Baydon Parish Council

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE YOUTH CLUB
ON 12th JANUARY 2004
Commencing at 20.00

PRESENT:

Mr J. Smith (Chairman)  
Mrs S. Bailey Mr J. Grove
Mr K. Barnes Mrs S. Grove
Mr T. Dominy Mr P. Whitehead-Patey
Mrs L. Hawley (Clerk) Mr B. Twigger (District Councillor)

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Mrs Susan Findlay

There were eight members of the public present

Action

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1ST DECEMBER 2003

Councillor Brian Twigger advised that he had provided an incorrect name and that item 2 under correspondence the name Ian Smith in the second to last line should be amended to Andrew Smith. He also requested that Councillor Susan Findlay be noted as attending the meeting with Elcombe Estates as minuted in item 7 under Village Matters. These changes were agreed; the minutes of the previous meeting were then agreed and signed as a correct record.

DECLARTION OF INTEREST

There were no Declarations of Interest in any item on the agenda for this meeting.

The Chairman advised that correspondence has been received from Mike Bennet/Heather White and Mr & Mrs Tim Norman regarding the planning application for development on land to the west of Aldbourne Road, with particular reference to the site meeting held with Elcombe Estates and the District Councillors for Baydon to discuss affordable housing and also to Mr Whitehead-Patey’s involvement and previous declaration of interest which he has now withdrawn.

The Chairman summarised the details for the benefit of all present, then opened the meeting for public comment and discussion.

The formal planning application was considered at a previous meeting and returned to Kennet District Council expressing concern that the numbers of dwellings should be kept to a minimum and that the Parish Council does not agree with the current ‘low cost housing’ policy. As a result of the deadlock between the developer and Kennet District Council the Parish Council Chairman and Mr Whitehead-Patey had met with the developer and Councillors Twigger and Findlay to try to find a compromise. As a result of this meeting the developer had written to the Parish Council presenting four proposals. These had been discussed at the last meeting and the Council voted to support the two proposals which gave the lowest number of houses, the Chairman then wrote to Kennet District Council advising of the Parish Councils view. Up to the last meeting Mr Whitehead-Patey had declared an interest. The Chairman asked Mr Whitehead-Patey to attend the site meeting because of his knowledge of the affordable housing policy, Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that he would take legal advice prior to agreeing owing to his previously declared interest. As a result of this legal advice Mr Whitehead-Patey now felt that he did not have an interest to declare. The Chairman concluded by stating that all Councillors complete a ‘Declaration of Interest’ upon taking office, this is then lodged with Kennet District Council who are the monitoring authority.

Mrs Norman asked whom Mr Whitehead-Patey had spoken to at Kennet District Council as she had spoken to the Legal dept and no one had any knowledge of such a conversation. Mr Whitehead-Patey replied that he did not recall the name of the person. Mrs Norman went on to ask that Mr Whitehead-Patey should declare what his interest had been. Mr Whitehead-Patey declined stating that he had provided evidence to Kennet District Council and that they were happy that there was no interest to declare, his paperwork was private and involved other parties and he would not therefore present it to the public, he stated again that he was happy to present it to the monitoring authority. The Chairman advised that a procedure existed to deal with complaints and that if members of the public were unhappy they should write to the Standards Board with their grievance.

Mr Bennett commented that the Council seemed to of backed down from its original objection to high numbers and seemed happy to accept that the numbers of dwellings has been increased. The Chairman replied that Kennet District Council were trying to implement their ‘low cost housing’ policy and that the only way forward seemed to be to reach a compromise otherwise the matters would end up being batted back and forth indefinitely causing a blight on the area. Members of the public questioned why the situation had to be resolved and why the Parish Council could not stand by their original view of fewer houses. The Chairman stated that the Council felt that the situation had been allowed to drag on for too long and that if unresolved the village may end up with an even greater number of houses on this site. Mr Bennett questioned Kennet District Council ‘low cost housing’ policy and asked for confirmation of this, who had they written to advising of this. Councillor Twigger confirmed that Kennet District Council’s policy is that 50% of any development should be affordable houses. The Chairman and Mr Whitehead-Patey stressed that the Parish Council are fighting on behalf of the village for the least number of houses possible and that if members of the public doubted the policy they should contact Wil Bryant and Mike Wilmot of Kennet District Council.

