Minutes 14th September 2009

PRESENT

Chairman: Cllr Mr A Manship
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mrs T Meads & Mr G Tull

IN ATTENDANCE

Clerk: Mrs E Manship
County Councillor: Mr P Mason
District Councillor: Mr L Ruffell
PC Clive Barham & PCSO Helen Carthew

131/09 APOLOGIES

Councillors: Mrs J Chase, Mrs P Sharpe
District Councillor: Mr R Humby

132/09 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS

None

133/09 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th August 2009 had been circulated. The Chairman signed the minutes.

134/09 POLICE CONSTABLE REPORT

a) Occurance Summary

PC Barham reported the Occurrence Summary for Owslebury Parish, 10th August to 14th September 2009.

 

This summary gives a simple snapshot of those incidents occurring within the parish, which are most liable to affect local residents. It is not intended to be a complete list of all occurrences recorded; identities are omitted. For detailed statistics by cost code, go to the Hampshire Constabulary website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk scroll down to the bottom left of the page, and in the CADDIE space enter the post code of the area of interest.

• Rowdy & inconsiderate
  Bus shelter opposite Ship Inn - 23:53 31st August 2009 - Report of large group of youths congregated in bus stop, being loud and rowdy. Police attended; spoke with group who then moved on. (44090381354)
  
  
• Road traffic collision
  16:27 10th September 2009 - Belmore Lane - Peugeot car travelling along country lane; driver swerved to avoid rabbit and collided with tree – non-injury. (44090395860)

• Road traffic incident
  21:27 10th September 2009 - Car seen parked near junction, later it rolled off road into ditch. Driver detained by police on suspicion of excess alcohol. (44090396124)
  
  Anyone with information that might assist police enquiries into these or other crime incidents is requested to make contact by phoning 0845 045 45 45. Alternatively, information can be given to Crime Stoppers (anonymous & free) on 0800 555 111.

b) PCSO Helen Carthew

PC Barham introduced PCSO Helen Carthew to the meeting who outlined the work in the community in which she would like to become involved. Helen confirmed that she would be interested to hear about:

Local issues that concern people


• concerns between individuals who would welcome her involvement
• community events where her presence would be welcomed
• opportunities to work with young people for educational purposes 42/09

c) Priorities of the Council

PC Barham asked the Parish Council to consider 3 priorities for the community that we would like the Police Service to tackle.

d) New Sergeant

PC Barham reported that Sgt Chapman has joined them as the new Sergeant for the area.

135/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) Website Photographic Competition

Cllr Chapman reported that photos are beginning to be entered, though he may well extend the deadline in order to enable all who would like to enter time in which to do so.

 

b) Home Start Meon Valley – AGM

As Cllr Sharpe is unable to attend tonight’s meeting, the Chairman asked that this item be forwarded to the next meeting.

136/09 PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

a) Planning Application 09/01660/FUL – The Forge, Owslebury.

Mr Cox, Planning Agent, presented the case for this application on behalf of the owner of the Forge. Mr Cox explained that he had requested a change of use from farriery to stables and a widening of the permission of condition no. 2 on the bungalow in relation to this. They would continue to be tied together. He was not requesting a relief from condition no. 2 of W03293/07.

 

b) Planning Application 09/01487/FUL and 09/01488/LIS – Yew Tree Cottages, Main Road, Owslebury

The applicant explained that the conservatory was in a bad state of repair. Whilst undertaking refurbishment he wished to slightly increase the footprint. He confirmed both neighbours were in support of the application.

 

c) Recreation Ground

Mrs Harfield spoke of the damage that had been caused to the recreation ground by cars doing wheelies on the land. To prevent further occurrences of this nature Mrs Harfield talked through a suggestion that:

 

logs are placed around the western edge of the main grassed area, similar to those already in place on the ground, and a keyed gate is installed at an angle across the end of the track, large enough for the gang mowers and for a large roller to manoeuvre onto the ground.

