Minutes 11th April 2011

Chairman: Cllr Mr A Manship
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mr M Cryer, Mr R Page, Mr M Pallant, Mrs P Sharpe & Mr G Tull

IN ATTENDANCE

County Councillor: Mr P Mason
District Councillors: Mr R Humby, Mr L Ruffell
PC: Clive Barham

Clerk: Mrs E Manship

46/11    APOLOGIES

PCSO: Sarah McCulloch

47/11 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS

a) Cllr Chapman declared, as a neighbour, a prejudicial interest with regard to agenda item 13 – correspondence received regarding an appeal made by Moris Farm

48/11 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 14th March 2011 had been circulated. The Chairman signed the minutes.

49/11 POLICE CONSTABLE REPORT

a) Occurrence Summary for Owslebury Parish  - Monday 14th March 2011 – Monday 11th April 2011

Notes:  This summary is intended only to give a simple snapshot of those incidents occurring within the parish which are most liable to affect local residents.  It is not a complete list of all occurrences recorded; identities are omitted.

• Environmental damage – Baybridge Lane  15–16/03/2011 – Approximately 47 vehicles tyres dumped at side of the road by unknown persons.  44110112380
• Theft – Owslebury Bottom  23–24/03/2011 - Quantity of scrap horseshoes stolen from yard.  44110124506
• Burglary non-dwelling – Longwood  28–29/03/2011 – Quad bike stolen from shed on farm.  44110129725
• Burglary non-dwelling – Whites Hill  10–11/04/2011 – The Ship pub broken into – cash & spirits stolen.  44110149937

Anyone with information that might assist police enquiries 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) Saplings

PC Barham reported that 14 saplings stolen from Baybridge had been recovered.

 

c) Temporary Event Notice

PC Barham reported that a temporary event notice has been requested for a mini-music festival in Longwood Dean Lane on 25th and 26th June 2011.  Numbers are limited to 499 and entrance is by ticket only.  This is a charity event with camping on site.  Bands on the evening of the 25th June will stop by 2am though some acoustic chill-out music may continue. The event is within farmland and it is not anticipated that it will cause disturbance.

 

d) Speeding in Owslebury

A parishioner asked PC Barham about steps being taken to reduce speeding traffic in the village.  PC Barham confirmed that a vehicle is tasked to check for speeding both in the village and at the crossroads.  He acknowledged that whilst 30mph is too high within the village from a pedestrian’s viewpoint, there are in fact few vehicles that exceed this.                                   

PC178 Clive Barham (Beat Officer). PCSO Sarah McCulloch & PS Dorian Chapman.
Meon Valley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Meon Valley Police Station, Hoe Road,
Bishops Waltham. S032 1DS.

Tel: 0845-045-45-45.  Ext. 643-234.  Fax: 023-8074-5307
Email: clive.barham@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079-0110-2498
Email: dorian.chapman@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079-0110-2292
Email: sarah.mcculloch@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Mobile: 079-0110-2509

 

PC24208 Jon Radcliffe, Countryside & Wildlife Crime Officer
Email: winchester.countryside@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 0845-045-45-45.  Ext.  643-126. 

50/11 TO HEAR PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

a) Planning Applications – Statement of Intent from Owner or Agent and Public Comments

i) Planning Application 11/00480/FUL – Lower Farm House, Whaddon Lane, Owslebury

The owner confirmed that the property currently does not have a garage / lock up store for cars / garden machinery.  He believed the design to be in keeping with the area.  They planned to use reclaimed clay tiles for the roof, which he hoped to source locally.  The owner confirmed awareness that at least 2 neighbours had objected to their proposals.

Mrs Marshall, a neighbour, confirmed their objection on the following grounds: -

• They felt the intended build to be detrimental to the enjoyment of their house, which they had purchased for its open outlook, feeling of light and space within the countryside. 
• They felt the new build would make them feel hemmed in, restricting light into the garden and she objected on the grounds of its mass and height. 
• Further to advice regarding the most appropriate location for solar panels, they had installed these on their first floor roof.  She believed the intended development would block the evening sun from the panels, restricting their efficiency and causing them a financial loss.
• The owner had informed them that they planned to install a driveway over agricultural land in front of their property and line it with trees.  She had written to WCC seeking information as to whether a change of use was required, as this was not mentioned in the plans, but they could not confirm without additional information.  They were aware that they could not object to the application on the basis of the planting of trees, but these trees would totally obliterate the view from their property and restrict light from their garden.
• Mrs Marshall confirmed they were not adverse to the upgrade and agreed that the design of the garage, apart from the height of the roof, is in keeping with the other barns in the area.  She also acknowledged the owners were seeking to increase their privacy and the enjoyment of their property.  However, she felt that as neighbours, they had a right to enjoy their properties as well and this would be taken away from them if this application were agreed through the reduction of light and loss of their open aspect.
• Mrs Marshall suggested that an upgrade / rebuild of the existing barn at the front of the property could be considered as an alternative way forward to give the owners the space they required and confirmed that a build in keeping on this site would not be objected to by neighbours.
  