Mrs Norman asked why this matter had appeared as item 7 under Village Matters at the last meeting, was it of that little significance? The Chairman replied that this had not been a formal planning application and that the developer had produced sketches only. Ms White and Mrs Norman both remarked that they felt that the last sentence of this entry had been misleading.

Ms White commented that she felt that the Parish Council were going against everything it had previously agreed. The Chairman replied that since then it had become clear that Kennet District Council would insist on affordable housing being included in the site so the Council would have to compromise.

It was also noted that the village correspondent had not accurately recorded the matter in the paper.

The Chairman then drew the discussion to a close, stressing that no amended planning application has been submitted and that as and when one is it will be considered by the Council.

The Clerk asked for a second time if any Councillor present had any Declaration of Interest to make in any matter on the agenda.

No declarations were made.

MATTERS ARISING

  1. BLOCKED RIGHT OF WAY AT PAINES COTTAGES.
    The Clerk advised that the landowner, Mr Charles Nelson, has confirmed that he will be applying for a ‘stopping up order’.
  2. MILLENIUMM TREES, AMMENDMENT TO PLANTING PLAN.
    This is with Pwp.
    PWP
  3. BAYDON SIGN.
    Mr Barnes confirmed that costings have been obtained; work will be carried out as agreed at previous meeting.
    KB
  4. CORRESPONDENCE FROM ROBERT SMALLWOOD, THUSCAIT RIDGE, BAYDON HOLE.
    A response has been received from Kennet District Council advising that Planning Contravention Notices were sent out on 30th October 2003, to date no reply has been received. The District Council will consider the case and make a decision once Mr Smallwood has responded. This matter is now in the hands of Kennet District Council, however the Council agreed that the situation should be monitored.
    All
  5. BAYDON WELCOME BOOKLET.
    Mrs Bailey presented the finished version. One amendment was noted, the height of the village should be 800 feet not meters. It was agreed that Councillors should deliver the booklet to each household, with additional copies going to new residents as they move into the village. Mr Whitehead-Patey offered to source printing costs for next meeting. Thanks to Mrs Bailey for her work on this project, it was noted that Mrs Bailey would keep the master on file for future amendments. (Who will be keeping the extras?)
    PWP
  6. KENNET DISTRICT COUNCIL, CESSATION OF AMENITY SKIP.
    A response has been received from Kennet District Council giving a standard reply as to the reasoning behind the withdrawal of this service. Mr Tim Norman offered the use of his pick-up for collection of rubbish to assist in keeping the problem of fly tipping under control. This offer was gratefully received. It was noted that community skips could be arranged through Kennet District Council at a charge of £50.00 per skip.
  7. KENNET DISTRICT COUNCIL, ADVICE ON RE-LANDSCAPING THE VILAGE GREEN.
    The Clerk advised that no response has been received from Wil Harley as yet. Clerk to chase.
    Clerk
  8. POND SITE, RUBBISH DUMPING, LETTER TO BLOOR HOMES.
    The Clerk noted that a response has been received and that the sub-contractors working on site have been asked to collect and dispose of all rubbish. Mr Dominy to check the site and report to the Clerk
    TD

CORRESPONDENCE

  1. FPD SAVILLS, PROPOSED VODAFONE UPGRADE AT PEAKS DOWN.
    A letter has been received with plans for proposed upgrades to this site. It was agreed that comment should be reserved until such time as a formal planning application is received. Clerk to reply accordingly.
    Clerk
  2. RINGWAY PARKMAN, PARISH LENGTHSMEN VISIT 20/21 JANUARY, (OUR WORKS DETAIL SHEET TO THEM).
    The Clerk noted that a request has been sent for the following works: remove cable sticking out of verge along Ermin Street, re-instate all b&w verge markers around village and clear drain outside no 2 Model Cottage, Aldbourne Road (if still blocked). Mr Barnes asked for an item to be added. Alleyway between Manor Lane and Ermin Close surface needs clearing of fallen leaves, as it is now very slippery. Clerk to contact Ringway Parkman.
    Clerk
  3. ST NICHOLAS SCHOOL GOVERNORS, CHANGE OF PROCEDURE FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETINGS.
    A letter detailing changes to procedure for School Governors meetings has been received for information only. The Clerk also advised that a copy of a map showing the conservation area in the Parish was requested and has been supplied.
  4. BRIAN BILLINGTON, BAYDON WEB SITE.
    Correspondence has been received regarding renewing the Baydon.org web site. The Clerk advised that the Council had funded the original set up of the site but had not made any agreement to continue to pay for its renewal. Mr Billington advises that the site is not particularly well used. The Council agreed to renew its membership, the Chairman proposed a renewal period of two years this was seconded by Mr Dominy. Usage of the site to be assessed after this period, if it is being used sufficiently then the Council will continue its support; if it is not then no further funding will be provided. Clerk to ask Mr Billington to renew and submit an invoice for re-imbursement.
    Clerk
  5. WILTSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY, QUESTIONAIRE.
    It was agreed by all present that the Clerk should complete and return on behalf of the Council.
    Clerk