 

This proposal would enable cars to park on the concrete hard standing and parishioners to use the ground unheeded for leisure purposes, but would prevent unauthorised vehicles driving on the grass.

d) Blind Bend Sign in Lower Baybridge Lane

Mrs Hardman raised her concern that a blind bend sign was to be placed in Lower Baybridge Lane. She felt that this additional sign in the country would be detrimental to the character of this rural area.

 

Cllr Manship confirmed that the sign had been requested by the owner of the property on the bend, and supported by Chris Wilson of Hampshire Highways in order to protect the property from passing HGV’s. Mrs Hardman was advised to contact Mr Wilson direct if she wished to take the matter further.

 

e) Access Road to Hazeley Farm in Mare Lane

Mr MacLeod raised his concern regarding the access road authorised by WCC under an APN, stating that:

 

• the equine psychology business at Hazeley Road is not agricultural;
• the highways report advised against it owing to the single track road with a blind bend at the entrance;
  
• the land was designated under the Stewardship Scheme and finance had been received to maintain the area, now destroyed, from the Rural Payments Agency; 43/09
• the area was designated as a nature reserve.

 

f) Cyclists without Bells
Mrs Hancock raised her concern regarding cyclists without bells. PC Barham acknowledged her concern but confirmed bells are not obligatory. Indeed, when one purchases a bike a bell is usually an optional extra, which isn’t always purchased.

137/09 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a) Longwood Crossroads and Marwell Yard

Cllr Mason asked the Chairman if he could report his involvement and support at the appropriate junctures within the meeting. The Chairman agreed.

 

b) Leader Funding
Cllr Ruffell reported on behalf of Cllr Humby that the Leader Funding is going well with the first grants paid out.

 

c) Winchester High Street
Cllr Ruffell reported that improvements had started on Winchester High Street

 

d) Wickham Laboratories
Cllr Ruffell reported that a special planning meeting is to be held on 23rd September to discuss Wickham Laboratories, at King Alfred Hall at 2pm.

138/09 HIGHWAYS

a) Longwood Crossroads

Cllr Mason confirmed he had attended a meeting with the Chairman and Marc Samways from Hampshire Highways at the crossroads. He commended the work Cllr Manship was doing on behalf of the Parish to support improvements but concurred that the changes Hampshire Highways planned to make did not go as far as the Council and Parishioners wished.

 

Cllr Manship presented a paper that outlined the changes to the junction that Hampshire Highways will be making in the near future. And outlined the reasons, as confirmed by Hampshire Highways, that the other changes requested would not be taken forward. These are inserted into the minutes below.

 

b) Planned Changes by the HCC Safety Engineering Team – from Marc Samways

The Safety Engineering Team monitor road traffic accidents that result in personal injury across all County maintained roads. The team analyse Police supplied injury accident data to identify clusters or groupings of accidents with a view to designing site specific safety measures intended to prevent further accidents occurring.

 

The measures proposed for the Owslebury Crossroads have been devised based on detailed analysis of the 5-year injury accident record and are primarily intended to highlight the presence of the crossroads to traffic approaching from the side roads.

 

Full details of the proposed changes are outlined in the drawing recently submitted to the Parish Council. The measures include: -

 

Longwood Road NE approach:

 

• Build up the carriageway to move the existing give-way line out of the dip;
• Refresh lining with high visibility lining
• Install band of grey high visibility anti-skid in front of give-way line with Buff anti-skid on the lead in
• Grey anti-skid on the opposite side of the carriageway to give even skid resistance
• Give way triangle installed further back from the junction on an extended high visibility red anti-skid pad
• Additional advanced give-way sign before hedge row begins with 250yrds distance plate
• Red pad and SLOW on ‘uphill’ side next to existing nearside advanced give-way sign
• Move the centre line to taper towards the southeast approaching the give-way marking
• Looking northwest (Winchester), hedgerow to be removed to next telegraph pole. 44/09
  

 

Longwood Road SW approach:

 

• Additional advanced give-way sign near the gate away from overhanging hedgerow
• Give way triangle installed further back from the junction on an extended high visibility red anti-skid pad
• Grey anti-skid on the opposite side of the carriageway to give even skid resistance
• Remove hatched section on give-way line to allow it to visually to move towards Winchester