  
• Mr Tucker stated that he did not believe the land in front of their property, where they planned to install a drive, to be agricultural.  He understood this to be an extension of their garden.

ii) Planning Application – 11/00514/FUL – Baybridge Park, Baybridge Lane, Owslebury

The owner reported that this was in fact a retrospective application and explained this was further to a misunderstanding between themselves and their architect regarding when planning permission had been requested.  She felt the gates were in keeping and hoped the council agreed.

 

iii) Pre-Planning Application Presentation – 1 Hilly Close, Owslebury

Mr and Mrs Newell explained that they had been approached 10 years ago by a developer making the suggestion that they build on the plot to the right of their home.  They felt that they would like to take this forward and build a dwelling, which they will then live in.

 

They presented outline plans, which they talked to: -

• They have taken into consideration the design of nearby properties
• They have stepped the building back being mindful of the sunlight their neighbours currently enjoy
• They will sink a gas tank into the ground
• They will require a ‘digester’ as they have no access to mains drainage
• They have spoken to 5 neighbours and all have agreed to the build as designed in principle.

The Council thanked Mr and Mrs Newell for their presentation.  No comment was made.   

iv) Planning Application 10/03051/FUL – Brown Lodge, Baybridge Lane, Owslebury

Mr Emmans confirmed this application had been refused and thanked the Parish Council for their support.

51/11    MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) Village Litter Pick

The Chairman thanked Cllr Cryer for arranging the village litter pick; Cllr Tull for use of this trailer Cllrs Chapman and Pallant for their attendance and support.  20 people attended in total.  The Chairman requested the Clerk pass on the Council’s thanks through the Owslebury Newsletter. 

b) Fly-tipping

Cllr Tull reported that tyres have been dumped in Mare Lane

c) WDAPC – South Downs National Park Planning Meeting – Wednesday 23rd March 2011

Cllr Manship reported that the SDNP Planning Authority is funded by DEFRA with a budget of £11.3 million in the current year. It will be required to bid for its funding on an annual basis. It serves 179 parish councils.  It will focus on applications of between 9 & 29 units, meaning that it will only involve itself with approximately 150 of the possible 4,000 applications per month.  Four Link Officers have been appointed to liaise with the District Councils.

 

d) Blueprint Follow up Meetings – 21st and 23rd March 2011

i) Southern Parishes – Cllrs Cryer and Pallant

• Cllr Pallant reported that only 13 Cllrs, representing 5 parishes out of a total of 27 parishes attended. 
• WCC received 160 responses to the Blueprint consultation. 
• Owslebury has been placed in Settlement Hierarchy Level 4. Key messages from across the Parishes included: -
  
  

Planning

• Promote 2 & 3 bedroom properties for young families and those wishing to downsize.  Discourage large houses
• Retain the rural character of villages
• Double up resources to keep small communities going
  
  

Economy

• Support small start-up businesses.  Promote home working.  Require reliable broadband
• Maintain shops
• Maintain existing services.

ii) Northern Parishes – Cllr Manship

• Cllr Manship reported that this meeting was much better attended with Cllr representation from 17 Parishes out of 20.
• There was much debate around the fact that Parishes were given 3 weeks to consult with Parishioners, yet WCC are taking until July / August to summarise the responses.
• Parishes present felt that the initial 3-week Blueprint consultation should be seen as the beginning of the consultation process.  However, WCC Officers present gave the impression that consultation had taken place and from this the final document will be written. Those present were extremely concerned about this.
• The meeting felt Steve Opacic was pushing sheltered and community housing although this had little support from the Parishes present.
• 3 Parishes, including Owslebury, were left off the initial report, although consultation reports were forwarded to WCC.  WCC confirmed they had lost data and had had to ask Parishes to resubmit it.

52/11 COUNTY AND CITY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a) Road Resurfacing

Cllr Mason reported that resurfacing has been agreed to take place in May for the following roads: -

• Hatchers Lane; Hurst Lane; Jackmans Hill; Longwood Dean Lane; Owslebury Bottom and Whites Hill. Also Hensting Lane in the parish of Colden Common.

b) Sure Start Centres

Cllr Mason reported that an HCC meeting has been called for 26th April 2011 to discuss Sure Start Centres.

 

c) South Downs National Park

Cllr Ruffell reported that as from 1st April 2011 the South Downs National Park took over responsibility for planning matters.  However, WCC had agreed to manage planning functions on behalf of the SDNP.

