Minutes 13th June 2011

OWSLEBURY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
13th JUNE 2011 AT 09.30 PM IN OWSLEBURY PARISH HALL

 

PRESENT

Chairman: Cllr Mr A Manship
Councillors: Mr J Chapman, Mr R Page, Mr M Pallant, Mrs P Sharpe & Mr G Tull (as from agenda item 92/11a.i)

 

County Councillor: Mr P Mason
District Councillor: Mr L Ruffell
PC: Clive Barham

Councillors: Mr M Cryer & Mrs P Sharpe
District Councillor: Mr R Humby
PCSO: Sarah McCulloch

 

a) Kerbing in Hurst Lane

Cllr Chapman confirmed he wished to raise the matter of kerbing in Hurst Lane within the Highways section of the agenda.  He declared a personal interest as the stretch of highway concerned is close to his house.

 

90/11 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 9th May had been circulated.
The Chairman signed the minutes.

 

91/11 POLICE CONSTABLE REPORT

a) Occurrence Summary for Owslebury Parish  - Tuesday 10th May 2011 to Monday 13th June 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.

 

• Anti-Social Behaviour – Nuisance – Hilly Close – 01:45 Saturday 21/05/2011

Report of group of 3 or 4 youths walking along main road shouting as they went. 44110210261

 

• Theft from vehicle – Hurst Lane – 06:40 Sunday 22/05/2011

Unknown offenders entered farmyard area & began siphoning lorry parked on land – disturbed by approach of owner and & made off. 44110212008

 

• Theft – Pitcot Lane – 09–23/05/2011

Heavy-duty tractor tow-chain taken from beneath portacabin in isolated farmyard. 44110214988

 

• Criminal damage – Whaddon Lane – Mon–Tues 23–24/05/2011

Pair of wooden 5-bar gates securing driveway to farmyard damaged overnight – probably by being rammed by vehicle. 44110214694

 

• Road traffic collision – Damage only – Main Road 21:30–22:04 Tuesday 24/05/2011

Minor damage-only collision outside Wells Cottage. 44110215812

 

• Theft – Hurst Lane – Thurs – Fri 26–27/05/2011

Overnight, electric cables & steel struts stolen from field. 44110219432

 

• Theft from vehicle – Marwell Zoo car park 15:00–16:30 Wednesday 25/05/2011

Laptop computer stolen from unattended coach. 44110220127

 

• Drug offences – Lower Baybridge Lane 21:45 Monday 30/05/2011

Cannabis smell detected in vehicle checked by police – small amount found when vehicle searched. Driver cautioned for possession. 44110224585

 

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.

 

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: 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.                                

 

b) Community Speedwatch

PC Barham reported that Sgt Innis is looking at suggestions forwarded by the Clerk regarding a co-ordinated approach to the purchase of equipment and organisation of Community Speedwatch by Hampshire Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

 

The Clerk thanked PC Barham for this and asked him to forward her thanks to PCSO McCulloch for her input.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
PC Barham to keep Owslebury informed. PC Barham to forward the Clerk’s thanks to PCSO McCulloch	ASAP ASAP	PC Barham PC Barham

 

c) Recovered property

PC Barham reported that most of the saplings and hedging plants had been recovered, together with the clock tower stolen from Baybridge House.  The individual had been charged.

 

d) Support to the Parish regarding the dumping of tyres, speeding and potential drunk drivers

PC Barham reported that he had discussed recent incidents with Cllr Cryer in regard to the above in Lower Baybridge Lane and will continue to liaise as appropriate.

 

The Chairman publicly thanked PC Barham for his work in support of the Parish.