 

C9 Belmore Lane:

 

• Adjust radar for VAS to trigger earlier for vehicles heading towards Bishops Waltham – Works Complete

 

Answers from Marc Samways to Council & Parishioner Suggestions & Reasons Implementation Not Agreed

 

Concern: Approaching the crossroads from Longwood the C9 is not obvious until out of the dip.
	Suggestion	Answer
1.	More signs further back saying “Danger Crossroads Stop”	Only signs prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (TSRGD) can be erected on the highway. Unfortunately there is no prescribed sign that could be used for this purpose.   The immanent safety measures due to be introduced by the HCC Safety Engineering Team have been specifically designed to highlight the crossroads when approaching from the side roads. Full details of the proposals are shown on the Drawing recently supplied to the Parish Council.
2.	The ‘Give Way’ signs changed to ‘Stop’ signs	STOP signs may only be erected at sites approved in writing by the Secretary of State. STOP signs, other than at junctions with tramways, will only be approved where visibility is so restricted that it is essential for drivers to stop before entering the major road. The sign will be respected only if drivers can see the need for it.   Locations where there is the possibility of making a visibility improvement such as the reduction in height or removal of a hedge line should always be investigated before considering a STOP sign.   Visibility for traffic when looking right is currently reasonable and this will be improved further by the removal of a section of hedge-line as agreed with the landowner, Mr John Dunford.
3.	A flashing crossroads sign	A. Vehicle Activated Signs indicating crossroads cannot be used on side roads as this would cause confusion. Crossroad warning signs must not be used on an approach that does not have priority.
And on the C9:
4.	Signs at the top of the hill from Whiteflood and coming out of Morestead, warning of the accidents at the crossroads	Both static and Vehicle Activated Signs indicating the crossroads are currently in place. Again, for the reasons mentioned in the response to Question 1, there are no prescribed signs for this purpose.   I should also point out that drivers should take care at all junctions and crossroads rather than those that are marked as ‘accident black spots’. The temporary signs erected by the Police appealing for witnesses to the recent accident will serve to focus drivers’ attention.
5.	Reduce the speed limit to 40 or 50mph	Speed limit reductions for this particular area are the responsibility of the Transport Team East. The contact is Mandy Ware (Assistant Area Manager – Traffic Management) Mandy can be contacted via mandy.ware@hants.gov.uk   I should point out, however, that the speed of traffic on the C9 Belmore Lane does not appear to have been a factor in any of the injury accidents that have occurred in the last 5 years including the recent fatal accident.
6.	No overtaking double white lines	Double white lines are subject to strict criteria and are used to prevent overtaking where visibility is severely restricted. The minimum visibility distance criteria for a system of double white lines for this speed of road is 150m. Forward visibility on Belmore Lane through the crossroads is significantly higher than this figure.   Whilst it is recognised that vehicles do overtake through the junction it is important to emphasise that none of the injury accidents, that have occurred in the past 5 years, have involved vehicles overtaking.
7.	A ‘No Overtaking’ sign at the brow of the hill	No overtaking signs are subject to similar criteria to double white line systems with forward visibility being the main criteria. Where criteria is met such signs are only used where the carriageway width prevents the use of a double white line system.
8.	The Northbound SLR to work earlier as there is little time to decelerate once it is activated (Southbound SLR done)	The southbound Vehicle Activated Sign has recently been adjusted so that it triggers earlier by vehicles as they approach it.
9.	An average speed camera	Mobile enforcement is currently undertaken at the crossroads but, again, the injury accident record does not show a history of speed related injury accidents.   As far as I am aware average speed cameras are only generally used to enforce temporary speed restrictions on motorways.   If you wish to discuss this matter in more detail speed enforcement issues, including the use of mobile and fixed safety cameras, are dealt with by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership who can be contacted via: saferroads@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
10.	Traffic Lights at peak times at the crossroads	Traffic signals would urbanise the junction and would not be in keeping with such a rural location. Other issues such as power supply and forward visibility of the signal heads would also be a problem.   Whilst the injury accidents that have occurred at the crossroads, during the past 5 years, have all occurred during daylight they have been spread at times throughout the day.
11.	The hedge on the NE corner of the crossroads cut (Mr D.)	Vegetation has recently been cut back at the junction and we have asked our colleagues in Hampshire Highways to pay particular attention to the grass and hedge lines at the junction in future.   I have agreed the removal of the section of hedge line that restricts visibility with the Landowner Mr John Dunford.
12.	Any other suggestions to stop people accelerating both up and down the C9 passed the crossroads!	The mobile enforcement currently undertaken at the crossroads by The Safer Roads Partnership will help to control vehicle speeds.

