Parish Council minutes 5 February 2007

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

Status:

Approved

Present:

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting held on Monday 5th February 2007 at Virginia Cottage, Barton Stacey.

Public Participation

None.

APOLOGIES

Cllrs Glenister, Sherwood and Slaughter

1.SUMMARY

The Chairman summarised result of survey conducted in the village on behalf of John Lancaster, the Rural Housing Enabler, noting that only overall figures were available as the information contained in the survey was confidential. Mr Lancaster had reported that there was a total of 23 possible applicants for Affordable Housing in the village, of which number 10 of those who had expressed an interest in shared ownership would be eligible. It was noted that any proportion of shared ownership would result in 100% responsibility for the resident for internal and external upkeep of the property, which could have a bearing on those who were interested.

Following the last parish council meeting, Mr Buchan-Hepburn of Hyde Housing had made the following observations to Mr Lancaster:

a)The need for only one vehicular entrance

b) That the parish council had confirmed the site for 8 units only

c) That more information on proposed planting required

d) That guidance be given to the parish council on proportion of rental properties against shared ownership.

e) That the parish council wanted a drop-in exhibition once planning submission is made.

Parish Councillors emphasised the need to ensure all those interested were aware that it was a requirement to be registered on the housing list before being considered. To this end a further article would be placed in the Parish Magazine.

2. DECISION

a) Following discussion it was agreed that properties should be a mixture of 2 and 3 bedroomed units, with five 2 bedroomed and three 3 bedroomed units. Two of these units to be bungalows.

Discussion then followed regarding the possible build from the Housing Association of 10 units in light of the response to the survey, with the Chairman making it clear that any amendment in numbers would have to be agreed by the majority of the village residents. Cllr Gibson to word a simple flyer to be delivered to every household to ascertain the local feeling.

b) The proportion of rented properties to those for shared purchase was discussed in depth, and it was agreed that of eight properties, three should be available for shared ownership, with the proviso made to the Housing Association that if the option to buy was not taken up within the village, they should revert to rented properties. Properties for shared ownership to be one 2 bedroomed house, one 3 bedroomed house and one 2 bedroomed bungalow.

Clerk to convey these decision to Hyde Housing, with the request that the existing hedge should be retained as far as possible.

It was also understood that new government legislation determined that funding would be available to buy back shared ownership properties in the future, so a part buy/part rented house could revert to a rented property or a smaller percentage being purchased by a new owner, which should contain the housing stock for the benefit of the village.

3. OTHER BUSINESS

a) An application to hold a Fun Run in the village was requested by Alex Harrison and agreed in principal, with a date to be agreed.

b) Notices to be put on notice boards re Public Forum Meeting on “Latest News on Andover’s War Memorial Hospital”.

There being no further business the meeting closed.