OWSLEBURY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON
12TH May 2008
AT 7:30 PM IN OWSLEBURY PARISH HALL
PRESENT
Councillor Mr A Manship – Chairman
Councillors: Mrs J Chase, Mrs T Meads, Mr R O’Neill, Mr R Page and Mr G Tull.
IN ATTENDANCE
County Councillor Mr P Mason
P C Charlie Farley
PCSO Matt Kerr
Clerk to the Parish Council: Mrs E Manship
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from:
Councillor Mr J Chapman
District Councillor Mr L Ruffell
District Councillor Mr R Humby
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2007 had been circulated. Mr Ames proposed the minutes were an accurate record. This was seconded by Mrs E Harfield. The Chairman signed the minutes.
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL – FINANCE OVERVIEW
A report co-ordinated by Laura Gray from HCC County Treasurer’s Department, entitled ‘Hampshire County Council Financial Overview’ was circulated to all present.
RIGHTS OF WAY IN HAMPSHIRE – GUEST SPEAKER
Colin Piper, Rights of Way Definitive Maps Reviewing Officer, Countryside Service, HCC, gave an informative and well received talk on Rights of Way, the past, the present and the future.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
As a result of recommendations by the auditor Councillors have been disclosing personal and prejudicial interests for agenda items.
The Web site has now grown and has 5 businesses advertising. More are being encouraged. The web has over 4,800 hits recorded to date with new and returning visitors to the site daily.
Stage 3 of Owslebury countryside kerbing project at the west-end of Main Road was completed in December 2007. We await final sections to be completed in Longwood Road and in the east-end of Main Road in the coming months.
The advised speed limit of 20mph around the school was agreed in July 2007. Signs were installed early this year.
The annual village litter collection took place in September 2007. Nearly all Cllrs took part with support from members of the public. 16 black sacks of litter were collected from major roads around the parish.
All Councillors have attended district meetings and fed back their findings to the monthly council meetings. Topics include planning; councillor training; transport; PUSH; Police liaison and Winchester City Partnerships.
The Police coverage has changed during the year from Twyford to Bishops Waltham. The introduction of PCSO’s with Owslebury having Matt Kerr as our liaison officer together with PC Charlie Farley. They both have been making reports at the monthly meetings. A box has been placed at Humbees Nurseries for comments and all can e-mail direct with any concerns via the Owslebury website.
The Council has continued to upgrade the parish’s facilities during the past year. Refurbishment of seats in both the Glebe Field and Recreation Ground as well as the Bus Shelter in Morestead. Purchase of 3 new noticeboards for Council and Public Notices in Owslebury, Morestead and Baybridge. Purchase of a new swing shut gate for the Play Area to deter dogs entering and a new noticeboard to meet audit requirements. Purchase of the Countryside Access Board, which was opened at the summer fete. Purchase of a new dog bin for Pitcot Lane.
The Council has engaged the services of Planning Aid for all large planning applications and this has proved very helpful, advising the council on comments in line with planning law.
In November with sadness our oldest Councillor, John Seabrook, passed away. He had served on the Parish Council for 20 years.
With work commitments a 2nd councillor, Jane Ruffell, resigned. Two co-options took place and John Chapman and Bob O’Neill joined the Council.
The Council received a request from St Andrew’s, Owslebury for a donation towards the restoration of the Wainscote Panelling. £3000 has been pledged which will be reviewed annually as work progresses.
In December the Village Design Statement was launched. The opening event was well attended by parishioners within the Parish and Mrs Sprot has been taking a lead in co-ordinating the paper. Mrs Sprot reports monthly to the Council on its progress.
The Council considers planning applications at the monthly meetings. And has been focused by “Options for Change” in the district. The PUSH statement does not affect Owslebury but its effects, such as traffic, transport and infrastructure will be noticeable.
The Council were invited to Marwell Zoo in February to contribute to their Green Travel Plan. This will also be considered by the Village Design Statement working party.
The erosion of the hedgerows and the bank in Whaddon Lane has caused concern. A site visit has taken place with an initial recommendation to kerb each side with passing places on the South Side. The Council is awaiting a formal proposal of work and costings from Hampshire Highways. This is work in progress.
The Council has been concerned about the dangerous road, the C9, particularly with the possible development at Bottom Pond Farm with the new exit onto the road. A meeting with HCC, WCC and local residents and the following improvements have been agreed to start in June this year.