 

Councillor / Parishioner feedback further to the above presentation

Whilst both the parish council and the public recognised that changes are being made in an effort to improve the situation, all were very concerned that not enough is being done to:

a) 'stop' the traffic as it approaches the C9 from both the village and Longwood

 

b) 'slow' the traffic down as it accelerate both up and down the C9

c) 'stop' traffic overtaking as it comes over the brow of the hill towards the crossroads.

The general feeling was that the measures that are being taken are insufficient and we will inevitably continue to have accidents at the junction.

 

Re: Speed and overtaking: the public reaction overwhelmingly illustrated their concerns regarding the speed and overtaking at the junction. Whilst this may not have had a direct impact in the traffic accident statistics, too many parishioners have witnessed or been involved in near miss's not to overestimate the severity of these issues. All are very concerned that at some stage one of these near misses will turn into an accident in the future.

 

Whilst the reasons why certain steps “cannot” be taken was understood, the general feeling was that we should pursue them. The Council would ask Hampshire Highways to approach the Secretary of State for Stop Signs etc.

 

It was suggested that if no further investigations into improvements to the junction are made, an action group will be formed and their findings made public.

 

The Council asked the Clerk to invite the appropriate Police Officer responsible for Road Traffic Safety who has been involved in the above, along with Marc Samways, to the next Parish Council meeting. In addition, given the level of concern expressed by the Council and Parishioners, it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Mark Oaten, seeking his direct involvement.

a) Virtual Footpaths
It was not know whether Cllr Sharpe had visited New Town to view the Virtual Footpaths. Cllr Meads reported that the telephone number for the Chairman of New Town Parish Council is not correct, so she hadn’t as yet been able to make contact.

 

She still has not received a reply from their Clerk, Mr Norman Chapman.

 

A visit with Cllr Manship is still to be arranged further to obtaining further information from the Chairman.

139/09 RIGHTS OF WAY

Red Lane – Barrier to allow authorised but prevent unauthorised use of the lane

 

The Clerk reported that she was going round and round with this. The latest information received is as follows: -

 

Alison Price, the new Rights of Way Officer for the area, has confirmed that there are a number of measures the landowner can take to reduce the misuse of a restricted byway, these include the restricted height barrier and a Kent gap.

She confirmed that HCC would only look at installing a structure at their expense where the following criteria were met: the surface of the route is becoming damaged, the route is completely obstructed or the public is at a significant risk if they use the route.

 

Alison confirmed that the landowner would be able to install a barrier of this type at their expense with prior permission from the Rights of Way office.

 

Rebecca Price, Assistant Gypsy Liaison Officer, has apologised for any confusion and confirmed that whilst the Gypsy and Traveller Service will, in some specific circumstances, contribute to the cost of installing barriers on Rights of Way.

Since the lane seems to be subject to fly tipping rather than continuous issues relating to unauthorised encampments, this does not constitute a G&T issue. She has advised us to contact Barry Jordan-Davis, Gypsy Liaison Officer, for confirmation, as he is responsible for the budget allocation in this matter.

 

Rebecca also advised against the installation of a rustic barrier as it will be subject to vandalism and has provided the name of a contractor whom HCC use, with proven success with suitable barriers.

 

It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the landowner seeking his support in this, but without financial expectation on his part. The Chairman asked Cllr Ruffell whether WCC would contribute to the cost of a barrier, to prevent the ongoing costs to WCC for SERCO to clear up after fly tippers.

