Baydon Parish Council

Action

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 17TH MAY 2004

The minutes of the previous meeting were 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.

MATTERS ARISING

1. ERMIN STREET, ROAD SUBSIDENCE TO WEST OF VILLAGE ADJACENT TO ENTRANCE TO CRICKET FIELD.
   It was noted that repair work has now been carried out.
2. BAYDON WELCOME BOOKLET.
   It was noted that printing costs are still awaited before proceeding. Mr Barnes offered to take this project on from Mrs Bailey.
   KB
3. UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AT DOWNS HOUSE.
   The Clerk reported that Kennet District Council has visited the site and that a retrospective planning application has been put in by the owners. The Clerk has asked for a copy of the plans but this has not been forthcoming from Kennet District Council. The Council agreed that plans must be requested. Clerk to follow up.
   Clerk
4. UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AT HEDDONS COTTAGE.
   As above
   Clerk
5. LAND AT BAYDON HOLE.
   The Council were concerned that no further updates have been received from Kennet District Council, and that work is still ongoing on some plots. The Clerk to chase Mike Wilmot.
   Clerk
6. POWER SUPPLY ON VILLAGE GREEN.
   Mr Whitehead-Patey confirmed that Bloor Homes have obtained two quotes for the work at a cost of just under £1000.00 they have also advised that they will pay 75% therefore the Parish Council cost will be limited to a maximum of £250.00. Mr Whitehead-Patey proposed that this offer be accepted, this was seconded by Mr Grove, all those present in favour. To be confirmed in writing with Bloor Homes.
   PWP
   Bloor Homes have also confirmed that they will continue to cut the village green until the end of the season (sept/oct).
7. SPOTLIGHTS ON TOP OF WATER TOWER.
   The Clerk advised that Kennet District Council have contacted Thames Water who deny all knowledge of any lights. It was noted that the lights have now gone anyway. No further action necessary.
8. FLASHING 30MPH SIGNS ON ERMIN STREET.
   It was noted that both sets are now working.
9. ALDBOURNE ROAD BETWEEN BECKETS & TURF RUN, ROAD SURFACE BREAKING UP.
   It was noted that the potholes have now all been repaired however the side of the road by the bank is badly eroded. Clerk to report again for repair.
   Clerk

CORRESPONDENCE

1. RAMSBURY FIRST RESPONDER SCHEME, DONATION REQUEST.
   This is a local service being set up in Ramsbury to benefit the local area including Baydon. Mr Whitehead-Patey commented that he had not seen any adverts for recruits and felt that if adverts had appeared in Baydon then there would have been support and volunteers. It was agreed that more information should be sought regarding were the adverts had been placed and whether further recruiting would be taking place before making a decision on whether or not to make a donation. Clerk to write accordingly.
   Clerk
2. VICTIM SUPPORT WILTSHIRE, DONATION REQUEST.
   In accordance with the Council’s usual policy of supporting village/local groups the Council voted not to make a donation at this time as there is no proven benefit to the Parish.
3. LOUISE HAWLEY, CLERK, LETTER OF RESIGNATION.
   The Chairman read out a letter of resignation from the Clerk. He thanked her for nine years service. The Clerk will work until the end of September. Mr Whitehead-Patey added his thanks. An advertisement for a replacement will be placed in the Baydon Scene, applications in writing to the Chairman.
   Clerk

PLANNING

• BRIAR COTTAGE, FINCHES LANE (K/047391).
  Application for full planning permission has been withdrawn by the applicant.
• 40 DOWNSMEAD (K/50023/F).
  Notice if Full Planning Permission has been received from Kennet District Council.
• RUSSETS, DOWNSEMAD (K/50265/F).
  New application received was considered by all present. To be returned to Kennet District Council without objection.
  Clerk
• LITTLE ORCHARD, ALDBOURNE ROAD (K/50374/F).
  New application received was considered by all present. To be returned to Kennet District Council without objection.
  Clerk
• LAND TO WEST OF ALDBOURNE ROAD (K/046320).
  Application for full planning permission has been withdrawn by the applicant.
  A letter received from Elcombe Estates was summarised to the meeting, advising that Elcombe Estates has sold its interest in the land to the west of Aldbourne Road to Gleeson Homes Ltd. It is anticipated that a new application will be submitted by Gleeson Homes in the future. No Parish Council action necessary at this time.
• RUSSLEY SITE.
  Jane McCluskey and Clare Cobley from Kennet Housing Society and Will Bryant from Kennet District Council were present at the meeting to present plans for the affordable housing on the Russley site. The proposed scheme is now at the planning application stage. It is for 2 x 3-bed homes for shared ownership, 2 x 3-bed homes for rent and 6 x 2-bed homes (split between shared ownership and rent not yet decided). Property values set at £230K for 3-bed and £208K for 2-bed. All materials to be used will match those on the adjacent new development. Construction Company is Ledbetter Construction, if planning application is approved then anticipated start on site will be Nov/Dec, the contract term is 9-12 months. The decision on number of beds per property was made based on housing need according to the register. It was confirmed that preference will be given to Baydonites, although the time period before opening it up to a wider market has not yet been agreed. There are a total of 17 parking spaces shown on the plans which meets the requirements; however there may be more space available on site for further spaces. Mrs McCluskey stated that she had flyers for distribution around the village, the Chairman agreed to organise the distribution of these.
  JS
  Mr Whitehead-Patey proposed that the Council should not comment on the proposals set out as a courtesy to the neighbouring homeowners and other interested parties the application as not enough notice had been given that the planning application had been/is about to be submitted to allow people to attend this meeting. All those present agreed. The Chairman thanked Jane McCluskey, Clare Cobley and Will Bryant for taking the time to attend the meeting.
• FINCHLEY, FINCHES LANE.
  The Clerk confirmed that Kennet District Council have been informed of the change of ownership of this property and asked to check into the planning contraventions. It was noted that the copse that was removed without permission has not been re-instated as instructed to be by Kennet District Council and that animals are now grazing the area. Clerk to follow up with K.D.C.
  Clerk

