Parish Council minutes 3 July 2006

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

Present:

Minutes of an Extraordinary Meeting of Barton Stacey Parish Council held on Monday 3rd July 2006 at Barton Stacey Village Hall

1. APOLOGIES

Cllrs Glenister, Lovell, and Sherwood

2.INTROUCTION

The Chairman summarised the intent of the meeting as an opportunity to express opinions and determine preferences on the various site options available for Affordable Housing in Barton Stacey, in order that a proposal could be put before the Parish Council at their next meeting on 18th July 2006.

3. SUMMARY OF SITE OPTIONS AND COMMENTS

Site 1

Whilst this would still be the preferred site if available, it was the concensus of opinion that a direct confrontation with the MOD would be detrimental, and lead to a considerable loss of goodwill. This view was supported by all present, having noted that Cllr Lovell was of the opinion it was the better option and the MOD opposition could be overcome.

Site 2

Cllr Oliver would be happy with the choice of Site 2 although access would be more difficult than at Site 2a. Cllr Goodall noted that at the ‘round table’ meeting the problems of Site 2 were highlighted which was why the MOD conceded an option on Site 2A as being a better prospect. This site was discounted.

Site 2A

Cllrs Glenister and Sherwood had expressed their preference for this site in their absence, and it was agreed by Cllrs Goodall, Oliver and Slaughter that this choice had the benefit of joining together the two halves of the village while Cllrs Hebden and Gibson accepted that this was one of two choices. The Clerk reported that she had spoken that afternoon to the Planning Office at TVBC who at the request of John Lancaster had approached both Highways and Landscaping for an opinion. Highways indicated that a visibility splay with a depth of 2.4 metres and a width of 90 metres would be required. With this in mind Landscaping noted this would mean the loss of a long length of hedgerow, although something else could be planted within the boundary and they pointed out that in view of the height of the site, proposed design would need to be appropriate.

Site 3

Preferred by Cllr Gibson, but he would accept Site 2a, was accepted by Cllr Lovell in the absence of Site 1, and one of two choices from Cllr Hebden, despite likely difficulties with water supply and the need for provision of cess pits as there was no drainage in the area. Consideration would also have to be given to the footpath running from Gravel Lane to Kings Elms. TVBC felt a small development in this area would be less obtrusive.

4. CONCLUSIONS

(a) Site 2A was the preferred site, but councillors present would pay a site visit following the meeting to ascertain the impact of the splay access which would be required prior to a resolution being put forward.

(b) Following comments received from Cllr Lovell in his absence, the importance of Hyde Housing carrying out their promised assessment of need and of local people’s ability to pay was essential, to ensure that the proportion of shared ownership houses provided were in line with local demand.

(c) Arrangements to be made for an Open Meeting to be held at a suitable date following the next Parish Council meeting and the passing of a resolution on the preferred site, for the benefit of parishioners who were interested in the provision of Affordable Housing, to which representatives from Hyde Housing together with John Lancaster would be invited.

(d) A letter would be sent by Planning Dept to John Lancaster on their findings which would be copied to BSPC.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 20.15 hrs.

The next Parish Council meeting would be held on Tuesday 18th July 2006 commencing at 7.30 pm