Work to include: Resurfacing of the C9 from Winchester to White Flood Farm to aid skidding resistance. Cutting back the vegetation at the Hazeley Road junction to improve visibility and installing additional warning signs. Erecting signs to alert traffic to the dip between Honeymans Lane and the Longwood Crossroads. Installing two VAS signs.
One northbound near the Longwood Crossroads flashing “60mph slow down” and one southbound before the steep bends prior to White Flood Farm flashing “30mph slow down”. Advisory 20mph speed plates to be erected on the left hand bend east of White Flood Farm for northbound traffic.
The Councillors are grateful for parishioners support to reach this conclusion. We now need to ensure that all the above is installed, at a cost of 75k.
Finally I thank all Councillors, including County and District for supporting Owslebury Parish Council.
REPORTS FROM PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES – Work carried out over the past year and aims for the forthcoming year.
a) Representative to Winchester District Association of Parish Councils – Cllr Mrs J Chase
Regrettably I have been unable to attend any of the meetings to date and so I do not have any information.
b) Representative to Owslebury Parish Hall Management Committee – Cllr Mrs T Meads
I have attended various meetings throughout the year but unfortunately missed the AGM due to other commitments. The Committee is looking to the future and possible developments in the provisions of the Parish Hall. For example, I have put them in contact with Chilbolton Village Hall regarding the possible acquisition of stage blocks. Through the Parish Council we have also linked the Parish Hall Management Committee with County Councillor Mason regarding a grant for a replacement fence to the land.
c) Representative to Winchester Area Community Action – Cllr Mr A Manship
In November I attended their AGM and was impressed with the support WACA had offered voluntary bodies throughout the past year even if mainly in the City Centre. One benefit to Owslebury residents is Dial-a-Ride.
d) Representative to OMCA Committee – Cllr Mrs J Chase
I regularly attend these local meetings which are held about once every two months and am actively involved. Projects for the community include the annual Church Fete and the recent Murder Mystery evening.
e) Representatives to Rights of Way – Cllrs Mr A Manship & Mr G Tull
Footpaths continue to be walked by the Council with defects being regularly reported both on line and by phone as needed. The Definitive Maps have been updated by HCC and are available on line. Arrangements are underway to upload relevant maps to the Owslebury Website to include National Walks – Cllr Manship
Bridleways are a mess. The Parish Council needs to take action – Cllr Tull
f) Tree Warden – Cllr Mr A Manship
Minor trimming of chestnut trees overhanging the pavilion was requested in November. Our thanks to members of the Football Club for carrying out the work.
The trees in the village that have a TPO will be collated for the Village Design Statement working party and place on the website. Working in partnership with the National Grid Tree Warden Scheme more trees will be added throughout the year with guidance from the Tree Council.
g) Representative to Local Road Safety Committee – Cllr G Tull
We must do something about the roads. I think £50,000 needs to be spent. Longwood road has had nothing apart from patching. Hensting Lane is just as bad. I am concerned about the kerbing as lorries still drive over it and cause damage.
h) Local Authority Representative to Owslebury Primary School – Cllr Mrs T Meads
I have had various meetings and correspondence with David White, Headteacher, over the year. Main issues have concerned traffic and safety in walking to school. I have also met with David, Mark Oaten and a concerned mum on the same subject.
The Parish Council supported the school in the installation of the ’20 is Plenty’ traffic signs although we will continue to seek a statutory reduction in the speed limit through the village. Traffic will also be a significant topic addressed by the Village Design Statement with which I am also involved.
i) Highways Liaison Committee – Cllrs Mr A Manship, Mr R Page & Mr G Tull
Nothing further to report further to information shared within the Chairman’s report
j) Playgrounds Representative – Cllr Mr R Page
1) During the past year we as a Parish Council have made quite a number of improvements to the playground and to its surroundings.
2) The hedges have had a short back and sides and will continue to be attended to on a regular basis.
3) A new slam-shut gate has been installed to make the area dog proof.
4) A new sign board has been fitted to existing posts conforming to new directives.
5) A concrete platform and safety rails around the top of the steps to the slide have been installed.
6) All the mats were de-mossed and sprayed with a weedkiller for safety.