 

d) Local Economy Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Humby reported that he had been invited to sit on the above committee.  He reported that at a meeting today it was acknowledged that Planning Officers have a lack of understanding of rural planning issues and WCC will be looking to appoint a Planning Officer with this expertise.   They are also looking to improve communication between the applicant and WCC.

 

e) Fly Tipping

Cllr Humby reported that to date reports have only been collated where fly tipping has been on the highway, not on private land.  He confirmed that he is seeking to co-ordinate details wherever fly tipping takes place to see whether a change of policy will help the situation. 

53/11 HIGHWAYS

a) Resurfacing Roads

Cllr Chapman raised the importance of care being taken  when roads are resurfaced, to ensure they are not widened by the ditches being filled.

b) Highways Furniture – Repairs Required

The Clerk briefed the Council on bollards, signs and potholes that she had identified for repair.  Cllrs contributed to the list to be forwarded to Highways.

c) Speeding in Longwood Road and Hurst Lane

Cllr Chapman raised his concern regarding the e-mail received from Mandy Ware – minutes 23/11

54/11 RIGHTS OF WAY

None

55/11 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

a) Keynote Speaker

The Clerk confirmed she had invited Nat Belderson, Planning Link Officer Officer (Hampshire) for the SDNP.

 

b) Parish Councillor Reports regarding areas of Lead Responsibility

The council agreed that instead of reading individual reports on the night, these would be made available in the form of a written report for parishioners on the night, who could then ask questions.  This should save time and enable the meeting to be more focused.

c) Additional Lead Areas of Responsibility

It was agreed that, owing to work over the past year, Cllr Pallant had taken a lead with BAA and Cllr Cryer with Litter and Fly-tipping. 

d) Lead Areas of Responsibility

Cllr Cryer suggested that lead areas of responsibility should be advertised in the Owslebury Newsletter from time to time to enable parishioners’ direct contact.  All agreed.

56/11 DISABILITY AWARENESS UK

The Clerk reported that Disability Awareness UK had requested funding to support the travel expenses of their Disabled Speakers and ‘Outreach Officers’ who seek to raise Disability Awareness in schools across the region.  Schools visited in the past include Twyford St Mary C of E, Western Favel CEVA and Owslebury Primary School. 

 

To date they have not visited secondary schools in our area but this coming year they hope to visit the Westgate school to talk to years 7 & 8 to speak with those who missed out on workshops when in years 5 and 6.

 

The Council agreed to donate £40.

57/11 PLANNING

a) To discuss planning applications

OPC: Objection – Reasons material to planning include: - Height – out of keeping with the area. 
Height and mass of Built Form restricting light from neighbouring properties.
Concern over reports that the build is over drains to which access is required and that the required drive is to be built over agricultural land without an application for a change of use.
Concern regarding the disquiet this application has caused with the neighbours – against the ethos of Localism.
Request that if not rejected by the Planning Officer that it should be taken to the Planning Committee.

OPC: No Comment

OPC: No Comment

b) To hear planning decisions

None

 

c) New Enforcement Issues

None  

58/11 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMAITON ONLY

a)   Planning Application 10/02733/FUL – Moris Farm
The Clerk notified the Council that the applicant had taken the decision of WCC to refuse permission to appeal – Appeal reference: APP/L1765/A/11/2149968. 
All representations must be received by 16th May 2011.

b) CPRE AGM – Thursday 12th May – 11am – Itchen Abbas

No one available to attend at the present time.  Cllrs to check diaries and notify the Clerk if commitments changed allowing attendance.

 

c) Rural Policing Event – Sparsholt College, Winchester.  Friday 6th May 2011 – 12.30 – 8pm drop in.  Cllr Tull to attend.

 

d) Play Area

The Clerk reported that she had received a photograph with about 30 children enjoying the new play area equipment, with thanks from a parent.

 

e) Insurance

The Clerk reported that the revised premium for the Council’s Insurance had increased by £600 to nearly £2000.  This results from the purchase over the past year of community assets totalling nearly £44,000 from £53,00 to £97,000. 

 

Whilst the increase is therefore understandable, it is a considerable increase and a not insignificant percentage of the £17,000 precept.  Therefore, whilst aftercare has been of a high standard when it has been necessary to claim, it was agreed that quotes should be sought.

59/11 AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING

a) None, other than listed above

60/11 FINANCE

Payments were approved in accordance to the budget: -

61/11 DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The next Parish Council Planning Meeting will be held on Saturday 7th May 2011 at 2011.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Monday 9th May 2011 at 7.30pm to be followed by the May Parish Council meeting at 8.45pm. 

The meeting closed at 9.40pm