140/09 Litter Collection - 10th OCTOBER – 10am – 12noon

Advertising – Cllr Meads confirmed that the Newsletter Team has information for inclusion. She will also display posters advertising the event on the Parish Notice Boards.

The Clerk confirmed the information had been uploaded onto the website. Cllr Meads asked all those present at the meeting to consider helping out at the litter collection to make it an enjoyable community event.

 

First Aid – The Clerk reported that Cllr Sharpe has confirmed that in the unlikely event of a first-aider being required, she has the necessary qualifications and experience and is happy to act in this way.

 

Indemnity Insurance – The Clerk confirmed the Parish Council hold the required indemnity insurance, for any person over the age of 16 and below the age of 65. This covers accidental damage to self or property etc.

People outside this age bracket can attend but would not be covered by the Council’s insurance. Children must be under the supervision of their parent or guardian. Fluorescent Vests and gloves must be used for our insurance to be valid.

Collection of Rubbish Bags – Cllr Meads confirmed SERCO will collect the rubbish bags from one central location. She asked Cllrs Tull and Page whether they would be able to collect filled rubbish bags from around the village on their trailer.

Cllr Tull replied that his time was precious and he was only prepared to collect bags if Cllr Meads could confirm in advance that a large group of people would attend. Otherwise he was not prepared to waste his time.

Cllr Page confirmed that he would support the event in this way.

Refreshments – Cllr Meads asked Cllrs Chapman & Page whether their wives would be prepared to arrange tea/ coffee/biscuits for 12 noon in the village hall.

Cllrs Chapman and Page to enquire and reply to Cllr Meads direct.

Details – Everyone to meet at the Village Hall just before 10am on Saturday 10th October.

141/09 MARWELL WILDLIFE MASTERPLAN – COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS

At the August meeting it was agreed that the Councillors would circulate the Masterplan and that the Clerk would ask Mr Cretney, CEO for Marwell Wildlife if a meeting could be arranged to discuss it further.

 

A meeting had since been confirmed for Monday 21st September and Councillors asked to consider questions, to discuss this evening, for forwarding to Mr Cretney in advance of the 21st.

 

Cllr Chapman confirmed his main question was in relation to the new waste management, recycling and composting facility at Hurst Farm, being south of Thompson’s Lane, and its impact on the local community.

 

Cllrs Meads and Tull reported that they had not received the document through circulation.

 

Cllr Page confirmed he had some time ago personally put the Masterplan through Cllr Tull’s door. The Chairman raised his concern about the meeting on Monday because four of the seven councillors potentially had not seen the document.

142/09 PARTIAL REVIEW OF THE SOUTH EAST PLAN: GYPSEY AND TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION NEEDS

With Cllr Chase absent from the meeting, the lead Cllr for the Parish Council in this regard, the Chairman asked the Clerk to discuss with Cllr Chase whether she would like this as an agenda for the next meeting.

143/09 PLANNING

a) Planning applications

The Clerk reported she had received correspondence from a neighbour to Christmas Cottage strongly objecting to the application on mass of built form and intrusion of privacy as the conservatory overlooked their garden.

 

The Chairman reported he had visited the site and understood the neighbour concerns. He confirmed that whilst designed in keeping to the garage and house, it is large. If it did not overlook the neighbour’s garden he would fully support the application. With the neighbours objection he looked to the views of the other Councillors for their thoughts.

OPC Decision: Object on mass of built form and view into neighbour’s garden

The Council is extremely concerned that the proposal listed by WCC is different to the proposal requested by the applicant. The Clerk confirmed that on speaking with Mr Nick Fisher, Planning Officer, she was informed he had no idea there had been a mistake as he had not read the application himself, but if there had then it would be corrected. Mr Fisher asked the Council to listen to the proposal as explained by the planning agent and respond accordingly.

 

OPC Decision: Owslebury Parish Council is in agreement to the widening of use from a Farriery to a Stables for equestrian use. The Council is not in agreement for the stables to be used as a Livery. If this is requested or enabled by the application, the Council objects.

