SHERFIELD ENGLISH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Held on Wednesday 25 August 2009
at Sherfield English Village Hall
PRESENT
Cllrs. Pybus (in the chair), Newman, Leigh and Dovey.
ALSO PRESENT
Ward Cllr. G. Bailey and 5 members of the public.
APOLOGIES
Received from County Cllr. R. Perry.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2009, which had been circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
There were none.
VACANCIES ON PARISH COUNCIL AND CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Two vacancies had arisen as the result of the resignations of Cllrs. Dixon and Kulkarni.
Expressions of interest had been received from four parishioners. One of these does not reside within the parish and is therefore not eligible for co-option.
A ballot therefore took place and the following candidates were selected for co-option:
Mr. M. Arnisson-Newgass
Mrs. S. Cook
RESOLVED that this matter be dealt with at the meeting to take place on 30 September 2009.
OPEN FORUM
30 mph speed limit in Newtown Road
A parishioner had questioned HCC regarding this, but a new limit is not planned. Ward Councillor Bailey agreed to raise the matter with County Councillor Perry. Another parishioner said that the manner in which the County Council decides the extent of speed limits is inconsistent.
Damage to verges caused by the pipeline contractors' vehicles
A parishioner raised the issue of damage in Newtown Road, Noted also that there is verge damage and potholes in Doctors Hill.
Action: Chairman to contact Hampshire Highways
Diversion of footpath at Horseshoe Farm
The owner of Horseshoe Farm said that the making of a diversion order by HCC is in its last stages. However a local resident has started a petition against the order. The owner made a representation to the Parish Council (which had supported the planning application in the first instance) saying that the footpath was being moved by only 40 metres and was being fully re-instated to walking and rambling standard. His concern was that those signing the petition were perhaps not fully aware of these facts.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The Planning Committee made the following comments in respect of applications received:
09/01632/FULLS
Hill Farm Caravan Park, Branches Lane
Retrospective application for the erection of a single storey extension to existing shop/reception building for use as a cafe/tea room
The Chairman and Cllrs. Leigh and Dovey all declared interests in this application and absented themselves from the meeting during its consideration.
No objection
However, we are not happy that this is a retrospective application, and wish the Planning Service to ensure that any future applications are made before the development occurs and not afterwards.
The Planning Committee had met previously (to comply with submission deadlines) and had made the following comments in respect of the following applications:
09/01404/FULLS
Pipits Hollow, Church Lane
Construction of menage with surrounding post and rail fence
No objection
089/01385/FULLS
Glebeside, Salisbury Road
Demolition of existing dwelling and garage/store with construction of replacement dwelling together with conversion of existing redundant building to include home office, plant room, WC, boiler room and storage
No objection
PLANNING DECISIONS
Reported that the following decisions have been made by Test Valley Borough Council:
09/00610/FULLS
North Acre, Branches Lane (Extension)
Downderry, Newtown Road, Newtown (conversion of part of garage to office)
Permission
09/01025/FULLS
Hillview, Newtown Road, Newtown (extensions)
Permission
08/00727/OUT
Gambledown Farm, Gambledown Lane (dwelling for agricultural worker)
Appeal against refusal allowed
Nothing to report.
HIGHWAYS
AGREED that a list of issues be sent to Hampshire Highways together with photographs of the overgrown footpath/cycleway alongside the A27.
Action: Chairman
VILLAGE MAINTENANCE
Mr. Taylor (Secretary of the Village Hall Trust) had obtained and installed a new lockable notice board at the Village Hall.
Overflow car parking capacity at the Village Hall continues to be an issue. RESOLVED that the owner of the neighbouring farm be asked if he is willing to license a plot in favour of the Parish Council for this purpose.
Action: Clerk
USE OF GRANT ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR GROUNDWORKS AT THE HATCHET INN
The Parish Council had received a £500.00 grant by way of the allocation to County Councillors. The groundworks were not now required, with the result that the grant can now be used for another specific purpose.
AGREED in principle that the funds could be used for the provision of a gate, boundary improvements and signage, if the Parish Council is able to procure the use of land for an overflow car park.
CORRESPONDENCE
Test Valley Borough Council – Consultation on Hackney Carriage Licensing
Noted
CPRE – various
Circulate
HALC – Annual Report 2009
Noted
HALC – AGM on 10 October 2009
Noted
HCC - “Inroads” report (highways)
To Chairman
HCC – Minerals & Waste
Retain
Wiltshire Council – South Wiltshire Core Strategy
Noted
TVAPC – Annual Meeting on 10 September 2009
Noted
Allied Westminster Insurance – village hall insurance
Noted
Ashburton Ringers – acknowledgement and thanks for grant
Noted
REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS
SERP2000
Successful Fun Day held, raising approx. £3,200
Footpaths
Nothing to report
Village Hall
Nothing to report
Press Officer
Nothing to report
FINANCE
(a) Requests for funding
Vitalise
RESOLVED that no donation be made on this occasion
Victim Support
RESOLVED that no donation be made on this occasion
(b) Payments to be authorised
Proposed by Cllr. Newman, seconded by the Chairman and RESOLVED that the following items of expenditure be discharged:
Romsey Rugby Club (grant) £ 100.00
Mrs. S. Kulkarni (grant for children’s gardening club) £ 265.00
Ashburton Ringers (grant) £ 200.00
Hampshire Association of Local Councils (annual membership
subscription £ 200.00
Mr. R. Taylor (for installing notice board) £ 25.00
Spaceright Europe Ltd. (cost of notice board) £ 185.90
Aon Ltd. (Village Hall annual insurance premium) £1040.65
The Clerk had indicated his wish to resign. He was willing to remain in post pending the appointment of a new Clerk and to assist if required with interviews.
The Chairman has been in contact with two possible candidates. AGREED that an advertisement be placed on the notice boards and on the parish website, with a closing date of 15 September 2009.
Action: Clerk
DATE OF MEETINGS
AGREED that the remaining meetings for the year 2009/2010 be as follows:
30 September 2009
28 October 2009
9 December 2009
13 January 2010
24 February 2010
7 April 2010
5 May 2010 (APM & AGM)
ADDENDUM TO THE MINUTES: A candidate who has lived within 3 miles of the parish boundary for the 12 months preceding co-option is qualified to be a Parish Councillor. As this had not been taken into account at the meeting, the Parish Council annulled the ballot for 2 new members and will re-conduct the ballot at an exceptional public meeting to be held at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 2 September 2009.
Chairman Date 2009