 

92/11 TO HEAR PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

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

(Cllr Tull arrived)

 

i) Planning Application 11/00892/SFUL – I Hilly Close, Owslebury.  SO21 1LW

Mr & Mrs Newell talked through their application and confirmed the following: -

 

• The site is identified within the Local Development Framework as one of two sites within Owslebury outlined for new development. 
• Their wish is to move into the house once built. 
• The property has been stepped back to ensure light is not blocked from their neighbour in Bressay, Main Road.
• The planning department has confirmed the entrance must be in Hilly Close, not Main Road.
• The house is brick faced with dormer windows in the bedrooms to blend in with Meadow View and Blackberry Cottage (near by in Main Road) and tiles to match their current house.
• They plan to keep the natural hedge, recently planted, for the birds rather than install a fence
• A window in their existing house will be blocked and obscured glass installed in the new property on the west side to protect the privacy for both houses
• A section of kerbing (approx 1 car length) will be dropped to provide off road car parking
• They recognise the issues regarding car parking in Hilly Close.  However, the area in front of the potential dropped kerb is officially a ‘no parking’ area.  They have, as part of the conditions for the build, given about £4k to Hampshire Highways and would be pleased if this sum could be used to improve the car parking situation in Hilly Close for the benefit of all the residents.    

 

ii) Potential Planning Application – Old Tin Barn, Longwood Road

Mr Stenbridge gave a short presentation about his company and reasons that had led him to consider purchasing The Old Tin Barn. He sought the Council’s views prior to confirmation of purchase that would lead to a planning application for a change of use to Office and storage.

• Team of design engineers for the naval architectural and aeronautical industries, typically varying from 4 – 7 people
• Requires a single design office, a large library, a large archive store and a store for models associated with the business.
• Work comprises Computer-aided Design and Drafting.  No testing is done on site.
• There could potentially be 6 or 7 cars parked on the site but he would be happy to relinquish the HGV licence that is currently granted to the site
• Normal Officer Hours are worked – Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. 
• Hope to employ a bookkeeper and cleaner from the village

 

OPC: In principle the above sounds fine, retaining a business use without the noise to disturb the neighbours. The Council confirmed that it is important that the barn retains its barn characteristics in its visual impact to ensure it blends in with the countryside at the entrance to the village.  It must not look like an office block.  There must also be a commitment / condition that all storage is within the building.

 

b) Any General Matters – Regarding items on the agenda

None

 

93/11    MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) Rural Policing Event Friday 6th May 2011 – Feedback

Cllr Tull confirmed that he did not attend.  However, he had recently met with Chief Inspector James Fulton, Winchester District, to discuss rural crime.  Cllr Tull informed the meeting that CI Fulton had informed him that whilst it was possible for a PC to attend a crime after the event e.g. when a tyre had been punctured by a pointed object, there isn’t the finance available to install a CCTV camera. 

 

Cllr Tull was shocked at the view that a PC attending a crime doesn’t cost money (salary already covered within the budget) yet the installation of equipment seeking to prevent a crime, couldn’t be met owing to its additional cost.  He felt this indicated a waste of public funds.

 

b) OPC Insurance

The Clerk reported that she had sought quotations from companies suggested by Cllrs Cryer and Chapman.  The private company recommended by Cllr Cryer does not offer Parish Council insurance.  Norris and Fisher, suggested by Cllr Chapman, started to offer Parish Council insurance 1 month previously. 

 

However, attempts to use the website and seek a quotation revealed administrative faults with their website / e-mail facilities.  Norris and Fisher have assured the Clerk they will seek to address these faults.  The Clerk confirmed that further to discussion with Cllr Chapman, taking into consideration the views and instructions of the Council at the May meeting, she had insured the Council through Zurich Insurance.

 

c) Play Area – Wheelie Bin

The Chairman reported that a Wheelie Bin has been installed in the play area, an excellent job.

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To thank Mr Hein for his support in transporting the rubbish from the play area to his own bin for so many years	ASAP	Chairman

 

94/11 COUNTY AND CITY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

c) Chairman of Hampshire County Council

Cllr Mason reported that Councillor Anna McNair Scott was elected as Chairman of Hampshire County Council at the Annual County Council Meeting held on 19 May 2011.

 

The current Vice-Chairman is Councillor Frederick Allgood.  To date one meeting has taken place to agree the new management team and work allocations.

 

d) Closure of Police Stations

Cllr Mason confirmed that no decision will be taken regarding the closure of police stations until the 23rd June 2011 and no closures will take place until other facilities have been located.