We are currently looking at refurbishing or replacing the swings either with new swings or some other more up-to-date equipment.
k) Travellers Representative – Cllr Mrs J Chase
This relatively new appointment followed concern over the rights of travellers to make camp on the village green. So far there has been no need for consultation in Owslebury but I retain the relevant information.
l) Representatives for Sports Clubs using the Recreation Ground – Cllrs Mr G Tull & Mrs T Meads
I have not had any involvement this year – Cllr T Meads
I inspected the football pitch at the end of the season and it is fine – Cllr G Tull
m) Public Transport Representative – Cllr Mrs J Chase
I will attend my first meeting of the Forum on Monday 19th May at Colden Common and feedback to the Council. The previous meeting held in Shawford on 2nd October 2007 outlined the aims of the Forum as follows:
a) Promote and understanding of passenger transport services
b) Discuss passenger transport areas of interest and concern
c) Share information on recent developments
d) Identify unmet local transport needs
e) Share good practice
f) Engage people in passenger transport initiatives
n) Improving Communication with Parishioners Lead – Cllr Mr J Chapman
Owslebury Parish and Community Website – I’m still trying to get an understanding of what the items are to get people to use it often. I have asked for a meeting with the site providers to try to pick their brains/experiences and get some statistics. I’m also thinking about having a ‘stall’ at the fete to encourage people to talk about their needs etc.
o) Representatives on Village Design Statement Working Party – Cllrs Mr R Page, Mrs T Meads, Mr J Chapman and Mr R O’Neill
An initial public village meeting was held in Owslebury Parish Hall. It was well attended and produced several offers of help. A small working party was then formed and has since had three meetings. Members have compiled a list of subjects for discussion and possible inclusion in the VDS. An initial draft document is in progress and the group intends inviting an expert from WCC to the next meeting in early June. After that it is intended that a questionnaire will be compiled for every household and subsequently further public meetings will take place to discuss items or concerns raised by the questionnaire. – Mrs M Sprot
My other main area of involvement concerns the VDS: it is at an embryonic information gathering point at the moment. The proposal, once we have progressed further, is to conduct a village survey to gain views and to put on an exhibition in the Parish Hall once an initial draft document has been prepared to obtain feedback. – Cllr T Meads
I have given a copy of the Wickham VDS report to Miranda Sprot to use as a working reference document, regretfully I have been unable to attend any meetings to date but hopefully look to add some input in the months ahead – Cllr R O’Neill
p) Enforcement Representative – Cllr Mr R O’Neill
Early days in the enforcement role but to date have made contact on several occasions with Jenna Phillips and Darren Hobson who are part of the Enforcement Team at Winchester Planning Office.
It is essential I build a relationship with this team.
I have reported possible breaches but all have proved to be unfounded.
I am also working with Winchester to update the latest Enforcement List citing possible problems in our area; many of the older cases are now closed and will be cleaned from the July list. Items 03/00557 Greenhill Farm, 06/00138 Old Wells & 07/00408 Hanger Nurseries will all be deleted from the July list.
I have visited the majority of sites mentioned and reported my findings to Winchester.
In addition I am keen to build a local network of people throughout the parish to report anything that maybe considered a breach. I would welcome any input from our own Councillors. I will be looking at a more proactive route via the newsletter, advising parishioners to seek free advice from the planning dept. before starting to build porches/ conservatories and whatever. Much better and cheaper to get advice before you start work, and ultimately lessen the caseload.
Darren Hobson made a site visit to Marwell Grain Store on the 22nd April, a report has been submitted to Kevin Cloud a Tree Officer re providing an Agriculture Method Statement.
COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Police Authority – Bishops Waltham Division – County Councillor Mr Peter Kent Mason
Another year has passed and I am now pleased to present my seventh annual report. As ever the last 12 months has been very busy. I am still serving on the Culture and Communities Committee, along with the same tow outside bodies, namely the Twyford Waterworks Trust and the Bishops Waltham Citizens Advice Bureau. I also serve on the Winchester Hampshire Action Teams made up of the Seven County Councillors for the Winchester District; this has resulted in 81 meetings. This includes attendance at all full Council meetings, seminars, site meetings and briefings.
The range of casework covered still appears to broaden each year. For example, school placements, flooding, requests for speed reduction, compensation requests against the County Council and the good old potholes that are forever with us! As from 1st May this year the roads and pavements maintenance contract has been awarded to Amey Construction. Having attended the contract details briefing I am hopeful of a marked improvement over past performance.
