BAYDON PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE BYPA HALL ON

7th April 2008 (Subject to approval at the meeting on 19th May 2008)

 

PRESENT: Kevin Barnes (Chair), Don Carmichael, Tony Prior, Alison Tomkins

Also in attendance: Elizabeth Carmichael (Clerk), Cllr Findlay, Cllr Humphries & 12 members of the public.

1.             APOLOGIES

Apologies received from Heather White.

                                                                                                                          

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Tony Prior and Alison Tomkins both declared an interest in agenda item 8.2 as they are members of the Parish Plan Committee.

 

3.             MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

It was noted that in minute item 10, the word “loose” had been used instead of “lose”. The sentence should read “the Parish Council did not want to lose the S106 money from Fiveways”. Subject to this amendment the minutes of the meeting on 10th March were agreed to be a correct record and were signed after the meeting.

 

4.             CLERK’S REPORT

The clerk advised the meeting that she had received a reply from Gleeson Homes and that they had informed her that the development off Aldbourne Road had been delayed largely by protracted negotiations with the Register of Social Land which will be providing the affordable housing. This was not down to the fact that they were being difficult, simply that negotiations took time. It is expected that work to clear the site will start shortly. Gleeson Homes will endeavour to provide the Parish Council with further updates as things move on.

 

The entry form for the Best Kept Village competition has been submitted and an item has been added to the agenda to discuss preparation for the competition.

 

The clerk has spoken to Kennet District Council (KDC) about the trees in Manor Lane. Highways have written to the landowners to advise them that if action is not taken within 28 days from the date of the letter (4th April 2008) then they will deal with the matter themselves and will charge the landowner for any work undertaken.

 

5.             ITEMS FoR CONSIDERATION

5.1         To discuss and consider the provision of play areas for the village

The Parish Council noted that the new Gleeson Homes development would include a play area for the village. Mr Barnes advised the meeting that the small triangle of land just off the Russley road is still owned by the Hall sisters, although it is currently being leased as a paddock. It was noted that land behind the BYPA Hall had been offered as a gift to the village by the previous owners of Baydon House but this offer lapsed on the sale of the property. It was agreed that the current owners of Baydon House should be asked if they have any land that they would be prepared to gift or sell to the Parish Council. It was also noted that there were issues regarding access to the land behind the BYPA Hall that would need to be resolved if it were to be used as a play area.  

 

Write letter to Mr & Mrs Lloyd                                                                                      Action: Clerk

 

 

 

 

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5.2         To discuss concerns regarding the BYPA Hall

It was noted that the BYPA had not been collecting all of the money owed to it for the rental of the hall and that some groups, including the Parish Council, owed over 12 months of rental fees.

The Parish Council were concerned that with the shortfall in income, the BYPA may not have been able to fund the necessary insurances & annual maintenance, and consequently the

hall may not be fit for purpose. It was agreed that the Parish Council should write to the Chair of the BYPA to offer support and assistance.

 

Send letter to Venice Marriott-Webb                                                                           Action: Clerk

5.3         To discuss whether any millennium trees can be transplanted into private gardens

The Parish Council discussed this matter at length and resolved not to allow any millennium trees to be transplanted into private gardens. It was felt that although the trees had been dedicated to children living in the village in the millennium year, they had been planted for everyone to enjoy. 

5.4         To consider what action to take to prepare for the Best Kept Village Competition

The clerk advised the meeting that many Parish Councils do not simply rely on community spirit to get their village ready, they actively organise groups of local people to tidy up and prepare for the competition. It was agreed that a quote should be obtained for clearing the brambles on the corner of Manor Lane and that a litter pick should be held before the end of May. It was noted that the judges would not be looking at issues like weeds in pavements but instead would be focusing on things like the BYPA Hall car park which needed tidying up. Posters advising people that the village has been entered into the competition are to be placed around the village.

 

Produce posters for Best Kept Village competition                                                    Action: Clerk

5.5         To discuss the Annual Parish meeting and to confirm the date, time and venue

The clerk advised the meeting that the annual parish meeting could be held anytime between 1 March and 1 June. It was agreed that the Annual Parish meeting should be scheduled for Friday 16th May to avoid it clashing with the preparation for the school fair.