 

e) Police Presence in Village

Cllr Ruffell recognised PC Barham’s contribution to the Parish.  He attends virtually every parish council, he is proactive and is aware of what is going on in the village.

 

f) Winchester City Council

Cllr Ruffell reported the change of control in the City Council.  A conservative leader has been elected at Winchester City Council after a crucial vote on 18th May 2011.  George Beckett became the leader of the council after Councillors from minority parties voted in his favour. 

 

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both have 27 Councillors, giving the casting vote to two Independents and one Labour member.  

 

Councillor Beckett replaces Liberal Democrat leader Kelsie Learney, who has led the authority for the last year.

 

Cllr Ruffell reported that he has been appointed as Deputy Chair for the Planning Committee and Cllr Humby as Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement

 

g) 30mph Requests

Cllr Ruffell reported that he had asked Stuart Jarvis whether a 30mph restriction could be installed in both Hurst Lane and Jackmans Hill.  In line with previous Council discussions he confirmed he will also follow up the request for a 30mph restriction in Longwood Road.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To take a lead in moving forward discussions, with the purpose of 30mph restrictions in Hurst Lane, Longwood Road and Jackmans Hill being agreed	Ongoing	Cllr Ruffell

Cllr Ruffell reported that he had been keeping an eye on the bottle bank in Beech Grove and could confirm that it had been recently emptied.

 

95/11 HIGHWAYS

a) Dates for Carriageway Resurfacing

As part of Operation Resilience, Hampshire County Council will be undertaking carriageway resurfacing works on several roads in Owslebury, which are programmed as follows: -

 

• Hatchers Lane – from the junction with Jackmans Hill to the junction with Whites Hill, programmed to start 13th June 2011 and expected to last for 1 day.

 

• Jackmans Hill – from the junction with Morestead Road through Owslebury Bottom to the junction with Main Road / Longwood Road, programmed to start 14th June 2011 and expected to last for 3 days.

• Whites Hill – from the junction with Hensting Lane/ Hatchers Lane to the junction with High Street (Main Road) in Owslebury village, starting on 17th June 2011 and expected to last for 1 day.

 

b) Progress Report from Hampshire Highways regarding maintenance issues

Tom Waldron, Assistant Highway Engineer, has confirmed the following actions have / will be taken: -

White Lines

• Junction of Mares Lane and Whites Hill with Hensting Lane – to be redrawn when after Whites Hill resurfaced.
• Junction of Warley Lane with Jackmans Hill – to be redrawn when Jackmans Hill resurfaced.
  
  

• Two Passing Bay signs in Whaddon Lane – passed to Richard Peach

 

• Grit Bin in Baybridge Lane near noticeboard – on programme for replacement

 

• Main Road outside The Swallows – will arrange to be patched (completed)
• Whaddon Lane outside Owslebury Garage – will arrange to be patched (some have been completed)
• Thompsons Lane at the junction with Portsmouth Road – will get this looked at
• Baybridge Lane and Lower Baybridge Lane – will arrange for patching – did try to get both resurfaced

 

• Hensting Lane – due to get some drainage works in the near future, along with carriageway resurfacing, which will hopefully resolve some of these issues.  Will take a look at putting more grips in and clearing others over the summer.
• Grip / Ditch near Marwell – hope to look at this along with patching in Whaddon Lane, so can utilize one closure and minimise disruption
• Bottom Whites Hill – exacerbated by a ditch being filled in.  Have asked the team to look at this when resurfacing.
• Pit in Mr Dunford’s land opposite northern end of Baybridge Lane – have dug this out
• Gullies outside Shephard’s Cottage and Underacre – have cleaned out with a jetter, connections now clear.
  