This year a sum of £10,000 was allocated to each County Councillor to personally distribute upon application to worthy causes within their division. I am pleased to report that this sum was distributed as listed below:-
Durley Parish Council – Durley Village Hall water Heater
Twyford Parish Council – Updating Play Area
Bishops Waltham Chamber of Trade and Commerce – Upgrade of Christmas Lights
Upham Parish Council – Mower, Strimmer and Vacuum Cleaner
Bishops Waltham Gardening Club – New Clubhouse Fittings
Curdridge Parish Council – Towards Bus Shelter
Bishops Waltham and District Twinning Association – Towards Outdoor Games Facilities
Victim Support Hampshire & IOW – Towards I.T. Upgrade
Bishops Waltham & Meon Valley Citizens Advice Bureau – Telephones Upgrade
Bishops Waltham Parish Council – Welcome Signs for Bishops Waltham
Colden Common Community Associations – Replacement Kitchen Fixtures
Bishops Waltham in Bloom – Plants
It is hoped that this will continue as I already have six applications on file for the forthcoming year.
This year I have attended 68 Parish Council meetings which equates to a very satisfactory 95% attendance. I consider that my regular attendance at these meetings helps me to keep in touch with the local developments and concerns within the Bishops Waltham Division.
As an established and active serving member of the Hampshire & IOW Police Authority I, again, have had a very full year. As Chairman of the Crime Prevention Committee, Vice Chairman of the Community Affairs Committee and Member of the Complaints and Professional Standards Committee. I have attended all 7 of the Police Authority Full Meetings and Eastleigh Commu8nity Safety with seminars, briefings and inspections resulting in 90 meetings totalling 850 hours on Police business.
I have also attended at 3 Attestations and 5 Award Ceremonies. I am again pleased to confirm that the standard of entrants has been extremely high. At each of the Attestations I have been delighted to make a short speech of welcome on behalf of the Authority.
I have kept in regular touch with Lead Officers from the Police Western Operational Command Unity, which covers Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley.
As I finish every time by assuring all residents of Bishops Waltham Division that I shall continue to support and represent them at all levels with the utmost vigour.
Best Wishes
Peter Kent Mason
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
District Councillor Laurence Ruffell
I have often been asked what we do as District Councillors, or as the Government calls us “Community Champions”, I think we are better described as “Go Betweens” meaning we liaise with the Town Hall, because we know the correct WCC & HCC officers to talk to about a given query or complaint. For example Pot Holes, Blocked Ditches, Dumped Cars, Fly Tipping and so on.
Many of the emails I get are about speeding through our villages, most residents believe limits are not being observed. This is causing them to lobby for a reduction of 4o mph speed limits to 30 limits or even 20 mph (though these are not enforceable).
To help decide whether or not speed limits are being broken on a regular basis WCC has 2 sets of SLR’s (Speed limit reminders) these are portable units and can be installed in any village where residents complain of speeding traffic. A 2-week trial is used to confirm or deny any suspicions of speeding traffic. Once installed the unit flashes
the speed limit to any vehicle exceeding the speed limit. SLR’s can be used in 40 or 30 limits, it also records the amount of times the unit has been activated, i.e. the number of vehicles exceeding the limit. These units do not record vehicle registration numbers or type of vehicle.
The data can also be used as a back up for a request for a speed limit reduction, or a Safety Camera Visit! These units can’t be used in a 50mph limit.
We are having SLR trials at various locations in all 4 Parishes between now and January 2009.
Recently I have been trying to find a solution to the traffic chaos caused by parents dropping off and picking their children outside a local school, this turns what is quite a busy main road into a single carriageway, hence chaos. Discussions with the Traffic Div in WCC have agreed a Traffic Regulation Order for double yellow lines in some areas to allow passing places, this work should be done during the 2008/9 programme.
During the year I was part of a group of Councillors and Officers who visited the Hockley Viaduct to see if there was any way in which WCC could be persuaded to agree a sum for the viaduct to be saved from further deterioration and brought back to a reasonable standard of repair. I am glad to say WCC have agreed to fund repairs over the long term.
Planning enforcement continues to take up much of my time, with visits to the Enforcement office and site visits with Officers, but all for little results. The Planning Enforcement Office have had a large backlog of cases, they have suspended work on the smaller cases, they hope to continue with work on smaller cases from May this year.
This is my second year as a member of the Planning & Development Committee, I find the work is rewarding and sometimes entertaining with all the different designs and opinions as to whether an application should or should not get planning permission. I hope to continue as a member of the PDC next year. The Planning Committees meets 17 times a year plus site viewings as and when necessary.
I am also a member of the Principal Scrutiny Committee, which meets 8 times a year, this committee scrutinises all work done by the Council. I am a deputy member for Resources and Social Issues Scrutiny Committees.
Other meetings I have attended during the year are the P.U.S.H. meetings, Councillor Training meetings and Parish Council meetings.