5.6         To discuss the Beating of the Bounds

It was agreed that although Rogation Sunday is on 27th April, the beating of the bounds should take place the following Sunday, 4th May, which is the Bank Holiday weekend. Mr Barnes agreed to organise and lead the walk.

 

Organise and lead beating of the bounds on 4th May                                                 Action: KB

5.7         To consider changing the start time of Parish Council meetings

The Parish Council discussed changing the start time of meetings to 7.30pm. It was resolved to keep the start time at 8pm.

5.8         To discuss and approve attendance and payment for any Councillor wishing to attend the training day for new Councillors

It was noted that Don Carmichael, Alison Tomkins and Heather White would all like to attend a training day for new Councillors. The Parish Council approved the attendance of all three Councillors and the total payment of £123 in fees (£41 each).

5.9         To consider sending a representative to the annual Highway Maintenance meeting

No Parish Councillor wished to attend the meeting.

5.10     To consider sending a representative to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Forum 2008

The Parish Council agreed that Heather White should attend the forum if she wished to.

 

 

 

 

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6.              CORRESPONDENCE

6.1         The Parish Council noted the letter from Mrs Betteridge which had been received via email on 10th March, the date of the last meeting. Comments raised in the letter are to be considered by the Allotments Working Group.

6.2         The Parish Council noted receipt of the Wiltshire and Swindon Waste Core Strategy, Submission Draft Document March 2008. No action to be taken.

6.3         The Parish Council noted receipt of the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Core Strategy, Submission Draft Document March 2008. No action to be taken.

6.4         The Parish Council noted receipt of the copy of the public notice regarding Civil Parking Enforcement Amendment Orders placed in the press by Wiltshire County Council. No action to be taken.

6.5         The Parish Council agreed that details of the Marlborough Community Area Strategic Partnership Funding Opportunity should be passed to the BYPA.                             Action: Clerk

6.6         The Parish Council had no comment to make regarding the Wiltshire County Council (WCC) Consultation on Proposed Electoral Divisions for the New Unitary Wiltshire Council. 

6.7         The Parish Council had no comment to make regarding the WCC Review of Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector.  

6.8         The Parish Council reviewed the document from Wiltshire Association of Local Councils regarding the Community Sustainable Energy Programme. It was agreed that copies of the article on the new grant fund should be sent to the PCC & the BYPA.                       Action: Clerk

 

7.             SUSPENSION OF THE MEETING FOR PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

 

The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public spoke to the Council. After this period the meeting was resumed.   

 

8.             FINANCE

8.1         The Parish Council resolved to award a total of £20 towards the cost of prizes for an Anti Dog Fouling poster competition.

8.2         The Parish Council approved the signing of a cheque for £180 for the printing of the Village Plan questionnaires

8.3         The Parish Council resolved not to make a donation to the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust as the Council’s policy is only to give money to organisations which are considered to provide a direct benefit to the village and/or its residents.

8.4         The Parish Council resolved not to make a donation to Youth Action Wiltshire as the Council’s policy is only to give money to organisations which provide a direct benefit to the village.

 

9.             ITEMS TO NOTE / ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING

 

Mr Barnes advised the meeting that his time as a Councillor had been both frustrating and rewarding and that, after 8-9 years of serving on the Parish Council, he had decided not to stand for re-election. He emphasised the need for more volunteers to come forward from Baydon otherwise the vacancies could legally be filled by volunteers from our warded Parish of Ramsbury.

 

 

 

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It was noted that the following the rescheduled date of the Parish Assembly, Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 19th May.

 

It was noted that Mrs Betteridge had asked if the horse wire that had been put up by the previous owner of the Parish field to prevent ponies entering her garden could be removed when the other old fencing, wire and rubbish was cleared from the field.

 

The clerk advised the meeting that the appeal procedure for the application for the gate and diversion of the path at Baydon House has been changed from written representations to a hearing. The hearing is to be held on 28 May 2008 at 10.00 am in the Methodist Church Centre, Lottage Road, Aldbourne.

 

 

 

The meeting ended at 10.05 pm

 

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Signed :  ________________________________                      Date : _______________

 

 

 

 

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