  

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To arrange a visit between Peter Eade and the Highways Committee on either Friday 24th or 30th June 2011 between 12 noon and 2pm.	ASAP	Clerk

 

d) Kerbing in Hurst Lane

Cllr Chapman reported that he understood 6” kerbing is planned for Hurst Lane around the corner from Whaddon Lane.  He is concerned that that this is not deep enough and that tractors will drive over it.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To contact Hampshire Highways on behalf of the Council to discuss	ASAP	JC

 

96/11 RIGHTS OF WAY

a)   Nettles and Grass Cutting
The Clerk forwarded a message from Cllr Sharpe regarding overgrown nettles and grass on a number of rights of way.  Cllr Tull confirmed he would cut back the rights of way and asked that Cllr Sharpe put a note through his door with the details of those requiring attention.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To ask Cllr Sharpe to put a note through Cllr Tull’s door giving details of the overgrown rights of way Cllr Tull to cut back the rights of way	ASAP	JC

 

97/11 RATIFICATION OF OPC ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2011 FURTHER TO INTERNAL AUDIT

The Clerk presented the accounts to the Council, which had previously been circulated.

 

The Annual Return 2010/11 (Section One – Accounting Statements and Section Two – Annual Governance Statements for Owslebury Parish Council) together with the Reconciliation of Balance as at 31st March 2011 were adopted by the Council and signed by the Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To forward Annual Return to HMRC for the annual audit. To update Clerk’s and RFO’s Contract To update Standing Orders and Financial Regulations To update Risk Assessment To attach budget working papers which lead to the agreement of the precept, to the minutes, as from November 2011	30/06/11 ASAP ASAP ASAP Nov 2011	Clerk Clerk/Council Clerk/Council Clerk/Council Clerk

 

98/11 VICTIM SUPPORT

The Clerk contributed the views of Cllr Sharpe, that you never know when a member of the Parish will require the support offered by Victim Support and the Council should support Victim Support with a donation.  All agreed.  A donation of £100 as outlined in the budget.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To process a cheque to Victim Support for £100	11/07/11	Clerk

99/11  MARWELL WILDLIFE

Marwell Wildlife have invited the Council to meet with themselves and neighbours to discuss current / planned activities and planning considerations.  The Council agreed a Monday evening would be easiest.  Proposed dates included 20th June, 18th July or a Monday after this date. 

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To agree a date to meet with Marwell Wildlife	ASAP	Clerk

 

100/11 LOCALISM BILL

Presentation and Questions by George Hollingbury MP – 15th July 2011 – for Members of Durley, Upham, Curdridge and Owslebury Parish Councils.

 

Members of Owslebury Parish Council able to attend: -
Cllrs Mr A Manship, Mr M Pallant, Mr R Page, Mr G Tull,

Members unable to attend: - Cllrs Mr J Chapman, Mrs P Sharpe,
To confirm: - Cllr M Cryer

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To confirm numbers with Rob Humby and confirm booking of Parish Hall if required.	ASAP	Clerk

 

101/11 COUNTRYWATCH NEWSLETTER

Further to discussion led by Cllr Chapman it was agreed the Countrywatch Newsletter should be uploaded onto the website on the Police page.  With regard to details of individual crimes, PC Chapman’s monthly reports are uploaded as part of the monthly minutes.  It was agreed that the Neighbourhood Watch lists will not be uploaded, as this would be duplication.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
PC Barham to arrange for the Clerk to be added to the distribution list	ASAP	PC Barham

 

102/11 MOTOR RALLY – HURST LANE – 22ND JULY 2011

Cllr Chapman raised his concerns that a motor rally was planned involving classic vehicles driving up Hurst Lane at a time when rush hour traffic will be driving down.  Not a good mix. 

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
PC Barham to follow up and action as appropriate	ASAP	PC Barham

 

103/11 LEISTON TOWN COUNCL PROPOSAL UNDER THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ACT

Leiston Town Council has requested support to a proposal drafted under the Sustainable Communities Act.  In summary the proposal is to require applicants of major developments to: -

• attend a meeting of the local Town or Parish Council to answer questions on the application for development; and
• fund the council to commission an independent report on the application and critique of any reports that the applicant has submitted in support of the application for development.

The rationale being that local elected representatives and local people should be making their decision on whether an application should go ahead based on the best evidence, and this would help ensure that evidence was available.