I am always here to help. Contact me on lruffell@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 777236 for all issues except Planning Matters.
Laurence Ruffell
District Councillor for Owslebury & Curdridge
District Councillor Rob Humby
In my first year as a District Councillor I have met many interesting people and learnt a great deal about how Winchester City Council operates. I have been to every Full Council meeting and over 35 Parish meetings, along with serving on the Resource Scrutiny Panel Committee. Since being elected, I have attended training on planning, code of conduct, probity and ethics, and sports and open spaces. I also attended a meeting organised by Sport and Physical Activity Alliance about preparing Winchester for the Olympic Games and I am on the project team for parish and village opportunities. I also attended a planning training meeting at Fleet specifically concerning the problems that farmers and rural businesses are having.
I attended a briefing about housing policy in the District and I also went to St. Mary’s Stadium for a meeting concerning Southampton Airport about its future plans and its impact on the local community.
In October I went to ‘Who Run’s this Place’, a youth and democracy event to show young people how the council works and what councillors do. This involved ‘speed dating’ eighty year 7 to 11 pupils from local schools. I’m pleased say that somehow I managed to get the highest score! From this, the first Winchester District Youth Council has been elected, creating a democratic voice for our young people.
I represented Winchester City Council at an Economic Development Portfolio Holders meeting involving all the local authorities in the area. I have been working on setting up a meeting between the Economic Development Officer, the Regional Director of NFU, planners and local farmers and growers to discuss how rural businesses fit into the Local Development Framework.
I have attended many meetings dealing with Core Strategy Issues and Options. These public meetings took place over the whole district and were very well attended. The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) has taken up much of my time as it directly affects this ward. At a joint Transport for South Hampshire and PUSH meeting, attended by the eleven local authorities, I was able to put the views of the rural villages on the importance of transport infrastructure.
I recently attended a meeting on Climate Change. Latest updates and tips for reducing your carbon footprint can be found at www.winacc.org.uk
At a recent meeting, we were told that Winchester City Council and East Hampshire district Council had jointly commissioned a study of open space, sport and recreation facilities. The draft study can be found on the Winchester City Council website.
One of the main local issues this year has been the use of the airfield in Upham. I have tried to ensure that dialogue has continued between both sides and I requested that Winchester City Council obtain independent legal counsel advice on operations at the airstrip.
Sadly, it was decided to close the Post Offices in Curdridge and Durley this year despite local opposition from residents and councillors. This service will be greatly missed. Also in Durley, I requested two extra bottle banks for the Memorial Hall car park.
The majority of telephone calls and e-mails that I receive are to do with planning and enforcement issues. I have spoken on behalf of parish councils at Planning Development Committee meetings and have had regular contact with planners and the enforcement team.
I was also approached by a local couple and asked to help with their housing needs. After discussions with housing officers they were successfully re-homed.
I will end my report by thanking everybody, especially the parish council, for the work they do and confirm that I will continue to do my best to help the local community in any way I can.
Cllr Robert Humby
PRESENTATION OF THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2007
The Clerk presented the audited accounts for the year ending 31st March 2007. These accounts were available for inspection.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
a) Mapledown, Warley Lane.
Mrs Hancock stated that the red roof on Mapledown was totally wrong for the village.
Cllr O’Neill agreed to enquire regarding the situation.
b) Police Box
Mrs Harfield asked why the Police Box was at Humbees and not in the centre of the village.
PCSO Kerr explained the box was very large and this seemed the most appropriate place for it. However, he had ordered some smaller boxes and when these arrived one could be placed in the Parish Hall.
c) Neighbourhood Watch
Mrs Hancock stated that Owslebury had a very good Neighbourhood Watch and asked why PCSO Kerr had approached the Parish Council to co-ordinate a list of local residents rather than approaching the Neighbourhood Watch. Mr Bowes, Neighbourhood Watch confirmed he had been approached by PCSO Kerr and apologised he had not approached individuals sooner
d) Baybridge Lane
Mrs Hardman expressed concern over the condition of Baybridge Lane
The Chairman confirmed this would be included in the Parish Council’s discussions with Hampshire Highways
e) Motocross
Mrs Nash stated that the amount of time Tanoys were being used on Sundays by Motocross was increasing. She believed they had agreed that Tanoys would be kept to a minimum on Sundays.
The Chairman asked the Clerk to look into this.
f) Digger Dumper
Cllr Tull confirmed his digger dumper had been stolen on the previous Monday. All to be aware.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
Chairman……………………Date………… |