Parish Council minutes 15 May 2007

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

Status:

Approved

Present:

Minutes of a meeting of the Barton Stacey Borough Council held on Tuesday 15th May 2007 at Barton Stacey Village Hall

Public Participation: None

APOLOGIES

Cllr Jim Neal

1. The Chairman welcomed the recently elected Councillors Coetzee, Connor, Eastman, Lovell and Wreglesworth to their first meeting commenting on the high turnout of 47% for the recent election

2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of 17th April 2007 were approved. Proposed by Cllr James, seconded by Cllr Goodall and accepted by those who were present at that meeting.

3. ROLLING ACTION PLAN

Items were discussed as detailed.

On the subject of proposed reinstatement of light in Gravel Lane, a quotation for £374.66 had been received, Clerk to ask about completion date and contact Lionel Hitchens re cutting hedge for access to post. Acceptance proposed by Cllr Gibson, seconded by Cllr Drinkwater and agreed unanimously. To be considered as future Agenda Item

4. FINANCE

(a) The Monthly Financial Report was presented showing a balance carried forward of £19,731.24 plus bank interest of £55.06. A cheque had been paid for Southern Electric for £88.98 and were required for Barton Stacey Village Hall Committee at £95.20, and for food at the Annual Parish Meeting of £5.74, leaving a balance of £19,596.38. Acceptance proposed by Cllr James, seconded by Cllr Drinkwater and agreed unanimously.

(b) An alternative bank account with Unity Trust Bank was discussed briefly. Cllr Connor to prepare brief synopsis of details and present at next meeting.

(c) Noted that Norwich Union were offering special rates to all councils in HAPTC area for insurance – to be considered when renewal due.

(d) Agreed that Internal Audit be carried out by Marti Bearpark as previously.

5. COUNCILLORS ISSUES

Cllr Drinkwater

(a) mentioned concerns of Cygnet Playgroup regarding ongoing safety in the children’s play area, particularly with surfacing, covered waste bins and access to slope near car park and noted that the group may be able to obtain a grant to be used for their own benefit as well as for that of the wider community which could be used for improvements/additions. It was agreed that inspection reports should be shared with playgroup and that a councillor attend a future meeting.

(b) Mr Finch had made a suggestion for a new site for the village hall

(c) She had received reports on the poor state of road surfacing, in particular by Wheat Cottage adjacent to the 30 mph sign on main road possibly aggravated clearing of ditch along the highway. Clerk to notify authorities.

(d) Path from Tennis Court to West Road was badly overgrown. Clerk to write to MOD and resident to request hedgerow cut back.

(e) Noted that there was no longer a list of Register of Electors in Post Office. Clerk to check regulations

(f) She had been asked to congratulate the committee who had produced the Parish Plan on a job well done.

(g) Had been informed of low and unsafe branches overhanging Difford Bridge. Clerk to report

(h) Expressed concern at the position of caravan parked on Bullington Road as it obstructed vision along the road, a view supported by other councillors. Clerk to pursue

Cllr Eastman

drew attention to fallen tree in Churchyard and the length of time it was taking to clear. Clerk to check with Terry Dewey if subject of Planning Order. Cllr Lovell noted the grass encroaching on footpaths around The Green along Roberts Road and the school approach road. Clerk to approach contractors. Cllr Goodall noted the dumping which occurred on the greens behind the garages in Roberts Road.

Details of future core training sessions for councillors were read out and bookings for new councillors were made.

Adoption of the new Code of Conduct was to be considered as an agenda item at the next meeting.

6 AFFORDABLE HOUSING

During a brief discussion concerns expressed by Julia Hebden were noted particularly reference to ‘access road’. Also concern at sight line and apparent removal of existing hedgerow. Clerk to check regulations and to invite Chris Buchan-Hepburn of Hyde Housing to attend the next meeting .

7. PLAYGROUND INSPECTION REPORT

(a) Cllr Goodall noted that the report overall did not highlight any real safety concerns, but mentioned gaps in tiled safety flooring which needed filling and moss on matting to be cleared. In discussions, concern was expressed regarding provision of litter bins and Clerk to cost 2 covered bins with side access (like post box) before next meeting.

(b) Cygnet Playgroup to be asked to source suitable child-proof lock for gate leading from village hall.

8. PARISH MATTERS

(a) Future roles for the Parish Plan Committee to be considered at the next meeting

(b) Recycling. Clerk noted she had possession of envelopes for the recycling of ink cartridges and mobile phones in aid of Hampshire Air Ambulance is wanted.

(c) Tree Planting – The Green Research to be continued by Cllr Goodall in consultation with Cllrs Connor and Lovell with a view to autumn planting.

9. PLANNING MATTERS

(a) )07/01173/TREEN Reduction of Ash Tree, Mount Pleasant Gravel Lane – no objections

(b) 07/01285/TPON Remove stem of multi stem Lime Tree, Riverside Cottage. – concern as to whether unsafe and inspection to be requested

(c) 07/01213/FULLN Single storey extension, The Old Plough. – No Objection.

(d) It was noted that permission for work at Wastewater Treatment Works had been received. Condition s included items requested by Parish Council i.e. No development to commence prior to construction of access road and construction vehicles to access and egress the site via the A303.

10. CHAIRMAN’S INITIATIVES/CORRESPONDENCE

HAPTC Communication Awards 2007. – nomination of Best Parish or Town Council Website. Closing dated of 6th July noted.

There being no further business, the meeting closed.

The date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 19th June 2007.