PLANNING

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mrs Sheila Crown asked who the Baydon Web site was aimed at? It was noted that it is open for all in the Village to use as a community notice board, however the Council are conscious that it should not take the place of the Parish Magazine. The Clerk reminded the meeting that the web site is not Parish Council run or controlled but has an independent committee. Mrs Crown asked if the web site could be advertised by way of a new village sign similar to those in Aldbourne. The council agreed to obtain costings. Mrs Bailey queried the Council’s involvement in this, as it is not Council run/controlled. Clerk to get costs for next meeting.

Clerk

Councillor Twigger announced that support for Broadband has reached its trigger level and that Baydon is now in the queue, B/band should hopefully be available by the middle of the year.

FINANCE

Cheques Paid: £10.00 BYPA, Hall hire
  £242.36 Clerks salary 01/01/2004 to 31/01/2004
 
Monies received: None  

VILLAGE LAND

Mr Whitehead-Patey confirmed that he would be contacting Kennet District Council to apply for the grant of £5000.00 that had been set-aside under the Section 106 agreement of the Planning Permission for the Russley site.

PWP

The Chairman advised that the BYPA committee were in the process of drawing up plans to extend the hall.

VILLAGE MATTERS

  1. The Chairman advised that he had received complaints at the level of dog fouling which seems to be on the increase again, with particular reference being made to Dark Lane (also known as Shepherds Lane). The provision of ‘dog fouling bins’ was discussed, it was agreed to obtain costs, also to ascertain who is responsible for emptying them.
    Clerk
  2. The Chairman advised that he had received a query regarding the change of use for The Old Vicarage. The Clerk confirmed that Full Planning Permission had been granted on 24/01/2000, application ref. K/038448 for conversion and change of use of existing outbuilding to ancillary office, including alteration and extension work.
  3. The Clerk advised that following a request from a member of the public for a copy of a letter sent by an individual to the Parish Council she had sort legal advice from the WALC on whether the PC can accommodate such requests. The only documents in the public domain are the minutes and the accounts and copies of correspondence etc should not therefore be made available to the public.
  4. The Chairman noted that the Carol singing around the tree had been successful. Thanks to Mr & Mrs Crown for providing the Christmas tree. Also thanks to Chris Coyle for providing the power for the lights at the last minute.
    Clerk
  5. Mr Barnes expressed concern that cars are being parked on the pavement outside nos. 1 & 2 Ermin Street; this is causing problems for pedestrians. The Clerk has a standard letter; Mr Barnes asked that a copy be forwarded to him in order that he can pass a copy on to the offenders.
    Clerk/KB
  6. Mrs Grove advised that a black Labrador running loose in the Manor Lane area is causing a nuisance. Mrs grove to try to identify the owner and ask that they keep it under control.
    SG
  7. Mr Whitehead-Patey commented on the power supply to the green for the Christmas tree. Bloor Homes have been approached on this matter previously; the Clerk to ask again if a sealed unit power supply can be installed on the edge of the green.
    Clerk
  8. Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that following discussions with home/land owners the possibility of extending the footpath to the west of the village was not viable at this time as it requires full support from all parties. No further action to be taken on this matter unless the situation changes.
  9. The Council requested that the Clerk publish the minutes of each meeting on the Baydon Web site and asked that advice be sought as to whether the minutes can be published before council approval at the next meeting or if a disclaimer ‘pending council approval’ would be sufficient.
    Clerk

The meeting concluded at 9.40 p.m.

NEXT MEETING – Monday 23rd February 2004 at 8.00 p.m. at the Youth Club

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