 

The Council is not in agreement for the relief of condition no 2 of W03293/07, as written in the proposal by WCC and would object should this be suggested. However, the Council understands the applicant is not seeking condition no. 2 to be lifted, rather he is requesting that it is widened, to enable the occupant to work in the stables. Providing the business tied to the property is Equestrian and not a Livery, the Council is in agreement.

 

The Council requests that owing to the confusion between WCC and the applicant, if there is any doubt the Council returns an ''objection'' until the paperwork can be sorted out satisfactorily and the application
re-advertised.

OPC Decision: No objection

 

b) Planning Decisions

None

 

c) Enforcement Issues

i) Report from meeting with Enforcement on 21st August 09

 

Cllr Manship reported that he met with Neil Marsh, Enforcement Officer, Cllr Ruffell and the Clerk to update on the current and closed enforcement cases. The September list of open and closed Enforcement cases was distributed and discussed.

 

ii) Marwell Yard

 

Further to the planning application being withdrawn the Clerk wrote to the Enforcement Team requesting Enforcement action. Rosemary Box, Enforcement Officer, HCC, has confirmed that a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) has been served on both the landowner and operator at the site.

This is a legally binding request for information and has been served as a first step towards taking enforcement action. The PCN will establish the details of who, in legal terms, are the owner and occupiers of the site and provide information on what activities have been carried out by whom and where within the site. The parties on whom the PCN has been served have 21 days in which to reply.

Cllr Tull stated that this was too little too late, but Cllr Mason confirmed that in real terms he was surprised and pleased to see that HCC had responded so quickly. The Enforcement process should now take place, following the legal guidelines. The Clerk to continue to liaise with the Enforcement Teams.

 

iii) Bottom Pond Farm

 

Concern was raised about the mobile home and building works at Bottom Pond Farm. The Clerk confirmed she had asked Enforcement to investigate.

Cllr Tull confirmed that he had worked on the site just before Christmas 2008 to install footings, which had been inspected, to enable application 05/02506/FUL not to lapse. The building work was related to this application.

 

iv) Hurst Lane

 

Concern was raised about the amount of additional equipment e.g. portacabin, trailer etc. that was being placed in a field adjacent to Hurst Lane. Whilst some Councillors understood the circumstances and didn’t wish to create difficulties for the owner, it was agreed that Enforcement should be notified to ensure the preservation of the field long term.

v) Mare Lane

 

The issues surrounding the new access road to Hazeley Farm in Mare Lane were discussed.

144/09 AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

a) New Parish Council / Community Noticeboard for the Marwell area

Cllr Chapman reported that it had come to his attention when advertising the photography competition that there is no board in the Marwell area for local residents.

 

The Clerk confirmed she had often wondered whether an OPC / Community board in both the Marwell and Hensting areas would be welcomed but had not to date received comment or request from local residents.

b) VDS

145/09 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMATION ONLY

a) Victim Support

The Clerk reported that a letter of thanks had been received from Victim Support 50/09

 

b) Richard Moss Reception – Friday 25th September 09

No Councillor available to attend

c) External Audit of OPC Accounts 2008/09
The Clerk reported that the External Auditor had on 26th August 2009 signed Section 3 - External Auditor’s Certificate - Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2009. The External Auditor confirms that in the Audit Commission’s opinion, the information contained within the Council’s Annual Return - which includes the statement of accounts (section 1) and governance statement (section 2) - is in accordance with the Audit Commission’s requirements and that no matters have come to their attention that give cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met.

 

d) WDALC Meeting – Thursday 22nd October at 7pm – Wyckham Room, Winchester Guildhall

Cllr Manship to attend

 

e) Parish Policing Partnership Forum – Wed. 21st Oct. – Arlebury Park Centre, Alresford – 7pm for 7.30pm

Cllr Tull to attend

 

f) CPRE Seminar – “Enhance the countryside in your Parish” – Wedesday 11th November at Sutton Scotney Hall, Nr Winchester. 9.30am – 15.00.

Cllr Tull to attend.

146/09 FINANCE

Payments were approved in accordance to the budget.

147/09 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The next Parish Council Planning meeting will be held on Monday 12th October 2009 at 7.45pm

The meeting closed at 10.30pm