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1. Mrs Furber asked if the extension on no. ? Ermin Close has planning permission as none has gone through recently. The Clerk and Mr Barnes confirmed that permission was in fact granted 17 years ago and that as work had been started on the footings the permission was still valid even though the work had not proceeded.
2. Mrs Furber asked if the planning permission for no 1 Ermin Street is for a rendered or brick finish. Clerk to check
   Clerk
3. Mrs Norman reported that a manhole cover on the bank on the right hand side of Ermin Street as you leave the village to the east has been moved and the hole is now exposed. Clerk to report.
   Clerk
4. Councillor Twigger advised that broadband would be coming through the BT exchange in Aldbourne from 25th August 2004.

FINANCE

Cheques Paid:	£10.00	BYPA, Hall hire
	£484.72	Louise Hawley, Clerks salary 1/07/04 to 31/08/04
	£25.00	1st Baydon Brownies Donation
	£202.07	Allianz Cornhill, Annual insurance premium
	£141.00	Mazars, audit fee for year ending
31/03/02	£450.00	St Nicholas Church, grant towards churchyard maintenance

St Nicholas Church - a reply from Mrs Enid Johnson was read to the meeting. Mr Whitehead-Patey proposed a reduced payment of £450.00 as suggested by Mrs Johnson, but requested that in order to support any grant next year evidence of contractor costs should be provided by the Church. This was seconded by Mr Barnes, all present in agreement. Clerk to reply accordingly.

Clerk

Village Green Mowing – The Thursday Club was nominated by the Chairman as the recipient, however as Bloor Homes have been mowing the Green this season and not the Chairman it was agreed that no payment should be made this year.

Community First – Following the Council’s request to enquire about membership benefits, it was agreed that as the benefits are limited membership should not be renewed this year.

VILLAGE LAND

Mr Whitehead-Patey reported that at the recent AGM he had resigned as Chairman of the Baydon Resource Group. Steve Marriott-Webb has taken over as Chairman with David Price-Goodfellow as Vice-Chairman, Stan Titcombe remains as Treasurer. The position of Secretary was not voted on as the current secretary, Mrs Pat Barnes, was not present at the meeting.

The Clerk advised the Council of the current status of the planning permission on the Parish field. The planning permission granted in 1998 was for change of use only. As the land has not been used for any agricultural purpose and has been used by children playing then the conditions of the permission have been met. The Clerk reminded the Council that planning permission will have to be applied for if any permanent structures are to be erected, also the County Archaeologist will have to be consulted. This for information only.

VILLAGE MATTERS

1. Mr Barnes has purchased 6 x Hi vis jackets for Parish Council use, to be distributed. To be re-imbursed from petty cash £29.94
   Clerk
2. Mr Barnes asked if a note could be put in the Baydon Scene reminding villagers that rubbish day is Wednesday and that rubbish should be placed outside own property.
   Clerk
3. Mrs Grove asked if a note could be put in the Baydon Scene asking villagers to be courteous when lighting bonfires. The Chairman advised that he was happy for people to deposit rubbish on the Cricket field bonfire site for burning.
   Clerk
4. Mr Grove raised the issue of safety when pulling out of Manor Lane to the east of the village, the sign posts obscure visibility. The Clerk advised that this has been reported on a number of occasions previously, the Highway Authority has visited site and taken measurements and state that the site meets all safety standards.
5. Mr Whitehead-Patey reported that the footpath down from the back of the Cricket field to East Leaze farm is once again blocked by crops. Clerk to write to Aldbourne Parish Council as it is in their Parish.
   Clerk
6. Mrs Crown, present as public, advised of a couple of bridleways blocked in the Russley Park area. Mr Barnes agreed to liaise with her to ascertain exact locations, he will then check status.
   KB
7. Mr Whitehead-Patey asked that the Clerk bring the planning permission for the conversion of the barn at Finches Farm along to the next meeting, as he felt that the Council should check that works carried out matches the permission.
   Clerk

The meeting concluded at 9.35 p.m.

NEXT MEETING – 6th September 2004 at 8.00 p.m. at the Youth Club.