone box and equipment to the Insurance and maintain the box as required. Cleaning the box would also need to be considered.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To contact BT in line with the above instruction
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
- To forward information to the Clerk regarding a similar approach in Cheriton
|
13/10/08 |
LR |
175/08 PARISH COUNCIL LAWNMOWER – REPAIRS
Quotes obtained by Cllr Manship to repair and service the lawnmower had been circulated. Cllr Manship explained this was not a decision of affordability as Cllr Mason had kindly offered to give £500 to the Parish Council to repair and service or purchase a lawn mower.
Following discussion the Council voted to purchase a good quality lawn mower for Mr Harfield to use. The old lawn mower to be offered to Mr Harfield in case he wanted to repair it himself. If not, Cllr Page to take it to a sale.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
-
- To obtain quotes for a new lawnmower.
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
- To discuss the old lawnmower and storage / use / requirements of a new lawnmower with Mr Harfield.
|
13/10/08 |
AM |
176/08 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
a) Potholes
Cllr Mason informed the Council that in the Hampshire Hog HCC had informed its 39,000 residents that potholes were here to stay. The agreed way forward was to temporarily repair potholes until a larger road maintenance scheme was agreed. Amey Construction has started this using the additional £1 million. HCC has employed another 20 gangs until Christmas, now totalling 40 gangs, specifically to repair potholes.
b) SLR’s
Cllr Mason reported he had met with Colin Taylor and Chris Wilson, Hampshire Highways, regarding a pilot scheme, enabling a number of Parish Councils to purchase an SLR together, to be shared. The Parish Councils decide where they wish the SLR to be positioned.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To forward information regarding costing to the Clerk
|
13/10/08 |
PM |
- To ascertain whether any other local Parish Councils would be interested in purchasing an SLR with Owslebury
|
13/10/08 |
PM |
177/08 PLANNING
To discuss planning applications
08/02008/FUL: |
Greenhill Farm, Baybridge Lane, Owslebury. SO21 1JN |
Proposal: |
Erection of stable block (RESUBMISSION) |
Comments to WCC by: |
2nd October 2008 |
OPC Comment: Objection.
- Mass of Built Form: The size of the proposed stables is the same size as the 2nd application and marginally taller than the 1st application. The only difference to the previous application is the materials used and appearance. It covers the same footprint.
- Out of keeping with the area - The Council strongly objected to an application for the stables on this side of Baybridge Lane - On the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking footpaths with outstanding views.
- Light Pollution - the only building on this side of Baybridge Lane requiring security lighting which could affect Baybridge Farm and stand out in isolation on this side of the road.
b) to hear planning decisions:
| 08/01593/FUL: |
Flintstone, Hurst Farm, Hurst Lane, Owslebury. SO21 1JQ |
| Proposal: |
Single storey rear extension including new roof to existing double garage with storage area above |
| Decision: |
Application Permitted. |
08/01067/FUL: |
Marwell Zoo, Thompsons Lane, Owslebury. SO21 1JH |
Proposal: |
Annual temporary use of a marquee with attached catering extension between June and September, located on the lawn at the rear of Marwell Hall |
Decision: |
Application Withdrawn |
08/01557/FUL: |
Marwell Zoo, Thompsons Lane, Owslebury. SO21 1JH |
Proposal: |
Installation of replacement temporary portacabin (replacing that approved by permission 06/02932/FUL) (WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF A LISTED BUILDING) |
Decision: |
Application Permitted |
08/01320/FUL: |
Lower Cottage, Whaddon Lane, Owslebury. SO21 1JL. |
Proposal: |
First floor side extension |
Decision: |
Application Permitted |
08/00097/LDC: |
Winchester Model Aeroplane Club, Land adjacent to Warren Lane (track) on Longwood Warren, Petersfield Road, Cheesefoot Head. |
Proposal: |
Continued use of land for model aircraft; use of steel container and mobile home to house ancillary equipment; vehicular access from Warren Lane |
Decision: |
Application Permitted |
178/08 ENFORCEMENT – ANY GENERAL MATTERS
Cllr Manship reported that he and the Clerk had met with Neil Marsh, Enforcement Manager and Rob Riding, Senior Planning Officer from the Enforcement Team to discuss the current situation with regard to Enforcement Cases within the Parish. It had been agreed that we would continue to meet, 4-monthly, to share information and progress.
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- To report concerns regarding enforcement issues within the Parish to the Enforcement Team
|
13/10/08 |
Clerk |
179/08 AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
a) Improving the Strip of Land behind the garages in Hilly Close (AM)
b) SLR’s (PM)
c) Play Area (RP)
d) Virtual Footpaths (LR)
180/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMATION ONLY
a) Local Development Framework / Sustainable Community Strategy Discussion – The Way Forward – stakeholder meetings:
- Tuesday 16th Sept – Alresford Recreation Centre – 2 – 5pm
- Wednesday 17th Sept – Wickham Community Centre – 2 – 5pm
- Monday 22nd Sept – Meadowside Leisure Centre, Wickham – 2 – 5pm
- Wednesday 24th Sept – The Church Hall, Free Street, Bishops Waltham – 2 – 5pm
| Action |
By When |
By Whom |
- No Councillor able to attend. To ask whether the District Councillors can represent the Parish.
|
ASAP |
Clerk |
b) Winchester Area Community Action – 20th Anniversary – AGM – Tuesday 14th October 08 – 11.30 (coffee 11.15) – The Middlebrook Centre (Winchester Family Church) Middlebrook Street, Winchester
No Councillor Free
c) HALC – AGM – Saturday 27th September 2008 – 9.30am – 1pm – The Performing Arts Centre, St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester. SO21 1HA.
No Councillor Free
d) Paths to Partnership – countryside access and rights of way conference – Thursday 9th October – 1 – 5pm – The Maltings Centre, Alton
Cllrs Manship & Tull to attend
e) Community Transport – Parish Transport Representatives Meeting – 15th November – Wessex Hotel, Winchester (no time available at the moment)
Time required before Cllr Chase is able to confirm her availability
181/08 FINANCE
September payments were approved in accordance to the budget.
182/08 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING and ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 13th October 2008 at 7.45pm
The meeting closed to the general public at 10.00pm