Parish Council minutes 18 January 2005

These minutes are published for information purposes only, and are not an official record of the meeting.

Present:

Minutes of a meeting of Barton Stacey Parish Council held on Tuesday 18th January 2005 at Barton Stacey Village Hall

Public Participation

1. Cathy Hopwood: Expressed concern regarding the safety factor at Lionel Hitchen and suggested that an Independent Health and Safety expert be asked if the factory complex in Barton Stacey was safe. Also noted that the plan accompanying the planning application was not up-to-date and therefore incorrect.

2. Tracey Tompkins: Re-iterated the concern of residents regarding the ongoing safety of Lionel Hitchin and noted her discussions with residents living on the perimeter of the factory questioned the safety and means of storage. Also questioned lack of information given to villagers regarding flammable liquids.

3. Amanda Prideaux: Strongly supported previous speakers. Reported that the Barton Stacey sign and bollard at the west bound exit to the A303 was again missing/damaged making the junction dangerous and difficult to see. She also informed the meeting of the 3rd Biennial Village Garden Walk which was taking place on Sunday 12th June, 2005.

1. APOLOGIES

None.

2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of 16th November 2004 were approved. Proposed Cllr Oliver, seconded Cllr Slaughter and agreed unanimously following amendment of Cllr Slaughter to Cllr Oliver in item 5 under Cllr Lovell’s comments.

3. ROLLING ACTION PLAN

Items were discussed as detailed.

4. FINANCE

(a) The monthly financial report was presented. Starting with a balance of £12,706.44 to which was added bank interest of £64.99, cheques had been written for Woodlands Tree Surgery (260), HCC, Street Lighting (663.86), S. Water (11.56), DG Biles – swing repairs (440.63). Additional cheques to TVBC, dog bins, (171.32), Nick Goodall, car park railing and fixing dog signs (234.00), Audit Commission (141.00) and Mr Wreglesworth, Parish Plan for costs to date (379.00) were approved. It was reported that a condensed report on the Parish Plan to date should be available before the next Parish Council meeting and this will be circulated to all residents. A healthy total of 114 survey forms out of around 360 households had been received. Grant funding was being sought.

A balance sheet showing Income/expenditure against budget was also submitted and this showed a healthy balance.

(b) The Clerk reported that despite hiccups, the bank account had now been moved to Alliance and Leicester, was up and running, and she was opening an internet account for convenience and to avoid long waits on the telephone.

(c) Annual Return had been received back from the Audit Commission, approved without comment.

5. COUNCILLOR’S ISSUES

Cllr Goodall hoped that councillors had had an opportunity to read the full report prepared by the Parish Plan Group and highlighted the need for communication between the Group and the Parish Council.

Cllr Glenister reported the missing bollards at Hill Farm Cross, junction of A30 and A272. Clerk to report.

Cllr Lovell commented on the ongoing problem of driving and parking on The Green, Roberts Road.

Cllr Gibson was concerned at the length of time it took to re-instate Postman’s Walk after ploughing. Clerk to write.

He also noted the need for grass on Recreation Ground to be treated for weeds and with fertilizer. Previously this had been paid on a 50/50 basis between Parish Council and Football Club. Clerk to request quotation from Test Valley Gardencare and Cllr Dewey to obtain second quote for comparison.

Cllr Dewey asked that a letter be sent to Stuart Rippon in recognition of the repairs made to the brickwork on the bus shelter. Clerk to write. He also noted the state of repair of some external woodwork at the Village Hall. He and Cllr Gibson to liaise on what was required and obtain the necessary quotations.

Cllr Hebden reiterated the comments made by Cllr Lovell and suggested a meeting with the MOD to ask permission to plant trees/shrubs in an endeavour to stop the driving across the grass and also regarding access of dogs to The Green, which was not allowed according to the terms of the agreement between the Parish Council and the MOD. Hopefully it would be possible to amend the licence. Clerk to arrange meeting.

The problem of shortage of car parking at the school was aired.

6. PAVILION

Cllr Gibson reported that assessment of necessary repairs at the Pavilion was underway, and he had received a Grant Application form from the Clerk for completion by early March. This to include new roof, disabled access and toilet facilities, a referees room etc.

7. VILLAGE HALL

External painting to be undertaken once necessary repairs were completed, including provision of new front door. Quotes to be obtained.

8. PLANNING

(a) A request for an extension at Woodstock (6 Newlands had been considered and no objections raised.

(b) Retrospective planning for 6 louvre panel vents in the South and East face of chemical storeroom at Lionel Hitchen (Essential Oils) Ltd. Had been received for consideration and in light of local concerns caused much discussion. Visits had been made to Beech Hurst and Duttons Road TVBC in an effort to unearth the history of the site; and it was noted there was very little on file, including letters of complaint over the years from villagers regarding obnoxious smells. The Planning Department and Health and Safety Officer response to safety issues was also sought. The Fire Service when contacted had little to say but offered a brief report for £52 and a report on their investigation of the latest fire for £352.69. The concern of the Health and Safety Executive in Basingstoke was centred on the safety of the building, working practices and the staff and had recommended installation of the vents following recommendation that safety fire walls be built inside the building, despite the fact that this would direct vapours towards the nearby houses as it was expected that these vapours would be non-existent by the time they reached the houses.

In light of the concerns, complainants would be issued with forms by the Environment & Health Department of TVBC to monitor ordours. Villagers would be asked to complete these forms on a monthly basis registering the level of obnoxious smells from the factory which would be submitted and analysed. Complainants should endeavour to submit their current comments as soon as possible for necessary action to be taken.

It was recognised that there were two issues, one the present planning application which it was felt could not be rejected, and then the ongoing safety of the premises which required action. The Clerk to write letters to Health and Safety Executive in Basingstoke and the Environment & Health Departments at both Romsey and Andover, outlining concerns raised over safety of such an operation in a residential area and the odours that the factory emits. Also to enquire as to whether it was necessary for the local authority to licence premises storing dangerous chemicals.

Ms S Sheppard, Environment & Health at Duttons Road Romsey had told Cllr. Hebden that and Environment Health officer would be prepared to come to an open meeting in the Village to discuss any problems regarding odours etc. from Lionel Hitchen. This to be considered once replies had been received to the letters above.

(c) Cllr Neal reported that the planning application for Hill Farm Buildings had gone to appeal so there would be a delay on this subject

9. SCHOOL PATH

Cllr Woodall had no further information on the progress of registering this path, and would make enquiries at the County Council.

10. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AND AGM

Following on a proposal made last year it was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting should be held on Tuesday 3rd May, 2005, and should incorporate a social event with wine and light refreshments available. The Clerk to contact local Clubs and Groups to invite them to make a report, together with the Test Valley Councillor and County Councillor and the local police officer responsible for the village. It was suggested that perhaps a representative from Lionel Hitchen should be invited to attend.

11.CHAIRMAN’S INITIATIVES/CORRESPONDENCE

(a) A quotation had been received from Test Valley Gardencare for amenity grass cutting at Roberts Road for the next two years and acceptance was proposed by Cllr Glenister and seconded by Cllr Gibson with unanimous approval.

(b) The clerk reported that arrangements had been made for the Museum Roadshow to be exhibited in the Village Hall, week commencing 18th July. It was hoped that this would be manned during the hours of 10 – 12 noon. This event to be advertised in the Parish Magazine and on the website.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

The next Parish Council meeting would be held on Tuesday 15th February, 2005 commencing at 7.00 p.m. with a presentation on Affordable Housing.