 

The Council supported this proposal

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To confirm the support of Owslebury Parish Council for this proposal	ASAP	Clerk

 

104/11 PLANNING

a) To discuss planning applications

11/00892/SFUL:	1 Hilly Close, Owslebury.  SO21 1LW
Proposal:	1 no. three bedroom detached house with associated access, parking and bin and cycle provision
Closing Date WCC:	14th June 2011
Closing Date OPC:	13th June @ OPC meeting

 

OPC: No Comment

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To write to the planning officer and Hampshire Highways requesting that the views of the residents within Hilly Close are sought, as to whether they would wish for the small areas of green to be turned into additional car parking spaces	11/07/11	Clerk

 

b) To discuss planning appeals

 

Appeal Ref:	11/00027/REF
Planning Inspectorate Ref:	APP/L1765/A/11/2151705
Location:	Woodland View Stables, Portsmouth Road, Fishers Pond, Eastleigh.  SO50 7HF
Proposal:	Change of use of the land at Woodland View Stables to site a mobile home for use as a temporary essential workers dwelling in support of a revised rural enterprise (RETROSPECTIVE) (RESUBMISSION)
Closing Date WCC:	14th June 2011
Closing Date OPC:	13th June @OPC meeting

 

Appeal Ref:	11/00028/REF
Planning Inspectorate Ref:	APP/L1765/A/11/2151705
Location:	Woodland View Stables, Portsmouth Road, Fishers Pond, Eastleigh.  SO50 7HF
Proposal:	Change fo the permitted equestrian use to include Small scale Boxer dog breeding enterprise, retention of kennels and runs and use of part of the existing permitted equestrian building in support of the enterprise (RETROSPECTIVE) (RESUBMISSION)
Closing Date WCC:	14th June 2011
Closing Date OPC	13th June @OPC meeting

 

OPC: The original objection remains.

 

c) To hear planning decisions

 

11/00586/SCOPE:	Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Owslebury.  SO21 1JH
Proposal:	Scoping opinion for potential solar installation on the roofs of new carport type structures
WCC Decision:	Scoping Opinion Decision

11/00514/FUL:	Baybridge Park, Baybridge Lane, Owslebury.  SO21 1JN
Proposal:	Installation of antique gate piers and gates (RETROSPECTIVE)
WCC Decision:	Application permitted

11/00320/FUL:	1 Gorse Down, Owslebury.  SO21 1LN
Proposal:	Loft conversion with rear facing dormer
WCC Decision:	Application refused

 

d) New Enforcement Issues

It has been reported that a mobile caravan is situated at Alpaca Farm, Hensting Lane.  WCC Enforcement is investigating.

 

105/11 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: FOR INFORMAITON ONLY

a)   Disability Awareness UK
The Clerk reported that a letter of thanks had been received from the Council’s recent donation with confirmation that they would approach Owslebury Primary School offering a visit

 

b)   Proposed Equine Workers Dwelling at Brookfield Hackney Stud, Little Ranch
The Clerk reported that the Council had not been consulted on this proposal.  Rather the Council had been informed that an application would be submitted.  The Council was concerned with regard to the proposals.  Further to general discussion Cllr Pallant agreed to summarise a response on behalf of the Council.    

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To draft a summary for the Clerk to forward to WCC	ASAP	MP

 

c)   Home Start AGM – Friday 8th July 2011 @ 12 noon at Wickham Community Centre

No Cllr available to attend

 

 

e) Mobile Library Dates

HCC have confirmed that the Mobile Library will visit Beech Grove, Owslebury on Fridays between 09.45 and 10.15am on the following dates: 29th July 11, 26th August 11, 23rd September 11, 21st October 11, 18th November 11 and 23rd December 11.

 

Action:	By When:	By Whom:
To advertise dates on the Parish Noticeboards and in the Owslebury Newsletter	ASAP	Clerk

 

106/11 AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING

a) None, other than listed above

 

107/11 FINANCE

Payments were approved in accordance to the budget: -

 

 

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held Monday 11th July 2011 at 7.45pm in Owslebury Parish Hall.

 

The meeting closed at 10.30pm